The third preseason week has long been a slate of dress rehearsals for the league. More recently, and especially this year, teams have used the first and second preseason games to get their starters ready. That's been the case this year, with the majority of teams showing some new base defensive wrinkles and giving their starters 6-7 series of work over the two week period.
So, it's a great time to go around the league team by team, update the every-down linebackers for each defense and discuss the most important camp battles and personnel changes we've seen through the first two weeks.
Also, if you missed it, John Norton reviewed the first week of preseason action here and our most recent IDP roundtable podcast covered lots of news items and strategy points last week.
arizona cardinalS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Daryl Washington (susp)
Favorites: Karlos Dansby, Reggie Walker
Waiting for Clarity: Kevin Minter
Preseason Notes:
There's not a lot of clarity in Arizona right now. The front seven has been multiple through the first two preseason games, with a mix of 3-4, 46 and nickel packages. The Cardinals have started Walker (WILB) and Jasper Brinkley (SILB) in both games and both have had a role in the nickel packages the team has shown. Sam Acho has come off the field at times in those situations, with John Abraham and Matt Shaughnessy coming in as stand-up pass rushers. Lorenzo Alexander is also rotating with the outside linebacker group. Washington, whose four game suspension was upheld last week, has worked in with both the first and second team units and remains the team's best all-around linebacker. Dansby has missed time with a hamstring injury but is expected to return to practice this week. Minter has yet to see time with the ones, running behind Brinkley at strong inside backer. With strong inside linebacker Dansby's likely position, Minter is arguably a third team player right now. Based on what the team has shown so far, it would appear that they'll use two inside linebackers in subpackages. Dansby remains the key to the puzzle. If he's in form, he could supplant Brinkley in the base defense and play nickel downs. Walker has a strong chance at an every-down role for the first four games.
Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett have moved around the formation and could get enough one-on-one snaps against interior linemen to put up strong sack numbers this year. Abraham and Shaughnessy and Acho look to be situational players and may only have matchup upside. Tyrann Mathieu put up seven solo tackles but don't get overly excited yet. He's still competing for snaps with Rashad Johnson and had trouble with the bigger Dallas receivers out of the slot.
atlanta falconS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Sean Weatherspoon
Favorites: Akeem Dent
Waiting for Clarity: Kroy Biermann, Stephen Nicholas
Preseason Notes:
Weatherspoon has yet to play in the preseason after dislocating a finger early in camp, but he'll return to his every-down outside linebacker role soon. That's not been the most interesting development this preseason, however, as defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has started to incorporate some of his 3-4 playbook into the Atlanta base defense. Osi Umenyiora and Biermann have been standup outside linebackers in that front. I've got Biermann listed as a linebacker here, but he's currently listed as a defensive lineman on most league management sites.
There are some rumors that Nicholas may be falling out of favor with the coaches. I'm not buying that yet, but if Dent is ready to play in subpackages and Biermann proves capable as a strong outside linebacker, anything is possible. We'll know more when Weatherspoon returns and we see whether Dent or Nicholas plays in subpackages and whether Biermann or Nicholas takes the majority of base snaps and in what formation. Be ready to move on Biermann as a flex defensive lineman if he gets base snaps at linebacker but remains classified as a DL in fantasy leagues. Paul Worrilow is generating some buzz with his strong play with the second team, but he isn't a threat to Dent yet.
Umenyiora has looked very good in both games out of all alignments. He's been quick off the ball and used his hands well in pass rush. More importantly, he looks motivated to play the run. If his level of play carries over into the regular season and he stays healthy, he'll be a top ten fantasy defensive end. Desmond Trufant will start opposite Asante Samuel and will get tested early. If you're looking to stream cornerbacks, his matchup against the Saints in Week 1 looks very favorable.
Baltimore Ravens
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Daryl Smith, Terrell Suggs
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Arthur Brown, Elvis Dumervil
Preseason Notes:
Sigmund Bloom made a very persuasive argument after our podcast last week that the Baltimore defense may be better this year than last. At first blush, that seems like blasphemy. But a healthy Suggs and Lardarius Webb are every bit as important to this defense as aging stars like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were last season. And don't discount what look to be strong front seven additions in Chris Canty and Smith. In particular, the front four in the Baltimore 2-4-5 subpackage -- Suggs/Canty/Ngata/Dumervil -- has a chance to challenge Cincinnati as the best pass rushing line in the league.
