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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. Hope you didn't have anything planned for today as we've got a TON of new content for you. The Rate My Team App is ready, we've got new strategy articles, a boat load of new Twitter Interviews plus the News and Notes you need.
Let's get to it.
J
Cecil Lammey breaks down some of the latest news and notes from around the NFL. Topics Include - sleeper RBs with top 10 potential, will Vikings RB Adrian Peterson begin training camp on the PUP list, Chargers TE Antonio Gates having a great offseason, plus more!
One of the most popular features we offer is our Rate My Team app. Just enter your team info, click a button and we'll send you a comprehensive report detailing what we think, and where you can improve your team. Give it a shot and let us know what you think - people love this thing. And let us know if you disagree with our take.
Our John Norton gives you the in depth info on Individual Defensive Player (IDP) that you need to know. In this one, he digs deep into the AFC West.
Our John Norton gives you the in depth info on Individual Defensive Player (IDP) that you need to know. In this one, he digs deep into the NFC West.
Our Matt Waldman's put together a series here that I think is super interesting. He looks for players that are probably surer bets than most people think. In this one, he looks at Marshawn Lynch.
Our Matt Waldman's put together a series here that I think is super interesting. He looks for players that are probably surer bets than most people think. In this one, he looks at Randy Moss.
Our Jeff Tefertiller with a wide look at all the news and how it relates specifically to Dynasty Leagues.
Our Anthony Borberly examines some strategies for you guys playing in those always tough Individual Defensive Player (IDP) Dynasty Leagues.
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Sigmund Bloom @SigmundBloom
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Jene Bramel @JeneBramel
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Ryan Burns @FtblSickness
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Mike Clay @MikeClayNFL
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Gary Davenport @IDPManor
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Ken Griggs @Dexters_Library
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Chad Parsons @PFF_ChadParsons
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to John Paulsen @4for4_John
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Chis Wesseling @ChrisWesseling
We keep rolling with our Twitter Interview Series where we've asked the movers and shakers for Fantasy Football on Twitter for their insights. In this one, we talk to Eric Yeomans @Eric_Yeomans
St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) said his ankle is feeling good but there are still days it does not feel 100 percent.
Footballguys' view: Bradford claims there have been no major setbacks during his recovery. We feel this ankle will essentially be a non-issue during training camp. Bradford wants to bounce back this year after a disappointing 2011. The Rams hope to give him better protection from the O-Line and they're counting on some young WRs like Chris Givens or Brian Quick to come through as extra weapons in the passing game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson was QB Josh Freeman's top target throughout the offseason workouts and likely will be during the regular season as well.
Footballguys' view: New Bucs head coach Greg Schiano is going 'back to basics' and will have a run heavy offense. This will set up a lot of play action passing from Freeman to Jackson. We like Jackson as a WR2 with WR1 upside you can add near the end of the 5th round in your fantasy draft.
San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith said he does not have any hard feelings toward the team about their pursuit of Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning this offseason but said it will serve as motivation for him this season.
Footballguys' view: What pursuit of Peyton Manning?? At least that's what Jim Harbaugh would say. The 49ers went out of their way to improve their passing game this offseason, adding WRs Randy Moss and Mario Manningham in free agency. This is certainly a make or break year for Smith as the team hopes to make the Super Bowl. Smith needs to be bolder when making decisions on where to distribute the football.
St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson said he is happy the team hired an experienced coach like head coach Jeff Fisher because Fisher has a history of working with successful teams. 'It's very refreshing to have a coach that has that kind of resume and brings that kind of credibility. You can just feel it. It's quite a difference. I haven't felt this way since the 2004, 2005 years, where now it's more so 'when' is it going to turn around, not 'if' it's going to turn around,' Jackson said.
Footballguys' view: Jackson should be happy with the addition of Fisher! The veteran coach is known to covet a strong ground game and that's nothing but good news for Jackson. Expect Fisher to give Jackson as big of a workload as he can handle in 2012.
New York Giants RB Danny Ware may have an advantage over RB David Wilson for the No. 2 running back spot entering training camp because of his experience in the offense. If Ware does get the job, the team will wait to give Wilson the job until they trust that he is ready to handle to role.
Footballguys' view: Wilson is more gifted than Ware, but the rookie will have to prove that he's capable in pass protection before he sees a lot of playing time. Last year Wilson led the NCAA in yards after contact and reminds many in the scouting community of the Chiefs Jamaal Charles.
