2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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

2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: New Orleans Saints

NFC South (Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)


New Orleans Saints Fantasy Preview:

After a magical "return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina" season in 2006, 2007 left fantasy football players who relied on the Saints feeling not so holy. When Deuce McAllister went down, Reggie Bush was exposed as someone who couldn't carry the load. Marques Colston didn't get going until later in the year. Drew Brees still had a banner year, but it didn't translate into wins on the football field. However, this team returns enough fire power to be a good fantasy producer in 2008. If McAllister can return to form, he will take pressure off Reggie Bush and allow Bush to be the effective lightning threat this team needs. They also need to get improved seasons from WR David Patten and TE Eric Johnson. In the weak NFC South, it shouldn't take much for the Saints to get back on track and have another run to the playoffs while putting up a ton of points in coach Sean Payton's offense. From a fantasy perspective, this should be a team that produces some good prospects for your team.

Defense was not a strong point for the Saints last year (or the year before). Even when this offense was scoring tons of points, the defense couldn't consistently stop anyone. There was a heavy emphasis placed on defense in the draft this year, and the team acquired standout linebacker Jonathan Vilma from the NY Jets. However, until this unit actually shows us something consistently, they are better left on the waiver wire.

DT Sedrick Ellis and CB Tracy Porter were this team's 1st and 2nd round draft picks respectively. Neither player will make a significant fantasy impact for your squad this year. However, look for a splash from 2nd year WR Robert Meachem, who missed all of last year with injury and who has looked really good so far this offseason.


Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Robert Meachem, WR

The 2nd year WR out of Tennessee had high promise coming into the season last year, but a knee injury derailed his rookie year completely. He has been getting high praise from both the coaching staff and QB Drew Brees this offseason, and he appears to have learned enough to make a contribution this year. He may not be quite ready for prime time, but could produce enough to become a good complement to Marques Colston and a decent #3 WR for your fantasy team.

Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Reggie Bush, RB

Reggie Bush has a lot of speed and skill, but I'm just not sure he has what it takes to really be a star in the league. He has been largely underwhelming since joining the league, and proved last year that he can't carry the load by himself. If Deuce McAllister can't return to form from injury, Bush will once again be exposed as someone who is a spot player at best. He should still produce good numbers and be a decent higher round draft pick, but temper your expectations and try to take him after round 4 or 5, or you'll probably regret it.

Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Drew Brees, QB

Even with Marques Colston starting off the season slowly, and losing both WR Robert Meachem and RB Deuce McAllister, Brees had a career season last year, and should only get better in 2008. His numbers should land him in or very near the top 5 overall fantasy QBs next year, and his draft value will be much better than that of QBs such as Tony Romo, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. If you can snag Brees in rounds 3-5, you should be in a position to build a championship team with great picks at RB or WR in the earlier rounds.

Up Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: Seattle Seahawks

For the next 32 straight days, I'll be going through the entire NFL and previewing each team from a fantasy perspective. Let's face it: what those of us who are really (and I mean REALLY) serious about our fantasy football championships want to know is who we can start keeping tabs on to make the most out of our fantasy football draft (which is right around the corner).

Many of us are ready for some FOOTBALL! (sorry . . . couldn't help myself; the NFL royalty fee is in the mail). So, here's a stroll down NFL fantasy lane to see what we can expect from each team this season.


NFC West (Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals)

Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Preview:

The biggest thing you will notice this year is the absence of Shawn Alexander. Just a few years ago, this guy was your NFL MVP. A few offensive line defections, a bad foot injury, and too many carries have led Mr. Alexander to the scrap heap today, as he was released in the offseason and replaced with (hold your breath here) Julius Jones from the Dallas Cowboys and TJ Duckett from Detroit. With a retooled offensive line and a new line coach, the Seahawks look to completely rework their running game. That could be interesting. This looks like it could be yet another running back by committee, with Maurice Morris still in the mix. Matt Hasselbeck should once again be a top 10 QB, and hopefully this will be the year that Deion Branch stays healthy for the entire year. With the loss of DJ Hackett, this could also be the opportunity Nate Burleson needs to step up and be a key fantasy contributor. Also, gone is long time fantasy mainstay kicker Josh Brown, who was replaced by Olindo Mare from New Orleans.

The defense again looks solid after returning standout linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson, and cornerback Marcus Trufant. This defense could be a value pick late in your fantasy football draft.

There were no rookies drafted that should make much of a fantasy impact this year, although John Carlson (TE, Notre Dame 6'6", 255lbs, 2nd rd pick) could be a good one down the road.


Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Julius Jones, RB

If he gets enough carries and the revamped offensive line comes together, he could have a breakout season and be a strong #2 RB. However, when he got the chance in Dallas last year to show what he could do, he was pretty underwhelming even behind a good offensive line. Still, if he is ever going to show that he has what it takes to carry a team's running game, this is the year.


Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Olindo Mare, K

I had high hopes for Mare in the New Orleans offense last year, but not only did the offense not meet its 2006-2007 level of production, Olindo Mare just wasn't very good. Maybe a change of scenery will help this year, but I think he's on the downside of his career, and kicking conditions don't get much better than they were in New Orleans.


Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Matt Hasselbeck, QB

Matt Hasselbeck is consistently in the top 10 in production each year, but he is always a mid round draft pick or lower. You could do much worse than Hasselbeck as your #1 QB if you don't snag Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, and the draft value he carries will allow you to load up on top tier wide receivers or running backs.

Tomorrow: San Francisco 49ers

What Rookies Should I Consider In My 2008 Fantasy Football Draft?

The NFL Draft has just concluded. Lots of analysts take time out at this time of the year (usually because other than the Arena League, there just isn't any football to talk about!) to give grades to each team based on their drafts. However, for us fantasy enthusiasts, we really don't care about how well each team drafted. We want to know what's important: who can help me win my fantasy football league championship next year?

Therefore, I've gone through all the draft picks, team-by-team, to bring you the draft worthy players for next year. If you're a serious fantasy football player, you probably won't be drafting any defenses too early, nor will you be taking any tight ends too early, so I won't focus on either of those. Below are a list of the noteworthy offensive skill players who were drafted who could have an impact on your quest for a championship next season.

Grades:
A - This is a player that should DEFINITELY be drafted in every fantasy league
B - This is a potential late round gamble or early season free agent pickup
C - This is a player who should make his way onto a fantasy roster before season's end

If I don't list 'em, you shouldn't consider 'em. There's always the chance that we'll see some late round draft choice or free agent player come out of nowhere in training camp or get an opportunity due to injury, but for my money, these are the players who should be relevant next year. (listed in alphabetical order)

Quarterbacks (remember, guys: these are 1st year QBs, so don't expect much):

1. Erik Ainge (NY Jets): 6'6", 225. Coming out of Tennessee, Ainge has great size and skills, and received excellent coaching. He also lands in a city that really doesn't have a true established #1 QB. Ainge could emerge as the best of the Jets' bunch before the end of the season. Grade: C+
2. John David Booty (Minnesota): 6'3", 213. Booty (gotta love the name) was simply a winner, although you might argue that he was surrounded with the best talent in the game over his college career. He heads to Minnesota where the incumbent (Tavarius Jackson) is not only incompetent, but injury prone. Great opportunity here that could shake out early in the season if Booty is a quick learner. Grade: C+
3. Brian Brohm (Green Bay): 6'3", 227. Brohm was rated as the #1 can't miss QB prospect before last season, then it all came crumbling down. He didn't play the best against top competition, but this guy has size and skills. If Aaron Rogers doesn't do his best Brett Favre impersonation, Brohm could be waiting in the wings before season's end to take his place. Grade: C
4. Joe Flacco (Baltimore): 6'7", 236. Tallest QB in the group, and though he went to a small school (Delaware), the guy can flat out play. Not the most athletic QB, but how athletic does he have to be to beat out Kyle Boller? Exactly. This battle may not last past training camp, as the Ravens are going no where this season and have little to lose. Grade: C+
5. Chad Henne (Miami): 6'2", 225. This is a Parcels pick. A smart guy with good skills who can manage a game. Great arm, which is good because he'll need to be getting rid of the ball quickly in Miami. Great chance that he'll be under center before year's end, but who knows how good he can be on this team next year. Might be worth a late season spot start. Grade: C
6. Matt Ryan (Atlanta): 6'5", 224. I watched this guy play at BC, and just wasn't too impressed. Looks like he could be the next David Carr to me. However, he'll get the chance to prove he belongs in the league while exorcising the ghosts of Michael Vick in Atlanta. Too bad he doesn't have much of a line or receiving core to throw to. He may get the most snaps next year under center of all the guys listed here, so if you're looking for quantity, he's your guy. As for quality . . . don't expect much. Should be decent at best. Grade: C+

Running Backs (uh oh . . . more platoons are on the way!):

