PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: JEFF FRANCOEUR ON FF
By Daniel Mogollon, NFL Draft Bible
With all the off the field trouble those involved in professional sports have gotten themselves into of late, teams should encourage fantasy sports as way to have some clean fun, something many athletes are already doing.
Before the Atlanta Braves took the field to take on the New York Mets on Tuesday, Jeff Francoeur gave the NFL Draft Bible a few minutes of his time in the visiting team’s dugout. He is almost as excited about the upcoming football season, as he is the Braves’ playoff push.
“I got all my books and I’m scouting now. I should be ready to go,” Francoeur said of his preparation for his league’s Fantasy Football Draft. “I had a disappointing year last year, I’m going to be honest with you. I got knocked out of the playoffs early, so I need to come back strong this year.”
Francoeur takes pride in his knowledge of football, especially considering he was a four-star recruit according to Rivals and was set to go to Clemson, before the hometown Atlanta Braves made him a first round draft choice. As a corner, he ran a 4.5 40-time and could have teamed with Justin Miller on the Tigers, who Francoeur says he follows intently.
“We have a fun league, so it should be a good time,” the athletic right fielder says of the Braves in-house fantasy league, which usually consists of 12 to 14 players.
In addition to keeping players out of trouble -- if you owned a team, wouldn’t you rather have your players yelling at their TV for LaDainian Tomlinson to score a touchdown than with a fist full of cash outside a pit-bull ring? -- it helps build team camaraderie.
“It’s a blast, we come in talking trash all the time, even during the off-season,” Francoeur said. “It’s a great way to keep in touch with guys through e-mail.”
* A special thanks goes out to LatinoSports.com, for allowing Dan to do this interview while on assignment covering the Mets.
Friday, August 10, 2007
DENVER BRONCOS '07 PREVIEW
DENVER BRONCOS PRESEASON PREVIEW
By Harsh Lochan, NFL Draft Bible
The beginning of a season is the same for every franchise- a breath of fresh air, that eternal ray of hope and confidence in the season to come.
That very confidence and hope in Denver has been injected by young quarterback Jay Cutler. Fans can be heard whispering the name “Elway” to each other as Cutler steps into a downfield pass in the Mile High sky. Behind the apparent answers, however, lie critical questions.
The receivers he’s throwing to? “The walking wounded.” The running game? “Leave it to Shanny – He’ll find a way.” JC? “He’ll come into his own.” The biggest and most important question - how will Denver fare this season?
If there’s ever a season where timing is critical, this is the one. With a monstrous defense that led the team to a 5-1 start last year, giving up a total of 44 points, 7.3 per game and the lowest points allowed in the NFL at the time. Offensive woes were overcome by a “bend but not break” defense, where Champ Bailey was the quiet and unofficial defensive player of the year. With an offense that ranked 31st in the league at the time with 12.3 points per game, even the defense couldn’t prevent a 4-6 downhill finish.
This year, much of the same can be expected with a decimated receiving core with the exception of Javon Walker. The defensive addition of Dre Bly to the secondary will keep points off the board long enough for the offense to get going. With the rest of the crew coming off various injuries, expect Cutler and the offense to get off to a slow start.
Jay Cutler
A keeper league gem and a promising performer, its Cutler’s ship and the Broncos are on it. With Plummer out of the picture and assured backup, Patrick Ramsey taking them from the bench, there is no quarterback controversy or worry over job security. Look for the talented Cutler to move up the ranks of second-tier fantasy quarterbacks this season and expect him to surge as the season progresses. He’ll face his growing pains early and grow stronger along with the owners who draft him.
Travis Henry/Mike Bell
Tally up an automatic 1,000 yards, with the veteran Travis Henry exploiting the runway between the tackles. A word of caution for future Mike Bell owners – expect him to struggle fantasy-wise as his running style isn’t that different from Henry’s. Not being a change of pace back can hurt his stock. While his hard-nosed, grind-it-out style of play admirably makes him a fan favorite, Bell’s similar running will leave him with less carries as Henry will be more featured.
It goes without say to draft Bell if you have Henry. Handcuffing backups is a good way to protect your investment - especially if the backup is as talented as Mike Bell.
Javon Walker
A steal in a bust out year last season leaves Walker as the only healthy disclaimer to the injury report that is the Broncos’ wide outs. Walker is the only viable target and as he proved last year, will put up big numbers if defenses aren’t geared to shutting him down.
