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Latest News |
| 5/11/2012 | Redskins, DST WAS, |
Skins draft three defendersNews: Robert Griffin III might have been the big name the Redskins took in the NFL Draft, but they also picked up three defenders: Texas linebacker Keenan Robinson, SMU cornerback Richard Crawford and Iowa safety Jordan Bernstine. They join seven veterans including safeties Brandon Meriweather and Tanard Jackson as new additions to the Redskins defense. Analysis: This rookie trio will provide depth on defense and special teams and probably won't make much of an impact this year. There could be some iffy moments for the Redskins secondary in 2012 given their vulnerable safeties. No one should draft them as a No. 1 unit -- they're best left on waivers to use as a potential one-week replacement during the season. They'll probably struggle in Week 1 at New Orleans. |
| 5/11/2012 | Browns, DST CLE, |
Browns might lose DT for seasonNews: Browns coach Pat Shurmur announced Friday that defensive tackle Phil Taylor suffered a pectoral tear and will miss a considerable amount of time, potentially the 2012 season. Taylor is a key cog to the Browns' run defense -- without him the team would likely have to lean on one of their drafted rookies: University of Cincinnati defensive tackle John Hughes. "[M]ost likely he's going to have surgery here in the middle of the week," Shurmur said. "He is going to miss some significant amount of time, more months than weeks. It's too early to speculate how long that will be." Analysis: This might be the beginning of a long year for the Cleveland run defense. But even if Taylor were healthy, we'd wait to consider the Browns DST, possibly taking a look at them as a one-week replacement off waivers when faced with a favorable matchup. |
| 5/10/2012 | Buccaneers, DST TB, |
Bowers suffers torn AchillesNews: The Buccaneers announced some tough news Thursday after defensive end Da'Quan Bowers suffered a torn Achilles tendon while participating in the club's offseason program. He's expected to miss the entire 2012 season. This news comes on the same day that the Bucs are believed to be moving Ronde Barber to safety from cornerback. Analysis: Losing Bowers is a kick in the gut for the Bucs -- he wasn't their top pass rusher (that would be Adrian Clayborn) but certainly was expected to contribute. Tampa Bay has done a decent job improving its defense this offseason, especially the secondary with cornerback Eric Wright and rookie safety Mark Barron joining the starting lineup. However, it's best to consider the Bucs DST a one-week replacement off waivers when faced with a good matchup during the season. |
| 5/10/2012 | Titans, DST TEN, |
Titans draft five defendersNews: The Titans' strong offseason continued when they spent five of seven draft picks on defense in April. Their haul includes North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown, Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin, Clemson cornerback Coty Sensabaugh, Oklahoma State safety Markelle Martin and Rice defensive end Scott Solomon. Analysis: All five defenders will provide solid depth; we're big fans of Brown and Mike Martin. But the Titans' big addition this offseason was Kamerion Wimbley, and he'll be a great asset in their pass rush. Their secondary is coming along and their linebackers aren't perfect, so the Titans DST isn't quite worth drafting, but they should have some weeks where they'll be useful off waivers for a spot start. |
| 5/10/2012 | Rams, DST STL, |
Brockers highlights Rams' draftNews: Four of the Rams' 10 draft picks in April addressed the defensive side of the ball, including their top pick, LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers. He's joined by North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, Montana cornerback Trumaine Johnson and Hawaii linebacker Aaron Brown. Analysis: The Rams' defense has been in flux all offseason after being obliterated week after week in 2011. Cortland Finnegan followed former coach Jeff Fisher to St. Louis to help shore up the Rams' weak secondary, and veterans like Trevor Laws, Kendall Langford and William Hayes will help along the defensive line. The Rams should be better as a whole, but they shouldn't get picked for Fantasy use. Expect them to be available off waivers during the season. |
| 5/10/2012 | Seahawks, DST SEA, |
