Posted by Paul in Fantasy Advice on Feb 26th 2009 (Print This)
1. Brandon Jacobs/ Derick Ward
The New York football Giants have reportedly come to terms with stud running back Brandon Jacobs. The deal is worth up to 25 million over 4 years. Good for Jacobs and good for the Giants. Jacobs is one of the most unique backs in football, he posses a rear blend of speed and power we don’t often see in a 265 pound back. This deal all but spells the end of Derick Wards time as a Giant and propells Jacobs into the top 10 of fantasy backs. Jacobs ADP (average draft position) was between the late 3rd and mid 4th round in twelve team standard leagues last year. He will be running behind one of the best O-lines in the game for the foreseeable future making his value as a keeper as high as it’s ever been. Now Jacobs just needs to stay healthy throughout the year.
2. Laveranues Coles
The New York Jets went in a different direction than their NFC brethren by cutting ties with the oft injured Laveranues Coles. Coles who led the Jets in TD catches last year with seven has never been able to live up to the teams expectations to justify his high salary cap number. In my eyes Coles is nothing more than the rich mans Patrick Crayton but could be a good fit for the right price. Coles who had 70 catches for 850 yards could be courted by a WR weak team such as the Titans, Vikings or 49ers to name a few.
3. Warrick Dunn/Joey Galloway/ Ike Hilliard
Warrick Dunn was cut but the Bucs in what appears to be a youth movement by the teams new brass. Dunn who is 34 was joined by 37 year old WR Joey Galloway and 34 year old WR Ike Hilliard on the chopping block. The Bucs who also released the incumbent QB, Jeff Garcia a few weeks ago. Tampa seems to be ridding the roster of 30 something players. Dunn will catch on somewhere and make a decent pick-up as he always does. On the other hand father time seemed to catch up with Galloway last year missing seven games with injuries and only catching 13 passes. Like Dunn he will catch on with a team and could have a potential fantasy impact this year. If Galloway can catch on to a playoff team like the Colts he could have super sneaky sleeper potential or SSSP. Ike Hillard couldn’t emerge as a decent number two when Galloway went down and seems to be nothing more than a fantasy afterthought heading into the year.
4.Fred Taylor/ Maurice Jones-Drew (MJD)
Taylor was cut by the Jags and has already had a visit with the Bills. The Patriots are next on his tour of the NorthEast. If Taylor can pass a physical he surely will find work this season. Taylor is one of the most underrated backs in NFL history but has never been a true Fantasy difference maker. He will catch on with a team and most likely hinder the value of of that teams starter. Taylor is a perfect example of the low end half of the dreaded RBBC (running back by comitee). With Taylor being cut it should open the door for fantasy brothers favorite MJD to become a top five back. The Jags and Drew are working out a long term deal that will keep the 5’6 stud in Florida for a long time. Its yet to be seen if MJD can carry a full worklaod or if he’s better suited splitting time. The Jags will almost deffinatley bring in another back either through the draft or free agency for depth behind MJD.