kremenull
Footballguy
2009 (EARLY-LOOK) DYNASTY RANKINGS
This is a sneak-peek ahead to the ’09 rankings for dynasty formats. I’ve grouped each offensive skill position in 3 tiers to include no more than 20 players for any given position, as well as a select (or very short) sleeper list. 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. Since I’m only interested in adding one more dynasty league to my fantasy portfolio in the foreseeable future, I decided to share my true thoughts. 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 “ 222 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 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. 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, game in and game out……What more can you ask for? I’m sure the haters will find something.
3. Ronnie Brown RB 6’0” 230 Dolphins
Before you even think it, this is NOT, I repeat, NOT, a reactionary thought based on Brown’s sensational 5-TD destruction of the Patriots, a performance now dubbed the “Torcho-Cinco”. The only thing left for me was to verify if he would show most of the signs of recapturing what he had become prior to the ACL injury. IMO, this guy was one of the 4-5 “special” RBs in the league prior to his injury, and that’s not some insignificant certification. Going into 2009, don’t miss the wave as you’ll be sure to ”Hang 10”… for all my surfer dudes/dudettes
4. 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, 2009), the league will witness a dominant force. I would not rule out this guy being #2 on the list in my final rankings for 2009. 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…
5. Frank Gore RB 5’9 ½” 212 49’ers
With due praise to the Martz effect, Gore has always been an extremely talented, yet under-appreciated RB (in fantasy circles), who will get his well-deserved respect after a phenomenal ’08 campaign. Having 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. Look for “The Inconvenient Truth” to be amongst the Top 3-4 in total yards from scrimmage for the foreseeable future.
6. 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.
7. 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 next season to maintain a hold of this lofty status. With an aging cast around him, the new HC will have little choice but to place 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. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rams shift more to the trendy zone-blocking scheme (ZBS) in ’09 to both maximize Jackson’s talents and to quickly integrate a soon-to-be overhauled o-line into a much less (physically) demanding scheme.
8. Marshawn Lynch RB 5’11” 218 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 for ’09. I am taking somewhat of a leap of faith here to rank him this high, as it just appears clear to me that the Bills have to start maximizing Lynch’s abilities if they really want to ascend to the next level as an offense, and as a team.
9. Marion Barber III RB 5’10” 225 Cowboys
“The Barberian” is one of the great 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 fantasy gold. Playing behind a top-notch o-line and with a star QB under center, look for the Cowboys to continue to maximize this guy’s production by delicately balancing their run/pass mix as well as spelling Barber with Felix Jones just enough to keep “The Barberian” upright and strong throughout each season.
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
10. Matt Forte RB 6’1” 220 Bears
Surprise! Maybe for some, but the reality of the situation is that Forte is a big-time producer. Off to a great start to his career, I do not see what he is doing as a fluke, the cat is for real! 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…Too many pundits are attempting to slight this guy based on some (false) rhetoric about Forte not being talented. He reminds me a lot of Marcus Allen. Don’t believe the haters, this kid is “The Postmaster”…goods and services gov’t certified
11. 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.) don’t always translate to huge fantasy success. But one of MJD’s strengths is that he is a dynamic playmaker, capable of ripping off huge gainers and multiple TD efforts any given Sunday. I’m still not quite sure that the Jaguars will ever hand over full-time RB chores to MJD, but his production still merits borderline Top 10 consideration.
12. 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. Currently, he seems to be more of a matchup guy as opposed to an every-week must start. Look for that to change in ’09 and beyond.
13. Joseph Addai RB 5’10” 215 Colts
I’ll be the first to state that I am not a huge fan of this guy as far as pure RB talent. With that said, I believe that this is a fair ranking for Addai given his fortune to be in such a high-octane offense virtually guarantees a RB will produce good numbers. But I do not buy the rhetoric that Addai is a “safe pick” for fantasy leaguers as there simply are far too many better options available given Addai’s consensus ADP. My main concern here is that the Colts may decide sooner than anticipated (by most) to upgrade at the position or simply choose to go in another direction due to (potential) salary issues with Addai. Enjoy the ride while it lasts…
14. Chris Johnson RB 5’11” 200 Titans
Johnson exhibits superior top-end speed, but what really separates him from the pack is his 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 unrivaled receiving ability. Not a knock on him, he just hasn’t yet displayed their pass-catching skill level, which will be the final piece of the puzzle to elevate him into the SS stratosphere…
15. Beanie Wells RB 5’11” 235 ’09 Draftee
Beanie has a lot of detractors right now, and deservedly so. However, I believe he has the type of overall RB skill set that talent evaluators drool over. Combining great size, dynamite power, and a surprising burst, 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 #4 on this list). In the final analysis, I expect Wells to separate himself from the rest of the ’09 RB class and I would not be surprised to see him paired up in a two-headed monster-type backfield in the NFL…Can you say Fred Taylor’s eventual replacement in Jax?....
16. Steve Slaton RB 5’10” 207 Texans
I’m going to go out on a limb here and state that the Texans have found 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 some 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”, but his overall versatility and play-making ability leads me to a more favorable comparison of Slaton, over Chris Johnson, to Westbrook. I’m watching these two (Slaton and Johnson) closely, as I just might be inclined to flip-flop these guys in the final analysis.