John Harbaugh said last week that Smith and Josh Bynes were his starting base inside linebackers. But that doesn't tell the whole story. Smith has looked very good in both preseason games and probably would've won the job over Jameel McClain, who has yet to be cleared to play. And I think it's notable that the Ravens are already trusting Brown in subpackages alongside Smith. It's generally harder for a rookie to handle a complicated subpackage playbook on the most critical downs. With Bynes not setting the field afire in the base defense, it won't be long until Brown earns a base defensive role and plays every down. If he's dropped after a slow start in redraft leagues, snap him up before the Ravens make the switch official.
I have Dumervil on the Waiting for Clarity line. He's been rotating with Courtney Upshaw, with Upshaw getting the majority of base snaps and Dumervil playing a situational pass rushing role. Dumervil should remain a strong situational play in sack-heavy scoring systems, but it's Suggs that should get your attention. He's been a defensive end on fantasy sites for so long that he's being undervalued at linebacker. He looks healthy and could easily put up a 50-10 or better line this year. That puts him just behind Von Miller and Aldon Smith in the rush LB tier pecking order.
Matt Elam isn't starting yet, but don't panic. He began rotating with the first team in the second preseason game and he'll be the man over James Ihedigbo as soon as the coverage calls slow down for him. Don't be surprised if the Ravens wait until after a very tough Week 1 road game in Denver to elevate Elam. If they don't wait, it's a very good sign for his 2013 prospects.
Buffalo bills
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Kiko Alonso
Favorites: Nigel Bradham
Waiting for Clarity: Bryan Scott
Preseason Notes:
Alonso didn't play in the second preseason game, but he's a lock to start and play every down. Bradham is very close to the lock line, but there's a slim chance that Scott will sneak into the team's subpackage on long distance third downs. If Bradham plays 60 snaps a game, he could be a very strong LB3, especially if the Mike Pettine continues to show the multiple front looks (underfronts, 3-4, and 46) that he has in the preseason. Those multiple front looks have Mario Williams in a two point stance. Williams played only eight snaps in the first preseason game and sat out the second, so there's not -- yet -- enough evidence to reclassify him. But watch the alignments in the third preseason game closely.
The safety battle between Aaron Williams and Da'Norris Searcy had not materialized with Jairus Byrd holding out. Byrd signed his contract this week and most beat writers believe Searcy will be the odd man out. I liked Williams as a corner prospect last season, but he didn't play well enough to hold the job. He could be another Danieal Manning, Glover Quin, Malcolm Jenkins in the making. Searcy had been very promising behind George Wilson, but if his cover skills are so shaky that he loses time to Williams, he may never see enough opportunity to hold value.
carolina panthers
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Jon Beason
Preseason Notes:
Beason has yet to play this preseason and I felt that Davis was the better option as a coverage backer and delayed blitzer in subpackages. I think Davis sticks in the nickel, so I'm elevating him to the lock line but still wouldn't draft him as more than a LB4. It's notable, however, that Ron Rivera said they'd find ways to rotate Beason in when he's back in form. The Panthers have used some underfronts again this preseason, primarily with Greg Hardy in a two point stance, but we'll likely also see Charles Johnson in that role.
The secondary isn't inspiring, but I'd move on Captain Munnerlyn or Josh Norman as a CB2 if either show promise early. I'm less enthused about Mike Mitchell, the former Raider who seems to have an upper hand to play alongside Charles Godfrey at safety. If Mitchell gets off to a hot statistical start and looks effective on the field, I may change my tune.
chicago bearS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Lance Briggs, James Anderson
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: D.J. Williams, Jon Bostic
Preseason Notes:
I'm beginning to warm to Bostic. I'm still not certain the Bears can convert his athleticism into a strong between the tackles middle linebacker, but there are signs of potential in his preseason play. With Williams likely out well into the season with a calf strain, Bostic could cement his base defensive role early. He'll have a harder time unseating Anderson from subpackages, however.
