Bryan Scott

Scott isn't an IDP star unless he's starting, which likely won't be the case to begin the 2012 season. But he's about as good as they come as a backup, as he has plenty of NFL experience and can play a number of roles, both as a safety and as a linebacker when new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt looks for speed packages. And Scott is always one to look at for tackles should injuries strike and he lands a starting spot. For example, he had 81 total tackles in just nine games in 2009.

With no starting job up for grabs, Scott's fantasy value is low as a backup even though he's quite the versatile safety who can also fill in at LB in certain formations. Scott is a good tackler, however (he once had 96 in a season for the Falcons, and also 81 for the Bills two seasons ago), so if injuries ever yield him a starting spot, he's worth a look in certain IDP formats.

Scott finished an impressive 2009 with 81 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a pick while playing both safety and linebacker. However, there's a new coaching staff in town and a lot of injured guys are returning for 2010, so Scott seems like he'll slot into the role of valuable backup supporting Jairus Byrd and Donte Whitner at safety. Do not draft Scott as an IDP unless he gets an outright starting job, though because of his various skills he's a good IDP pickup if injuries strike again.

Scott finished the 2008 season with 68 total tackles, a sack, three passes defensed and no interceptions. The Bills didn't get another veteran in free agency to start alongside Donte Whitner at safety in 2009, but they did draft Jairus Byrd (a corner who will convert to safety) in the second round. He'll try to fight off Byrd from being a starter in his rookie season. If Scott wins the job he's a decent tackler when he plays a lot, however, as he's posted totals of 68, 67, 95 and 65 at different points in his career.

Scott worked his way into a starting job by the end of last season, though his path was made easier due to a slew of injuries to Buffalo’s secondary. Unless the Bills find themselves in a similar predicament this year, Scott will likely be limited to nickel and dime packages and special teams work.

Scott will compete for playing time at both the cornerback and safety position. Scott played nine games with the Saints last season in a reserve role. He posted nine tackles and was inactive for seven games.

At 6-1, 217 pounds, the physical Scott would seem more like a strong safety, but heads into the 2005 season as the Falcons’ starting free safety. He’ll be one of the better tackling free safeties and has the speed, if not the refined technique, to get his tall frame into position for interceptions.

Starting strong safety for the Falcons.