EMQB's Fantasy Sleepers - AFC East

I love fantasy football. I really like winning (I have some sort of allergic reaction to losing). Here is my sleeper player for each NFL team. I'll be going division by division and giving my reasons for watching these players closely through training camp and the regular season. Not that my reasons will be any good, but since you're here......

Miami Dolphins - Davone Bess, WR - The acquisition of Brandon Marshall means one thing: the Dolphins are looking to throw the ball more. Bess is a great slot receiver and could be a monster in points per reception leagues. He will have a legitimate shot at 100 receptions and a chance to score more touchdowns than the 2 total he has scored in his two NFL seasons. If there is an injury in the Dolphins' receiving corps, his value will be much higher.  Bess is a safe pick and should be a great steal in the late rounds.

New York Jets - David Clowney, WR - The trades for Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards have bumped the pre-season star Clowney down the depth chart and out of fantasy owners' minds. While he does has an uphill fight, Clowney could be the one to capitalize on an injury or inconsistent play by the receivers ahead of him. Clowney has blazing speed but hasn't had the chance to show it in the regular season because of his own injury issues. Clowney is not draftable at this point but should be on fantasy owners' radars if the right situation arises.

New England Patriots - Brandon Tate, WR - Tate is not a polished route runner and has had knee problems that have prevented him from being an impact receiver at the college and NFL level. He has first round physical talent, and the Patriots are in bad need of an outside threat opposite Randy Moss. Tate is my favorite to win that job if he can stay healthy. He also is a huge threat in the return game and could add a touchdown or two in that department. You will need to pay close attention to the depth chart as the pre-season comes to a close, but if your draft is early in the preseason, take the risk on a guy like Tate with one of your last picks. He has big time potential in that offense.

Buffalo Bills - Shawn Nelson, TE - Nelson has the most potential out of this group of players to become a starter this season. The problem is Buffalo struggled mightly to move the ball last season and may do so again this season. Mike Mayock was big on Nelson's receiving capabilities coming into the League last season. Buffalo's other tight end options (Derek Schouman, Jonathan Stupar, and Joe Klopfenstein) are not threats in the passing game. C.J. Spiller may help to open up the passing game, and the Bills are in serious need of playmakers, so I expect Nelson to win the starting tight end job. Nelson should be a late round pick or priority bye week replacement in leagues that require a tight end.


We will be going over the AFC North tomorrow and trying to find the gems in a division shifting from run oriented offenses to a more wide open game. 






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New York Jets 2010 Draft Review

The Jets' draft was short but sweet. You have to add the trades for Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie to the mix for accuracy. Kyle Wilson was not a need but some had him rated as the highest corner in the draft. He was considered by Cleveland at the 7th pick so the Jets got a lot of value selecting Wilson at pick 29. He can step into the return game (which is now a need because of the Leon Washington trade) and play in the Jets' sub packages. The Jets thought Vlad Ducasse was a good enough player to immediately release Alan Faneca. He will be pegged as the starter at left guard and should give the run game a boost based on his size and ability. Joe McKnight is a quick, homerun-type running back and should help provide a change of pace from the styles of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson. My favorite player in the whole draft was Kentucky fullback John Conner. He may allow the Jets to move on from Tony Richardson in the near future and will be a special teams warrior right out of the gate.


Round 1, Pick 29

Kyle Wilson, CB/KR, Boise State

Ht: 5’ 10 Wt: 194

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Kyle Wilson is another versatile cornerback who can also return punts even with the acquisition of Antonio Cromartie.  The Jets felt Wilson was the best player left on the board that fit a need for them.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Quick, fast, competitive, playmaking corner who will have to prove himself on a more consistent basis against bigger, faster receivers but could develop into a No. 2 corner with versatility to play the slot in nickel packages and also return punts.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report: Wilson is a very quick and explosive athlete with the playing speed, instincts and ball skills to consistently close quickly and make plays on the ball to break up passes. He is definitely going to need to work on his backpedal if he is ever going to become the NFL player that he has the talent to be. Wilson really stepped and made a name for himself when he shined at the Senior Bowl and then was just as impressive at Boise State’s Pro Day where he really shined and ran in the 4.4’s. Over- all, Wilson has all the physical talent (Other than ideal size) to become a very good starting cornerback in the NFL and if he can improve his back-pedal he could really become top level, pro bowl cornerback, along with a good punt returner.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Wilson is a natural playmaker who earned all-conference or All-American honors in all four seasons with the Broncos.  He emerged as a junior with 15 passes broken up (including five interceptions) and three punt returns for touchdowns in 2008.  In ’09, he returned two of his three interceptions for scores and answered questions about his willingness to stick his head into the pile in run support. 

