lordofgun
07-12-2004, 10:20 AM
Draft Preview: Sleepers (from my FFL website)
Lee Suggs, RB, Cleveland: The questionable status of William Green has thrust Suggs into an interesting position. He didn't make a single start during his rookie campaign, but his 186-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 17 suggests he has the tools to make an impact in the upcoming campaign. With a glut of talent on offense, Suggs will have plenty of support and should thrive in his second season.
Mark Brunell, QB, Washington: Brunell is coming off his worst statistical season since 1994, but an offseason trade to the Redskins should change his fortunes. Quarterbacks such as Joe Theisman and Mark Rypien all thrived under coach Joe Gibbs, who returns to the franchise he left more than 10 seasons ago. Surrounded by studs like Clinton Portis, Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner, expect Brunell to re-emerge as a solid starter.
David Carr, QB, Houston: His numbers haven't exactly been dazzling, but Carr still has great upside and a cannon for a right arm. The support of an improved running game led by Domanick Davis is a big positive, as is the presence of a talented group of wide receivers including Andre Johnson. With two NFL seasons under his belt, the Carr has the potential to throw for 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Josh McCown, QB, Arizona: Anointed the starter by new coach Dennis Green, McCown has all the tools to emerge as a productive Fantasy player. The Cardinals offense has a number of talented players to support him, including Marcel Shipp and Anquan Boldin, and the addition of rookie Larry Fitzgerald will only improve the unit's ability to put points on the board. McCown might get off to a slow start, but he has big-time potential.
Tim Rattay, QB, San Francisco: A groin injury has decreased his stock, but Rattay should be ready for the start of the regular season. Barring any setbacks, he should put up good numbers in an offense that relies on the pass attack. The 49ers will be forced to play catch-up in many games, so expect Rattay to have plenty of chances to succeed.
Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego: Gates averaged four receptions and 72 yards in the final three games of last season, including a 117-yard performance against Green Bay in mid-December. The Chargers don't have an established threat in the passing game, so look for Gates to play a prominent role for coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Chris Brown, RB, Tennessee: Eddie George's days as a productive back appear to be in the rearview mirror, meaning coach Jeff Fisher should rely on Brown to carry more of the load. He won't top the depth chart to begin the regular season, but Brown should experience a major increase in carries and production in his second NFL season.
Justin Fargas, RB, Oakland: New coach Norv Turner has a history of producing stellar running backs, which makes Fargas a very interesting option. He has more upside than any other back on the roster, incuding Tyrone Wheatley, Amos Zereoue and Troy Hambrick. He might not be No. 1 out of the gates, but Fargas should emerge as the starter by midseason.
Quentin Griffin, RB, Denver: Griffin has plenty of competition, but he's still in the hunt for the top spot on the Broncos depth chart. His 136-yard performance against Indianapolis in late December was an eye-opener, especially when you consider Mike Anderson started the game. As long as he can maintain his health, Griffin should easily be considered a viable sleeper in most leagues.
Willis McGahee, RB, Buffalo: Entering his first active season in the NFL, McGahee has been impressive in camp despite coming off major knee reconstruction. He will enter the season second on the depth chart behind Travis Henry, but McGahee will see plenty of carries and looks as a receiver out of the backfield. Two running backs can post quality numbers in coach Mike Mularkey's offense, so look for McGahee to make some noise.
Justin Gage, WR, Chicago: It appears the Bears' coaching staff has soured on David Terrell, which makes Gage an interesting option. He displayed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, including a 100-yard effort against Arizona in late November. The offense installed by new coach Lovie Smith will be very favorable to wide receivers, so look for Gage to make an impact.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, San Francisco: The departure of Terrell Owens and Tai Streets will give Lloyd a chance to start in his sophomore season. He lacks experience and will endure some growing pains, but veteran Curtis Conway should keep Lloyd from facing the league's more talented cornerbacks. His upside and ability will make him tough to overlook in the late rounds.
Kassim Osgood, WR, San Diego: Osgood might be the best wide receiver on the Chargers' roster entering training camp. He displayed his skills against Pittsburgh last December, burning the Steelers for 102 yards and one touchdown. With no true No. 1 wide receiver and starting jobs virtually up for grabs, Osgood could emerge as a useful No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver as the season progresses.
L.J. Smith, TE, Philadelphia: Smith is viewed as the Eagles' tight end of the future, and it's just a matter of time before he passes the aging Chad Lewis on the depth chart. He should thrive in the intermediate passing game, especially with Owens at split end. Smith needs to reduce his drops, but there's little doubt he has the skills to emerge as a No. 1.
Jason Witten, TE, Dallas: Witten quietly had a positive rookie season, posting 35 receptions for 347 yards. Coach Bill Parcells likes to utilize the tight end in his offense, which was proved by his use of Mark Bavaro in New York. Witten's production might waver, but his role in the passing game should increase in 2004.
