Sunday, March 29, 2009

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

March 29th, 2009 9:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]
With the month of March closing fast the NFL draft is now less than a month away. AS NFL teams continue to take a look at this year's class of prospects it's important to stay in tune with NFL player movement and notes for your upcoming fantasy draft this summer. Several players are going to come to the forefront while others will sneak up on us as it always happens every year. Here's a look at some of my recent notes regarding a few of those players...

My Take...
WR-TORRY HOLT TALKING WITH TITANS?
The Titans lack real experience at the position. Holt is not going to set any new records in Tennessee, but Kerry Collins could benefit greatly with an experienced clutch veteran receiver like Holt. The younger receivers like Justin Gage and Nate Washington could also blossom under the tutelage of Holt. There has only been noted interest by Tennessee, along with the Jaguars. Holt is no longer an elite receiver in fantasy and will fall considerably in drafts this summer, but he'll have more value with Collins throwing the pill in his direction.
QB-PHILIP RIVERS STILL YET TO RE-SIGN
There is little or no chance of Rivers pulling a primadonna antic like holding out, but it would weigh heavily in the team's best interest to get him resigned soon to avoid any unpleasantness. Over the past couple of seasons Rivers has proven his toughness and in 2008 he emerged as one of the league's best passers. With LT returning to the lineup this upcoming season, Rivers figures to have another productive year and could be a top five fantasy quarterback once again.
RB-WILLIS MCGAHEE WILL VOLUNTEER
The Raven's one-time featured back lost some carries and production in 2008. His work ehtic and toughness were questioned at the start of last season and he did very little to dismiss such talk. McGahee will have his work cut-out this offseason if he is to prove himself worthy as the team's featured back in 2009. With Ray Rice and LeRon McClain figuring to battle once again for playing time, McGahee is taking part in voluntary workouts, apparently doing whatever he can to separate himself from the competition. The jury may still be out on the former Miami Hurricane, but he's definitely worth keeping your eye on for this coming season.
RB-LARRY JOHNSON PLEADS GUILTY
The Chiefs best running back Larry Johnson pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and received a suspended two years on probation. Johnson has found himself no stranger to off-the-field trouble and will now meet with the team this week to discuss a grievance being pursued by the team that could ultimately send LJ packing. If his one game suspension last season is found to violate his contract, the team will undoubtedly release Johnson. LJ fell from grace over the past two seasons and heading into the 2009 fantasy season he becomes a huge risk. Fantasy owners will have to wait to see the outcome of this grievance.
WR-MARVIN HARRISON STILL HOMELESS
Now that he has been a free agent for several weeks, there appears to be very little if any interest in the aging veteran receiver. At 37, Harrison has lost a lot of his appeal and after his significant decline in production last season it does not look promising for him to land anywhere before summer camps open in July. Fantasy owners can expect some movement to occur only after camps have opened and injuries (as they will) happen, but even then it still a not a sure thing.
RB-MARION BARBER EXPECTED TO SHARE ROLE
According to team notes, the Cowboys are very fond of their entire backfield of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. Barber is still expected to be the main guy in Dallas, but the team will make every effort to get all three involved one way or the other. The good news for fantasy owners is Barber will still be a possible late RB1 or early RB2 selection, but he has a better chance of remaining healthy and productive throughout the 2009 season.

IDP Notes:
More notes of interest for those that venture toward the "Darkside." For those that play in custom leagues that implement IDP, every point counts and when you don't study your defense, you can lose many valuable points on draft day by making poor decisions. Here's more football fodder and "my take" for fantasy players to digest....
DL-JASON TAYLOR TO RETURN TO PHINS?
Apparently the once longtime Dolphin has a chance to returning to his former team. Taylor's named has been tossed around quite a bit the last week or so as the former all-pro enjoys his free agency. Currently word is he'll be in Miami for his annual celebrity golf event with a chance to mix and mingle with many of his former teammates. Taylor still loves Miami and if there was ever a chance of him returning this is as good as it gets, but we'll still have to wait and see. A return for Taylor could be just what the team's defense needs to help linebacker Joey Porter. If healthy Taylor still has the ability to be an effective pass rusher and could be a nice mid-level defensive lineman pick in fantasy drafts.
DL-PHILLIP DANIELS EXPECTS TO RESIGN WITH SKINS
The Redskins defensive lineman spent the entire 2008 season sidelined with an ACL injury. At 36, even in a reserve role with the team, fantasy owners can't expect much production, at least not enough to justify a fantasy draft pick. He'll only offer value, if any as a possible late season fill-in, granted that he can stay healthy.
DL-DARWIN WALKER COULD RETURN TO PANTHERS
Reports are indicating the current free agent and former Panther could return to the team for another year, but whether he does or not he'll very little impact. Walker has yet to play a full season the last two years, starting in just nine games and recording only one sack. Walker is not longer the impact defensive lineman he was in Philly. If he returns he'll likely be situational and not much of a contributor that fantasy owners should be concerned with.
LB-ROOSEVELT COLVIN NOT LIKELY TO RETURN
The Patriots former linebacker and now unrestricted free agent according to many sources will likely not be back with the team in 2009. Colvin spent most of his 2008 season on the sideline playing in only four games. There has been no indication, but after playing in only 15 games the past two seasons it's not likely Colvin will land anywhere in 2009 suggesting his career could be close to an end.

DL-ROD COLEMAN SIGNS WITH SAINTS
Depsite their limitations with available cap space heading into the offseason, the Saints have managed to stay busy. Defensive lineman Rod Coleman will likely come cheap after missing all of 2008 and much of 2007 injured. When healthy Coleman can be a monster in the middle, as a run stuffer and pass rusher. If healthy he could be a solid addition to the d-line and upgrade a defense that ranked near the bottom in 2008. Fantasy owners should wait to see how Coleman looks this summer before buying into his koolaid.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411....

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