Lofa Tatupu

Tatupu’s 2008 season was marred by injuries - first a concussion, then a pulled groin muscle. He managed to participate in all but one game, but his fantasy numbers took a beating no sacks, just one interception and a career-low 94 tackles. As the keystone of a Seattle defense that should be much-improved in 2009, we’re looking for Tatupu – if healthy – to return to the 110-120 tackle range with a couple of sacks and interceptions. The Seahawks beefed up their defensive line at the tackle spot, which should help keep lineman off Tatupu, allowing him to roam freely, relying on his speed and instincts to make plays sideline to sideline.

Tatupu still doesn't tackle enough to warrant a higher ranking, but he did set a career high in with four interceptions in 2007. If he can top 120 tackles, he will raise his IDP value.

See him there, just inside the Top 20 in each of his two years in the NFL? Tatupu doesn't tackle enough to join the elites, but his solid production and consistent playmaking have made for a winning combination for fantasy owners. He's aggressive, driven, intelligent and tough, with excellent recognition and tackling skills that portend well for his total tackles in years to come. He overcomes the lack of great size or speed through his motor and instincts, so it's hard to say if he'll match the four sacks and three interceptions he set as benchmarks in his rookie season. It will be more opportunity than exceptional physical ability that determines his playmaking totals through the years.

Tatupu wasn’t projected by most as a first-day pick in the 2005 draft. But after the Seahawks reached for him in the second round, Tatupu marshaled the Seattle defense as a rookie, finishing ninth among linebackers in total fantasy points and second for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year behind Shawne Merriman, and was a big part of the franchise playing in its first Super Bowl. So some folk missed a few things about Tatupu. Maybe it was the bloodlines: his father Mosi was an NFL running back and special teams standout and certainly played a role in Lofa’s development of notable linebacker instincts. At 6-0, 238, he’s a touch below average size, but plays very well in traffic. His 85 solo tackles as a rookie and prolific playmaking are similar to Nick Barnett’s rookie season of 86 solos, two sacks and three picks; expect a career progression similar to Barnett’s as Tatupu continues to develop.

Tatupu will compete with Niko Koutouvides for the starting middle linebacker assignment. Tatupu has better speed than Koutouvides, but is significantly smaller, which could be an issue. But the Seahawks reached to take Tatupu in the second round of the 2005 draft, meaning they really like the playmaker out of USC. He has good instincts and takes great angles. Tatupu likely will get the starting nod, but it's asking a lot for a rookie to run the defense at middle linebacker. The middle of the defense was Seattle's weak spot last season as offenses ran at will over the Seahawks. Seattle can't endure many growing pains from Tatupu.