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Factoid

Rookie linebackers

Smith, Edmunds among first-rounders with chance for immediate impact

Talking some about rookie drafts, and most of the focus has been on the offensive positions. But some leagues incorporate individual defensive players, and there are some key targets among the rookies in that area, too. Most notably the two linebackers selected earliest, Roquan Smith (pictured) and Tremaine Edmunds.

Those aren't the only early selections. The Cowboys took Leighton Vander Esch, and the Titans took Rashaan Evans, also in the first round. All four project as immediate inside linebacker starters for those teams, and all could push for big tackle numbers right away.

Last year's top rookie tacklers were a little disappointing -- good players, but not difference-making fantasy performers. Jarrad Davis of the Lions led the way with 96 tackles, and Zach Cunningham of the Texans had 90. In each of the previous five seasons, and seven of eight, multiple rookies had reached 100 tackles. Only two other times this century (2001 and 2011) has there been a season where at least one rookie didn't have at least 100 total tackles.

100-TACKLE ROOKIES, 2000-PRESENT (plus 2017's best)
YearPlayerPos SoloAst Tot
2017Jarrad Davis, Det.MLB 653196
2017Zach Cunningham, Hou.ILB 484290
2016Deion Jones, Atl.MLB 7533108
2016Keanu Neal, Atl.SS 7234106
2015Stephone Anthony, N.O.MLB 7042112
2015Landon Collins, NYGFS 8428112
2014C.J. Mosley, Balt.ILB 8944133
2014Preston Brown, Buff.OLB 6643109
2014Chris Borland, S.F.ILB 8424108
2014Telvin Smith, Jac.ILB 7232104
2013Kiko Alonso, Buff.MLB 8772159
2013Paul Worrilow, Atl.OLB 7948127
2013Alec Ogletree, St.L.OLB 9423117
2013Johnathan Cyprien, Jac.SS 8717104
2012Luke Kuechly, Car.MLB 10361164
2012Bobby Wagner, Sea.MLB 8753140
2012Lavonte David, T.B.OLB 11227139
2012Vontaze Burfict, Cin.OLB 7354127
2012Harrison Smith, Minn.FS 7430104
2010T.J. Ward, Clev.SS 9528123
2010Alterraun Verner, Tenn.CB 8516101
2009Brian Cushing, Hou.OLB 8647133
2009James Laurinaitis, St.L.MLB 10713120
2008Jerod Mayo, N.E.ILB 10028128
2007Patrick Willis, S.F.ILB 13539174
2007Jon Beason, Car.MLB 10634140
2007David Harris, NYJILB 9037127
2006DeMeco Ryans, Hou.MLB 12530155
2006Ernie Sims, Det.OLB 8143124
2006A.J. Hawk, G.B.OLB 8237119
2006Thomas Howard, Oak.OLB 8822110
2006Donte Whitner, Buff.SS 6737104
2005Kirk Morrison, Oak.LB 9125116
2005Kerry Rhodes, NYJSS 8520105
2005Lofa Tatupu, Sea.MLB 8519104
2004D.J. Williams, Den.OLB 8133114
2004Jonathan Vilma, NYJMLB 7730107
2004Madieu Williams, Cin.FS 8617103
2004Teddy Lehman, Det.OLB 7527102
2004Erik Coleman, NYJFS 7327100
2003Nick Barnett, G.B.MLB 8626112
2003Mike Doss, Ind.SS 7329102
2002Chris Cash, Det.CB 8713100

Smith, selected by the Bears at No. 9 overall, looks like the best bet, with Edmunds, the Bills' pick at No. 16, also a candidate. Those guys should start at middle linebacker right away, replacing high-tackle players. (Former Bill Preston Brown led the league in tackles a year ago.) Vander Esch joins Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith in Dallas; Lee will probably be that team's best fantasy option this year. Evans probably won't be taken as early in IDP drafts, so some value in that pick; he should also start in Tennessee.

--Andy Richardson

Fantasy Index