Dashon Goldson

With 72 tackles, eight passes defensed, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 15 games played, Goldson did not have the impact year in 2013 the Bucs hoped for after signing him away from the 49ers for big money. He will be recovering from offseason ankle surgery entering 2014 and will be pushed for his starting spot by free agent Major Wright.

Goldson totaled just 66 tackles in 2012, and just 64 in 2011, but those low numbers were primarily the result of playing center field for the 49ers. Goldson should be closer to the action in Tampa Bay. This is particularly true given he's leaving behind a fairly run-heavy NFC West for an NFC South division featuring Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton. Ronde Barber totaled 92 tackles and four interceptions while playing across from safety Mark Barron last year, so Goldson should have a legitimate chance to approach triple-digit tackles, like he did when he posted 94 tackles in 2009.

Despite playing in a highly effective defense on a team whose offense had the fifth-highest time of possession last year, Goldson made the most of his modest snap count and finished the year with 67 tackles (55 solo) and six interceptions in just 14 games. If you include his two playoff games, in fact, you get a 16-game total of 83 tackles (70 solo) and seven interceptions, as well as 12 passes defended. Given that he posted those numbers despite a less than ideal situation for IDP production, it's difficult to doubt Goldson's ability produce as an IDP heading into 2012. He shouldn't change much as a player, and the circumstances around him realistically can only get better.

Goldson's 80-tackle, one-interception season in 2010 was largely a disappointment, especially when you consider how he totaled 94 tackles and four interceptions in 2009. If he bounces back to his 2009-level production this year, though, Goldson figures to be a decent IDP bargain in some leagues. He’ll likely remain unchallenged as a starter for San Francisco, and it looks like last year’s numbers might be the worst-case scenario for him. His ceiling isn’t especially high, but considering how late he might be available, he has more bargain potential than most this year.

In his first season as a starter, Goldson rocketed to the top of the IDP rankings with a combination of quarterback pressure (two sacks), ball-hawking (four INTs), big plays (three forced fumbles) and a healthy number of stops (94 tackles). He’ll be back as the Niners’ starting free safety in 2010 and should be able to build on last season’s breakout performance in an improving defense.

Goldson will start at free safety.