The IDP Guru

2015-12-01T11:25:00.539-06:00

Hello and welcome to "The IDP Guru," your one stop shop for everything IDP related. Here you will find IDP rankings, starts/sits, sleepers, busts, etc. I am always available through e-mail, post comments, or the IDP Forum to answer any and all of your questions.

Since the 2010 regular season is completed for fantasy purposes, I have archived all of my 2010 Fantasy Football articles. They can be found through clicking on the archives link at the bottom of your screen.

Here is a listing of my most recent articles:

2012 Defensive Coordinators and Schemes - Updated 2/17/2012
2012 Fantasy Football Draft Guide - Updated 2/13/2012
2012 Notable IDP Free Agents: Defensive Linemen - Created 2/13/2012
2012 Notable IDP Free Agents: Linebackers - Created 2/7/2012
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 17 - Created 1/3/2012
2011 IDP Starts & Sits: Week 17 - Updated 12/31/2011 (Maintained by Bill Edwards)
2011 Rest of Season IDP Rankings: Week 17 - Updated 12/31/2011 (Maintained by Bill Edwards)
2011 Weekly IDP Rankings iPhone/iPad App (Week 17) - Updated 12/29/2011
2011 Weekly IDP Rankings: Sleepers (Week 17) - Updated 12/29/2011
2011 Weekly IDP Rankings: Defensive Backs (Week 17) - Updated 12/29/2011
2011 Weekly IDP Rankings: Linebackers (Week 17) - Updated 12/29/2011
2011 Weekly IDP Rankings: Defensive Linemen (Week 17) - Updated 12/29/2011
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 17 - Created 12/29/2011
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 17 - Created 12/28/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Points Allowed by Position: Defensive Backs (Through Week 16) - Updated 12/28/2011
2011 IDP Points Allowed by Position: Linebackers (Through Week 16) - Updated 12/28/2011
2011 IDP Points Allowed by Position: Defensive Linemen (Through Week 16) - Updated 12/28/2011

2011 Tackles Issued by Home Scorekeepers (Through Week 16) - Updated 12/28/2011

2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 16 - Created 12/28/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16 - Created 12/23/2011
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 16 - Created 12/21/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 15 - Created 12/20/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 15 - Created 12/15/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 15 - Created 12/15/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15 - Created 12/14/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 14 - Created 12/13/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 Every Down Linebackers - Updated 12/8/2011
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 14 - Created 12/8/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 14 - Created 12/8/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14 - Created 12/6/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 13 - Created 12/6/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13 - Created 11/30/2011
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 13 - Created 11/30/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 12 - Created 11/30/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 13 - Created 11/29/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 12 - Created 11/29/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 12 - Created 11/23/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 12 - Created 11/21/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 11 - Created 11/22/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 11 - Created 11/18/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11 - Created 11/16/2011
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 10 - Created 11/16/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 11 - Created 11/16/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 10 - Created 11/14/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 10 - Created 11/12/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 10 - Created 11/11/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 9 - Created 11/11/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 10 - Created 11/9/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 9 - Created 11/8/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 9 - Created 11/2/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 8 - Created 11/2/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 9 - Created 11/2/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9 - Created 11/1/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 8 - Created 11/1/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 8 - Created 10/26/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 7 - Created 10/26/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 8 - Created 10/26/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 7 - Created 10/25/11 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 8 - Created 10/25/2011
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High - Created 10/20/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 6 - Created 10/19/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 7 - Created 10/18/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7 - Created 10/18/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 6 - Created 10/18/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 6 - Created 10/13/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 5 - Created 10/12/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 6 - Created 10/11/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6 - Created 10/11/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 5 - Created 10/10/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High - Created 10/6/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 4 - Created 10/5/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 5 - Created 10/4/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5 - Created 10/4/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 4 - Created 10/4/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Return Men - Updated 10/2/2011
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 4 - Created 9/29/2011
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 3 - Created 9/28/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 4 - Created 9/28/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4 - Created 9/27/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 3 - Created 9/27/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 3 - Created 9/21/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 2 - Created 9/21/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 3 - Created 9/21/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3 - Created 9/20/2011
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 2 - Created 9/20/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 NFL Week 1 in Review - Created 9/16/2011 (Guest Editorial)
2011 IDP Dynasty Buy Low/Sell High: Week 2 - Created 9/15/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Stockwatch: Week 2 - Created 9/15/2011 (Written by Bill Edwards)
2011 IDP Infirmary: Week 1 - Created 9/15/2011 (Written by Eric Olinger)
2011 IDP Game Notes: Week 1 - Updated 9/15/2011 (Written by Johnny Davis)
2011 IDP Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 2 - Created 9/13/2011
2011 Defensive Coordinators and Schemes - Updated 3/6/2011
Guide to NFL Defenses - Created 7/11/2010

My goal is to make this website the most comprehensive and exhaustive fantasy football IDP website on the Internet. My site has been up and running since November of 2009 and has gotten a very positive response so far and I am working hard each and every day to keep the positive reviews coming.

