Radar Watch '04 (1 Viewer)

[Birdie048]

May 4, 2004, 19:49

Seahawks - LB Bates Takes Shot Plugging Middle

Clare Farnsworth, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

During the team's minicamp that concluded Sunday and the passing camp that continues through tomorrow, Solomon Bates is the middle linebacker -- in part because former starter Randall Godfrey left in free agency, Orlando Huff remains sidelined following shoulder surgery, and the club hasn't found a veteran free agent worth signing.

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As an IDP guy who thinks that the SEA MLB position could be a goldmine, especially if filled by a rookie or young unknown guy (my favorite--S. Bates becuase i'd be able to nab him from my league's WW).  We'll see.  However, they'll probably give heavy consideration to a FA MLB after the June 1st cuts.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming once Huff recovers from shoulder surgery he'll be the starter at MLB not Bates. I don't know much about this situation though, I'm just assuming that Huff will be the starter from ourlads listing him there. The question that I want answered before jumping on Bates, is how long will Huff be out while recovering from his injury.

Huff has been on my radar the past two seasons, but has been a let down in both seasons - because the Seahawks either bought in someone else to do the job or he was injured. Seems to me that the Seahawks dont have a lot of faith in him to do the job and I believe they will use him as the backup to either Bates or a post June cuts signee.

Didn't Wash LB J Trotter make it clear he wants to play for SEA / DC Ray Rhodes. There's a possible MLB....Jeremiah Trotter Wants To Play For Seattle

League officials have told Pro Football Central that soon-to-be free agent LB Jeremiah Trotter (Redskins) wants to play for the Seattle Seahawks. Trotter, who was drafted in 1998 by former Eagles coach and now Seattle defensive Coordinator Ray Rhodes, has made it perfectly clear that he wants to play for Rhodes again. The Seahawks, who have revamped their defense this offseason, still see the middle linebacker spot as a need. Current starter Orlando Huff only had 1 sack and twenty tackles for the team last year.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

The Blogger had this one up this morning but thought I would share -- there is a nice "setup" article today in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the upcoming training camp battle between Clark Haggans and Alonzo Jackson for Jason Gildon's old OLB spot. Not a lot of insight yet, but good background information.

Haggans, Jackson in a rush

Realistically, I expect Haggans to begin the season as the starter in the every-down 3-4 package and Jackson as a situational rusher out of the dime and maybe nickel packages. If you see Jackson start the season as the full-time starter, you may want to keep an eye on him because it will likely mean that he really "gets it" and may inherit the full Jason Gildon role right out of the gate. **** LeBeau will probably tweak the LB schemes quite a bit anyway, though, so if Haggans gets the call, it's likely that you will see increased sack opportunities for Joey Porter and Kendrell Bell. Farrior should remain the Steelers' tackle machine.

 

[TME]

How do you feel about Dwayne Rudd? Yes, I know, a name that normally would not warrant much, if any consideration. But, with the Raiders going to the 3-4, and the great DL they will have to rotate in the front 3, I think the two Oakland ILB's (of course Harris being the other) will have an opportunity to produce. Looking around at other ILB's in the 3-4 set, it seems as though they cannot help but be productive (e.g. Bell and Farrior, Sharper and Foreman, Lewis and Hartwell, Bruschi and, well OK). Can Rudd be a solid LB2 this year in a heavy IDP league similar to a Bruschi last year behind big Ted?

 

[cracKer]

Ronnie Heard, SF

S Ronnie Heard has played a lot as a backup, but his role could grow even more with the expected departure of starting FS Zack Bronson. Heard's coverage skills need work, but he once had three interceptions in a game in 2002. TSN

Another player to keep an eye in here is Dwaine Carpenter. A first year player in '03 (27 years old), he had nine solo tackles in the season finale.

49ers | Lewis Could Be Special Teams Guy - from www.KFFL.comMon, 26 Apr 2004 09:35:54 -0700

Matthew Barrows, of the Sacramento Bee, reports with San Francisco 49ers SS Dwaine Carpenter expected to step in at free safety if veteran S Zack Bronson is released this summer, rookie S Keith Lewis' best chance for playing time likely will be on special teams

49ers | Heard Practices with First Team - from www.KFFL.comSat, 8 May 2004 19:50:36 -0700

San Francisco 49ers S Ronnie Heard was elevated to the starting free safety spot, and was taking snaps with the first team on Saturday, May 8, according to SF49ers.com.

