Sleeper Watch

With the emphasis in most IDP leagues firmly on linebackers, it’s hard to find any LB with the potential to produce decent numbers who isn’t already receiving his share of attention from fantasy owners. So how come nobody’s talking about Seattle’s DD Lewis?

After recording 49 solo tackles and 17 assists in 2003, Lewis missed the entire 2004 campaign following shoulder surgery. As if that wasn’t enough to take him off fantasy owners’ radar screens, he also missed most of this year’s camp following a concussion suffered on August 1, and was held out of the Seahawks first preseason game.

Lewis shouldn’t be overlooked entirely, however. He’s expected to be good to go by the time the 2005 season kicks off in earnest, and will have a key role in Seattle’s revamped linebacker corps. Lewis will start alongside veteran Jamie Sharper, newly acquired this off-season, as well as either Niko Koutouvides or rookie Lofa Tatupu (a position battle well worth keeping a close eye on, incidentally).

Two years ago, Lewis showed considerable promise as a sophomore. If he can put his injury woes behind him and pick up where he left off, he should have plenty of opportunity to improve on the numbers he posted in 2003. If you’re looking for a potential source of tackles in the closing rounds of your draft, keep DD Lewis’s name in mind.