FSH: NFL DRAFT REVIEW

January 13th, 2009 11:55pm PST

2009 NFL Draft Review

Working with the staff over at the NFL Draft Bible, the following is my assessment of how the Rams did with their seven 2009 draft picks. The grade is based on the pick, considering when the pick was taken and how the player developed or did not. For complete coverage of all 32 teams, check out the NFL Draft Bible.

ST. LOUIS RAMS 2009 DRAFT REVIEW

(1-2) Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The man-beast from the University of Baylor did not have the spectacular rookie season many in St. Louis would have hoped to see him have. Smith played in only eight games this season and with not having anything handed to him he started just five. His inaugural season as a professional lineman was marred by injuries (knee, concussion) which just didn't allow the behemoth ample time on the field to make a consistent contribution. Grade: C-

(2-35) James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State: Perhaps one of the better picks of the 2009 NFL Draft, the rookie from thee Ohio State University quickly earned his reputation as a tough nose gap stuffer. Laurinaitis didn't waste any time earning the starting middle linebacker assignment during training camp. He started all 16 games as a rookie and led the club with 120 tackles, including 107 solo this past season. He's a strong anchor in the middle the team can build around. Grade: A

(3-66) Bradley Fletcher, DB, Iowa: The Ohio native showed some promise early in the season earning the starting gig at one corner for three games before suffering a hyper-extended knee that ended his season in week 7. The third round pick has impressive athletic ability and plays with a physical style of defense, but for a shortened campaign he was on his way to becoming a mainstay at the corner. Grade: B+

(4-103) Darell Scott, DT, Clemson: The big man in the trenches didn't exactly have a coming out party his rookie season. The fourth round pick didn't make much of an impact as a run-stopper this season playing in only 11 games and starting in just five this season (five of the last six). The Rams ranked near the bottom of the well against the run in 2009 and with only 18 tackles his rookie season Scott will have plenty of room for improvement. Grade: D

(5-160) Brooks Foster, WR, North Carolina: The South Carolina native out of UNC brought tremendous athletic ability to the position with good size. Unfortunately for Foster, he suffered a foot injury during training camp that required surgery and ended his rookie campaign prematurely. Foster was expected to challenge for time in the slot, but he will now have to wait until 2010 to see if he can earn a spot in the rotation. Grade: No grade. (Pick received from Falcons)

(6-196) Keith Null, QB, West Texas AM: The sixth round pick wasn't really expected to do anything more than hold a clip board and learn from the sideline, but injuries this season changed all that. A long shot at best, Null had impressive numbers coming out of college, but odds are stacked against making the transition to the bigs. Null had limited opportunity in 2009 starting just four games, but the kid did not fare well throwing nine interceptions. Unfortunately for Null during his short stint he did not show enough to convince management he is the future now. He's still raw, undeveloped, and a ways away from taking the reins in St.Louis; we still need to see a lot more. Grade: C- (pick received from Falcons)

(7-211) Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Texas: The three-year letterman from the University of Texas started out his professional career on the Rams practice squad. He wasn't promoted to the active roster until late November. Buried deep behind running back Steven Jackson on the depth chart Ogbonnaya saw little action during his active stay. He doesn't appear to be the answer as Jackson's backup right now, but with his size and strength he could easily contribute as a special-teams player; we just haven't seen enough of this kid. Grade: D

Check back for more as I will be covering the NFC West Review…..

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 9th, 2009 10:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Benson looks solid in return….

There's no question that the Bengals have themselves a bonafide feature back with Cedric Benson. On Sunday returning from a hip injury that sidelined him a week earlier Benson powered his way through the Lions defense for 110 yards. The bigger stat was his 36 carries and with the Bengals inching their way towards the post season, it would not surprise to see this move become more prevalent.

Owens could breakout this Sunday….

Fantasy owners have not had a lot to get excited about with Terrell Owens arrival in Buffalo. Only once this season has he had a monster fantasy weekend, back in week 11 when he blew up for 25 fantasy points. This week he and his quarterback (FItzpatrick) have more than a favorable matchup against the Chiefs 28th ranked pass defense. This season the Chiefs have allowed a league high 15 pass plays of 40 yards or more and have surrendered 21 passing touchdowns. T.O. hasn't had many big games this season, but this could be one of those weeks.

Rivers has been flowing all season….

While Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre grab all the headlines, all the Charger's quarterback Philip Rivers has done this season is complete nearly 65 percent of his passes, throw 21 touchdowns, pass for 3,311 yards, with just six interceptions. With a 104.9 passer rating only Brees and Favre rank higher and over the past seven weeks Rivers is 7-0, with 14 touchdowns, just three picks and 256 yards passing per game. Right now Rivers is playing as well as anyone and just continues to get better.

IDP Notes....

Laurinaitis is a bright spot on Rams defense….

The Rams rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis has been studly since his arrival and all season he's been one of the defenses biggest anchors. Laurinaitis leads the team with 97 tackles this season and in his last three starts he's tallied 37 tackles, including 34 solo. With the Rams defense likely to see a lot of action the rest of the way, this rookie stud will remain a huge IDP play.

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

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 13th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…


Cato June, LB, Houston Texans
Cato June has been unable to practice for the last two days due to a swollen knee, according to the Texans' official website.

Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Polamalu is gearing up for a big 2009 campaign, according to the National Football Post. He said, "I am light years ahead of where I was last year when I did not practice at all during camp (due to a hamstring injury)."

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers and B.J. Raji have finally agreed to a long-term deal, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
Larry English missed another day of practice Thursday while dealing with a strained hamstring, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

James Hall, DE, St. Louis Rams
Along with fellow veteran Leonard Little, James Hall has been one of the standouts at defensive end in Rams camp, according to ESPN.

Chris Long, DE, St. Louis Rams
ESPN reports that defensive end Chris Long has "(looked) solid, but hardly dynamic" at Rams camp so far.

James Laurinaitis, LB, St. Louis Rams
ESPN.com is reporting that James Laurinaitis has been named the starting middle linebacker for the Rams by coach Steve Spagnuolo. Laurinaitis was the team's second-round pick out of Ohio State.

Mike Brown, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Brown has not pushed Bernard Pollard for the starting gig at strong safety in the early going of training camp with the Chiefs, according to the Kansas City Star. Brown said, "I am definitely out here competing but I realize my role."

Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts
Bob Sanders has been ruled out for Friday's preseason opener against the Vikings, according to the Indianapolis Star. He remains on the PUP list while recovering from his off-season knee surgery.

Aaron Maybin, DE, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo News is reporting that the Bills are moving closer to signing first-round pick Aaron Maybin. Both sides have been talking, and the team hopes they can get the deal done this week so Maybin can play in the final three preseason games.

Mark Anderson, DE, Chicago Bears
Mark Anderson, the Bears' "co-starter" at both left end and right end, has drawn praise this preseason after a disappointing 2008, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Updating a previous report, Texans' linebacker Brian Cushing has been diagnosed with a sprained LCL, according to the Houston Chronicle. Cushing is expected to be full strength for the season opener.

Antoine Bethea, S, Indianapolis Colts
The Associated Press reports that Colts defensive back Antoine Bethea is out indefinitely with a broken hand.

Ron Bartell, CB, St. Louis Rams
Rams' cornerback Ron Bartell sat out Wednesday morning's practice with a minor hamstring injury, according to the team's Twitter page. Bartell is expected to be available to play Friday in the team's first preseason game.



My Fantasy Read….

Cato June was a starter for the Bucs last season, but the Texans are pretty loaded at linebacker position. June will be competing for a job this season and remains a risky IDP until he locks down the gig….

Polamalu is one of the league’s premiere safeties and biggest playmakers. If he feels great, don’t hesitate to snatch him up in your fantasy drafts….

The Packers have their rookie defensive tackle (Raji) in camp now and while he should improve the interior defensive line, he has more the look of gap filler than playmaker. He could be a risky option to draft early…..

The Chargers are another team loaded with talent at the linebacker spot, but we are hearing too many good things about Larry English to think he won’t see plenty of action. He may not warrant a starting play on your fantasy roster, but he’s worth drafting late especially in dynasty and keeper leagues…..

The Rams rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis will be an immediate IDP impact fantasy stud this season already locking down the starting middle spot on the defense. He should be worthy of an early round selection in my drafts…..

For those playing in team defense formats, with Sanders still on the PUP the Colts defense (ranked 11th in 2008) may be one you want to avoid early in fantasy drafts…..

The sooner the Bills and rookie linebacker Aaron Maybin can get a deal done, the better for fantasy owners. Maybin will continue to slide down the boards as he holds out of training camp. If a deal can get done soon, Maybin’s fantasy value will only rise….



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