Pick up of the week (1 Viewer)

[Stashy]

Leon Washington

Coach Eric Mangini is reportedly "considering an expanded role" for RB Leon Washington.

Washington played well in Week 3, rushing seven times for 25 yards and catching two passes for 52 yards. "The more he takes advantage of his opportunities, the more they'll come to him," Mangini said.

Source: New York Daily News

 

[drpill]

Thanks for the heads up. This guy could end up my sneaky waiver wire pickup this week...

NFL.com scouting report:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2006/washington_leon

Height: 5-8

Weight: 202

40 Speed: 4.42*

Position: Running Back

College: Florida State

Final Grade: G 6.0

Washington has been a very hard player to get a good feel for because of his constant rotating in and out of games. He is a very well built back with the power and strength to be an effective runner once he gets past the line of scrimmage. He can keep his feet vs. hard hits and has shown the ability to lower a shoulder to deliver a hard blow to tackler to gain the extra yard at the end of the run. He has the very quick feet, acceleration, vision, instincts and playing speed to make big plays and plays a lot of Ryan Moats who was drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles. On film, Washington is a tough football player and has the physique to hold up physically in the NFL, but he is going to have to prove that. Overall, Washington is going to be a very good NFL starting running back if used in a system similar to what the Eagles use. But if used in a more traditional NFL offense, he is best suited as a backup running back, starting third down back and punt returner. But be careful not to over-draft him because of his lack of size and experience carrying the offensive load on his back.

STRONG POINTS

Washington is a very good athlete with the quick feet, burst and agility to make plays when he has the ball in his hands. Once he gets into space, he is a dangerous runner because he can make tacklers miss and has the strength to run through arm tackles and keeps his feet vs. dive tackles/hits. He has very good hands, which makes him a dangerous receiver out of the backfield and can make plays returning punts. He is a tough runner who consistently plays bigger than he looks and keeps his feet churning until he is on the ground.

WEAKNESSES

No doubt Washington is shorter than ideal and few running backs under 5-foot-8 have ever developed into good NFL starting running backs. Despite being well built for his size, Washington does not consistently break tackles. The main concern is that despite his natural talent, he has not proven himself as a 25-plus carry a game starter over an entire college season and rarely do players who were not full-time starters in college become NFL starters. He needs to do a better job of wrapping up the ball when he runs in tight quarters.

What are the odds he eventually emerges as the Jets' primary back?

 

[rascal]

Interesting.

Just offloaded Rhodes for Barlow. Maybe I need to unload Barlow for somebody else

 

[RatMan]

I dunno. I'm a Jets fan and watch/read everything. He definitely will have a "role", as Mangina said, but the backfield is way too crowded. I don't see anyone really standing out yet.

 

[tangfoot]

I dunno. I'm a Jets fan and watch/read everything. He definitely will have a "role", as Mangina said, but the backfield is way too crowded. I don't see anyone really standing out yet.

If you wait until he stands out, you've missed your oppotunity at the snipe.

 

[RatMan]

I dunno. I'm a Jets fan and watch/read everything. He definitely will have a "role", as Mangina said, but the backfield is way too crowded. I don't see anyone really standing out yet.

If you wait until he stands out, you've missed your oppotunity at the snipe.

Good point. I guess I should rephrase it-- I don't see him emerging from the crowded RBBC situation to attain any significant fantasy value this year. It is most likely going to be a 3-headed RBBC in every game, IMO.

 

[tangfoot]

I dunno. I'm a Jets fan and watch/read everything. He definitely will have a "role", as Mangina said, but the backfield is way too crowded. I don't see anyone really standing out yet.

If you wait until he stands out, you've missed your oppotunity at the snipe.

Good point. I guess I should rephrase it-- I don't see him emerging from the crowded RBBC situation to attain any significant fantasy value this year. It is most likely going to be a 3-headed RBBC in every game, IMO.

Ah, then that's a different story altogether. IMO, he's worth a flyer if you have guys worth dumping.Worst case, he can be dangled in front of the Barlow owner.Personally, I'm going after Momo and M. Robinson in SF this week. Don't know that I'll end up getting either one of them, but what the hey.

 

[drpill]

Is it possible this guy could take on a Brian Westbrook-type role with the Jets? He certainly has the measurables for the job... Obviously he would not be the primary ballcarrier in every situation, but if he proves himsself to be an effective weapon over the next couple of games, Mangini will have to keep him on the field as much as possible.

 

[Stashy]

RB's are always thin. It is mos def something to keep an eye on.

 

[broncofan13000]

Picked him up in a dynasty PPR league

Is there any buzz in Jetland over this guy?

 

[broncofan13000]

No news here, but a nice read:

Breakaway breakthrough

Rookie Washington is an escape artist who may get more touches

BY TOM ROCK

Newsday Staff Writer

September 26, 2006

Growing up in Jacksonville, Fla., Leon Washington played a game called "hotball" in which one kid would have to elude the tackles of the other 20. Here on Long Island, it's sometimes called "kill the guy with the ball," a more descriptive and not entirely inaccurate moniker.

