New Guy's Sleeper List

[LionsTim]

I know I'm new to the Cafe, but I have the day off and figure I'll see what you guys think of what I think. Here's a couple sleepers at each position I think will have great value.

Quarterback-

Aaron Brooks- While his numbers have taken a dive the last year, I think Brooks will have a better season this year. He has the arm and ability, but has made poor decisions the last two years. With a new OC, I think he will flourish. He is durable, and there is no one pushing him in the wings (this year, at least). Look for his TD's to be up and his int's to be down with a less complicated offense.

Brian Griese- Don't expect him to carry your team, but he could help you out, especially if your #1 guy goes down early. TB plays MIN, DET, GB, Jets, 49ers all in the first 8 weeks. You may also be able to get some value as trade fodder if he performs well early. He threw 20 TDs in 11 games last year, and with a new RB that can also catch out of the backfield, he could surprise and be a top 10 guy.


Running Back


DeShaun Foster- Although he's a big injury risk, Foster is a big, explosive runner who can take it to the house on any play. He also has good hands. He's a good option if you take Manning and need depth at running back in the fourth or fifth, or if you take a young RB that may not start from day one, like Cedric Benson. You can count on Foster for some good games early, except wk 2 versus the Pats.


TJ Duckett- As I mentioned in another thread, I like Duckett this year. He can fill in as a backup for a week or two and get you one or two (or four) tds, and Warrick Dunn isn't getting younger. I tend to shy away from backs that are turning 30. Stephen Davis turned 30 last year, Marshall Faulks production has been down since his 30th, and Priest Holmes may have been a stud, eight games isn't very dependable. Get Duckett as your 4th back and you'll have 10 touchdowns even if he doesn't start.


Wide Receiver


Tyrone Calico- If he's %100, there's no question he doesn't put up 8 tds, but I think he'll do more than that. The Titans have no #3 or #4 guy, and that bodes well for Drew Bennett and Calico. Steve McNair can still throw the ball and is one of the most tenacious guys in the game, and backup Billy Volek is competant as well. With a very questionable defense, look for the Titans to be playing from behind for most of the season as well.


Roddy White- OK, this might be a waiver wire sleeper, but I really like this guy. I think the Falcons will use him more than Mark Clayton last year, but Vick has to prove he can throw the ball. I think he can. White is a big guy with amazing speed, and if he gets the chance, he will impress.

Tight End


Dallas Clark- With Marcus Pollard gone and a prolific passing offense, look for Clark to be one of the top five tight ends. He should get 700 yds and 8-9 tds, good for an 7th round pick.

[Cornbread Maxwell]

Welcome LionsTim!

Always nice to see a fellow Lions fan around here.

Ill just make a few comments on your sleepers:

I know I'm new to the Cafe, but I have the day off and figure I'll see what you guys think of what I think. Here's a couple sleepers at each position I think will have great value.

Quarterback-[/b}

Aaron Brooks- While his numbers have taken a dive the last year, I think Brooks will have a better season this year. He has the arm and ability, but has made poor decisions the last two years. With a new OC, I think he will flourish. He is durable, and there is no one pushing him in the wings (this year, at least). Look for his TD's to be up and his int's to be down with a less complicated offense.

Good call.
He has finished in the top 10 every yr for a while now and there really isnt any reason to think he wont again this yr. He continues to be a nice value pick.

Brian Griese- Don't expect him to carry your team, but he could help you out, especially if your #1 guy goes down early. TB plays MIN, DET, GB, Jets, 49ers all in the first 8 weeks. You may also be able to get some value as trade fodder if he performs well early. He threw 20 TDs in 11 games last year, and with a new RB that can also catch out of the backfield, he could surprise and be a top 10 guy.

meh - not a bad late rd option at all. MIN, DET, and the NYJ should not be considered easy matchups though - be careful there.

[b]Running Back


DeShaun Foster- Although he's a big injury risk, Foster is a big, explosive runner who can take it to the house on any play. He also has good hands. He's a good option if you take Manning and need depth at running back in the fourth or fifth, or if you take a young RB that may not start from day one, like Cedric Benson. You can count on Foster for some good games early, except wk 2 versus the Pats.

