Saturday, January 13, 2007

Build or Destroy: WR Robert Meachem

At 6-3, 210, Robert Meachem appears to have a body built by design for the NFL, and he might, but his speed has been questioned throughout his career in Tennessee. He has entered the NFL Draft and will be one of the top wide receivers looked at by NFL franchises. He finished 2006 2 yards shy of 1,200 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Meachem isn't afraid to extend his arms and take the punishment for the catch, but his route running will need fine tuned.

Meachem has ideal size, great leaping ability, and soft hands for the pigskin. He was known to exploit zone coverage and topple the safety's defensive posture. Despite not having a viable passing option after Meachem, he still succeeded in double coverage. He reminds me of Steve Smith from the Carolina Panthers, as he is rather humble, not afraid to lead, but if he does something positive for the team, he isn't afraid to get a little wild. I like his prospects to grow as a strong #2 in the NFL.

As for his negatives, he will need to improve on running routes. His timed speed coming out of high school as a pure 4.4, but since he has added 15-20 lbs. since 2003, many experts have questioned his speed. Meachem might have taken a few plays off this year as well. What will his desire be like on the next level? I also think he will need to improve on selling his routes and blocking downfield. He struggled dearly with both of those propositions in the film that I have seen. He reminds me of Mark Clayton in Baltimore.

Meachem is a sure-fire second round selection with the possibility of him falling to the third round. Either way, he should be a dependable prospect with upside similar to Marty Booker. Meachem's college career may have peaked some say, but I don't think it did and he would have been better suited staying in school.


He will need coached up on the next level as I expect his first season to be similar to that of Maurice Stovall's in Tampa Bay. His fantasy value is decent, as his long-term potential is strong. Right now I would place him in the 2nd round of dynasty rookie drafts.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Brady Quinn to withdrawal from Senior Bowl

In breaking news, a well established source of knowledge on the NFL Draft has declared that Brady Quinn from Notre Dame is backing out of the Senior Bowl and quarterback Chris Leak from Florida will replace him. Could this be a more fallout from his poor performance in the Sugar Bowl where Quinn was clearly outshined by JaMarcus Russell? There is a certain amount of uncertainty when this withdrawal will be made by Brady Quinn.

From the seat on my couch, I can tell you that Quinn's value is already taking a turn for the worse, and he has nothing more to gain from the Senior Bowl. But, JaMarcus Russell isn't withdrawing from anything. This makes for some interesting discussion. Is Quinn getting out before it gets worse for him or is he making a sound decision. If you ask me, he has a lot to prove and some of my like-minded companions agree that Quinn has "bust" written all over him on the next level.

The facts are that Brady Quinn was invited to the Senior Bowl and Chris Leak received a late invitation. As I await confirmation on the complete details of this situation, go tell all of your buddies where you heard it first, ffLiveWire.com.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Build or Destroy: WR Sidney Rice

If there has ever been a mutant in the form of a wide receiver, it is Sidney Rice. Rice, the career receiving leader in South Carolina Gamecocks history has his eyes set on the NFL Draft and those in the shadows are watching. Rice is 6-4, 202 lbs. and has drawn comparisons to Javon Walker. He has played in the shadows of Calvin Johnson and Dwayne Jarrett. Even though he has not received the media awareness that the other guys have received, NFL scouts have had their eyes on Rice since he was recruited into South Carolina.

The pros seem to be endless for Rice. He has great hands, goes to the ball, and isn't afraid to take a hit across the middle or down the field. Rice has never had a case of the "drops" nor has he had any controversial character issues. He has drawn comparisons to Walker with his play, as I stated previously, but has also reminded people of Marvin Harrison when it comes to his humbleness for the game of football. He is a student of the game with a desire to work hard. Rice runs routes well and is a decent blocker. Did I mention that he has no major injury history?

The major question surrounding Sidney Rice is his speed. He is suspected of running a 4.5+ forty. The NFL combine might hurt him but naysayers even questioned Anquan Boldin's speed. Another question mark is his dedication. I see nothing wrong with it though. He always lit a fire under the average offensive minds that run the Gamecock offense. Also, I have never read anything that would say he took a play off either.

