Prospecting - Week 5

Posted 10/6 by Jene Bramel and Jeff Tefertiller, 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

DeAndre Levy, OLB, Detroit Lions

Why did he catch our eye?

Levy filled in for the injured Ernie Sims in Week 3, but looked to move back into a reserve role with Sims back in the lineup last week. Sims re-aggravated his shoulder injury early in the game, however, and Levy got another chance at extended playing time. Through two games, Levy has ten solo (14 total) tackles and a forced fumble.

Current Situation

Team information: Starting ROLB while Ernie Sims recovers
Age: 22
Drafted: 2009 - Third round
College: Wisconsin
Contract Information: Signed through 2011

Time Frame

Levy's immediate upside is dependent on how long Ernie Sims is inactive with his shoulder injury. Playing nearly every down on a defense likely to see a lot of snaps, Levy could be a solid pickup now. He should have even more value once he works his way into a longer term role in the Detroit defense.

Final Thoughts

Levy was drafted in the third round with an eye on the starting MLB job vacated by Paris Lenon. Any hope of consistent IDP value in 2009 was wiped away after the Lions signed veteran Larry Foote before camp, however, and Levy spent the offseason learning all three linebacker spots on the second team. Levy has already been more statistically productive than Ernie Sims after taking over the ROLB job. If Sims doesn't return to the lineup healthy soon, Levy may prove tough to move out of the lineup. Realistically, though, Levy may not have a major role on this defense until 2010.

Jerome Harrison, RB, Cleveland Browns

Why did he catch our eye?

Harrison had a good game against the stout Baltimore Raven defense in week three, after replacing the injured Jamal Lewis. Lewis is still suffering from the hamstring injury so Harrison started again Sunday versus the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a great game for Harrison, with 121 rushing yards. Opening the door even further for Harrison to have an impact for the rest of the season was the Browns placing rookie James Davis on injured reserve, thus ending his season. Davis was still limited from a shoulder injury suffered from an auto accident in preseason. Harrison showed a tough running style and the ability to make plays in the two starts. He has averaged over five yards a carry over his career, and added seven and a half yards per reception.

Current Situation

Team info: Davis had an awesome preseason before the car accident and was looked upon to possibly be the back of the future in Cleveland, especially with Lewis' age and decline in ability. But, it is Harrison who has emerged as the better back for this season. Harrison outproduced the rookie in the two contests they both played. For now, it is just Harrison and Lewis to carry the ball in Cleveland for the rest of the season. If Lewis misses more time, rookie Chris Jennings will back up Harrison.
Age: 26
Drafted: 2006 - Fifth Round
College: Washington State
Contract info: Last year of rookie deal

Time Frame

Harrison has started the last two weeks with Lewis out of the lineup. Who knows how long Lewis will be out, or even limited when he does return. Fantasy owners do not seem to be giving Harrison enough credit. Yes, he plays in Cleveland and is not a big back. But, Harrison can make plays and has been the starter. Yet, the diminutive rusher is still on many dynasty waiver wires. He has the ability to be a productive rusher this season and for the future. Most unfairly criticize the lack of size for Harrison even though there are many productive NFL rushers his size.

Final Thoughts

Harrison may be on a different team next year with this the last season he is under contract with the Browns. He has a golden opportunity to showcase his ability for future employers. The Browns are a team without many playmakers. Only Harrison and wide receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Braylon Edwards are capable offensive weapons. With the porous Browns defense, expect the team to still utilize Harrison often on passing downs even when Lewis returns. Harrison is a good receiver out of the backfield.

Panning For Gold - Medium Leagues

Andre Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Why did he catch our eye?

Caldwell showed well late last season, while T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ochocinco were out of the lineup with injuries. He plays similarly to Houshmandzadeh in that he knows how to find the soft spots in the defense and catches the ball well. This season, Caldwell had clutch receptions in week one against the Broncos and week three versus the Steelers. He totaled over 50 receiving yards in each of those contests.

Current Situation

Team info: The Bengals appear to have a plethora of receivers, but only Ochocinco has been consistent for quarterback Carson Palmer. Many thought that Caldwell would be hard-pressed to find playing time this season with the addition of Laveranues Coles and the emergence of a matured Chris Henry in preseason. But, neither has played very well to start the season so the former Florida Gator has seen action, especially late in games, when the Bengals needed a big catch.
Age: 24
Drafted: 2008 - Third Round
College: Florida
Contract info: 4 year rookie contract.

Time Frame

The way he is playing, it might only be a matter of time before Caldwell sees extended playing time at the expense of either Coles or Henry. With eight and nine targets in two of the team's first three games, the writing is on the wall that Caldwell will have an impact this season. He has earned the trust of Palmer to find the right spot in the zone and to make the catch, something Coles has struggled to do so far this season. The Bengals look to push for a playoff spot and will want the sure-handed Caldwell on the field.

