2010 IDP Draft Rankings - Defensive Linemen (Redraft)

Here are my IDP Defensive Lineman Rankings for Redraft Leagues. I will continually update these rankings throughout the off-season to reflect changes in free agency, defensive schemes, defensive playing time, rookie draft selections, etc.

I would also love to get feedback from my readers. Often times, we get stuck in our own philosophies and tendencies. So it's nice to get a different perspective on things. Your comments will definitely influence my rankings.


Drafting Philosophy:
Defensive linemen are by far the most inconsistent fantasy point producers during the year. Many linemen will go three or four weeks without registering a sack and then, exactly when you drop them, they have a multiple sack game. This can be extremely frustrating for fantasy owners. In addition, there aren't many unknown linemen that emerge during the season and consequently the waiver wire is usually not packed with worthwhile fantasy defensive linemen.

With this being said, in order to lessen my "cognitive dissonance", I try to use many of my early round defensive draft picks on defensive linemen. Obtaining guys like Jared Allen and Justin Tuck allows me to plug them in my roster and not worry about their ups and downs throughout the season, since they have proven their consistency throughout their careers.

Also, when you're trying to fill that last defensive lineman position, I prefer to go with younger, high risk/high reward players such as Everette Brown or Connor Barwin as opposed to the safer, veteran players such as Richard Seymour or Albert Haynesworth. This philosophy is reflected in my lower-tier rankings.

Since were on the topic of defensive linemen, here is a funny audio clip: Sex Education with Al Michaels and Jared Allen.

---

Scoring System: Solo Tackle = 2 points Assist = 1 point Sack = 7 points Interception = 12 points Fumble Recovery = 5 points

Key: DSC = Possible Defensive Scheme Change S = Sleeper/Undervalued Player B = Bust/Overvalued Player R = Injury Risk ROOKIE = 2010 NFL Rookie

Tier 1

1. RDE Jared Allen (MIN) - This is an obvious one. Allen was the top fantasy lineman by a substantial margin in 2009. Not only does he get to the quarterback on a consistent basis, he seems to come up with a handful of big plays every year. Allen provides the largest relative fantasy value of any defensive lineman and should therefore be one of the first defensive players selected.

Tier 2

2. RDE Justin Tuck (NYG) - Tuck had his worst season in three seasons and he still finished as the eighth leading scorer for defensive linemen in my scoring system. Keep in mind that Tuck was struggling with injury problems the whole season and that the Giants defensive line severely underperformed, both of which greatly limited his production. Heading into the 2010 season, with a clean bill of health and an improved defensive line, Tuck should be able to return to top form. DSC, R

3. RDE Trent Cole (PHI) - Cole has been a model of consistency over the last four seasons. During that span, he has averaged over 10 sacks per season and over 60 total tackles. Defensive linemen are the most inconsistent fantasy producers. With this being said, Cole becomes a valuable commodity in the IDP world.

4. RDE Julius Peppers (CHI) - Peppers answered all the doubters this season by registering 10.5 sacks to follow up his 14.5 sack season of a year ago. This marks the fifth time in eight seasons that Peppers has registered double digit sacks. He is a free agent heading into the 2010 season and has about "40 percent chance to stay in Carolina." However, it shouldn't matter much where Peppers ends up. March 5 Update: Bears signed DE Julius Peppers to a six-year contract that includes $40 million in the first three years. Chicago, as expected, beat Philadelphia and New England to the punch with a deal believed to be in the $12-14 million-a-year range. A five-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, Peppers has averaged over 10 sacks a year in his eight-year career and has 25 in the past two seasons. Peppers has less wear on his tires than most 30-year-olds, but the odds don't favor him finishing the contract. His signing with the Bears won't have much of an effect on his fantasy value.

5. RDE Mario Williams (HOU) - Williams had somewhat of an off-year in 2009 by compiling only nine sacks. However, over his last three seasons in the league, he has averaged 12 sacks per year. The possible emergence of Connor Barwin at LDE could take some pressure off of Williams and allow him to return to his double digit sack production of 2007 and 2008.