Sidney Rice is eyeing a mid to late first round selection in the NFL Draft. If his timed speed is considerably worse than previously thought, he might slide to the beginning of the second round, even though we all know that team's will not pass up a player like Rice. He will have an immediate impact wherever he lands. I can see him complimenting Lee Evans in Buffalo or Steve Smith in Carolina. It just depends on value based needs. Sidney Rice also has ties to new Falcons' head coach Bobby Petrino from the recruiting trails.

Sidney Rice is a mid to late first round rookie draft selection. Rice is one of those guys that comes along every once in a while. He will lead a productive and consistent NFL career. Like Johnson and Jarrett, Rice will have an immediate impact on whichever team drafts him.

Draft Live Wire News Update on RB Walker, CB Cason

In breaking news, I just received a confirmation that Notre Dame running back Darius Walker will announce his decision to enter the NFL Draft at a press conference tomorrow. This soon-to be former Fighting Irish tailback will hold a press conference at 1pm Friday. Walker just finished his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season and has his sights set on shaking up the draft board. With this decision, Walker is passing up the opportunity to finish as the all-time leading rusher in Notre Dame history.

Also, outstanding junior cornerback Antoine Cason from the University of Arizona will make his decision to declare or not tomorrow.

Stay tuned with ffLiveWire for all of your fantasy football, NFL Draft, and "everything else" needs.

Build or Destroy: QB Jordan Palmer

One of my favorite prospects is "J.P." Who's J.P.? No, not Losman, but Jordan Palmer. I really though Palmer's stock would take off this year but it really didn't do much, if anything, his value regressed. He threw 62 touchdowns and 50 interceptions in 34 games for U.T.E.P. His career completion percentage is only at 57% too. Yeah, and if you were wondering, he is the younger brother of Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer.

Palmer has the best touch of any passer in this draft. At 6-5, 235, he has the ideal size for a quarterback. He is very tough and confident, was a great leader for the Miners. He has great accuracy when not being pressured and shows perseverance to complete a play under blind side pressure. Palmer has plenty of issues to address, but if he gets with the right coach, he could lead a productive career.

The largest knock on Palmer is his gunslinging, something I mentioned previously at the community on ffLiveWire.com. He averages 1.5 interceptions for every 4 quarters played. He isn't afraid to throw the ball and many scouts believe the reason his interception rate is so high is because he doesn't have great field vision. His progression should start in not forcing throws. Palmer cracks under pressure as well. Palmer mind as well have cinderblocks on his feet. Will need a lot of coaching up to succeed on the next level. He could end up being the next Tony Romo or the next Bruce Gradkowski.

Expect Palmer to get drafted in the late third, fourth, or fifth rounds. Depending on whether or not certain underclassmen declare, and where Trent Edwards (Stanford) lands, Palmer might even slide to the 6th round. He will be drafted as a student and learn his way from there. I think he has strong upside and if he puts two or three things together, could be starting in three or four years, like Tony Romo.

As far as his fantasy value for rookie drafts, he has none, unless you are absolutely loaded and can afford to stash him on your roster.

Even though I like the kid, his name is the only reason he is getting more buzz than quarterbacks like Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Trent Edwards (Stanford), and Drew Stanton (Michigan State).

Build or Destroy: QB Troy Smith

One of the most debated quarterbacks in recent memory is Troy Smith. After leading Ohio State into a National Championship, Smith was the talk among many writers as to whether or not he should be the top quarterback taken in the draft this April, leaving JaMarcus Russell as the outsider. Well, in an 8-day span, the role reversed and Smith is now on the outside of the first and second rounds looking in. He will not slip out of the first day unless he has a horrible Senior Bowl week and bad combine.

There are many positives in Smith's game. He has one heck of an arm, plus his mobility is more than adequate for the next level. He minimizes his mistakes in the passing game and has great accuracy. I like what I seen from Smith this year as he matured dearly from his incredible junior campaign. He took a giant leap in his passing abilities from 2005 to 2006 and is still progressing. Troy Smith also has a reputation of stepping it up in big games despite his disappearance in the BCS National Championship versus Florida.

