Kevin Burnett

It's not clear whether Oakland plans to run a 4-3 or 3-4 this year after signing Burnett, Nick Roach and Kaluka Maiava in free agency and drafting Sio Moore in the third round, but Burnett should be the team's leading tackler in either alignment. Burnett is the most athletic linebacker on the roster and is one of the league's best blitzing inside linebackers, as he has 11 sacks over the last three years. He should see a big snap count given the Raiders are somewhat likely to struggle on both sides of the ball, meaning three-and-outs on offense and long drives on defense.

Burnett finally stayed healthy the last two years, and he has established himself as a quality IDP as a result. With safety-like athleticism, Burnett is dangerous both as a blitzer and in coverage, as he has 8.5 sacks and two interception returns for touchdown the last two years. He also posted solid solo tackle totals of 80 (2010) and 84 (2011). Although Miami is switching to a primarily 4-3 front in 2012, Burnett’s value shouldn’t be affected negatively – he was actually considered a 4-3 linebacker prospect before getting drafted by Dallas and then sought after by 3-4 teams in free agency.

Burnett was an injury prone bust after the Cowboys drafted him in the second round out of Tennessee in 2005, but the athletic playmaker stayed healthy for all 16 games in San Diego last year. The result was 95 tackles (80 solo) with six sacks, two interceptions (one returned for touchdown) and two forced fumbles. He could stand to be a bit more productive as a tackler (he has yet to reach triple-digits in his career) and remains an injury worry. But Burnett’s playmaking ability makes him someone worth a look in most IDP leagues.

Burnett played well at times for the Bolts in 2009, and it appears that he will battle Brandon Siler and rookie Donald Butler for time at the inside linebacker spot opposite Stephen Cooper.

Burnett was brought in to compete with Matt Wilhelm and Tim Dobbins at inside linebacker. He was known more as a special teams player during his first four years in Dallas, but he will likely be given a chance to compete for playing time during training camp. He is thought to be good in pass coverage and could therefore see the majority of his work on third downs.

Depth LB.

LB recorded just 38 tackles in 16 games, and has yet to find a consistent role in the NFL.

Last year's second-round pick had his rookie season wiped out by injuries, but will get a chance to show what he do if he can stay healthy.

Expected to step up and contribute as a rookie, and could start at strong-side outside LB in the Cowboys new 3-4 scheme.