Michael Huff

Huff will begin the 2012 season as the starting free safety for the Raiders. Huff battled ankle and hamstring injuries last season, which limited his production to just 38 tackles and two interceptions in 12 games.

After four years of mostly poor play in Oakland, the cornerback/free safety tweener came alive in 2010 to set career highs across the board. He tied his previous high of three interceptions while setting new marks in tackles (94), solo tackles (77), sacks (four) and forced fumbles (three). If he can duplicate his 2010 production next year, Huff will remain a useful IDP option in most fantasy leagues.

Huff will challenge Hiram Eugene for the Raiders' starting free safety position.

Huff will move back into the starting lineup this season following the release of Gibril Wilson. Huff has still yet to live up to his high draft selection in 2006 and needs to take advantage of the starting opportunity and make a good impression on his coaching staff. Huff has the talent to be a successful NFL safety but will need to become more consistent in pass coverage and tackling if he hopes to hold down his starting spot.

Huff saw improvements in sacks, INTs and tackles during his sophomore campaign, but he still needs to become more of a playmaker to warrant the first-round selection used on him in 2006. Huff managed only a single pick and sack, but his tackle total did increase by 10. The talent is apparent, but Huff needs to start picking off a few more passes to up his IDP value.

Started all 16 games as a rookie after being selected as an early first round draft choice in 2006. Recorded 78 total tackles. May move to free safety with the signing of free agent strong safety Donovin Darius.

This is the man for whom Oakland passed up Matt Leinart. Huff played both strong safety and corner in college, but likely will slot in as a free safety in the pros. He has the speed to play corner, though perhaps a hole or two in his route recognition. Just 6-0, 204, he supports the run with Èlan and would make a great strong safety if he bulked up. With a relatively ineffective linebacker corps in front of him, there should be plenty of tackles to go around. Quarterbacks love testing rookies – there should be enough balls coming his way to see him grab a few picks as well.