Julian Peterson

Peterson was brought into Detroit to provide some solid tackling and credibility to a defense that was absolutely shredded the last few seasons. The ineptitude reached new heights last year as the team almost allowed an NFL-record number of points. There may not be a ton of tackles to go around now, though, as Detroit brought in Larry Foote from the Steelers later this offseason. And with the tackling-machine that is Ernie Sims (when healthy), the Lions have a much improved linebacking corps. Peterson is a fringe IDP option.

Peterson has 19.5 sacks the past two seasons and will continue to be a great IDP play as long as he's racking up sacks.

Peterson rebounded nicely last season in his first year as a Seahawk from the injuries that ended his tenure with the 49ers. Peterson totaled 10 sacks and 89 tackles from the weakside linebacker spot, where he will again play. As usual, though, he'll freelance all over the field. Keep him on your IDP radar.

Peterson looks to be fully recovered from the Achilles’ tendon injury that slowed him in San Francisco and he could take the Seahwks linebackers, which showed tremendous progress last season, and the Seahawks defense, to the next level. He'll man the weakside linebacker spot, being allowed to freelance all over the field. Expect a bounce-back year for the gifted Peterson.

Peterson was knocked out for the year in Week 5 with an Achilles’ tendon injury, but in the previous four games, he picked up where he’d left off in 2003. That year he finished with 69 solo tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions. His 2004 pace put him on 75-80 tackles and upwards of 10 sacks. In San Fran’s 3-4 alignment, he’ll be one of the most productive sackers from the linebacker position. With tackle totals generally in the 70s, he’ll need those sacks to earn his spot on your squad, but he’s proven to be an elite performer there. What puts him over the top is an impressive ability from a rush position to consistently pick off one or two passes each year. He’ll have to prove his health in training camp, but the fact that he did some light running and drills in April mini-camp and that his contract is settled this year (he held out of camp last year) is cause for optimism that he’ll be ready to go in July.

Peterson is a comer, held back only by relatively low tackle totals (73 solo stops in 2003). San Fran let the speed-rusher loose on opposing offenses in 2003, and he rewarded the team with seven sacks. Most pass-rushing linebackers won’t also fall back into coverage for two interceptions and 12 passes defended. He’s an unusual talent who, to join the elite via higher tackle totals, must become more consistent week to week and continue to improve on his block reading ability to keep offensive linemen off of his stuffable frame.

Peterson took a step-up in 2002 and became one of the better LB in the NFL. The 49ers may turn him loose more in an attempt to generate more pressure on the QB. Look for another close to 70 tackle season with a few sacks and INT throw in for good measure.