Fantasy Profile: LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy came to Philadelphia prepared and hoping to be the eventual replacement to Eagle legend, Brian Westbrook. Since Westbrook’s penchant for injury caught up to him in the worst and (according to recent reports) inevitable way possible, McCoy’s ascent was expedited and he was listed as the starter in only his second week as an NFL running back. For just about any other possession in the league, this isn’t typically a good thing.
But for running backs, well, in the year prior to McCoy’s rookie season, the 2008 rookie class produced Steve Slaton, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Tim Hightower, Ray Rice, Jonathan Stewart and Kevin Smith all of whom came into the league and immediately contributed, adding anywhere from league-changing to serviceable fantasy numbers. This doesn’t even factor in highly touted Darren McFadden (who was splitting carries/fighting injury), Felix Jones (ditto) and Rashard Mendehall (missed his entire rookie season with a preseason knee injury) who were all first round picks. With that, the precedent was set, and expectations were high for McCoy in his rookie season. Especially since he was replacing the most consistent running back of the past decade in Westbrook.
To say those expectations have since diminished for 2010 isn’t entirely accurate. I mean, the list of guy’s named above, only Chris Johnson, Rice and Stewart exceeded the standard they set in their rookie seasons, which indicates that fluctuation amongst running backs, much like everything else related to the NFL, is volatile. So no one’s giving up on McCoy per say, but his numbers in his rookie campaign were, shall we say… problematic for a team that’s relied so heavily on consistency coming out of the backfield for the past ten seasons. I’m sure at some point in the league’s history, four touchdowns and four yards a carry translated into a promising rookie year. But after 2008, when so many players drafted into far less ideal situations than McCoy out-performed him in a landslide, it doesn’t bode well for his future in Philadelphia.
In a way, he’s under just as much pressure to replace Westbrook as Kolb is to replace McNabb. Some might say mores so. While Eagle nation …Continue reading Fantasy Profile: LeSean McCoy
Has your team drafted this years rookie of the year on Offense or Defense?
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Offensive Rookie Player Odds
Brian Westbrook waited as long as possible to find the right fit for his remaining season(s) in the NFL. His top choice was…San Francisco?
Rumors were that the ex-Eagle running back was thinking about either the Rams or Redskins, neither made a lot of sense to me. But filling in for the recently departed Glenn Coffee (who is retiring) is a smart move. The 49er’s quietly have one of the best offensive lines in the league and should be a force no matter who’s running the ball.
Actually I was to slow to post my thoughts on “Westbrook’s Monday decision deadline”, but in light of the recent season ending injury to Ben Tate, I thought Houston would have been a good fit too.
Brian Westbrook has signed a 1 year 1.25 million dollar deal with the 49er’s and will be a good complement on passing downs. #36 led the NFL with 2,104 yards from scrimmage in 2007, but missed 8 game’s last season with a pair of concussions and an ankle injury while scoring only two touchdowns.
Fantasy Factor: Zero to little value at all. Don’t get me wrong, Brian Westbrook is a smart, elusive running back who can make opponents miss and look stupid. He is also an excellent blocker (who cares, not fantasy related) . Yet Westbrook’s constant injury problems and bad knees make him a long shot as a reliable fantasy option. At this point he’s a late round sleeper.
During the regular season, Gridiron Experts will be bringing you a unique fantasy football article called Fantasy Coin Flip, pitting two solid options against each other to help you decide your fantasy starting lineup each week.
To properly prepare you (and ourselves) for the season, we’re starting this article off with a bang and helping you decide between certain players you might be having a hard time picking between in your fantasy football drafts.
Injury vs Age
Wes Welker, WR, Patriots vs. Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals
Can Terrell Owens still play at 36, in a new system, while sharing targets (and the spotlight) with Chad Ochocinco? Yes, he can, but that’s still a lot of variables fantasy owners need to consider.
And for Welker, can he make it back from a serious knee injury in time for Week One, just six months after sustaining it? This writer thinks so, although fantasy owners also have to keep in mind that, even if Welker returns, he may fall short of his usual production as he works his way back to 100%.
However, just a mere glance at both player’s recent production suggests that a Wes Welker at even 75% would be a better selection than a 100% Terrell Owens in a new offense.
I’m sure Owens will perform well and should definitely be an upgrade from the 2009 T.O., but Welker is riding three-straight 112+ reception seasons, and you simply can’t ignore the massive role he has in New England, regardless of his current status. …Continue reading Fantasy Coin Flip: NFL Draft Version
Gridiron Experts Power Rankings AUG. 2nd
32. Buffalo Bills
CJ Spiller has all the tools to be a playmaker in this league, well except for an offensive line in front of him, a quarterback to take the pressure off, and well you see where I’m going with this. The Bills are going to need a franchise quarterback before they move on this list.
31.St. Louis Rams
The Rams, in theory, should be a better team this year, but it’s still up in the air and truly depends on how NFL ready Sam Bradford is by the start of the season. Steven Jackson has always been the Rams workhorse, and that won’t change this year, expect another grand out of him in 2010.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are still rebuilding. This process can sometimes be long a frustrating, yet in the forseeable future they’ll find themselves on day on the outside looking in on any power rankings list. Every team must rebuild sooner or later but for this season ahead, the Buc’s will be leaning on too many young players and the inexperience will show.
