Ben Watson & LJ Smith- Steal Them If You Can (1 Viewer)

[RalphMouth]

I laugh when Gates gets drafted #24 or #25 (it's too early people)

and grab much better players in the late 3rd - 5th rounds as Shockey, Heap, Gonzo and the like are drafted.

Why not wait till the late 8th or the 9th round and get Watson or LJ Smith ?

Both TE's will be major receivers this year based on the fact that their teams are both without

major WR talent. I fully expect both to line as as WR's on many downs.

Let somebody else waste early pick on tight end when fantasy gold can be had later.

ps- if you like to wait even longer than Troup, Wiggins and Dallas Clark should be there

as value picks somewhere 12th round and later.

 

[tri-man 47]

I agree that Watson and Smith should be very productive this year. Their talented QBs will be throwing to someone, and as you note, without a lot of strength at WR, the TE's should get good looks.

 

[GOroute]

does this change for lj since now they have stallworth. i think not. stallworth is good - no stud. it means defenses cant focus on lj, plus lj has the best rapport with mcnabb on that team.. f it....i'm picking him!!!

 

[swirvenirvin]

shhh ive been targeting these guys in all my drafts

 

[Peter Swanson]

Hi Ralph,

I managed to draft both Shockey and Watson. Should I wait to start Watson after maybe a few weeks, or should I start him over Shockey now?

Thanks,

Peter

 

[cracKer]

I laugh when Gates gets drafted #24 or #25 (it's too early people)

and grab much better players in the late 3rd - 5th rounds as Shockey, Heap, Gonzo and the like are drafted.

Why not wait till the late 8th or the 9th round and get Watson or LJ Smith ?

Both TE's will be major receivers this year based on the fact that their teams are both without

major WR talent. I fully expect both to line as as WR's on many downs.

Let somebody else waste early pick on tight end when fantasy gold can be had later.

ps- if you like to wait even longer than Troup, Wiggins and Dallas Clark should be there

as value picks somewhere 12th round and later.

Just because players like Watson and LJ Smith possess great value late in drafts doesn't mean that the top dogs don't possess value early. They all possess value at some point with the Gates and Heaps being selected earlier for a reason...they will score more (significantly more).

 

[Patoons]

I laugh when Gates gets drafted #24 or #25 (it's too early people)and grab much better players in the late 3rd - 5th rounds as Shockey, Heap, Gonzo and the like are drafted.Why not wait till the late 8th or the 9th round and get Watson or LJ Smith ?

Because having a TE like Gates is like having Harrison at TE... he has been unreal and is a huge advantage to have at the TE spot.

 

[kingmalaki]

I got them both in my league last night.

 

[ffnut]

Couldn't agree more. I have them both and I'm quite pleased with my TE situation. Just hoping Branch leaves so that it will be easier for me to figure out who to start week 1!

 

[aldelgreco]

Couldn't agree more. I have them both and I'm quite pleased with my TE situation. Just hoping Branch leaves so that it will be easier for me to figure out who to start week 1!

Was a sucker in one draft, but snaked him in the next as you can see below.

 

[ffnut]

Couldn't agree more. I have them both and I'm quite pleased with my TE situation. Just hoping Branch leaves so that it will be easier for me to figure out who to start week 1!

Was a sucker in one draft, but snaked him in the next as you can see below.

Good luck with that first league...I'm just not feeling Gonzo this year.

 

[NYGus]

Ben Watson will end up being the #1 fantasy TE this season

 

[ExaltedOne]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

 

[Bluestaples]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

Nah, I actualy think it helps him out - Donte' will stretch the field with his speed, leaving the middle more open for LJ.

 

[pantagrapher]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

Nah, I actualy think it helps him out - Donte' will stretch the field with his speed, leaving the middle more open for LJ.

I think it usually benefits a TE to have a speedy receiver on the outside.

 

[reg]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

How hindered was he last year with TO?

 

[Warpig]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

I think LJ takes a hit because he has hands made of stone. Ben Watson could be like having another #1 WR! Unfortunately I only ended up with Heap and Cooley... (sarcasm thingy)

 

[Significant Shrinkage]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

Undoubtedly he will. I can see McNabb falling in love w/ Stallworth. Before Stallworth, LJ and Westbrook were the main 2 options in the passing game. Add in a significant 3rd option, which may become the go to option, and LJ slides to 3rd in the pecking order. How can that not drive his #'s down a bit?

