Offseason Notes Part 2

ENDZONE ALLEYs' Offseason Notes Continued

Ray Rice - Ray Rice is in the middle of a holdout and as Chris Johnson displayed to perfection last season, runningbacks who hold out under perform and are more susceptible to injury. His workload since 09 is 332, 371 and 367 touches (not including playoffs). Perhaps those high touch totals played a part in the Ravens trading up to land Bernard Pierce in the 3rd round. The Ray Rice hold out is definitely a situation to monitor as the longer his holdout lasts the stronger the chances are of, if nothing more, a sluggish start (which is the norm for holdouts).

Maurice Jones-Drew - MJDs' touch total the last 3 seasons looks like 365, 333, 386 respectively. An obvious heavy workload. It was noted earlier this month that he had lost a step and now he's in the middle of whats shaping up to be "a lengthy holdout" according to Adam Schefter. MJD is built like a human bowling ball yes, but eventually the wheels will fall off. At the very least his production should take a significant dip this season as its very doubtfull hes able to exceed 1600 rushing yards back to back seasons.

Demarco Murray - Murray has been cleared to play and dazzled thus far in camp. According to Fox Sports SouthWest, "it's obvious that DeMarco Murray is going to be the featured back". It appears Murray is ready to step in and pick up right where he left off last season before going down with injury. Dallas also passed the ball in the redzone at a rate of 87% last season. One that is highly unlikely to be repeated and give Murray many more scoring opportunities.

Darren McFadden - McFadden possesses the highest upside of any RB in the NFL. Unfortunately he hasn't been able to reach his full potential due to injury history. His latest injury will likely draw enough of a red flag to fantasy owners to slide him outside the top 12 picks. If you fortunate enough to have DMac fall to your 2nd pick you simply snatch him without hesitation. Yes, it hurts to "whiff"
 on an early pick and his injury risk certainly warrants ample "whiff" potential, but you can't play not to lose. As Herm Edwards would say, "You play to win the game".

Matt Forte - Forte is a no show thus far and as that along with the signing of Michael Bush and his prior injury could all add up to one big red flag I still sit optimisticly on the issue. Forte has never totaled under 1400 scrimage yards in a season in his career. He's comming off a career high in ypc at 4.9 and if you had the pleasure of watching him last season you will remember how his play was without question elite. Forte will continue to run with great motivation and possibly more than ever with Michael Bush on his heels. Forte wants to get paid and get paid generously. Jay Cutler was quoted to say "He was huge, all ripped up," "I was like, 'What do you do?' (Forte replied) 'All I do is go to the weight room. I've got nothing else to do.'" As long as Forte signs be ready to pay for his consistant top end numbers he produces week to week.

Kenny Britt - Due to a recent set back Britt was forced to under go yet another knee surgery this offseason to clean up his torn ACL. Although it was minor he should be dropped in early rankings until further notice. Britt has mamouth upside when healthy but as a player who relys heavily on explosiveness he may end up being a player to avoid this season if hes not 100%.

Greg Little - Little only played one year of college at the WR position. He came into the NFL as a very raw talent which lead to expected rookie "growing pains". Despite his lack of polish and being on one of the leagues most stagnant offenses Little still posted a respectable 61 catch 709 yard season. His open field moves resemble those of Brandon Marshalls. Little lacks the same explosiveness, but hes doing his best to change that. He's lost 11lbs due to "working out and good nutrition". With a full season under his belt and a full offseason of work Little could be primed for a 1000 yard campaign. In fact The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot believes WR Greg Little is capable of "maybe even a Pro Bowl-type of year if Brandon Weeden wins the starting quarterback job." Sure, that may be a little ambitious, but Weeden does appear to be in the driver seat for the starting job, he is a QB upgrade and Little looks to have more polish to go with his after the catch skills.

