Dynasty Young Backup LBs (1 Viewer)

[Jestefarean]

Clint Ingram has had 2 good games in a row. Sign of things to come, or just a flash in the pan?

 

[TecmoBeast]

what about DJ WILLIAMS strong side lb in denver. he was a stud his rookie season at MLB befroe he was moved to the strong side. al wilson and ian gold are not getting younger. it seems like they have been there forever,what is the status of their contracts? i believe williams is in his 3rd year of his rookie contract? when is his contract up? could he leave denver for a primo MLB spot somewhere else? do you think williams could be moved back to the middle at some point in denver? or is he stuck at SLB in denver for the foreseable future.

Looks stuck.Both Wilson and Gold are signed through 2010 at fairly reasonable salaries given the expected cap increase following next season. Williams signed a six year contract and is locked up through 2009. I've still got DJ rostered in most of my dynasty leagues (see my sig for details); IMO he's one of the best linebackers in the league -- a do-everything well skill set. I'm sure I'm probably still googly-eyed over his performance on the weak side over the last 6 games of 2004.

wow, with those kind of contract lengths he's definately locked. what is williams rookie contract like? is there a chance he leaves in a year or two?

2006: $478,0002007: $650,000

2008: $850,000

2009: $1,050,000

No chance he's leaving if he's still productive.

To further confuse matters, FWIW I saw this on another site""In an interesting move, the team signed backup MLB Nate Webster to a two-year contract extension last week. Webster, a former starting with the Bengals and occasionally in Tampa Bay, has not dressed for a game yet this year. Al Wilson is still under contract for two more years.""

Al Wilson isn't exactly cheap in 07. team might try to rework that #2006: $3,900,000

2007: $5,200,000

2008: $3,650,000

2009: $5,150,000

2010: $6,800,000

 

[Simris]

Just adding a note to mention that Tulloch may start this week - from the other thread.

Latest on Tullochublished Mon Nov 6 10:04:00 a.m. CT 2006

(Rotoworld) Titans rookie Stephen Tulloch started at middle linebacker in Week 9.Impact: Strong-side starter David Thornton (shoulder) was limited due to injury and did not play in the base defense. Starting MLB Peter Sirmon moved to outside, while Tulloch manned the middle and finished with five tackles and half a sack. Thornton should regain his playing time soon, but it's worth keeping an eye on Tulloch just in case he does not.

Published Fri Nov 10 7:15:00 a.m. CT 2006

(Rotoworld) Fourth-round rookie Stephen Tulloch appears likely to be the Titans' starting middle linebacker for the remainder of the season.Impact: The short, stocky London Fletcher lookalike has taken the place of Peter Sirmon, who's kicked outside. Tulloch has a chance to rack up huge tackles, but is unlikely to improve Tennessee's run defense right away.

 

[Sofa King Money]

Just adding a note to mention that Tulloch may start this week - from the other thread.

Latest on Tullochublished Mon Nov 6 10:04:00 a.m. CT 2006

(Rotoworld) Titans rookie Stephen Tulloch started at middle linebacker in Week 9.

Impact: Strong-side starter David Thornton (shoulder) was limited due to injury and did not play in the base defense. Starting MLB Peter Sirmon moved to outside, while Tulloch manned the middle and finished with five tackles and half a sack. Thornton should regain his playing time soon, but it's worth keeping an eye on Tulloch just in case he does not.

Published Fri Nov 10 7:15:00 a.m. CT 2006

(Rotoworld) Fourth-round rookie Stephen Tulloch appears likely to be the Titans' starting middle linebacker for the remainder of the season.Impact: The short, stocky London Fletcher lookalike has taken the place of Peter Sirmon, who's kicked outside. Tulloch has a chance to rack up huge tackles, but is unlikely to improve Tennessee's run defense right away.

Reeeaaalllyyy...can another source valdiate this?...ssshhhh

 

[Jene Bramel]

The warehouse news blurbs are based on speculation that beat writers have written that Thornton's shoulder injury (partial rotator cuff tear) could hinder him all season. The speculation is probably legit, but it's not been confirmed as such by anyone associated with the team.

