Summary of How Top Rookie IDP Are Doing (1 Viewer)

[Islander]

Here is my summary of how the top IDP rookies are doing so far. Preseason is not so important for vets, but I tend to rely on preseason quite a bit for rookies. Feel free to add to this ESPECIALLY if you have seen preseason games that I may not have seen.

Sorry I can't quote where I got all of this, this is just a summary of my notes. Sometimes it's from my own views, sometimes it's from what I read from many of you here

A.J. Hawk. Clear starter at WLB, will be on the field on every snap. Had a relatively slow start in camp, there were some rumblings that he was a little disappointing early on and that Hodge looked better. Was not so good in the game vs Chargers, got schooled by Gates, but that's Gates. Looked better in the Falcons game with 1 tkl 3 asst 1 PD in the first half.

E Sims. Started camp behind Alex Lewis at WLB but was recently named starter. Will most likely be on the field on every snap, although some say he might not stay on 3rd downs because he's too aggressive. Some discussion here http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=260135. Concussions are a concern but nothing to report so far. Has done well so far in preseason game, looked good, and had nice stat line in his last game 3-3-1.

D Ryans. Started camp behind Cowart but is now the starter at MLB. Will probably be on the field on every snap. Behaves like a vet in camp, shows football smarts and impresses coaches. In the first preseason game he got 4-2 in the first half, but in the 2nd game vs Rams he got pushed around quite a bit and only had one tackle in the first half.

DQ Jackson. Was backup behind C Thompson, but started the two preseason games because Thompson has been out. The depth chart has DQ as the starter. Can someone confirm this? So even when Thompson comes back, DQ stays starter? In the 1st game, DQ was pretty active and looked good. In the 2nd game he only had one assist in the 1st half. Got and INT and FF in the 2nd half against backups.

T Howard. Started all three preseason games at OLB. I believe he's on the weak side. Some were not sure if D Clark would really stay on the bench, but it looks like he will. So T Howard is on. Howard has looked pretty good so far. In the last game, he got 3-1 in the first half.

M Lawson. Starter at OLB but in 34 scheme so will not be as productive as some others listed above. Three tackles in first half in his last game.

M Huff. Had to beat Gibson for starting job, and Huff is now the starter at SS. However he is moving around quite a bit, he was CB on some plays. In his first game he did not start, but played most of the first half with the first team. Played like a rookie and missed some tackles. In the 2nd game he started and only got one tackle. In the 3rd game he got 1 tkl 1 INT 1 PD in the first half, but sprained an ankle. Any update on his ankle?

D Whitner. Got in camp late due to holdout. Has to beat Bowen for SS starting job. Whitner started the last game at SS but Bowen was out. Depth chart shows Whitner is the starter, but may rotate with Bowen. Anyone has an update? 2 asst and one PD in the last game.

R McIntosh. Projected starter at WLB, but might not play all three downs. Did not start the first preseason game, but started at DE in 2nd game because Skins used hybrid 34 43 defense. Has looked good so far in camp but needs to learn the defense. He's not a starter yet based on the depth chart.

D Bullocks. T Holt is the starter so far in both preseason games. In the last game, Bullocks played quite a bit in the first half, 3-1 plus 2 tackles on special teams.

J Allen. Not starter yet in Miami. Hill (FS) and Tillman (SS) started the last game.

B Pollard. Good prospect that the Chiefs like, hits like a demon. However S Knight is still the starter. Pollard played in the 2nd half against the Giants and looked great.

J Page. Like Pollard, he's having a good camp, but he's still the backup.

A Hodge. There were rumors he could start at MLB instead of Barnett, but that was put to rest recently. Has not started preseason games. Packers considering him as a starter at SLB.

C Greenway. Out for the year.

Sorry I don't have anything for DLs yet. If you can add anything here that would be great.

 

[My Ditka]

Who would you rather have - Ryans or DQ? Whitner, Huff or Pollard?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

A lot of my thoughts will be covered in the next rookie 100. some additions:

Sims: CRUSHING sack and generally flying around the field looking do some damage.

Hawk: McCarthy insists that we will see the real Hawk once he's comfortable mentally.

Ryans: Very competent, not exciting, but will rack up tackles.

Jackson: Even if he starts, second fiddle to Davis for now, but I don't see Chaun Thompson keeping him out of the lineup for long.

Lawson: Much more active in his 2nd game, still havent seen a good consistent pass rush from him

Huff: VERY active in run support, and almost returned a pick for a TD vs. Alex Smith and SF.

