Quintin Mikell

A former four-year starter for Philadelphia, Mikell arrived in St. Louis as a free agent last year and made an impressive impact in his first year with the team. A pure strong safety, Mikell finished the season with 91 tackles (75 solo), one sack, two interceptions and five forced fumbles. It’s reasonable to expect a slight decline in his tackles in 2012 because the St. Louis offense should do a better job of moving the chains while the Rams defense should be more adept at forcing three-and-outs, leaving Mikell with fewer snaps and tackle opportunities. But he should be able to offset any drop in tackles with another interception or two as the Rams do a better job of getting to the quarterback.

After being let go by the Eagles, Mikell signed a four-year deal with the Rams to be their starting strong safety. He likely would have surpassed 90 tackles for the third consecutive year in 2010 if he hadn't sat out a meaningless Week 17 game against Dallas, and he's better in coverage than most strong safeties. Mikell is more valuable in leagues that reward passes defensed, as he has 37 in the last three years.

This one-time special teams ace has become a consistent hitter in the Eagles’ secondary, credited with just short of 90 tackles in each of the last two seasons and grabbing five interceptions during that span. He was held without a sack in 2009 — a surprise, given Philly’s penchant for blitzing.

Strong performances as a special teamer earned Mikell a shot at the starting strong safety spot in 2008, and he made the most of the opportunity with 87 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks. He’ll be back in that starting spot in 2009, and paired in the secondary with newly-acquired Sean Jones, will form a safety tandem that opposing ball carriers will dread facing.

After spending years as a special teams player, Mikell played significant time in the Eagles' secondary in 2007. His play earned him the starting strong safety spot for the 2008 season, and he should hold decent IDP value.

Mikell has been voted as the team's special teams MVP each of the last two years.

Reserve safety adding depth to the secondary.