29. Cleveland Browns
The Browns biggest flaw is their division, it’s just too hard to be competitive against perennial powerhouses like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. They did have a great draft and made some key off-season additions, with a revamped secondary expect them to move up this list in a year.
28. Detroit Lions
The Lions were the movers and shakers of the off-season, making some key additions. If only for the next few years, adding Jahvid Best to a backfield commandeered by Matt Stafford could be just what the Lions needed. Best will make plays and take some of the focus off of Calvin Johnson.
27. Oakland Raiders
For the first time in years, the Raiders impressed us all during the draft, adding a top-tier middle linebacker and shipping Kirk Morrison to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not to mention ditching JaMarcus Russell in favor of Jason Campbell, an automatic upgrade. Although for now, they’re still on the outside looking in.
26.Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have revamped their coaching staff and drafted (and paid) a play making safety in Eric Berry. Dexter McCluster will give add that x-factor to the offense and give Jamaal Charles some relief at the running back spot. Matt Cassell will get one more chance to show that he’s worth the money they’re paying him.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a team that can never seem to get it together when it truly counts, their first rounder is considered a huge reach by the entire NFL community and if he doesn’t pan out, Jags fans can happily say goodbye to Jack Del Rio. Maurice Jones-Drew will set the pace for the offense once more. …Continue reading NFL Power Rankings
Tebow signs contract with Denver
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting via twitter that the deal is worth $33 million with $8.7 million guaranteed.
The signing of Tebow leaves only one Broncos rookie unsigned, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Given the Broncos current track record expect Thomas to be signed by either late tonight or sometime tomorrow during the day on Friday. Fox31’s Josina Anderson tweeted that …Broncotalk.net
Eagles Sign First Round Pick Brandon Graham
The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms on a five year contract with first round pick Brandon Graham, a defensive end from Michigan. ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced the news on Twitter, and the Eagles have posted it on their official website. Philadelphia selected Graham 13th overall in the 2010 draft after dealing its 24th overall pick….Insidetheiggles.com
Miami Dolphins sign 1st round pick Jared Odrick and 2nd rounder Koa Misi
According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, the Dolphins agreed to terms with first-round DL Jared Odrick on a five-year contract with a maximum value of just over $13 million, including $7.133 million guaranteed.
And Jeff Darlington reports on Twitter that the Dolphins have also agreed to terms with No. 40 overall pick OLB Koa Misi on a multi-year contract. This now makes three years with just one training camp holdout – and that lasted for about…Thephinsider.com
Important Fantasy Signing: Texans agree to deal with Ben Tate
A power back from Auburn, Tate posted highly impressive numbers at February’s Combine. In addition to bench pressing 225 pounds 26 times, Tate posted the third-fastest forty time among tailbacks at 4.43. ….. ProFootballTalk.com
Tuesday Training Camp Notes
- 2nd Round Pick Signs- Nate Allen is a much anticipated rookie to enter Philadelphia Eagles camp. Dave Spadaro broke the news that the Eagles have agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the rookie safety Allen and will report to Lehigh tomorrow. Allen was the player selected with the pick that the Eagles received for Donovan McNabb. Allen is also expected to step in and help the Dawkins-departed safety spot.
- Atari Bigby signs his tender- Packers safety Atari Bigby will arrive to training camp on time to try to defend his starting strong safety job.-Profootballtalk
- 2nd Round Pick Signs- Broncos offensive lineman Zane Beadles (a second round pick from Utah) has signed a 4 yr contact and will be at camp soon
- More Bronco News: The Denver Broncos on Tuesday announced several transactions, including the signing of wide receiver Eric Decker, whom they selected in the third round (87th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft from the University of Minnesota. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed…Milehighreport.com
- Add 2 rookies to Bengals big news day- Former Longhorns: WR Jordan Shipley and linebacker Roderick Muckelroy signed contacts on Tuesday.
- Pat’s Also Snag a 2- Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes has agreed to terms. (link)
- McNabb Texting Kolb- “I try to inspire young players, to just continue to keep their head up, write goals for yourself that are attainable and for them to just have confidence in themselves. For me, it could’ve been easier for me to walk out the door and not said anything to anyone. But that’s not the type of person I am. I’m a guy who cares. I’ve text-messaged Kevin and…several of my former offensive linemen and the list goes. The thing about 11 years is [it's] something you can’t just forget.” Link & video:Redskins Insider
Chargers Camp
Tired of Hearing About Jackson and McNeill? So is Norv Turner Annually, San Diego Union-Tribune Charger beat writer Kevin Acee sits down the Chargers’ head coach Norv Turner and discusses the outlook on training camp, the season to come, and some of the issues that surround the team at this time of year. So here’s some of what Turner had to say…ChargersGab
- Philip Rivers showed up to Chargers training camp sporting a new, aerodynamic ‘do- Chargers Blue-Pic
- Pictures of a cool, cloudy day at Chargers Park greeted the 42 rookies, young veterans and players returning from injury Monday as training camp began.-blogchargers.com
Eagles Camp
Andy Reid opened camp today with his first press conference of the new season and unfortunately spent the majority of it fielding questions about Michael Vick. Most of these questions were ones we already knew answers to, but they were asked anyway. I’m sure more Vick stories will increase page views and make national news, but there’s about a billion things…link