17. 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 so far this year as well as last season, and he just may enjoy another stellar season in ’09. But beyond that, the wheels may go flat on this Mercedes-Benz very quickly……
18. Knowshon Moreno RB 5’11” 218 ’09 Draftee
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’s very hard to project a landing spot for him, but rest assured, wherever he goes the competition for the incumbents will surely be a lot tougher.
19. 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 (as trumpeted a.n. by Mayock).
20. 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.
NPSE……NOCTURNAL PATROL SHARTED ENTOURAGE (Homage to the 4-letter network of “knuckleheaded stoogery”….reverse the 4-letters)
The Sleeper RBs
1. Felix Jones…….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…
2. Ryan Torain…..Not so sure about what this guy can do, but just the fact that the Broncos have yet to find a feature RB gives me plenty of reason for optimism that a guy of his size/power and (college) resume can make a strong push for the gig…
THE STUNNERS.......SALAD DRESSING, DIPS, & DESSERTS OF YOUR FANTASY MEAL
RS…..REIGN SUPREME
None
SS…SIMPLY SUPERB aka SUPER STUDS
1. Reggie Wayne WR 6’1” 190 Colts
With the projected retirement of Marvin Harrison after this season, or at least the non-factor status if he continues to play, Wayne simply is in one of the best situations for a WR to thrive. He has continuity in abundance with OC Tom Moore’s offensive system and QB Peyton Manning at the helm, and these are the primary reasons why Wayne garners the #1 spot among a talented group of WRs. As long as he and #18 remain upright, Wayne will be a lock for 90+ catches, 1300+ yds, and 9+ scores. In PPR leagues, an absolute Top 15 pick.
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 the enough will 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 separate himself from the WR pack ala Randy Moss in his heyday. Yes, “Megatron” is that talented. The only thing that is keeping him back from being the clear #1 WR is the unsettled coaching and QB situations. But I believe that truly great players, for which he is destined to become, can overcome (to some extent) such obstacles to elevate the level of play of the supporting cast.
3. Larry Fitzgerald WR 6’3” 215 Cardinals
If only Kurt Warner were 7 years younger…then Fitz would make a strong case for the #1 spot as well, but there has to be questions regarding the QB situation moving forward. Matt Leinert simply may not be the long-term answer, but I’ll trust that the Cards brass will figure the QB situation out and thus keep Fitzgerald’s production at a high-level, which at this point in his career is heading towards HOF status…Enough said
4. 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 the #1 ranked fantasy WR. However, it’s his off-the-field antics that concern me enough so that I simply can’t fully trust him to anoint him the #1 overall WR in a dynasty. Given his role in a pass-happy offense and teamed up with a young, star QB who can pull the trigger on any type of throw, Marshall is as scintillating a play-maker in all of the NFL. 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 has to be given strong consideration for being the first WR off the board in ’09.
5. Andre Johnson WR 6’3” 230 Texans
It’s time for AJ to step up to the plate and deliver on his substantial promise. One of the better athletes in all of the NFL at any position, Johnson appears to be the focus of the Texans offense and I’m wondering if he is fully recovered from the knee and/or groin issues that have plagued him recently. When healthy, AJ is ultra-explosive and as physical a wideout as there is in the league. I’ll give him a pass for the time-being but very soon there will be no more excuses. My gut tells me he delivers big-time in ’09 and beyond.
6. 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 still talented as well as experienced enough to get open and make plays. Playing with an ultra-high level of intensity, even in practice, Smith will continue to produce as the Panthers offense is on the upswing with a devastating running game and a rejuvenated QB in place to alleviate some of the pressure off of Smith.
7. 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 the surest hands in the game and there you have it, “Constant” production.
8. 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 concentration, Jennings makes not on the difficult catches but is consistent with his hands and can be relied upon to deliver strong numbers on a weekly basis.
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. 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 rookie 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
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
11. 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. I’d place the odds of Boldin playing elsewhere in ’09 at 65/35.
12. 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 be great. Fairly soon, Bowe will not have to split targets with a (future) HOF pass-catcher as Tony Gonzalez could be moving on as early as this upcoming offseason. If the Chiefs quickly solve the QB situation then I have no doubt that Bowe will ascend to Pro Bowl status soon thereafter.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Santana Moss WR 5’9 ½” 183 Redskins
As expected, there is a Moss sighting in the rankings…just maybe not the one you were expecting. Randy would certainly be listed 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. But back to Santana, this Moss is the new Boss of the NFC East as he has made a seamless transition into the West Coast offense of Jim Zorn. Moss lacks ideal size, but makes up for it with tremendous heart and blazing quicks off the snap of the ball. 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.
16. 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 production which can’t be dismissed as a fluke. The growth of both QB T.Edwards and WR J.Hardy will 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, which IMO, is superb. 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.
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. “T.O.” isn’t getting any younger so the ‘Boys could really use a bonifide stud WR……that’s 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 recently…Williams would be smart to soak up as much knowledge as he can from a willing teacher in T.O. as this could be a career-enhancing move, but it’s solely up to him to make it happen. This ranking is basically taking a 50/50 position on whether it happens.
