Bucs OL took a big hit in the last 24 hours (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

First off, Luke Pettitgout was released by the Bucs and then suspended by the league for 4 games. I would love it if Bucsfans would lay off the "he was no good anyways" angle. They planned on him competing for the almighty LT position, so if he were just awful they would have made better plans.

The second one is even worse IMO. Davin Joseph has broken his foot and will be out of action 4-8 weeks...I'm going with the 2 month analysis which puts him at about week 6...maybe week 8 before he is really back to full strength. Majority of the season for owners. I think the savy owners will figure out which RB is going to likely have the most success in Tampa this season.

I personally feel like Warrick Dunn, who can be fairly late in most redrafts, is the best back to pick out of the bunch. Earnest Graham is a great story from last year, however I see him having challenges. Dunn has run behind suspect lines, he knows how to find holes and maximize the yards on plays. He is having a terrific camp, I have watched a lot of info on him mainly because he can be had so late. Dunn has never finished outside of the top30 at RB for the season in non PPR leagues. He collected 3 catches the other night rather quickly so he will be great out of the backfield. When Dunn was in Tampa, he was a 50+ catch guy and about 1,200-1,400 total yds every year. Dunn was very under utilized in the passing game in Atlanta...Vick did not make him look good out of the backfield, no surprise. The Falcons wanted to run the ball a lot and they did rank near the top of the league for rushing offense.

My point is that the Bucs OL needs to be taken down a notch between a starting Guard and depth at LT has vanished now. It's possible Joseph does not play much at all this year. The Bucs still have some strength at other positions, but don't buy into fans saying that everything will be fine...it isn't. I will be glad to read up on the replacements, but at this point I would say the Bucs OL went from pretty good, maybe the upper 1/3 of the league for rushing, but now I would knock them down into the average category. I am mostly speaking about the ground game.

Dunn is the perfect RB3, can be had rather cheaply. You can have him as an RB4 and use him for bye weeks, flex spots, he adds a lot of versatility to the 2nd half of your roster.

 

[Banger]

First off, Luke Pettitgout was released by the Bucs and then suspended by the league for 4 games. I would love it if Bucsfans would lay off the "he was no good anyways" angle. They planned on him competing for the almighty LT position, so if he were just awful they would have made better plans. The second one is even worse IMO. Davin Joseph has broken his foot and will be out of action 4-8 weeks...I'm going with the 2 month analysis which puts him at about week 6...maybe week 8 before he is really back to full strength. Majority of the season for owners. I think the savy owners will figure out which RB is going to likely have the most success in Tampa this season. I personally feel like Warrick Dunn, who can be fairly late in most redrafts, is the best back to pick out of the bunch. Earnest Graham is a great story from last year, however I see him having challenges. Dunn has run behind suspect lines, he knows how to find holes and maximize the yards on plays. He is having a terrific camp, I have watched a lot of info on him mainly because he can be had so late. Dunn has never finished outside of the top30 at RB for the season in non PPR leagues. He collected 3 catches the other night rather quickly so he will be great out of the backfield. When Dunn was in Tampa, he was a 50+ catch guy and about 1,200-1,400 total yds every year. Dunn was very under utilized in the passing game in Atlanta...Vick did not make him look good out of the backfield, no surprise. The Falcons wanted to run the ball a lot and they did rank near the top of the league for rushing offense.My point is that the Bucs OL needs to be taken down a notch between a starting Guard and depth at LT has vanished now. It's possible Joseph does not play much at all this year. The Bucs still have some strength at other positions, but don't buy into fans saying that everything will be fine...it isn't. I will be glad to read up on the replacements, but at this point I would say the Bucs OL went from pretty good, maybe the upper 1/3 of the league for rushing, but now I would knock them down into the average category. I am mostly speaking about the ground game. Dunn is the perfect RB3, can be had rather cheaply. You can have him as an RB4 and use him for bye weeks, flex spots, he adds a lot of versatility to the 2nd half of your roster.

