Super Sleeper of the year (1 Viewer)

[biggamer3]

Guys get him, as he will get a whole bunch of tackles and will probably be available real late for you to snatch

 

[bcr8f]

Did that a while ago. I'm not so sure you are correct, but this has been discusseds several times around here.

 

[Keith Lewis]

I'm 3-3 with Wilhelm in leagues, hope you're right.

 

[RUN HARD]

I tried trading for him last year...owner never responded...THEN CUT HIM. I drafted Keiaho before him and was hoping to get Wilhelm next round....ahhhh

 

[lions327]

I'm in the skeptical corner on Wilhelm long term, mainly because I think Cooper is better, and also am really high on Anthony Waters. I don't think he comes anywhere close to the numbers Donnie Edwards usually put up. I'm not convinced he stays at WILB. Just my gut feelings. He is a player that just doesn't do much for me talent wise compared to Cooper or Waters.

 

[The Man With No Name]

I'm in the skeptical corner on Wilhelm long term, mainly because I think Cooper is better, and also am really high on Anthony Waters. I don't think he comes anywhere close to the numbers Donnie Edwards usually put up. I'm not convinced he stays at WILB. Just my gut feelings. He is a player that just doesn't do much for me talent wise compared to Cooper or Waters.

Wilhelm hasn't played enough to make a statement like that, imo. He has been the backup to Edwards his whole career who hasn't missed a game.

 

[massraider]

I wish I was in a league where he was a super sleeper. He went at the end of the 2nd round in my rookie/FA draft. 5th LB taken.

 

[lord_helmet]

I'm in the skeptical corner on Wilhelm long term, mainly because I think Cooper is better, and also am really high on Anthony Waters. I don't think he comes anywhere close to the numbers Donnie Edwards usually put up. I'm not convinced he stays at WILB. Just my gut feelings. He is a player that just doesn't do much for me talent wise compared to Cooper or Waters.

Wilhelm hasn't played enough to make a statement like that, imo. He has been the backup to Edwards his whole career who hasn't missed a game.

, let the kid show what he can do.

 

[lions327]

I'm in the skeptical corner on Wilhelm long term, mainly because I think Cooper is better, and also am really high on Anthony Waters. I don't think he comes anywhere close to the numbers Donnie Edwards usually put up. I'm not convinced he stays at WILB. Just my gut feelings. He is a player that just doesn't do much for me talent wise compared to Cooper or Waters.

Wilhelm hasn't played enough to make a statement like that, imo. He has been the backup to Edwards his whole career who hasn't missed a game.

, let the kid show what he can do.

I think he has played enough to be able to form an opinion on him. I just am not that impressed. Time will tell.

 

[biggamer3]

I wish I was in a league where he was a super sleeper. He went at the end of the 2nd round in my rookie/FA draft. 5th LB taken.

I got him as a FA pickup after the Rookie draft for very cheapOther members of my league were like, Who?But this was in May

 

[Zoomanji]

I wish I was in a league where he was a super sleeper. He went at the end of the 2nd round in my rookie/FA draft. 5th LB taken.

I got him as a FA pickup after the Rookie draft for very cheapOther members of my league were like, Who?But this was in May

I wish I played in leagues like that

 

[bcr8f]

I wish I was in a league where he was a super sleeper. He went at the end of the 2nd round in my rookie/FA draft. 5th LB taken.

I got him as a FA pickup after the Rookie draft for very cheapOther members of my league were like, Who?But this was in May

Don't let them see those depth charts. What other FA's were taken in that draft?

 

[chook]

We've had fifty-ten threads about Wilhelm/Cooper, but since this one is on top at the moment, why not just post it here and hope they all magically merge or something.

I Read this in Pat Kirwan's 'It's time to deliver for some new starters' article the other day...

7. Stephen Cooper, LB, San Diego Chargers. Gone are Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey from the Chargers defense. Cooper, an undrafted free agent out of I-AA Maine, has been on the roster for four years prior to this season. He did start four games last year and accounted for 27 tackles, 1½ sacks and two passes defended. The time has come for a guy who has paid his dues on special teams and as a backup.