Tier 3

6. RDE/ROLB Terrell Suggs (BALT) - Suggs in one of the safest choices at defensive lineman. He is usually a lock for 65-80 total tackles and eight or more sacks. His 2009 sack numbers (5.5 sacks) seem a bit disappointing. However, keep in mind that Suggs missed three games due to injury which lowered his overall numbers. A healthy Suggs should be able to produce his typical fantasy numbers in 2010. S, R

7. LDE Robert Mathis (IND) - Mathis' 2009 numbers are bit deceiving. Yes, he did have 9.5 sacks. However, all 9.5 of those sacks were registered during the first 12 games of the season. Mathis only registered one tackle and no sacks during the last five games of the season due to injury issues. If he had played a full injury-free season, he probably would have had 13-15 sacks. As long as Freeney continues to draw the attention of defenses, Mathis will be a top 10 fantasy DL.

8. RDE Will Smith (NO) - Smith was sure "getting jiggy wit' it" in 2009 by sacking the quarterback 13.5 times. Personally, I think the "Fresh Prince" played a little over his head in 2009 and may be somewhat overvalued heading into the 2010 draft. However, he does have the advantage of playing on the Saints defense where he has plenty of sack opportunities since opposing teams are usually trailing the Saints and have to throw to catch up.

9. LDE Ray Edwards (MIN) - Edwards really exploded onto the IDP scene this season with 9 sacks. Obviously, Edwards benefited greatly from having the beast known as Jared Allen drawing double teams on the opposite side of the defensive line. Allen continuing to draw the attention of opposing offenses should free Edwards up to produce similar stats to his 2009 season. He may, however, see a slight decrease in numbers now that opposing offenses know about him. S

Tier 4

10. RDE Aaron Kampman (JAX) - From 2006-2008, Kampman was a top 8 fantasy defensive lineman. During this span he averaged 71 total tackles and 11.5 sacks per year and established himself as one of the most productive fantasy defensive lineman in the NFL. Kampman's numbers took a severe hit in 2009 however when he was moved into a rush linebacker position. After signing with the Jaguars in the off-season, Kampman will return to his natural defensive end position. He should be a great fit in Jacksonville and I can see Kampman putting up top 10 numbers next season. R

11. RDE Darnell Dockett (ARI) - Dockett's numbers have never been overly impressive. However, he did finish as the number 10 lineman in my scoring system by having both solid tackle (54 total tackles) and sack (7.5 sacks) numbers. Dockett should be able to replicate his 2009 numbers next year.

12. RDE Justin Smith (SF) - Words cannot describe how atrocious Smith was this season. Through 15 games of the season, he only had 2.5 sacks. He finished the year with six sacks because he registered 3.5 sacks against the lowly Rams in the final game of the season. With this being said, Smith still finished as the 12th highest scoring lineman. The fact remains that Smith is one of the better tackling lineman and is therefore a fairly safe pick to be a top 20 defensive lineman.

13. LDE Mathias Kiwanuka (NYG) - I really like Kiwanuka heading into the 2010 season. At this point in time, he looks to have a slight hold on the starting LDE position in New York. "Special K" has shown that he can produce when given the opportunity (8 sacks in 2008 as a full-time starter) and he will surely benefit from playing opposite RDE Justin Tuck. Look for Kiwanuka to be a solid DL2 next season. DSC, S May 23 Update: Mathias Kiwanuka worked as the Giants' first-team right defensive end during Organized Team Activities. This confirms my belief that Kiwanuka would enter the 2010 as the starting end over Umenyiora. I still think defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan will impose a three man rotation at end with Tuck, Kiwanuka, and Umenyiora. With this being said, they all have good value.