On the 5th the report was that Carpernter is "penciled" in as the starter

 

[koreansteve]

from rotoworld:

Andre Carter - SF - DL - May 10

Defensive end Andre Carter will play some linebacker this season.This should help his IDP numbers - more tackles, less sacks.

 

[Warpig]

Hey cracker...first off you are the man! Your IDP wisdom is second to none. I was wondering if anyone had any info on Anton Palepoi. I inherited a dynasty league with him on it and I've never heard of him or anything about him. Is he worth holding onto? Also, what do you think of Tony Hargrove (rookie DE for Rams)? I was thinking about drafting this guy in the 5th round in another of my dynasty leagues. I figure with the departure of Wistrom and Little possibly being suspended that this guy may have a legit chance at starting this year. Please enlighten me with your knowledge.THanks!

 

[cracKer]

Thanks Warpig.

Palepoi was drafted in the late second round (2002) and that was considered a reach. He hurt his knee during his final season in college and only played half a year (4.5 sacks in 6 games during '01). With the thought being that maybe the Seahawks knew something that we didn't, he became an intriguing prospect, but he hasn't done much in two NFL seasons. It looks like he's lost some weight, which could help his speed which was already considered an asset, and we may see him as a pass rush specialist. I'm not expecting much.

I don't know much about Hargrove, but my cohorts (Rudnicki and Magaw) have both touched on him in reports that've been posted.

NFC West Rookies

STL Team Report

 

[cracKer]

Lamont Thompson, TEN

By playing well as the nickel back down the stretch, S Lamont Thompson put himself in the team's plans for 2004. Thompson is big enough (220 pounds) to play in run support and quick enough to match up against slot receivers. He also could play free safety down the road. FS Lance Schulters will have shoulder surgery and has a big cap figure. TSN

I was real high on Thompson coming out of college. He looked like a tremendous playmaker at Washington State and may one of those guys that just took a couple of years to "get it" after being a bust through his first two years.

Titans | Thompson Wants to Start - from www.KFFL.comThu, 20 May 2004 19:23:08 -0700

Tennessee Titans FS Lamont Thompson would like to challenge for a starting spot this year after being utilized mostly in nickel situations and on special teams last season, reports Kyle Payne of TitansOnline.com. "He's learning the defense, and if you recall last year he came in and played at nickel back throughout the playoffs and did a nice job with that," head coach Jeff Fisher said. "He's versatile and can play a lot of different positions, so we are hoping that he will just continue to improve and hopefully he can compete for a starting spot."

 

[cracKer]

DL

Kalimba Edwards, DET

Let's fire up the bandwagon again

Lions | Edwards Making Improvement - from www.KFFL.com

Fri, 26 Mar 2004 12:59:29 -0800

The Detroit News reports Detroit Lions DE Kalimba Edwards (hernia) has shown marked improvement, according to Lions head coach Steve Mariucci. Edwards was hampered last season because of a hernia. "He said to me two weeks ago, he feels better than in years," Mariucci said of Edwards. "He's starting to gain some weight, some strength. I think he's going to come alive."

DE Kalimba Edwards is back—and this time, he’s all of the way back. The third-year defensive end is recovering from off-season sports hernia surgery and feels he is ready to go in 2004. "You never know until you put on the pads," Edwards said. "But I can run, do all of the agility drills and do sit-ups."blogger

 

[pretender]

Alonzo Jackson, PIT

OLB Alonzo Jackson, the team's second-round pick in 2003, likely will start in 2004, replacing Jason Gildon, who likely will be let go. Gildon had his lowest sack totals in nearly six years and has lost his quick first step. With his pass-rush ability, quickness and long arms, Jackson could flourish in new coordinator **** LeBeau's system. TSN

I was reading that Gildon is gone and the Steelers have named his replacement as I think Clark Haggins. What does this do for Alonzo Jacksons value. I currently have him on my taxi squad and could leave him there for this season but, is he worth keeping?

 

[cracKer]

Jackson is definitely worth keeping and I think he's a perfect practice squad type this year. I don't know if he'll be used in anything more than pass rush situations, but they seem to like his talent and he could find his way to more playing time down the road.

 

[pretender]

What about some of these mid to late round rookie pickups for potential:Antonio Smith ARZ DERasheem Orr HOU DE (rumoured to move to LB)Joey Thomas CB GRBShould they even be on the radar screen?