Lestar Jean - His camp play thus far earned him the nickname "big play". He's been said to have learned all 3 WR positions and thus shouldn't have a problem finding ways on the field. Kevin Walter is all that stands in his way from making some serious noise in fantasy circles. At 6'3" 215 lbs with sub 4.5 speed to his credit a potential starting gig opposite Andre Johnson would put him in consistant mismatches. As a possible "camp sensation" Jean is most certainly a player for all to monitor.





                                                                                                                                 ~Joseph Turnbull~

MISC Offseason Notes

Its now June and OTA reports are already rolling in to provide hype or red flags on players based on their "fitness" level and performance in shorts. It seems almost every update includes something along the lines of "best shape I've ever seen" or "showed up x amount of lbs overweight". Universal opinion may be split in either one, over hyping "shorts" updates or two, disregarding them all together. I believe every item of note... is an item of note. Keep it all in mind. Store it and look for similar trending future updates. McFadden, was said to be in premier condition last offseason and jumped out to a blazing start before going down with injury. Chris Johnsons' fitness level was questioned and he had an unbelievably slow start.

2012 Offseason Check in: Part One

Ryan Mathews: I list him first not only for reports of him being in the best shape of his career, but because I believe he will the biggest swing player of round one. Meaning stealing him in the latter part of round one could be your first major step in the direction of a Championship. Yes, it could be that quickly. Obviously there is countless variables in Fantasy Sports but landing the potential number one RB and Most Valuable Fantasy Scorer at the end of Round one tilts the table in your direction. You will then be allowed to Pair him with another premier high upside player which gives you a lethal scoring duo and allows for some "misses" down the road. Mathews only received 222 carries last season and 157 the year prior. He has more than enough tread on the tires to handle a major work load in 2012. HC Norv Turner has a history of using a workhorse. Ricky Williams had two seasons of at least 383 touches under him. In this case Turner has a Clydesdale for Mathews can simply do everything a RB needs to do and do it as well as anyone. There won't be a better blend of situation plus talent than Mathews in 2012.

Adrian Peterson: He's an absolute freak. So what if he tore his ACL in late December. Who cares. He's been running since February and has been beating the likes of Percy Harvin and Joe Webb in sprints. He is light years ahead of schedule, The Vikings landed a big upgrade to their line with premier OT Matt Kalil. Christian Ponder should be productive enough to keep defenses honest. I would NOT let AP slip out of the First round in my draft. Don't let the ACL progression chart scare you off. AP is no normal Human. Again... He's an absolute freak.

Jamaal Charles: Charles is one of the biggest Wild Cards of the 2012 draft. His game is built on explosion, speed and sharp cuts. Everything the ACL limits. On top of the the chiefs added Peyton Hillis this offseason which will only further cap his upside. That being said I'm one of the biggest Charles supporters. When he says he's coming back bigger, stronger and faster I believe him. Charles is not a boastful arrogant look at me type player. He's one of the most humble players in the game today and he was only further humbled by his injury. There's no doubt in my mind as I am typing this that Jamaal is out there somewhere working out like a madman with one this on his mind. Redemption. In his mind he was robbed of his 2011 season which could of very well been his rise to the top of the leagues RB hierarchy. 2012 will showcase a Jamaal Charles who won't be looking for 10, 20, or even 50 yards. He will be looking for a house call each and every time he has the ball in his hands and will be looking to inflict as much pain on all those who doubt him as possible. Do NOT doubt Jamaal Charles in 2012. Fear him. Fear what he will do against you.

Chris Johnson: Yes, it's true I was bald for much of the 2011 season from pulling my hair out due to his ABYSMAL effort and production for much of the year. Last season Johnson was under weight and out of shape. Even in the latter part of the season where he "broke out" he was still not at 100%. Johnson is now back to his Rookie season weight and is in tremendous physical condition according to reports. Johnson will bounce back in a big way providing nice dividends for trusting owners.

