Arian Foster – Let’s start right here in Houston where the battle for running back continues. What a mess last season was with Steve Slaton’s neck and hand problems and Chris Brown’s goal-line interception. Yes, interception. Foster was a bright spot the final two games, with 242 combined rushing/receiving yards and three touchdowns. But when the Texans signed Auburn standout Ben Tate, he seemed like the logical starter. But Slaton is reportedly healthy (according to Slaton) and Foster, the undrafted free agent from 2009, is impressing Gary Kubiak in practice. The opening day starter is still a question mark, but word from Texans camp is Tate isn’t quite ready, and Slaton has been seen handling punt returns. Starters don’t do that. Foster has a good shot as the opening day starter. Get him late and hope you get lucky.
Alex Smith – My friends and colleagues tried to dissuade me from including him on this list. If you start one QB, it should not be Smith. But he’s a great backup and well-suited as a No. 2 in two-QB leagues. Smith threw for 18 touchdowns in only 10 starts in 2009. Plus, Michael Crabtree is a key factor, instead of a maybe like last year. And let’s not forget Vernon Davis who compiled the best stats among all tight ends in 2009. I like Smith. It’s an unpopular opinion, but so is my love of math.
Jamaal Charles – If you read even one of my blogs last year, you know how I feel about Charles. I love him. If it weren’t for Larry Johnson, Charles would have been a top 10 back. But instead his prowess was contained to the second half of the season. In the final eight games, Charles ran for nearly 1,000 yards. A little worried about Thomas Jones, but he’s still worth a late second round or early third round pick, in a 12-team league.
Chad Henne – Chad Pennington’s injury gave way to Henne taking over as signal caller in Miami last season. His season stats aren’t impressive, but the final five games, Henne did pass for over 300 yards three times. The addition of Brandon Marshall gives him the solid threat he didn’t have in the disappointing Ted Ginn. Henne is obviously a backup, but a strong one.
Chester Taylor – While Matt Forte is the projected starter for the Bears, Taylor could earn himself a fair share of the carries, perhaps an even split. Taylor has good hands and speed, so I expect Mike Martz to take advantage of that. Taylor is worthy of a pickup in rounds 8-10.
Jacoby Jones – Yep, two Texans sleepers. Just put the whole team on this list. The fact is, Houston has a much improved team, with depth for the first time ever. Still, I feel like such a homer with two Texans here. Let’s look at the numbers. Jones had six touchdowns in 2009. That’s more than Calvin Johnson, Greg Jennings and Dwyane Bowe. He has speed and flair, with the ability to make the big catch. He hasn’t established the No. 2 role yet, but he’s looking good at training camp. He’s worth a late round risk.Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at ERSkelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 in Houston every Friday during the football season. And if you want more, more, more, check out Erin 's blog on FantasyPros911.
I think any player taken in the first six or seven rounds (charles) cannot be considered a sleeper.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the note, Mcat. I can see your point. I define sleeper as overperforming the draft position. Charles is all over the place on the draft board because of the question mark with Thomas Jones. I think he's worth the earlier pick. If he's around even later, even better.
ReplyDeleteErin