I am continually working on improving the design and layout of the website as well as updating and expanding the article selection. I also scour the Internet for as many IDP related articles, resources, tools, etc. as I can find and post them in the sidebar of the site. So essentially, when researching IDPs you can come to my website and get absolutely everything you need.

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2012 Notable IDP Free Agents: Defensive Linemen

2012-02-13T22:49:00.001-06:00

Untitled Document Below is a list of notable IDP free agent defensive linemen for 2012. This list will be continually updated throughout the off-season to reflect various changes in the free agency market. I will pull news from Rotoworld as it develops for each player and also add my own comments to these briefs.

Now, onto the list of 2012 Notable Free Agent Defensive Linemen.

1. RDE Mario Williams, Houston Texans (27) - Unrestricted FA
Williams will likely be the most sought after defensive free agent this off-season. He's a former number one overall pick with 2 All-Pro selections who is in the prime of his career. The Texans will make every effort to re-sign him; however, their defense survived without out him last season as rookie Brooks Reed stepped up valiantly in his place. Additionally, Williams did lose some value with the positional change to an outside rush LB when the Texans went to a 3-4 defense under Wade Phillips last season. Franchise tagging Williams would cost the Texans $23 million so that isn't a likely option.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders

Fantasy Impact: Before going down with a season-ending pectoral injury, Williams was starting to show that he could be an elite outside rush linebacker. This 3-4/4-3 versatility will make Williams sought after by several teams this off-season. Obviously for fantasy purposes he's worth much more to fantasy owners if he lands in a 4-3 system (DL1) whereas if he lands in a 3-4 system (LB3).

2. LDE Cliff Avril, Detroit Lions (25) - Unrestricted FA
Avril finally broke out last season with 11.5 sacks and, at age 25, still has plenty of room for improvement. The Lions don't have much cap room though and Avril has expressed his opposition to the franchise tag. Consequently, Avril may hit the open market, especially since the Lions already have a very strong front four. If he does his the free agent market, he will be one of the most sought after defensive ends and will likely receive a big, long-term contract.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars

Fantasy Impact: I don't see Avril staying in Detroit unless he accepts a short-term deal or plays under the franchise tag. In all likelihood, he will be playing in a new uniform come the 2012 season. There are plenty of 4-3 teams in need of a young, explosive defensive end. Chicago and Jacksonville are both good landing spots for him from both a real world and fantasy point of view.

3. LDE/LDT Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals (26) - Unrestricted FA
After several years living in the shadow of teammate Darnell Dockett, Campbell finally emerged into the spotlight with a career high 71 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. He is a terrific athlete at 6'8, 300 pounds and can play both the 3-4 end position or as the 3 technique DT in a 4-3. He's arguably the most important part of the Cardinals defense and thus Arizona won't let him test the open market. At the very minimum, they will use the franchise tag on him which he had said he isn't opposed to.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons,

Fantasy Impact: Campbell put up top 15 fantasy numbers last season at his position and should be expected to replicate those numbers again next season. He's got a solid surrounding cast in the front seven which helps take the pressure and double teams away from him and along him to explode through gaps.

4. LDE Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts (31) - Unrestricted FA
The Colts off-season coaching changes are a strong indication that they will be transitioning to a 3-4 defense this year. This plus the fact that the Colts are in a rebuilding phase would signal to most that Mathis isn't a likely candidate to be back with the Colts next season. However, all the news out of Indy points to Mathis returning even if he has to be franchised tagged. Mathis has never played as a 3-4 OLB, but he has the skills and moves to be a solid one.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons

Fantasy Impact: I foresee Mathis being in a similar situation to Mario Williams last year (sans the season-ending injury). His move to OLB will be severly damaging to his overall fantasy value as he will no longer be classified as a DL in fantasy leagues and he won't rack up enough tackles at LB to be anything more than a spot starter in deeper leagues.