18. Anthony Gonzalez WR 6’0” 195 Colts
The question of whether Harrison returns may impact where Gonzalez gets selected, but maybe not by much based on this ranking. I view this guy as a great long-term prospect and would be just fine with having to wait 1-2 more season(s) for the true breakout. With #18 at the helm, it (Gonzalez’s breakout) is almost certain to occur. A fine route-runner with very nice speed and 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.
19. Plaxico Burress WR 6’5” 227 Giants
The enigma that is “Plax” continues to perplex. Still in and out of the doghouse with his team, and 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 not so sure that we haven’t 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 strong #2 fantasy WR for at least two more seasons.
20. T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR 6’1 ½” 205 Bengals
Houshmandzadeh is likely to be kept by the Bengals after this season as he has been the least disruptive and most productive of all the Bengals’ wideouts. He 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”
NPSE……NOCTURNAL PATROL SHARTED ENTOURAGE (tounge-in cheek homage to the 4-letter network of “knuckleheaded stoogery”….reverse the 4-letters)
The Sleeper WRs
1. Josh Morgan……….Looks like a 1-yr deal for both B.Johnson and Ike Bruce, so look for some of the younger 49’ers to get an opportunity next season. Morgan looks like the best bet to emerge from the group
2. Devin Hester……….He is very close to arriving in a big-time fashion at the WR position. Looks very instinctive and is apparently working hard to master the nuances of the position. Watch Out!
3. Jordan Kent…………Way under the radar right now, and it may take another 2 years to get rewarded, but the guy has a lot of natural ability. If he puts in the work, he will produce in Sea-town.
4. Aundrae Allison……Rice is having problems staying healthy and he better watch out as “AA” is a very talented player who could take advantage of any future opportunities ala Lance Moore
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”
2. 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 one thing that can’t be overlooked……comfort……You should sleep easy at night as a Peyton Manning owner, as you know that he is going to play and by and large, produce at a high level. However, there are some concerns in that his supporting cast is in flux (Harrison is done) and the o-line may need an overhaul as they seem to be getting manhandled of late. Even so, the Colts’ brass will figure it out and continue to put the right pieces in place for him to prosper going forward.
SS…SIMPLY SUPERB aka SUPER STUDS
3. 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 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. If my dynasty draft were held today, I’d actually select “A-Rodge” ahead of No. 18……
4. Jay Cutler QB 6’4” 232 Broncos
One of the most physically gifted QBs in the NFL, Cutler has thrust himself into the upper echelon of the fantasy QB rankings. With the benefit of youth and a superstar WR at his disposal, Cutler is no longer simply showing flashes of brilliance but this kid is performing at an extremely high level and can only get better. The Broncos are no longer a run first team as HC Shanahan has handed the reigns to Jay “The Blade” Cutler. Look for “The Blade” to slice and dice defenses for years to come and become a dynasty jewel at the key QB spot.
5. Tom Brady QB 6’5” 225 Patriots
Yes, you are not misreading things, Brady’s not in my elite tier. Coming off a very serious knee injury (multiple torn ligaments), Brady will not instantly be in top form for the ’09 season. 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 a notch, but in essence, it’s not much of a drop.
6. Tony Romo QB 6’2 ½” 220 Cowboys
It must be nice to have a top-notch o-line, great running game, a couple of stud targets to throw to, and a sex-symbol GF to soothe your aches and pains after the game. Beyond all the hype, and there is a bit too much, Romo aka “Hollywood” is a fantasy stud. He takes a few too many risks that lead to a high number of turnovers, but the guy also makes a ton of plays to reward his owners with upper-echelon QB numbers. I’m also buying into the notion that Jerry Jones will bring in another elite talent at the WR position next season……maybe Roy ‘W’ or Ocho-Cinco……done deal, Roy ‘W’ brought on board at the trade deadline
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
7. Ben Roethlisberger QB 6’5” 245 Steelers
Roethlisberger is the prime example of an excellent NFL QB who doeesn’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, but this is probably a very fair fantasy ranking. I do believe there is room for growth in the Steelers offense with regards to their passing game, so I would not be surprised to eventually find Big Ben in one of my two upper tiers someday. For now though, given the number of attempts and the traditional philosophy of the franchise as being a tough, run-first team, I believe it’s a safe bet to relegate Ben to just below the top-flight fantasy QBs.
8. Carson Palmer QB 6’5 ½” 230 Bengals
With much uncertainty regarding his injured elbow on his throwing arm, Palmer is a risk going forward. Blessed with all the tools to be a great NFL (and fantasy) QB, CP will be in transition with having not only to rehab his arm but the possibility exists for there to be a new offense in place (Marvin Lewis simply has to go) with new, unproven targets like Simpson and Caldwell replacing Housh and Chad. If CP makes a full recovery, I still believe in this guy long-term to be a high-quality fantasy starter, just not amongst the elite.
9. 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 are quickly morphing 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). Rivers is a player who could emerge as one of the super-value selections if he winds up being the 9th QB taken off the board in ’09 drafts.