LeGarrette Blount: Blounts' disappointing 2011 season was in large part due to his team and game flow. Not his ability and although the drafting of Doug Martin could mean a bench role for Blount he should be able to provide a nice profit margin for believers. The Bucs will be as run heavy as any team. Their offensive line is improved and their Defense has no where to go but up to effectively balance game flow to give Blount his fair share of chances. I'd look for him to fit the Brandon Jacobs role to perfection. 8-10 carries a game providing over 5 ypc as he will be in FULL on "Blount Force" mode with those limited carries to keep him nothing but fresh. A demotion to a back up role will only further anger Blount. Reports are he's already highly motivated to keep the starter role and in tremendous physical form. Having seen him in person this offseason I can actually vouch for those updates. He's in freakish form. Look for him to provide multiple highlight reel runs consisting of countless Broken tackles leading to stat lines such as 8 carries 100 yards 2 TD's. No I don't think its unrealistic to expect multiple stat lines similar to the one mentioned. He should hold onto the goaline role on an offense that is much improved featuring Vincent Jackson and Doug Martin now. Josh Freeman is a natural born leader. He will bounce back nicely for the Bucs.

Happy NFL Draft Eve

I wonder if at this very moment the following NFL prospects are sitting back in their hotels or wherever they maybe staying for the night and playing this in their head (click here.... just trust me.... click) Rewatching that clip got me to thinking. Why doesn't the NFL hire J-Clause to do that bit at before the start of every draft? It would really set the mood and I'm sure he could use the extra cash/publicity. Lets face it, hes not going to get on TV any other way anytime soon. So cue the J-Clause chants and lets make this a tradition. Anyways, now on to the serious stuff.

1. IND: Andrew Luck QB

2. WAS: Robert Griffin III QB

3. MIN: TRADE** Vikings send the pick to the Bills who then select Matt Kalil OT

• Scenario 2. They keep the pick and select Claiborne
• Scenario 3. They trade the pick to the Bucs who snag Claiborne and vikings land Kalil at 5
• Scenario 4 just for kicks.They keep the pick and select Kalil

4. CLE: Trent Richardson RB

5. TB: Morris Claiborne CB

• Scenario 2. Claiborne gone they take Stephon Gilmore their next highest ranked CB
• Scenario 3. They select Luke Kuechly

6. STL: Michael Floyd WR

• Scenario 2. They select Justin Balckmon. Just a pure gut call giving the nod to Floyd. They had personal workouts with both and Floyd is seen as the top WR in the draft by some teams. One of those might just be STL.
• Scenario 3. Fisher is a defensive minded coach who may choose to go with DT Fletcher Cox in this spot with WR being so deep this yr and hoping to land Kendall Wright at 33.
• Scenario 4. If Kalil is on the board they will likely field calls from the Bills and the Rams are open to sliding down again. They make the trade and select either Michael Brockers or Michael Floyd at 10.

7. JAC: Justin Blackmon WR

•  Scenario 2. Blackmon is gone and They take Stephon Gilmore
• Scenario 3 they trade down and select Michael Floyd or Gilmore

8. MIA: Ryan Tannehill QB

9. CAR: Fletcher Cox DT

• Scenario 2. Stephon Gilmore
• Scenario 3. Luke Kuechly

10. BUF: TRADE** Vikings select Stephon Gilmore CB

• Scenario 2. They are unable to trade up for Kalil and they Take either Floyd Barron or Rieff
• Scenario 3. They slide down possibly to the cowboys and take Rieff a few picks later

11. KC: Luke Kuechly LB

• Scenario 2. Kuechly gone KC takes DeCastro
• Scenario 3. Melvin Ingram

12. SEA: Melvin Ingram DE

• Scenario 2. Quinton Coples or Chandler Jones
• Scenario 3. Miami shocks the mock draft world and doesnt take Tannehill. he becomes the pick at 12

13. ARI: David DeCastro OL

• Scenario 2. Michael Floyd. The cards really want to add a threat oppositte of Fitz. Floyd is the likely pick if he falls
• Scenario 3. Riley Rieff. they have a desperate need to upgrade the OL

14. DAL: Mark Barron SS

• Scenario 2. They make a move either up for Barron or back if hes gone
• Scenario 3. Michael Brockers
• Scenario 4. Stephon Gilmore