Lee Suggs, RB, Cleveland: The questionable status of William Green has thrust Suggs into an interesting position. He didn't make a single start during his rookie campaign, but his 186-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 17 suggests he has the tools to make an impact in the upcoming campaign. With a glut of talent on offense, Suggs will have plenty of support and should thrive in his second season.
Mark Brunell, QB, Washington: Brunell is coming off his worst statistical season since 1994, but an offseason trade to the Redskins should change his fortunes. Quarterbacks such as Joe Theisman and Mark Rypien all thrived under coach Joe Gibbs, who returns to the franchise he left more than 10 seasons ago. Surrounded by studs like Clinton Portis, Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner, expect Brunell to re-emerge as a solid starter.
David Carr, QB, Houston: His numbers haven't exactly been dazzling, but Carr still has great upside and a cannon for a right arm. The support of an improved running game led by Domanick Davis is a big positive, as is the presence of a talented group of wide receivers including Andre Johnson. With two NFL seasons under his belt, the Carr has the potential to throw for 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Josh McCown, QB, Arizona: Anointed the starter by new coach Dennis Green, McCown has all the tools to emerge as a productive Fantasy player. The Cardinals offense has a number of talented players to support him, including Marcel Shipp and Anquan Boldin, and the addition of rookie Larry Fitzgerald will only improve the unit's ability to put points on the board. McCown might get off to a slow start, but he has big-time potential.
Tim Rattay, QB, San Francisco: A groin injury has decreased his stock, but Rattay should be ready for the start of the regular season. Barring any setbacks, he should put up good numbers in an offense that relies on the pass attack. The 49ers will be forced to play catch-up in many games, so expect Rattay to have plenty of chances to succeed.
Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego: Gates averaged four receptions and 72 yards in the final three games of last season, including a 117-yard performance against Green Bay in mid-December. The Chargers don't have an established threat in the passing game, so look for Gates to play a prominent role for coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Chris Brown, RB, Tennessee: Eddie George's days as a productive back appear to be in the rearview mirror, meaning coach Jeff Fisher should rely on Brown to carry more of the load. He won't top the depth chart to begin the regular season, but Brown should experience a major increase in carries and production in his second NFL season.
Justin Fargas, RB, Oakland: New coach Norv Turner has a history of producing stellar running backs, which makes Fargas a very interesting option. He has more upside than any other back on the roster, incuding Tyrone Wheatley, Amos Zereoue and Troy Hambrick. He might not be No. 1 out of the gates, but Fargas should emerge as the starter by midseason.
Quentin Griffin, RB, Denver: Griffin has plenty of competition, but he's still in the hunt for the top spot on the Broncos depth chart. His 136-yard performance against Indianapolis in late December was an eye-opener, especially when you consider Mike Anderson started the game. As long as he can maintain his health, Griffin should easily be considered a viable sleeper in most leagues.
Willis McGahee, RB, Buffalo: Entering his first active season in the NFL, McGahee has been impressive in camp despite coming off major knee reconstruction. He will enter the season second on the depth chart behind Travis Henry, but McGahee will see plenty of carries and looks as a receiver out of the backfield. Two running backs can post quality numbers in coach Mike Mularkey's offense, so look for McGahee to make some noise.
Justin Gage, WR, Chicago: It appears the Bears' coaching staff has soured on David Terrell, which makes Gage an interesting option. He displayed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, including a 100-yard effort against Arizona in late November. The offense installed by new coach Lovie Smith will be very favorable to wide receivers, so look for Gage to make an impact.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, San Francisco: The departure of Terrell Owens and Tai Streets will give Lloyd a chance to start in his sophomore season. He lacks experience and will endure some growing pains, but veteran Curtis Conway should keep Lloyd from facing the league's more talented cornerbacks. His upside and ability will make him tough to overlook in the late rounds.
Kassim Osgood, WR, San Diego: Osgood might be the best wide receiver on the Chargers' roster entering training camp. He displayed his skills against Pittsburgh last December, burning the Steelers for 102 yards and one touchdown. With no true No. 1 wide receiver and starting jobs virtually up for grabs, Osgood could emerge as a useful No. 3 or 4 Fantasy receiver as the season progresses.
L.J. Smith, TE, Philadelphia: Smith is viewed as the Eagles' tight end of the future, and it's just a matter of time before he passes the aging Chad Lewis on the depth chart. He should thrive in the intermediate passing game, especially with Owens at split end. Smith needs to reduce his drops, but there's little doubt he has the skills to emerge as a No. 1.
Jason Witten, TE, Dallas: Witten quietly had a positive rookie season, posting 35 receptions for 347 yards. Coach Bill Parcells likes to utilize the tight end in his offense, which was proved by his use of Mark Bavaro in New York. Witten's production might waver, but his role in the passing game should increase in 2004.