“Slot RBs” Are Becoming All The Rage

It started a couple years ago when the New Orleans Saints had versatile running back Reggie Bush “fall” to them at number two overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. The trend I’m referring to of course is running backs that play wide receiver more than they do halfback - aka “slot RBs.” Our sources around the NFL have confirmed that more and more teams will start using their back-up RBs as slot receivers, in an effort to add more explosive elements to throw off opposing defenses. Read more

Ike Hilliard Injury Update…

Buccaneers 32 year old WR Ike Hilliard underwent shoulder surgery on April 9, according to Rotoworld. Hilliard is recovering well and was cleared to practice a couple weeks ago. We don’t think Hilliard will start at flanker again in 2008, with Michael Clayton and Antonio Bryant knocking down the door, but he apparently could contribute out of the slot.

Mini-Camp Position Battles

From a fantasy football owner’s perspective, it may not seem like mini-camp means a whole lot. Many players are nursing minor injuries that won’t really affect them during the season, while other veterans actually elect to work out elsewhere - or in Tony Romo and Jason Taylor’s case - pursue other interests completely. But, there are a few position battles going on in mini-camps near you, which we believe will have an impact on fantasy football in 2008. Read more

Who Will Start Across From Galloway?

Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden recently told media that 36 year old WR Joey Galloway is guaranteed a starting spot at flanker in 2008. He then made it clear that Michael Clayton, Antonio Bryant, Dexter Jackson and Maurice Stovall will compete with 32 year old veteran Ike Hilliard for the other WR spot.

Clayton is 6′4″, and had a phenomenal rookie season back in 2004, but hasn’t done anything since. Bryant is coming off a year out of the NFL, and Stovall hasn’t done anything other than play special teams since entering the league in 2006. Dexter Jackson is a second round draft choice, who the team knows the least about - so he’s very intriguing.

Jags Make An Offer For Jason Taylor…

Trade talks have begun between the Jags and Dolphins for Dolphins DE Jason Taylor.  The Jags’ initial offer of a third rounder will not get the job done though. The Jags will likely have to offer a second rounder and a significant player for the versatile defensive lineman.

Dan Connor, Penn State LB
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Dan Connor, a projected first rounder, is scheduled to visit with the Dolphins and Falcons soon.

Maurice Stovall, Buccaneers WR
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Stovall underwent elbow surgery this offseason and may be out of the flanker mix in Tampa Bay.

Clinton Portis, Redskins RB
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A healthy Clinton Portis could get a ton of work at the start of 2008, as new head coach Jim Zorn has indicated he may want his team to have a “run-first” offense.

Ted Ginn, Dolphins WR
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Tony Sparano has already come out and said that Ted Ginn can be a number one WR and is locked in to start.  Ernest Wilford, Derek Hagan, Tab Perry and David Kircus are the Dolphins other WRs right now.

Michael Clayton, Buccaneers WR
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Jon Gruden apparently loves the way fifth year veteran Michael Clayton looks thus far.  He expects Clayton to compete to earn back the starting flanker role he had in 2004.

Cedric Benson, Bears RB
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Word is that Cedric Benson could be ready before training camp despite the fact that he had a plate inserted to hold his ankle bone back together.

QB Competition Heating Up In San Francisco…

Shaun Hill, 49ers QB
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Word out of the Bay Area is that Shaun Hill and Alex Smith will split reps as first team QB during early offseason workouts. Mike Martz likes to name his guy quickly, and we think it’ll be Hill.

Dan Conner, Penn State LB
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Conner, who was underwhelming at the combine, ran a solid 4.63 forty at his Pro Day. He’ll be a first or second round pick in April, and could be a solid IDP prospect in deep leagues.

Willis McGahee, Ravens RB
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The Ravens have exercised an option on McGahee’s deal that will keep him in Baltimore through 2009.

Michael Clayton, Buccaneers WR
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Michael Clayton will be given a chance to start in 2008, over Antonio Bryant and/or Joey Galloway.

Vernon Davis, 49ers TE
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49ers head coach Mike Nolan is high on Vernon Davis’ blocking skills. This isn’t good news for his fantasy value, as he’s likely to be used primarily as a blocker in Mike Martz’s offense.

Ryan Grant, Packers RB
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Ryan Grant will report to the Packers’ offseason workouts, but won’t sign a one year $370,000 offer - nor should he. We think Green Bay will eventually reward him with a fair two or three year deal.

Shaun Alexander, Seahawks RB
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Word is that Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander will be released around April 1, saving Seattle nearly $5 million in cap room. We expect the Lions, and/or Texans to go after him when he becomes available.