Doc’s note: In IDP leagues you have to be sure to check the scoring system before you go all hog wild with our rankings here. Lawrence gives us his top 50 for IDP, but if a deflected pass is worth 30 points, adjust!
1. Patrick Willis, ILB, SF — The best there is in IDP formats
2. Jon Beason, ILB, CAR – Supplanted himself as the leader on Defense
3. Jared Allen, DE, HOU – No one gets to the QB better
4. Barrett Ruud, ILB, TB – You won’t find better consistency
5. DJ Williams, ILB, DEN – Underrated and great in coverage
6. James Laurinaitis, ILB, St.L – Money in the bank and will only get better
7. James Harrison, ILB, PIT – Streaky but will give you big games often
8. Jonathan Vilma, ILB, NO – Can appear anywhere on the field in a blink
9. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, DAL – Beast. Period.
10. DeMeco Ryans, ILB, HOU – Will benefit early from Cushing suspension
11. Justin Tuck, DE, NYG – Has showed that Osi isn’t the only playmaker
12. David Harris, ILB, NYJ – Don’t pass up on him, again.
13. Ray Lewis, ILB, BAL – On top of his game for a decade
14. London Fletcher, ILB, WAS – You know what you’re getting here
15. Paul Posluszny, ILB, BUF – When healthy, one of the best tacklers there is
16. Kirk Morrison, ILB, JAX – Will run this Defense from day 1
17. D’Qwell Jackson, ILB, CLE – Injured in 09’ but poised for strong 10’ season
18. Karlos Dansby, ILB, MIA – New team, new system, will make plays
19. Trent Cole, DE, PHI – Easy choice for #2 or #3 DE
20. Bernard Pollard, S, HOU – Tackles everything, your best WR cover guy
21. Mario Williams, DE, HOU – Keeps showing progress every season
22. LaMarr Woodley, ILB, PIT – Competes with Harrison daily
23. Yeremiah Bell, S, MIA – One of the best young Safties in the NFL
24. Lance Briggs, OLB, CHI – A tackling machine
25. Brian Urlacher, ILB, CHI – Injury is healed, the Midway monster returns
26. Tyvon Branch, S, OAK – Great range and speed in secondary
27. Jerod Mayo, ILB, NE – This is the breakout year, ranked higher in 11’
28. Clay Matthews, ILB, GB – Poised for a strong sophomore campaign
29. Will Smith, DE, NO – Keeps pumping out good fantasy #’s
30. Stephen Tulloch, ILB, TEN – Will be top 20 in 2011, grab him now
31. Brian Cushing, ILB, HOU – Serving 4 game suspension will hurt his numbers
32. Chad Greenway, OLB, MIN – If he can stay healthy he’s a great investment
33. Gary Brackett, ILB, IND – The Peyton Manning of the Colts defense
34. Aaron Kampman, DE, JAX – Loved him in GB, will love him more in JAX
35. Terrell Suggs, DE, BAL – The dude just makes plays
36. EJ Henderson, ILB, MIN – Hoping EJ and Chad can both regain from
37. DeAndre Levy, ILB, DET – My 2010 sleeper
38. Nick Barnett, ILB, GB – Didn’t have an amazing 09’ but hoping he gets back
39. Julius Peppers, DE, CHI – Hoping he will be better than his spot at #39
40. Clint Session, OLB, IND – Great in coverage and is improving every year
41. Stephen Cooper, ILB, SD – Came in with major upside, leveled out now
42. Ray Edwards, DE, MIN – Gets great chances due to Jared Allen
43. Brian Dawkins, S, DEN – Bdawk still has game
44. Lawrence Timmons, ILB, PIT – Pitt D is still scary, Has great speed
45. Antoine Bethea, S, IND – Not enough credit for a DB, very sound
46. David Hawthorne, OLB, SEA – Performed well in place of Tatupu in 09’
47. Adrian Wilson, S, ARI – Mr. Reliable for fantasy owners
48. Bradie James, ILB, DAL – Love the upside, ‘Boys moved Carpenter out.
49. Eric Weddle, S, SD – Very consistent and has good field vision
50. Stewart Bradley, ILB, PHI – Hoping return from 09’ injury is strong
Honarable Mention
Rolando McClain, OAK
Justin Durant, JAX
Charles Woodson, GB
Larry English, SD
Calais Campbell, ARI
