July 13, 2010

2010 Draft Prep: Playing for something extra

By Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
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There are plenty of reasons why we draft the players we do in Fantasy Football. Maybe it's because a receiver is in his third year, or a running back is expected to get around 20 touches a game, or because a quarterback is in a pass-heavy offense.

But there's one reason that anyone -- even people who have never played Fantasy Football -- can understand: taking a player motivated by money.

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The incentive fueled by a large pay day cannot go unnoticed. NFL players know that they can't play forever, so when the opportunity comes to earn the right for a team to shove a huge check into their faces, players will fight hard. They'll play through small injuries and scratch for extra yardage. They'll battle deep into games, even when they are meaningless. They'll do whatever they can to make themselves look good when the season is over -- and that's exactly what Fantasy owners should want. We might not get a cut of the signing bonus, but we will get a big cut of the stats.

Making matters tougher is the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the players and the league's owners. With no structure of how free agency should behave starting on March 1, 2011, there are some issues that could keep some players from shaking free from their current teams. In past seasons, once a player accrued four years of work, he was eligible for unrestricted free agency; last year that accrued total was bumped to six because of how the CBA was written for the NFL's uncapped year, which is this year. It might stay that way, it might not.

Therefore, we are treating the designations of the upcoming class of free agents as if they are eligible for free agency after four years, not six. We will adjust once a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.

Hopefully that is sooner than later -- the players listed below will "ball out" this year for that big check, but if there's no football, then there's no check.

Some free-agent notes:

UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent -- A player who will be eligible to sign anywhere (under the assumption that a player is UFA-eligible after four years).
RFA: Restricted Free Agent -- A player who can sign anywhere but original team can match offer or receive compensation from new team (under the assumption that a player is RFA-eligible after three years).
EXFA: Exclusive Rights Free Agent -- A player who can only negotiate with current team (under the assumption that a player is EXFA-eligible after one or two years).
FRAN: Franchised Player -- A player who is guaranteed a one-year deal from his original team relative to highest-paid players at his position. The new team must give two first-round picks as compensation to original team if signed away.

