esalmons30
Footballguy
I have Deion Branch in my dynasty league, just wondering if anyone else feels as good as I do about next season? I feel he can get around 90 Rec, 1200 Yds, and 8 Tds.
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How will Deion Branch do as a #1 reciever? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter esalmons30
- Start date
I think you're looking at a 1A 1B scenario with Hackett and Branch, and Engram playing his role as the super slot receiver. Take a look at 2003:
Jackson 69/1137/9
KRob 65/896/4
Engram 52/637/6
Branch did not have the benefit of training camp and working all offseason in Seattle's offseason. He's a cerebral player who appreciates the Xs and Os side of the game, so he will be renewed this year. I would expect something like the 2003 split, but with Hackett getting more TDs and Branch getting more catches and yards - but Engram could prevent either of them from being a fantasy #1.
Jackson 69/1137/9
KRob 65/896/4
Engram 52/637/6
Branch did not have the benefit of training camp and working all offseason in Seattle's offseason. He's a cerebral player who appreciates the Xs and Os side of the game, so he will be renewed this year. I would expect something like the 2003 split, but with Hackett getting more TDs and Branch getting more catches and yards - but Engram could prevent either of them from being a fantasy #1.
I agree. Hackett out produced Branch down the stretch last year, and it looks like Hasselbeck really locks on to himFighting Noles
Footballguy
I agree also. I wasn't impressed with Branchs' play at all last year (way too many drops & way too inconsistent, even with DJax out). I think Brady & that O frankly made him look a little better than he is...Branch will be drafted way before I would consider him in my league. Hackett is the value play.
remote controller
Footballguy
I agree on Hackett. After last season I
BigRed
Footballguy
Agree also, although I doubt any SEA WR will end up on my team.Branch will be drafted way before I would consider him in my league. Hackett is the value play.
Routilla
Footballguy
Agree also, although I doubt any SEA WR will end up on my team.Branch will be drafted way before I would consider him in my league. Hackett is the value play.
lord_helmet
Footballguy
Branch lining up at flanker with a full offseason in the books, I say he'll do pretty good. Hackett is overrated around here
Phurfur
Footballguy
This describes Branch's entire career. Hackett will be the better value.
Unlucky
Phenom
You are too high on Branch. Career best 78/998/5. Situation MIGHT be better, but not to the point of 90/1200/8. He's just not that good.
Kleck
Footballguy
I would agree he's been a hot topic, but can you explain specifically why you feel he's overrated? Is there something you can point to that you feel he's lacking? Perhaps some aspect of his game that will hold him back?
lord_helmet
Footballguy
Nothing specific really, but its pretty obvious that the Seahawks are VERY high on branch. If we're debating who will inherit DJax #'s my money is on him. I do buy that maybe Hackett will get more redzone looks, but if he's so damn good why didnt he get a nice fat extension before this season ? Or maybe he did and I never heard about it ?
Fighting Noles
Footballguy
They were ALSO VERY HIGH on Burleson & nobody even mentions him anymore...
mlball77
Footballguy
I still like Engram as a guy that can produce with Hasselbeck. I like him for 650 yds and 3-4 tds, and he is a guy that will go undrafted in many leagues. He is a solid fill in guy for a week or two, imo.
I think Engram is the safest bet out of the four SEA nameworthy WRs. He has the lowest upside of all of them also though.
I guess I'd give a slight edge to Hackett over Branch this year, but its a toss up. Burleson is basically a WR4 on this team (I think) unless there is an injury.
At TE, what do the SEA homers feel about Pollard? (sorry for the hijack) It seems he could be a great value play at TE this year, in my view.
I think Engram is the safest bet out of the four SEA nameworthy WRs. He has the lowest upside of all of them also though.
I guess I'd give a slight edge to Hackett over Branch this year, but its a toss up. Burleson is basically a WR4 on this team (I think) unless there is an injury.
At TE, what do the SEA homers feel about Pollard? (sorry for the hijack) It seems he could be a great value play at TE this year, in my view.
esalmons30
Footballguy
Well his numbers may be a little high, but 90 receptions in 16 games is like 5.6 receptions a game. I feel that could happen.
footballfreek
Footballguy
I too think it will be a Branch 1a Hacket 1b situation. I know when watching the games late in the year Hasselbeck had no problem throwing to Hacket in the 4th quarter. To me that's a sign of confidence. You will see below 2 things.
