IDP Gut Instincts

Adrian Wilson (SS) - The Cardinals have been patient with Wilson, but I've been losing mine over the past 2 years. He's long on talent and sometimes short on production. This COULD be the year it all comes together. Dexter Jackson's season is over - placed on IR - and Wilson will get plenty of traffic with 2 games against the 49ers, Rams and Seahawks. Note: I think Quentin Harris benefits from this, too, as Ifeanyi Ohalate (in my estimation) will likely stick to SS with Harris starting at the FS spot now. Maybe a couple of you Cardinals homers could let us know if my assertions are on target or not.

Rod Coleman (DT) - I like Coleman's game and think he has excellent potential as a top 20 DL this year. I might be too optimistic here, but I know Coleman has the skills to thrive in the Falcons system - which might be the best fit for him and his talents so far.

Aaron Schobel is an animal - just in case you haven't noticed this before. Of more significance, however, is the battle between Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay to start opposite him. Maybe Aaron or one of our other Bills pundits could chime in and let us know who has won or is winning this job. It has looked pretty even to me in the games I've seen, but if I had to guess I'd lean towards Denney, but don't really know why - just a gut call.

Thinking out loud here.. the Steelers secondary last year was AWFUL. I'm specifically referring to their corners. I don't see much improvement on paper unless Troy Polamalu and Deshea Townsend can make a difference with improved play this season. Chad Scott has long been a productive fantasy corner, but from my perspective - the smell of burnt toast lingers.. Can he turn back the clock or is it time to put a fork in him? I think the Steelers season hinges on two main points: 1 - Offensive line play and staying healthy. If the line stays healthy they will run the ball better and have more balance. If not, another long season of frustration until Big Ben emerges. 2. Pass defense - overall, they weren't horrible, just prone to giving up big plays and getting beat deep, or not covering 3rd downs and underneath stuff. If these two areas improve, the Steelers chances of winning also improve significantly (in my book anyway)).

Ok, no longer a sleeper perhaps, but I've been singing the praises all off-season:
- Lance Briggs, WLB, Chicago
- Pisa Tinasoimoa, LB, St. Louis
  Does anyone have the straight poop on the Rams LBs? I've always thought this year Pisa would be WLB and Polley - not Newson - is the SLB. Pisa was damn productive at SLB, but if he's at WLB - the sky is the limit folks. The Rainbow Warrior can cover a lot of ground and plays with good instincts.
  
  Briggs just has his nose in everything and both he and Urlacher will rack up tackles in Lovie Smith's defensive alignments. Briggs has the potential to breakout this season. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge Urlacher guy. That said, I managed to get Urlacher in a couple drafts this year, but also got Briggs to bolster my position - only Cracker snaked him from me in one league! :football: Great minds think alike, right? haha.

Here are a few more names you might not know, but should:
- Travian Smith, OLB, Raiders - he's been productive in stretches and Rob Ryan's new defense fits his size/skills to a "T". I fully expect him to be a solid, roster-fringe LB at the least, with the possibility he could end up getting 5-6 sacks, 70+ tackles and a handful of turnovers from his multiple roles. Think Mike Vrabel or Willie McGinest as a hybrid end/LB type.
- Terrence Holt - sayanora Brian Walker.. Holt can play either SS or FS. He's a ball hawk and a natural playmaker who also specializes in blocking kicks and punts. The Lions were itching to get him on the field more and now they can do just that. Bracy Walker is the SS on paper behind Walker, but I'll remind you not to forget about Big Play's little bro. Terrence is about big plays, too. Apparently it's a genetic thing.
- Speaking of the Lidowns - one of this trio will emerge to post good tackle numbers at some point. Donte' Curry, James Davis or Alex Lewis. The smart money for the short-term goes on Curry, though a healthy James Davis could re-occupy this spot and become a productive sidelines to sidelines weak-side tackling machine.
- Idle thought: I wonder what Ted Lehman will do from the SAM?

I've said it before and I'll say it again: STUART SCHWEIGERT. Just have some fun and "google" his name and Charles Rogers in the same query and read about their exploits in high school and college. These guys can play and I'm here to start the bandwagon up. Just think - his initials spell out his potential position with Gibson out for the year. He's a natural free safety, but I'm pretty sure he could be productive at either spot.

Trading Marques Anderson made great sense for both the Packers and Raiders. Mark Roman wins the SS job and could have some impact if he stays healthy. The Packers front seven doesn't leave me with warm fuzzies so both Sharper and Roman could be getting more opportunity to bump those tackle counts.

Psssstt.. I hear this Cato June cat is a good sleeper. Bwa-ha-ha-ha.. He did look quite good in his extended PT the past couple weeks, so good in fact I would harldy call him a sleeper. btw, is it just me or isn't everyone just chomping at the bit for Dungy to unceremoniously dump Rob Morris from the MLB position? What a bust. I'd like to see Gary Brackett in there myself with June and Thornton.

Dynasty sleeper alert: Bobby McCray. Hugh - gone. Brackens - gone. The cupboard is bit bare for the Jags DE position - no wonder Akinola Ayodele will be lining up there in nickel/dime situations to rush the passer. The fall out is three-fold... Rookie Daryl Smith could emerge as an IDP star in his rookie season should he become the starting WILL backer. Ayodele's stock takes a hit if he's platooned between nickel-end and LB. As for the Jags DEs.. well, shake the tree long enuff and some fruit might fall. McCray has the potential and flashes it from time to time, but for now it's more likely to be a group consisting of Paul Spicer, Rob Meier, Brandon Green and Bobby McCray all splitting time.

Dontarrious Smith - look out folks, big time potential for IDP pts here. The Vikings WILL backer should be a productive spot even though our own John Norton can't stop thinking about E.J. Henderson for more than a few minutes. J/K, John.. I just can't help but have some fun with ya there.

Courtney Watson and Will Smith - the Saints rookie duo could be difference makers for the front seven as they incorporate more 3-4 looks.

If David Bowens stays healthy... a big if... he could product 6 to 10 sacks. Really.

Welcome back, Brian Dawkins.. with an improved pass rush and front seven, I think he's going to be back to hawkin' balls and being a big play specialist. The Eagles sorely missed his presence on the field last year.

Ode to Angus.. we want the JACK! For those who don't know what the heck I'm talking about, that's the term the Jets defensive scheme uses for their hybrid "WILL" linebacker. The Jack. This is Eric Barton's playground. Jon Vilma and Sam Cowart get more pub, but Barton could still lead this team in tackles.

I think the Raiders defense could make a vast improvement and quickly.. I like the "tweener" players they have because they fit what the son of Buddy is trying to do. Every time I saw Grant Irons, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Tyler Brayton this year I've been pleasantly surprised. My money is on Brayton to break through this year, but I also think there's room for a couple other guys to do the same on this team.

Michael Boulware - I think it's only a matter of time before he develops into a hammer for the Seahawks secondary.

Dwight Smith - he can cover like a corner and hit like a truck. The Bucs front seven has taken some hits in the past year or two, he could also have a solid campaign in '04.

Why Rocky is your favorite? I don't want to hear any BS about Tommy Morrison either.. I'm talking Boiman or Calmus. Even money in my book, but Calmus gets the slight nod playing the MIKE.

Lastly, Sean Taylor is obviously a man with great talent. He should be quite a force patrolling the Redskins secondary, but don't forget about Matt Bowen either. He could be a top 30 DB as well.

Those are my thoughts from this Labor Day.. enjoy and best of luck this year.