5. RDE Jeremy Mincey, Jacksonville Jaguars (28) - Unrestricted FA
Mincey had a breakout season in 2011 as he amassed career highs in starts (16), tackles (57), sacks (8), and forced fumbles (4). Mincey flourished in defense coordinator Mel Tucker's scheme, but he's expressed that he won't stay in Jacksonville at a discounted rate. It's a toss up at this point whether or not he stays in Jacksonville or not, but if he does, expect more good things from him.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Jacksonville Jaguars

Fantasy Impact: Mincey was a favorite of mine during the regular season and I think he has more room to grow especially if Aaron Kampman can become more of a contributor on the other side or if the Jaguars go out and sign a decent end in free agency. I'm not sure how well Mincey would produce on another team and defensive system however.

6. RDE Andre Carter, New England Patriots (33) - Unrestricted FA
Carter had a resurgent year in New England and re-established himself as a top 10-15 fantasy defensive linemen. It's obvious at this point that Carter's skills are more suited to a 4-3 system than a 3-4 and you can be rest assured that he will land with a team that runs that style of defense if he isn't back with the Patriots in 2012.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): New England Patriots

Fantasy Impact: Carter is getting up there in age and is coming off off-season surgery, but he proved last year that he still has some gas left in the tank. As long as he's in the right system, he's worth a shot as a DL2/3.

7. RDE John Abraham, Atlanta Falcons (34) - Unrestricted FA
Abraham saw a signficant reduction in playing time in an effort to keep his old legs fresh. With this reduced playing time came a decline in overall production. Over the last couple seasons, Abraham has begun morphing into more of a Dwight Freeney-type fantasy player from a box score standpoint.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints

Fantasy Impact: The days of Abraham being an elite fantasy player are over and he's likely to be overrated in many drafts next year. I woudn't trust him as anything more than a matchup type DL3/4.

8. LDT Jason Jones, Tennessee Titans (26) - Unrestricted FA
When healthy, Jones is one of the league's better interior pass rushers. He has an explosive first step in getting upfield and disrupting a quarterback's ability to step up into a clean pocket. However, last year the Titans moved him out to defensive end, where he struggled to match his productivity from years past. The Titans would be best suited to move him back inside and sign a DE in free agency or let Jones walk.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams

Fantasy Impact: Over the last couple of days, the Titans have changed their tune and are now stating that they want to re-sign Jones. It's not yet known whether or not they would move him back to tackle or keep him at defensive end. From a fantasy perspective, he likely has more value at the end position (assuming he continues to progress at the position).

9. NT Antonio Garay, San Diego Chargers (32) - Unrestricted FA
After a breakout 2010 campaign, Garay lost a bit of steam as his sack totals were cut in more than half (6 to 2.5). There are a handful of high-caliber nose tackles hitting the free agent market this year which makes Garay less appealing to the Chargers, especially after his subpar play in 2011. Unless Garay is willing to sign with the Chargers at a discounted price, he will likely hit the open market.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): San Diego Chargers

Fantasy Impact: Garay lost most of the fantasy relevance he earned in 2010 after a disappointing season last year. He has shown the potential to be a solid low-end DT1 option though and it's not out of the question that he could be a valid contributor to a team in a deep IDP league if he lands in the right team and system.

10. LDT Sione Pouha, New York Jets (33) - Unrestricted FA
The Jets front seven is starting to wear thin and consequently Pouha will be an off-season priority for the Jets. It's unlikely the Jets place the franchise tag on him however since they would have to pay him $7.9 million for a one-year deal if they did. They would much rather sign him to a multi-year extension.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): New York Jets

Fantasy Impact: Pouha doesn't provide much value outside of deep, tackle-heavy IDP leagues and/or DT-required fantasy leagues. He will likely re-sign with the Jets and put up 50-60 total tackles and throw in a few sacks along the way.

Are there any other 2012 Free Agent Defensive Linemen that you think should be included in this conversation? If so, please let me know by posting a comment below or emailing me at theidpguru@idpguru.com. You can also hit me up on Twitter.

Last Updated: February 13, 2011

2012 Notable IDP Free Agents: Linebackers

2012-02-07T12:09:00.000-06:00

Untitled Document Below is a list of notable IDP free agent linebackers for 2012. This list will be continually updated throughout the off-season to reflect various changes in the free agency market. I will pull news from Rotoworld as it develops for each player and also add my own comments to these briefs.

