Power Ranking the 50 Best Individual Defensive Players in Fantasy Football

As players and teams gear up for the start of football season with training camp, endless meetings and ice baths, fans are doing the same. Well, kind of.

Fantasy football preparation is in full swing as fantasy football aficionados across the country are ranking their top quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and defensive players.

While many are sitting contemplating whether to draft Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady in the first round of their draft, some are thinking defense and not just from a team perspective.

IDP leagues, or individual defensive players leagues, fans are able to draft defensive players instead of team specific defenses.

First time drafting in an IDP league and need a little assistance? Cool.

Well, before we get into ranking the players that you should draft, here is a quick rundown of how the point system works.

For most leagues, a solo tackle is worth one point, a sack, three points, an interception is good for five and a touchdown is worth six. But of course, you should read the rules before heading into your draft.

Now, allow me to introduce you to the top 50 best IDP in fantasy football.

Patrick Willis, LB, 49ers

Willis was a beast last season, but that’s typical for him. He posted almost 130 sacks, six sacks and two forced fumbles last season.

Willis is a great pick here because the 49ers offense should be destitute, and the defense will see the field plenty.

If you’re looking for an edge rusher for sack reasons, then Willis isn’t necessarily your guy as he averages about three sacks per season.

DeMarcus Ware, LB, Cowboys

Ware isn’t a tackle machine. His highest tackle total for his career was 84 in 2008 so if you’re looking for a serial tackler Ware isn’t your guy.

But DeMarcus will get sacks and plenty of them. He led the NFL with 15.5 sacks last season, and he had 20 in 2008.

The Cowboys have a new defensive coordinator in Rob Ryan, and that should allow Ware to get more aggressive.

Rolando McClain, LB, Raiders

McClain is in his second season, and the expectations are pretty high for the former Alabama linebacker.

He totaled 85 tackles last and produced a half sack in his rookie season.

He should have even better numbers this season and expect his sack numbers to rise a bit as well.

Barrett Ruud, LB, Titans

Ruud left the burgeoning Bucs to join the tanking Titans, but that’s another article.

Ruud is another player with a high ceiling, and depending on how the Titans quarterback position plays out, his opportunities to make plays should strengthen.

He had almost 120 tackles in 2010 with two sacks. Those numbers should rise in 2011 as he joins a team in flux.

Paul Posluszny, LB, Jaguars

Posluszny left the Bills for the sunny skies of Florida in the offseason.

He has a legendary linebacker as his head coach now, well in my eyes he’s legendary, in Jack Del Rio, and he shouldn’t see a dip in his numbers.

Pos had 151 total tackles in 2010 with two sacks. Expect the same numbers in Jacksonville.

Jon Beason, LB, Panthers

Beason is seriously underrated even on this list.

He’s routine with his plus-100 tackle seasons and has a knack for finding the ball no matter where it is on the field.

Another player who should see the field a lot, I would take Beason just based off his past play and level of consistency.

James Laurinaitis, LB, Rams

The Rams have a nice young nucleus in place, and Laurinaitis fits in well.

He had over 100 tackles last season with three sacks, and living in Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive defensive system should allow him to continue to flourish.

Jerod Mayo,LB, Patriots

He’s only been in the league for three full seasons, and Mayo is a key cog in the Pats defensive scheme.

My man had almost 200 combined tackles last season with two sacks.

The Patriots offense should have a little more umph to it in 2011, but that doesn’t mean that Mayo won’t get his numbers.

Clay Matthews Jr., LB, Packers

Matthews was something like a beast in 2010. He was all over the field and all over your TV screen.

Matthews had a total of 60 tackles, one pick, and 13.5 sacks in 2010 on a fractured bone in his leg.

If he can manage to play that well injured, just think of how well he’ll play in 2011.

Eric Berry, DB, Chiefs

Berry is a nice young player, and in 2010 he showed why. He totaled 92 total tackles with four interceptions and two sacks.

If his production improves then Berry is going to turn into one of the best defensive players in the entire league.

Jonathan Vilma, LB, Saints

Noticing a trend here? Linebackers are your best bet for points in 2011.

Vilma is aging, but he’s not slowing down as much. He had 105 tackles with four sacks and one interception.

Not too high on my list of players, but he should stay consistent.

Terrell Suggs, LB, Ravens

Suggs' middle name should be entertainment. He’s always up for a good quote, and not to mention he’s a pretty good player.

Suggs is good for sacks, but not really tackles. He had 11 sacks and 68 tackles in 2010, and those numbers should not change that much in 2011.

David Harris, LB, Jets

Harris had a bit of a down year in 2010 as he only had 99 tackles and three sacks.

Harris is coached by Rex Ryan, and he should see an uptick in his production in 2011.

That’s based on a feeling and nothing statistical.

Nick Barnett, LB, Bills

Barnett was injured for most of 2010, and he’s looking for redemption in 2011.

