Kyle Orton: The Next Great Fantasy QB
June 18, 2009 at 11:49 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Who says player values can’t fluctuate in June? The Denver Broncos alone have a few guys who have seen a value increase within the last few weeks.
Rising - Kyle Orton, Broncos QB - Last February, we wrote an article anointing Aaron Rodgers the next great fantasy QB. This year, we’re giving that title to Orton. Call us crazy, but considering the fact that the man who had his job last year threw for 4,525 yards and 25 TDs, it’s not that far fetched. The 26 year old Orton has been officially named the Broncos starter, and will have plenty of weapons to toss the rock to in Josh McDaniels’ pass friendly spread offense. Considering he threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 18 TDs last season in Chicago’s conservatively boring attack, we believe he’s ready for fantasy stardom. And, best of all, he can be had for a pretty darn low price.
Rising - Eddie Royal, Broncos WR - The 22 year old second year man who caught 91 balls as a rookie definitely has his doubters in the fantasy community, especially with Cutler in Chicago. However, reports out of OTAs have contained nothing but praise for Royal, as he’s looked very sharp. He’ll play the Wes Welker role, and we wouldn’t be surprised if he hauls in 100 balls. Considering Brandon Marshall’s recent trade request, Royal has a little extra value due to the possibilty of him becoming the team’s number one WR.
Rising - Brandon Lloyd, Broncos WR - The seventh year journeyman recently landed with the Broncos, reuniting with Orton - who he played with in Chicago last season. The 27 year old could make an impact, but will have to first stay healthy and then beat out Jabar Gaffney for reps at the third WR spot. Both of which seem a little unlikely, but this signing definitely puts him back on the radar in deep leagues.
Rising - Louis Delmas, Lions S - Detroit selected the versatile safety with the first pick in the second round, and already loves what they see. He’s probably the most likely IDP other than James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga to start as a rookie, and could be worth an early season waiver wire pick up in deep leagues.
Rising - Brian Robiskie, Browns WR - Word out of Cleveland OTAs is that the 6-3 second rounder has looked phenomenal. He may not be a big play threat, but he’s physical, and a great route runner. He also defaults to the starting spot opposite Braylon Edwards. Seasonal and dynasty owners pay attention - he could be an impact rookie.
Rising - Shonn Greene, Jets RB - The 24 year old 5-11, 225 pound beast signed a four year deal with the Jets this week. The team traded up to the first spot in the third round to draft him, which we believe means he’s the featured back of the future in New York. As a rookie, he should be good for plenty of short yardage and goal line work as Thomas Jones deteriorates.
Rising - Greg Ellis, Raiders DE - The Raiders signed soon-to-be 34 year old former Cowboys OLB Greg Ellis, who racked up 12.5 sacks in 2007 and eight sacks last year. Ellis will move to DE in the Raiders 4-3 scheme, and could be a sleeper in deep IDP leagues that require starters at defensive line.
Falling - Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham, Bucs RBs - We’ve jocked Derrick Ward all off-season, especially since he signed for starter’s money in Tampa. However, Cadillac WIlliams recently told the media that he’ll be back to full strength by August 1, and definitely be ready to play this season after tearing his patellar tendon (again) towards the end of last season. While we don’t expect Caddy to be a fantasy factor in any way, shape or form, we do think he’ll cut into Ward and Graham’s reps if he stays healthy.
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