Sleeper Watch

Running backs Cedric Benson, Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown, wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Mike Williams, and quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and, presumably, Matt Leinart … there are a lot of intriguing players available in this year’s NFL rookie draft. Yet while the offensive stars might command the media spotlight, the top defenders in the class of ‘05 might be safer fantasy bets.

Whereas the short-term value of the offensive standouts depends to a great extent on the teams that draft them and the roles in which they are used, several of the elite defenders should be able to make an immediate impact no matter where they land. Among the very best in this year’s class is Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson.

Ben Kearon rated Johnson as the top linebacker available this April in his Early Draft Rankings, and he may well be one of the top defenders, period. A tremendous athlete and very fast for a linebacker, Johnson used his speed to record 73 solo tackles and 57 assists this year for a total of 130 stops in 12 games. He also has an instinctive knack for coming up with big plays, as evidenced by his nine forced fumbles. With good hands and great on-field awareness, Johnson should have little trouble adjusting to life in the NFL. If he can improve his skill at shedding blockers, he could become a fixture in IDP lineups for many years to come.