Linebackers are often the heart of the defense and in fantasy football, the same holds true. In most leagues I play, we start more LBs than any other defensive position. So its key to get several consistent scoring LBs.

Generally speaking, the MLB (especially in the 4-3 defense) is the most consistent scoring player on defense. These are the guys that rack up the most individual tackles, and usually have a couple of INTS a season.

The OLB are generally your pass rushers or coverage linebackers, so they tend to be a little more inconsistent with their point scoring as they rely more heavily on sacks and interceptions. That's why you will see my top 20 littered with MLBs with only a sprinkling of OLBs.

So without further ado, here are my initial ranking of linebackers.

1 Willis, Patrick SFO - Last year's defensive rookie of the year came on STRONG at the end of the year and he's being counted on being the huge part of the Niners defense for the next decade.

2 Ryans, DeMeco HOU - Right now, there isn't much that separates Ryans and Willis. Ryans did what Willis did his first year. I expect that Ryans will have another outstanding season working behind that explosive Texans defensive line.

3 Urlacher, Brian CHI - Urlacher struggled a little bit last year as the Bears DTs struggled, but I think he will bounce back this year. He has to love that Briggs has resigned with the Bears.

4 Barnett, Nick GBP - Generally, the middle linebacker in 4-3 defenses are desirable because they are schemed to make a lot of plays, and Barnett is no different.

5 Williams, DJ DEN - Williams transitioned from an outside linebacker last year to the middle, and the results were awesome, as he finished fourth in points scored. Expect more of the same from this athletic playmaker.

6 Beason, Jon CAR - Beason would have won the defensive rookie of the year had it not been for Willis' amazing season. But as is, Beason will now be counted upon to take the place of fellow former Cane Dan Morgan and I expect to Beason to continue racking up the tackles.

7 Fletcher-Baker, London WAS - Fletcher-Baker struggled towards the end of the season, but when healthy, Fletcher-Baker is among the league leaders in IDP leagues.

8 Witherspoon, Will STL - Witherspoon played on a bad St Louis team last year, so he had a few more opportunities to make plays, and that he did. Witherspoon will again anchor the LB corps for the Rams this year and he'll once again put up good numbers.

9 Harris, David NYJ - I hate to say it, but David Harris was a much better fit in the Jets 3-4 defense than was Jonathan Vilma, who has since been traded to the Saints. Harris had a few games last year where he was in on every tackle it seemed. I think this year, with another year under his belt, he will add a little more consistency and that will make him a top 10 LB.

10 Sims, Ernie DET - One of the few OLB that I would rank right up there with the elite MLB is Sims. Sims absolutely flies to the ball. He can be muscled up a bit, but Sims does a good job of finding angles.

Others:

11 Henderson, E.J. MIN 12 Howard, Thomas OAK 13 Brackett, Gary IND 14 Lewis, Ray BAL 15 Tatupu, Lofa SEA 16 Dansby, Karlos ARI 17 Morrison, Kirk OAK 18 Johnson, Derrick KCC 19 Vilma, Jon NO 20 Ware, Demarcus DAL