With a new fantasy football season on the horizon, I do enjoy the funny commercials like this one from NFL.com.
The "One Giant Step" part has older boy giggling every time he sees it.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Arrests: How Does that Impact Your Draft?
Adrian Peterson.
Dez Bryant.
Marshawn Lynch.
Kenny Britt.
I liked the fantasy football prospects of each of these players, but after recent arrests, how will that impact my fantasy drafting?
Should I Participate in Fantasy Drafts Later Rather than Earlier?
Yes. Lots can happen between now and early September when the NFL regular season starts. Injuries, demotions, roster changes, and of course, arrests that can impact a promising fantasy football player. I prefer to wait until late August for fantasy drafts--it gives me more time to evaluate how players charged criminally will fair in court as well as if any team or league punishment will be a factor.
Was the Player Expected to be Critical in Their Team's Success?
Each of the four players mentioned above are stars, and their respective teams would love to have them on the field. Peterson and Britt are coming off serious injuries and were not expected to be ready early in the season anyway. The Titans and the Vikings already have a Plan B in place. From a fantasy perspective--I'll need to evaluate if grabbing the "Plan B" players early and then selecting Peterson and/or Britt is better than alternative selections.
How will the arrest impact their draft value?
Of the four players, only Britt tumbled on ratings boards. Combine the arrest with his past discipline problems and multiple surgeries, he fell from an under 60 to a now over 100 ranking on NFL.com. In Week 3 last year, Britt was a fantasy star WR--having 289 yards and three TDs in limited action. Insiders still rave about his abilities, and taking Britt with one of your last fantasy picks is much more appealing than risking a 5th or 6th round selection on him.
How much NFL news is enough?
Ha, I don't think I can put a ceiling on the amount of information that one can gain about the teams, coaches, and players. Figuring out what role each arrested player is expected to assume, what the commissioner or general manager is saying about him, and what non-criminal behaviors are being reported, can certainly give you a heads-up as to what players to avoid or take a risk on pre-draft.
------------------------------
In sum, when an NFL player is arrested, it is certainly something worth monitoring, but it can also allow you to draft a good player at an improved value--after the situation is resolved.
Dez Bryant.
Marshawn Lynch.
Kenny Britt.
I liked the fantasy football prospects of each of these players, but after recent arrests, how will that impact my fantasy drafting?
Should I Participate in Fantasy Drafts Later Rather than Earlier?
Yes. Lots can happen between now and early September when the NFL regular season starts. Injuries, demotions, roster changes, and of course, arrests that can impact a promising fantasy football player. I prefer to wait until late August for fantasy drafts--it gives me more time to evaluate how players charged criminally will fair in court as well as if any team or league punishment will be a factor.
Was the Player Expected to be Critical in Their Team's Success?
Each of the four players mentioned above are stars, and their respective teams would love to have them on the field. Peterson and Britt are coming off serious injuries and were not expected to be ready early in the season anyway. The Titans and the Vikings already have a Plan B in place. From a fantasy perspective--I'll need to evaluate if grabbing the "Plan B" players early and then selecting Peterson and/or Britt is better than alternative selections.
How will the arrest impact their draft value?
Of the four players, only Britt tumbled on ratings boards. Combine the arrest with his past discipline problems and multiple surgeries, he fell from an under 60 to a now over 100 ranking on NFL.com. In Week 3 last year, Britt was a fantasy star WR--having 289 yards and three TDs in limited action. Insiders still rave about his abilities, and taking Britt with one of your last fantasy picks is much more appealing than risking a 5th or 6th round selection on him.
How much NFL news is enough?
Ha, I don't think I can put a ceiling on the amount of information that one can gain about the teams, coaches, and players. Figuring out what role each arrested player is expected to assume, what the commissioner or general manager is saying about him, and what non-criminal behaviors are being reported, can certainly give you a heads-up as to what players to avoid or take a risk on pre-draft.
