Who to believe about Finley? (1 Viewer)

[Scooter71]

I've been targeting Finley in some of my mock drafts since according to the FBG projections he represents a very good value... he is rated third, but typically I am able to get him in the 6th or 7th round without too much trouble.

The FBG prognisticators currently see him with the following ranking (as of July 27):

Dodds: #3

Henry: #3

Wood: #3

Tremblay: #2

Imagine my surprise tonight when on the Fantasy Buzz podcast I heard Sigmund Bloom name Finley as a player to avoid this year. He cited that 1) people are looking at too small of a body of work (end of last season); 2) he still has knee issues; 3) there are too many other targets in GB; and 4) his immaturity.

Now, in all fairness, he mentioned that people were taking him in the 5th round and that that was too early. I have not witnessed that. In my mock drafts he has been slipping to the 6th or 7th, and fantasyfootballcalculator.com has him going at 7.03 in 10-team leagues right now.

So who is right? Should he be ranked as high as #3 among tight ends, or is Bloom right to be concerned? I thought I was getting a deal and would be able to get by with Finley, but now I am wondering how viable he is.

What say the rest of you?

 

[bigmarc27]

I've got him in my dynasty and am happy I do, but I think he's overvalued right now. In a redraft, there's probably 6 or 7 Id take before him easily.

 

[Faust]

Great Question. Every year there are players that everyone jumps on the bandwagon and they start drinking the kool-aid on. Every year, some of these players will flop, and it is obvious in hindsight why they didn't succeed with the enormous expectations that were placed on these players.

I own Finley and hope that he lives up to the hype - but it also wouldn't shock me to see him fail to live up to the expectations that he will finish as a top 3 TE this year.

 

[GunslingerEnder]

He's a guy that I've kept an eye on since when Thompson drafted him.

The only think I can really say is that he has settled down and the immaturity thing is not an issue. Last year before the season a local report came out and said that he had focused himself on his family and football. I believe it.

The knee injury part you can keep an eye on at jsonline and read the Packer blog during training camp.

 

[TheWick]

He certainly has the skills, good offense, and great QB who obviously trusts him.

Unless Sigmund is assuming injury, I don't see how he doesn't finish top 3 or 4.

I suppose Nicks's small sample isn't scaring Bloom away...not sure why Finley's would be.

 

[Raider Nation]

The FBG prognisticators currently see him with the following ranking (as of July 27)odds: #3Henry: #3Wood: #3Tremblay: #2

Could you please post every author's rankings in their entirety?

 

[Pipes]

Avoiding Finley is going to be a major mistake IMHO.

Finley was immature when he 1st came into the league. Last year he started as the #2 TE and injured he knee but once he came back he easily took over for a mediocre Donald Lee and put up excellent numbers. Sure he has a limited body of work but look at the positives.

1. He is a great athlete who plays more like a WR than a TE

2. He has great hands

3. He's young and still developing as a player

4. He is in one of the league's best offenses with one of the best young QB's in the league throwing him the ball.

5. While GB is loaded with weapons none of their WR are that big so Finley is the main target around the goaline.

Maybe he is being over valued by some but being drafted in the 6th and 7th round is a steal. Plus he passes the eyeball test...I can't believe anyone who watched him play in the 2nd half of last season doesn't have him as a top 3 TE.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

My thinking on Finley is that he's in a prime position to become the #2 target in GB's passing offense which is amongst the best in the NFL.

The GB coaching staff has already expressed some level of concern regarding Donald Driver's ability to come back from two knee procedures. I suspect his time on the field will be monitored and thus curtailed. James Jones (4th year), Jordy Nelson (3rd year) have shown at most an ability to be situational contributors. But neither player possesses unique physical talents and both are still a long way off from reaching a level that Driver performed at just last year.

Which leaves Finley at 6'5 250 and tremendously athletic roaming the middle of the field with stretch ability. The opportunity is there and for the last half of 2008, the production was as well. Finley has had maturity issues, and whether those have been exercised remains to be seen. But his upside potential is awesome. His 16 game prorated totals from last year were 72/883/6 (and this omits his monster playoff game). one other thing...according to PFF, he played in 63% of GB's offensive snaps when he was on the field (not counting the 3 snap game he had against CLE before leaving with a knee injury). Compare that with a Tony Gonzalez who was on the field 86% of the time and I suspect that Finley will be on the field at least 10% more of the time.

