By Ralph Mancini, NFL Draft Bible Senior Writer
In looking back on Green Bay’s unexpected return to prominence in the NFC North this year, most fans will immediately point to Brett Favre’s dramatic comeback season or the defensive unit’s coming of age as key factors, but one component that’s been often overlooked is rock-solid kicking phenom, Mason Crosby who’s been delighting diehard cheeseheads with his pinpoint- accurate field goals and booming kickoffs.
Pegged by many to fall within the first three rounds of the 2007 NFL Draft, the University of Colorado placekicker was finally chosen with the 193rd pick of the sixth round on the heels of a collegiate career that saw him become the first player in the Big 12 to be named player of the week eight times.
During his four-year experience, the Lubbock, Texan dazzled fans by converting 138 of his 203 kickoffs into touchbacks. His accuracy, additionally, was also off the charts as he connected on 66 of 88 field goal attempts.
At the start of his first professional season, Crosby was faced with challenge of unseating incumbent kicker Dave Raymer who scored 109 points for the Green and Gold in 2006.
The 23-year-old wasted no time in making a case for himself by nailing a 52-yard field goal in his first preseason game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field---the longest field goal ever kicked in that stadium.
Upon claiming the starting kicker’s role, the former Buffalo began the regular season in grand style by going three-for-three on his field goal attempts which included a 53-yarder and a 42-yard kick with only seconds remaining as Green Bay outscored Philadelphia 16-13 in an early-season thriller.
The 6’ 1” 212-pound Crosby went on to become a very reliable contributor to a high-scoring offense and dispelled all concerns that his success as a collegian was nothing more than a product of the thin Colorado air.
A howitzer leg along with a perfect success rate on extra points have allowed Crosby to lead all NFL kickers in scoring with 131 points heading into the last week of the season.
Ranked first overall among placekickers by the 2007edition of the NFL Draft Bible , Crosby may very well be the best kicking prospect to enter the professional ranks since Sebastian Janikowski entered the league in 2000.
In the past, this special-teams marvel has proven to have the temperament to handle pressure when called upon to make game-deciding plays and is also versatile enough to handle punting duties if necessary.
In a league where field position is vital to the outcome of games, Crosby’s kickoff prowess is the ultimate secret weapon in forcing opposing squads to put together long drives in their hopes to generate points. Crosby’s exceptional ability in this area may prove crucial during postseason play, particularly in home games that may very well be played in less-than-desirable winter conditions.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Ones To Watch
By Ralph Mancini, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer
With another action-packed fantasy football season in the books, it’s time to look ahead and gauge which players could see a dramatic rise in production.
MATT MOORE (QB-CAR)- Much like Tony Romo, Moore started his NFL career as an overlooked rookie who went undrafted last April. Due to the health issues and overall ineptness of those ahead of him on the depth chart, Moore was given an opportunity to start for Carolina in week 15. Despite the low expectations many had for the disappointing Panthers versus the playoff-bound Seahawks that week, Moore led his team to a 13-10 upset victory. Ranked ninth overall by the 2007 edition of the NFL Draft Bible, the 6’ 3” 195-pound signal caller throws a good deep ball and has the ability to read defenses which has helped him avoid costly errors. Moore could be in line for a starting role next season provided he puts on some weight and develops better accuracy. It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff will allow the Oregon State product to battle it out with veteran Jake Delhomme for the top spot at the quarterback position.
NAJEH DAVENPORT (RB-PIT)- This career backup proved to be ready, willing and able to fill in for an injured Willie Parker as he carried the load in Pittsburgh’s 41-24 victory over St. Louis. The 250-pound Jerome Bettis-clone plowed through the Rams defense for 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and displayed tremendous power and surprising speed once he got past the first level of defense. If the former Miami Hurricane continues to pulverize the opposition in the playoffs, he may be looking at more carries next season in a time-share role with the aforementioned Parker.
JUSTIN GAGE (WR-TEN)- Viewed by many as an underachiever going into the 2007 season, the 26-year-old Gage finally established himself as a starter and as one of Vince Young’s go-to guys alongside Roydell Williams. Though not blessed with electrifying speed, the 6’4” wide out specializes in making tough grabs over the middle, as well as breaking tackles after the catch. Look for the former Bear to improve upon his career-best 646 receiving yards (through 15 games) next season as Young develops as pocket passer.
LAURENT ROBINSON (WR-ATL)- If you’re in search of a blossoming player with true superstar potential, then look no further than Laurent Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons. Buried for part of the season behind the fading Joe Horn, the rookie speedster emerged from the shadows this Sunday by recording seven receptions for 114 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown catch in which he clearly burned Arizona’s Antrel Rolle. Entering the 2007 NFL Draft, Robinson was clocked at 4.38 in the forty and amazed talent evaluators with his 39-inch vertical jump. With a year under his belt and a more stable offense around him, this up-and-coming talent has all the tools to develop into a consistent playmaker.
