Strategic Situations to Target

Posted 6/7 by Jeff Haseley, Exclusive for Footballguys.com

Oftentimes the key to winning your fantasy league is not so much hitting the jackpot with the players you selected in the first few rounds of your draft, but finding that gem in the later rounds that gives you top round production. Every year multiple players of all positions rise from the doldrums of the rankings and turn into every-week fantasy starters. Last year alone there were several players that fit this description including Eddie Royal, Steve Slaton, Pierre Thomas and Antonio Bryant, just to name a few. Playing fantasy football wouldn't be as exciting, dramatic or addictive if it only included the usual suspects of talent drafted in the early rounds. If that was the case, leagues would only have nine round drafts with ten owners playing. Thankfully, leagues have 18-24 rounds of draft picks, which makes it much more competitive, strategic and enjoyable.

How do you find these players before they emerge? It's not so much finding the players, but recognizing which situations warrant the most attention. Below you will find several areas where I believe there is the potential for a breakout player to emerge, including my opinions for each of the candidates who could occupy that role.

Some situations to target - in no particular order:

Tampa Bay WR2

The current depth chart has Antonio Bryant at WR1 with Michael Clayton at WR2. Clayton had an impressive rookie year in 2004, but he hasn't finished higher than the 73rd-ranked WR since then. The door is open for someone to produce, because the Buccaneers receiving corps is pretty thin after Antonio Bryant and TE Kellen Winslow, Jr. That person could be Clayton, but a lack of success in prior seasons suggests that he may have reached his full potential.

Players To Target

Dexter Jackson - Jackson at 5-foot-10 180 pounds, is a speedster who has not yet found his niche in the NFL. As a rookie last year, he failed to catch a single pass, but it was mostly due to being inactive for games. The NFL is a copycat league and Jackson's ability and body style is not that much different than DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal, Lance Moore, Wes Welker, etc. If new Bucs coach Raheem Morris decides to follow the fold of the emerging undersized, quicker, speedier slot receiver, then Jackson could be a player who could make some noise in 2009.

Sammie Stroughter (R) - Who?? Stroughter is drawing attention from coach Morris in the early minicamps heading into training camp and preseason. Stroughter is an Oregon State product that has also produced Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He's a good route-runner and he's determined to prove that his talent is good enough to succeed in the NFL. He is someone to watch as a potential riser. If he is given a starting role in the offense, even if it's as the WR3, take note.

Jacksonville WR2

Locked in at WR1 is veteran Torry Holt, who was recently signed in the offseason. The Jaguars may be looking at airing out the ball more in 2009. The departure of Fred Taylor to New England leaves only Maurice Jones-Drew as a viable play maker at RB. The Jaguars may shy away from running the ball as often as they did in previous seasons when they had a strong RBBC approach. Last year, QB David Garrard finished as the 11th-ranked QB, despite playing behind a banged up offensive line. The Jags have greatly improved in that area, which suggests Garrard should have more time to throw the ball. Gone is Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter. As of right now, there is no clear cut WR2, but there are several options.

Players To Target

Mike Walker - Walker's career has been slowed by knee injuries, but he is on the fast track to prove that he can play in this league. He had an impressive game against Pittsburgh last year that saw him catch six passes for 107 yards. Unfortunately, his second knee injury in as many years kept him from blossoming into a potential emerging WR in the league. He has a great combination of size and speed with the ability to make plays down field. He's someone to watch. If his knee injuries are behind him, he could the one who secures that WR2 role for the Jaguars.

Jarett Dillard (R) - Dillard is one of two Jaguars rookies who will look to earn a starting WR role in 2009. Dillard, a fifth round pick from Rice, reminds me of Greg Jennings with less speed. Dillard was the team's captain at Rice for three of four years. Last year with Rice, Dillard had 87 receptions for 1,310 yards and an eye-popping 20 touchdowns. He finished his college career with 60 TDs. If his maturity and attention to detail earn him an impressive preseason, he's someone to watch in 2009.

