Over the next several weeks we'll be releasing our player previews. We kick things off with the Top 30 fantasy defenses for 2010.
Home Games: 8 EOS Def: 34 Def Ret: 7
The Buckeyes have several things going for them: a favorable non-conference schedule (minus Miami), eight home games and a roster loaded with future NFLers. At Camp Randall (Wisconsin) will probably be their toughest draw defensively. They have a pair of lockdown corners in Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence, a future top-10 NFL Draft pick at defensive end in Cameron Heyward and a stout linebacking corps led by Ross Homan and Brian Rolle.
2009 Stats: 31 Sack 24 Int 5 TD 2 Sfty 10 Fumb 163 PtsAg 1082 RuYdAg 2331 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 74 Def Ret: 9
There is probably not a team in the country that will host more NFL talent scouts than the Tar Heels this fall. With five potential first round picks (DT Marvin Austin, DE Robert Quinn, LB Bruce Carter, LB Quan Sturdivant and FS Deunta Williams) in next April's draft the Tar Heels are arguably the most talented defense in the country. Besides a week nine date with William & Mary, the Tar Heels' non-conference schedule is no cakewalk with LSU, Rutgers and East Carolina. And there is one more thing working against them, their offense. If they can't move the ball, the defense could spend a lot of time on the field.
2009 Stats: 31 Sack 19 Int 7 TD 1 Sfty 9 Fumb 222 PtsAg 1244 RuYdAg 2263 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 107 Def Ret: 10
The Broncos at home has always been a great play. With ten players with starting experience returning, that trend should only continue. If there is one problem, the schedule is a bit daunting. Opening up on the road (neutral site) against Virginia Tech and facing revenge-minded Oregon State in the first three weeks have us wondering if they are truly deserving of our lofty ranking.
2009 Stats: 26 Sack 24 Int 6 TD 1 Sfty 11 Fumb 240 PtsAg 1683 RuYdAg 2520 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 87 Def Ret: 6
The Cornhuskers must replace Ndamukong Suh but have two potential first rounders waiting in the wings in DT Jared Crick and CB Prince Amukamara. In all they return seven starters from a defense that held teams to an FBS best 10.4 points per game. Opening up against Western Kentucky and Idaho as well as avoiding Oklahoma certainly helps. Still Suh is going to be tough to replace.
2009 Stats: 44 Sack 20 Int 3 TD 0 Sfty 8 Fumb 146 PtsAg 1294 RuYdAg 2504 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 36 Def Ret: 7
TCU has become the most dominant non-BCS defense of the past several years. The Horned Frogs should be tough up the middle with LB Tank Carder (awesome name for a LB) and both defensive tackles returning. They have a big hole to fill, however, as they look to find a replacement for DE Jerry Hughes. Hughes was the Horned Frogs' top pass rusher. That role will likely go to DE Wayne Daniels, who has big shoes to fill.
2009 Stats: 33 Sack 14 Int 6 TD 1 Sfty 11 Fumb 166 PtsAg 1058 RuYdAg 2074 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 24 Def Ret: 6
One player on the verge of a breakout season is DE Nick Perry. Perry was a part-time player last season and registered eight sacks. Barring injury, Perry will boost that number well into the double digits in 2010. By all accounts he and the rest of the defensive line had a great spring. On the downside, two-year starter at defensive tackle, Christian Tupou, suffered a torn ligament in his left knee and likely will miss the 2010 season. The secondary must also replace hard hitting FS Taylor Mays. Still, barring a mental lapse after being barred from post-season festivities, we expect the Trojans to be a solid fantasy defense in 2010.
2009 Stats: 35 Sack 11 Int 4 TD 0 Sfty 11 Fumb 258 PtsAg 1666 RuYdAg 2760 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 43 Def Ret: 7
The Hawkeyes return eight defensive starters including their entire front four, so there are reasons to be optimistic. The star of the group is DE Adrian Clayborn, who is a surefire first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. They also have a pair of safeties in Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood that make the Hawkeyes equally tough in the secondary. Traveling to Arizona and facing Penn State early is a bit of a downer.
