Gradkowski (1 Viewer)

[tombonneau]

Obviously G has limited value himself in redraft. But do any TB homers know if he clicked with any of the receiving threats on that offense in preseason or camp?

I have Clayton and will hold on to him a few more weeks just to see if he doesn't end up being the rook's security blanket.

I think there is a good chance G could lock onto somebody--be it Galloway, Clayton, Smith, or Caddy out of the backfield--and one of those guys could see their fantasy value take a bump.

Or alternately, he totally sucks and the Bucs average 80 yds passing per game.

So what say you Bucs homers? Is that offense a dead zone with G at the helm, or is there some life to be had?

 

[Wingnut]

His favorite targets this week will be McKenzie and Fred Thomas.

 

[Lauryn]

I have Clayton and will hold on to him a few more weeks just to see if he doesn't end up being the rook's security blanket.

clayton owners, i salute you... i would have drop-kicked that guy off my roster early last season and never looked back. not to mention scratching his name off the cheatsheet before any redraft.you guys are a rock, a pillar of patience...i respect that.

 

[shakeybarn]

Keep in mind the success Galloway had with 3 QBs last year, none of them really good ones either...

 

[my man otis]

The other team.

 

[Billy1x]

#2 QB main target in practice would be David Boston. Shame he won't be on the field.

 

[Englishteacher]

I'm optimistic about Gradowski. All you heard preseason was what a stud this guy was and usually if a rookie stands out big time right off the bat they're the real deal. Other guys who have backed this up so far have been Greg Jennings, Colston, Maroney, and Norwood. Certain guys are just gamers and defy the learning curve. I'm fairly certain Gradowski will be in the hunt to be Tampa's starting QB for 2007, especially with Simms being an UFA and seriously regressing this year. Tampa's line should get healthier and I think Gradowski's impressive mobility will actually bump him from what Simms was able to do.

For fantasy purposes, most leagues don't have substantial penalties for INT's. The two I care about have penalties of 0 and -1 points. I think you can get over what initial mistakes he makes because Tampa is not a dominant team right now and they will have to throw a lot.

Cadillac is a solid RB so he has a run game to lean on. Of course improved line play is the key there.

Tampa's D has multiple starters hurting so they're not the shut down unit they once were. This will only help the overall passing numbers assuming the D can still remian respectable and give the offense chances, which I don't see as a problem.

Basically, you want sexy passing offenses on mediocre or bad teams and I think Tampa is just that. Galloway really put it back together last year and is a stud go to guy. Clayton can contribute depending on his health. I think he proved his rookie year that he has the talent. Talent is not the issue, health is. And, I'm a big believer in Jon Gruden. He's a passing guru and he consistently does more with less, a sign of a good coach. Plus, he's so damn intense you knw his team won't quit on him. He'll be scowling in Week 17 whether the Bucs are in the playoffs are not. I think between Gruden coaching up an obvious talent in Gradowski and the line playing better (they've had a couple starters injured) you'll see Tampa rebound to start producing good fantasy options. And, I think you'll see plenty of 250 - 300 yard passing games from Gradowski the rest of the season. Put togehether some TD's with that and you've got yourself a useful fantasy QB and passing offense for fantasy.

Will this translate in the Win-Loss column? I don't know and I don't care. I'm not a Tampa fan. However, I'm a Joey Galloway and Gradowski fan because I own both. And, I feel much better about Tampa's offense with Gradowski getting a chance now. He might throw a touchdown pass to the other team some time in the next few weeks but as long as he's posting 250+ yards and some TD's I'm chipper. I do not expect the offense to stall out with him under center. If the offense stalls out at all it'll be because of the line. This kids got game.

 

[a_f13nd]

Hopefully he doesn't lose a spleen. That O-line is so bad. Ugh.

 

[bigums]

#2 QB main target in practice would be David Boston. Shame he won't be on the field.

Boston's not on the team. His main targets in practice have been Stovall and Warren until he started getting first team reps. He's had 2 weeks with the 1st team, so all bets are off. I haven't heard anything locally about a favorite. If you look back at the pre-season, he targeted Tim Massaqoui quite a bit which is natural. New QBs tend to use the TE as the safety blanket. I would say you'll probably see him check down to the TE and backs quite a bit while he gets used to the speed of the game (which is something he did in preseason). You'll probably see him hit the other team a bit as well.

 

[Osaurus]

Tim Rattay in warmups?

 

[santo71]

In the preseason, Stovall was Gradkowski's man. Stovall is a pretty big dude and could very well serve as the security blanket that young QBs generally latch on to.