In training camp last year, Rodgers professed his love for throwing to Finley in any situation. That bond I think grows this year particularly in the red zone. 1000/10 is within reach.

 

[moderated]

dynasty finley owner.

he is definitely over-valued, but he does have the potential to be the top TE. that said it is borderline wetarded to project him as that.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I've been targeting Finley in some of my mock drafts since according to the FBG projections he represents a very good value... he is rated third, but typically I am able to get him in the 6th or 7th round without too much trouble.The FBG prognisticators currently see him with the following ranking (as of July 27)odds: #3Henry: #3Wood: #3Tremblay: #2Imagine my surprise tonight when on the Fantasy Buzz podcast I heard Sigmund Bloom name Finley as a player to avoid this year. He cited that 1) people are looking at too small of a body of work (end of last season); 2) he still has knee issues; 3) there are too many other targets in GB; and 4) his immaturity.Now, in all fairness, he mentioned that people were taking him in the 5th round and that that was too early. I have not witnessed that. In my mock drafts he has been slipping to the 6th or 7th, and fantasyfootballcalculator.com has him going at 7.03 in 10-team leagues right now.So who is right? Should he be ranked as high as #3 among tight ends, or is Bloom right to be concerned? I thought I was getting a deal and would be able to get by with Finley, but now I am wondering how viable he is.What say the rest of you?

A player to "avoid" is a strong statement. I don't think I'd go as far as that and if you already have him, to answer your question I do think you'll be able to get by with him.However, there are guys that are proven long term that you can draft instead of a guy like Finley who basically tore it up the 2nd half of last season. Finley very well could carry last seasons success to this one, especially with a guy like Aaron Rodgers who looks like he'll have another great season but in general, players like a Finley who have only shown success for a short amount of time, then the following year you draft them high because they're the "now player" and they don't do much you wonder what happened.You know what Gates is going to do, you know what D. Clark is going to do, you know what Jason Witten is going to do. Vernon Davis is a little more of a question mark because he hasn't performed at a high level for long but he has been around longer and was supposed to do it before this, so to me even he is a safer choice than Finley. But if you've got him already, there's also reason to believe he'll have a real good year. I can see both points of view on Finley, my personal choice is to not draft him early but I also know he's got potential to be a big player this year.

 

[Manster]

in redraft i like to get value out of the TE position.

right now i dont think Finley represents value in a redraft. he's a hot name right now.

gimme Miller (oak), Celek, or Carlson

 

[Scooter71]

Wow. Some great replies, guys! This is my first year with FBG, and I am very impressed, not just with the service itself, but with the very knowledgeable people on the forums. Good stuff. A couple people asked if I already had drafted him. No. I am in two leagues this year (neither are PPR), and we've not held drafts for either one yet, so I am still doing mocks at this point and just seeing who is available where. In one of my drafts, I already know that I have the first pick. So I get the last pick of the 6th and first pick of the 7th back-to-back, and that is where I have been picking up Finley. Manster mentioned wanting to get value with the TE position. If Finley finishes the season as the #2-#4 TE, then I would think taking him at the beginning of the 7th would definitely qualify as a value, seeing as #1 through #6 go off the board from round 4 to round 6. Celek has been going either the pick before or the pick after in my mocks, and I think Finley has better upside.Someone mentioned the eyeball test, and I agree. Finley passes that with flying colors. The guy is uber-athletic and talented, and that, along with the fact that he plays on a high-octane offense, are the main reasons I am big on him.

in redraft i like to get value out of the TE position.right now i dont think Finley represents value in a redraft. he's a hot name right now.gimme Miller (oak), Celek, or Carlson

 

[Scooter71]

Are you a subscriber? Just go under the Forecast tab and you'll see all the projections options listed there.If you aren't a subscriber, run -- don't walk -- to the subscription page and get signed up. It is unreal how much information and how many useful apps you get for such a small subscription fee. An incredible value. And, no, no one asked me to say this. Having looked at a lot of services earlier in the year, I am very glad I ended up here.