As for his negatives, let me remind everyone that he was suspended for one game in 2005 for being found guilty of disorderly conduct. On the field though, Smith does have difficulty in reading defenses and seeing the entire field. He has raw potential but his mechanics can look worse than Vince Young's at times. We will also have to see how his character pans out on the next level. His value will take a dive like LenDale White's did last year. Smith could develop into a good NFL quarterback with the right coaching.

Even though he is the Heisman Trophy Winner, don't be fooled. Remember, Jason White from Oklahoma didn't get drafted. After his performance January 8th, Smith's value took a tumble and I look forward to teams like Tampa Bay, Carolina, Houston, and Kansas City to target him in the second and third rounds. Smith could also be sought after by an under-the-radar team looking for their next quarterback, maybe a franchise like St. Louis, Philadelphia, or Miami.

As for Smith's long-term fantasy potential, he has some, but depending on where he gets drafted, it is not substantial right now for rookie drafts unless something more concrete becomes evident.

If you are anxious to see where Troy Smith might get drafted, stay tuned for my next mock draft which will hit a web page near you next week.

NFL Draft Live Wire 1/10/07

With more players coming out than the presses can print, I have a few more names to announce that have declared themselves eligible for the 2007 NFL Draft. Jon Abbate (OLB, Wake Forest), Keenan Carter (DT, Virginia), Gabe Hall (OT, Texas), and Chaz Williams (CB, Louisiana-Monroe). Gabe Hall is a senior with 1 more year of NCAA eligibility, which he is obviously passing up.

If you want a complete list of players that have declared for the NFL Draft, click here.

The Ohio State Buckeyes start receiver Anthony Gonzalez just received a later first round to early second round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board. Such a high grade is making his decision more difficult.

Remember when I said that Cory Boyd, the running back from South Carolina, is tempted to enter the NFL Draft. Well, the kid is staying in school. The rumor is that he didn't receive an appropriate grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board.

With wide receiver Harry Douglas deciding to stay in school, Mario Urrutia may come back to Louisville as well. Despite the controversy surrounding their old coach and whether or not Brian Brohm will declare, these two wide receivers are among the best pair's in the country. With a repeat year for Urrutia, he could land as a top 15 wide receiver next season.

Stay tuned with the Flog as I update you with the latest draft information.

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

On the Mend... Part 3

Which players are on the mend in 2007? As I have discussed already, players like Antonio Bryant, D.J. Hackett, and Chris Perry will be on the mend. I still have two more editions to go, with a lot of fantasy value to be discussed. The AFC South and NFC North will be up to bat next. Let me begin with the dreadful Texans.

The Houston Texans have only one major question mark this upcoming free agency period, running back Ron Dayne. Ron Dayne is on his third team in two seasons and might be shown the door. With Houston looking to grab a back in either free agency or the draft, and with the return of Domanick Williams (formerly Davis), head coach Gary Kubiak may be shifting his ideology concerning Dayne. Houston was able to get by all year with a makeshift ground game. If Ron Dayne isn't re-signed, expect Wali Lundy to step in his place, but you can also bank on Houston targeting a running back in the draft, and as early as the first round. Either way, Dayne's dynasty value is about as shot as an Iraqi warehouse. Ron Dayne will be scooped up by someone, if he isn't re-signed, and he could catch on with a team needing a part-time power rusher, like Tampa Bay.

Dominic Rhodes couldn't quite take advantage of his situation this past year and isn't expected to be back with the Colts, unless he will accept a 1-year deal. Rhodes, an unrestricted free agent running back started all 16 regular season games but was outplayed by rookie Joseph Addai. I do think he will accept a 1-year deal because his services will not be needed anywhere else really. This one time 1,000-yard rusher has turned into more of a mentor, "needed when necessary" back like Kevin Faulk. Also, tight end Ben Utecht is a restricted free agent. I expect Indianapolis to bring him back. He is young and talented. Utecht played well in the slot for a tight end, especially when Brandon Stokley went down with an injury. Utecht has strong fantasy upside, his value is larger than Chris Baker's and Anthony Fasano's.

