FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT KIT

Comments: Even in the rather-undesirable 3-4 defense Willis is the undisputed top dog at linebacker in 2009.

Huddle Rank: 2  

Comments: Leading the league in preseason tackles and looking even better in DC Frank Bush's defense.

Comments: Is definitely the man for the Buc D now that the old guard has left. Expect a boatload of tackles.

Comments: He's still kind of a hybrid DE-LB but by far the best of that bunch. The sack count might jump up this year.

Comments: Will be settled into his role for the Saints is healthy and needs to be the playmaker for this real average defense.

Comments: Keeps racking up an insane amount of solo tackles the bread and butter for IDP stats.

Comments: Makes the tackles but offers little else. Still good enough for an elite LB1 in all formats.

Comments: Upped the solos last year which was a good sign. Expect better sack numbers this season.

Comments: Obviously is an elite DL after three straight big seasons. The backbone of an under-rated Philly defense.

Comments: Fletcher keeps plugging along at the ripe age of 34. Unfortunately he's just a tackle machine and not a big-time playmaker.

Comments: Tons of tackles because he has a ton of opportunities. The addition of Barton could limit those opportunities though.

Huddle Rank: 10  

Comments: Ray Ray is looking spry this preseason and the Ravens appear to be set with running the 4-3.

Comments: Has all but overtaken the top LB spot for the Bears. Expect plenty of solos as well as a handful of other stats.

Comments: Improvements to the interior line could open things up for the steady Mathis.

Comments: Don't sleep on this guy he's healthy and showed the ability to put up awesome stats in 2007.

Comments: The NFL's defensive POY is also an elite fantasy LB. Expect plenty of tackles with all the other stats.

Comments: If Kerney can stay healthy and do some damage on the other side Tapp will continue to improve.

Comments: Missed OTAs and minicamp but appears good to go to start the season. Expect solid numbers from the Pat LB.

Comments: Returned to action in 2008 and racked up a solid amount of tackles. You'd like to see the other stats start appearing.

Comments: Bounced back a bit in 2008 after a weak 2007 season. Expect a small bump-up in 2009.

Comments: Racked up the tackles in 2008 and should continue to do the same in 2009. Very solid LB2.

Comments: Definitely a viable fantasy option but just not the beast he once was. Very solid LB2 with LB1 potential if he can turn it up a bit.

Huddle Rank: 20  

Comments: Should rebound this season but is starting it with a bum elbow and the rookie Maybin signed and potentially moved in.

Comments: Which Williams will we get in 2009? 2008 version? Hope not. 2007 version? Hope so.

Comments: Arrival of Peterson isn't that much of a concern; lack of production in comparison to talent is.

Comments: Emerged with a bunch of solos last season but don't expect the same this season.

Comments: Merriman is back but that doesn't mean Cooper can't keep tackling.

Comments: Healthy and with loss of Barton should lead the Jet defense in tackles. Arrival of Bart Scott is just a minor concern.

Comments: Despite a hip injury he's still starting the season as the Jag MLB.

Comments: Someone has to make tackles up front for the Fins. Why not Crowder? Won't wow you with huge production but steady.

Huddle Rank: 27  

Comments: Expect a bit of a dropoff for Brackett who really just gives you tackles and not much else.

Huddle Rank: 27  

Comments: The Vikings' Williamses avoided the 4-game suspension. No such luck for the Saint DEs. Big hit to the Saint D.

Comments: Certainly talented but his grown could be delayed with the arrival of a motivated Mike Peterson who will steal stats.

Huddle Rank: 29  

Comments: Moves to the Pats and will fill the Richard Seymour void.

Comments: The arrival of Laurinaitis and 'Spoon's move to the weak side will mean limited chances of him returning to 2006 form.

Comments: Will have some stats siphoned off by Timmons/Woodley but is still a viable fantasy option.

Comments: Somehow finds a way to rack up a bunch of tackles despite the presence of Morrison.

Comments: The shift to the 3-4 will limit Barnett's chances at LB1 type stats and could drop him to a LB3 in most formats.

Huddle Rank: 33  

Comments: A solid talent but will lose numbers to Henderson.

Comments: Always shows signs of his ability to put up big numbers akin to his running mate Dansby.

Comments: Laurinaitis should probably put up the best rookie LB stats given his position and opportunities.

Comments: Who knows how the shift to the 3-4 will affect Hawk who has been a bit of a disappointment already.

Huddle Rank: 37  

Comments: The rookie Curry could actually challenge Tatupu for some stats.

Comments: Tons of talent but doesn't wow you with his production. Will arrival of Zach Thomas mean much? Maybe.

Huddle Rank: 39  

Comments: Mays will get the first shot at the MLB spot with Bradley out for the year. Could certainly produce with Gaither as the 4th LB.

Huddle Rank: 40  

Comments: Missing the first game of the season and is coming off surgery.

Comments: Will continue to be a solid edge rusher that puts up very solid tackle stats as well.

Comments: Stays on the weak side for the Bengals and should be presented with plenty of opportunities.

Comments: Slowed down a bit in 2008 and with arrival of Boley could see his stats continue to decline or at least taper off.

Comments: With Schobel commanding attention from the opposing OL the rookie could rack up decent numbers including some sacks.

Comments: Same position but now on a team with more tackling opportunities. Should return to the norm in terms of overall numbers though.

Comments: The starter but slated to come out in passing downs. Still a good bet for close to 100 total tackles though.

Comments: The jury is still out but even as the 'Hawks SLB he's just too good to not put up at least managable fantasy stats.

Huddle Rank: 48  

Comments: With Timmons ailing and Woodley already proven himself as a solid pass-rusher he could break out big time in 2009.

Comments: Is obviously familiar with the scheme but will likely play second fiddle to Harris.

Huddle Rank: 50  

Comments: A breakout season could be slowed by a bum knee. Lower the expectations slightly.