Player Spotlight: Jonathan Stewart (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2008 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers

Player Page Link: Jonathan Stewart Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[Jason Wood]

Stewart is one of several rookie backs I could see finishing above the VBD baseline this year. Too many people are focused on his injury IMHO. Yes, it would normally be a concern but consider the following:

1) Carolina drafted him 13th overall -- not something you do if you're worried about an injury

2) Stewart's doctor also happens to be the Panthers team physician -- they had every conceivable advantage over other teams in evaluating Stewart's injury, surgery and post injury recovery time frame.

Then you look at the circumstances and I don't see how you can't love Stewart's prospects in 2008 and beyond.

1) The Panthers drafted Stewart and then followed suit by moving up to grab OT Jeff Otah (a road grader) -- These moves can't be mistaken for anything other than re-establishing an identity as a ball-control, power-running offense

2) The Panthers are in a "win now" mode -- John Fox needs to make noise this year IMHO or we're going to start hearing chatter of Bill Cowher to Carolina in 2009. Coaches and GMs on the hot seat don't draft with an eye toward the future, at least not in the first round. I can't imagine the team doesn't want/plan on using Stewart as a major offensive linchpin in 2008

3) DeAngelo Williams is talented, but do the coaches believe in him? -- I'm pretty confident I think more of D-Will than John Fox and his assistants do. Otherwise how do we explain his limited use or the team's willingness to give DeShaun Foster chance after chance after chance?

Last but not least, Stewart may be a big, bruising back but he's also a talented receiver. I'm not going to argue that D-Will may get more receptions even if Stewart is the main ball carrier, but I would be wary of presuming that Stewart won't be used in passing downs. He's got the skill set to be an every down franchise back. Whether he gets that role in 2008 is up for debate, but he doesn't need it to be a top 20 fantasy back either.

 

[JamesTheScot]

Stewart is one of several rookie backs I could see finishing above the VBD baseline this year. Too many people are focused on his injury IMHO. Yes, it would normally be a concern but consider the following:1) Carolina drafted him 13th overall -- not something you do if you're worried about an injury2) Stewart's doctor also happens to be the Panthers team physician -- they had every conceivable advantage over other teams in evaluating Stewart's injury, surgery and post injury recovery time frame.Then you look at the circumstances and I don't see how you can't love Stewart's prospects in 2008 and beyond.1) The Panthers drafted Stewart and then followed suit by moving up to grab OT Jeff Otah (a road grader) -- These moves can't be mistaken for anything other than re-establishing an identity as a ball-control, power-running offense2) The Panthers are in a "win now" mode -- John Fox needs to make noise this year IMHO or we're going to start hearing chatter of Bill Cowher to Carolina in 2009. Coaches and GMs on the hot seat don't draft with an eye toward the future, at least not in the first round. I can't imagine the team doesn't want/plan on using Stewart as a major offensive linchpin in 20083) DeAngelo Williams is talented, but do the coaches believe in him? -- I'm pretty confident I think more of D-Will than John Fox and his assistants do. Otherwise how do we explain his limited use or the team's willingness to give DeShaun Foster chance after chance after chance? Last but not least, Stewart may be a big, bruising back but he's also a talented receiver. I'm not going to argue that D-Will may get more receptions even if Stewart is the main ball carrier, but I would be wary of presuming that Stewart won't be used in passing downs. He's got the skill set to be an every down franchise back. Whether he gets that role in 2008 is up for debate, but he doesn't need it to be a top 20 fantasy back either.

No projections? :(I think if I had a desperate "win now in 2008" mentality, I'd go for veteran free agents, not a rookies, especially at tackle. I think Fox is leaning on the injury crutch as an excuse and thinks some better luck in the injury department will get him the wins he needs this season to see his investment pay off in 2009 and on.

 

[Jason Wood]

Stewart is one of several rookie backs I could see finishing above the VBD baseline this year. Too many people are focused on his injury IMHO. Yes, it would normally be a concern but consider the following:

1) Carolina drafted him 13th overall -- not something you do if you're worried about an injury

2) Stewart's doctor also happens to be the Panthers team physician -- they had every conceivable advantage over other teams in evaluating Stewart's injury, surgery and post injury recovery time frame.

Then you look at the circumstances and I don't see how you can't love Stewart's prospects in 2008 and beyond.

