Jonathan Vilma

[The Franchise]

For those of us in IDP leagues, what is his outlook for 2008? Can he get back to the top-10 ranking now that he's back in a 4-3 scheme?

[mikus]

I think he certainly has that potential. Many are mentioning the Saints' defense as a sleeper this year. Not sure if I buy into yet, because I am not convinced of the secondary. But the line (Will Smith, Sedrick Ellis, Brian Young/Hollis Thomas, Charles Grant) should be above average, giving Vilma the ability to roam and eat tackles. Looks to me like the Saints are using the Giants' model from last year: A weak secondary masked by a badass line. Time will tell if the Saints' line can be as good, but Vilma should be able to collect a whole lot of tackles this year.

[The Franchise]

Also, most of the info that I've read says that he's close to 100% and should be ready for camp.

[sappisgod]

I really liked the Saints off-season defensively, which I hate to say as a Buc fan. Tracy Porter is a nice man CB prospect who can tackle, Randall Gay will start right away and be an upgrade. Ellis is in the mold of Amobi Okoye only stronger and with a higher ceiling, DeMario Pressley is a nice 4-3 NT prospect. And to top it off, Vilma is a complete stud 4-3 Mike. It should take their defense as a whole a while to come into their own, so I wouldn't really think it's on the rise now, but Vilma alone should put up some pretty nice stats even if the line doesn't take shape immediately. The Jets line when he was ROTY wasn't anything special, neither was DeMeco Ryans'(the slightly slower Jon Vilma) line when he won ROTY. Both are guys who can get it done without a ton of help.

[osu99]

that front four is going to open JV up to make a lot of plays. i would expect big things from the former defensive ROY

[killiansjmd]

If his knee is healthy, I see no reason why he shouldn;t be very productive again. His return to a 4-3 defense plus the Saints have a strong D-line should equal good results for Vilma.

[onnestabe]

My only concern with him is the knee. Not that I have some information that his rehab is going poorly, just that he will be a beast when/if healthy. If the knee is healthy, he is by far the best player on the defense, and he will rack up tackles.