EMQB's Fantasy Sleepers - AFC South

The Colts, Jags, Texans, and Titans are all deep offensive teams with defined roles. Finding sleepers will be no easy chore. But talent is always buried on even the most talented rosters, and all these players need is opportunity.

Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Gonzales, WR: Nothing will get you forgotten as quickly as being injured. Gonzales was injured in week 1 of last season and never returned to the field during the Colts' Super Bowl run. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie emerged, and fantasy owners will probably have Gonzales fighting for the 3rd wide receiver.  However, if he can fully recover, he could reclaim that second receiver spot. The training camp battle should be watched closely as the second receiver spot on the Colts can be easily worth around 1,000 yards and 6-8 touchdowns. If Gonzales wins this spot, he could be had for a mid round pick.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Jarrett Dillard, WR: The 5'10", 187 pound Dillard was a star at Rice and can win a wide open competition for the Jags' second receiver spot. The Jags love to run the football, so the expectations of the player who wins that spot should be tempered. Dillard's competition (Troy Williamson and Mike Thomas) have their limitations, and Dillard is ultra-competitive, tough, and catches the football in traffic. I like him to win this job, and if he does, because of the run oriented offense he is in, he could be available in the late rounds or as a high priority free agent.

Houston Texans - Jacoby Jones, WR: Jones is an explosive return man and has shown the same potential as a receiver. He had 5 touchdown receptions in his 22 catches last season. Jones has the speed and ability to get behind NFL defenses. The resigning of Kevin Walters will bring down Jones value, but Walters could be moved to the slot, and Jones to the outside position opposite Andre Johnson. If this is the case, Jones would be an excellent late round value because of the Texans downfield passing offense.

Tennessee Titans - Jared Cook, TE: Cook is an athletic tight end (like Jermichael Finley), and the Titans would love to feature him much more in their offense this season. Bo Scaife is ahead of him on the depth chart but isn't much better of a blocker, and he definitely does not have the playmaking ability that Cook does. Though Scaife might start out the season getting more snaps, there is a strong chance that Cook could work his way up to a starter and a major red zone threat. Cook is not worth a draft pick at this point, but should be one of the first tight ends consider as an injury or fantasy bust replacement.

EMQB will next look at the wild AFC West and see what Oakland, Kansas City, Denver, and San Diego have hidden in the cupboard.






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Cushing's Bad Joke

Eddie Murphy once made a joke, in the movie "Raw", about a man who was caught red handed coming out of another women's house. The punchline of the joke is the confrontation of the man by his wife and his response of, "It wasn't me". Laughter insued.


Two - time NFL Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing held a press conference in Houston today. He stated that he never ingested the drug HCG - which is a female fertility drug that masks hormone levels after taking steroids. 


According to NFL.com, he made the statement, “It’s something I’m very concerned about. The fact that how it’s there, and what’s going to determine it from happening again. That’s going to be something that we’re going to medically investigate.”


The song and dance sounds a lot much like the argument that many baseball players used in their sport's steroid scandal.  However, the more information that came out, the less probable it was they were telling the truth. At least, Cushing didn't try the "I'm not here to talk about the past" defense.


If Cushing thinks that this press conference improved his image or answered any questions - he is sadly mistaken. His reputation is damaged beyond repair. If he is dominant, then it is because of PEDs. If he is no longer dominant, it is because of the lack of performance enhancers. Trust is something that is earned, and Cushing has made his athletic ability questionable forever.


If there is a positive from this situation, it is that the NFL has egg on its face. The AP re-voting, and Cushing's less than stellar reasons for having a fertility drug in his system have shined a light on the NFL Steroid Policy. The lack of consequences for players that cheat their way to fortune and fame has been overlooked and excepted for far too long. Perhaps this will inspire some real change.


Cushing can look us all in the face and say, "It wasn't me". That doesn't mean we have to laugh at his bad joke.






