Chris Gamble

After picking off seven passes combined in 2008 and 2009, Gamble didn't have a single one in 11 games in 2010. Gamble fought through a hamstring injury that limited him when he was healthy enough to get on the field and comes into the 2011 season battling a nagging ankle. If he can stay healthy, he will be an important piece of Ron Rivera's defense, but at this point, that's a big 'if.'

A veteran in the Panthers' secondary, Gamble will be counted upon to take on an expanded leadership role with safety Chris Harris now in Chicago. He totaled 58 tackles and four interceptions last season and should see an increase in those numbers if he can stay healthy.

Ordinarily, cornerbacks aren’t great options in IDP leagues – even the best corners tend not to tally enough tackles to justify a roster spot over a less-talented safety or linebacker. But Gamble was an exception to that rule in 2008, racking up 93 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble while starting all 16 games. He’s an ideal candidate in leagues that require you to draft a cornerback. Be aware, though, if DE Julius Peppers doesn’t return to the Panthers, it will hurt the pass rush, which will in turn make life tougher on the secondary.

After setting a career high with seven picks in 2005, Gamble has only managed four INTs the past two seasons. He is locked in as the Panthers' starting corner and should see his interception total rise from the previous two years.

Gamble is expected to focus more on being the team's shut-down corner now that Ryne Robinson has been drafted to handle the return duties. He's talented enough to rank among the league leaders in receptions and is among the better IDP options at corner given his consistent tackle numbers.

Gamble’s been surprisingly consistent since entering the league, posting two similar years (in 2004 he made 68 solo tackles and six interceptions). Gamble uses excellent closing speed and timing to make plays on balls. It doesn’t hurt that quarterbacks find him beatable since his overaggressiveness and mediocre instincts often have him out of position. Offenses will continue to throw at him, and there’s even the potential for increased tackling if he shows more of an attitude in run support. That he pulled off such stats last year in 15 games makes 2005 a bit of an uptick. Two years doesn’t make a trend, exactly, but it makes Gamble a known quantity with a track record. At a position so volatile from year to year, that’s as good a reason to draft anyone as a second fantasy defensive back.

Gamble won a starting cornerback spot from Ricky Manning Jr. in training camp and will start alongside Ken Lucas in a revamped Panthers' secondary. Gamble was tied for third in the league with six interceptions last season and the Panthers will welcome back his playmaking skills in the secondary.