Justin Durant

Durant's role is difficult to project as training camp begins. He's a versatile player who can play all three linebacker positions, but the Falcons have a good core of linebacker depth. Vic Beasley is currently projected to start at the weakside linebacker position, but it's still unclear how the team will use the rookie, so Durant may see significant time on that side. If he ends up starting, Durant could end up with 40-70 tackles. If he ends up rotating in, he'll struggle to reach the low end of that projection.

Durant didn't make much of an impact in his first season with Dallas, managing only 24 tackles in 10 games, but with Sean Lee likely out for the year he could get an opportunity to step in as the starting middle linebacker. Another 100 tackle campaign seems unlikely, but Durant could surprise.

Durant comes over from the Lions, and will bolster the Cowboys' linebacking corps as he likely moves into the starting strong side linebacker spot as the Cowboys transition to a 4-3 defense.

Durant is penciled in as Detroit's starter at strong side linebacker after posting 68 tackles a year ago. It's likely he won't lead the Lions' linebacking corps in stops, but the strength of Detroit's D-line makes it possible he won't have to take on a lot of offensive lineman in the run game.

Durant will start at linebacker for Detroit, but won't likely be a major source of tackles.

Durant's play fell off significantly in 2009, to the point where the Jags supplanted him at middle linebacker with former Raider Kirk Morrison. They have given Durant the chance to move outside, but even there, he faces stiff competition from upstart Russell Allen. Don't expect much, if anything, from Durant this year.

Durant had 70 tackles last year starting 12 games, and the departure of Mike Peterson from the linebacking corps should only increase Durant's tackle numbers. However, fantasy owners should note that Durant, while blessed with blazing speed, has never really shown an ability to rush the passer or collect interceptions from his linebacking spot, and we don't expect him to do so this year even with Peterson gone.

Durant had 49 tackles as a rookie in 2007, a number that should only go up with more experience and playing time. He could be a strong under-the-radar IDP player for years to come.

Durant, the Jaguars' lightning-fast second-round pick out of Hampton, could see himself in a starting OLB spot by season's end. He was never much of a sack artist in college, so don't expect much sack production out of the rookie. His speed however will allow him to rack up tackles when he's on the field.