OR

Gradkowski could be running for his life every down and not get the ball to anyone. Any way you look at it, it does not bode well for Galloway and Co. for at least a couple weeks, when hopefully for their sakes, the game slows down enough for Bruce to comprehend who is open where, etc.

 

[ATC1]

#2 QB main target in practice would be David Boston. Shame he won't be on the field.

Boston's not on the team. His main targets in practice have been Stovall and Warren until he started getting first team reps. He's had 2 weeks with the 1st team, so all bets are off. I haven't heard anything locally about a favorite. If you look back at the pre-season, he targeted Tim Massaqoui quite a bit which is natural. New QBs tend to use the TE as the safety blanket. I would say you'll probably see him check down to the TE and backs quite a bit while he gets used to the speed of the game (which is something he did in preseason). You'll probably see him hit the other team a bit as well.

Alex Smith?

 

[CrossEyed]

Obviously G has limited value himself in redraft. But do any TB homers know if he clicked with any of the receiving threats on that offense in preseason or camp?

I have Clayton and will hold on to him a few more weeks just to see if he doesn't end up being the rook's security blanket.

I think there is a good chance G could lock onto somebody--be it Galloway, Clayton, Smith, or Caddy out of the backfield--and one of those guys could see their fantasy value take a bump.



Or alternately, he totally sucks and the Bucs average 80 yds passing per game.

So what say you Bucs homers? Is that offense a dead zone with G at the helm, or is there some life to be had?

Not a chance. He's a QB from Western PA. We only produce top flight QBs. If you have any doubts just look at Marino, Montana, Namath, Unitas, Blanda, Kelly, Bulger. The kid's a lock to be a Pro Bowler.

 

[bigums]

#2 QB main target in practice would be David Boston. Shame he won't be on the field.

Boston's not on the team. His main targets in practice have been Stovall and Warren until he started getting first team reps. He's had 2 weeks with the 1st team, so all bets are off. I haven't heard anything locally about a favorite. If you look back at the pre-season, he targeted Tim Massaqoui quite a bit which is natural. New QBs tend to use the TE as the safety blanket. I would say you'll probably see him check down to the TE and backs quite a bit while he gets used to the speed of the game (which is something he did in preseason). You'll probably see him hit the other team a bit as well.

Alex Smith?

If I had to guess at anyone getting an upgrade out of this, it would be him for two reasons.1. The aforementioned TE targets in preseason.2. He hasn't been targeted much at all thus far, meaning most anything would be an improvement.

 

[clone]

Not a chance. He's a QB from Western PA. We only produce top flight QBs. If you have any doubts just look at Marino, Montana, Namath, Unitas, Blanda, Kelly, Bulger.

The kid's a lock to be a Pro Bowler.

What about Ron Powlus??

 

[Wingnut]

Obviously G has limited value himself in redraft. But do any TB homers know if he clicked with any of the receiving threats on that offense in preseason or camp?

I have Clayton and will hold on to him a few more weeks just to see if he doesn't end up being the rook's security blanket.

I think there is a good chance G could lock onto somebody--be it Galloway, Clayton, Smith, or Caddy out of the backfield--and one of those guys could see their fantasy value take a bump.



Or alternately, he totally sucks and the Bucs average 80 yds passing per game.

So what say you Bucs homers? Is that offense a dead zone with G at the helm, or is there some life to be had?

Not a chance. He's a QB from Western PA. We only produce top flight QBs. If you have any doubts just look at Marino, Montana, Namath, Unitas, Blanda, Kelly, Bulger. The kid's a lock to be a Pro Bowler.

You had a hand in this?

 

[phillzphan]

Sirius Radio?

 

[CrossEyed]

What about Ron Powlus??

Berwick is not Western PA.

 

[shakeybarn]

Keep in mind the success Galloway had with 3 QBs last year, none of them really good ones either...

Just caught, it was was just Simms/Griese... regardless... and regardless of matchups... Galloway had 10 of the Bucs 17 TDs..... 40 and a TD in the first half. I think I could be back there, and Galloway might post decent enough fantasy stats. This is good, good for TB, Galloway owners and Gradowski hopefuls.

 

[cstu]

#2 QB main target in practice would be David Boston. Shame he won't be on the field.

Boston's not on the team. His main targets in practice have been Stovall and Warren until he started getting first team reps. He's had 2 weeks with the 1st team, so all bets are off. I haven't heard anything locally about a favorite. If you look back at the pre-season, he targeted Tim Massaqoui quite a bit which is natural. New QBs tend to use the TE as the safety blanket. I would say you'll probably see him check down to the TE and backs quite a bit while he gets used to the speed of the game (which is something he did in preseason). You'll probably see him hit the other team a bit as well.

Alex Smith?

