Dynasty Rankings (3 Viewers)

[Max Power]

F&L mind giving me your thoughts on Kevin Smith?Seems like he could be in a decent position to produce in the next few years. He has shown some flashes this season with terrible play at QB and an Average OL. Ideally Detroit would address the QB situation via FA or Trade (Derek Anderson, McNabb, or Cassell) and grab the top OT prospect with the top pick.Could this be a guy to buy low on? How would you rank his prospects against this year's RB class? If I have a draft pick in the 3-5 range this season would you recommend I try to move that pick for him?

I'm not F&L but I'll throw my 2 cents in. I traded for Kevin Smith around week 9. I gave up Chad Johnson and a 2nd round rookie pick. He's averaging 4.4 ypc and he no longer has to compete with Rudi Johnson for playing time. He's also averaging 3 catches per game. He's RB #19 in my league (non-ppr) and that's despite splitting time the first half of the season with Rudi. If Detroit addresses their QB position, defensive problems or O-line issues I think he goes from a low end #2 fantasy RB to a low end #1 fantasy RB.

Thanks for the reply. And BTW I think you got a steal with that trade. I guess my #1 concern is what Detroit thinks of him. Is he going to be their guy for the next couple of seasons, or might we see another back brought in to share the load? While he seems to have the potential to be a 20 carry back, I know the FBG staff is real high on Jerome Felton the FB and they think he could be the future GL back.

 

[Burning Sensation]

F&L mind giving me your thoughts on Kevin Smith?Seems like he could be in a decent position to produce in the next few years. He has shown some flashes this season with terrible play at QB and an Average OL. Ideally Detroit would address the QB situation via FA or Trade (Derek Anderson, McNabb, or Cassell) and grab the top OT prospect with the top pick.Could this be a guy to buy low on? How would you rank his prospects against this year's RB class? If I have a draft pick in the 3-5 range this season would you recommend I try to move that pick for him?

I'm not F&L but I'll throw my 2 cents in. I traded for Kevin Smith around week 9. I gave up Chad Johnson and a 2nd round rookie pick. He's averaging 4.4 ypc and he no longer has to compete with Rudi Johnson for playing time. He's also averaging 3 catches per game. He's RB #19 in my league (non-ppr) and that's despite splitting time the first half of the season with Rudi. If Detroit addresses their QB position, defensive problems or O-line issues I think he goes from a low end #2 fantasy RB to a low end #1 fantasy RB.

I was a fan of Kevin Smith before he was drafted, and i have been suprised how well he has played. Not only has he been playing on a below average offense, but the Lions have had a very difficuly schedule, particularly against the run. The only reason Rudi was brought in was so the Lions werent just handing the starting job to Smith, i guess i have to say, a ploy to motivate Kevin Smith. It seemed to work though, he has really looked good, and i would put him in 15-18 range for dynasty backs. Getting him for Ocho and a 2nd round pick was a steal for you.

 

[Boone22]

F&L mind giving me your thoughts on Kevin Smith?Seems like he could be in a decent position to produce in the next few years. He has shown some flashes this season with terrible play at QB and an Average OL. Ideally Detroit would address the QB situation via FA or Trade (Derek Anderson, McNabb, or Cassell) and grab the top OT prospect with the top pick.Could this be a guy to buy low on? How would you rank his prospects against this year's RB class? If I have a draft pick in the 3-5 range this season would you recommend I try to move that pick for him?

I'm not F&L but I'll throw my 2 cents in. I traded for Kevin Smith around week 9. I gave up Chad Johnson and a 2nd round rookie pick. He's averaging 4.4 ypc and he no longer has to compete with Rudi Johnson for playing time. He's also averaging 3 catches per game. He's RB #19 in my league (non-ppr) and that's despite splitting time the first half of the season with Rudi. If Detroit addresses their QB position, defensive problems or O-line issues I think he goes from a low end #2 fantasy RB to a low end #1 fantasy RB.

Thanks for the reply. And BTW I think you got a steal with that trade. I guess my #1 concern is what Detroit thinks of him. Is he going to be their guy for the next couple of seasons, or might we see another back brought in to share the load? While he seems to have the potential to be a 20 carry back, I know the FBG staff is real high on Jerome Felton the FB and they think he could be the future GL back.

Well there's always the concern that a team brings in another back to compete but why would Detroit? They have enough holes to fill in other areas that they can't afford to waste a draft pick on another RB. Rudi is a servicable back-up and Kevin Smith has been producing despite the poor O-line and QB play. Just look at the last 4 weeks...since they stopped giving Rudi carries...Kevin is averaging 19 carries a game. There aren't a ton of back left in the NFL who get that many carries a game. If all Detroit does in the off season is improves their defense then even that helps. If they can keep games closer or get more 3-and-outs on defense, Kevin will benefit by getting even more opportunites to carry the ball. The only reason his numbers aren't better is because Detroit has to abandon the run when they get behind big early in the games but even then, he's somewhat reliable in the passing game.edited to add... Another plus is that he's only 21 years old. Also, while the trade looks like a steal now, at the time I made the offer, Rudi was getting the lionshare of the carries and it wasn't a sure thing that Kevin would take over as the lead back so there was a bit of a gamble inthe move on my end.

 

[travdogg]

F&L mind giving me your thoughts on Kevin Smith?Seems like he could be in a decent position to produce in the next few years. He has shown some flashes this season with terrible play at QB and an Average OL. Ideally Detroit would address the QB situation via FA or Trade (Derek Anderson, McNabb, or Cassell) and grab the top OT prospect with the top pick.Could this be a guy to buy low on? How would you rank his prospects against this year's RB class? If I have a draft pick in the 3-5 range this season would you recommend I try to move that pick for him?

I'm not F&L but I'll throw my 2 cents in. I traded for Kevin Smith around week 9. I gave up Chad Johnson and a 2nd round rookie pick. He's averaging 4.4 ypc and he no longer has to compete with Rudi Johnson for playing time. He's also averaging 3 catches per game. He's RB #19 in my league (non-ppr) and that's despite splitting time the first half of the season with Rudi. If Detroit addresses their QB position, defensive problems or O-line issues I think he goes from a low end #2 fantasy RB to a low end #1 fantasy RB.edited to add... My shock statement. If you actually look at his numbers, he's outproducing Matt Forte on a per touch basis. The problem is that he hasn't been featured in the offense like Forte has in Chicago.

