Esquire Theme by Matthew Buchanan
Social icons by Tim van Damme

09

May

Top 5 Fantasy Rookies of 2012 


For all of us NFL freaks there is always something to talk about. The NFL draft has been my topic of analysis and discussion since round one was in the books. Now, it’s never too late to talk about fantasy football. So dish up and maybe these selections will help your fantasy squad this coming season.


Doug Martin RB, Buccaneers

Photo credited tohttp://ogdraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Doug-Martin.jpg

Doug Martin may possibly be a bit of a stretch but I feel like he has a legitimate shot at making a splash in Tampa Bay’s backfield and here’s why. Legarrette Blount did not explode into the X factor star last year that every one thought he was going to, me being one of them. I really felt he had the potential to be “the guy” and maybe this season he still does. But with Blount always a temper tantrum away from pulling a shank out of his NFL liscensed socks and plugging someone on the field, I think that some where down the line this season Boise St. product Doug Martin will start getting the rock. Martin’s senior season at Boise was more than impressive, as he rushed his way to 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns. I personally think that Doug Matin may possibly have a tough time adjusting to the NFL as far as speed of the game and level of competition goes, but given the situation he has been drafted into I think that once people realize Blount is going no where, and that QB Josh Freeman is a fizziling dud as well Martin will start getting the ball and a lot. Now the only question is how long before Blount is out and Martin is in. Perhaps Martin will steal the job away earlier than expected. If that happens, Doug Martin will be a rookie sleeper that everyone passed up on.

Robert Griffin III QB, Redskins

Photo credited to: http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/402/139/134138137_crop_340x234.jpg?1334882584

It’s pretty tough for me to actually pick Griffin for well…anything, but it’s hard to deny that Griffin will score fantasy points. My problems with Griffin are all about his personality and his overall arrogant cockiness towards well…everything. I can’t wait for someone to really welcome him to the NFL but with that said and me biting my tongue, his rushing ability and deep passing accuracy will definitely put up fantasy points as long as he stays healthy. Coach Mike Shannahan has made it clear that RG3 is indeed the starting quarterback and that in and of itself is a solid reason to give RG3 a chance on your fantasy team. Do I think Griffin will have a Cam Newton type season? No, no I do not at all but with his speed and athleticism we all know RG3 will find the endzone time and time again one way or another even without much for surrounding weapons. Washington better hope at least that Griffin plays out and fast, because I think they traded off their next six draft picks, the White House, and the family farm to go get him. Or something like that.

 

Justin Blackmon WR, Jaguars

Justin Blackmon Justin Blackmon (R) from Oklahoma State holds up a jersey as he stands on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after he was selected #5 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 26, 2012 in New York City.

Photo credited to: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/LNrIlthhhom/2012+NFL+Draft+First+Round/eGJ22M_3srJ/Justin+Blackmon

The Jaguars drafted Blackmon for one reason, to throw to him this season very early and very often because if not him, then who? Blackmon has the size to really be a Dez Bryant type weapon in the NFL but without the attitude and a stronger work ethic. There really is not much more than that to say about Blackmon, the Jags have no body to throw to so Blackmon will be getting the majority of the balls this season, expect a solid season form the OSU product as long as Gabbert can stay on his feet long enough to get Blackmon the ball.

Coby Fleener TE, Colts

Photo credited to: http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/736/901/134234036_display_image.jpg?1325193109

I know Fleener’s talent relies on Luck’s season, but I really feel that Coby Fleener’s fantasy value has way too much upside to possibly ignore when it comes time to draft a tight end.

Every stat ever spewed from us sports nerds is all about the numbers, and when it comes to Coby Fleener the number is ten, no that is not what number Fleener will be this season for the Colts but it is the number of touchdown passes that he caught from Andrew Luck last season. That secuirty blanket and familarity is going feel like a Snuggy for Andrew Luck in his first big league year. Also, all the questions surrounding Fleener pretty much relied on how he would adjust to a new quarterback. Problem averted. The Colts are trying to imitate their biggest rivals offensive style, and even if it sorta kinda works out, trust me Coby Fleener will be catching a lot of footballs in the endzone because thats exactly what Luck and himself did at Stanford.

