Dynasty Watch
Posted 10/29 by Sigmund Bloom, Jeff Tefertiller and Jeff Pasquino, 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.
Josh Morgan, WR, San Francisco 49ers
What has he done so far
Josh Morgan was a late-round draft pick (Sixth round, 175th overall) for the San Francisco 49ers this past April, and not many "experts" expected a great deal from him, labeling him as not much of a threat after the catch and lacking in burst despite good size and speed. Well, Morgan looked to disprove those sentiments starting in the preseason when he was given plenty of chances to play with both Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson unable to suit up. Morgan put up some impressive numbers for the Niners in August with nine catches, 182 yards and a touchdown in three preseason starts.
Current Situation
Bryant Johnson has been a disappointment so far in San Francisco, and Morgan was given a spot start in Week 7 against the New York Giants. Morgan put up a solid performance (5-86 and a score), earning him the starting role against Seattle in Week 8. The Niners and Morgan struggled in that contest, yet Morgan is likely to remain the starter with San Francisco undergoing massive offensive changes.
Spotlight ETA
Week 10 against Arizona, as San Francisco is off on a bye this week. Look for Morgan to be the starting split end for the 49ers, although he could be splitting time with Johnson or see fewer targets as both receivers are worked into a suspect passing attack.
Dynasty Upside
Morgan has all the physical tools you would want in a prototypical WR1 - size (6'1", 220), speed and leaping ability (over a 40" vertical). The questions have always been if he can use those attributes to live up to his potential - a knock on him since his days in Virginia Tech. The 49ers need a go-to receiver in their passing game, which would be a huge fantasy boon to anyone who could take on that role in a Mike Martz offense.
Final Thoughts
Many things need to come together for Morgan to be a superb NFL wide receiver. He needs to play up to his potential for starters. Next, you need a good passing game - Mike Martz will only go so far. The quarterback carousel has to stop at some point, whether it be for J.T. O'Sullivan, Shaun Hill or another option in the future. If those three can come together, Morgan can become a Top 10 receiver in the NFL and an elite fantasy option.
Mark Bradley, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
What has he done so far
Bradley was way ahead of schedule when he tore his ACL vs. the Lions in 2005. The raw 2nd round rookie was already starting, and he had five catches for 88 yards in the first half of the game when he suffered the injury. Bradley kept fighting for playing time in Chicago when he returned from the injury in 2006, but he also kept getting hurt. He ripped off touchdowns of 29, 57, and 75 yards that season, but did little else while the Bears were making their Super Bowl run. Bradley played only a minor role in 2007, but there was much anticipation that he would step up and start for the Bears during the offseason. Instead, guys like Brandon Lloyd, Rashied Davis, Marty Booker, and Devin Hester stepped up, and Bradley was cut in September. Since then, Bradley has caught on with the Chiefs.
Current Situation
Bradley was able to leapfrog the likes of Jeff Webb and Devard Darling to start just a few weeks into his Kansas City career. He made the Chiefs look smart for giving him that chance by catching a highlight reel TD and four other passes for 42 yards in the last second loss to the Jets last week. He should continue to start on the wide receiver Chiefs.
Spotlight ETA
Now.
Dynasty Upside
Bradley is an athletic specimen and there's no reason he can't remain a starter in the NFL, especially on a rebuilding team like the Chiefs. He can punish teams that focus too much on Dwayne Bowe, and he's a highwire act deep threat in his own right. The announcers actually confused Bradley with Bowe during the telecast, that should tell what kind of size/athleticism combo Bradley possesses.
Final Thoughts
Bradley was a very promising talent coming out of Oklahoma. Sometimes it takes a change of scenery for players like him to blossom. He was always a tough kid who relished things like covering punts on special teams, so he should endear himself to Herm Edwards and maybe assume a long term role as Dwayne Bowe's sidekick, which is a good place to be if the Chiefs ever find a QB.
Aundrae Allison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
What has he done so far
Allison has made plays this season. He is a deft returner with good speed. Minnesota has used him primarily as a returner. But, as Sidney Rice has missed time this season, the Vikings have looked to Allison to make some plays on offense. With Sidney Rice sidelined with a knee injury, Allison saw five pass targets in week six and again in week seven. He is a player to keep an eye on.
Current Situation
The Minnesota Vikings are not a passing team, and rely on Adrian Peterson to anchor a strong running game. But, the switch to Gus Frerotte has led to many of the Viking receivers seeing opportunities down the field. Sidney Rice should be healthy coming off the bye week so Allison will have to make his impact on special teams once again. Just because he is buried on the depth chart on a run-oriented team, he is one wideout not to forget.