Count me as a little skeptical of Smith, yes he has solid per touch #'s and is the undisputed starter, but I have no faith whatsoever that either of those will last. I just don't think Smith is a special talent, and when if/his workload increases, his production per touch will drop. Which, in turn, will lead Detroit back to the drawing board at RB. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though he's only a 21 year old rookie, I'm not sure he'll improve from what he is right now. I'd rather have the 3rd pick then Smith, perhaps the 5th pick as well.If he were on a different team, I'd value him higher but on the Lions? For now I'll call him a solid RB3, but I don't think he has the potential to be a RB1.

 

[Max Power]

F&L mind giving me your thoughts on Kevin Smith?Seems like he could be in a decent position to produce in the next few years. He has shown some flashes this season with terrible play at QB and an Average OL. Ideally Detroit would address the QB situation via FA or Trade (Derek Anderson, McNabb, or Cassell) and grab the top OT prospect with the top pick.Could this be a guy to buy low on? How would you rank his prospects against this year's RB class? If I have a draft pick in the 3-5 range this season would you recommend I try to move that pick for him?

I'm not F&L but I'll throw my 2 cents in. I traded for Kevin Smith around week 9. I gave up Chad Johnson and a 2nd round rookie pick. He's averaging 4.4 ypc and he no longer has to compete with Rudi Johnson for playing time. He's also averaging 3 catches per game. He's RB #19 in my league (non-ppr) and that's despite splitting time the first half of the season with Rudi. If Detroit addresses their QB position, defensive problems or O-line issues I think he goes from a low end #2 fantasy RB to a low end #1 fantasy RB.

Thanks for the reply. And BTW I think you got a steal with that trade. I guess my #1 concern is what Detroit thinks of him. Is he going to be their guy for the next couple of seasons, or might we see another back brought in to share the load? While he seems to have the potential to be a 20 carry back, I know the FBG staff is real high on Jerome Felton the FB and they think he could be the future GL back.

Well there's always the concern that a team brings in another back to compete but why would Detroit? They have enough holes to fill in other areas that they can't afford to waste a draft pick on another RB. Rudi is a servicable back-up and Kevin Smith has been producing despite the poor O-line and QB play. Just look at the last 4 weeks...since they stopped giving Rudi carries...Kevin is averaging 19 carries a game. There aren't a ton of back left in the NFL who get that many carries a game. If all Detroit does in the off season is improves their defense then even that helps. If they can keep games closer or get more 3-and-outs on defense, Kevin will benefit by getting even more opportunites to carry the ball. The only reason his numbers aren't better is because Detroit has to abandon the run when they get behind big early in the games but even then, he's somewhat reliable in the passing game.edited to add... Another plus is that he's only 21 years old. Also, while the trade looks like a steal now, at the time I made the offer, Rudi was getting the lionshare of the carries and it wasn't a sure thing that Kevin would take over as the lead back so there was a bit of a gamble inthe move on my end.

Still a nice move. How would you think he compares to this year's class? Early indications seem like Wells, Moreno and Crabtree will be the top 3 fantasy picks. Should I like anyone more than Smith at 4? Hypothetically

 

[Max Power]

F&L mind giving me your thoughts on Kevin Smith?

Seems like he could be in a decent position to produce in the next few years. He has shown some flashes this season with terrible play at QB and an Average OL. Ideally Detroit would address the QB situation via FA or Trade (Derek Anderson, McNabb, or Cassell) and grab the top OT prospect with the top pick.

Could this be a guy to buy low on? How would you rank his prospects against this year's RB class? If I have a draft pick in the 3-5 range this season would you recommend I try to move that pick for him?

I'm not F&L but I'll throw my 2 cents in. I traded for Kevin Smith around week 9. I gave up Chad Johnson and a 2nd round rookie pick. He's averaging 4.4 ypc and he no longer has to compete with Rudi Johnson for playing time. He's also averaging 3 catches per game. He's RB #19 in my league (non-ppr) and that's despite splitting time the first half of the season with Rudi. If Detroit addresses their QB position, defensive problems or O-line issues I think he goes from a low end #2 fantasy RB to a low end #1 fantasy RB.edited to add... My shock statement. If you actually look at his numbers, he's outproducing Matt Forte on a per touch basis. The problem is that he hasn't been featured in the offense like Forte has in Chicago.

Count me as a little skeptical of Smith, yes he has solid per touch #'s and is the undisputed starter, but I have no faith whatsoever that either of those will last. I just don't think Smith is a special talent, and when if/his workload increases, his production per touch will drop. Which, in turn, will lead Detroit back to the drawing board at RB. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though he's only a 21 year old rookie, I'm not sure he'll improve from what he is right now. I'd rather have the 3rd pick then Smith, perhaps the 5th pick as well.

If he were on a different team, I'd value him higher but on the Lions? For now I'll call him a solid RB3, but I don't think he has the potential to be a RB1.

When Smith was coming out I saw a write-up on this site that did a study on historically non BCS conference RB that were not extremely big, were not extremely fast and drafted in the 2-5 round range and it was less than flattering. While I'm trying to find ways to be high on Smith, I also see him very similar to Chester Taylor. A back that can hold his own as a starter, but is also replaceable. However, as Boone pointed out, the amount of holes on that team would seem to indicate that Smith has another 2-3 years until the RB spot would be the weakness

 

[Boone22]

F&L mind giving me your thoughts on Kevin Smith?

Seems like he could be in a decent position to produce in the next few years. He has shown some flashes this season with terrible play at QB and an Average OL. Ideally Detroit would address the QB situation via FA or Trade (Derek Anderson, McNabb, or Cassell) and grab the top OT prospect with the top pick.

Could this be a guy to buy low on? How would you rank his prospects against this year's RB class? If I have a draft pick in the 3-5 range this season would you recommend I try to move that pick for him?

I'm not F&L but I'll throw my 2 cents in. I traded for Kevin Smith around week 9. I gave up Chad Johnson and a 2nd round rookie pick. He's averaging 4.4 ypc and he no longer has to compete with Rudi Johnson for playing time. He's also averaging 3 catches per game. He's RB #19 in my league (non-ppr) and that's despite splitting time the first half of the season with Rudi. If Detroit addresses their QB position, defensive problems or O-line issues I think he goes from a low end #2 fantasy RB to a low end #1 fantasy RB.edited to add... My shock statement. If you actually look at his numbers, he's outproducing Matt Forte on a per touch basis. The problem is that he hasn't been featured in the offense like Forte has in Chicago.

Count me as a little skeptical of Smith, yes he has solid per touch #'s and is the undisputed starter, but I have no faith whatsoever that either of those will last. I just don't think Smith is a special talent, and when if/his workload increases, his production per touch will drop. Which, in turn, will lead Detroit back to the drawing board at RB. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though he's only a 21 year old rookie, I'm not sure he'll improve from what he is right now. I'd rather have the 3rd pick then Smith, perhaps the 5th pick as well.