 

Trent Richardson RB, Browns

Photo credited to: http://isportsweb.com/wp-content/uploads//2011/12/Trent-Richardson.jpg

Where to start with Mr. Richardson, he is the Friday Night Lights Boobie Miles of the NFL, he can do it all. I personally have a football crush on this kid. I think that Trent Richardson is the pound for pound best running back prosect in the past decade if not longer. Richardson has the bowling ball boulder build of stars like Ray Rice and Maurice-Jones Drew except he is much more elusive and agile. Not bad company to be mentioned with huh. As long as Cleveland gives Richardson the ball, and they will, Richardson should rush for double digit touchdowns and he will. Do not be afraid to pick up Richardson earlier then you would expect to draft a rookie. Richardson is one of those rare breeds of football bred athletes that has nothing but positive fantasy value.

Fantasy Football is an Automatic First Down.

Ty

Follow me on Twitter @Ty_HiDef_Hines

26

Apr

NFL Draft picks 16-20 

16. New York Jets - Quinton Coples
Lets get back too football. What a better way then landing the guy that every scout had on top of their defensive end boards. Did not think that Coples would fall this far, from the look on his face I think Coples was relieved. Talent wise? Coples tops all. But in all out will or drive, Coples is a question mark as of right now. Jets score big though with this selection.

17. Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirpatrick
Many pro scouts had Kirpatrick second for cornerbacks behind Claiborne, I had him third behind Stephan Gilmore. The main reason being his speed. Kirkpatrick has a very active back pedal but I question his ability to recover against the elite receivers in the NFL.

18. San Diego Chargers - Melvin Ingram
I had Ingram behind Luke Kuechly on my board but pro scouts usually scored Ingram as the number linebacker in the draft. Low center of gravity, great hand work to get by tackles. Lacks elite speed. Will still have solid impact. Chargers need a quality defender.

19. Chicago Bears - Shea McClellin
I really like that some one took a shot on McClellin this early. Bears land a great great pick in a division that needs solid pass rushing and defenders. McClellin may possibly have the best work ethic of the defenders taken. Loves contact, very very determined. Outrageous instincts. Bears fans should be incredibly excited with this selection.

20. Tennessee Titans - Kendall Wright
Kendall Wright is a very underrated receiver as well. Does not get the credit he deserves for Baylor’s great season and RGIII’s gaudy numbers. Well Luck had very very limited receiving, Griffin had speedy top 3 receiver in Wright. Titans score big with Kendall Wright.

Follow me on Twitter @Ty_HiDef_Hines

NFL Draft picks 1-5

1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck
Overall number one pick by far. No suspense. We all knew. Completely well rounded. Truly underrated as an athlete. Insanely deadly in the red zone. Will make an instant impact with Colts. RGIII almost looks on in jealous anger that he was not number one. Luck much more built for the NFL. Somehow in all this RGIII hype Luck became the one lost in the shadows. Congrats to Andrew Luck. Your 2012 number one draft pick.


2. Washington Redskins - Robert Griffin III
World class athlete. Insane speed. Very very strong arm. I still personally have strong issues with his overall attitude and somewhat arrogance. I also think that RGIII may have jumped much too high in other quarterback boards, but in a year with way more defensive talent RGIII is clearly the number two QB. Will Mike Shannahan change his strict coaching ways to conform to Griffin’s playing style? We can’t wait to see. Better pay off, paid big for RGIII.

3. Cleveland Browns - Trent Richardson
I can not explain how smart Cleveland is to trade up for Trent Richardson, the best all around pound for pound down for down running back. We have seem to truly forget the importance of an every down back. Richardson was buried under all the hype around Luck and Griffin. I had Richardson above Griffin. Unteachable skill set. Will have most instant impact of any player in the draft.

4. Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil
I am sorry Viking fans but I have to disagree with this pick. Should have traded any number of ways for electrifying player. Yes Kalil is best by far in his position. Much to high of a pick to waste on a left tackle. Should have taken Morris Claiborne or Trent Richardson. Call me crazy but running back’s do not last as long. AP could bring in major trade potential, and Richardson would have been an instant impact starter in a rebuilding offense. Kalil will not create mega impact off the bat. Only positive from Kalil pick is that Christian Ponder know he is the qb they want to build around. Also missed out on Blackmon.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Justin Blackmon
Incredibly intelligent and powerful receiver. Has been compared to Dez Bryant but better talent and attitude. Phenomenal hands and better speed then any one gives him credit for. Weapon X for the Jags. Very good trade up to help out Blaine Gabbert. St. Louis and Bradford missed out.


Follow me on Twitter @Ty_HiDef_Hines