IDP Spotlight - DB Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos
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Posted 8/24 by Shawn Culcasi , Exclusive to Footballguys.com
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Culcasi's Thoughts
This is a scary addition to a team which finished last year ranked fourth in
overall defense, sixth against the pass. Regarded by most as the top overall
cornerback in the league, and one of the few true shutdown corners, Bailey's
presence should have a drastic affect on the Broncos entire defense. His man
coverage ability, which the Broncos have vowed to use more of with Bailey in
town, will allow their safeties to cheat towards the line, blitzing often and
generally causing havoc. An iron-man, Champ Bailey hasn't missed a game during
his five year career, making the Pro Bowl during the last four seasons. He's
not tested as much as you'd like from a fantasy perspective, posting just eight
interceptions over the last three seasons, but he's retained value by averaging
59 solo tackles and 16 passes defended throughout his career. A bigger fantasy
impact may come from whichever teammate wins the starting job across from Bailey
(Lenny Walls/Kelly Herndon), now thrust into the spotlight as the guy who will
be picked on as QBs attempt to avoid Bailey (from my Offseason player Movement
report).
When the Broncos gave up on Deltha O'Neal last year, trying to move him to
wide receiver, they once again exposed their inability to draft cornerbacks
(O'Neal, 1st round 2000. Willie Middlebrooks, 1st round 2001). Instead of taking
another chance in this years draft, they decided to look within the league for
help (trades/free-agents). Champ Bailey had been designated the franchise player
in Washington and was rumored to be on the trading block. Match made in heaven?
It cost the Broncos heavily, losing Clinton Portis and his 3000+ rushing yards
in two NFL seasons, but with Mike Shanahan's belief in plug & play RB success,
it ended up being a no-brainer (especially with Washington also throwing in
a second round pick). Recently turning 26, Denver can now forget about protecting
Bailey's side of the field for next half-dozen or so years.
Positives
- Champ Bailey is the best all-around cornerback in the league. Smart with
size, speed, great athleticism and swivel hips. Incredible coverage skills
and ability to break on the ball.
- Great work ethic both on and off the field
- Lines up against the top receiver and forces the opposition to change their
gameplan
Negatives
- Bailey is a decent tackler but he's not known for his toughness as a hitter.
- He suffered some mental lapses last year and gave up more plays than usual,
many of which became Sportscenter highlights. His dominance came into question.
- Seven years, $63 million with an $18 million signing bonus. Now that he
has the fat contract, will he continue to prepare himself on a weekly basis?
Combine that with a new team/new scheme, and Bailey could be set up to disappoint.
Final Thoughts
Like strongside linebackers and defensive tackles, the value of shutdown cornerbacks
is realized much more by their NFL teams than their fantasy owners. Champ Bailey
has maintained some fantasy value in his ability to post 60+ solo tackles (unlike
Chris McAlister), but his 8 sacks/picks over the last three seasons leaves him
as a non-factor in most leagues. He won't be tested in Denver, not with Lenny
Walls/Kelly Herndon lining up on the other side, but he'll make the Pro Bowl
and improve a Broncos defense that recorded a league low nine interceptions
last year. He retains more value in leagues that split defensive backs, but
he'll likely be drafted too high either way.
Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread:
To view the entire thread, click here: DB
Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos
grady:
"Shut down corners are rarely good fantasy performers. Really nothing
more to say than that."
Projections
Source |
Solo
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Asst
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Sacks
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INT
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PD
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FF
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FR
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FntPts
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Aaron Rudnicki |
60
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6
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0.0
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4
|
16
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1
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1
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99.0
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Shawn Culcasi |
63
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4
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0.0
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2
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14
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0
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2
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91.0
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Spotlight Consensus |
55
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5
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0.0
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2
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14
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0
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0
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79.5
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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
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