NFL Free Agents To Be (sortable)
Pos.	Player	'10 team	Status as of '11 offseason
QB	Brohm, Brian	BUF	RFA-3
QB	Bulger, Marc	BAL	UFA
QB	Clemens, Kellen	NYJ	UFA
QB	Collins, Kerry	TEN	UFA
QB	Dixon, Dennis	PIT	RFA-3
QB	Edwards, Trent	JAC	RFA-4
QB	Favre, Brett	MIN	UFA
QB	Gradkowski, Bruce	OAK	RFA-5
QB	Hasselbeck, Matt	SEA	UFA
QB	Jackson, Tarvaris	MIN	RFA-5
QB	Leftwich, Byron	PIT	UFA
QB	Leinart, Matt	HOU	RFA-5
QB	Manning, Peyton	IND	FRAN
QB	McCown, Luke	JAC	UFA
QB	Moore, Matt	CAR	RFA-4
QB	Pennington, Chad	MIA	UFA
QB	Smith, Alex	SF	UFA
QB	Smith, Troy	SF	RFA-4
QB	Stanton, Drew	DET	RFA-4
QB	Thigpen, Tyler	MIA	RFA-4
QB	Vick, Michael	PHI	RE-SIGNED
QB	Wallace, Seneca	CLE	RE-SIGNED
RB	Addai, Joseph	IND	RFA-5
RB	Bell, Mike	CLE	RFA-5
RB	Benson, Cedric	CIN	UFA
RB	Bradshaw, Ahmad	NYG	RFA-4
RB	Brown, Ronnie	MIA	UFA
RB	Bush, Michael	OAK	RFA-4
RB	Cobbs, Patrick	MIA	RFA-5
RB	Darby, Kenneth	STL	RFA-4
RB	Faulk, Kevin	NE	UFA
RB	Felton, Jerome	DET	RFA-3
RB	Foster, Arian	HOU	EXFA
RB	Green-Ellis, BenJarvus	NE	RFA-3
RB	Hamilton, Lynell	NO	RFA-3
RB	Harrison, Jerome	PHI	RFA-5
RB	Hart, Mike	IND	RFA-3
RB	Hightower, Tim	ARI	RFA-3
RB	Hilliard, Lex	MIA	RFA-3
RB	Jackson, Brandon	GB	RFA-4
RB	Kuhn, John	GB	RFA-3
RB	Maroney, Laurence	DEN	RFA-5
RB	McClain, LeRon	BAL	RFA-4
RB	Moore, Mewelde	PIT	UFA
RB	Morris, Sammy	NE	UFA
RB	Norwood, Jerious	ATL	RFA-5
RB	Portis, Clinton	WAS	UFA
RB	Reece, Marcel	OAK	EXFA
RB	Rhodes, Dominic	IND	UFA
RB	Smith, Kevin	DET	RFA-3
RB	Snelling, Jason	ATL	RFA-4
RB	Sproles, Darren	SD	UFA
RB	Taylor, Fred	NE	UFA
RB	Thomas, Pierre	NO	RE-SIGNED
RB	Tolbert, Mike	SD	RFA-3
RB	Ward, Derrick	HOU	RE-SIGNED
RB	Washington, Leon	SEA	RE-SIGNED
RB	Westbrook, Brian	SF	UFA
RB	Williams, Cadillac	TB	UFA
RB	Williams, DeAngelo	CAR	RFA-5
RB	Williams, Ricky	MIA	UFA
WR	Amendola, Danny	STL	EXFA
WR	Aromashodu, Devin	CHI	RFA-5
WR	Breaston, Steve	ARI	RFA-4
WR	Clayton, Mark	STL	UFA
WR	Doucet, Early	ARI	RFA-3
WR	Edwards, Braylon	NYJ	UFA
WR	Floyd, Malcom	SD	RFA-5
WR	Holmes, Santonio	NYJ	RFA-5
WR	Houshmandzadeh, T.J.	BAL	UFA
WR	Jackson, Vincent	SD	FRAN
WR	Jones, Jacoby	HOU	RFA-4
WR	Jones, James	GB	RFA-4
WR	Moore, Lance	NO	RFA-5
WR	Moss, Randy	TEN	UFA
WR	Moss, Santana	WAS	UFA
WR	Naanee, Legedu	SD	UFA
WR	Owens, Terrell	CIN	UFA
WR	Robinson, Laurent	STL	RFA-4
WR	Rice, Sidney	MIN	RFA-4
WR	Sims-Walker, Mike	JAC	RFA-4
WR	Smith, Steve	NYG	RFA-4
WR	Stallworth, Donte	BAL	UFA
WR	Stuckey, Chansi	CLE	UFA
WR	Weems, Eric	ATL	RFA-3
TE	Boss, Kevin	NYG	RFA-4
TE	Daniels, Owen	HOU	RE-SIGNED
TE	Fells, Daniel	STL	RFA-4
TE	Lewis, Marcedes	JAC	RE-SIGNED
TE	McMichael, Randy	SD	UFA
TE	Miller, Zach	OAK	RFA-4
TE	Scaife, Bo	TEN	UFA
TE	Shockey, Jeremy	NO	TO PANTHERS
TE	Thomas, David	NO	UFA
K	Akers, David	PHI	TRAN
K	Barth, Connor	TB	RFA-3
K	Bryant, Matt	ATL	UFA
K	Crosby, Mason	GB	RFA-4
K	Cundiff, Billy	BAL	RE-SIGNED
K	Dawson, Phil	CLE	FRAN
K	Folk, Nick	NYJ	RFA-4
K	Graham, Shayne	NE	UFA
K	Hartley, Garrett	NO	RE-SIGNED
K	Longwell, Ryan	MIN	UFA
K	Mare, Olindo	SEA	UFA
K	Prater, Matt	DEN	RFA-4
K	Rayner, Dave	DET	RFA-4
K	Reed, Jeff	SF	UFA
K	Suisham, Shaun	PIT	UFA
K	Vinatieri, Adam	IND	UFA
DL	Avril, Cliff	DET	RFA-3
DL	Babin, Jason	TEN	UFA
DL	Coleman, Kenyon	CLE	UFA
DL	Edwards, Ray	MIN	RFA-5
DL	Ellis, Shaun	NYJ	UFA
DL	Johnson, Charles	CAR	RFA-4
DL	Kiwanuka, Mathias	NYG	RFA-5
DL	Ngata, Haloti	BAL	RE-SIGNED
DL	Seymour, Richard	OAK	RE-SIGNED
LB	Anderson, James	CAR	RFA-5
LB	Bradley, Stewart	PHI	RFA-4
LB	Bulluck, Keith	NYG	UFA
LB	Burnett, Kevin	SD	UFA
LB	Carter, Andre	WAS	UFA
LB	Cooper, Stephen	SD	UFA
LB	Davis, Thomas	CAR	UFA
LB	Dumervil, Elvis	DEN	UFA
LB	Greenway, Chad	MIN	FRAN
LB	Hali, Tamba	KC	FRAN
LB	Hawk, A.J.	GB	RE-SIGNED
LB	Harris, David	NYJ	FRAN
LB	Jackson, D'Qwell	CLE	RE-SIGNED
LB	Jones, Dhani	CIN	UFA
LB	Leber, Ben	MIN	UFA
LB	McClain, Jameel	BAL	RFA-3
LB	Morrison, Kirk	JAC	UFA
LB	Peterson, Mike	ATL	UFA
LB	Posluszny, Paul	BUF	RFA-4
LB	Roth, Matt	CLE	UFA
LB	Ruud, Barrett	TB	UFA
LB	Spikes, Takeo	SF	UFA
LB	Session, Clint	IND	RFA-4
LB	Tulloch, Stephen	TEN	RFA-5
LB	Vrabel, Mike	KC	UFA
LB	Wimbley, Kamerion	OAK	RE-SIGNED
LB	Woodley, LaMarr	PIT	RE-SIGNED
DB	Asomugha, Nnamdi	OAK	UFA
DB	Atogwe, Oshiomogho	STL	TO REDSKINS
DB	Babineaux, Jordan	SEA	UFA
DB	Bailey, Champ	DEN	RE-SIGNED
DB	Barber, Ronde	TB	RE-SIGNED
DB	Carr, Chris	BAL	UFA
DB	Cromartie, Antonio	NYJ	RFA-5
DB	Elam, Abram	CLE	RFA-5
DB	Goldson, Dashon	SF	RFA-4
DB	Grimes, Brent	ATL	RFA-4
DB	Harper, Roman	NO	RFA-5
DB	Houston, Chris	DET	RFA-4
DB	Jackson, Tanard	TB	RFA-4
DB	Joseph, Johnathan	CIN	RFA-5
DB	Landry, Dawan	BAL	RFA-5
DB	Manning, Danieal	CHI	RFA-5
DB	Marshall, Richard	DAL	RFA-5
DB	Mikell, Quintin	PHI	RFA-5
DB	Page, Jarrad	NE	RFA-5
DB	Pollard, Bernard	HOU	RFA-5
DB	Sanders, Bob	IND	TO CHARGERS
DB	Taylor, Ike	PIT	UFA
DB	Washington, Fabian	BAL	UFA
DB	Weddle, Eric	SD	RFA-4
DB	Wright, Eric	CLE	RFA-4
DB	Zbikowski, Tom	BAL	RFA-3

