Week 12 - Who We Like

With Earnest Graham out for the season, and Cadillac Williams not quite ready to return, Bucs RB Warrick Dunn has a chance to be the sleeper of the week, as he faces the Detroit Lions in Week 12. The Lions have made just about every RB they’ve faced this season look like Walter Peyton. Dunn will be no exception. Read more

In Case You’re Wondering…

Why did Bucs starting RB Earnest Graham only carry the ball five times in Week 6, while back-up Warrick Dunn toted it 22 times for 115 yards? Should Graham’s owners be concerned about this situation? We have the answers. Read more

Fantasy Impact: Cadillac Williams

Graham Practices, But Still Waivering…

Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham reportedly attended mini-camp practices today, splitting reps with Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett, but stated that he’s still not sure he’d attend training camp if a deal wasn’t done by then.

The 28 year old Graham obviously wants more money after lighting up the stat column for more than 1,200 total yards, 10 TDs and 49 catches in 10 starts last season. With Dunn lurking and Cadillac Williams potentially coming back, Graham will see less work this season. Still, we think a deal will get done, and Graham will be the opening day starter. He’s a solid RB3/flex option in PPR leagues.

Earnest Graham To Attend Mandatory Work…

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham, who has been absent from all Buccaneers off-season activities thus far due to his contract situation, will reportedly not miss any upcoming mandatory mini-camps or training camp, according to KFFL. Rotoworld also reports that Graham is confident that a new deal will be done soon, and that he will not be holding out.

This is great news for keeper and dynasty owners of the 28 year old. If he gets his butt to camp and earns the same amount of touches he had last season, he’ll be a great fantasy value. But, if he dilly dallies at all and leaves the door open, 34 year old Warrick Dunn will steal away many touches.

The starting job is Graham’s to lose, but I guess what we’re saying is, unless he works his butt off again, he will lose it.

For now, he’s a very, very solid RB3/flex in PPR (points per reception) leagues.

Cadillac Williams To Get Cut?

Despite recent favorable comments by Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden and GM Bruce Allen regarding the rehabilitation process of RB Cadillac Williams from a torn patellar tendon, rumors are swirling around Tampa Bay that Williams could be released this off-season.

Caddy is confident that he’ll be ready to comeback and play again sometime in 2008, but that confidence and hard work might not be enough to convince the coaches that he’s worthy of waiting on. Warrick Dunn is primed to play a big role this season, and even though Earnest Graham is semi-holding out right now, he’ll eventually get to camp and compete to be the team’s primary back at the start of the season.

If Williams is cut, we expect him to eventually return to the NFL and give it a shot as a back-up somewhere. His career isn’t over. We would also expect Tampa to then pursue another experienced runner. Not Kevin Jones - as he’s also returning from a knee injury - but perhaps Shaun Alexander.

Warrick Dunn To Start In 2008?

Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden recently told media that Warrick Dunn will play a large role in his offense in 2008. Gruden has even implied that Dunn may play a larger role than last year’s incumbent Earnest Graham.

We don’t really believe him at this point. Sorry, but we don’t. Dunn is nearly 34 years old and doesn’t have a lot left in the tank. Graham is holding out, so this could be meant to scare him. And, Gruden and GM Bruce Allen have talked positively about Cadillac Williams returning at some point this season.

Stay far away from the Bucs RB situation.

Buccaneers Jocking Dunn Hard…

He’s 33 years old, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are loving him already, and will potentially give him a chance to contribute on the field in 2008. Whether or not he can stay durable and healthy at his age is a huge factor, but it appears right now that the Buccaneers are going to give tailback Warrick Dunn a chance to play quite a bit.

Jon Gruden and Jeff Garcia have recently raved about him. Gruden recently called him a “War Daddy,” saying he can run, pick up a blitz and catch the ball out of the backfield. Look out owners of Earnest Graham and Caddy Williams, Warrick Dunn could be a threat to your guys in 2008.

Jets Ink Calvin Pace…

Calvin Pace, Jets LB
No-Offseason.com
The Jets inked UFA OLB Calvin Pace to a six year, $42 million deal, and unbelievable contract considering he’s really only had one good season as a pro. He excelled when the Cards moved to a 3-4 defense last year under Ken Whisenhunt and should be a good fit for Eric Mangini’s defense. Kevin Jones, Lions RB 
No-Offseason.com
Updating previous reports on Kevin Jones, the Lions now expect him to begin running next week and believe he should be good to go for training camp.  This will not stop them from pursuing other backs in free agency, such as Julius Jones.  Mewelde Moore signed with Pittsburgh so he’s not an option.

Mewelde Moore, Steelers RB
No-Offseason.com
The Steelers signed 25 year old Mewelde Moore to a three year, $5 million deal to back up Willie Parker and serve as a change of pace back.  Moore has some solid fantasy upside in this role, and should be considered a late round sleeper in all 12 team seasonal formats.

Randy Moss, Patriots WR
No-Offseason.com
New England re-inked Randy Moss to a three year, $27 million deal.  This marriage didn’t really have a serious chance to end.  Both sides wanted it to work out, and it did.  Moss and Tom Brady remain the top fantasy options at their respective positions heading into 2008.

Warrick Dunn, Free Agent RB
No-Offseason.com
Since being cut by the Falcons, it appears Warrick Dunn has drawn interest from Houston and Tampa Bay (where he spent the first several years of his career) as well as Dallas.  Dunn’s first choice at this point is Dallas, which would mean the Cowboys likely wouldn’t draft a high priced rookie RB.

Dan Morgan, Free Agent LB
No-Offseason.com
Former Panthers MLB Dan Morgan will visit the Lions, who desperately need a middle linebacker.