Final Thoughts

Caldwell is quietly a player on the rise. He should be a starter in Cincinnati before too long. Coles has disappointed, dropping many passes, and Henry has yet to make plays. Fantasy owners should be looking to acquire Caldwell while he is still a reserve. He will really emerge after becoming a starter. The Bengals need production from a receiver not named Ochocinco just to keep defenses honest.

Zackary Bowman, CB, Chicago Bears

Why did he catch our eye?

Bowman saw very limited duty last year as a rookie, but his strong offseason play earned him the starting job opposite Charles Tillman over Nathan Vasher and Corey Graham this year. Since taking over in Week 2, Bowman has had 19 solos in three weeks, including a nine solo performance with a pass defended in Week 3.

Current Situation

Team information: Starting CB in the Chicago Tampa-2 scheme
Age: 24
Drafted: 2008 - Fifth round
College: Nebraska
Contract Information: Signed through 2011

Time Frame

After recovering from a hamstring injury that cost him reps in camp, Bowman's regular season play has been as good as his impressive OTA work this offseason. He's now got a firm handle on the starting corner job alongside Tillman.

Final Thoughts

The Tampa-2 coverage scheme doesn't make fantasy factors of every corner, but it amplifies the value of those corners with the run support ability and ball skills of players like Bowman. Nathan Vasher and Corey Graham are no threats to Bowman's job. Expect Bowman to continue to produce CB1 numbers for the foreseeable future. If he can remain a consistent tackler, he will bypass Tillman as the most attractive fantasy option in the Bear secondary.

Digging Deep - Deep Leagues

William Hayes, DE, Tennessee Titans

Why did he catch our eye?

Small school project drafted by the Titans last season, the team hoped that the athletic Hayes would develop behind veterans Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse. Late in the 2008 season, Hayes was already beginning to make an impact on a very strong Tennessee defense, contributing in run support and pass rush in a rotational role against playoff caliber teams like the Jaguars, Colts and Steelers. He's earned a larger rotational role this season and has ten solos and 1.5 sacks through four games.

Current Situation

Team information: Rotational defensive end splitting snaps with Jevon Kearse
Age: 24
Drafted: 2008 - Fourth round
College: Winston-Salem
Contract Information: Signed through 2011

Time Frame

Hayes is playing every other series in rotation with Kearse and making the most of his fresh legs. Hayes should have a few good games this season, but he may explode onto the fantasy scene in 2010 with Kearse a free agent after the season.

Final Thoughts

Hayes has a potentially elite combination of size and speed for a 4-3 defensive end at 6'3", 272 pounds. In limited duty, he's shown strong run support ability, a good array of pass rush moves and the speed to close quickly. If he assumes an even larger role in 2010, he has 40 solo, double digit sack potential. Stash him away on your deep dynasty roster now before any injuries elevate his value in 2009.

Josh Johnson, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Why did he catch our eye?

Johnson is extremely athletic. He even lined up at receiver earlier in the season. Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson stated that he was planning on using the athletic passer at receiver if the young quarterback was not starting under center. Johnson is still developing, but has big potential if he can gain confidence and mature as a passer. The DraftGuys gave many fantasy footballers the heads-up on Johnson before the 2008 NFL Draft. Johnson holds the record for the highest career passer efficiency (176.68) in NCAA football history. The Buccaneers need his athletic ability with so few weapons on offense. Tampa Bay is a team in transition and will give Josh Johnson a long look this season.

Current Situation

Team info: Johnson stepped into the starting quarterback role after replacing Byron Leftwich in week three. It was not the best of games for Johnson, but he will improve. He was thought to be fighting for a roster spot in preseason, but the trade of Luke McCown to Jacksonville opened the door for the second-year passer to remain and get a chance to contribute. No matter what the coaches said in training camp and preseason, they did not believe in the long-term abilities of Leftwich or McCown. Johnson will be given every opportunity to show his ability.
Age: 23
Drafted: 2008 - Fifth Round
College: San Diego
Contract info: 4 year rookie contract.

Time Frame

Since Johnson is the starter, he has an immediate opportunity to show the coaching staff that they made the right decision. Johnson has a big arm and can make most of the throws. The poor options in the passing game will limit his upside this season. Johnson is only 23 years old and is still learning the intricacies of the position at the professional level. Switching coaches after his first year will not help speed development. Let's remember that Johnson played small college football so his transition time might be longer than other young quarterbacks. Johnson looked lost at times Sunday, but there will be better games, and matchups, down the road. His running ability will help fantasy owners pad the statistics, even on off weeks.

Final Thoughts

Johnson was drafted under the old regime, led by Gruden, so it was unknown if the youngster would be given an opportunity. The new coaching staff drafted Josh Freeman to be the quarterback of the future. But, Freeman is still raw and has been lazy learning the playbook. This leaves a golden opportunity for Johnson to show his mettle this year. Expect Freeman to play some later in the season, but Johnson is just as good of a prospect ... maybe better. Freeman will see action this year, it is up to Johnson to hold him off as long as possible. Also of note, Johnson is the cousin to Buffalo running back, Marshawn Lynch.