2012 Later Round Keepers for 2013

[DawgTalk]

I write an article every week and thought I would share this since I havent seen much around the NFL and the Huddle that hits this topic that many of us face in the next day or two. Some teams are out of the playoff hunt, and looking to trade or acquire via free agency some players that will help them in their dynasty leagues for 2013. Hope you enjoy!

 

 

....Last week I gave some plays of guys to trade for that will help the teams making their run to the playoffs, hitting really big on Andre Johnson already. Now it’s time to help out the teams that are looking ahead to next year. Here are my dynasty plays for some last second trades before most deadlines pass starting with the first game on Thanksgiving or a little free agent bench padding till things become more clear.

 

These plays are late 2012 draftees or 2012 free agent pickups. These are all players with great opportunity awaiting them in 2013. Most will come from teams not resigning contract year players.

 

Daniel Thomas Mia RB- Reggie Bush is set to look for work yet again in the free agent market. There will be quite a few teams entertaining him in the offseason for his elusiveness and speed on the field. Bush is just 27 years old, and still has some left in the tank for his final big contract. That leaves Miami with Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller. Miller was drafted in 2012 for that very reason. There is a good chance Miami goes back to the days of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in the backfield. Now that Miami found their franchise QB, they will look to add WR help and rely on Thomas and Miller in the backfield. I would expect Thomas, as long as he is healthy, will get the first crack at the starting job. As they say with RBs, it is all about opportunity.

 

Bilal Powell NyJ RB- Powell just saw his first pair of touchdowns this past week and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He is more of a compliment back, but with Shonn Green entering free agency, and getting offered personal chauffeured rides by Jets fans to the airport, it is most likely the Jets go after a RB in free agency or the 2013 draft. If neither of those things happens, look for Powell to get a crack at the starting gig and Joe McKnight filling in nicely as the 3^rd down back. Jets running attack will start shifting towards Powell the rest of 2012 as he auditions for the starting job next year.

 

LaRod Stephens-Howling Ari RB- A small back that has proven already this year he can take on a bigger role. Stephens- Howling may not find himself in a Cardinals uniform if he keeps this up. It is already crowded with Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams as the go to backs out in the desert. LaRod will certainly get some entertaining looks around the league as a scat back with explosive bursts of speed.

 

Daryl Richardson Stl RB- Steven Jackson was the 24^th overall pick in 2004, eight years ago. His time up as a Ram is closing in. Jackson has an option for 2013, but if the coaching staff can convince him to move elsewhere and join a team that has a better shot at a Super Bowl ring, he may just take them up on it. The Rams are not a contender, yet. Richardson provides the play makers style of running that fits the Rams. With a little less power and a lot more allusiveness compared to Jackson; Richardson can be a top RB next year if given the feature back roll even as a 7^th round draft pick of 2012, ahead of 2^nd rounder Isaiah Pead.

 

Danario Alexander SD WR- Alexander is one of the better dynasty players for 2012. He was not drafted in 2010 due to knee surgery after his senior bowl, but signed by the Rams who later cut him. He became injured again but not before the Chargers picked him up. After missing the first half of 2012, Alexander is finally healthy and taking every opportunity to be the new Vincent Jackson in San Diego. Standing 6’5” and 217 lbs, Alexander has become a big, favorite target of Phillip Rivers. There is no reason that should change in 2013, unless, injury strikes again.

 

Randall Cobb GB WR- It is almost a done deal that Jennings will not be a Packer next year. James Jones should benefit the most since Cobb is behind Nelson on the depth chart, while James Jones is behind Jennings, however, if 2012 has any indication of how the Green Bay offense is going to operate in 2013, it is going through the air from Rodgers to Cobb. Cobb ranks 10^th among WRs and has been accredited by Rodgers as “exceptional”. Cobb should continue to impress in 2013 without any thoughts to taking a back seat to Jennings.

 

Emmanuel Sanders Pit WR- Sanders is a third round draft pick in 2010 with 4.41 speed. He and Brown should complement each other nicely next year when Wallace moves on to greener pastures, more money. With Brown getting an extension and out with injury, Sanders is playing for a starting role next year and forcing the managements hand to let Wallace walk. The Steelers need to get younger and add some money in the trenches, so running with Sanders and Brown in 2013 is not out of the question. It is without question Sanders is also willing to be a team player and take one for the team, $15,000 faking injury hit.

 

Julian Edelman NEP WR- There is no chance that Edelman completely fills the void Wes Welker will leave behind when Welker becomes a free agent again and is not hit with the franchise tag. Add in the mix of Hernandez and Gronk both healthy next year will leave fewer targets for Edelman, but never rule out the slot WR in New England. Greg Salas also may factor into this as he was acquired from the Rams and signed to the practice squad, but as of recent, Salas was activated to the 52 man roster. He too fits the role of Welker. There are lots of options for Bellichick and the Patriots, so stash Edelman on the end of your bench to see how things shake up.

 

Jordan Cameron Cle TE- He isn’t a household name outside of Cleveland; however, as Watson is getting up there in age, the Browns are going to be less likely to resign him. Cameron is already loved by the coaches for his athleticism and size. He creates mismatches and is commonly compared to Gates. In Jordan’s 2011 combine, he was in the top three of every drill he participated in and fifth in bench press reps. Cameron is a true athlete of the game. If given the right opportunity and situations (Browns moving to one primary Tight End), Cameron could emerge as a top 10 fantasy TE.

 

Good luck as you submit claims for free agents or makes those trades with big upsides for 2013.

Edited November 21, 2012 by DawgTalk

[DawgTalk]

TY Hilton should also be considered, the list is endless when it comes to potential, however, above are my favorites when looking at expiring contracts.

[texanhooters]

Cobb is looking good for next year late round value pick up for me. Some people like to keep a 1st or 2nd rounder thats all well and good I guess it guarantees that you get that Arian Foster or your Ray Rice in the first couple rounds.. however I like to get value in the deeper rounds. seems like the only way you can really take advantage of keeper league formats.

[stevegrab]

Good info, some of those guys have been on my radar for a while, particularly Richardson but he's on a roster. Have been thinking about Edelman but not sure I can use a spot for him. One guy I targeted and got, is Dwyer (PIT-RB), I think he takes over and becomes the primary RB there. Still not sure he puts up great numbers, but these guys are all about speculation for next year.