Looking Ahead to the '08-'09 NFL Free Agent Class

They still have talent, but it comes down to whether their abilities are worth the headache. They are risky acquisitions for team chemistry purposes as well, but are relatively inexpensive.  

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Now that the parameters of good and bad free agents are defined, we can look forward at upcoming free agents in the 2008-'09 offseason.

Offense

Brandon Jacobs, Running back – New York Giants

Class I

Jacobs established himself as a bruising and powerful running back last season by averaging five yards per carry. Despite missing five games, Jacobs managed to exceed the 1,000-yard mark while scoring four touchdowns. He is a critical component of the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants’ offense in the rugged NFC East. 

STOCK UP

Through three games this season, Jacobs has continued to bring the physical style of running to the undefeated Giants’ offense, as he is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He has also broken away for 20-yard gains three times this year after doing so only four times in all of 2007. At age 26, and with only 386 carries under his belt, many productive seasons lie ahead.

Correll Buckhalter, Running back – Philadelphia Eagles

Class III

Correll Buckhalter has provided the perfect compliment to the Eagles’ West Coast offense, which is based primarily on passing. His between-the-tackles style of running has been an effective change of pace to the more elusive, electrifying Brian Westbrook.

Buckhalter does have a history of injuries, but has been healthy for a few consecutive years now and has proven that he’s a solid option out of the backfield.

STOCK UP

The recent injury of Westbrook has again given Buckhalter an opportunity to shine. In his last two games, he has averaged 4.3 and 4.1 yards per carry while amassing over 80 combined rushing and receiving yards in each contest. He has scored a touchdown both through the air and on the ground. 

With Westbrook having a lingering ankle ailment, Buckhalter will continue to get opportunities to prove that he is a very capable back. 

Roy Williams, Wide Receiver – Detroit Lions

Class IV

Whether it is because of the constant turmoil and dysfunction at the head of the Detroit Lions organization, or the questionable attitude of Roy Williams himself, he has not been able to consistently produce as expected.

After having a breakout season in 2006, in which he caught 82 passes for 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns, Williams’ production has consistently been on the decline.

STOCK DOWN

Williams has expressed his displeasure in playing for the winless Lions. He has only eight catches through three games, averaging less than 40 yards per outing. Though he could become a stud wideout for the right team, it is important for a franchise to assess whether he is capable of being a leader and consistent producer worthy of the big bucks that will likely be thrown his way.

Kyle Orton, Quarterback – Chicago Bears

Class III

Orton is an interesting player because he wasn’t drafted very high (fourth round), yet much was expected of him after he led the Bears as a rookie due to Rex Grossman’s injury. He has failed to show consistency in his first four years in the league, but he appears to be on the right track this season for the 2-2 Bears.

STOCK UP (barely)

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