NFC West 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 West.
Previous Articles: NFC EAST | AFC EAST | NFC SOUTH | AFC SOUTH

*NFC West: Finally Gridiron Experts can talk shop, as the last two divisions were heavy on Defense.  Each team may not have added instant on the field play-makers, but the sleeper factor is definitely there. Teams like the 49er’s seemed quiet with their crop of players, but the talent they did add help the fantasy players you’re holding.

St.Louis Rams

Mardy Gilyard WR 5″11 187 lbs.

The Rams may have set in stone their future by selecting Sam Bradford first overall,  but the fantasy football water cooler chat starts with a little guy named Mardy Gilyard. Personally, there were two wide receiver sleepers I had an eye on, and they both ended up in this division.

Gilyard has blazing speed and will step into kick and punt returning duties immediately.  With back to back 11 touchdown seasons at the university of Cincinnati, the Rams need to figure out a way to use this deadly after-the-catch weapon in their offense ASAP. My guess is we could see a learning curve type season for Gilyard, where simple plays like wide receiver screens will be put into action just until he can run pro style routes. Gilyard had a shaking senior bowl, which may have dropped his draft value, but the Rams have high hopes for this little guy.

Opportunity: WR2
Stock Value: High – If you’re fantasy league counts individual players for KR/PR yards than circle this guy now. With a lack of depth for the Rams at WR, Gilyard should head into camp as the 3 WR with open competition across the board.

Sam Bradford QB 6″4 236 lbs

I’ll admit I have tendency to dismiss rookie QB’s in fantasy articles without giving them a chance. And while I’m sure Bradford could become a Matt Ryan, he is more likely to be a Matthew Stafford. Both are excellent QB’s but are on totally different types of teams. The Rams are re-building, so much so that they might want to play this year up in Canada (ouch). Bradford may not start week 1 and with a team of youngsters around him the only guy to look at is Steven Jackson. On a side note, you have to admire Steven Jackson for not demanding a trade-off this ship wreck, his attitude should help this team grow.

Bradford will have a prototypical NFL rookie season, he should be one of the last QB’s selected in your fantasy league, unless in the event of a keeper league.

Seattle Seahawks

Golden Tate WR 5″10 200 lbs

Late 2nd round digging came up golden. Tate is my other fantasy sleeper, and I’m amazed he went so late. 60th overall in this years draft blew my mind, as this guy has all the tools to be a first round grade. Tate has outstanding hands and excellent speed, despite his 40 time. I believe, there is straight away speed, and then there is game speed, Tate is the kind of player that people overlook with a stopwatch and then kick themselves for passing on.

While my enthusiastic nature may be hyping him up too fast, speed plus excellent hands should translate into success. Although I did read something where Tate had made a highlight reel catch in mini-camp only to have Hasselbeck admit he ran the totally wrong route.

Never the less watch for this Seahawk early, as the team is lacking receiver talent and could introduce him early.

Opportunity: WR2
Stock Value: Medium  to Very High

Arizona Cardinals

Andre Roberts WR 5″10 195 lbs.

Senior Bowl sensation, impressing scouts with his ability to sink his hips and change directions on his breaks. Sounds great, only Larry Fitzgerald Steve Breaston, and Early Doucet make for tough on field talent, so most likely Roberts and his speed will take over the return duties with maybe adding some slot situational work. Unless he shows something really special at camp, I’d peg him as a good talented addition with little fantasy value

Opportunity: WR3
Stock Value: Low- Medium

San Fransisco 49er’s

Size Speaks Volume

We had mentioned in draft articles prior, that the 49ers added size and strength to instantly become a  headache for defense line coaches. T Anthony Davis & G Mike Iupati need to be signed immediately, as their presence on the offensive line could give not only Frank Gore’s fantasy value a boost but Glen Coffee’s as well.

The 49er’s should be able to test the NFC with a smash-mouth running game that Coach Mike Singletary can hang his hat on. The 49ers are building a old-school type smash and grab team. Toughness is Singletary’s middle name and I expect a new looking 49er’s team…so do the fans.