St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said he is confident Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson will return to form in 2012. Fisher was responsible for bringing Johnson to the Titans. 'I didn't watch all that much of him last year, but that kind of thing doesn't happen overnight,' Fisher said. 'C.J. is still a tremendously talented running back and he's still got a lot ahead of him.' Fisher added there were many factors as to why Johnson struggled last season. 'You had coaching changes, you had philosophical changes, you had a lockout and you had no offseason,' Fisher said. 'So you just delete last year and move on with high expectations.'
Footballguys' view: We agree with Fisher here. Johnson had a down season in 2011 but still finished as the 16th best RB in fantasy football. This year we think he breaks back into the top 10. He should be a consideration near the end of the first-round in your fantasy draft.
Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco has the strongest arm in the NFL, according to ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski. 'That's Flacco's No. 1 attribute,' said Jaworski. 'I get so tired of hearing how arm strength is overrated. It's far more important than people think. He has the strongest arm in the NFL.' Flacco gives the Ravens 'the ability to attack all areas of the field at any point in the game.'
Footballguys' view: Velocity is more important than flat out arm strength. It's nice to rocket passes in from 70-yards away, but it's better to throw accurately on all routes. Flacco's arm strength was a crutch for him early in his pro career while the rest of his skill set was developing. He's made strides as a decision maker, but he needs to continue to improve in that area if the Ravens are going to win the Super Bowl with him under center.
Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker will have every opportunity to win the team's quarterback competition with QB Matt Hasselbeck. Although Hasselbeck reportedly is the favorite, head coach Mike Munchak wouldn't be setting it up as a competition for show. If Locker can prove to be accurate enough with his passing he's got a chance to start.
Footballguys' view: It's Locker's job eventually, and he looked impressive last year when he filled in for an injured Hasselbeck. Munchak has already stated that the brutal early season schedule will also be a determining factor in who wins the job. Locker makes for a nice lottery ticket pick at QB, and could give you quality depth at backup QB in your fantasy league.
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady worked closely with WR Brandon Lloyd during offseason workouts but will have to take their chemistry to another level during training camp if the team wants Lloyd to be the outside receiving threat they have been looking for the last few years.
Footballguys' view: Lloyd is still being overlooked by some fantasy owners and that's a huge mistake. Yes, TE Rob Gronkowski and WR Wes Welker are going to get plenty of targets, but there's also room for Lloyd to emerge as Tom Brady's favorite deep threat. We think Lloyd could perform like a WR2 with WR1 upside for your fantasy team. His current ADP is WR20 and he's going off the board in the early 5th round.
New York Giants TE Martellus Bennett said some of the routes he has been runnings are similar to the ones he ran when he has with the Dallas Cowboys. 'A lot of the stuff we did in Dallas was similar to the things they do here. They just added a couple of more options. I have to get used to the play-calling terminology because it's totally different from what we did in Dallas,' Benett said.
Footballguys' view: Bennett is hoping a new team can help jump start his career. He's physically gifted and could be a fantastic move TE for the Giants. However, injuries and inconsistencies have plagued his game so far during his pro career.
Arizona Cardinals RB Ryan Williams (knee) is believed to be on schedule in his rehab and could even be a little ahead of schedule at this point.
Footballguys' view: Good news for Williams and the Cardinals here, but we still expect the team to be cautious with him in training camp. The second-year RB may be featured more than some think if starter Beanie Wells can't stay healthy. Williams has great vision and acceleration in the open field, and is more than capable of being a full time starter who could put up RB2 numbers if given the opportunity. His current ADP is RB39 and he's going off the board in the early 9th round.
Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub is not worrying about his contract status as he approaches the final year of his deal in 2012. 'That stuff, if we take care of our business, get our job done, things will take care of themselves,' Schaub said. 'But I love the city of Houston and want to be here for many years to come. It's important for me to finish what we started here, so I'm excited about what the future holds. Right now, it's just about getting ready for camp and just keeping the blinders on and keeping the focus on the next task.'
Footballguys' view: As of right now it's unclear whether or not the Texans will sign Schaub to a long-term deal this year. They could let him play out this season and then slap the Franchise Tag on him next offseason. Schaub is a very good QB but needs to stay healthy for an entire season before the team is comfortable giving him a huge contract.
