Dustin Keller Has Serious Potential

May 2, 2008 at 8:21 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Since the Jets traded up into the first round to select Purdue TE Dustin Keller with the 30th overall pick in the NFL Draft, our sources have been absolutely raving about him. The 6′3″, 242 pounder had an amazing combine, and is really more of a wide receiver. He has great speed and is known as a seam-busting TE. Our sources tell us that the Jets will plan to use Keller similar to the way the Colts use TE Dallas Clark - as more of a third WR, than a traditional tight end.

Brian Schottenheimer’s spread offense will be more muted in 2008 though, thanks to the addition of Assistant Head Coach Bill Callahan, who is a proponent of the West Coast offense. Keller was targeted as a player who will help the Jets succeed in their new “hybrid” offense in 2008. Obviously, this means Chris Baker’s fantasy value will take a tumble.

Sam Baker Could End Up Being The Best Tackle In The Draft - Despite the fact that he was the seventh offensive lineman taken in the 2008 NFL Draft, many of our sources believe that Atlanta’s Sam Baker - who the Falcons traded up to the 21st pick in the first round to select - will be the best offensive lineman out of this year’s draft class. Baker is expected to start at left tackle from day one for the Falcons, and should have a huge impact towards improving the run game. This news obviously bodes well for the fantasy value of Michael Turner.

Jordon Dizon Will Play MLB - Lions second round draft choice Jordon Dizon will likely come in and start at the middle linebacker spot in 2008. This means he’s a solid IDP sleeper right off the bat, and Paris Lenon’s value goes down huge. Dizon at MLB works well for Ernie Sims’ fantasy value, as the versatile third year LB won’t have to rotate back and forth between the weak side and strong side, and should rack up plenty of tackles as Detroit’s full time WLB. If Dizon doesn’t work out at MLB, we hear he’ll move over and play the strong side. If this happens, it will kill his IDP value. We’ll keep you updated.

Tyrell Johnson Has Pro Bowl Potential - The Vikings spent a second round pick on Johnson when they already had young FS Madieu Williams, but they did so for a very specific reason. According to Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier, Johnson was a steal in the second round and is a future Pro Bowler. The 6′0″, 207 pound safety from Arkansas State will likely play a part time role in 2008, but is a great dynasty prospect due to the fact that Williams is injury prone and Darren Sharper is nearing retirement. By the time Johnson earns a full time gig, the Vikings pass rush will be so solid that he may end up being one of fantasy’s premier IDPs.

Curtis Lofton To Play MLB? - You’ve probably already read about how we feel about Falcons rookie linebacker Curtis Lofton, but our sources agree with the fact that he has the talent to be one of the NFL’s premier defensive players. To quote our inside source - “Mike Smith has uncanny ability to evaluate defensive talent. This pick has Smith’s genious written all over it.”

Chris Perry To Contribute In 2008 - A credible source within the Bengals organization has told us that Chris Perry has rehabbed hard all off-season, he looks good and the coaches like what the see from him. Our source added that Perry could add the element of spark and excitement that has been missing from Cincy’s run game.

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