My favorite '08 FA pickup, Avery (foot) has top-shelf wheels and making quick recovery from foot injury; big-play threat should take focus off RB S-Jax
Finally, Maroney's ADP justifies taking a chance on him. I know NE has a slew of RBs, but if healthy, Maroney should get one last chance to carry the load
He has a 2nd year in an offensive scheme and a chance to blossom with the help of returning talent. He's careful with the football, and WAS should air it out some more
Greg Camarillo is returning from a serious knee injury; Bess should see plenty of looks underneath (30 catches in final 6 games last year), if he wins the job
Could be the most talented and fluid runner in Oakland's backfield; Darren McFadden has had injury problems and Justin Fargas avg just 3.9 YPC last year
Terrell Owens should help open up the offense; Lee Evans could see more single coverage; D is bad enough to force Edwards to air it out; still only a No. 2 QB
Should be the top target in Oakland's offense; caught surprising 56 passes for 778 yards last year but only one score; 2nd-year end MUST find end zone more, right?
One Matt Hasselbeck, 33, injury from being focal point in a run-heavy offense; Edgerrin James is now in town, but he should only be a complementary back
The offense is in place, and the defense is still just weak enough to force Schaub to pass a lot; a must-draft for me as a midrange No. 1; injury risk, so back him up
Jim Mora plus Greg Knapp equals fantasy running back production; Jones needs to stay healthy and he can be a low-end No. 2 fantasy back even with Edge in tow
Someone has to catch the ball in STL. He has crazy speed and ability after the catch in this short-passing game; a quality No. 3/No. 4 fantasy receiver with mild risk
Continuity within the offense; playmakers around him and a coach that is willing to throw the ball a lot; what's not to like? A solid No. 2 with low No. 1 potential
It's easy to be sick of him. He's healthy (for now), he knows the playbook and he's on the Saints - great value for a low-end No. 1 with high-end No. 1 potential
Hard to hate any back who'll lead the charge for a Greg Knapp offense. Seattle will field a top-10 rushing attack, making Jones (and even T.J. Duckett!) good values
Maroney has a chip on his shoulder (pun intended). Pats' most talented should play with purpose. In that offense? He'll be a great value in the second half of any draft
The team's best receiver is the biggest beneficiary of the talented Jay Cutler's arrival. Desmond Clark, fade to black. Olsen has improved in every area of his game
I donno what these guys have been smokin but I want some. Bick Seahawks fan but I saw/see nothing from Julios Jones I like... Top 10 rushing Offense? Wow, I will say that is going out on a limb, I don't care how good your coach is if you don't have talent, well, I sure would be glad to be wrong...
Good call on Greg Olsen in Chicago. Hester should also benefit (they have no one else). I like the Ray Rice pick as well, but can't agree on Maroney or JJones.
Most people would call him a handcuff and not a sleeper, but I think Darren Sproles is a guy who could see significant playing time this season. If the guy who drafts Tomlinson in your league doesn't lock up Sproles by the 8th round, you should.
Last year, Maroney was way too overvalued (which we said from the beginning of last draft season). This year, he takes a tumble after an injury-plagued year. This is a bargain opportunity; the Pats need to see what he can give them in his contract year. I'm willing to take the chance on him as a No. 4 for that.
You've got to be joking me. These are you sleeper picks? I won't using KFFL at all - as your credibility is seriously in question.
The only sleeper picks on this list are QB Jason Campbell, RB Tim Hightower, QB Trent Edwards - players who you can get in Late Rounds 12+. TE Zach Miller, QB Matt Schaub in Rounds 9-11. TE Greg Olsen in Rounds 7-8.
As noted by other comments, the NE Patriots have NO CONFIDENCE in Laurence Maroney - hence the reason why they signed Fred Taylor, along side Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk. Also keep in mind the BenJarvus Green-Ellis did pretty well when he filled-in.
I DO agree with you about Maroney. Certain NFL backs have to "learn" how to not get injured; so thats not out of the question for Maroney. However, it seems the question regarding Maroney (with all the RB's)is whether NE xcoaches will have enough CONFIDENCE in him, and most comments have pointed out his "in-season" (non)stats; but the unstated fact remains: he was EXELLENT in the late season and previous season playoffs - and THAT will provide the reason that coaching staff will likely WANT to give him the 1st string opportunity - that and the fact that he stillm has the greatest potential upside of their RB's. An early pick risk - no. But to be the likely first string RB in THAT offense makes him a GREAT sleeper.
Nice job; good insight KFFL>
All of the RB's listed are going to be on teams that use committees. The real sleeper for RB's is Cedric Benson for Cin. He is their starter. I will take him in the 8th round.
LOL!! Practice saying it now Brian because you're gonna be shouting it at your tv every Sunday. "Let's Go Cedric, Let's Go dammit!" Not very fun huh? Good luck with that.
Maroney again? How many times are you writers going to push him on us? This was the same junk said last year after Maroney's crappy/injured '07. The Pats do have a great offense, but it's a passing offense, people. You can have him as your #4 RB.
And Julius Jones? Just b/c of a system? If that's really your philosophy, then why isn't Kyle Orton listed here too? After all, McDaniels allegedly has a good system too. Please.
Because of the contract year and his very high probability for injury- meaning Willie Parker-- Rashard Mendenhall- has to be the ultimate sleeper- and has all the ammo - he needs- he WILL stay healthy this year