Washington developed into a pretty good player - especially considering he was around 11 years old and competing with his 15-year-old brother and his friends - and he built a strong vocabulary of jukes, spins and cuts to elude capture.

Running away from 20 kids on a sandlot is not the same as skittering past 11 NFL defenders. But it did provide a base for what the Jets saw from Washington on Sunday and what they hope to continue to get from the rookie tailback.

"Things like that you take for granted as a child, but they help you out in the National Football League," Washington said. "You get a chance to get out in the open field, you've got all these linebackers and DBs out there, it looks like 20 guys."

Washington has shown he has a knack for making them miss. His 47-yard reception on a short pass and run included a staggering cut that caused the Bills' Nate Clements and Terrence McGee to collide like Keystone Kops. The play ignited the offense and led to the Jets' first touchdown of the game. He flashed even better moves in the third quarter when he took a shovel pass from Chad Pennington and, through a series of condensed contortions in tight quarters, turned it into a gain of about 13 yards that was negated by an illegal player downfield.

"I saw it on film this morning and I was kind of like 'Yeah, wow,'" Washington said.

Washington provided a spark, but at 5-8 and 202 pounds, there is some question whether he can develop into an every-down back like Curtis Martin (who has been in Washington's ear providing tips) or Marshall Faulk (whom Washington grew up emulating). On Sunday, he took only seven handoffs but gained 25 yards, nearly as much as starter Kevan Barlow grinded out (31 yards on 12 carries). Washington may not be the answer to the Jets' running woes - an AFC-worst 2.6 yards per carry - but he is sure to be a slice of the solution. If Barlow's leg injury late Sunday is more than a ding, Washington may become more a chunk than a slice.

Washington and fellow explosive rookie Brad Smith seem to be developing their own playbook for the Jets, a repertoire of gadgets and gimmicks to go along with their natural abilities.

"Anytime you can get Leon the ball in the open field," Pennington said, "you guys can see how exciting he is and how elusive he is."

http://www.newsday.com/sports/footba...=ny-jets-print

 

[sdsjr3]

I'll chime in here as a Jets fan. I didn't get to see this past game, but in the other games I've learned this.

Mangini doesn't seem to have any confidence in Blaylock. Barlow is big enough to be a tough runner, but he just doesn't blast through the hole like you would expect. I think the coaching staff is trying to get a feel for which RB the offense flows best with. It would seem to me that towards the end of the game Sunday...judging by the recap and Sportsline's Gamecenter, that Mangini was comfortable with Leon since he wasn't rotated out as much as Barlow. Somebody that saw the game can probably shed a little more light there. But in terms of who's been the most effective back in any of the games, obviously Leon's performance this past week has some merit.

The O-line pass protects pretty well I think. But the run blocking is #1 tougher to do and they are young, so it'll come. And #2 takes some chemistry and these guys haven't played together but for a few games. As the season progresses, I don't want to jinx my Jets, but expect the offense to get better unless there is an injury on the O-line. One of the RBs will benefit from this. In my humble opinion I think Washington, right now, is the best bet to do that. Call it a hunch. I have never liked Barlow and Blaylock isn't as naturally gifted as Leon. As stated above, Leon's size is the only issue. If he overcomes that with tough running, he could be a good sleeper for weeks 8 - 17.

Hopefully Chase Stuart will chime in here and give his opinion. He likely gets to see all the games. I live in PA so I have to go to the bars to see them usually.

 

[tombonneau]

Nice post.

I'm in a deep 14-team league, have been looking for a suitable upside RB to stash at RB5, but there was literally no one I could see out there worth rostering (barring injury) until I read up on this guy.

Possible nice low risk-moderate reward pickup if you can afford the spot.

BTW, one thing I didn't notice talked about, is the article posted above mentions that Barlow was "dinged" in last weeks game, which could give Washington even more opportunity.

 

[-jb-]

I dunno. I'm a Jets fan and watch/read everything. He definitely will have a "role", as Mangina said, but the backfield is way too crowded. I don't see anyone really standing out yet.

Leon can't do everything...

 

[Nigel]

just grabbed him, thx for the heads up.

 

[Aaronstory]

I dunno. I'm a Jets fan and watch/read everything. He definitely will have a "role", as Mangina said, but the backfield is way too crowded. I don't see anyone really standing out yet.

Leon can't do everything...

 

[Stashy]

The New York Daily News reports Jets starting running back Kevan Barlow is "losing ground quickly" to fourth-round pick Leon Washington.

The Daily News seems to suggest the rookie could overtake Barlow. Washington is seen as the more explosive back and a good fit in the Jets' scheme that requires backs to lineup seven yards behind the QB. He should be claimed by Barlow owners as a handcuff. Sep. 27 - 11:23 am et

Source: New York Daily News

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Check out the Dynasty Watch for Week 4.

 

[broncofan13000]

Check out the Dynasty Watch for Week 4.

 

[NYCGangGreen]

Interesting.

