DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 21st, 2010 11:37pm 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...

League lowers the Hammer on Big Ben....
The League handed down it's punishment of Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspending him for six games. The move was expected, but maybe not as harsh although Big Ben will have a chance to have his punishment reduced to four games if he complies with certain league conditions. As a result of the suspension Roethlisberger has become the heavy subject of trade rumors and his fantasy stock is tumbling by the second.

Owens the latest subject in DC...
There is nothing imminent going on in DC, in fact there's not a lot of activity at the moment, but with quarterback Donovan McNabb endorsing the acquisition of wide receiver Terrell Owens it could be a matter of time before we see some action. Head Coach Mike Shanahan has no interest in signing the outspoken Owens, but with the draft less than 24 hours away a lot could change. Owens opposite Santana Moss just sounds like a good move, but we'll have to wait and see.

Holt joins the Pats....
The former Pro Bowl receiver Torry Holt signed a one year deal with the New England Patriots adding some depth and veteran experience to motley cast of receivers. Holt won't be reborn in Foxboro playing behind Moss and Welker, but he'll fit in nicely and add another reliable set of hands. Expect Holt to have limited value seeing limited snaps behind the Pats top twosome of Moss and Welker. With Edelman playing well last season in the absence of Welker, Holt will have to compete for the number three spot.

IDP Notes

Vikings add some help to secondary...
The Vikings undoubtedly are trying to improve one of its weak links from a year ago. There's no question when Antoine Winfield went down last season the Vikings secondary struggled mightily. With the signing of former Eagles (and Jets last season) cornerback Lito Sheppard (19 career interceptions), the team is hopeful that it has addressed some of those issues. The former Pro Bowler gives the defense added depth and adds another playmaker in the secondary.

Taylor crosses the line, turns gang-green...
Despite all of the things he has said in the past about the fans in New York, linebacker Jason Taylor has signed with the Jets. Taylor has agreed to a two-year deal and will join a very aggressive Rex Ryan defensive scheme. Expect Taylor's value in IDP leagues to rise come draft time.

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FSH: THE ATL REPORT

April 12th, 2010 8:07pm PST

Around The League

Holmes traded to the Jets....
Over the weekend the Steelers shook the fantasy world by trading wide receiver Santonio Holmes to the Jets. The Jets gave up a fifth round pick in this year's draft for the troubled receiver who will face a four-game suspension to start the season. The suspension appears to be a big motivating factor in making the sudden move.

Dolphins looking to re-sign Taylor...
The six-time Pro Bowl selection defensive end Jason Taylor has been mulling over signing with the Jets, but it appears the Dolphins could make a move to resign the future hall of fame pass rusher. Taylor has 127.5 career sacks and despite injuries the past couple of seasons should have enough left in the tank to be an effective situational pass rusher. The Jets can't offer a whole lot, so there's a good chance Taylor will stay in Miami.

Campbell signs tender with Redskins....
The Redskins 2009 starter at quarterback Jason Campbell signed his tender for $3.1 million, but it doesn't sound like he intends to stay in Washington. With McNabb in town, Campbell was given permission to seek a trade and even with his signing the possibility still exists. With the draft closing, expect movement soon.

Westbrook heading to the Big-Cheese...
There's nothing definitive being reported other than Packer's GM Ted Thompson could have some interest in free agent running back Brian Westbrook. With Ryan Grant embedded as the starter, Westbrook could be a nice versatile third down addition. This is something worth monitoring because the move makes great sense for the Packer's explosive passing offense.

Noteworthy:

Even though according to SI's Peter King, the Jet's running back Leon Washington is not part of the Santonio Holmes trade with the Steelers it sounds very possible he still could be traded. Washington did not show up for voluntary workouts and has yet to sign his tender. It is safe to speculate he is unhappy with his current situation and very likely the Jets could entertain some offers.

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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

April 14th, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The countdown has already started and we are only 10 days away from "D" day. There's going to be plenty of rumors to note, news to follow, and plenty of fantasy to talk about as draft day gets closer. This week has been plenty active with no shortage of information to share. Here's "My take" on some of the recent happenings around the league....

My Take...

TE TONY GONZALEZ RUMORED TO BE LEAVING KC?
Surprisingly there are rumors floating around indicating that the 33-year old All-pro tight end could be traded. It sounds a little far-fetched considering the recent moves the team has made and the direction they seem to be headed. Gonzalez was the league’s best receiving tight end in 2008 and should be once again among the top options whether in KC or anywhere else.

WR MILES AUSTIN TO STAY PUT IN DALLAS
There was talk that the Jets had interest, but it sounds like the Cowboys made it clear that Miles fits into the team’s future plans. Miles has great speed and show big play ability last season, but disappeared down the stretch in 2008. Consistency will be the focus for the Cowboys 4th year receiver. With Williams and Crayton currently projected as the teams starters it will be an uphill battle for Miles to emerge as a reliable fantasy option, but he is expected to have a chance to compete for the number two spot.

