2009 (FINAL) DYNASTY RANKINGS
These are my final ’09 rankings for dynasty formats. I’ve expanded the rankings of each offensive skill position, grouped them into still only 3 tiers (bolded, underlined) to keep it simple. The 3 tiers are RS, SS, TS and sleepers have been removed. However, there is a distinction from the top-end to the bottom-end of the largest tier (TS) in most cases. Commentary is included to not only critique the players but also to break down their current situations as I view it in a quick snapshot.
Let me stress that these rankings are based on PPR (1 pt per reception) leagues. That’s what I enjoy the most and if I have 10 leagues, at least 9 of ‘em would be PPR. These leagues, IMO, offer more versatility and bring different strategies to the table to promote much more lively leagues. My thinking is for the most part non-consensus, as I will (rarely) look at anyone else’s rankings, I primarily go by what my eyes see first and foremost, and as a supplement what I read from reports and information from scouts/personnel people. Some of your favorites may not be high on my lists, and some of mine not as high on yours, but hey, hopefully that's what this fantasy game is about, differences in approach and projections. Since I’m done with my dynasty startups for the year, I decided to update my previous posting from Oct. 2008. Interesting to note is that not a whole lot has changed from my early thoughts, but of course, some things had to be revised after further analysis. Anyways, have at it and feedback/criticism/discussion is welcomed.
THE RUNNERS.......MEAT ‘N POTATOES OF YOUR FANTASY MEAL
RS…..REIGN SUPREME
1. Adrian Peterson RB 6’1 ½ “ 220 Vikings
With a lethal combination of size, power, speed, and agility, “All-Day” stands alone at the top of the pile. No current RB can match Peterson’s overall skill set and he stands as the most legitimate yearly threat to amass 2300+ total yards with double-digit TDs. As the weapons continue to evolve around him, especially at QB, this beast will continue to dominate for the foreseeable future making him the absolute, clear-cut #1 RB in dynasty leagues.
SS…SIMPLY SUPERB aka SUPER STUDS
2. Maurice Jones-Drew RB 5’6” 210 Jaguars
“The Human Bowling Ball of Butcher Knives” is quite simply one of the best football players in the NFL, able to do all of the things necessary to assist his team to victory. However, sometimes these things (blocking, kick returns, etc.) haven’t always translated into huge fantasy success. Now, with his mentor Fred Taylor off in N.E., MJD has the spotlight all to himself in the Jags’ backfield. And we simply don’t expect him to not deliver, as he is not only a dynamic playmaker, capable of ripping off huge gainers and multiple TD efforts any given Sunday, but he has always received a lot of goal-line work and this should continue as he receives a pretty nice bump in touches. After signing a huge contract extension this offseason and with Taylor’s exit, MJD is poised for his best season yet, although I still do not believe he will amass much more than 300 total touches. And if the Jags are smart, he shouldn’t. They need him to be fresh down the stretch and in the playoffs, if they make it in.
3. Reggie Bush RB 6’0” 205 Saints
All the “RBI” haters take note…that’s Reggie Bush Incredible……I’ve listened to you yap on-and-on about he can’t do this, he can’t do that. Well, let me tell you what he can do…Win you fantasy championships! As previously stated, I’m primarily focused on PPR leagues, and for my $$$ “RBI” is as valuable as any player in the league. The ultimate dual-threat out of the backfield, he continues to pile up the points at a very high and consistent rate, as his per game avg. shows. Other than more games, what more can you ask for? I’m sure the haters will find something.
4. Matt Forte RB 6’1” 220 Bears
For all the doubters who lacked faith in Forte from the beginning and for some of those same doubters who still continue to knock the guy, let it go. Just admit you were, and still are, wrong…..It’s OK to miss on some evaluations, but to continue down the same erroneous path is just not smart at some point. Hop on board the train, it’s not too late. The reality of the situation is that Forte is a big-time producer. Blessed with great vision and elite feet, this guy has a very nice package of speed, power, instincts (especially his natural-looking cutback ability), and receiving skill to become, dare I say, great. He reminds me a lot of Marcus Allen. Don’t believe the haters, this kid is “The Postmaster”…goods and services gov’t certified, the cat is for real!
5. Jonathan Stewart RB 5’10” 235 Panthers
Being ahead of the curve is what this particular ranking is about, as I’ve seen enough of J-Stew to realize that this guy is what I’ll call…NO JOKE! He will bring defenders the business on every down, and once the full load is placed at his talented feet, which is coming soon (date of this commentary is Oct. 2, 2008), the league will witness a dominant force. I would not rule out this guy being #2 on the list in my projections for 2010. Strong as a bull, with excellent vision and burst, combined with very nice agility and the speed to take it to the house, the resulting product is Jonathan “NO JOKE!” Stewart…
6. Steven Jackson RB 6’2” 232 Rams
S-Jax, already in his prime for a RB (will be 26 yrs old in ‘09), has to hit the ground running (literally) heading into the ’09 season to maintain a hold of this lofty status. The new regime has placed most of the offensive burden on Jackson, and he is more than capable of carrying a heavy load. Although not an elite talent, IMO, S-Jax is a true workhorse who is ultra-competitive with versatility being his primary asset allowing him to put up great all-around numbers. The Rams have rebuilt their o-line by adding some topnotch talent in C Jason Brown and prized first round OT Jason Smith. With a shift to the West Coast offense, Jackson should be primed for a monster season, as long as he can hold up physically to the demanding workload.
7. Steve Slaton RB 5’10” 207 Texans
By not bringing in a high-priced F.A. or high round draftee at the RB position, I’m going to go out on a limb here and state that the Texans already have their marquee RB. Everyone knew that Slaton had the wheels to turn corners like a “Lambo”…that’s a Lamborghini for the linguistically lagging…but what I’ve been extremely impressed with is his willingness, and toughness, on inside runs. He runs with very good pad level and surprising power. Now he will never be confused with Adrian Peterson running inside, but in all honestly, I didn’t believe that he could do it even marginally at the NFL level. That said, I still look for this guy to be paired up with an inside “banger” eventually, but his overall versatility and play-making ability will still merit him the lead dog and compels me to a favorable comparison of Slaton to Westbrook, much more so than Chris Johnson being compared to Westbrook.
8. Frank Gore RB 5’9 ½” 212 49’ers
Gore has always been an extremely talented, yet under-appreciated RB (in fantasy circles). Exhibiting one of the best “body leans” in the game, this guy always seems to be on balance and churning forward, bursting through the slightest of openings while finishing runs with the best of ‘em. This guy is in phenomenal shape, so look for “The Inconvenient Truth” to be amongst the Top 4-5 in total yards from scrimmage for the foreseeable future. If he ever boosts his TD total, Watch Out!
