2008 Comeback Players (1 Viewer)

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

This should be a discussion about players that either under-performed or were injured.

Also Rookies that didn't show up.

Larry Johnson, Ronnie Brown, Pennington, Maroney, Lee Evans, Mark Clayton, Rudi Johnson, Cedric Benson, Parker, Hines Ward, Ahman Green, Matt Schuab, Harrison, Travis Henry, Terry Glenn, Campbell, Roy Williams, Norwood, Leinart, Shaun Alexander.

Robert Meachem, Brandon Jackson, Ted Ginn, Steve Smith, Antonio Pittman.

Think about draft time last year and all the guys that had value. What happened, but most importantly, can they comeback and make a statement next year?

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

good topic. Some of the questions I have every year have to do with whether or not rookies will "get it" or not. Meachem versus Jarrett is interesting to me.

 

[FUBAR]

Off hand, I'm looking for FWP, Lee Evans, and Rudi.

I'm not sure how rookies who didn't perform fit in with the title here.

BTW, how did Hines Ward "not perform"? Were you expecting better than WR 20-30 production?

 

[dmac37]

Leinart- will be very interesting. If he does not improve and start to get it next year, his future could be as a back up.

Written off for dead list:

Benson- everyones whipping boy, but there were many problems in Chicago this year, O-line being at the top of that list. Could be worth grabbing dirt cheap to see what happens, yes I know Benson blows and all of that.

B. Jackson- Grant on everyones top 10 RB list, he would not be the first low draft pick one hit wonder. During pre season and start of the regular seaon the GB running game was not clicking, more to this than just plugging in Grant. Jackson looked completly different later in the year compared to the start of the year.

 

[IZ4]

Cedric Benson will finally "get it" and put it all together. I think Benson will become the next Rudi Johnson...1,500 total yds and 12 TDs...great value in 2008 drafts and late first round for 2009 and 2010 drafts.

 

[Toads]

Like picking sand from the beach.

Of those that are sugggested, it's Mahroney...then Harrison. I still like Ward to be a top 20 WR.

 

[PatrickT]

From a pure homer perspective, for now.

Warrick Dunn - probably not

Chris Redman - could be

Alge Crumpler - best bet

 

[MAC_32]

Of the rookies I like Meachem to break through. He was limited significantly due to injuries in both mini camp and TC. I read some blurbs from Payton around week 8 or so suggesting he liked what he had seen out of Meachem lately, but the passing game was just hitting its stride and he didn't want to mess with their chemistry by inserting Meachem. Both Devrey and Patten are free agents, if neither are re-signed I'd think that'd be the telling sign that Meachem is expected to be the #2 come opening day.

Bounceback 08 players --> Maroney and Roy Williams. New England's not going to throw so much again are they? That and Kraft was quoted as saying "Maroney's finally running tough" during the divisional game vs. Jax. I believe he was so limited during the season because the coaching staff questioned his toughness. He's an 08 buy low.

As for Roy, if he gets traded he gets a new start, if he doesn't he gets to be the focal point in the offense instead of the decoy that Martz used him for. He's just too talented to be used so little again, if Detroit wants any chance of bringing him back after 08 they will.

 

[sheerterror]

I like Maroney going into next season for most of the reason already listed here..but I disagree that he's a buy low. Owners are seeing what he is capable of in this postseason and combine with the general thought that the Pats won't pass nearly as much next season means no one is going to want to move him for anything that may be considered buy low. I'd imagine his owners will still give him the value of a top 10 dynasty RB, so unless you anticipate him performing better than that, there may not be that much value in acquiring him this year.

 

[Restricted]

Todd Heap fell off a lot of people's radar and should be a great value late in drafts next year...

 

[AllVolUT]

Note to the OP: If applicable, I think it'd be a good idea to make a poll to encompass FBG's general feeling. It seems as if this thread might get a lot of attention from now until the drafts this year.

IMO, Leinart and Roy Williams are great buy low candidates. I'm not so sure Maroney will still be considered a buy low/comeback player after all the attention he is getting in the post-season.

Two QBs who I feel have great potential in '08 - Cutler and VY. Cutler had a very solid season, but I still fully expect him to rise to the head of the '06 QB class. That being said, I expect VY to be a common buy low candidate, especially with the departure of Chow and the return of Heimerdinger.

Great thread topic BTW.

 

[dudaman]

Not sure if he qualifies as a comeback player - but if Moss and Stallworth don't make it back, Chad Jackson could move into the starting role. I guess that makes him a sleeper - but he has been with the team for two years now, and he is coming back from an injury.

 

[MAC_32]

Another potential comeback player --> Marc Bulger. The Al Saunders hiring is the first step in the right direction for that franchise. Lets see how much they address his line this offseason, a Mario Manningham-like selection at the top of round 2 would be nice too.

 

[Restricted]

Not sure if he qualifies as a comeback player - but if Moss and Stallworth don't make it back, Chad Jackson could move into the starting role. I guess that makes him a sleeper - but he has been with the team for two years now, and he is coming back from an injury.

The dude hasn't played in two years. If you have the roster spot and willing to take a chance I'm sure he could be had for pennies on the dollar.

 

[Franknbeans]

Larry Johnson. From what I've read, new OC Chan Gailey is supposed to be employing a power running attack like he did with the Steelers. If KC finds the horses to open some lanes for Larry, he'll be a stud again.