Corey Wootton should be firmly on your radar now as an upside DL3. His FantasyPros consensus ranking is currently DL48 and none of my esteemed FBG colleagues have him ranked about DL34. Healthy and likely to see 700 snaps opposite Julius Peppers with solid zone coverage behind him, Wootton could easily put up DL2 numbers. He'll be a highlighted target in my perfect draft feature later this week.
cincinnati bengALS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Vontaze Burfict
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
Although Lamur is now battling a hamstring injury, nothing has changed since OTAs for the Bengals. Burfict lined up on the weak side, James Harrison on the strong side, and Rey Maualuga in the middle during OTAs, with Burfict and Lamur were the first team nickel defenders. Lamur impressed the coaching staff late last year and has drawn praise throughout the offseason. He looks locked into the subpackage role, with Maualuga getting the call if and when Lamur can't play. If there's an injury during the season, Lamur could move onto the every-down line.
With the front seven set -- yes, though less than last season, Carlos Dunlap may still rotate with Robert Geathers on base downs -- the lone camp competition continues to be at strong safety. George Iloka and Shawn Williams are the main competitors, though Taylor Mays is still getting a shot to prove himself. Iloka has taken the majority of first team snaps, but is now missing time with a wrist injury. If you're making a bet with a DB2 / DB3 flyer, Williams should be your target. Williams is the better run defender; Iloka isn't likely to top 60 solos if he starts.
cleveland brownS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: D'Qwell Jackson, Craig Robertson, Paul Kruger, Jabaal Sheard
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Barkevious Mingo
Preseason Notes:
There's not much mystery in the Cleveland front seven. The Browns are going to be more aggressive in their front seven, Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor are healthy, and all four starting linebackers are going to play major roles. By year's end, barring injury, the snap counts in Cleveland are going to look much like that of San Francisco, where the front seven have averaged over 50 snaps per game. Mingo will have a role when he returns from his lung contusion, but it's likely to be a situational role only. Whether Rubin or Robertson see fewer snaps as a result is yet to be determined.
The secondary rotation is less assured, with open competitions opposite Joe Haden at corner and T.J. Ward at safety. There may be a little value to be found in whomever wins the CB2 job, but it's not a must-watch situation.
dallas cowboyS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Sean Lee, Bruce Carter
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
There's no mystery here. Both Lee and Carter are reportedly fully recovered from the injuries that prematurely ended their 2012 seasons. Both fit well in Monte Kiffin's underfront scheme that asks linebackers to be athletic, rangy and capable in coverage. Ernie Sims is already hurt and Justin Durant isn't a threat.
DeMarcus Ware looks healthier than he has in three seasons and has reminded everyone that he's been very productive from a three point stance when the Cowboys played a 4-2-5 nickel formation in the past. He's cemented himself in the elite DE tier. Anthony Spencer and Morris Claiborne haven't shown their potential value due to injury, but belong on your draft lists at their respective positions. Unfortunately, the safety situation looks to remain a mess for another season. The rotation deserves your attention only if Carter or Lee suffer an injury.
denver broncoS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Wesley Woodyard, Von Miller (susp)
Favorites: Danny Trevathan
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
Von Miller has been suspended for six games. That will likely force the Broncos to use Shaun Phillips as a hybrid defensive end / strong side linebacker. Depending on his league site classification, he may have starting value. Stewart Bradley had moved ahead of Nate Irving as the starting middle linebacker in the base defense but a wrist injury will knock him out for an extended period. Instead of moving Irving back into the middle -- he's been seeing time as the base strong side linebacker as the Broncos plan for their time without Miller -- the Broncos have decided to move Woodyard to middle linebacker and promote Trevathan to the starting lineup. Trevathan was already seeing the majority of nickel snaps, making him a near lock to play every down.
Duke Ihenacho currently has an edge on Mike Adams at one safety position. There may be some streaming safety value with Ihenacho given Bradley's lack of range. And with Champ Bailey likely to miss regular season time, Chris Harris should again have solid value as a CB2. Dynasty leaguers will want to watch the snap counts for Quanterus Smith. If he starts adding snaps, he could be a long term value add.
detroit lionS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
The Lions haven't played many nickel snaps this preseason, but I expect Levy to be the primary subpackage defender. He'll be one of the most underwhelming every-down fantasy linebacker available, however. With the so-so range of Tulloch, the inconsistent physical presence of Levy and a host of corners who won't rack up tackles, the best relative value on the Detroit defense will be safety Glover Quin. Consider him at the end of the elite tier and a priority DB2.
