Defensive Linemen (DL) Sleepers 2009
Starting on a Rams defense that needs help at nearly every position for the 2009 season, Long is one of the defensive cornerstones who could easily become a Pro-Bowl type player in the next year or two. After posting 40 tackles and 4 sacks in his rookie year last season, Long has the ability and potential to accumulate 60 tackles and 8 sacks during the 2009 season. If you are looking for a young defensive linemen who is reliable and proven at the NFL level, while still offering a very high upside, Long is the perfect pick for your fantasy football team in 2009. A top 25 overall DL ranking is appropriate for Long entering the 2009 season, with the potential to becoming a top 15 overall DL by the end of the season.
2008 Stats: 40 tackles, 33 solo tackles, 4 sacks, 0 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 0 passes defended
2. Gaines Adams – Tampa Bay (26) – DE
With just 38 tackles and 6 and 6.5 sacks in each of his first two NFL seasons, Adams the former 2007 1st round pick, #4 overall, could very easily have a breakout year in 2009. If you can draft Adams anywhere after a #15 overall defensive linemen pick, you should be getting a steal for your fantasy football team in 2009.
2008 Stats: 38 tackles, 27 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 0 forced fumbles, 6 passes defended
3. Derrick Harvey – Jacksonville (22) – DE
After failing to sign a contract early in training camp, Harvey was seemingly behind the eight ball from day one in the NFL. However on the positive side he did manage to play in all 16 games, and even tally 3.5 sacks and an interception. Offering big play and sack potential, Harvey could emerge as a top 25 overall defensive linemen in 2009, while being drafted well after the #40 pick in nearly all fantasy football drafts to begin the 2009 season.
2008 Stats: 19 tackles, 15 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 0 forced fumbles, 2 passes defended
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