The FBG prognisticators currently see him with the following ranking (as of July 27)odds: #3Henry: #3Wood: #3Tremblay: #2

Could you please post every author's rankings in their entirety?

 

[Raider Nation]

Are you a subscriber? Just go under the Forecast tab and you'll see all the projections options listed there.If you aren't a subscriber, run -- don't walk -- to the subscription page and get signed up. It is unreal how much information and how many useful apps you get for such a small subscription fee. An incredible value. And, no, no one asked me to say this. Having looked at a lot of services earlier in the year, I am very glad I ended up here.

The FBG prognisticators currently see him with the following ranking (as of July 27)odds: #3Henry: #3Wood: #3Tremblay: #2

Could you please post every author's rankings in their entirety?

I was joking with you, Scooter. The boys usually aren't crazy about any pay content being posted.

 

[LBH]

Love Finley. Im a big believer

 

[Scooter71]

Ah, sorry man! And thanks for the heads-up about not posting any subscriber content... I'll be more careful about that.

Are you a subscriber? Just go under the Forecast tab and you'll see all the projections options listed there.If you aren't a subscriber, run -- don't walk -- to the subscription page and get signed up. It is unreal how much information and how many useful apps you get for such a small subscription fee. An incredible value. And, no, no one asked me to say this. Having looked at a lot of services earlier in the year, I am very glad I ended up here.

The FBG prognisticators currently see him with the following ranking (as of July 27)odds: #3Henry: #3Wood: #3Tremblay: #2

Could you please post every author's rankings in their entirety?

I was joking with you, Scooter. The boys usually aren't crazy about any pay content being posted.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Just to explain a little further, the show called for one player to avoid at each position. No TEs look like outright busts at their ADP to me to just cross off your list, but Finley is regularly going before Celek and Gonzo, who I think have ceilings at or near Finley's with much less risk - so he was my choice. I am not down on Finley as much as I am down on him as the TE4 or TE5 off the board, which I have seen in most of my drafts this offseason. If Finley falls to TE7 (assuming Celek and Gonzo are TE5 and TE6) or he falls to the mid-to-late 6th, he becomes value.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I've been targeting Finley in some of my mock drafts since according to the FBG projections he represents a very good value... he is rated third, but typically I am able to get him in the 6th or 7th round without too much trouble.The FBG prognisticators currently see him with the following ranking (as of July 27)odds: #3Henry: #3Wood: #3Tremblay: #2Imagine my surprise tonight when on the Fantasy Buzz podcast I heard Sigmund Bloom name Finley as a player to avoid this year. He cited that 1) people are looking at too small of a body of work (end of last season); 2) he still has knee issues; 3) there are too many other targets in GB; and 4) his immaturity.Now, in all fairness, he mentioned that people were taking him in the 5th round and that that was too early. I have not witnessed that. In my mock drafts he has been slipping to the 6th or 7th, and fantasyfootballcalculator.com has him going at 7.03 in 10-team leagues right now.So who is right? Should he be ranked as high as #3 among tight ends, or is Bloom right to be concerned? I thought I was getting a deal and would be able to get by with Finley, but now I am wondering how viable he is.What say the rest of you?

Hi Scooter,One of the reasons I really like FBG is you find a very diverse make up of guys and opinions. We all have our favorites that we tend to follow or listen to and sometimes it's the lone voice in the group that is the voice of reason. That said, FInley plays on an explosive offense and looked very good in the short time he was starting last year. Guy seems to have crazy skills receiving and then you add to that a terrific QB in his prime and you have a strong recipe for success.

 

[Banger]

Early in the offseason I was targetting him but his ADP has skyrocketted and he's become too rich for my blood. Is he the '10 version of Olsen? I don't know but I do know that I can get more proven guys a good bit cheaper. They may not have the ceiling but have higher floors. I don't know any TEs that have ever won or lost a league so I avoid overpaying...Zach Miller here I come baby.

 

[Scooter71]

Thanks for the further explanation, Sig. Yes, I won't be targeting him unless he falls to late 6th or early 7th. I typically never go after a tight end until then anyway. Last year I drafted Shiancoe around the 7th or 8th and he actually ended up having a decent year (2nd in TDs, 6th in fantasy points).

