‘Skins Thomas Could Start As A Rookie
May 21, 2008 at 12:55 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
Print This Page
| 
E-mail to Friend
We’ve jocked Devin Thomas for a long time, and based on recent news from our sources, we’ll be jocking him even more leading up to the 2008 NFL season. Our sources close to the former Michigan State Spartan tell us that Redskins coach Jim Zorn absolutely loves what he brings to the offense, and plans to use him in a variety of ways in 2008.
Our sources went on to say that Thomas believes he has a legit chance to start this year. The Redskins are hoping to get contributions from Santana Moss - who is as healthy as he’s been in a long time - and Antwaan Randle El - who is recovering from knee surgery this off-season, but the versatile 6′2″ Thomas appears to be their WR1 of the future. Recent rookie WRs who have had solid fantasy seasons include Lee Evans (2004), Michael Clayton (2004), Marques Colston (2006) and Dwayne Bowe (2007). Thomas was the second receiver taken in the 2008 NFL Draft behind St. Louis’ Donnie Avery, and has just as good a shot as any first year pass catcher to be solid contributor this season. Owners should target him with a late round pick in seasonal leagues. Dynasty owners should consider him a late first rounder in rookie drafts. As for Malcolm Kelly, the other WR the ‘Skins selected in round two - praise has been few and far between for him thus far, and he’s viewed by the team as more of a project.
Browns Concerned With Winslow’s Health? -Rumors are starting to swirl about the Browns trading their 2009 third round pick to Dallas for a fourth rounder this year, with which they selected Missouri TE Martin Rucker. Some media outlets are reporting that Winslow’s health is a huge concern to Cleveland, and that’s why they made the deal to get Rucker. Our sources, however, remain confident that Winslow will be healthy for the season, and that the reason Cleveland drafted Rucker is because they like his pass catching ability and may use him with Winslow in two TE sets, the same way New England does on occasion. It should also be noted here that Winslow isn’t really used like a typical tight end, as he lines up in the slot very often. To have Rucker play the TE role when Winslow stands up makes a lot of sense. All of this is to let fantasy owners know that we don’t believe they should worry about KWII.
Schaub To Be A Leader In 2008 -Our sources say that if Matt Schaub can stay on the field in 2008, that he’ll be a very solid leader for the Texans. Apparently, he has been in contact with all of the new players that Houston has brought on this off-season, and is very vocal with them - in a positive way - behind the scenes. We believe Houston’s offense has the potential to be extremely explosive this season, both in the running game and passing attack.
2007 Wasn’t A Fluke For Anderson -Our sources tell us that 2007 was not a fluke for breakout Browns QB Derek Anderson. He has a quicker release than former Browns QB Charlie Frye, and at 6′6″, 230 lbs. has great mobility in the pocket. In other words, 3,787 yards and 29 TDs is definitely attainable again in Rob Chudzinski’s offense. It should also be noted that Anderson has apparently developed phenomenal chemistry with free agent acquisition Donte’ Stallworth. Look for Anderson to be a solid fantasy starter in 2008, and for Stallworth to be a solid WR3 in most leagues.
Sedrick Ellis Is The Real Deal -Our sources continue to absolutely rave about the improvement happening to the New Orleans Saints’ defensive line under new D-Line coach Ed Orgeron. “Eddie O” has implemented several techniques that will help the Saints’ front four put solid pressure on opposing QBs in 2008. The leader of that bunch is expected to be none other than rookie DT from USC Sedrick Ellis. Even though he’s a tackle, we hear Orgeron wants him to be the team’s primary pass rusher, only from the inside, rather than the outside. Apparently it’s something we’ll have to believe to see, but our sources are adamant about the Saints defense being much improved in 2008.
Harrison’s Knees Will Get By In 2008 - The injury status of Colts WR Marvin Harrison still isn’t crystal clear by any stretch of the imagination. One thing we can say though, is that our sources are becoming more and more confident that the soon-to-be 36 year old will be ready to play in 2008. Nobody will know exactly how good Harrison will be, or the level that he’ll be able to perform at, but our official stance on this issue is that he’s no worse than a solid WR3 in seasonal formats.
Niners To Morph Into 4-3? -We’ve touched on this issue before, but our sources continue to talk about the San Francisco 49ers not having the correct defensive personnel to pull off a 3-4 scheme. Mike Nolan, a former Ravens defensive staff member, knows how to run a hybrid scheme, but continues to try and force the issue with the wrong people. What needs to happen is for a guy like LB Manny Lawson, Parys Harylson or Tully Banta-Cain to play with their hand down at a defensive end position. This was Lawson’s position in college, so he could be a candidate, should San Francisco go in this direction. If they play some 4-3, the fantasy value of DE Justin Smith will rise as well. Our sources tell us that much of Nolan’s decision depends upon the development of rookie DT Kentwan Balmer.
IDP Sleeper - Only Ultimate Strategist Package subscribers can find out this breaking news by joining the USP today!
Related posts
Loading ...