 

[bhotz76]

I don't know if he'll be used in anything more than pass rush situations

Your right Cracker, Jackson will see the filed this season as a situational pass rusher.Also I would like to add this, I saw Jackson at training camp last season. There was not a single lineman that was able to pass block Jackson. If he gets on the field enough he could have a double digit sack year

 

[koreansteve]

Peter Boulware - LB - BAL Jun 2 2004 1:34PM The News

LB Peter Boulware could be limited to situational duty this season after offseason knee surgery.

Our Take

Boulware will miss the Ravens remaining minicamps and likely most of Training Camp. If he's ready for the Ravens opener, he'll probably be limited to a situational pass rusher for most of the season. Adalius Thomas is a candidate to replace him.

 

[themailman]

DL

Ryan Denney, BUF

Chris Kelsay, BUF

DB

Terrence McGee, BUF

Coy Wire, BUF

I'll give my opinions on the Bills players you mentioned:I'm pretty sure Ryan Denney started every game for the Bills this year, but as far as I could tell he did next to nothing with the opportunity. I think the Bills will definitely look to upgrade the DE position opposite Schobel because they often had to rely on the blitz to generate pressure on opposing QBs. Chris Kelsay started to get worked into the rotation more and more as the season progressed so I'd expect him to get a good chance to win the job if a big name FA or rookie isn't brought in. I believe he drew some comparisons to Grant Wistrom coming out of college - not the most athletic player, but has a great motor and could become a productive starter. If you have to pick one of the two, Kelsay definitely is the one to choose as he has much more upside at this point, IMO. Personally, I'm hoping the Bills can grab a DE like Will Smith in the draft to plug in as a starter from day 1.

With the Bills not bringing in a big name player - what's the thoughts on Dennay and Kelsay now?tia

 

[aaronr28]

With the Bills not bringing in a big name player - what's the thoughts on Dennay and Kelsay now?tia

they are expected to compete for the starting job during training camp and preseason. Denney has become a decent run defender but offers very little when it comes to rushing the passer. I think the fact the Bills didn't draft a DE speaks volumes for what they think of Kelsay, so I hope he can live up to the expectations. With both players being young and not great all around DEs at this time, I'm guessing you'll see a bit of a rotation. They also have Keith McKenzie and Jason Gildon now to use on passing downs as well, and there have been some reports that even the rookie Tim Anderson might see some time at DE if needed.Bottom line: The LDE spot for the Bills is crowded this year, and none of the players are likely to provide a whole lot of production on their own. I think Kelsay has good value in deep dynasty leagues though, because Schobel is a free agent after this year, and Kelsay could position himself to inherit that RDE spot in 2005 if the Bills are unable to re-sign Schobel.

 

[Mapmaker]

Say Cracker what are your thoughts on Terrell Suggs for this season ... all I keep hearin' is he's leaner and meaner and with Defensive ROY honours last year while only starting 1 game ... how good is this kid gonna be this year if he starts every game ??I'm expecting his tackles and assists to more than double from last year due to more play and look for the sack numbers to climb from 12 to 14 or 16 ... this kid seem's to see RED when that ball is snapped and the QB starts into his drop-back ... with Garcia, Maddox and Palmer all on his targets list twice this year I think the second year man will become Ray's favorite Raven to watch ... any thoughts ???

 

[GridironMenace]

TRAVIAN SMITH. The guy racked up 50 solo tackles in only 7 games started and 10 games played. Is this guy going to get a chance to start? If so he could be the steal of the draft.

 

[-OZ-]

Kawika Mitchell - MLB, Chiefs.This player fits the new defensive scheme and while he was not in control in the games he played last year, he has the motor to man the mike in the attack style defense. He's hardly talked about here, and is probably available on WW in most leagues.

 

[GridironMenace]

Mitchell isn't going to start. Maslowski will.

 

[-OZ-]

Mitchell isn't going to start. Maslowski will.

Maybe. Maybe not.It's an open competition.If everyone else is against him, great. I'll gladly take him late in drafts in larger leagues, I'm not saying he's going to be a top 20 or anything like that, but he's a good risk to take in larger leagues.

 

[The_Hunchback]

Mitchell isn't going to start.  Maslowski will.