10. Eli Manning QB 6’4” 223 Giants
The younger Manning is gradually moving up the ladder, yet it’s still not quite the leap that many of us fanatics are looking for. Another guy who is probably rated higher in NFL circles over his fantasy value, Manning still delivers nice stats and is firmly entrenched as the face of the NY Giants franchise for the next decade. Going forward, the G-Men will need to develop some of their young pass-catchers into first-line guys as Toomer and Plax are both on the wrong side of 30. Adding a top-flight TE like T.Gonzalez in the offseason makes a whole lot of sense……meaning, it probably will not happen.
11. Jason Campbell QB 6’5” 228 Redskins
What a difference one game makes. Coming off a horrible performance to open the season, a “flood light” suddenly turned on for this guy the following week and he hasn’t looked back since. Campbell has grasped HC Zorn’s version of the “West Coast” offense and if this duo continues to work together I see things shaping up very nicely in the nation’s capital. Campbell is making all the right decisions with the ball and is not simply a checkdown, play-it-safe type of West Coast system QB, but he can chuck it deep with the best of ‘em. It also doesn’t hurt to have a good mix of speedy (S.Moss) and reliable (Cooley) targets to blend with the young talents (Kelly, Thomas, F.Davis) who should factor into the mix pretty soon.
12. 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. However, he still is in a pretty good situation to succeed. The key factors going forward center around the improvement and upgrade of the o-line as well as the progress of S.Slaton and the running game. If progress is made on both fronts in ’09, Schaub could make a nice move up the ranks, but not quite up to the SS level.
13. 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……just as long as you get a steady veteran as well as there still will be some bumps in the road over the next couple of seasons. But one thing that I’m convinced of is……this kid “gets it”
14. 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 addition of DeSean Jackson, McNabb has more than enough firepower around him to continue to thrive in Andy Reid’s QB-friendly offense. Even given the possibility of joining a new team in ’09, I still believe McNabb will enjoy several more good seasons as a starting QB in the NFL……Possible destinations could include Minnesota, S.F., Chicago, Miami, or my prohibitive favorite to land McNabb, the Arizona Cardinals (D-Mac Sr. does spend quite a bit of time training in AZ in the offseason and I believe he also has a house there).
NPSE……NOCTURNAL PATROL SHARTED ENTOURAGE (tounge-in cheek homage to the 4-letter network of “knuckleheaded stoogery”….reverse the 4-letters)The Sleeper QBs
1. JaMarcus Russell……I expect the Raiders to acquire a top talent at WR in ’09, whether it’s through the draft or via free-agency, you can bet that Al Davis will go get somebody to complement his franchise signal-caller.
2. Kevin Kolb……… QB-friendly systems, good supporting casts, and patient organizations give young QBs a much greater chance at success. If McNabb is ushered out of Philly, or should I say when, Kolb looks like a guy who could step in immediately and produce in a similar fashion as Aaron Rodgers.
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. is in serious decline, yes, don’t be in denial everyone, including you t.o., your digits are shrinking. There’s a few too many chinks in the armor of the rest of TEs as Witten stands head-and-shoulders above the rest as a virtual lock for 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 has pushed through it and put up number which just about any other TE would 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 his velvety-smooth hands…to be a huge part of the movement. Hopefully, he fully recovers from this toe injury and can regain his strong foundation and explosiveness
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
3. Jeremy Shockey TE 6’5” 255 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 future prospects in offensive-minded HC Sean Payton’s offense. When healthy, “Shock-Je” is 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, Shockey should be fully integrated into the offense and well on his way back to the upper-echelon of the TE ranks.
4. Owen Daniels TE 6’3” 250 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) leaps the stagnant pack of remaining TEs to claim this spot in the rankings. It also bodes well for Daniels that he is the 2nd receiving target on the team yet still seems to fly under the radar for defensive coordinators game-planning vs. the Texans. Employs a very similar skill-set to Cooley but fortunate to not be in such a (projected) crowded receiving group as C.C.
5. Kellen Winslow TE 6’4” 252 Browns
Not only have the injuries begun to take its toll on “The Soldja”, but I also believe that Winslow has been distracted 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 a change of scenery would serve both parties well as from a fantasy perspective, it just seems like some of the spark and commitment (from Winslow) appears to be waning. If the contract issue resolves itself, then the question begs as to who will be under center next season for the Brownies……another ? mark
6. Greg Olsen TE 6’5” 255 Bears
G.O. is one of the premier talents at the position and the Bears finally appear to be 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. Based on his physical gifts and the inevitable decline and/or release of TE Desmond Clark, Olsen has the potential for Top 3 numbers and thus gets a slight nod over the rest of the field as I don’t see quite that much upside there.
7. Chris Cooley TE 6’2 ½” 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.
8. 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.
NPSE……NOCTURNAL PATROL SHARTED ENTOURAGE (tounge-in cheek homage to the 4-letter network of “knuckleheaded stoogery”….reverse the 4-letters)
1. Ben Patrick…….Neither Pope nor Patrick can seem to stay healthy, but I believe that Patrick is the guy with the most potential of the two and with an anticipated (I think very likely) move of Anquan Boldin this offseason, the TE in this system could become more of a factor moving forward
2. Brad Cottam……Extremely under the radar right now, Cottam will get a chance to claim the starting gig beginning next season as there is virtually zero chance of Gonzalez returning in ’09. An intriguing prospect in the mold of a Jason Witten. If he can develop as Witten has, he could be a nice find.
