First off, I’m proposing that the term “sleeper” be laid to rest. On our FOX Sports Radio show, we now use the term “ninjas.” You know. They come out of nowhere and eviscerate you.
We’ve picked up each of these players and have completed the full 360-degree inspections. We’ve poked and prodded them as much as the doctors do during the NFL Combine.
There are no stones left unturned.
In the spirit of finding value, I’m looking into the second and third levels to ferret out a half-dozen players. Now, that means that a lengthy analysis of Mark Sanchez or even Cam Newton falls to the wayside and, yes, one or two more obvious “sleepers” invade the list.
I’ll start in Pittsburgh, where some fantasy owners just might forget that the starter missed four games because of a suspension in 2010.
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
Analysis: Roethlisberger averaged 266.7 passing yards per game with 17 passing touchdowns (two rushing) in 12 games following his four-game suspension to start the season. His decision-making was impeccable, as Roethlisberger committed only eight turnovers.
Of course, I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the “sack factor” on Roethlisberger. His willingness to scramble, absorb hits and buy his receivers time to gain separation results in a mountain of sacks annually. He has been sacked at least 46 times in four of the past five seasons (he was sacked 32 times in his suspension-shortened 2010 season).
I can’t help but like the setup of the offense for 2011. Mike Pouncey returns from injury to anchor the offensive line and the receiving corps is stacked with speed, speed and more speed. Mike Wallace is the name popping off of the page, but youngsters Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown are ready to make their mark.
Matthew Stafford, DET
Analysis: I know. He’s making a repeat appearance on the list, but the fact that he’s still sitting in the early QB2s allows me to thrust him back onto this list. Like everyone, I’m enamored with the potential that we’ve seen and the myriad weapons at his disposal.
Now, it becomes a matter of shaking the “fragile” tag that has been applied to him.
Stafford passed for 535 yards with six passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and two turnovers in three games prior to sustaining his shoulder injury. He also had a touchdown pass stolen from him in the opener against Chicago, as I’m sure you remember all too well.
His supporting cast is top-notch, with the aforementioned Johnson leading the charge. Nate Burleson played quite well opposite Johnson, and Brandon Pettigrew has the look of a top-tier fantasy tight end. Add speedster Titus Young to the mix and you have the ability to spread the field and exploit man-coverage downfield.
The Lions took a hit in the ground game when rookie Mikel Leshoure sustained a season-ending Achilles’ injury. Jahvid Best will need support from Jerome Harrison or Mike Bell (or a player to be named) to keep the offense balanced. Best is not suited for a full-time role and has already sustained a concussion.
Establishing offensive balance will keep opposing rushers such as Julius Peppers at bay, at least to some degree. The team should be offering “clean jersey” bonuses.
Sam Bradford, STL
Analysis: The hiring of former Broncos head coach and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to run the St. Louis offense piqued my interest. Granted, the beautiful fantasy numbers produced by Kyle Orton and Brandon Lloyd were largely predicated on the notion of winning shootouts and overcoming defensive liabilities. Somebody still had to orchestrate the white board.
McDaniels now sets his sights on molding Bradford, who produced fantastic numbers overall despite the heavy rotation of wide receivers in his rookie season. He averaged 219.5 passing yards per game and produced 19 total touchdowns (18 passing) against 17 turnovers.
Aside from PPR machine Danny Amendola, the receiver corps is replete with question marks. Free agent signee Mike Sims-Walker tries to shake off an inconsistent 2010 season and a groin injury sustained in camp.
Deep threat Donnie Avery missed the entire season because of a torn ACL. Danario Alexander played well for stretches and, cue the record, also missed time because of injury.
Rookies Greg Salas and Austin Pettis will work to make an immediate impact for Bradford, by my eyes are fixed on tight end Lance Kendricks. He’s got the size and speed to create mismatches downfield and own the red zone.
Kevin Kolb, ARI
Analysis: Kolb never had the chance to assume the “next big thing” mantle that had been prepared for him as Donovan McNabb exited Philadelphia. The draft-day darling was injured early in 2010 and spent most of the season on the sidelines following Michael Vick’s ascent to the top spot. Kolb appeared in only seven games last season, producing 1,197 yards with seven touchdowns, seven interceptions and three lost fumbles.
His profile was one of the most-visited pages on football websites this offseason, with fans and prospective fantasy owners trying to get some idea of his potential destination. Kolb was moved immediately to Arizona at the end of the lockout, thereby giving the newly re-signed Larry Fitzgerald the quarterback gift he sought following a dismal 2010 campaign.
Fitzgerald and tight end Todd Heap (perhaps a sleeper himself) stand as the sole tested options in this receiving corps. The Cardinals did not bring a veteran option such as Braylon Edwards or Lee Evans onboard, so Andre Roberts and/or Early Doucet will need to raise their games.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF
Analysis: I love the addition to the defensive front-seven made by Buffalo. I just don’t know that the presence of Marcell Dareus is enough to change this defensive unit immediately. As such, I foresee plenty of opportunities for the Fitzpatrick-Stevie Johnson duo to continue its downfield magic in 2011.
Buffalo fans and fantasy owners have to appreciate Fitzpatrick’s cornerback mentality. An errant throw, missed read or turnover does not deter him. Fitzpatrick continues to launch the ball downfield.
Of course, the Bills will need another option to step forward in support of Fitzpatrick beyond Johnson and the talented tailbacks. Roscoe Parrish looks to expand on his return duties alongside Brad Smith (return man extraordinaire), David Nelson and former first-round selection of the Chargers, Buster Davis. Keep chucking the ball.
Colt McCoy, CLE
Analysis: McCoy was impressive at times as a rookie in 2010. He completed 60.8% of his pass attempts and guided the team to wins over New Orleans and New England. McCoy has been fantastic early in the preseason and has set tongues wagging for a possible uprising in the AFC North.
Of course, those four games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh stare you in the face. It should be noted, however, that those games occur in December. That’s right. The Browns face the Ravens and Steelers in four of the final five games of the season. Early successes may taunt Cleveland fans like no season in recent memory.
It’s hard not to be excited about McCoy’s second year. Workhorse and Madden cover boy Peyton Hillis returns for another run. He’ll get his opportunities to stay fresh with Montario Hardesty healthy.
McCoy’s receiving corps is also improved. Safety valve Ben Watson (68 receptions in 2010) leads the pack, with Brian Robiskie and Mohammed Massaquoi growing on the wings along with explosive deep threat Josh Cribbs. Lest we forget, the Browns may have found a future star in Greg Little, a 6-foot-3 second-round selection out of North Carolina.
He’s a low-end QB2 to get the season started, but he just might develop into a strong spot starter before long.
