FFI EXCLUSIVE: STUDS, DUDS & SLEEPERS

STUDS, DUDS, & SLEEPERS
By Ralph Mancini, NFL Draft Bible

Here’s an early look at players to target and avoid, along with those who may surprise and exceed expectations.

STUDS
Cedric Benson (RB-CHI)- Early reports indicate that Chicago’s workhorse back has been dedicating himself to improving his route running and catching skills. If Benson continues to inspire confidence in that facet of his game, look for him to be an every down back that the team will be comfortable with on third and long.

DeAngelo Williams (RB-CAR)- The second year man will not only benefit from Carolina’s new zone blocking scheme—which will afford the shifty back more opportunities to break his handoffs to the outside—but Williams has also shed some weight during the off-season , making him the odds-on favorite to be the lead back over the injury prone DeShaun Foster. Williams is also the superior receiver.

Joey Galloway (WR-TB)- It’s quite amazing that the soon-to-be thirty-six year-old averaged over 17 yards per catch in addition to having six receptions of 40 yards or more with underwhelming rookie Bruce Gradkowski at the helm last season. With veteran Jeff Garcia now leading the charge, Galloway should see his big play quotient increase quite a bit—provided that his hamstrings cooperate.

Devery Henderson (WR-NO)- By cutting his drops, this poor man’s version of Joey Galloway could find himself in the enviable position of being on the receiving end of several big plays with much of the opposition’s attention being geared towards Marques Colston and Reggie Bush in the passing game. The fact that rookie receiver Robert Meachem is being considered a “work in progress” by head coach Sean Payton works in Henderson’s favor.

DUDS
Clinton Portis (RB-WASH)- It’s beginning to look more and more like the man of many disguises may be forced into a running back by committee situation with Ladell Betts. In addition, early bouts of tendonitis and the loss of guard Chris Samuels to a sprained MCL don’t bode well for Portis. To his credit, however, the former Bronco is the better goal line runner and will most likely be used as such.

Jamal Lewis (RB-CLE)- Despite reports of Lewis looking rejuvenated in training camp following his latest ankle surgery, the fact remains that he is a major injury risk with a history of two ACL tears and numerous ankle mishaps. His slimmer physique this summer may help during the early part of the season, but it’s hard to imagine him being fresh and spry all season long. There’s a lot of tread on those tires.

Vernand Morency (GB-RB)- Morency has already fallen victim to an unspecified knee injury, which team officials have said is worse than they originally thought. This only opens up things for rookie back Brandon Jackson to step in and become Green Bay’s feature runner.

Tony Scheffler (TE-DEN)- While Scheffler continues to recover from a foot injury, new tight end addition Daniel Graham continues to impress as a pass catcher in Denver.

SLEEPERS
Amani Toomer (WR-NYG)- Coming back from last year’s torn ACL, the grizzled veteran is reportedly running at full speed. If Toomer stays intact, he may pick up right where he left off last season as one of QB Eli Manning’s primary targets. It was no coincidence that Manning’s production went down following Toomer’s injury last season.

Jerry Porter (WR-OAK)- While I would generally advise fantasy aficionados to steer clear of any player associated with the Silver and Black attack, Jerry Porter was so bad last year that he actually may end up being quite undervalued this year. Being in good graces with the current coaching staff could go a long way in reestablishing the 6’2, 210-pound wide out as physical player with a nose for the end zone.

Brandon Jackson (RB-GB)- See Vernand Morency.

Be sure to check out Ralph Mancini’s “Searching The Scrap Heap” & “Ones To Watch” reports all season long every Monday, exclusively at nfldraftbible.com</span>

Email Ralph Mancini: ralph@nfldraftbible.com