Football Jabber

Should we worry about Dez Bryant not carrying pads?

Lee — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:29:01 +0000

The Dallas Cowboys have opened training camp and from the sounds of it Dez Bryant is off to a fantastic start on the field. His start with teammate Roy Williams is another story. Apparently Bryant has refused to take part in the rookie ritual of carrying pads for veteran Wide Receiver Roy Williams.

“I’m not doing it,” Bryant said. “I feel like I was drafted to play football, not carry another player’s pads.”

“If I was a free agent, it would still be the same thing. I just feel like I’m here to play football. I’m here to try to help win a championship, not carry someone’s pads. I’m saying that out of no disrespect to [anyone].”

Now, I understand Bryant’s point. I also understand the tradition. Something did occur to me reading this though. Should we be worried about Dez Bryant not carrying the pads? Should there be concern that Dez Bryant will get defensive when he feels disrespected?

Thinking back to the turmoil after interviews leading up to the NFL Draft, Jeff Ireland reportedly asked Bryant if his mother was a prostitute. This became front page news as Bryant was offended, as well he should have been. Bryant appeared very angry in response to a question that some would have found personal, but may have responded “NO” and went on their way.

What we don’t know is the tone of Bryant concerning the rookie hazing. If he truly felt it was disrespectful we could watch Bryant appearing in the headlines often. On the other hand, we don’t know what the tone was of the Vet WR that could possibly lose his starting job to Bryant when requesting his pads be carried.

Respect is a very big motivator for some, ask them on any Prison Yard. The feeling of disrespect can be as well. If we some Andre Rison/Deion Sanders type slapfest [VIDEO]with a smack talking CB it may be a clue that we were on to something thinking Bryant may be a bit sensitive.

Cowboys Fantasy Camp Storylines

Denver Broncos Fantasy Camp Storylines

Lee — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:17:46 +0000

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

After the new coach shipped off the franchise QB prior to the 2009 season, many didn’t know what to make of the Denver Broncos. They shot out of the gate to a 6-0 record, all of a sudden Kyle Orton didn’t sound like a bad QB option. Then they lost eight of the remaining ten games, finishing 8-8 on the season. Going into 2010 you have their biggest fantasy football stud, Brandon Marshall, gone and they drafted one of the most hyped players out of college in years in Tim Tebow. Let’s have a closer look at the fantasy football storylines for 2010 in Denver…

Quarterback: The question is how long before Tim Tebow is the starting QB for the Denver Broncos? Even though you will be told that the team is happy to have Kyle Orton as it’s QB, you don’t trade into the first round to draft a Wildcat Quarterback. Tim Tebow is going to be the starter one day soon, the hype is just too big. Camp will be the Tebow show from day one.

So back to Orton…he will likely go undrafted in standard leagues unless you take him. Don’t be “that guy.”

Running Back: How often is it that you see a Top 15 draft pick at the Running Back position that doesn’t pull off a 100 yard game in his rookie season? Usually the best rookie position to draft in fantasy football circles, owners who took Knowshon Moreno too early felt the hit of his average season.

Reports are favorable this season for Moreno. They are looking to go with more two back sets to add lead blocker. Moreno’s pass blocking skills are much improved, and he is expected to have a bigger role in the passing game. Something to keep an eye on his how Correll Buckhalter comes into play.

Josh McDaniels draws comparisons to his former boss, Bill Belichick and we have a weird feeling that the running back game in Denver may end up as unreliable as the one in New England. Hope not, we like Moreno.

Wide Receiver: The Broncos finally parted ways with their best player/fantasy stud, Brandon Marshall. They did draft a guy that reminds them of…Brandon Marshall without the baggage in Demaryius Thomas. It would be a surprise if Thomas has a fantasy impact this season.