Yeah - he's a pretty cheap option right now. The risk of course is due to his health. If he is healthy and plays the feature back role without losing goalline carries he will more than likely end up a top 15 RB. The injury situation is one you need to keep a very close eye on.

TJ Duckett- As I mentioned in another thread, I like Duckett this year. He can fill in as a backup for a week or two and get you one or two (or four) tds, and Warrick Dunn isn't getting younger. I tend to shy away from backs that are turning 30. Stephen Davis turned 30 last year, Marshall Faulks production has been down since his 30th, and Priest Holmes may have been a stud, eight games isn't very dependable. Get Duckett as your 4th back and you'll have 10 touchdowns even if he doesn't start.

not a bad call - Ive thought for some time now that Duckett would be the best compliment to Vick. The problem exists in that they use Dunn for the dumpoff passes that inevitably come with a scrambling QB and that isnt going to change much right now. You could be on to something though - Duckett is going very late in most drafts if he is even drafted at all.

Wide Receiver


Tyrone Calico- If he's %100, there's no question he doesn't put up 8 tds, but I think he'll do more than that. The Titans have no #3 or #4 guy, and that bodes well for Drew Bennett and Calico. Steve McNair can still throw the ball and is one of the most tenacious guys in the game, and backup Billy Volek is competant as well. With a very questionable defense, look for the Titans to be playing from behind for most of the season as well.

Ive heard some people claim Calico may even supplant Bennett as the Titans #1 WR. His development was stunted by the injury, but he does have a lot of talent and TEN is definitely going to have to pass to keep it close in a lot of games this yr.

Roddy White- OK, this might be a waiver wire sleeper, but I really like this guy. I think the Falcons will use him more than Mark Clayton last year, but Vick has to prove he can throw the ball. I think he can. White is a big guy with amazing speed, and if he gets the chance, he will impress.

Yeah - there was a thread on him earlier - some are saying he looks like the best WR in ATL right now. Since he regularly goes undrafted, thats a good sleeper candidate.

Tight End


Dallas Clark- With Marcus Pollard gone and a prolific passing offense, look for Clark to be one of the top five tight ends. He should get 700 yds and 8-9 tds, good for an 7th round pick.

He isnt that much of a sleeper, a lot of fantasy players are drafting him a little earlier than where he should go. Just be careful projecting Manning to challenge for all those passing records 2 yrs in a row.

Overall good sleepers there LionsTim - nicely done.

[bellybrother]

Good picks. I can tell you've thought about it. I especially like Griese, Foster and Calico(was making amazing catches last year before his injury. If he can overcome his knees and stay consistent he'll be huge). Duckett is also very interesting givin his ADP's and Dunn's age and size.

[creamdoorthirtyniner]

Nice calls LionsTim I agree with everything, except the Dallas Clak idea People expecting top 5 status from him this year are going to be disappointed

Very impressed overall with the consideration putinto everything you said. I hope to see you around the cafe often

[Calyxes]

I like your list of players. Plus it is always good to see another lions fan here.

[koffeeboy]

With no Pollard around, Dallas Clark becomes a potential stud, not a sleeper. He is the clear cut # 1 TE there.

Ben Hartsock could be a sleeper at TE though.

[tanner]

I like the list for the most part..
DeShaun Foster could be a sleeper, but he seems more of complement to the power running game , rather than a full time starter..
Shelton might be the real sleeper on the Panthers..Davis is finished..

good list , tho!

[chaindog35]

I like brooks and griese call at QB, Clark at TE is a nice call, Wite and Calico are deeper sleepers, but definitely talented, Duckett i expect to be about the same as last year and Foster isn't the sleeper in carolina on my draft sheet, I have Shelton as being the best bet as a sleeper in carolina, but should foster amazingly stay healthy, he could be a very good value

[STEELtownUSA]

Hey nice picks here, I agree with all of them except maybe Dallas Clark. He should do decent but not much greater than average.

[Ricky_Christ]

Very nice post, well thought out & good reasoning. I will agree with the others that Clark is going to get drafted too high to make him much of a value, but overall great read.