Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs released a tribute video to the late great Joe Delaney.
Great talent. Special person.
Joe's story is nothing short of inspirational.
You can watch the video by clicking here and going to the Chiefs Kingdom homepage.
The intro is a bit much (if you are a non-KC fan), the video is a little too long, and the sponsor breaks are annoying, but they tell his story well.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
RB Value with the Falcons
Kimra Schleicher insights in this year's Lindy's Sports Fantasy Football 2014 are useful.
Reading her bio, she has quite the record of fantasy football success.
One sleeper that she offers is Falcons' back Devonta Freeman--arguing that with an aging Steven Jackson, he sure to see playing time soon.
Good point and I like Freeman too:
1) the Falcons have a high-powered offense that was down on its luck last season;
2) they traditionally have been effective in running the ball; and
3) not only can he run the football and catch, but he is regarded as a good blocker--no matter how much talent a rookie has, poor and/or confused blockers spend lots of time on the sidelines.
A negative could be that Freeman was in a timeshare throughout college, but that may be good in saving his body from hits.
I prefer to watch the reports after camps start in August before I try to predict which RBs and WRs are worthy of late round fliers, but Freeman is someone to watch.
I also would not forget about Jackson either. Lindy's mag has him as the #25 runner, and NFL.com lists his ADP as 100.
As long as he is healthy at the beginning of the season, a late round pick invested in Jackson, may offer points in the first half of the season as he pounds defenses.
Reading her bio, she has quite the record of fantasy football success.
One sleeper that she offers is Falcons' back Devonta Freeman--arguing that with an aging Steven Jackson, he sure to see playing time soon.
Good point and I like Freeman too:
1) the Falcons have a high-powered offense that was down on its luck last season;
2) they traditionally have been effective in running the ball; and
3) not only can he run the football and catch, but he is regarded as a good blocker--no matter how much talent a rookie has, poor and/or confused blockers spend lots of time on the sidelines.
A negative could be that Freeman was in a timeshare throughout college, but that may be good in saving his body from hits.
I prefer to watch the reports after camps start in August before I try to predict which RBs and WRs are worthy of late round fliers, but Freeman is someone to watch.
I also would not forget about Jackson either. Lindy's mag has him as the #25 runner, and NFL.com lists his ADP as 100.
As long as he is healthy at the beginning of the season, a late round pick invested in Jackson, may offer points in the first half of the season as he pounds defenses.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
My NFL Mock Draft 2014
Every year, I project the top 10 picks in the NFL draft.
For each pick that I miss, I owe my son and daughter a quarter each.
And yes, I do end up paying them every year--some drafts more than others.
In any event, here goes for 2014...
1) TEXANS: DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
Best athlete in the draft. The only question is whether the Texans select him or trade down and collect picks from a team that is smitten with Clowney. I think they wait on a QB because Clowney is too good to pass.
2) TRADE (RAMS TO FALCONS): LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo
The Rams have been waiting to trade this pick since they acquired it. St. Louis' management is smart, and is bringing in all the top players as a smoke screen to make us think they may draft at #2. I say don't buy it. They want an OT and are waiting for the best offer to then drop back. I see either the Bills, Browns, or Falcons moving up here. The Falcons have shown they are not afraid to take risks and their defense sure could use an all-pro level talent like Mack.
3) JAGUARS: WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson
Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley has been impressive. Last season, he rallied a lackluster Jags roster and had them for the most part competitive. Free agents considering teams have spoken highly of the Jags coaching staff--as it is tough enough to lure quality players when your team's recent success is miniscule. In any event, the Jags need a QB, but with WR Blackmon suspended and his career in doubt, I don't think they will pass up on a talent like Watkins. I would not be surprised though, if they entertain trade offers and collect a ransom to move back--someone else will grab Watkins if he is still on the board here.
4) BROWNS: QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida
The experts have the Browns selecting any number of players at this #4. The team has a good defense and is assembling talent on offense. WR Josh Gordon's performance last year was one of the best in NFL history considering the below average QBs who were throwing to him. As such, look for the Browns to emerge from the "we are not taking a QB" smoke screen and grab a long-term signal-caller in Bortles. I see him as a big tough guy--something that will fit this blue-collar and cold weather city well. I love Bortles' confidence, and I think a team like Cleveland is looking for that as well.
