Jake Locker, QB, Titans: Locker didn't see much time on the field as a rookie, but he showed flashes of potential when allowed a chance. In fact, he scored 14 or more fantasy points in two of the three games where he posted 16 or more pass attempts. If he can unseat Matt Hasselbeck atop the depth chart in training camp, Locker will be worth a late-round flier.
Tim Tebow, QB, Jets: You knew I couldn't leave out Tebow! While Mark Sanchez will enter the season as the starter for Gang Green, does anyone have any doubt that Tebow will start a few games? When you consider how well he performed for the Broncos and fantasy owners in 2011, I think Tebow is someone to draft late in deep leagues -- or grab off the waiver wire.
Taiwan Jones, RB, Raiders: If you've been playing fantasy football for the last four years, you know it's not a question of if Darren McFadden gets injured -- it's a matter of when. Enter Jones, an explosive runner out of Eastern Washington who the Raiders coaching staff loves. If he can hold off Mike Goodson in camp, Jones will have some real late-round appeal.
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Falcons: Michael Turner, 30, has posted 300-plus carries in three of his last four seasons and is a candidate to break down in 2012. While Jason Snelling is second on the depth chart, I would also remember Rodgers in the event that Turner falters. He's a lightning-fast runner and will have some flier value in the late rounds of drafts.
Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins: Yes, Reggie Bush played in 15 games and emerged into a nice fantasy option in 2011. But the fact that he avoided injuries for the first time in the last five years doesn't suddenly make him a durable player. In the event that Bush goes back to his old, brittle form, Thomas could turn into a dynamite sleeper for fantasy leaguers.
Jon Baldwin, WR, Chiefs: Baldwin was all put invisible in his rookie season, catching just 21 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown. But that, my friends, is what makes him a deep sleeper in 2012. Baldwin, who has drawn comparisons to Vincent Jackson for his size and physical style of play, should warrant a late-round look in most formats.
Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks: Here's a little fantasy trivia. Who led the Seahawks wideouts in fantasy points last season? It wasn't Sidney Rice or Golden Tate -- it was Baldwin. With a more talented quarterback like Matt Flynn under center, Baldwin could be in a nice spot to improve on his rookie totals. Don't hesitate to take a late flier on him in drafts.
Greg Little, WR, Browns: The Browns drafted a new quarterback (Brandon Weeden) and a new running back (Trent Richardson), but an impact wide receiver wasn't among their additions. That's good news for the value of Little, who remains the top option in the pass attack. While he did drop too many passes as a rookie, there is still some upside with him.
Brian Quick, WR, Rams: Coach Jeff Fisher has raved about Quick, who the Rams took with the first pick in the second round of April's draft. Expected to be the team's No. 1 wide receiver, the Appalachian State product will see more than his share of opportunities to produce as a rookie. I would temper expectations, but Quick has late-round appeal.
Jared Cook, TE, Titans: Cook is one of the biggest teases in fantasy football. He's been invisible in each of the last two seasons, at least until the final three weeks -- that's when he's come out of posted great numbers. Whether or not that trend continues remains to be seen, but he's well worth drafting as a No. 1 fantasy tight end in 2012.
No comments:
Post a Comment