Vince Wilfork

Wilfork provides some value to the Patriots' defense, but his worth in IDP formats should be questioned as he suffered an Achilles injury last season that limited him to four games. Over his last three seasons, the 32-year-old hasn't been able to record more than 3.5 sacks. This likely means that his main role on the line will be to stop the run.

Though Wilfork -- a key team leader for New England -- is literally a huge factor in the Patriots' team defense, in particular against the run, his IDP utility is capped, though he should be good for around 50 tackles and a handful of sacks, numbers that can help those in deeper formats.

Despite still possessing his comically wide build, Wilfork looked more athletic than ever in 2011, posting a career-high 3.5 sacks while pulling down two interceptions and totaling five passes defended. Wilfork is not disruptive enough to be anything more than an IDP backup, but he surpassed 50 tackles in five of his eight NFL seasons – including a 66-tackle season in 2008 – and is a safe bet to make a push for 60 tackles in 2012 if he stays healthy. Wilfork has and will continue to play a gigantic snap count for New England.

The Patriots' nose tackle is a big body who can stuff the run, but his IDP numbers are marginal. In 2010, he recorded 57 tackles and two sacks.

The veteran nose tackle signed a five-year, $40 million contract extension with the Patriots in March of 2010. The big guy remains a vital cog on the team's defensive front line, especially against the run, but his value in real terms greatly exceeds his fantasy worth, as evidenced by his total of 43 tackles and no sacks (in 13 games) in 2009.

Wilfork helps anchor the Pats' stout defensive front and is one of the league's more dominant nose tackles. That doesn't necessarily translate into great IDP numbers, but he's usually good for the occasion sack and 50+ tackles per year. This is a contract year for him -- with a big payday on the horizon -- so those looking to target players in that situation may well consider Wilfork, but he will always be more valuable in real terms than he is in fantasy terms

Wilfork is a stud nose tackle, but his value to the Patriots far outweighs that of his worth to IDP owners. His 2007 numbers -- 48 tackles, two sacks -- don't come close to underlining his value to the team's elite defensive front.

Though not a viable IDP, Wilfork is good old fashioned nose tackle, who is a load for offensive lineman to handle as he works in sync with Ty Warren and Richard Seymour. Together, the trio form arguably the best defensive front in the league.

Wilfork, who moves well for a big man, started in all sixteen regular season games at nose tackle last year. The big guy recorded 54 tackles, a number he figures to improve on this year as he continues to develop the way the Pats envisioned when they made him their first choice, 21st overall, in the 2004 draft.

Wilfork emerged down the stretch last year in his first season as a nose tackle and allowed the Patriots to let Keith Traylor walk. The 6-2, 325-pounder finished with 57 tackles and two sacks and he figures to improve on those numbers in his second year with the team.

Wilfork, who some call "Baby Sapp," will help fill the huge void created by the departure of massive run-stuffer Ted Washington. As long as he keeps his weight in check, he should develop into a perennial starter.