Steve Smith Rams (1 Viewer)

[socrates]

Steve Smith looked completely healthy this preseason. He is the most talented receiver on the team, perhaps even by a rather wide margin (if he is back anywhere close to his pre-injury form). He is a starter to begin the season, yet very little is being said about Smith. I like him as a WR3-4 with upside to be a solid WR2, and he requires very little investment.

Where have you guys been seeing Smith go in recent drafts?

 

[Zeff]

Steve Smith looked completely healthy this preseason. He is the most talented receiver on the team, perhaps even by a rather wide margin (if he is back anywhere close to his pre-injury form). He is a starter to begin the season, yet very little is being said about Smith. I like him as a WR3-4 with upside to be a solid WR2, and he requires very little investment.Where have you guys been seeing Smith go in recent drafts?

I've been seeing him NOT going in drafts. So that ought to tell you how popular he isn't at the moment.I agree with you that he represents an interesting chance at a value. My only concern, and I've stated this before, is that I feel like EVERYBODY who's shaping up to be instrumental in that Rams' offense is someone who thrives in the short game, and struggles to create separation downfield. I think at some point, the Fisher plan is going to necessitate more field stretching. When that happens, I'm not sure that Smith can morph into that guy. I'm also not sure that if that happens he doesn't get squeezed out of the short game by Amendola, who I feel is clearly and demonstrably Bradford's security blanket.

 

[DeaLerZ]

Steve Smith looked completely healthy this preseason. He is the most talented receiver on the team, perhaps even by a rather wide margin (if he is back anywhere close to his pre-injury form). He is a starter to begin the season, yet very little is being said about Smith. I like him as a WR3-4 with upside to be a solid WR2, and he requires very little investment.

Where have you guys been seeing Smith go in recent drafts?

No one is talking about him because he hasn't done anything significant in the NFL in over two years... now grant it he was plagued by injury, and a very strong WR corps in NY that didn't miss him very much when he was hurt... I definitely think he is worthy of discussion because someone has to do well in STL.. and I remember it wasn't too long ago that Bradford made Mark Clayton fantasy significant until Clayton got hurt...

I think Amendola actually helps everyone's value in STL because he is Bradford's security blanket and I think is one of the big reasons Bradford struggled last year... I think Amendola is good for about 80 rec, 900 yds, and 5 tds... which makes him a worthy #4 WR

I think Steve Smith can be the other guy.. 70 rec, 900-1000 yds, 5tds.. so definitely fantasy relevant

I got him in the 16th round in most of my drafts... so even if he doesn't pan out.. it is very little cost "right now"... but I would say as the seasons starts more people will pay attention to him as the STL wr corps plays itself out

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Value pick because in many drafts he's going undrafted. Does he really make any kind of impact fantasy wise, I doubt it. I think the Rams will struggle in the passing game and really don't havea good fantasy option at Wr.

They play Detroit week 1 in a game that should yield points. Look at players that don't do well in that game and cross them off. Guys that may like a Smith or Amendola (sp), I would go forward with caution. I may start Danny A. in a PPR flex spot this week considering the matchup.

 

[RenegadeGM]

I too was buying into Smith as a late-round flier until this popped up on his player page in my league this morning:

Sunday, Sep 2 at 11:23amSmith was the No. 3 wide receiver on the Rams first official depth chart of the 2012 season.Analysis: Smith looked to have sewn up the starting job over Brandon Gibson but apparently the coaches felt differently. That being said, we expect a lot of movement on the Rams' wide receiving depth chart this year and because of that only Danny Amendola seems like the surest bet if you are looking to the Rams for help at wide receiver.

I went to the Rams' website to confirm and it was there. And, yes, I do understand depth charts are just charts and don't necessarily dictate what will happen on the field.Now, it could be that Smith will play the slot and still get more looks than Gibson. Or could it be that Smith and Amendola are too similar in skillset and Gibson gives them an option to stretch the field a bit more?I still think Smith will obviously be much more productive than Gibson, but this makes me wonder just a bit if he is in line for the season I'm starting to see many call for.

