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Dynasty Watch

The purpose of this column is to spotlight deeper roster moves that could pay off big over the course of the season. Unless stated in a player's write up, we're not looking for one-week wonders here, but shark moves that could really strengthen your team down the road.

Dynasty Watch focuses on low risk; huge payoff roster moves that you might be able make before the guys in your league think about it. This aim of this column is to make you look like a genius to the other owners in your league. When news breaks and the other owners are scrambling to make a waiver wire move, we want them to be upset time and time again that the player is already on your squad.

D.J. Hackett, WR, Seattle Seahawks

What has he done so far:

Hackett was drafted by the Seahawks in the 5th round in 2004. He didn't play in his rookie year, but injuries to both of Seattle's starting WRs forced him into the lineup in 2005. He emerged as a solid deep threat and posted 28-400-3 on only 43 targets. Hackett saw one obstacle to playing time, Joe Jurevicius, leave for Cleveland in the offseason. Unfortunately for D.J., the Seahawks were not done shuffling their WR corps. They signed Nate Burleson away from the Vikings, and traded their '07 first for disgruntled Patriot Deion Branch. Hackett began the season at #5 on the depth chart, often being inactive on gameday. A thyroid condition has befallen Bobby Engram, and Hackett is part of four WR sets for the time being.

Current Situation:

D.J. continued his productive 2005 ways, catching three balls for 66 yards in limited duty last week. Two of the catches were of the clutch fourth quarter variety. Nate Burleson has proved to be a colossal disappointment, and Bobby Engram is out for at least another week. Hackett should see targets until Engram returns, and he might take playing time away from Burleson if he continues to produce.

Spotlight ETA:

2007? It's hard to say. Darrell Jackson is signed long term, but there have been rumblings about D-Jack being unhappy about his contract, not to mention talk of a degenerative knee injury in the offseason. Bobby Engram is best cast a slot WR despite his having the ability to start in a pinch, and he's old (33). Nate Burleson has struggled with an injured thumb and is yet to make an impact. He's a player that Seattle only gave 5.25 million guaranteed money - far from the large numbers connected to his contract when it was announced. There are questions about all three players that Hackett would have to overcome to start in Seattle. The important factor in Hackett's favor is his production when given opportunity. If Hackett continues to contribute, Seattle will have to consider increasing his role.

Dynasty Upside:

Ideally, Hackett would be the future big deep threat to compliment the speedy Deion Branch in Seattle's passing attack. The third year WR has the size and physical play to go up for the deep ball, and he's a good runner after the catch. He could be a startable WR in start 3 WR leagues as a starter in the potent Seattle passing offense.

Final Thoughts:

It's hard to get excited about Hackett when you look at the Seahawks roster at WR. It's easy to get excited about Hackett when you watch him play. An investment in D.J. has to be based on the belief that productive talent will make its opportunity. Hackett is entering his prime years and has shown that he can come through for the team when asked. He made an impression again in 2006, despite Seattle bringing in multiple WRs to block his path. Rostering him is a stretch in offense only dynasty leagues with shorter benches, but he's worth carrying in IDP dynasty leagues with large roster sizes that allow you the luxury of dedicating 10+ roster spots to offensive prospects.


Derek Hagan, WR, Miami Dolphins

What has he done so far:

After just two catches for the season, Derek Hagan moved closer to becoming the next starting rookie wide receiver in the NFL with his performance in Week 6. Hagan was targeted by QB Joey Harrington 12 times, more than any other Dolphin receiver and tied for the most on the team (TE Randy McMichael). Hagan caught one pass in each of the opening quarters against the Jets, and then added three more for a total of six catches for 66 yards on the game. He dropped just one easy pass, a problem that plagued him at Arizona State.

Current Situation:

Hagan is pushing for a starting spot for the Dolphins. He is in direct competition not with WR Marty Booker but WR Wes Welker, who was supposed to be just the third receiver and kick returner. HC Nick Saban likes Welker and values the special teams (which sparked another promotion off the practice squad, see below), so he would love to have Hagan more active in the passing game to minimize Welker's usage.

Spotlight ETA:

Right about now. The schedule is favorable for the Dolphins for the next few games (three NFC North battles with the Packers, Vikings and Lions) and Booker is out at least one more week with the shoulder injury. If Hagan continues to present himself as a nice big target for QB Joey Harrington, that connection could be solid for the rest of the 2006 Miami campaign.