Eddie Royal will be the player that owners flock to first at this position. Simple math suggests that maybe after Marshall is gone, Royal can return to his fantasy self he was two years ago. Not so fast. Word is Royal has trouble with the playbook and Coach sees him more as a slot WR. With two rookie talents it’s a wonder how consistent the position will be. Bonus though if you get return yardage points as Royal is supposed to have both kick and punt jobs nailed down.

The sleeper here appears to be Jabar Gaffney. Already taking in the playbook from his days in New England, Gaffney exploded at the end of last season. He is not on the radar of many yet, that should change after camp starts.

Tight End: Tony Scheffler and his “I wish this season was over” attitude are gone, sentenced to a season in Detroit. This position will have little fantasy relevance in Denver. Daniel Graham is the go to guy. There will likely be little to no consistency in use of the Tight End to warrant a draft pick.

San Diego Chargers Fantasy Camp Storylines

Lee — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:54:39 +0000

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

It was apparent last season that the Chargers had made the turn from LaDainian Tomlinson being the face of the franchise to Philip Rivers moving into the starring role. Tomlinson is now gone and it is time for the Chargers to let some new faces shine. They are still the favorite in the AFC West as well as the team in the division to see it’s players go early in fantasy football drafts.

Quarterback: Philip Rivers actually didn’t live up to fantasy owner expectations last season. Although he had more than 200 yards passing than 2008, he also had six less TDs. Rivers will still be better than your average QB and he will team up nicely with players that are picked in the first few rounds. While other owners are using early picks on QB, you could be using those picks on other positions and still possibly come away with Rivers in the 4th round.

Running Back: There is a changing of the guard in San Diego at the Running Back position. LT is out, 2010 first rounder Ryan Mathews is in. Philip Rivers says he watches YouTube videos on incoming rookies and Mathews has a presence about him (HERE is a 3TD performance highlighted). Mathews is being drafted as high as late first to the mid second round. A lot of faith being put in the rookie. We currently rank him at #10 in Redraft leagues.

Darren Sproles is sure to steal some touches, but you all know his role.

Shawnbrey McNeal is one to watch for Dynasty owners. Undrafted, he could be the third down back after Sproles is gone.

Wide Receiver: So we all know this is where the story is this year. One of the fast rising talents, Vincent Jackson, is the top dog at Wide Receiver. Couple of problems with that. First is the three game suspension. Beyond that, the restricted free agent wants to be traded and is a possible hold out for most or all of the season. Messy. We would not suggest drafting the guy, let someone else take the risk. Be comfortable knowing they are using a roster spot that is producing goose eggs.

In Jackson’s absence, Malcolm Floyd will gain. At 6’5′/ 225, Floyd meets that big target criteria. Things are lining up for him, it is up to him now to make the most of his shot. His ADP is at 8.4 now, but you can bet that is going to continue to go down.

Tight End: The Tight End position is what it is in San Diego. Antonio Gates will do what he does. His targets should increase with the Jackson troubles. Little note, while some look at him as getting older and targeting the likes of Dallas Clark ahead of him, Gates had a career high in yards last season (1157) and the most receptions (79) since his best season in 2005. We have him ranked at #2 for Tight End, but he could easily see him at #1.

New England Patriots Fantasy Camp Storylines

Lee — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:25:04 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

In recent fantasy football seasons the New England Patriots have been certain to provide some high draft picks. While we will still see those names on the top half of lists, questions linger that have caused some fantasy owners to look in the direction of other players with comparable rankings. Let’s have a look at some of these storylines to keep an eye on during training camp…

Quarterback: It wasn’t long ago that Tom Brady was touted as the top fantasy football Quarterback, but he has fallen in recent years (Ranked #6 currently in Football Jabber’s Redraft Rankings). Speculation of a possible hold out while seeking a contract extension has been the talk of the offseason. Brady is in a contract year and there appears to be some friction in getting a new deal done. Aside from that, you can be certain that when Tom is on the field you should be able to put your worries into your other positions and trust he will score for you at QB.

