On The Radar: 5 Sleepers

Brian Leonard, RB - St. Louis Rams. I don't normally advocate hording non-handcuff backup runners, but you always look for athletes who, if given the opportunity (that's the key), could produce at a level near, equal or better than the incumbent starter. In Brian Leonard, the Rams may have bought themselves 'Michael Turner' type insurance in the event of a Steven Jackson injury. Leonard is that talented, and I firmly believe he could be a solid fantasy running back in the asbence of SJax. This makes him a must-own commodity for Jackson owners, and an intriguing roster stashee for an owner with roster space to burn. You can't catch the big one if you don't have a hook in the water.

James Jones, WR - Green Bay Packers. I really think James Jones is set up for success in Green Bay. This is an offense that desperately needs play-makers. They simply don't have anything remotely close to one at the running back position, and Donald Driver - as much I think he's one of the most under-rated receivers in the game - is best viewed as a possession guy. Greg Jennings, the incumbent WR2 is doing absolutely nothing to convince coaches he should stay there, he totally lacks a dynamic quality you like to see from a starting wide receiver, especially one that catches passes from Brett Favre. Favre and Jones seem to have that 'it' factor, and that has been on display and blantantly obvious in each pre-season game, so that's an encouraging sign. Driver is north of 30-years of age and already nursing an injury. Jones could easily play himself into Jennings' WR2 spot - if he hasn't already - and he's one injury to Driver or Jennings away from being a guaranteed WR2 or WR1. I wouldn't sleep on James Jones.

Isaac Bruce, WR - St. Louis Rams. You want to talk about the 'perfect sleeper'? Then look no further than the ageless Isaac Bruce. You just mention the name and your eyes get dopey. He's the forgotten WR2 on a team that acquired oft-injured and oft-disappointing Drew Bennett to be their WR3. The press coverage in the off-season has been all about Drew Bennett, and we can now add Torry Holt's lingering post-surgery problems with his knee to this list of headlines. Meanwhile, Isaac Bruce just keeps on ticking, keeps on running great routes and further establishing the mind-meld he has with Bulger. If Holt misses any time this season, and it looks like a decent bet at this point, Bruce's stock is going to take off like a rocket. Not a bad situation for this 35-year old fart. He could be cheap Viagra for your wide receiving corps in 2007.

Patrick Crayton, WR - Dallas Cowboys. It may be too late. But soon Patrick Crayton will cement himself as the WR2 on this team. Terry Glenn's knee woes will not go away and both he and Owens are 30+ years of age. Crayton will likely start the season at WR2 in Glenn's expected absence, and may play himself into keeping the spot all year long. He's still going late in drafts but at this point, even taking Crayton in the middle rounds is worth consideration. There is production to be had carrying Owens' jock, trust me.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB - Pittsburgh Steelers. Everybody and their grandmother this year is advising you to draft a top-5 QB ie, Brady, Bulger, Palmer etc. But waiting until the middle to latter rounds for your starting quarterback can really pay dividends. A perfect execution of this strategy in 2007 is Big Ben. I have news for you. Bill Cowher is so outta here. Not only is Cowher and his smash-mouth style of offense gone, but he's turned the keys over to Mike Tomlin and more importantly, Bruce Arians. If you're looking for the AFC version of Mike Martz, look no further than the mad Bruce Arians. He is going to single-handedly change the way you perceive the Steelers offense. They are going to spread the field, Ben is going to throw, and throw and throw. Parker will be active out of the backfield as well. Everything is shaping up for Ben to have a big year. Most important for you, you can absolutely steal a top-8 QB late in the draft. Like taking candy from a baby.

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

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bobm said:

great read!

i agree ben is a steal in 07

Posted at 04:24 PM, on September 1 2007

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On The Radar: 5 Sleepers

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