FSH: IDP NOTES

May 14th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

In case most folks have not noticed I can’t tell fantasy football is still about three months away (for some early draft) and the NFL does not kickoff until September. If you were here with me, you’d think tomorrow were draft day and fantasy starts Sunday. We still have plenty of time to prepare, so here’s my latest take from the IDP Nation.….

DL B.J. RAJI COULD COMPETE AT NOSE TACKLE
My Fantasy Read: The Packers number one 2009 draft selection is being pegged as the favorite in the middle despite the presence of 2008 starter Ryuan Pickett. Raji is a load and will take up considerable space, but at his size and build he serve more as a gap filler and have limited value for fantasy owners in IDP leagues.

LB BARRETT RUUD SITTING OUT FOR NOW
My Fantasy Read: The Buc’s leading tackler from last season has not reported to any of the team’s OTAs this offseason, but he says “everything’s fine.” It doesn’t sound like much now, but Ruud is in his final year of his rookie contract. As long as he’s on the field he’ll remain a solid IDP start in most any fantasy league.

DL SHAUN ELLIS RETURNS TO THE FIELD
My Fantasy Read: The Jet’s defensive lineman is coming back from offseason surgery. He’s currently limited in practice, but is expected to be back in time for camp. Ellis played well in 2008 and should be even better under Coach Ryan’s new system. Ellis will be a mid-level IDP favorite on the defensive line for fantasy owners in 2009.

DL JASON TAYLOR RETURNS TO THE DOLPHINS
My Fantasy Read: There’s nothing like “home, sweet home.” The defensive lineman returns to his former team in Miami, but will play a situational role coming from the sideline. Taylor enters his 12th season at age 34 and following an injury plagued 2008 season where he only started eight games, the sideline could actually be his friend. Taylor is still very well skilled and athletic, coming off the bench as a situational pass rusher will keep him healthy and extend his season. He’s not a top tier fantasy IDP, but he’ll be worth picking up in 2009.

LB DERRICK BROOKS NOT COMING BACK TO TAMPA
My Fantasy Read: Unfortunately for the former stud standout in the Tampa 2 defense, linebacker Derrick Brooks could be looking at having to hang’em up in 2009. The free agent is not generating any interest and the team has confirmed they have no plans to bring him back. It’s sad to say, but Brooks will likely have little or no fantasy value in 2009.

DL LEONARD LITTLE HOPE TO BOUNCE BACK IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: The Rams former third round pick in the 1998 NFL draft is coming off an injury riddled 2008. Last season Little started just five games and recorded just 18 tackles (six sacks). He’s missed a total of eleven games the last two seasons. He’s now close to full strength, but at 35 his durability will remain a question going into 2009. If he can stay healthy, he figures to have a prominent role in Spagnuolo’s defense and could be a solid IDP play this coming fantasy season.

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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.


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