Whitner: I think he's the solid starter to begin the year in Buffalo.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Who would you rather have - Ryans or DQ? Whitner, Huff or Pollard?

RyansHuff

 

[Jene Bramel]

Here is my summary of how the top IDP rookies are doing so far.



Sorry I can't quote where I got all of this, this is just a summary of my notes.



DQ Jackson. Was backup behind C Thompson, but started the two preseason games because Thompson has been out. The depth chart has DQ as the starter. Can someone confirm this? So even when Thompson comes back, DQ stays starter? In the 1st game, DQ was pretty active and looked good. In the 2nd game he only had one assist in the 1st half. Got and INT and FF in the 2nd half against backups.

Chaun Thompson was a stopgap at ILB anyway and needed the snaps to learn the role as he mostly played outside last year. I haven't seen any confirmation, but DQJ is the permanent starter now IMO. Thompson returns this week but may have already fallen too far behind. From the Cleveland Plain Dealer: [He said he knows he's lost some ground at inside linebacker to rookie D'Qwell Jackson. "D'Qwell is a good athlete, and he went in there and made some real good plays," said Thompson. "I've just got to work my butt off. We still have time to compete." ]

T Howard. Started all three preseason games at OLB. I believe he's on the weak side. Some were not sure if D Clark would really stay on the bench, but it looks like he will. So T Howard is on. Howard has looked pretty good so far. In the last game, he got 3-1 in the first half.

You're correct

M Huff. Had to beat Gibson for starting job, and Huff is now the starter at SS. However he is moving around quite a bit, he was CB on some plays. In his first game he did not start, but played most of the first half with the first team. Played like a rookie and missed some tackles. In the 2nd game he started and only got one tackle. In the 3rd game he got 1 tkl 1 INT 1 PD in the first half, but sprained an ankle. Any update on his ankle?

He won't play this week, but the injury isn't considered serious. He may not return for the final pre-season game but should be ready for week one. (Link)

Sorry I don't have anything for DLs yet. If you can add anything here that would be great.

Not too much to add. Mario Williams looks very solid. Tamba Hali is quietly impressing coaches in Kansas City -- it's probably only a matter of time before he starts. Darryl Tapp and Mathias Kiwanuka are situational players for now. Claude Wroten looks good and may push LaRoi Glover for PT at UT. Victor Adenajyu is the best of the second tier for now although Ray Edwards has looked good too.

Awesome update, Islander. It's appreciated.

 

[ffchamp1]

Here is my summary of how the top IDP rookies are doing so far. Preseason is not so important for vets, but I tend to rely on preseason quite a bit for rookies. Feel free to add to this ESPECIALLY if you have seen preseason games that I may not have seen.

Sorry I can't quote where I got all of this, this is just a summary of my notes. Sometimes it's from my own views, sometimes it's from what I read from many of you here

A.J. Hawk. Clear starter at WLB, will be on the field on every snap. Had a relatively slow start in camp, there were some rumblings that he was a little disappointing early on and that Hodge looked better. Was not so good in the game vs Chargers, got schooled by Gates, but that's Gates. Looked better in the Falcons game with 1 tkl 3 asst 1 PD in the first half.

E Sims. Started camp behind Alex Lewis at WLB but was recently named starter. Will most likely be on the field on every snap, although some say he might not stay on 3rd downs because he's too aggressive. Some discussion here http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=260135. Concussions are a concern but nothing to report so far. Has done well so far in preseason game, looked good, and had nice stat line in his last game 3-3-1.

D Ryans. Started camp behind Cowart but is now the starter at MLB. Will probably be on the field on every snap. Behaves like a vet in camp, shows football smarts and impresses coaches. In the first preseason game he got 4-2 in the first half, but in the 2nd game vs Rams he got pushed around quite a bit and only had one tackle in the first half.

DQ Jackson. Was backup behind C Thompson, but started the two preseason games because Thompson has been out. The depth chart has DQ as the starter. Can someone confirm this? So even when Thompson comes back, DQ stays starter? In the 1st game, DQ was pretty active and looked good. In the 2nd game he only had one assist in the 1st half. Got and INT and FF in the 2nd half against backups.

T Howard. Started all three preseason games at OLB. I believe he's on the weak side. Some were not sure if D Clark would really stay on the bench, but it looks like he will. So T Howard is on. Howard has looked pretty good so far. In the last game, he got 3-1 in the first half.