Running Back: New England has not been a very trustworthy provider of fantasy football running backs in recent years. Laurence Maroney is in the final year of his contract and didn’t have a favorable end to the 2009 season. Only topping 15 carries in six games doesn’t make an attractive option. Maroney should not be anything better than a third or fourth RB on your team, and that could be a stretch. Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris are in a similar situation. Just go another direction if you can unless two of these guys go down.

Wide Receiver: The most talked about Patriot in fantasy football circles this offseason is Wes Welker. ACL and shoulder surgeries have been possibly pointing Welker in the direction of the PUP list to start the 2010 season. Now word is Welker is on schedule to participate in camp. At the last update of our WR rankings, Welker’s Average Draft Position is 5.02. You can bet if Welker shows for camp that will change real fast.

Randy Moss appears to have come to terms that his time is running out in New England. In the last year of his contract, Moss may be on his last stop on a Super Bowl contender. Moss ranks #2 for our Wide Receiver’s and will still be a safe bet to be your top wide out.

Watch out for Brandon Tate in camp. A possible sleeper, Tate has not made much noise since being drafted as he was injured for his rookie season. Due to the injuries, Tate fell to the 3rd round in the 2009 draft, but he was felt to be one of the better talents at the position. He could be worth a late pick if his camp proves worthy of more playing time.

Julian Edelman was thought to be the inside man if Welker did not return. Owners who have already drafted may have a similar sinking feeling as Edelman upon hearing the news Welker is likely to return. Like Tate, Edelman’s stock would rise fast if there were an injury higher up on the depth chart.

Tight End: After Ben Watson’s departure, the Pats used two 2010 NFL Draft picks on the Tight End position as well as bringing in Alge Crumpler. If you plan to use a Tight End from the Patriots it may be better to pick up who is getting the most playing time to fill your bye week. Although Rob Gronkowski was drafted earlier, it appears that Aaron Hernandez may win out the pass catching TE role. Crumpler will likely get the start until unseated by one of the kids.

Fantasy Tight End Rankings-ADP Updated

Lee — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:13:57 +0000

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The first wave of updates to Football Jabber’s Redraft Rankings and Average Draft Position conclude with giving the Tight End position a fresh take. Of all the updates the Tight Ends had the most movement at the top since or initial rankings that were posted. Let’s have a look at some changes…

Tony Gonzalez dropped a spot in this update, but it is apparent he can be a steal. People are sleeping on him, sometimes with him falling to the 8th-9th TE taken. Age may catch up to Gonzo, but in the run first offense he can still perform at a high level when needed. He should still be a very dangerous red zone target.

Brent Celek is gaining steam, sometimes being drafted before his NFC East counterpart, Jason Witten. Many fantasy football owners are looking for Kevin Kolb to use Celek often. Regardless of that, Celek is proving to be the next waive of top Tight Ends in the game.

For the entire list of rankings go HERE.

Cowboys Fantasy Camp Storylines

Lee — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:26:53 +0000

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The Dallas Cowboys have a unique camp experience this season as they will be in multiple locations. They will start in San Antonio until they move on to play the Hall of Fame game. They will then return to Dallas briefly before heading out to finish camp in California. Whew! Let’s not wait as long to get settled on the fantasy front…

Quarterback: Tony Romo has been getting plenty of golf in this offseason, but he isn’t letting his quest for the PGA get in his way. Romo gave up a chance to qualify for the PGA Tour Byron Nelson Championship because his tee time would have interfered with voluntary workouts. Fantasy owners have taken note and his ADP is landing him as the 5th QB. Football Jabber actually has him ranked at #4.

Some thing to take into consideration with Romo is the fact that he now has his blindside being protected by Doug Free. After parting with Flozell Adams, the Cowboys did not go the Left Tackle route in the 2010 NFL Draft as many thought they would in the first round. Instead they are banking on the potential of Free on the left side. His development is something to watch for in camp.