 

[Significant Shrinkage]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

How hindered was he last year with TO?

I think he means from his projected totals before the Stallworth trade. Also, TO was inactive for a good portion of the year. I'd be interested to know LJ's targets with and without TO in the lineup. Anyone have them?

 

[JPinSoCal]

I took Gates at 3.7 in a 12 team league that only starts 2 at WR and a must TE. Having Gates will be a significant advantage in that league.

Compare to a league set to draft this Sat, 1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1TE, 1 WR/RB, drafting Gates in the third would not be smart, I will let someone eles get him while I get a RB or WR.

 

[reg]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

How hindered was he last year with TO?

I think he means from his projected totals before the Stallworth trade. Also, TO was inactive for a good portion of the year. I'd be interested to know LJ's targets with and without TO in the lineup. Anyone have them?

http://www.profootballreference.com/games/SmitL.00.htm#2005With TO:

35/351/3

Without:

26/331/0

Target info

 

[Significant Shrinkage]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

How hindered was he last year with TO?

I think he means from his projected totals before the Stallworth trade. Also, TO was inactive for a good portion of the year. I'd be interested to know LJ's targets with and without TO in the lineup. Anyone have them?

http://www.profootballreference.com/games/SmitL.00.htm#2005With TO:

35/351/3

Without:

26/331/0

Target info

Thanks.

 

[stbugs]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

How hindered was he last year with TO?

I think he means from his projected totals before the Stallworth trade. Also, TO was inactive for a good portion of the year. I'd be interested to know LJ's targets with and without TO in the lineup. Anyone have them?

http://www.profootballreference.com/games/SmitL.00.htm#2005With TO:

35/351/3

Without:

26/331/0

Target info

Don't take the with TO/without TO numbers to heart. TO only played 7 games, but McNabb also only played 9 games. So those last 9 without TO also included 7 without McNabb.I like LJ, but my league doesn't have TE as a starter, so he isn't that valuable to me. Ben Watson might if Branch doesn't sign, but probably because I have Branch on my team. My draft was before the whole "seek a trade" thing, so I have no idea what will happen with him. If the holdout looks ugly, I would definitely target Watson as I think he would become the #1 target. It is a start 3 WR/TE, 10 team league so Watson went undrafted.

 

[reg]

good point. forgot about mcnafro missing time.

 

[#@%&$!?]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

Nah, I actualy think it helps him out - Donte' will stretch the field with his speed, leaving the middle more open for LJ.

I think it usually benefits a TE to have a speedy receiver on the outside.

Donte will be a fast decoy until he becomes familliar with Philly's O & McNabb. Watson's lofty ranking is based on the assumption that Branch won't return to NE. I'm thinking Branch will return, and Brady will go back to spreading the rock around.

 

[TD Ryan]

Watson's lofty ranking is based on the assumption that Branch won't return to NE.

respectfully, I disagree.Watson is being lined up tight to the line, in the slot, and out wide; NE is moving him all over the place to create matchup problems.He is listed as a TE but really he's playing all over the field. It's the uber-blockerDaniel Graham that will be relegated to blocking duties of a traditional TE while Watson is unleashed in the passing game.This won't change if/when Branch comes in. Branch can't work the middle and seams like Watson; Branch isn't a posession/red zone target like Watson.With Watson's size, speed, and hands he will constantly create mismatches and there is no better QB to exploit that than Brady.

 

[TexanFan]

I took Gates at 3.7 in a 12 team league that only starts 2 at WR and a must TE. Having Gates will be a significant advantage in that league.Compare to a league set to draft this Sat, 1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1TE, 1 WR/RB, drafting Gates in the third would not be smart, I will let someone eles get him while I get a RB or WR.

I took Gates at the exact same spot in a 10 team that must start 1TE and 3WR, BUT it is a 2 PPR league. Got LJ later, should be set at TE.

 

[#@%&$!?]

Watson's lofty ranking is based on the assumption that Branch won't return to NE.

respectfully, I disagree.Watson is being lined up tight to the line, in the slot, and out wide; NE is moving him all over the place to create matchup problems.He is listed as a TE but really he's playing all over the field. It's the uber-blockerDaniel Graham that will be relegated to blocking duties of a traditional TE while Watson is unleashed in the passing game.This won't change if/when Branch comes in. Branch can't work the middle and seams like Watson; Branch isn't a posession/red zone target like Watson.With Watson's size, speed, and hands he will constantly create mismatches and there is no better QB to exploit that than Brady.