------------------------------
In sum, when an NFL player is arrested, it is certainly something worth monitoring, but it can also allow you to draft a good player at an improved value--after the situation is resolved.
Monday, July 16, 2012
The First Round: Who am I Iffy on?
The first round of a fantasy draft can make or break your season.
Missing on what is supposed to be a star player can cause an owner to play a constant-game of catch-up throughout the season.
Last season, I chose Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall who underperformed.
Pittsburgh finally jettisoned their lackluster running strategy after the first few games, and emphasized an air attack--which had me benching Mendenhall some weeks.
Benching your #1 pick should not happen.
So, which top player am I squeamish on this year?
From NFL.com's rankings, will Calvin Johnson (8) suffer the Madden Curse?
Can Drew Brees (6) overcome an offseason of turmoil?
Will Ryan Matthews (9) ever not be labeled a fantasy bust?
Can Maurice Jones-Drew's body last another season of pounding?
Ok, so I am a little concerned about those guys, but my biggest worry of the top five players is with RB Arian Foster (1).
Earlier this month, Foster announced that he was going vegan.
He will now forgo consuming animal products.
Now, I have nothing against anyone who chooses this path (I respect it), but it does concern me when an NFL running back announces this decision.
Such a change would require Foster to be "vegan fluent" to ensure that his body is getting enough nutrients.
Will he have time to properly monitor and adjust his diet during the busy season?
What impact will the new eating approach have on him by Week 6?
If he decides to change back to a regular diet mid-season, how long will his body need to adjust?
Foster's situation is certainly one that I'll be keeping tabs on up until draft time.
Missing on what is supposed to be a star player can cause an owner to play a constant-game of catch-up throughout the season.
Last season, I chose Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall who underperformed.
Pittsburgh finally jettisoned their lackluster running strategy after the first few games, and emphasized an air attack--which had me benching Mendenhall some weeks.
Benching your #1 pick should not happen.
So, which top player am I squeamish on this year?
From NFL.com's rankings, will Calvin Johnson (8) suffer the Madden Curse?
Can Drew Brees (6) overcome an offseason of turmoil?
Will Ryan Matthews (9) ever not be labeled a fantasy bust?
Can Maurice Jones-Drew's body last another season of pounding?
Ok, so I am a little concerned about those guys, but my biggest worry of the top five players is with RB Arian Foster (1).
Earlier this month, Foster announced that he was going vegan.
He will now forgo consuming animal products.
Now, I have nothing against anyone who chooses this path (I respect it), but it does concern me when an NFL running back announces this decision.
Such a change would require Foster to be "vegan fluent" to ensure that his body is getting enough nutrients.
Will he have time to properly monitor and adjust his diet during the busy season?
What impact will the new eating approach have on him by Week 6?
If he decides to change back to a regular diet mid-season, how long will his body need to adjust?
Foster's situation is certainly one that I'll be keeping tabs on up until draft time.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Adrian Peterson Arrested
When I saw that Adrian Peterson had been arrested in Houston for "resisting arrest," I immediately wanted to know several things.
Did he run from police and if so, how did his speed look?
How many officers did it take to place him under arrest?
Was he able to make sharp cuts on his rehabbing knee?
Did he get injured during the incident (besides reporting shortness of breath)?
Was his shortness of breath an indicator as to his current physical conditioning?
Yes, every news item does revolve around my potential fantasy football team.
-------------------
One observation on the incident--the latest report says that an intoxicated Peterson pushed down an off-duty police officer working an extra job at a bar.
Numerous law enforcement agencies will not permit their personnel to work extra jobs at bars and clubs.
Too much trouble equates to too much liability for the agency.
Did he run from police and if so, how did his speed look?
How many officers did it take to place him under arrest?
Was he able to make sharp cuts on his rehabbing knee?
Did he get injured during the incident (besides reporting shortness of breath)?
Was his shortness of breath an indicator as to his current physical conditioning?