Just offloaded Rhodes for Barlow. Maybe I need to unload Barlow for somebody else

Bad move...Rhodes is going to be an IDP stud for years to come.Barlow is pretty much a body to plug in on Bye Weeks.

 

[Aaronstory]

Interesting.

Just offloaded Rhodes for Barlow. Maybe I need to unload Barlow for somebody else

Bad move...Rhodes is going to be an IDP stud for years to come.Barlow is pretty much a body to plug in on Bye Weeks.

Pretty sure he meant Rhodes, RB IND.On the other hand, I agree 100% about Rhodes, DB NJY.

 

[Rushmore]

We used to call that game something different.

 

[NYCGangGreen]

Interesting.

Just offloaded Rhodes for Barlow. Maybe I need to unload Barlow for somebody else

Bad move...Rhodes is going to be an IDP stud for years to come.Barlow is pretty much a body to plug in on Bye Weeks.

Pretty sure he meant Rhodes, RB IND.On the other hand, I agree 100% about Rhodes, DB NJY.

I hope so.....i didn't even think about D.Rhodes....that guys is an afterthought. In that case .D.Rhodes for Barlow is debatable.

But Kerry Rhodes , no damn way......he is the star of my Def. Players, him Mathis and Gibril kick major rear!!!

 

[PahtyTom]

Interesting.

Just offloaded Rhodes for Barlow. Maybe I need to unload Barlow for somebody else

Bad move...Rhodes is going to be an IDP stud for years to come.Barlow is pretty much a body to plug in on Bye Weeks.

pretty sure he meant Dom Rhodes

 

[TURFPACK]

Hope this helps found this on Draft Sharks:

Insider buzz on Jets rookie RB

We have a customer who knows someone in the Jets organization (team offices, not coaching staff) who mentioned some interesting things he hears about rookie 4th-round RB Leon Washington. "They have been coaching him up lately," our source relayed. "[Eric] Mangini rode him hard all summer and Leon proved he can handle anything. So now he's been meeting with [OC] Brian Schottenheimer and [RB asst. coach] Sam Gash behind closed doors." Hmmm... This rumor-report lands squarely within today's Daily News article that said Kevan Barlow is "losing ground" to Washington. We already know that the staff couldn't think too highly of Derrick Blaylock or Cedric Houston, or they wouldn't have traded for Kevan Barlow. And now Barlow's career continues to show decline as evidenced by his 2.9 yard per carry. Washington did get 9 touches last week, including 1st-down work, and most interestingly he was taken off special teams duty. Take our insider report on Washington for what it is - a little bit of gossip - but don't hesitate to move if you're in need. Remember, another 4th-round RB named Domanick Davis once popped out on a similar young team looking for a spark.

IF you have a roster spot that is used for experiments Leon is worth it.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

someone dropped him last week and im trying to swoop in this week on waivers..dont know results yet. he is a great sleeper play this week, given the comments above and the fact that indy is yielding yards on the ground in bunches. i may start him over jamal lewis..then again i do have titanium balls.

this is the week to get leon. may be too late next week.

 

[Marc Levin]

Interesting.

Just offloaded Rhodes for Barlow. Maybe I need to unload Barlow for somebody else

Bad move...Rhodes is going to be an IDP stud for years to come.Barlow is pretty much a body to plug in on Bye Weeks.

Pretty sure he meant Rhodes, RB IND.On the other hand, I agree 100% about Rhodes, DB NJY.

I hope so.....i didn't even think about D.Rhodes....that guys is an afterthought. In that case .D.Rhodes for Barlow is debatable.

But Kerry Rhodes , no damn way......he is the star of my Def. Players, him Mathis and Gibril kick major rear!!!

NYCGangGreen, have you checked out the IDP forum yet? What do you think of it?

 

[3C's]

shhh. I can't make a move until tomorrow night. Things do seem to be looking up for Leon.

 

[tombonneau]

someone dropped him last week and im trying to swoop in this week on waivers..dont know results yet. he is a great sleeper play this week, given the comments above and the fact that indy is yielding yards on the ground in bunches. i may start him over jamal lewis..then again i do have titanium balls.

this is the week to get leon. may be too late next week.

Bingo. Grab him now if you have room. The way the Colts have been getting GASHED on the ground, come next Monday Washington could be the next Michael Robinson.

 

[Stashy]

Due to poor off week planning I had to pick up Leon for this week and start him. It is always fun to get a under dog in your line up and cheer for them. It's even more satisfying come Monday at work when people will be like Who the F#*$ is Leon Washington. Or he might suck and I'll lose my game.

 

[Wheelhouse]

Good post - I originally drafted Leon Washington, but later dropped him (I forgot who for) and now I just picked him up again as he cleared waivers. If he can be anything near what Patrick Pass was last year for a few weeks, I'll be ecstatic.

 

[Stashy]

Leon WashingtonCoach Eric Mangini is reportedly "considering an expanded role" for RB Leon Washington.Washington played well in Week 3, rushing seven times for 25 yards and catching two passes for 52 yards. "The more he takes advantage of his opportunities, the more they'll come to him," Mangini said.Source: New York Daily News

I deserve a free beer for this one.