9. Chris Johnson RB 5’11” 200 Titans
Johnson exhibits superior top-end speed, but what really separates him from the pack is his burst/acceleration, which is off the charts. Once this young man spots an opening, he’s through it faster than the speed of light. Yes, the kid is electrifying. And just maybe a little tougher than I anticipated as he also runs in between the tackles fairly well for a smallish back, ala Brian Westbrook in this regard. I don’t see a true comparison though to the overall skill set of Westbrook, unless he starts to display Westbrook’s/Bush’s supreme receiving ability. Not a knock on him, he just hasn’t yet displayed their pass-catching skill level, which could be the final piece of the puzzle to elevate him into the RS stratosphere…
10. Michael Turner RB 5’10” 238 Falcons
A literal “wrecking-ball” of a runner, Turner has immediately ingratiated himself to legions of fantasy diehards, some (like me) who were pretty skeptical of his decision to sign with ATL. This guy is a tough inside runner who is very difficult to bring down hombre-y-hombre and a threat to break off a long run at any moment. I’ll assume that the supporting cast around him on offense will continue to develop and “The Burner” will continue to develop himself into a consistent fantasy producer. If he adds a receiving dimension to his game, then he’ll be that much more valuable.
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
11. Darren McFadden RB 6’1 ½” 215 Raiders
Amidst all the dysfunction in RaiderLand, Run-DMC has at least shown what separates him from much of the RB pack…AN ELITE BURST…He is undeniably a special talent but he does need improvement in several areas, amongst them his patience and durability. With a (reported) super work ethic and high football IQ, I have little doubt that McFadden improves upon these areas, rising quickly to stardom. Even when he does (in ’09), the doubters/haters will still doubt/hate……it’s just what they do…
12. Beanie Wells RB 5’11” 235 Cardinals
Beanie has a lot to prove, but couldn’t have landed in a more ideal situation in AZ, where he should get on the field immediately as the Cards’ feature RB. Combining great size, dynamite power (excellent stiff-arm), good feet with surprising burst and speed, the only question for me is his durability. In many respects, Wells somewhat reminds me of an ’08 draftee with a similar skill-set and body-type who also had durability concerns entering the league (currently ranked #5 on this list). In the final analysis, I expect Wells to be the top back out of the ’09 RB class.
13. Felix Jones RB 5’11” 210 Cowboys
From Oct. 2008: “I believe this guy is one of the most talented pure runners in the game with top-notch instincts, vision, and explosion. It may be hard to fathom, but I would not at all be surprised to see “The Cat” being the primary ballcarrier in Big “D” before the end of 2010”…Today (June 2009), I believe there is no doubt that Jones will be a stud in the NFL, with Top 10 fantasy potential. I can see Felix simply outclassing MB3 in ’09, the kid is that talented, and Dallas will not be able to keep him off the field for long.
14. DeAngelo Williams RB 5’9 ½” 215 Panthers
“DeA” rewarded his patient owners in 2008 with a phenomenal season, but looking back on how it all transpired seems a bit too flukish in my eyes. I’ve always really liked the kid’s talent, and he could end up exceeding this ranking for many years to come, however, I’m ranking his backfield mate well ahead of him as I believe that as talented as Williams is, Stewart is even better.
15. Ronnie Brown RB 6’0” 230 Dolphins
Brown has always been one of the most talented RBs in the game, and even though he is approaching 28 yrs of age, I believe his best 2-3 years are still ahead of him. IMO, this guy was one of the 4-5 “special” RBs in the league prior to his injury, and going into 2009 Brown will be almost 2 full years removed from his ACL injury. I expect a huge breakout in ’09 and a Top 5 season is within reach.
16. Knowshon Moreno RB 5’11” 218 Broncos
Moreno is a very good all-around RB in the mold of a (pre-injury) Cadillac Williams. Not quite as physically gifted as the elite RBs in the league, Moreno is a heck of a football player with tremendous running instincts that will serve him well as he transitions to the next level. In this era of multiple option backfields (MOBs), it appears that Moreno may be a guy who can get a ton of touches with the Broncos based on their urgency to draft this kid. If that’s indeed proven to be the case, this ranking may turn out to be too low.
17. Kevin Smith RB 6’1” 215 Lions
Smith is a very smooth, effective RB with a very nice all-around skill set. Ala Moreno, he is not quite as physically gifted as the elite RBs in the league. I believe he can enjoy a nice run as a quality starter in the NFL for a few years, but he gives me the same feeling that I had about Addai all along, that he’s nothing special and a guy whom the Lions may look to upgrade sooner rather than later. Enjoy the run while you can.
18. Marshawn Lynch RB 5’11” 225 Bills
In watching the Bills play, in particular Lynch, I see so much potential here but am often left wondering, what’s the holdup? With such a skilled RB, the Bills still seem to be underutilizing this guy’s talents. I see a guy with very good power, vision, good speed and nice lateral agility, who should be getting 1300+ yds and 50+ catches in his sleep. Expected to be used much more in the passing game this year, Lynch is a tough guy to project at this time and with his off-the-field issues continuing, I have to move him down in my rankings for ’09. I’m unsure if the Bills will even want to extend Lynch once his rookie deal expires.
19. Clinton Portis RB 5’11” 222 Redskins
I suspect many of you are thinking that he should be ranked significantly higher. Well, I see a few too many red flags concerning “Dr. Doo-wich Big” going forward to justify a higher ranking. Portis has logged a lot of carries (projected to be over 2,000 heading into the ’09 season) and incurred significant wear and tear along the way (various degrees in severity of knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle injuries). Sure, he has looked superb the past couple of seasons, but for me, just a bit too much mileage on the tires. Portis just may enjoy another stellar season in ’09. But beyond that, the wheels may go flat on this Mercedes-Benz very quickly……
20. Rashard Mendenhall RB 5’10” 225 Steelers
I still don’t understand why Tampa Bay passed on this guy for Talib. That being the case, the jury is certainly still out on Mendenhall. However, the kid showed some power in the limited times he was on display. Hopefully, the injury thing is not something that Mendenhall will be dealing with on a regular basis as I have a feeling that the Steelers will soon part ways with Parker for such a reason (unable to stay healthy). Thus, Mendenhall will have ample opportunity to showcase his much ballyhooed skill-set.
21. Brandon Jacobs RB 6’4” 260 Giants
This guy sure does play for the right team, as he is literally a Giant……”The Incredi-Bulk” is not much of a presence in the passing game, but with a whopping 5+ ypc and a destructive “shoulder-plow” once he sniffs the goal-line, Jacobs is such a serious force in the running game and a (potential) high-volume TD-threat that he still merits Top 20 consideration in spite of his lackluster receiving totals.
22. Pierre Thomas RB 5’10” 223 Saints
Thomas has earned the right to be the guy in the Saints backfield. He has worked hard to improve (added 10+ lbs of muscle this offseason) and has produced at a high level when given the opportunity. With the Saints not addressing their RB situation in the draft nor in free agency, and with Bush as his running-mate, Thomas could find himself getting even more opportunities if Bush suffers another injury.
