Culcasi's Thoughts

Brian Dawkins is adept in all facets of the game: Defending the run, coverage, open-field tackling and blitzing. He's the leader and star of the Philadelphia Eagles defense. Widely regarded as the leagues top free-safety, there isn't much that the eight year vet can't do. He hits like a linebacker and covers like a corner. He is the ultimate weapon.

From 2000-2002, Dawkins played in all but four games, helping the Eagles to three top 10 finishes in overall defense, finishing no worse than seventh in pass defense. Last year was a different story as Dawkins sprained his foot during week one (Lisfranc), missed the next eight games, and suffered through a season in which Philadelphia dropped to the leagues 20th ranked defense (16th pass). Healthy again, he should be relied on heavily to support Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, the set of first-time starters at cornerback.

For all of his skills, Brian Dawkins hasn't been a lights out fantasy performer throughout his career, caused more by his position than anything of his doing. He gets by on name value, usually being drafted higher than he should, which depletes his value as a fantasy prospect.

Positives

• With an incredible set of skills, there isn't much that Brian Dawkins can't do.



• A great playmaker, he fills up the boxscore like few others can. He's posted career highs of three sacks, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and 24 passes defended, usually approaching similar production on a yearly basis.



• The addition of Jevon Kearse should not only improve the Eagles pass rush, but the QB pressure will also support their pass defense. With two new cornerbacks, Dawkins could be figured to help in the defensive backfield. If the defensive line improves as expected, he could be allowed to roam more often.

Negatives

• You can't ignore the foot injury that cost him nine games a year ago. He should be 100% this year, but he turns 31 in October and the injuries may start to catch up.



• Dawkins averaged 59 solo tackles 99-03 with a high of 66. Consistency breeds value, but his tackle numbers are a bit low from what you expect out of your top tier safeties.



• Strong safety Michael Lewis appears to be a star in the making. With 67 solo tackles during his second NFL season, he's already bested Dawkins' career high, and he has the all-around game to match.

Final Thoughts

Having missed much of last year because of injury, and not playing up to his standards when he was on the field, Brian Dawkins looks like an early candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. With improved pressure from the Eagles front four, they should rely less on blitzing and their pass defense, even with the somewhat green cornerbacks, will return to elite status. Age won't catch up to Dawkins just yet and he should post similar production to his averages from 99-02.

Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread:

To view the entire thread, click here: DB Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles

Outside Contain:
"I like Dawkins. He's cool but older and surrounded by a new set of CBs. I wager that opponents will try and pick a bit on the new CBs, I would. Those CB might allow a few passes to be completed but I reckon they should have made the tackle once Dawkins gets there. On the other hand he has got J. Kearse to rush the passer. In the third hand he's getting a bit on the older side and was hurting a bit last year. I reckon he'll be missing a game or two again. Dawkins never had many interceptions, his career high is four. He does get in on a sack every now and then. A good football player but not an IDP star this year."

grady:
"I am not a huge fan of Dawkins. He has always been a solid player but this year I think he is going to have some trouble.

1) He is 30 years old...Free Safety is a young man's game (unless you are Rod Woodson)
2) The Eagles secondary has issues. With 2 new cornerbacks, one who will have the nickname of "toast" (that being Lito Sheppard), Dawkins won't be able to play ANY run support
3) Also with the greenness of the 2 new CBs Dawkins will become field general more than player and will be taken out of plays because he has to keep his eye on two youngins instead of on the ball
4) There is the injury from last season. Yes he came back at the end, but any 30 year old who gets injuries seldom fully recovers from them in the NFL"

Projections

IDP Scoring System
1 pt per Solo Tackle
0.5 pt per Assisted Tackle
3 pts per Sack
4 pts per Interception
1 pt per Pass Defensed
2 pts per Forced Fumble
2 pts per Fumble Recovery