I'm not very excited about Tulloch for now to be honest. At the risk of getting burned (like Chris Hope), I don't see Tulloch improving the numbers out of the Titan MLB position for now. Two of Tulloch's "five tackles" were solo special teams tackles, meaning that Tulloch finished a robust 1-2-0.5 against 30 rushing attempts.

The Titans are on record (see above link) as saying that Thornton will participate in the nickel (with Bullock), although Tulloch will matchup on the TE in the base defense at times. Fisher hinted that Tulloch looked better than his statline last week, but he'll have to show some improvement against a good matchup before I feel comfortable recommending him as a starter.

 

[Simris]

Thanks for the info Jene.

I have a spot on my dev squad I want to fill with a rookie LB.

Trying to sort through info on IDP's can be a challenge.

I just may wait for a few weeks and see what develops with these rookies:

Tulloch, Stephen TEN

Anderson, James CAR

Gaither, Omar PHI

Jamar Williams

 

[redman]

The warehouse news blurbs are based on speculation that beat writers have written that Thornton's shoulder injury (partial rotator cuff tear) could hinder him all season. The speculation is probably legit, but it's not been confirmed as such by anyone associated with the team.

I'm not very excited about Tulloch for now to be honest. At the risk of getting burned (like Chris Hope), I don't see Tulloch improving the numbers out of the Titan MLB position for now. Two of Tulloch's "five tackles" were solo special teams tackles, meaning that Tulloch finished a robust 1-2-0.5 against 30 rushing attempts.

The Titans are on record (see above link) as saying that Thornton will participate in the nickel (with Bullock), although Tulloch will matchup on the TE in the base defense at times. Fisher hinted that Tulloch looked better than his statline last week, but he'll have to show some improvement against a good matchup before I feel comfortable recommending him as a starter.

What do you think that Haynseworth's (anticipated) return to the team will do to help the MLB's on the Titans?

 

[Jene Bramel]

The warehouse news blurbs are based on speculation that beat writers have written that Thornton's shoulder injury (partial rotator cuff tear) could hinder him all season. The speculation is probably legit, but it's not been confirmed as such by anyone associated with the team.

I'm not very excited about Tulloch for now to be honest. At the risk of getting burned (like Chris Hope), I don't see Tulloch improving the numbers out of the Titan MLB position for now. Two of Tulloch's "five tackles" were solo special teams tackles, meaning that Tulloch finished a robust 1-2-0.5 against 30 rushing attempts.

The Titans are on record (see above link) as saying that Thornton will participate in the nickel (with Bullock), although Tulloch will matchup on the TE in the base defense at times. Fisher hinted that Tulloch looked better than his statline last week, but he'll have to show some improvement against a good matchup before I feel comfortable recommending him as a starter.

What do you think that Haynseworth's (anticipated) return to the team will do to help the MLB's on the Titans?

I don't know. Probably help, but marginally. I've never had a clear hold on what Jim Schwartz likes to do -- I think it's pretty much a straight 4-3 with few wrinkles. With the impact Chris Hope has had there, you'd have to think a three down MLB with talent would have fantasy value no matter the surrounding cast under the assumption that guys like Rocky Boiman, Brad Kassell, Rocky Calmus, Peter Sirmon, etc just weren't good enough to get to the ball before Bulluck.Whether Tulloch is more likely to become the next London Fletcher/Zach Thomas or another Rocky Calmus is the three cent question. Looks like we'll get some data points to look at over the next few games.

 

[Simris]

Great thread!!16 team dynasty.I have Hodge on my taxi squad already but have room for another rookie or two.Tulloch, Stephen TEN Anderson, James CAR Gaither, Omar PHI Jamar Williams CHIare all available.These seem to be the top rookies listed who could impact soon from the above posts.Who's the best of this bunch?

My rookie LB FA watch-week 10Tulloch-season high 8 pts=4t/4a/2pd-Maybe a lock at MLBAnderson-plays tonight-0Gaither-2tWilliams-0edit anderson's 0

 

[Rozelle]

Great thread!!

16 team dynasty.

I have Hodge on my taxi squad already but have room for another rookie or two.

Tulloch, Stephen TEN

Anderson, James CAR

Gaither, Omar PHI

Jamar Williams CHI

are all available.

These seem to be the top rookies listed who could impact soon from the above posts.

