2017 IDP Draft Rankings – Linebackers (Redraft)

.size { font-size: large; } .black { color: #000; } Listed below is a sample of my 2017 Linebacker Rankings for IDP Redraft Leagues. I will update these sample rankings periodically during the off-season to reflect changes in free agency, defensive schemes, playing time, draft selections, etc. However, keep in mind that the information listed here is just a small sample of a much larger set of rankings and descriptions that are accessible through purchasing my 2017 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide.

Drafting Philosophy:
Linebackers are undoubtedly the staples of a fantasy defense. However, I believe many fantasy owners tend to overvalue this position on draft day. There always seems to be a huge run on linebackers early in drafts as many owners feel that securing a “top tier” linebacker is essential to having a competitive fantasy defense. Although this is a fair strategy, I think more times than not, more value is to be found within other positions at the early junctures in drafts.

The fact is that there are a plethora of potential LB1 linebackers (e.g. Zach Brown, Jarrad Davis) that can be had rounds after the Tier 1 and even Tier 2 linebackers are off the board. Additionally, IDP studs always emerge at the linebacker position throughout the season (e.g. Jatavis Brown). So often times the best strategy is to wait until the upper echelon linebackers have been taken and then come in and start plucking up the potential LB1 upside value plays a few rounds later. This will allow you to use those early round draft picks to shore up other positions such as defensive line where more relative value is to be found, while at the same time, not suffering significant losses of quality at the linebacker position.

1. Luke Kuechly LB – CAR (11)
Over the span of five seasons, Kuechly has firmly cemented himself as one of the league’s premier defensive players. He’s been the first fantasy linebacker taken in most drafts over the last couple years and that isn’t likely to change in 2017. Health is the only risk with Kuechly as he’s missed nine games over the last two seasons, six of those coming last year after suffering a serious concussion in week 11.

2. Kwon Alexander LB – TB (11)
Alexander led all linebackers in fantasy points scored last year offering owners an attractive mix of strong tackle production and a handful of big plays. Kwon tends to have a higher week-to-week variance in box score production than the other linebackers in this tier, relying on three 14+ solo tackle games in 2016; however, his overall production falls in line with the other upper echelon linebackers.

3. Bobby Wagner LB – SEA (6)
Wagner led all linebackers in tackles last year with 169; however, that total was inflated by a Seattle stat crew that disproportionately issues out assists – a fact evidenced by Wagner’s ridiculous 83 in the category. This represses Wagner’s solo tackle production (he’s never compiled more than 86 in a season) and ultimately hurts his overall value in standard scoring IDP formats that award solo tackles at a 2:1 rate to assisted tackles. If you are in a league that awards equally for both types of tackles, there is a strong argument for taking Wagner is the #1 overall fantasy linebacker.

4. Alec Ogletree LB – LAR (8)
Ogletree doesn’t have the same type of big play upside as some of the other linebackers in this draft range, but he’s one of fantasy’s top tackle producers in a very fruitful role. He has the size to play inside in the Rams’ new 3-4 scheme. Fellow linebacker Mark Barron is undersized for a linebacker and may struggle in his new role, leaving even more tackles for Ogletree this year.

5. Vontaze Burfict LB – CIN (6)Target
When on the field, Burfict is undoubtedly one of fantasy’s top producers. He was top 3 in terms of fantasy points per snap last year, racking up over 100 total tackles despite playing less than 700 snaps. His concussion history and propensity for illegal hits make him a very risky bet to play a full season, but his upside is too hard to ignore.

6. C.J. Mosley LB – BAL (10)
Mosley had perhaps his best year in terms of on-the-field play in 2016. Unfortunately, his fantasy production did not follow suit as the third year player out of Alabama set career lows in virtually every relevant fantasy category. Zach Orr was largely responsible (along with a shoulder injury) for siphoning off a good portion of Mosley’s opportunity and with him retired, it’s a reasonable assumption that Mosley’s numbers will rebound to 2014-2015 levels. He carries a certain level uncertainty but should still be viewed as a LB1.

7. Jerrell Freeman LB – CHI (9)Target
Freeman was sneakily one of the league’s best linebackers last year excelling in both run defense and pass coverage. He missed four games due to a suspension but still finished with 87 solo tackles. With Danny Trevathan a PUP candidate to start the season, Freeman has a good shot at being the Bears lone tackle threat on defense that is going to be on the field at a near league-leading rate. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio rarely blitzes his linebackers so don’t expect many big plays from Freeman in that department, but he has a solid chance at fnishing with 100+ solo tackles. 

8. Jamie Collins LB – CLE (9)
Collins saw a 20% jump in fantasy production after being traded to the Browns in week 9 of the regular season last year. Cleveland used Collins as a Swiss-Army Man on defense playing him outside in base packages and inside in subpackages. This type of usage will create some swings in week-to-week production but gives Collins serious overall upside. He’s one of the few players in the league capable of 95+ solo tackles and 5+ sacks.

9. Sean Lee LB – DAL (6)
After years of struggling with injuries, Lee was finally able to stay healthy and rewarded owners with a career-high 144 total tackles across 15 games. With Barry Church now in Jacksonville, Lee has less competition for tackles than ever and should continue to rack up monster tackle numbers as long as he can stay on the field.

10. Jatavis Brown LB – LAC (9)
Brown, a fifth round selection last year, impressively took over the starting reigns at inside linebacker as a rookie and posted some monster games early in the year. Injuries hampered his overall production in the back half of the season, but he figures to be the centerpiece of the linebacking crew moving forward. He’s an explosive player capable of strong tackle production and 4-5 sacks a season.

Like what you’ve read so far? Looking to dominate your 2017 Fantasy Football draft(s)? For $6.99 you can get complete access to The IDP Guru’s comprehensive and exhaustive 2017 IDP Fantasy Football Draft Guide.

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Questions, comments, or concerns with any of these rankings? If so, please let me know by posting a comment below or emailing me at theidpguru@idpguru.com. You can also hit me up on Twitter. 

Last Updated: June 27, 2017