5) RAIDERS: T Greg Robinson, Auburn
Looking for a more conservative pick now that Mr. Davis is no longer making the moves, I see the Raiders going for a boring "sure thing." If Robinson is there, they take him. Experts believe he is the best long-term star at OT in this draft.
6) RAMS (From FALCONS): T Taylor Lewan, Michigan
Richer with picks after the trade, the Rams will go with the best OT on the board. If Robinson is there, they take him, but I think they will favor Lewan's nastiness over Matthews.
7) BUCCANEERS: T Jake Matthews Texas A&M
My favorite team--for better or for worse. Early projections had LB Mack still available for the Bucs here, but that is a distant memory. New head coach, Lovie Smith, is a defensive guy. They want defense help, but I think they will wait when either Lewan or Matthew is available. I see them grabbing the A&M OT. Lots of stories late on the owners pushing for Manziel, but I'd be surprised if the conservative Smith agrees to that dice roll.
8) TRADE (VIKINGS TO TITANS): QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
I think the Vikings are afraid of the risk in selecting Manziel. If Bortles is still here, they take him; otherwise they look for a trading partner. I see the Titans willing to move up and make an immediate splash with a new coach. Locker is the immediate starter, but Manziel will be taking over the spot soon enough. Titans fans will be energized for sure if this happens.
9) BILLS: TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina
I was between WR Evans and TE Ebron, but I think the Bills want a player who can make an immediate impact and that is Ebron. Tall and athletic, the TE will force defensive coordinators to game plan against him, which will allow the Bills to run more easily; something they want to do with their two-headed running back monster anyway.
10) LIONS: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan St.
Needing secondary help and unwilling to sacrifice picks to move up for an elite talent, I see the Lions taking the best DB on their board. I like OSU's CB Gilbert, but I think they will go with an outstanding local cover guy in Dennard.
Bonus Pick: 31) BRONCOS: G Xavier Su'A-Filo, UCLA
My son's fav team is the Broncos, so I pick for them as well. They either go LB or OL here. I see Denver's strategy as maximize the chance that Peyton succeeds now, so look for them to take the best OL available and Su'A-Filo could be that.
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Note: All player links are too Walter Football's scouting report. Every year, their group does an outstanding job of breaking down the players and teams.
For each pick that I miss, I owe my son and daughter a quarter each.
And yes, I do end up paying them every year--some drafts more than others.
In any event, here goes for 2014...
1) TEXANS: DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
Best athlete in the draft. The only question is whether the Texans select him or trade down and collect picks from a team that is smitten with Clowney. I think they wait on a QB because Clowney is too good to pass.
2) TRADE (RAMS TO FALCONS): LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo
The Rams have been waiting to trade this pick since they acquired it. St. Louis' management is smart, and is bringing in all the top players as a smoke screen to make us think they may draft at #2. I say don't buy it. They want an OT and are waiting for the best offer to then drop back. I see either the Bills, Browns, or Falcons moving up here. The Falcons have shown they are not afraid to take risks and their defense sure could use an all-pro level talent like Mack.
3) JAGUARS: WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson
Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley has been impressive. Last season, he rallied a lackluster Jags roster and had them for the most part competitive. Free agents considering teams have spoken highly of the Jags coaching staff--as it is tough enough to lure quality players when your team's recent success is miniscule. In any event, the Jags need a QB, but with WR Blackmon suspended and his career in doubt, I don't think they will pass up on a talent like Watkins. I would not be surprised though, if they entertain trade offers and collect a ransom to move back--someone else will grab Watkins if he is still on the board here.
4) BROWNS: QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida
The experts have the Browns selecting any number of players at this #4. The team has a good defense and is assembling talent on offense. WR Josh Gordon's performance last year was one of the best in NFL history considering the below average QBs who were throwing to him. As such, look for the Browns to emerge from the "we are not taking a QB" smoke screen and grab a long-term signal-caller in Bortles. I see him as a big tough guy--something that will fit this blue-collar and cold weather city well. I love Bortles' confidence, and I think a team like Cleveland is looking for that as well.
5) RAIDERS: T Greg Robinson, Auburn
Looking for a more conservative pick now that Mr. Davis is no longer making the moves, I see the Raiders going for a boring "sure thing." If Robinson is there, they take him. Experts believe he is the best long-term star at OT in this draft.