Brandon Marshall
Coming off a thigh injury, Marshall hasn’t been on the practice field and is a definite candidate for a rough start. However, keep an in-season eye on Marshall who could become a weapon inside the twenty and a difference maker for deeper league fantasy teams starving for a receiver.
Brandon Stokley
A late value pick at best, look for the oft-injured Stokley to be a fantasy disappointment. Avoid being a hopeful if you are expecting him to bust out given the circumstances. Coming off a ruptured right Achilles earlier than expected, and without the luxury of indoor turf that serves as Madden turbo, hit the pass button instead.
Rod Smith
Coach Shanahan has offered a liberal, if not hazy assessment of Smith’s timetable for return from hip injury and subsequent surgery. Being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list doesn’t help matters. It comes to show you that injury and age will catch up even to the Hot Rod, as a spot for him should not be reserved unless you’re incredibly sentimental.
Daniel Graham/Tony Scheffler
Recovered from a broken foot and freshly activated, emerging Tony Scheffler was a bona fide sleeper until the acquisition of Daniel Graham. Considering Graham’s usage by New England as a Red Zone target, this leaves Scheffler in the role of a possession tight end. This translates to split numbers, as they would each cut into the others productivity. A good tandem, avoid too much fantasy expectation from either individually.
Email Harsh Lochan: harsh@nfldraftbible.com
By Harsh Lochan, NFL Draft Bible
The beginning of a season is the same for every franchise- a breath of fresh air, that eternal ray of hope and confidence in the season to come.
That very confidence and hope in Denver has been injected by young quarterback Jay Cutler. Fans can be heard whispering the name “Elway” to each other as Cutler steps into a downfield pass in the Mile High sky. Behind the apparent answers, however, lie critical questions.
The receivers he’s throwing to? “The walking wounded.” The running game? “Leave it to Shanny – He’ll find a way.” JC? “He’ll come into his own.” The biggest and most important question - how will Denver fare this season?
If there’s ever a season where timing is critical, this is the one. With a monstrous defense that led the team to a 5-1 start last year, giving up a total of 44 points, 7.3 per game and the lowest points allowed in the NFL at the time. Offensive woes were overcome by a “bend but not break” defense, where Champ Bailey was the quiet and unofficial defensive player of the year. With an offense that ranked 31st in the league at the time with 12.3 points per game, even the defense couldn’t prevent a 4-6 downhill finish.
This year, much of the same can be expected with a decimated receiving core with the exception of Javon Walker. The defensive addition of Dre Bly to the secondary will keep points off the board long enough for the offense to get going. With the rest of the crew coming off various injuries, expect Cutler and the offense to get off to a slow start.
Jay Cutler
A keeper league gem and a promising performer, its Cutler’s ship and the Broncos are on it. With Plummer out of the picture and assured backup, Patrick Ramsey taking them from the bench, there is no quarterback controversy or worry over job security. Look for the talented Cutler to move up the ranks of second-tier fantasy quarterbacks this season and expect him to surge as the season progresses. He’ll face his growing pains early and grow stronger along with the owners who draft him.
Travis Henry/Mike Bell
Tally up an automatic 1,000 yards, with the veteran Travis Henry exploiting the runway between the tackles. A word of caution for future Mike Bell owners – expect him to struggle fantasy-wise as his running style isn’t that different from Henry’s. Not being a change of pace back can hurt his stock. While his hard-nosed, grind-it-out style of play admirably makes him a fan favorite, Bell’s similar running will leave him with less carries as Henry will be more featured.
It goes without say to draft Bell if you have Henry. Handcuffing backups is a good way to protect your investment - especially if the backup is as talented as Mike Bell.
Javon Walker
A steal in a bust out year last season leaves Walker as the only healthy disclaimer to the injury report that is the Broncos’ wide outs. Walker is the only viable target and as he proved last year, will put up big numbers if defenses aren’t geared to shutting him down.
Brandon Marshall
Coming off a thigh injury, Marshall hasn’t been on the practice field and is a definite candidate for a rough start. However, keep an in-season eye on Marshall who could become a weapon inside the twenty and a difference maker for deeper league fantasy teams starving for a receiver.
Brandon Stokley
A late value pick at best, look for the oft-injured Stokley to be a fantasy disappointment. Avoid being a hopeful if you are expecting him to bust out given the circumstances. Coming off a ruptured right Achilles earlier than expected, and without the luxury of indoor turf that serves as Madden turbo, hit the pass button instead.
