When it comes to fantasy football defenses we all know about teams like Baltimore, Chicago and New England. Only problem is, being able to start one of those defenses every Sunday will come at a high price. Why not save those valuable middle round picks to shore up your running back, wide receiver or quarterback positions by considering a few solid defenses that you should be able get in the later rounds.

There are three defenses I believe are ready to make a fantasy impact for you in 2007. In no particular order, here are those defenses and the reason why I think you should consider them.

Green Bay Packers - When it comes to the Pack, you know that Brett Favre and Donald Driver can put up some fantasy numbers but I bet you didn’t know that their defense was slowly becoming a factor last season. In 2006 they ended up 3rd in interceptions, 4th in sacks and 12th in total defense.

In 2007 they return every player that matters. Aaron Kampman was practically a one man gang with an NFC best 15.5 sacks. Their first round pick AJ Hawk, who led team in tackles as a rookie last year, will be on the hunt once again but with a full year of NFL experience. And don’t forget about Charles Woodson who had 8 picks last year.

They also, play in a division that has a few suspect offenses and get to play outdoors in the cold during the fantasy football playoffs.

The only knock I have on them is they are among the league worst on special teams but with all of the upside and the bargain basement price (everywhere except Wisconsin that is), who cares. Grab ‘em.

Oakland Raiders - As bad as the Raiders where last year, they where pretty damn good on the defensive side of the ball. Despite playing with an offense that had virtually no time of possession and no ability to score they where able to finish 1st against pass and 3rd in total defense in 2007.

This unit also returns intact lead by a resurgent Warren Sapp who housed 10 sacks last year. They also have added former Jacksonville Jaguars stalker SS Donovin Darius.

With a weak early schedule they should be able to hit the ground running and gain confidence as they approach the middle of the season. If they can get any production out their offense this year, and I think they will, they should be able to post some solid fantasy numbers in 2007.

New York Jets - All the talk in Gotham is about Thomas Jones but the defense will also be a factor in 2007. Although they were middle of the league in sacks and turnovers in 2006, they were 6th in points allowed and have done some work in the offseason. They already have an above average linebacker corp so they upgraded secondary in the draft and improved the depth up front with the addition of David Bowens from Miami and Kenyon Coleman from Dallas.

Bottom line, with a better running game, they should be able to control the ball and keep the defense fresh more often. Plus, Mangini has a year under his belt and showed last year that he was paying attention in New England. He knows how to maximize the talent on his team and put guys in position to make plays. Not a bad defense to have on your fantasy squad.

There you have it, my defensive sleeper picks for 2007; the Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders and New York Jets. While everyone else is grabbing elite defenses in the middle rounds. you can deepen your bench with confidence knowing that three other future elites will be waiting much later.

This article was authored by Corey Koehler but originally written for and published by The Bruno Boys Fantasy Football website over on the Most Valuable Network.