2011 Draft Prep: Why Amendola should be your target

Senior Fantasy Writer

Aug. 24, 2011

Danny Amendola isn't the type of player who sets out to win a game on his own. That's not his style, and you'll never hear him called a diva receiver. But he is looking to improve on his production from 2010 in a big way.

Now that he has Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator and Sam Bradford continuing to develop in his second year, we expect that to happen for Amendola. We're confident that the former Texas Tech Red Raider will have a breakout campaign this season.

Amendola is someone every Fantasy owner should target on Draft Day. And in leagues where receptions count, he could become a star. Don't be surprised if he catches at least 100 passes this season as the best receiver for the Rams.

"I have to catch as many passes as I can," Amendola said in a phone interview with CBSSports.com. "My role on the team is to catch the underneath routes and get yards after the catch. I'm not trying to be anything super human. I just want to help my team win."

Last season was a great first step for Amendola. With Donnie Avery and Mark Clayton both going down with knee injuries, the Rams were left scrambling for help at receiver. That's where Amendola came in. He became Bradford's security blanket with 85 catches for 689 yards and three touchdowns.

The yards and touchdowns aren't impressive by any means, but his reception total was good for No. 8 in the NFL. The guys ahead of him are a who's who of talent at receiver with Roddy White (115 catches), Reggie Wayne (111), Santana Moss (93), Larry Fitzgerald (90), Andre Johnson (86), Wes Welker (86) and Brandon Marshall (86).

While Amendola was pleased with his performance a year ago, he knows there are areas where he can improve. His yards-after-catch stats were below average at 8.1, and he wants to score more touchdowns.

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His lack of touchdowns is interesting because he actually led all receivers in red-zone targets in 2010. Despite being listed at 5-foot-11, Amendola had 24 red-zone targets, and he finished with 16 catches for 79 yards and three touchdowns inside the 20 yard line.

We hope Bradford continues to look for Amendola in all areas of the field -- he had 123 targets overall -- because the two have a tremendous rapport already. Coach Steve Spagnuolo said Bradford needs Amendola to be successful.

"Danny's a reliable guy," Spagnuolo said. "Sam appreciates that and has a lot of confidence in him."

Amendola, in turn, needs Bradford to take the next step in his career as he goes from unproven rookie to sophomore on the rise. Amendola was impressed with how Bradford handled the lockout since he organized plenty of workouts with his receivers. Amendola expects Bradford to play well this season, and we consider Bradford a sleeper quarterback in all Fantasy leagues.

"The main thing Sam has done is step into that leadership role," Amendola said. "We all want to follow him because we know he cares so much about it. He's always been one to throw the ball well, but he's taking his game to a new level now."

Part of the reason for Bradford and Amendola having the chance for a big season is McDaniels calling plays. He has orchestrated quality passing attacks in previous stops in New England and Denver, and he should do wonders to involve Amendola in a variety of ways.

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That's something Amendola is excited about for this year. He is expected to start for the Rams in their base offense, and he will move into the slot when they use three wide receivers. The top three receivers in St. Louis are expected to be Amendola, Brandon Gibson and Mike Sims-Walker.

"Coach McDaniels spreads it out," Amendola said. "It's a very diverse offense. It's a lot of fun. One thing with this offense is we move guys around everywhere. There are so many different variations. It's been the hardest offense to learn, but so far it's turned out to be the most effective."

The most effective already? The Rams haven't even played a regular season game yet.

"Just in practice," Amendola said. "There are no limits to all the routes we can run. It keeps you guessing on defense."

Amendola is set up for a big season in 2011. I tend to target him in every Fantasy league no matter the format, and in standard leagues he should be drafted as a No. 3 receiver as early as Round 8 or 9. In point per reception leagues, I consider Amendola a No. 2 receiver, and I would draft him as early as Round 6.

He's one of my favorite Fantasy receivers this year, and I'm confident he is going to have a breakout season. He has the chance to lead all receivers in receptions and become the next PPR-league star.

