Prospecting - Week 3

Posted 9/22 by Will Grant and Jeff Pasquino, Exclusive for 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.

Prospecting focuses on low risk players that could be huge payoff roster moves that you might be able make before the guys in your league think about it. The 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.

We will be breaking this down into three major sections:

Golden Nuggets - For shallower leagues (10 teams or fewer, 18 or fewer roster spots - About 180 or fewer players that are already rostered in the league). When IDP is included, we will be looking at players that are of use for leagues that use only a handful (1-5) IDP players.

Panning For Gold - For medium size leagues (12 teams, 18-20 roster spots a team - About 200-240 players that are already rostered in the league). When IDP is included, we will be looking at players that are of use for leagues that use a moderate amount (6-8) of IDP players.

Digging Deep - For large size leagues (14 or more teams and/or 21 or more roster spots a team - Over 240 players that are already rostered in the league). When IDP is included, we will be looking at players that are of use for leagues that use a full setup (11) of IDP players.

Let's get started!

Golden Nuggets - Shallower Leagues

Chaz Schilens, WR, Oakland Raiders

Why did he catch our eye?

Schilens was awesome in week one of the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys. He was the apple of quarterback JaMarcus Russell's eye. Russell threw to the second-year receiver almost every play. Schilens is able to make a play after the catch. Schilens is the one reliable playmaker at wide receiver for the The Raiders, and Russell in particular, need Schilens back in the lineup.

Current Situation

Team info: The primary receiver in Oakland when he returns to the lineup after recovering from a broken bone in his foot.
Age: 24
Drafted: 2008 - Seventh Round
College: San Diego State
Contract info: 4 year rookie contract

Time Frame

Schilens is expected to get back into the starting lineup in week four. He has resumed running in straight lines. Upon returning to the field, fantasy owners can expect a return to his WR1 position in Oakland. He will be the WR1 for the young Raider offense. In addition, Schilens is still young and improving. He has the talent to be a star in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

Schilens started six games as a rookie in 2008. He averaged a strong fifteen yards per reception. Schilens is still learning the position. His upside is in the Top 20 at the receiver position. With more receptions this year, it will not take many for him to make a large impact.

Gary Guyton, ILB, New England Patriots

Why did he catch our eye?

With teammate Jerod Mayo down with what's been called a moderate to severe MCL strain, Guyton has assumed every-down ILB duty in New England and led his team with seven solos (ten total) against the Jets last week. Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Guyton has been on the radar of those in deeper IDP leagues since last season, when he began to carve out a role in the Patriot nickel packages. Now elevated into a more productive situation, he should also draw the attention of those in shallow leagues.

Current Situation

Team information: Starting MLB/ILB in productive role with Jerod Mayo out with injury
Age: 23
Drafted: Signed as UDFA in 2008
College: Georgia Tech
Contract Information: ERFA in 2010

Time Frame

Guyton has previously been inconsistent in the box scores as a nickel backer in 2008 and was expected to be similarly inconsistent as a complementary player alongside Mayo despite his larger role after Tedy Bruschi retired. With Mayo likely to be inactive for another few weeks, Guyton has plenty of upside in the short term.

Final Thoughts

Guyton proved himself capable in coverage as a rookie, ascending the depth chart from an afterthought UDFA in camp to starting nickel linebacker last year. His run defense was impressive enough this offseason to easily hold off Paris Lenon and other non-notables to start at SILB. Despite the late retirement of Bruschi, the Patriots were comfortable enough with Guyton to not pursue other veteran options and haven't done so with Mayo out. With Atlanta, Baltimore and Tennessee on the schedule in the next month, Guyton should be in line for strong numbers until Mayo returns and is worth a look as a strong matchup play in all leagues.

Panning For Gold - Medium Leagues

FS Kenny Phillips, FS, New York Giants

Why did he catch our eye?

Phillips was elevated to the starting lineup this offseason after James Butler left in free agency for St. Louis. Impressive in limited duty last year, Phillips broke out on national television last week with two interceptions on the road against Tony Romo and the division rival Dallas Cowboys.

Current Situation

Team information: Starting FS in the big play New York Giant defensive scheme
Age: 22
Drafted: 2008 - First round
College: Miami (FL)
Contract Information: Signed through 2012

Time Frame

Phillips was brought along slowly as a rookie, contributing only in a rotational role in the base defense and in nickel packages. Now entrenched as the free safety, Phillips should be on his way to a long productive career in New York.

Final Thoughts

Phillips was the consensus top safety in the 2008 NFL Draft, featuring strong coverage instincts with well above-average ball skills and recovery speed with solid run support ability. His projectable two-way talent is exactly what many coordinators want in today's NFL in their desire to find versatile secondary players that can cover big pass-catching tight ends and slot receivers as well as support the run. With players like Jason Witten, Chris Cooley and Brian Westbrook in the division, Phillips will be a key contributor to the Giant defense. As his five solos and two interceptions last week indicate, his on-field contributions should translate well to the box score, making him a strong DB2 candidate in most matchups.