If he were on a different team, I'd value him higher but on the Lions? For now I'll call him a solid RB3, but I don't think he has the potential to be a RB1.

I'm not sure I understand this line of thinking. Just look at his production the last 4 games. Like I said previously, he's averaged 19 carries a game in the last 4 games and in those 4 games his YPC is 4.3 when carrying that load. This is DESPITE the fact he runs behind the Lion O-line. Why would you expect his YPC to drop? Do you think he'll wear out or get injured? He's producing despite a bad O-line, poor QB play, and a porous defense. Why would his numbers decline if any of those things improve? As for him being a solid #3 RB, he's already RB #19 in my league (non-ppr) which equates to a mid to low end #2 despite losing most of the first half of the season to Rudi Johnson. If his situation improves at all or he continues to get the majority of the carries, I think his production increases enough to make him a high #2RB at the least. I'm not trying to be an ### here. I'm really trying to understand your perspective.

 

[thriftyrocker]

Was wondering what to do with Shaun Hill if you don't need him for this year?

I'm in a QB+OP league which makes QBs pretty valuable, but now I'm out of the race, so I'm thinking he might be dead weight.

Will SF draft a QB? Will Martz still be there? Will he be the starter going into preseason or can we not even take that for granted?

 

[footballguy#1]

Larry Johnson, how many more years can we expect from him?

 

[Fear & Loathing]

As for the state of the Eagles, I can't get an offer any better than Jamal Lewis for Westy right now.

 

[Cookiemonster]

As for the state of the Eagles, I can't get an offer any better than Jamal Lewis for Westy right now.

hew: Glad I didn't get any good offers!

 

[munchkin]

As for the state of the Eagles, I can't get an offer any better than Jamal Lewis for Westy right now.

hew: Glad I didn't get any good offers!

I didn't have any luck moving him earlier in the year also. Of course I had him on the bench yesterday in lieu of CJ3 and MJD. Hope that he AND McNabb continue to play well into the FF playoffs.

 

[Cookiemonster]

As for the state of the Eagles, I can't get an offer any better than Jamal Lewis for Westy right now.

hew: Glad I didn't get any good offers!

I didn't have any luck moving him earlier in the year also. Of course I had him on the bench yesterday in lieu of CJ3 and MJD. Hope that he AND McNabb continue to play well into the FF playoffs.

I think the last few weeks have just been an anomoly for Westy. I don't think he's nearly as bad as the prior two weeks, and not as good as last nite. I thought he looked good, but not great last nite, and IMO it was more of the West traveling East syndrome again compounded by a short week. Two catches is not what he was drafted for, but thankfully he scored the 1st 4 TDs for Philly. Next week will be a better measure as he has a few extra days to heal up, and New York is not freindly to visiting FFB RBs. Not the best fantasy matchups for the playoffs either, and I think he has #2 RB value for the rest of '08. Reid possibly leaving next year may bump a turning-30 Westbrook but if they lose McNabb I think that drops Westy's potential some. A healthier line could help rebound his value tremendously (goes for MJD as well).

 

[Ron_Mexico]

KICKERS

TIER ONE

1. Steven Gostkowski, NE | Age: 24.7 | Value Score: 24

2. Matt Prater, DEN | Age: 24.1 | Value Score: 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You may want to re-evaluate this one F & L.

Matt Prater has one of thge worst FG% ratings in the NFL at 75%.

Dude has missed 6 and hit 18 this season.

I think he's a bust who may be out of a job by seasons end.

.

 

[-OZ-]

KICKERS

TIER ONE

1. Steven Gostkowski, NE | Age: 24.7 | Value Score: 24

2. Matt Prater, DEN | Age: 24.1 | Value Score: 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You may want to re-evaluate this one F & L.

Matt Prater has one of thge worst FG% ratings in the NFL at 75%.

Dude has missed 6 and hit 18 this season.

I think he's a bust who may be out of a job by seasons end.

.

I don't know if I'd go that far, he should have the job next year, but his current rate is disconcerting and I'm benching him for Josh Brown. Who, if the Rams improve, should be a top 10 next year.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

KICKERS

TIER ONE

1. Steven Gostkowski, NE | Age: 24.7 | Value Score: 24

2. Matt Prater, DEN | Age: 24.1 | Value Score: 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You may want to re-evaluate this one F & L.

Matt Prater has one of thge worst FG% ratings in the NFL at 75%.

Dude has missed 6 and hit 18 this season.

I think he's a bust who may be out of a job by seasons end.

.

Haven't had time to update the rankings this week. Prater is definitely in for a significant downgrade.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

KICKERS

TIER ONE

1. Steven Gostkowski, NE | Age: 24.7 | Value Score: 24

2. Matt Prater, DEN | Age: 24.1 | Value Score: 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You may want to re-evaluate this one F & L.

Matt Prater has one of thge worst FG% ratings in the NFL at 75%.

Dude has missed 6 and hit 18 this season.

I think he's a bust who may be out of a job by seasons end.

.

I don't know if I'd go that far, he should have the job next year, but his current rate is disconcerting and I'm benching him for Josh Brown. Who, if the Rams improve, should be a top 10 next year.

How can an undrafted 2nd year kicker who was cut by the Falcons,who hit 1 of 4 attempts for Denver in 2007 and missed 6 of 24 this season

have his job locked for next season ?

Dude is borderline toast, imo.

 

[-OZ-]

I don't know if I'd go that far, he should have the job next year, but his current rate is disconcerting and I'm benching him for Josh Brown. Who, if the Rams improve, should be a top 10 next year.

How can an undrafted 2nd year kicker who was cut by the Falcons,who hit 1 of 4 attempts for Denver in 2007 and missed 6 of 24 this seasonhave his job locked for next season ?Dude is borderline toast, imo.

I'm not saying he's a lock, I just think he'll keep the job for next year. I guess I'm an optimist who thinks he'll improve. His recent missed FGs are from 47, 43, 49, 38, 49 yards. yet he's perfect from 50+, having made more than any other kicker and he's perfect for XPs. If he keeps up his performance from the last month, he's at risk for losing his job, but I'm not putting the fork in him yet.

 

[-OZ-]

KICKERS

TIER ONE

1. Steven Gostkowski, NE | Age: 24.7 | Value Score: 24

2. Matt Prater, DEN | Age: 24.1 | Value Score: 23

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You may want to re-evaluate this one F & L.

Matt Prater has one of thge worst FG% ratings in the NFL at 75%.