If I had to guess at anyone getting an upgrade out of this, it would be him for two reasons.1. The aforementioned TE targets in preseason.2. He hasn't been targeted much at all thus far, meaning most anything would be an improvement.

I was going to post a couple days ago that he seems to be a good pickup. I got him to cover Ben Watson's bye week since rookie QB's usually look to their TE's a lot. He also had a good week against the Panthers before the bye (4 for 72) and is doing well today (4 for 16, 1 TD).

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

I guess Clayton is an afterthought here ??

 

[Futility]

I guess Clayton is an afterthought here ??

Galloway had the huge game, but Clayton did get 9 targets. I wouldn't give up hope unless he continues performing poorly for the next few weeks.

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

I guess Clayton is an afterthought here ??

Galloway had the huge game, but Clayton did get 9 targets. I wouldn't give up hope unless he continues performing poorly for the next few weeks.

WHAT !!!9 targets - thats plenty!!!

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

I guess Clayton is an afterthought here ??

Galloway had the huge game, but Clayton did get 9 targets. I wouldn't give up hope unless he continues performing poorly for the next few weeks.

You must be talking about Mark Claytonhttp://fantasysports.yahoo.com/analysis/ne...gue=fantasy/nfl

 

[Futility]

I guess Clayton is an afterthought here ??

Galloway had the huge game, but Clayton did get 9 targets. I wouldn't give up hope unless he continues performing poorly for the next few weeks.

You must be talking about Mark Claytonhttp://fantasysports.yahoo.com/analysis/ne...gue=fantasy/nfl

Maybe. I thought I caught it in another thread.

 

[hellz_fireflies]

After week 6 he shall see the NFL turf alot..check out TB sch.

 

[a_f13nd]

I already sold high on Gradkowski. Took him and Leon Washington and turned it into Drew Brees and Des Clark.

 

[jagbag]

I already sold high on Gradkowski. Took him and Leon Washington and turned it into Drew Brees and Des Clark.

Nicely done

 

[thecardiackid]

Revving up the Gradkowski bandwagon - climb aboard, there's plenty of space.

If he can keep the mistakes down (like last week), I'm thinking he has a decent game. He'll have to throw a lot to keep up with Palmer. I was VERY impressed by the rookie last week on the road vs. a decent D.

20-30 for 240 and 2 tds. (Joey and A Smith)

Mabye even one rushing

If you're in a bye week jam (like me), or just looking for a hit or miss guy w/ decent upside

 

[a_f13nd]

I already sold high on Gradkowski. Took him and Leon Washington and turned it into Drew Brees and Des Clark.

Nicely done

The other GM needed an RB to fill in this week and was fine getting a downgrade at QB and dumping a TE since she has Carson Palmer and Crumpler. It was pretty much thievery, but it might work out for her, too.

 

[seahawk 17]

I picked up Clayton, and starting him....I read he was targeted 9 times last week, and then Wednesday he was about not being used enough.

Clayton comes up huge this week.

I hope.

 

[tombonneau]

I've already abandoned ship on Clayton. Ironically dropped him for ASmith to cover TE bye this week. Liking the # of looks Gski gave to AS. Now if he can only improve on his ypc.

 

[Resident A]

I picked up Clayton, and starting him....I read he was targeted 9 times last week, and then Wednesday he was about not being used enough.Clayton comes up huge this week.

Mark Clayton of the Ravens was targeted 9x last week. Michael Clayton of the Bucs was targeted twice, and had a whopping 1 catch for 7 yards. Ike Hilliard had more targets for the Bucs.Nice pickup.... A possible Fantasy Football Darwin award winner here.

 

[seahawk 17]

I picked up Clayton, and starting him....I read he was targeted 9 times last week, and then Wednesday he was about not being used enough.Clayton comes up huge this week.

Mark Clayton of the Ravens was targeted 9x last week. Michael Clayton of the Bucs was targeted twice, and had a whopping 1 catch for 7 yards. Ike Hilliard had more targets for the Bucs.Nice pickup.... A possible Fantasy Football Darwin award winner here.

Two targets??? So there is a chance he blows up.

 

[gump]

Clayton.



Haven't seen the targets yet, but being at the game leads me to believe that Clayton is Grads favorite. Grad took several shots deep down the seams at Clayton, unfortunately however not hitting any. If the timing is improved between the two, Clayton could be dangerous.

 

[Banger]

I watched the game and can't say that I saw a favorite target. He seems to take what the defense gives him. If the WR is covered he doesn't try to force it in, he'll just check down and toss it to the RB, etc. He looked poised and played a decent game, not great but he didn't look like a rookie and didn't seem to get flustered at all. Seems to be a perfect fit for the offense.