23. Marion Barber III RB 5’10” 225 Cowboys
“The Barberian” is one of the best closers among NFL RBs. When the 4th quarter arrives, this guy keeps going like the Energizer Bunny, delivering wallops left and right to any defender in his path. At some point, this will take a toll on Barber, but for the immediate future (next 3-4 years), he should be able to continue in this role and produce at a pretty high level in fantasy. But the anticipated emergence of Felix Jones pushes “The Barberian” down several notches in my eyes.
24. Donald Brown RB 5’10” 210 Colts
The Colts apparently landed their guy in the draft, tabbing Brown in the 1st Rd when there were also plenty other pressing needs on their team. Obviously, this doesn’t bode well for Addai long-term and Brown should be able to work his way into a pretty even timeshare at some point during the ’09 season. I like Brown’s skill set, but am not overly excited about him. Given that he landed on such a fantasy-friendly team, his prospects become that much more appealing when, and if, he gets the full-time gig. Brown is certainly a “buy” where he is currently being drafted in dynasty startups.
25. Laurence Maroney RB 5’11” 220 Patriots
I’m not ready to give up on this guy as quickly as many have already. Only 24 years old, and with aging RBs all around him, I look for Maroney to bounce back in a big way relatively soon (’09 or ’10), whether it be in a Patriot uniform or not. He will probably never be a threat to catch 50 passes, but once he re-gains the trust of his coaching staff, he simply is the most talented RB on the roster and a guy who could produce Portis-like numbers, as we’ve seen from him over short stretches.
26. LeSean McCoy RB 5’10” 205 Eagles
“Shady” has landed in the ideal spot for his skill set. And with an aging, injury-riddled star RB still around, McCoy would be wise to learn all he can from watching Westbrook go about his business as he could do quite well by trying to emulate Westbrook since their styles (and statures) are similar. The additions up front along the o-line enhance this kid’s future potential. I wouldn’t bet the farm that McCoy ends up being as good as Westbrook, but even if he gets reasonably close that would still be darn good.
27. LaDanian Tomlinson RB 5’9 ½ ” 218 Chargers
Who said that “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But a Number!”? Well, with regards to RBs, age is almost everything. LT2 will certainly go down as one of the greatest RBs ever, but all things must come to a close at some point. In dynasty drafts, I’d rather miss out on a guy’s last significant year or two than to watch helplessly as the once proud, premier players run right off a cliff (potentially) and into oblivion shortly after you drafted them. The total carries/touches have mounted to a very high level for Tomlinson, and the signs of wear and tear are right there in front of us, I refuse to be in denial. Great, HOF career for my man, but I’ll steer clear for the last stand unless I get the biggest steal since what AIG got from the gov’t .
28. Joseph Addai RB 5’10” 215 Colts
I’ll be the first to state that I’ve never been a huge fan of this guy as far as pure RB talent. Given his fortune to be in such a high-octane offense that virtually guarantees a RB will produce good numbers, Addai may soon be faced with the real possibility of moving on to another team.
29. Michael Bush RB 6’1” 240 Raiders
Another in my line of future studs that I foresee blossoming sooner rather than later. In this era of the RBBC, guys who have the potential to score a significant number of TDs as well as rack up a nice line of total yards (receiving + rushing) will become valuable commodities. Bush is one of these guys. With excellent size, feet, and terrific hands to boot, the combo of D-Mac and Bush will stamp themselves as one of the top duos in the league in ’09 and beyond.
30. Jamaal Charles RB 5’11” 205 Chiefs
Charles will be the starter in K.C. by 2010 at the latest. Very talented ballcarrier with the explosiveness teams covet as well as soft hands to be able to stay on the field on 3rd down. There are some holes in his game that need to be addressed, such as needed bulk and pass protection, but I am banking that Charles “gets it” and works hard enough to maximize his enormous talents. At this point of the rankings, I stress upside more than a “safe” guy like Ryan Grant, for example, as those safer guys, IMO, are replaceable components on their respective NFL teams.
THE STUNNERS.......SALAD DRESSING, DIPS, & DESSERTS OF YOUR FANTASY MEAL
RS…..REIGN SUPREME
1. Larry Fitzgerald WR 6’3” 215 Cardinals
With renewed enthusiasm, increased focus, and an attention to detail and improvement, an already fabulous WR got even better in ’08. Fitzgerald capped off a sensational season with the best-ever playoff performance by a WR. Moving forward, Fitzgerald certainly appears to have the drive and desire to be the best at his position, maybe of all-time. He is at the top of his game right now and has separated himself from the field to claim the undisputed #1 WR spot….Enough said
2. Calvin Johnson WR 6’5” 237 Lions
Maybe bigger!....Calvin not only has unparalleled size and strength for the position, but he also has enough competitiveness and swagger to dominate opposing CBs. The sky is the limit for the wunderkind, and going forward Johnson is the one guy who just may eventually vault past Fitzgerald and the rest of the WR pack. If Stafford turns out to be at least a competent QB, then Johnson may put up some Randy Moss like seasons. Yes, “Megatron” is that talented.
3. Andre Johnson WR 6’3” 230 Texans
One of the premier athletes in all of the NFL at any position, Johnson is also entering into his prime as a player and a primary focus of the Texans offense. “AJ-1500” is ultra-explosive and as physical a wideout as there is in the league. After putting together an elite season in ’08, I have no more doubts about him and I look for him to deliver big-time in ’09 and beyond.
SS…SIMPLY SUPERB aka SUPER STUDS
4. Reggie Wayne WR 6’1” 190 Colts
With Marvin Harrison out of the picture, Wayne is the clear top-option in the passing game for the Colts. He moves to the flanker position and should continue to pile up the numbers for the next few seasons until someone else emerges on the other side to potentially cut into his production. On the downside, things aren’t the same as they’ve been for this well-oiled Colts offensive machine, which brings about just a bit of uncertainty going forward, as it relates to the offense as a whole. Best believe that #18 and #87 will be just fine though.
5. Roddy White WR 6’2” 215 Falcons
White has emerged as a legit stud, not only in the fantasy realm but also in the NFL. White exudes plenty of confidence and has the swagger of a guy who knows he can dominate opposing defensive backs every Sunday. Armed with elite speed and a nice, long, sturdy frame, White and his young QB Ryan have developed quite a rapport in a short time. Going forward there appears to be no stopping this flashy bird…Roddy aka “GE”, as in General Electric, should continue to light it up for years to come.
6. Greg Jennings WR 5’11” 200 Packers
I believe the question of whether or not Rodgers can “deliver the rock” has been answered. And we’ve also found out who his favorite target is…”Ochinto-Cinco”, the Real 85. Jennings has emerged as one of the best, young WRs in the league and looks like he’ll only get better. With a great combination of athleticism, speed, body control, and focus, Jennings makes not only the difficult catches but is consistent with his hands that he can be relied upon to deliver strong numbers on a weekly basis.
