James Farrior

Farrior is known for his ability to rack up tackles more than sacks on the gridiron. He recorded over 100 total tackles in 2009, the fifth time in the last seven seasons he reached the century mark. However, he is now 35 years old and entering his 14th season in the league. He struggled in pass protection at times last year, so the team brought back Larry Foote to help out should Farrior decline further in 2010. The team may look to lighten his load on the field so as to keep him fresh over the course of the season.

Coaches must love guys like James Farrior – veterans who can adjust their games to fill whatever need the coach identifies. In 2007, Pittsburgh opted to deploy Farrior as a pass rusher a little more often – and the veteran responded with a career-high six sacks to go with his customarily high tackle total of 94. In 2008, Farrior went back to stuffing the run and racked up 133 tackles – his best number since 2003 – while chipping in 3.5 sacks. At 34, he’s getting on in football years – but he’s shown no signs of let-up, and has missed just two games since 2003. However he’s utilized, Farrior should again provide solid fantasy numbers.

Farrior's tackle total dropped from 126 in 2006 to 94 last season as he was used more as a pass rusher. He set a career high with six sacks and still holds IDP value despite the drop in tackles.

Farrior is one of the NFL’s most fundamentally sound all around linebackers, which translates to solid fantasy returns most years. He has the strength and technique to deal with blockers, the reading and instincts to fill holes fast, and the speed and range to cover the field and opposing backs and tight ends underneath. He’s totaled 100 tackles four times, and in 2004 when he had 94 total tackles he added three sacks and four interceptions, showing he has the playmaking ability to fill the stat sheet. He has some nagging back problems, and is 32, but he’s been a Top-25 linebacker year in and year out for a while now. Pittsburgh had some turnover on its defense but Farrior’s left side (Clark Haggans, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith) returns intact. Farrior usually gets it done, as just one game with fewer than six fantasy points last year attests.

Will the real James Farrior please stand up? In 2003, he played in the big-tackler mold, building his fantasy year on 96 solo tackles. The next year, he dropped to 65 solos but jumped into the playmaker mold with three sacks and four picks. Last year he was somewhere in between, on pace for 85 solo tackles after missing two games midseason to a left knee injury and dealing with a bad back early. Last year was an overall down year statistically for Pittsburgh’s vaunted linebacking corps, and they’ll miss lineman Kimo von Oelhoffen, who has joined the Jets. Farrior has shown such versatility and a high level of different kinds of production that he’s a safe pick. His instincts, toughness and motor impress scouts, while his range and ability to play in interior traffic are the engine behind his tackling ability. One way or another Farrior can get it done.

Reading Farrior’s stat sheet is like watching a tennis match. One year he’s a 100-plus solo tackle man with relatively scant playmaking, the next he’s Takeo Spikes, turning in lower tackle numbers but loading up on the sacks and interceptions. Either way, he’s always getting his hands in on fumble plays. Whichever type of season it is, Farrior has made his way into the back end of the top 25 in each of the past two seasons and is a fair bet to do it again. He makes quick attacks, closes well and is best when in pursuit. Last year was the only season he’s exceeded two sacks or picks, but we have an educated faith in his versatility. One way or another, Farrior will score for owners in 2005. As always, there's one caveat -- Farrior didn't record a sack, intercept a ball, or force a fumble in the last five games of the year (including the playoffs) and may have worn down just a bit.

You never know which Pittsburgh linebacker is gonna get you, but it’s sure that one will. Last year, Joey Porter was never his optimal self after being shot in the buttocks, and it just so happens that Farrior returned to the land of 100 solo tackles in 2003 (he did it for the Jets in 2001). He’s not much for sacks or interceptions, which does leave him open to lower point totals with a fully healthy Joey Porter around, but Porter plays next to Kendrell Bell, typically, and Farrior beside Jason Gildon’s replacement, Clark Haggans.