This is a sneak-peek ahead to the ’09 rankings for dynasty formats. I’ve grouped each offensive skill position in 3 tiers to include no more than 20 players for any given position, as well as a select (or very short) sleeper list. 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. Since I’m only interested in adding one more dynasty league to my fantasy portfolio in the foreseeable future, I decided to share my true thoughts. 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 “ 222 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 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. 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, game in and game out……What more can you ask for? I’m sure the haters will find something.
3. Ronnie Brown RB 6’0” 230 Dolphins
Before you even think it, this is NOT, I repeat, NOT, a reactionary thought based on Brown’s sensational 5-TD destruction of the Patriots, a performance now dubbed the “Torcho-Cinco”. The only thing left for me was to verify if he would show most of the signs of recapturing what he had become prior to the ACL injury. IMO, this guy was one of the 4-5 “special” RBs in the league prior to his injury, and that’s not some insignificant certification. Going into 2009, don’t miss the wave as you’ll be sure to ”Hang 10”… for all my surfer dudes/dudettes
4. 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, 2009), the league will witness a dominant force. I would not rule out this guy being #2 on the list in my final rankings for 2009. 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…
5. Frank Gore RB 5’9 ½” 212 49’ers
With due praise to the Martz effect, Gore has always been an extremely talented, yet under-appreciated RB (in fantasy circles), who will get his well-deserved respect after a phenomenal ’08 campaign. Having 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. Look for “The Inconvenient Truth” to be amongst the Top 3-4 in total yards from scrimmage for the foreseeable future.
6. 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.
7. 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 next season to maintain a hold of this lofty status. With an aging cast around him, the new HC will have little choice but to place 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. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rams shift more to the trendy zone-blocking scheme (ZBS) in ’09 to both maximize Jackson’s talents and to quickly integrate a soon-to-be overhauled o-line into a much less (physically) demanding scheme.
8. Marshawn Lynch RB 5’11” 218 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 for ’09. I am taking somewhat of a leap of faith here to rank him this high, as it just appears clear to me that the Bills have to start maximizing Lynch’s abilities if they really want to ascend to the next level as an offense, and as a team.
9. Marion Barber III RB 5’10” 225 Cowboys
“The Barberian” is one of the great 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 fantasy gold. Playing behind a top-notch o-line and with a star QB under center, look for the Cowboys to continue to maximize this guy’s production by delicately balancing their run/pass mix as well as spelling Barber with Felix Jones just enough to keep “The Barberian” upright and strong throughout each season.
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
10. Matt Forte RB 6’1” 220 Bears
Surprise! Maybe for some, but the reality of the situation is that Forte is a big-time producer. Off to a great start to his career, I do not see what he is doing as a fluke, the cat is for real! 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…Too many pundits are attempting to slight this guy based on some (false) rhetoric about Forte not being talented. He reminds me a lot of Marcus Allen. Don’t believe the haters, this kid is “The Postmaster”…goods and services gov’t certified
11. 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.) don’t always translate to huge fantasy success. But one of MJD’s strengths is that he is a dynamic playmaker, capable of ripping off huge gainers and multiple TD efforts any given Sunday. I’m still not quite sure that the Jaguars will ever hand over full-time RB chores to MJD, but his production still merits borderline Top 10 consideration.
12. 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. Currently, he seems to be more of a matchup guy as opposed to an every-week must start. Look for that to change in ’09 and beyond.
13. Joseph Addai RB 5’10” 215 Colts
I’ll be the first to state that I am not a huge fan of this guy as far as pure RB talent. With that said, I believe that this is a fair ranking for Addai given his fortune to be in such a high-octane offense virtually guarantees a RB will produce good numbers. But I do not buy the rhetoric that Addai is a “safe pick” for fantasy leaguers as there simply are far too many better options available given Addai’s consensus ADP. My main concern here is that the Colts may decide sooner than anticipated (by most) to upgrade at the position or simply choose to go in another direction due to (potential) salary issues with Addai. Enjoy the ride while it lasts…
14. Chris Johnson RB 5’11” 200 Titans
Johnson exhibits superior top-end speed, but what really separates him from the pack is his 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 unrivaled receiving ability. Not a knock on him, he just hasn’t yet displayed their pass-catching skill level, which will be the final piece of the puzzle to elevate him into the SS stratosphere…
15. Beanie Wells RB 5’11” 235 ’09 Draftee
Beanie has a lot of detractors right now, and deservedly so. However, I believe he has the type of overall RB skill set that talent evaluators drool over. Combining great size, dynamite power, and a surprising burst, 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 #4 on this list). In the final analysis, I expect Wells to separate himself from the rest of the ’09 RB class and I would not be surprised to see him paired up in a two-headed monster-type backfield in the NFL…Can you say Fred Taylor’s eventual replacement in Jax?....
16. Steve Slaton RB 5’10” 207 Texans
I’m going to go out on a limb here and state that the Texans have found 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 some 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”, but his overall versatility and play-making ability leads me to a more favorable comparison of Slaton, over Chris Johnson, to Westbrook. I’m watching these two (Slaton and Johnson) closely, as I just might be inclined to flip-flop these guys in the final analysis.