M Lawson. Starter at OLB but in 34 scheme so will not be as productive as some others listed above. Three tackles in first half in his last game.

M Huff. Had to beat Gibson for starting job, and Huff is now the starter at SS. However he is moving around quite a bit, he was CB on some plays. In his first game he did not start, but played most of the first half with the first team. Played like a rookie and missed some tackles. In the 2nd game he started and only got one tackle. In the 3rd game he got 1 tkl 1 INT 1 PD in the first half, but sprained an ankle. Any update on his ankle?

D Whitner. Got in camp late due to holdout. Has to beat Bowen for SS starting job. Whitner started the last game at SS but Bowen was out. Depth chart shows Whitner is the starter, but may rotate with Bowen. Anyone has an update? 2 asst and one PD in the last game.

R McIntosh. Projected starter at WLB, but might not play all three downs. Did not start the first preseason game, but started at DE in 2nd game because Skins used hybrid 34 43 defense. Has looked good so far in camp but needs to learn the defense. He's not a starter yet based on the depth chart.

D Bullocks. T Holt is the starter so far in both preseason games. In the last game, Bullocks played quite a bit in the first half, 3-1 plus 2 tackles on special teams.

J Allen. Not starter yet in Miami. Hill (FS) and Tillman (SS) started the last game.

B Pollard. Good prospect that the Chiefs like, hits like a demon. However S Knight is still the starter. Pollard played in the 2nd half against the Giants and looked great.

J Page. Like Pollard, he's having a good camp, but he's still the backup.

A Hodge. There were rumors he could start at MLB instead of Barnett, but that was put to rest recently. Has not started preseason games. Packers considering him as a starter at SLB.

C Greenway. Out for the year.

Sorry I don't have anything for DLs yet. If you can add anything here that would be great.

Tillman beat out Allen for the starting jobWimbley looks to be the starter next to DQ, and DQ should hold it when Chuan returns

Roman Harper is close or has secured the starting spot at S in New Orleans

Whitner has beaten out Bowen

Sims will/should be a 3 down backer

Anthony Smith is not expected to start in PIT

Kelly Jennings is battling Kelly Herndon in SEA

James Anderson is battling/losing to Na'ill Diggs at WLB in CAR

Clint Ingram is falling behind Nick Grieson and Pat Thomas in JAX to replace Akin Ayodole

Bobby Carpenter has moved inside in the 3/4 and is now pushing Akin Ayodole

Tuclloch,Wilkinson,Keaiho, Lande,Schlegel,Dobbins at LB have not warranted much more than reserve spots on their teams

Dwan Landry has made a late push for the S job in BALT to replace Demps

Just a few off the top of my head

Tom

 

[Chaos Commish]

Wimbley looks to be the starter next to DQ, and DQ should hold it when Chuan returns

He looks extremely good. The fantasy value is sketchy, but he's a boost to that defense. I knew he'd be excellent off the edge pass rushing, but he's showing solid instincts in run support too.

 

[Islander]

Who would you rather have - Ryans or DQ? Whitner, Huff or Pollard?

LB = Ryans in both redraft and dynasty.DB = Huff for redraft. Pollard would be interesting for dynasty, but it'll go with Huff again.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Wimbley looks to be the starter next to DQ, and DQ should hold it when Chuan returns

He looks extremely good. The fantasy value is sketchy, but he's a boost to that defense. I knew he'd be excellent off the edge pass rushing, but he's showing solid instincts in run support too.

Agreed - He's looking much more like a natural LB than Lawson at this point. He's the best pass rusher on Cleveland by far already.

 

[Islander]

Tillman beat out Allen for the starting job

Wimbley looks to be the starter next to DQ, and DQ should hold it when Chuan returns

Roman Harper is close or has secured the starting spot at S in New OrleansWhitner has beaten out Bowen

Sims will/should be a 3 down backer

Anthony Smith is not expected to start in PIT

Kelly Jennings is battling Kelly Herndon in SEA

James Anderson is battling/losing to Na'ill Diggs at WLB in CAR

Clint Ingram is falling behind Nick Grieson and Pat Thomas in JAX to replace Akin Ayodole

Bobby Carpenter has moved inside in the 3/4 and is now pushing Akin Ayodole

Tuclloch,Wilkinson,Keaiho, Lande,Schlegel,Dobbins at LB have not warranted much more than reserve spots on their teams

Dwan Landry has made a late push for the S job in BALT to replace Demps

Just a few off the top of my head

Tom

Ah yes, R Harper - he's a key one that I forgot. Good catch on your part.Harper started at SS last game, next to FS Bellamy. B Scott, Stoutmire, and Bullocks were all backups. Do you expect R Harper to stay at SS? If Harper starts all year at SS, I have to move him way up in my rankings. The SS position will be very productive in NO this year (and has been in the past). Note that Stoutmire started the first preseason game at SS and got 2-3 in the first half. Harper started the second game at SS and he was 2-2 in the first half, not counting his 2 tackles on special teams (and one FF).

