Selvin Young’s Stock Is Soaring, Henry Done…
June 5, 2008 at 8:56 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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In June, there aren’t many factors that can really make a huge difference in a player’s fantasy value, but we keep our Stock Market Report popping anyway. Certain guys are really shining in organized team activities, while others are faltering or experiencing off-the-field issues of concern. Some teams also elect to cut the fat in certain areas, potentially creating solid opportunities for other guys on the squad. Lastly, sometimes contract situations that become resolved this time of year can shed a whole new light on players.
Rising - Selvin Young, Broncos RB - Say hello to the Denver Broncos new starting running back. Not only that, but the 24 year old undrafted RB from the University of Texas will potentially be the team’s first featured back since Clinton Portis. Mike Shanahan’s word usually doesn’t mean too much, especially when it comes to running backs, but something is different this time. Shanny seems very high on Young, who has put on 10 pounds of muscle since last season, and has become a “workout warrior.” With only Michael Pittman, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain behind him on the depth chart, Young will absolutely see 20-25 carries a game in 2008. He’s gone from being a late round flier to a very solid RB3 and a potential fourth or fifth rounder in seasonal leagues.
Rising - Reggie Bush, Saints RB - Bush is heading into his third season, and at the age of 23, he seems like a refreshed player. He’s fully healthy, after missing the final four games of 2007. The criticism towards Bush during his first two NFL seasons revolved around his size and running style. However, when you really look at it, he’s 6′0″, 205 lbs. He’s not a small back. Bush has really hit the Saints training facility hard this off-season and dedicated himself to football and football only, in an effort to turn things around in year three. He skated by on talent alone in 2006 and 2007, and still was a top RB2 in PPR leagues. Now that he’s dedicating himself and truly becoming focused, we should see a rejuvenated player in 2008. Even with Deuce McAllister likely returning from knee injuries, Bush should increase his TD total in 2008. In PPR leagues, Bush’s value is on the rise.
Rising - Terrell Owens, Cowboys WR - Prior to signing his three year contract extension with Dallas, the 35 year old Terrell Owens definitely had some question marks for dynasty owners. How long could he continue to play at such a high level? Well, now that Jerry Jones has invested another $27 million in him over the next three seasons (not including a signing bonus that consisted of high quality popcorn from the Cowboys concession stands), we’re starting to see him in a whole new light. Even though he’s old as hell, T.O. is still in the best shape of his life. He keeps his body immaculately tuned, and has as much athleticism as anyone in the game. We’re now believers that this guy has three more years in him, and for the first time perhaps ever, his head really is in the game. T.O. could just be in for the best year of his career in 2008.
Falling - Brandon Stokley, Broncos WR - We realize how this could seem confusing, but Brandon Stokley will have no fantasy value in 2008. Despite the fact that Denver kicked Javon Walker to the curb, they have made it very clear that the reason they brought in Keary Colbert and Darrell Jackson was to compete to start at split end opposite Brandon Marshall. Also, rookie WR Eddie Royal was drafted to compete for a role at flanker. Stokley will man the slot role, and could have minimal success there, but definitely has a ceiling. All in all, he may be a solid contributor for the Broncos and will help Jay Cutler’s value, but he won’t put up the numbers necessary to be roster-worthy.
Falling - Jason Taylor, Dolphins DE/LB - Dolphins 34 year old DE/LB Jason Taylor has absolutely ruled the headlines this off-season due to the fact that new VP of Football Ops Bill Parcells has taken issue with his decision to participate in ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. Also, Taylor has expressed wanting to play for a winner, and the 1-15 Dolphins may not be a fit for him anymore. A few weeks ago, Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano said that Taylor would not be around for training camp. Then, earlier this week, Sparano said that he really wants Taylor to remain part of the team. Lost in all the mixed messages though, is the fact that if Taylor remains with the Dolphins, he’s likely to change positions from DE to OLB. This is likely to occur, resulting in a serious drop in Taylor’s fantasy value. The fact that he’ll be scored as a linebacker in IDP leagues, means that he’s gone from a position in which a top tier player is very hard to find, to one that finding a solid contributor is easy as pie.
Falling - DeSean Jackson, Eagles WR - The Eagles selected DeSean Jackson in the second round of the NFL Draft, and the Cal product definitely has elite speed. The major question mark though is whether or not he can overcome his small size and make it as a wide receiver. So far, Jackson has yet to do anything to lead head coach Andy Reid to believe he’ll be anything more than an explosive kick returner in the NFL. This obviously doesn’t bode well for his fantasy value entering his rookie season, but the book isn’t written on him just yet. He plays on a team where he could definitely get an opportunity, but it’s up to Jackson to make that happen. Right now, he’s definitely not worthy of a seasonal selection, and his dynasty value is falling.
Falling - Travis Henry, Free Agent RB - As mentioned, Henry was turned loose by the Denver Broncos earlier this week. The 30 year old was a huge disappointment last season on the field, and also just barely escaped a suspension because of a technicality during a urine test. Not to mention, he allegedly has nine children with six different women, putting plenty of pressure on him off-the-field these days. Who knows if any of those factors contributed to the fact that he wasn’t focused in practice, but the fact of the matter is that his head just wasn’t in the game. Combine that with his most recent hammy injury, and things are not looking good for him. Also, Henry isn’t exactly the only free agent RB looking for work, as Kevin Jones, Shaun Alexander and soon to be LaMont Jordan are all looking for jobs. We don’t expect Henry to regain his form, regardless of who he signs with.
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