I'm all over Dunn as well. I think he's being overlooked due to Graham/age.ETA...

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Joseph is a mauler and one of the reasons the Bucs became one of the best run blocking lines in the league last year. Jeremy Zuttah should be pretty solid from a rookie fill-in, but he's not Joseph.

I'm with you on Dunn being a value, although Michael Bennett seems to be coming on, and there's always Caddy lurking.

 

[Banger]

Joseph is a mauler and one of the reasons the Bucs became one of the best run blocking lines in the league last year. Jeremy Zuttah should be pretty solid from a rookie fill-in, but he's not Joseph. I'm with you on Dunn being a value, although Michael Bennett seems to be coming on, and there's always Caddy lurking.

There's really nothing that Bennett could do that would change my mind on him. He's just not a good NFL RB unlike Dunn.

 

[swirvenirvin]

Dunn was basically unplayable last year, his 35 yards rushing and 19 receiving each week, was about all you got. He is still not going to get in the endzone much at all, I would not be happy with him as a #3 that is for sure.

I would much rather take these guys before Dunn

Jerious Norwood

Tatum Bell

Kevin Jones

Kenny Watson

Ronnie Brown

Rashard Mendenhall

Leon Washington

Ahmad Bradshaw

Ray Rice

Deuce McAllister

Felix Jones

Sammy Morris

Kevin Faulk

Ladell Betts

Dominic Rhodes

Corell Buckhalter

 

[gump]

We've discussed in the other two Bucs threads to some degree also...but...

If there was going to be an injury on the OL, this would be the best IMO. It's the deepest position on the team. They spent a 2nd round pick for this reason...and Zuttah looks like a potential stud. Beunning and Davis have plenty of experience as well. They have more quality depth than ever.

And have you been watching Faine? Wow does he look good...

That said...this line could have been top 5. Now likely take it down a notch until Joseph returns.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Dunno guys, did you watch him at all last year?

He looked TERRIBLE. Even aside from his horrible stats, he was doing exactly the opposite of what you are claiming he's better at than Graham. He was NOT finding holes and he was certainly not maximizing the yards on plays. When a guy on your team is getting nearly double the yards you are on average IN THE SAME SITUATIONS (look it up, this was not a case of a bunch of 3rd and longs - on every down and in every situation, Norwood was significantly better), that's a pretty clear indicator that your game isn't what it once was.

I think the league is much better for having Dunn it it, but as a primary ball-carrier I think his career is over.

 

[zadok]

If their line is worse, why would any RB be worth much?

 

[bucsbaby]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Graham owners are going to be disappointed if they are counting on him as a #2 RB.

 

[Mark Wimer]

Dunno guys, did you watch him at all last year?

He looked TERRIBLE. Even aside from his horrible stats, he was doing exactly the opposite of what you are claiming he's better at than Graham. He was NOT finding holes and he was certainly not maximizing the yards on plays. When a guy on your team is getting nearly double the yards you are on average IN THE SAME SITUATIONS (look it up, this was not a case of a bunch of 3rd and longs - on every down and in every situation, Norwood was significantly better), that's a pretty clear indicator that your game isn't what it once was.

I think the league is much better for having Dunn it it, but as a primary ball-carrier I think his career is over.

All around best summary of the 33-year old Dunn at this stage of his career, IMO. Dunn is done as a primary ball carrier.2005 ATL 16 280 1416 5.1 3 37 29 220 7.6 1 188 12

2006 ATL 16 286 1140 4.0 4 27 22 170 7.7 1 161 24

2007 ATL 16 228 718 3.1 4 59 37 238 6.4 0 120 30

Maximum of 5 TDs in a season over the past 3 seasons (before he hit the over-30 wall last year). Don't understand how folks are seeing upside with this player, sincere regrets MOP and Bloom.