Who's the best of this bunch?

My rookie LB FA watch-week 10Tulloch-season high 8 pts=4t/4a/2pd-Maybe a lock at MLB

Anderson-plays tonight

Gaither-2t

Williams-0

Its hard to get excited about a 2 down MLB. Buyer beware

 

[Simris]

Great thread!!

16 team dynasty.

I have Hodge on my taxi squad already but have room for another rookie or two.

Tulloch, Stephen TEN

Anderson, James CAR

Gaither, Omar PHI

Jamar Williams CHI

are all available.

These seem to be the top rookies listed who could impact soon from the above posts.

Who's the best of this bunch?

My rookie LB FA watch-week 10Tulloch-season high 8 pts=4t/4a/2pd-Maybe a lock at MLB

Anderson-plays tonight

Gaither-2t

Williams-0

Its hard to get excited about a 2 down MLB. Buyer beware

Not buying anything. Just watching.Have a spot on my taxi squad waiting for someone. Not sure who. Looking 1-2 years down the road.

 

[Rozelle]

Great thread!!

16 team dynasty.

I have Hodge on my taxi squad already but have room for another rookie or two.

Tulloch, Stephen TEN

Anderson, James CAR

Gaither, Omar PHI

Jamar Williams CHI

are all available.

These seem to be the top rookies listed who could impact soon from the above posts.

Who's the best of this bunch?

My rookie LB FA watch-week 10Tulloch-season high 8 pts=4t/4a/2pd-Maybe a lock at MLB

Anderson-plays tonight

Gaither-2t

Williams-0

Its hard to get excited about a 2 down MLB. Buyer beware

Not buying anything. Just watching.Have a spot on my taxi squad waiting for someone. Not sure who. Looking 1-2 years down the road.

In all fairness, the scouts may be wrong, in terms of Tulloch being a 2 downer. I would try and find something with a little better upside.

 

[JAK Straw]

i recall that when Beck went into game action as a replacement for Hartwell this year, he did not impress at all, so much that they made the brooking to MLB switch almost immediately. Originally they did not want to make this move.

For those high on J. Beck as the heir to Hartwell at MLB...Why is it that when Hartwell can't play, Brookings moves over and (I assume, according to the FBG charts) D. Williams comes in as WLB. If the Falcons feel that's their best set given the circumstances, why wouldn't they just stick with that if Hartwell were gone?I've had Beck on occasion in a dynasty league and ended up releasing him, most recently, over things like this. Yes, he was hurt earlier in the year and missed all of last, but why won't they play him now? Is he still fighting the injury?

Hartwell was inactive, Brooking started at MLB, and Beck did not record any stats. Did he even enter the game other than special teams play?

Beck posted 4 solos this week. Did he get the start at MLB?

 

[msommer]

Great thread!!

16 team dynasty.

I have Hodge on my taxi squad already but have room for another rookie or two.

Tulloch, Stephen TEN

Anderson, James CAR

Gaither, Omar PHI

Jamar Williams CHI

are all available.

These seem to be the top rookies listed who could impact soon from the above posts.

Who's the best of this bunch?

My rookie LB FA watch-week 10Tulloch-season high 8 pts=4t/4a/2pd-Maybe a lock at MLB

Anderson-plays tonight

Gaither-2t

Williams-0

Its hard to get excited about a 2 down MLB. Buyer beware

I'm getting excited about Wimbley (playing another classic 'low perforning' position - 3-4 OLB). He might very well fill my LB4 role (start three LB so LB4 is bye filler) at a very low cost (1.2% of salary cap for the next four years). Tulloch would cost a fourth of that if I could pry him away from the current owner - that would make me pretty excited as well. He would be LB4/5 on my team - I guess my point is that value is all about expectation and market price.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Beck posted 4 solos this week. Did he get the start at MLB?

They were all special teams tackles.

 

[chook]

Long-time reader, first time poster (Hi, I'm Chook). Never really had to ask for opinions before, happy to just read thus far.

Jene (amongst others) has mentioned the potential of James Anderson starting at MLB next year in Carolina, and the possibility of Dan Morgan never returning.

