Michael Brockers

A nine-year veteran who has missed just six games in his career, Brockers is a reliable force who might give the Lions what they've needed since releasing Damon Harrison after the 2019 season. Brockers not only played a large role in a Rams defense that allowed the third-fewest yards per carry (3.8) last year, he tied for 10th among defensive tackles with five sacks. Of course, it helps when you line up next to Aaron Donald, but Brockers will have talented teammates in Detroit (Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara) to garner attention from opposing offenses. Should he stay healthy, Brockers will be in line for a couple dozen tackles and a handful of sacks, despite being on the wrong side of 30.

After an offseason deal fell through with the Ravens, Brockers inked a three-year contract worth up to $31.5 million to return to the Rams in March. The organization's first-round selection in 2012 is coming off another solid season with a career-high 63 tackles and an eighth-ranked Pro Football Focus grade against the run among interior defenders. He also suited up for all 16 games for the third straight year. While Brockers is more valuable in the real game alongside perennial Pro Bowler Aaron Donald, the eight-year pro should provide reliable, low-end fantasy numbers again in 2020.

Brockers has played 94 of 96 games the past six seasons and topped 50 tackles in consecutive campaigns. He's overshadowed by fellow defensive lineman Aaron Donald, and the seven-year veteran's solid play doesn't translate to consistent fantasy production. However, the loss of Ndamukong Suh could change Brockers fortunes in IDP settings in 2019.

Brockers is often overlooked while playing alongside reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and three-time first-team All-Pro Ndamukong Suh. He's not to be ignored, however, as Brockers graded out as the fifth-best 3-4 defensive end against the run in 2017 - higher than the seventh-placed Donald - while setting a career-high 55 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. It's possible he could top those numbers in 2018 while opposing offensive coordinators key in on Brockers' teammates.

The shift to a 3-4 four defense under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips should cut into Brockers' playing time. The 26-year-old defensive tackle is a better run stopper than pass rusher, and Brockers projects to slot behind standout Aaron Donald on the depth chart. Additionally, even if Donald's holdout lingers into the regular season (it shouldn't), Brockers still isn't a viable fantasy option in the majority of IDP settings.

Since coming into the league as the 14th overall pick in the 2012 draft, Brockers had been a very average contributor for the Rams before last season. The 2015 campaign turned out to be Brockers' best season to date, though, and Brockers emerged as a top-notch run defender. He's still limited as a pass-rusher, though, and doesn't warrant IDP consideration.

Brockers isn't flashy, but he does a nice job plugging up the middle so Aaron Donald can rush the quarterback a little more. With the addition of Nick Fairley, Brockers may see his playing time decrease a little, but the Rams will cycle him, Fairley and Donald to keep them fresh at all times.

Brockers has had an excellent start to his NFL career, amassing 77 tackles and 9.5 sacks in two years as a defensive tackle. It helps that he has two beasts at defensive end in Robert Quinn and Chris Long to help keep offensive linemen busy. It's tough to be a solid IDP as an interior defensive lineman, but Brockers is about as solid as they come in an NFL defensive tackle.

Brockers recorded 31 tackles (20 solo) and four sacks during his rookie season and is consider one of the better young defensive tackles in the league. However, his fantasy value is limited by his low tackle total.

Brockers is expected to start the season as the club's starting left defensive tackle alongside free agent pick-up Kendall Langford.