7. Dwayne Bowe WR 6’2 ½” 220 Chiefs
D-Bowe, aka “The Show”, has all the tools to become a dominant WR. Displaying very good strength and speed to generate YAC (yards after catch), “The Show” is very competitive on the gridiron and seems to have the will and desire to succeed, although questions have emerged regarding his work ethic and conditioning. Nothing a little motivation can’t solve. With such a young guy, a soon-to-be expiring contract might have to be just such a wake up call. No longer having to share targets with a (future) HOF pass-catcher in Tony Gonzalez, the Todd Haley led Chiefs offense have little choice but to heavily integrate Bowe into the weekly gameplan.
8. Steve Smith WR 5’9 ½” 193 Panthers
The man with the average name is no typical player. Smith is a game-breaking WR for whom defenses must game-plan for each Sunday. Even with the added attention from defensive coordinators, Smith is plenty talented as well as experienced enough to get open and make plays. Playing with an ultra-high level of intensity and competitive spirit, even in practice, Smith will continue to produce as the Panthers offense is on the upswing with a devastating running game to keep the safeties close to the line of scrimmage.
9. Braylon Edwards WR 6’3” 215 Browns
The primary thing keeping B.E. out of the upper-realm of the SS tier is his tendency to experience extended periods of the “dropsies”. Lapses in concentration bring inconsistency, and with Edwards’ ’07 numbers raising expectations, he has to eliminate such concentration lapses. If there is a QB switch to Quinn, I would not expect much of a dropoff in B.E.’s value, similar to the transitions of Brees to Rivers and Favre to Rodgers. B.E.’s fate is in his own (buttered-biscuit) hands…
10. Anquan Boldin WR 6’1” 228 Cardinals
If you’re searching for a hard-nosed, no-nonsense, get-the-job-done playmaker, Boldin is your guy. One of the toughest guys to bring down in the secondary, as long as Boldin is healthy he’ll bring the goods each week. I’m not quite sure where or from whom he will be catching passes in the near future, but in any circumstance this guy has the ability and demeanor to demand targets.
11. Marques Colston WR 6’4” 225 Saints
Mr. Consistency, or just call him “Constant”, is one of those players you just don’t worry about. Being the #1 WR target in the most pass-happy offense in the NFL is a really nice gig. Colston is not amongst the most (physically) talented WRs in the game, but he knows what he’s doing and is a tough matchup for any CB due to his size, smarts, and precise route-running. Add the fact that he has a pair of large, sure hands and there you have it, “Constant” production. However, the news of his January microfracture surgery does give me some concern moving forward.
12. Brandon Marshall WR 6’4 ½” 230 Broncos
There is no doubt in my mind that Marshall has what it takes on the field to be considered for a Top 5 fantasy WR ranking. However, it’s his off-the-field antics that concern me enough so that I simply can’t fully trust him enough to place him in the Top 5. And with Cutler already out of Denver and now Marshall possibly on the verge of exiting, there is just a bit too much uncertainty in my mind to even warrant a Top 10 ranking. Marshall is as scintillating a play-maker in all of the NFL and when he is on his game we are witnessing a young T.O. with better hands. But it just keeps coming back to the potential for this kid to throw it all away that simply boggles my mind. That stated, the young man referred to by some as “Godzilla” still can produce big-time and is the quintessential high-risk/high reward pick.
13. Randy Moss WR 6’4” 205 Patriots
Arguably, Moss is the most dynamic receiver ever to play in the NFL. Any WR who can ring up 23 TDs in a single season at the NFL (highest) level sure is special. With Brady returning to lead the Pats’ aerial assault, many fantasy owners will be selecting Moss well above this ranking. Randy would certainly be listed much higher if I didn’t have a very strong concern over his desire to continue playing more than 1-2 more years. I believe he’s a candidate to walk away from the game after either the 2009 or 2010 season, especially if the Pats win a championship in either of these years.
14. Chad Johnson WR 6’1” 190 Bengals
Chad Johnson has given us many great performances on the field over his career, but “OchoCinco” has given us way too many sideshows over the years as well, taking a lot of focus away from the player with regards to his primary responsibilities on his team. Still a very prolific and technically sound player, Johnson must get back to playing the game for the right reasons and if he does, the time is now to go get him as his value, and ADP, has been well below what my expectations would merit for his upcoming performance (on the field).
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
15. DeSean Jackson WR 5’10” 172 Eagles
Initially, I wasn’t quite sure where to rank this high-flying Eagle, but after some internal debate I decided that the kid is simply too good of a football player and one of the best playmakers in the game. And don’t sleep on his WR skills, as they are extremely good. A very good route-runner, “Fraction Jackson”, per Jamie Dukes of NFLN, is explosive in and out of his cuts and sets up defenders very well with subtle feints and his smooth change of direction. One thing that he must do is get much stronger as once DBs get their hands on him, they can re-route him rather easily. But as a wise man once said, that’s easier said than done…with regards to getting “hands” or a jam on him at the line of scrimmage. He’s easily the best WR on the pass-happy Eagles and will continue to get better in that attractive system.
16. Percy Harvin WR 5’11” 190 Vikings
Talk about dynamite in a bottle, meet Percy Harvin. My expectations for this kid are extremely high and I will be the first to admit if I am not on the mark with this one. But I’ve rarely felt this good about a player and his situation. I have no doubts that Harvin will electrify and will receive enough touches to be a difference-maker for his NFL team as well as make a huge imprint in fantasy. Don’t be at all surprised to see a Top 20 season from Harvin in ’09.
17. Roy Williams WR 6’3” 215 Cowboys
How ‘bout ‘dem Cowboys! Plucking Roy ‘W’ off the Motor City scrapheap was a nice pickup for Dallas in its attempt to maintain their high-octane offensive production. With “T.O.” jettisoned this past offseason, Roy Dubb has to step up and become a bonifide stud WR. If Williams is ready to awake from his slumber of the past couple of seasons, as he has looked rather disinterested and unmotivated in Detroit and last season in Big “D”, Williams is talented enough to make some noise and possibly claim a spot in the Top 10-12.
18. Santonio Holmes WR 5’11 ½” 195 Steelers
Hines Ward has to slow down at some point, ya think? Although Holmes is a big-play WR, I didn’t believe that he would truly break out in ’08 due to several factors: 1) the presence of the aforementioned Ward, 2) the Steelers still do not throw a whole lot, and 3) the “spread the wealth” system that the Steelers employ in their passing game. The future looks bright for “Nine10” and I expect the targets and production to increase moving forward …translation, Nine is NFL nomenclature for the “Go Route” and 10 is Holmes’ jersey number.
19. Wes Welker WR 5’9” 185 Patriots
One of the few true “PPR Machines” in the NFL, “W-2” is a threat to catch 100 balls every year as long as he is in N.E. with Belichick. If the guy had higher TD totals he would be Top 5 material, but as-is he still can play for me any day. The lack of TDs and low ypc limit his upside somewhat and thus I have several other guys rated higher than him based on potential rather than production. But if you require a true safety net selection, then “W-2” is a wise choice.