1. Matt Forte (Chicago): 6'2", 222. Thanks, Mr. Benson. We hardly knew you. Matt Forte was built to play in Chicago, and Benson will have a tough time keeping him off the field next year. Smart money is on Forte at least forcing a platoon before mid-season, and possibly taking Benson's job for good before the end of the year. Grade: B+
2. Chris Johnson (Tennessee): 5'11", 197. Johnson will now form the ultimate "thunder and lightning" backfield with LenDale White in Tennessee. Johnson has speed to burn, and should get a chance to be a legit home-run threat in the Titans backfield. Grade: C
3. Felix Jones (Dallas): 6'0", 200. Jones is the perfect compliment to Marion Barber in the Cowboys backfield. He had a tremendous yards per carry average in college, and is lightning quick in the open field. He'll spell Barber for at least 10-12 carries a game, and should have some exciting fantasy games this year. Grade: B+
4. Darren McFadden (Oakland): 6'2", 210. Is there any doubt that this guy won't produce this year? He has only Justin Fargas to beat out (sorry Lamont Jordon, but your time in Oaktown is done), and he's a high 1st round pick. He is being compared to Adrian Peterson in terms of skill level, and should not disappoint next year. Grade: A+
5. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh): 5'11", 210. Move over, Fast Willie! Here comes another running back split! With Parker nursing injuries over the offseason, he may find himself looking at the supporting role instead of the lead when he returns. Many rated Mendenhall as the best of the draft, and he has the talent and the opportunity to make an impact next year in Pittsburgh. Grade: A
6. Ray Rice (Baltimore): 5'8", 199. If you saw any Scarlet Knight games, you'd know that this guy can flat out play. Willis McGahee is always just an injury away from giving this kid a huge opportunity, and he, too, may turn this backfield into yet another committee. Should see at least 10-12 carries a game as a change of pace, and could become fantasy worthy later in the year. Grade: C+
7. Steve Slaton (Houston): 5'9", 197. Who knows how much better that OL will be in Houston, but someone has to emerge in that backfield, so Slaton will get his chance. He's too small to be an every down back, but should get his chances before the season is over. Grade: C-
8. Kevin Smith (Detroit): 6'1", 217. Perfect situation for Kevin Smith, where the offensive will become more traditional with the absence of Mike Martz, and no real competition, since Tatum Bell has proven he's more of a change of pace guy. Not sure about that sieve of an OL, but Smith could surprise next year. Grade: B+
9. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina): 5'11", 235. This guy is a load, and is perfect for what Carolina wants to do: pound the football. Just when you thought (again) that DeAngelo Williams would be fantasy relevant, you get yet another running back committee. Expect Stewart to get the bulk of the carries and be a serviceable #2 back next year in this offense that has to be better with a healthy Delhomme back. Grade: A
10. These guys are only fantasy worthy next year as handcuffs to your studs: Jamal Charles (Kansas City - Larry Johnson), Tashard Choice (Dallas - Marion Barber), Marcus Thomas (San Diego - LaDainian Tomlinson), & Mike Hart (Indianapolis - Joseph Addai) Grades: C

Wide Receivers (like with 1st year QBs, temper your expectations with this class . . . greatly!):

1. Earl Bennett (Chicago): 6'0", 209. The sure-handed former Commadore landed in a great position in Chi-town, where they are desperate for guys who can catch the ball. Great opportunity for fantasy production here (for a 1st year receiver, that is). Grade: C+
2. Early Doucet (Arizona): 6'0", 212. Doucet flashed big-time skills at LSU, and should get at least limited opportunities to make Leinert or Warner look good. Grade: C-
3. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia): 6'0", 178. Mind you, Jackson HIMSELF said he is UP TO 178 pounds! Everyone knows that for some reason, receivers go to Philadelphia to die, but Jackson is a burner, and if he can just avoid getting hit, he might be able to excel in the slot. He doesn't have much competition ahead of him, so he might produce next year. Grade: C-
4. Malcolm Kelly (Washington): 6'4", 218. Big, talented guy with issues, which is why he fell to the 2nd round. He has a great opportunity in Washington to stand out where they desperately need a receiver, and has the size to be a great red-zone threat. Toss up between he and Devin Thomas as to who the best receiver with the best opportunity might be next year. Grade: B+
5. Mario Manningham (NY Giants): 6'0", 181. Another skilled guy with issues, which also caused his stock to drop on draft day. If he gets his head on right, he could excel opposite Plaxico Burress in NY. Grade: C
6. Limas Sweed (Pittsburgh): 6'4, 212. Love this guy (Hook 'em Horns!). He has size, speed, and great hands. Doesn't always have the best concentration, and time will tell what sort of chemistry he develops with Roethlisberger, but he could end up being the best out of this class. Just not next year. Grade: B-
7. Devin Thomas (Washington): 6'2", 215. Another big, productive guy out of Michigan. #1 rated receiver in the draft, and he has a great opportunity to produce in Washington (with Kelly). One of these guys may break out next year in a big way for a 1st year receiver (just not sure which). Grade: B

Man, is it time for training camps yet? Make sure you watch how these guys perform in training camp, as some of them will either win or lose positions outright and make your draft decisions a lot easier.

See you in the winner's circle.

EJ