 

[socrates]

Value pick because in many drafts he's going undrafted. Does he really make any kind of impact fantasy wise, I doubt it. I think the Rams will struggle in the passing game and really don't havea good fantasy option at Wr.They play Detroit week 1 in a game that should yield points. Look at players that don't do well in that game and cross them off. Guys that may like a Smith or Amendola (sp), I would go forward with caution. I may start Danny A. in a PPR flex spot this week considering the matchup.

I suspected Smith was largely going undrafted. I am not suggesting Smith is a guy you could plug in and play early in the season, even as a flex play, but I do think he is going to have to show something early to keep the Rams' young receivers at bay. Bradford did look for Smith on some deep balls, although they failed to connect. Prior to his micro-fracture surgery, Smith ran excellent routes, had terrific hands and concentration, and IIRC, he was not solely an underneath route runner. Once he shakes off the rust, I could see Smith being the WR to own in St. Louis (for whatever that is worth).

 

[socrates]

I too was buying into Smith as a late-round flier until this popped up on his player page in my league this morning:

Sunday, Sep 2 at 11:23amSmith was the No. 3 wide receiver on the Rams first official depth chart of the 2012 season.Analysis: Smith looked to have sewn up the starting job over Brandon Gibson but apparently the coaches felt differently. That being said, we expect a lot of movement on the Rams' wide receiving depth chart this year and because of that only Danny Amendola seems like the surest bet if you are looking to the Rams for help at wide receiver.

I went to the Rams' website to confirm and it was there. And, yes, I do understand depth charts are just charts and don't necessarily dictate what will happen on the field.Now, it could be that Smith will play the slot and still get more looks than Gibson. Or could it be that Smith and Amendola are too similar in skillset and Gibson gives them an option to stretch the field a bit more?I still think Smith will obviously be much more productive than Gibson, but this makes me wonder just a bit if he is in line for the season I'm starting to see many call for.

Interesting. I guess I checked the wrong sites! This does not temper my hopes for Smith much, however. Thanks for the information!

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

He'll be a black hole in just about any starting lineup. Almost the equivalent of taking a zero.

 

[VibeBox]

He'll be a black hole in just about any starting lineup. Almost the equivalent of taking a zero.

sadly this is the quality of response i have come to expect from posters on this forum.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

He'll be a black hole in just about any starting lineup. Almost the equivalent of taking a zero.

sadly this is the quality of response i have come to expect from posters on this forum.

Amazing What can happen in a month...

 

[Zeff]

I think they're probably trying to keep Gibson in their base offense on the theory that it'll be a smoother transition once they get Brian Quick running on all cylinders.

 

[The Jerk]

He'll be a black hole in just about any starting lineup. Almost the equivalent of taking a zero.

sadly this is the quality of response i have come to expect from posters on this forum.

Amazing What can happen in a month...

I'm not sure what the complaint is about. I think Sandeman very succinctly got the point across that Smith -- in Sandeman's opinion -- has almost zero value in nearly any league. That may or may not be correct, but it's pretty clear where Sandeman stands on the issue.The Rams WR corps is interesting, in that it is likely that at least one player there would be a contender for a WR3 role in most leagues, but it's far from certain which one. And it's been that way for months. In reality, none of them may be any good except for spot starts. So while I wouldn't say there is zero value, I certainly would not be much more positive about any one specific player there.Basically, Smith is a low-priced lottery ticket to me. And I don't see it as a very high payout even if you hit. Deeper leagues, deep benches, then sure, go ahead and take a chance.

 

[robb]

I think they're probably trying to keep Gibson in their base offense on the theory that it'll be a smoother transition once they get Brian Quick running on all cylinders.

So.......I am contemplating dropping Quick in waivers this week (we can do thru Wed). Is he worth a keep or should I try and get a RB5 instead?

 

[duaneok66]

I watched the Rams preseason game twice (yes, I have no life). Behind Amendola (who played on the majority of first team snaps) Gibson, Smith, and Givens rotated. It's a mess and I don't want any part of it.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

He'll be a black hole in just about any starting lineup. Almost the equivalent of taking a zero.

sadly this is the quality of response i have come to expect from posters on this forum.

Amazing What can happen in a month...

