Bryant Johnson To Make An Impact

March 21, 2008 at 5:50 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

One of our sources called us immediately following Bryant Johnson’s signing with the 49ers and said he believes Johnson will easily be the 49ers’ number one WR in 2008. At 6′3″, Johnson looks a lot like Detroit’s Roy Williams, and has the potential to put up huge numbers in Mike Martz’s offense. No other WR on San Fran’s current rosters is as big has him, and Darrell Jackson being released doesn’t hurt either. Dynasty owners should buy him low and hope he can contribute as a solid WR3 in 2008.

`Skins To Draft A WR - After losing out on free agent WRs Bernard Berrian, D.J. Hackett and Bryant Johnson, it’s pretty darn clear that Jim Zorn’s team will be selecting a WR no later than the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Guys like Texas’ Limas Sweed, Michigan’s Mario Manningham, Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly and even Michigan State’s rising star Devin Thomas would be solid fits and would carry strong fantasy value heading into their rookie season in Washington.

Jones’ Run-In Cost Him - Word out of Houston is that Jacoby Jones’ recent run-in with the law has cost him a shot at a large role in the Texans’ offense this season. The 6′2″ athlete out of Lane College was the front runner to win the starting WR gig across from Andre Johnson, but after a drunk driving charge, he’s expected to be in the coach’s doghouse. Even though no suspension is expected from the league office, our sources tell us that head coach Gary Kubiak is favoring Kevin Walter even more now.

Benson Is Done - I know, I know, we’ve jocked Cedric Benson in the past, but our sources are now telling us that it’s very likely he’ll never start another game for the Chicago Bears. Benson’s ankle is not healing well, and Chicago is locked in on taking one or more RBs in this year’s tailback rich draft.

Evans To Cash In? - Our sources believe that Lee Evans will hit the free agent market following the 2008 season, and look to receive a boatload of cash, similar to the deal that Larry Fitzgerald just inked with the Cardinals. Evans hasn’t shown the consistency in the stat column that Fitz has over the past few seasons, but the 26 year old certainly has explosive playmaking ability and the talent to be the number one WR on many NFL teams right now. Being that Evans’ contract states that he can become an UFA in 2009 if he wants, look for him to treat 2008 like a contract year.

Oh, Darling - Devard Darling’s signing with Kansas City went completely under the radar this March, but upon the release of veteran Eddie Kennison, the 6′1″ Darling - a fourth year pro from Washington State - is an early favorite to earn a starting gig across from second year stud Dwayne Bowe, according to our sources.

LenDale Not Guaranteed To Be The Starter In 2008 - Interesting insight from our sources in Tennessee tells us that despite a breakout season in 2007, third year tailback LenDale White is not guaranteed to be the team’s starter in 2008. He’s certainly the front-runner, but with 2007 second round pick Chris Henry behind him, and a strong offensive line likely due more credit than the running backs themselves, Jeff Fisher apparently feels like White needs to prove himself all over again. Expect Henry to steal many touches in 2008, and for yet a third rookie runner in as many years to play a role in the Titans offense. In other words, fantasy owners need to be VERY careful not to overvalue the third year man from USC in 2008. A recent run-in with Denver Police is clear evidence of his festering immaturity.

KJ Has Injury Problems - Why hasn’t a 25 year old former 1,000 yard featured back been picked up yet after being released by the Lions? Because he obviously isn’t healthy, according to our sources. Although earlier in the offseason we reported Kevin Jones was coming along fine and looked likely to be a solid fantasy RB2 in 2008, his rehab has apparently not gone as planned. With the Eagles, and nearly 19 other teams interested, not one has been willing to pull the trigger yet. KJ will land somewhere, but it’s evident that he’ll only be a back-up at best in 2008.

Beck The Front Runner In Miami - Our sources tell us that despite the signing of Josh McCown, second year beefed up QB John Beck is the front runner to start for Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano in 2008. While this is good news for Dolphins fans, Beck likely won’t be a fantasy option any time soon in Sparano’s conservative, run-first attack.

Nelson To Rotate Between FS & SS - Due to the loss of Sammy Knight, second year safety Reggie Nelson is expected to be the “key” safety in Gregg Williams’ Jacksonville defense. The 2007 first rounder will start the year at free safety but is likely to move up closer to the box at some junctures. He’s a solid IDP sleeper to keep an eye on.