Harper is not listed anywhere in the redraft DB rankings (out of 92 players!). I am assuming this will change drastically if you are right and that Harper is starting already.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Harper is not listed anywhere in the redraft DB rankings (out of 92 players!). I am assuming this will change drastically if you are right and that Harper is starting already.

I've all but taken every Saint LB and DB out of my rankings -- I've left Bullocks alone because the Saints are silly if they don't play him -- until I have some idea of who will be slotted where. If you're in a dynasty league, I wouldn't touch anybody but Charles Grant, Will Smith, Josh Bullocks, and Roman Harper right now. You might still hold Fincher or Foreman or Bockwoldt until the season begins but I wouldn't hold my breath on any of them. The LB that the Saints take in the first round or sign in free agency next season is the guy you'll want.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Whitner is officially the starter now.

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

An MRI on strong safety Matt Bowen's tender lower right leg was negative. Bowen has been recovering from a bone bruise and re-aggravated the injury during practice on Monday. He's doubtful for Saturday. Jauron has handed rookie Donte Whitner, the team's top draft choice, the starting job...

 

[My Ditka]

Whitner is officially the starter now.

what is his upside this year? top 10? top 20?

 

[Chaos Commish]

Whitner is going to be a nice IDP for years to come.Other DBs not yet mentioned.Jimmy Smith has a lock on a starting corner job. He's an aggressive run support corner with great size and decent ball skills. He should get picked on regularly. That's made for some nice rookie corner stats in the past.Antonio Cromartie is in a fierce battle with Drayton Florence to find himself in a similar position as Smith, but teams will still likely pick on Jammer with equality. Marty is mum as to who is emerging in the camp battle but most observers know Cromartie has been the most impressive. Danieal Manning is very close to starting in Chicago. They love his speed, and with the uncertainty surrounding Brown, Manning could break out as a rookie.Johnathan Joseph has looked good and the Bengals are not real happy with James who struggled at times last year. Joseph has impressed in run support, he has great closing speed and hands, and he has a serious wager with Ko Simpson as to who will have a better rookie season. I vote Joseph, but he's probably a nickel until mistakes by others or injury gives him a shot. I would argue he is better than either Bronco rookie corner from a year ago, and they put up some stats when the opportunity came.It's all Whitner in Buffalo, and I haven't heard much about Simpson.Richard Marshall has nearly locked down Ricky Manning's role in the nickel, but it's still a battle. I graded him much higher than most draftniks and was disappointed he went to Carolina. Gamble and Lucas will keep him a situational player, but if he collects the nickel role, he too, could get a starting shot after an injury elsewhere and be that picked on rookie. You do not want to pick on this guy. He is a playmaker and terrific in run support too.Great story involving what a team guy Keyshawn is:

Marshall showed what he can do at Jacksonville, intercepting David Garrard in the Jaguars end zone to thwart a long drive to open the second half. "It felt really good," said Marshall of his first pick as a Panther. "When I got up on the line, Keyshawn (Johnson) kept telling me to press their receiver. Keyshawn said he could tell they were going to throw my way. I was listening to Keyshawn, and when I pressed him Keyshawn called Ball' and I turned around and it was sitting right there in my hands." Marshall may have been given an assist on that play, but what he brings to the table in terms of athleticism is something to which only genetics can be credited. But the best part for the Panthers is that he is applying that God given ability on the field. "He's a good football player," said safety Mike Minter. "He's going to help us out. He's making plays. That's what it comes down to is making plays. This guy understands football and he listens. When you tell him something he's going to respond to what you say. That's the biggest thing with a young guy is will he listen to the veterans on the football field? He does that."

 

[Chaos Commish]

Also, I forgot my favorite team's best story.

Tall Pat Watkins got the surprise start last week and played well. He's free safety and he said the D was so good there wasn't much for him to do, but he didn't blow any assignments. Has he won the job? I have a hunch he has. Now, what kind of player is he and can he be an FS who puts up stats? Not sure, but it bears watching because of his very unique measureables and skillset. He loves to hit by the way. He has great range and is a well above average ballhawk. It will take a bunch of picks for him to have fantasy implications, but I really like what I'm hearing.

