I just finished the latest update of the tight end projections in the online guide.

Alge Crumpler took the biggest hit, dropping from a tie for fourth down to eighth. I detailed the reasons why yesterday. Kellen Winslow inched up based on the positive health reports, but I need to see him play a game before putting him in the top ten. L.J. Smith fell slightly, but he's still draftable.

Lower in the rankings, Marcedes Lewis was the big winner coming off a strong camp and now looks draftable in deeper leagues. Alex Smith also moved up slightly, with Tony Scheffler moving down out of the top-15. Jermaine Wiggins and Jerramy Stevens, marginal heroes from 2005, went from undraftable to the land of Robert Royal. I could give you more specifics, but my boss Rick will probably not be happy I'm giving this away for free.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 06:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Not a good day for the once-vaunted class of 2004 wideouts. On a day when Michael Clayton (No. 15 pick) was demoted, Reggie Williams was listed as a third-stringer Tuesday on Jacksonville's depth chart. Here are the players in front of him: Dennis Northcutt, Ernest Wilford, Matt Jones, and Charles Sharon.

The first three names should be on the team, although Jones isn't completely guaranteed to start. Mike Walker is listed behind Williams, but he's a talented third-round pick who has impressed. Jaguars.com called him the most talented receiver on the team, and he's a fantastic dynasy league pick. He's going to be on the roster with a fourth spot. That leaves Williams, Sharon, and John Broussard left for one spot if they only decide to keep five wideouts. Sharon has been the story of the offseason. He has practice squad eligibility, but Del Rio may be interested in sending a message to his roster that no one is safe anymore. Broussard is a seventh-round pick who has also impressed.

There have been whispers around Jacksonville that not all the young receivers are safe, and Williams would be the most likely to go. I know one thing: He is no longer draftable in fantasy leagues. I thought he was developing into a productive pro last year, but the Jaguars appear to be tired of him.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

For those readers out there who haven't bought the draft guide, this Mock Auction column can be used as a loose cheat sheet. They aren't my rankings, but perhaps the wisdom of the crowds is better.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All hell broke loose while I was out taping a local cable show in Manhattan this afternoon. Jammal Brown is hurt (major uh oh for the Saints), Maurice Stovall is now a starter over Michael Clayton, Brady Quinn ended his holdout, and Reggie Williams is listed as a third-stringer in Jacksonville. And, uh, the Bears traded to Dante Wesly to the Patriots! (Now they are really number one in the power rankings.)

I try not to get too worked up about these initial depth charts. Often they are used to send a message to players. Othertimes, you get the feeling the coaches don't care much about accuracy this far away from the season. But Gruden's placement of Stovall over Clayton is likely going to stick.

Continue reading "Stovall steps up" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I got into an argument last night about the Steelers' chances this season. I think they are a veteran team who is very much in the middle of their window to win a(nother) championship. The 6-2 finish to Pittsburgh's year was more indicative of their talent base than their 2-6 start.

The argument got me thinking that it's time for some ridiculously early, meaningless, and arbitrary power rankings. Because everyone loves those. Let's start by unveiling my top ten before I head out of beautiful Stamford for the night. The rankings on based on how I think the teams will finish the season.

1. New England Patriots - Like I was going to pick anyone else? The Patriots could struggle early in the season because of all the new parts and a tough schedule, but should peak late in the year as usual.

2. San Diego Chargers - A season-long experiment in how much a head coach matters. The talent level is still the tops, and the division isn't nearly as strong.

3. Indianapolis Colts - The cornerbacks were replaceable, and the offense should run at peak form. The concern remains the run defense.

4. Philadelphia Eagles - Great organization, great quarterback, and promising lines on offense and defense gives Philly the best chance of any NFC team.

5. New Orleans Saints - Football Outsiders points out than an elite offense is far more predictable than counting on a defense to be great every year. And the Saints will have one of the best offenses in the NFL.

Continue reading "Preseason Power Rankings" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 05:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

The NFL mandates that NFL teams release a depth chart Monday for the purposes of alerting preseason opponents. Coaches enjoy making August depth charts about as much as revealing injury information, but the results are sometimes telling.

Charlie Frye was listed ahead of Derek Anderson in Cleveland.

Cecil Sapp was ahead of Mike Bell in Denver. The Broncos were one of the first teams to post the depth chart on their official website.

The Packers are also up-to-date. Robert Ferguson is listed on the third team, which doesn't speak well for his chances to make the team.

***
Tiffany and I projected where a number of fantasy stars should get drafted on today's fantasy fix.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 05:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Alge Crumpler is usually one of those fantasy players who is overlooked because of his consistency. How many other guys have improved their fantasy points four straight years?

2007, however, is shaping up to be the year Crumpler's streak ends. Michael Vick is gone, and with him the guarantee that Crumpler will be the top option in the passing game. More importantly, years of playing through injuries is catching up to Crumpler.

Crumpler underwent two surgeries after 2005, and another knee surgery after the 2006 season. Now he's receiving outside opinions about why his knee is still acting up.

Crumpler's conditioning has been called in to question before, and he basically hasn't practiced all offseason. All this time off means he'll have to play his way into shape (again), this time while learning a new offense. This is the first season where Crumpler's risk in fantasy leagues will outweigh his possible reward.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Busy taping and preparing a number of Fantasy Fix shows today, some of which will be on the site next week as season previews. Another one will go up tonight. In the meantime, there is a new Daily Dose to gnaw on.

Back with a sinking tight end in a moment.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I will have to remind myself (and you) not to believe what you see over the next month of preseason. The game conditions are so different in every way, that performance (good and bad) just can't be trusted. The only time preseason matters is for position battle purposes.

Watching tonight's Steelers-Saints game, it wasn't hard to see one position battle on the Steelers taking shape. Cedrick Wilson backed off a mouth training camp with numerous big plays, including a 55-yard catch from Ben Roethlisberger in the game's first drive. His primary competition for the third receiver role, Nate Washington, dropped two passes.

Washington is a fabulous athlete has a lot more upside for fantasy purposes, but Wilson is off to a good start if he wants to hold him off.

Oh, and Drew Brees went 1-for-6, so don't draft him under any circumstances.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 09:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (97)

Childress needs some reliable wideouts

Troy Williamson reportedly caught 20,000 balls this offseason to improve his hands, which is great. If it actually translates to practice.

The following report in the Star-Tribune has us a little concerned though.

Receiver Troy Williamson dropped another pass in team drills but to his credit Williamson later came back and made a very nice diving catch. Williamson also stayed after practice to catch passes. It’s clear he is trying not to get discouraged and plans on continuing to work at improving

The use of another indicates he's stil having issues. And this is in practice, when he knows he's not going to get belted. It's great Williamson is now taking his career seriously, but this may be a mental problem more than physical. (And don't tell me about his eye exams). Williamson is a player that needs to prove it during the preseason or he's going to turn into the NFL version of Chuck Knoblauch.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)