Dude has missed 6 and hit 18 this season.

I think he's a bust who may be out of a job by seasons end.

.

I don't know if I'd go that far, he should have the job next year, but his current rate is disconcerting and I'm benching him for Josh Brown. Who, if the Rams improve, should be a top 10 next year.

How can an undrafted 2nd year kicker who was cut by the Falcons,who hit 1 of 4 attempts for Denver in 2007 and missed 6 of 24 this season

have his job locked for next season ?

Dude is borderline toast, imo.

2/2 FGs with 4/4 XPs and a tackle. Granted, these were 25 and 35 yard shots. I didn't get the game out here, how did his kicks look? (barely make it, perfect with leg to spare..?)

 

[BigH]

We finally had a Devin Thomas sighting this weekend. Now when is that is first TD catch coming

 

[stevegamer]

Prater has a big leg, which helps kickoffs. The kicking game is not all about FG%, but it's very important - and if he gain consistency in his second full year, he could be just fine for the Broncos.

Evaluating a Bronco kicker is tough, since they get more distance there.

 

[EBF]

We finally had a Devin Thomas sighting this weekend. Now when is that is first TD catch coming

I was a Thomas fan after the draft, but he hasn't shown me much this season. It can be tough sledding for rookie WRs though. Guys like Burress and Roddy looked lost in their first season.

 

[BigH]

How do you guys feel about Antonio Bryant's long-term outlook?

 

[munchkin]

We finally had a Devin Thomas sighting this weekend. Now when is that is first TD catch coming

I was a Thomas fan after the draft, but he hasn't shown me much this season. It can be tough sledding for rookie WRs though. Guys like Burress and Roddy looked lost in their first season.

I took him pretty high in my Dynasty Rookie/FA draft last August. I kept hoping he would show something. He certainly didn't do anything that said to Zorn "you have to get me on the field". I dropped him for Josh Morgan in the last week we could make WW moves going into the Playoffs. I suppose if he shows more in the pre-season next year I could make him a priority to re-draft.

 

[Jackal King]

I'm curious as to how McGahee is being viewed in terms of dynasty value. Does he move to a new team in 2009?

How likely is it that he's ever going to see production like 2007...300 carries, 40 receptions, 1400 yards, 8 touchdowns?

 

[Fear & Loathing]

How do you guys feel about Antonio Bryant's long-term outlook?

On one hand, I have him as a "Riser" on this week's Dynasty Stock Report. He's a free agent after the season, but he certainly seems like a good bet to be brought back as the No. 1 in Gruden's offense. On the other hand, he's established himself as a WR3 for fantasy leaguers. One of my tenets in Dynasty leagues is to move WR3s as soon as they establish themselves as such. I want my WR nucleus to consist of only WR1s & WR2s heading into next season. Then I round out my depth with WRs that have the potential to be WR1s & WR2s.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

As for the state of the Eagles, I can't get an offer any better than Jamal Lewis for Westy right now.

hew: Glad I didn't get any good offers!

I didn't have any luck moving him earlier in the year also. Of course I had him on the bench yesterday in lieu of CJ3 and MJD. Hope that he AND McNabb continue to play well into the FF playoffs.

I think the last few weeks have just been an anomoly for Westy. I don't think he's nearly as bad as the prior two weeks, and not as good as last nite. I thought he looked good, but not great last nite, and IMO it was more of the West traveling East syndrome again compounded by a short week. Two catches is not what he was drafted for, but thankfully he scored the 1st 4 TDs for Philly. Next week will be a better measure as he has a few extra days to heal up, and New York is not freindly to visiting FFB RBs. Not the best fantasy matchups for the playoffs either, and I think he has #2 RB value for the rest of '08. Reid possibly leaving next year may bump a turning-30 Westbrook but if they lose McNabb I think that drops Westy's potential some. A healthier line could help rebound his value tremendously (goes for MJD as well).

From Rotoworld today:

Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) told reporters Wednesday that "this is probably the best" he's felt all year.

"Since the beginning of the year, since I started getting injured, this probably is the best," he said. Westbrook exploded for 110 rushing yards on 22 carries and four all-purpose touchdowns last week, but the Giants await. "They are one of those teams who do focus on me a little bit," he said.

to the guys who grabbed him dirt cheap a couple of weeks ago. That's how it's played. to the guys who panicked and sold way too low.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

How do people feel about Jordy Nelson's value relative to James Jones at this point. Is Nelson the young WR in GB to own at this point (obviously, aside from Jennings)?

 

[EBF]

How do people feel about Jordy Nelson's value relative to James Jones at this point. Is Nelson the young WR in GB to own at this point (obviously, aside from Jennings)?

I don't think anyone knows who's going to win that battle. Jones is a good player. Reminds me a little bit of Cotchery. He's coordinated and athletic. He just isn't very fast. Nelson doesn't really wow you on the field, but he's contributing as a rookie and he comes with the Ted Thompson seal approval. I see this is a coin flip. I don't think either player is a future superstar, but I think they both have a realistic chance of becoming useful FF players once Driver finally moves on.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

How do people feel about Jordy Nelson's value relative to James Jones at this point. Is Nelson the young WR in GB to own at this point (obviously, aside from Jennings)?

I don't think anyone knows who's going to win that battle. Jones is a good player. Reminds me a little bit of Cotchery. He's coordinated and athletic. He just isn't very fast. Nelson doesn't really wow you on the field, but he's contributing as a rookie and he comes with the Ted Thompson seal approval. I see this is a coin flip. I don't think either player is a future superstar, but I think they both have a realistic chance of becoming useful FF players once Driver finally moves on.

I have to give a decisive edge to Jordy.He has seen more action, and has mademore of his opportunity than James Jones.

 

[EBF]

How do people feel about Jordy Nelson's value relative to James Jones at this point. Is Nelson the young WR in GB to own at this point (obviously, aside from Jennings)?

I don't think anyone knows who's going to win that battle. Jones is a good player. Reminds me a little bit of Cotchery. He's coordinated and athletic. He just isn't very fast. Nelson doesn't really wow you on the field, but he's contributing as a rookie and he comes with the Ted Thompson seal approval. I see this is a coin flip. I don't think either player is a future superstar, but I think they both have a realistic chance of becoming useful FF players once Driver finally moves on.

I have to give a decisive edge to Jordy.He has seen more action, and has mademore of his opportunity than James Jones.

Hasn't Jones been limited by injuries this season?If you compare their rookie years side by side, Jones has better numbers.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

How do people feel about Jordy Nelson's value relative to James Jones at this point. Is Nelson the young WR in GB to own at this point (obviously, aside from Jennings)?

