Fantasy Impact: Antonio Pittman

Remember Ohio State’s run to the National Championship game against Florida just two years ago? Plenty of offensive players from that squad, including Ravens QB Troy Smith, Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez and Dolphins WR Ted Ginn, find themselves as potential impact players for NFL teams right now. The Buckeyes’ tailback at the time, Antonio Pittman, had a less direct route to following in his teammates’ footsteps, but now finds himself knocking  on the door of doing the same. Read more

The Impact Of Jackson’s Holdout

Every season, there seems to be at least one NFL star who’s contract situation throws a serious kink into the plans of fantasy football owners as they prepare for their drafts. This year, it’s Rams RB Steven Jackson. His ADP (Average Draft Position) is dipping, as folks get scared that he could be this year’s Larry Johnson. Read more

Fantasy Impact: Ryan Grant

Last week, we told you not to be worried about the potential holdouts of Packers RB Ryan Grant, and Rams RB Steven Jackson. Well, we are right about one of them already, now there’s only one to go - but we’re still not worried about him either. Read more

Steven Jackson Injury Plagued?

Should fantasy owners be concerned with the health status of Rams 24 year old RB Steven Jackson? After all, he is nursing a groin pull and a sprained ankle right now, after missing four games overall in 2007 with a groin tear.

The short answer - no. Jackson should be fine by the start of the season, but this is worth monitoring, so that’s what we’ll do. Jackson is a top three overall fantasy player in ALL formats.

Rams Add Bruce Gradkowski…

The St. Louis Rams made a very smart move on Thursday, grabbing former Buccaneers signal caller Bruce Gradkowski off of waivers. The 25 year old is strong and very smart, and will still have a shot at a solid career even after Jon Gruden got rid of him. Gradkowski will easily beat out Brock Berlin for the number three job behind Marc Bulger and Trent Green.

He has no fantasy value.

Steven Jackson Injures Ankle…

Rams RB Steven Jackson reportedly turned his ankle in practice late last week and missed time on Thursday and Friday. Head coach Scott Linehan said the injury is not serious. We’ll monitor the situation.

His dynasty owners are probably holding their breathe right now, as an injury so early in off-season sessions to such a key body part isn’t a great sign.

Steven Jackson Ready To “Ball Out”

When talking with the media the other day, Rams RB Steven Jackson mentioned that he would “ball out” in 2008 in hopes of signing an incredibly lucative deal with St. Louis starting in 2009.

His contract is up at the end of this season, so it’s a big year for the big back. We have him ranked in our top five RBs in all formats.

By the way, his new offensive coordinator Al Saunders is saying great things about him as well…

“From what I have seen on video and in person these last several months — and you hate to go out on a limb before the season starts — I don’t think Steven Jackson has any limits to what he can do if everything is pulled together,” Saunders said. “He has not even begun to reach his potential as a back.”

Titans Coaches Love Roydell Williams

Coming off a broken ankle, it may seem hard to believe, but our sources are adamant that fourth year man Roydell Williams will be a main contributor for the Tennessee Titans in 2008. The 6′0″, 187 pounder from Tulane caught a respectable 55 balls for 719 yards and four TDs in his third season - his first fully healthy one as a pro. Read more

Most Improved Offensive Lines

Houston’s Duane Brown was one of eight offensive tackles were taken in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and an additional 26 offensive linemen were selected in rounds 2-7. The reason for the early run on the position seems to be simple - apparently they’re impossible to get in free agency. But drafting new ones isn’t always the best way to improve the five man unit. A few NFL teams have gone above and beyond to try to protect their quarterbacks, and open up holes for their rushers heading into 2008. Read more

Torry Holt Wants To Play For Carolina Panthers…

Rams WR Torry Holt recently told the media that he wants to play for the Carolina Panthers when his contract is up in 2010. The reason? His brother Terrence plays for them.

This is disturbing for two reasons.

1. Terrence is horrible and won’t even be in the NFL in 2010.

2. Torry needs to be focusing on his current team and learning the offense of new OC Al Saunders.

Avery Will Be Rams Third WR In 2008…

Donnie Avery was the first WR taken in the 2008 NFL Draft, 33rd overall by the St. Louis Rams. The speedster from Houston will start the season as the team’s third WR, which is a pretty darn good potential fantasy producing spot for a rookie in Al Saunders’ offense. As Avery improves his route running, he could surpass Drew Bennett on the outside and play/produce as much as a starter by year two or three of his career.

Downside - Troy Williamson

Upside - Greg Jennings

Overall, we like him as a dynasty prospect.

Discuss this more in our forums.

Rams To Take Chris Long…

ESPN’s Michael Smith has reported that the St. Louis Rams will definitely pick Virginia DE Chris Long with the number two overall pick. This will make Long a legit IDP candidate coming off the end of a 4-3 defense. We think he’ll rack up a lot of tackles in the run game, while getting to the QB occasionally.