The Buzz Around Tarvaris Jackson…
May 28, 2008 at 11:40 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Organized Team Activities are in full swing, and it’s a great time to get a pulse on guys who could parlay solid practice play into a larger role in 2008. This addition of the Stock Market Report takes a look at a few guys who are putting in the work this off-season.
Rising - Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings QB - Last year at this time, Tarvaris Jackson wasn’t even really on the radar of seasonal owners. Not only was he entering his first season as an NFL starter, but he was doing so for the Minnesota Vikings - a run-heavy team. Heading into 2008, however, Jackson is being called upon to be the man who brings balance to the Vikings offense. The Vikes went out and signed free agent WR Bernard Berrian to a large contract with hopes of improving the passing game, and 2007 second round pick Sidney Rice should develop into a stud. This means Jackson has two solid pass catching options, along with the best running back in the game - Adrian Peterson - occupying defenses at the line of scrimmage. Berrian and Rice should be able to separate easily in 2008, and Jackson has worked deligently on his timing with both of them. The third year signal caller has looked phenomenal in practice this off-season, and is ready to take his game to the next level. The Vikings drafted John David Booty on the second day of the NFL Draft, and added Gus Frerotte as a back-up, but the starting job is all Jackson’s, and Minnesota believes in him. We’re starting to as well, and after comparing him to a young Donovan McNabb two years ago, we’re starting to recommend him as a solid sleeper QB2 in deep leagues, and a decent overall dynasty prospect.
Rising - Marion Barber, Cowboys RB - After signing a huge seven year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, Marion Barber is locked up as Dallas’ featured back of the future. The 24 year old was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2009, potentially opening up the door for a replacement. Now that Dallas has nearly $16 million guaranteed invested in Barber, he’s destined to get at least 20 carries a game in 2008. Being the featured back for one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses has only increased his dynasty value as well.
Rising - Will Franklin, Chiefs WR - Franklin, a rookie fourth rounder from Missouri, is looking like a potential starter for the Kansas City Chiefs. His main competition is Devard Darling and Jeff Webb, and he has looked very impressive in recent practices. Dwayne Bowe had a phenomenal first season last year, so it’s not far fetched to think that another Chiefs rookie could make an impact in the stat column. We’re not sure Franklin makes the best dynasty prospect, but he could be an amazing seasonal sleeper. We’ll follow him closely leading up to fantasy drafts, of course.
Falling - Tony Scheffler, Broncos TE - Scheffler recently re-injured the same foot that was broken last off-season - not a good sign for his future health. Scheffler was looking like an amazing sleeper candidate, and a possible top five tight end in all formats. When healthy, Scheffler is definitely a starting candidate, but he’s in a walking boot for the next few weeks. He may be ready for training camp, but his owners need to be concerned that this could become a re-occuring thing.
Falling - Felix Jones, Cowboys RB - The 22nd overall pick in the NFL Draft will see eight to 10 touches per game backing up and providing a change of pace to Marion Barber. Since Barber signed a seven year deal though, Jones’ dynasty value looks grim. While he could still be a fantasy contributor in 2008, he now has a long term ceiling, which makes him less sexy entering dynasty rookie drafts.
Falling - Tashard Choice, Cowboys RB - Choice is in a similar boat to Jones, but even more so. He was surprisingly taken by Dallas in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Why “surprisingly?” Because he is a clone of Barber. He’s a versatile, powerful runner who tries to plow defenders over rather than run out of bounds. Choice has the potential to be a very solid NFL player, but now that Barber is locked up long term, his opportunity likely won’t come with Dallas. He’s a player to watch in deep dynasty leagues, but for now, his potential has taken a huge hit.
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