Angelo Crowell

In his third year as a starter, Crowell recorded a career-high 126 tackles in 2007. He started 16 games for the first time in his career (12 in 2006; 13 in 2005). Crowell may have shown signs of fatigue down the stretch. He recorded five or fewer tackles in three of his last four games, but those games were played in adverse weather conditions and can't be taken too seriously. Overall, Crowell is a skilled tackler who should be nearing his physical peak (27 this season). He offers modest bonuses of multiple sacks in each of his last three seasons and five interceptions during that span. The Bills signed Kawika Mitchell in the offseason, but Crowell is expected to stay on the strong side.

Crowell says he's fully recovered from the break in his leg that cut his 2006 season short, and his participation in spring appeared to back that up. It looks like Crowell, Buffalo's best linebacker, will stay at outside linebacker if rookie Paul Posluszny can step into the starting MLB spot. Crowell had a nice IDP season in 2006 despite missing the last four games with his injury, with 82 total tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and nine passes defensed in just 12 games, so you might be able to sneak him by other owners who don't project that out.With London Fletcher leaving in free agency and Takeo Spikes gone, Crowell will be counted on to be pretty productive in 2007.

Crowell was probably one of the better IDP free agent pickups in 2005, becoming a bit of a stats monger after taking over for an injured Takeo Spikes. Crowell finished with 119 total tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He may lose playing time this season, however, because Spikes plans to play most if not all of the season. Crowell's best bet to maintain that value would be if the Bills let him compete with starter Jeff Posey for the starting role on the other side, or if the team uses some special sets this season, something they've talked about with some possible combinations that use Posey as a pass rusher and Spikes/London Fletcher-Baker/Crowell as straight linebackers.

Backup linebacker who does most of his work on special teams. Playing behind the very capable London Fletcher, Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey makes his chance at fantasy value very slim.

When you play behind London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes, there aren't many opportunities to play on defense. Crowell, the team's third-round draft choice in 2003, won't see many defensive snaps as long as Fletcher and Spikes are healthy, but he is an excellent athlete who should be a solid backup in 2004.

When you play behind London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes, there aren't many opportunities to play on defense. Crowell, the team's third-round draft choice in 2003, won't see many defensive snaps as long as Fletcher and Spikes are healthy, but he is an excellent athlete who should be a solid backup in 2004.