Philip Wheeler

Wheeler was waived by the 49ers and could latch on to another team as linebacker depth.

Wheeler wasn't very effective in real football terms last year, receiving criticism for all aspects of his play. Miami is paying him quite a bit, however, and will probably give him another chance in 2014 or financial reasons. His prospective owners should double-check on his standing with the team closer to kickoff, though. Bad as he might have been on the actual field, Wheeler still piled up decent stats in 2013, finishing with 118 tackles (83 solo) and a half-sack. He piled up 110 tackles and three sacks the prior year in Oakland.

Wheeler seemed to get less press than fellow free-agent addition Dannell Ellerbe, but it's Wheeler who looks like the top IDP target between the two. Ellerbe was at times a coverage liability in Baltimore, but Wheeler has a three-down skill set. He's a rangy and explosive player who should play in a three-down role all season after posting 110 tackles with the Raiders last year. He also showed a bit of potential in the pass rush, finishing with three sacks. That could come in handy in what looks like might be a blitz-heavy Miami defense.

Wheeler is poised to break out in his fifth season – his first in Oakland. He will start at outside linebacker and should be a productive IDP right away. He totaled 76 tackles (43 solo) in 11 starts last year, which would project to roughly 111 tackles (63 solo) over 16 games. He’ll have less competition for tackles in Oakland, though – he posted last year’s solid numbers with the Colts despite teammates Pat Angerer, Dan Conner and Ernie Sims combining for 313 tackles. With just Rolando McClain to deal with in Oakland, Wheeler is a sleeper to surpass 120 tackles in 2012.

Wheeler has shown some promise in his three years with the Colts, but he's as low as fifth in the team's outside linebacker rotation.

Wheeler, who had 52 tackles last season, will once again start at outside linebacker for the Colts.

Wheeler will start at outside linebacker for the Colts in 2009, barring injury, opposite Clint Session. The second year player should have an impact on the Colts defense, and his progress will be monitored closely early on in the season.

Wheeler will serve as a backup linebacker with a chance to see a decent amount of playing time, especially at the beginning of the season with Tyjuan Hagler out with a pectoral injury.