I don't think anyone knows who's going to win that battle. Jones is a good player. Reminds me a little bit of Cotchery. He's coordinated and athletic. He just isn't very fast. Nelson doesn't really wow you on the field, but he's contributing as a rookie and he comes with the Ted Thompson seal approval. I see this is a coin flip. I don't think either player is a future superstar, but I think they both have a realistic chance of becoming useful FF players once Driver finally moves on.

I have to give a decisive edge to Jordy.He has seen more action, and has mademore of his opportunity than James Jones.

Hasn't Jones been limited by injuries this season?If you compare their rookie years side by side, Jones has better numbers.

Yeah, I'm concerned that Jones can't shake that knee injury. Is this something that will hang with him throughout his career?I like Nelson better despite Jones' rookie year advantage.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

How do you guys feel about Antonio Bryant's long-term outlook?

On one hand, I have him as a "Riser" on this week's Dynasty Stock Report. He's a free agent after the season, but he certainly seems like a good bet to be brought back as the No. 1 in Gruden's offense. On the other hand, he's established himself as a WR3 for fantasy leaguers. One of my tenets in Dynasty leagues is to move WR3s as soon as they establish themselves as such. I want my WR nucleus to consist of only WR1s & WR2s heading into next season. Then I round out my depth with WRs that have the potential to be WR1s & WR2s.

That was a truly impressive performance against Carolina. Maybe Bryant is more of a WR2 afterall, but I have a hard time getting past the fact that his knucklehead potential is off the charts. He's definitely not a guy that screams "stability" to me.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

I'm curious as to how McGahee is being viewed in terms of dynasty value. Does he move to a new team in 2009?How likely is it that he's ever going to see production like 2007...300 carries, 40 receptions, 1400 yards, 8 touchdowns?

He appears to have moved into the injury-prone (and lazy) portion of his career, so I wouldn't give up much to take a chance on him.The Baltimore Sun was calling him a 2009 cap casualty before this season even started, and there have been whispers here and there all season long. On the other hand, I've seen guys on this board insist that his cap number would make cutting him prohibitive. I lean toward believing that he'll gone this offseason, and I doubt another team simply hands over the reigns without making him earn it in the pre-season.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Was wondering what to do with Shaun Hill if you don't need him for this year? I'm in a QB+OP league which makes QBs pretty valuable, but now I'm out of the race, so I'm thinking he might be dead weight. Will SF draft a QB? Will Martz still be there? Will he be the starter going into preseason or can we not even take that for granted?

A couple of weeks late, but he's solidifying that job for next season, IMO. I still can't believe he wasn't given first crack at the job to start 2008.

 

[travdogg]

I'm curious as to how McGahee is being viewed in terms of dynasty value. Does he move to a new team in 2009?How likely is it that he's ever going to see production like 2007...300 carries, 40 receptions, 1400 yards, 8 touchdowns?

He appears to have moved into the injury-prone (and lazy) portion of his career, so I wouldn't give up much to take a chance on him.The Baltimore Sun was calling him a 2009 cap casualty before this season even started, and there have been whispers here and there all season long. On the other hand, I've seen guys on this board insist that his cap number would make cutting him prohibitive. I lean toward believing that he'll gone this offseason, and I doubt another team simply hands over the reigns without making him earn it in the pre-season.

I could see him taking Edge's spot in Arizona and being a 1st and 2nd down back in Arizona with Hightower getting short yardage and Arrington getting passing downs.

 

[BigH]

How do you guys feel about Antonio Bryant's long-term outlook?

On one hand, I have him as a "Riser" on this week's Dynasty Stock Report. He's a free agent after the season, but he certainly seems like a good bet to be brought back as the No. 1 in Gruden's offense. On the other hand, he's established himself as a WR3 for fantasy leaguers. One of my tenets in Dynasty leagues is to move WR3s as soon as they establish themselves as such. I want my WR nucleus to consist of only WR1s & WR2s heading into next season. Then I round out my depth with WRs that have the potential to be WR1s & WR2s.

That was a truly impressive performance against Carolina. Maybe Bryant is more of a WR2 afterall, but I have a hard time getting past the fact that his knucklehead potential is off the charts. He's definitely not a guy that screams "stability" to me.

The great part about the performance was that it helped establish that he does have WR2 upside. He's going to make a nice trading chip for owners that are perhaps looking to cash him in for someone more stable.

 

[BigH]

News for the Mike Walker faithful (myself included): Per Rotoworld.

With Matt Jones suspended and Jerry Porter hurt, Mike Walker appears likely to start against the Packers this week.

 

[Sabertooth]

How do people feel about Jordy Nelson's value relative to James Jones at this point. Is Nelson the young WR in GB to own at this point (obviously, aside from Jennings)?

I don't think anyone knows who's going to win that battle. Jones is a good player. Reminds me a little bit of Cotchery. He's coordinated and athletic. He just isn't very fast. Nelson doesn't really wow you on the field, but he's contributing as a rookie and he comes with the Ted Thompson seal approval. I see this is a coin flip. I don't think either player is a future superstar, but I think they both have a realistic chance of becoming useful FF players once Driver finally moves on.

I agree on Nelson and Jones. You also have the youngest Packer (ever) Jermichael Finley who should develop nicely. May have been a first rounder this draft if he'd stayed. He's only 20 I believe or maybe 21 and appears to be more of a pass catcher than a blocker. So even if Jordy "wins" the job there, what is the upside. Green Bay's receiving options look like this.JenningsDriver - Nelson - JonesMartin - Lee - HumphreyFinleyI've wanted to pick up Nelson or Jones, but this offense spreads the ball around quite a bit and I don't know that anyone besides Jennings is going to be a consistent threat.

 

[BespokeJort]

How do you guys feel about Antonio Bryant's long-term outlook?

On one hand, I have him as a "Riser" on this week's Dynasty Stock Report. He's a free agent after the season, but he certainly seems like a good bet to be brought back as the No. 1 in Gruden's offense. On the other hand, he's established himself as a WR3 for fantasy leaguers. One of my tenets in Dynasty leagues is to move WR3s as soon as they establish themselves as such. I want my WR nucleus to consist of only WR1s & WR2s heading into next season. Then I round out my depth with WRs that have the potential to be WR1s & WR2s.

That was a truly impressive performance against Carolina. Maybe Bryant is more of a WR2 afterall, but I have a hard time getting past the fact that his knucklehead potential is off the charts. He's definitely not a guy that screams "stability" to me.