I have a number of picks next year in my 16-team league's 3 round rookie draft, and it looks like I should be able to obtain Anderson for a 2007 third rounder from his current owner.

The way I see it, regardless of Morgan's situation, Anderson should be starting somewhere for the Panthers next season. If he's on the right, then it should be somewhat of an average season, but if he is indeed earmarked for the 2007 MLB spot, then it seems like too much of a steal to be true.

So I guess all I'm asking is that is there any reality to the fact Morgan may not return in 2007, and that Anderson really may become a fantasy stud?

Cheers guys....

-Chook.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Long-time reader, first time poster (Hi, I'm Chook). Never really had to ask for opinions before, happy to just read thus far. Jene (amongst others) has mentioned the potential of James Anderson starting at MLB next year in Carolina, and the possibility of Dan Morgan never returning. I have a number of picks next year in my 16-team league's 3 round rookie draft, and it looks like I should be able to obtain Anderson for a 2007 third rounder from his current owner.The way I see it, regardless of Morgan's situation, Anderson should be starting somewhere for the Panthers next season. If he's on the right, then it should be somewhat of an average season, but if he is indeed earmarked for the 2007 MLB spot, then it seems like too much of a steal to be true.So I guess all I'm asking is that is there any reality to the fact Morgan may not return in 2007, and that Anderson really may become a fantasy stud?Cheers guys....-Chook.

Welcome.My comments were all speculation -- hopefully educated, but some would probably say wishful -- but still just speculation. Morgan says he wants to come back but it's hard to know if the Panthers want him back, the vets (Draft and Diggs) are in place, but this is a situation where, IMO, you look for those with the highest potential.The two positions populated by veterans who are questionable to be there in 2007 that have the most potential for fantasy studdom are in Carolina (MLB), Indianapolis (WLB) and San Diego (LILB). Depending on the depth of your league you might also consider Tampa Bay (MLB), Cincinnati (MLB), and Chicago (WLB).But the first three are where the money probably lies in this discussion, i.e. looking to stash a young LB with huge dynasty potential extremely cheaply.I base my speculation on a default hope that the talent usually ends up in the best playmaking position available. Sometimes that holds (DeMeco Ryans), sometimes it misses badly (DJ Williams). In this case, the Panthers tried Adam Seward in the middle before Chris Draft. Whether that was because the Panthers wanted Draft on the weakside until Diggs got healthy or they thought Draft was just a stopgap there is hard to say. What seems evident (after they used Anderson at SLB in place of Thomas Davis for a game) is that they don't see Anderson as a WLB only. While WLB is probably where he ends up, there's at least a window of opportunity to move him to the middle. Even at WLB, he has Will Witherspoon like potential, who was very successful next to an average MLB in this scheme, given the tackle stats and coverage skills he showed in his full game of work against the Bengals.

 

[chook]

Thanks for that. I liked Anderson's situation enough to instigate trade talk with the other owner, but think I just needed to hear it from someone else again before I pulled the trigger on the deal.

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to squeeze Anderson, Wimbley, Hodge & Lawson onto my roster from my taxi squad in five months' time!

 

[PatsWillWin]

bump for off-season discussion.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

Good bump.

From Rotoworld, for those who are/were watching Jamar Williams:

Rodriques Wilson-LB- Bears Jan. 2 - 10:57 am et

If Lance Briggs leaves in free agency, Rodriques Wilson is expected to get the first crack at Chicago's weak-side linebacker position.

Wilson is dangerously small, listed at under 220 pounds, but he'll have close to a full offseason to bulk up. '06 fourth-rounder Jamar Williams could also be an option, though many feel Chicago will franchise Briggs.

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

[PatsWillWin]

From the Philaldephia Daily News

Article: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/fo...ll/16550021.htm

Two other free agents, nickel corner Rod Hood and former starting strong safety Mike Lewis, are history. Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter's future also is uncertain. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson acknowledged after the Eagles' playoff loss to the Saints that Trotter, who didn't have a very good season and whose knees have begun to betray him, "can't play too many plays" anymore.

Trotter's salary jumps from $1.7 million in '06 to $2.63 million in '07. He could be released or asked to take a pay cut. What kind of adrenaline rush would an '07 starting linebacking corps of untested Chris Gocong, Omar Gaither (at Trotter's spot in the middle) and Matt McCoy give you? Thought so.