Mike Thomas (R) - Thomas is the other rookie who was actually taken ahead of Jarett Dillard in the 2009 draft. He has more speed and greater leaping abilities that make him play taller than his 5-foot-8 frame. Dillard seems to have the early edge among the two rookies, but don't discount Thomas' play making skills.

New York Giants RB2

The Giants offense changed to more of a rushing attack last year after WR Plaxico Burress was no longer a part of their offense. The result - not one, but two RBs rushed for 1,000 yards. Brandon Jacobs was re-signed in the offseason and he'll be the team's number one option in the running game. Gone is Derrick Ward who signed with the Buccaneers. Ward occupied the RB2 role last year, so with his departure, someone is going to have to fill in. Jacobs is a big physical RB, but his upright style of rushing leads to bigger hits, which has shelved him in seasons prior. The Giants have third year pro, Ahmad Bradshaw who could occupy that role, but they also have rookie Andre Brown and veteran Danny Ware who could surprise.

Players To Target

Ahmad Bradshaw - Look for Bradshaw to be the early clubhouse leader as the team's RB2 entering preseason. He has speed to burn with the ability to take the ball to the house on any given play. He has primarily been a third down RB in his career which has inflated his career rushing stats (6.1 YPC in 90 career rushes). If he can be that effective on first and second down, then look for him to secure that RB2 role, which could once again prove to be a position that could start for your fantasy team.

Andre Brown (R) - Brown is a much more svelte 6-foot-0, 225 pound back that resembles Brandon Jacobs more than Bradshaw. Brown is someone who could see more game action in the event Jacobs is injured, simply because he's more suitable for his role in the offense. It's doubtful that Brown would be the lightning to Jacobs' thunder. However, Derrick Ward himself was at 230 pounds, but he had more speed with better pass-catching skills.

Danny Ware - Ware is an undrafted RB from Georgia who has not seen much action on the gridiron at the next level. What's impressive about Ware is that he started ahead of expected rookie standout Knowshon Moreno while at Georgia. He has a great blend of size and speed and he believes he can replace Ward in the Giants rushing rotation.

Chicago WR1/WR2

What's so intriguing about the Bears WR situation is that there is no clear cut number one receiving option in Chicago. This is either good news or bad news for Bears QB Jay Cutler. It's good, because he can find his own player to target as his primary down field option. It's bad, because there is nobody already in place as that player for the team, which means he'll have to begin from scratch to create the offense he wants. Whoever emerges as the Bears number one receiving option has the potential to be an Anquan Boldin-like surprise in the league.

Players To Target

Earl Bennett - Bennett is the early favorite to be Cutler's go-to guy. Cutler and Bennett were not just teammates at Vanderbilt, but Bennett was Cutler's favorite target then. A coming together again in the NFL is not too far-fetched. So why is this a debate? Bennett admittedly did not catch on to the intricacies of the NFL playbook in his rookie year. Sometimes it takes awhile for wide receivers to learn the complexity of NFL passing offenses - most notably, Eric Moulds, who also struggled with change in his rookie year. If Bennett can pick up with Cutler where he left off in Vanderbilt, he could very possibly be the WR we're all talking about in Week 6 this season.

Rashied Davis - Davis is currently penciled in as the Bears slot receiver. He is coming off his best season as a pro, but that was only good enough for 70th on the WR rankings list. He'll face some stiff competition from rookies Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox.

Devin Hester - I'm not a big Hester fan. At least not as a WR. Hester is an outstanding play making down field threat, but I don't see him going over the middle, making clutch third down catches. If his route running improves, he could find himself being a consistent receiving option for Cutler. The fact that he hasn't done that yet is cause for concern, but he also hasn't had a QB like Cutler throwing him the ball either.

Juaquin Iglesias (R) - I am keeping an eye out for Juaquin Iglesias this year for three reasons. One, he has Jay Cutler throwing the ball to him and we know from last year that Cutler is capable of allowing a rookie WR to be a big player in his offense (Eddie Royal). Two, the Bears have no true number one WR right now. Outside of TE Greg Olsen, Rashied Davis is the closest competition to being that guy. I don't see Devin Hester being the go-to guy for Cutler. Lastly, the news in Bears camp about Iglesias is all positive - even going as far as saying he's perfect for their offensive system.