Stay in touch with the most passionate Fantasy staff in the business by following us via Twitter . You can also follow Dave at @daverichard . Do you have a question or a comment for our Fantasy staff? Drop us a line at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com .

Winslow a 'rotational player?'
Kellen Winslow, TE, SEA
5/25/2012

News: Kellen Winslow became a Seahawk recently, and he's spoken highly of his new team. But it remains how they'll use him and how often they'll use him. According to SiriusXM NFL Radio, a league personnel executive believes that Winslow's best days are behind him. "We talked to the Bucs before the draft and talked about (Winslow) further internally," said the source. "We just didn't think he could be more than a rotational player at this point (in his career) after examining his tape and performance."

Analysis: Winslow had 75 receptions for 763 yards and two TDs in 2011 and has caught at least 66 passes in each of his last three years while not missing a game. There is definitely a perception that he's old and over the hill, which his receiving average (10.2 yards per catch last year) supports. And he joins a crowded tight end corps in Seattle, but should be a fairly regular player in the offense. Problem is, he hasn't been productive enough to be considered reliable for Fantasy use week after week. He's fine as a No. 2 Fantasy TE worth a late pick, but don't expect him to put up huge numbers.

Charles to rest until camp
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
5/25/2012

News: The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will rest running back Jamaal Charles until training camp in late July. He is not expected to participate in their minicamp as he continues to rehab and work his way back from a torn ACL suffered last September. Head coach Romeo Crennel hopes Charles will be cleared in time for camp.

Analysis: Charles has been vocal about being ready for the season, calling himself hungry and passionate to return to form. But the fact remains that he's coming off of a major injury and isn't promised to have any of the explosiveness he had before he got hurt. Tack on the Chiefs' addition of Peyton Hillis (Charles thinks Hillis will get the tough yards and goal-line work like Thomas Jones was supposed to previously), and there's a limit to Charles' 2012 expectations. So long as Charles proves that he's ready to roll, Fantasy owners should be optimistic. Assuming he's fine, Charles will be worth taking in the early rounds on Draft Day, but more as a No. 2 Fantasy RB. Plan on drafting Charles between 25th and 35th overall in all leagues.