1) The Panthers drafted Stewart and then followed suit by moving up to grab OT Jeff Otah (a road grader) -- These moves can't be mistaken for anything other than re-establishing an identity as a ball-control, power-running offense

2) The Panthers are in a "win now" mode -- John Fox needs to make noise this year IMHO or we're going to start hearing chatter of Bill Cowher to Carolina in 2009. Coaches and GMs on the hot seat don't draft with an eye toward the future, at least not in the first round. I can't imagine the team doesn't want/plan on using Stewart as a major offensive linchpin in 2008

3) DeAngelo Williams is talented, but do the coaches believe in him? -- I'm pretty confident I think more of D-Will than John Fox and his assistants do. Otherwise how do we explain his limited use or the team's willingness to give DeShaun Foster chance after chance after chance?

Last but not least, Stewart may be a big, bruising back but he's also a talented receiver. I'm not going to argue that D-Will may get more receptions even if Stewart is the main ball carrier, but I would be wary of presuming that Stewart won't be used in passing downs. He's got the skill set to be an every down franchise back. Whether he gets that role in 2008 is up for debate, but he doesn't need it to be a top 20 fantasy back either.

No projections? I think if I had a desperate "win now in 2008" mentality, I'd go for veteran free agents, not a rookies, especially at tackle. I think Fox is leaning on the injury crutch as an excuse and thinks some better luck in the injury department will get him the wins he needs this season to see his investment pay off in 2009 and on.

Sorry, I generally save my projections for the final writeup (if I'm the author), but rules are rules:
235 carries
1,115 yards (4.7 YPR)
6 rushing TDs
18 receptions
140 receiving yards
162 fantasy points (RB22)

 

[mikel0254]

I can envision an Addai/Rhodes type of situation from 2006. Williams getting the starts and majority of carries very early on, with Stewart increasing carries every week. In that year, Addai had 226 carries and Rhodes had 187. I can see very similar numbers from Stewart and Williams (with Stewart ending up with the majority)

230 carries / 1,012 yards (4.4 / carry) / 7 TD's

25 receptions / 175 yards (7.0 / rec) / 1 TD's

Much higher ceiling than floor, IMO. Plenty of upside if he goes off in training camp. I'll be targeting him as my RB3, but think he will be producing as a low end RB1/top end RB2 by FF Playoffs. Great value this year... If it's a keeper league, grab him now b/c he won't be this cheap next year

 

[Tackling Dummies]

I can envision an Addai/Rhodes type of situation from 2006. Williams getting the starts and majority of carries very early on, with Stewart increasing carries every week. In that year, Addai had 226 carries and Rhodes had 187. I can see very similar numbers from Stewart and Williams (with Stewart ending up with the majority)230 carries / 1,012 yards (4.4 / carry) / 7 TD's25 receptions / 175 yards (7.0 / rec) / 1 TD'sMuch higher ceiling than floor, IMO. Plenty of upside if he goes off in training camp. I'll be targeting him as my RB3, but think he will be producing as a low end RB1/top end RB2 by FF Playoffs. Great value this year... If it's a keeper league, grab him now b/c he won't be this cheap next year

Bump up a few more TDs, but otherwise, I agree 100% on the RB1/RB1a scenerio w/ Williams from the start.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

Just when D'Angelo Williams thought he would be the #1 back in the Queen City, the Panthers selected RB standout Jonathan Stewart from Oregan with the 13th pick in this year's draft. Stewart was an animal in college who made defenders look silly on a weekly basis. He knows how to break through a tackle, run a defender over, and has good speed. He is exactly what the Panthers need for the their running attack. The Panthers will be trying to get the running game back on track this year which is something they have not been able to do the past couple of years. DeShaun Foster and DWill were not a good combo for the running game as both players struggled getting yards and TDs. I really do think Fox has his RB he wants now and I for one would not be shocked to see Stewart hit double digits in TDs. I think we will see a RB Committe, but when the Panthers are inside the red zone, you better believe Stewarts going to be the guy they give the ball to, not D'Angelo. D'Ang just does not fit the offensive run scheme the Panthers are going to run. The offense will be much more productive with Stewart on the field. My bold prediction for Stewart this year is not that he gets double digit TDs, but that the Rookie of the Year is in Charlotte NC, not Oakland CA.

215/1100/10

Top 15 RB by the end of the season.

 

[RBM]

Big fan. Not more to add than what is being stated above. He will start out splitting but his talent will take him to the feature role.

1050/7

And huge expectations for '09.

 

[MAC_32]

If he gets the bulk from day 1 and stays healthy I think he's top 10 come season's end.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

How is the toe anyway? If he can't get into shape by training camp I like Williams chances to become the starting running back at least early on anyway.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

How is the toe anyway? If he can't get into shape by training camp I like Williams chances to become the starting running back at least early on anyway.

His toe will be fine. I have not heard or read one thing about him having problems with his toe. And trust me, this dude will be in shape come week one. Oh, and DWill will be the starting RB for the Panthers if he stays healthy during training camp. I just think eventually Dwill gets hurt, or Stewart takes over after the first month or so after DWill struggles as the starting RB like I think he will.

