Deshea Townsend

Even if he did not miss four games in 2008, Townsend was in line for one of the worst statistical campaigns of his career. This might be his last season with the Steelers since the team addressed depth for the secondary via the draft and Townsend is entering the final year of his contract. Although he was not a liabilty on the field, he will be 34 at the start of the season and it is hard to envision the Steelers committing to him beyond 2009.

Townsend has failed to nab more than two interceptions in any of the past three seasons despite starting for the Steelers. After logging four sacks in 2004, his total has decreased each of the past three seasons and he didn't have any in 2007. 2008 will mark the veteran's 11th season, so he does not seem worthy of a spot in IDP leagues no matter how deep they may be.

Townsend saw his level of play fall off a cliff in 2006 and there's really no reason to expect him to recover this fall. The 10th-year vet has seen his tackles, interceptions and sacks totals fall in each of the last three seasons.

Townsend is the savvy veteran that every quality secondary needs. He's no longer blessed with very good speed, but relies on his positioning and football knowledge to come up with the big plays. He could be supplanted by Bryant McFadden as a starting cornerback, and moved to safety.

Townsend is a competent nickel back, but might be overexposed as an everydown starter.