6) RAMS (From FALCONS): T Taylor Lewan, Michigan
Richer with picks after the trade, the Rams will go with the best OT on the board. If Robinson is there, they take him, but I think they will favor Lewan's nastiness over Matthews.
7) BUCCANEERS: T Jake Matthews Texas A&M
My favorite team--for better or for worse. Early projections had LB Mack still available for the Bucs here, but that is a distant memory. New head coach, Lovie Smith, is a defensive guy. They want defense help, but I think they will wait when either Lewan or Matthew is available. I see them grabbing the A&M OT. Lots of stories late on the owners pushing for Manziel, but I'd be surprised if the conservative Smith agrees to that dice roll.
8) TRADE (VIKINGS TO TITANS): QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
I think the Vikings are afraid of the risk in selecting Manziel. If Bortles is still here, they take him; otherwise they look for a trading partner. I see the Titans willing to move up and make an immediate splash with a new coach. Locker is the immediate starter, but Manziel will be taking over the spot soon enough. Titans fans will be energized for sure if this happens.
9) BILLS: TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina
I was between WR Evans and TE Ebron, but I think the Bills want a player who can make an immediate impact and that is Ebron. Tall and athletic, the TE will force defensive coordinators to game plan against him, which will allow the Bills to run more easily; something they want to do with their two-headed running back monster anyway.
10) LIONS: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan St.
Needing secondary help and unwilling to sacrifice picks to move up for an elite talent, I see the Lions taking the best DB on their board. I like OSU's CB Gilbert, but I think they will go with an outstanding local cover guy in Dennard.
Bonus Pick: 31) BRONCOS: G Xavier Su'A-Filo, UCLA
My son's fav team is the Broncos, so I pick for them as well. They either go LB or OL here. I see Denver's strategy as maximize the chance that Peyton succeeds now, so look for them to take the best OL available and Su'A-Filo could be that.
----------------------------
Note: All player links are too Walter Football's scouting report. Every year, their group does an outstanding job of breaking down the players and teams.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Undervalued: Colts Running Backs
Another fantasy football suggestion...
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Finding a RB mid-season in the waiver pool that touches the ball a lot is tough, so it is always wise to draft proper depth at that position.
I think one place to look for value is at the backfield in Indianapolis.
First, why should you consider a Colts RB?
This is the team that already has a strong passing game with QB Andrew Luck (7th in total passing yards in 2012) and WRs Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton. They also acquired veteran speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey to try and stretch defenses. Also, new Offensive Coordinator Pep Hamilton managed a run-first attack at Stanford, so expect the Colts to do more pounding the ball this season.*
So which RB?
Three guys are vying to start.
Vick Ballard averaged over 20 carries in the last 4 games of the season, and finished with almost 1,000 total yards.
Despite battling nagging injuries last season, free-agent Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 6 touchdowns and over 1,200 total yards.
Before Ballard took over last season, former first-round draft pick Donald Brown was the starter.
I am not ready to make call as to which Colts runner will get the bulk of the carries this year, but training camp and the preseason should give us hints.
Being confident that Bradshaw (#51), Ballard (#111), and Brown (#285) are all value picks and one will most likely be the guy for Indy this year, should allow for me to draft a Colt and at the least offer my team adequate RB depth--with a potential upside of one being a weekly starter. *
_______________________________
*Note: The information on Pep Hamilton is from the Sporting News Fantasy Source and player draft rankings are from NFL.com.
-------------------------------------------------------
Finding a RB mid-season in the waiver pool that touches the ball a lot is tough, so it is always wise to draft proper depth at that position.
I think one place to look for value is at the backfield in Indianapolis.
First, why should you consider a Colts RB?
This is the team that already has a strong passing game with QB Andrew Luck (7th in total passing yards in 2012) and WRs Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton. They also acquired veteran speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey to try and stretch defenses. Also, new Offensive Coordinator Pep Hamilton managed a run-first attack at Stanford, so expect the Colts to do more pounding the ball this season.*
So which RB?
Three guys are vying to start.
Vick Ballard averaged over 20 carries in the last 4 games of the season, and finished with almost 1,000 total yards.
Despite battling nagging injuries last season, free-agent Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 6 touchdowns and over 1,200 total yards.
