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ILB James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers

HT: 6-2, WT: 244, Born: 1-6-1975, College: Virginia, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 8

2008 Projections

Best Case

Since coming to the Steelers Farrior has been a steady but unspectacular fantasy option. His best tackle numbers came back in '03 when he put up 94 solos. That season Farrior did very little in the big play columns. Since that time he has stepped up the production in those areas but has averaged just low 70s in tackles. Last season saw him total a career low (for a 16 game season) 64 solo stops, but step up with a career best 6 sacks while contribution a hand full of other big plays and keeping alive his streak of 6 years as a top 20 inside/middle linebacker. He has not made the top 10 overall since his early days with the Jets and at age 33 is no threat to break that trend in '08, but Farrior should manage to continue his run as a solid #3 linebacker or quality depth in most 12 team leagues.

Worst Case

Unlike previous seasons there is a risk with Farrior. At age 33 with a lot of NFL miles on his body, the career low tackle numbers of last season may be a sign that he has begun to decline. An even bigger threat in this situation is the presence of last year's first round pick Lawrence Timmons. There is much speculation that Timmons will gain a starting role this season. The popular expectation being that he would replace Larry Foote and work next to Farrior. That may be the case for the short term but don't be surprised when Timmons ousts Farrior from his role as the centerpiece of the defense. Even if that doesn't happen right away, Timmons is very likely to take a bigger bite out of Farrior's numbers than Foote ever did. Farrior's streak of seasons as a top 20 fantasy ILB could be in jeopardy.

Outlook

Chances are Farrior will finish out this season as the main man on the inside but it's very likely that Timmons will be working beside him before long. Maybe that will make the veteran better for the short term but it's clear that a changing of the guard is near. This could be the year that Farrior falls off the fantasy map or he could hang on a little longer but there is very little chance that he will improve on his status as a quality depth or a decent 3rd starter at best.

Writeups last modified: 2008-06-19 13:46:48