 

[JayMan]

Wimbley looks to be the starter next to DQ, and DQ should hold it when Chuan returns

He looks extremely good. The fantasy value is sketchy, but he's a boost to that defense. I knew he'd be excellent off the edge pass rushing, but he's showing solid instincts in run support too.

Agreed - He's looking much more like a natural LB than Lawson at this point. He's the best pass rusher on Cleveland by far already.

Good to hear... What would you do in a [DYNASTY] league with the 1.11 and 2.12 picks - that rewards IDP for sacks(6) and ints(8) only...I'm asking because I'm playing with the idea of grabbing Super Mario at 1.11 (if Norwood and Jennings are gone) or Wimbley (or Lawson) at 2.12... Will Super Mario be that much of a premium pick (sack wise) over Wimbley or is it just not worth it?

 

[Islander]

Chaun Thompson was a stopgap at ILB anyway and needed the snaps to learn the role as he mostly played outside last year. I haven't seen any confirmation, but DQJ is the permanent starter now IMO. Thompson returns this week but may have already fallen too far behind. From the Cleveland Plain Dealer: [He said he knows he's lost some ground at inside linebacker to rookie D'Qwell Jackson. "D'Qwell is a good athlete, and he went in there and made some real good plays," said Thompson. "I've just got to work my butt off. We still have time to compete." ]

FYI, C Thompson started yesterday, which is kinda surprising. DQ is still backup for the moment, might not start week #1.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Just some more notes on the rooks. Toured the AFC this morning. This isn't big unless you're a Bills fan or need to start DTs, but Kyle Williams is being called a steal of the draft by Bills staffers.

Rookie DT Kyle Williams is shaping up as a fifth-round steal for the Bills. Williams, who had 176 tackles and 16.5 sacks at LSU where he anchored a nationally ranked defense, is logging regular time with the first unit.

He's a classic quick one-gapper and those are usually the best stat producers for interior lineman IDPs. Nothing on McCargo, btw.Also in Buffalo, they seem very happy with Ko Simpson. He's not replacing Vincent, but Vincent isn't going to be around much longer (this has to be his last year, right?).

"Clearly we thought he was a good player, we drafted him and we thought he had a lot of upside," coach #### Jauron said. "I don't want to say his ball skills are a surprise because it's not a surprise, but maybe the level of them. The degree is even better than we thought. Hopefully he's one of those players that when he gets a chance to make a play he makes it and that's what he's shown us. I think he's done a real nice job for us."

In Baltimore, 5th rounder DaWan Landry has the inside track for the SS job.

The Ravens like his physical presence, especially when dropping close to the line of scrimmage. It's unknown whether Sapp, a high-motor player, will get another chance with the starting defense."I don't think it's fair to shut the door on anybody," defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. "These last couple of weeks, I've seen improvement in Gerome Sapp. And I'm excited about Landry. He's been thrown to the wolves right now, but he doesn't look out of place to me."

His brother LaRon and LSU will go in the top 15 picks next year, but he's an FS. DaWan may turn out to be the more productive IDP. That position in that defense, while inconsistent, can put up some nice points. It's just an anonymous blurb from a practice observer, but I read Ahmad Brooks has the look of a dominant LB in Cincy. Still behind and learning, but his playmaking ability is off the charts.Another miscelleneous comment, Not only is DQwell Jackson not earning a starting job, he is in a real camp battle with fellow rookie Leon Williams for a second string spot on the depth chart. They played together in place of Thompson and Davis, and Williams was in Davis role, DQ in Chaun's. Two ways of interpreting that.Surprise first day draft pick, Steelers rookie Anthony Smith is making a lot of plays in games and in practice. He had two picks in his first game, a sack in the next, and some impressive plays and a HUGE hit in the third. This is a player. Tyrone Carter is starting at FS, and I don't see him holding off Smith (who plays a heckofa lot like Polamalu).Stephen Tulluch is impressing at MLB in Tennessee. Well, maybe he's not impressing, his competition is just playing horrible. If he's still out there in your dynasty league, make a spot. Elvis Dumervil (worth rooting for) is not only making the team in Denver, but it looks like some special packages are being developed to exploit his unique abilities. He's been lining up at DT (even NT) on passing downs to use his quickness and penetrate. More conventionally, he's nearly wrapped up the 3rd down rush specialist spot in Shanny's ongoing attempts to generate a pass rush.Don't be too excited about Thomas Howard. He recently said he overruns everything and doesn't think he should start.

