Adams, White, Berrian, Briggs, Turner Rising…

March 8, 2008 at 7:39 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Rising - Greg White & Gaines Adams, Buccaneers DEs - DEs Greg White - a 29 year old second year player - and Gaines Adams - the fourth overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, really came on strong late in the 2007 season for Monte Kiffin’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. Upon the release of DEs Greg Spires and Kevin Carter just prior to the start of free agency this offseason, White and Adams have been named the team’s starters already for the 2008 season. IDPers that play in leagues requiring starters at defensive line should take note, and rank Adams as a potential top 15 rush end this season, while White is a darkhorse sleeper to put up some serious points.

Rising - Donte’ Stallworth, Browns WR - The 28 year old Stallworth signed a seven year deal with the Browns, to start opposite Braylon Edwards in 2008. Stallworth didn’t put up Earth-shattering statistics for the Patriots in 2007, but he stayed healthy all year for only the second time in his career. In Cleveland’s up-and-coming offense, we truly expect Stallworth to be a legit fantasy WR3 in 2008 and have some huge games along the way.

Rising - Bernard Berrian, Vikings WR - The 27 year old Berrian definitely isn’t the sexiest name in free agency this offseason, but he landed a great gig for himself in Minnesota, as the Vikes inked him to a six year, $42 million deal following his 71 catch, 951 yard season with the dismal Chicago Bears. Look for Berrian to start opposite the 6′4″ Sidney Rice and provide a deep threat for Tarvaris Jackson to air it out to every now and then. We don’t think Jackson is as bad as most sites do, and we’re even willing to say that Berrian moving to Minny will help Tarvaris’ fantasy value quite a bit. Berrian is now a legit fantasy WR3 in all formats.

Rising - Lance Briggs, Bears LB - Briggs was a top IDP linebacker just two short seasons ago, when he helped the Bears make a Super Bowl appearance. He then slipped off the radar due to an early holdout and injury issues last season, but after re-signing to be the Bears’ weak side linebacker for years to come, is primed and ready to regain his fantasy glory now that all of his off the field issues are taken care of.

Rising - Michael Turner, Falcons RB - Well folks, the Burner has finally landed in his much anticipated new home. If you’ve been reading our site for the past two seasons, you know that we’ve advised fantasy owners to invest in him for the past two seasons, knowing of his impending unrestricted free agency this offseason. Now that the 26 year old has signed with Atlanta, he’ll be featured in Mike Mularkey’s power run game and should easily see 25 touches per contest. Jerious Norwood is relegated to a back-up role, and 32 year old Warrick Dunn is out the door.