Johnny Knox (R) - Knox would probably be the least likely to earn a starting WR role with the Bears this year. He is known for his sub 4.40 speed, but he isn't yet an NFL-ready receiver. His skills are raw and it will probably result in a year of learning before he gets an opportunity to produce.

Cleveland RB2

The Browns will turn to veteran soon-to-be 30-year old Jamal Lewis to once again fulfill the running duties in 2009. Lewis averages a stout 299.8 carries per season in his eight seasons in the NFL. It's just a matter of time before the odometer takes its toll on Lewis as a reliable RB. Who could possibly dethrone Lewis? They have a veteran RB who is itching to gain the spotlight, plus a rookie RB who is looking to make his impact.

Players To Target

Jerome Harrison - The quick and speedy Harrison has played second if not third fiddle all three years he has been in the league. He has improved his YPC in each of his three years so far culminating in an impressive 7.2 YPC in 34 attempts last year. Perhaps having a new coach (Eric Mangini) will allow Harrison more of a chance at increased playing time this year? So far he's turning heads in camp with his work ethic, attention to detail, blocking skills and QB protection knowledge. If he has a strong preseason, don't be surprised to see him have an increased role in 2009.

James Davis (R) - People have not been talking about James Davis much at all heading into training camp, but they should. He's in a great position on the Browns where the starter (Jamal Lewis) is in the twilight of his career. His 4.60 speed at the combine lowered his draft stock making him a sixth-round pick, but he's not a sixth-round talent. He has since run a 4.43 40 time for his pro day. Ironically, Davis and Jamal Lewis went to the same High School in Atlanta. The two have become friends and Lewis may even have had some influence in deciding to draft him. Davis has a knack for the end zone as evidenced by his 47 career rushing TDs at Clemson.

Atlanta WR2

The Falcons receiving corps got a huge boost with the trade acquisition of veteran TE Tony Gonzalez in the offseason. Roddy White and Gonzalez will be the main receiving threats for Atlanta, but don't discount the next option at WR2. Defenses will be keying on White and Gonzalez and it should open the door wide open for another WR to make plays.

Players To Target

Michael Jenkins - Jenkins is entering his sixth year in the league in 2009. He is currently the WR2 on the depth chart and has three consecutive years of 80+ targets with the Falcons. He bolstered his YPC last year going from 10.0 to 15.5. He could continue to improve as a receiver or perhaps we've seen the best of what he has to offer? In any event, the Falcons offense has been upgraded and an improvement on offense usually means more production from secondary options.

Harry Douglas - Douglas is someone who impressed me at times last year. He has the ability to get open and make plays, he simply needs to have more of a role in the offense. Once he gains more experience and his coaching staff gives him more playing time, I think we'll like what we see from Douglas. He's someone who could surprise, if given the chance.

New England WR3

The last time Tom Brady was healthy for a whole season, nearly everyone on offense for the Patriots benefited. We know that Randy Moss and Wes Welker will get their yards and fantasy points, but as of right now, the WR3 position is still up for grabs. Whoever occupies that role will have value and could possibly be someone who could make spot starts in your fantasy lineup.

Players To Target

Joey Galloway - Perhaps we have seen the last of any consistent production from Galloway. He will be 38 in November and he is coming off a nagging foot injury that would not go away last year. Does he have anything left in the tank to be a source for fantasy production in 2009? That's debatable, but if the players surrounding him outperform him, don't be surprised to see him quietly fade away and have minimal value this year. However, there is always that possibility. If his foot is 100% healed, can he still be a threat? We'll find out.

Brandon Tate - Here's a guy who was ahead of his teammate Hakim Nicks at UNC until he tore his ACL in 2008. If he returns to form, he could once again be a dominant receiver. The Patriots drafted him for the future, but it's possible that he could be ready to contribute in 2009, but not likely. His knee injury occurred in October of 2008, so the beginning of training camp will mark the ninth month of rehab. The Patriots will not need to rush his progress, so they'll likely take it easy with him.

