Impact of IDPs with 2007 changes of scenery
By - Fantasy Gas staff

Changing teams may turn previous production into meaningless fiction for players on either side of the ball.  Defensive philosophy and scheme differences from one NFL team to another often have significant impacts for IDPs.  Be aware of the player on the other end of the line, or on the other side of the field – if a productive lineman comes to a team balanced by a lesser player, then fending off double-team blocking may be a concern; if a productive corner is the newcomer with a questionable player on the other side, then he may see fewer chances to make plays as offenses pick on his counterpart.  And, of course, if the newcomer hasn’t been as productive, he may blossom if balanced by an established star.

A rundown follows of individual defensive players with changes of scenery for 2007 and fantasy production impacts to expect. 

Adam Archuleta, Bears strong safety: Archuleta’s strength has always been in amassing tackles.  His ballhawking just isn’t productive – and that won’t change with his move to the Windy City.  Because of the strength of the Bears’ secondary, his stats should drop some.

Tully Banta-Cain, 49ers outside linebacker (27):  Banta-Cain returns to the Bay Area where he starred at Cal.  He was developing as a consistent pass rusher for the Patriots, and should continue to rise in the improved Niner defense with Manny Lawson, another quick speed rusher, on the other side of the field.

Dre Bly, Broncos cornerback (30):  Productive as a ballhawking Lion, Bly now becomes the lesser of two evils for teams that will elect to go his way rather than toward superstar Champ Bailey on the other side of the field.  Bly should have a stat spike this year.

Nate Clements, 49ers cornerback (27): Clements joins an improving Niners team that should have the ability to get ahead and force teams to play catch-up via the air.  However, Clements will be the best corner on the team – usually meaning that his chances to make plays will drop some.

Mike Doss, Vikings strong safety (26): Doss comes onboard a solid defensive backfield with accomplished strong safety Darren Sharper – he may get stuck in a supporting role if position changes aren’t made.  Never much as a pick-off artist or pass rusher, injuries limited to just six games last year.  Look for a better alternative. 

Donnie Edwards, Chiefs outside linebacker (34):  Edwards exits the monster Chargers defensive unit to return to KC and its much less imposing stoppers.  An inside backer previously, he was a very productive fantasy IDP, but will move to the strong side for the Chiefs.  Factor in the position change, a lesser supporting cast, as well as his age, and expect a drop off in production.

London Fletcher-Baker, Redskins middle linebacker (32):  Fletcher-Baker has been productive as both a Ram and a Bill – an indication that changes of scenery don’t befuddle him in the least.

Deion Grant, Seahawks free safety (27):  Grant takes over for Ken Hamlin who had a productive 2006.  Seattle’s relatively weak corners may decrease opponents’ tosses over the middle lowering the potential that they might land in his wheelhouse.

James Hall, Rams defensive end (30):  Hall will play on the opposite side of the line from Leonard Little after facing double teams for the Lions.  He’s always been somewhat underrated as a pass rusher both in Detroit and Cleveland.  Playing second fiddle should translate into increased sack numbers for Hall.  Perhaps his biggest bugaboos are injuries – something that isn’t likely to change in Saint Louie.

Ken Hamlin, Cowboys free safety (26):  Hamlin has always been a headhunter noted for hard hits and joins a solid ‘Boys defensive unit.  Not known for disciplined play, his production may well dip in Big D.

Cato June, Buccaneers outside linebacker (27):  June, normally a productive weak side linebacker, will move to the strong side since Derrick Brooks is still a force for the Bucs.  The move should pull June’s stats down substantially.

Kevin Kaesviharn, Saints free safety (30):  Kaesviharn was productive after becoming a starter for the Bengals.  The switch to NO should be a plus providing he beats out the competition for the starting job.

Patrick Kerney, Seahawks defensive end (30):  Kerney moves from a sack crazy, aggressive defensive unit in Atlanta to one that is substantially more sedate in Seattle.  He has decent pass rush support in linebacker Julian Peterson and defensive end Darryl Tapp but will still get double-teamed.  Kerney isn’t as quick as he once was, but still has a never quit attitude.  In all likelihood, though, he’ll drop a bit statistically.

Joey Porter, Dolphins outside linebacker (30): Porter was a prototype pass rushing 3-4 ‘backer as a Steeler.  He still has the motor and a good supporting cast in Miami – a complement for defensive end Jason Taylor.

Brian Russell, Seahawks strong safety (29):  Brought to Seattle after starting for the Browns because Holmgren doesn’t have faith in incumbent starter Michael Boulware, who lost his job last season because of a nasty tendency to get beat deep.  If Russell gets the starting nod, his ballhawking (9 pickoffs in ’03) and ability to also play cornerback gives him added value.

Takeo Spikes, Eagles outside linebacker (30):  Spikes has always been a productive fantasy linebacker.  His relocation to Philly and a spot in their aggressive defensive scheme should keep him productive – unless, that is, injuries that have been a plague recently continue to send him to the sidelines.

Adalius Thomas, Patriots outside linebacker (30): Thomas has been among the best at racking-up sacks.  He excelled last season for the Ravens 3-4, and moves to the Pats equally aggressive unit.  The change of scenery will only be a blink for Thomas who should remain among the top fantasy IDPs.