Strahan & Benson Out - Tuck & Forte In
June 10, 2008 at 8:11 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Yesterday was a huge news day in the NFL, just another example of why there is no offseason. Giants DE Michael Strahan actually made a freaking decision and decided to call it a career at the age of 36, and a former fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft named Cedric Benson was released by the Chicago Bears, after three disappointing seasons and two arrests in the span of 30 days. Yeah, these stories are interesting, but what fantasy owners really want to know is - what happens now that these guys are gone?
IDP owners have several questions. What happens to the value of Osi Umenyiora, and other key members of the Giants defense? Who will take Strahan’s place? Will Mathias Kiwanuka return to his natural defensive end position?
Dynasty owners want to know just how valuable second round rookie RB from Tulane, Matt Forte, really is now that he’s atop the Bears depth chart at running back.
Let’s get right down to it. In the case of who will replace Strahan, a seven time pro bowler with 141.5 career sacks, there has actually been an heir apparent for a little over a year now. 25 year old Justin Tuck, a young man from Notre Dame who came into the league as a defensive tackle and has morphed his way into a fierce pass-rushing end, with a solid knack for adjusting and stopping the run, will be Strahan’s full time replacement. Because of Tuck’s versatility, he’ll be able to make moves to both the inside and outside to get to the QB, while posting some nice tackle digits. Tuck finished 2008 with 65 total tackles and 10 sacks, and should improve upon those numbers this season and become a top three fantasy DE in a full time role opposite Umenyiora.
Speaking of Osi, his fantasy value does not change. In fact, we believe Tuck will be more effective in 2008 than Strahan would have been. Yep, we’re that confident in him. So, if Tuck takes over for Strahan, then what happens to former first round DE Mathias Kiwanuka. Well, he’s still likely to start at SLB, but he’ll double as a third defensive end. This is worth watching, because if Kiwanuka is scored as a DE in leagues that require two starters at defensive line, his fantasy value will skyrocket like Tuck’s. Kiwanuka could be this year’s version of what Robert Mathis was in 2005 in Indy and what Mark Anderson was in 2006 in Chicago - situational pass rushing DEs who make enough big plays to warrant starting fantasy status. However, if Kiwanuka is scored as a linebacker, he doesn’t gain any fantasy luster.
To the Midwest now, where the Bears have literally cut their losses at running back. Memories of another top five RB roughly 10 years ago named Curtis Enis are brought back into the heads of Bears fans nationwide. Benson is gone, but there is no cause for concern in the Windy City. In fact, fans should be very hopeful and excited with their starting RB in 2008 - rookie Matt Forte. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner has already told media that he loves Forte, and has called him an all around silky smooth player and most importantly an “every down back.” With Benson gone, Forte should easily see 300 touches in his rookie season as the team’s featured back - bar none. Forte projects out to a top four pick in dynasty rookie drafts, and a phenomenal seasonal sleeper, especially in points per reception formats. Adrian Peterson will be his primary back-up, and now has solid seasonal value as a handcuff. It’s not unreasonable to expect 1,300 yards, 40 receptions and 5-8 TDs from the explosive 6′2″, 222 lb. rookie speedster.
Look to the future my friends, don’t revel in the past. We enjoyed Strahan for 15 seasons and mocked Benson for three, and while two doors have shut, two more have opened. Benson could land on his feet somewhere, but don’t count on him having fantasy value any time soon, as he could still face suspension from the NFL.
To see where Forte, Tuck and Umenyiora rank in our player rankings, check out our Ultimate Strategist Package, where we post our official 2008 Dynasty Rankings, Seasonal Rankings and Keeper Rankings. If you’re not registered for the No-Offseason.com forums yet, do so first, then click here and sign up for the USP.
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