10. "Dancin" Dan Orlovsky

Pulling off his best Brandon Jennings impersonation, “Dancin” Dan was absent from the draft room at the Hoppy Toad Inn.  Nevertheless, he managed to hop on the internet somewhere in between moving furniture, attending a social or throwing down with Niner Nation out at the campus of UNCC.  Though we’re not exactly sure which one, it’s a good guess his mind was elsewhere and therefore we tag him with the last ranking in this year’s edition of the Meg Gangum Preseason Report. 

Draft Recap

Orlovsky's Owls

1. (3) Steve Slaton 2. (18) Calvin Johnson 3. (23) Greg Jennings 4. (38) Donovan McNabb 5. (43) Darren McFadden 6. (58) Tony Gonzalez 7. (63) DeSean Jackson 8. (78) Cedric Benson 9. (83) Felix Jones 10. (98) Jake Delhomme 11. (103) Jonathan Stewart 12. (118) Joe Flacco 13. (123) Chris Henry 14. (138) Kyle Orton 15. (143) Josh Morgan 16. (158) Matthew Stafford 17. (163) Jason Hanson

Roster

QB’s:  Donovan McNabb, Kyle Orton, Jake Delhomme, Joe Flacco

RB’s:  Steve Slaton, Darren McFadden, Cedric Benson, Felix Jones, Johnathan Stewart

WR’s:  Calvin Johnson, Greg Jennings, DeSean Jackson, Josh Morgan, Chris Henry

TE’s:  Tony Gonzalez

DEF:  Dallas

Quarterbacks: 

            Although not the greatest talent, Orlovsky has a lot of depth that he can manage from week to week to exploit good match-ups.  McNabb should have another outstanding year, but the Vick situation would have me just a bit leery as an owner.  In no way will Vick take over the starting job, but the Eagles certainly didn’t sign him to hold a clip board and “bark” signals from the sideline.  Look for Vick’s role to increase as the season wears on and it’s justifiable to say he could average 8-10  (magical plays) a game.  The “Wildcat” and variations of  the gimmick offense are sure to be incorporated in the already diverse Eagles’ passing attack and he could steal quite a few TD’s from McNabb inside the 20.

            Orton is an underrated value, especially in round 14, behind QB’s such as Mark Sanchez, Marc Bulger and Kerry Collins.  Orton should flourish in Josh McDaniel’s short game passing scheme and has plenty of talent around him in Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal.  However, if Marshall has trouble adapting to the regime in Denver, it definitely diminishes Orton’s value.  He will have his share of ups and downs but the upside is definitely there.  Flacco and Delhomme, leaders of run-oriented teams, will be used sparingly but could be productive in favorable match-ups. 

Running backs:

            Mr. Dan stretched a bit for Mr. Slaton, but it could turn out to be a sexy pick.  Houston is a fantasy juggernaut and if Slaton can manage to stay healthy he could definitely pay dividends at #3.  Orlovsky’s #2 RB is a bit suspect to me.  Granted Darren McFadden has tremendous upside, but Justin Fargas, who is not too shabby of a runner himself,  is currently penciled in as the starter.  Cedric Benson is about as dull of a starter as you can get, but nevertheless he is the feature back and should remain that way until someone proves otherwise.  Felix Jones is a very intriguing pick.  Hampered by his situation in a 3 headed monster backfield, the Cowboys have to find a way to get him  the ball more this year.  Averaging an astonishing 8.9 ypc last season, look for Jones to cut deep into Marion Barber’s playing time.  Johnathan Stewart could also be of good value should something happen to DeAngelo Williams.

Wide Receivers:

            Calvin Johnson and Greg Jennings are absolute studs and should be counted on every week as a colossal source of points.  However, after those 2, Orlovsky’s WR situation is a little murky.  DeSean Jackson is a big play threat but his consistency is very questionable.  Although Jackson had several nice games last year, he was held under 5 catches in 8 games and never caught more than 6 balls.  Adding to the fact, the Eagles have an abundance of targets for McNabb who spreads the ball around the field.  Between DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown (who may be traded by the time this article is published), Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, Brent Celek, Brian Westbrook, and rookies Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy,  the Eagles could easily have up to 9 players lead their team in receiving in any given game.  Josh Morgan and Chris Henry are both good talents, but certainly aren’t guys you can start with confidence.

The Rest:

            Tony G‘s situation is very interesting.  One would think it could only improve his value by going to a much better team with a much better quarterback.  However, it’s been noted that he is being used as a blocker far more then he ever has in his career.  The Falcons are definitely a run-first team, but Gonzalez is sure to enhance the passing game in a balanced offensive attack.  It looks as if Cleary will play the match-up game defensively from week to week.  Certainly not a bad strategy, “Dancin” Dan has Dallas going up against Tampa Bay in week 1.  The Cowboys should be a good play with all the changeover and atrocious quarterback situation in Tampa.  *** 9/01/09:  Team Orlovsky has picked up the New England defense against the Buffalo Bills in week 1.  The Bills first unit has yet to register a touchdown thus far in the preseason. 

Ratings

Quarterbacks:              C+       82

Running backs:           C-        77

Wide receivers:           B-        85

Tight End:                   A-        93

Defense:                      C         N/A

Overall:                       C+       83        

Season Outlook:         

            Orlovsky is one of the best managers in the nation and while the pre-season rank doesn’t respect his team, you can bet for sure this team will be nowhere near the bottom.  McFadden and Jones are two running backs who could explode if given the chance.  As of now, they will be restrained to limited carries in a 2 back system,  but if the opportunity presents itself they are sure to provide first round value in a feature back role.  The quarterback carousel will be ongoing as the Orton era could get off to a shaky start if the chemistry isn’t there with disgruntled Brandon Marshall.  Cal. Johnson and Jennings should carry the team with reliable points week in and week out and McNabb should have a solid year with or without Vick.