17. 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 so far this year as well as last season, and he just may enjoy another stellar season in ’09. But beyond that, the wheels may go flat on this Mercedes-Benz very quickly……
18. Knowshon Moreno RB 5’11” 218 ’09 Draftee
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’s very hard to project a landing spot for him, but rest assured, wherever he goes the competition for the incumbents will surely be a lot tougher.
19. 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 (as trumpeted a.n. by Mayock).
20. 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.
NPSE……NOCTURNAL PATROL SHARTED ENTOURAGE (Homage to the 4-letter network of “knuckleheaded stoogery”….reverse the 4-letters)
The Sleeper RBs
1. Felix Jones…….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…
2. Ryan Torain…..Not so sure about what this guy can do, but just the fact that the Broncos have yet to find a feature RB gives me plenty of reason for optimism that a guy of his size/power and (college) resume can make a strong push for the gig…
THE STUNNERS.......SALAD DRESSING, DIPS, & DESSERTS OF YOUR FANTASY MEAL
RS…..REIGN SUPREME
None
SS…SIMPLY SUPERB aka SUPER STUDS
1. Reggie Wayne WR 6’1” 190 Colts
With the projected retirement of Marvin Harrison after this season, or at least the non-factor status if he continues to play, Wayne simply is in one of the best situations for a WR to thrive. He has continuity in abundance with OC Tom Moore’s offensive system and QB Peyton Manning at the helm, and these are the primary reasons why Wayne garners the #1 spot among a talented group of WRs. As long as he and #18 remain upright, Wayne will be a lock for 90+ catches, 1300+ yds, and 9+ scores. In PPR leagues, an absolute Top 15 pick.
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 the enough will 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 separate himself from the WR pack ala Randy Moss in his heyday. Yes, “Megatron” is that talented. The only thing that is keeping him back from being the clear #1 WR is the unsettled coaching and QB situations. But I believe that truly great players, for which he is destined to become, can overcome (to some extent) such obstacles to elevate the level of play of the supporting cast.
3. Larry Fitzgerald WR 6’3” 215 Cardinals
If only Kurt Warner were 7 years younger…then Fitz would make a strong case for the #1 spot as well, but there has to be questions regarding the QB situation moving forward. Matt Leinert simply may not be the long-term answer, but I’ll trust that the Cards brass will figure the QB situation out and thus keep Fitzgerald’s production at a high-level, which at this point in his career is heading towards HOF status…Enough said
4. 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 the #1 ranked fantasy WR. However, it’s his off-the-field antics that concern me enough so that I simply can’t fully trust him to anoint him the #1 overall WR in a dynasty. Given his role in a pass-happy offense and teamed up with a young, star QB who can pull the trigger on any type of throw, Marshall is as scintillating a play-maker in all of the NFL. 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 has to be given strong consideration for being the first WR off the board in ’09.
5. Andre Johnson WR 6’3” 230 Texans
It’s time for AJ to step up to the plate and deliver on his substantial promise. One of the better athletes in all of the NFL at any position, Johnson appears to be the focus of the Texans offense and I’m wondering if he is fully recovered from the knee and/or groin issues that have plagued him recently. When healthy, AJ is ultra-explosive and as physical a wideout as there is in the league. I’ll give him a pass for the time-being but very soon there will be no more excuses. My gut tells me he delivers big-time in ’09 and beyond.
6. 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 still talented as well as experienced enough to get open and make plays. Playing with an ultra-high level of intensity, even in practice, Smith will continue to produce as the Panthers offense is on the upswing with a devastating running game and a rejuvenated QB in place to alleviate some of the pressure off of Smith.
7. 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 the surest hands in the game and there you have it, “Constant” production.
8. 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 concentration, Jennings makes not on the difficult catches but is consistent with his hands and can be relied upon to deliver strong numbers on a weekly basis.
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. 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 rookie 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
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
11. 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. I’d place the odds of Boldin playing elsewhere in ’09 at 65/35.
12. 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 be great. Fairly soon, Bowe will not have to split targets with a (future) HOF pass-catcher as Tony Gonzalez could be moving on as early as this upcoming offseason. If the Chiefs quickly solve the QB situation then I have no doubt that Bowe will ascend to Pro Bowl status soon thereafter.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Santana Moss WR 5’9 ½” 183 Redskins
As expected, there is a Moss sighting in the rankings…just maybe not the one you were expecting. Randy would certainly be listed 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. But back to Santana, this Moss is the new Boss of the NFC East as he has made a seamless transition into the West Coast offense of Jim Zorn. Moss lacks ideal size, but makes up for it with tremendous heart and blazing quicks off the snap of the ball. 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.
16. 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 production which can’t be dismissed as a fluke. The growth of both QB T.Edwards and WR J.Hardy will 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, which IMO, is superb. 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.
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. “T.O.” isn’t getting any younger so the ‘Boys could really use a bonifide stud WR……that’s 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 recently…Williams would be smart to soak up as much knowledge as he can from a willing teacher in T.O. as this could be a career-enhancing move, but it’s solely up to him to make it happen. This ranking is basically taking a 50/50 position on whether it happens.