Rod Smith
Coach Shanahan has offered a liberal, if not hazy assessment of Smith’s timetable for return from hip injury and subsequent surgery. Being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list doesn’t help matters. It comes to show you that injury and age will catch up even to the Hot Rod, as a spot for him should not be reserved unless you’re incredibly sentimental.
Daniel Graham/Tony Scheffler
Recovered from a broken foot and freshly activated, emerging Tony Scheffler was a bona fide sleeper until the acquisition of Daniel Graham. Considering Graham’s usage by New England as a Red Zone target, this leaves Scheffler in the role of a possession tight end. This translates to split numbers, as they would each cut into the others productivity. A good tandem, avoid too much fantasy expectation from either individually.
Email Harsh Lochan: harsh@nfldraftbible.com
FF IMPLICATIONS OF THE TWO-BACK SYSTEM
By David Kaye, NFL Draft Bible
Last season the Indianapolis Colts orchestrated the two running back
system en route to a Super Bowl victory. The year before that, the
Pittsburgh Steelers incorporated the inside outside combination of
Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy.
Due to the success of the Colts and Steelers, more and more teams will
begin to employ the running back by committee system. It will be interesting to note if this is a trend that has staying power and
what, if any, fantasy implications this might have as the season
approaches.
AFC
Buffalo Bills
In Buffalo, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Marshawn Lynch will split time with seven-year veteran Anthony Thomas in the backfield. The players have contrasting running styles--Lynch provides extraordinary speed and balance while Thomas is a power back. “I would still like if we had the option, to run the ball by committee,”said head coach Dick Jauron.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew combined to form a
two-headed monster in Jacksonville last season amassing 2,087 yards and 18 touchdowns between them. Jones-Drew proved to fantasy owners that he's a versatile back who can also catch passes and serve as a kick return specialist. He compiled 436 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and saw his kick return average escalate to 27.7, third best in the NFL. I expect the fantasy production of Jones-Drew to continue to increase in all facets of the game, as he will provide a little mojo to the Jaguars backfield.
Oakland Raiders
As the Raiders enter the 2007 season boasting the lowest scoring
offense in the league, backfield mates LaMont Jordan and Dominic
Rhodes will be counted on heavily throughout the season. Rhodes, signed in the off-season coming over from those Super Bowl Champion Colts, has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Even though his value is quickly diminishing, he would be a steal between rounds 10-15, as he will return week six against Miami. Without Rhodes, Jordan will see considerable playing time and he has the ability to be a productive starter. He'll probably go unnoticed in fantasy drafts, but he is on my radar as a sleeper pick.
NFC
Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber III transformed into a touchdown machine last season as he found the end zone fourteen times on the ground and twice in the air. Barber was featured more as a third down and goal line back last season due to his strength and ability to move the chains. As a young player on the rise, he should be a hot commodity in fantasy drafts. Meanwhile, starter Julius Jones saw his production on the ground increase for the third consecutive season, but he found the end zone less often. Being that this is a contract year for him, there'll be added pressure to perform and I expect him to have a breakout season.
Detroit Lions
Reports out of Detroit indicate that running back Kevin Jones is steadily progressing from a left foot injury that ended his season last year. Although he's regaining strength and his ability to cut, he's still on the physically unable to perform list and is not close to 100%. With Jones's injury, Tatum Bell is receiving the majority of reps in camp and offensive guru Mike Martz is planning to use the former Bronco in a featured role. His value in drafts is quickly rising and if Jones can recover fully, he can translate into a solid sleeper pick.
Minnesota Vikings
Last season in Minnesota, Chester Taylor was the dominant back as he eclipsed the 1,200 yard mark and distinguished himself as the focal point in the Vikings offense. With the arrival of first-round pick Adrian Peterson, Taylor's role will be diminished as a running back by committee system will be implemented. Even though Peterson is the hot pick in drafts, Taylor could prove to have an excellent season.
New York Giants
With the retirement of Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs will be thrust into the spotlight in the Giants offense. Jacobs displayed his explosiveness last season as he ran over opposing defenders and barreled his way into the end zone nine times. Reuben Droughns, acquired in the off-season from Cleveland, experienced a disappointing 2006 campaign, but will be relied upon heavily in the run game. I expect offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride to employ a running back by committee system in order to utilize the abilities of both players.
