Jon Beason

Although it wasn't long ago that Beason was one of the league's best linebackers, the Panthers, for some reason, wanted no part of him early in 2013, slotting him fourth in the team's linebacker rotation behind Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and even Chase Blackburn. The Giants traded for him after three games, and Beason immediately established himself as the team's best linebacker. He ended up posting 93 tackles and an interception in his 12 games with the Giants, and he'll be back for a three-down role again in 2014. Beason is more of an injury risk than other players in this range, however, as he dealt with severe knee and Achilles' issues as recently as 2012. Case in point, Beason could miss the first several weeks after injuring his foot in OTAs.

If it could be guaranteed that Beason would stay fully healthy, he would be worth ranking much higher than this, even with both Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis playing for the Panthers. The problem is that Beason – once an IDP superstar – has seen his last two seasons end early due to Achilles' tendon and knee injuries, respectively. Kuechly and Davis both emerged as three-down players in Beason's absence, however, and a full snap count might not be available for Beason even if he's at full strength. With that said, this is a player who averaged 139 tackles per year from 2007 to 2009.

If health is on his side, Beason could be one of the best IDP bargains of 2012, even with James Anderson and Luke Kuechly piling up big tackle totals. The problem is it’s not clear what to expect from Beason as he recovers from a torn Achilles’ tendon, which was exhibiting persistent tendinitis even before the tear. Although he was an annual top-five linebacker IDP prior to last year, the potential of a chronic Achilles problem could harm both Beason’s availability and his productivity when he does play. His past production, though, probably makes Beason worth a gamble in most cases. He averaged 135 tackles per year before the Achilles issues arose.

Despite having another good season, Beason was a rather big IDP disappointment in 2010, as his tackles fell to 121 (90 solo) from 140 (106 solo), 138 (110 solo) and 141 (111 solo) in his first three NFL seasons, respectively. Part of Beason’s drop in production was probably due to the emergence of outside linebacker James Anderson, who made 130 tackles (101 solo) in his first year as a full-time starter. With what should be a disastrous Carolina offense leaving Beason on the field for the majority of most games, look for his numbers to improve from last year's total. He represents a potential bargain after slipping a bit last season.

Patrick Willis is (rightly) regarded as the No. 1 option in IDP leagues. Beason is 1a. The Panthers’ middle linebacker makes a ton of plays, averaging nearly 140 tackles a year in his three NFL seasons — despite playing with a torn labrum in 2008. His value got a boost last season when he added quarterback pressure to his resume — he had just three sacks, but they were the first his career. His 141 tackles ranked third last season (only one off the second-place pace), and his 111 solo stops were second to only Willis. Beason is in line for a significant contract extension that will likely be modeled after Willis’; keep an eye on that situation, in case the negotiations take a turn for the ugly. Otherwise, expect another excellent season as an elite IDP linebacker.

The 2007 draft might go down as the year of the middle linebacker. That year’s crop produced three of our top 10 IDP picks, including Beason. Beason’s production in his two NFL seasons has been remarkably consistent – 140 tackles in 2007, 138 last year. But last year’s total is even more impressive for it was revealed after the season that Beason played with a torn labrum from October on. After offseason surgery, he should be back at full strength for the start of the 2009 campaign and ready to improve on last year’s numbers. While he doesn’t have a sack to his credit, he had three interceptions last year. And there’s the possibly he gets involved in the pass rush this year.

Like Patrick Willis and David Harris, Beason burst onto the scene as one of the NFL's elite rookie linebackers in 2007. He made 137 tackles and avoided the proverbial rookie wall. Beason actually got better down the stretch, compiling 10 or more tackles in six of his last nine games. He had one interception and no sacks, causing a slight downgrade due to lack of versatility, but Beason is clearly a great young tackler and should only get better. After pushing aside the oft-injured Dan Morgan last season, Beason doesn't have to worry about any competition this year as Morgan signed with New Orleans this offseason then subsequently retired.

The Panthers' first-round pick is being penciled in as the starter at weakside linebacker, but he could be shifted to middle linebacker if Dan Morgan is unable to return from his concussion issues. Beason has the side-to-side speed necessary to rack up plenty of tackles and he should rank near the top of rookie IDP lists heading into the season.