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ILB Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans Saints

HT: 6-1, WT: 230, Born: 4-16-1982, College: Miami, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 12

2008 Projections

Best Case

After struggling in the Jet 3-4 hybrid scheme over the past two seasons, Jonathan Vilma gets another chance in a 4-3 front that helped him to a 120 solo tackle season in 2005. With what looks to be a solid defensive line rotation in front of him in New Orleans, Vilma should be kept relatively clean to again roam sideline-to-sideline cleaning up tackles. Antoher 100+ solo tackle season isn't out of the question, which would put Vilma firmly back into the elite tier of stud IDP linebackers.

Worst Case

It remains to be seen how much of Vilma's production in 2005 was related to a well above average amount of opportunity. The 05 Jet team faced 100 more rushing plays that the average NFL defense that season and Vilma had little competition for tackles among his poor surrounding cast. Vilma is also still recovering from a injury to his knee cartilage that eventually landed him on IR in 2007. If his knee condition doesn't heal well enough to allow him to return to his once rangy self or his surrounding cast exposes Vilma's stud 2005 season as a product of his environment, Vilma may struggle to get back into the LB1 tier.

Outlook

It's not reasonable to expect 2005 production from Vilma this season, but it's also unreasonable to chalk up his entire 2005 stat line to opportunity and deny Vilma's talent. If healthy, Vilma is a very safe bet to return to LB1 levels and has already proven the upside to finish within the top five. It's premature to put him back into the Ryans-Willis-Fletcher tier yet, but he should do vastly better in New Orleans than his production from the previous two seasons.

Writeups last modified: 2008-05-03 06:31:25