Kevin

Burnett

In IDP dynasty leagues, we like Burnett better than first-rounders DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears. We think he’ll take Bradie James’ job before long.

Burnett is a standout special teamer, but he’s limited to passing downs as a linebacker. The Cowboys may not try to match offers now that Keith Brooking is on board.

He chose San Diego over Houston, Green Bay, and Oakland. Used as a nickel ‘backer/special teamer in Dallas, Burnett will push Matt Wilhelm and Tim Dobbins to start inside for the Bolts. He can also play OLB in a pinch.

The Raiders are remaking their linebacker corps, and Burnett would provide production and leadership on the cheap. Burnett, 30, is coming off a 110-tackle, 2.5-sack campaign where he graded out as the No. 4 4-3 outside linebacker in Pro Football Focus’ ratings. Newly signed Nick Roach is currently the Raiders’ only viable starter at linebacker.

According to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez, Burnett was “not cleared medically.” Burnett missed a good chunk of the offseason program with an ankle injury. Signed to a two-year, $5.25 million deal last March, Burnett started all 16 games but wasn’t terribly effective, barely earning a positive grade from Pro Football Focus. Although he’s now 31 and getting cut by one of the league’s worst teams, Burnett shouldn’t have trouble finding a new home when healthy. He struggles in pass coverage but is a solid run plugger.

Burnett, 30, racked up 110 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble last season as the Dolphins’ starting weak-side linebacker. Pro Football Focus graded Burnett as the No. 4 4-3 outside ‘backer in football, behind only Von Miller, Jerod Mayo, and Lance Briggs. Burnett should bring an edge to Oakland’s defense with SLB Philip Wheeler now in Miami. Kaluka Maiava projects to start on the strong side with Nick Roach in the middle and Miles Burris likely heading to the bench.

Nick Roach is the Mike linebacker, and Sio Moore is playing Sam. Burnett excels in pass coverage, so he’ll be an every-down ‘backer, likely staying on the field with Roach in nickel packages. Burnett is playing the same spot Philip Wheeler did last year. Wheeler racked up 109 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Burnett missed OTAs with an ankle injury, but will be ready for camp. Sio Moore got the majority of snaps opposite Khalil Mack in his absence and is the favorite to start. Burnett, 31, started all 16 games for the Raiders last season, recording 105 tackles, three forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks.

Burnett, a second-round pick last year, suffered a torn ACL in the 2005 season finale.

Expected to make big plays after being given $9.8 million in guaranteed money to replace Channing Crowder, Burnett has just 10 tackles and zero sacks or interceptions through his first three games in Miami. He has struggled against the run, while allowing six of the seven passes attempted against him to be completed. He’ll get his former team San Diego on Sunday.