Source: Nicks could return before camp
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5/25/2012

News: ESPN reports that a source familiar with the broken bone in Hakeem Nicks' foot says the receiver might miss four-to-six weeks recovering from the injury and not the 12-week timeframe the Giants said on Thursday. Nicks fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during an OTA practice. The team is hoping to have him back at some point during training camp and the preseason.

Analysis: Unless the diagnosis on Nicks' foot changes, we're not believers that he'll be ready in six weeks and thus long before the start of training camp. Nicks' teammate, Prince Amukamara, took 15 weeks before he was comfortable practicing last year according to the Newark Star-Ledger and he had the same injury. Nicks has had all sorts of issues with hamstrings, knees and his feet over the years. So long as he is healthy for the start of the season and gets some work in camp and a preseason game or two, the injury is more of a reminder that he's injury prone and less of a factor on his 2012 season. We'll see if this lasts into late August and the regular season; for now expect his stock to slip in drafts. He'll be a Round 3-4 choice as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver.

Roethlisberger admits to issues with new playbook
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
5/25/2012

News: Ben Roethlisberger's transition to new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook is not going as smoothly as Steelers fans had hoped. Roethlisberger said Thursday that so far it's been "frustrating at times" but that he's going to put in "extra work" to understand what Haley wants him to do. "I think coach (Haley) really wants to challenge us," Big Ben said on a radio interview, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Me, maybe, in particular, I think he felt like I was real comfortable with the old offense, which ... I don't know why that's a bad thing. But I'm not the head coach."

Analysis: There's all sorts of talk that Haley wants Roethlisberger to stay in the pocket to avoid excess hits and that Haley wants to run the ball more. We're not sure how this is going to play out, but we do think there's a chance Roethlisberger could attempt a ton of passes given that Rashard Mendenhall is out and Isaac Redman, while talented, might not be a 20-touch back from week to week. Much of the offense might fall on Roethlisberger's shoulders. We consider Big Ben a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues well worth a mid-round pick.

Bradford's ankle 'getting there'
Sam Bradford, QB, STL
5/25/2012

News: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said his left ankle, injured in October at Green Bay, is nearly 100 percent. "It's getting there," he said. "It feels better every week -- less soreness, more things I can do. It's definitely on the right track."

Analysis: There's no questioning his arm as several Rams receivers, including their rookies, have been in awe over his passing skills. Bradford is continuing to learn the Rams' new offense and says it's close to the West Coast offense he ran two season ago. But with a so-so offensive line and an unproven receiving corps, now's not the time to call Bradford a breakout candidate. He should have some good games, but no one should consider him either a Fantasy starter or a blue chip prospect. For now we're resigned to calling him a late-round pick as a good, not great, No. 2 quarterback.

Titans' Palmer breaks down QB battle
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, TEN
5/25/2012

News: It's no secret that the Titans will have a competition for the starting quarterback job between veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year gunslinger Jake Locker. What remains to be seen is when they'll name a starter. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer told the media Thursday that the job is up for grabs, that no preseason starts have been promised and that the coaching staff will pick a winner based on who can lead the team to wins, starting in Week 1 against the Patriots. Palmer said that while Locker's mobility is very appealing, Hasselbeck's experience and body of work from last season also gives him a chance to remain the starter. "Jake may not give all the other guys the opportunity to make plays like Matt does, but Jake can make plays with his legs," Palmer concluded. "When you add up how many plays Matt can make with the team and how many plays Jake can make with the team then you kind of have an idea who's going to give us the best chance to win."

Analysis: Hasselbeck started every game for the Titans in 2011 and threw for 3,571 yards with 18 scores and 14 interceptions. But when Locker did play, he did well, passing for four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushing for 56 yards on eight carries with a touchdowns run. Locker's completion percentage continued to be an eyesore (34 of 66 passing for 51.5 pct.), but the stats speak for themselves. Unless Locker can really prove that he's progressed as a passer, Hasselbeck is likely to take this job -- though there's no promise he'll start every game. Neither Titans QB should be drafted with anything more than a late-round pick. We'll keep you posted on the battle.

Lloyd already up to speed with Pats
Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
5/25/2012

News: New Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd has been impressive during the team's OTAs, but many people expected that. After all, Lloyd is on his third stop with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and knows the playbook and play calls like the back of his hand. Lloyd has been so impressive that the Boston Globe reports that Patriots quarterbacks have been looking for him all week because he's been exactly where he needs to be on every play. Lloyd was coy when it came to his role and his goals for this season but gave a pretty simple explanation on why he wanted to follow McDaniels to New England. "You find something good, you stick with it," he said. "I think that's the case for everybody, with everything in life."