Seahawks reel in eight defendersNews: The Seahawks made strides in improving its pass rush and creating depth on defense in the 2012 NFL Draft. They spent a first-round pick on West Virginia pass rush specialist Bruce Irvin and followed it up with Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner in Round 2. The rest of the haul includes Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard, Idaho linebacker Korey Toomer, Northwestern State cornerback Jeremy Lane, Kentucky safety Winston Guy, N.C. State defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy and Louisville defensive tackle Greg Scruggs. Analysis: Some feel Irvin was picked too soon, but he's a capable pass rusher who head coach Pete Carroll was familiar with. He should develop into a good defender for the Seahawks and thus help their sack totals (they had 33 last year). Everyone else is probably a year away from contributing defensively. But with their additions of Jason Jones to the D-line and linebacker Barrett Ruud to the middle of the defense on top of their already tough secondary, this is a big sleeper for 2012. We encourage owners to consider the Seahawks with a final-round pick. |
| 5/10/2012 | 49ers, DST SF, |
Niners add depth to defenseNews: The 49ers spent three third-day draft picks on their defense, adding Notre Dame linebacker Darius Fleming, Michigan State safety Trenton Robinson and Virginia defensive end Cam Johnson. They are the only additions to the Niners' defense this offseason. Analysis: It's not a bad thing that the Niners defense comes back intact, is it? After all, they were outstanding against the run and the pass and finished as the top unit in Fantasy Football. Fifty sacks, 25 interceptions and 18 fumble recoveries will do that for you. Plan on drafting the 49ers DST as a No. 1 unit, and they should be selected with a pick as early as Round 10 in standard formats. |
| 5/10/2012 | Chargers, DST SD, |
Chargers focus on defense in draftNews: The Bolts locked up three defenders with their first three picks in the NFL Draft: South Carolina linebacker Melvin Ingram, UConn defensive tackle Kendall Reyes and LSU safety Brandon Taylor. Ingram is considered to be among the top pass rushers available in the draft, and that was a huge need for the Chargers. Reyes will provide some quality depth (and potentially) start along the D-line and Taylor should be a future starter who adds depth to the backfield while working on special teams. Analysis: This was a great draft for the Chargers, whose DST looks a lot nicer with this young talent injected. They'll have a new defensive coordinator in John Pagano, who will keep the 3-4 scheme, and they should be better at getting to the quarterback with Ingram joining free-agent signee Jarret Johnson and mainstay Shaun Phillips. If Taylor can get up to speed quickly and Eddie Royal or Roscoe Parrish can play well retuning kicks, this DST could make some noise. Starting the season off at Oakland isn't exactly a terrible thing either. Don't feel obligated to draft them with a final-round pick because there are better choices to start the year, but don't be surprised to find yourself considering them off waivers during the season. |
| 5/10/2012 | Steelers, DST PIT, |
Steelers D finally gets helpNews: The Steelers drafted only three defenders in the NFL Draft: Miami (Fla.) linebacker Sean Spence, Washington defensive tackle Alameda Ta'amu and Texas A&M cornerback Terrence Frederick. Spence should work on special teams right away and provide depth at inside linebacker while Ta'amu will get used as part of their D-line rotation. Frederick should also contribute on special teams and potentially begin the year as the team's fourth cornerback. These additions are the only ones made by the Steelers this offseason; defensive end Aaron Smith retired, cornerback William Gay left via free agency and linebacker James Farrior and cornerback Bryant McFadden were released. Analysis: Fortunately for the Steelers, they already have plenty of talent on defense, so these losses might sting but not get them ripped apart. The defense is coming back mostly intact, for better or worse, and that could mean that the unit produces about as well as it did last season. That's good but not great. Is the Steelers DST still worth drafting? Sure, but don't be the Black & Gold towel-waver who takes them a few rounds too soon. The last or second-to-last round is the right time to draft them. |
| 5/9/2012 | Eagles, DST PHI, |
Eagles improve defense in draftNews: The Eagles knew their run defense stunk last year, so they addressed it in the NFL Draft. They took Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox with a first-round pick and Cal linebacker Mychal Kendricks with their first second-round choice. They backed those picked up with Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry and Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin. Cox and Kendricks figure to be starters right away. Analysis: The Eagles defense is much improved this offseason between these rookie moves and the addition of DeMeco Ryans to the middle of the unit. With the secondary settled in after struggling through much of last year and a defensive coordinator who knows he must improve, this is a DST that is worth drafting late this summer. They certainly start the season off with a favorable matchup at Cleveland. |
| 5/9/2012 | Raiders, DST OAK, |
