Mike: Thumbs Down

Remember the absolute joy when you discover a stud that no one else has recognized?  For me in 2004 that player was Cato June.  I picked him up before anyone else even noticed him and have reaped the rewards since.  He's steadily improved from 6.9 to 8.9 tackles per game since then.  So how about 2007?  I hate to admit it, but I no longer count on him as one of my key IDP starters.  His move from the Colts to the Bucs was a negative, but worse is the position change to SLB.  No longer able to float freely and be a heat-seeking missile against ball-carriers, Cato now has to play over the TE.  His responsibilities will prevent him from piling up the tackles we have come to expect.  I look for him to be only about a top 40 -- 50 LB this year.  If Derrick Brooks gets injured and he swings back to WLB I'll snap him up but not until then.

Cecil: Thumbs....uh....Sideways?

We picked June as a topic of discussion because across IDP sites, you'll find a wide array of opinions. I actually arrive at the same destination as Mike, ranking June as a Top 40-50 LB. But I think numerically, he will approach his 1st season (2004) as a starter with the Colts, when he racked up 84 solo tackles and 2 INTs. June is a former safety who is going to make plays in the passing game, and being in coverage against the TE won't hurt. Also, I just have to think June will still be able to chase down some plays sideline to sideline. Where he'll be less effective is when offenses run right at him. Cato will look like he got clobbered by the Cato of Pink Panther fame. If you run a dynasty franchise and can handle June in a bench role in 2007, remember that he may replace Derrick Brooks at WLB in 2008.