2009 Stats: 30 Sack 21 Int 2 TD 1 Sfty 9 Fumb 200 PtsAg 1607 RuYdAg 1988 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 16 Def Ret: 5
The Gators' ease of schedule ranking is deceiving. Tough defensive play skews the numbers. But this schedule is no cakewalk. There are only two gimmes: Miami (Oh) in Week One and Appalachian State in Week 12. The latter occurs during fantasy playoff time. The Gators must also replace an awful lot of NFL talent. Of course they have plenty returning. Most notable is the secondary where SS Ahmad Black, FS Will Hill and CB Janoris Jenkins will form one of the most dangerous secondaries in the country.
2009 Stats: 39 Sack 20 Int 4 TD 0 Sfty 3 Fumb 174 PtsAg 1406 RuYdAg 2127 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 60 Def Ret: 7
Playing in the offensive-minded Big 12 many thought we were crazy putting Texas among our top defenses in 2009. And the Longhorns did not disappoint with a stifling defense that was tops in the FBS in rushing yards allowed at 72.6 yards per game. With seven returning starters including DE Sam Acho (10 sacks in 2009), CB Curtis Brown and CB Aaron Williams. Throw in CB Chykie Brown, who also has starting experience, and this is one of the top secondaries in the country. Bonus points in the way of sacks and interceptions should be bountiful for fantasy owners. A Week 12 matchup against Florida Atlantic in heart of the playoff season should also catch the attention of shrewd drafters.
2009 Stats: 42 Sack 25 Int 9 TD 1 Sfty 12 Fumb 234 PtsAg 1035 RuYdAg 2514 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 42 Def Ret: 9
Miami showed signs of a rebirth of the intimidating Canes' defenses of old last season and should continue to make strides in 2010 with eight returning starters. DE Allen Bailey (7 sacks in 2009) is the anchor of a deep defensive line that should have no trouble putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Canes sacked the quarterback 24 times last season and 30 sacks in 2010 is not out of the question. A mid-season stretch that includes Duke, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland should matchup nicely with another defense.
2009 Stats: 24 Sack 10 Int 4 TD 1 Sfty 12 Fumb 288 PtsAg 1590 RuYdAg 2695 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 93 Def Ret: 4
Virginia Tech loses seven starters and the Hokie defense has to rebuild/reload once again. To make maters worse LB Barquell Rivers missed spring practice after tearing his quadriceps and LB/DE Jake Johnson decided to transfer. At some point you wonder just how many times Bud Foster can do it. There is one thing we do know, regardless of obstacles, the Hokies will once again attack. If they can find replacements, they'll continue to be fantasy relevant. Obviously you'll want to avoid the Boise State game in Week One.
2009 Stats: 36 Sack 11 Int 4 TD 0 Sfty 13 Fumb 203 PtsAg 1669 RuYdAg 2172 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 75 Def Ret: 6
This could be the year former #1 prospect in the country (ESPN) DaQuan Bowers has a breakout year. Bowers has four career sacks in his first two seasons and will be looked at to put pressure on the quarterback. He'll have a veteran line around him which will help. With strength up front they should approach the 30 sack total once again. DeAndre McDaniel is arguably the best safety in the country and leads a solid secondary. All reasons to make coach Dabo Swinney smile. They open with North Texas and Presbyterian (who?) and then face the grinding ACC schedule. All recipes for a solid fantasy defense.
2009 Stats: 35 Sack 21 Int 7 TD 0 Sfty 9 Fumb 286 PtsAg 2121 RuYdAg 2279 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 6 Def Ret: 5
The Scarlet Knights were one of four teams to register 40 sacks in 2009 and return their sack leader in DE Jonathan Freeny (9.5 sacks). Officially they must replace five starters including a personal favorite in LB Damaso Munoz and CB Devin McCourty, but Freeney and LB Steve Beauharnais (5 sacks) enter the starting lineup with plenty of game experience . This unit should have no problem posting over 30 sacks again in 2010.
2009 Stats: 40 Sack 15 Int 7 TD 1 Sfty 19 Fumb 233 PtsAg 1367 RuYdAg 2659 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 13 Def Ret: 9
With nine starters returning and a favorable schedule the Mountaineers should be a decent fantasy play in 2010. Especially the first two weeks when they face Coastal Carolina and Marshall. This is one of those teams that if you miss out on the big boys you pair up and schedule match with another mid-level defense and probably make out just fine.