First thing I've heard about Gaither possibly being in the middle.Just FWIW.

ETA:

After a little more digging, I found another random blurb. This is from a live chat sessions with Paul Domowitch, who I assume is a local beat writer.

Article: http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/15629670.htm

PHLMercenary: Is the team happy with its linebacking corp?? Do they thing Gocong will be able to step in? Any idea what JJ's mindset is with the the defense?

Domo: PHLMercenary- Eagles really, really like Gocong and think he can make the transition from DE to SLB. They like Gaither too, and still haven't given up on McCoy, whose play went down the toilet at about the same time he injured his shoulder. So we'll see. Trotter is a concern. Right now, they project Gaither as his eventual replacement in the middle. But we'll see.

 

[msommer]

from PFW's The Way We Hear It

Although LB Freddie Keiaho hasn’t gotten nearly as much recognition as fellow rookies Joseph Addai and Antoine Bethea this season, the Colts couldn’t be more excited about the third-round pick out of San Diego State. “He’s going to have a great career in this league,” Colts LB coach Mark Murphy told PFW at the Super Bowl. “He’s exactly the kind of guy we want. He’s not a real big guy, but he’s very bright, very explosive. And he understands the game. He’ll be around for a while. I’ll probably be in an old folks’ home watching him play for a number of years. He runs with what we like to call ‘being chased speed.’ When you time a guy, he runs at X speed, but when a guy is chasing him, he runs at X-plus speed.” Team sources have been telling PFW all season that Keiaho has a lot of the same qualities as S Bob Sanders. “That’s a great analogy,” Murphy said. “And also like Bob, Freddie’s a quality guy

Interesting......

 

[bcr8f]

They like J Anderson at Will. They were drooling over similarities to Spoon last year.

I would add Ahmad Brooks to this list as well.

 

[Keg]

First thing I've heard about Gaither possibly being in the middle.Just FWIW.

he is being groomed to take over for trotter, will that be next yr? I dont know...but gaither has been getting time in the nickle something that trotter doesnt...so i would say he has nice upside as a possible 3 down LBer, just look at what trotter does in that scheme playing basically just 2 downs

 

[redman]

I drafted Keiaho and picked up Gaither, James Anderson and Jamar Williams off of waivers on one of my dynasty squads last year. I'm very pumped up about the fact that that could be my starting four LB's for years moving forward. Keiaho and Gaither in particular look like they're ready to emerge in 2007 as starting fantasy LB's.

Once again though, with only rare exception you can find as much quality in IDP's off of the waiver wire as you can through the draft IMHO if you just do your homework. You cannot say the same for offensive players.

 

[lord_helmet]

I also own Keiaho, my expectations about him starting anytime soon are very modest tho. He's third string MLB behind Brackett and Morris and plays special teams, at this time there's not much to like IMO. I don't see him taking over for June, I think they will draft someone for that

 

[redman]

I also own Keiaho, my expectations about him starting anytime soon are very modest tho. He's third string MLB behind Brackett and Morris and plays special teams, at this time there's not much to like IMO. I don't see him taking over for June, I think they will draft someone for that

June's a FA, and there's a good set of arguments to be made that he's a very big beneficiary of the position he plays in a system that funnels plays to him. In other words, he's not as good as his stats imply. The way they're apparently talking up Keiaho suggests that they think of him as the kind of player who you find ways to put on the field, and the logical move here would be to replace June with him at the Will. As for the MLB spot, the Colts have a history of lettng good LB's go in FA, and Brackett may not be long for that spot. I'm frankly surprised Morris is even still with that team given how mediocre he's been.

 

[lord_helmet]

They locked up Brackett long term at the beginning of the season, I know people bash him but I think he's pretty good (also own him -lol) and Morris has been decent at SLB for a while. I do believe June will be gone and of course I hope Keiaho gets his job but at this point I still think its somewhat of a longshot

 

[Beaumont]

They locked up Brackett long term at the beginning of the season, I know people bash him but I think he's pretty good (also own him -lol) and Morris has been decent at SLB for a while. I do believe June will be gone and of course I hope Keiaho gets his job but at this point I still think its somewhat of a longshot

The monetary investment in Brackett means to me that he is going to be around at MLB for the Colts a bit longer ...