Ezekiel Ansah flashed with a sticky hands interception in the first preseason week, but he's yet to show much in pass rush. Ansah is playing with good leverage against the run, something that he struggled with at times at BYU. That suggests he's taking to Jim Washburn's coaching and bodes well for his future. The strength of the Lions' pass rush is the interior line, however, and both Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh may be top five defensive tackles and DL3+ fantasy players this year. If Detroit shifts their personnel around the line as they have in the past (Suh outside, Ansah inside, etc.), it could boost the value of all.
green bay packerS
Every-Down Linebackers
Locks: Clay Matthews, Brad Jones
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: A.J. Hawk, Nick Perry
Preseason Notes:
Jones is locked in as the every-down weak inside linebacker. Hawk has never been a viable cover linebacker in space and the Packers usually lean toward dime subpackages. That's likely to continue this season. Green Bay would like Perry to play every down opposite Matthews and Mike McCarthy had good things to say about Perry after OTAs. It's been mostly a rotation at that spot in the preseason, however.
There's not much change in the secondary. The Packers are unlikely to have a strong fantasy option other than Morgan Burnett, but there's enough cornerback talent here to consider if one breaks out to a hot start.
houston texaNS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Brian Cushing, Brooks Reed
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Whitney Mercilus, Joe Mays
Preseason Notes:
Cushing saw his first preseason action last week and will again -- if healthy -- be far and away the best tackler in the front seven. With the Texans still looking for someone to step up at outside linebacker, Reed's potential move inside never got off the ground. He'll play every down outside. Mercilus hasn't played in the preseason with a hamstring injury and promising youngster Trevardo Williams has also battled injury. Mercilus still has a shot to play every down, but he's no longer a lock to do so. Mays currently leads Darryl Sharpton at the other inside linebacker spot. The Texans seemed to want a long look at their base defense last week, with the lone subpackage snap being a dime look with Danieal Manning as a hybrid linebacker.
For now, D.J. Swearinger Sr is running with the second team at strong safety. With Ed Reed still recovering, it's been Shiloh Keo at free safety. If Reed's absence drags on, a Swearinger SS / Manning FS pairing may make more sense. Until that happens, Swearinger stays on the waiver wire in redraft leagues. You'll want to move on him quickly if the depth chart changes, however.
indianapolis coltS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Jerrell Freeman, Robert Mathis
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Kavell Conner, Kelvin Sheppard, Pat Angerer, Bjoern Werner
Preseason Notes:
The Colts linebacker situation has been a work in progress this offseason. Freeman just returned to the lineup after fighting through a shoulder injury early in camp and is locked into an every-down role. So, is Robert Mathis. It's likely that Werner will rotate in for Erik Walden in subpackages at the other outside linebacker spot. There's a good battle at the other inside linebacker position, however. Local reports give Conner a slight edge, but Sheppard is reportedly running with the first team in the team's nickel package and got the start ahead of Conner in the second preseason game. Angerer might be in the mix -- the team listed him as the starter on their first preseason depth chart -- but he's playing catchup after only recently being activated off the PUP list.
In the secondary, LaRon Landry continues to miss time with a knee injury, making Antoine Bethea the best option for fantasy value. Greg Toler is back healthy and should claim a cornerback job. With Toler and Landry available, there will be lots of competition for tackles in the back seven.
jacksonville jaguarS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Paul Posluszny, Russell Allen (inj)
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
Allen is out with an ankle injury but will play every down when healthy. Geno Hayes, who was starting at the other outside linebacker position, has replaced him in the nickel. Keen-eyed team observers, including Eric Stoner, are raving about what LaRoy Reynolds has done with the first team since Allen went down. It's too soon to do more than put Reynolds on our watch lists, but seeing unheralded players thrive when they get the chance is how you uncover fantasy values like Desmond Bishop, Jerrell Freeman, David Hawthorne, Wesley Woodyard and so many others.
Jason Babin is getting the majority of snaps at defensive end. Gus Bradley likes a stout left defensive end -- Tyson Alualu currently -- which leaves Jeremy Mincey (inside at tackle) and Andre Branch (wide 9-tech) as situational players. Mincey has looked better in his role than Branch. In the secondary, Jonathan Cyprien has only recently recovered from his hamstring problem. He's been inconsistent early, but has elite potential given the likely high tackle opportunity and replacement level outside linebacker group.
kansas city chiefS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston, Tamba Hali
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
The Chiefs will start Akeem Jordan next to Johnson inside, but Eric Berry will again serve as a hybrid linebacker in their primary subpackage. Johnson and Berry are the only high upside tackle options on the depth chart.