QB ALEX SMITH DOES NOT LOOK SHARP IN OFFSEASON
The Niners may need to look to the draft for their future if Alex Smith is any indication of what the bay area has to look forward to. It may be a wee-bit too early to pass judgement just yet, but Smith has been with the team for four years now. If he doesn't start showing the team something soon, it's not likely they're ever going to see anything worth watching. Fantasy owners can consider him an unworthy fantasy option.

RB DESHAUN FOSTER STILL LOOKING FOR A HOME
The free agent running back is still looking for a place to play in 2009 and recent word has indicated the Bills could offer a temporary home. With Marshawn Lynch serving a three-game suspension to start 2009, the team is going to be pressed for help in the backfield.

WR TORRY HOLT STILL NOT SIGNED
With things seemng to be moving slowly in the Holt-camp, it doesn't seem likely that the former Ram will sign with anyone prior to the draft. With certain teams having very specific needs at the wideout position, depending on how they all fare in the draft will determine which teams may come calling after the draft. Teams like Jacksonville, Oakland, Cleveland (if they trade Edwards), and Cincinnati will be front runners to target some of the big name wideouts in the draft, but look for Chicago and Tennessee to consider a receiver later in the draft. Holt has lost his elite status in fantasy, but it's too early to know whether he can be a reliable option in 2009.

TE DUSTIN KELLER LOOKING TO STAY ON THE FIELD
The Jets tight end has plans to bulk up this offseason, so he can be an everydown player. This would be a big benefit to not only the Jets, but fantasy owners alike. Keller had a pretty good rookie campaign in 2008 with 48 receptions, including three for touchdowns. Keller is already expected to be a little better in 2009, but the more he plays, the more productive he'll be (and his numbers could prove it). Even if he's on the field more, he's still a low-end tight end option for now (he's only in his second year folks).

RB FELIX JONES APPEARS HEALTHY AGAIN
According to the sources close to the team, running back Felix Jones is running with his trademark explosiveness. Last November Jones had surgery to repair his turf toe and it now sounds like he's completely healthy and ready to resume a big role in 2009. Jones showed flashes of brilliance in 2008 and figures to be a very productive fantasy option, even sharing the stage with Marion Barber.

OT ORLANDO PACE LOCKED FOR THE NEXT TWO SEASONS
The Bears added a new quarterback (Jay Cutler) and have now locked up some protection for him, at least for the next two seasons. Pace is still a very good NFL offensive tackle, but at 33 his age and health will be the team's main concern. If he can stay injury free, the Bear's quarterback should have penty of time to make plays in the windy city.

OT JASON PETERS A DRAFT DAY TRADE CANDIDATE?
It sounds like the Bills and Peters are nowhere near getting a new deal signed. Peters is one of the leagues premiere talent at the offensive tackle position, with the Bills unable to agree to terms, it's likely he could be traded on draft day to one of those teams targeting an O-lineman. Expect the Bills to be one of those teams that shake things up come April 25th.


IDP Notes:

The clock keeps ticking and draft day keeps approaching. There's going to be plenty of movements as the days get shorter and closer to the April 25th draft. Here's some more activity to mull over as I offer "my take" and we football fans patiently wait for "D" day......

LB DERRICK JOHNSON TO MOVE INSIDE
The Chiefs are expected to move Johnson inside to play alongside of Zach Thomas. He'll be a key playmaker on defense and should be a solid IDP play in 2009. Over the past four seasons the Chief's linebacker has averaged 87 tackles per season and under Clancy Pendergast's new 3-4 defense he'll still be very productive.

CB LEON HALL AT RISK FOR SUSPENSION
The Bengal's best corner has managed to find some offseason trouble and could see the first half of his 2009 season at risk. There's been no word yet, but it almost certain given the circumstances (arrested for DUI). Hall has eight interceptions and has averaged 71 tackles in his first two seasons. He could be a risky pick in any fantasy drafts, but once he returns (if suspended), he'll be worth adding.

DB DONTE WHITNER THE LATEST NFL CASUALTY
It seems the NFL can't go more than a couple of days without someone making the news and not necessarily good. The Bills safety Donte Whitner was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. There have been some mixed messages coming from some of the reports, but it sounds like Whitner could be facing some sort of disciplinary action from the league when all is said and done. Whitner has been a very good fantasy option for IDP owners, but his stock will drop some if he misses time for suspension.