Running Back: The Cowboys have one of those great problems of an overflow of talent at the Running Back position. It appears that there is a larger role planned for Felix Jones if he can stay healthy. While the short yardage work will likely remain with Marion Barber III, MBIII could see himself out of town after the 2010 season if he cannot stay healthy.

The Cowboys backfield delivers another one of the fantasy owner’s dreaded RBBC. Having to choose between the two, the earlier pick should be used on Jones. Everything is set up for him to be the home run hitter. If he can make the plays everyone has seen him make, there may not be as much of a concern of him losing the goal line carries to Barber. Of course, an injury to either player during camp will improve the stock of the other. It will also see the rise of third stringer Tashard Choice, who is a solid deep pick if one of the other two are out of the way.

Wide Receiver: Considered a trouble spot for the Boyz, Jerry Jones went and took the talent of Oklahoma St. Wide Receiver, Dez Bryant, in the 2010 NFL Draft first round. Roy Williams is still a starter here, but the hype is going to the 2009 breakout star in Miles Austin.

Austin is ranked high anywhere you look at Wide Receiver rankings. Reports say Austin has just been tearing it up in practice. Sweet news to the ears of the Cowboy fan. After the departure of T.O. and the misfire of Roy Williams, it’s about time for some good news at the position. If you don’t select him by the mid second round at the latest, your opponent will. Austin is said to be the slot receiver in three wideout sets, where they feel he will be ultra dangerous.

Speaking of tearing up practice, Dez Bryant has been thrown some heavy praise with his moves on the field. He may not be signed yet, but it is believed that he won’t have trouble learning the playbook. Bryant will get some field time from the get go and is said to be on the field on the outside during three WR sets when Austin moves inside.

For now Roy Williams may have held off Bryant…since Bryant isn’t signed…but he better produce to keep a hold of the second WR job, and fast!

Patrick Crayton has been doing some math and knows that things don’t add up for his playing time. He asked for the chance to leave, but it wasn’t granted. Currently Crayton appears to be in a battle with Sam Hurd for the #4 spot.

Tight End: The Cowboys have been blessed with one of the toughest studs at the Tight End position. Fantasy owners were not pleased in the drop off in his TD production in 2009. Sounds as if Coach Phillips has admitted that the Cowboys made a mistake by not using Witten as much in the redzone as they had in the past. Witten’s two TD output in 2009 could make owners shy away, making Witten available for you a little later. If they truly want to include his hands in the redzone offense rather than blocking, could have a steal on your hands. His current ADP has him going in the 6th round as the 5th TE off the board.

Browns Fantasy Camp Storylines

Lee — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:30:08 +0000

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Wow, what can change in a year! The Cleveland Browns are looking at changes from the front office down to the skill positions. The Big Show, Mike Holmgren, is in town now as the President and the pot has been stirred. The Browns are kind of a question mark when it comes to fantasy football as there have been so many changes we won’t know what to expect until they hit the field.

Quarterback: Gone are the days when fans debated between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. The Big Show brought Seneca Wallace with him from Seattle and then made a move to pick up Jake Delhomme. During the 2010 NFL Draft the Browns brought in Colt McCoy (3rd round), possibly the QB of the future in Cleveland.

Motives were questioned at first when Wallace was brought in. He has been nothing more than a career backup since starring at Iowa State. The Browns were expected to make a move on the position, resulting in the signing of Delhomme. Not exactly what people expected with a franchise apparently starting over. The starting job at QB appears to be with Delhomme going into the season, but how long can he hang on? His career (and performance) is obviously on a downward slide. The question is who will take over for him later in the season? We advise staying away from the Browns QB situation unless in very deep leagues.

Running Back: Jerome Harrison blew up in the fantasy playoffs last season with 73 rushes for 434 yards and 4 TDs in weeks 15-16 combined. Some fantasy owners may be drafting based on this memory. Something readers should keep in mind is that despite this end to the season the Browns moved up in the 2010 NFL Draft to select Tennessee Running Back Montario Hardesty in the second round.

