Karlos Dansby

Cincinnati has rotated linebackers Vincent Rey and Rey Maualuga in and out of the lineup frequently the last few years, but it's hard to tell if that's because of a specific rotation philosophy or because of alternating dissatisfaction with both players. If it's the latter, then Dansby should clean up the situation by laying decisive claim to the second three-down role next to Burfict. Even with age 35 looming, Dansby remained productive as an IDP in 2015 for Cleveland, scoring two touchdowns for the second time in three years while re-establishing himself as a triple-digit tackler.

Dansby, 33, finished third on the team with 93 combined tackles in 2014, despite missing a total of five games to various injuries. It was an eight-year low in tackles for the veteran, but was also the only time since 2010 that Dansby failed to play in all 16 of his team’s games. If the 11-year veteran can put a full season together, he should be able to once again serve as a reliable IDP option.

Dansby was cut by Miami after the 2012 season and signed a one-year deal with Arizona as an unheralded free agent. Dansby somehow became an afterthought upon his release, but he beat out 2013 second-round pick Kevin Minter for a starting role and reestablished himself as one of the league's best linebackers. He had an enormous 2013 campaign, finishing with 122 tackles – an incredible 114 of which were solo stops – as well as 6.5 sacks, four interceptions and two touchdowns. The Cardinals only signed him to a one-year deal, however, and his gigantic 2013 season significantly raised his price tag. Cleveland managed to reel him in during free agency, and now he'll serve as the Browns' lead inside linebacker, almost certainly playing all three downs. While his improbable 2013 resurgence is almost certainly out of reach this year, Dansby should remain on the LB1 radar as Cleveland's likely lead tackler.

Dansby was hobbled by injuries in 2010 (turf toe) and 2011 (groin), but he still managed to post noteworthy tackle numbers, and he could be better than that with a little durability luck. It’s not clear what sort of effect Miami’s impending switch to a primarily 4-3 alignment might have on Dansby after playing in a 3-4 the last two years, but there’s generally not much reason to expect much to change. Dansby’s skills translate well to both formations, so he remains a good bet to post a tackle total in the low 100s again this year.

Dansby wasn’t a high-impact player after signing a big contract with Miami last year, but he was still good. A turf toe injury limited him to 14 games, and as a result he didn’t make it to triple-digit tackles, but Dansby is still a rare athlete for a linebacker and offers more pass rushing abilities than most other 3-4 inside linebackers. He could stand to be a bit more opportunistic this season, but even if he isn’t, he should be a relatively cheap and reliable IDP option in most leagues.

Dansby received a fat free-agent contract to become the heart of Miami’s defense. As the Dolphins’ highest-paid defender, he’ll be expected to replicate or better his performances from his Cardinals’ days. You can bet Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano will make Dansby a focus of the defense after laying out all that cash ($43 million over five seasons). Dansby had 109 tackles last season, 10 fewer than in 2008, his only other season with 100-plus tackles.

Often considered a malcontent during Dennis Green’s run in Arizona, Dansby has blossomed in the Ken Whisenhunt regime, becoming a major contributor for last season’s NFC champions with a career-high 118 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions. In 2007, he posted 97 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions. Unfortunately, the “malcontent” aspect of his game hasn’t been erased completely – the Cardinals are trying to sign Dansby to a long-term contract, but the linebacker is looking for either a sky-high deal along the lines of what Calvin Pace got from the free-spending Jets or unrestricted free agency during the potentially uncapped 2010 season. As long as his contract situation doesn’t get in the way, Dansby should pay big dividends again this year. His versatility – he had eight sacks in 2006 in 14 games from the strong side – allows him to lineup anywhere and be productive. Watch his contract situation closely – and beware of a holdout.

Dansby avoided drama in 2007, one year after he groused that a thumb injury might end his career and publicly feuded with then-head coach Dennis Green on a variety of subjects. Under rookie head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Dansby made a career-high 98 tackles in 2007 in just 14 games. The 26-year-old threw in 3.5 sacks and three interceptions and received Arizona's 2008 franchise tag. That could be a good thing for Dansby, who thrived under contract-year pressure in 2007. If he continues to rise toward his high potential, Dansby could be in for a huge pay day next spring. He has all of the tools to be successful: size, speed and instincts.

It's never been physical talent holding Dansby back. Dansby has the size, strength and technique to deal with blockers, so much so that Arizona has played him on the strong side the first three years of his career and he still managed to average 5.7 sacks per year. His secret weapons, perhaps, are great speed for his size and phenomenal explosiveness. He can close on anyone, from quarterbacks to ball carriers to receivers. Dansby’s been moved to the middle for 2007. He couldn't make enough tackles on the strong side to deserve fantasy attention, but in the middle his freakish ability should pay ample dividends. But there's the rub. Dansby has been inconsistent and needs to keep his head in the game to take advantage of those talents. Here's the pick you can wait on, because your rival owners won't see him coming.

Dansby is someone that you'll want to consider if your league uses individual defensive players. He had a breakout season in 2005 -- his second NFL campaign -- with 70 solo tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Dansby scored two defensive touchdowns. He has emerged as a young star on an improving Arizona defense. 9/3 Update: Dansby missed the entire preseason after offseason thumb surgery. He was also bothered by a toe injury. Dansby has lost his starting position to Calvin Pace, and seems to be in head coach Dennis Green's doghouse. Dansby looked primed for a strong 2006 season, but now you'll want to stay away.

Dansby had an impressive 2004 season and looks to build upon it in 2005 as a starting linebacker. Coach Dennis Green has been impressed with Dansby's commitment to improving and taking the next step in his career.

Danby, the 33rd overall pick of the Cardinals in 2004, should compete in camp for a spot as an outside linebacker, but will likely be relegated to third-string duties with an eye at moving up in 2005.