 

[biggamer3]

I wish I was in a league where he was a super sleeper. He went at the end of the 2nd round in my rookie/FA draft. 5th LB taken.

I got him as a FA pickup after the Rookie draft for very cheapOther members of my league were like, Who?But this was in May

Don't let them see those depth charts. What other FA's were taken in that draft?

Nothing of any value, we have real deep rosters plus we have a taxi squad with up to 12 players 3 years in the league or lessso i think if he does anything i got an amazing bargain

 

[TEOM]

How much does Waters recent legal trouble play into his prospects in this situation? Who does he steal time from? And why after 2 mini camps with Wilhelm lining up at WILB, are we not convinced that this is the play for the season? Talent sets or just wishful thinking? I have no dog in the hunt...yet...so unbiased feedback is most useful here...

 

[JOBOOZOSO]

Waters is the guy you want, even in redraft leagues.

Don't worry about the legal crap or the injury history... Wilhelm and Cooper are not good.

Take Waters' immense upside!

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Stephen Cooper is on a 5-year, $15 million contract. He's much more proven than Wilhelm at this point and I think he's a better player. If they were only replacing one ILB this year, I feel confident that Cooper would be that guy. Whether all of that translates to production or not is difficult to say, but I think Wilhelm is actually a bit overrated right now. He went in round 12 of our staff league, and Cooper went in round 13. What have these guys done to warrant going that high? Neither of them has Edwards skill set.

Meanwhile, a guy like Bradie James went in round 26. James will basically be playing the Edwards position in Dallas in the same scheme Wade Phillips was using in San Diego. He's not a great cover LB either but he's been a starter for 2 full years now and finished last year pretty strong with 20 solo tackles and 8 assists in his last 3 games. I don't really see any of these guys putting up the type of big plays that Edwards did, and if it comes down to just tackles, James could easily beat out both of those guys.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Stephen Cooper is on a 5-year, $15 million contract. He's much more proven than Wilhelm at this point and I think he's a better player. If they were only replacing one ILB this year, I feel confident that Cooper would be that guy. Whether all of that translates to production or not is difficult to say, but I think Wilhelm is actually a bit overrated right now. He went in round 12 of our staff league, and Cooper went in round 13. What have these guys done to warrant going that high? Neither of them has Edwards skill set.Meanwhile, a guy like Bradie James went in round 26. James will basically be playing the Edwards position in Dallas in the same scheme Wade Phillips was using in San Diego. He's not a great cover LB either but he's been a starter for 2 full years now and finished last year pretty strong with 20 solo tackles and 8 assists in his last 3 games. I don't really see any of these guys putting up the type of big plays that Edwards did, and if it comes down to just tackles, James could easily beat out both of those guys.

I agree with Aaron here. I've backed off my strong pimping of Cooper for the time being -- potential scheme limitation, drafting of Waters -- but he's been the better talent in my observation of the limited playing time Cooper and Wilhelm have gotten. Wilhelm was always the special teams guy, Cooper the first off the bench to give Godfrey a breather. Cooper was tendered a much higher RFA number, then signed to a deal well before Wilhelm.James is still a player to watch. It's not yet clear to me who'll play RILB in Dallas. It was Ayodele last year and I haven't seen a depth chart from the Cowboy OTA that noted the 2007 alignment. There were reports that James might be removed in nickel packages earlier in the offseason, however, and that both Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett were seeing time inside. I know this is the SD thread, but it may be worth keeping Burnett on your radar. His skill set isn't far off that of a Phillips RILB. I wouldn't go rushing to stash him but it wouldn't be a total shock to see him land there at some point in the future.

 

[Tenacious D]

If anyone is a super sleeper in SD, I'd say it is Tim Dobbins. If Cooper or Wilhelm struggle/injured, I think he steps in before Waters/Siler and does just fine.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

If anyone is a super sleeper in SD, I'd say it is Tim Dobbins. If Cooper or Wilhelm struggle/injured, I think he steps in before Waters/Siler and does just fine.

I tend to agree, for this season. But long term, if Waters regains the form he had before his injury, then Waters and Cooper are the players to own, long term, in my opinion. But I do like Dobbins.

 

[spec1alk]

Ive been trying to stash Wilhelm, Cooper and Waters in most of my leagues. They were very cheap a couple months ago and represented a huge ROI if one of them can become a LB2.