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Luck OK with running more
Andrew Luck, QB, IND
10:42 AM

News: According to the team's official website, the Colts ran the ball just 39.7 percent of the time last season. While that sat well with Andrew Luck last season, the truth is the Colts' coaching staff wants to be more balanced. As the team moves into a new offense with more West Coast offense principles (Luck's familiar with it), Luck said it's OK for him to hand off more often. "Obviously, all quarterbacks have a little syndrome in which we like to think we can throw the ball every play, every game and win," said Luck. "I think we realize that running the ball is going to help our passing game. If we can have a balanced attack, I think that will really, really help the team."

Analysis: While we don't expect the Colts to run the ball even 50 percent of the time in 2013, we do think they will think of running the ball a bit more often than they did last year. Luck attempted 627 passes last season but completed under 55 percent of them. If he throws only, say, 550 passes but completes 60 percent of them then he'd have roughly the same amount of completions as he had as a rookie. While the new system might mean more short- and mid-range passes from Luck, he should still be productive for Fantasy owners. He's worth a pick starting in Round 6 as a starter in standard seasonal leagues.

Luck OK with running more
Colts, TQB IND,
10:42 AM

Bell a fit for Steelers' blocking system?
Le'Veon Bell, RB, PIT
10:19 AM

News: The Steelers will utilize a zone-blocking scheme in addition to their traditional power-blocking, man-on-a-man style according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The change-up essentially favors quicker, sleeker running backs with good eyes to find a hole and burst through it. Bell has good field vision but is a massive downhill runner at 6-foot-1 and 244 pounds, though he is nimble in tight spaces.

Analysis: Bell opened up OTAs behind Jonathan Dwyer on the Steelers depth chart, and they'll battle for playing time along with a trimmed-down Isaac Redman. The blocking scheme might not be perfect for the rookie but the expected workload he'll get in Pittsburgh should mean he'll run behind every kind of scheme his O-line can functionally perform. Expect Bell to get picked starting in Round 5 or 6 in seasonal drafts and dynasty/keeper league start-ups. Bell will be a Top 10 pick in rookie-only drafts.

Moeaki out until training camp
Tony Moeaki, TE, KC
10:07 AM

News: Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Thursday that tight end Tony Moeaki, who underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his knee this offseason, could be out until training camp. "Probably see him at training camp,” Reid said. He was asked if Moeaki would be ready when training camp starts. “We’ll see," Reid said. "But right now, I’m thinking he will be, but we’ll see how it goes. He’s working like crazy.”

Analysis: Moeaki will compete with Anthony Fasano and rookie Travis Kelce for playing time, but he has minimal Fantasy value even if he starts. Keep an eye on Moeaki's health heading into training camp, but he should not be drafted in the majority of leagues even if he's 100 percent and starting. There are just too many better Fantasy options coming into the season.

Reid fond of Kelce
Travis Kelce, TE, KC
10:03 AM

News: Chiefs coach Andy Reid likes what he sees from rookie tight end Travis Kelce so far through OTA workouts. The Chiefs drafted Kelce in the third round from Cincinnati. "He’s doing a nice job, athletically," Reid said Thursday. "Again, that’s one of the positions that has a whole lot of different looks that they’ve got to learn, and he’s working through that. He’s a smart kid, he’s working through it. It’s just a matter of time and reps there. He’s working hard.”

Analysis: Kelce should provide a target for quarterback Alex Smith after snagging 45 passes for 722 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bearcats last season. The Chiefs have two other known tight ends on their roster in Anthony Fasano and Tony Moeaki, but it won't be hard for Kelce to get playing time ahead of them if he plays as expected. He's not worth drafting in most seasonal leagues, but Kelce can be someone to monitor and potentially add off the waiver wire. He is worth drafting with a mid-round pick in rookie-only formats.

Saints send Romeus packing
Greg Romeus, DE, NO
9:23 AM

News: Defensive end Greg Romeus was cut by the Saints.