Shawn Nelson, TE, Buffalo Bills

Why did he catch our eye?

Nelson showed his speed and agility in college at Southern Mississippi. His position coach was former professional tight end, Kris Mangum. Nelson is very fast for a tight end, faster than many running backs and wide receivers. He has good hands and is a great yards-after-catch player. The Bills want to get Nelson matched up on a linebacker and in the open space. He runs like a wide receiver. Many knock his blocking, but Nelson is improving in that area.

Current Situation

Team info: Nelson is the pass-receiving tight end for the Buffalo Bills. He will soon become a three-down tight end for the Bills.
Age: 23
Drafted: 2009 - Fourth Round
College: Southern Miss
Contract info: 4 year rookie contract.

Time Frame

The Bills list other tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart, but it is Nelson that is the one that will be used in the passing game. It might take him a year or two to fully transition to being a three-down tight end, but he has incredible upside. Until then, Buffalo will use Nelson as a receiver at the tight end position ... and he will continue to make eye-popping plays. He is a very gifted athlete that few know about since he plays in Buffalo with some big-time wideouts. Nelson will see extra time with the injury to "starter" Derek Schouman, who is out with a knee injury.

Final Thoughts

Nelson is technically a backup in Buffalo, but is the pass-catching tight end. He will be used more in the passing game and less as a traditional tight end. Nelson is very athletically gifted and can make plays. His headfirst dive into the endzone in week one against the New England Patriots was an indication of Nelson tremendous athleticism. He will be lined up in different positions and formations in an attempt to take advantage of mismatches. Nelson is a player that has a very bright future in the NFL. He should be rostered in most dynasty leagues. He has Top 8 potential.

Digging Deep - Deep Leagues

Hank Baskett, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Why did he catch our eye?

During his first three seasons in the NFL, Baskett was a good role player on the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a big, physical receiver who also helps on special teams. He became fantasy-relevant last week when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are reeling from the loss of Anthony Gonzalez for the first half of the season. The team is not comfortable with Pierre Garcon and rookie Austin Collie as the only other viable receivers on the Colts. Baskett was a viable receiver for Donovan McNabb and the Eagles, and should be given every opportunity to prove his mettle in Indianapolis. In addition, he (at 6'4", 220 pounds) gives Manning another good redzone option.

Current Situation

Team info: Just signed signed with the Colts after being released in Philadelphia and clearing waivers. The Colts signed him to an inexpensive, undisclosed deal.
Age: 26
Drafted: Undrafted
College: New Mexico
Contract info: undisclosed

Time Frame

It will take Baskett a couple of weeks to learn the Colt offense and get in synch with quarterback Peyton Manning. That still leaves him a few weeks to assert himself before Anthony Gonzalez comes back from his knee injury. Even then, there is long-term upside for the ex-Eagle. The Colts throw the ball often and can use another proven wide receiver. He will see considerable targets starting in a week or so when the new Colt gets into the flow of the offense.

Final Thoughts

This is a low risk signing for the Colts. They need depth at the receiver position. Baskett gives the team a bigger, more physical target than the other receivers. Garcon and Collie have not yet proven to be assets for Manning. Throughout his first three years in the NFL, Baskett has accumulated 71 catches, for 1,046 yards and six touchdowns. He has proven to be a reliable receiver. Considering the youth at the position with Garcon and Collie, the Colts will need Baskett to be a productive weapon for Manning. He has a chance to start even when Gonzalez comes back to the lineup.

Victor Abiamiri, DE, Philadelphia Eagles

Why did he catch our eye?

Abiamiri first garnered attention with his impressive athleticism at the NFL combine two years ago, but struggled to get on the field for significant snaps due to injury and a deep defensive line rotation in Philadelphia. Now the starting left defensive end, Abiamiri has started the season with seven solo tackles, showing all-around potential opposite anchor RDE Trent Cole.

Current Situation

Team information: Starting LDE taking about 65-70% of his team's rotational snaps
Age: 23
Drafted: 2007 - Second round
College: Notre Dame
Contract Information: Signed through 2010

Time Frame

Abiamiri was expected to contribute much earlier in his career, but wrist, foot and chest injuries derailed his development and kept him from taking a starting job from Juqua Parker until this year. Given how well he's held up against the run on the strong side early this year, the LDE job is his as long as he remains healthy.

Final Thoughts

Young defensive ends often struggle to find themselves in pass rush. Abiamiri flashed some pass rush potential with two sacks in 2008, but he'll rotate out at times in nickel situations and may be limited as a rusher for now. Abiamiri's seven solos over two games in run support suggest that, when the pass rush numbers begin to come, he may be capable of the two-way statistical production that turns a promising young player into a fantasy stud. Now is the time to consider rostering him, before a big week of pass rush puts him back on everyone's fantasy radar.