2009 Stats: 28 Sack 17 Int 2 TD 1 Sfty 6 Fumb 282 PtsAg 1646 RuYdAg 2729 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 78 Def Ret: 2
They must replace nine starters, but the Tide is not short on talented replacements, including DE Marcel Dareus, who was named Defensive MVP of the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. Dareus registered 6.5 sacks in 2009 and as full-time starter that number should increase. In all the defensive line has plenty of game experience. And LB Dont'a Hightower returns after missing most of last season with a knee injury. Still anytime you replace a veteran group, you can expect a bit of a drop-off.
2009 Stats: 31 Sack 24 Int 4 TD 0 Sfty 7 Fumb 164 PtsAg 1111 RuYdAg 2324 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 59 Def Ret: 6
As you can tell we love defenses that return players up front and Ole Miss does just that. Five of the front seven return including big DT Jerrell Powe. At 330 pounds, he's a hole plugger. DE Kentrall Lockett and SS Johnny Brown will also draw attention from NFL scouts this fall. In all the Rebels return six starters. And with opening games against Jacksonville St., Tulane and Vanderbilt, Ole Miss is a nice sleeper defense for 2010.
2009 Stats: 31 Sack 13 Int 5 TD 0 Sfty 11 Fumb 230 PtsAg 1839 RuYdAg 2267 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 12 Def Ret: 9
The Ducks are a tough fantasy play as you just never know what team is going to show up. Will it be the team that shut down Cal or the team that was lit up by Purdue and Stanford? They do return eight starters from a team that registered 36 sacks and 25 turnovers in 2009. Pick your spots, namely New Mexico in Week One and Portland State in Week Three, and you could find the Ducks a valuable commodity. Just don't trust them on a week in and week out basis.
2009 Stats: 36 Sack 14 Int 5 TD 0 Sfty 11 Fumb 309 PtsAg 1673 RuYdAg 2699 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 25 Def Ret: 5
The Falcons return 3/4 of the secondary that shut down opposing passing offenses in 2009, including Houston. But they must find replacements along the front line if they hope to continue the success they enjoyed last season. Corners Reggie Rembert and Anthony Wright Jr. are going to have a tougher time staying locked onto receivers if the unit can't get a pass rush. They'll also be taking direction from a new defensive coordinator as Tim DeRuyter is now with Texas A&M. Matt Wallerstedt takes over.
2009 Stats: 23 Sack 20 Int 6 TD 0 Sfty 14 Fumb 204 PtsAg 1743 RuYdAg 2004 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 46 Def Ret: 6
DE Greg Romeus (8 sacks) leads a group that sacked the quarterback a staggering 48 times last season. With Jabaal Sheard (5 sacks) on the other side, Pitt has a strong 1-2 punch at defensive end. There are holes to fill, however, as they must replace five starters. It will be nearly impossible to match last season's sack total, but they should be a solid fantasy defense nonetheless.
2009 Stats: 48 Sack 15 Int 2 TD 0 Sfty 9 Fumb 257 PtsAg 1382 RuYdAg 2766 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 117 Def Ret: 4
The Sooner strength starts up front where they return a talented pair of DEs in Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander. Beal tallied 11 sacks in 2009. You'll have to pick and choose your way through the schedule. Road games against Missouri, Texas A&M, Baylor and Oklahoma State in the second half of the season is a tough way to end the year.
2009 Stats: 38 Sack 18 Int 4 TD 1 Sfty 12 Fumb 189 PtsAg 1230 RuYdAg 2336 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 30 Def Ret: 8
UConn's defense took a step back in 2009 and struggled in conference play. With eight returning starters, including six of the front seven, look for improvement. They open at the Big House against Michigan but then get Texas Southern, Temple, Buffalo and Vanderbilt.
2009 Stats: 30 Sack 11 Int 6 TD 1 Sfty 13 Fumb 307 PtsAg 1797 RuYdAg 3045 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 10 Def Ret: 8
We noted a trend last year that should continue again in 2010; the offensive output in the MAC is on a decline. Which opens up MAC defenses for fantasy play for first time in...well...forever. You're not going to want to ride MAC teams all year, but if you're looking for a spot starter Temple, Northern Illinois and possibly even Ohio and Buffalo can be used in a pinch.