Raiders address front seven in draftNews: The Raiders spent four draft picks on the defense: San Diego State linebacker Miles Burris, Penn State defensive end Jack Crawford, Georgia State defensive end Christo Bilukidi and Penn State linebacker Nathan Stupar. Also recently, the team saw safety Tyvon Branch sign his one-year franchise tender, meaning that he's back for 2012. Analysis: The rookie additions will provide depth but the Branch news is the most important here. The Raiders' secondary could be in for some long games given that they've signed three new corners (Shawntae Spencer, Ronald Bartell and Pat Lee) to go with their young ballhawks. There might not be a quality defender in the bunch. Tack on a run defense that still doesn't look to be improved, and teams might romp on the Raiders. Even with gobs of potential from their kick and punt return units, the Raiders DST has fallen out of consideration for a draft pick in Fantasy formats. |
| 5/9/2012 | Ravens, DST BAL, |
Suggs has Achilles surgeryNews: Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs had surgery repair a torn Achilles tendon Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery. The Ravens didn't indicate whether Suggs will be able to play this fall, or if it was a full tear or partial tear (Suggs indicated previously that it was a partial tear). The Ravens are expected to line up second-round pick Courtney Upshaw at Suggs' rush linebacker spot and have Paul Kruger take over at strongside linebacker, Jarret Johnson's former position. "Terrell had a successful surgical procedure done on his Achilles tendon this afternoon by Dr. Bob Anderson," general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. "After some recovery time, Sizzle' will begin the process of rehabbing the area. We know he will work hard to get back on the field with his teammates as soon as the doctors and trainers allow. We're confident that he can make a full recovery." Analysis: Suggs is a threat all over the field from his hybrid linebacker-end position and is considered the best defensive player on the Ravens. If he can play at any point this season it would help the Ravens immensely. With Suggs out the Ravens DST is more like a middle- to low-end No. 1 option in Fantasy. It would be a bonus if he could come back by November or December. This DST is worth a late-round pick. |
| 5/8/2012 | Jets, DST NYJ, |
Coples headlines Jets draftNews: North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples was the Jets' first draft pick, but he wasn't their only defensive draft pick. The team also picked up Arkansas State linebacker Demario Davis, Wake Forest safety Josh Bush and South Carolina safety Antonio Allen. Analysis: The Jets finished fifth in defense last season, but New York's 35 sacks ranked tied for 17th in the league. The Coples pick was made to improve that sack production, but he's the only offseason addition to help their pass rush. The signing of LaRon Landry, however, should help their coverage against big receiving threats. If he gets hurt, the unit could be in big trouble, but until that happens Fantasy owners should still consider the Jets DST worth a final-round pick. |
| 5/8/2012 | Patriots, DST NE, |
Jones, Hightower highlight Pats draftNews: The Patriots spent the majority of the 2012 NFL Draft focused on improving 2011's league-worst defense, using six of their seven picks over the weekend on defensive players. The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse at No. 21, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Alabama at No. 25. The Patriots also spent both of their second-day picks on defense, selecting safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round, at No. 48, as well as defensive end Jake Bequette of Arkansas in Round 3, at No. 90. Ohio State safety Nate Ebner and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard were late-round choices. Analysis: Jones and Hightower should be key cogs in the defense right away, especially Hightower. The biggest problem the Pats had last season was getting their pass rush to scare opposing quarterbacks, and Jones should help there as might Bequette in due time. Despite their well-documented woes last season, the Patriots DST is worth a late pick in drafts given their weak-ish division schedule, though they'll be a risky choice to trust in Week 1 at Tennessee. |
| 5/8/2012 | Vikings, DST MIN, |
Vikes draft five defendersNews: The Vikings spent five of 10 draft picks on defense, including a first-round pick on Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith. In addition, the Vikings spent two picks on cornerbacks in Central Florida's Josh Robinson and Notre Dame's Robert Blanton along with two picks toward the front of the defense in N.C. State linebacker Audie Cole and Cal defensive end Trevor Guyton. Analysis: Smith should start from Day 1 but Blanton has the size and versatility to possibly join him if he can put together a good camp. The Vikings have done a nice job with their secondary this season with Chris Carr and Zackary Bowman joining the defense and providing excellent depth that they might have used last season. The Vikings DST shouldn't get picked in Fantasy drafts but should be considered as a one-week replacement when faced with a good matchup during the season. |
