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| Updated Aug. 18, 2008 JunkyardJake.Com
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Laurence Maroney RB
Poor, neglected Laurence Maroney, who spent too many Sundays in 2007 watching Tom Brady and Randy Moss streak down the field on 80-yard TD drives, usually ending the day with a meager contribution of 12 carries for 52 yards.
Of course, the Patriots' prolific passing attack wasn't Maroney's only impediment; it didn't help that he also missed three games with a groin injury and had four games with 10 or less carries. Predictably, the unforgiving fantasy football world has taken note of Maroney's 2007 shortcomings, and his draft stock has significantly dropped from a late first-round pick in 2007 to an early third-round pick in 2008.
Remember, it's not like this guy can't play; he rushed for over 120 yards against both Jacksonville and San Diego during the Patriots' 2007 playoff run, and note that New England has a predicted easy schedule against the run.
(Also consider that New England's predicted schedule against the pass doesn't look quite as good, and this could lead to more contribution from the running game this year.)
All in all, even if Maroney has the same exact performance as last season, he is worth a third-round fantasy pick, but his potential for a breakout make him a compelling player to target.
Eli Manning/Kevin Boss/Steve Smith QB/TE/WR
After his playoff and Super Bowl heroics, you have to wonder what else Eli Manning needs to do to gain a little respect in a fantasy draft. Maybe he can save some puppies from a burning building or convince North Korea to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Perhaps those are the type of accomplishments that could bump his average position up a little bit.
Granted, we are still waiting for Manning to break the 80 QB-rating barrier, which he surprisingly has not done since entering the league in 2004. Nonetheless, even a modest improvement over his typical 19 TD, 3,300-yard season will justify his eighth-round fantasy draft spot.
Two other potential values from the Giants' offense could be TE Kevin Boss
6 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Trent Alderman 10 months ago
Good article man. I'd like to know your thoughts on the rookies coming into the league. A lot of rookies had great seasons last year and I drafted Jonathan Stewart as a number 2 running back in my draft with my number one being Clinton Portis. I also have Jordy Nelson as my number 4 WR and I could see both as potential sleepers on my team. Along with Nelson and Stewart, I've considered picking up rashard mendenhall, and possibly Matt Ryan later in the year if my current backup, Matt Schaub, get's injured again.
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Junkyard Jake 10 months ago
Hi Trent, thanks for reading my article. I really like Jonathan Stewart, he has a rare combination of size and speed that you don't commonly see. He is impressive in the way he breaks tackles and runs over people, plus he gets outside pretty well for a big back. Mendenhall has the potential to be great too, very powerful with underrated speed.
One problem so far for Stewart has been his lingering toe injury, so he could be limited in the early weeks, but should eventually outplay DeAngelo Williams. The rookie RB class was exceptionally deep this year, as Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Kevin Smith, Ray Rice, and maybe even Steve Slaton could have productive seasons.
Jordy Nelson looks like a good player, but James Jones is currently #3 in Green Bay. Other potentially useful rookie WRs are Eddie Royal and James Hardy.
I also like Matt Ryan, he is well prepared for a pro-offense, and looks like he could be the immediate week 1 starter if he finishes the preseason strong.
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Sean Crowe 10 months ago
Nice job.
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Junkyard Jake 10 months ago
Hi Sean, thanks dude
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Jeff Contizano 10 months ago
Leinart is a huge creeper. He has been terrible. I would add Warner as a sleeper, but we'll see when he's finally allowed to play, he was a stud last year.
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Toby Valora 10 months ago
I would agree on your sleepers Calvin Johnson and Robert Meachem. I would also even add Michael Colston coming off a lack luster outing last year due to injuries, etc... One guy i would love to watch get some face time and show everybody he can really run even for his size is Mike Hart for Indianapolois.
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