NFC South(Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Tampa Bay Bucs Fantasy Preview:
Astute fantasy football owners had to appreciate the Bucs last year. Even though injuries and age decimated many of their projected stars (most notably RB Cadillac Williams), there was at least one gem on this team that some owners snatched on their way to the playoffs. Earnest Graham took over in week 6 and never looked back, rushing for 898 yards and 10 tds while starting in only 10 games. He was so impressive that the Bucs recently signed him to a 3 year, 11 million dollar contract extension, so he figures prominently in their current and future plans. As for the rest of the skill positions . . . eh. Jeff Garcia returns from a decent season to again lead the squad (and at age 38, how many good seasons can he have left in him?), Joey Galloway returns as the lead receiver (and at age 37, how many seasons does he have left?) along with (32 year old) Ike Hilliard and chronic underachiever Michael Clayton. The main reason this team won the NFC South and made the playoffs last year was a surprising defensive performance from a veteran group. The team added retread RB Warrick Dunn (who at age 33 probably doesn't have much left either) to back up Graham while Cadillac Williams rehabs, and also brought in veteran WR (and proven knuckle-head) Antonio Bryant, TE Ben Troupe, and S Eugene Wilson. It is doubtful if any of these additions will make any significant fantasy impact for the team this year. This is a team that could gear up for 1 more playoff run, or a team that could really implode as a lot of veteran players ride off into the sunset.
The defense was the strength of this team last year, and should once again be a strength. CB Ronde Barber will get some assistance this year with newly drafted 1st rd pick Aqib Talib (if he can get his head on straight), and this unit should still be able to put pressure on the QB with LBs Barrett Ruud and Derrick Brooks. It would not be a stretch for this unit to end up in the top 10 fantasy defenses. This is a great later rounds pick for a fantasy defensive unit.
As mentioned earlier, 1st rd pick CB Aqib Talib should be a good one. If he can get his act together mentally, he can put his immense talent to good use. Also drafted in rd 2 was WR Dexter Jackson, who could push for playing time and kick returning duties. Other than that, there doesn't look to be anyone worthy of fantasy consideration, and neither of these players should have a considerable fantasy impact this year.
Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Earnest Graham, RB
I like Earnest Graham. I think he has a chance to really come on the scene this year, now that he is the undisputed starter. Cadillac Williams may be back sometime later in the year, but he is coming off of a serious knee injury and may not be back to regular form anytime this year. Graham's only competition are Warrick Dunn and 7th rd draft pick Cory Boyd. With an older Jeff Garcia directing the offense and suspect WR talent, look for Graham to be the beneficiary and have a stellar year. He'll make a great #2 RB and a borderline #1.
Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Jeff Garcia, QB
At age 38, I just can't see Garcia having too many good years left, even in a contract season. He used to be known as an "athletic" QB, and now he is just known as an "intelligent veteran", which means he's gotten old and slow. He has never had the best arm, and he has questionable talent around him at WR (with the possible exception of almost as old Joey Galloway). He was decent last year, but not great, and its not out of the realm of possibility that he is replaced sometime this season with one of the other many QBs on this roster. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Bucs Defense
There just aren't many options to choose from here. If you're looking for draft value, look no further than the Bucs defense. There are few options here that will give you any value whatsoever, but the Bucs defense should be a quality choice late in your draft. They have a chance to finish in the top 10 or higher, and they will be around long after the Steelers, Patriots, Vikings, Chargers and Bears are chosen. Pick them late and you should feel good about your defensive position all season long.
Next Up: Chicago Bears
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