Just to explain a little further, the show called for one player to avoid at each position. No TEs look like outright busts at their ADP to me to just cross off your list, but Finley is regularly going before Celek and Gonzo, who I think have ceilings at or near Finley's with much less risk - so he was my choice. I am not down on Finley as much as I am down on him as the TE4 or TE5 off the board, which I have seen in most of my drafts this offseason. If Finley falls to TE7 (assuming Celek and Gonzo are TE5 and TE6) or he falls to the mid-to-late 6th, he becomes value.

 

[SSOG]

I was joking with you, Scooter. The boys usually aren't crazy about any pay content being posted.

Their policy has always been that they're fine with posting individual players' rankings for discussion purposes, they just don't want you posting lists.

 

[LawFitz]

Zach Miller here I come baby.

Sorry to drift off topic, but I have a feeling Zach Miller is going to go a lot higher than any of us think. He seems to be everyone's favorite sleeper TE this year.In terms of Finley, if his knee and head hold together, I think he'll finish as TE1 this year.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I don't think you can really "avoid" Finley. You can choose to take him fairly early, or someone else will.

It's just a case of whether you think he will be MUCH better than Daniels, Z. Miller, V. Davis, whoever else you may happen to like.

Playing with many Packers fans I doubt I'll see Finley drop to where I'd draft him. But I do think he'll be very good (better in non-PPR).

 

[MJD_Mafia]

Zach Miller here I come baby.

Sorry to drift off topic, but I have a feeling Zach Miller is going to go a lot higher than any of us think. He seems to be everyone's favorite sleeper TE this year.In terms of Finley, if his knee and head hold together, I think he'll finish as TE1 this year.

I was just going to post the same thing. Everyone has Zach Miller listed as a "value" TE. With a competent QB for the first time in his career, it shouldn't shock anyone that Zach Miller is a very solid TE1, with upside to be a top 5 kind of guy.Finley is super-talented, has a super-talented QB, and will benefit from Donald Driver's inevitable decline this year.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Ooh, I guess we need a Miller thread soon. Can't see the guy scoring more than 5 TDs personally.

 

[JohnnyU]

Just remember, overvalued isn't always a bad thing.

 

[NHLumpa2]

In 10 or 12 team leagues where you must start a TE, my view is there are three teirs of TEs:

The 3-6 or so that actually help your team, close to every week, and occasionaly put up a giant number

the 3-6 that dont hurt your team, but aren't gonna put up any giant weeks, and will disapear for more than 1 or 2 games per season

everybody else.

Finley is as solidly in the middle group as anyone, with great opportunity to bust to the elite.

Most of my drafts, you need to reach to get teir 1 - not usually good value, round 2 or 3.

But if it ends up being a lean year for TEs, your team can get really damaged by the lack of one.

So if Finley falls to the fifth round, yeah, I'm giving him serious consideration.

Probably better payoff than crappy RB3...

If I donlt see players I like or good value in the fourth, I might even consider him then.

And for dynasty - good luck getting him.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Just remember, overvalued isn't always a bad thing.

 

[SSOG]

And for dynasty - good luck getting him.

Depends on your league. In my dynasty league, he got traded for a song before he broke out (someone traded Finley *AND* a second for the Green Bay defense), and he got traded for another song after the season (essentially swapped for the Dallas defense, straight up). There is a very, very vocal contingent of Finley adorers, but just because they're the loudest doesn't make them the majority by any stretch. If you really believe in Finley, I'd say there's maybe a 50% chance that he's still gettable.

 

[fightingillini]

Believe in Finleys talent. He is a WR playing TE like Dallas Clark and Shannon Sharpe.Believe in Aaron Rodgers talent. He leads this offense and wants to throw as his first option -- and he prefers to take shots at his mismatch advantages.

Agree.Talent + opportunity + talent of QB = likely big season. Finley has all 3 going for him in spades. I don't see him overvalued. He's a top 5 TE in my book.....right there with Gates, Clark, Witten and V Davis. And you'll likely get him 1, maybe 2 rounds later than Dallas Clark.Finley is a steal if you can him in round 5.

 

[gregjcross]

He's a guy that I've kept an eye on since when Thompson drafted him.The only think I can really say is that he has settled down and the immaturity thing is not an issue. Last year before the season a local report came out and said that he had focused himself on his family and football. I believe it.The knee injury part you can keep an eye on at jsonline and read the Packer blog during training camp.

