Stallworth Rocks In Cleveland

August 7, 2008 at 7:54 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Stallworth Rocks In Cleveland Our sources tell us that 27 year old free agent acquisition Donte’ Stallworth is fully recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the early part of training camp. We’re now hearing that the career underachiever is fitting in very well in Cleveland’s offense and developing great chemistry with Derek Anderson.

Our sources believe that Stallworth, who has shown promise and potential throughout his entire football career, will have the same experience in Cleveland that Jamal Lewis had last season. Lewis had gone through four very sub-par seasons since his incredible 2,000 yard campaign in 2003, but resurrected his career in Cleveland’s new high powered offense in 2007, and locking in a long term deal.

The franchise was already confident enough in Stallworth to lock him in to a long term deal right off the bat, as he signed for seven years and $35 million - #10 million guaranteed. He’s expected to be the breakaway deep threat opposite Braylon Edwards, who should see multiple double teams in 2008. Look for Stallworth to be a great value WR3 in all formats, but especially non-PPR leagues.

Stovall & Piscitelli To Make An Impact In 2008 - Our sources tell us that third year WR Maurice Stovall and second year safety Sabby Piscitelli are the most likely to come out of nowhere to make an impact for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. Stovall has struggled to get on the field, but is 6′4″, and should have an opportunity to compete for the starting gig opposite Joey Galloway. He has looked good thus far in camp, as Michael Clayton, Antonio Bryant and Ike Hilliard make up his primary competition. Piscitelli is the team’s third safety, but is learning to play both the strong and the free spots, and will likely earn some serious playing time in Monte Kiffin’s defense one way or another. This makes him a solid deep IDP sleeper.

Matt Forte The Man After All - After opening up training camp second to Adrian Peterson on the Bears depth chart, our sources have confirmed what we’d been hearing since the NFL Draft - Matt Forte will be the unquestioned starter for the Bears in 2008, and ultimately their true featured back all season. Our sources say that Kevin Jones will not start the regular season on the PUP list, but will be Forte’s clear cut back-up, with Peterson helping on some third downs, but mostly performing special teams duties. We consider Forte a solid RB3 in all seasonal leagues, and a phenomenal dynasty prospect in the realm of Marshawn Lynch.

Jonathan Vilma Loving New Orleans - We’re hearing that Saints LB Jonathan Vilma is absolutely loving his change of scenery, and is ready to reclaim his spot as one of the NFL’s top 4-3 middle linebackers. It’s clear from watching him practice - our sources tell us - that Vilma is much more comfortable and able to make plays without the pressure of offensive guards in his face all day - which is what happened when Eric Mangini switched the Jets to a 3-4 defensive alignment two years ago. As for Vilma’s knee injury that placed him on injured reserve at the end of 2007, we’ve been told he’s fine and hasn’t had any setbacks.

Gore Ready For A Huge Season - Our sources are getting higher and higher on San Francisco RB Frank Gore as a fantasy option in 2008. We’re told that Gore is in the best shape of his career, and his slimmed down to within two pounds of where NFL legend Marshall Faulk recommended he be to excel in Mike Martz’s offense. Gore will definitely be the centerpiece of the 49ers offense this season, and many believe he could reach the 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving club.

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