Washington Redskins
Running back Clinton Portis is returning from two shoulder injuries, a
sprained ankle and a broken bone in his right hand that placed him on
injured reserve last season. In his absence, backup Ladell Betts went
on to have the best season of his career, rushing for 1,154 yards and
four touchdowns. In the final six games of 2006, Betts accumulated five
100-yard games and eclipsed the 150-yard mark twice. Despite his
consistency, Portis is the starter in Washington and is being drafted
between the second and fourth rounds. I would use caution when considering Portis, who's extremely injury prone and focus my attention on grabbing Betts later on.
Email David Kaye at: david@nfldraftbible.com
Last season the Indianapolis Colts orchestrated the two running back
system en route to a Super Bowl victory. The year before that, the
Pittsburgh Steelers incorporated the inside outside combination of
Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy.
Due to the success of the Colts and Steelers, more and more teams will
begin to employ the running back by committee system. It will be interesting to note if this is a trend that has staying power and
what, if any, fantasy implications this might have as the season
approaches.
AFC
Buffalo Bills
In Buffalo, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Marshawn Lynch will split time with seven-year veteran Anthony Thomas in the backfield. The players have contrasting running styles--Lynch provides extraordinary speed and balance while Thomas is a power back. “I would still like if we had the option, to run the ball by committee,”said head coach Dick Jauron.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew combined to form a
two-headed monster in Jacksonville last season amassing 2,087 yards and 18 touchdowns between them. Jones-Drew proved to fantasy owners that he's a versatile back who can also catch passes and serve as a kick return specialist. He compiled 436 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and saw his kick return average escalate to 27.7, third best in the NFL. I expect the fantasy production of Jones-Drew to continue to increase in all facets of the game, as he will provide a little mojo to the Jaguars backfield.
Oakland Raiders
As the Raiders enter the 2007 season boasting the lowest scoring
offense in the league, backfield mates LaMont Jordan and Dominic
Rhodes will be counted on heavily throughout the season. Rhodes, signed in the off-season coming over from those Super Bowl Champion Colts, has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Even though his value is quickly diminishing, he would be a steal between rounds 10-15, as he will return week six against Miami. Without Rhodes, Jordan will see considerable playing time and he has the ability to be a productive starter. He'll probably go unnoticed in fantasy drafts, but he is on my radar as a sleeper pick.
NFC
Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber III transformed into a touchdown machine last season as he found the end zone fourteen times on the ground and twice in the air. Barber was featured more as a third down and goal line back last season due to his strength and ability to move the chains. As a young player on the rise, he should be a hot commodity in fantasy drafts. Meanwhile, starter Julius Jones saw his production on the ground increase for the third consecutive season, but he found the end zone less often. Being that this is a contract year for him, there'll be added pressure to perform and I expect him to have a breakout season.
Detroit Lions
Reports out of Detroit indicate that running back Kevin Jones is steadily progressing from a left foot injury that ended his season last year. Although he's regaining strength and his ability to cut, he's still on the physically unable to perform list and is not close to 100%. With Jones's injury, Tatum Bell is receiving the majority of reps in camp and offensive guru Mike Martz is planning to use the former Bronco in a featured role. His value in drafts is quickly rising and if Jones can recover fully, he can translate into a solid sleeper pick.
Minnesota Vikings
Last season in Minnesota, Chester Taylor was the dominant back as he eclipsed the 1,200 yard mark and distinguished himself as the focal point in the Vikings offense. With the arrival of first-round pick Adrian Peterson, Taylor's role will be diminished as a running back by committee system will be implemented. Even though Peterson is the hot pick in drafts, Taylor could prove to have an excellent season.
New York Giants
With the retirement of Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs will be thrust into the spotlight in the Giants offense. Jacobs displayed his explosiveness last season as he ran over opposing defenders and barreled his way into the end zone nine times. Reuben Droughns, acquired in the off-season from Cleveland, experienced a disappointing 2006 campaign, but will be relied upon heavily in the run game. I expect offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride to employ a running back by committee system in order to utilize the abilities of both players.
Washington Redskins
Running back Clinton Portis is returning from two shoulder injuries, a
sprained ankle and a broken bone in his right hand that placed him on
injured reserve last season. In his absence, backup Ladell Betts went
on to have the best season of his career, rushing for 1,154 yards and
four touchdowns. In the final six games of 2006, Betts accumulated five
100-yard games and eclipsed the 150-yard mark twice. Despite his
consistency, Portis is the starter in Washington and is being drafted
between the second and fourth rounds. I would use caution when considering Portis, who's extremely injury prone and focus my attention on grabbing Betts later on.
Email David Kaye at: david@nfldraftbible.com
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