Sleeper Watch

It was a dismal year for David Boston. First, the Chargers decided that even a sixth-round pick was better than having their leading receiver in the locker room any longer, and dealt Boston to Miami for just that. Then, he suffered a knee injury during an August practice that kept him on the sidelines for the entire season. To add the proverbial insult to that injury, Boston had to watch as San Diego’s plan of addition by subtraction paid immediate dividends, with the Chargers improving from 4-12 to a division-leading 12-4. In the meantime, Boston’s new team struggled to a 4-12 mark of its own.

As if all that wasn’t enough, Boston also had to deal with legal troubles stemming from an October incident at Burlington International Airport, and was suspended for four games after testing positive for a steroid-related substance. All in all, it was a year to forget.

Will Boston’s fortunes change in 2005? Fantasy owners who remember his 1598-yard 2001 campaign in Arizona know just what the former #8 overall pick is capable of, but like the San Diego Chargers, they also know how frustrating it can be to have him on their roster.

For now, temper your expectations, but keep David Boston on your fantasy radar going into the 2005 season. If he can return at full strength, if he can put his troubles behind him, and if Miami can bring in a solid running back to balance its offense, Boston could again be a productive fantasy option. He’s still only 26 years old, and there’s plenty of time to put his career back on track. Those ifs are huge, however. At this point, consider him a high-risk, high-reward player who can’t be counted on as a starter, but might be worth a late-round flier after your first-string WRs are in place.