Kopacz says that Hawk will rule the LB roost very soon.

DeMeco Ryans, HOU
I can’t say enough about this guy. I think he will become one of the best linebackers in the game over the next few seasons. The Texans have decided to make their staple on the defensive end of the game and are doing a heck of a job creating a solid core of young players. Ryans is not the biggest linebacker, defensive end turned loose, rather he makes his move with speed and great vision. I would expect another hundred plus tackles and an increase in sacks to about seven this season.

Lofa Tatupu, SEA
Being the son of a professional athlete seems to be tough to live up to but in the end each kid is blessed with supernatural athletic ability. Lofa Tatupu has improved in every season and looks to continue his emergence as a strong run stopping backer who is all over the field. He is a mix between Merriman and Lewis, meaning he can blitz effectively when needed, but also can hold down the middle of the field on any given play.

A.J. Hawk, GB
The Packers went out on a limb when selecting Hawk just a year ago, passing on a few gapping holes however it looks to be worth it. A.J. Hawk is a machine and will be all over the field. He is similar to Troy Polamalu, in the fact that he will go all out on every play and will find his way to get involved on most tackles. Hawk started out last season relatively slow but picked it up and finished with over ten tackles in four games.

Kamerion Wimbley, CLE
The Browns are all over the place and have not been able to create either an offensive or defense, however they have brought in some studly players. Last season Wimbley finished third among linebackers in sacks, with eleven. Although he has not gotten much publicity and his name is still relatively under raps, he is on the same level as Merriman and Ware, just his team is nowhere to be found. Often times defensive players are nobodies until their teams give fans a reason to learn their names.

Patrick Willis, SF
The 49ers have decided to revamp their defense and attempt to make a run over the next few years. One of the main pieces to the puzzle will be the rookie linebacker. It would not be out of the question to see Willis become this years, Ryans, bringing in over a hundred tackles in his rookie season. Although San Francisco has done a lot of work with their team, they are lacking lineman, meaning the running backs will often land in Willis’ hands.

Biggest Sleeper

Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
The New York Jets made a surprise run last season under first year head coach Eric Mangeni and did it, for the most part, without the help of their star linebacker. Although Vilma had a frustrating season he should bounce back quickly and will be involved in many plays. Because of his letdown last season you could snag Vilma after many, or all of, the above mentioned players and get great value for one of the top linebackers. He will not go out and bring in over ten sacks, but a hundred tackles and five sacks would be right on cue.

Biggest Bust

Brian Urlacher, CHI
Wow, I am sure many of you felt your jaws drop as you read Urlacher’s name in this section. In fact, you were probably wondering why he was not in my top five list in the first place. Here is the reasoning. Although Urlacher will continue to be the MVP of the Bears defense, he will go for much more than he is worth.

For whatever reason Urlacher does not get many chances to bring down the quarterback and even saw his tackles drop below a hundred last year. There are many strong and qualified linebackers available and using an early pick for one that puts up average fantasy numbers does not make sense. Yes, if you are building a franchise Urlacher will still be one of the first players to call, but on a fantasy team he does not hold up to his name.