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Tainted Love - Cushing Wins ROY Again

Texans' linebacker Brian Cushing has done what no other player has done before. He has been recognized as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year twice by the Associated Press. After Cushing failed a test for steroids last September and was suspended by the NFL on Monday, the AP ordered a re-vote for the 2009 award that Cushing had won.

The giving of an already tainted award to another player would have done nothing to solve the real issue. The voters understood that stripping Cushing of the award wouldn't actually have made the new recipient the winner, it would have made him "the guy who got the award because Cushing cheated."  There was no satisfactory outcome to the issue. The award will stay Cushing's and so will the controversy surrounding it.

The use of anabolic steroids, HGH, and masking agents is happening in the NFL more than we care to know. Is it fair to strip a guy who got caught using and possibly give it to player who used and didn't get caught? The AP voters are simply sending us a message - Brian Cushing is not the only person in the NFL using these substances. The limitless contradictions are a can of worms best left unopened. Performance enhancing drugs have robbed fans of enough faith.





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A Policy That Needs Enhancement

Texans' linebacker Brian Cushing is being stripped of the Defensive Rookie of the Year honors he was awarded last season because he failed a test for steroids last September. He is also losing any credibility he has as an NFL player.

The issue is the double-edged sword that is known as the NFL steroid policy. Per the collective bargaining agreement, the results of the testing are confidential. Though hardcore performance enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids are the main focus of this policy, the NFL has a list of banned over the counter substances that fall under the policy also. It is equivalent to grouping together the crime of selling fifty pounds of meth with the crime of public drunkenness and giving them the same legal name and punishment.

The players who use steroids and get caught can always claim that it was simply an over the counter supplement. The players who are careless enough to buy the wrong bottle from GNC are automatically given the "steroid abuser" label.

  

I happen to be one of the people that automatically assumes it was steroids. The NFL is a competitive league and some players are looking to gain an edge. And if I can find out if an over the counter supplement is allowed under the policy, then any NFL player with an Internet connection and a telephone can too. Here is an excerpt from the policy at nflplayers.com:

"Players are responsible for what is in their bodies, and a positive test result will not be excused because a player was unaware that he was taking a Prohibited Substance. If you have questions or concerns about a particular dietary supplement or other product, you should contact Dr. John Lombardo at (614) 442-0106. As the Independent Administrator, Dr. Lombardo is authorized to respond to players’ questions regarding specific supplements. You may also contact the NFL/NFLPA Supplement Hotline at (866) NFL-SUPP or NFLSupp@DrugFreeSport.com. Having your Club's medical or training staff approve a supplement will not excuse a positive test result."

If players want to shed the "cheater" reputation that comes with a steroid policy violation, then the NFL and the Players' Association need to create separate policies or allow the players to consent to release the test results. If the player truly did drink a sports drink laced with a banned stimulant and releases the test results, then we will know. If the player doesn't consent to release the test, then we will also know. The players and the fans deserve better. 

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Houston Texans 2010 Draft Review

The Texans' draft was an excellent example of filling need and getting value. Houston needed a starting corner, and Kareem Jackson was the obvious choice because of his experience in a complex pro defensive scheme at Alabama. Ben Tate could become the starter and get the majority of carries due to his strength and tackle breaking ability. Earl Mitchell and Darryl Sharpton are great athletes and should improve the depth of the front seven.  Tridon Holliday and Dorin Dickerson are steals based on the fact that they have first round speed and ability, but other teams passed them up because of their lack of size. The Texans have a draft class full of talent, and I will be looking forward to seeing their progress over the next few seasons.