Is the lack of football during the off-season driving you crazy? Well look no further than this pharmacy in Canada to help sooth the stress.

Now, onto the list of 2012 Notable Free Agent Linebackers.

1. MLB D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns (29) - Unrestricted FA
Jackson racked up 158 total tackles in 2011 and re-established himself as one of the premier fantasy linebackers in the game. His injury history makes a long term deal seem improbable. However, he's open to the franchise tag which the Browns are likely to use on him. Either way, Jackson is very likely to be a Cleveland Brown next season.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Cleveland Browns

Fantasy Impact: Jackson will be back with the Browns in 2011 and should remain a top 3 LB pick in balanced and tackle-heavy IDP scoring systems.

2. MLB Curtis Lofton, Atlanta Falcons (26) - Unrestricted FA
Lofton has led Atlanta in tackles each of the past three seasons and was fifth in the NFL this year with 147 total tackles. He will be a priority re-signing for the Falcons this off-season and figures to get a deal similar to the one Jets ILB David Harris received last August (4 years, $36 million).

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Atlanta Falcons

Fantasy Impact: Lofton will most likely re-sign with the Falcons who will have a new defensive coordinator in Mike Nolan. With this said, the Falcons defense will likely install some more 3-4 packages. Fantasy owners shouldn't worry about this affecting Lofton's numbers, however. He's skilled enough to play in multiple systems and Nolan a good track record of having solid fantasy ILBs on his defenses.

3. WILB London Fletcher, Washington Redskins (37) - Unrestricted FA
It's pretty amazing that Fletcher had the best statistical year of his career at the age of 37. He put up an outstanding 167 total tackles last season and it looks likely that he will be returning to Washington for at least another year. Regardless of age, the combination of pure tackling ability, football IQ, and generous scorekeeping keeps Fletcher a top 20 linebacker moving into next season.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Washington Redskins

Fantasy Impact: Look for LFB to re-sign with Washington. It's extremely unlikely that he puts up the numbers he did last season, especially with the emergence of Perry Riley on the strong side. However, he's still going to be one of the best LB2+ options in the game.

4. MLB Stephen Tulloch, Detroit Lions (27) - Unrestricted FA
It was a bit surprising that Tulloch was only able to land a one year deal last off-season. As a starter in Tennessee, he established himself as one of the more underrated MLBs in the game. His strong play certainly carried over to Detroit where he posted 84 solo tackles, 27 assists, and 3 sacks. The Lions are one of the fastest rising franchises in the NFL and I would expect the Lions to lock Tulloch up with a multi-year deal.

Interested 2011 NFL Team(s): Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles

Fantasy Impact: If re-signed, Tulloch will remain the every down MLB in the Motor City and should produce LB2 numbers again in 2012. If the Lions let DeAndre Levy walk and don't find a suitable replacement on the weak side, Tulloch may find himself with a bit more opportunity and see a slight spike in production.

5. MLB David Hawthorne, Seattle Seahawks (27) - Unrestricted FA
Hawthorne remains one of the more underrated linebackers in the league. His tackle numbers suffered a bit in 2011 due to a knee injury which limited him for a major portion of the season. Hawthorne's health improved towards the end of the season and as a result he managed to finish within the top 15-20 in most scoring systems. The Seahawks don't seem super anxious to re-sign the undrafted free agent out of TCU, so he may very well find himself playing for another team next season.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings

Fantasy Impact: With no significant threat to steal tackles away from him in the front seven, Seattle is one of the better fantasy spots for Hawthorne. However, he's talented enough to put up LB2+ on a lot of teams in the NFL.

6. WLB DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions (25) - Restricted FA
Levy was the Lions most disciplined linebacker last year (only two penalties) and played well within the scheme. He, along with Stephen Tulloch, helped solidify the Lions' linebacking crew and help raise the overall quality of their defense. Look for Levy to stay in Detroit as not many teams will be willing to shell out the compensation necessary to secure him as a RFA.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Detroit Lions

Fantasy Impact: From a box score production standpoint, Levy was up and down throughout the course of the 2011-2012 season. With Stephen Tulloch and Justin Durant snatching up a lot of tackles, Durant's production can waver quite dramatically from game to game depending on the opposing offenses strategy. He shouldn't be trusted as anything more than a low-end LB3/LB4 matchup play.

