Are you in a dynasty league with individual defensive players? Whether you're new to dynasty or a veteran, I've got a can't miss prospect from the 2014 NFL Draft which you should target in your league's draft. The guy? Jadeveon Clowney? No. Khalil Mack? No. Justin Gilbert? No. It's Alabama's inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 17th overall selection.
First off, most dynasty or re-draft leagues that incorporate individual defensive players have its scoring system set up to emphasize tackles, whether it be solo tackles or tackle assists. Which in turn means that the linebackers are the highest scoring position most of the time in those types of leagues. To go even further along those lines, the inside linebackers are the quarterbacks on defense. They are the ones who stop the run, diagnose and disrupt the screens. They're the ones who chase the bubble screens, and are the middle-of-the-field coverage players. Translation: they get a bunch of tackles and OPPORTUNITIES for other scoring methods. Of course, you will need to check your league's scoring systems. But I mean, this guy is a no-brainer.
Why do I like Mosley so much? Well, he started all 13 games as a true freshman and a senior, winning the Butkus Award (the best linebacker) and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. All the while piling up 108 tackles. Most importantly, though, is that he has helped Alabama win two national championships. The guy is a winner and knows how to win. He was the highest ranked inside linebacker going into the 2014 NFL Draft, but I also like where he landed in Baltimore.
Baltimore is known for winning a couple of titles based on its defense, led by future Hall of Famer, Ray Lewis. Between Baltimore's defensive focus and tradition, coupled with the selection of Mosley with their first pick in the draft, it is clear that they have decided to make him their choice as the Second Coming of Ray Lewis. Secondly, I don't see what I would call "competition" in his way with Daryl Smith and Arthur Brown "ahead" of him on the depth chart. I find it hard to believe that come the start of the season Mosley ISN'T one of the starting middle linebackers. The guy should be a future Pro Bowler in the NFL. Go target Mosley in your IDP drafts and you won't go wrong.