Round 2, Pick 61

Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts

Ht: 6’ 4 3/8” Wt: 332

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Ducassse is a raw, inexperienced prospect but is going to a perfect situation in New York.  He doesn't have to start right away because of the amount of experienced players on the Jets' offensive line.  It will take him two or three years to develop, but the reward outweighed the risk at this point.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Big-bodied college left tackle who projects best to right tackle or guard in the NFL. Got away with leaning and relying on his size at UMass and is not polished, but most of his flaws are coachable, and he possesses legitimate physical ability and significant upside. Could handle the left side for a power-running team such as the Cowboys, Steelers or Cardinals. Could blossom into a left tackle with good coaching but may have to start his career inside.

NFL projection: Top-40 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A Haitian-born athlete who didn’t play football until high school, Ducasse has a ways to go before successfully taking on veteran NFL defenders.  Although he engulfed or pancaked smaller FCS players, he didn’t completely dominate.  Some teams will project him inside to use his size and mobility without worrying about his raw technique and lack of experience protecting a franchise quarterback.

112.)  New York Jets
Joe McKnight, RB, Southern Cal

Ht: 5' 11" Wt:  198

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The knock on McKnight is that he is not a tough runner.  With the Jets already having two backs that are more power than finesse, McKnight could come in as a good change of pace back.  I believe this spells the end of Leon Washington's Jets' career.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Capable of making defenders miss in tight quarters due to breathtaking lateral agility and sudden acceleration, McKnight will supply big plays.  But for all the hype, his production and consistency at USC was a bit underwhelming.  His lanky build and only average strength are of concern to scouts who wonder if he can prove to be anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level. 

139.)  New York Jets
John Conner, RB, Kentucky

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 246

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  My favorite player in the entire draft, "The Terminator" is what every football team wants in a football player.  Willing to play special teams and a violent run and pass blocker, the Jets have found a way to improve their run game even more.  Conner plays football like a bull in a china shop.   

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The few NFL teams still longing for a throwback will keep tabs on Conner.  A former walk-on, he emerged as a valuable special teams performer and lead blocker early in his career.  As head coach Rich Brooks gained more trust in him, Conner was used more often as a receiver and runner.

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.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 5, Pick 137 - 141

137.)  Denver Broncos
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 195

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Cox is another prospect whose numbers are not indicative of his play on the field.  He is an excellent returner and provides value for the Broncos right away.  He could develop into an excellent nickel corner or possibly a starting corner.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Overhyped press-and-trail, non- contact corner with intriguing ball skills and kick-return ability that have bloated his value. Pedestrian 40-time, lack of physicality and off-coverage limitations will turn off zone-cover teams. Is too undisciplined on and off the field, and his talent might not be worth the headache a team incurs by bringing him into the clubhouse. Has impact potential as a returner but comes with a “buyer beware” label.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

138.)  Oakland Raiders
Walter McFadden, DB, Auburn

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 172

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  McFadden is a prototype nickel corner and one of the sleepers in this draft.  He could help the Raiders immediately because of his excellent instincts and disciplined play.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Confident, competitive, thinly built man-cover corner with speed who has a knack for shadowing receivers. Lack of stature is limiting, but most of his flaws are coachable, and he will be one of the first non-Combine participants off the board.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

139.)  New York Jets
John Conner, RB, Kentucky

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 246

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  My favorite player in the entire draft, "The Terminator" is what every football team wants in a football player.  Willing to play special teams and a violent run and pass blocker, the Jets have found a way to improve their run game even more.  Conner plays football like a bull in a china shop.   