I'm not sure what the complaint is about. I think Sandeman very succinctly got the point across that Smith -- in Sandeman's opinion -- has almost zero value in nearly any league. That may or may not be correct, but it's pretty clear where Sandeman stands on the issue.The Rams WR corps is interesting, in that it is likely that at least one player there would be a contender for a WR3 role in most leagues, but it's far from certain which one. And it's been that way for months. In reality, none of them may be any good except for spot starts. So while I wouldn't say there is zero value, I certainly would not be much more positive about any one specific player there.Basically, Smith is a low-priced lottery ticket to me. And I don't see it as a very high payout even if you hit. Deeper leagues, deep benches, then sure, go ahead and take a chance.

Wasn't trying to be a jerk. Was trying to be unambiguous.There's a reason he's gone undrafted in many leagues. You're looking for praise and hope here. I won't give you that unless I believe it too.ETA: I believe the Rams will define suck this year. I am targeting defenses all over the place to matchup against them.

 

[VibeBox]

you were anything BUT unambiguous though. sorry to single you out in particular, but i came to this forum for in depth discussion. so far all i've found is bandwagon threads, and the same topics over and over with plain statements that contain no supporting info, no statistical analysis, and really no help.

i shouldn't have hijacked this thread though. ignore me.

 

[socrates]

you were anything BUT unambiguous though. sorry to single you out in particular, but i came to this forum for in depth discussion. so far all i've found is bandwagon threads, and the same topics over and over with plain statements that contain no supporting info, no statistical analysis, and really no help.i shouldn't have hijacked this thread though. ignore me.

Regrettably, there is little to rely upon for statistical information. Smith's last full season was his Pro Bowl 2009 season, which is well documented. Smith hauled in 107 of the 157 passes thrown to him (68% rate) for 1,220 yards and 7 TDs. Prior to his injury, Smith was known as a crafty route runner and one of the better technical receivers in the league. There has been little ballyhoo over Smith this preseason because he fizzled with the Eagles last season, but he is a year further removed now from microfracture surgery.The news that encourages me most this preseason is the lack of news about Smith's knee. Head Coach Jeff Fisher remarked, "He's doing maintenance, like most people who have had prior injury history with the knees, but he's stayed out of the training room and that's a good sign for him."While that is certainly not a ringing endorsement, it is a very positive sign. Smith realizes this may be his last chance. He signed for a one-year deal this March.Smith had a quiet 6 catches for 84 yards this preseason, but I am encouraged that in the Rams' final game, where the starters played deep, Smith led all Rams' receivers with 53 yards (admittedly not against #1s).I believe the talent and opportunity are there for Smith to have a bounce-back season. The real question is how the Rams will use Smith. Bradford is looking to redeem himself as well this season, Amendola is back from his own injury, but the Rams' receiving corps is unproven. That is where Smith could step in nicely. Smith lends a veteran presence to the St. Louis receiving game, and I still believe Bradford is a budding star.Smith is the ultimate buy-low candidate, because he costs you essentially nothing, aside from the roster spot. At the very least, Smith should be on your free-agent watch list. He is only 27, so Smith could still have some productive seasons ahead if he proves he has not lost his skills to injuries.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

MFL has projected Steve for 65-725-6. I could see his receptions easily going 10-15 either way but I'd argue they are a ways off on the yardage. He has been used a lot more in the intermediate and deep routes with Danny still ruling everything underneath and at line of scrimmage. If he gets to 65-70 rec he'all approach 900-1000yards

 

[tud_duke]

Depending on league size, if he doesnt do anything week 1 vs det you can probably safely drop him and pick him back up later if he starts making noise. Chances are if you own him, you are the only one in your league that thinks he's rosterable. If not, a crap week 1 will insure that. Eta: that's my plan anyways

 

[Eminence]

Guy has caught 107 passes in a season before. If you are playing in PPR and don't have him rostered (if he is on your waiver wire) you should consider a new hobby.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

I just don't see this as a great fit in STL (if Amendola's there as well). Simply don't think he'll be an effective deep or outside receiver.

But this is a team that still employs Brandon Gibson as a starting WR, so if anything, Smith is gonna get a long look. Really couldn't have picked a better team to try and rehab his value.