I don't doubt Watson's talent or ability to create mismatches. imo, its a matter of open targets Brady has access to. Branch >> any other WR on NE, and will provide more open targets for Brady.

 

[ffnut]

Watson's lofty ranking is based on the assumption that Branch won't return to NE.

respectfully, I disagree.Watson is being lined up tight to the line, in the slot, and out wide; NE is moving him all over the place to create matchup problems.He is listed as a TE but really he's playing all over the field. It's the uber-blockerDaniel Graham that will be relegated to blocking duties of a traditional TE while Watson is unleashed in the passing game.This won't change if/when Branch comes in. Branch can't work the middle and seams like Watson; Branch isn't a posession/red zone target like Watson.With Watson's size, speed, and hands he will constantly create mismatches and there is no better QB to exploit that than Brady.

I agree. Watson's numbers will probably be bigger without Branch but not that much bigger. He will dominate either way!

 

[DoubleG]

I laugh when Gates gets drafted #24 or #25 (it's too early people)and grab much better players in the late 3rd - 5th rounds as Shockey, Heap, Gonzo and the like are drafted.Why not wait till the late 8th or the 9th round and get Watson or LJ Smith ?

Because in leagues with smart people Watson in not going in the 8th or 9th.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

You guys don't think LJ takes a hit with the addition of Stallworth?

Nah, I actualy think it helps him out - Donte' will stretch the field with his speed, leaving the middle more open for LJ.

I think it usually benefits a TE to have a speedy receiver on the outside.

Actually, it usually benefits a TE to not have any "star" WR's, ala Gonzo and Gates of late.

 

[Mr. Chumley]

Couldn't agree more. I have them both and I'm quite pleased with my TE situation. Just hoping Branch leaves so that it will be easier for me to figure out who to start week 1!

Was a sucker in one draft, but snaked him in the next as you can see below.

I don't feel so bad about my draft anymore.

 

[Mystery Achiever]

Hi Ralph, I managed to draft both Shockey and Watson. Should I wait to start Watson after maybe a few weeks, or should I start him over Shockey now?Thanks,Peter

start shockey. see cracker's post 6

 

[davearm]

I laugh when Gates gets drafted #24 or #25 (it's too early people)and grab much better players in the late 3rd - 5th rounds as Shockey, Heap, Gonzo and the like are drafted.Why not wait till the late 8th or the 9th round and get Watson or LJ Smith ?

Because in leagues with smart people Watson in not going in the 8th or 9th.

I've suspected the cat's been out of the bag on Watson for a while now, but it most definitely is when you see the SportsCenter guys wrap the NE preseason highlights with, "psst... draft Ben Watson..." I scratched him off my sleeper list and added him to my "guys to reach for early" list right then and there.In most leagues I suspect there will be more guys salivating over Watson than oblivious to Watson.Now LJ Smith on the other hand... shhhhhh

 

[bocksheesh]

What rounds are people seeing Watson and LJ going in recently?

In a 12-teamer, to be specific.

Want one or the other, and am trying to figure out when I need to make my play for them.

 

[Wingnut]

Im actually considering trading LJ Smith for Cooley. The Cooley owner is a Philly homer and was pissed when I took LJ.....Now I just have to decide if Cooleys numbers will dip with Lloyd and Randel El in town...I think I trust Phillys offense more than Washingtons (especially the QB), so Ill probably keep LJ.

 

[KevT]

Im actually considering trading LJ Smith for Cooley. The Cooley owner is a Philly homer and was pissed when I took LJ.....Now I just have to decide if Cooleys numbers will dip with Lloyd and Randel El in town...I think I trust Phillys offense more than Washingtons (especially the QB), so Ill probably keep LJ.

You might want to add in Duckett as I'm sure some of Cooley's TDs will be stolen by him.

 

[Wingnut]

Im actually considering trading LJ Smith for Cooley. The Cooley owner is a Philly homer and was pissed when I took LJ.....Now I just have to decide if Cooleys numbers will dip with Lloyd and Randel El in town...I think I trust Phillys offense more than Washingtons (especially the QB), so Ill probably keep LJ.

You might want to add in Duckett as I'm sure some of Cooley's TDs will be stolen by him.

Good point. Trade offer REJECTED.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I got Watson at 8.9 in my 12-teamer.

And I also drafted Brady for the hookup.

Smith went at 8.5 -- but the league is based in Philly.