I'm having trouble deciding what to do with this guy myself. He's easily a WR2 in 12 team leagues statistically (actually in my .5PPR dyno he's WR#11 by total points atm...of course Kevin Walter is directly ahead of him) although this last week does skew it (he and cotch were neck and neck going into the week, cotch put up a stinker and he's at WR30 right now). But considering he stepped up huge in a MNF game against a division rival with major playoff implications, and has been trending upward, I'm seeing him as possibly this year's Roddy. On the other hand, having him and E15 on my team means my whole starting WR corps could get arrested in one week and leave me high and dry.Moral of the story is I'm probably holding, but if you're thinking sell high I'm curious what you'd sell him for.Additionally, what are your thoughts on Davone Bess? I had him on my sleeper lists going into the preseason so i grabbed him when Camarillo went down. His numbers have been decent and consistent so far but I haven't gotten a chance to catch a 'phins game since he started playing a major role...is he bringing anything special or just another underneath guy that the reborn Pennington makes look good?

 

[Boone22]

Anyone have any thoughts on Chauncey Washington? With both Fred Taylor and Greg Jones to IR does Washington have a chance to get some playing time? There's some thought that Taylor may have played his last down as a Jaguar. If Fred is done in Jax and Greg Jones stays at FB does Washington get his shot to be the #2 or the lesser half of a RBBC with MJD? Or does Jax add someone through Free Agency or the Draft next year?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Anyone have any thoughts on Chauncey Washington? With both Fred Taylor and Greg Jones to IR does Washington have a chance to get some playing time? There's some thought that Taylor may have played his last down as a Jaguar. If Fred is done in Jax and Greg Jones stays at FB does Washington get his shot to be the #2 or the lesser half of a RBBC with MJD? Or does Jax add someone through Free Agency or the Draft next year?

The fact that Washington's gone from 211 to 225 helps his cause a ton. He's probably still a career backup, but you could make the case that his injury and academic problems at USC led to him being undervalued as an athlete too.

 

[Burning Sensation]

After 8 games Slaton is on pace for 240 carries, 1076 yards, 4.5 ypc, 60 catches, 362 yards, and 12 total TD's. Not bad considering the defenses he has faced. I see he has a score of 37, and Addai at 74. Even if you dont like Slaton, i cant see Addai being twice as good as Slaton when it comes to fantasy value. Just wondering if you are budging on your views of Slaton, and if not, what do you think it will take for him to establish himself as a solid #2RB?

I did updates on QBs & RBs last night around 7:45. Slaton is the 21st ranked RB with a value score of 54. Addai is the 15th ranked RB with a value score of 73. It would be very easy for me to move Slaton higher than 21, first half stats being what they are. But I just don't believe he has the long-term stability to be a major asset in Dynasty leagues. Sometimes you have to hold your ground even when a stretch of games in the present belies a player's true value.

I see you finally moved Slaton ahead of Addai, and even have Slaton as the featured RB picture.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

After 8 games Slaton is on pace for 240 carries, 1076 yards, 4.5 ypc, 60 catches, 362 yards, and 12 total TD's. Not bad considering the defenses he has faced. I see he has a score of 37, and Addai at 74. Even if you dont like Slaton, i cant see Addai being twice as good as Slaton when it comes to fantasy value. Just wondering if you are budging on your views of Slaton, and if not, what do you think it will take for him to establish himself as a solid #2RB?

I did updates on QBs & RBs last night around 7:45. Slaton is the 21st ranked RB with a value score of 54. Addai is the 15th ranked RB with a value score of 73. It would be very easy for me to move Slaton higher than 21, first half stats being what they are. But I just don't believe he has the long-term stability to be a major asset in Dynasty leagues. Sometimes you have to hold your ground even when a stretch of games in the present belies a player's true value.

I see you finally moved Slaton ahead of Addai, and even have Slaton as the featured RB picture.

You can't argue with the production.But you can question the staying power . . . which I still do. (We all know I never cared much for Addai anyway, so I never have a problem moving him down).

 

[Fear & Loathing]

How do you guys feel about Antonio Bryant's long-term outlook?

On one hand, I have him as a "Riser" on this week's Dynasty Stock Report. He's a free agent after the season, but he certainly seems like a good bet to be brought back as the No. 1 in Gruden's offense. On the other hand, he's established himself as a WR3 for fantasy leaguers. One of my tenets in Dynasty leagues is to move WR3s as soon as they establish themselves as such. I want my WR nucleus to consist of only WR1s & WR2s heading into next season. Then I round out my depth with WRs that have the potential to be WR1s & WR2s.

That was a truly impressive performance against Carolina. Maybe Bryant is more of a WR2 afterall, but I have a hard time getting past the fact that his knucklehead potential is off the charts. He's definitely not a guy that screams "stability" to me.

I'm having trouble deciding what to do with this guy myself. He's easily a WR2 in 12 team leagues statistically (actually in my .5PPR dyno he's WR#11 by total points atm...of course Kevin Walter is directly ahead of him) although this last week does skew it (he and cotch were neck and neck going into the week, cotch put up a stinker and he's at WR30 right now). But considering he stepped up huge in a MNF game against a division rival with major playoff implications, and has been trending upward, I'm seeing him as possibly this year's Roddy. On the other hand, having him and E15 on my team means my whole starting WR corps could get arrested in one week and leave me high and dry.

Here's a very thorough article on Antonio Bryant's "troubled" past from Yahoo's Sean Jensen:

By Sean Jensen, Special to Yahoo! Sports Dec 12, 6:54 pm EST

Antonio Bryant wants to set the record straight.

There is a rap sheet on him, fuzzy with details, that he feels compelled to disprove. At a time when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver should be moving on with his life, Bryant just can’t shake the past.

“You got guys who beat manslaughter charges. You got all kinds of dudes with off-the-field problems,” says Bryant, who’s with his fourth NFL team in six seasons. “I don’t beat girlfriends. I don’t have a [expletive] babysitter. But there’s this stigma that Antonio Bryant is a character question.

“They talk about baggage, but talk about the baggage. Name it. They ain’t got nothing.”

Yet, enough people bought into this characterization of Bryant as a bad apple that he spent the entire 2007 season away from the NFL. Now, he provides rare insight on his run-ins with two coaches, including one he calls “The Godfather,” and a questionable driving incident that resulted in a four-game suspension that, along with a failed drug test, helped keep him out of the NFL last year.

Cowboy clash

His first publicized incident may haunt him the most.

During an offseason practice with the Dallas Cowboys in 2004, Bryant says he ran “dummy reps,” where he didn’t get the ball. Then veteran Keyshawn Johnson, who played for coach Bill Parcells with the Jets and was acquired in a trade that year, steps in for several plays and gets the ball thrown to him each time.