Before Ballard took over last season, former first-round draft pick Donald Brown was the starter.
I am not ready to make call as to which Colts runner will get the bulk of the carries this year, but training camp and the preseason should give us hints.
Being confident that Bradshaw (#51), Ballard (#111), and Brown (#285) are all value picks and one will most likely be the guy for Indy this year, should allow for me to draft a Colt and at the least offer my team adequate RB depth--with a potential upside of one being a weekly starter. *
_______________________________
*Note: The information on Pep Hamilton is from the Sporting News Fantasy Source and player draft rankings are from NFL.com.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Undervalued: Anquan Boldin
It is fantasy football time again. For several posts, I want to discuss players that I see as over or under-valued in this year's draft.
_______________________________________
Anquan Boldin is currently listed as the 43rd best WR and the #116 best pick overall on NFL.com.
The 49ers top WR, Michael Crabtree, tore his achilles tendon in off-season team activities, and may be out for the season.
Short on receivers during mini-camp, the team used TE Vernon Davis as a wideout. Davis' numbers were down last year anyway, as he managed more than two catches in only one of QB Kaepernick's final seven regular season starts (though he was productive in the playoffs).
The rest of the 49ers receivers include injured Mario Manningham, and largely unfamiliar names like Kyle Williams and AJ Jenkins.
Despite being a run first team, the 49ers will want to throw the ball.
But who will be the primary option?
I believe the veteran Boldin will get plenty of targets.
He is no longer a deep-threat, but has never lost his courage to make tough catches in traffic. He has outstanding hands and is able to consistently get open. With the Ravens last year, he caught 65 balls for almost 1,000 yards and 4 TDs.
When I see a team's top receiver with the proven track record of Boldin at a draft position of #116, I say grab him.
You will then be able to laugh at your opponents when you land a starting fantasy receiver with a 12th or 13th round selection.
_______________________________________
Anquan Boldin is currently listed as the 43rd best WR and the #116 best pick overall on NFL.com.
The 49ers top WR, Michael Crabtree, tore his achilles tendon in off-season team activities, and may be out for the season.
Short on receivers during mini-camp, the team used TE Vernon Davis as a wideout. Davis' numbers were down last year anyway, as he managed more than two catches in only one of QB Kaepernick's final seven regular season starts (though he was productive in the playoffs).
The rest of the 49ers receivers include injured Mario Manningham, and largely unfamiliar names like Kyle Williams and AJ Jenkins.
Despite being a run first team, the 49ers will want to throw the ball.
But who will be the primary option?
I believe the veteran Boldin will get plenty of targets.
He is no longer a deep-threat, but has never lost his courage to make tough catches in traffic. He has outstanding hands and is able to consistently get open. With the Ravens last year, he caught 65 balls for almost 1,000 yards and 4 TDs.
When I see a team's top receiver with the proven track record of Boldin at a draft position of #116, I say grab him.
You will then be able to laugh at your opponents when you land a starting fantasy receiver with a 12th or 13th round selection.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
I Prefer Fantasy Drafts after the Preseason
I prefer late fantasy drafts over early ones.
So many players get injured, lose their starting jobs, or get cut during the preseason, that it makes a first week in August draft, too much of a crap-shoot for me.
For instance, I liked Matt Flynn as a late-round back-up QB--depending on my starter (like if I draft Michael Vick, I'd will certainly grab a decent second QB).
But today, it was announced that rookie Russell Wilson earned the starting QB job for the Seahawks, and Flynn will be holding a clipboard (an expensive clipboard holder at that with his $10 million guranteed).
Also, I don't go after a kicker until the end of a draft. As such, I take whomever is left--as other owners have grabbed the top rated guys.
Going into camp, I liked Texans' rookie K Randy Bullock. He was a 4th round draft pick, was almost certain to win the job, and Houston is a high-scoring offense that would give him plenty of opportunities to score (the experts had him rated anywhere from the 10th to 15th best fantasy kicker).
But also today, the Texans placed Bullock on Injured Reserve for the season due to a groin injury.
Thus, an early draft of Bullock would have left me scrambling the waiver wire for an emergency replacement (if I stay Texans then Shayne Graham may be that kicker).
In any event, fantasy drafts that are held at the end of the preseason are the best in my opinion--at least you have a clear picture of players that will compete in Week 1.