14. RDE Dwight Freeney (IND) - In my opinion, Freeney is overrated and always has been. As a like to say, there are three things in life that are inevitable: death, taxes, and someone taking Dwight Freeney too early in a fantasy draft. Yes, he has averaged 12 sacks over the last two seasons. However, he just doesn't generate enough tackles to warrant top 8 consideration. Excluding solo tackles obtained from sacking the quarterback, Freeney had only six solo tackles. In my scoring system, that puts him as the 20th ranked defensive lineman. Keep in mind though, if you're in a league that rewards heavily for sacks, Freeney may be of extra value to you. B

15. LDE Osi Umenyiora (NYG) - It remains to be seen who will be the starting defensive left end for the 2010 season in New York. I have a suspicion that the underdog, Mathias Kiwanuka, will somehow grab the starting spot. However, Osi has come out and said that he will retire if he isn't the starter in 2010. This obviously may have some influence on the Giants decision. DSC May 23 Update: Mathias Kiwanuka worked as the Giants' first-team right defensive end during Organized Team Activities. This confirms my belief that Kiwanuka would enter the 2010 as the starting end over Umenyiora. I still think defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan will impose a three man rotation at end with Tuck, Kiwanuka, and Umenyiora. With this being said, they all have good value.

Tier 5

16. RDE Chris Long (STL) - I was high on Long coming into the 2009 season and he really disappointed. He failed to register a sack until Week 8; however he had five sacks the rest of the season. I think Long is going to breakout next year and show people why he was the 2nd overall pick back in 2008, especially if the Rams draft DT Suh with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. S

17. RDE Kyle Vanden Bosch (DET) - If you read my articles, you probably know that I don't have much love for KVB. I think he is highly overrated and doesn't deserve to be among the top 30 defensive lineman. Tennessee realizes that Vanden Bosch is going to struggle without Haynesworth and, as a result, they more than likely will not resign him. I figure some team will give Bosch a starting spot and if he can land on a team with a good interior defensive lineman, he could return to prominence. March 16 Update: Vanden Bosch's signing with Detroit will definitely improve his ranking. I have moved up him from #39 to #21. If the Lions draft either Suh or McCoy in the draft, I will move KVB up even further. April 27 Update: The Lions drafting of Suh should help KVB's stock. I look for KVB to have a bounce-back season. He's shown he can be a fantasy force when he has stud interior lineman around him.

18. RDE Greg "Stylez" White (TB) - The "(Sack) Artist Formerly Known as Greg" come through with a solid season. All of White's 6.5 sacks came after the Buccaneers traded RDE Gaines Adams in Week 5. With Adams gone, White should be able to further improve upon his 2009 numbers. In addition, the Bucs will probably use their #3 overall draft pick on a defensive tackle which will do nothing but help White's numbers. S June 9 Update: I really like White this season. He says he's "in the best shape of his life" and the Bucs spent their 1st and 2nd round draft picks on interior defensive lineman which should allow White with increased opportunities to get to the QB.

19. RDE Alex Brown (NO) - Brown manages to fly under the radar every year. But, you will be hard pressed to find a more consistent defensive lineman. Brown has never had more than 7 sacks in a season, but he usually finishes in the 5-7 sack range with decent tackle numbers. These numbers may not seem very impressive but, in my scoring system, Brown scored the 21st most points for a defensive lineman. With the unfortunate passing of Gaines Adams, Brown should remain the every-game starter at defensive end for the Bears. S April 7 Update: Saints agreed to terms with DE Alex Brown on a two-year contract worth roughly $6 million. Brown, 31 in June, is coming off a 47-tackle, six-sack season in Chicago. While he's never been a big sack guy, Brown defends the run well and will at least give New Orleans durability at left defensive end -- something they've lacked for quite a while with Charles Grant manning the position. This move helps Brown's fantasy value and he becomes one of my top defensive lineman sleepers.

20. LDE Calais Campbell (ARI) - Campbell took advantage of teams focusing on Pro-Bowl RDE Darnell Dockett by getting to the quarterback 6.5 times. Campbell is only going into his 3rd season and is a talented player who should only improve with time. I expect similar numbers in 2010.

21. RDE Randy Starks (MIA) - Starks came out of the woodwork this season and strung together a solid year of production with 42 solo tackles and 7 sacks. Starks surprisingly finished as the ninth best lineman in my scoring system. However, I'm still a little skeptical about Starks due to the fact that he is a defensive end in a 3-4 system and is therefore more likely to wear down during the course of an entire season.

