This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
Having a cheat sheet makes draft day easier, but there are definitely times when we have players listed in nearly identical spots on our draft boards. Then, when it's time to make the actual pick, we look at our list and have second thoughts. Been there? I thought so — I've been there plenty of times as well. To try and lower some draft-day stress, this will be the second of a two-part series in which we'll use projected win totals to help break ties in player valuation on draft day.
This week we'll look at the linebackers. Typically, teams that are among the worst in the league are likely to be playing from behind. When these situations occur, the linebackers certainly will have extra opportunities to pile up tackles, while their opponent runs the ball more than usual to run out the clock and protect their lead. So, let's look at the teams that Vegas has projected as the worst in the league.
There are five squads projected to lose at least 10 games, and to nobody's surprise, the Dolphins lead the list with an over/under of five wins. Although their offense is a work in progress, it's difficult to imagine that their defense will be able to hold down opponents enough to keep them in games. With the Jets and Bills having shown improvement in the offseason, there may not be many easy games on the schedule.
Players to consider: Raekwon McMillan, Kiko Alonso and Jerome Baker