 

[bucsbaby]

Dunn won't be the primary ball carrier, but he will play often and well enough to hurt Graham's stats.

 

[gump]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Graham owners are going to be disappointed if they are counting on him as a #2 RB.

I'll say my piece again also...IMO It depends 100% on the performance of the team.If the Bucs get leads in the 2nd half...it will be the EG show.If they are playing catch up...it will be a mix.If you expect the Bucs to go 9-7 or better (which I do), then EG is a very legit RB #2.If you don't, then he isn't.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Luke Pettitgout isn't a big loss, as Donald Penn has looked pretty good. He really only hurts from a depth perspective, assuming he could have played at a high level again. I don't think the Joseph injury hurts the O-line as much as everyone perceives, because Jeremy Zuttah is a stud. In the long run it could even be better for the team, because when Joseph comes back he will be on the outside looking in. It will challenge him to work harder at getting back. Don't get me wrong, Joseph was obviously better, and more experienced than Zuttah. But, I was hearing Zuttah could possibly challenge Joseph for playing time this year anyways. I am bummed about Joseph getting hurt, bet very excited to see Zuttah get an opportunity. The line defiantly takes a hit at depth, but they still have a capable back up at guard in Dan Buening. Buennng was the best offensive lineman 3 years ago, but really got set back by injuries. From what I am hearing out of camp he is back to his rookie form. btw, Caddy was ROY that year.Current o-line rankings

RK___Run___pass___depth___coh___Exp___Pot___overall7_____A_____C+_____A_____C_____C+_____A_____B

IMO, ranking after recent developmentsRK__Run__pass__depth__coh__Exp__Pot__overall7____B+____B-____B____C___C-____A+____BI think Zuttah has a higher upside, as I don't think he Joseph has yet to live up to his 1st round status. Unless a team was extremely desperate, I don't think many teams would trade a #23 overall pick for Joseph. Maybe he was really going to improve his 3rd year, but he really should have been better at pass blocking after 2 seasons. Thus, me slightly increasing rankings of pass blocking & potential.

 

[QUEZILLA]

We've discussed in the other two Bucs threads to some degree also...but...If there was going to be an injury on the OL, this would be the best IMO. It's the deepest position on the team. They spent a 2nd round pick for this reason...and Zuttah looks like a potential stud. Beunning and Davis have plenty of experience as well. They have more quality depth than ever.And have you been watching Faine? Wow does he look good...That said...this line could have been top 5. Now likely take it down a notch until Joseph returns.

A Faine injury would really scare me

 

[QUEZILLA]

Dunno guys, did you watch him at all last year?He looked TERRIBLE. Even aside from his horrible stats, he was doing exactly the opposite of what you are claiming he's better at than Graham. He was NOT finding holes and he was certainly not maximizing the yards on plays. When a guy on your team is getting nearly double the yards you are on average IN THE SAME SITUATIONS (look it up, this was not a case of a bunch of 3rd and longs - on every down and in every situation, Norwood was significantly better), that's a pretty clear indicator that your game isn't what it once was.I think the league is much better for having Dunn it it, but as a primary ball-carrier I think his career is over.

Although it is probably uncharachteristic of Dunn, it isn't completely unheard of for players to not try as hard when they are on a crappy team. See Randy Moss in Oakland.

 

[slayer666]

I personally feel like Warrick Dunn, who can be fairly late in most redrafts, is the best back to pick out of the bunch. Earnest Graham is a great story from last year, however I see him having challenges. Dunn is the perfect RB3, can be had rather cheaply. You can have him as an RB4 and use him for bye weeks, flex spots, he adds a lot of versatility to the 2nd half of your roster.