 

[Manster]

I'm contemplating snagging him of the ww, although I still think Amendola is the guy to have.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

you were anything BUT unambiguous though. sorry to single you out in particular, but i came to this forum for in depth discussion. so far all i've found is bandwagon threads, and the same topics over and over with plain statements that contain no supporting info, no statistical analysis, and really no help.i shouldn't have hijacked this thread though. ignore me.

You and I have different definitions of unambiguous. If you're disappointed in what you read here, that's too bad. There's a boatload of top-tier analysis. You have to wade through some BS to find it but it's there.

 

[FF Ninja]

Steve Smith, StL

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Guy has caught 107 passes in a season before. If you are playing in PPR and don't have him rostered (if he is on your waiver wire) you should consider a new hobby.

Marty Booker caught 100 once. Three years later - same as Smith - he finished his career with 50, 39, 55, 50, 14, 16.He's no Harrison. He's no Welker. He's not even assured of a starting role. If you got extra roster space, go for it. But if you're limited, there must be better options, even if it's a backup TE or a handcuff. If you are starting this guy, you are in trouble.

 

[VibeBox]

Regrettably, there is little to rely upon for statistical information. Smith's last full season was his Pro Bowl 2009 season, which is well documented. Smith hauled in 107 of the 157 passes thrown to him (68% rate) for 1,220 yards and 7 TDs. Prior to his injury, Smith was known as a crafty route runner and one of the better technical receivers in the league. There has been little ballyhoo over Smith this preseason because he fizzled with the Eagles last season, but he is a year further removed now from microfracture surgery.The news that encourages me most this preseason is the lack of news about Smith's knee. Head Coach Jeff Fisher remarked, "He's doing maintenance, like most people who have had prior injury history with the knees, but he's stayed out of the training room and that's a good sign for him."While that is certainly not a ringing endorsement, it is a very positive sign. Smith realizes this may be his last chance. He signed for a one-year deal this March.Smith had a quiet 6 catches for 84 yards this preseason, but I am encouraged that in the Rams' final game, where the starters played deep, Smith led all Rams' receivers with 53 yards (admittedly not against #1s).I believe the talent and opportunity are there for Smith to have a bounce-back season. The real question is how the Rams will use Smith. Bradford is looking to redeem himself as well this season, Amendola is back from his own injury, but the Rams' receiving corps is unproven. That is where Smith could step in nicely. Smith lends a veteran presence to the St. Louis receiving game, and I still believe Bradford is a budding star.Smith is the ultimate buy-low candidate, because he costs you essentially nothing, aside from the roster spot. At the very least, Smith should be on your free-agent watch list. He is only 27, so Smith could still have some productive seasons ahead if he proves he has not lost his skills to injuries.

excellent post

You and I have different definitions of unambiguous. If you're disappointed in what you read here, that's too bad. There's a boatload of top-tier analysis. You have to wade through some BS to find it but it's there.

you gave no explanation of why you felt he was a donut. it could have been for any number of reasons, meaning it was basically a vauge ambiguous post.for the record, i tend to agree with amendola's skill set overlap being the big negative in terms of opportunity. i don't draft him only because i know i don't have to, but he's on my waiver wire watch list in just about every league

 

[whatadai]

He'll be a black hole in just about any starting lineup. Almost the equivalent of taking a zero.

No one's talking about starting him...he's being talked about as a flier. End of the roster stash. He's my 8th WR on my active roster...and he's only on active cause he's a cheap cut...I have 3 more waiting on my practice squad.

 

[Zeff]

I think they're probably trying to keep Gibson in their base offense on the theory that it'll be a smoother transition once they get Brian Quick running on all cylinders.

So.......I am contemplating dropping Quick in waivers this week (we can do thru Wed). Is he worth a keep or should I try and get a RB5 instead?

Given the buzz around Quick in the off-season leading up to camp, I have to imagine Fisher and Friends bent over backwards to try to force him to develop into a starting WR by day 1. That Quick is still on the outside looking in tells me he's still got work to do, and probably won't be fantasy relevant until late this year, if at all. I see no real value there for 2012/13 at this point, even though I still believe that Rams are planning around his talents. Things can and do change, of course, but that's how I'd approach him.

 

[gbill2004]

He's this years Victor Cruz.