20. Michael Crabtree WR 6’2” 215 49’ers
Something really worries me about this kid, and I just can’t seem to warm up to him. I’m going against my instincts here and ‘giving’ him this ranking, based on what? I dunno, as I’m just not sold that he will be a force in the NFL. I do like his competitiveness in going after the ball, but I still see a “system” player. If the guy takes advantage of a potential resource (Jerry Rice) and gets to working overtime on his route-running, then maybe I will warm up to him some more, but at this point I just don’t see him being able to separate consistently from the better corners in the league, who will undoubtedly be eager to test the kid on a regular basis due to all the hype surrounding him entering the league. .
21. Eddie Royal WR 5’9 ½” 185 Broncos
Royal put up a fantastic rookie year, and expectations appear to be very high for him going forward. But frankly, he’s another guy who I believe is way overvalued. I believe that Cutler had a whole lot to do with much of his success. If the Broncos force-feed him the ball ala the Pats do with Welker, then great, he should put up high PPR numbers with low ypr. And it will also prove my point that he is just another “system” player.
22. Anthony Gonzalez WR 6’0” 195 Colts
The question of whether Gonzalez is truly a standout WR, and not just a bit-player, will be answered soon. The kid is a very smart player and disciplined in his craft and with attention to detail, but also appears to be a system player. Being on the Colts is ideal for him, and if he was in a different situation, his value, IMO, would not be all that high. But with #18 at the helm of a pass-oriented offense, the starting WRs are almost certain to succeed in their system. A fine route-runner with nice speed and decent agility, Gonzalez, or “Hyper-G”……he reportedly sleeps in a hyperbaric (oxygen) chamber…could follow a similar career path as his running mate R.Wayne – a late 1st Rd pick who plays 2nd fiddle to a superstar for awhile before eventually developing into one himself as the incumbent star begins to fade.
23. Lee Evans WR 5’10 ½” 188 Bills
“LeeEvs”…pronounced “leaves” as in Evans leaves DBs behind him…is not a popular pick amongst most owners. However, you can’t deny his big-play ability which can’t be dismissed as a fluke. The growth of both QB T.Edwards and the proposed increase usage of the “no-huddle” offense should benefit Evans tremendously going forward. I believe he will become a much more all-around WR as his supporting cast comes up closer to his level of play. T.O. is just a 1-yr rental and Evans will benefit greatly from his presence as much of the attention will be taken off of him which in turn could allow Evans to perform with less pressure, adding up to a boost in confidence if he enjoys success once out from under the spotlight. Sort of sounds complex, but psychology often plays a part in player performance. Adding Owens may be just what the doctor ordered to get Evans on the fast track back to relevance. If he can boost his number of receptions by about 15%-20%, which is not unrealistic, he just may be one of the steals of the draft in ’09 and a keeper.
24. Vincent Jackson WR 6’5” 235 Chargers
V-Jax is a premier big-play WR in the mold of a Plaxico Burress. Along with the big plays, however, I’d also expect there to be stretches of inconsistency which is one of the reasons that I cannot rank him any higher. It may not be reasonable to expect 18 ypr on a consistent basis, and I don’t believe that the Chargers will target Jackson enough for him to become a PPR demon. I’d anticipate solid, yet unspectacular numbers for the next few seasons from V-Jax…..if he can stay off the booze when he’s away from the gridiron.
25. Donnie Avery WR 5’10” 185 Rams
“The D.A.” is a possible breakout candidate this year, in only his 2nd season. If he quickly picks up the nuances of the WCO that is being installed in St. Louis this season, expect a nice leap in numbers for Avery as there is very little else alongside of him in the passing game. I believe that Avery is probably best suited for a WR2 type of role on an NFL team, which may begin as early as next season. With the #6 pick in the 2010 NFL draft, Please Welcome, Arrelious Benn to the Rams!.....Even as a #2, Avery could still put up nice numbers along the lines of a Lee Evans-, Santana Moss-type. But another question is, Who will be throwing these guys the ball next year, and beyond?
26. Santana Moss WR 5’9 ½” 183 Redskins
Moss lacks ideal size, but makes up for it with tremendous heart and blazing quicks off the snap of the ball. Although getting a bit up there in age, Moss sparks some déjà vu of Joey Galloway in my mind. He appears to be a guy who, as he gets older, doesn’t really lose much speed, if any, and appears to keep himself in great shape. With Plaxico exiting the division, Moss is the new “Boss of the NFC East” as he has made a seamless transition into the West Coast offense of Jim Zorn. The one thing that “Santa Boss” has lacked in the past is consistency, but it seems as though he may have rectified that issue for the most part and even this ranking may be somewhat undervaluing him.
27. T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR 6’1 ½” 205 Seahawks
Houshmandzadeh has left a pretty good situation in Cincy, but landed in a good spot as well in Seattle. Throughout his career, Housh has exhibited sure hands and displayed the kind of toughness that a great possession WR must have in order to keep pace with some of the better WRs in the game. Not overly fast or physical, T.J. is a self-made player for whom the “Average Joe” can really appreciate and root for. For a guy who doesn’t really need another nickname, here is one anyway……”Housh Tha Hustler”
28. Jeremy Maclin WR 6’0” 197 Eagles
The arrival of another playmaker in Philly is telling in that the Eagles have never placed much of a premium on drafting WRs in the early rounds, aside from the kid from U.C.L.A…..yeah, Freddie Mitchell, and we know how that turned out. Maclin is in the mold of a DeSean Jackson in that he is a dynamic playmaker when he touches the ball. It may take well over a year, at least, to get him going in the offense but if/when he catches on, he and DeSean could very well form the new Ike Bruce/Torry Holt type of duo….guys who aren’t overly big, but are students of the game who also have great talent and know how to get open and make plays. Lots of upside here, it just may require some patience.
29. Antonio Bryant WR 6’0” 200 Bucs
Bryant was one of the “feel-good” stories of 2008. Here is a guy who has always had very good WR tools: good size and strength, excellent hands, nice speed, and a high level of competitiveness. The knock was always that he lacked discipline and wasn’t very serious about his craft. Well, it appears as if Bryant has turned the corner on these issues and should be a very solid option at his current value. With the transition at QB, the additional weapons already on board and some that will probably be coming soon, I just don’t know if he ever comes close to matching his excellent ’08 campaign.
30. Devin Thomas WR 6’2” 205 Redskins
Thomas came in last season with a bit of an attitude, one that could be construed as “cocky”, and didn’t appear to take things serious enough with regards to his work ethic and studying (playbook, film, etc.). Now this is coming from an outsider’s viewpoint of what I’ve read and observed in him, so take it with a grain of salt. However, I still believe the kid has very good natural ability and is an upper-echelon athlete, so if the light comes on soon, this is a kid who could explode onto the scene and make an impact within the next 2 years. With this ranking, I’m betting that it happens.
