DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

The past eight days have been exciting, to say the least. Each NFL team received the promise of future hope. Veteran quarterbacks were joined by young receivers. Fans of teams that were “one piece away” received that proverbial final piece. The draft symbolizes a new day and there were plenty of reasons for fans to be intrigued.

Here at DLF, we have covered the draft as extensively as possible. Ryan McDowell covered the veteran winners and losers on days one, two and three. He also covered the undrafted free agents. Jeff Haverlack documented round one in a great review. We have an updated set of rookie rankings along with a cheat sheet to help you dominate your league. The veteran rankings already have updated rankings with rookies added. With all of the great rookie content we’ve released over the past eight days, I’ll concentrate on some veteran news. Despite the rookie excitement, there’s been no shortage of news involving veterans.

Josh Gordon, WR CLE

It was announced earlier this week that Gordon will likely be suspended for the entire 2014 season. Sometime in the last month, Gordon failed a league mandated drug test as he tested positive for marijuana. This is a huge blow for dynasty owners of Gordon who likely spent a pretty penny for his services. Possibly the more disturbing aspect of the suspension, Gordon is one strike away from an indefinite suspension. Most dynasty players can live without their star receiver for a year, but a complete loss of value would be devastating.

While this is not an advice column, I feel obligated to give a little. Do not panic and sell Gordon for half price. Also do not overvalue him to the point you pass up a deal for ninety-five cents on the dollar. His value has surely taken a hit, but he’s not worthless in dynasty leagues. The best thing you can do at this point is consider Gordon a “hold.”

There may be a lesson to be learned from the Gordon situation as well. Many dynasty owners consider forty times, height, surrounding cast, catch radius, arm strength, durability, age, etc in an attempt to quantify the value of football players. What many fail to realize, character concern is as much a factor for you to consider as it is for NFL teams. We saw players like Da’Rick Rodgers and Isaiah Crowell go undrafted despite limitless potential. While we continue to get burned by players like Aaron Hernandez, Justin Blackmon and Gordon, other owners are winning championships. The next time you consider drafting drafting a player with multiple failed drug tests, you may want to weigh your other options.

CJ Spiller, RB BUF

After failing to trade up for Carlos Hyde, the Buffalo Bills acquired running back Bryce Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bills likely would likely want to lean heavily on the running game with sophomore EJ Manuel still learning the playbook, but could these moves mean something more? Spiller can opt out of his rookie contract after the 2014 season and many believe he will if not given an extension. Fred Jackson is also still in the mix, but at 33 years old, you’d think his best days are behind him. Spiller owners are left with the question they’d been left with for years. “Will Spiller ever be a true feature back in the NFL?”

Miles Austin, WR CLE

[inlinead]The Browns failed to address the wide receiver position during the draft, so they scoured the free agent market to sign Miles Austin and Earl Bennett off the street. It’s tough to get too excited for either of these players as Austin has chronic hamstring problems and Bennett has been a habitual tease. The loss of Gordon will be felt by this team and these two are nowhere near the answer when looking to replace his production. The Browns are quite likely going to boast one of the league’s worst receiving corps this season and will lean heavily on the revamped running game and tight end Jordan Cameron.

Greg Hardy, DE CAR

Another outstanding NFL player was arrested this week, as Hardy was charged with domestic assault. To echo my earlier statement, character is an outstanding asset even in this game we play. Hardy will likely be suspended by the commissioner. The length of time has not been set thus far.

Andre Johnson, WR HOU

Bill O’Brien hadn’t been in town long before his star receiver said he wanted out of Houston. Johnson is nearing the twilight of his career and likely wants to play for a contender. With the lack of attention dedicated to the quarterback position in the draft, Johnson feels the Texans are not ready to compete in 2014. Most teams will be hesitant to sign a player like Johnson because of his large contract. The most likely possibility is Johnson will remain a Texan for the next few years.

Eli Manning, QB NYG

Manning says he feels “one hundred percent,” but the “trainers tell me I’m not (yet).” The New York Giants don’t have much invested in a backup plan for Manning if his ankle does not fully heal, but it appears he should be a full go for training camp.

Stedman Bailey, WR STL

The NFL has suspended Bailey four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Bailey was already competing for playing time among a deep group of wide receivers for the St Louis Rams. Entering his sophomore year, Bailey seems to have set himself behind his peers to compete for targets in 2014.

Jimmy Graham, TE NO

The news of Graham’s hearing with the NFL Management Council has been overshadowed lately – this should be headline news in the dynasty world. If Graham gets designated a wide receiver, his value relative to his position will decrease. Graham will still be a highly coveted player, but he’d no longer be considered the league’s best at his position.

David Wilson, RB NYG

New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese stated earlier this week he expects Wilson to be ready for the start of training camp. Wilson has battled injuries and ball security issues since his first days with the team. Since last season, the Giants have acquired two running backs. Rashad Jennings was brought on via free agency and the team drafted rookie Andre Williams. The running back situation for the Giants is far from clear, but this should be welcome news for owners of Wilson.

Stevie Johnson, WR SF

The Buffalo Bills drafted Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins and suddenly their receiving corps was too crowded. The San Francisco 49ers proved to be a willing trade partner and acquired Johnson in a trade with the Bills. Johnson joins an almost equally crowded unit in San Francisco. He will compete for catches with Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin, Vernon Davis and Quinton Patton among others. Johnson still has worth in deep dynasty leagues, but will have to do something to set himself apart from the quagmire of receivers in the bay area.

Daryl Richardson, RB FA

The Rams made a roster move of their own by releasing running back Daryl Richardson. With Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham and Isaiah Pead already on the roster, it was obvious someone was going to lose their roster spot after the Rams drafted Tre Mason in the third round of the NFL Draft. The surprise here is many thought it would be Pead instead of Richardson. If you own Richardson, hold on to him until the waiver process comes and goes because he could actually find himself in a better situation.

Continue to monitor the developing stories here and DLF and be sure to follow all of our outstanding writers on Twitter for in depth analysis.

Follow me on Twitter: @KarlSafchick