2010 Top 10 NFL Defensive IDP Fantasy Football Players to Draft

More and more fantasy football leagues are including defensive players, which is a good addition. This is my second edition of the top 10 defensive players for fantasy football

NOTE: These are not the best 10 defensive players in the NF, just the Top 10 prospects for the upcoming season in terms of fantasy points.

#10. Louis Delmas, S, Detroit Lions
Delmas is an interesting fantasy prospect for the 2010 NFL season. The 2 defensive touchdowns and safety helped make his fantasy numbers among the best of defensive backs, but the 94 total tackles was not a fluke either. Delmas will need an increase in interceptions to remain within the top 10 defensive players, but he will continue to get high tackle numbers in a weak secondary.

#9. Brian Dawkins, S, Denver
At 36 Dawkins looked like a new man in Denver, must be the air. Dawkins had 116 tackles and two interceptions. It would be hard to repeat those numbers, but Dawkins remains an elite defensive fantasy threat.

#8. Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens
A fantasy threat at 35 years old is something to be admired. Lewis continues to rack up over 100 tackles a year and several sacks and forced fumbles. If you are looking for a consistent performer, then Lewis is your man.

#7. Kirk Morrison, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
You could argue that Morrison deserves to be even higher on this list with 133 tackles last season, but his fantasy value is diminished by low sack numbers and forced fumbles while in Oakland. In Jacksonville Morrison should continue to log high tackle numbers and have an opportunity to log more sacks with fierce blitzing schemes.

#6. Yeremiah Bell, DB, Miami Dolphins
Bell is a tackling machine for the Dolphins and finally got a few interceptions last season. Bell had 114 tackles in 2009 and three interceptions. If Bell increases his interception numbers and gets a defensive touchdown or two, he could move to the top of this list very fast.

#5. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Dallas Cowboys
Ware puts up very similar numbers to Harrison, but didn't quite match Harrison's 2009 stats. Ware is a top five pick because he has never missed a game in his five years with the Cowboys, and has made at least 55 tackles and 8 sacks years after year. Expect a slight increase on his 11 sacks and 57 tackles from '09.

#4. James Harrison, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Although Harrison's statistics took a hit from the 2008 season, in 2009 he logged 79 tackles, 10 sacks, and five forced fumbles. To be a top five defensive fantasy pick at a linebacker spot, those stats will not do the trick. Although I cannot predict the 101 tackles and 16 sacks of 2008, I could see Harrison coming away with 90 tackles and 12 sacks, which would be good enough to make fourth on this list of great picks for your fantasy defense.

#3. Julius Peppers, DE, Chicago Bears
The move to the NFC North on a solid Bears defense will help Peppers return to his previously dominant style of play. Last season he put up very good numbers for a defensive end with 42 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and five forced fumbles. With weak offensive lines plaguing NFC North teams, expect a feat for Peppers.

#2. Charles Woodson, CB, Green Bay Packers
Many fantasy experts feel that Woodson is an overrated fantasy defensive back, which he may be, but the numbers don't lie. Woodson recorded 74 tackles, 2 sacks, and an impressive 9 interceptions. Depending on your fantasy league point setup, he might have been the highest scoring defensive back last season. Woodson should continue to have another solid fantasy season.

#1. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Willis still isn't a household name but he is a fantasy dream and a heck of a linebacker. Willis recorded 152 total tackles (114 solo), 4 sacks, 3 interceptions, a defensive touchdown, 8 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles. Willis has had over 100 solo tackles each of the past three years, so be confident when you select him as your first defensive pick in your IDP fantasy league.

Note: Cushing makes the top 10 if not for his four game suspension