7. MLB Barrett Ruud, Tennessee Titans (28) - Unrestricted FA
Ruud was a disappointment in Tennessee to say the least. He was vastly outplayed by rookies Akeem Ayers and Colin McCarthy. Ruud's under performance can partly be chalked up to a shoulder injury he sustained midway through the season, however there were signs that the wheels for falling off before that. Ruud didn't generate a ton of interest last season from teams and it's hard to imagine any team that is willing to give him a long-term deal. Maybe he'll get lucky however and land short term in an ideal fantasy situation. We'll just have to wait and see.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): ?

Fantasy Impact: Ruud's fantasy value is largely dependent on if he can land a starting job and if that job is as an every down player. He's shown the ability in the past to be an LB1 and if he lands in the right situation, he may be able to return to LB2 status.But those are big ifs.

8. MLB Dan Connor, Carolina Panthers (26) - Unrestricted FA
Connor filled in decently for the injured Jon Beason last season and has said that he wants to test the open market. Connor is an above average run defender with little wear on his body. With this said, chances are good that he lands a starting job somewhere. However, unless he improves his coverage skills, he's likely to remain a two down linebacker and LB4 matchup type play.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles

Fantasy Impact: If Connor lands on a team with a weak set of coverage linebackers, he may be able to establish himself as an every down linebacker. It's more likely however that he finds a role on a starting base linebacker with LB4+ value at most.

9. MLB E.J Henderson, Minnesota Vikings (32) - Unrestricted FA
Henderson was an IDP darling of many fantasy owners a few years back. However, age and injury have taken their toll on E.J. 2011 was the first season in several seasons that Henderson was not playing on all passing downs. Rumors are swirling in Minnesota that Henderson only remains a "backup plan" for the Vikings. I would expect the rebuilding Vikings to go younger at the position.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Minnesota Vikings

Fantasy Impact: Henderson's fantasy value for all intensive purposes is on the decline. If he's not re-signed, the Vikings may opt to go with current backup MLB Jasper Brinkley in the middle. He could be a very nice sleeper if he plays well enough to earn an every down role.

10. SILB Jovan Belcher, Kansas City Chiefs (25) - Restricted FA
Belcher held up very well against the run last season and was second on the team in tackles next to stud WILB Derrick Johnson. Johnson himself attributed a major portion of his success over the past two years to playing next to "thumper" Belcher. If he were an UFA, Belcher would have some suitors on the open market, but being a RFA hinders his appeal to other teams. Belcher will likely remain in Kansas City for the time being and since he's a major liability in coverage, he's likely to remain a two down linebacker.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Kansas City Chiefs

Fantasy Impact: Belcher is in a similar boat to Dan Connor: excellent run defender who struggles in coverage and whose fantasy value will therefore be limited to LB4+ status.

11. WLB Leroy Hill, Seattle Seahawks (29) - Unrestricted FA
Hill was finally able to stay healthy for an entire season and it showed as he had one of his best seasons to date. His performance did start to tail off during the last third of the season, however. Both Hill and teammate David Hawthorne are toss-ups to be re-signed by the Seahawks. Judging by past experiences with linebackers such as Aaron Curry and Lofa Tatupu, the Seahawks will probably let at least one of them walk especially with an emerging K.J. Wright waiting in the wings. Hill should draw some interest around the league as he is a solid all around player with a decent amount of playing experience.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Fantasy Impact: During the 1st half of the season, Hill was a solid LB3 matchup play. If he can land somewhere where he can nail down a three down role, he's a viable LB3/LB4 option in some leagues.

12. WLB Erin Henderson, Minnesota Vikings (26) - Unrestricted FA
Erin, the younger brother of E.J. Henderson, showed glimpses of full-time LB potential at times during the regular season. However, he showed poor gap discipline and didn't play that well against the pass as the team's nickel MLB. If the Vikings continue to look at him as a part time player (played in 53.8% of the team's snaps), he will likely land somewhere else in free agency.

Interested 2012 NFL Team(s): Minnesota Vikings

Fantasy Impact: I don't see Henderson landing a full-time gig anywhere and his best option may be to stay in Minnesota with his brother. Unless the Vikings fail to address their MLB spot with a viable player, Henderson won't be anything more than a LB4/LB5.

Are there any other 2012 Free Agent Linebackers that you think should be included in this conversation? If so, please let me know by posting a comment below or emailing me at theidpguru@idpguru.com. You can also hit me up on Twitter.

Last Updated: February 7, 2011