Tier 6

22. RDE Antwan Odom (CIN) - Odom had 8 sacks in his first five games of the season before going down with a season-ending knee injury. I think Odom is going to be severely overvalued heading into the 2010 fantasy draft. The Bengals' defensive line hasn't been a very fruitful place for fantasy players lately and, keep in mind that, 5 of Odom's 8 sacks came against Aaron Rodgers and his offensive line (at the time approximately named "Baby Swiss"). B, R

23. NT Jay Ratliff (DAL) - Ratliff is one of the few nose tackles in the league who is actually a viable fantasy option. Ratliff has finished in the top 25 for defensive lineman in each of the past two years. With this being said, he has pretty much maxed out his upside. However, he is a pretty safe bet to finish in the top 30 for defensive lineman.

24. NT Kelly Gregg (BALT) - Kelly Gregg, similar to Jay Ratliff, is one of the few interior lineman that are worthy of a fantasy roster spot. Gregg is a tackling machine and can provide consistency to fantasy owners which is something hard to find with defensive linemen. Gregg is almost always good for 65-80 total tackles.

25. RDE Cliff Avril (DET) - Avril was one of my top sleepers heading into the 2009 season and, man, did he make me look like a jackass. However, I'm still a believer in Avril and his value will definitely increase if the Lions take DT Suh or McCoy in the upcoming NFL draft. This is definitely one of those high risk/reward picks. S April 27 Update: The Lions drafting of Suh should help Avril's value assuming he gets enough playing time.

26. RDE John Abraham (ATL) - This year was, perhaps, the worst season of Abraham's career. Abraham is getting older and is starting to be relegated to passing situations only. Many owners think Abraham is done and consequently his perceived value will be greatly diminished heading into 2010. However, many forget that it was only one year ago when Abraham had 16.5 sacks. I think Abraham may still be worth a late-round flier. R

27. LDE Shaun Ellis (NYJ) - Ellis had a nice year and seemed to thrive under new, defensive-minded, head coach Rex Ryan. I'm always a little bit skeptical of 3-4 DEs such as Ellis. However, Ellis has proven throughout his career that he is a top 30 defensive lineman.

Tier 7

28. RDE Everette Brown (CAR) - With Julius Peppers in Chicago, Everette Brown is now the man in Carolina. Carolina thought highly enough of Brown not to put up a big fight in getting Peppers to stay in Carolina. He was the 43rd overall pick in last year's draft and has the talent to become the Panthers top lineman. He's going to have some growing pains but I expect him to be a low DL1/high DL2 by the start of the 2011 season. S June 15 Update: Beat Writer Darin Gantt expects 2009 second-round pick Everette Brown to focus on a nickel rushing role. I'm taking this news with a grain of salt. I will adjust my ranking on Brown was I know more information.

29. LDE William Hayes (TEN) - It looks as though the Titans will rid themselves of RDE Kyle Vanden Bosch this off-season making Hayes the #1 defensive lineman in Tennessee. Hayes showed flashes of brilliance last season and I like for him to improve upon his sack total of four from last year. S March 16 Update: With KVB going to Detroit, Hayes becomes the #1 DL in Tennessee. I'm still a little skeptical that he's good enough to be a true DL1 but I think he has nice upside and is worth a definite look in the later rounds. June 9 Update: The addition of RDE Derrick Morgan in the draft should actually help Hayes' value. I can see 8 or so sacks out of him next season.

30. LDE Lawrence Jackson (SEA) - The Seahawks lost Patrick Kerney to retirement and traded away Daryl Tapp. They also failed to draft a replacement for those two players in the draft. This makes it seem to me that Pete Carroll is putting a lot of faith into his former USC standout Jackson. He will see a lot of snaps and I think he could have a nice season (8 sacks or so). He's a good sleeper candidate. S

For the rest of the defensive linemen rankings (31-50) and much more IDP information, visit The IDP Guru, your one-stop shop for all things IDP!

Last Updated: July 11, 2010