Stephen Tulloch

Tulloch was well on his way to another 100-plus tackles in 2014 before he suffered a torn-ACL celebrating a sack in Week 3 that ended his season. The veteran linebacker reached triple-digit tackles in each of his previous five campaigns, but the three-week season resulted in just 20 tackles (15 solo) and two sacks. If he can return to his form prior to ACL issue, it’s reasonable to predict another 100-tackle season in 2015.

The 2013 season was Tulloch's third in Detroit, and it was his third in a row with at least 111 tackles. Last year was his biggest one yet, posting 135 tackles (93 solo) – his highest total since tallying 159 for Tennessee in 2010 – and throwing in 3.5 sacks and an interception for good measure. Tulloch is clearly Detroit's top middle linebacker, so his play-count should be safe in a probable three-down role, as second-round pick Kyle Van Noy will probably see some of his snaps as an edge rusher. Those drafting Tulloch probably shouldn't expect much coverage production, as he has only four interceptions in seven seasons.

Tulloch hasn't been the high-upside IDP in Detroit that he was with the Titans, but he has still established a high floor for himself the last two years. Tulloch upped his tackle total to 112 last year after posting 111 the year before, and he should at least reach those marks again in 2013 as he has no competition for snaps. The departure of Justin Durant (103 tackles in 2012) should help Tulloch's case as an IDP, too, because Durant's replacement (Ashlee Palmer) hasn't shown any starting ability in the NFL, which could leave more tackles up for grabs.

Although Tulloch’s tackle total fell from 160 (111 solo) in 2010 to 111 (84 solo) last year, he still made a solid showing in 2011 and is a good bet to post bigger numbers in 2012. Despite the drop-off, Tulloch was effective real-life player for Detroit, and his three sacks and two interceptions were a nice complement to his solid tackle totals. The main thing holding Tulloch back is probably that the defensive line ahead of him is so good. That may seem counterintuitive – it’s a good thing that offenses can’t afford to load up their blocking resources on Tulloch – but it’s a bad thing that the Detroit linemen are a threat to get to ballcarriers before Tulloch ever has a chance.

Tulloch exploded for 160 tackles (111 solo) last year, ranking as one of the top IDPs. But no matter where the unrestricted free agent plays in 2011 (Tennessee seems unlikely), Tulloch shouldn’t be expected to duplicate that production. A big reason Tulloch's numbers skyrocketed last year is that Tennessee saw far and away the most defensive snaps of any NFL team. The Titans paced the league with 1,139 plays on defense, while the next closest team (Arizona) had 1,092. Tulloch has a good shot of hitting triple-digit tackles wherever he goes, but don’t expect him to approach last year’s numbers.

Tulloch has not participated in offseason workouts due to a contract dispute up to this point, but he is expected to return by the beginning of the 2010 season. He is expected to remain as a starting linebacker for a young Titans' defense. His skill and experience should be a large factor for the Titans.

Tulloch, who became the starting middle linebacker in Week 4 last year, was the Titans' second-leading tackler and this season will start from the get-go.

Tulloch could be the starting middle linebacker if Ryan Fowler is suspended. Tulloch provides depth for the Titans at linebacker.

Tulloch is competing with Ryan Fowler for the starting middle linebacker for the Titans. In his rookie season, Tulloch played in all 16 games with three starts at middle linebacker. He had 37 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, one interception and two passes defensed.