Alan Branch

Branch, who recorded 13 tackles in eight games with the Patriots this past season, is slated to compete for DT slotting in New England along with the likes of Malcom Brown, Dominique Easley, Sealver Siliga and Chris Jones.

Over the past three years Branch has developed into a dependable starter on the defensive line. But for fantasy purposes he is really a role player and shouldn't be counted on for big statistics.

Branch signed a one year contract with the Bills as a free agent and will be looked to as a significant rotational player on the defensive line.

Branch is run-stuffing defensive tackle who will again fill the middle for Seattle. The Seahawks allowed 3.8 rushing yards a carry last season, fourth in the league. And Branch, at 6-6, 325, was a big reason why. He won't do much for a fantasy team, though, as he totaled only 34 tackles and three sacks in 2011.

Making the move to defensive end, Branch could be something of an IDP sleeper with more opportunities to rush the passer while rookie Dan Williams tries to occupy the middle of opposing offensive lines. Branch managed to stay healthy enough to play in all 16 games for the Cards last season, picking up 18 tackles and a pair of sacks in the process. He'll enter training camp as the third end in the rotation behind starters Calias Campbell and Bryan Robinson, but keep an eye on his transition in case he's able to carve out an expanded role.

Branch is facing a “make-or-break year,” in the words of Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt. He has been a major disappointment since the Cardinals selected him 33rd overall during the 2007 draft. Branch will enter training camp behind Bryan Robinson and Gabe Watson on Arizona’s depth chart at nose tackle and he needs a good summer just to make the team’s 53-man roster.

Branch is mainly a run-stopper and he should split time at nose tackle with Gabe Watson. He's not worth much of a look.

Branch enters training camp in a tight battle with Gabe Watson for the Cardinals' starting nose tackle position. Branch is more athletic and has more long-term upside, so it may be a matter of time before he takes over. Watson was almost exclusively a run-stopper in the past, but he lost close to 50 pounds during the offseason in an effort to become a better pass rusher.