This has Running Back by Committee written all over it. It does not matter who gets the start on game day, these two backs are going to steal carries from each other. At the time of this piece, neither of these backs crack the Top 30 in Football Jabber’s Redraft Rankings.

Wide Receiver: Remember when we talked about the QB situation? It doesn’t get much better on the other end of those throws. While the unit is lackluster there are potential sleepers to be found here if the offense does for some reason take off.

Josh Cribbs is the big name here, but will what he brings to the field help on your fantasy team? Not likely. Sure, some big weeks will help your team, but is it worth trying to figure out when those weeks will be? A roster spot may be better used on a Mohamed Massaquoi if you have to have a Browns WR. Brian Robiskie and Chansi Stuckey are likely to go undrafted.

Tight End: The Browns have brought in Ben Watson this offseason. Once an average TE play in fantasy circles Watson is considered a backup/desperate bye week TE at best on the Browns offense. Evan Moore will steal some time from him as the Browns would like to use him a bit to offset the WR woes.

Walter Payton’s Performance Just Plain Sick!

Lee — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:53:43 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Sick is good these days, right? Thought I heard some kids saying that. Like in the 70s-80s something “bad” was good? ESPN Chicago just reminded me how sick (good sick)Walter Payton was and how bad (good bad) of a performance he put on while sick (bad sick) back in 1977. The game was found to be tops when looking for the greatest rushing performance in NFL history.

Even while battling the flu (bad sick) Payton was sick (good sick). In 1977 he ran off 275 yards against the Vikings, a performance that turned the season around for the Bears, leading to their first playoff appearance in 13 seasons. It likely also played a role in Walter taking home the NFL MVP Award for the year.

ESPN Chicago has the Top Five of the determined top rushing performances in history HERE, as well as how they scored them.

Now for some visual Sweetness…

Fantasy RB Rankings-ADP Updated

Lee — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:41:29 +0000

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

NFL Training Camp is within weeks and Fantasy Football Drafts are firing up. Football Jabber’s Redraft Running Back Rankings and Average Draft Position have been updated if you are ready to go with your draft. The Top 50 Running Backs gets a 12 team league four runners deep. The ADP gives a look at where owners are taking these guys in Mock Drafts, showing some that may be steals and some that may be overvalued.

We have Ryan Grant into the Top 10 this time around. Grant’s ADP is showing a 3.01 draft pick. If you can get him in the third round consider it a steal. We would be comfortable taking Grant in the mid to late second round while everyone else is snagging the second tier WR and QBs.

With Leon Washington healing well you may see Justin Forsett’s stock drop even more than it has been. His ADP has dropped almost a full round from early 5th to early 6th. Definitely something to watch in camp as we feel that Forsett is going to be the guy who gets the start in Seattle.

Access the entire rankings list HERE.

Fantasy QB Rankings-ADP Update

Lee — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:23:13 +0000

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Fantasy Football Drafts are firing up here in the second half of July. Football Jabber’s Quarterback Redraft Rankings and Average Draft Position have been updated for those looking at drafting soon. The list goes 25 deep, enough for two QBs per team in a 12 team league. The ADP gives some interesting insight into a couple possible steals.

Our fifth rankings QB, Matt Schaub is being taken on average as the 7th QB. Owners could hold back on Schaub and hope that their competition grab Tom Brady or Philip Rivers before him. It’s a risky game though as there is a big drop off after those three players.

Vince Young is still considered pretty iffy as far as a starting fantasy football QB. He can make for a steal as a backup as his ADP suggests he will have six other backup QBs taken before him. Young lands at #15 with an ADP of round and pick 12.07 in this update, making him one of the attractive backup or Quarterback by Committee options.

View the entire Rankings list HERE.