Greg Lewis - Could Lewis follow Donte Stallworth and be the next WR by route of Philadelphia that finds success with New England? Possibly. We wouldn't rule it out.

New York Giants WR1/WR2

Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer are no longer with the team. Their departure brings a completely different depth chart, which currently features Domenik Hixon as the WR1, rookie Hakim Nicks at WR2 and veteran Steve Smith as the WR3. Smith has long been a slot type of receiver for the Giants, which is sometimes what the WR3 translates to be. The biggest question is who is going to produce the most as a WR on the Giants? Make no mistake, the Giants will once again feature a run first offense, but that's not to say the passing game will be nonexistent. Someone is going to produce from that group. The early indication is that Hakim Nicks will occupy a big role in his first year.

Players To Target

Hakim Nicks (R) - Everyone likes an emerging rookie who has the opportunity to contribute from the get go. Nicks had 68 receptions for 1,222 yards and 12 TDs as a Junior at UNC in 2008. He entered the draft as an underclassmen and now he's being looked upon as a possible replacement of Plaxico Burress in the Giants receiving corps. Nicks has the talent and opportunity to find success in his rookie year. If he shows he can grasp the offense with a solid performance in the preseason, look for him to continue that success in the regular season

Domenik Hixon - The opportunity presented itself to Hixon last year after Plaxico Burress' suspension. While he managed to find some success as a temporary replacement for Burress, he wasn't consistent. At times he showed a lack of concentration on the field that ultimately led to a decrease in game action. Another year of experience will help Hixon and if rookie Hakim Nicks struggles to grasp the offense, the sky is the limit for him to really produce.

Steve Smith - We can't forget about Smith amidst the talented rookie and the emerging wide out, Hixon. Smith was expected to be more of a role player in the Giants offense last year, but he finished with a disappointing 57 receptions for 574 yards and only one TD - all career highs, mind you. Smith's role is to be a possession receiver. He may see an increase in numbers in 2009, but he has not shown consistent play making skills to catapult him to the next level that would make him a starter on a fantasy roster. At least not yet

Ramses Barden (R) - Barden has the frame of an NFL WR at 6-foot-6, 230 pounds. In time, he could be a star in the league. He had 67 receptions for 1,257 yards and 18 TDs as Senior. The only concern is that he hails from a Division 1-AA school (Cal Poly) and lacks the experience that other WRs in his class have. He will need to learn how to beat press coverage against bigger, more physical cornerbacks than he faced in college. He has a good head on his shoulders and has not been known to be someone who seeks trouble. If his size allows his college game to translate to the pros than it could be Barden we're all talking about as the breakout Giants WR this year.

Washington WR2

Last year the Redskins drafted two relatively high draft picks at WR in Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. Both were nonexistent last year due to injuries, or ineffectiveness. Kelly is coming off February microfracture surgery on his knee that he hurt last season. He should be OK for the start of training camp, barring any setbacks. Thomas had the most success of the two rookies last year, but that was only 15 catches for 120 yards while playing in all 16 games. Washington's passing game will go through Santana Moss and Chris Cooley, but they can't rely on only them to be successful. Someone is going to have to emerge if the passing game wants to flourish and it won't be that difficult to supplant current WR2 Antwaan Randle El.

Players To Target

Devin Thomas - At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Thomas provides adequate size with above average speed for someone with his frame. He was a second round pick in the 2008 draft, but he has not yet hit his stride in the NFL. Perhaps a year of experience will give Thomas enough boost to emerge as the starting WR opposite Santana Moss, displacing Antwaan Randle El to the bench. Thomas came into the league as one of the better WR prospects, however several others in his draft class have seen success where he has not. Keep an eye on Thomas during training camp and preseason. Any praise drawn from his coaches is a good thing that ultimately could lead to a starting role.