 

[msommer]

Stephen Cooper is on a 5-year, $15 million contract. He's much more proven than Wilhelm at this point and I think he's a better player. If they were only replacing one ILB this year, I feel confident that Cooper would be that guy. Whether all of that translates to production or not is difficult to say, but I think Wilhelm is actually a bit overrated right now. He went in round 12 of our staff league, and Cooper went in round 13. What have these guys done to warrant going that high? Neither of them has Edwards skill set.Meanwhile, a guy like Bradie James went in round 26. James will basically be playing the Edwards position in Dallas in the same scheme Wade Phillips was using in San Diego. He's not a great cover LB either but he's been a starter for 2 full years now and finished last year pretty strong with 20 solo tackles and 8 assists in his last 3 games. I don't really see any of these guys putting up the type of big plays that Edwards did, and if it comes down to just tackles, James could easily beat out both of those guys.

I agree with Aaron here. I've backed off my strong pimping of Cooper for the time being -- potential scheme limitation, drafting of Waters -- but he's been the better talent in my observation of the limited playing time Cooper and Wilhelm have gotten. Wilhelm was always the special teams guy, Cooper the first off the bench to give Godfrey a breather. Cooper was tendered a much higher RFA number, then signed to a deal well before Wilhelm.James is still a player to watch. It's not yet clear to me who'll play RILB in Dallas. It was Ayodele last year and I haven't seen a depth chart from the Cowboy OTA that noted the 2007 alignment. There were reports that James might be removed in nickel packages earlier in the offseason, however, and that both Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett were seeing time inside. I know this is the SD thread, but it may be worth keeping Burnett on your radar. His skill set isn't far off that of a Phillips RILB. I wouldn't go rushing to stash him but it wouldn't be a total shock to see him land there at some point in the future.

Bumping this as I think it is still an interesting topic. Regular season Cooper did better than Wilhelm but played two more games. Wilhelm seemed to have more consistent games though. Cooper just off a monster game where the Colts hardly ran the ball - who is the guy to have for '08

 

[Jene Bramel]

Bumping this as I think it is still an interesting topic. Regular season Cooper did better than Wilhelm but played two more games. Wilhelm seemed to have more consistent games though. Cooper just off a monster game where the Colts hardly ran the ball - who is the guy to have for '08

Possibly neither. I think my priority would be to target the guy who plays the weak side inside linebacker spot in a 1-gap 3-4 like the Chargers are currently mostly using. For now, that's Wilhelm. He's still limited slightly because he sits in a fair number of the nickel subpackages and all dime situations -- which explains his limited production today. I posted an interesting statistical measure earlier today that showed that Wilhelm was STILL made a higher percentage of his team's tackles (on a per game basis) than Cooper despite the snaps he spent on the sideline in nickel situations.I continue to believe Cooper is the better talent, and his pass rush and coverage ability make him a clearly better play in big play heavy systems, but Wilhelm will keep it close unless he's replaced in the starting lineup by Waters, Siler or a TBD player.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Cooper is a monster... 15 - 1 yesterday

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Cooper had a pretty bad game against the Titans, badly missing on quite a few tackles that he should have made, but he rebounded big yesterday.

Both look like solid options. Like Jene said, Wilhelm seems to be playing the more favorable position, but Cooper is the probably the better overall player and will see more snaps due to his superior cover skills.

 

[Dirty Hairy]

Will these guys be able to keep Waters on the bench?

Waters will be two seasons removed from his ACL which means he should be pushing for playing time.

From what I understand, Wilhelm was the play caller and the defense really improved with him in the lineup.

I don't see Waters replacing Wilhelm.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Chargers | Cooper to miss first four games

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:02:18 -0700

The NFL notified the San Diego Chargers stating that LB Stephen Cooper will miss the first four regular-season games of 2008 for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances. Cooper has been suspended without pay for the first four games.

 

[BoltBacker]

Chargers | Cooper to miss first four gamesTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:02:18 -0700The NFL notified the San Diego Chargers stating that LB Stephen Cooper will miss the first four regular-season games of 2008 for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances. Cooper has been suspended without pay for the first four games.