Spotlight ETA
Aundrae Allison is very athletic. He has good speed and is not afraid to go over the middle. Allison still needs to improve his route running (like most young receivers) and downfield blocking, but has loads of potential He just needs opportunity. There is a chance the Vikings turn over their coaching staff in the offseason. A new coach might bring in a new offense that utilizes Allison more as a wide receiver.
Dynasty Upside
Allison has the potential to be a fantasy WR2 or WR3 if he can get into a good situation. Playing in a rotation for the Vikings is not the ideal. But, the former East Carolina Pirate is a good prospect. Many more would know about Allison if he did not play in Minnesota. He has loads of ability. Sidney Rice and Bernard Berrian seem to be locked into the starting wideout positions, with Bobby Wade in the slot. Allison is one wideout that could flourish in a different situation.
Final Thoughts
Aundrae Allison may need for his rookie contract to expire before he makes
a fantasy impact. But, the second-year pro has skills. He is very athletic and
has the size/speed ratio to be a force in the NFL. Allison is a player to keep
an eye on the next couple of years. He really could be a top fantasy producer.
Coming into the NFL, Allison was raw, but is showing signs of developing into
a productive receiver.
Players You Should Already Be Watching
- Shaun Hill, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Here we go again. Just when you thought that the music had stopped, San Francisco is playing musical chairs again at quarterback. Thankfully, this isn't all driven my Mike Martz's toying with his offense. His love affair with J.T. O'Sullivan looks to have come to an end as Shaun Hill is back in the fold for San Francisco. Hill showed promise toward the end of the year in 2007, appearing in three games with two starts and throwing for 501 yards with 5 TDs vs. just one interception. Hill has a quicker release than O'Sullivan which will allow him to get rid of the ball much faster, a needed skill behind a suspect offensive line. - Chaz Schilens, WR, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders' offense right now is, well, offensive - especially in the passing game. With that said, there are a few glimmers of hope. One of those gleams is Chaz Schilens, another late pick in this year's NFL draft (Round 7, Pick 19, 226th overall). The 6'4" wideout from San Diego State was viewed as a raw talent coming out of college, but he has performed well for a young Oakland team that is in desperate need of playmakers. Schilens looks to have passed all but Javon Walker on the depth chart (which doesn't say much) and appears to have the inside track on the starting role for the remainder of the season. - Ryan Moats, RB, Houston Texans
Moats was brought in by the Eagles to hedge against Brian Westbrook leaving the Eagles, but Westbrook's extension got done, and Moats never did figure out the Eagles complex offense. He also ran small, showing little confidence. Ability is not the issue with Moats, and now that he's back in the familiar zone blocking scheme he excelled in at Louisiana Tech, he might start running tough again. Ahman Green's next injury is a matter of if, not when, and Moats is currently next in line. If Steve Slaton hits the rookie wall, Moats could be the latest Houston RB to go from fantasy obscurity to putting up great numbers late in the year. - Leonard Weaver, FB, Seattle Seahawks
Not many fullbacks have fantasy value, but then again, not many fullbacks lead their team in preseason rushing during their rookie year. Weaver will continue to catch three or four balls a game as a fullback (and hopefully turn a few more into touchdowns), but by showing his speed on his long TDs last week, he might convince the Seahawks to give him a look at tailback. Maurice Morris, Julius Jones, and T.J. Duckett are not cutting it, and Weaver might be the most physical presence on the Seahawks entire offense. Unlike Patrick Cobbs, Weaver has a chance to return value after his flukish huge week. - Martin Rucker, TE, Cleveland Browns
Martin Rucker is an athletic tight end that still struggles with concentration and the finer points of the position. The one thing the former Missouri Tiger does not lack is athletic ability. He has good speed and is able to make plays down the field. The Browns acrimonious relationship with Kellen Winslow led the team to draft Rucker in the 2008 NFL Draft. It has been reported that Cleveland will look to trade Winslow this offseason. If that happens, the door will be open for Rucker to see the field. Only Steve Heiden is a viable option at the position. - Dantrell Savage, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Dantrell Savage is a rookie from Oklahoma State. He is a smaller running back that was very productive in college. The Chiefs signed Savage as an undrafted free agent. He has been returning kicks, and doing a great job. Savage ran a pair of sub 4.40 times before the draft and is a shifty runner. The smallish runner accumulated over 1,600 total yards in 11 games his last season in Stillwater. He had a string of 100-yard rushing games in the Big 12 that will be difficult for any to duplicate. The Chiefs suspended Larry Johnson the last couple of games and could want to get a look at the young players, like Savage, as the season progresses. The rookie is a tough inside runner despite being only 5'8", 182 pounds. He is a runner that could surprise later in the season. Also, Jamaal Charles has a high ankle sprain injury. This injury plus the issues with Larry Johnson may allow Savage to see the field as a runner.