 

[tex]

Pollard may well have won the job last night. Knight started but Pollard had 4 solos, 1 int. and a FF, while all Knight had was 2 solos and 1 assist. Didn't see the game yet but sounds like Pollard had a monster night.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Pollard may well have won the job last night. Knight started but Pollard had 4 solos, 1 int. and a FF, while all Knight had was 2 solos and 1 assist. Didn't see the game yet but sounds like Pollard had a monster night.

Pollard also got burned for a long TD by a 4th string TE he couldn't catch.

 

[brakeyawself]

Pollard may well have won the job last night. Knight started but Pollard had 4 solos, 1 int. and a FF, while all Knight had was 2 solos and 1 assist. Didn't see the game yet but sounds like Pollard had a monster night.

Pollard also got burned for a long TD by a 4th string TE he couldn't catch.

That happens to Safteys sometimes. To my knowledge at least, they arnt always the speediest. But if they start him, I assume he will progress in coverage. Knight probably loses that one too.

 

[Islander]

Note to self after watching the Texans game Sunday night

D Ryans. Started camp behind Cowart but is now the starter at MLB. Will probably be on the field on every snap. Behaves like a vet in camp, shows football smarts and impresses coaches. In the first preseason game he got 4-2 in the first half, but in the 2nd game vs Rams he got pushed around quite a bit and only had one tackle in the first half. He is a STUD. DRAFT IN ALL LEAGUES.

Fixed

 

[Islander]

I think I would rank D Ryans in front of AJ Hawk and E Sims for redraft at this point. I see Bramel and Norton have already done so.

Bloom has mentioned in another thread why he believes Ryans should be ranked after.

Culcasi (48), Baker (48), and Magaw (not top 60) must be lagging in updating their rankings, otherwise, I would be curious to hear your thoughts like Bloom did.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I think I would rank D Ryans in front of AJ Hawk and E Sims for redraft at this point. I see Bramel and Norton have already done so.

Talent + prime opportunity = uberstud.He's been my #1 rookie overall and ahead of Sims in redraft rankings since he was named the starting MLB. #11 (dynasty) and #15 (redraft) may be pushing it a little, but I don't think it's completely nuts. While it's rare that a rookie MLB will put up stud tackle numbers, those that do have Ryans skill set -- solid football instincts, solid tackling -- and scheme/opportunity (ZThomas, LTatupu).ETA: BTW, you're seeing some of what I was concerned about with AJ Hawk. Rookie adjustments aside, Barnett has been much more likely to be in position to make plays and has outpointed Hawk this pre-season despite less playing time overall and much less PT against the opposing twos.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I think I would rank D Ryans in front of AJ Hawk and E Sims for redraft at this point. I see Bramel and Norton have already done so. Bloom has mentioned in another thread why he believes Ryans should be ranked after. Culcasi (48), Baker (48), and Magaw (not top 60) must be lagging in updating their rankings, otherwise, I would be curious to hear your thoughts like Bloom did.

About to change that. Ryans looked like a beast in the last preseason game. I am sold on him over Sims and hawk now.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Hawk looked small, lost, and not very good against the Bengals. I watched him specifically, and he runs around blocks even if it means sacrificing significant yardage. He also gets swallowed up by lineman, and I saw him standing around during plays when he needed to be reading and reacting. He literally stayed in the same spot, five yards down the field, and waited for a TE to come hit him. The play went his way, but he didn't move more than about 12 inches from snap to pancake. It could have been his assignment. If so, they need to release the beast.

 

[Rozelle]

Hawk looked small, lost, and not very good against the Bengals. I watched him specifically, and he runs around blocks even if it means sacrificing significant yardage. He also gets swallowed up by lineman, and I saw him standing around during plays when he needed to be reading and reacting. He literally stayed in the same spot, five yards down the field, and waited for a TE to come hit him. The play went his way, but he didn't move more than about 12 inches from snap to pancake. It could have been his assignment. If so, they need to release the beast.

I know what ya mean. Guess he was playing within the system

 

[The Gator]

Hawk looked small, lost, and not very good against the Bengals. I watched him specifically, and he runs around blocks even if it means sacrificing significant yardage. He also gets swallowed up by lineman, and I saw him standing around during plays when he needed to be reading and reacting. He literally stayed in the same spot, five yards down the field, and waited for a TE to come hit him. The play went his way, but he didn't move more than about 12 inches from snap to pancake. It could have been his assignment. If so, they need to release the beast.