Justin Houston continues to be undervalued despite a 53-10 season last year. Note that his double digit sack season came on the strength of just 352 pass rush opportunities per Pro Football Focus due to the Chiefs woeful offensive production. For comparison, DeMarcus Ware had 100 more pass rush chances in 140 less snaps. Clay Matthews had 30 more in 275 fewer snaps. A little improvement in the Chiefs' offense under Andy Reid could make Houston a star.
miami dolphinS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Dannell Ellerbe, Philip Wheeler
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
Ellerbe and Wheeler have established themselves as linebacker anchors as expected. Koa Misi will play strong side linebacker in base packages. Dion Jordan looked good during the first preseason game but lingering shoulder concerns kept him out of practice and last week's game. He's behind Olivier Vernon in both base and subpackages for now, but Miami will find a way to get him involved when he's healthy.
Brent Grimes could return to his pre-injury CB2+ form with the Dolphins, but Reshad Jones remains the most viable fantasy value in the secondary. If Ellerbe and Wheeler are rangy and effective, however, Jones could see his tackle numbers regress.
minnesota vikingS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Chad Greenway
Favorites: Erin Henderson
Waiting for Clarity: Desmond Bishop
Preseason Notes:
I worried about whether Bishop could return to form after his ruptured hamstring last year, but it's been a groin injury that has limited in camp. Leslie Frazier told reporters that Bishop needed to show something soon and, after running with the second team for most of last week, Bishop will get a chance to play with the ones in the third preseason game. He'll likely rotate with Marvin Mitchell, who's been starting at outside linebacker throughout the preseason. Should Bishop not impress, Henderson gets yet another chance to cement himself as an every-down middle linebacker.
new england patriotS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Jerod Mayo
Favorites: Brandon Spikes
Waiting for Clarity: Dont'a Hightower
Preseason Notes:
Spikes skipped OTAs, raising concerns about whether the team could trust him in an every-down role. Spikes came into camp in extremely good shape and looks more explosive than ever. In a contract year, a motivated Spikes could finally be an LB2+ fantasy value if he can stay healthy. Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones are both also looking strong midway through camp.
The secondary may not provide much fantasy value with a strong front four and Mayo, Spikes, and Hightower competing for tackles at the line of scrimmage. Devin McCourty had 63 solos last year, but will need his big play stats to remain above-average to remain startable with Adrian Wilson alongside him.
new orleans saintS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Curtis Lofton
Favorites: Will Smith
Waiting for Clarity: Jonathan Vilma, David Hawthorne, Martez Wilson, Junior Galette
Preseason Notes:
The Saints have been without most of their linebackers this preseason. Vilma had arthroscopic knee surgery and could miss regular season games. Wilson and Galette have both been battling minor injuries; Wilson just returned to practice, Galette remains sidelined. Hawthorne has had durability concerns but started the second preseason game with both Vilma and Lofton (also battling a minor injury) out. Lofton will play every down, but he's the only lock. The other inside linebacker spot is up for grabs, with Vilma the frontrunner and Hawthorne, Ramon Humber and Will Herring all in the mix for rotational time.
At safety, Roman Harper has been starting alongside Malcolm Jenkins, with Kenny Vaccaro rotating into the slot with Jenkins in subpackages. If that rotation sticks, Harper may continue to hold the DB1 value he's provided throughout his career.
new york giantS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks:
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Mark Herzlich, Keith Rivers, Jacquian Williams, Spencer Paysinger, Dan Connor
Preseason Notes:
The Giants have always -- and successfully -- prioritized athletic depth along the line and rangy playmakers in the secondary. But their depth chart at linebacker gets more comical every year. New York may look five players deep again this year, but there are major question marks about durability and versatility throughout. In the second preseason game, it was Connor starting at middle linebacker with Paysinger and Rivers outside. The Giants showed just one nickel package, with Paysinger and Williams. After starting the first preseason game, Herzlich didn't play until the second series of the third quarter. If you're looking to roster a flyer here, Paysinger may be the best option, but it's better to avoid this group altogether. With the potential for a five-man rotation, strong safety Stevie Brown may be the leading tackler on the team.