Malcolm Kelly - Kelly has more of an uphill battle after injuring his knee last year that required offseason microfracture surgery. If his knee doesn't respond well this year, he could be on the outside looking in as a WR prospect in the league. If he doesn't catch this year, he may not see himself in the league in 2010. Like Thomas, Kelly was believed to be a strong WR prospect entering last year. If he's healthy he could finally show what he's capable of. His path to a starting role is not that difficult. If he performs well or if injuries surrounding him open the door, he could be someone who could emerge as a potential WR threat.

Kansas City WR2/TE1

The Chiefs lost a big proponent of their offense when they traded long time TE standout Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons in the offseason. Gone are 150+ targets, 80-90 receptions and 8-10 TDs. Someone is going to have pick up that slack - they can't expect WR Dwayne Bowe to do everything on offense. So who is going to fill that role as the team's WR2 and TE1? Wouldn't you like to know?

Players To Target

Mark Bradley - Last year Bradley started off with the Bears, but he was released after Week 6 and found a home with the Chiefs. He's a veteran who is entering his fifth year in the league and he has something to prove. He fit right in with the Chiefs offense and showed promise as an emerging WR with fantasy value. He did have four games of double-digit fantasy points (standard FBG scoring). If Bradley continues to excel, he should have a big role in the Chiefs offense in 2009.

Bobby Engram - Veteran possession WR, Bobby Engram turned 36 in January. He is coming off a disappointing 2008 season where he finished as the 82nd-ranked WR. If he can avoid injury and the 35+ year-old WR downhill numbers drop, then he could be a 50-catch receiver for the Chiefs in 2009. If Mark Bradley proves to be ineffective, he could be even more effective. There's a lot of ifs with Engram, but his pedigree of success in the league should not be ignored.

Brad Cottam - Third round draft pick and second year pro out of Tennessee, Cottam is the replacement for Tony Gonzalez at TE. Will the Chiefs use a similar style of offense that featured a heavy dose of TE usage that saw Tony Gonzalez be a perennial top three talent at the TE position? Probably not, but when Cottam was drafted, he was considered to have a good mix of pass-catching and blocking skills. We could see him occupying a larger role in 2009, but don't invest much, especially if you don't hear any news coming out of Chiefs camp that Cottam is turning heads and could see a bigger role in the offense.

Cleveland WR2

The Browns have big questions at WR this year. After first wanting to be traded out of Cleveland, Browns stand out WR Braylon Edwards has changed his tune. He will most definitely be the number one option in the passing game in 2009, but who will occupy the WR2 role? Before things went downhill for Donte Stallworth in a hurry (DUI manslaughter charge), he was the favorite to be starting opposite Edwards. Even though his arraignment was delayed it's unlikely to change the outcome. We'd be surprised if Stallworth sees the field in 2009 and the Browns likely believe that to be the case as well, otherwise they wouldn't have spent two picks on WRs in the 2009 draft.

Players To Target

Brian Robiskie (R) - The early word is that Robiskie is the leader in the battle for who will occupy the Browns WR2 position this year. Robiskie has great hands and is an excellent route-runner. He could be the next great NFL WR to hail from Ohio State. He has the talent and the opportunity to grab that role and run with it. If Robiskie can impress in preseason, look for him to take over that role. His emergence would also carry over to an increase in numbers for Braylon Edwards, who is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2008 season.

Josh Cribbs - If Cribbs and the Browns can come to an agreement that results in a new contract, he could be a player that could emerge in Cleveland. That's a big if. Right now, the Browns aren't budging on his contract, which is good through 2012. If so, they could trade him to someone else. Cribb's return skills and all around athletic ability could eventually give him a larger role as a WR in the league.

Mohamed Massaquoi (R) - Massaquoi came on strong at the end of the 2008 season with Georgia, which is a positive for his chances for success at the next level, but he needs to show more consistency before I place him as someone with fantasy value. In any event, he is in a good spot where the opportunity could present itself if injuries bounce his way.

David Patten - Patten has found a new home with Cleveland after spending two years in New Orleans. The thought process is, if he can't find success in New Orleans, where offense is king, what can he provide for a Browns team that is nowhere near the Saints in offensive production? Patten will be 35 in August and it's possible that Mohamed Massaquoi or Syndric Steptoe could beat him out as the team's WR3.