FSH: THE ATL REPORT

May 2nd, 2009 11:37pm PST

THE "ATL" REPORT

Around the League

Retired Brett Favre in the News….
Once again the man with the golden arm is making news. His recent request and granting of his release from New York has raised speculation that Favre could come out of retirement once again. The current word is Minnesota could be the hot spot for the future hall of famer due to his strong ties with Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. That will remain to be seen.

Alex Smith expecting to compete in camp….
The Niners former first round draft pick expects to be ready to compete when training camp starts this summer. Smith is coming off shoulder surgery last November, but is expected to be able to throw with no restrictions by the time training camp opens. Healthy or not Smith will be a long shot to win the starting job over Shaun Hill and likely have little fantasy value in 2009.

Jets keeping options open when it comes to Plax….
While it’s hard to imagine why any team would have any interest now, the Jets appear to be keeping an eye on the Plaxico Burress situation. It sounds like the team could be considering the former Giants receiver if he manages to avoid jail, but it’s not likely. The Jets will also have to consider the possibility of Burress facing a possible suspension from the league. Plaxico is not a fantasy consideration at this time.

Westbrook quiet in Camp (avoids media?)….
The Eagles running back did not talk to the media on Friday during the Eagles mini-camp, although it was noted he was “moving around well.” After an injury laden 2008 season with a severe ankle injury, the Eagles will be planning to limit Westbrook’s reps throughout their mini-camps and likely training camp. Westbrook has been one of the most productive backs in the league the past couple of seasons because of his versatility but his recent injuries are starting to make him a risky play for fantasy owners.

Lorenzo Neal drawing interest from Raiders….
The bruising full back still has plenty left in the tank to open holes. If the Raiders can sign the 17-year veteran, there’s no question his addition could help bolster a pretty good rushing attack (ranked 10th in 2008). Neal was an effective lead blocker for LeRon McClain in Baltimore last season and can do the same for the Raider’s backfield. Neal has no fantasy value as a player, but his presence will elevate those around him in the run game.

Dansby and Cards to start talks of a new deal….
The Cardinal’s linebacker and leading tackler in 2008 fired his first agent when a deal did not get done earlier this offseason. His new agent will be working hard to get a new deal done soon. It’s not likely the two sides won’t get a deal done; Dansby is one of the best players on the Cardinal’s defense. He should once again be a strong IDP play in fantasy leagues in 2009.

Mini-camps opened and many no shows….
With mini-camps opening all over the league, it’s an opportunity to catch some of this year’s top drafted classmen in action with their new team. In New York quarterback Mark Sanchez is drawing a lot of interest, just as is quarterback Matthew Stafford the Lion’s top pick. Perhaps the most notable players in camp are those that are not in camp. Here’s a list of some of those that were the classic no-show;

SD-(WR) Malcom Floyd (did not show)
STL-(DL) Leonard Little (hamstring injury)
PIT-(WR) Hines Ward (recovering from surgery)
MIN-(WR) Percy Harvin (illness)
PHI-(WR) Kevin Curtis (recovering from surgery)
ARI-(WR) Anquan Boldin (hamstring injury)
WAS-(WR) James Thrash (neck injury)
PIT-(LB) Larry Foote (did not show)
CAR-(DL) Julius Peppers (did not show)
SEA-(DL) Patrick Kearney (recovering from surgery)
NYJ-(RB) Thomas Jones (did not show)


Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: THAT'S MY TAKE

May 2nd, 2009 8:10pm PST

A Mile High Draft

Denver Broncos: How’d they do?

This was supposed to have been McDaniels golden opportunity to show the fans of Denver that he has a plan and that the team is in good hands. Well I’m not so sure that was the message conveyed over draft weekend when you consider some of the picks made.

Now let's be fair, I’m not going to throw anyone under the bus or even suggest that the Broncos did not do well in this year's draft. I think the easiest way to say it, I was very surprised and concerned by some of the team’s early picks, but in the end I am hopeful that McDaniels and his new staff have made good decisions.

When draft day began, my first thought was okay McDaniels you have two first round picks (in the top 20), lets put the defense back together. Imagine my surprise when not only was the first pick not a defensive player, but their second pick was not one of the many names some figured the Broncos might grab at 12 (Ray Maualuga, Clay Matthews, or Vontae Davis).