1. 112 targets that went to D.J. will go elsewhere
2. Hasselbeck had better success connecting with Hacket. Of course Hacket had the nickel covering him so I’m sure the % will drop some.
DJ 112 target 56 %
Branch 95 targets 52%
Hacket 61 targets 67%
Thoughts?
1. 112 targets that went to D.J. will go elsewhere
2. Hasselbeck had better success connecting with Hacket. Of course Hacket had the nickel covering him so I’m sure the % will drop some.
DJ 112 target 56 %
Branch 95 targets 52%
Hacket 61 targets 67%
Thoughts?
How about the fact that Homgren switched Branch to flanker rather than putting Hackett there?
mad sweeney
Footballguy
He had one game where he had the dropsies, and in the postgame interview he was near in tears about the effort he gave that game and vowed for it to never happen again. Otherwise he dropped far less than DJax does every game. Every WR drops passes. Branch was solid every catch after that one aberration game.I seethe 1a 1b scenario with Branch getting more receptions and yardage and Hackett getting more TDs. Branch will be drafted higher, making Hackett the better value. And I do think that Branch will perform better this season after TC and preseason with Hasselbeck.I agree also. I wasn't impressed with Branchs' play at all last year (way too many drops & way too inconsistent, even with DJax out). I think Brady & that O frankly made him look a little better than he is...Branch will be drafted way before I would consider him in my league. Hackett is the value play.
And yes people are very excited about Hackett, including myself. I've seen every game he's played in, preseason and regular, and there is very good reason for people to be excited. I don't think anyone has projected anyoutlandish stats for Hackett that would qualify him as overrated, you're just hearing his name a lot.
mad sweeney
Footballguy
Physically Branch is more similar to Jackson. Flanker plays off the line so his small size and quickness can help him avoid/minimize contact at the line and get him a free-er release. Hackett is a lot bigger and will be able to handle initial contct at the line of scrimmage better than Branch. Has nothing to do with skill level.
lions327
Footballguy
Hackett's last 4 games, 3 of which D Jax didn't play, he had 19 catches for close to 300 yards and 2 TD's. Those are great numbers projected over a full season. Seattle obviously likes him a lot, to be trading D Jax. Also, this is his 3rd season (4th, but only 3rd actually playing), which a lot of times is when WR's raise their game. I see a breakout season, and a potential 1000 yard season. He definitely looks like a value pick this year.He had one game where he had the dropsies, and in the postgame interview he was near in tears about the effort he gave that game and vowed for it to never happen again. Otherwise he dropped far less than DJax does every game. Every WR drops passes. Branch was solid every catch after that one aberration game.I seethe 1a 1b scenario with Branch getting more receptions and yardage and Hackett getting more TDs. Branch will be drafted higher, making Hackett the better value. And I do think that Branch will perform better this season after TC and preseason with Hasselbeck.I agree also. I wasn't impressed with Branchs' play at all last year (way too many drops & way too inconsistent, even with DJax out). I think Brady & that O frankly made him look a little better than he is...Branch will be drafted way before I would consider him in my league. Hackett is the value play.
And yes people are very excited about Hackett, including myself. I've seen every game he's played in, preseason and regular, and there is very good reason for people to be excited. I don't think anyone has projected anyoutlandish stats for Hackett that would qualify him as overrated, you're just hearing his name a lot.
According to NFL.com Branch is 5'10" 193, Hackett 6'2" 199 and Jackson is 5'11" 201.
Not always true. A lot of teams put their larger WR at flanker so he can utilize the extra space to extend his arms to keep the DB away from his body.
Six pounds is not a lot. And we don't know whether Hackett will handle the pressure better-he played flanker last year
Sure, because it's all due to size right?
RavensUNFL
Footballguy
Last years numbers:
Djax
Targets Drops % caught % 1st downs
112 11 56.3 39.3
Branch
101 6 52.5 39.6
Hackett
67 3 67.2 49.3
Engram
36 1 66.7 41.7
Mack Strong also threw 6 drops in the mix, what this really all equals is, Hasslebeck looking bad.
Pass Attempted Completions Total Incomplete
371 210 161
Type Number Pct of Incomp Pct of Overall Attempts
Pass Dropped 30 18.6 8.1
The Seahawks were tied for 2nd with 39 team drops.
Of course TO had 17 drops by himself.