Makes the Smith move look that much smarter. Smith will start for sure now.This suspension would have been a complete disaster if AJ hadn't brought in Waters/Siler/Smith in the last 12 months. Waters should get playing time now.

 

[gregjcross]

Chargers | Cooper to miss first four gamesTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:02:18 -0700The NFL notified the San Diego Chargers stating that LB Stephen Cooper will miss the first four regular-season games of 2008 for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances. Cooper has been suspended without pay for the first four games.

Makes the Smith move look that much smarter. Smith will start for sure now.This suspension would have been a complete disaster if AJ hadn't brought in Waters/Siler/Smith in the last 12 months. Waters should get playing time now.

Predictions1) I would expect Brandon Siler to win this job outright if the chargers dont make another acquisition2) Tim Dobbins is intense but he was too stiff last year, unless he makes a miracle turn around. 3) Derek Smith looked old and slow in SF, because he is old and slow. A backup and coach on the field, even with the suspension.4) People like A. Waters because he is athletic but I dont think he's shown anything yet football wise to them, we'll see.5) I would expect that S. Cooper wont last too long in the league as he is a multiple time offender on the drug policy nowTherefore, might the Chargers draft someone in Round 1 now? Dan Connor or Lofton?

 

[obxlegends]

Chargers | Cooper to miss first four gamesTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:02:18 -0700The NFL notified the San Diego Chargers stating that LB Stephen Cooper will miss the first four regular-season games of 2008 for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances. Cooper has been suspended without pay for the first four games.

When I heard this on the radio this morning I wanted to shoot myself in the face. I now have a major hole at LBer. My only solace is that this happened before our rookie draft.That being said I'm not too hopeful of Cooper's prospects in the future. I'd bump him down big time in the Dynasty Rankings.

 

[BoltBacker]

Chargers | Cooper to miss first four gamesTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:02:18 -0700The NFL notified the San Diego Chargers stating that LB Stephen Cooper will miss the first four regular-season games of 2008 for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances. Cooper has been suspended without pay for the first four games.

Makes the Smith move look that much smarter. Smith will start for sure now.This suspension would have been a complete disaster if AJ hadn't brought in Waters/Siler/Smith in the last 12 months. Waters should get playing time now.

Predictions1) I would expect Brandon Siler to win this job outright if the chargers dont make another acquisition2) Tim Dobbins is intense but he was too stiff last year, unless he makes a miracle turn around. 2) Derek Smith looked old and slow in SF, because he is old and slow. A backup and coach on the field, even with the suspension.3) People like A. Waters because he is athletic but I dont think he's shown anything yet football wise to them, we'll see.4) I would expect that S. Cooper wont last too long in the league as he is a multiple time offender on the drug policy nowTherefore, might the Chargers draft someone in Round 1 now? Dan Connor or Lofton?

1) I wouldn't mind that, he looked very good in the preseason and is a beast on ST. I'd like to see what he can do.2) My first thought when I heard the news is it was a stay of execution for Dobbins. Against the pass that guy looks like a statue.2 again) I'm one of the few that thinks Smith is a nice compliment to all the young/athletic types around him on the defense. He won't be making spectacular plays but it wouldn't surprise me if he plays more than people think just from a leadership perspective on defense and never playing out of position.3) I'm with you, until I see him in the games I'm not counting on much.4) I thought this was his first offense in the league? I think he had another incident before he entered the league but that wouldn't count as a strike in terms of the nfl. I guess I'm just a cynic on the subject.... imo the people on SOMETHING in the NFL is a huge #, much bigger than the scandal in baseball. My guess is he just switches to something else everyone else is getting away with.I disagree they go LB now in the 1st, though Bloom had them taking Connor I believe.

 

[gregjcross]

Chargers | Cooper to miss first four gamesTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:02:18 -0700The NFL notified the San Diego Chargers stating that LB Stephen Cooper will miss the first four regular-season games of 2008 for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances. Cooper has been suspended without pay for the first four games.

Makes the Smith move look that much smarter. Smith will start for sure now.This suspension would have been a complete disaster if AJ hadn't brought in Waters/Siler/Smith in the last 12 months. Waters should get playing time now.