It’s hard to question a team’s thinking when you are not in the circle, but clearly Denver appeared all over the map with their early selections, even some expert analysts weren’t clear of what was the though process. Now that the draft is complete, let’s take a look at some of the picks made;

The highlights of the draft…

With their first pick the Broncos went running back, with the selection of Knowshon Moreno. The former Georgia Bulldog is a versatile back and a playmaker, but this wasn’t a particular area of desperate need. However the staff must have been really high on Moreno and at number 12 he will likely come in as the starter. At only 5’11” tall and 208-lbs he probably won’t be expected to be an every down back which makes sense in McDaniels running-back-by-committee friendly system.

It did not take long for McDaniels to get back on track with the defense being the focus in the draft. With the team’s next three picks, Denver selected Robert Ayers (Tennessee), Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest), and Darcel McBath (Texas Tech). All three players address areas of specific need.

Ayers gives the Broncos a much needed pass rusher on the edge, but I question his size. At only 273-lbs he could be a liability against the run or struggle with durability issues.

Both Smith and McBath address the need in the secondary. Smith has the ability and potential to be a very good corner in the league, but at 5’9” I have my concerns about the possibility of him struggling against some of the taller talent in the league. Smith has great instincts and playmaking ability, but he’ll need great technique and discipline to excel at the next level. McBath a converted corner to safety will give the team added depth in the deep secondary behind Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill.

With the last pick in the second round (number 64 overall) the team grabbed Richard Quinn (University of North Carolina). The tight end is perceived to be a very good blocker, which makes sense in Denver since McDaniel employs a system that does not feature the tight end position much. According to his former coach at Carolina, Quinn can be a good pass receiver; he was just not used much in the Tarheel’s system.

The Bronco’s also added a couple of lineman Seth Olsen (Iowa) and Blake Schlueter (TCU). Olsen gives the team a lineman that can play right away at either guard position, while both add depth to an already pretty good line.

How I see this year’s draft….

What concerns me most was opting for a dynamic playmaker on offense versus a stellar defensive stud with the team’s first pick. All along it has been the defense that has required the most work. Ayers could be a small reach with your first defensive selection and Smith is going to draw a lot of concern as an undersized corner.

What I like about this year’s draft was McDaniels was able to address many of the team’s needs. In conjunction with some of the offseason signings, it appears the team may have filled quite a few holes (or addressed many of them). I’m not sure if Moreno was the best first pick for Denver, but it certainly sounds like he could have a big impact in 2009. I think the Quinn pick was smart, he’ll do more for the team as a blocker than Scheffler likely would as a pass catcher. This move also frees up Scheffler to recoup some of next year’s picks.

There are going to be questions about some of the talent, that we will have to wait and see, but for the moment the horizon has a little promise to it. I will take the high road here and say I’m looking forward to watching some of the team’s new talent blossom this summer and I believe if Pat Bowlen knows what he is doing, McDaniels just might be able to put a new look and improved team on the field in 2009.

That’s my take.

By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 1st, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The draft is nearly a week old and many of the faces we saw last weekend are now in camp with their new teams getting ready for the upcoming NFL season. While we still have a ways to go, it will be interesting to follow the progress of the many that are expected to make noise in 2009. Well there's not a lot of noise being made just yet, but here are some newsmakers worth noting and my take on what to expect....

My Take...

WR KEVIN CURTIS HAS A SECOND SURGERY
The Eagles wideout underwent a second procedure on his sports hernis. According to Andy Reid, it was merely a follow-up. Curtis is expected to be ready for training camp. With the addition of Jeremy Maclin, Curtis could be looking to rebound big this season and return to his 2007 form when he caught 77 passes for over 1,100-yards.

WR ANQUAN BOLDIN HOPEFUL FOR TRADE
The Cardinal's disgruntled receiver has not made any committments to reporting to training camp in July. He's still unhappy about not getting a new deal and it sounds like his stance of wanting out of Arizona remains. Regardless if Boldin leaves or stays, he'll still be a top 15 wide receiver in fantasy in 2009. His value could rise or fall a little depending on where he ends up.