Round 1, Pick 20

Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

Ht: 5’ 10 ½” Wt: 196

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jackson being selected this high might be shocking for some but his experience in press coverage makes him pro-ready.  The Texans were in great need of a cornerback after losing Dunta Robinson.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Is what you’d expect of a Nick Saban corner and helped himself at the Combine by running surprisingly well. Could always struggle to match up with quickness, but his instincts and tackling ability should play well in a cover-2 scheme. Could be overdrafted coming from a national-championship program under a coach known for maximizing talent of his defensive backs.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Jackson is a junior who came out early for the 2010 and definitely could have helped himself by staying in school for another season to improve his footwork.  He is a quick and agile cornerback with good instincts, which helps him to consistently read and react quickly to passes in front of him.  He is a tough and competitive cornerback who does not hesitate to play physical with the receiver and has shown the ball skills to consistently break up passes.  He is a quick footed cornerback with good speed to run/stay with most receivers in tight M/M coverage, but must improve backpedal in order to turn and run more consistently vs the fastest NFL receivers.  Overall, Jackson is a good cornerback prospect with the talent to be a very good nickel corner or solid starter.  His lack of size and elite speed may limit his play-making ability in the NFL, but his good all around athleticism, instincts, ball skills and competitiveness give him the other tools to make up for his limitations to become a productive NFL cornerback – Ideally he will be a #3 Nickel, but with good cornerbacks hard to find he could do a solid job as a starter.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Jackson is a good fit with press-cover teams.  He’s a top competitor who uses his hands well at the line of scrimmage, is aggressive throughout the route and has the ball skills to burn quarterbacks willing to challenge him.  Questions about his pure speed and how he’ll handle the NFL’s strict pass interference rules are concerns. 

Round 2, Pick 58

Ben Tate, RB, Auburn

Ht: 5’ 11” Wt: 220

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Texans were in need of running back help, and Tate will make an excellent pairing with Steve Slaton.  Tate is a physical runner who lacks break away speed but could take on 20 carries per game in the NFL.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Racked up a lot of yardage behind an average offensive line and has the power and run skills to develop into a solid, complementary backup.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Tate lacks the agility and straight-line speed to be effective in every NFL scheme.  Teams looking for a traditional power back with underrated receiving skills, however, would be wise to consider him.  His lack of flashy test numbers should push him down the board enough that he’ll be available in middle rounds, when his durability and consistency should make him a terrific value. 

Round 3, Pick 81

Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona

Ht: 6’ 1 ¾” Wt: 296

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Earl Mitchell is a high-motor type defensive tackle and should hopefully bring that energy to a defense that is sorely lacking.  Mitchell rose up the draft ranks after an excellent combine and, with the failure of Amobi Okoye to make a significant impact, Mitchell was to tempting for the Texans to pass on.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Made himself a mint at the Com- bine when he clocked faster than any other defensive tackle in the 40-yard dash and posted superb 10-yard time (1.56 seconds) for a near- 300-pounder. Easily could warrant looks in the top 100 picks as an up-the-field penetrator.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A strong performance during the week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game helped Mitchell develop some momentum before the draft.  NFL scouts love Mitchell’s athleticism and work ethic, but may struggle to find a spot for him at his size.  Some even feel his future position could be on the offensive side of the ball as a fullback. 

102.)  Houston Texans

Darryl Sharpton, LB, Miami

Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 229

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Sharpton is an excellent athlete and a typical small but fast Miami linebacker.  He should fit in well in Houston's front seven as a rotational player.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:   Sharpton is viewed by some scouts and as an ascending talent and a better athlete than football player.  His experience at multiple positions is an asset, though some consider him to be a bit of a ‘tweener, with the athleticism (but not the size) for the outside but not the instincts and use of hands to defeat blocks playing inside.   

118.)  Houston Texans
Garrett Graham, TE, Wisconsin
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 243

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Graham is a solid, all-around prospect but does not stand out in any particular area.  A typical tough Wisconsin player, he could come in and start immediately if injuries continue to deplete the Texans tight end position.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  He might not be considered a top-50 selection if only because he’s not overly strong, big or fast.  Graham’s work ethic and solid all-around game puts him in third-round conversation for NFL teams primarily utilizing an H-back or motion tight end in their base offense.