DL JASON TAYLOR LIKELY TO SIGN AFTER DRAFT
The former Redskin will likely stay a free agent until after the draft. He likely decided on a suitor based on how the Patriots and Dolphins draft. If he's offered only the league minimum in New England, expect to see Taylor return to Miami. Taylor is still athletic and a talent on the edge, but at 34 his tank is no longer full. If he signs with another team, fantasy owners could see his role limited as a pass rusher and see his value drop some.


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 2nd, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Last week was anything but quiet in the halls of the NFL. The Giants depart ways with a troubled receiver and possible major distraction, while the Bears and Broncos decide to pull off one big surprising deal. All of these happenings are certainly going to have some effect on the upcoming fantasy season and I have my thoughts on what to expect…

My Take...

QB JAY CUTLER TRADED TO BEARS
In a surprising move the Broncos dealt their problem child away to the Chicago Bears, where they will hope the disgruntled quarterback will resume his pro bowl level of play. Cutler was traded in exchange for the Bear’s starter, Kyle Orton and draft picks. There’s no question the Bears offense receives a huge upgrade at the QB position. But without much of a supporting cast, Cutler a top five fantasy quarterback is likely to fall out of the top ten unless Lovie Smith can find some help.

RB CARNELL WILLIAMS EXPECTED BACK IN JULY
The Buc’s running back is expected to return to the field in July. This is his second major knee injury in as many seasons. While it looks as though Williams will be at full strength when training camps open in July, the odds are stacked long against him returning to the field in Tampa. With the team signing running back Derrick Ward to back-up Earnest Graham and his history of injuries, his chances seem remote at best. Fantasy owners should also note, the Cadillac could be garaged (on the PUP list) to start the season.

QB KYLE ORTON A BRONCO
While the move was a surprise, there’s probably no one happier in Denver than Kyle Orton fantasy owners. The former Purdue Boilermaker was impressive in his collegiate days throwing the rock in a pro-style spread offense and now he’ll return to a similar offense that is very quarterback friendly. Orton’s skill level may be limited, but he should be a more productive fantasy starter for owners in 2009 and worth a mid-level quarterback selection in most drafts.

WR BRANDON MARSHALL HAS HIP SURGERY
The Bronco’s receiver had hip surgery, but this will be the least of his worries. It would seem he'll be one of the most affected by the whole Cutler-for-Orton deal, but fantasy owners should take note that the impact won’t be nearly as great as first conceived. With Marshall expected to get hit with an eight game suspension, by the time he returns to the field the smart fantasy owners that passed over him, may be looking to play “let’s make a deal” later in the season. Marshall will likely have his biggest impact around fantasy playoffs, but that is a long time from now and a lot can still happen.

WR PLAXICO BURRESS IS RELEASED
The biggest impact here is not how this will affect Plaxico. He’s out of football for sometime it now appears. Two players that will be most affected will obviously be one, quarterback Eli Manning who will have to search high-n-low to find a new go-to, but the other affected will be running back Brandon Jacobs. Without a legitimate threat on the outside, opposing teams are going to stack the line and make it difficult for Jacobs to repeats his solid 2008 performance. Fantasy owners will need to watch the Giants offseason moves, because it’s going to take more than a rookie pick to fill this void.


IDP Notes:

There’s certainly been no shortage of news from the other side of the ball this offseason, with impact players trying to come back and some possibly looking to be moved. Nevertheless, with new updates everyday there’s just as much to watch, follow, and note on the defense. Here are some of this week’s IDP notes….


LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN HEALTHY AGAIN
The Chargers linebacker is saying he is “feeling great” and “looks amazing.” According to many folks in the Merriman-camp, the Charger’s “Lights-out” playmaker is already back at full strength. This is good news for IDP owners, but it the real proof will be when Merriman returns to full-contact.

DL AARON KAMPMAN RUMORED TO BE ON THE MOVE
It is being reported that the Packers could be looking to trade Kampman, who may not necessarily fit their new 3-4 system on defense. With many teams now converting to the popular 3-4 scheme, there are fewer ideal places for Kampman to go. There’s no question he’s still a big time pass rusher on the edge in the 4-3, but may lack the same kind of impact as an inside presence in the 3-4 defense. IDP owners will want to wait and see if he’s moved before weighing in on any preseason judgment.

LB ADALIUS THOMAS REHABBING WELL
One of the Patriot’s big playmaking defensive players is progressing well with his rehab of a broken forearm. Thomas is a talent and impact player on defense and looks to be back in time for training camp. Expect Thomas to be a popular IDP pick in fantasy drafts coming off five sacks in only nine games last season and 39.5 over his past five seasons.

DL JASON TAYLOR WAITING TO DECIDE
The former Redskin is going to wait until after the NFL draft to decide where he’ll play according to some reports. While Taylor is still athletic and seems to have plenty left in the tank, he’s a better fit in a system where he’ll platoon as a pass rush specialist. It’s looking like Miami and New England could be possible suitors. He could flourish with either team.


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