Dave Richard chat replay (12/9)
News: The Charlotte Observer reports that Panthers coach Ron Rivera said receiver Steve Smith has looked like he's 25 again during OTAs. The report says Rivera said the veteran wideout has been diving for balls, and even though it's more than three months from Week 1, he still shows his frustration when the ball doesn't come his way.
Analysis: Smith will be 34 when the season starts, which will be his 13th in the NFL. It's a good sign he's this excited for the season, and we hope he has a big year. In 2012, Smith had 73 catches for 1,174 yards and four touchdowns, but he has the chance to improve on those stats, especially the touchdowns. Plan on drafting him in Round 5 or 6 in the majority of leagues.
News: Comcast Sports Net reports that A.J. Jenkins, Quinton Patton and Ricardo Lockette will compete during the remainder of the 49ers' offseason program to replace injured receiver Michael Crabtree (Achilles), coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday on a radio interview. "We'll put Jenkins, Patton, Ricardo Lockette at the same position and let them compete and emerge," Harbaugh said. "The good news is somebody will emerge because they have to."
Analysis: Lockette could emerge as the starter with Crabtree out, but we'd expect him to be No. 3 at best of this group. That also doesn't take into account Mario Manningham potentially coming back. Keep an eye on what happens with Lockette this offseason, but even if he starts he would just be a late-round flier in deeper formats.
News: Comcast Sports Net reports that A.J. Jenkins, Quinton Patton and Ricardo Lockette will compete during the remainder of the 49ers' offseason program to replace injured receiver Michael Crabtree (Achilles), coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday on a radio interview. "We'll put Jenkins, Patton, Ricardo Lockette at the same position and let them compete and emerge," Harbaugh said. "The good news is somebody will emerge because they have to."
Analysis: Patton could emerge as the starter for the 49ers, but we'd be surprised if he's the guy called on to replace Crabtree in his rookie season. Keep an eye on what develops, but Patton would only be worth drafting with a late-round flier in deeper leagues. In rookie-only formats, Patton is worth a mid-round pick.
News: Comcast Sports Net reports that A.J. Jenkins, Quinton Patton and Ricardo Lockette will compete during the remainder of the 49ers' offseason program to replace injured receiver Michael Crabtree (Achilles), coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday on a radio interview. "We'll put Jenkins, Patton, Ricardo Lockette at the same position and let them compete and emerge," Harbaugh said. "The good news is somebody will emerge because they have to."
Analysis: Jenkins is the early favorite of the group mentioned to start in place of Crabtree, but keep an eye on what develops. Jenkins went his entire rookie season without a catch in 2012, so he has a lot to prove before Fantasy owners can count on him. If he does win the starting job opposite Anquan Boldin he would be a late-round flier at best in standard leagues.
News: The Miami Herald reports that even though the Dolphins "love" Lamar Miller and have Daniel Thomas, who "sees himself as the successor to (Reggie) Bush," the darkhorse candidate to carry the running game is rookie Mike Gillislee. The report says "there is an internal excitement about him. There is hope he can factor and perhaps even surprise everyone." Gillislee was drafted in the fifth round this year out of Florida.
Analysis: We fully expect Miller to start, but he has limited experience. And Thomas, as much as he expects to win the starting job, could easily fall to third on the depth chart. The South Florida Sun Sentinel previously suggested Gillislee will compete for the starting job, and we can see him being a factor this season. Put him on your sleeper list and draft him with a late-round flier. In rookie-only formats take a chance on Gillislee with a second-round pick.
News: NFL Network reported Seahawks tight end Anthony McCoy had surgery to repair a partially torn Achilles suffered during the Seahawks' recent OTA practices. Per the report, McCoy tore the Achilles while running.
Analysis: This should seal Zach Miller as the Seahawks' most threatening tight end and rookie Luke Wilson as his backup. McCoy was never a consideration for Fantasy in the first place and might be done for the year if the Seahawks don't want to wait for him to come back from his rehab.
News: The Washington Post reports that Redskins running back Roy Helu is sitting out OTA workouts this week as he continues to recover from last year's toe injury. The report says Helu also is dealing with an Achilles injury.
Analysis: Helu has work to do if he wants to earn the No. 2 job behind Alfred Morris. He will face competition from rookie Chris Thompson for third-down work, and Evan Royster is also in the mix to be the top backup. Keep an eye on Helu's recovery, and he would only be worth a late-round flier at best if he's back at 100 percent by training camp.
News: CBSSports.com NFL Insider Mike Freeman reports that the 49ers haven't contacted free agent receiver Randy Moss following the injury to Michael Crabtree (Achilles). Freeman reports that Moss left the 49ers on good terms following his one season there in 2012.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Moss and if a team will be willing to take a chance on him. If he signs with the 49ers or somewhere else, his Fantasy value will be determined on his role and his quarterback. He could be worth a late-round pick, but Moss' best days are definitely behind him.
News: The Boston Globe reports that NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell "is a big fan" of Patriots rookie receiver Aaron Dobson, who was drafted in the second round out of Marshall. “This is going to sound crazy, but I thought that his size/hand combination, at times, reminded me of Larry Fitzgerald,” Cosell said. “He’s not Larry Fitzgerald, obviously, but he’s a big kid who can move very well with really good hands.”
Analysis: Dobson is 6-foot-3, 203 pounds and made plenty of highlight-reel catches at Marshall. In each of his last three seasons in colege, Dobson had at least 44 catches and 668 yards receiving. He had 12 touchdown catches in 2011. His 24 career touchdown receptions tie former Patriot Troy Brown for fourth most in Marshall history. If Dobson earns a starting job he would be worth a late-round flier in all leagues. He's worth at least a second-round pick in rookie-only formats.
News: The New York Daily News reports Jets running back Mike Goodson expects to practice next week. He didn't practice this week in the wake of being arrested on drug and weapons charges. A hearing is scheduled for June 12.
Analysis: Maybe the Jets are planning to have Goodson as part of their plan for 2013 after all. Between the courts and the league there's no guarantee that Goodson will play for all of the 2013 season. For now owners shouldn't have him on their radars, though if his attorney is as innocent as he suggests, that would change before the majority of people hold their Fantasy drafts.
