Seahawks lose their third down machine

In a transition year for the Seattle passing game, Bobby Engram was the one guy Matt Hasselbeck knew he could count on. Now Engram is gone with a cracked shoulder, probably for the first three-to-five weeks of the season. Fantasy owners would always rather see a broken bone than any ligament damage, but it will still be a tough recovery for Engram, now 35.
Before the injury, we had Engram pegged as perhaps the last safe WR3 pick, an eighth-round pick. That was slightly lower than his average draft position. In my updated projections, Engram is projected for 13 games and falls all the way to WR46. That would put him as an eleventh round value, although I will give him a small boost in our top-200. You'd rather have Engram's production in 13 games than equal production from Drew Bennett in 16 games. Engram is no Steve Smith, but he's worth saving a roster spot for.
While Hasselbeck's tenuous outlook takes another hit, this is a great opportunity for Seattle's young receivers. I've written about Logan Payne before, but Courtney Taylor looks to be first in line to start. That could change, and the third receiver battle between Ben Obomanu and Payne is also well worth watching. Taylor moves into my top-60 wideouts with this latest news, which makes him draftable in deeper leagues.





Comments
What does this do to Nate Burleson's value?
Posted by: DeeCee | August 11, 2008 04:44 PM
Hey Gregg, do you plan on bumping up Maurice Morris in the draft guide at all? He seems to have a really good chance of scoring near what Julius does right?
Posted by: J | August 11, 2008 10:51 PM
Fargas worth picking up fot D Ward?
Posted by: john | August 12, 2008 12:58 AM
Just last week I traded Hasselbeck, Shockey and Anthony Gonzalez in a Keeper/Auction League for Peyton Manning.
Now with Engram down and JJ looking just as bad as he had in Dallas I feel much better, as our auction does not take place until Sept. 2nd.
I also have Burress and Cooley so I did not trade starters for PM.
Posted by: Joe Hart | August 12, 2008 08:11 AM
Morris has been bumped quite a bit and he could go up more. i still think jones will get more work over course of season.
As for burleson, it dont think it changes that much. Hes inconsistent. He will get same PT and i think the injury opens up targets for younger guys.
And yes, Fargas over Ward.
Posted by: greggr | August 12, 2008 10:11 AM