In the quest to find a go-to wide receiver, the Jacksonville Jaguars may have come up short again with their underachieving trio. Restricted free agent wide receiver Ernest Wilford is expected to be back for another year as he will garner a 2nd or 3rd tender, and no front office in the NFL would spend a pick that high on Wilford. I expect Wilford to return with a 1-year salary of $800,000. He is the most dependable wide-out since Jimmy Smith retired and isn't expected to go anywhere. Tight end Kyle Brady and running back LaBrandon Toefield are unrestricted free agents but neither hold any significant fantasy value.

The Tennessee Titans are loaded with question marks as they have three noteworthy players expected to be unrestricted free agents. First, running back Chris Brown, may have played his final game as a Tennessee Titan. His once promising career has been slowed down by a string of injuries, including an un-evasive turf toe injury. We already know who will take over in Chris Brown's role, his name is LenDale White. As for where Chris Brown is likely to end up and the fantasy impact he might have, strong rumors link Brown to St. Louis, Oakland, and Kansas City. Whichever way you have it, he still holds some value but we may never see what it may translate too as he is nothing more than a backup unless injuries occur and he reintroduces himself to stardom. Wide receiver Bobby Wade is expected to be an unrestricted free agent as well. His future lies in special teams and if Courtney Roby can come back to health, you can expect him to fill in the void Wade will leave in Tennessee. Drew Bennett should be re-signed in Tennessee but he may have a hurdle or two to jump before March. With that said, I will jump all over the cloudiness of this situation and say Bennett is not brought back. As for his replacement, it should be Brandon Jones but the Titans could land a good wide receiver in the second round to help out Vince Young, maybe former Tennessee Volunteer Robert Meachem. As for where Drew Bennett would land, I could envision him landing on a successful team looking for a dependable receiver. Maybe Carolina, Minnesota, Atlanta, or Miami. Bennett has strong fantasy value but it could drop significantly if we recall his career in Tennessee as his best years.

The NFC North has been criticized as being the worst division in pro football but free agency should help out in eradicating that thought. The Chicago Bears have no player of fantasy significance on the mend. Wide receiver Justin Gage will be an unrestricted free agent. This former fifth round pick will get scooped up by someone in camp and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see him back in Chicago playing on special teams.

The Detroit Lions have two players of significance on the mend in 2007. Wide receiver Mike Furrey will be an unrestricted free agent and running back Kevin Jones is out with a severe Lis Franc injury. As for Furrey, I am not sure he will be back with the organization or can top the season he had in 2006. He was a great; I mean great, waiver pickup, especially in PPR leagues. If he does not return, I do not think Detroit can find a guy to replace Furrey, who led the NFC in receptions with 98. If he does return, I expect him to return to form but you should perceive his numbers to not be quite as high in 2007. I repeat, I do not think he will be back unless the Lions waste a tag on him, be it franchise or transition. He has an acceptable mid-level fantasy grade where his value may have peaked. He isn't worth more than a third wide receiver due to the prospects of normality the rest of his career. As for Kevin Jones, his injury casts a certain doubt over his long-term health. Lis Franc injuries are different for everybody as you can miss more than a year or bounce back rather quickly like Brian Westbrook did. If Mike Martz returns as offensive coordinator, I do believe he could lure back Marshall Faulk. Here is one thing you can count on though, Detroit will not, and I repeat, will not draft a running back in the first round of the draft. If the worst case scenario comes into play, and Jones will be out a long time, and Faulk does not return to the football field, the Lions will need to re-sign either Aveion Cason or Arlen Harris. Kevin Jones fantasy value is currently in limbo. He is worth a long-term stronghold but other than that, I would stay away until we are updated with good news on his condition.