Yes, every news item does revolve around my potential fantasy football team.
-------------------
One observation on the incident--the latest report says that an intoxicated Peterson pushed down an off-duty police officer working an extra job at a bar.
Numerous law enforcement agencies will not permit their personnel to work extra jobs at bars and clubs.
Too much trouble equates to too much liability for the agency.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
What Was I Thinking: The Good and the Bad of 2011
Back from a long break and ready for the season to start...
I found some hand-written notes on drafting from prior to last year's NFL season, and some of my advice sure is humorous:
2011 Selected Fantasy Football Notes
1) Grab Knowshon Moreno--new Broncos offense is run-oriented
Fortunately, I did not have a chance to draft Moreno as he struggled once again with injuries and failed to live up to expectations.
2) Avoid Broncos receivers (same thought with the run-oriented offense)
I did much better with this projection, but who would have guessed that Tebow would take the helm for the majority of Denver's games and the team would emphasize a ground-game never seen before in the NFL.
3) If Jermichael Finley is healthy, take him as your TE
Well, Finley did not stay healthy and had a disappointing year. As with Moreno, I lucked out and Finley was off the board when I was thinking TE, so I took a risk on that guy for the Saints...What is his name? Oh yeah, Jimmy Graham--and wow, what a season did Jimmy have.
4) Look at the Rams offense as there may be value at the WR
My thought was that the Rams had a new offense that would emphasize the pass. Sam Bradford was returning after a productive rookie season. So, I concluded that one of St. Louis' receivers would be a hidden star and good selection as a late round draft flyer. Wrong. The Rams stunk, dealt with numerous injuries, and anyone who followed my advice would have wasted a late round pick.
-----------------
Finding the 18 or so recommendations and evaluating them a year later was fun; I'll be sure to do it again for next season--I am always good for a laugh.
I found some hand-written notes on drafting from prior to last year's NFL season, and some of my advice sure is humorous:
2011 Selected Fantasy Football Notes
1) Grab Knowshon Moreno--new Broncos offense is run-oriented
Fortunately, I did not have a chance to draft Moreno as he struggled once again with injuries and failed to live up to expectations.
2) Avoid Broncos receivers (same thought with the run-oriented offense)
I did much better with this projection, but who would have guessed that Tebow would take the helm for the majority of Denver's games and the team would emphasize a ground-game never seen before in the NFL.
3) If Jermichael Finley is healthy, take him as your TE
Well, Finley did not stay healthy and had a disappointing year. As with Moreno, I lucked out and Finley was off the board when I was thinking TE, so I took a risk on that guy for the Saints...What is his name? Oh yeah, Jimmy Graham--and wow, what a season did Jimmy have.
4) Look at the Rams offense as there may be value at the WR
My thought was that the Rams had a new offense that would emphasize the pass. Sam Bradford was returning after a productive rookie season. So, I concluded that one of St. Louis' receivers would be a hidden star and good selection as a late round draft flyer. Wrong. The Rams stunk, dealt with numerous injuries, and anyone who followed my advice would have wasted a late round pick.
-----------------
Finding the 18 or so recommendations and evaluating them a year later was fun; I'll be sure to do it again for next season--I am always good for a laugh.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Trick Shot Quarterback
Why would a small college or university want to spend millions of dollars on stuffy traditional marketing plans when they could just assign some talented young people to make a fantastic football video and post it online?
I doubt Monmouth College is disappointed with all the attention garnered from Alex Tanney's YouTube video entitled "Trick Shot Quarterback."
Over 1.6 million views and I sure lots of people Googling Monmouth College.
Not bad at all.
And the guy helping by using his head at about the 3 minute mark deserves serious extra credit.
Not me though; I don't care how well Tanney throws.
No matter how many takes those stunts took, the Bills were evidently impressed as Tanney will be attending their rooking mini-camp in a few days.