BRENT CELEK (TE-PHI)- With starting tight end L.J. Smith probably on his way out as he assumes free agent status, Philadelphia will be hoping to replace the former Rutgers standout with their 2007 fifth-round pick--Brent Celek from the University of Cincinnati. Following a stellar preseason in which the 6’4” 255-pound tight end showcased superior hands and the skills to gain yards after the catch, Celek had a relatively quiet first year. However, following recent injuries to Smith and Matt Schobel, the promising youngster made noteworthy contributions to the Eagles offense in weeks 15 and 16 by catching five receptions for 85 yards, including a 29-yard pass.
GREG OLSEN (TE-CHI)- The 6’ 6” 252-pound physical specimen entered the league as the most athletic rookie at his position in 2007. So impressive was Olsen in training camp, that Chicago’s coaching staff began drawing up specific plays intended to get the ball into the hands of their prized first-year tight end. Those early plans were scrapped when Olsen suffered a knee injury late in the preseason. Despite showing flashes of his playmaking ability upon his return, including a five-week stretch in which he posted 22 receptions, the Wayne, New Jersey native was often victimized by poor play at the quarterback position along with the fact that he was frequently forced to play second fiddle to veteran tight end Desmond Clark. Ranked first overall among tight ends in the latest edition of the NFL Draft Bible, there’s no doubt that Chicago’s coaching staff will be devising new ways to maximize Olsen’s outstanding leaping ability in 2008.
With another action-packed fantasy football season in the books, it’s time to look ahead and gauge which players could see a dramatic rise in production.
MATT MOORE (QB-CAR)- Much like Tony Romo, Moore started his NFL career as an overlooked rookie who went undrafted last April. Due to the health issues and overall ineptness of those ahead of him on the depth chart, Moore was given an opportunity to start for Carolina in week 15. Despite the low expectations many had for the disappointing Panthers versus the playoff-bound Seahawks that week, Moore led his team to a 13-10 upset victory. Ranked ninth overall by the 2007 edition of the NFL Draft Bible, the 6’ 3” 195-pound signal caller throws a good deep ball and has the ability to read defenses which has helped him avoid costly errors. Moore could be in line for a starting role next season provided he puts on some weight and develops better accuracy. It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff will allow the Oregon State product to battle it out with veteran Jake Delhomme for the top spot at the quarterback position.
NAJEH DAVENPORT (RB-PIT)- This career backup proved to be ready, willing and able to fill in for an injured Willie Parker as he carried the load in Pittsburgh’s 41-24 victory over St. Louis. The 250-pound Jerome Bettis-clone plowed through the Rams defense for 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and displayed tremendous power and surprising speed once he got past the first level of defense. If the former Miami Hurricane continues to pulverize the opposition in the playoffs, he may be looking at more carries next season in a time-share role with the aforementioned Parker.
JUSTIN GAGE (WR-TEN)- Viewed by many as an underachiever going into the 2007 season, the 26-year-old Gage finally established himself as a starter and as one of Vince Young’s go-to guys alongside Roydell Williams. Though not blessed with electrifying speed, the 6’4” wide out specializes in making tough grabs over the middle, as well as breaking tackles after the catch. Look for the former Bear to improve upon his career-best 646 receiving yards (through 15 games) next season as Young develops as pocket passer.
LAURENT ROBINSON (WR-ATL)- If you’re in search of a blossoming player with true superstar potential, then look no further than Laurent Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons. Buried for part of the season behind the fading Joe Horn, the rookie speedster emerged from the shadows this Sunday by recording seven receptions for 114 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown catch in which he clearly burned Arizona’s Antrel Rolle. Entering the 2007 NFL Draft, Robinson was clocked at 4.38 in the forty and amazed talent evaluators with his 39-inch vertical jump. With a year under his belt and a more stable offense around him, this up-and-coming talent has all the tools to develop into a consistent playmaker.
BRENT CELEK (TE-PHI)- With starting tight end L.J. Smith probably on his way out as he assumes free agent status, Philadelphia will be hoping to replace the former Rutgers standout with their 2007 fifth-round pick--Brent Celek from the University of Cincinnati. Following a stellar preseason in which the 6’4” 255-pound tight end showcased superior hands and the skills to gain yards after the catch, Celek had a relatively quiet first year. However, following recent injuries to Smith and Matt Schobel, the promising youngster made noteworthy contributions to the Eagles offense in weeks 15 and 16 by catching five receptions for 85 yards, including a 29-yard pass.
GREG OLSEN (TE-CHI)- The 6’ 6” 252-pound physical specimen entered the league as the most athletic rookie at his position in 2007. So impressive was Olsen in training camp, that Chicago’s coaching staff began drawing up specific plays intended to get the ball into the hands of their prized first-year tight end. Those early plans were scrapped when Olsen suffered a knee injury late in the preseason. Despite showing flashes of his playmaking ability upon his return, including a five-week stretch in which he posted 22 receptions, the Wayne, New Jersey native was often victimized by poor play at the quarterback position along with the fact that he was frequently forced to play second fiddle to veteran tight end Desmond Clark. Ranked first overall among tight ends in the latest edition of the NFL Draft Bible, there’s no doubt that Chicago’s coaching staff will be devising new ways to maximize Olsen’s outstanding leaping ability in 2008.
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