2009 Stats: 35 Sack 16 Int 6 TD 0 Sfty 11 Fumb 291 PtsAg 1398 RuYdAg 2943 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 5 EOS Def: 8 Def Ret: 9
We noted a trend last year that should continue again in 2010; the offensive output in the MAC is on the decline. Which opens up MAC defenses for fantasy play for first time in...well...forever. You're not going to want to ride MAC teams all year, but if you're looking for a spot starter Temple, Northern Illinois and possibly even Ohio and Buffalo can be used in a pinch.
2009 Stats: 32 Sack 8 Int 4 TD 1 Sfty 15 Fumb 281 PtsAg 1665 RuYdAg 2672 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 37 Def Ret: 4
We are once again leery about Penn State in 2010. They must replace their entire linebacking corps and five of the front seven in total. That is never a good thing, but especially when you're looking at an early-season date down in Tuscaloosa. But the Nittany Lions usually pounce at home where they'll face Youngstown St., Kent St., Temple and Illinois early on.
2009 Stats: 35 Sack 14 Int 2 TD 1 Sfty 8 Fumb 159 PtsAg 1170 RuYdAg 2399 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 118 Def Ret: 7
When the Ole Ball coach arrived in Columbia we all had visions of high-powered offenses and fantasy quarterbacks, but it has been the defense that has been the Gamecocks strongest suit. And plenty of talent returns to make some noise in 2010, however the secondary is going to have to do a better job picking off the passes of opposing quarterbacks. The unit only had six INTs last season. Look for them to get into the double digits in 2010 with All-SEC candidate CB Stephon Gilmore and a veteran group returning.
2009 Stats: 26 Sack 6 Int 1 TD 1 Sfty 11 Fumb 247 PtsAg 1790 RuYdAg 2119 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 41 Def Ret: 3
The Utes defense has been solid for a number of years, however they must replace eight starters from last year's squad. Utah should be solid up front, but the back seven has all kinds of holes to fill that should make fantasy owners a little nervous on draft day.
2009 Stats: 30 Sack 17 Int 4 TD 2 Sfty 8 Fumb 263 PtsAg 1792 RuYdAg 2315 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 4 Def Ret: 6
See every other MAC defense previewed. The Bobcats are among the strong defensive units in a conference that has been moving towards a more conservative style of play in recent years.
2009 Stats: 21 Sack 20 Int 8 TD 0 Sfty 17 Fumb 298 PtsAg 2163 RuYdAg 2727 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 111 Def Ret: 5
The Bruins caused 30 turnovers in 2009, and with ball hawking CB Rahim Moore (10 INTs in 2009), the outlook is promising. Still it will be tough to match their 20 INTs from last season. They also lose consider bulk up front with the departure of DT Brian Price and five others on the front seven.
2009 Stats: 25 Sack 20 Int 5 TD 2 Sfty 10 Fumb 276 PtsAg 1857 RuYdAg 2485 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 7 EOS Def: 19 Def Ret: 6
Boston College had trouble getting to the quarterback in 2009, registering only 16 sacks. Look for that number to increase as the Eagles have a strong looking linebacking unit. LB Luke Kuechly is one of the bright young stars of the ACC. The big storyline this fall will be LB Mark Herzlich's battle against bone cancer. He was back on the practice field this spring, but still has a long fight ahead of him. He's one guy you don't want to count out though.
2009 Stats: 16 Sack 15 Int 2 TD 2 Sfty 8 Fumb 257 PtsAg 1340 RuYdAg 2919 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg
Home Games: 6 EOS Def: 91 Def Ret: 8
The Beavers registered an eye-popping 127 sacks between 2006-2008, but they had just 17 in 2009. There were signs this spring that they could be returning to their roots as the defensive line, led by DE Taylor Henry, terrorized Beaver quarterbacks during practice. The Beavers depth will be tested as starting MLB David Pa'aluhi and starting DE Matt LaGrone left the team for personal reasons. OLB Keith Pankey also injured his knee in spring practice, but could be back this fall.
2009 Stats: 16 Sack 8 Int 0 TD 1 Sfty 7 Fumb 325 PtsAg 1495 RuYdAg 3056 PaYdAg
2010 Projs: 0.00 Sack 0.00 Int 0.00 TD 0.00 Sfty 0.00 Fumb 0.00 PtsAg 0.00 RuYdAg 0.00 PaYdAg