I doubt Monmouth College is disappointed with all the attention garnered from Alex Tanney's YouTube video entitled "Trick Shot Quarterback."
Over 1.6 million views and I sure lots of people Googling Monmouth College.
Not bad at all.
And the guy helping by using his head at about the 3 minute mark deserves serious extra credit.
Not me though; I don't care how well Tanney throws.
No matter how many takes those stunts took, the Bills were evidently impressed as Tanney will be attending their rooking mini-camp in a few days.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Best Undrafted Free Agents
With the recent initial signing of undrafted free agents, I was interested in which prospects the experts think will be this year's hidden NFL gems.
Russ Lande of the Sporting News offered his Top 10 that included University of Washington RB Chris Polk (Eagles) and Alabama WR Marquis Maze (Steelers).
Lande's list was comprised of players strictly from recognizable colleges and universities: Southern Cal, Tennessee, VA Tech, etc.
He offers this caveat to his article:
Players often go undrafted due to medical concerns, character issues or size questions. Below is a breakdown of the 10 best undrafted prospects, available as free agents.
I think Lande forgets another important reason that players do not get selected.
Lack of game tape.
Some talent slips past NFL scouts because they either play for small schools or had focused on another sport and only recently began playing football.
Scouts have seen every game of potential recruits from USC or Notre Dame.
They are familiar.
In contrast, how much video of players from Murray State (KY) or Bowie State (TX) have the experts evaluated?
It takes much more time to rate a player who competes against lower levels of competition--and is certainly more of a guessing game.
As such, I prefer to look for a list of best free agents that includes players from schools that I have barely heard about.
In that vein, I like the compilation by Rob Rang from The SportsXchange/CBSSports over Lande's best.
Rang included these players:
Dale Moss (WR) South Dakota State University (Packers)
A converted basketball player, Moss played football only one year, but led his team with 61 receptions and 6 touchdowns. He is 6'3 and runs around 4.40 forty-yard dash.
James Brown (G) Troy State University (Bears)
Great blocker who played well at the Senior Bowl.
Chigbo Anunoby (DT) Morehouse College (Colts)
A 325 lbs. run stuffer--viewed as a NG.
In sum, talent evaluators can't be everywhere, and every year there are some excellent prospects from small colleges/universities flying below the radar.
This season will be no different.
Russ Lande of the Sporting News offered his Top 10 that included University of Washington RB Chris Polk (Eagles) and Alabama WR Marquis Maze (Steelers).
Lande's list was comprised of players strictly from recognizable colleges and universities: Southern Cal, Tennessee, VA Tech, etc.
He offers this caveat to his article:
Players often go undrafted due to medical concerns, character issues or size questions. Below is a breakdown of the 10 best undrafted prospects, available as free agents.
I think Lande forgets another important reason that players do not get selected.
Lack of game tape.
Some talent slips past NFL scouts because they either play for small schools or had focused on another sport and only recently began playing football.
Scouts have seen every game of potential recruits from USC or Notre Dame.
They are familiar.
In contrast, how much video of players from Murray State (KY) or Bowie State (TX) have the experts evaluated?
It takes much more time to rate a player who competes against lower levels of competition--and is certainly more of a guessing game.
As such, I prefer to look for a list of best free agents that includes players from schools that I have barely heard about.
In that vein, I like the compilation by Rob Rang from The SportsXchange/CBSSports over Lande's best.
Rang included these players:
Dale Moss (WR) South Dakota State University (Packers)
A converted basketball player, Moss played football only one year, but led his team with 61 receptions and 6 touchdowns. He is 6'3 and runs around 4.40 forty-yard dash.
James Brown (G) Troy State University (Bears)
Great blocker who played well at the Senior Bowl.
Chigbo Anunoby (DT) Morehouse College (Colts)
A 325 lbs. run stuffer--viewed as a NG.
In sum, talent evaluators can't be everywhere, and every year there are some excellent prospects from small colleges/universities flying below the radar.
This season will be no different.
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