Predictions1) I would expect Brandon Siler to win this job outright if the chargers dont make another acquisition2) Tim Dobbins is intense but he was too stiff last year, unless he makes a miracle turn around. 2) Derek Smith looked old and slow in SF, because he is old and slow. A backup and coach on the field, even with the suspension.3) People like A. Waters because he is athletic but I dont think he's shown anything yet football wise to them, we'll see.4) I would expect that S. Cooper wont last too long in the league as he is a multiple time offender on the drug policy nowTherefore, might the Chargers draft someone in Round 1 now? Dan Connor or Lofton?

1) I wouldn't mind that, he looked very good in the preseason and is a beast on ST. I'd like to see what he can do.2) My first thought when I heard the news is it was a stay of execution for Dobbins. Against the pass that guy looks like a statue.2 again) I'm one of the few that thinks Smith is a nice compliment to all the young/athletic types around him on the defense. He won't be making spectacular plays but it wouldn't surprise me if he plays more than people think just from a leadership perspective on defense and never playing out of position.3) I'm with you, until I see him in the games I'm not counting on much.4) I thought this was his first offense in the league? I think he had another incident before he entered the league but that wouldn't count as a strike in terms of the nfl. I guess I'm just a cynic on the subject.... imo the people on SOMETHING in the NFL is a huge #, much bigger than the scandal in baseball. My guess is he just switches to something else everyone else is getting away with.I disagree they go LB now in the 1st, though Bloom had them taking Connor I believe.

reportedly, Cooper was already caught with 1,000 steroid (or similar) pills, per Profootball talk yesterday, he is on borrowed time barring a major turn around.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Anthony Waters was never healthy enough last year to show them anything. He is a talent and I would not be surprised one bit if he winds up starting at some point next year. He was considered a first round talent before he got hurt. Personally, I think he has a lot more talent and athletic ability than Siler does.

 

[Mikey16x]

i don't really see wilhelm as much of a sleeper to be honest... the guy racked up serious tackles in very limited playing time... if he starts... he produces... period.

 

[BoltBacker]

Chargers | Cooper to miss first four games

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:02:18 -0700

The NFL notified the San Diego Chargers stating that LB Stephen Cooper will miss the first four regular-season games of 2008 for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances. Cooper has been suspended without pay for the first four games.

Makes the Smith move look that much smarter. Smith will start for sure now.This suspension would have been a complete disaster if AJ hadn't brought in Waters/Siler/Smith in the last 12 months. Waters should get playing time now.

Predictions1) I would expect Brandon Siler to win this job outright if the chargers dont make another acquisition

2) Tim Dobbins is intense but he was too stiff last year, unless he makes a miracle turn around.

2) Derek Smith looked old and slow in SF, because he is old and slow. A backup and coach on the field, even with the suspension.

3) People like A. Waters because he is athletic but I dont think he's shown anything yet football wise to them, we'll see.

4) I would expect that S. Cooper wont last too long in the league as he is a multiple time offender on the drug policy now

Therefore, might the Chargers draft someone in Round 1 now? Dan Connor or Lofton?

1) I wouldn't mind that, he looked very good in the preseason and is a beast on ST. I'd like to see what he can do.2) My first thought when I heard the news is it was a stay of execution for Dobbins. Against the pass that guy looks like a statue.

2 again) I'm one of the few that thinks Smith is a nice compliment to all the young/athletic types around him on the defense. He won't be making spectacular plays but it wouldn't surprise me if he plays more than people think just from a leadership perspective on defense and never playing out of position.

3) I'm with you, until I see him in the games I'm not counting on much.

4) I thought this was his first offense in the league? I think he had another incident before he entered the league but that wouldn't count as a strike in terms of the nfl. I guess I'm just a cynic on the subject.... imo the people on SOMETHING in the NFL is a huge #, much bigger than the scandal in baseball. My guess is he just switches to something else everyone else is getting away with.

I disagree they go LB now in the 1st, though Bloom had them taking Connor I believe.

reportedly, Cooper was already caught with 1,000 steroid (or similar) pills, per Profootball talk yesterday, he is on borrowed time barring a major turn around.

And that was AFTER he entered the league?