WR TORRY HOLT LOOKING TO REBOUND IN 2009
The Jaguar's new receiver is hoping to rebound in 2009 after a sub-par performance last season with the Rams. Holt is a hard worker, but it's hard to imagine he'll return to form and produce the same type of numbers he did as part of the "Greatest Show On turf." The Jags are a more conservative offense, run first then pass. Holt may have a good campaign this coming season, but his biggest impact will be making big catches on third down and helping develop some of the younger talent in camp.

QB KURT WARNER EXPECTED TO BE READY
The Cardinal's quarterback is recovering from his arthroscopic hip surgery, but he's expected to be ready at the start of training camp in July. Warner had a big year in 2008 and with Larry Fitzgerald the best receiver in the game today, he should be a solid once again in 2009.

WR DJ HACKETT COULD BE HEADED TO DC
The Redskins invited Hackett to their three-day minicamp and have offered him the veteran-minimum one year deal. Last season Hackett was a complete bust in Carolina not seeing much action and only playing in nine games. He only started two games and caught just 13 passes, but if he ends up in DC, he could turns things around playing under his old offensive coordinator and now Redskin's head coach Jim Zorn.


IDP Notes:

The "Bad Boys" of the NFL are keeping busy these days like their offensive counterparts. Here are just a few noteworthys with my take what you can expect from the Dark-side.....

LB DERRICK BROOKS SEEING LITTLE INTEREST
The former Buccaneer has not received many calls since his release by the team. Brooks was hopeful to play another season, but that looks like a stretch for the 15-year veteran. He could end up finding work by the time training camps start, but he'll hardly be worth drafting in IDP leagues.

LB KARLOS DANSBY A LATE ARRIVAL
The Cardinal's linebacker was a late arrival to minicamp, but he is with the team practicing. There was some thoughts that his late arrival could be a reflection of his desire to get a long-term deal done. It will likely get done soon enough, so IDP owners can relax and expect big numbers from Dansby in 2009.

DL JASON TAYLOR STILL PLAYING THE WAITING GAME
It looks like Taylor will have to wait a while before he even finds out where he'll end up. Recent reports are the Dolphins are in no rush and while the Patriots may have some interest nothing seems imminent. It's too early to be concerned about Taylor's draft value in IDP leagues. It does seem certain he will play in 2009, but owners will have to remain patient.

LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN RETURNS TO THE FIELD
The Chargers pass rush specialist returned to the field on Friday for the first time since having surgery to repair his torn LCL and PCL. Merriman is expecting a big season and if he's healthy, he likely will. He could be one of the top grabs at the linebacker position in most IDP leagues this summer.


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

FSH: JUST TALKIN SOME FOOTBALL

April 29th, 2009 10:30pm PST


Just Talkin Sum Football….
[My Take]

Edgerrin released: Where to Now?

(Photo by Matt York/ AP)

According to the Arizona Republic, on Tuesday Edgerrin James was released by the Cardinals. Certainly this takes no one by surprise. As far back as last season when James was replaced in the starting lineup by running back Tim Hightower, many speculated 2008 would be Edge’s last season in the desert. Even James knew that much. The move will save the team $5 million of cap space.

When the post-season ended for the Card’s it was highly speculated that the team would eventually release James, but few figured it come after the draft. So hearing this news becomes less of a shock for any football prognosticator and analyst, but where he ends up could be open to much debate.

(Photo by Getty Images)

With James now on the free market, there will be a few teams taking a look and by the sounds of it, he’s already drawing some interest. At 30 years of age (he’ll turn 31 in August) there’s not going to be too many landing spots offering him a starting gig, but it’s certainly possible he could find work as a back-up.

There is however one destination I could see James finding, where a starting gig could be waiting; Kansas City. Like the Cards, the Chiefs are still holding a rather expensive commodity in their backfield and could be looking to part ways soon.

Troubled star running back Larry Johnson is at the end of his welcome rope in KC and now that James is available, that could be all the Chiefs and head coach Todd Haley needs to make this move. Remember James played for Haley in Arizona.

What makes sense here to me, the reason Johnson is not gone yet, before the draft the Chiefs only had L.J. sharing a backfield with a handful of undersized running backs (Charles & Savage). The team still has Kolby Smith and did draft Javarris Williams (a rookie from a small school-Tennessee State), but neither of these two are familiar with the new offense.