144.)  Houston Texans
Sherrick McManis, CB, Northwestern
Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 195

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  McManis is a perfect candidate for a nickel or dime corner as he is effective in short areas.  He possibly could play special teams and also could be converted to a safety by the Texans.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Helped himself with a solid senior season, showing enough versatility and physicality to warrant consideration as a zone corner and developmental free safety prospect.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

187.)  Houston Texans

Shelley Smith, OG, Colorado State
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 300

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Smith is a prototypical zone-blocking guard that most teams overlook because of a lack of power and size.  Smith has an opportunity to latch on to the Texans as a back up.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   A weak-side pulling guard and solid pass protector with enough athletic ability to develop into a functional backup guard in a zone-blocking scheme.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

197.)  Houston Texans

Trindon Holliday, KR, LSU

 Ht: 5' 5" Wt: 162

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: A returner with sprinter speed, Holliday is a one dimensional player in the fact that he can only contribute in the NFL by returning kicks and punts.  He does excel at that, and, if he can stay healthy, he could be a game changing player based upon his effect on field position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Dangerous, diminutive punt and kickoff returner who only needs a sliver of daylight to take it the distance. Also shows versatility to contribute as a change-of-pace back or work out of the slot.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

227.)  Houston Texans 

Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 226

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Dickerson's issue is he's oversized for a receiver and much too small to be a full-time tight end.  The Texans need to have a plan to use him as a receiver/blocker that lines up wide of the offensive tackle.  Dickerson can be more than successful if used properly.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Found a home at H-back as a senior after being shuttled between positions his first three years and has shown big-time flashes of potential. Possesses the vertical speed to stretch the seam and athletic ability to mismatch linebackers on crossing routes. Exceptional Combine performance and rare top-end speed will enhance value but is still raw as a route runner and will need to be used on simple routes where he does not have to make sharp cuts to be most effective. Has ability to factor situationally immediately.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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Round 7, Pick 223 - 228

223.)  Carolina Panthers

R.J. Stanford, DB, Utah

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 180

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Stanford is a good prospect as far as speed and size is concerned.  His actual on the field ability is in question.  Perhaps Carolina thinks with pro-coaching Stanford could become a contributing cornerback and special teamer.

GM Jr’s scouting report:   RJ Stanford’s lack of size and strength, as well as poor technique, will certainly scare some teams away, but his speed will convince others to take a second look. His height/weight combo his ability to be physical with bigger receivers in man coverage, and his choppy pedal causes him to lose ground quickly on the flip. However, he has the speed to recover and undercut the route on most receivers. He is at his best in zone coverage, as he does an excellent job of reading the QB and accelerating to the play in front of him. While these traits make him look like a good candidate for a cover 2 team, he will need to improve his competitiveness against the run in order to round out his skill set and see significant time on the field. As a rookie he projects as a dime back who should be a contributor on special teams. If he can improve his technique and strength level significantly, he could develop into a solid nickel back, capable of filling in at #2 against smaller receivers who are more his size. He has a lot of work to do to prove himself, but with such a premium placed on speed, RJ is worth a late round pick.

224.)  San Francisco 49ers 

Phillip Adams, DB, South Carolina State

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 182

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Adams continues the run on valuable returners in this round.  Small school experience and lack of top end speed kept his stock down, but his ball skills and open field creativity can translate to the NFL level.  

  

225.)  Denver Broncos

Syd'quan Thompson, CB, California

Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  One of the players that made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl, Thompson is an extremely instinctive corner but lacks the top end speed to play the outside receivers.  The Broncos could use him as a nickel or corner back this season because he is very smart and will find his way onto the football field.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   An undersized, feisty, throwback-type slot defender and punt returner with exceptional heart and football character, Thompson does not meet height-weight-speed standards but maximizes his ability and stands out on tape. Better football player than athlete who will make it hard for a team to cut him.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