Basically, the guy has the best skill set for a young TE since Vernon Davis. And is in an even better offense.But also, Tigers rarely change their stripes and he has been a bad character in some instances. He has certainly matured some, but the reality is that he is still prone to be who he is. Ironically, a lot like VD.Its a high risk high reward play, no doubt about it, because he could be the #1 TE this year.

 

[gregjcross]

Just remember, overvalued isn't always a bad thing.

See Ray Rice in drafts all of last August. If you like him, go get him or regret it.

 

[cr8f]

I've got him in my dynasty and am happy I do, but I think he's overvalued right now. In a redraft, there's probably 6 or 7 Id take before him easily.

Like who? What 7 have a QB as good as Rodgers throwing to him? I wouldn't take Celek and Zach Miller over him. 1 TE Dallas Clark, IND 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 4 2 1.6 1.0 1.42 TE Antonio Gates, SD 2 2 1 3 2 6 2 2 2 1 2.3 2.0 2.05 TE Jermichael Finley, GB 11 4 3 10 3 4 6 8 5 9 6.3 5.5 6.13 TE Jason Witten, DAL 3 3 4 1 4 3 3 3 1 3 2.8 3.0 2.96 TE Tony Gonzalez, ATL 6 6 6 5 5 2 7 10 8 10 6.5 6.0 6.69 TE Zach Miller, OAK 9 8 8 6 6 12 9 12 6 12 8.8 8.5 8.84 TE Vernon Davis, SF 5 5 5 4 7 5 4 4 3 4 4.6 4.5 4.57 TE Brent Celek, PHI

 

[cr8f]

And for dynasty - good luck getting him.

Depends on your league. In my dynasty league, he got traded for a song before he broke out (someone traded Finley *AND* a second for the Green Bay defense), and he got traded for another song after the season (essentially swapped for the Dallas defense, straight up). There is a very, very vocal contingent of Finley adorers, but just because they're the loudest doesn't make them the majority by any stretch. If you really believe in Finley, I'd say there's maybe a 50% chance that he's still gettable.

I have him in 2 dynasties but took him as a rookie. That is probably what was meant. This was that draft for me.

1.08 8. Huskies Rice, Ray BAL RB ® Fri May 2 2:29:27 p.m. ET 2008 137.34

2.01 13. Huskies Slaton, Steve HOU RB ® Fri May 2 4:28:09 p.m. ET 2008 325.70

2.08 20. Huskies Lofton, Curtis ATL LB ® Fri May 2 5:30:03 p.m. ET 2008 169.00 Pick made based on Pre-Draft List

3.08 32. Huskies Flacco, Joe BAL QB ® Sat May 3 12:39:32 a.m. ET 2008 236.44

4.08 44. Huskies Finley, Jermichael GBP TE ® Sat May 3 9:13:02 p.m. ET 2008 33.40 Pick made based on Pre-Draft List

5.03 51. Huskies Adibi, Xavier HOU LB ® Sun May 4 10:14:05 a.m. ET 2008 64.00

5.08 56. Huskies Johnson, Tyrell MIN S ® Sun May 4 11:58:10 a.m. ET 2008 62.28

6.08 68. Huskies Ellis, Sedrick NOS DT ® Sun May 4 5:38:27 p.m. ET 2008 72.00

7.08 80. Huskies Boyd, Cory DEN RB ® Sun May 4 10:39:05 p.m. ET 2008 0.00

 

[Faust]

He's a guy that I've kept an eye on since when Thompson drafted him.

The only think I can really say is that he has settled down and the immaturity thing is not an issue. Last year before the season a local report came out and said that he had focused himself on his family and football. I believe it.

The knee injury part you can keep an eye on at jsonline and read the Packer blog during training camp.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writ.../ranking/3.html"I want fans to feel they can trust me and believe in me. The young, immature Finley, I thought he was foolish. And the new Finley, I think is going to do the work, do what he's supposed to do and be that player the Packers know I can be and all the fans out there too.''

-- Green Bay tight end Jermichael Finley, in a revealing profile by Greg Bedard in Sunday's Milwaukee Journal.