| 5/8/2012 | Dolphins, DST MIA, |
Miami adds three defendersNews: The Dolphins' draft was highlighted by the selection of Ryan Tannehill, but they added three defenders. Miami (Fla.) defensive end Olivier Vernon, Oregon linebacker Josh Kaddu and Texas defensive tackle Kheeston Randall got their names called by the Fins. Analysis: Vernon should help the team's defensive line rotation and Kaddu and Randall might contribute on special teams. The Dolphins added a lot of role players this offseason but their biggest move was extending the contract of pass rusher Cameron Wake, who will move to defensive end in their new 4-3 scheme. The Dolphins defense is still expected to give up plenty of yards and points, so Fantasy owners shouldn't trust the DST, but they might have some good weeks when faced with favorable matchups. |
| 5/8/2012 | Chiefs, DST KC, |
Poe highlights Chiefs draft haulNews: The Kansas City Chiefs filled one of their biggest needs with a massive gamble, selecting Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe with the No. 11 pick in the NFL draft. He was one of three defenders the team drafted: The other two were Alabama cornerback DeQuan Menzie and San Diego State defensive tackle Jerome Long. Analysis: Poe is expected to slide into the middle of Kansas City's 3-4 defensive line and help slow down the run. The other fellas will provide capable depth. The Chiefs added cornerback Stanford Routt this offseason to replace Brandon Carr and will get back safety Eric Berry from a torn ACL suffered last September. This isn't a DST worth drafting but they will have some weeks where they'll be special. Consider using the Chiefs DST off waivers as a one-week option. |
| 5/8/2012 | Jaguars, DST JAC, |
Jags draft four defendersNews: The Jaguars spent four draft picks on defense in April, none higher than the second-round choice on Clemson defensive end Andre Branch. Joining him are Nevada linebacker Brandon Marshall, FSU cornerback Mike Harris and Ashland defensive tackle Jeris Pendleton. Analysis: It's been a long time since the Jaguars defense had a quality pass rush; they're hoping Branch can contribute something along the D-line. Marshall should provide good depth at linebacker as should Harris and Pendleton at their respective positions. With defensive coordinator Mel Tucker returning to the team and Aaron Ross joining the squad, the Jaguars appear to be about as good as they were last year, which is to say they're not quite a No. 1 DST but a good No. 2 option. If you like to play the waiver wire for DSTs from week to week, the Jaguars aren't a terrible choice to begin the year as they play at Minnesota in Week 1. |
| 5/8/2012 | Packers, DST GB, |
Pack goes heavy on defense in draftNews: Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning. Analysis: The Packers defense was flimsy in 2011, but their DST was fine for Fantasy thanks to their seven touchdowns (two on returns, five on defense) and the defense's 31 interceptions. But the Packers went heavy on defensive linemen and pass rushers to improve on the 29 sacks they had. This re-tooling should go a long way in helping their defense up front, which should in turn help the secondary. They're still worth a late pick in drafts, especially with the 49ers coming to Lambeau in Week 1. |
| 5/8/2012 | Lions, DST DET, |
Lions go heavy on CBs, LBsNews: The Lions drafted three cornerbacks and three linebackers in April's draft, all of them with picks in Round 3 or later. The three cornerbacks are Louisiana-Lafayette's Dwight Bentley, Albion's Chris Greenwood and New Mexico State's Jonte Green. The linebackers are Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis (who might play some defensive end), Temple's Tahir Whitehead and Oklahoma's Travis Lewis. To date, they're the only additions to the Lions defense this offseason. Analysis: Bentley might have a chance to start for the Lions given their lack of depth at cornerback, and Lewis has some potential given his athleticism, but the reality is that none of these rookies is expected to change how the Lions DST is viewed. That's not a bad thing -- they remain a low-end starting option headed into drafts this summer. They're fine as a final-round pick, especially since they take on the Rams at home in Week 1, and that's not a bad way to start the year. |
| 5/8/2012 | Broncos, DST DEN, |