Analysis: Lloyd had 51 catches for 683 yards and five scores last year in 11 games in St. Louis when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator, and that came on the heels of a 77-catch, 1,448-yard, 11-touchdown season with McDaniels in Denver. He'll probably see a dip in opportunities because he'll share the field with so many other great weapons there. But he should still be about as productive as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver and should be drafted as such with a mid-round pick.

Tamme: Hillman looks good
Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme gave an encouraging scouting report on rookie rusher Ronnie Hillman. "He seems to have a lot of quickness," Tamme said. "I've got to see him carry a few and catch some passes, he seems like a guy who can really move and sort of be a threat from the scatback-type position."

Analysis: Yep, that sounds like Hillman, who averaged over 130 total yards per game in 2011 with 20 total touchdowns while breaking some of Marshall Faulk's records at San Diego State. Hillman isn't a big back (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) but definitely plays bigger than he is. He's done good work between the tackles but is better known for his lateral agility and breakaway speed. Landing in Denver is nice since he won't be stuck behind a young back for long -- Willis McGahee will turn 31 in October and Knowshon Moreno is coming off of a torn ACL. We could see Hillman contribute this season, especially if he can perfect his pass blocking and receiving skills. Expect him to be taken late in all seasonal drafts as well as with a mid-to-late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a second-round pick in rookie-only formats.

Tamme talks offense, role
Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme sounded very excited to follow quarterback Peyton Manning to Denver from Indy, adding that he "looks great." Tamme's also excited about the direction of the new offense, calling it a mix of what he did with Manning with the Colts and what offensive coordinator Mike McCoy wants to do. On the topic of his specific role with the Broncos, Tamme didn't want to give away much but did offer what he thinks is great about being a tight end. "I'm comfortable in slot and love that, but I would say I lined up on the line of scrimmage more than everywhere else [with the Colts]," Tamme said. " ... We should be able to move around and what we're going to do offensively, hopefully, we'll be able to move around some. I think that's what's great about playing tight end these days, you get to do everything. It's what makes the position a lot of fun."

Analysis: If we're reading between the lines, the Broncos could use Tamme as a tight end, slot receiver and H-back this season, all roles he's capable of playing as evidenced by his time in Indianapolis. Being comfortable with Manning is also built-in thanks to their relationship back in Indiana. Tamme had just 177 yards on 19 catches in 2011 with one score, but he worked behind starter Dallas Clark in a Manning-less Colts offense. In 10 games without Dallas Clark in 2010, Tamme caught 67 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns. Expect him to have some Clark-like potential and thus get swiped with a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer as a borderline No. 1/No. 2 TE.

Hill lines up as starter in OTAs
Stephen Hill, WR, NYJ
5/25/2012

News: Jets rookie receiver Stephen Hill lined up opposite Santonio Holmes with the first-team offense during their recent OTAs. He caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez, burning cornerback Kyle Wilson in the process, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Analysis: The Jets aren't going to have a dominant pass attack, so that could limit Hill's production. But he does have the chance for plenty of playing time, which is a plus. He's worth a late-round pick in seasonal formats, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a Top 20 pick in rookie-only drafts.

More Updates

1	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tom Brady, NE, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Matthew Stafford, DET, QB
6	Philip Rivers, SD, QB
7	Eli Manning, NYG, QB
8	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
9	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
10	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
All Rankings

1	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
2	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
3	Ray Rice, BAL, RB
4	Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC, RB
5	Matt Forte, CHI, RB
6	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
7	Ryan Mathews, SD, RB
8	Chris Johnson, TEN, RB
9	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
10	Steven Jackson, STL, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Wes Welker, NE, WR
3	Roddy White, ATL, WR
4	Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR
5	Hakeem Nicks, NYG, WR
6	Greg Jennings, GB, WR
7	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
8	A.J. Green, CIN, WR
9	Mike Wallace, PIT, WR
10	Miles Austin, DAL, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
5	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
6	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
7	Vernon Davis, SF, TE
8	Jermichael Finley, GB, TE
9	Brent Celek, PHI, TE
10	Fred Davis, WAS, TE
All Rankings

1	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
2	Mason Crosby, GB, K
3	Sebastian Janikowski, OAK, K
4	David Akers, SF, K
5	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
6	Dan Bailey, DAL, K
7	Jason Hanson, DET, K
8	Neil Rackers, WAS, K
9	Alex Henery, PHI, K
10	Nate Kaeding, SD, K
All Rankings

1	49ers, DST
2	Texans, DST
3	Ravens, DST
4	Giants, DST
5	Steelers, DST
6	Seahawks, DST
7	Eagles, DST
8	Packers, DST
9	Jets, DST
10	Patriots, DST
All Rankings