Anthony Gonzalez Is A Difference Maker
June 24, 2008 at 9:28 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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As the analysis of our most recent expert mock continues, clear cut sleeper options continue to reveal themselves. Find out why it’s so important to keep your head in the game throughout the mid-rounds of your drafts.
8.1 - 85th overall - ProFootballWeekly.com - Todd Heap, Ravens TE - As the ninth TE selected in this draft, Todd Heap is a great value. Don’t sleep on the mid rounds folks, there are gems available here that can help you win your championship. New OC Cam Cameron loves throwing to the tight end, so expect Heap to be the third WR often in this offense, as well as a traditional down TE who runs routes. After suffering hammy injuries in 2007, Heap should be healthy and ready to go in 2008.
8.2 - 86th overall - FantasyFootballTrader.com - Jerry Porter, Jacksonville WR - There has been quite a bit of buzz surrounding the Jaguars biggest name acquisition. The 30 year old Porter hopes to rebound from the abyss that has been the Oakland Raiders franchise over the past few seasons. His presence should definitely help David Garrard’s value, but we don’t see him as much more than a sleeper WR3 option in deep leagues. He’ll help the Jags offense overall, but may not post huge numbers. This is a little too early for him, in our opinion.
8.3 - 87th overall - Fanball.com - Anthony Gonzalez, Colts WR - The Colts brought in the second year WR from Ohio State with the 30th pick of the first round last season, and eased him into the slot role vacated by Brandon Stokley. Gonzo then was asked to play an even larger role when Marvin Harrison suffered a knee injury early on in the season. Gonzalez missed a few games due to injury himself, but came alive towards the end of the season, catching six or more passes for 86 or more yards for a total of three TDs in three of his last five games. The offense that he plays in is capable of yielding huge numbers from their number three WR, and Gonzo has earned the trust of Peyton Manning. Regardless of the status of Marvin Harrison, Gonzo is a difference maker on fantasy rosters this season, as he’s capable of posting huge digits on any given week. We really like this pick, due to his high ceiling.
8.4 - 88th overall - USA Today - Marc Bulger, Rams QB - Bulger has thrown for 3,800 or more yards in three of his last five seasons, including 4,301 yards and 24 TDs in 2006. In other words, 2007 was a fluke. His entire offensive line was decimated due to early injuries, and he lost his starting running back prior to going down himself with a shoulder injury. Expect Bulger to be one of fantasy football’s comeback players of the year in 2008 under new OC Al Saunders.
8.5 - 89th overall - Athlon Sports - Bobby Engram, Seahawks WR - Engram is a trendy sleeper pick this season, after hauling in 94 balls in 2007. Owners must keep in mind that he’s 35 years old, and hadn’t caught more than 70 balls in a season since 1999 prior to last year. In other words, we think he’s starting to become a bit overrated. Don’t stretch for him.
8.6 - 90th overall - No-Offseason.com - Donovan McNabb, Eagles QB - Like Bulger, we think McNabb will be one of fantasy football’s comeback players of the year, and regain his star status in 2008. He has no main weapons at WR, but he’s healthy, and so is TE L.J. Smith. We were happy that we ended up with McNabb over Bulger here.
8.7 - 91st overall - Rotoworld.com - Chris Johnson, Titans RB - Great pick. Especially in points per reception formats that have multiple flex spots. Johnson will rake in the receptions this season, and be very valuable. He’s a huge reason not to fall asleep in the middle rounds. You should want him, period.
8.8 - 92nd overall - FantasyGuru.com - Reggie Brown, Eagles WR - Brown did not live up to expectations in 2007, and will be overlooked as a result in 2008 drafts. While he could prove to be a solid value, we think he would’ve lasted another couple rounds.
8.9 - 93rd overall - CBSSports.com - Chester Taylor, Vikings RB - If you ever wonder why it’s important to stockpile running backs early on in fantasy drafts, this selection is a perfect reason why. Taylor is one of the only respectable RBs left at this point, and there’s still 10 rounds remaining after this one.
8.10 - 94th overall - FantasyPlaymakers.com - Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers RB - Mendenhall should’ve been taken before Taylor. Even though it appears he’s the Steelers’ back-up, we’re hearing that he’ll play a substantial role in 2008. There’s no question he’s a great dynasty prospect, but he should not be overlooked in seasonal leagues, as he could beat out Willie Parker this season.
8.11 - 95th overall - FFIndepth.com - Jay Cutler, Broncos QB - Believe it or not, the fact that he was diagnosed with diabetes could actually benefit his play on the field in 2008. Last season, he lost nearly 30 pounds due to his illness, and couldn’t figure out why he was having the problem. This year, he’s already back to his playing weight and has much more energy. Expect a revived Cutler to take the field this season, and continue to improve, while he develops solid chemistry with Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler.
8.12 - 96th overall - The Huddle - Laurent Robinson, Falcons WR - I bet most of you will experience drafts this summer in which Laurent Robinson isn’t selected, and quite frankly, that’s probably how it should be. In theory, he’s a nice sleeper, but theory doesn’t account for the fact that Atlanta will have a rookie signal caller in a run-first offense this season. Robinson is a solid NFL player, but not a fantasy option.
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