IDP Keepers
LB Patrick Willis, ---
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The sky's the limit for this young tackling machine.
LB Demarcus Ware, ---
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20 sacks and 6 forced fumbles last season, 53.5 sacks and 18 forced fumbles over the past four years. Few players have ever come close to that kind of production, and the scary thing is that he'll only be 27 years old on opening day.
DE Jared Allen, ---
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48.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles in four years. Not quite Ware, but certainly Ware-territory.
LB Jon Beason, ---
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A steady, reliable source of tackles whose heady play should lead to more game changing moments as he continues to mature as a pro.
DE Mario Williams, ---
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When the Texans chose Williams over Reggie Bush in the 2006 draft, crazed Houston apologists tried to convince us the move would pay off in the long run. More than 30 sacks later, we grudgingly acknowledge their foresight.
LB Jonathan Vilma, ---
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Well-rounded superstar who returned to form last season, manning the middle for the Saints' 4-3.
S Oshiomogho Atogwe, ---
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Canadian-born star mixes superb athleticism with uncanny field awareness.
LB Terrell Suggs, ---
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Don't concern yourself over Rex Ryan's departure. Suggs can put up big numbers in any defensive system.
DE Julius Peppers, ---
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Only an extended holdout could prevent Peppers from another season of IDP stardom.
S Eric Weddle, ---
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Weddle posted double-digit tackles in eight of 16 games last season. Tackling isn't his only strength; Weddle tallied 18 interceptions during his college career, so you know he's not a one-dimensional defender.
LB Karlos Dansby, ---
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Dansby becomes a Free Agent in 2010 and will be playing for a juicy new contract. He's not a household name to fans outside of Arizona, but you can bet there are plenty of scouts around the league keeping tabs on him.
LB Kirk Morrison, ---
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A plus tackler who also excels in coverage; Morrison is the total IDP package.
LB James Harrison, ---
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At 31, Harrison has almost certainly reached his peak. Now it's just a matter of: a) how long he can maintain and, b) how quickly he will decline.
DE Justin Tuck, ---
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Tuck did it on his own last season, despite facing constant double-teams. Playing opposite a healthy Osi Umenyiora only helps his chances to improve on a stellar 2008.
LB DeMeco Ryans, ---
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Tackle numbers have declined steadily since his explosive rookie season, but 112 last year is nothing to sneeze at.
LB Lance Briggs, ---
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Urlacher is still the leader of the Bears' linebacking corps, but Briggs is fast becoming the better player.
LB Barrett Ruud, ---
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Play-making Ruud deserves a new contract. The Buccaneers should cave on this one.