 

[redman]

They locked up Brackett long term at the beginning of the season, I know people bash him but I think he's pretty good (also own him -lol) and Morris has been decent at SLB for a while. I do believe June will be gone and of course I hope Keiaho gets his job but at this point I still think its somewhat of a longshot

The monetary investment in Brackett means to me that he is going to be around at MLB for the Colts a bit longer ...

Brackett signed a four-year contract with a $3.5M signing bonus. He could be cut this offseason with a cap hit of around $2.65M (which would be deferred to 2008 if done after June 1; after next season he could be cut with a cap hit of only $1.75M, which is very manageable; the year after that the cap hit would be only $875k. The point is that that contract most certainly does not establish his permanence at LB for Indy.

 

[lord_helmet]

They locked up Brackett long term at the beginning of the season, I know people bash him but I think he's pretty good (also own him -lol) and Morris has been decent at SLB for a while. I do believe June will be gone and of course I hope Keiaho gets his job but at this point I still think its somewhat of a longshot

The monetary investment in Brackett means to me that he is going to be around at MLB for the Colts a bit longer ...

Brackett signed a four-year contract with a $3.5M signing bonus. He could be cut this offseason with a cap hit of around $2.65M (which would be deferred to 2008 if done after June 1; after next season he could be cut with a cap hit of only $1.75M, which is very manageable; the year after that the cap hit would be only $875k. The point is that that contract most certainly does not establish his permanence at LB for Indy.

Thing is they need defenders like that, they have sooo much money locked up in the offense. And as I said I think he's pretty good, he's great in coverage and better against the run than people give him credit for. Not to mention being the D captain, which while offering no guarantees I always use as an indicator that the team see him as more than adequate

 

[PatsWillWin]

Arrington and Carlos Emmons were released today. Could Gerris Wilkinson find a starting spot in the reshuffle?

 

[Keg]

Arrington and Carlos Emmons were released today. Could Gerris Wilkinson find a starting spot in the reshuffle?

imo he was going to start anyway so yeah I think he starts

 

[WhoDat]

This thread is gold.

Seriously, thanks to the usual suspects for keeping up with this.

 

[WhoDat]

Good bump.

From Rotoworld, for those who are/were watching Jamar Williams:

Rodriques Wilson-LB- Bears Jan. 2 - 10:57 am et

If Lance Briggs leaves in free agency, Rodriques Wilson is expected to get the first crack at Chicago's weak-side linebacker position.

Wilson is dangerously small, listed at under 220 pounds, but he'll have close to a full offseason to bulk up. '06 fourth-rounder Jamar Williams could also be an option, though many feel Chicago will franchise Briggs.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Completely forgot this part...Can anyone update this situation? Does anyone have anything new?

 

[ChitownPone]

Bump... curious what all has changed since the draft and early indications from mini camps

 

[Warpig]

I'll throw a couple names out there for discussion:

Prescott Burgess (Baltimore)

Lua (New England)

Rogers (New England)

Sartz (Wash)

Herring (Sea)

I can't think of the others I was curious about at this time so I'll probably add more later.

Any insider info on these guys would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I'll throw a couple names out there for discussionrescott Burgess (Baltimore)Lua (New England)Rogers (New England)Sartz (Wash)I can't think of the others I was curious about at this time so I'll probably add more later.Any insider info on these guys would be greatly appreciated.

Burgess - converted safety who timed out extremely slow and plays like a converted safety, not a finished product LB.Lua - stout in run support, but banged up a lot. Maualaga is name you want know among USC LBs... next year.Rogers is a converted DE. He was at the Texas vs. the Nation. Got his lunch handed to him early in the week but started playing with more fight as the week went on.Sartz is a poor man's stewart bradley. in shrine practices he just played too upright. He's also had injury problems the last 2 years.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I'll throw a couple names out there for discussionrescott Burgess (Baltimore)Lua (New England)Rogers (New England)Sartz (Wash)Herring (Sea)I can't think of the others I was curious about at this time so I'll probably add more later.Any insider info on these guys would be greatly appreciated.

