Joseph Addai’s Value Plummets
April 26, 2009 at 3:49 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
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After the NFL selection process, where more than 300 new, young, talented players are infused into the league, plenty of existing stars are affected – some in a positive way, and others in a negative way. Jumping out at us during the first day of the NFL Draft were a few obvious risers and fallers in terms of fantasy potential.
Falling – Joseph Addai, Colts RB – The fourth year man from LSU is not only coming off a horrible season, but the Colts spent their first round pick – number 27 overall – on Connecticut running back Donald Brown, a player with very similar characteristics to Addai. This pick tells us two things – first of all, Indy is not fully comfortable with their backfield situation. Secondly, Addai will definitely split carries in 2009 and beyond. Basically, in a few short weeks, the 25 year old has gone from being a featured back in one of the league’s most potent offenses, to a splittsville player with an uncertain fantasy future. The Colts obviously love Brown, considering they passed on two top defensive tackles in order to select the former 2,000 yard rusher from Connecticut.
Rising – Pierre Thomas, Saints RB – There’s no question that Thomas – who finished the 2008 season absolutely on fire after Reggie Bush became riddled with injuries – dodged a huge bullet when the Saints passed on Chris Wells with the 14th overall pick and took CB Malcolm Jenkins. The fact that New Orleans didn’t spend a high draft choice on a running back tells us that Thomas and Reggie Bush will likely split the entire rushing load in 2009, which should yield solid statistical results for each player.
Falling – Tim Hightower, Cardinals RB – The good news is that Edgerrin James won’t be in Arizona in 2009. But the bad news is that the Cards selected Chris Wells with the 31st overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, keeping Hightower at number two on the depth chart. Yep, that’s right – Wells is the favorite to start despite injury issues, and while each player has a high ceiling, it’s Wells who now holds more dynasty value. Hightower will likely be used only in short yardage and goal line situations.
Rising – Marc Bulger, Rams QB – Not only did Bulger get a new franchise left tackle in Baylor’s Jason Smith to protect him from opposing pass rushers, but the team didn’t even entertain the idea of taking the highly hyped Mark Sanchez with the number two overall pick, meaning the team must still feel pretty darn confident in the veterans abilities. Bulger could be a good bet to be the fantasy comeback player of the year in 2009.
Rising – David Garrard, Jaguars QB – Like Bulger, Garrard not only escaped day one of the NFL Draft without his team drafting a young stud QB, but he also picked up protection at offensive line. The Jaguars took OT Eugene Monroe at seventh overall, and followed by taking OT Eben Britton with their second round selection. Two top tackles in the first 40 picks of the NFL Draft should make Garrard at happy, well-protected man in the future.
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