Maybe. Maybe not.It's an open competition.If everyone else is against him, great. I'll gladly take him late in drafts in larger leagues, I'm not saying he's going to be a top 20 or anything like that, but he's a good risk to take in larger leagues.

From everything that I have heard the Defense really missed Mas last year and are glad that he is back. Here are some comparisons from last year:Maslowski:10 starts 45tack, 14ast, 4PDdefense allowed 1305 yds, 6tds in 10 games - 130yds and .6tds/gmMitchell:6 starts - 12tack, 3ast, 1int, 1pddefense allowed 1039 yds, 12tds in 6 games - 173yds/gm and 2tds/gmNow I didn't go into the passing part of this, and I understand that Mitchell probably didn't play as much in his 6 games that Mas did in his 10. But do you really think that the Chiefs coaching staff doesn't know these numbers? With these in mind do you really think that the team isn't going to give first dibs on the MLB to Mas without a whole lot of competition? I think Mas starts regardless if Mitchell tears it up in preseason. Mitchell will only be on the field if and when Mas gets hurt (again).

 

[TME]

But do you really think that the Chiefs coaching staff doesn't know these numbers?

Maz's numbers have nothing do with whether or not he will get the job. The fact of the matter remains that the middle of the Chief's defense has been porous as heck the past two years, which includes his tackle machine numbers from two years ago. Now that is not all the MLB's fault. It starts with the DTs too. But, the fact that the middle is so porous is why Wesley makes such a great fantasy DB, and that giant hole in the middle is why they drafted Mitchell last year and Siavii at DT this year. My point - the middle needs some improvement. A lot of improvement. Frankly, I believe that Maz is not the answer. He is a down right terrible MLB that plays the position like a SS not a MLB. The guy just catches people as they are running over him 5 yards past the line and everything that he misses Wesley mops up for him, which is quite a bit.I think Mitchell has all the talent to be the guy this year. He just has to get use to the jump from small college ball to proball. He should be much more comfortable with the speed of the game this year. If he gets his head on straight, he should suplant Maz this year.Just my $0.02

 

[themailman]

With the Bills not bringing in a big name player - what's the thoughts on Dennay and Kelsay now?tia

they are expected to compete for the starting job during training camp and preseason. Denney has become a decent run defender but offers very little when it comes to rushing the passer. I think the fact the Bills didn't draft a DE speaks volumes for what they think of Kelsay, so I hope he can live up to the expectations. With both players being young and not great all around DEs at this time, I'm guessing you'll see a bit of a rotation. They also have Keith McKenzie and Jason Gildon now to use on passing downs as well, and there have been some reports that even the rookie Tim Anderson might see some time at DE if needed.Bottom line: The LDE spot for the Bills is crowded this year, and none of the players are likely to provide a whole lot of production on their own. I think Kelsay has good value in deep dynasty leagues though, because Schobel is a free agent after this year, and Kelsay could position himself to inherit that RDE spot in 2005 if the Bills are unable to re-sign Schobel.

Hey - saw this on FFMM and thought I'd share it here..-- Bills LDE Competition --Wed Aug 11, 2004 --from FFMastermind.comThe Buffalo News reports Bills DE Ryan Denney has the early edge over DE Chris Kelsay for the team's starting left defensive end job. Denney was the starting left defensive end for the team last season. The Bills need Denney or Kelsay to raise the level of his game to make the defensive line solid across the board. Both are former second round draft picks. The Bills ranked ninth in the NFL in sacks a year ago, but the only defensive lineman who provided consistent pressure was RDE Aaron Schobel.

 

[SkyRattlers]

Here's a name that I didn't mention.

"Big Play" Terrence Holt?

If the team drafts University of Miami S Sean Taylor in the first round, it could put the squeeze on SS Brian Walker, who has three years left on his contract. Terrence Holt, who finished strong as a rookie, is expected to start at free safety. Taylor is an ideal fit on the strong side. Walker, 31, is not well-suited for a backup role because he isn't a strong special teams player; he could end up being released. CB Otis Smith, 38, likely will get an offer to return for another season because the team believes he still can be effective. He brings experience to a young unit. TSN

Lions | Holt Given Time to Learn - from www.KFFL.comFri, 26 Mar 2004 07:13:30 -0800

Curt Sylvester, of the Detroit Free Press, reports second-year S Terrence Holt will now be given time to develop as a backup due to the addition of FS Brock Marion.

