Chike Okeafor

Okeafor holds a slim lead on a starting role heading into training camp. He will serve as a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end. Okeafor missed all of 2007 with a torn left biceps and is getting older (he turned 32 in March), but if he holds onto a starting role, he should still be productive. Okeafor has between 7.5 and 8.5 sacks in each of his last four seasons and his tackles have ranged from 47 to 54 during that span. Talk about consistency.

How's this for consistency? In the last four years, Okeafor has had 8, 8.5, 7.5 and 8.5 sacks. His total tackle numbers have been almost as level: 47, 53, 51 and 52. More of the same from Okeafor? Not exactly. With new coach Ken Whisenhunt talking about shading his 4-3 alignment with some 3-4 tendencies, Okeafor might slot back as an outside linebacker at times, which traditionally means more tackling and potential for plays like interceptions, but fewer sacks. Okeafor is nimble and plays with an extreme motor, but his game has more to do with using his body for power and using his hands to keep blockers away from him. That's not your classic linebacker, but Okeafor is versatile. It's unclear how often these "tendencies" will come into play, so we're banking on a proven talent who continues to deliver. He's played 16 games five years in a row and had a run last year of five consecutive games with a sack. You can't ignore the man's ability.

Okeafor is slated to start as a defensive end for Arizona. If you pick him as an IDP, you should know what you're getting. His stats over the past four seasons have been very consistent. Factor him for 30-40 solo tackles, 10-15 assists, and 6-9 sacks.

Okeafor returns as the starter at left defensive end where had eight sacks last season. Okeafor could see his numbers improve as offenses target Grant Wistrom on the other side of the line. Plus, because he plays on the left side, he'll usually face the weaker of a team's offensive tackles. Okeafor could surprise some people.

Okeafor provides Seattle with depth at defensive end. He's slated as starter on the right side in camp, but it's unclear if he will hold the position.