Wolfe headlines Broncos' defensive draft haulNews: The Broncos drafted four defensive players in April's draft, the biggest of which (figuratively and literally) was Cincinnati defensive tackle Derek Wolfe. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound run-stuffer is expected to boost the team's defensive line rotation. Denver also drafted Arizona State cornerback Omar Bolden, Tennessee defensive end Malik Jackson and Kentucky outside linebacker Danny Trevathan. Analysis: The Broncos are quietly putting together a nice offseason on their defense -- it's simply being overshadowed by their acquisition of Peyton Manning. Wolfe should help bolster the run defense and the free agent defensive back signings of Mike Adams and Tracy Porter should go a long way in helping the Broncos against the pass. Tack on Jack Del Rio running the defense and the Broncos DST is starting to look pretty good. They're still a No. 2 unit but one worth keeping tabs on early on during the season in case they can develop into a unit worth starting. Expect to find them off waivers during the season. |
| 5/7/2012 | Cowboys, DST DAL, |
Claiborne highlights Dallas' draftNews: The Cowboys moved up and took LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the sixth overall pick in the draft, but he wasn't their only defensive pick. The Cowboys also picked up Boise State defensive end Tyrone Crawford, Wake Forest linebacker Kyle Wilber, Eastern Washington safety Matt Johnson and Montana linebacker Caleb McSurdy. Analysis: Claiborne should do for the Cowboys what his college teammate, Patrick Peterson, did for the Cardinals: Provide a punch on special teams and come into his own on defense. The additions of Dan Connor at linebacker, Brandon Carr at cornerback and Brodney Pool at safety also help the future of this unit. Despite their poor play last year (with different cornerbacks and a weakness in the middle of the defense), the Cowboys DST strikes us as one worth drafting with a final-round pick this season. Just be prepared to deal with their tough first game: at the Super Bowl Champion Giants in Week 1. |
| 5/7/2012 | Bengals, DST CIN, |
Kirkpatrick highlights Bengals' draftNews: Cincinnati added to its already bursting collection of cornerbacks by taking Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick with the 17th overall pick. Kirkpatrick only had three interceptions in three seasons at Alabama but held down the shutdown corner for the national champions. The team also added Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still, Clemson defensive tackles Brandon Thompson, Iowa cornerback Shaun Prater and Boise State safety George Iloka. Analysis: The Bengals have built themselves a heck of a secondary with Kirkpatrick joining free agents Jason Allen and Terence Newman in a corps that already includes Leon Hall, Nate Clements and Pacman Jones. And the addition of Still to their defensive line should help against the run. Quietly, the Bengals DST has become a good unit, albeit not one you should go out of your way to draft. Figure them to be available off waivers and a capable defense worth using as a one-week replacement throughout the season. |
| 5/7/2012 | Bears, DST CHI, |
McClellin, DBs highlight Bears draftNews: The Bears spent four of six draft picks on defensive players, including three on defensive backs. Their top pick figures to contribute the most: Boise State linebacker Shea McClellin is expected to work as a defensive lineman after scoring seven sacks last season and 20 1/2 in his collegiate career. The Bears also spent picks on Oregon State safety Brandon Hardin, Nevada cornerback Isaiah Frey and TCU cornerback Greg McCoy. Analysis: In addition to these youngsters, the Bears added some efficient veteran talent this offseason in linebacker Geno Hayes and cornerback Kelvin Hayden. The Bears defense has some solid depth to go with their improved special-teams (Eric Weems might replace Johnny Knox and Devin Hester should still do some work). They're worth drafting with a late pick in drafts. |
| 5/7/2012 | Panthers, DST CAR, |
Johnson hurting as Panthers draft defenseNews: Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson had knee surgery recently and may miss the rest of the team's voluntary workouts and minicamps, The Sports Xchange reports. The team announced that the surgery was necessary to relieve swelling in his right knee. This came after the team's draft haul, which included Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander, Coastal Carolina cornerback Josh Norman and Cal safety D.J. Campbell. Analysis: Johnson needs to be healthy for the Panthers defensive unit to be at its best, but this is a team that needs serious help up front against the run. Pairing Kuechly with a returning Jon Beason should help, but big guys up front who can freeze opposing linemen and keep running backs bottled up would go a long way. The Panthers DST isn't worth drafting this summer. |
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