"THE FANTASY BUZZ": VOL. I

THE FANTASY BUZZ
By Phil Eletto, NFL Draft Bible

Welcome to the off-season edition of the NFL Draft Bible’s Fantasy Buzz (I’ll spare you from the “buzz-killing” NFLDBFA acronym). August 1st brings a familiar realization for football fans everywhere- we better BBQ at every possible moment, and the certainty that football is only a month away! Training camps are underway and we have plenty of (canine-cruelty free) news to fuel your buzz:

“LARRY JOHNSON- What Does It Take To Make Him Happy?”
I guess Dick Vermiel’s exit wasn’t enough- supposedly LJ was no fan of Vermeil’s, so now he has Herm “You Play to Win the Game” Edwards. Now he is looking for more dough or else. Not a good start for the all-world back. Is Damon Huard the guy to get it done over the whole season? Add to the mix the continual eroding of the Kansas City offensive line with the retiring of Will Shields and the return of former NFL touchdown record holder Priest Holmes and this should make for one interesting season of “Hard Knocks”, which begins August 8th, 9pm on HBO.

“DONOVAN McNABB- It Always Seems He Is Recovering From Something”
The early reports are good and he is full steam ahead. He was having a great season before going down last year. Third-year wide out Reggie Brown oozes with talent, Kevin Curtis was a strong addition, Hank Basket can get it done in the Red Zone and then there is the game-breaking-when-playing Brian Westbrook. My gut says he flies somewhat under the radar this year and provides serious value to fantasy owners not obsessed with (Peyton) Manning, Palmer or Brady.

“MARC BULGER- The Rams Locked Up Their QB With A Fat Contract But It Didn’t Stop There.”
They also added wide receiver Drew Bennett, tight end Randy McMichael and wide receiver/return man Dante Hall. With Steven Jackson coming off a 90-catch season, look for a re-emergence from Bulger in ‘07.

“KEVIN JONES- Currently On The PUP But Eligible To Come Off At Any Time.”
The word from Jones’ mouth is he will be ready in time to start the season. Our inside sources tell us that Rod Marinelli may have other plans. Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz has apparently taken a liking to the newly acquired Tatum Bell and it is rumored that the team will start Bell week one regardless of Jones status. The enigmatic T.J. Duckett remains the number three and could certainly take away scoring opportunities from the aforementioned backs.

“RANDY MOSS- Early Reports Have Been Nothing But Positive.”
Isn’t this how things started in his initial days with the Raiders? Please don’t get caught overdosing on the Patriot Kool-Aid. Moss is long on talent and I believe you can count on him improving on last year (and probably even his stats from two years ago), but keep a few things in mind. He isn’t the only free-agent wide receiver addition there: Donte Stallworth & Wes Welker came aboard, joining talented tight end Ben Watson. Starting running back Laurence Maroney will get his looks but has been nagged by the injury bug. Finally, one of the things that make Tom Brady great is his ability to spread the ball.

“JERIOUS NORWOOD- Satisfying The Falcons News Quota.”
Norwood is the only player with any upside. Along with Alge Crumpler and Michael Jenkins, the Falcons also added Joe Horn. Warrick Dunn is expected to be out three-four weeks and while he was still quite useful last year, your comfort level using him should decline with each flip of the calendar- but at least his ESPN commercial is funny.

“THE RB CAROUSEL- Instead Of Quarterbacks, The Running Back Position Seemed To Be A Game Of Musical Chairs”
a. JAMAL LEWIS to Cleveland (ok, so one canine related item, but certainly not the one you were expecting). The Browns, like the Bills have sought to fortify their offensive line and while there is plenty of wear on his tires, a season or two as a number two or three running back for your fantasy squad is not out of the question for Lewis.
b. WILLIS McGAHEE to Baltimore- in this humble insiders opinion, this is the hottest opportunity created out of the running back relocation frenzy. I really cannot see any downside to him and would gladly take him as my number one back.
c. TRAVIS HENRY to Denver- Second only to the McGahee move, Henry has been a stud before and has a style built to succeed in Mike Shannahan’s offensive scheme. You may need to practice some restraint as teams may stack the line until Jay Cutler (who’s looked good in camp) proves he can beat teams on his own, throwing to Javon Walker, Brandon Stokely and Brandon Marshall. You may have thought Rod Smith retired, but he is merely rehabbing his chronic hip injury.
d. REUBEN DROUGHNS- from Cleveland to the New York Giants, where he offers insurance for Brandon Jacobs.
e. THOMAS JONES from Chicago to the New York Jets, where he will be the starting running back with Leon Washington serving as the backup/change of pace back.

“DRAFT EFFECT- Offensive Rookies Expected To Make An Impact”
f. CALVIN JOHNSON- Unsigned. Will only help add to what should be a surprisingly good season for Jon Kitna. It seems like we have said this the last two years about the Detroit offense, but how can it possibly go wrong?
g. ADRIAN PETERSON- In, but Minnesota is taking it slow- no reason not to with Chester Taylor good to go and Mewelde Moore hanging by a thread.
h. MARSHAWN LYNCH- In and signed. Buffalo poured $75 million into the offensive line. Let’s not get too crazy, but being in camp and having ancient Anthony Thomas and Dwayne Wright in the rearview mirror doest exactly instill any job security concerns.
i. BRANDON JACKSON- In but Vernand Morency has the early leg up, which ensures little from here out.

If you don’t know Phil Eletto, you will by season’s end. Find out what you need to know on all the hot topics around the league. We don’t sleep so you win!

Email: phil@nfldraftbible.com