FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT GUIDE

The #1 fantasy defense last year, and there’s no reason to think they shouldn’t be ranked #1 coming into this season. Edge rusher Mark Anderson is a year older and wiser. They added the speedy Dan Bazuin for even more pass rushing power. The addition of veteran DB Adam Archuleta should stabilize the sometimes-shaky backfield. And don’t forget the playmakers in Nathan Vasher and Devin Hester.

The Ravens started 2006 off hot but then had a four-game cold stretch that forced frustrated owners to dump them to seek other options. Many owners will be weary again this year, especially with the departure of LB Adelius Thomas. Well, the Ravens still have Ray Lewis, an improving Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed should start the season healthy.

The Pats added Adelius Thomas to an already steady linebacking corps and several young defensive linemen and backs. They started the 2006 season off rather rough, but had several big games down the stretch. Look for them to have plenty of big games this season.

Everyone knows that the Jags have a solid defense, but some under-rate them as a solid fantasy defense. The addition of FS Reggie Nelson will improve the defensive backfield. The Jags face the Texans twice and both Buffalo and Oakland, teams that may struggle in 2007. The possible downside is the fact that they do face the Colts twice and New Orleans once, teams that will put up plenty of points. Fortunately the Jags play the Colts very tough.

The Cowboys have slowly built themselves a pretty fearsome defense. This may be the year they put it all together and have a solid fantasy season too. They now have the hardest-hitting secondary with Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin and they have a terrific pass-rushing corps. Their schedule isn’t the best, in terms of possible fantasy output from a defensive standpoint, but they have the playmakers to put up stats regardless of opponent.

The heart and soul (and fantasy importance) of this team lies with LB Shawne Merriman. With Donnie Edwards departed, Merriman will have to step up his game on the field and improve his locker room presence. The Bolts started 2006 off with a big fantasy game but didn’t really put up huge numbers for the rest of the season. They were, however, very steady and have a very favorable 2007 schedule.

The Steelers have a pretty tough 2007 schedule but have reloaded their defense with young studs like Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley. SS Troy Polamalu is one of the best playmakers in the NFL and could propel the Steelers into the top-5 this season.

The Panthers were another fantasy defense that may have been overrated coming in to the 2006 season. They have a pretty good 2007 schedule and any team with Julius Peppers on it has the chance to put up huge fantasy stats. Rookie LB Jon Beason should provide depth and insurance for Dan Morgan. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Panthers were a top-5 fantasy defense yet again.

Denver added the high-motor pass rusher Jarvis Moss, who will instantly improve the front line. Dre Bly comes over from Detroit to play opposite Champ Bailey. That could be a pretty fearsome and play-making cornerback duo. And the cherry on top may be the moving of D.J. Williams to MLB, where he’ll be making plenty of big plays for the defense. The Broncos play the Raiders and Chiefs twice each, games which could net plenty of fantasy defense stats.

The Fins improved their linebacking corps with the addition of Joey Porter. Matt Roth could prove to be a solid pass-rusher opposite Jason Taylor. The interior of their line is old as dirt, but the linebacking corps and rush ends are difference makers.