Earlier this offseason, the Chiefs won a grievance against Johnson that basically opened the door to his release from the team without any cap hits. What has likely stopped the team from making this move is the lack of better options in the backfield.

Without Johnson, the teams lacks an inside runner that can handle the punishment. Smith may get a shot this offseason to earn some carries and with Williams likely a long shot to even make the team as a seventh round pick, the choices are far and few between. Charles and Savage have quickness and speed to bounce it outside, but both backs are too small to be everydown runners.

James is familiar with Haley’s system and can give the Chiefs a larger inside runner it will need in the red-zone and for short yardage. Charles and Savage, with their smaller sizes and quickness would give the team a needed change of pace.

The biggest invitation to making this move today is the price tag. James, now a free agent would likely come with a huge discount, while L.J. still commands a rather hefty salary (nearly $4 million in 2009). Unless Johnson is willing to renegotiate, this far-fetched idea may start to look very good, very quickly to the Chiefs front office.

These are just my thoughts, while we’re talking some football, but why not?

Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

April 28th, 2009 9:37pm PST


TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

Making the Grades

My Take on how some teams did….
I am not a big proponent to give out grades and I’m sure if you’ve been following the coverage of the NFL draft before and after, you’ve seen plenty of folks offering their thoughts. Well, I will do the same but rather than place a grade I will just offer my thoughts….

Good….
One of the few teams that made a big impression for me on draft day was the Philadelphia Eagles. Just as many of the analyst noted, of which I agree, you have to consider their off-the-field move in conjunction with their picks. Through free agency the Eagles addressed some of their concerns along the offensive line (traded for Jason Peters, signed Stacey Andrews) and used the draft to add playmaking ability to their offense. With the addition of rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin to the receiving corp, the Eagles may have added that extra weapon Donovan McNabb will need to soar in 2009. The Eagles also added some help for the running game with the pick of LeSean McCoy, which along with Lorenzo Booker should provide some relief for Brian Westbrook. Their recent acquisition of Ellis Hobbs (via trade) from New England adds to an already pretty good secondary. There’s little doubt that the Eagles came out of the weekend looking like a team that just got a little better. Only time will tell how much.

Another team that I have to note as having a solid draft, with just their first two picks was the Green Bay Packers. The Pack selected B.J. Raji (Boston College) and LB-Clay Matthews in the first round and potentially added a couple of players that could conceivably start in 2009. Let’s face it the Packers problem last season was not on the offense, so these two early picks made great sense. I do however, very much like the addition of another big offensive lineman (T.J. Lang/Eastern Michigan) and a 6’4” bruising fullback to open holes for Ryan Grant in 2009. Overall I thought the Packers did a nice job addressing some serious needs on the defensive side and just got a little better after the weekend draft.


Fair….
This team is one that I had mixed reviews on following the NFL’s annual two-day event, the Detroit Lions. They were in a very tough position this year with the top overall pick. It’s always a stretch to think a rookie quarterback can come in and lift a franchise his first year. They are definitely not trying to sell rookie Matthew Stafford as their savior in the Motor City, but he bring many tools and skills he’ll need to blossom in this league. Their second pick in my opinion seemed like a smart choice grabbing tight end Brandon Pettigrew. With Megatron on the outside and Pettigrew over the middle Stafford has a couple of big targets to go to. The team has a long way to go, but even their third, fourth, and fifth picks (CB-Louis Delmas, LB-DeAndre Levy, WR-Derrick Williams) were solid selections that add depth and can easily contribute on special teams. The Lions may have actually done a little better than fair, but with such a long road to travel lets not start spinning too much yarn.


Ugly….
It’s always difficult to really judge how a team did in the draft, especially when they won’t play their first game for several more months. So to say a team did poor is often left to scrutiny and objection, but if you look at the Dallas Cowboys how could you say otherwise. There’s no question the loss of T.O. will have some impact on the offense, but truly one player did not make this team, one that was a favorite to win the Super Bowl just a year ago. Considering the offseason moves this team made, many felt some of those were for the good, so surely this team did not get worse. It still has that same talent level that many felt was good enough last season. So if you have the talent now what would you be looking for in the draft? That’s what I did not understand and could not make sense. A team seemingly just a few components away from being championship caliber would do better packaging picks to move up and grab elite talent that could make an impact now. Drafting some many players, so much later in the draft you have to wonder how many will actually make the team and if they do will any play? While I’ll leave sorting that out to Wade and company, I have to offer my thoughts and say this was a poor draft for America’s team.

