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DE Justin Tuck, New York Giants

HT: 6-5, WT: 261, Born: 3-29-1983, College: Notre Dame, Drafted: Round 3

2008 Projections

Best Case

Justin Tuck has replaced the retired Michael Strahan as the starting defensive end opposite Osi Umenyiora. He should be on the field a lot more as a starter and will have to adjust to the increase in playing time. Tuck had 64 tackles and 9.5 sacks last season despite being rotated at DE. If Tuck can maintain or improve those numbers with the increased playing time, he could become a top ten DL.

Worst Case

Tuck had a great year in 2007, but he has never been a full time starter and there are questions about his ability to be as productive with more playing time. Although he is a starter at defensive end, Tuck may move inside to allow LB Mathias Kiwanuka to play DE on passing downs and that could cause Tuck's sack numbers to decline. Tuck makes enough tackles to be an every week fantasy starter at DL, but if he does not adjust to playing a lot more snaps, he could have trouble cracking the top 25 DL.

Outlook

Tuck had a solid 2007 season and figures to improve as he gains experience. With the retirement of Michael Strahan, Tuck has been penciled in as the starting DE for the Giants. He is solid in run defense and has improved dramatically as a pass rusher. With an elite DE opposite him in Osi Umenyiora, Tuck should see a lot of one-on-one chances to rush the passer and as long as he can handle the increased workload, he should be a solid DE2 at worst with DE1 upside.

Writeups last modified: 2008-06-24 13:29:59