Here’s a look at the movers and shakers this offseason, and the subsequent effect these guys will have on your fantasy team.
Michael Turner- (ATL)- There’s no denying Turner possesses a great deal of talent. After serving backup duty for LT2 since the start of his career, Turner gets his chance to shine after signing a sizeable contract to play for the Falcons. The falcons are a team that is floundering on most fronts. The team hopes to rebuild their image after the Michael Vick fiasco, and the product on the field last year bordered on pitiful. However the running game was not completely unproductive last year, as Jerious Norwood was able to average over 5 yards a carry last year serving part time duty with Warrick Dunn. While Norwood possesses considerable talent I think it’s safe to say the Falcon’s line is at least somewhat capable of providing some decent holes for Turner to “burn” through. Norwood is likely to steal his share of carries, but I would guess those carries would amount to 3rd downs, and few series a game. I think it’s safe to say Turner will see a majority or the work, and should approach 300 carries for the season, not to mention most of the goal-line duty.
Projection: 285 carries 1100 yds 8 TDs 25 catches 300 yds 1 TD
Javon Walker- (OAK)- While far from an ideal situation, the biggest positive about Oakland is that Walker is that there is no doubt he is the undisputed number one receiver there. The biggest negative is of course the fact that Oakland’s offense is putrid. Walker will have second year pro and first year starter Jamarcus Russell tossing the ball to him. The Raiders passing game needs these two to develop chemistry quickly to get their offense headed in the right direction.
Projection: 65 catches 985 yards 6 tds
Bernard Berrian- (MIN)- Berrian signed a huge contract to join the Vikings. While he’s getting paid like a top flight receiver, there’s little hope for him performing like one. To begin with, Berrian has never put up great numbers before. His numbers may be deflated due to poor quarterback play, but he enters a similar situation in Minnesota with Travaris Jackson. In addition, Minnesota is sure to have a run first offense, playing to their strengths on that side of the ball. Berrian is still a great deep threat for the strong arm of Jackson, but he is unlikely to put up consistent statistics.
Projection: 55 catches 785 yards 7 tds
D.J. Hackett- (CAR)- In limited time last year Hackett played very well for the seahawks. In the 6 games Hackett participated in he scored in half for the pass-heavy seahawks. The major issue with Hackett thus far in his career has been durabilty, likely a factor in Seattle's choice to not resign him. I like Hackett's talent but I don't love his situation on the opposite side of the field from Steve Smith. While there is no doubt he'll see a great deal of single coverage with Smith flanking the other side of the field, I don't think he'll see enough looks to be a reliable fantasy option. Furthermore, you can't help but think that his injury prone reputation will continue in Carolina.
Projection: 50 catches 725 yards 5 tds
Bryant Johnson- (SF)- Johnson gets a chance to prove his 1st round pedigree after being buried
Projection: 55 catches 745 yards 6 tds
Julius Jones- (SEA)- After Jettisoning Shaun Alexander the Seahawks signed Jones and T.J. Duckett to fortify the ground game. Seattle showed confidence in their new backs by deciding not to take a backs in the first 6 rounds of the draft. Julius Jones never seemed to live up to the hype he created in his rookie year, and was eventually outshined by Marion Barber. At the moment Jones appears to be in line to reciecve the majority of carries in the Seattle offense. The Hawks did already publicly admit to having a RBBC and there's little doubt that Julius could lose goaline duty and possibly even 3rd down duties to Duckett, Maurice Morris, and Leonard Weaver.
Projection: 245 carries 945 yards 3 tds 20 catches 230 yards 1 td
Jerry Porter- (JAX)- After being disgruntled for several years in Oakland, Porter gets a chace to redeem himself with the Jaguars after signing a pricy contract. Porter joins a recieving core that hasnt had a relevan fantasy option since Jimmy Smith. Porter joins a collection of high draft picks who never lived up to their reputation in Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, and Troy Williamson, on a team that relies on the run game as its bread and butter. I don't think there will be enough balls to go around to let Porter do any real damage
Projection: 45 catches 695 yards 5 tds
Ernest Wilford- (MIA)- Wilford overachieved in Jacksonville, sometimes being the most reliable target on a wide reciever starved team. This big target now heads to Miami joining Parcells and company. Wilford is the vet of the wide reciever core as his teammates Ginn and Hagan are still developing. This offense will struggle unless the light goes on for Beck or Henne, and even so I see Ginn as the likely beneficiary. Nonetheless, Wilford is a big redzone target.
Projection: 40 catches 620 yards 6 tds
Donte Stallworth- (CLE)- Stallworth has flashed brilliant talent in his stints in New Orleans and Philadephia, those talents never translated to a full season of success. I'm afraid its more of the same for Stallworth who will be no better than the third option in Cleveland in an offense which I belive will have a hard time doing much better than they did last season. There's no doubt stallworth is fast and great after a catch and is probably due to have a few huge games
Projection: 50 catches 785 yards 6 tds
Alge Crumpler- (TEN)- Serving as a safety valve for MIke Vick, Crumpler was very productive in his stint in Atlanta. He is now teammates with a similarly versatile quarterback in Vince Young. Crumpler is going to be the reliable target young has been missing. Young will look to the veteran tight end often due to the Titans penchant for acquiring unreliable wide recievers.
Projection: 65 catches 735 yards 6 tds
Adam Larkin
