D'Qwell Jackson

Jackson predictably posted big IDP numbers playing on the inside of Indianapolis' 3-4 defense, totaling 140-plus tackles for the second year in a row and the third time in four years. Jackson is also one of the league's most reliable sources of big-play stats, averaging three sacks per season the last four years and scoring two touchdowns. Linebacker Jerrell Freeman is back after missing four games last year and could cut into Jackson's tackles, though 120 seem likely. Jackson was arrested on an assault charge in February, which could impact his availability this season.

The Browns shed Jackson's big contract in the offseason, replacing him with Karlos Dansby, which led to Jackson signing on to serve as Indianapolis' second inside linebacker alongside Jerrell Freeman. Jackson showed the ability to post standout numbers in all of tackles, sacks and interceptions with Cleveland, posting an average of 139 tackles, three sacks and 1.3 interceptions per season over his last three. He'll likely see his tackle numbers dip with the Colts, as he's no longer 'the man' at linebacker. Freeman is a tackling machine himself, tallying 271 over the last two years.

Jackson's solo tackle total from 2012 dropped to a confusingly low number of 64, but the huge tackle totals he posted the rest of his career give every reason to dismiss that as a fluke. Jackson managed to salvage the final tackle tally by piling on 55 assists, giving him a total of 119, but he still fell well short of his typical standards. In 2011, for instance, Jackson had 116 solo stops along with 42 assists. Expect Jackson to make a run at triple-digit solo tackles again in 2013, with his value further aided by reliable production on turnovers and sacks. Over the last two years Jackson has five fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, seven sacks and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown in 2012.

If Jackson’s durability could be assured, he would be worth ranking second behind Patrick Willis. Only London Fletcher finished with more tackles than Jackson in 2012, as the Maryland product ended the year with 158 stops, including an impressive 116 solo tackles. Jackson surpassed 150 tackles in both of the 16-game seasons he has played in the NFL, making his per-game production is absolutely stellar. The problem is that those two 16-game seasons occurred over a six-year span, meaning Jackson is easily the biggest durability risk among the top tier of linebacker IDPs. Still, IDPs are generally a dime a dozen after the top tier, giving one an incentive to swing for the fences with Jackson; it won't be difficult to find a non-liability replacement if he does get hurt. If he stays healthy, though, he can win you games, especially in leagues that place a heavy premium on solo tackle production. Over his last 38 games, Jackson’s production projects to a 16-game total of 156 tackles (108 solo), two sacks and two interceptions. With either rookie Brandon Weeden or Colt McCoy at quarterback, furthermore, the Cleveland offense figures to uphold its tradition of poor play, resulting in plenty of snaps for Jackson and the Browns defense.

With two seasons in a row wiped out by upper-body injuries, Jackson has a lower floor than most players listed in this range. But he’s worth listing this high due to his productivity when healthy. The sideline-to-sideline playmaker has 213 tackles (141 solo), two sacks, three interceptions and a forced fumble in his last 22 games. That projects to about 155 tackles (103 solo) over a 16-game season. Expecting 16 games from Jackson is probably reckless, but even a partial season with that level of production can make a difference.

Jackson racked up more than 150 tackles in 2008 and was on pace to match that total last year when a Week 6 shoulder injury ended his season prematurely. He should be back at full strength to start the season. The Browns will be deeper at linebacker than in recent years, with Eric Barton also expected to return from injury and Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong added to the mix, but a healthy Jackson is still probably the best of the bunch, and middle linebackers in Eric Mangini’s system have generally been very good IDP options. Jackson should come cheaper this season, but one word of warning: he’s threatening to sit out training camp if he doesn’t receive a long-term contract from the Browns, which he says he was promised under the previous regime.

The addition of Shaun Rogers to the interior of Cleveland’s defensive line helped free up Jackson in a big way last season, as the Browns’ inside linebacker led the NFL with 154 tackles - up from 101 the year before. New Browns coach Eric Mangini’s 3-4 system is heavily reliant on inside linebackers making plays, which will continue to allow Jackson to use his speed and athleticism to track down ball carriers. The scheme is reportedly similar to last year’s under Romeo Crennel, which figures considering the coaches’ shared roots under Bill Belichick in New England. Jackson also had three interceptions last year and two sacks. Expect another productive season.

Jackson has dealt with injuries in his first two NFL seasons, but proved in 2007 that he is capable of putting up quality IDP stats. Should Jackson play a full season, he stats will only continue to improve.

Assuming Jackson will return fully healed from his season-ending injury last year, he is expected to have a big season this year. With one year under his belt, he could post even better numbers this year.

Starting linebacker for the Browns. Expectations are relatively high for the rookie.