“I snapped,” says Bryant, a 2002 second-round NFL draft pick by Dallas.

“It was probably a tough situation for Antonio,” said then-Cowboys receivers coach Todd Haley, now offensive coordinator of the Cardinals. “He’s there, and he gets a new receivers coach, and they bring in Keyshawn, and they know each other.”

From that point, there wasn’t much harmony between the two sides. Bryant, noted for his good hands and explosiveness, was also labeled as easily “distractible” by Haley.

“When I was with him, he had some things going on, with family and things, that he had to deal with, that prevented him from being everything he could be,” Haley says. “At that time, he was a distractible player; he let too much get to him. Whatever the subject was, it kept him from practicing and performing and being a dependable player.”

Bryant disputes the claim – “That’s a [expletive] excuse,” he says – and still insists that Haley did not fulfill his promise that “the best players are going to start.”

The tension got worse when Parcells intervened during a testy moment between Bryant and Johnson at practice in June. After some heated words and the tossing of Bryant’s jersey, a final throw landed in Parcells’ face.

“I threw it back at him, and said, ‘Don’t ever throw nothing at me.’ ”

And that, more than anything, Bryant believes, has made him a polarizing figure in NFL circles.

“He’s The Godfather,” Bryant says. “So all the coaches in the league say, ‘[Expletive], he’s got no regard for authority. I got no chance.’ ”

Yet Bryant says he and Parcells cleared the air, with the coach informing the receiver of his clashes with former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor. Bryant says he has spoken to Parcells “on several occasions” and that the current Dolphins executive vice president “sends messages to me through other coaches.”

Among the messages: “Keep it up,” Bryant says.

(Parcells declined interview requests for this story, a Dolphins spokesman said last week.)

After five regular-season games, Bryant was traded to the Cleveland Browns for receiver Quincy Morgan. In 10 games for the Browns, Bryant caught 42 passes for 546 yards (both second on the team) as well as four touchdowns. But coach Butch Davis resigned after a 3-8 start, and Romeo Crennel was hired in the offseason.

In 2005, Bryant had his best NFL season, leading the Browns in catches (69), receiving yards (1,009 yards) and touchdowns (four).

Asked if he was aware of Bryant’s reputation before joining the Browns, receiver Dennis Northcutt says, “Absolutely. Who didn’t?

“He was known as the guy who threw the jersey in Bill Parcells’ face,” Bryant says. “People looked at him as a cancer to a team, a disgruntled player.”

Yet Bryant was a model player during his season and a half in Cleveland, Northcutt says.

“Cleveland had a lot of issues going on,” says Northcutt, who is now with the Jaguars. “At the time, we really had no foundation, so there was a lot going on. When Romeo came in, they were looking to make changes.

“You want guys you drafted, guys you bring in. Antonio wasn’t one of those guys.”

Niner for a season

During the 2006 offseason, Bryant signed a reported four-year, $14 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers, mainly to replace Brandon Lloyd, whom the team traded to the Redskins. Two months into the season, controversy struck.

After a 20-14 victory over the Seahawks in Week 11, Bryant was pulled over in his new orange Lamborghini for driving over 100 miles per hour. He was charged with suspicion of misdemeanor reckless driving, driving under the influence and resisting arrest.

“It was dumb,” Bryant says. “I was young. I got a piece of money, and I bought a Lamborghini, and I was trying to go very fast. But that’s the only stupid thing I was doing.”

Bryant acknowledges that he had a “heated exchange” with the police officer but that he was “yanked” out of his sports car and that his stuff was “thrown all over the place.” He also says he was never given a breathalyzer test and that he didn’t have a single drink that evening.

The following May, however, prosecutors dropped the two most serious charges (DUI and resisting arrest), citing a lack of evidence. Bryant pleaded no contest to reckless driving and was fined $1,312.

“It was funny,” he says. “At the end of the day, it was a speeding ticket.”

The incident, however, drew him a four-game suspension (final two of ‘06 and first two of ‘07). The 49ers released Bryant on March 1, 2007 – not just because of his arrest but also because of his conflicts with quarterback Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in the ‘05 draft.

Bryant says Smith operated under a different set of rules and that he was slow to pick up the 49ers offense.

“You go to practice, and you go over something over and over again,” Bryant says. “When are you going to figure this out?”

Then-49ers coach Mike Nolan says he mishandled his receiver and regretted the team’s decision to release him.

“He was the best receiver we had in San Francisco, in the time I was here,” says Nolan, fired by the 49ers in October. “Looking back on it, I actually made a mistake in letting him go. I think I put too much blame on Antonio, as far as his relationship with the quarterback.

“As it turns out, it was not all his doing. I blamed him for more than he should have been blamed for. There’s no question he was making more effort than I was made aware of. I truly regret that.”

Bryant, though, says his issues with Nolan go beyond the offense.

The 49ers insisted Bryant meet with them in Indianapolis during the NFL scouting combine. The club, according to Bryant, wanted him to undergo a psychological evaluation, which he begrudgingly agreed to do. He was then offended from the outset.

“A white woman comes in,” Bryant says, “and the first thing she said to me was, ‘I can help you. My husband is black.’

“Once she told me that, I looked at her like, ‘That was it.’ So I got a problem because I’m black? I felt insulted. Then she was asking me crazy questions.”

His problems didn’t end with the team releasing him. He failed a drug test over the summer. The league subsequently asked him to take a urinalysis three times in September and threatened to discipline him with a positive test if he didn’t cooperate. Bryant filed a lawsuit against the NFL for requiring him to submit to drug testing even though he was out of the league. The issue was resolved in December though details of the settlement weren’t disclosed, according to ESPN.com.

Despite some calls from teams, Bryant missed the entire 2007 season. Remarkably, Nolan says he wanted to bring Bryant back “several times” but was rebuffed by team officials.

“I didn’t have any leverage, at that point,” Nolan says.

One NFC personnel director says his team steered clear of the receiver in 2007 because of the “red flags” and in-house effort to avoid “character risks.”

“That was a part of our philosophy, at the time,” the director says.

Bryant says he became frustrated that inferior players were making plays and making dollars, and he was determined to get back into the league.

“I don’t want to sit on that couch again,” he says. “I know that I don’t want to have that feeling again. I thought, ‘This don’t make no sense, to be given this talent and not be able to help a team.’ ”

The Buc stops in Tampa

There were several suitors this offseason for Bryant, but he was impressed with Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden’s approach.

In their first meeting, before they even started talking, Gruden played a highlight reel of Bryant’s catches to the beat of an Eminem song.

