Category: NFL

Draft Impact- Julio Jones

When the Falcons took Julio Jones with the sixth pick of the 2011 NFL draft it changed the fantasy landscape dramatically.

Analysis: With Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez already on board it seems unlikely Jones can put up WR2 numbers or WR3 numbers for that matter. White was targeted a staggering 179 times last year and Gonzo 111 times. I don’t see Jones coming in as a rookie and taking away many targets from those studs but he should bump Michael Jenkins out of the number two receiving role by the start of the season. Jenkins is pretty much a 50 reception, 600 yard type of fantasy receiver and Jones will be able to put up slightly better numbers his rookie year while stretching the defense like Jenkins never could (career 12.7 yards/rec). Jones does have a history of getting banged up far too much for my liking but he has an even bigger reputation as a tough a guy. The impact Jones will have on Matt Ryan cannot be underestimated. He takes Ryan from a stream starter in the Eli, Flacco, Freeman tier to the tenth best fantasy quarterback. Jones isn’t magically going put up a 1,000 yard season and make Ryan a fantasy stud but he will contribute to the overall success of their squad.

Projection: While I’m still taking AJ Green every day of the week over Jones in dynasty/keeper leagues, Jones has the highest ceiling of any rookie wide out this year. Expect 55 receptions, 700 receiving yards and six touchdowns, not quite WR3 numbers. He’ll be long gone in the draft before you can get him at value this year.

Ryan Torain to be Washington Redskins’ Starter in 2011?

Washington Redskins star running back Clinton Portis is expected to be released, a move that could have the organization looking to Ryan Torain as the new full-time starter at the position, according to Rotoworld.com.

Analysis: Torain put up over 700 yards and an enticing 4.5 yards per carry average in just 10 games, which offers the potential to translate into future success. Torain isn’t the best receiver or play-maker, but he knows Mike Shanahan’s scheme and can pound the rock with the best of them.

Projection: He has the body and talent to do some damage in the NFL, although damage is the operative word. Durability concerns could force the ‘Skins to add another back to help Torain. If he is the full-time starter, however, he’d vie for 1,000 yards and around 10 scores.

Le’Ron McClain Could See Rise in Value With Willis McGahee Release

According to several sources, the Baltimore Ravens plan to release veteran running back Willis McGahee, which could potentially assist in bringing back veteran fullback, Le’Ron McClain.

Analysis: McClain is a free agent and has been complainig about his lack of touches over the past two years. However, with the news that McGahee is on his way out, McClain could resign if he was guaranteed McGahee’s old role.

Projection: McClain ran for over 900 yards and 10 touchdowns just three years ago, so he could still provide great help with short yardage and goal-line duties. If he returns and gets the role he’s seeking, McClain could easily vie for 400+ rushing yards and 5-7 touchdowns.

Donald Driver’s Plans Could Impact Jordy Nelson’s Future

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver spoke up again this week about his desire to play until age 40, claiming that he feels great at age 36, and doesn’t feel he has lost a step.

Analysis: Its debatable if Driver has lot anything, but even if he hasn’t, the Packers need to start thinking about how good Nelson could be if he was offered the chance to do what he did in the Super Bowl (9 rec, 140 yds, 1 TD) on a full-time basis. If Driver is serious about sticking around for another four years, fantasy owners need to be worried that Nelson may never realize his potential.

Projection: If Brett Favre can be driven out of town, so too, can Donald Driver. If the Packers are smart, they’ll start Nelson in 2011, as he has proven to be far too good of an option to let rot behind the regressing Driver. If Nelson gets that opportunity, 70 catches and 1,000 yards are within reach.

Green Bay’s Matt Flynn on the Trading Block?

The National Football Post’s Dan Pompei has reported that several NFL teams have shown interest in Green Bay Packers back-up quarterback, Matt Flynn.

Analysis: The former seventh rounder showed he can play with the big boys in a sensational losing effort to the New England Patriots near the end of the 2010 regular season. With no chance of becoming a starter in Green Bay, Flynn could quickly become a hot trade item heading into the 2011 NFL Draft.