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The few NFL teams still longing for a throwback will keep tabs on Conner.  A former walk-on, he emerged as a valuable special teams performer and lead blocker early in his career.  As head coach Rich Brooks gained more trust in him, Conner was used more often as a receiver and runner.

140.)  Buffalo Bills
Ed Wang, OT, Virginia Tech

Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 314

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Wang, the former left tackle for VT, does not have the elite speed to take on the best NFL pass rushers.  He could be an excellent left guard and has the opportunity to come in and start for a Bills' line that is lacking in talent.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A former tight end, Wang is a work in progress and struggled with penalties last season.  Scouts would also like to see him add more strength and toughness.  However, teams will have a hard time ignoring his intriguing combination of size and pure athletic ability in the middle rounds.  Wang should be able to provide a team with a legitimate developmental prospect as left tackle. 

141.)  Chicago Bears
Joshua Moore, DB, Kansas State

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 188

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Moore is the type of prospect that flies under the radar often but the Bears know he could be a very good nickel corner.  Moore has decent size for his position, but his lack of speed will over shadow his excellent ability.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   A narrow-framed, underdeveloped, more-quick-than-fast cover man with good ball skills, Moore was quietly productive for two seasons but could have used another year to fill out his frame and improve as a tackler. Could develop into a nickel corner and contribute on special teams.

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.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 4, Picks 110 - 114

110.)  San Diego Chargers
Darrell Stuckey, FS, Kansas

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 205

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Stuckey is another try-hard prospect.  Not blessed with overwhelming speed, he will come in and help on special teams immediately.  He is also capable to fill in as an injury replacement at the safety position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Stood out as a junior but posted a disappointing senior season and did not stand out at the Shrine game. Moved around well enough at the Combine to warrant re-evaluating junior tape and is athletic enough to warrant interest as a solid No. 3 safety.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

111.)  Seattle Seahawks

Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon

Ht:  5' 11" Wt: 189 

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Injuries have caused Thurmond to drop this far.  An excellent prospect if he can stay healthy, he could possibly turn into a very good starter.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:    Lean, long-limbed, athletic cover man who might have warranted interest in the first two rounds had he not blown out his knee as a senior. Durability will affect his draft value, but possesses starter-caliber athletic ability, quickness and ball skills and offers versatility as a return man. Value selection if he can stay healthy.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

112.)  New York Jets
Joe McKnight, RB, Southern Cal

Ht: 5' 11" Wt:  198

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The knock on McKnight is that he is not a tough runner.  With the Jets already having two backs that are more power than finesse, McKnight could come in as a good change of pace back.  I believe this spells the end of Leon Washington's Jets' career.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Capable of making defenders miss in tight quarters due to breathtaking lateral agility and sudden acceleration, McKnight will supply big plays.  But for all the hype, his production and consistency at USC was a bit underwhelming.  His lanky build and only average strength are of concern to scouts who wonder if he can prove to be anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level.  

113.)  New England Patriots
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  I'm suspicious of the reasons that Hernandez has fallen this far as he was rated to go a round or two higher.  An excellent all-around player, he needs to get stronger and develop his game in certain areas but the Pats, once again, got excellent value out of a fourth-round draft pick. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Not big or strong enough to compete as an inline blocker, Hernandez’s appeal is as a matchup nightmare and he could be moved to H-back.  Blessed with good quickness as a route-runner, surprising strength and balance after the catch and sticky, reliable hands.  He could make an immediate impact.   

114.)  Baltimore Ravens
Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU
Ht:  6' 4"  Wt 245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Pitta is a classic 'tweener:  bigger than a wide receiver yet probably too small to be a full-time tight end, he is an extremely intriguing prospect.  The Ravens can use him right away to create matchup problems against line backers.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Although he’s a better blocker than most think, the three-time first-team All-mountain West Pick might struggle to convince NFL teams he can be more than situational receiving option.  Pitta must prove he has the agility and strong hands to handle coverage from top-flight linebackers.