18. Anthony Gonzalez WR 6’0” 195 Colts
The question of whether Harrison returns may impact where Gonzalez gets selected, but maybe not by much based on this ranking. I view this guy as a great long-term prospect and would be just fine with having to wait 1-2 more season(s) for the true breakout. With #18 at the helm, it (Gonzalez’s breakout) is almost certain to occur. A fine route-runner with very nice speed and 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.
19. Plaxico Burress WR 6’5” 227 Giants
The enigma that is “Plax” continues to perplex. Still in and out of the doghouse with his team, and 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 not so sure that we haven’t 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 strong #2 fantasy WR for at least two more seasons.
20. T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR 6’1 ½” 205 Bengals
Houshmandzadeh is likely to be kept by the Bengals after this season as he has been the least disruptive and most productive of all the Bengals’ wideouts. He 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”
NPSE……NOCTURNAL PATROL SHARTED ENTOURAGE (tounge-in cheek homage to the 4-letter network of “knuckleheaded stoogery”….reverse the 4-letters)
The Sleeper WRs
1. Josh Morgan……….Looks like a 1-yr deal for both B.Johnson and Ike Bruce, so look for some of the younger 49’ers to get an opportunity next season. Morgan looks like the best bet to emerge from the group
2. Devin Hester……….He is very close to arriving in a big-time fashion at the WR position. Looks very instinctive and is apparently working hard to master the nuances of the position. Watch Out!
3. Jordan Kent…………Way under the radar right now, and it may take another 2 years to get rewarded, but the guy has a lot of natural ability. If he puts in the work, he will produce in Sea-town.
4. Aundrae Allison……Rice is having problems staying healthy and he better watch out as “AA” is a very talented player who could take advantage of any future opportunities ala Lance Moore
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”
2. 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 one thing that can’t be overlooked……comfort……You should sleep easy at night as a Peyton Manning owner, as you know that he is going to play and by and large, produce at a high level. However, there are some concerns in that his supporting cast is in flux (Harrison is done) and the o-line may need an overhaul as they seem to be getting manhandled of late. Even so, the Colts’ brass will figure it out and continue to put the right pieces in place for him to prosper going forward.
SS…SIMPLY SUPERB aka SUPER STUDS
3. 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 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. If my dynasty draft were held today, I’d actually select “A-Rodge” ahead of No. 18……
4. Jay Cutler QB 6’4” 232 Broncos
One of the most physically gifted QBs in the NFL, Cutler has thrust himself into the upper echelon of the fantasy QB rankings. With the benefit of youth and a superstar WR at his disposal, Cutler is no longer simply showing flashes of brilliance but this kid is performing at an extremely high level and can only get better. The Broncos are no longer a run first team as HC Shanahan has handed the reigns to Jay “The Blade” Cutler. Look for “The Blade” to slice and dice defenses for years to come and become a dynasty jewel at the key QB spot.
5. Tom Brady QB 6’5” 225 Patriots
Yes, you are not misreading things, Brady’s not in my elite tier. Coming off a very serious knee injury (multiple torn ligaments), Brady will not instantly be in top form for the ’09 season. 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 a notch, but in essence, it’s not much of a drop.
6. Tony Romo QB 6’2 ½” 220 Cowboys
It must be nice to have a top-notch o-line, great running game, a couple of stud targets to throw to, and a sex-symbol GF to soothe your aches and pains after the game. Beyond all the hype, and there is a bit too much, Romo aka “Hollywood” is a fantasy stud. He takes a few too many risks that lead to a high number of turnovers, but the guy also makes a ton of plays to reward his owners with upper-echelon QB numbers. I’m also buying into the notion that Jerry Jones will bring in another elite talent at the WR position next season……maybe Roy ‘W’ or Ocho-Cinco……done deal, Roy ‘W’ brought on board at the trade deadline
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
7. Ben Roethlisberger QB 6’5” 245 Steelers
Roethlisberger is the prime example of an excellent NFL QB who doeesn’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, but this is probably a very fair fantasy ranking. I do believe there is room for growth in the Steelers offense with regards to their passing game, so I would not be surprised to eventually find Big Ben in one of my two upper tiers someday. For now though, given the number of attempts and the traditional philosophy of the franchise as being a tough, run-first team, I believe it’s a safe bet to relegate Ben to just below the top-flight fantasy QBs.
8. Carson Palmer QB 6’5 ½” 230 Bengals
With much uncertainty regarding his injured elbow on his throwing arm, Palmer is a risk going forward. Blessed with all the tools to be a great NFL (and fantasy) QB, CP will be in transition with having not only to rehab his arm but the possibility exists for there to be a new offense in place (Marvin Lewis simply has to go) with new, unproven targets like Simpson and Caldwell replacing Housh and Chad. If CP makes a full recovery, I still believe in this guy long-term to be a high-quality fantasy starter, just not amongst the elite.
9. 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 are quickly morphing 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). Rivers is a player who could emerge as one of the super-value selections if he winds up being the 9th QB taken off the board in ’09 drafts.
10. Eli Manning QB 6’4” 223 Giants
The younger Manning is gradually moving up the ladder, yet it’s still not quite the leap that many of us fanatics are looking for. Another guy who is probably rated higher in NFL circles over his fantasy value, Manning still delivers nice stats and is firmly entrenched as the face of the NY Giants franchise for the next decade. Going forward, the G-Men will need to develop some of their young pass-catchers into first-line guys as Toomer and Plax are both on the wrong side of 30. Adding a top-flight TE like T.Gonzalez in the offseason makes a whole lot of sense……meaning, it probably will not happen.