Djax
Targets Drops % caught % 1st downs
112 11 56.3 39.3
Branch
101 6 52.5 39.6
Hackett
67 3 67.2 49.3
Engram
36 1 66.7 41.7
Mack Strong also threw 6 drops in the mix, what this really all equals is, Hasslebeck looking bad.
Pass Attempted Completions Total Incomplete
371 210 161
Type Number Pct of Incomp Pct of Overall Attempts
Pass Dropped 30 18.6 8.1
The Seahawks were tied for 2nd with 39 team drops.
Of course TO had 17 drops by himself.
-OZ-
Footballguy
No, it isn't. When a player is 4 inches taller and 6 pounds heavier, that usually means he's a lot lankier, and less able to handle contact at the line. This is a 1a/1b situation, both can put up WR3 stats for your FF team.
ImTheScientist
Footballguy
Hackett will be drafted too high this year and Branch too low
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Well I hope it is a 1A, 1B situatiuon but it seems no one in my dynasty league is buying it. I was hoping to trade Hackett for 2nd or early 3rd round rookie pick but I failed to get a single offer for him.
Kleck
Footballguy
This makes me believe you haven't seen him play much. Is that correct?
Can you tell me what this opinion is based on? Why is it pretty obvious? And how are you getting that they are VERY high on Branch? Is it that Seattle paid a first rounder for him? Or is that based on something else?
They paid him what they had to pay him. He's yet unproven, but will get his chance. Lots of Seattle homers (myself included) believe he will cash in on that opportunity.
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Sleeper 43
Footballguy
Is it fair to say Branch had a new play book thrown in his face last year?
How long has Hackett been in the system. I'm not trying to make excuses why Hackett isn't good but more so Branch is better than people think talent wise and I think his lack of time to study and learn a new play book was overwhelming. With a off-season to study and take it slow i think he can just focus on playing this year
I mean Branch once upon a time was Superbowl mvp.
How long has Hackett been in the system. I'm not trying to make excuses why Hackett isn't good but more so Branch is better than people think talent wise and I think his lack of time to study and learn a new play book was overwhelming. With a off-season to study and take it slow i think he can just focus on playing this year
I mean Branch once upon a time was Superbowl mvp.
lord_helmet
Footballguy
There's no point in me getting into a pissing contest with a Seattle homer as you're obviously going to know alot more about how the state of things really are up there. I'm not exactly knocking Hackett but I have alot of faith in Branch, I THINK he can do very well in Seattle so if Hackett is going to be the top dog he will have to earn those extra targets the hard way.About how high the Hawks are on Branch, they did pay the farm to get him and recent comments from Holmgren suggests thats how it is. You know what they say about opinions, well this is mine, my money is on Branch to be numero uno. Its very possible I will stand corrected down the road, feel free to knock me over the back of my head with this thread if thats the case and you so desire.
lions327
Footballguy
Seattle doesn't have to just up and give Hackett a big money extension. First, he has to prove himself as a starter, and second, Seattle holds all of the cards. Hackett doesn't have any leverage to demand anything. It doesn't mean they aren't high on Hackett. Personally, I think trading D Jax shows they think highly of Hackett as a starter.
While I like Branch, I am not as high on him as others. He has never had a 1000 yard season, and never had more than 5 TD's. Only once has he had more than 60 receptions. He made his money on the Super Bowl MVP. If you take away his 2005 season, his numbers are not that impressive.
Comparing the 2, Branch didn't have much better numbers than Hackett did last year and Hackett wasn't a starter.
Considering Hackett has only played 2 years, I can see him taking a nice leap this year and I think he will be in the 70 catch range with close to 1000 yards and 8-10 TD's. If Seattle didn't have a lot of confidence in Hackett, they would not have traded D Jax, in my opinion.
While I like Branch, I am not as high on him as others. He has never had a 1000 yard season, and never had more than 5 TD's. Only once has he had more than 60 receptions. He made his money on the Super Bowl MVP. If you take away his 2005 season, his numbers are not that impressive.
Comparing the 2, Branch didn't have much better numbers than Hackett did last year and Hackett wasn't a starter.
Considering Hackett has only played 2 years, I can see him taking a nice leap this year and I think he will be in the 70 catch range with close to 1000 yards and 8-10 TD's. If Seattle didn't have a lot of confidence in Hackett, they would not have traded D Jax, in my opinion.