 

[mtffl2]

 

[cracKer]

I think I would rank D Ryans in front of AJ Hawk and E Sims for redraft at this point. I see Bramel and Norton have already done so. Bloom has mentioned in another thread why he believes Ryans should be ranked after. Culcasi (48), Baker (48), and Magaw (not top 60) must be lagging in updating their rankings, otherwise, I would be curious to hear your thoughts like Bloom did.

Based on what we've seen recently in the preseason I've bumped Ryans and dumped Hawk.If Houston's offense doesn't improve, Ryans (ALL HOU LB) will be on the field a lot. TOP was in Denvers favor 20-10 during the first half of Sunday nights game.

 

[cr8f]

Hawk: McCarthy insists that we will see the real Hawk once he's comfortable mentally.

Hawk is always around the ball. Since the D was so terrible it's hard to single him out. What about Jimmy Williams, Harper and Pollard. They could start.

 

[cr8f]

You consider a laughing gremlin a good posting?

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Any more word on Omar Gaither in Philly?

 

[Beaumont]

Hawk: McCarthy insists that we will see the real Hawk once he's comfortable mentally.

Hawk is always around the ball. Since the D was so terrible it's hard to single him out. What about Jimmy Williams, Harper and Pollard. They could start.

I am so on the Harper bandwagon ... I am promoting him in several leagues and giving him pretty long contracts ... he was a really cheap buy in salary cap leagues ...

 

[Chaos Commish]

Any more word on Omar Gaither in Philly?

link

"We lost a heck of a football player and a heck of a person in Simoneau, and that was the toughest thing," Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said. "(But) it's going to give an opportunity to a young man like Omar Gaither. He's going to have to step up and fill in around the outside linebackers. Some of those guys like Omar and Jason Short are going to have to help us out."

Gaither has been impressive since joining the team as a fifth-round draft pick out of Tennessee. But the bulk of what he's contributed is on the practice field, which is considerably different from game situations.

"I feel comfortable at (middle linebacker) and now I have to learn a little bit of (weak-side linebacker)," he said. "It's something that comes with the territory. The good thing is they must think I can do it or they wouldn't be putting me in there."

Gaither may be better suited to play on the outside, which is where he played in college. At 6-feet-1, 235 pounds, he doesn't have the size of a classic middle linebacker, but he has shown himself to be a quick and aggressive player in practice.

"I think for a rookie he's coming on extremely well," Johnson said. "He still makes some mistakes, but he's very vocal and he's come a long way. Hopefully that will continue."

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Thanks CC!

Probably can only keep 2 of JBeck, RWallace, OGaither and FKeiaho and need to hear things like that to help me decide.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Thanks CC! Probably can only keep 2 of JBeck, RWallace, OGaither and FKeiaho and need to hear things like that to help me decide.

Np, I'm disappointed his college teammate Kevin Simon was cut and cut fairly early. Imo, (healthy) Simon >> Gaither.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Thanks CC! Probably can only keep 2 of JBeck, RWallace, OGaither and FKeiaho and need to hear things like that to help me decide.

Np, I'm disappointed his college teammate Kevin Simon was cut and cut fairly early. Imo, (healthy) Simon >> Gaither.

true, but Simon hasn't been healthy for a long time. At the combine he really looked like the shadow of the player he once was.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Thanks CC! Probably can only keep 2 of JBeck, RWallace, OGaither and FKeiaho and need to hear things like that to help me decide.

Beck and Gaither are the guys you want to keep. Atlanta may find that Beck is the best MLB on their roster, even when Hartwell is healthy.

 

[jgb95]

I have the last pick in my rookie draft and all these guys are left:

Anthony Smith

Dawan Landry

Jarrod Page

Who's got the most dynsaty value????

 

[Chaos Commish]

I have the last pick in my rookie draft and all these guys are left:Anthony SmithDawan LandryJarrod PageWho's got the most dynsaty value????

That's a very tough call. Smith is maybe the best talent, but Page has looked great. Those two are looking at FS roles (though Page is capable of either). Landry is a SS and is possibly closer to starting, though all three should eventually start. Scheme LandryTalent SmithUpside PageCoin toss. If I wanted someone to produce this year, I'd take Landry. Best dynasty value is impossible to call at this point, but SS > FS almost every time.

