Pick-up/Drop - 2008 Prep.
Posted: 12/27/08
Waiver Wire Mining
As fantasy seasons come to a close, the best coaches understand that whether you are in the championship or not, prudent speculation for 2008 will pay dividends. Teams no longer in the NFL playoff chase are looking to play their depth to see who has the skills to be an impact player next year.
While we cannot list every player with talent, we can highlight some of those that are making their case for inclusion on your fantasy roster before your free agency pool is frozen at the end of the year.
As always, carefully consider your roster before making any moves. Obviously if a player is taking up a valuable roster spot then there is something that you see in him. Worse than not picking up the next fantasy producer as a free agent is picking up, what turns out to be, a perma-scrub and dropping the next big thing. Choose wisely.
On to our players:
Immediate Consideration
RB Ahmad Bradshaw NYG
Savvy fantasy ballers have had Bradshaw on their rosters for a while now
and with his week 16 performance, he will no longer be an unknown. Droughns
probably won’t be back, Jacobs can’t stay healthy. Ward has
looked good this season, but Bradshaw just seems to have “it”.
RB Kenny Irons CIN
Some frustrated owner may have dropped irons after his 2007 campaign was
ended because of an ACL injury. With the Bengal's running game up in the
air, the promising rookie has value in 2008.
WR Laurent Robinson ATL
He’s big, fast and has decent hands. Is getting a lot of looks with
Joe Horn absent on game days while he checks out local senior centers.
Pick up Robinson now!
WR Bryant Johnson ARI
Could have done more with recent opportunities but he will most likely
be a #2 on a new team in 2008. He is a UFA after this season.
WR Roydell Williams TEN
Much like Minnesota, the Titans need a lot of help at the wide-out position.
Expect Tennessee to draft WRs in the first two rounds in 2008 but Williams
appears to have the most ability. He’s a big, physical receiver
with good hands.
Some Consideration
QB Matt Moore CAR
When Dallas cut Moore, they had hoped to add him to their practice roster
QB Shaun Hill SFO
Not flashy but it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t made the
9’ers a better team into the close of 2007. He may get a shot.
QB Quinn Gray JAC
Many thought Gray was the best QB on the Jags roster when Leftwich was
still there. In a market where many teams are looking for QB help, Gray
has a chance to compete as a starter in 08.
QB Kyle Orton CHI
Orton hasn’t lit the city of Chicago on fire since taking over the
starting job, but he hasn’t hurt himself either. Grossman and Griese
are not the future so it will come down to Orton vs. the 2008 first round
QB choice. Orton is the odds on favorite as long as Da Bears don’t
add a veteran in the off-season.
RB Tatum Bell DET
Kevin Jones ripped up another body part and won’t be participating
in training camp to any great degree. Tatum Bell may stick on the Detroit
roster now and have a chance at starting.
RB Musa Smith BAL
Has had trouble staying healthy but the coaching staff loves the dimension
he brings. He’s young and has been productive in spot duty.
RB Darius Walker HOU
The undrafted FA who left Notre Dame early (bet he regrets that choice)
landed in a good situation with Houston. Ron Dayne has been effective
while Ahman Green’s career appears to be over. Houston will most
certainly take a RB with their first round selection and Walker will have
an uphill climb to gain significant carries, but he could be in the mix.
He’s still more suited as a change of pace and third-down back.
WR Aundrae Allison MIN
The Minnesota receivers are anything other than defined going into 08.
Sidney Rice appears to be a starter but Allison will be in the mix for
the other starting spot.
WR Mike Walker JAC
Walker made plays in the pre season and the Jaguar brass is very high
on him. On a team that is looking for consistent WR play, Walker has a
chance to stand out in 08.
LB Odell Thurman CIN
Cincinnati’s defense is bad, really bad. It hasn’t helped
that they have gone through LBs like they were Dixie cups. Thurman has
been out of football for two years essentially and who knows what shape
he is in but, regardless, he was a playmaker on a defense that desperately
needs them. Another factor is that coach Marvin Lewis is on the hot-seat
and may not be back, further complicating the issue.
Hope and a Prayer
WR Devin Aromashodu IND
Aromashodu is getting a chance as 2007 comes to a close and has taken
advantage of his opportunities. He is a big target has sure hands and,
best of all, plays in the high powered Colt’s offense. A long shot,
but noteworthy.
RB Gary Russell PIT
Russell looked good in preseason and was able to secure a roster spot
for 2007. With the PIT running game a bit up in the air, Russell may get
a shot in 08 or beyond. He’s still young and those that remember
him remember that he and Laurence Maroney shared the load at Minnesota
and Russell outplayed him in 2005 (1130 yds. 18 TDs) before being declared
academically ineligible for 2006.
Cut Bait
QB All Bears CHI
…not named Kyle Orton. And if you want to include him too, I’m
actually okay with that.
QB Daunte Culpepper OAK
He will likely be with a new team next year but has an uphill battle to
become the starter.
RB Ahman Green HOU
Not surprising at all for those that have followed Green over the past
couple of years. Sure he could be the featured back next year after signing
a longer term deal, but I’m not biting.
RB Michael Robinson SFO
He has had chances but the 9’ers obviously don’t think that
much of him. Hicks will most likely not be resigned and Gore is not the
picture of durability but a roster spot is a terrible thing to waste.
If you elect to hang onto him, do so with little expectation.
RB Michael Bennett TB
Doesn’t matter if he gets carries or not, he’s just not worth
owning.
RB Chris Perry CIN
It always seems to be “next year” for the perpetually injured
Chris Perry. Next year, he should be on your waiver wire.
WR Mike Walker TEN
Seriously?!? You don’t need me to tell you this, right?
WR Michael Jenkins ATL
All he does is catch touchdowns. And, no, not enough of them.
WR Maurice Stovall TB
Value had never been higher than early in 2007. Don’t waste the
space.