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.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 2, Pick 61 - New York Jets - Vlad Ducasse

Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts

Ht: 6’ 4 3/8” Wt: 332

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Ducassse is a raw, inexperienced prospect but is going to a perfect situation in New York.  He doesn't have to start right away because of the amount of experienced players on the Jets' offensive line.  It will take him two or three years to develop, but the reward outweighed the risk at this point.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Big-bodied college left tackle who projects best to right tackle or guard in the NFL. Got away with leaning and relying on his size at UMass and is not polished, but most of his flaws are coachable, and he possesses legitimate physical ability and significant upside. Could handle the left side for a power-running team such as the Cowboys, Steelers or Cardinals. Could blossom into a left tackle with good coaching but may have to start his career inside.

NFL projection: Top-40 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A Haitian-born athlete who didn’t play football until high school, Ducasse has a ways to go before successfully taking on veteran NFL defenders.  Although he engulfed or pancaked smaller FCS players, he didn’t completely dominate.  Some teams will project him inside to use his size and mobility without worrying about his raw technique and lack of experience protecting a franchise quarterback.

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

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.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 1, Pick 29 - New York Jets - Kyle Wilson

Kyle Wilson, CB/KR, Boise State

Ht: 5’ 10 Wt: 194

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Kyle Wilson is another versatile cornerback who can also return punts even with the acquisition of Antonio Cromartie.  The Jets felt Wilson was the best player left on the board that fit a need for them.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Quick, fast, competitive, playmaking corner who will have to prove himself on a more consistent basis against bigger, faster receivers but could develop into a No. 2 corner with versatility to play the slot in nickel packages and also return punts.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report: Wilson is a very quick and explosive athlete with the playing speed, instincts and ball skills to consistently close quickly and make plays on the ball to break up passes. He is definitely going to need to work on his backpedal if he is ever going to become the NFL player that he has the talent to be. Wilson really stepped and made a name for himself when he shined at the Senior Bowl and then was just as impressive at Boise State’s Pro Day where he really shined and ran in the 4.4’s. Over- all, Wilson has all the physical talent (Other than ideal size) to become a very good starting cornerback in the NFL and if he can improve his back-pedal he could really become top level, pro bowl cornerback, along with a good punt returner.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Wilson is a natural playmaker who earned all-conference or All-American honors in all four seasons with the Broncos.  He emerged as a junior with 15 passes broken up (including five interceptions) and three punt returns for touchdowns in 2008.  In ’09, he returned two of his three interceptions for scores and answered questions about his willingness to stick his head into the pile in run support. 

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.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Playing The Character

The upcoming NFL Draft and last night's trade of Santonio Holmes both stir up the subject of "character issues".

The term seems to be a catch-all for everything from having an overinflated ego to assaulting your children and their mother (like Buffalo Bills wide receiver James Hardy was accused of in 2006).

While doubts are surrounding current draft prospects like Jimmy Clausen and Dez Bryant, they are having their decision making scrutinized "under the microscope."  Players like Santonio Holmes are being traded or cut for their off the field decision making.

While social media has been a huge hit in most of the world, some players have struggled with using it. Larry Johnson called his own head coach a "punk" and a "fag" via Twitter. Something tells me that if you felt like it was totally necessary to tell your coach how you felt about him, it might best be done in private. He was subsequently released. 

Santonio Holmes' issues with Twitter  have been well documented on this blog and others. The fact is that alienating fans, talking openly about drug use, and being accused on assaulting others is not the best way to gain leverage for the new contract you're playing for this upcoming season. Add the four game suspension for violating the NFL substance abuse policy and a possible additional suspension for violating the conduct policy, and it was easy to see why the Steelers would take a fifth round pick. At least he will have a cheap three year contract and doesn't have a one year suspension hanging over his head.

The Jets will have to decide if the benefits of signing Holmes to a long term contract outweigh the risks. His talent will demand a large guaranteed pay day.  His decision making shows he doesn't care about the consequences of his actions.

In this day and age of constant media, athletes can no longer afford to have an attitude that reflects invincibility. This expectation directly conflicts with attitude that we expect on the field or court. Unbridled confidence is a trait that is almost universal in all great athletes. If you don't think that you are better than your opponent then you never will be.