In situations like these I will go with the hammer (Graham) who is expected to receive the bulk of the goal line touches.As for Dunn being a perfect RB3? No disrespect, but that is pure nonsense. Dunn is 33 and his YPCA has fallen off considerably in each of the past three seasons. During an 11-year career, playing at 185 pounds (soaking wet), he has compiled 2,483 carries and is approaching 3,000 touches. Without question Dunn is one of the classiest players in the league, and I love watching him play, but he is nothing more than a RB5 option in PPR leagues.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I personally feel like Warrick Dunn, who can be fairly late in most redrafts, is the best back to pick out of the bunch. Earnest Graham is a great story from last year, however I see him having challenges. Dunn is the perfect RB3, can be had rather cheaply. You can have him as an RB4 and use him for bye weeks, flex spots, he adds a lot of versatility to the 2nd half of your roster.

In situations like these I will go with the hammer (Graham) who is expected to receive the bulk of the goal line touches.As for Dunn being a perfect RB3? No disrespect, but that is pure nonsense. Dunn is 33 and his YPCA has fallen off considerably in each of the past three seasons. During an 11-year career, playing at 185 pounds (soaking wet), he has compiled 2,483 carries and is approaching 3,000 touches. Without question Dunn is one of the classiest players in the league, and I love watching him play, but he is nothing more than a RB5 option in PPR leagues.

Really?Guy in 11 seasons has never finished outside the top30, and now in 12 team leagues he is going to barely crack the top60? OK

 

[Maven]

I think the original thread starter is overreacting and TO high of expectations for Dunn.

I think their line will be fine. Theyr replacing that guard spot with Zuttah, a 3rd rounder who played pretty much every position on the line in college last year. hes a versatile blocker.

dunn is gettin OLDER not Younger...by the minute. Plus with Bennett shining in camp and preseason, he has been promised a larger role. that just chips into DUNNS reps not Grahams.

IMO

 

[bucsbaby]

The thing is Dunn will get some touches, Bennett will get some touches, and if he comes back mid-season, Cadillac will get (many?) touches. Graham may have some good games, but if there is any sniff of Caddy coming back mid-season Graham is a sell-high imo.

 

[super sleeper]

Trust this Rutgers homer. The OL will not take a step back with Jeremy Zuttah. Let others think that the TB line has taken a hit. Graham will be fine.

 

[gianmarco]

I personally feel like Warrick Dunn, who can be fairly late in most redrafts, is the best back to pick out of the bunch. Earnest Graham is a great story from last year, however I see him having challenges. Dunn is the perfect RB3, can be had rather cheaply. You can have him as an RB4 and use him for bye weeks, flex spots, he adds a lot of versatility to the 2nd half of your roster.

In situations like these I will go with the hammer (Graham) who is expected to receive the bulk of the goal line touches.As for Dunn being a perfect RB3? No disrespect, but that is pure nonsense. Dunn is 33 and his YPCA has fallen off considerably in each of the past three seasons. During an 11-year career, playing at 185 pounds (soaking wet), he has compiled 2,483 carries and is approaching 3,000 touches. Without question Dunn is one of the classiest players in the league, and I love watching him play, but he is nothing more than a RB5 option in PPR leagues.

Really?Guy in 11 seasons has never finished outside the top30, and now in 12 team leagues he is going to barely crack the top60? OK

Dunn may very well finish in the 30-40 range and finish higher than where he's drafted, but he's still unplayable except in extreme circumstances unless something drastic changes. I just don't think he has it in him to put up even a modest pt total on any given week. Most of the guys drafted ahead of him will end up finishing after him in final rankings, but the reason those guys are going ahead is that a FEW of them will finish considerably higher. You KNOW what you are getting with Dunn, which isn't much. Drafting Dunn is going to do very little to help you win a championship. Finding a gem that late in the draft that decides to put up some big points, even if only for a few weeks, will go farther to help your team win a couple crucial weeks. That doesn't mean Dunn doesn't have value, but that should explain why he's being drafted so much lower than he will likely finish. RB30, if he's played all 16 games, likely hasn't done too much to help your team given the nature of the position.