Are you kidding me?....
Sure I could jump on the bandwagon and rip into the Oakland Raiders and Al Davis like so many have already done, so why do it? I’m sure if you’ve been watching ESPN or the NFL Network you’ve already heard the critics blast Davis for his questionable selections. In fairness, while I might be the first to say the same when it comes to taking Darius Heyward-Bey at number seven, I will also be the first to say to Josh McDaniels “Are you kidding me?” Did you not see the memo, did you forget your crib notes (the Denver Broncos need defense), or did you have brain meltdown the morning of the draft? There’s no question that Knowshon Moreno is a great talent, but will he have the same impact as a playmaker in the middle of the defense? For McDaniels sake I certainly hope so, because like myself I’m sure many in the Colorado state were certain the pick was going to be defense.

Just like all teams, regardless if we agree or understand only time will tell the real sense of the pick and who the real winners are. These were just a few of the teams that jumped out at me on draft day and made the biggest impressions. Check back next Tuesday for more “Making the Grades” as I continue to offer my thoughts on how some of the other teams did in the draft.

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 27th, 2009 10:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

All the buzz of the draft is still humming with everyone from your brother to my sister offering their take on how their home town teams did this past weekend. Even with a lot of the focus on Radio City Music Hall there was still much happening away from the glam and glitter of the big stage in the NYC. Here’s my take on the latest….

My Take...

TE TONY GONZALEZ IS NOW A FALCON
Last week the Falcons acquired Tony G. in a trade with the Chiefs. The deal sent a draft pick to the KC and Matt Ryan nabbed himself one heckuva target over the middle.
Early Fantasy Read: Ryan is only a second year quarterback, so no one will be projecting pro bowl just yet, but Tony G. will have a huge impact on the passing game. Roddy White emerged as one of the league’s top flight and 2009 could be big with defenses forced to watch Gonzo.

RB EDGERRIN JAMES RELEASED BY THE CARDS
The Cardinals released running back Edgerrin James on Tuesday, a move that was highly anticipated. This followed the team’s drafting of running back Chris Wells (Ohio State).
Early Fantasy Read: The departure for James means he’ll be looking for work and should be able to find some, but maybe not in a leading role. The absence of Edge could mean a competition for the starting tailback position between Wells and Tim Hightower, but regardless who wins both will see their share of carries.

RB THOMAS JONES COULD BE ON THE TRADE BLOCK?
The Jets were not just aggressive going after a quarterback, but the team traded away several picks to move up the board to grab rookie running back Shonn Greene. The move could signal the last days in New York for the unhappy Thomas Jones.
Early Fantasy Read: An unhappy camper in the big apple, Jones could be traded or released if the Jets feel they have what they need in Greene. Greene was the team’s top rated back in the draft and could very easily enter camp as their starter leaving Jones in the cold.

WR JAVON WALKER’S STOCK CONTINUES TO FALL
With the Raiders selecting Darius Heyward-Bey as high as they did in the draft, he figures to be slotted in as a possible starter dropping Walker further down the charts. It doesn’t help that the Raiders also took a second wideout (Louis Murphy-Florida) with the 124th overall selection
Early Fantasy Read: Walker is slowly but surely falling out of favor in the bay area, unless he bounces back with strong showings at the minicamps and this summer’s training camp, there’s no reason to think he’ll even be with the team come September (even with guaranteed money).

TE TONY SCHEFFLER COULD BE TRADED
There was a lot of talk on the second day of the draft indicating that the Eagles could still have interest in Scheffler and reaffirming that the Broncos are still shopping the fourth year tight end.
Early Fantasy Read: It’s no secret that McDaniels passing system in New England seldom incorporated the tight end position, putting more value in their blocking skills. The team drafted a rookie tight end, considered a solid blocker and one that develop the needed pass receiving skills. The pick could indicate Scheffler will likely be on the move and Philly could be a good fit for him being familiar with the West Coast offense.