Justin Tuck is currently battling a hamstring injury, but should see the majority of snaps at defensive end. In the second preseason game, Cullen Jenkins often played base downs at end then kicked inside to 3-technique in subpackages. If that continues, he'll have DT1 potential in tackle-required leagues. Mathias Kiwanuka has been a situational rusher only.
new york jetS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Calvin Pace, David Harris, Demario Davis
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Quinton Coples (inj)
Preseason Notes:
The Jets have again been a multiple front defense through the first two preseason games, using a mix of 46-like and 3-4 fronts. Harris and Davis have played every down. Davis has been around the ball, but he needs to be more decisive and downhill to reach his LB2 upside. Coples was close to getting enough snaps to be considered an every-down outside linebacker, but a broken leg will keep him out well into the regular season.
Dawan Landry is entrenched at one safety spot, but the Jets are hoping either Antonio Allen or Jaiquawn Jarrett step up at the other spot. Both have some run stopping ability, but neither will provide enough in coverage to be a stable fantasy option. Muhammad Wilkerson is one of a handful of underrated 3-4 defensive ends with 50-6 upside. He's a high floor DL3+ fantasy option. Keep an eye on both Sheldon Richardson and Dee Milliner. Both could surprise by midseason.
oakland raiders
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Nick Roach, Sio Moore, Kevin Burnett
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
The Oakland defense has issues, but there are some promising areas of fantasy value. Tyvon Branch seems undervalued -- his ADP is toward the back half of the top ten -- but has 80 solo tackle upside. Lamarr Houston is quietly one of the better defensive ends in the league and should continue to improve. He's a high floor DE2.
It's Sio Moore that has attracted my attention this preseason, however. Moore stood out in the pre-draft process as a potential every-down player inside or outside. With Miles Burris struggling to get healthy, Moore got an early look at a starting job and has looked like a veteran. He's also getting snaps as a situational rusher in nickel downs. He could be another Daryl Washington in the longer term.
philadelphia eagleS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Trent Cole, Connor Barwin
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Brandon Graham
Preseason Notes:
Kendricks didn't have a great first preseason game, reacting more than playing the physical, downhill style that made him a favorite of mine before last year's draft. His second preseason game was better and he is showing signs that the new defense may be slowing down for him. Cole and Barwin seem locked in as the outside linebackers. Graham hasn't been able to crack the starting lineup.
Patrick Chung has been healthy and may finally return to the DB1 value he flashed before durability concerns began affecting his snap count in New England. He's climbing back up my draft board as an upside DB2. Earl Wolff is in a tight competition with Nate Allen at free safety. Neither is likely to have more than matchup safety value.
pittsburgh steelerS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Larry Foote
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Jason Worilds, Jarvis Jones
Preseason Notes:
Timmons becomes the clear centerpiece of the Pittsburgh front seven this year. The Steelers struck out on the development of Stevenson Sylvester and Sean Spence in recent years, so Foote returns to a likely every-down role. All four outside linebackers are likely to see time, but a healthy Woodley will likely see 800+ snaps and meet every-down criteria.
Ryan Clark may quietly -- again -- be the better fantasy safety here over Troy Polamalu. Cortez Allen has struggled with injury this preseason, but has a strong fantasy profile and could be a solid CB2.
St. louis ramS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
Ogletree has been playing every down in the first two preseason games. Though he's been average at best, Dunbar's four game suspension will give Ogletree time to work his issues out under fire during the regular season. Ogletree will need to play with much better leverage at the point of attack and read run-pass much more quickly to be able to take advantage of his athleticism and make tackles from sideline to sideline. Don't get discouraged if he starts slowly.
Darian Stewart looks like he'll start at safety again, but is dealing with yet another injury this week. T.J. McDonald has some upside at the other safety position, but needs to be more decisive in all phases. There's likely to be too much variance to trust McDonald with a fantasy roster slot.
san diego chargerS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Donald Butler, Jarrett Johnson
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Manti Te'o (inj), Dwight Freeney
Preseason Notes:
Te'o may miss time in the regular season with a foot sprain. The Chargers showed some dime looks in the first preseason game, but Te'o was a part of the base and nickel package. He didn't look like a dynamic between the tackles linebacker in the few snaps he played, but the depth behind him -- Bront Bird, D.J. Smith, Andrew Gachkar -- isn't talented enough to keep Te'o out of the lineup when he returns to health.