IMO, there's nothing to see here. Lua, in the most perfect of worlds, could end up in a reasonable IDP role by 2008. Sartz may be the best player of the five listed, but looks to end up at SLB as a starter if at all.The backups to watch for now include Davis, Okwo, Waters, Blades, Black, Durant and maybe Alexander. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-path names for a league full of sharks, keep your eyes on Johnny Baldwin and Clint Session.

 

[Warpig]

I'll throw a couple names out there for discussion:

Prescott Burgess (Baltimore)

Lua (New England)

Rogers (New England)

Sartz (Wash)

Herring (Sea)

I can't think of the others I was curious about at this time so I'll probably add more later.

Any insider info on these guys would be greatly appreciated.

IMO, there's nothing to see here. Lua, in the most perfect of worlds, could end up in a reasonable IDP role by 2008. Sartz may be the best player of the five listed, but looks to end up at SLB as a starter if at all.The backups to watch for now include Davis, Okwo, Waters, Blades, Black, Durant and maybe Alexander. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-path names for a league full of sharks, keep your eyes on Johnny Baldwin and Clint Session.

I tried. But alas...I was too late.

 

[redman]

Sartz is growing on me frankly, but I think they like him because his size and athleticism enable him to comfortably cover TE's in pass patterns, a traditional 4-3 SLB responsibility, and because he's shown some ability rushing the passer.

He's also not ready to just step right in and do that, but of course they already have Marcus Washington there, albeit recovering from hip surgery. I think Sartz could be a good guy to have, but he'll probably never be any better than a LB3 or perhaps LB2 on your squad, at best. Sartz needs to add weight this year, perhaps as much as 15-20 pounds, and as Bloom said work on his technique. He's a guy to put on your practice squad this year.

If he performs well on special teams this year, they'll give him plenty of time to develop; if not, he might not be long for the team. In Washington, backup LB's either play and play well on special teams or they leave.

The other guy to watch is H.B. Blades. It may take two years, but it's pretty clear that he has all the earmarks of a young London Fletcher, and nicely enough will serve as an understudy to Fletcher before he starts. His upside IMHO is higher than Sartz's.

 

[redman]

I'll throw a couple names out there for discussion:

Prescott Burgess (Baltimore)

Lua (New England)

Rogers (New England)

Sartz (Wash)

I can't think of the others I was curious about at this time so I'll probably add more later.

Any insider info on these guys would be greatly appreciated.

Maualaga is name you want know among USC LBs... next year.

Words to live by. Maualaga is a potential Junior Seau in the making. Forget about Lua, IMHO. He's your classic 2-down, athletically limited, "plugger" MLB type who either 1) won't be long for the NFL or 2) will always play a limited role and at best will be a spot fantasy starter for you.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

keep your eyes on Johnny Baldwin

moving to the middle... watch out Lenon and Lehman

 

[Mapmaker]

Theres a lot of rumbling about Waters pushing for a spot on the inside in San Diego as most people know with the departure of Donnie Edwards to Kansas City ... but the Bolts did pick up another highly rated LB in the 7th round; a Junior from Florida

from Scott Wrights Draft Countdown ...

Brandon Siler ... Height: 6-13/4 | Weight: 241 | 40-Time: 4.67

Strengths:

Has pretty good size and a solid build...Smart with great instincts...Outstanding leader with top-notch intangibles...Strong and powerful...A big hitter and reliable tackler...Good pass rusher and blitzer...Does a nice job versus the run and takes on blockers well...Plays with a nasty demeanor...Productive...A lot of experience.

Weaknesses:

Is not an elite athlete...Timed speed, quickness and agility are only average...Not very explosive and lacks a burst...He does not have great range...Lacks fluid hips and struggles in coverage...Has some trouble shedding blockers...Might be more of a two down thumper...Ball skills are sub par...He may not have a huge upside.

Notes:

Started as a true frosh and was named SEC Freshman of the Year...A very good college player who might not be the pro prospect his press clippings would lead you to believe...Has starting potential but will be held back by marginal physical tools and he'll likely have to play in a scheme that hides his coverage deficiencies.

With Waters not yet a year removed from his ACL tear, Siler should get a very long hard look in camp this summer and may be a good roster stash in deeper leagues.