Aaron Schobel

Another potentially elite defensive end coming off a significant injury, Schobel could produce top IDP numbers if completely healthy. Known as a relentless worker, Schobel averaged 10.8 sacks and 58.6 tackles per year from 2002 to 2006 -- and didn't miss a single game in that span. He produced 57 tackles 2007, but it was an off year as his sack total dropped to a career-low 6.5. And 2008 was worse -- sidelined by injury for the first time in his career, Schobel played in just six games. He's been healthy enough to participate in the Bills' offseason program and should be completely healthy for the upcoming season.

Schobel's sack total fell from 14 in 2006 to 6.5 in 2007, but he should see a return to glory with the addition of Marcus Shroud to Buffalo's defensive line.

You're not excited about Aaron Schobel. You're reading about him, but unless you're from Buffalo, Schobel doesn't quicken the pulse. Maybe that's because, as fine an athlete as he is with the range and strength to be a perennial fantasy Pro Bowler, little about Schobel stands out. Sure, he's got plenty of physical talents, but it’s recognition and the motivation to fight through traffic and get to the ball that make him dangerous. Quarterbacks can tell you, he's quite good at that. After a somewhat slow start in the first four weeks last season, Schobel had sacks in 10 of his next 11 games, totaling 13 in that span. He finished the season with 14, third-best in the league. It was actually a down year with his tackle total (in the 70s the previous two years) dipping to 53. Want another nice streak? Schobel hasn't missed a game in his six-year career. And he's had 11.5 sacks or more in three of his past four seasons. His desire, intelligence and ability make for one of the best, and possibly most underrated, ends in the game.

Name a category, and Schobel had a career-high in it last season, one in which he was second only to Derrick Burgess in the lineman year-end standings. Year-in and year-out, Schobel works every down and every game, playing with solid edge rush speed and technique. He has improved every year in his tackle counts, though expecting better than 54 solos in 2006 is foolhardy. He’s lost Sam Adams’ support on the interior, but Buffalo signed Larry Tripplett from Indianapolis and reached to draft John McCargo in the first round this past April. Schobel won’t wow you with his stats or abilities as much as some other top ends, but he also keep turning in solid years one after another. Ten sacks is always a realistic possibility with Schobel.

Schobel had a down year with sacks in 2004 after posting 11.5 in 2003, but made up for it with increased tackling. Typically in the low-to-mid-30s, his tackle stats have kicked up every year he’s been a pro. The sack numbers dipped in part because the Bills deployed him in zone coverage more often than in the past and also emphasized rushing from the middle and left side (Schobel plays right end). Schobel loses talented tackle Pat Williams, but still has Sam Adams eating up blockers on the inside and an improving Chris Kelsay at left end. The Bills’ defensive schemes certainly worked well last year – they were a top shelf fantasy team defense – so expect similar numbers from Schobel.

Schobel has become a sack producer you can rely on. He seems to stay healthy, has a high motor, and more than anyone benefits from Sam Adams and Pat Williams clogging up the line. Schobel has 26.5 sacks in just his first three NFL seasons, and given good health, another 8-10 season should be money in the bank.

Schobel has become a sack producer you can rely on. He seems to stay healthy, has a high motor, and more than anyone benefits from Sam Adams and Pat Williams clogging up the line. Schobel has 26.5 sacks in just his first three NFL seasons, and given good health, another 8-10 season should be money in the bank.