 

[jgb95]

Thanks

I'm actually trying to grab a the pick in front of me so i can grab tw of them.

There are a total of 4 picks left.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I have the last pick in my rookie draft and all these guys are left:Anthony SmithDawan LandryJarrod PageWho's got the most dynsaty value????

I'm not real excited about any of these guys.Anthony Smith -- Will probably become the starter in Pittsburgh over Ryan Clark sooner than later, but his upside is limited alongside Troy Polamalu in a 3-4 scheme. Still, he's probably the safest bet among the three. Chris Hope's mid-20s finish last year is probably his ceiling and probably the exception rather than the rule long-term.Dawan Landry -- Was pretty high on this situation going into the draft as the Ravens really needed somebody to fill the Doug Plank role in the 46 defense. However, everything in Baltimore is pointing to this 4-4-3 wrinkle, which will basically make Landry useless in fantasy terms (SS) or not. He probably has the most upside here, though, as he has the best skill set to provide steady tackles long-term if the Raven scheme transitions to something more attractive for a traditional SS.Jarrad Page -- Pretty skeptical here. Page sounds like he's doing well, but unless they outright cut Sammy Knight, he's got to be fourth on the depth chart. Even should he win a starting job, he'll be alongside a stud SS in Bernard Pollard. Should Herm Edwards actually stick to a defensive scheme and run some version of the Tampa-2 in the future, his value may be further depressed. And there's a small risk that he'll move on to baseball at some point, which is part of the reason he lasts into the 7th round. Still, I'm about stashing talent and upside, so I might consider Page over Smith or Landry.I'm assuming you've got a reasonable core of DBs by this point, so I probably roll the dice on Page or Landry because I doubt Smith ever gives you any significant competitive advantage in your starting lineup.

 

[jgb95]

Here are my DB's

Madieu Williams

Michael Lewis

Bernard Pollard

Adam Archuleta

Kerry Rhodes

Shawntea Spencer

Chris Gamble

Greg Wesley

If i pick up anymore DB's they be on my PS.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Here are my DB'sMadieu WilliamsMichael LewisBernard PollardAdam ArchuletaKerry RhodesShawntea SpencerChris GambleGreg WesleyIf i pick up anymore DB's they be on my PS.Thanks for the help guys.

Either you're in an eight team league or you don't need our help very much after all. Nice team.

 

[jgb95]

I'm in a 12 team league and in RFA this year I traded the rights to Bob Sanders for a future #1 as I don't think he can stay healthy the way he plays at 5'8" plus the team that bid bid way to high!!!!!

This is a dynasty contract league.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I have the last pick in my rookie draft and all these guys are left:Anthony SmithDawan LandryJarrod PageWho's got the most dynsaty value????

Anthony Smith. He's going to start at FS sooner than later. Chris Hope showed last year that the Steelers FS can be active on the stat sheet. Page has looked good, but I like Pollard better, and I think Smith has a better chance of sticking as a long term starter. Landry is only getting a shot because the safety corps in Baltimore are weak, I'm not sure he's long term starter material.

 

[jgb95]

thanks sig!

 

[Chaos Commish]

I have the last pick in my rookie draft and all these guys are left:Anthony SmithDawan LandryJarrod PageWho's got the most dynsaty value????

Anthony Smith. He's going to start at FS sooner than later. Chris Hope showed last year that the Steelers FS can be active on the stat sheet. Page has looked good, but I like Pollard better, and I think Smith has a better chance of sticking as a long term starter. Landry is only getting a shot because the safety corps in Baltimore are weak, I'm not sure he's long term starter material.

I think I lean this way and you make great points. Always seek the best talent in these close calls. Smith is a player. He has the brightest future. Dawan could have better talent than we think, and it does sound like he's really flying around making plays there (starting is almost guaranteed at this point), but I'm with you on the lack of talent and competition perhaps being the real reason there. A couple thoughts on Page. He probably belongs at SS, but Pollard is in the way. He has great range and can play either spot, but he is a little out of position at FS. He was dehydrated and couldn't play last week, but they will be looking at him at both positions this week.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Thanks CC! Probably can only keep 2 of JBeck, RWallace, OGaither and FKeiaho and need to hear things like that to help me decide.

Beck and Gaither are the guys you want to keep. Atlanta may find that Beck is the best MLB on their roster, even when Hartwell is healthy.

Thanks, that's the way I was leaning. I had really hoped Wallace would be the next stud PIT LB. But he seems like he has a ways to go.