Sanders logged 92 tackles only two seasons ago, and plays a similar “missle safety” position as Troy Polamalu

Five On The Rise

1. Sean Jones, CLE

It’s not often that a Cleveland Brown gets mentioned in spotlight articles, but this one exploded last season and should remain among the discussed defensive backs for the next several years. In his second year in the league, Jones offered up 111 total tackles with 70 of them coming in the solo variety with over 40 of them coming in the final eight games providing quite a finish to the season.

The Browns have made strides over the last few seasons in bolstering their defense by adding Kamerion Wimbley and, most recently, Eric Wright. These two players alone should allow Jones to roam more freely. Add in the fact that the Browns defense logs about as much time on the field as any unit in the game, and Jones is a player that can be drafted towards the bottom of the DBs that can finish as a top-five option when it’s all said and done.

2. LaRon Landry, WAS

When labeling someone as “on the rise,” you typically need a base year to establish a benchmark. Not in the case of Landry. The sixth overall selection will step into the strong safety spot from day one, and will likely not let go for years. Landry’s addition to the ‘Skins will provide the team with one of the hardest-hitting defensive backfields in the game.

Last season, Washington had to rely on Adam Archuletta, who quickly fell out of favor due to his pass-coverage skills. Landry will be a huge improvement over his predecessor, as he’s faster than most receivers and has the coverage skills of a cornerback. He’ll likely have plenty of assists this season thanks to the addition of London Fletcher-Baker in the middle, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see Landry’s name in the top ten come next season.

3. Bob Sanders, IND

Sanders’ name is not a secret in any established IDP leagues, but after last season he should be known as the guy that killed owners on draft day by only playing in four contests. What won’t show on the stat sheets of last season is the impact that Sanders had in the playoffs, providing huge run support for a team that was run into the ground several times during the regular season.

Sanders logged 92 tackles only two seasons ago, and plays a similar “missle safety” position as Troy Polamalu. The Colts need Sanders back in a big way with the departure of several key players. He’s a huge risk/reward play, but if he can string together double-digit games as he did in 2005, he’ll definitely be on the rise from last season’s misery.

4. Antrel Rolle, ARI

Another cornerback, but this one is creeping up the list to Champ Bailey-type status. Rolle had a pretty rough rookie season, but came on strong last year, recording 85 total tackles and an interception. While this coverage-corner does not belong to a Tampa-2 unit like Ronde Barber, his blanket abilities could provide a huge boost to big-play formats.

His low interception totals over the last two seasons may force a lot of owners to shy away this season, but with another season under his belt, one can only expect his recognition skills to improve. He’s a young talent that is only getting stronger, and coupled with an improving defensive unit, Rolle could be in for a big year.

5. Donte Whitner, BUF

The Bills surprised a ton of people by taking Whitner pretty early in the first round last season. The safety ended up getting the last laugh by tallying 105 total tackles in 15 games, providing owners with a nice boost from a likely waiver addition. With only his second season on the docket and a bigger role in the defensive scheme, Whitner could easily improve upon his statistics of last season – especially in the big play area.

The absence of London Fletcher-Baker this season, along with the insertion of a rookie middle linebacker will likely only mean more meat for Whitner to chew on. While he may never be mentioned in the top five during his career, his 18th round average draft position could offer a ton of value as a DB2 or even DB3 for any IDP owner this season. Keeper leagues should obviously bump him up a bit higher.

Biggest Sleeper

Roman Harper, NOS

Who? In the feel-good story that was the New Orleans Saints last season, one guy that was likely left in the shadows was Roman Harper. Harper only got to play in five games last season before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. In said five games, the safety totaled 27 total tackles and a sack. Extrapolate those totals through a 16-game season and you get numbers that near 87 total tackles and three sacks – not bad at all.

Couple the fact that this season will only be Harper’s second in the league with the addition of players like Kevin Kaesviharn, and the strong safety should be leading the way for the defensive backfield from Week One. Monitor his contact drills through preseason, but just don’t let your opponents know because this late-round pick has upside written all over him.

Biggest Bust

Ed Reed, BAL

When you think of a player who has garnered Defensive Player of the Year honors, you assimilate him with solid statistical production. And in the early 2000s, this was definitely the case. However, we’re now in 2007 and Reed is joined by a slew of stellar teammates that get to the running back before he can. His position thus often forces him to be out of position on pass plays, resulting in only sporadic big play production.

After recording 78 total tackles, 17 passes defensed and nine interceptions in 2004, Reed has only totaled 97 tackles, 18 passes defensed and six interceptions in the last two seasons combined. While his play isn’t bad by any means, Reed’s name and team-orientation will likely result in a draft selection well before he should be taken in tackle-based leagues. Take note and let other owners waste their 13th round pick while you draft someone like LaRon Landry four rounds later.