Jackass Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 This was from an article on cbs sportsline. A few of these are contarian plays to the mainstream line of thinking - Barlow, Rhodes and maybe Bell stand out. Comment at your leisure. Kevan Barlow, RB, San Francisco: Most of the talk about the Niners backfield revolves around RB Frank Gore, who led the team in rushing yards as a rookie even though he started just once all season. But this is a battle that still needs to be decided, and Barlow won't just hand over the top spot on the depth chart. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has been able to turn the fortunes of underacheivers in the past (Stephen Davis, Ricky Williams), so Barlow could benefit from his guidance. Tatum Bell, RB, Denver: Several reports out of Denver have anointed RB Ron Dayne as the next back to break out under Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, but Bell remains atop the depth chart. The former Oklahoma State standout is upset that the backfield was considered an area of need in the draft, and that motivation could lead to his best statistical season. Shanahan has fooled us in the past with Reuben Droughns and Mike Anderson, so don't be shocked when Bell, not Dayne, carries the load. Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago: Benson was overrated in drafts last season, and Jones is now seen as a more valuable asset. But the tables could be turned, as Jones was the subject of trade rumors and isn't thrilled that he might have to share carries. Furthermore, the Bears want some production from Benson as an NFL sophomore because of their lucrative investment in him. Jones appears to be the starter at this point, but don't be shocked if Benson takes over the role sooner than later. Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay: Clayton was also involved in a forgotten man scenario last season -- he was the prominent choice in drafts but it was Joey Galloway who turned out to be the steal. The tide could turn for Clayton, however, as most owners focus on Galloway and forget that Clayton is a former 1,000-yard receiver who now enters his third pro season. He is also back to 100 percent health -- injuries were part of the reason for his failures -- so he could turn out to be a late-round jewel. Samkon Gado, RB, Green Bay: The Packers re-signed RBs Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport, but the contracts were incentive laden and would be simple to reliquish. Green is considered the favorite to start, but he might not even be available until training camp due to an injured quadriceps. Davenport has also been brittle and could be limited, so Gado will see most of the work with the first-team offense. Gado proved he could be a productive starter last season and might still be the best choice of the three. Joe Horn, WR, New Orleans: Horn had an awful statistical season -- his 654 yards and one touchdown were his worst totals since 1999 -- and the emergence of WR Donté Stallworth will cause his value in drafts to fall to new lows. But with the addition of QB Drew Brees and RB Reggie Bush and in an offense with potential under head coach Sean Payton, Horn could bounce back and have another 1,000-yard season. Don't be shocked if he falls into the middle rounds and still produces solid numbers. Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit: When owners look at Jones' numbers (664 yards, five TDs), it's hard to believe he was a first-round selection in countless drafts last season. But the addition of head coach Rod Marinelli and offensive coordinator Mike Martz could resurrect Jones' level of statistical success. Underutilized in the offense of former head coach Steve Mariucci, Jones will now see at least 20 touches per week and could be a steal for Fantasy Footballers when he falls into the third or fourth rounds. Dominic Rhodes, RB, Indianapolis: The hot name in Indianpolis is rookie RB Joseph Addai, who is seen as the heir apparent to the departed Edgerrin James, but Rhodes is still the favorite to start for the Colts. A former 1,000-yard back, Rhodes has the skills and abilities to produce nice totals in an offense that is favorable for backs. While a committee scenario between Addai and Rhodes is probable once the season starts, don't be shocked if Rhodes retains the top spot on the depth chart longer than expected. Koren Robinson, WR, Minnesota: Once considered a top-10 wide receiver on draft boards, off-field issues caused Robinson's fall from grace in Seattle. Now on the straight and narrow in Minnesota, he's again the most prominent option in a pass attack and should be a favorite of QB Brad Johnson. While WR Troy Williamson has far more potential and is considered the trendier selection, it's Robinson who will have a chance to produce at a high level and become a late-round steal in drafts. Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona: While rookie QB Matt Leinart has a decided edge over Warner in the significant other category (Paris Hilton vs. Brenda Warner), he doesn't have that same edge on the depth chart. The veteran is without question the starter for head coach Dennis Green, and his numbers in his final seven starts of last season (2,017 yards, 10 TDs) prove he can still find statistical success. Owners shouldn't over-think the presence of Leinart -- Warner will start and is a nice middle-round value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theeohiostate Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 Just like Sportsline to tell us stuff we've know for months : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donutrun Jellies Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 BY THE POWER OF GADO!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss Cheezhead Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 Just like Sportsline to tell us stuff we've know for months : 1472579[/snapback] That's still better than most of the crap propagated by that outfit. And I agree about Barlow -- he fits Turner's description for a workhorse RB much better than the 5-9 Gore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikesVikes Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 Kevin Jones and Jamal Lewis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 Joe Horn was hurt and then let Stallworth steal the show. He'll be back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goopster24 Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 Joe Horn was hurt and then let Stallworth steal the show. He'll be back. 1472860[/snapback] I love Stallworth.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broncosn05 Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 Just like Sportsline to tell us stuff we've know for months : 1472579[/snapback] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackass Posted May 17, 2006 Author Share Posted May 17, 2006 Just like Sportsline to tell us stuff we've know for months : 1472579[/snapback] This wasn't meant to be 'breaking news'. This is what is known as the offseason. There is very little news that we havent known for months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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