Sleeper Watch

When the Jets traveled to Kansas City in week 1 to square off with the Chiefs, owners in IDP leagues watched with interest (then again, fantasy owners watch pretty much every game in which Priest Holmes takes the field with interest, but that’s beside the point). After all, highly-touted rookie Derrick Johnson was playing his first game. And Johnson didn’t disappoint, collecting a team-high eight tackles along with an assist, a forced fumble, and a sack. Not a bad premiere at all for the first-year linebacker…

But let’s face it: even before the NFL draft, we knew that Johnson had the potential to turn into a defensive standout. That doesn’t mean, however, that the game didn’t have surprises in store for IDP owners.

Perhaps the biggest surprise – other than the strong collective showing by the Chiefs’ defense – came in the form of the solid numbers posted by Kerry Rhodes. The rookie safety, chosen by the Jets out of Louisville in the fourth round of this year’s draft, racked up ten tackles and an assist in his debut, and left a very solid impression.

Consistent production from the defensive back position is hard to find, and anytime a rookie DB starts turning in high-tackle performances, fantasy owners should take note. Of course, after just one game, it’s far too early to say just how good Rhodes will be, but owners in IDP leagues should start following his progress carefully.