The same confidence that we admire in Brett Favre, we despised in Ryan Leaf. The line between an ego in check and an over inflated ego is a fine line.

Santonio Holmes is a example of that attitude bleeding over into his personal life. As fans we want players who know they are the best players in the world. We also want ones that are intelligent enough to know that this doesn't allow them to treat others as sub-human or meaningless.




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Weeding Out Problems

http://fitsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/santonio-holmes1.jpg

Superbowl XLIII MVP, Santonio Holmes, has been traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the New York Jets.

Holmes has had a rocky offseason to say the least, and the trade doesn't surprise me much considering his "the fans don't sign my checks" rant on Twitter.

That being said, his attitude is a perfect fit for the Jets' locker room.  His life with the New York press should be  even more interesting.

Reports have sprung up that Holmes will miss four games for either missing or failing a drug test. This is very risky move because Holmes has little or no regard for the drug testing program, as earlier this month he tweeted that he was going to "wake and bake".

The Steelers obviously don't want to continue to play Holmes' game. They shipped the former first round pick off to the Jets for just a fifth round pick. This gives them a hole in their receiving corps, but it is obvious that they were favoring locker room sanity over on the field talent.

This move signals that the Steelers aren't going to sit around and watch their organization's reputation be ruined. Ben Roethlisberger has heard this message loud and clear.

The Jets are obviously looking to win now as this is a move that is a high risk/high reward endeavor. Holmes has obviously gone rogue, and the Jets will have to reel him in.





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Pay Agency

 Former Chicago Bears' defensive end Alex Brown is visiting the Saints today. That isn't huge news. The huge news is the Saints are actually having a free agent visit. Can anyone say "Mardi Gras party"?


The "Final Eight Plan" has left a quarter of the League inactive in free agency. If you're impatient and don't want to click on the link, here is the short version:  all the teams that made it to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs (the final eight) have to lose a free agent before they are able to sign another free agent in his place.  Additionally, the "Final Four" have financial restrictions on top of that.


This has led the "Final Eight" (Jets, Colts, Vikings, Saints, Cardinals, Cowboys, Chargers, Ravens) to sign a grand total of 6 unrestricted free agents and sign about eight more players that had been cut (which doesn't count against the "Final Eight Plan").


The list of free agents reads like the police blotter in a town with a population of only 150 people - unimpressive and without real action. In this fictional scenario, where the town drunk is the most exciting person to hit the papers, LaDainian Tomlinson would play the "Otis" (by virtue of almost signing with the Vikings and actually inking a contract with the Jets), and the rest of the players who have signed would just be speeders going through town.


So in my first offseason as a football writer, I want to thank you, NFL, for making 25% of my potential readers bored out of their minds. I can't wait until the draft. Cue The Andy Griffith Show theme........



 





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LT "Charges" Turner

Ladainian Tomlinson is happy to be a New York Jet. It seems he might be a bit more unhappy about not being a Charger anymore. Much of his unhappiness seems to be focused at Chargers' Head Coach, Norv Turner.                                          

In an interview with ESPN, Tomlinson said, "The things that happened in San Diego, everything was taken away from me.  There wasn't an emphasis on running the football anymore, my best fullback was gone, the linemen were pass blocking, and it was a passing quarterback and a passing coach. So, the situation's kind of misleading when you look on film."

In the five or six Chargers games I watched from last season, the team didn't run the ball well on first down. This forced the team to abandon the run and go to the pass more as the games progressed. Even while leading games, they couldn't muster much in the run game.

That would seem to strengthen Tomlinson's point. The ironic part of this accusation is that Turner was Offensive Coordinator on one of the most successful "run first" teams in history with the Cowboys of the early 1990's. If Tomlinson was still as good as ever, wouldn't Turner ride Tomlinson like he rode Emmitt Smith?

The only way Ladainian can prove the Chargers were wrong is to show it on the field. Tomlinson is a positive and professional man, so I hope he can use his feelings of rejection as motivation and prove he still is "LT".

 


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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