Reports now say that Marion will start at FS with Brian Walker at SS :(

With Walker being put on the IR does that mean Holt is the starting SS now?

 

[cracKer]

With Walker being put on the IR does that mean Holt is the starting SS now?

Nope, looks like Bracey Walker will start week one.

 

[cracKer]

bump

 

[Burning Sensation]

bump

Ive got a good feeling about the Bills CB's in 2004, if Mcgee and/or Clements are available in your league, snatch them up.

 

[purplehaze67]

Ive got a good feeling about the Bills CB's in 2004, if Mcgee and/or Clements are available in your league, snatch them up.

While on the subject of these two, is it reasonable to think that they'll continue to be above-average starters in a 12-team league? Or is this the classic case of a career year followed up by regression to the mean? Should owners be looking to sell while value remains high?

 

[Weiner Dog]

Ive got a good feeling about the Bills CB's in 2004, if Mcgee and/or Clements are available in your league, snatch them up.

While on the subject of these two, is it reasonable to think that they'll continue to be above-average starters in a 12-team league? Or is this the classic case of a career year followed up by regression to the mean? Should owners be looking to sell while value remains high?

If Losman is the new starting QB for BUF, I would definitely sell high. Teams will throw less on the Bills in an effort to protect their 7-0 lead.I'm a tadbit excited about Troy Vincent's prospects as a FS. Shut-down CB's who move to FS (i.e. Rod Woodson, Marcus Coleman, etc) can be extremely productive.

 

[Gringoloco]

Should owners be looking to sell while value remains high?

I would say yes. Unless I really think my IDP is a legitimate blue chip NFL player, I often try to get rid of IDP's just after a big year.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Should owners be looking to sell while value remains high?

I would say yes. Unless I really think my IDP is a legitimate blue chip NFL player, I often try to get rid of IDP's just after a big year.

we traded nick harper after '03 & used pick to get daryl smith in dynasty league.we traded jerametrius butler (who i like & think is legit due to system/scheme resons) after this season, as part of a package to get will witherspoon.maybe with a LB, i would look at them more closely... antonio pierce had a career year, but he never had chance b4, and was said to have played at pro bowl level by some scouts. obviously in case where a guy gets opportunity & runs with it, he could even improve in subsequent years with experience, & is less vulnerable to the astute & non-trivial "regression to mean" concerns. CBs stats might be expected to fluctuate more from season to season, & be fraught with periodic, random oscillations due to being pumped up by big plays like INTs. LBs are probably inherently less transient, with the bulk of scoring stemming from steady eddie tackle stats, and less contingent on flukey big plays. except for "best pound-for-pound" tackler at CB in the NFL, antoine winfield (as was probably mentioned somewhere in this thread), who is a voracious & prolific tackler, if CB does have big season (butler got like 5 of rams 6 INTs this season... opposite CB travis fisher was hurt a lot this season... they both got 2-3 the previous season, with fisher getting a couple TDs in '03), they are probably avoided next season.now a CB like dunta robinson i would want to keep... he looks like he could be winfield 2.0 tackler, and could get half dozen sacks now that they realize where his strengths are (they didn't turn him loose on blitzes until around IND game)... but the case of rookie is sort of like pierce... different than case of vet, journeyman type who happens to have career season.ILB foley for chargers looked good... because he is LB, those stats might be more reproducible... though for dynasty considerations i think he is not young. i like it if i can take a position where i happened to get big scoring, but may be in a position that i am confident i can get on the WW (we got harper in first place week 1-2 in '03, and had latitude to trade him because we already had gamble... who we got in month 2-3 in '04), and if you find a fit or match with an owner with strength in other positions but maybe weak in secondary, willing to give up a pick that could be used on a harder to fill position... like LB.if a LB has a sudden surge & spike of production, it is worth looking harder to see if the spike occurred for identifiable reasons... if i think so, i might be inclined to keep... as that is usually the position of most importance that i like to prioritize filling first... you can move up the stack/ladder in this way... & amass ever greater strongholds of talent in the "money" positions of LB, DE & SS.exception might be when age comes into play... a guy like foley should be moved at some point b4 he plays old & his value plummets.other exception, as noted, is if you had a monster CB like winfield, it might be mistake to think you should parlay him into "more important" position of SS, as he will outscore most of those types anyway... a few, rare CBs are this way.