So many players get injured, lose their starting jobs, or get cut during the preseason, that it makes a first week in August draft, too much of a crap-shoot for me.
For instance, I liked Matt Flynn as a late-round back-up QB--depending on my starter (like if I draft Michael Vick, I'd will certainly grab a decent second QB).
But today, it was announced that rookie Russell Wilson earned the starting QB job for the Seahawks, and Flynn will be holding a clipboard (an expensive clipboard holder at that with his $10 million guranteed).
Also, I don't go after a kicker until the end of a draft. As such, I take whomever is left--as other owners have grabbed the top rated guys.
Going into camp, I liked Texans' rookie K Randy Bullock. He was a 4th round draft pick, was almost certain to win the job, and Houston is a high-scoring offense that would give him plenty of opportunities to score (the experts had him rated anywhere from the 10th to 15th best fantasy kicker).
But also today, the Texans placed Bullock on Injured Reserve for the season due to a groin injury.
Thus, an early draft of Bullock would have left me scrambling the waiver wire for an emergency replacement (if I stay Texans then Shayne Graham may be that kicker).
In any event, fantasy drafts that are held at the end of the preseason are the best in my opinion--at least you have a clear picture of players that will compete in Week 1.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Back and Watch for Sliders
Back from the beach, and I am ready for football season to start.
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I noticed a couple of players sliding some on the NFL.com fantasy draft board.
Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego (from #9 to #26)
I was watching the first Charger preseason game when Mathews took a handoff, gained a few yards, and looked like he fell awkwardly.
He went to the sideline, showed no sign of being in pain, but never reentered the game. I was surprised to learn that he had broken his clavicle and may miss a few regular season contests.
Fantasy seasons are not won in week one or two. Getting Mathews at a bargain price and having him available for the bulk of your games is a plus.
Health has always been a concern for him, but he runs, he catches, his primary backup is now in Carolina, and Coach Turner wants him to be a workhorse this year.
I say take Mathews and enjoy the value selection
Isaac Redman, RB Pittsburgh (from low #70s to #84)
Redman has a hip injury and missed the last preseason game. Regular starter Rashard Mendenhall was recently activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
What does this mean?
I say not too much.
Well, I am not high on Mendenhall this year--rehabbing his torn ACL is going to take time and I don't expect Steelers management to rush him. Redman's injury does not appear serious and he showed he has talent with the 142 total yards in last year's playoff loss (plus over 500 total yards and 3 TDs in limited regular season action).
Also, with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, they will want to run the ball consistently and will pull the plug on QB Big Ben trying to throw for 400 yards per game--last season's predominant game plan.
I am expecting Redman to carry the ball plenty of times per contest.
So, don't get distracted with the Mendenhall or Redman news, taking him as a mid-round RB has plenty of upside.
____________________________________
I noticed a couple of players sliding some on the NFL.com fantasy draft board.
Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego (from #9 to #26)
I was watching the first Charger preseason game when Mathews took a handoff, gained a few yards, and looked like he fell awkwardly.
He went to the sideline, showed no sign of being in pain, but never reentered the game. I was surprised to learn that he had broken his clavicle and may miss a few regular season contests.
Fantasy seasons are not won in week one or two. Getting Mathews at a bargain price and having him available for the bulk of your games is a plus.
Health has always been a concern for him, but he runs, he catches, his primary backup is now in Carolina, and Coach Turner wants him to be a workhorse this year.
I say take Mathews and enjoy the value selection
Isaac Redman, RB Pittsburgh (from low #70s to #84)
Redman has a hip injury and missed the last preseason game. Regular starter Rashard Mendenhall was recently activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
What does this mean?
I say not too much.
Well, I am not high on Mendenhall this year--rehabbing his torn ACL is going to take time and I don't expect Steelers management to rush him. Redman's injury does not appear serious and he showed he has talent with the 142 total yards in last year's playoff loss (plus over 500 total yards and 3 TDs in limited regular season action).
Also, with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, they will want to run the ball consistently and will pull the plug on QB Big Ben trying to throw for 400 yards per game--last season's predominant game plan.
I am expecting Redman to carry the ball plenty of times per contest.
So, don't get distracted with the Mendenhall or Redman news, taking him as a mid-round RB has plenty of upside.
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