 

[CrossEyed]

I picked up Gradkowski in a dynasty league the week that Simms went down. Starting to feel pretty good about that move.

 

[Banger]

I picked up Gradkowski in a dynasty league the week that Simms went down. Starting to feel pretty good about that move.

Same here. Not yet sure that he will supplant Simms but he looks calm and poised and should only get better. Should be interesting...

 

[CrossEyed]

I picked up Gradkowski in a dynasty league the week that Simms went down. Starting to feel pretty good about that move.

Same here. Not yet sure that he will supplant Simms but he looks calm and poised and should only get better. Should be interesting...

He already looks better than Simms if you ask me. Needs to get his timing down on the longer patterns, but that will come.

 

[Slinger]

I picked up Gradkowski in a dynasty league the week that Simms went down. Starting to feel pretty good about that move.

Same here. Not yet sure that he will supplant Simms but he looks calm and poised and should only get better. Should be interesting...

He already looks better than Simms if you ask me. Needs to get his timing down on the longer patterns, but that will come.

I'm a Chris Simms fan, but it's like night and day with Gradkowski. He doesn't have tunnel vision and he can move, which is key in Gruden's offense.

 

[Restricted]

Per Sportsline: The St. Petersburg Times reports that QB Chris Simms is unlikely to return this season, and because he turned down a contract extension at the end of last season, probably won't be re-signed by the club. The Bucs may opt to put Chris Simms on the IR once they can get backup Luke McCown (knee) off the PUP list in Week 7.

(Updated 10/15/2006).

I actually grabbed Gradkowski with a very late pick in my Dynasty draft as he looked really good in preseason. It's great that he's getting a chance to play, all be it because of a serious injury to someone. He seems to have the right stuff to be successful in the NFL.

 

[Banger]

I picked up Gradkowski in a dynasty league the week that Simms went down. Starting to feel pretty good about that move.

Same here. Not yet sure that he will supplant Simms but he looks calm and poised and should only get better. Should be interesting...

He already looks better than Simms if you ask me. Needs to get his timing down on the longer patterns, but that will come.

Some mentioned his arm strength on the longer plays and most seemed be fluttering ducks but he's good with the short/intermediate stuff. They need to do a better job of moving the ball on 1st/2nd down because repeatedly they were left with 3rd and 7, 3rd and 10, etc. He did miss some open wr's at times but overall for his 2nd start at the QB position in his rookie year, I don't think you could expect much more. They scored the winning TD on a 4th down play with under a minute to go. Good stuff. I didn't watch any games with Simms, just saw the boxscores and it looked pretty ugly.

 

[CrossEyed]

I picked up Gradkowski in a dynasty league the week that Simms went down. Starting to feel pretty good about that move.

Same here. Not yet sure that he will supplant Simms but he looks calm and poised and should only get better. Should be interesting...

He already looks better than Simms if you ask me. Needs to get his timing down on the longer patterns, but that will come.

Some mentioned his arm strength on the longer plays and most seemed be fluttering ducks but he's good with the short/intermediate stuff. They need to do a better job of moving the ball on 1st/2nd down because repeatedly they were left with 3rd and 7, 3rd and 10, etc. He did miss some open wr's at times but overall for his 2nd start at the QB position in his rookie year, I don't think you could expect much more. They scored the winning TD on a 4th down play with under a minute to go. Good stuff. I didn't watch any games with Simms, just saw the boxscores and it looked pretty ugly.

I didn't see an issue with arm strength necessarily. He just didn't seem to be as accurate on longer throws. Some were underthrown, some were overthrown.

 

[swingerd]

I just grabbed Gradkowski and dropped A. Smith cuz there's a bye for SF next week.

I stll see Mark Clayton of Bal available, would you guys grab him and drop Jerricho Cotchery?

 

[gump]

Haven't seen the targets yet, but being at the game leads me to believe that Clayton is Grads favorite. Grad took several shots deep down the seams at Clayton, unfortunately however not hitting any. If the timing is improved between the two, Clayton could be dangerous.

Prelim targets have Galloway getting 15 and Clayton 11. Still, the 11 puts Clayton in the same company as WR's like Hines Ward, Plax Burress, and Terry Glenn. I have a hard time believing the Bucs will throw much LESS than they did on Sunday, and this shows that Gradkowski will be looking for his #1 and #2 a lot.Clayton could still have value yet...

BTW, here's an article on Clayton after the TD:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/stor...mp;lid=tab7pos1

 

[Cowboys#1]

in his 2 starts hes got a 1 pt advantage over matt lineart's 2 starts (in my scoring system)

not bad for a 6th round pick.