IDP Update: Three-Down Linebackers Listing

It’s one of the most often asked questions among IDP owners — “will (linebacker X) play in subpackages?”

And it’s certainly a valid question. After all, a player can’t make tackles if he isn’t on the field, and with so many NFL teams spending so much time in the nickel, players who leave the field in subpackages miss out out on a lot of opportunities for fantasy production.

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the every-down linebackers for each NFL team, based on what we’ve learned so far in training camp and the preseason. Is it completely comprehensive? No. Could it change in a minute? Yes. But it can be a handy guide when examining the IDP appeal of a certain linebacker.

Players marked with a (*) could have some “sleeper” appeal late in drafts.

Arizona Cardinals: Sean Weatherspoon (*), Alex Okafor (Kevin Minter is alikely to play only in base sets.)

Atlanta Falcons: Paul Worrilow, Justin Durant (*)

Baltimore Ravens: C.J. Mosley, Daryl Smith, Terrell Suggs

Buffalo Bills: Nigel Bradham, Preston Brown

Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis (*)

Chicago Bears: Christian Jones, Shea McClellin, Pernell McPhee

Cincinnati Bengals: Vincent Rey, Vontaze Burfict (?), (A.J Hawk/Emmanuel Lamur dueling for other LB spot if Burfict healthy)

Cleveland Browns: Karlos Dansby, Barkevious Mingo (Chris Kirksey and Craig Robertson rotating at ILB)

Dallas Cowboys: Sean Lee, Anthony Hitchens

Denver Broncos: Von Miller, Brandon Marshall, Danny Trevathan, Demarcus Ware

Detroit Lions: DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch

Green Bay Packers: Clay Matthews, Sam Barrington (*), Julius Peppers

Houston Texans: Mike Mohamed, Whitney Mercilus, Brian Cushing (?)

Indianapolis Colts: D’Qwell Jackson, Jerrell Freeman, Robert Mathis (?), Trent Cole

Jacksonville Jaguars: Paul Posluszny, Telvin Smith

Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston, Tamba Hali

Miami Dolphins: Jelani Jenkins, Kelvin Sheppard (*)

Minnesota Vikings: Chad Greenway (*), Anthony Barr (Audie Cole holding off Eric Kendricks at MLB)

New England Patriots: Jamie Collins, Jerod Mayo

New Orleans Saints: Stephone Anthony, Dannell Ellerbe

New York Giants: Jon Beason, Devon Kennard (Kennard seeing some DE snaps)

New York Jets: David Harris, Demario Davis, Quinton Coples, Calvin Pace

Oakland Raiders: Curtis Lofton, Malcolm Smith (Sio Moore on Smith’s heels)

Philadelphia Eagles: Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks, Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin

Pittsburgh Steelers: Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier, James Harrison (?)

St. Louis Rams: James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree

San Diego Chargers: Donald Butler (*), Manti Te’o, Melvin Ingram

San Francisco 49ers: Navorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, Ahmad Brooks, Aaron Lynch (Nick Moody pushing Wilhoite)

Seattle Seahawks: Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lavonte David (Kwon Alexander/Danny Lansanah figting for second nickel spot)

Tennessee Titans: Avery Williamson, Zach Brown (*), Brian Orakpo, Derrick Morgan

Washington Redskins: Keenan Robinson, Perry Riley (*), Ryan Kerrigan, Junior Galette

With IDP draft season in high gear, Fantasy Sharks has you covered. Whether it’s 2015 player rankings and projections, waiver wire targets, rookie analysis for dynasty leagues or strategy tips, IDP Staff Writer Walton Spurlin and IDP Senior Staff Writer Gary Davenport have all the information you need to dominate your IDP league in 2015.Also, for the latest IDP news and player updates follow IDP Sharks on Twitter.