Monday, May 4, 2009

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 4th, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

With many NFL mini-camps open fantasy owners will have a great opportunity to see many of the up and coming stars fitting in with their new teams. It’s a chance to get an idea of who’s going to have the best shot to make an impact in 2009. Here’s my take on some more recent notes from around the NFL....

My Take...

RB RYAN TORAIN COULD BE AT RISK
The Bronco’s top rookie running back from just a year ago could be at risk to make the team. Torain is still recovering from ACL surgery. If he manages to stay with the club it sounds like he could end up on the PUP list to start the season.
Early Fantasy Read: Torian is likely to have very little fantasy value if any, even if he manages to hang on. With a crowded backfield it’s unlikely that Torian will see any meaningful carries in 2009.

RB LADANIAN TOMLINSON IS A FULL PARTICIPANT
The Charger’s starting running back is a full participant at the team’s mini-camp over the weekend. There’s little doubt LT will be the number tailback in San Diego, but how much he‘ll be used will be left to debate. Durability and health have been the issue with LT the past couple of seasons.
Early Fantasy Read: LT has usually been viewed as a top fantasy running back, but Sproles in the backfield to share time and health being the priority, his fantasy value could take a hit. He’ll likely drop a few spots, but should still be considered a top 10 back.

WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH SHOWING GREAT CHEMISTRY
The Seahawks newest playmaker has been showing great chemistry in camp with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. T.J. is expected to be the team’s number one go-to receiver and appears he’s well on his way.
Early Fantasy Read: Housh is a stud receiver that has posted some of the best numbers over the past couple of seasons. His early success with Hass is a good sign that he’ll keep his elite receiving status in fantasy leagues.

QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER IS THE STARTER TODAY
The veteran quarterback is slated to be the team’s starter heading into Lion’s training camp.
Early Fantasy Read: It’s too early to buy into anything at this time, as the Lion’s top rookie pick quarterback Matthew Stafford is just getting started. It’s a good bet that Stafford will win the job at some point this coming season, limiting Culpepper’s value to little or none in most fantasy leagues.

WR MARVIN HARRISON NOT LIKELY TO RETURN TO INDY
Never say never, but it appears quite clear that the Colts have no immediate plans to re-sign the franchise’s leading receiver. Harrison was released by the team earlier this offseason.
Early Fantasy Read: Harrison is at the tail end of his career and not quite the player he used to be, but given the right situation he could still have some value. He’s a risky fantasy draft pick, but definitely a wait and see play for 2009.


IDP Notes:

The "Bad Boys" of the NFL continue to keep busy making noise and raising interest. They may be bad boys, but some of these players will be key in IDP leagues for 2009. Here are just a few more note worthys with my take what you can expect from the Dark-side.....

DB ANTONIO CROMARTIE IS FULLY RECOVERED
The Chargers playmaking defensive back appears to be healthy and ready to return to form in 2009. Cromartie suffered a fracture hip in 2008.
Early Fantasy Read: There’s no question the injury had a huge impact on Cromartie’s play last season, but just a year prior he was a standout in the league with 10 interceptions. He still has tremendous ability and talent and should be a top IDP selection in most fantasy drafts.

DB NICK COLLINS FINALLY REPORTS TO CAMP
The Packers free safety was a late arrival to camp. This is the final year of Collins rookie contract and there are some reports swirling that Collins is looking for a new deal.
Early Fantasy Read: Collins was a highly productive IDP play in 2008 with 72 tackles and seven interceptions and should be again in 2009. It would be surprising to see the Packers not give him a new deal.

DL SHAUN ROGERS APPEARS TO BE NOW “ON BOARD”
Rogers finished 2008 as one of the leagues top defensive tackles with 76 tackles. Earlier in the offseason, an unhappy Rogers was asking to be traded. Apparently the 9-year veteran was able to meet with HC Mangini and is now “in a more positive state of mind.”
Early Fantasy Read: Last season Rogers was a beast in the middle in the teams first eight games, but failed to record a sack over the last eight. He’s still considered one of the leagues best defensive tackles and now that he’s on board fantasy owners can expect another productive season.

LB LARRY ENGLISH MOVING TO THE OUTSIDE
The rookie linebacker is going to move from his normal defensive end position to outside linebacker. He’s expected to play behind Merriman and Phillips, but will still see a lot of snaps as a pass rusher.
Early Fantasy Read: English was solid as a defensive end in MAC division, but he’ll be asked to rush from the upright position on the outside. Even as a package player English could be an IDP impact player in 2009.


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