IDP Notes:

Here are some football notes from the past couple of days noting some key defensive players and my read for all of the IDP Nation….


DB ELLIS HOBBS TRADED TO THE EAGLES
The Eagles dealt away a couple of picks on the second day to New England to acquire cornerback Ellis Hobbs. The move give the Eagles some lateral movement if they decide to deal an unhappy Sheldon Brown.
Early Fantasy Read: Hobbs is a talented and versatile corner that can contribute right away on defense and in the return game. He played well in Foxboro last season and could easily earn a starting nod opposite his former teammate Assante Samuel.

DL JULIUS PEPPERS NOT LIKELY TO BE MOVED
With no deal getting done during the draft it looks more and more like Julius Pepper is going to remain a Panther in 2009.
Early Fantasy Read: Peppers may not be happy about remaining in Carolina, but there’s no question he’ll be a more consistent IDP play for owners coming off his strong performance in 2008.

LB DJ WILLIAMS TO PLAY WEAK-INSIDE LINEBACKER
With the team moving to a 3-4 defense under Mike Nolan this season, Williams will move to the inside.
Early Fantasy Read: Williams is extremely athletic and quick. If he can play within the scheme and not get caught out of position, he could be a very highly productive IDP for owners in 2009.

DB SHELDON BROWN CREATING BUZZ
The unhappy Sheldon wants out of Philly if the team is not willing to renegotiate a new deal, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll hold out. Nonetheless he’s being very vocal in the local press about his unhappiness.
Early Fantasy Read: If Brown remains in Philly, he’s likely going to see more time as a nickel back behind Samuel and Hobbs, so the idea of a trade becomes more logical. Brown will have more value as a starter on another team, than playing nickel with the Eagles.


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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 27th, 2009 9:37pm PST

[Evening Edition]

The NFL Draft: A Fantasy Recap

At First Glance....
Okay football fans, now that you have digested plenty of post NFL Draft fodder “ who did well” and “who did not” it’s time to take a deeper look at this year’s picks and offer my take on their immediate fantasy impact or lack of.

Taking a look at some of the early picks…

The Lions new franchise quarterback of the future Matthew Stafford likely won’t earn his $72-million keep right away. There will be growing pains. In Dynasty leagues Stafford could offer hope for fantasy owners in a year or two, but in redraft he’s not going to offer much right away. He could be worth a look as a second half pickup with weapons like TE Brandon Pettigrew and Megatron to throw to.

There was little doubt when the Seattle Seahawks grabbed linebacker Aaron Curry, they were getting a dynamic player that will make an immediate impact in 2009. At Wake Forest Curry was a playmaker and in Seattle he’ll be utilized as a strong side blitzing linebacker that can make plays against the run or in coverage. IDP owners can expect the rookie to very productive.

The City that Never Sleeps may be up a little longer following the big move the Jets made on day one of the draft. With the selection of quarterback Mark Sanchez, the team clearly is putting a lot of their eggs in one basket, but one that could pay-off right away. Head Coach Rex Ryan understands how to bring along a rookie QB (ala Flacco). The big advantage Sanchez has is coming from one of the biggest collegiate schools that employs a pro-style system. His exposure to the big stage every Saturday will also aid his adjustment to playing on Sunday. Sanchez won’t have a breakout rookie season under center, but he could be effective and efficient much in the same manner as Matt Ryan was during his rookie stint.

Certainly a surprise pick at number seven in the draft, Darius Heyward-Bey could actually end up being a nice sleeper in the second half of the season (yes this is Raiders wishful thinking). For the record I am not a Raider fan, but the rookie has blazing speed (although he has raw receiving skills) and in time could be a great compliment to JaMarcus Russell’s huge arm.

One final look at the early picks in this year’s draft; the Niners took wide receiver Michael Crabtree, largely considered by many the best receiver in the draft. Crabtree is sure to be an instant star in this league, but in San Francisco his numbers may not reflect some of the best in the league. In dynasty leagues Crabtree is a first round grab, but won’t be valued as anything more than a mid-level WR3 this season. In redrafts his value won’t be much higher but he could be late season sleeper, as he and his QB get better together.

With more mini-camps ahead and still months away from summer training camps, I’ll continue to offer my take on this year’s draft. Check back again soon!


Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"