Dynasty Watch
Posted 12/24 by Jeff Pasquino and Jeff Tefertiller, Exclusive to Footballguys.com
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.
Lamont Jordan, RB, New England Patriots
What has he done so far
What an up and down career Jordan has had since entering the league six years ago. Jordan started as a backup tailback for the Jets for four seasons before leaving as a free agent for the Oakland Raiders. His best season came in 2005 when he ran for over 1,000 yards and added 70 catches for 563 more and 11 combined touchdowns, ending the season as a the #8 RB in fantasy football. Since then it has gone mostly downhill, as his next two seasons in Oakland left him under 550 yards rushing and outside of the Top 40 RBs in the league. Left for dead, Jordan resurfaced and signed with the New England Patriots for 2008.
Current Situation
Jordan is now the top rushing option for New England, accumulating 175 yards on the ground in 32 carries and adding three rushing touchdowns over the past two weeks. After nursing several aches and pains he now finds himself one game away from the postseason with the defending AFC champion Patriots.
Spotlight ETA
In all likelihood, Jordan's upside will come in the first 2-3 weeks of the free agency period in 2009. Jordan signed just a one year deal for a minimal salary with New England. The Patriots have the benefit of his services for now, but if he shows signs of being a feature back once again he may find himself fighting for starter touches either for the Patriots or another squad in a 2009 training camp.
Dynasty Upside
The upside for Jordan is a return to his 2005 self. While it is doubtful that a team will base their entire 2009 backfield around him, he could find himself in a possible RBBC scenario and one injury away from a feature tailback role once again. He is capable of a big year and does have great hands out of the backfield, so a Top 10 finish in 2009 is not beyond imagination.
Final Thoughts
LaMont Jordan is a perfect "buy low" candidate. He won't cost much but he has major upside - perfect to gamble on with a roster spot for now. In 2-3 months Jordan could ink a deal in a place like Seattle or Cleveland and be the top dog for their backfield or possibly be the seasoned veteran to assist a newly drafted rookie learn the NFL ropes. His age (30) limits his long-term upside, but for 2009 he could pay off big for a cheap pickup now.
Steve Johnson, WR, Buffalo Bills
What has he done so far
Steve Johnson was a prolific player last year at Kentucky. He is a very athletic receiver who has a knack for making the clutch reception, especially in the endzone. Johnson was the best receiver for the Wildcats in 2007. He outplayed the oft-injured Keenan Burton, but still was not looked on as a legitimate draft prospect. Burton was drafted three rounds before the athletic Johnson.
Current Situation
Johnson was drafted in the seventh round by the Buffalo Bills to address the lack of depth at the position. The team also used a second round pick to acquire James Hardy. He was drafted to be the starter opposite Lee Evans. Evans is the only established player at the position. The Bills have Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish at receiver, but each is ideally suited for the slot. Johnson had outplayed Hardy before the former Indiana Hoosier was lost for the season with a knee injury in week fifteen. Showcasing his redzone skills, Stevie Johnson has scored a touchdown the last two weeks.
Spotlight ETA
Steve Johnson was Andre Woodson's "go to" receiver last year with Keenan Burton sidelined by injury. The 7th round pick has seen action the last half of the season. At 6'2, 210 pounds, Johnson has a legitimate NFL body. He does need to improve his route running and finer parts of the position, but does have NFL talent. Johnson played more this season than fellow rookie, James Hardy. Also, Johnson started a couple of games and saw extensive playing time when Josh Reed sidelined with injury.
Dynasty Upside
The sky is the limit. Stevie Johnson is a player that people tried to find issues with during the draft process. He is a big, physical receiver that is reliable. No, Johnson does not possess tremendous speed. But, the same was said about some of the premier wideouts in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills utilize such a conservative offense that there may not be significant targets to produce two fantasy options. On just talent alone, Steve Johnson can be a Top 30 fantasy receiver as he develops and the situation improves.
Final Thoughts
Last year at Kentucky, he caught 61 passes for 1,052 yards and 13 touchdowns. That is a good stat line considering he had Andre Woodson slinging sidearm passes. Johnson has a good chance to be in the mix next season as the Bills look to solidify the position. With the Hardy injury, Johnson could be the favorite to start at the WR2 position when training camp opens.
Players You Should Already Be Watching
Corey Graham, CB, Chicago Bears
Corey Graham got some big time exposure on Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers as the second-year corner was asked to face off against Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, two of the best in the league. Graham, a fifth round pick from New Hampshire, was all over the field in excellent coverage, a role that he has stepped into since having to start for the injured Nathan Vasher. Playing on the other side of Charles Tillman certainly helps his IDP chances as opposing quarterbacks are looking to his side, but the Bear secondary looks to be improving with Graham as a starter candidate for 2009. Vasher has a big salary cap number in 2009 ($4.65M) and has only played 12 games since 2006.
Jason Jones, DE/DT, Tennessee Titans
With Albert Haynesworth sidelined with an injury and Kyle Vanden Bosch also out, the Titans have a great excuse to get their second round draft pick from Eastern Michigan some real game experience. Jones made only his second start in Week 16 against the Steelers but had five tackles (four solo), three sacks and three forced fumbles. While listed as a defensive end, the second-rounder from Eastern Michigan started at DT against Pittsburgh and had a dominant performance. Should Haynesworth leave via free agency, Jones may be a starter in 2009 for the Titans.
Paul Hubbard, WR, Cleveland Browns
Paul Hubbard was just activated from the practice squad last week. He is a very athletic receiver that was raw coming out of college. Hubbard is a rookie from Wisconsin, drafted by the Cleveland Browns with 25th pick of the sixth round. At 6'3", 220 pounds, the former Badger has a NFL body. Other than Braylon Edwards, the Browns are void at the wide receiver position. Donte Stallworth is not a weapon. Joe Jurevicius has had numerous surgeries this season, after contracting a staph infection in his knee. It is doubtful he plays again. There is opportunity for Hubbard if he can develop. The weather was bad this week so little was learned, but the opportunity is there.
Derek Fine, TE, Buffalo Bills
Derek Fine is a player that goes unnoticed by many fantasy owners. He splits time with Robert Royal and Derek Schouman at tight end for the Bills. But, Fine has increasingly been an option in the passing game. The rookie from Kansas is a good blocker and helps the running game. The Bills used a fourth round pick on the former Jayhawk, so they saw something they liked. He is a player to keep an eye on as he develops further. The tight end position is one that is difficult to transition from college to the NFL.