He was let go by the Packers and picked up by the Bills in the offseason.

Before his injury, Barnett was good for at least 100 tackles, and those numbers should return in 2011.

Eric Weddle, DB, Chargers

Taking a small break from linebackers, Weddle is a grimy defensive back who’s more like a linebacker playing in the defensive backfield.

He totaled 96 tackles last season, a half sack and two picks. He’s not going to get many interceptions, but he’s a tackling machine.

Curtis Lofton, LB, Falcons

The Falcons have some great players on defense like Lofton and defensive back Brent Grimes.

Lofton has some lofty numbers as he racked up 118 tackles and two sacks in 2010.

He’s only in his fourth year, and there should be no drop off in production in 2011.

Yeremiah Bell, DB, Dolphins

Bell is like Weddle being that he’s a great tackler. He had 101 tackles with 1.5 sacks and one interception.

Bell is a fantastic football player, and while he won’t pick off many passes, he isn’t afraid of contact.

Mario Williams, Hybrid, Texans

Williams will technically play the linebacker position this season as the Texans switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

Williams will play up or down depending on how Phillips uses him, and if that turns out as well as I’m thinking, Williams’ should have an explosive season.

He only had 8.5 sacks and 28 tackles last season, but that was due to injury.

LaMarr Woodley, LB, Steelers

Woodley plays well in the Steelers scheme, and he has grown exceedingly well.

He gets great sack numbers, 10 in 2010 and 13.5 in 2009, and his tackling numbers aren’t bad either.

Woodley is a good sleeper pick if you’re trying to surprise your league by drafting him early.

DeMeco Ryans, LB, Texans

Ryans is a great defensive player but had an off-year last year due to injury as he only played in six games.

He should be back to the tackling machine that he was in 2009 when he had 123 total tackles.

Ryans should do well in Wade Phillip’s new 3-4 scheme, and I wouldn’t have any trepidation of drafting him early.

Brian Cushing, LB, Texans

His 2010 season was cut short due to suspension, but in 2009 he had 134 tackles and five sacks.

If he’s able to get back to his 2009 production, then drafting Cushing high could pay off greatly.

Roman Harper, DB, Saints

Harper is another hard-nosed defensive back.

In 2010 he had 98 tackles, and in 2009 he totaled 102. He’s consistent and should have another stellar season in 2011.

Harper had one pick last season, but his tackling numbers alone should get you a nice amount of points.

Jared Allen, DE, Vikings

Allen is a great interview and that mullet was a thing of beauty.

He had 11 sacks and 60 tackles for two head coaches, and with more stability he should have another great season in 2011.

Justin Tuck, DE, Giants

Tuck has great sack numbers as evidenced by his career total of 40.5 sacks.

He had 11.5 sacks last season with 76 tackles.

He should have great numbers again in 2011 as the Giants try and reinforce their standing as one of the league’s most dangerous defensive units.

Trent Cole, DE, Eagles

I’ve always liked Cole because he’s a great player, and I think he’s cool. Is that a good reason to like a player?

Anyway, Cole had 10 sacks last season with 65 tackles and should have the same numbers if not better in 2011.

Tamba Hali, LB, Chiefs

Hali had a breakout season in 2010 with 14.5 sacks and 51 tackles.

If he’s able to sustain that production going into the 2011 season, then Hali should become a household name.

He’s always had decent tackle numbers, but his sack total is what took him over the top last year.

Stephen Tulloch, LB, Lions

The Lions have a young team that’s full of talent in Detroit.

He’s young, entering his seventh season, and ferocious. In 2010, he had 160 tackles with one interception and no sacks.

If you’re looking for a player who can tackle then take him, but you should be able to draft him in the later rounds.

Chad Greenway, LB, Vikings

Greenway is turning into a nice young linebacker for the Vikings.

He had 144 tackles in 2010, and I believe he’ll have similar production in 2011.

Greenway racks the tackles up in bunches, and he has a decent pair of hands on him as well.

Cameron Wake, LB, Dolphins

Wake totaled 14 sacks in 2010 after only having five the previous season.

This increase in production from 2009 is a sign that he’s growing and maturing in the Dolphins system.

Wake should have a great 2011 and may be worth a late-round pick.

Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens

Lewis is old in football years, but he doesn’t play that way. He had 139 tackles last season with two sacks and two interceptions. If he falls off the cliff in 2011, then he had a hell of a run, but I don’t expect him to.

Lewis is worth a late-round pick because always has a ton of tackles and is good for a touchdown or two.

London Fletcher, LB, Redskins

Fletcher is as consistent as they come. He always has great numbers when it comes to tackling, and he usually throws a sack in there for good measure.

He has nice hands and will usually cause a few turnovers. In 2010, Fletcher totaled 136 tackles with 2.5 sacks. I say he’s worth a late-round pick.