31. Devin Hester WR 5’10” 195 Bears
There are varying opinions as to whether Hester will truly develop into a top-flight WR. For a player who has just recently switched to WR, I believe he is well ahead of the (learning) curve. How far he progresses is up to him, as guys with his type of playmaking ability are rare. I would not be surprised if he enjoys a Santana Moss type of career, some very good seasons and some not so good ones sprinkled in there as well. But with Jay Cutler on board, this type of ability (and stability) at the QB situation may be just what Hester needs to take that next step up the ladder to stardom.
Best Case: Steve Smith, Jr.
Worst Case: Devery Henderson
(My) Consensus: Santana Moss
32. Hakeem Nicks WR 6’1” 210 Giants
At UNC, Nicks gained a “leg up” on most young WRs by playing in a pro-style offense as opposed to these spread offenses that permeate all throughout college football. His hands are not only huge, but supple enough to haul in balls like a baseball mitt. The opportunity is there for him to seize and become a force for the G-Men, as Plaxico has left a void for a big-time WR. If Nicks can step up and be “The Man”, then he could (best case) become a player in the mold of a Colston, although Colston is bigger than him, Nicks plays big. He physically reminds me of Antonio Bryant, but the hope is that he doesn’t take as long for the light to really come on as Bryant did.
33. Darius Heyward-Bey WR 6’2” 205 Raiders
DHB has loads of natural ability as a vertical playmaker, but he certainly will have to learn the subtleties of the WR position in order to take his game to a higher level and not simply be a vertical guy (ala Alvin Harper, Devery Henderson, etc.). One thing we know is that he will get the opportunity after being selected as the 7th overall pick in the draft. The upside is well worth the risk, IMO, because if he does “get it” relatively soon, he could be something very special given his elite athleticism.
34. Jerricho Cotchery WR 5’11” 190 Jets
As the last man standing at the WR position for the Jets, Cotchery makes this list by default. I’ve never been a huge fan of Cotchery, he’s decent and all, but nothing special in my book, always been a bit overvalued to me. I would not be the least bit surprised to see the Jets make a move to acquire a top WR soon, maybe even before the ’09 season gets underway…..Hello B-Marshall, Braylon, or Plax? With a new, young QB to break in, look for Cotchery to take a step back this season and if indeed the Jets bring in a legit #1 WR, then Cotchery’s ranking takes a significant hit, IMO.
35 Mike Walker WR 6’1” 200 Jaguars
The Jaguars may be cursed when it comes to the WR position. In their infancy, this franchise was blessed with a very strong duo (Smith/McCardell), but have been trying to find someone to step into the limelight ever since. With Walker, they have been patiently developing him, and now may be rewarded for their efforts. He speaks, and often practices, a good game, but now is the time for Walker to seize the moment. I do believe that Walker is a guy who is still young enough to markedly improve, and a potential for a breakout for him in ‘09 is almost even money (50/50). I’m certainly not a believer that Holt has much of anything left in the tank. Last year, I saw a WR (Holt) who simply wasn’t getting separation anymore……the knees have gone bad in a hurry.
36. Plaxico Burress WR 6’5” 225 FA
The enigma that is “Plax” continues to perplex. Still in and out of the courthouse, is an NFL suspension on the horizon? A rangy, physical WR who is a top-flight playmaker would usually be ranked higher than this. But I’m pretty convinced that we’ve seen the best of this guy, and I really don’t see much, if any, upside going forward at his advancing age (turns 32 before the ’09 season). That said, Plax should at least be a solid #2 fantasy WR for at least two more seasons, or 1 ½ if a suspension is coming.
37. Jordy Nelson WR 6’2” 215 Packers
Nelson is under the radar right now, and it is going to take a “leap of faith” to grab him at this ranking in most dynasty drafts. However, I believe he has at least a few things working for him. 1) Driver isn’t getting any younger. Sure the ageless one still looks good right now and keeps himself in fabulous shape, but the Pack have quite a stable of young talent at the WR position that they conceivably could cut bait on Driver after this season. 2) He appears to have nice rapport with Rodgers on the field. From the few times I saw them play last season, looks like these two have good timing. 3) Solid fundamentals – Nelson exhibits good hand-eye coordination, uses his strength/body well in traffic, and runs good routes. I believe this guy is a better Kevin Walter, for reference. Just might become the next PPR dynamo, ala Wes Welker.
38. Sidney Rice WR 6’4” 205 Vikings
The Vikes WR core is tough to project for many different reasons, including the unpredictable QB play (even if No. 4 comes on board), their emphasis on the running game, and last, but not least, the actual role of Percy Harvin. Rice is a talented young WR who is a viable threat to make plays, especially in the crucial red-zone. He has the skill to be a big-time TD maker and if/when the QB situation is resolved, Rice is in line to benefit as much as anyone on their roster, health permitting.
39. Robert Meachem WR 6’2” 215 Saints
I am a strong believer in marquee talent, and even though Meachem has gotten off to a very slow start in his career, I’ve remained a loyal believer. Meachem is simply the most talented WR on the Saints, without question. Combining very good speed, size, and excellent agility will allow him to be a beast after the catch, once he is afforded a real opportunity to play. Given his limited reps last year, I may actually be in the minority but I came away believing that he did pretty well, and is deserving of much more PT. The Saints WR situation is in a vulnerable state right now, and the scene is ripe for a former 1st rounder to emerge and show his stuff. Don’t say I didn’t warn you……
40. Brian Robiskie WR 6’1” 190 Browns
Robiskie enters the NFL as a “ready-made” player. Extremely well-schooled and polished as a route-runner and technician (what would you expect when his father is a former NFL player and WR coach), Robiskie may have the easiest path to a significant role in his first year as there is very little behind Braylon Edwards at the WR position in Cleveland. Given that, I anticipate a very solid to possibly strong career for Robiskie. If he achieves to the level of a T.J. Housh-type of career, I would not be the least bit surprised.
THE GUNNERS.....VEGGIES OF YOUR FANTASY MEAL - NUTRITION
RS…..REIGN SUPREME
1. Drew Brees QB 6’0” 208 Saints
I really could care less if this guy is considered a “system QB”. When the system consists of a bright offensive mind (HC Payton), an abundance of pass attempts, a dynamic all-purpose threat (Bush), and the deepest core of talented receiving options in the game, I’d buy into this type of system every time. No other QB has as much going for him right now as Brees in terms of fantasy situation moving forward. The key aspect for me is that none of his cast is aging, and several have yet to hit their (potentially very high) peak…Brees is the quintessential worry-free QB, just call him “Auto-Pilot”
SS…SIMPLY SUPERB aka SUPER STUDS
2. Aaron Rodgers QB 6’4” 225 Packers
I’m proud to say that I was absolutely on the early bandwagon of this guy heading into ’08 shortly after Brett Favre announced his “retirement”, and actually, even well before (years). And yes, he has exceeded (only slightly) my expectations to-date. The real excitement comes in seeing how bright the immediate (and long-term) future looks in G.B. for “A-Rodge”. With a plethora of young, talented weapons at his disposal, the very athletic Rodgers is headed for superstardom. Following right on the heels of a living legend QB in a town that still reveres him (Favre), I give Rodgers a ton of credit in having stepped up and delivered the goods so far.
