NFC South Fantasy Football Stock Market

NFC South Fantasy Football Stock Market
This series of articles focuses on how the new breed of talent from the NFL draft plans to affect overall fantasy football player value. Continuing with our stock market report, Gridiron Experts takes a look at the NFC South.
Previous Articles: NFC EAST |  AFC EAST

*NFC South: The Superbowl Champion Saints are the only real team that focused on depth- as the should, having one of the most lethal offenses in the league. The Buc’s and Panthers added some interesting fantasy options into the mix while the Falcons are rebounding from an injury plagued year.

Carolina Panthers

Jimmy Clausen QB 6″2 | 225 lb’s
The Panthers found their future quarterback fall to them in the 2nd round. Now, the only question is how far into the future are we talking about?

Matt Moore has been awarded the starting job, but everyone knows it’s his to lose. The Panthers were terrible at the quarterback position last year, and fantasy owners now have a huge question mark with WR Steve Smith. Personally I would expect an open competition coming training camp, as Clausen has joined a team that tends to mirror Mark Sanchez and the Jets.

Steve Smith is a quick slant-go or WR-screen  type player. He does he best after the catch, and aside from the odd deep ball, most of the time his routes are finding holes in the defensive coverage. The running game is the bread and butter to the Panthers, so Smith could be the hint we’re all waiting to hear come training camp. If Smith gels with Clausen than theres no doubt in my mind Clausen starts week one.

Smith is a mini T.O, his attitude has caused him and the team problems in the past, although he is an instant game changer.  You’d have to guess that a head coach (who may be in the hot seat) would pick the best quarterback that can find a way to get Smith the ball. 70% of the play calling is the running game, so there are no favorites.

Opportunity: Starting QB
Stock Value: Medium to High- Keeper value, although you never know, Clausen could walk in and become a great leader/fantasy stud.

Brandon LaFell WR | 6″2, 211 lbs

While USC wide receivers are almost always a bust (Dwayne Jarrett) LSU receivers have been sleepers over the last decade. LaFell has huge fantasy value, adding size and speed to the Panthers. Expect to see him on the field quite a bit, as he is a great blocker and will help in the run game. As for his receiving skills; a lot of work will be put in the next couple months, but LaFell’s ability and  awareness to read zone coverage and find open spots, gives him thumbs in our books.
Opportunity: WR2
Stock Value: Medium to High

Other notes: Armanti Edwards- former Appalachian State QB is the summer’s project. He is being converted into a KR/WR guy, we’ll keep you posted.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arrelious Benn WR | 6″1, 219lbs

Mixed reviews around the Gridiron Experts crew, those who watched him last year at Illinois, saw he was part of a poor passing offense and free pass’s were handed out from the lousy QB play. Personal I think there were better players available for the Buc’s, but time will tell just how he fits into this offense.
Opportunity: WR2
Stock Value: Low to Medium

Mike Williams WR | 6″1, 221lbs

While most of the attention will be spent on 2nd round pick Benn, Williams is just as good as anyone to crack the starting line-up. Williams lacks explosivness off the line and cannot separate from corner backs in press coverage, but his hands and blocking are arguably better than Arrelious Benn’s. The red flag is this kid’s attitude; Williams quit on his Syracuse team with 3 games to go last November, but the Bucs coaches are convinced he’s eager to capitalize on his immense talent.

Opportunity: WR2
Stock Value: Low to High

New Orleans Saints

The Saints 2010 draft class was about adding depth not fantasy options. TE Jimmy Graham isn’t much of a blocker and will be groomed with the already loaded depth at that position. Offensive tackle Charles Brown should challenge the experienced veterans in front of him, there by improving the running game/pass game. But overall, the Saints have the luxury of entering their first off-season without any major concerns. You are not going to find fantasy sleepers that you don’t already know about on the Saints.

Atlanta Falcons

This team was robbed of any excitement fans may have built up heading into last season. Injuries plagued the team early on, and defense was the name of the game at this years NFL Draft. People may be overlooking the Falcons, but with the team still new to its potentail greatness, with youth and talent on the offense, we expect a surprise competitor for the Saints. Atlanta added a couple big power-pig guards on the third day of the draft that may challenge for starting roles.But, overall the draft didn’t affect this teams fantasy output.

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