Those in tackle-heavy, deeper leagues should keep both Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes on your high floor DL2 / DL3 lists. And there's still room for safety Brandon Taylor to have some fantasy value if he can recover from last year's torn ACL. Keep him on the watch list, too.
san francisco 49erS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
There's nothing to see here. Craig Dahl is currently running with the first team at safety, but it won't be long before Eric Reid overtakes him. With the relatively low tackle opportunity and two of the most consistent inside linebackers in the league, there won't be much statistical opportunity for Reid when he does crack the lineup.
I'm interested in seeing the progression of rookie Tank Carradine as he recovers from last year's torn ACL, but there won't be any fantasy value here until 2014.
seattle seahawks
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Bruce Irvin (susp), Chris Clemons, Cliff Avril
Preseason Notes:
The Seahawks flashed more frequent 3-4 underfront looks in the first preseason game, with Wright stacked alongside the middle linebacker behind the line. Avril, Irvin, and Clemons have yet to take a preseason snap, however, so it's still unclear who will see the majority of snaps at either outside linebacker position or the Leo role. Still the alignment is notable. If it's the primary base front, it's good news for Wright's tackle upside and could hinder Kam Chancellor slightly. It's something to watch closely, since the Seattle defense is good enough to limit its own opportunity. The fewer the snaps, the more magnified the ripple effect may be.
tampa bay buccaneerS
Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: Lavonte David
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Mason Foster, Dekoda Watson
Preseason Notes:
Foster is an average talent whose fantasy statistics are more impressive than his on-field play. The Bucs used him in some nickel packages, but shelved him for Watson, who often lined up as a down defensive end in dime looks. That looks to be the 2013 plan based on the first two preseason games. Foster will have some strong fantasy weeks, but you'll want to use him only against teams that won't spread the field often. Watson is in a battle with Jonathan Casillas for base snaps, however, so he's not likely to be sneaky fantasy value.
Da'Quan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn are still struggling to return to health after their severe injuries. Bowers has admitted that conditioning is a concern, but the Bucs may not have the horses to rest him much. Both he and Clayborn have 40-8 or better upside, but their low floor makes them risky DL2 options.
Mark Barron quietly put up 72 solos and 10 passes defensed last year. He could break out this year. And watch the progress of rookie corner Johnthan Banks. If Darrelle Revis is as close to full strength as he says, Banks will be targeted very often if he wins a starting job.
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Every-Down Linebackers
Locks: Zach Brown, Moise Fokou
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity: Akeem Ayers (inj)
Preseason Notes:
Colin McCarthy couldn't make it through a single practice in camp without needing the assistance of the medical staff. This time, it's a hamstring injury that's cost him multiple weeks of practice. Mike Munchak didn't give Fokou much of a vote of confidence in naming him the starter, essentially saying that Fokou was the only middle linebacker in pads and had won the job by TKO. Fokou could have some fantasy value, but he'll compete for tackles with a solid secondary and a rangy outside linebacker in Brown.
It was speculated that the Titans may rotate Michael Griffin and George Wilson with Bernard Pollard, but Wilson has seen no time with the first team in the preseason. That puts Pollard comfortably in the elite safety tier, especially with McCarthy out and Ayers also struggling with injury.
I've written about Morgan's per snap pressure stats on multiple occasions this year and remain high on him as a DL2 with elite upside. Unfortunately, Kamerion Wimbley has struggled in the preseason and may be working himself into a situational role. Though still capable of bursts of greatness, the combination of a low snap count and maddening inconsistency will keep Wimbley off my draft board.
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Every-Down Linebackers:
Locks: London Fletcher, Perry Riley, Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan
Favorites:
Waiting for Clarity:
Preseason Notes:
The Redskins won't take their starting linebackers off the field in subpackages. There's some durability concern with Fletcher (who finally started to show signs of breaking down last year) and Orakpo, but both look healthy this preseason. The peripheral stats on Kerrigan have been terrific, but I'm still not sold. I don't have a strong argument to make against Kerrigan, however, which means I'm likely underrating him.
Phillip Thomas and Bacarri Rambo looked to be the safeties of the future, but Thomas suffered a Lisfranc injury that will keep him out this year. Brandon Meriweather has upside at safety, but his durability record is terrible and he can't be trusted from one week to the next. Rambo could be a lesser version of Jairus Byrd or Earl Thomas but the statistical upside isn't there for fantasy leaguers.
Follow and ask questions on Twitter @JeneBramel or email at bramel@footballguys.com.