3. Tom Brady QB 6’5” 225 Patriots
Yes, you are not misreading things, Brady’s not in my top tier. Coming off a very serious knee injury (multiple torn ligaments), I still have some reservations as to whether Brady will be in top form for the entire ’09 season, if for even half of it. In dynasty leagues, that is not a big problem. The other not so small concern that I have is with regards to the circumstances around Brady moving forward: 1) Will Moss be interested in playing beyond ’09?, 2) Will other receiving option(s) emerge aside from Welker and Moss?, and 3) Will “The Hoodie” rely more on the running game to protect his franchise QB who’s coming off major knee reconstruction? All these factors are enough for me to drop Brady down just a notch, but in essence, it’s not much of a drop.
4. Peyton Manning QB 6’5” 230 Colts
Manning has been one of the most consistent fantasy options it seems like forever. Given his command of the offense and the continuity of his support cast, he has enjoyed one thing that can’t be overlooked……comfort……However, there are some concerns in that his supporting cast is in flux (Harrison is gone), his once ultra-stable coaching staff has been modified, and the o-line may need an overhaul as they seem to be getting manhandled of late. It must have been great to be Peyton Manning for the past decade……but let’s see how he handles just a little bit of change here. I have confidence that the Colts’ brass will figure it out and continue to put the right pieces in place for him to prosper going forward.
5. Philip Rivers QB 6’4” 230 Chargers
It is evident that LT has lost some of his wonderful skill, something that inevitably will happen to all of us in a given situation or place in time, and the Chargers have quickly morphed into Rivers’ team. Rivers is a guy who makes all the throws and has a very good group of pass-catchers, sprinkled with veterans in their prime (Gates, Chambers, V-Jax) as well as young, talented, homegrown prospects (Davis, Naanee, Sproles).
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
6. Jay Cutler QB 6’4” 232 Bears
One of the most physically gifted QBs in the NFL, Cutler has found himself transitioning to a new team and new system. It is yet to be determined if Cutler’s new team will allow him to be a gunslinger as he was in Denver. I’d think not. However, the kid is still very young with room to grow as a QB and if he is to truly elevate his game, he must become a bit more secure with the ball and use better judgment in the passing game in order to reduce his turnovers and boost his efficiency.
7. Carson Palmer QB 6’5 ½” 230 Bengals
With much to prove due to the uncertainty of how well his injured elbow will hold up after eschewing Tommy John surgery, Palmer is widely considered a risk going forward. Blessed with all the tools to be a great NFL (and fantasy) QB, CP is way undervalued based on his skill/talent level. ’09 will be a critical year that could determine not only the fate of the players who’ve been around these past few years, but also of Marvin Lewis and his coaching staff. With several new (Coles) and/or unproven targets (Simpson, Coffman, and Caldwell) to go along with holdovers Chris Henry and Chad, if CP makes a full recovery I still believe that he can enjoy not only a monster year in ’09, but he easily could be a stud long-term.
8. Matt Ryan QB 6’4 ½” 225 Falcons
I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t truly believe in this guy when the Falcons selected him #3 overall ahead of other notable prospects (like G.Dorsey). But I’ll give the kid credit as he has stepped right in and performed extremely well for a rookie at the most demanding position. Not blessed with the strongest arm, but it is plenty strong enough for him to make all the throws and the power running game has given the play-action element a lot of bite. Add in the top-notch intangibles that “Matty Ice” possesses along with a star WR in Roddy White, and Ryan is a guy who I would not hesitate to select as my dynasty franchise QB. TE Tony Gonzalez provides an added ultra-weapon for Ryan as he enters his 2nd year, and Gonzo’s addition just may be the right tonic for Ryan in avoiding the dreaded Sophomore Slump. But one thing that I’m convinced of is……this kid “gets it”
9. Donovan McNabb QB 6’3” 240 Eagles
D-Mac Sr. has always been a productive passer when he’s on the field and not on the injury list. He has developed into a pocket passer and can still make huge plays outside of the pocket, mostly with his arm nowadays as he almost disdains running the ball. With the emergence of DeSean Jackson and the addition of McCoy and Maclin, McNabb has more than enough firepower around him to continue to thrive in Andy Reid’s QB-friendly offense. Given his recent contract extension, McNabb will enjoy several more very good seasons as a starting QB in the NFL, whether in Philly or other locale.
10. Tony Romo QB 6’2 ½” 225 Cowboys
Romo aka “Hollywood” has been living a dream (late round draft pick becomes starting QB for “America’s Team” behind a top-notch o-line, great running game, several stud targets to throw to, and a sex-symbol GF to soothe your aches and pains after the game. But maybe it was a bit too much too fast for the guy to handle, as he hasn’t progressed much since he took over the starting job a few years ago. If Romo can kick his work ethic up a notch or two, then maybe he’ll start living up to the hype that he has been living off of for the past couple of seasons.
11. Matt Schaub QB 6’3 ½” 220 Texans
Schaub hasn’t quite met the expectations of the Texans brass as well as fantasy owners since signing with the Texans before the ’07 season. He has to find a way to stay on the field consistently. He is in a great situation to succeed. The key factors going forward center around the improvement and upgrade of the o-line, the emergence of another receiving target, as well as the continued success of Slaton and the running game. If progress is made on these fronts in ’09, Schaub could make a nice move up the ranks, but not quite up to the SS level.
12. Trent Edwards QB 6’3” 220 Bills
I see many signs that Edwards is on the verge of taking the next step in his development towards being a top-notch signal-caller. He has his most talented supporting cast that he has ever had, and I remember him playing on some very pedestrian Stanford teams, and a supposed commitment to more “no-huddle”, spread-formation sets. One thing of slight concern to me is the possible downgrade of the o-line with a couple of key losses this past offseason. Hopefully, Edwards will not be running for his life on most pass plays, but with such nice weapons at his disposal I believe he will be able to get the ball out on time.
13. Ben Roethlisberger QB 6’5” 245 Steelers
Roethlisberger is the prime example of an excellent NFL QB who doesn’t rank quite as high in the fantasy world, although he is still a very good option. You’d be hard-pressed to find 6 other NFL QBs better than Big Ben due to his clutch play, but this is probably a very fair fantasy ranking. I do believe there is room for growth in the Steelers offense in the passing game, but I just don’t believe they will ever be a juggernaut.
