Keep An Eye Out For Jordy Nelson In 2009
July 8, 2009 at 7:40 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
Print This Page
| 
It seems like things are slowing down this time of year, as there is a bit of a calm before the training camp storm starts at the end of July. However, seasonal owners have started mocking and keeper and dynasty owners are strategizing with roster decisions and selection processes right around the corner.
Despite the lack of action around the NFL, we’re hearing solid things about some guys that could transform them from under-the-radar players into potential impact fantasy players.
Rising - Jordy Nelson, Packers WR - On a team with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones, it’s very easy to overlook the second year man from Kansas State, but the fifth overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft is high on our list of long term fantasy sleepers. All signs point to him eventually being a fantasy starter. He has great size (6′3″), reliable hands, runs crisp routes and has decent speed. But much more than that, he actually contributed quite a bit as a rookie, catching a pass in all but one game and recording a total of 33 receptions - and plays in one of the league’s most prolific offenses. Nelson is currently in a position battle with Jones for the team’s third WR role, but he has the talent to eventually beat out Driver for the starting role opposite Jennings. While this may not happen until 2010 or 2011, Nelson is a player to keep a close eye on, and in the meantime he’ll contribute enough in Mike McCarthy’s pass friendly scheme to be a solid WR5 or WR6 in deep leagues.
Rising - Cliff Avril, Lions DE - The second year defensive end has impressed the new Lions regime to the point where he is now considered the team’s starting left defensive end over Dewayne White. This is huge for his fantasy value, as we were high on him even when he was projected to be the third end. Avril is an explosive pass rusher who has a knack for making big plays, but can also stop the run. He’s a versatile player who should absolutlely shine in Jim Schwartz’s 4-3 defense. The best part about him is that he can be had for a very low price. Avril is one of our early Christmas presents to IDP owners. In January, you’ll be thanking us big time.
Rising - Cedric Benson, Bengals RB - After blowing an opportunity in Chicago, it looks like the 26 year old former fourth overall draft pick is really going to get another chance at being an NFL featured back. We’re intrigued by the long term potential of rookie RB Bernard Scott - and even by the acquisition of Brian Leonard - but heading into 2009, Cincy really does appear to be ready to hand over the job to Benson, who finished last season on a high note. We’ll monitor this heading into the preseason, but for now, consider Benson a solid late round sleeper in deep seasonal formats.
Rising - Marcus Smith, Ravens WR - Second year man Marcus Smith is in the mix to win the third WR role in Baltimore this year, as he’s apparently been pretty impressive in off-season workouts. The former fourth round pick could be an intriguing player to follow, with injury prone Demetrius Williams, underachiever Mark Clayton and borderline elderly Derrick Mason the only other players on the depth chart.
Falling - Michael Boley, Giants LB - Just a couple weeks after it was announced that he’d be slowed at the beginning of the 2009 season after undergoing hip surgery, Michael Boley was suspended for one game for abusing the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Needless to say he’s gone from being a solid sleeper candidate in New York to someone that owners should take a pass on.
Related posts
Loading ...