 

[css2373]

Stewart is one of several rookie backs I could see finishing above the VBD baseline this year. Too many people are focused on his injury IMHO. Yes, it would normally be a concern but consider the following:

1) Carolina drafted him 13th overall -- not something you do if you're worried about an injury

2) Stewart's doctor also happens to be the Panthers team physician -- they had every conceivable advantage over other teams in evaluating Stewart's injury, surgery and post injury recovery time frame.

Then you look at the circumstances and I don't see how you can't love Stewart's prospects in 2008 and beyond.

1) The Panthers drafted Stewart and then followed suit by moving up to grab OT Jeff Otah (a road grader) -- These moves can't be mistaken for anything other than re-establishing an identity as a ball-control, power-running offense

2) The Panthers are in a "win now" mode -- John Fox needs to make noise this year IMHO or we're going to start hearing chatter of Bill Cowher to Carolina in 2009. Coaches and GMs on the hot seat don't draft with an eye toward the future, at least not in the first round. I can't imagine the team doesn't want/plan on using Stewart as a major offensive linchpin in 2008

3) DeAngelo Williams is talented, but do the coaches believe in him? -- I'm pretty confident I think more of D-Will than John Fox and his assistants do. Otherwise how do we explain his limited use or the team's willingness to give DeShaun Foster chance after chance after chance?

Last but not least, Stewart may be a big, bruising back but he's also a talented receiver. I'm not going to argue that D-Will may get more receptions even if Stewart is the main ball carrier, but I would be wary of presuming that Stewart won't be used in passing downs. He's got the skill set to be an every down franchise back. Whether he gets that role in 2008 is up for debate, but he doesn't need it to be a top 20 fantasy back either.

Just curious, how did you know this?

 

[laughinboy_2000]

Stewart is one of several rookie backs I could see finishing above the VBD baseline this year. Too many people are focused on his injury IMHO. Yes, it would normally be a concern but consider the following:

1) Carolina drafted him 13th overall -- not something you do if you're worried about an injury

2) Stewart's doctor also happens to be the Panthers team physician -- they had every conceivable advantage over other teams in evaluating Stewart's injury, surgery and post injury recovery time frame.

Then you look at the circumstances and I don't see how you can't love Stewart's prospects in 2008 and beyond.

1) The Panthers drafted Stewart and then followed suit by moving up to grab OT Jeff Otah (a road grader) -- These moves can't be mistaken for anything other than re-establishing an identity as a ball-control, power-running offense

2) The Panthers are in a "win now" mode -- John Fox needs to make noise this year IMHO or we're going to start hearing chatter of Bill Cowher to Carolina in 2009. Coaches and GMs on the hot seat don't draft with an eye toward the future, at least not in the first round. I can't imagine the team doesn't want/plan on using Stewart as a major offensive linchpin in 2008

3) DeAngelo Williams is talented, but do the coaches believe in him? -- I'm pretty confident I think more of D-Will than John Fox and his assistants do. Otherwise how do we explain his limited use or the team's willingness to give DeShaun Foster chance after chance after chance?

Last but not least, Stewart may be a big, bruising back but he's also a talented receiver. I'm not going to argue that D-Will may get more receptions even if Stewart is the main ball carrier, but I would be wary of presuming that Stewart won't be used in passing downs. He's got the skill set to be an every down franchise back. Whether he gets that role in 2008 is up for debate, but he doesn't need it to be a top 20 fantasy back either.

Just curious, how did you know this?

I've read what Jason was talking about somewhere. Let me do some research and I'll provide a link. Or if Jason can post something before I find a link go right ahead.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

Stewart is one of several rookie backs I could see finishing above the VBD baseline this year. Too many people are focused on his injury IMHO. Yes, it would normally be a concern but consider the following:

1) Carolina drafted him 13th overall -- not something you do if you're worried about an injury

2) Stewart's doctor also happens to be the Panthers team physician -- they had every conceivable advantage over other teams in evaluating Stewart's injury, surgery and post injury recovery time frame.

Then you look at the circumstances and I don't see how you can't love Stewart's prospects in 2008 and beyond.

1) The Panthers drafted Stewart and then followed suit by moving up to grab OT Jeff Otah (a road grader) -- These moves can't be mistaken for anything other than re-establishing an identity as a ball-control, power-running offense

2) The Panthers are in a "win now" mode -- John Fox needs to make noise this year IMHO or we're going to start hearing chatter of Bill Cowher to Carolina in 2009. Coaches and GMs on the hot seat don't draft with an eye toward the future, at least not in the first round. I can't imagine the team doesn't want/plan on using Stewart as a major offensive linchpin in 2008

3) DeAngelo Williams is talented, but do the coaches believe in him? -- I'm pretty confident I think more of D-Will than John Fox and his assistants do. Otherwise how do we explain his limited use or the team's willingness to give DeShaun Foster chance after chance after chance?

