Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Many fantasy football writers who participate in individual defensive player leagues, including myself, had high hopes for Thomas Davis this season considering his high level of production during the first half of last season before he tore his ACL for the first time (50 solo tackles, 11 assists, 2 INTs, and 2 sacks during seven games). I had him ranked as high as No. 21 overall in my 2010 IDP Rankings for linebackers in redraft leagues before he tore his ACL for the second time on Tuesday June 8, 2010.

Even though Davis has decided to have immediate surgery on the torn ligament this Saturday, he is still likely done for the season. This injury strikes as a serious blow to many owners who either drafted or traded for Davis in keeper or dynasty leagues; however, it also opens up the door for some potential IDP Fantasy Sleepers to emerge.

The main question on everyone’s mind right now is who will be taking over for Thomas Davis as the weak side linebacker in Carolina?

In somewhat surprising news, it looks as though middle linebacker Jon Beason was taking first team snaps at WLB (Davis’ spot) on Thursday. Many people doubt that the Panthers are actually going to move Beason out of the middle of the defense since he’s been one of the league’s best at that position. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carolina did opt to move Beason to the weakside and, in fact, it might even be the best move. Upon entering the league in 2007, he was considered an ideal fit for WLB but the Panthers already had a solid WLB in Davis, so Beason shifted to the middle. With Davis likely out for the season, Beason could slide over to the WLB spot and the Panthers could move, 2008 3rd round draft selection, Dan Connor (not the guy from Roseanne) to the middle which is his most natural position.

If the Panthers do decide to switch their personnel in this manner, I don’t believe Beason’s numbers will take a hit. Defensive coordinator Ron Meeks runs a plethora of Cover-2 packages, which funnel the majority of plays to the weak side. Consequently, I expect Beason’s tackle numbers to actually increase (if that’s possible); however, he may see a slight decrease in his big play production.

In this scenario, Dan Connor emerges as the player to buy low. If he’s available on your waiver wire or can be obtained for cheap via trade, I would seriously consider doing it. He’s a good fit for the MLB position and I think he can put up solid LB3 numbers with potential low LB2 upside.

Another possible scenario is that the Panthers keep Beason in the middle and slide Jamar Williams into the weak side position. Williams, who was acquired from the Chicago Bears earlier in the season for safety Chris Harris, has been in this position before. Last season, he filled in for an injured Lance Briggs and had 13 solo tackles. He’s another great buy low candidate.

Ultimately, it’s going to come down to which combination of linebackers plays the best together during camp (Anderson, Conner, and Beason vs. Anderson, Beason, Williams). On the surface, it appears that Williams is the favorite to start, though have a sneaking suspicion that Beason will move to the weak side and Conner will start in the middle.

Whatever the case may be, I would keep a close eye on this situation in Carolina and be ready to pounce on whichever player is slated to start in place of Davis. This is a great opportunity for you to grab a guy at practically no cost who could significantly help your fantasy football defense throughout the season.

Until next time, this is the IDP Guru signing off.

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