Dynasty Upside:

Hagan represents a nice big target at wide receiver, but his inconsistency with making the catch despite many many targets pushed him down to the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. If Hagan takes advantage of the current opportunity before him, he could become one of the core players that Miami will build the future offense around. Hagan will not be mistaken for a burner receiver, but anyone that can keep the chains moving and get open has a good NFL future at wide receiver.

Final Thoughts:

The jury is still out on Hagan, but for the short term he represents a solid sleeper and decent waiver wire pickup for many fantasy team owners. The Dolphins need sparks and playmakers (no not like the short-lived show - that's for The "U" on the other side of town), and Hagan showed this past Sunday that he can make plays. He is running solid routes and emerging as a solid target and quite possibly a member of the new nucleus of the Miami Dolphins' offense.


Players You Should Already Be Watching

J.J. Arrington, RB, Arizona Cardinals - Edgerrin James set a record for futility with the lowest yards per carry average when getting more than 30 carries in a game in the history of the league. As Righetti from the Shark Pool put it in a thread title, "maybe JJ Arrington wasn't that bad, Edge is miserable behind that line". Arrington is not as good as everyone thought he was going to be heading into 2005, but he's not as bad as his 2005 numbers either. The Cards are going to have to gives Arrington some touches to give the running game a shot in the arm, and he could still figure a big part into their future plans with Edge looking like he's closer to the dreaded aging RB drop-off than anyone thought coming into this year.

Ahmad Brooks, LB, Cincinnati Bengals - The rise and fall of Ahmad Brooks was quite the epic saga at Virginia. He went from being an All American and Butkus Award finalist in his sophomore year to an injury plagued 2005 that saw him balloon to near 300 pounds. His college career bottomed out when he was kicked off the team by Coach Al Groh this Spring. He entered the supplemental draft, and was selected with a 3rd round pick by the Bengals, who haven't been the best judges of character in recent drafts. Brooks shattered any skepticism about his physical shape last week, when he posted 10 solo tackles and an assist in place of late scratch Brian Simmons. He could have a better standing in the race to be the 2007 MLB than suspended Odell Thurman by the end of the season, and a possible conversion to the 3-4 could make that competition moot. He should be owned in every IDP dynasty league.

Marcus Vick, WR, Miami Dolphin - Yes, Ron Mexico's little bro is back. The Dolphins, faced with a shortage at wide receiver, activated Vick from the practice squad. With all the issues at quarterback, however, don't be surprised if this guy might do a little something with his arm more than his legs. He also may contribute on special teams, with the potential ability to show speed as a kick returner. WR Wes Welker is getting a lot of work on offense as a receiver, so anyone that can reduce his exposure is a comfort to HC Nick Saban.

Patrick Crayton, WR, Dallas Cowboys - Look over there, everyone - it's Terrell Owens. You know, "T.O." Pay no attention to the other receiver, Terry Glenn, who is also putting up pretty good numbers. Even if they do notice Glenn, they sure don't seem to notice the emerging third wide receiver for the Cowboys in Patrick Crayton. We mentioned him here at Dynasty Watch in Week 3, and now Crayton has just caught five balls for 61 yards in Week 6 against Houston, which just so happened to be the same number as the first two receivers we mentioned. If he is somehow still available, you may want to grab him before he becomes the next Bryant Johnson.

Terrance Copper, WR, New Orleans Saints - Copper, an ex-Dallas Cowboy, hasn't done too much to date. The Saints have used him as a kick returner and a spot player as a third or fourth wide receiver. He is worth noting as there are always injuries in the NFL. With WR Devery Henderson out, one nick or hamstring pull by either WR Joe Horn or WR Marques Colston would thrust him right up towards the starter role for a very good offense and QB in Drew Brees.

Dave Rayner, PK, Green Bay Packers - For the guys who just lost John Hall to IR, this may be a good pickup for you. Rayner missed a 53 yard FG the first week of the season and hasn't missed many since then. He's 6-6 in kicks under 40 yards and has enough leg to put through the long ones, including a 54 yarder against Philly a couple weeks ago. He's coming off a bye week and many people have forgotten about him. The Packers are not a scoring machine this season, but they will get close enough to give Rayner his chances. He's worth a backup role for now with solid upside given the fact that he's only in his second season.

Ruvell Martin, WR, Green Bay Packers - Martin was here last week and we're reminding you about him again. Krob is gone for the year, and with Ferguson injured and possibly out for the season, Martin jumps to the #3 spot. Expect the Packers to add another WR to the mix because Driver isn't really known for being a hardy player, Martin could be starting opposite Jennings before the season end.

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