Analysis: Romeus has never been a reliable Fantasy option. Keep him off of rosters.

Griffin to be ready by camp?
Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
5/23/2013

News: Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan suggested Thursday that quarterback Robert Griffin III has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp. "We're hoping," he said. "He's working extremely hard." Shanahan also said he wouldn't be comfortable starting Griffin without some offseason or preseason work. Griffin was spotted by NFL Network dropping back on passes to receivers while wearing a helmet along with a brace on his right knee on Thursday.

Analysis: It would be incredible for RG3 to be ready to go by late July, less than seven months after getting hurt. If the Redskins approach the injury with the long-term picture in mind then they might not rush him back unless they were convinced he was totally healthy. That seems risky, but for now any positive progress is great for prospective Fantasy owners. Here's a gameplan: Draft Griffin with a pick in Round 7 or 8 and pair him with Carson Palmer in the final rounds. Palmer has a great early-season schedule and the Cardinals take on the Panthers in Week 5 when the Redskins are on bye. We'll keep you posted on RG3.

Shanahan: Garcon had surgery
Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
5/23/2013

News: Mike Shanahan disclosed Thursday that wide receiver Pierre Garcon had chest surgery this offseason, but the Washington Times clarified it as a minor procedure on his labrum, which is in the shoulder . It appears Garcon is not a candidate to miss any serious playing time, however. "I think he's really unbelievable. He's come back so fast ..." Shanahan said of his receiver. "lifting weights he shouldn't be able to lift."

Analysis: Garcon is also still battling a toe injury that capsized much of his first year in D.C. As long as he's healthy for the start of the season he's got plenty of upside to offer Fantasy owners. Garcon finished last year averaging 14.4 yards per catch, the second-highest average in his career, but he had a four-year-low 44 receptions with a three-year-worst four scores. Staying healthy is obviously the most important thing he can do to keep him relevant in Fantasy Football but one recurrence of the toe injury could wipe out several games. If he can stay upright -- and assuming quarterback Robert Griffin III is healthy with his knee -- Garcon can be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a mid-round pick.

Casey has knee surgery
James Casey, TE, PHI
5/23/2013

News: USA Today reports that Eagles tight end James Casey will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his right knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring. A team spokesman said Casey should be ready to go by the start of training camp. Casey signed a three-year deal with $14.5 million as one of the first additions for the Eagles in a busy opening few days in free agency. The former Texans fullback/tight end is expected to play a key role in coach Chip Kelly's offense.

Analysis: Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns last year, numbers that could spike with the Eagles because of the expected design of the offense and the up-tempo style that will result in more snaps. Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from more reps through the rest of organized team activities and minicamp, so being sidelined for the next month isn't ideal. Still, if all goes as well as planned, Casey should get plenty of time on the field in July and August as long as he's healthy. He's not worth drafting in most leagues, but Casey is someone to monitor as a potential waiver wire addition if he's fine as expected following this procedure.

Manning to CBS: My arm is stronger
Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
5/23/2013

News: In an exclusive Q&A with CBSSports.com NFL Columnist Pete Prisco, Peyton Manning admitted to being nervous about his arm as far back as June 2011 when he had a hard time throwing at all, then again last season when he forced some things in a road game at Atlanta. But a year removed from rehabbing his arm, Manning sounds confident in his skills. "I feel much more comfortable than I was last year. I am stronger than I was last year. I am throwing the ball better now in May of 2013 than I did in May of 2012 -- significantly better," he said. "I got better throughout the season. I am not doing the monthly update reports anymore. I am past that."

Analysis: The Broncos will attempt to move into a more up-tempo approach this season and added Wes Welker to an already stacked receiving corps. Manning should be in for a very good season, perhaps even better than the one he had last year. Manning is a candidate for 300 yards and at least two scores every week. He should be considered an elite passer worth a pick between the middle of Round 2 and the end of Round 3, depending on your league's size and scoring system.

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