Kleck
Footballguy
Sorry you thought it was a pissing contest. I was asking questions so I could better understand your position. I agree that Branch will post slightly better numbers (as is shown in my WR rankings), but I think the margin is going to be smaller than most and further believe Hackett has a higher ceiling. I've been singing his praises for two years now and haven't understood why he hasn't gotten more attention (especially from the coaching staff). I'm sure there's something they know they're not telling us. My biggest concern is he might be a crappy practice player that produces during games when he gets the chance.
Do you have a link to the recent comments? I would be curious to read Holmgren's quotes regarding the WRs. Again, I agree that Branch should end up WR1. Should, but time will tell.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
I'm curious to see how Branch does in a full season in SEA. I watched him for years in NE and he was a non-factor against double coverage and better cover corners. Brady was great at exploiting schemes that left people open and in games where Branch was open he found him. I'm not sure Branch has great separation skills and IMO he's an average NFL WR1 and not the elite WR that he was looking to be paid as. We'll have to wait and see on this one . . .
Ned
Footballguy
your league did you a favor. what player were you hoping for in the 2nd/3rd that would pan out better then where hackett is at now?
lord_helmet
Footballguy
Sorry can't remember exactly where I read that, but Holmgren mentioned a couple of times that he expects "a very good year" from Branch. It was nothing but a blurp and not the reason why I like Branch, I have always been impressed by his route running and I connect that with consistency. Not saying he will (I project him as a WR3), but IMO he has the tools to be very productive in such an offense. Maybe Hackett can convince me otherwise or maybe there will be enough pigskin to go around, but untill further notice I trust Branch to outshine him.
FreeBaGeL
Footballguy
Lucky for you. Do you really believe anyone in the 3rd round of a rookie draft is more likely to play or has more upside than Hackett? You would've been robbed had you made that foolish trade.
mad sweeney
Footballguy
I don't know how to do individual quotes, so here goes:Jackson was flanker, Branch is being moved there. That makes Branch the defacto #1. No one has claimed otherwise, those that are high on Hackett are calling it a 1a/1b with Branch as 1a. So the fact that Branch is moved to flanker, not Hackett means nothing as to what Hackett's capabilities are.Hackett is 4" taller than Branch, therefore he has longer reach that will help him keep defenders off him. It's more height than weight advantage. So yes, size matters, but I don't know if it's all due to that Hackett played a lot of slot too when Engram was sick. He played well in both positions and, while he may not do as well on the line, chances are he will. On top of that the coaching staf has had planty of time to try both Hackett and Branch at both positions and by making this call are putting the guys where they think they will be best. Some teams, maybe even a lot of teams, put their larger WR at flanker, but not all of them. So what other teams do with their WRs doesnn't apply to the Seattle WR situation.I don't know why you are coming off so hard on this. No one is saying that Hackett is better than Branch. And I certainly don't think that Branch being made flanker is a sign that Hackett is overrated as your post claimed. If you have any specific reasons why Hackett is overrated I would like to hear them, but the fact that Branch was made flanker certainly has no correlation. As for Branch/Hackett production I think Branch will get close to Jackson's numbers. Jackson is better but he drops a lot, Branch had 6 drops last year but 4 came in an aberration game, and I don't think he dropped one after that. So the higher reception percentage should get him the numbers. So Branch will gather more yards and receptions, but I think Hackett will come up with more TDs since he looks to be the biggest endzone threat. Making them a Branch/Hackett 1a/1b.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
I was hoping to get Jon Beck who went at 3.01. I thought he might go as low as mid 3rd. Hackett is the #4 WR on my team and I have several potential #4 WRs including Brandon Jones, Mason, Curry and several others. I think it is time to trade Hackett since his value might have hit his peak. Maybe I will wait a little longer and see if some of these lofty predications can come true.Edited: I mistakenly wrote Brandon Jackson instead of Brandon Jones.
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Balco
Footballguy
Those numbers are definitely attainable in the Seahawks offense. I always though Branch was a product of the Pats system, but he isn't. THe guy runs fantastic routes and is very quick out of his cuts. With Hasselback throwing to him, he can have a very solid year. Might want to temper the receptions to about 80, but 1200 yards and 8 tds are definitely reachable.
Ned
Footballguy
again, they're doing you a favor. you will be happy with him as your wr4 once we get a few weeks in...his value isn't at its peak.
