More than Preseason Heroes
There are several players who showed improvement or garnered added attention given their play through the 2013 off-season and into the preseason. It’s entirely possible that every one of those players is a preseason hero who excelled against lesser competition or half-effort defenses. There are still certain players who deserve attention. Don’t forget Victor Cruz was once believed to be a preseason all-star. While we need to be careful to take preseason performances too seriously, they can be indicative of underlying trends that a breakout is upcoming.
As dynasty owners, depending on league size, here are a few rookies who deserve to be acquired cheaply, stashed, or watched given their preseason flashes:
Quinton Patton, WR SF
Patton was drafted by the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft – that was a surprise given many projected him as a rock solid second rounder. In pre-draft rookie drafts he was coming off the board in the late first or early second, but his NFL Draft selection killed his fantasy value. Since then, he’s been drafted in or after the third round of rookie drafts despite Michael Crabtree’s injury.
Even with the NFL draft plummet that turned the fantasy community away, Patton still had the size, speed, and route running ability to succeed. That’s evident most recently.
Patton missed time early in camp due to a finger injury and was only able to run routes and condition, but since being cleared to catch passes two weeks ago, he’s making an impression. Colin Kaepernick referred to him most recently as “a great player” and prior to that, Coach Harbaugh referred to Patton as someone who’s elevated his play since first joining the team.
That positive aura transitioned to the field in his first two preseason games over the last two weeks where he scored a touchdown in each game and posted a total of six receptions for 87 yards playing both on the outside and in the slot. With Crabtree out and Anquan Boldin aging, some experience for Patton in 2013 could prove to be fantasy relevant and a path to a future starting role with the team either this year or next.
Patton’s price is very cheap given the negative perception from his NFL draft selection. With an immediate display of route running success and explosiveness in two preseason games and off-the-field support, he’s worth acquiring.
Marlon Brown, WR, BAL
Outside of Torrey Smith, there isn’t a competent receiver to start on the outside among the Ravens’ receiving corp. There are a number of role players in the group, but no one who can be a viable option as a long-term starter. Brown’s shown this preseason that he may be a viable option. He’s seen time with the starters at times during the preseason and performed well in that role.
It’s not only his preseason performance, but John Harbaugh also mentioned Brown “jumped off the tape” and they “recruited him like crazy” given his on-field performance in college when healthy. His injury history is what causes hesitation. Brown was a top recruit coming into college, but injuries throughout his Georgia career (including a torn ACL) limited his snaps, production, and NFL draft status.
At 6’ 5” and 216 pounds, Brown is a natural mismatch with the ability to take advantage of his height over the middle or downfield given his speed. He’s a classic size/speed combination nightmare – that’s been a big factor in his 2013 preseason success as he posted four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown with the Ravens’ first team offense last week. That momentum carried over to the final preseason game playing with the reserve offense as he again led the team with receptions and receiving yards.
With his preseason performance, he’s a sure bet to make the roster. If his production over the last few weeks continues and the chemistry that he’s starting to build with Joe Flacco carries into the season and further progresses, it won’t be long before Brown passes Brandon Stokley and Jacoby Jones and is a weekly starter.
He’s a must stash right now if he’s not rostered given his natural ability in almost any format. His injury history and lack of college production is the main reason for his undrafted status. If healthy, there’s a very good chance that he ascends the depth chart and produces for fantasy owners both in 2013 and long-term. I’d peg him with WR2 upside.
Khiry Robinson, RB, NO
Robinson is a stash candidate as he’s slated for Chris Ivory’s former spot as the Saints’ fourth string running back behind Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, and Pierre Thomas. Some believe Robinson will be cut in favor of Travaris Cadet given Cadet’s special teams contributions. However, with Cadet’s recent struggles and Robinson’s production, it’s hard to imagine that occurs. If released, it’s highly unlikely that Robinson would pass through waivers and make it onto the Saints’ practice squad. They’d have to risk releasing a player that’s shown he can compete and produce.
Robinson and Ivory don’t just share the commonality of the Saints’ fourth running back spot, but their running styles are actually very similar. The power that Robinson ran with this preseason is one of the more impressive aspects of his game. Not only that, but he’s shown he’s more than adequate in the passing catching department. Most notably, in the final preseason game he posted six receptions for 50 yards along with a handful of receptions over the last few weeks.
Robinson is still a long way from contributing consistently, but given his versatility in the running game with his power, hands and pass-blocking ability, he’s one player on the wire of most leagues who has a legitimate shot at making an impact at some point in the future. This year is, arguably, a make-or-break year for Ingram and Darren Sproles is aging. As we know, things change quickly, so if he continues to show the kind of skill and efficiency in the running game he has thus far, they’ll find a way to get him on the field at some point. Of course, there’s no guarantee given the uphill battle he faces as an undrafted player, but the current signs are positive.
He’s succeeded against lesser competition, but Robinson is worth stashing in deeper leagues given the free price he costs. If in a shallower league, just keep an eye out.
CJ Anderson, RB, DEN
Despite a preseason injury, the Broncos released Lance Ball and decided to keep Anderson on the active roster. That’s a big sign of confidence for a rookie who was undrafted and is currently injured. With a sound preseason performance early and a small compact build to go along with a decent combine performance, the camp buzz and the secured roster spot despite the injury is a sign that we may see Anderson climb the depth chart at some point. He’s a viable long-term stash.
