Larry Foote

Foote is less than impressive and would be a backup for most teams, but he earned a three-down role in Pittsburgh's thin linebacking crew in 2012, and the same is tentatively expected to occur again this year. The Steelers re-signed Foote in the offseason and failed to add any noteworthy competition through the draft or free agency, so Foote should have every opportunity to produce like he did in 2012, when he finished with 113 tackles (75 solo) and four sacks. Foote also forced and recovered two fumbles. He's among the least reliable options for an LB2 role, but he will nonetheless be viable in it if he maintains the same role he had a year ago.

Foote will be asked to fill the void created by James Farrior's retirement. Foote finished the 2011 season with 45 tackles and one and a half sacks, and should have no trouble improving on those numbers this season.

Foote returns to the Steelers after a one-year hiatus in Detroit. He recorded the second-highest tackle total of his career for the Lions last season (99), but he will be a backup on the Steelers. He will see his fair share of time on the field and be given plenty of opportunities to contribute, but barring injury, will not approach 90 tackles in 2010.

Foote returns to his home state to bring some respectability and production to the Lions' defense. His tackling numbers have dwindled each of the last three years after peaking at over the century mark in 2005. He had just 63 last year despite being healthy. Expect his numbers to go up as the competition for tackles is sparse in Detroit, but don't expect Foote to be more than a fringe IDP candidate.

Outside linebackers in 3-4 systems are often a good source of sacks, and Foote has recorded at least three sacks in each of the past four seasons with Pittsburgh, but his production could fall this year with 2007 first-round pick Lawrence Timmons breathing down his neck for playing time.

Foote is a serviceable fantasy IDP at the inside linebacker position. The 27-year-old starter collected 90 tackles (61 solo), four sacks and an interception in 2006.

The 26-year-old linebacker has started every game for Pittsburgh the last two seasons. Foote finished with a career-high 102 tackles (76/26) with three sacks and a fumble recovery. He has both the youth and experience to maintain, if not improve upon, his IDP fantasy numbers in 2006.

The unheralded and undersized (6-0) inside linebacker ended up playing a sizeable role on the defense in 2004, finishing with 69 tackles (52,17) and three sacks. The Steelers thought so much of Foote that they signed him to a five-year deal in the offseason. He's a decent IDP pick, especially considering Joey Porter's health issues in training camp.