14. Joe Flacco QB 6’6” 235 Ravens
The Ravens are an interesting situation, especially with regards to their young QB. I fully expect the Ravens to start to build around their franchise signal-caller as the defense is rapidly aging and they need someone to fill a true #1 WR spot, as no player currently on the roster fits the bill. But Flacco has top-flight skills to be a very good fantasy producer if the Ravens start to rely on his arm more. He can make all the throws and has poise under pressure that belies his experience. I believe the Ravens will continue to look to run with regularity, but if/when they bring in a quality WR or two, then I’d expect much more balance and productivity out of Flacco. Certainly a situation to watch closely.
15. Mark Sanchez QB 6’2 1/2” 225 Jets
Sanchez will be scrutinized heavily from Day 1. Not only is he playing in the mega-media capital that is New York City, but the Jets gave up quite a bit to move up in the draft to acquire him. He immediately has become the toast of the town and the anticipation of seeing him perform on the field is intensifying. I expect him to handle it all in stride, and of course there will be some bumps and growing pains along the way. But the kid is blessed with great talent, is mechanically sound, and appears to have a strong work ethic and mental makeup for the position. He is not going to “wow” you with his arm, but that is not a prerequisite for succeeding in the NFL (see P.Manning, D.Brees, and M.Ryan). Mark “Da Master” will do quite fine, and even better.
THE HUNTERS......THAT SPECIAL SAUCE OR SECRET INGREDIENT FOR YOUR FANTASY MEAL
RS…..REIGN SUPREME
1. Jason Witten TE 6’5 ½” 260 Cowboys
The connection that he has with Romo is almost Siamese, as these two are only (sometimes) separated by Ms. Simpson. “J-Wit” is clearly the go-to-guy in the passing game for the Cowboys and I don’t see things changing anytime soon as T.O. has left the building and Roy Dubb isn’t yet in sync with Romo. There’s a few too many chinks in the armor of the rest of TEs so Witten stands head-and-shoulders above the rest and with him it is almost a virtual lock to get supreme production from this position on a weekly basis.
SS…SIMPLY SUPERB aka SUPER STUDS
2. Antonio Gates TE 6’4” 253 Chargers
In spite of the toe injury, which has severely limited his maximum effectiveness, Gates pushed through it last year to put up very respectable numbers, which just about any other TE would only hope to produce. Given the shift towards more passing in the Chargers plans moving forward, I’d expect “Microsoft”……not only Mr. Gates reference but also describes this Gates’ velvety-smooth hands…to be a huge part of the movement. Hopefully, he fully recovers from this toe (and ankle) injury and can regain his strong foundation and explosiveness
3. Greg Olsen TE 6’5” 255 Bears
G.O. is one of the premier talents at the position and last year the Bears finally began utilizing him more in the passing game. Olsen is able to stretch the field and hit the deep seams in the (middle) secondary and exhibits sure hands. Now with Cutler pulling the trigger for the Bears, Olsen’s talents become more valued as Cutler is able to deliver the ball to any spot on the field, and the deep seams of the defense can be exploited with Olsen the beneficiary. Olsen is primed for a big breakout in ’09 and has a very high ceiling, thus he gets the nod over the rest of the field as I don’t see quite that much upside (aside from Keller) from them overall.
4. Tony Gonzalez TE 6’5” 255 Falcons
“Gonzo” is still going strong at 33 yrs of age, albeit in a new address for ’09 and beyond. After setting the league on fire last season, it will be unrealistic to expect Gonzalez to approach that type of production with his new team. The expectation from here is for Gonzo to get less receptions and yards, but maybe a few more TDs. The presence of Tony G in the ATL will certainly help take this offense to a new level of productivity, that can’t be questioned.
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
5. Chris Cooley TE 6’3” 250 Redskins
“Captain Chaos” is a steady, albeit unspectacular, football player. He is a guy that simply goes out and gets the job done. Given his consistency and the fact that he straps it up every week (i.e., rarely misses a game) should provide owners with a comfort level in knowing they have a reliable option to go to battle with. I’m a tad bit concerned about how the young players will be integrated into the offense going forward which could (possibly) reduce Cooley’s targets sooner rather than later.
6. Dustin Keller TE 6’2 ½” 250 Jets
Since Keller stepped onto the scene for the Jets, IMO, he immediately became their best receiving option (yes, I believed this last year). Keller presents matchup problems to the defense and the Jets must get a bit more creative in using him in order to maximize his vast talents as a pass-catcher. Not an accomplished blocker, Keller may need to improve upon this aspect of his game in order to fully maximize his time on the field for a coach like Rex Ryan. But in the end, blocking will not be the reason that the Jets, or any other team, employ Keller.
7. Dallas Clark TE 6’3 ½” 247 Colts
Clark’s role is more clearly defined now since Harrison’s (expected) decline and is primed for success going forward as he is an integral part of the Colts’ offense in attacking the deep seams in the secondary. There are only a handful of TEs with Clark’s downfield speed and he is now one of the prototypes for what teams are looking for in the position.
8. Kellen Winslow TE 6’4” 245 Bucs
Not only have the injuries begun to take its toll on “The Soldja”, but I also believe that Winslow has been distracted the past few seasons by his contract situation and it has affected his concentration/focus on the field. With still much left in the tank (physically and emotionally), maybe this change of scenery will reinvigorate Winslow going forward. But now another question begs as to who will be under center this season for the Bucs……another ? mark, if not resolved in a productive manner, which could essentially waste Winslow’s last few good years before the chronic knee problems really slow him down.
9. Zach Miller TE 6’4 ½ ” 255 Raiders
One of the few reliable options for the Raiders last year, Miller has established himself as one of the top TEs in the game and definitely a favorite target of his young QB J.Russell. With the lack of an established WR beside him, Miller looks like a safe bet to be heavily targeted and haul in quite a few passes over the next several seasons.
10. Owen Daniels TE 6’3” 245 Texans
This guy keeps improving every year and could be in line for a very big season in ’09. With youthful exuberance and (underrated) athleticism on his side, “O.D.” (Ol’ Dirty) is looking for a new contract. It may bode well for him, and fantasy owners, if he doesn’t sign before the season which may provide a little extra motivation for him to succeed this year. One other thing to note is that the Texans drafted a player, James Casey, who is a very intriguing prospect…..I’ll be keeping an eye on this situation going forward.
11. Jeremy Shockey TE 6’5” 250 Saints
Yeah, he’s yet to develop a true role in the Saints offense, but just the thought of the possibilities generate quite the buzz for his immediate prospects in offensive-minded HC Sean Payton’s offense. When healthy, “Shock-Je” is still one of the most talented players at his position who also augments his talent with great intensity and work ethic. By the time the ’09 season rolls around, I expect Shockey to be fully integrated into the offense and well on his way back to fantasy relevance, and he could rise back up the TE ranks.
), but believe me when I say, it's never personal on my end......
One more to add....Bush had microfracture surgery this offseason.DWill did not have microfracture surgery this offseason.
One more to add....Bush had microfracture surgery this offseason.DWill did not have microfracture surgery this offseason.
