Mike Vrabel

48-Year-Old LinebackerLB

Free Agent

2023 Defense Stats

TCKL

SACKS

0.0

INT

2024 Projections

TCKL

SACKS

INT

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2023 Fantasy Outlook

There was no outlook written for Mike Vrabel in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.

Height 6'4"

Weight 261

DOB 8/14/1975

College Ohio State

Drafted 3rd Rd 1997 #91 Overall

Mike Vrabel: Surprise Retirement

LBKansas City Chiefs

July 10, 2011

Vrabel will retire from the NFL to become Ohio State's linebackers coach.

ANALYSIS
Vrabel caught the Chiefs a little by surprise with this announcement, as he was still listed as their starting outside linebacker.

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NFL Stats

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2023 Mike Vrabel Split Stats

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Past Fantasy Outlooks

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Vrabel started 14 games for the Chiefs last season but finished with his lowest tackle total (52) in six years and his lowest sack total (2.0) in nine. He'll still be a valuable member of Kansas City's defense because of his leadership and experience, but he'll be 35 before the season starts and is starting to lose some of his physical skills. With young up-and-comers such as Andy Studebaker and Jovan Belcher hungry for more playing time, Vrabel has too many factors working against him to be a recommended fantasy pick.

After posting a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2007, Vrabel likely went much higher than he should have in IDP drafts last season. Predictably, he regressed back to the mean in 2008, finishing with four sacks, much more in line with his previous career numbers. Expect a similar total in his first year with the Chiefs, although his 62 tackles from a season ago could increase since he figures to have more opportunities playing for a bad defense. He’s probably a reserve linebacker in most IDP formats.

Vrabel no longer approaches the century mark in tackles, but he added sacks to his repertoire in 2007. He exploded with a career high 11.5 sacks last season, but failed to add an interception for the first time since 2004. Vrabel usually holds value as a jack-of-all-trades type player, but with the added sack totals his IDP value skyrockets.

Vrabel, who recorded 89 tackles, 4.5 sacks and three picks last season, continues to provide the Pats with an experienced and versatile playmaker. He's most comfortable working as an OLB rushing the passer, but if need be he, can capably fill in on the inside.

Vrabel, who will be taking Willie McGinest’s old linebacker spot on the left side, has displayed a playmaking knack wherever he plays, making him worthy of IDP consideration. As an added bonus to the Patriots, he has caught five touchdowns over the last two seasons while lining up on offense occasionally in short-yardage situations.

What Vrabel lacks in raw skills, the feisty linebacker more than makes up for with his knack for putting himself in a position to make plays, making him a vital component in the Patriots' stout defense.

Vrabel, who is one of the most underrated linebackers in the league, finished 2003 with 10 sacks despite playing in only 12 games; a broken arm knocked him out of four games in the first half of the year. Double digit sacks are once again a possibility.

More Fantasy News

LBKansas City Chiefs

Personal

April 4, 2011

Vrabel was arrested on felony theft charges at Belterra Casino Resort (Florence, Ind.) early Monday morning, NFL.com reports.