Robert Mathis, DE, Colts

The first Colts player on the list is Mathis. He’s always good for great sack numbers, and he’s one great defensive end.

He had 11 sacks in 2010, and that’s routine for Mathis. Expect the same numbers from 2010 to carry over to 2011.

Charles Woodson, DB, Packers

I’ve always liked Charlie Wood dating back to his days as a Michigan Wolverine.

He’s turned into a great cornerback, and last season was one of his best.

He had 92 total tackles with two picks and two sacks. In 2009, when he was named the NFL’s defensive player of the year, Woodson had nine picks with 66 tackles.

He may be worth picking higher, but Woodson won’t disappoint.

James Anderson, LB, Panthers

In 2010, Anderson was tied for sixth in the NFL for most solo tackles with 101. He had 130 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception.

I think he’s hit his stride in the league, and his 2010 numbers should become routine for him.

Lawrence Timmons, LB, Steelers

The Steelers have a great set of defensive players, and Timmons is in the top three.

He had 96 solo tackles and 135 combined with two picks and three sacks.

Timmons is consistent, stable, and won’t disappoint in 2011.

Chris Hope, DB, Titans

I like Hope, but he’s getting older, and last year may have been an aberration.

He totaled 101 tackles with one pick and one sack.

I think that he can still play at a high level for Tennessee, and should be a good bye week type of player.

James Harrison, LB, Steelers

Probably one of the most hated players in the league, Harrison is too good for you not to respect his talent.

He’s 33 and entering his ninth season. He had 70 solo tackles last season with 10.5 sacks.

He’ll perform well, if he can stay on the field barring any type of suspension.

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Lions

Suh is a beast of a player who totaled 10 sacks and 66 total tackles. If his production increases, then this man will turn into the best defensive player in the NFL.

The Lions did Suh a favor by pairing him with rookie defensive lineman Nick Fairley, and if that works out for Detroit like everyone is thinking, then maybe Suh should be drafted higher.

Julius Peppers, DE, Bears

Peppers should have a great 2011 because he’ll have another year of growth in Chicago.

He totaled 54 tackles and eight sacks in 2010, and we should expect that production to increase this season.

Karlos Dansby, LB, Dolphins

Dansby played well for the Dolphins in 2010—his first season in Miami.

He totaled 78 solo tackles with three sacks.

Dansby is a player you may want to use depending on the game and during bye weeks.

Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears

Urlacher should be higher, but I just keep waiting for him to have a fall off.

He had 96 total tackles last season with four sacks and one interception which is a pretty good year.

The Bears are looking to make another run toward the Super Bowl, and that should increase Urlacher’s desire.

Craig Dahl, DB, Rams

Dahl’s production has increased in each of three NFL seasons, with his best year coming in 2010.

He had 87 solo tackles with two picks and one sack last year.

Dahl has a high ceiling, and he should have an even better 2011.

Tyvon Branch, DB, Raiders

Branch had 81 total tackles with four sacks and one interception in 2010.

Branch should have great numbers in 2011, and if his tackling numbers improve he may warrant a higher pick.

Kevin Burnett, LB, Dolphins

How Burnett will fit in with the Dolphins has yet to be seen, but if his 2010 numbers are any indication, he should do just fine.

Burnett totaled 95 tackles with six sacks, two picks and one touchdown. If he nears those totals again, the Dolphins will be well served, and so will the people who chose to draft him.

Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Raiders

Wimbley came over to the Raiders from the Browns in 2010 and had a decent season. He had nine sacks with 46 solo tackles—a pretty good haul for the sixth-year man.

If Wimbley’s production increases in 2011, then he may be better than just a bye week type of player.

Osi Umenyiora, DE, Giants

There is some trepidation in putting Osi on the list because of his situation with the Giants.

He had 11.5 sacks in 2010 with 48 tackles, and if he comes near that with the Giants or to the team that he may be traded to, then I say take a shot on Osi.

Paris Lenon, LB, Cardinals

Lenon had 94 solo tackles with the Cards last season.

He also had two interceptions with two sacks.

Lenon is better than just a stop gap player and should warrant starting consideration.

A.J. Hawk, LB, Packers

I think that Hawk did a great job last season, but it was lost in the Clay Matthews love fest.

He had 111 total tackles with three interceptions and a half sack.

Hawk is steady and reliable, and should have the same boring numbers in 2011.

Kerry Rhodes, DB, Cardinals

Here’s why I placed Rhodes on the list.

In 2010, he had two touchdowns with four picks and 78 solo tackles.

If he’s able to duplicate that production, then he warrants consideration based solely on his numbers.

Donte Whitner, DB, 49ers

San Fran got a steal with Whitner, and to round out the top 50, I think Whitner deserves a spot.

He had 96 total tackles with a total of 140.

He only had one interception and a half sack in 2010, but his tackling numbers alone should count for a lot.