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Defensive Notes

The surprising release of middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter has a ripple effect on several IDP options and fantasy defenses. The breakdown:

Philadelphia intends to leave Takeo Spikes on the weak side and roll the dice with second-year linebacker Omar Gaither in the middle. Gaither has talent and is having a solid preseason, although he’s never started at the position; he’s been listed as the backup for both Trotter and Spikes. Potentially, if he struggles, the Eagles could switch him and Spikes, which would change their values slightly in IDP formats (more tackles in the middle). As it is, though, Gaither goes from waiver-wire fodder to a very productive player, immediately, in IDP formats.

Trotter says he’s not retiring, and why should he? There are a number of teams who could use help at linebacker, and Trotter – with 87 tackles a year ago – can still play. He seems like he’s been around forever, but he’s just 30. Trotter’s landing spot will be interesting; the Broncos and Giants are two teams that come to mind where he might be a nice fit, even as a backup, although thus far the Bucs (who are also going with an unproven player in the middle, Barrett Ruud) have shown the most interest. A guy like Trotter, assuming he has another year or two left in him, would make a good defense better.

As for the Eagles, they usually know what they’re doing, so they don’t go anywhere in our rankings – not yet, anyway.

We have little interest in drafting the Giants defense, but it needs to be mentioned that a shaky secondary got a lot more so after their exhibition game on Sunday. Starting cornerback Sam Madison, pulled hamstring. Safety Will Demps (demoted but still in the running for the starter’s job), dislocated elbow. This defense can’t afford to lose starters or key backups, at least until some of its younger players – like top draft pick, cornerback Aaron Ross – are ready.

That sound you heard was the Packers defense climbing on fantasy draft boards across the country, coming off scoring 2 defensive TDs in a 48-13 exhibition rout of the Seahawks. We’ve had the Packers either in or on the outskirts of our top 10 all along, but be careful not to overvalue them. Besides the fact it was an exhibition game, the Packers got to tee off an offense that was without not only quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, but also both offensive tackles. Even last year, Green Bay’s defense had plenty of big games against inferior offenses – while being gutted by top quarterbacks like Tom Brady. There are only a handful of fantasy defenses you’ll want to start week in and week out, regardless of matchup, and the Packers aren’t yet one of them.

Injury notes: Falcons linebacker Demorrio Williams is expected to return this week from an offseason pectoral injury. There was some concern that he’d miss the start of the season, but his return to health immediately makes him a nice undervalued option to grab in IDP drafts. Less certain is the status of lineman Rod Coleman, who could still miss the start of the season while rehabbing a quadriceps injury.

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