226.)  St. Louis Rams

George Selvie, DE, Southern Florida

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 252

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  After a spectacular sophomore season, Selvie disappointed his last two college years.  Selvie is a good straight-line rusher but does not  have the size and strength to out muscle tackles and can be blocked too easily.  If he can show his early college form, Selvie could earn a spot on the Rams' roster.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Very tough, upright tweener who is most known for his superproductive sophomore season and does not get enough credit for how strong and tough he is for a lightweight plugger. Lacks the athletic ability and bend desired in a rush linebacker and lack of size could be limiting as an every-down defensive end. However, he does play big for his size with enough leverage and grit to stick as a 4-3 base end despite his lack of bulk.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

227.)  Houston Texans 

Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 226

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Dickerson's issue is he's oversized for a receiver and much too small to be a full-time tight end.  The Texans need to have a plan to use him as a receiver/blocker that lines up wide of the offensive tackle.  Dickerson can be more than successful if used properly.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Found a home at H-back as a senior after being shuttled between positions his first three years and has shown big-time flashes of potential. Possesses the vertical speed to stretch the seam and athletic ability to mismatch linebackers on crossing routes. Exceptional Combine performance and rare top-end speed will enhance value but is still raw as a route runner and will need to be used on simple routes where he does not have to make sharp cuts to be most effective. Has ability to factor situationally immediately.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

228.)  Cincinnati Bengals

Reggie Stephens, OL, Iowa State

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 333

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Stephens is a versatile lineman.  He has played all three interior line positions and started for three plus seasons at Iowa State.  His pass blocking footwork needs to be coached up, but he's a good run blocker.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
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Round 6, Pick 195 - 199

195.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Steelers continue to try to add depth to their wide receiver corps after the loss of Santonio Holmes.  Brown is a slot receiver and returner.  He faces an uphill battle to make the team because of the number of receivers already on the roster.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Could have used another year of development, but opted to come out instead of returning with a new coach and QB. A smallish, slot receiver with run-after-catch ability and return skills, Brown’s strength and instinct deficiencies will make it difficult to separate at the next level. Character concerns could limit his appeal and knock him off draft boards.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

196.)  Dallas Cowboys

Jamar Wall, CB, Texas Tech

Ht: 5'  10" Wt: 204

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Wall was a value pick in the sense that he fell because of his lack of instincts.  If Wall can make a good impression on the Cowboys, he has a chance to make the roster as a nickel or dime corner.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Squatty, squarely built former high school running back with man-coverage limitations who is not exceptional in any area but has enough size, athletic ability and ball skills to make it as a No. 4 or No. 5 corner for a cover-2 team.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

197.)  Houston Texans

Trindon Holliday, KR, LSU

 Ht: 5' 5" Wt: 162

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: A returner with sprinter speed, Holliday is a one dimensional player in the fact that he can only contribute in the NFL by returning kicks and punts.  He does excel at that, and, if he can stay healthy, he could be a game changing player based upon his effect on field position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Dangerous, diminutive punt and kickoff returner who only needs a sliver of daylight to take it the distance. Also shows versatility to contribute as a change-of-pace back or work out of the slot.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

198.)   Carolina Panthers

David Gettis, WR, Baylor

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 217

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Gettis is a blazer who is still learning the game of football.  The pro-passing game is not learned easily, and Gettis might not be given the time or repetitions to reach his potential.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A classic size-speed prospect, Gettis’ 6-3 frame and track speed give him the tools to be a fantastic receiver.  Far from a finished product, Gettis flashes explosive ability but also needs work catching the ball with more consistency and running crisper routes.    

199.)  Minnesota Vikings

Joe Webb, QB, UAB

Ht: 6' 3" Wt:  223

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A prospect in the mold of Percy Harvin, Webb could run the "wildcat" offense or be converted to wide receiver.  He is a long term project and might not make a talented squad.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Converted QB project who will require some time to adapt to an NFL playbook, but Webb has enough size, athletic ability and run skills to warrant giving a chance running routes.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.