Last but not least, Stewart may be a big, bruising back but he's also a talented receiver. I'm not going to argue that D-Will may get more receptions even if Stewart is the main ball carrier, but I would be wary of presuming that Stewart won't be used in passing downs. He's got the skill set to be an every down franchise back. Whether he gets that role in 2008 is up for debate, but he doesn't need it to be a top 20 fantasy back either.

Just curious, how did you know this?

I've read what Jason was talking about somewhere. Let me do some research and I'll provide a link. Or if Jason can post something before I find a link go right ahead.

Didn't take as long as I thought it would.http://www.panthers.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=31806

Fox on Stewart's offseason turf toe surgery: Our doctor, Dr. Bob Anderson, did the surgery. He is one of the team doctors, so we are very familiar with the procedure and the rehab involved. There is not an exact science to anything medically, but we felt good about him being ready for training camp.

 

[mlball77]

I guess I see more of a RBBC in CAR in 08. Williams finished pretty strong last year and has earned some decent touches this year, imho. Admittedly, I am still in the camp that thinks Stewart will see a bit more of the action and most of the goal line work, making him the more productive of the two in 08.

Rush Yds: 850

Rush TDs: 6

Recs: 20

Rec Yds: 140

Rec TDs: 1

 

[Jon_Moore]

Right now I'm in the minority that thinks Williams gets most of the looks from the early going. He averaged 5 Yards per game last year, he's averaged over 105 Yards per game when given 20 carries in a game. I think eventually they want Stewart to be the man, but he's going to have to come in and take it, rather than just being thrown on the field saying here you go, and if Deangelo plays the way he did last year, it won't be as easy as it seems.

It's a great situation for fantasy success though. Steve Smith is one of the best play makers in the league, he can take it the distance every time he touches it. Defenses will focus on him before they worry about the running game, leaving alot open underneath for the backs. The defense in CAR will keep them in the game so they won't be forced to chuck it. Drafting a tackle would at least suggest they want to run it more this year, though they did bring in two good receivers, so maybe it's not a ton more.

163 Rushes

718 Yards

7 TDs

12 Receptions

82 Yards

 

[Wildman]

See avatar...

1100 total yards, 7 scores...

 

[LBH]

1150 yds rushing 300 recieving 8 TDs

My opinion is that he was drafted to be the feature RB

 

[The Jacket]

200-900-7

15-100-0

 

[T Bell]

It sounds like they're using him in all aspects of their offense, including the passing game and short yardage:

On offense, the highlights came on two D.J. Hackett touchdown receptions (one from Jake Delhomme and the other from Matt Moore) and two nifty scores from running back Jonathan Stewart, one on the ground and the other through the air.

* * *

ON THE RISE: The Panthers are using Stewart quite a bit in the passing game and that appears to be a good idea. Be-cause of his height (or lack thereof), defenders tend to lose sight of him. By the time they figure out where he is, Stewart is long gone. Plus, he's very tough to bring down in the open field. I still haven't seen Stewart play in a real game yet so I reserve judgment, but I will say the kid has looked outstanding so far in camp. And he needs to,20because DeAngelo Williams is performing well, too.

 

[Jayrod]

He is also their kick returner in case you're interested....

 

[T Bell]

He is also their kick returner in case you're interested....

If he's getting significant carries in their offense, I wouldn't expect for that to remain the case for very long. In fact, whether or not they use him as their KR may be the litmus test for whether he's earned the primary RB job in Carolina.

 

[Jayrod]

He is also their kick returner in case you're interested....

If he's getting significant carries in their offense, I wouldn't expect for that to remain the case for very long. In fact, whether or not they use him as their KR may be the litmus test for whether he's earned the primary RB job in Carolina.

From the article (interview with John Fox):

Question:Are you nervous about your potential feature running back returning kickoffs?

Answer: It's no different than when Steve Smith was as our punt returner. We'll just evaluate that as we go.

 

[T Bell]

Stewart's been limited for four days because of his toe. Is anyone else concerned that this is going to be an ongoing problem?

 

[FFdork]

Stewart's been limited for four days because of his toe. Is anyone else concerned that this is going to be an ongoing problem?

It's still early, but I'm concerned about for this year. I'd probably let someone else take the risk in a re-draft at his current ADP.The bright side of this would be getting him later than expected in a dynasty/rookie draft, which recently happened with me.