Statman’s R&D: Thursday's Preseason Risers

New England vs. St. Louis

Tom Brady QB NE – After jaw jacking the New York Jets last week, Brady let some of that built up anger loose on the Rams backcourt.  He was 18 of 22 for 273 yards and 3 TD’s.  Can you say 2007 MVP form?  One of the best steals in the 3^rd round.

Randy Moss WR NE – Moss is letting his aging million dollar wheels eat after catching a 65 yard bomb on Thursday.  Randy got behind the defense by more than two steps on the TD.  Count him as one of the safest picks in the 1^st round.

Wes Welker WR NE – Wes had two catches for 41 yards.  The knee looks to be holding up so far, but his draft position is still on free fall.  Welker is worth a shot after the 4^th round with your fingers crossed.

New England Running Game: Maroney didn’t play a snap.  Don’t ask Bill, he’s not talking.  Stay far away from this situation.  The only thing predictable on this team is lots of Tom Brady arm movement.

Rob Gronkowski TE NE – With Aaron Hernandez held out this week, Gronkowski was able to show his talent with 3 catches for 66 yards and 2 TD’s.  Expect both the rookies to play extensively in 2010.  Crumpler will sit shotgun on the bench.   Don’t forget about these guys late in your draft.  Not Crumpler.

Donnie Avery WR STL – Avery could be out for the season after a suffering a significant right knee injury.  He was targeted as a nice deep sleeper in the late rounds.  This has to be upsetting to Ram’s fans after seeing Bradford play so well tonight.

Laurent Robinson WR STL – Bump him up after Avery’s injury.  Robinson is the best remaining receiver on the team and “Sammy Guns” has to fire to someone.

Sam Bradford QB STL – “Sammy Guns” looked like a seasoned vet while completing 15 of 22 passes for 189 yards and 2 TD’s.  Throwing the ball downfield with accuracy is what separates the men from the boys in the NFL and Bradford seems to have it.  The only downer to this big line was the injury to Avery.  Bradford should be targeted over most of the low tier QB’s and will start in week 1.

Steven Jackson RB STL – “Action Jackson” had 5 carries for 22 yards.  He had a nice nine yard scamper but was used sparingly.  Bump him up with Bradford playing so well. 

Michael Hoomanawanui TE STL - With 4 catches for 53 yards and 2 TD's, Michael is a nice late round TE that nobody is targeting.  Bradford seems to covet him.

Green Bay vs. Indianapolis

 Aaron Rodgers QB GB – The second coming of John Elway went 21 for 29 with 195 yards and 3 TD’s tonight, the Green Bay passing game is unstoppable so far.  Rodgers is already in mid season form after 3 games.  This year’s numbers could be scary even before Halloween.  Wait till he starts running!

Jermichael Finley TE GB – The gifted Finley showed again why he will lead all TE’s in points in 2010.  With 6 catches for 85 yards and a TD, Rodgers looked for him almost exclusively.  Expect huge numbers from the “The Green Giant” starting in week 1. 

Joseph Addai RB IND – Addai showed nice quickness with 100 yards on only 9 touches but was concussed on a head first tackle after a Manning fumble.  It looks to be a minor injury, but make sure to grab Donald Brown as a handcuff for insurance.  Addai is a solid RB2 when healthy. 

Reggie Wayne WR IND – With 7 catches for 97 yards and a TD, Wayne showed increased speed and clearly is still Peyton’s favorite target.  Draft with confidence.

Ryan Grant RB GB – Grant had 8 carries for 36 yards and, although he lacks breakaway speed, is running with arguably the best offense in the league.  He should easily earn his 2^nd to 3^rd round value if healthy.

Brandon Jackson RB GB – Brandon had 10 touches for 38 yards and is a solid handcuff for Ryan Grant.

Donald Driver WR GB – 5 catches for 35 yards and a TD.  He’s not chopped liver yet.

James Jones WR GB – Jones ran with the 1^st team offense more than Jordy and added a TD.  Bump him up to the clear #3.

Pierre Garcon WR IND – Pierre had 2 catches for 42 yards and a TD and should be a huge steal in the 5^th round on.  Make sure to set your alarm clocks.

Peyton Manning QB IND – Still one of the safest picks in the draft, Manning showed he isn’t over the hill yet with a 94.1 QB rating in 26 attempts.  He added 2 TD’s for good measure.

Donald Brown RB IND – Hasn’t looked great in the preseason but will have serious value if Addai’s concussion lingers.  Donald averaged 5.0 yards a touch in 2009 and will be running with one of the best offenses in the NFL.  Keep him on your radar.