New England Patriots WR Donte' Stallworth likely would have a chance of making the final roster if he is able to contribute as a kick returner as well as a wide receiver.
Footballguys' view: Stallworth is unlikely to contribute much as a WR this year, so anything extra he can do should help his chances of making the final roster.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said TE Tony Scheffler could receive a bigger role on offense this season because of his ability to be a receiver as well as a blocker in the offensive scheme. The team may look to get Scheffler into more favorable matchups this season.
Footballguys' view: Scheffler is a good move TE with the speed to consistently attack the deep middle seam of the defense. He's a matchup player, but will still have to split targets at the TE position with Brandon Pettigrew.
Miami Dolphins WR Clyde Gates could be in danger of being released before the start of the season because the team added WR Chad Ochocinco this offseason which has push Gates down the depth chart.
Footballguys' view: Gates has good downfield speed but is unpolished as a route runner. He's reportedly struggling to pick up the complexities of Mike Sherman's West Coast offense and is certainly on the roster bubble.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Williams likely will be the No. 2 wide receiver entering training camp.
Footballguys' view: Williams could bounce back this season. He'll see more one-on-one situations this season as defenses focus more on new star WR Vincent Jackson.
Tennessee Titans RB Javon Ringer is looking for an opportunity to become a starting running back in the NFL. With one more year on his rookie contract, Ringer is already thinking about the options he might have to become a starter somewhere else. 'Sooner or later, I hope to get a legitimate chance to prove myself,' Ringer said. 'This is my contract year, so I'm hoping and praying for the best.'
Footballguys' view: Ringer has flashed some ability as a rusher during his pro career, but last season he was a disappointment. Averaging only 3.1 YPC he managed a mere 59 carries during a year when starter Chris Johnson struggled. He's unlikely to get much opportunity this year unless Johnson gets hurt. If that happens we feel second-year RB Jamie Harper may be the Titans back to own instead of Ringer.
Dallas Cowboys WR Dwayne Harris is competing for the team's No. 3 wide receiver role with WRs Andre Holmes, Danny Coale, and Kevin Ogletree. Harris has looked good in offseason workouts.
Footballguys' view: We like Harris as a slot WR because of his quickness and run after the catch ability. He has RB like rushing skills in the open field, and has a strong lower body to run through arm tackles.
One of the reasons for the impasse in negotiations between the New England Patriots and WR Wes Welker on a long-term deal is the Patriots have the projected flat salary cap in mind over the next few years, and are being careful on big contract numbers in 2013 and 2014. There is simply a pure difference in opinion on what Welker feels he is worth, and what the Patriots feel he is worth.
Footballguys' view: It seems like there's no real urgency from the team to sign Welker to a long-term deal. They appear comfortable letting him play out this season under his one-year $9.5MM franchise tender. Welker lost a lot of leverage when he signed his tender so early in the offseason.
The New York Jets will not name any team captains for the 2012 season. The idea backfired last season after the team had chemistry issues, particularly with team captains WR Santonio Holmes and QB Mark Sanchez fighting.
Footballguys' view: A curious move by the Jets here. The schedule for the Jets this year is brutal, and one of the reasons why some think a QB change could be coming before the team's week 9 bye. Tebow makes an interesting final pick in your fantasy draft. If Sanchez struggles and Tebow takes over as the starter he's already proven he can put up QB1 fantasy numbers because of his rushing ability.
Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy continues to hold out hope that he will be the team's starting quarterback. 'I really like Cleveland,' McCoy said. 'I've always been a guy that wants to finish what he starts.' McCoy added he only wants a true opportunity to compete for the starting job.
Footballguys' view: Yet another reason why McCoy won't stay this year. His popularity with fans and teammates could cause problems if/when rookie Brandon Weeden struggles this year. We expect McCoy to get traded sometime during training camp.
Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix believes CB Stephon Gilmore can immediately make an impact for the team. 'From what I've seen I'd say he definitely can,' Nix said. 'He's done more than we thought he'd do with what we've exposed him to. So nothing surprises him. He's a very patient guy. He doesn't bite on every move. He's smart and has deceiving strength and great speed.'
Footballguys' view: We agree with Nix here. Gilmore plays bigger than his size and has the speed to stay with the fastest WRs in the NFL. He does a good job of transitioning out of his backpedal and diagnoses patterns quickly as the play unfolds.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being a part of what we're doing at Footballguys. Much appreciated. Have a great Friday and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J