Good reporting by Bedard, who discovered that in the past year Finley skipped out of training camp to sleep in his own bed consistently. The tight end missed curfew the night before Green Bay's playoff game at Arizona, changed agents and then changed back, partied so hard in Texas this offseason that his marriage was endangered and now has thrown himself on the mercy of the coaching staff and front office of the Packers, determined to prove he'll be good and responsible. When Finley's right, there aren't three tight ends in football better than him.

He was still partying as recently as this offseason -- so maturity issues still seem to be part of the concern with him.

 

[wasted space 25]

I read that he went to Fitz's camp this year and has matured big time. I guess dont believe everything you read?

 

[Sopranos25]

I look at it like this. He has the skills and talent. He is in one of the best passing offenses in the NFL, his QB is at the top of the NFL and there isnt a dominant #1 wr. Driver led the team in tds with 6 and in fantasy pts. In 13 games he was Very good. He has a lot of upside. 1000 and 8 is probable... thats not the ceiling 750 and 6 is a lock. I like him as a top 3 te with more upside than clark or gates, Both of them have seen as good as it gets. JMO

 

[SSOG]

I look at it like this. He has the skills and talent. He is in one of the best passing offenses in the NFL, his QB is at the top of the NFL and there isnt a dominant #1 wr. Driver led the team in tds with 6 and in fantasy pts. In 13 games he was Very good. He has a lot of upside. 1000 and 8 is probable... thats not the ceiling 750 and 6 is a lock. I like him as a top 3 te with more upside than clark or gates, Both of them have seen as good as it gets. JMO

This is where the craziness starts to come in. Dallas Clark just became the second TE in history to catch 100 balls last year. Antonio Gates had one of the top 10 TE seasons of all times in terms of receiving yards... and it was only his 3rd best fantasy season. They play with Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers. There's no such thing as "more upside than Clark or Gates". Those guys are actually pure undiluted upside that has managed to coalesce into human form.

 

[Tyrion]

I look at it like this. He has the skills and talent. He is in one of the best passing offenses in the NFL, his QB is at the top of the NFL and there isnt a dominant #1 wr. Driver led the team in tds with 6 and in fantasy pts. In 13 games he was Very good. He has a lot of upside. 1000 and 8 is probable... thats not the ceiling 750 and 6 is a lock. I like him as a top 3 te with more upside than clark or gates, Both of them have seen as good as it gets. JMO

This is where the craziness starts to come in. Dallas Clark just became the second TE in history to catch 100 balls last year. Antonio Gates had one of the top 10 TE seasons of all times in terms of receiving yards... and it was only his 3rd best fantasy season. They play with Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers. There's no such thing as "more upside than Clark or Gates". Those guys are actually pure undiluted upside that has managed to coalesce into human form.

With the passing going on in the league now and the "new" Tightends I would expect that 100 receptions to get passed again and soon. I agree though that Clark and Gates are two TEs that can be at the top of the heap most years. I can see Finley joining them though since all the Packers do is throw the ball and Rodgers is a very good QB. He also seems to like Finley quite a bit. It really is going to come down to whether or not Finley's knee is healthy.

 

[ookook]

Finley is great. He has talent and situation.

But, there are a lot of great TEs these days. some of which can be had much, much later.

So I say "overvalued" at this point: I look for him in the 6th and not before.

I mean, what will McNabb do for Cooley? What if a TE in Houston stayted healthy? Lots of good prospects.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Part of the reason for Finley's success last season was that Rodgers was constantly under pressure and often did not have enough time to let Jennings' deep routes develop. That often worked to the benefit of Driver, Finley and others. The TE's were never featured much in the passing game under McCarthy until last season (targeted just under 25% last year, compared to 17.3% in 2006, 16.5% in 2007 and 14.1% in 2008). Granted, they didn't have a pass-catching talent like Finley in those prior years, but if the Packers pass protection improves, which is likely, I expect McCarthy to revert to his old ways in the passing game. Also, don't forget they have Donald Lee, Spencer Havner (5 td's last year) and a very interesting rookie in Andrew Quarless, who has Finley's size, is faster, but is a bit raw.

Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise.