Ahman Green is expected to leave the Packers' organization. He has had a good career there and maybe looking to play into a part-time role elsewhere. He made over three million dollars less in 2006 than he made in 2005 and seems to be able to adjust to the role playing back status if he has to. He has connections to Andy Reid in Philadelphia and I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't sign on with the Eagles to compliment Brian Westbrook. That situation makes perfect sense right now but the only thing that is certain is the fact that Green has his foot out of the door in Green Bay already. As for who could be his replacement, it will not be Noah Herron or Vernand Morency. Green Bay will target a running back in the upcoming draft and might be willing to take their chances on a back like Michael Bush, Kenny Irons, or Tony Hunt. Stay tuned to this situation as things could get even murkier as we await Brett Favre's decision. His decision will impact the direction this franchise will go.

The Minnesota Vikings will have three wide receivers hit the market this off-season as unrestricted free agents. Billy McMullen, Travis Taylor, and Bethel Johnson are expected to hit the market. Only Taylor holds any fantasy value. McMullen and Johnson should hit the market and test the waters but don't be surprised to see them back in Minnesota by the time training camp opens. Travis Taylor could be a complimentary role as a slot receiver but his off-the-field character problems may have cost him dearly. I expect Taylor to sign on somewhere but his fantasy value is nil. As for who will replace Taylor, the evidence suggests Minnesota is targeting a rookie receiver, maybe Dwayne Jarrett, Sidney Rice, or Ted Ginn Jr. If Minnesota drafts one of these rookies, their fantasy upside is tremendous, regardless of who is quarterback in Minnesota.

Stay tuned for the final version of "On the Mend," which should hit the web later this week.

Sunday, January 7, 2007

NFL Draft Live Wire Update

Well, after being gone all day and watching some interesting news creep up through the wire, I am back with an update.

Stud wide receiver, Sidney Rice, has declared for the NFL Draft, as I expected him to. I will be wrapping up my scouting report on this stud wide-out. His name isn't out there like Calvin Johnson's or Dwayne Jarrett's, but he could easily be the best wide receiver in this draft. He is that good, on and off the field.

Another linebacker has decided to leave school early for the NFL Draft. Jon Beason, from the Miami Hurricanes led the team in tackles this past season. He recovered well from a MCL injury in the midseason and returned only two weeks later. He will be a first day selection.

Along with Rice and Beason, DE Jamaal Anderson and CB Chris Houston both will forego their senior seasons and enter the NFL Draft.

According to the Honolulu Adviser, quarterback Colt Brennan is "50-50" on whether or not he will enter the NFL Draft. As I reported earlier, he was given a first round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Board.

NFL Draft Live Wire Update

Well, after being gone all day and watching some interesting news creep up through the wire, I am back with an update.

Stud wide receiver, Sidney Rice, has declared for the NFL Draft, as I expected him to. I will be wrapping up my scouting report on this stud wide-out. His name isn't out there like Calvin Johnson's or Dwayne Jarrett's, but he could easily be the best wide receiver in this draft. He is that good, on and off the field.

Another linebacker has decided to leave school early for the NFL Draft. Jon Beason, from the Miami Hurricanes led the team in tackles this past season. He recovered well from a MCL injury in the midseason and returned only two weeks later. He will be a first day selection.

Along with Rice and Beason, DE Jamaal Anderson and CB Chris Houston both will forego their senior seasons and enter the NFL Draft.

According to the Honolulu Adviser, quarterback Colt Brennan is "50-50" on whether or not he will enter the NFL Draft. As I reported earlier, he was given a first round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Board.

NFL Draft Live Wire 1/7/07

While Brady Quinn is looking like the top quarterback in many mock drafts, the truth is that Oakland will begin to take a long look at JaMarcus Russell. Russell is a better fit for how Al Davis wants things run in Oakland. Also, Davis likes to help further the cause for minority athletes and coaches, as we seen with Art Shell and Tom Flores. You will hear more of these reports as we progress through the off-season.

Troubled yet talented, Ramonce Taylor, former Texas running back will declare for the NFL Draft. Remember him, he was the player with 1 live round of ammunition among his five-plus pounds of marijuana while driving last May. Last year, he totaled 15 touchdowns. He is listed at 5-11, 200 pounds but his playing condition is in question after missing this past college football season. I do expect a team to take a later round flier on him though.

In other news regarding Texas, star defensive tackle Frank Okam will return to school next year. Okam was a sure-fire first round selection.
 
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