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Faceoff - TE Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears
Posted 7/28, exclusive to Footballguys.com
Upside - by David Baker
Desmond Clark has been a top 12 fantasy performer for the last two years. While I think it may be optimistic for him to finish that high this year, too many fantasy owners are completely discounting Clark's value and are avoiding him like the plague. Why? Mainly because of second year stud Greg Olsen. Olsen was drafted in the first round of last year's NFL draft and he is undoubtedly the future at the position for the team. While it may be true that it's just a matter of time before Olsen reaches elite status, Desmond Clark has more than proven his worth in his nine NFL seasons and he has enough in the tank to remain a solid contributor on your fantasy squad as a backup TE.With the many questions surrounding the receiving unit, it seems likely the Bears will use their tight ends more, allowing Clark to make up for possible lost targets to Olsen. Two tight end sets could be a mainstay in the Bears offense. Clark, who received an offseason two year contract extension from the Bears, is clearly still in their plans and some speculate that Olsen could need another year of seasoning before being given a much larger role. Also, Clark is steadier in the run game that given credit for and time on the field can equate to opportunity for receptions. Clark still moves fairly well, especially for someone 250 pounds, and excels in reading coverage. And while you don't think of Clark as a big downfield threat, amongst tight ends that caught more than 20 passes last year, only Kellen Winslow and Antonio Gates had a higher average yards per reception. Lest you think that was a one-time fluke, no other tight end with more than 21 receptions had a higher average yards per catch in 2006 than Clark. And while Rex Grossman, who I assume wins the starting nod over Kyle Orton, may not be the best quarterback in the league, Clark's best season as a pro was in 2006 with Grossman at QB, who targeted Clark 80 times that year.
While I don't think I'd draft Clark over Olsen this year, that does not mean Clark has terrible value. On the contrary, expect the other owners in your leagues to overlook Clark completely, allowing you to gather him up towards the very end of your draft and have yourself a solid backup tight end, especially if you have a couple questionable guys already on your roster at that point. Clark may not have many years left in the league, but 2008 should be far from an embarrassment for Clark and his stat line.
Downside - by David Yudkin
Desmond Clark quietly has been productive in Chicago in recent seasons, ranking as the TE8 and TE12 the past two years. However, those expecting a third year of TE1 production (12-team leagues) will be disappointed this time around.The biggest obstacle to Clark having another good year is the growth and development of teammate Greg Olsen. Clark saw his key numbers drop last year across the board, as his targets, receptions, yardage, and TD totals all fell off compared to the 2006 season.
Over the final month of the 2007 season, Clark saw only 11 targets, which he converted to only six receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. Olsen had more targets, receptions, and yardage in that stretch, a phenomenon that could easily replicate itself again this year.
Another critical factor is the collective inexperience of the Bears offense. Their RBs and WRs are almost all green and may not even be all that talented. Marty Booker is the only receiver with much game day action, the team likely will be starting a rookie RB, and Rex Grossman has only managed to play in more than eight games once in five seasons.
Given the state of uncertainty on offense, this could be a long season on the offensive side of the field in Chicago. At 31, Clark's best years are behind him while Olsen's career is on the rise.
Clark may struggle to rank in the Top 20 in 2008, and his best spot in fantasy circles is likely on the waiver wire. Having to split time at tight end on a fundamentally challenged offense is not a situation conducive to top fantasy production.