Paris Lenon

Lenon's fantasy value would increase if it were guaranteed that 2011 sixth-round pick Quan Sturdivant won't steal snaps from him. Lenon emerged as a starter last year in the middle of Arizona’s 3-4 and posted good IDP production all year. He closed out the year with a career-high 125 tackles (94 solo), two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Lenon should do something similar in 2011 as long as he can hold off Sturdivant.

Lenon started 10 games for the Rams last season and could handle an inside linebacker gig in Week 1 depending on the progress of rookie Darryl Washington. As a starter with the Lions in 2007 and 2008, he recorded back-to-back 100-tackle seasons and most of his IDP value will come in that category. The risk here, is that he may not be in the starting lineup all season with the improving young Cards linebacking corps.

Lenon, who led Detroit in tackles last season with a career-best 121, projects as an inside linebacker in the Pats' 3-4 scheme. Lenon figures to push Tedy Bruschi and Gary Guyton for playing time on the inside alongside Jerod Mayo.

In his second year since moving from strongside linebacker to the middle, Lenon improved to 116 tackles in 2007. He added two sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and a touchdown. Ernie Sims' presence helps Lenon avoid double teams; Sims ranked fourth in the league in tackles last year and Lenon tied for 14th. Lenon is 30 years old but he has never missed a game in his six-year NFL career, and with less than three years as a starter, he hasn't taken as many licks as most linebackers his age. He might not exceed his 2007 totals, but he should turn in similar numbers.

Lenon took over as the starting middle linebacker last year, and played well, picking up 71 tackles. Teddy Lehman is healthy and itching to get his starting spot back, but Lenon does enter camp as the starter. It should be an interesting camp battle.

Backup linebacker who will see most of his time on special teams and in the middle linebacker spot should Boss Bailey get injured.