 

[Sopranos25]

I look at it like this. He has the skills and talent. He is in one of the best passing offenses in the NFL, his QB is at the top of the NFL and there isnt a dominant #1 wr. Driver led the team in tds with 6 and in fantasy pts. In 13 games he was Very good. He has a lot of upside. 1000 and 8 is probable... thats not the ceiling 750 and 6 is a lock. I like him as a top 3 te with more upside than clark or gates, Both of them have seen as good as it gets. JMO

This is where the craziness starts to come in. Dallas Clark just became the second TE in history to catch 100 balls last year. Antonio Gates had one of the top 10 TE seasons of all times in terms of receiving yards... and it was only his 3rd best fantasy season. They play with Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers. There's no such thing as "more upside than Clark or Gates". Those guys are actually pure undiluted upside that has managed to coalesce into human form.

I see what your saying, i live in Indy and you have seen the best Clark has. Manning has 4 wr's that can outscore clark in fantasy. It all depends on the coverages. Wayne,Clark,Garcon,A Gon,Collie.. Its as good as it gets. Any of these guys can be wr 3's or better infantasy is a total crap shoot......

 

[Sopranos25]

Part of the reason for Finley's success last season was that Rodgers was constantly under pressure and often did not have enough time to let Jennings' deep routes develop. That often worked to the benefit of Driver, Finley and others. The TE's were never featured much in the passing game under McCarthy until last season (targeted just under 25% last year, compared to 17.3% in 2006, 16.5% in 2007 and 14.1% in 2008). Granted, they didn't have a pass-catching talent like Finley in those prior years, but if the Packers pass protection improves, which is likely, I expect McCarthy to revert to his old ways in the passing game. Also, don't forget they have Donald Lee, Spencer Havner (5 td's last year) and a very interesting rookie in Andrew Quarless, who has Finley's size, is faster, but is a bit raw.Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise.

well he was 9th in his rookie season so i will bet you an FBG membership net season he will be top 10 in PPG. for atlest 13 games played at the te position... Game?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Part of the reason for Finley's success last season was that Rodgers was constantly under pressure and often did not have enough time to let Jennings' deep routes develop. That often worked to the benefit of Driver, Finley and others. The TE's were never featured much in the passing game under McCarthy until last season (targeted just under 25% last year, compared to 17.3% in 2006, 16.5% in 2007 and 14.1% in 2008). Granted, they didn't have a pass-catching talent like Finley in those prior years, but if the Packers pass protection improves, which is likely, I expect McCarthy to revert to his old ways in the passing game. Also, don't forget they have Donald Lee, Spencer Havner (5 td's last year) and a very interesting rookie in Andrew Quarless, who has Finley's size, is faster, but is a bit raw.Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise.

well he was 9th in his rookie season so i will bet you an FBG membership net season he will be top 10 in PPG. for atlest 13 games played at the te position... Game?

I don't think top 10 in PPG is what Finley drafters are looking for. He has question marks. There is no certainty, not at this position and not when one is talking top 3 or top 5. Pretty much self-evident statements.

 

[dwyadog]

it is hard to get a read on finley, does most of the board favor him over vernon davis? Mostly because of situation?

 

[Sopranos25]

Part of the reason for Finley's success last season was that Rodgers was constantly under pressure and often did not have enough time to let Jennings' deep routes develop. That often worked to the benefit of Driver, Finley and others. The TE's were never featured much in the passing game under McCarthy until last season (targeted just under 25% last year, compared to 17.3% in 2006, 16.5% in 2007 and 14.1% in 2008). Granted, they didn't have a pass-catching talent like Finley in those prior years, but if the Packers pass protection improves, which is likely, I expect McCarthy to revert to his old ways in the passing game. Also, don't forget they have Donald Lee, Spencer Havner (5 td's last year) and a very interesting rookie in Andrew Quarless, who has Finley's size, is faster, but is a bit raw.Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise.

well he was 9th in his rookie season so i will bet you an FBG membership net season he will be top 10 in PPG. for atlest 13 games played at the te position... Game?

I don't think top 10 in PPG is what Finley drafters are looking for. He has question marks. There is no certainty, not at this position and not when one is talking top 3 or top 5. Pretty much self-evident statements.