“He said, ‘You still think you can make play like this?’ ” Bryant says. “I said, ‘What do you think?’ ”

Bryant was also impressed with the Bucs leaders, including quarterback Jeff Garcia, whom he played with in Cleveland.

Before he signed his one-year contract for the league minimum for a veteran of his tenure ($605,000), Bryant told Gruden, “You know you’re getting more than you’re paying for.”

The Bucs return on the modest investment: he is the No. 1 weapon on a 12th ranked offense, with 28 more catches and 585 more yards than the next closest receiver, veteran Ike Hilliard. He’s been such a force this season that he’s relegated Joey Galloway, who topped 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons and 23 touchdowns during that span, to the bench.

“We’ve kind of moved on a little bit,” Gruden recently said of Galloway, who was sidelined earlier in the season with a broken foot.

Bryant’s brilliance kept the Buccaneers in the game against the Panthers Monday night. He finished with nine catches, 200 yards and two scores, including snatching a bullet from Garcia in the back of the end zone with only his left (non dominant) hand for a 15-yard touchdown in the final three minutes.

“That guy just has glue in his fingers,” Garcia said after the game. “One of the best catches I’ve seen in a long time.”

But Bryant has been making plays all season, which is why Garcia said late last month that the offense was trying to get him the ball more often because “he’s just an animal on the field.”

“He plays the game with such intensity, and such passion,” Garcia said at the time. “He is a rare breed.”

Nolan figures that’s Bryant’s secret.

“I tried to keep him on the straight and narrow,” Nolan says, “but he lives on the edge quite a bit.

“That’s the kind of player you want. You don’t want him to jump, but you want him to stay on the edge. If you get a team full of good guys, you typically aren’t any good at all.”

Nolan says he learned something else about Bryant that many people do not know: he’s highly intelligent and in-tune to what’s happening around him.

Bryant was in Nolan’s office once, and they were talking about leadership in the locker room. Figuring Bryant didn’t have a pulse of the team, Nolan challenged him to identify the leaders. On a single piece of paper, Bryant listed clear leaders, potential leaders and players who were not leaders.

“He listed every player without looking at a depth chart or anything else,” Nolan says. “He put every player in one of three different categories, and I would say he and I were 95 percent in agreement.

“No one would have thought that he cared about anyone else. That he was selfish. But I tell you what, I don’t think anyone else on the team would have known that.”

Nolan still has that piece of paper.

Bryant doesn’t shy away from his bold personality – “I do everything from my heart,” he says. But, more than anything, Bryant wants to convey that he is a team player and that he is more concerned about wins than stats.

In the second quarter of Monday’s game, Bryant hauled in a long pass down the left sideline, but he was ruled out at the Panthers’ two-yard line. Four plays later, the Bucs settled for a 20-yard field goal.

On Tuesday, Bryant paid $25 to a pot the receivers keep for making mistakes and errors.

“I should have gotten into the end zone,” Bryant says. “I should have had the ball in the other hand.”

For now, Bryant isn’t worried about reaching 1,000 yards, scoring a new long-term contract, winning Comeback Player of the Year or making the Pro Bowl roster. He’s envisioning a long postseason run.

“We want the Super Bowl at home,” Bryant says, referring to Super Bowl XLIII, which will be played Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium. “I can come back off the couch and get in the history books by playing in a Super Bowl.”

Sean Jensen covers the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

I don't worry about Bryant getting arrested moreso than any other NFL player, but he does have substance abuse issues in his past. More importantly, it's his immense ego and that giant-sized chip he's carrying around his shoulder that are a legit concern. He thinks everybody is out to get him, he thinks he's always in the right, and it's clear that he has no respect for authority. Bryant strikes me as the kind of guy who finds it much easier to believe a conspiracy theory as opposed to taking the time to find out the truth. He's not quite as delusional as Cedric Benson, but he is more righteously indignant.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Additionally, what are your thoughts on Davone Bess? I had him on my sleeper lists going into the preseason so i grabbed him when Camarillo went down. His numbers have been decent and consistent so far but I haven't gotten a chance to catch a 'phins game since he started playing a major role...is he bringing anything special or just another underneath guy that the reborn Pennington makes look good?

He's small, has great hands, can get open, but is lacking in straight line speed. I think he has a Wayne Chrebet type of ceiling, which can be valuable in PPR leagues . . . but which can tend to be overvalued in basic scoring. I see him as a guy that can put up a consistent 5-6 catches for 60 yards, but he's not going to get in the end zone enough to be truly valuable.

 

[BespokeJort]

thanks for the input. That piece on Bryant was pretty insightful and makes me feel a little better about hanging onto him (although looking at the cowboys, conspiracy theorist is one of the last things i want to associate with a WR)

as for Bess, that's good to hear, about what i was envisioning...didn't seem like the talent to ever be a WR1 but if he can be a Chrebet or Cotch type i'm happy with that for the price of a free agent pickup. what are the chances he keeps the starting spot next year with Camarillo back? I know they just gave him a fat contract

 

[Tau837]

I don't worry about Bryant getting arrested moreso than any other NFL player, but he does have substance abuse issues in his past. More importantly, it's his immense ego and that giant-sized chip he's carrying around his shoulder that are a legit concern. He thinks everybody is out to get him, he thinks he's always in the right, and it's clear that he has no respect for authority. Bryant strikes me as the kind of guy who finds it much easier to believe a conspiracy theory as opposed to taking the time to find out the truth. He's not quite as delusional as Cedric Benson, but he is more righteously indignant.

Thanks for posting that article. I don't get conspiracy theories out of that at all. To me, he's just a player that had some maturity problems early in his career, and there is reason to believe he has overcome that. I think he has a bright future. I would say he's a player to target, though I'd expect his price to be really high right now.

 

[Tau837]

thanks for the input. That piece on Bryant was pretty insightful and makes me feel a little better about hanging onto him (although looking at the cowboys, conspiracy theorist is one of the last things i want to associate with a WR)as for Bess, that's good to hear, about what i was envisioning...didn't seem like the talent to ever be a WR1 but if he can be a Chrebet or Cotch type i'm happy with that for the price of a free agent pickup. what are the chances he keeps the starting spot next year with Camarillo back? I know they just gave him a fat contract

Camarillo just had surgery to reconstruct his ACL and meniscus this past Monday. He only has 9 months to recover before next season starts. I'd be surprised if he is starting next season.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

F&L: I know it's way early, but how do you feel about keeping Portis (in lieu of a 1st rd pick) in a league where all RBs in your top 20 are already keepers? I'm asking in regards to your analysis about him. TIA.