11. Jason Campbell QB 6’5” 228 Redskins
What a difference one game makes. Coming off a horrible performance to open the season, a “flood light” suddenly turned on for this guy the following week and he hasn’t looked back since. Campbell has grasped HC Zorn’s version of the “West Coast” offense and if this duo continues to work together I see things shaping up very nicely in the nation’s capital. Campbell is making all the right decisions with the ball and is not simply a checkdown, play-it-safe type of West Coast system QB, but he can chuck it deep with the best of ‘em. It also doesn’t hurt to have a good mix of speedy (S.Moss) and reliable (Cooley) targets to blend with the young talents (Kelly, Thomas, F.Davis) who should factor into the mix pretty soon.
12. 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. However, he still is in a pretty good situation to succeed. The key factors going forward center around the improvement and upgrade of the o-line as well as the progress of S.Slaton and the running game. If progress is made on both fronts in ’09, Schaub could make a nice move up the ranks, but not quite up to the SS level.
13. 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……just as long as you get a steady veteran as well as there still will be some bumps in the road over the next couple of seasons. But one thing that I’m convinced of is……this kid “gets it”
14. 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 addition of DeSean Jackson, McNabb has more than enough firepower around him to continue to thrive in Andy Reid’s QB-friendly offense. Even given the possibility of joining a new team in ’09, I still believe McNabb will enjoy several more good seasons as a starting QB in the NFL……Possible destinations could include Minnesota, S.F., Chicago, Miami, or my prohibitive favorite to land McNabb, the Arizona Cardinals (D-Mac Sr. does spend quite a bit of time training in AZ in the offseason and I believe he also has a house there).
NPSE……NOCTURNAL PATROL SHARTED ENTOURAGE (tounge-in cheek homage to the 4-letter network of “knuckleheaded stoogery”….reverse the 4-letters)The Sleeper QBs
1. JaMarcus Russell……I expect the Raiders to acquire a top talent at WR in ’09, whether it’s through the draft or via free-agency, you can bet that Al Davis will go get somebody to complement his franchise signal-caller.
2. Kevin Kolb……… QB-friendly systems, good supporting casts, and patient organizations give young QBs a much greater chance at success. If McNabb is ushered out of Philly, or should I say when, Kolb looks like a guy who could step in immediately and produce in a similar fashion as Aaron Rodgers.
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. is in serious decline, yes, don’t be in denial everyone, including you t.o., your digits are shrinking. There’s a few too many chinks in the armor of the rest of TEs as Witten stands head-and-shoulders above the rest as a virtual lock for 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 has pushed through it and put up number which just about any other TE would 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 his velvety-smooth hands…to be a huge part of the movement. Hopefully, he fully recovers from this toe injury and can regain his strong foundation and explosiveness
TS…..TERRESTRIAL SWAG
3. Jeremy Shockey TE 6’5” 255 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 future prospects in offensive-minded HC Sean Payton’s offense. When healthy, “Shock-Je” is 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, Shockey should be fully integrated into the offense and well on his way back to the upper-echelon of the TE ranks.
4. Owen Daniels TE 6’3” 250 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) leaps the stagnant pack of remaining TEs to claim this spot in the rankings. It also bodes well for Daniels that he is the 2nd receiving target on the team yet still seems to fly under the radar for defensive coordinators game-planning vs. the Texans. Employs a very similar skill-set to Cooley but fortunate to not be in such a (projected) crowded receiving group as C.C.
5. Kellen Winslow TE 6’4” 252 Browns
Not only have the injuries begun to take its toll on “The Soldja”, but I also believe that Winslow has been distracted 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 a change of scenery would serve both parties well as from a fantasy perspective, it just seems like some of the spark and commitment (from Winslow) appears to be waning. If the contract issue resolves itself, then the question begs as to who will be under center next season for the Brownies……another ? mark
6. Greg Olsen TE 6’5” 255 Bears
G.O. is one of the premier talents at the position and the Bears finally appear to be 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. Based on his physical gifts and the inevitable decline and/or release of TE Desmond Clark, Olsen has the potential for Top 3 numbers and thus gets a slight nod over the rest of the field as I don’t see quite that much upside there.
7. Chris Cooley TE 6’2 ½” 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.
8. 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.
NPSE……NOCTURNAL PATROL SHARTED ENTOURAGE (tounge-in cheek homage to the 4-letter network of “knuckleheaded stoogery”….reverse the 4-letters)
1. Ben Patrick…….Neither Pope nor Patrick can seem to stay healthy, but I believe that Patrick is the guy with the most potential of the two and with an anticipated (I think very likely) move of Anquan Boldin this offseason, the TE in this system could become more of a factor moving forward
2. Brad Cottam……Extremely under the radar right now, Cottam will get a chance to claim the starting gig beginning next season as there is virtually zero chance of Gonzalez returning in ’09. An intriguing prospect in the mold of a Jason Witten. If he can develop as Witten has, he could be a nice find.
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they are both in my top 5 dynasty RBsWells is not even in the NFL yet. How can you rank him?