Does that mean no.?? i dont care what most people think i bet off what YOU said

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Part of the reason for Finley's success last season was that Rodgers was constantly under pressure and often did not have enough time to let Jennings' deep routes develop. That often worked to the benefit of Driver, Finley and others. The TE's were never featured much in the passing game under McCarthy until last season (targeted just under 25% last year, compared to 17.3% in 2006, 16.5% in 2007 and 14.1% in 2008). Granted, they didn't have a pass-catching talent like Finley in those prior years, but if the Packers pass protection improves, which is likely, I expect McCarthy to revert to his old ways in the passing game. Also, don't forget they have Donald Lee, Spencer Havner (5 td's last year) and a very interesting rookie in Andrew Quarless, who has Finley's size, is faster, but is a bit raw.Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise.

well he was 9th in his rookie season so i will bet you an FBG membership net season he will be top 10 in PPG. for atlest 13 games played at the te position... Game?

I don't think top 10 in PPG is what Finley drafters are looking for. He has question marks. There is no certainty, not at this position and not when one is talking top 3 or top 5. Pretty much self-evident statements.

Does that mean no.?? i dont care what most people think i bet off what YOU said

you mean "Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise."?

 

[Sopranos25]

Part of the reason for Finley's success last season was that Rodgers was constantly under pressure and often did not have enough time to let Jennings' deep routes develop. That often worked to the benefit of Driver, Finley and others. The TE's were never featured much in the passing game under McCarthy until last season (targeted just under 25% last year, compared to 17.3% in 2006, 16.5% in 2007 and 14.1% in 2008). Granted, they didn't have a pass-catching talent like Finley in those prior years, but if the Packers pass protection improves, which is likely, I expect McCarthy to revert to his old ways in the passing game. Also, don't forget they have Donald Lee, Spencer Havner (5 td's last year) and a very interesting rookie in Andrew Quarless, who has Finley's size, is faster, but is a bit raw.Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise.

well he was 9th in his rookie season so i will bet you an FBG membership net season he will be top 10 in PPG. for atlest 13 games played at the te position... Game?

I don't think top 10 in PPG is what Finley drafters are looking for. He has question marks. There is no certainty, not at this position and not when one is talking top 3 or top 5. Pretty much self-evident statements.

Does that mean no.?? i dont care what most people think i bet off what YOU said

you mean "Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise."?

you said top 10 and you wont back it up. Forget it...

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

it is hard to get a read on finley, does most of the board favor him over vernon davis? Mostly because of situation?

Not me, I think Davis comes right back with another big year. Their pass schedule is easy, his WR's are emerging enough to help take all the pressure off of him unlike a young Todd Heap, I'd take Davis over Finley without thinking much more about it.

 

[Pipes]

Part of the reason for Finley's success last season was that Rodgers was constantly under pressure and often did not have enough time to let Jennings' deep routes develop. That often worked to the benefit of Driver, Finley and others. The TE's were never featured much in the passing game under McCarthy until last season (targeted just under 25% last year, compared to 17.3% in 2006, 16.5% in 2007 and 14.1% in 2008). Granted, they didn't have a pass-catching talent like Finley in those prior years, but if the Packers pass protection improves, which is likely, I expect McCarthy to revert to his old ways in the passing game. Also, don't forget they have Donald Lee, Spencer Havner (5 td's last year) and a very interesting rookie in Andrew Quarless, who has Finley's size, is faster, but is a bit raw.

Of course he could have an excellent, historical season this year, but I think it is ridiculous to claim any certainty that Finley will be top 5 in terms of fantasy production. He could have an excellent season for the Packers but still be out of the top 10 fantasy-wise.

I disagree with this. Most of Rodgers sacks came in the 1st half of the year, once Tauscher was in place the Packers offensive line played decent. Finley put up his numbers in the 2nd half of the season when the offensive line played much better. I really don't think McCarthy ignored the TE in the past because that's how his offense is structured, he just never had a decent receiving TE (which you touched upon) until Finley came along. To me that's the real reason why they didn't use the TE's much. Lee was/is average at best and I think that's why they came up with that 4 WR set that they used a ton in Brett's last year. McCarthy is all about exploiting mismatches and noone creates bigger mismatches than Finley. He's too fast for LB and too big for DB's and I don't see how he's not at least the 2nd most targeted receiver for the Pack. I could actually see him being target more than Jennings.