Requiem for a third receiver
I don't want to bury a guy too early, but Brian Finneran's career is probably over if this report is true.
That makes ACL surgeries in successive years for a 31-year-old who always had questionable speed. I'll remember Finneran mostly for the way Jim Mora mishandled him for three seasons, usually in favor of Dez White and Peerless Price. Finneran was Atlanta's most effienct receiver during a terrible phase of the Mike Vick Era and didn't see the ball enough.
Finneran's best fantasy season was under Dan Reeves in 2002 when he finished as the WR31 with 838 yards, six touchdowns, and a 15 yards-per-catch average. He played especially well in the NFC Divisional loss to the Eagles after Vick helped beat the Packers in Lambeau. That feels like a lifetime ago.
Finneran's injury should guarantee a spot on the Falcons for second-year pro Adam Jennings. Look for Roddy White and rookie speedster Laurent Robinson to compete for the third receiver job behind Joe Horn and Michael Jenkins.
(This is me trying to use photos. That's Roddy White!)
I'm not sure the Atlanta depth chart at wideout makes a difference this year anyhow. They should all cancel each other out and I'm not buying Petrino magic until I see it. Life would have been much easier for Vick this season if he had his reliable third receiver around.
Note: I've had a few requests and will post rookie defensive rankings on the blog this week. One position group per day starting Tuesday.
Comments
Not related to the post but what do you see as Marion Barber's value for next year and then for the next few in a dynasty league? I'm thinking of dealing Hasselbeck and Owens for the #2 overall pick and Phillip Rivers in a dynasty league. What are your thoughts on that trade?
Posted by: Anonymous | May 15, 2007 10:55 AM
I'll take a shot at that post: As a Dallas native and Cowboy fan first, I love Barber, but I have to believe those 14 TDs last year were an anomaly. While he does have an incredible nose for the goal-line, Julius Jones' presence will continue to cut into his touches. Further, with Parcells out, I believe Julius will have a much better year (hopefully won't 'run like a robot') and rack up yards, further reducing Barber's value. Add that to the fact that Barber has always split time, even with Maroney at Minnesota, and I think you've got a #2 RB at best over the next few years.
As far as that trade - who would likely be available at #2? If you can get a stud RB - I wouldn't hesitate. To me, Hasselback and Rivers are similar in value, so the trade comes down to Owens for the player you can acquire with the #2 pick.
Posted by: Carl Hungus | May 15, 2007 02:41 PM
I think Barber will be overrated this year in fantasy leagues. The new staff seems to like Julius Jones better and those 14 RBs will be tough to repeat.
I agree with Carl. The trade sounds good. I cant imagine T.O. would be better than the #2 pick.
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