15. PHI: Quinton Coples DE

• Scenario 2. They trade up to 7 to land the DL they are in love with
• Scenario 3. The dumping of Samuels puts Gilmore in play and the bad memory of passing on JPP a couple years ago may mean they take this years version in Chandler Jones

16. NYJ: Dontari Poe DT

• Scenario 2. Stephin Hill. They need a WR and they want to ground and pound. Why not take a WR used to blocking?
• Scenario 3. a pass rusher. Chandler Jones/Coples/Upshaw

17. CIN: Courtney Upshaw

• Scenario 2. Dre Kirkpatrick
• Scenario 3. Best OL on their board

18. SD: Riley Rieff OT

• Scenario 2. Best pass rusher on their board. possibly Chandler Jones
• Scenario 3. Cordy Glenn

19. CHI: Nick Perry DE

• Scenario 2. Kendall Wright. Lovie Smith held a personal workout with Wright and "loves him"
• Scenario 3. Michael Brockers

20. TEN: Chandler Jones DE

• Scenario 2. Whitney Merculis/ Michael Brockers
• Scenario 3. Best Corner on their board. Possibly Janoris Jenkins who some regaurd as the best corner in this class.

21. CIN: Dre Kirkpatrick CB

22. CLE: Kendall Wright WR

• Scenario 2. Cordy Glenn/ Jonathan Martin
• Scenario 3. Trade down and select Brandon Weeden. I don't see them making a move for Weeden in round 1 but there is some buzz out there on exactly that.

23. DET: Cordy Glenn OL

• Scenario 2. Janoris Jenkins. Will be the most talented player on the board and the lions have already stated character issues won't detour them from making their selection.
• Scenario 3. Amini Silatolu. Dominated D2 ball the last two seasons and is likely their highest ranked OL
• Scenario 4. Doug Martin. Concerns about Best playing again and injury/off field issues around Mikel Leshoure could lean them in the Martin direction

24. PIT: Dont'a Hightower ILB

• Scenario 2. Dontari Poe
• Scenario 3. Best OL on their board (Roethlisberger and I have our fingers crossed)

25. DEN: Michael Brockers DT

• Scenario 2. Doug Martin. A great fit to play alongside Manning. Offense would be nearly complete with Martins addition
• Scenario 3. Dontari Poe

26. HOU: Jonathan Martin OT

• Scenario 2. Coby Fleener
• Scenario 3. Trade down. I just don't see the texans pulling the trigger on a WR round one. I think they may trade down to the top of round two and snag one or take a guy like AJ Jenkins or Ty Hilton if available at the back end of round 2.

27. NE: Shea McClellin DE

• Scenario 2. Trade down
• Scenario 3. Harrison Smith
• Scenario 4. If Kendall Wright is still on the board I think Belicheck smirks and submits Wrights name nonchalantly as he envisions adding hardware to the trophy case. 

28. GB: Harrison Smith SS

• Scenario 2. Doug Martin
• Scenario 3. Jerel Worthy

29. BAL: Rueban Randle WR

• Scenario 2. Stephen Hill. Holds the most upside of any of the WRs in this years class. It just depends on which WR ranks higher on the Ravens board.
• Scenario 3. Best OL on their board

30. SF: Amini Silatolu OG

• Scenario 2. Stephen Hill
• Scenario 3. Best OL on their Board
• Scenario 4. Coby Fleener

31. NE: Kendall Reyes DT

• Scenario 2. Trade down "LOL"
• Scenario 3. Whitney Merculis/VinnyCurry/Bruce Irvin

32. NYG: Coby Fleener TE

• Scenario 2. Doug Martin
• Scenario 3. Mike Adams

2012 Mock Draft

1. IND: Andrew Luck QB - Well its been confirmed today, Luck will be the first overall pick in this years draft (as if we needed any confirmation). So the Colts logo should be changed from the blue horseshoe to a Golden one. They have indeed struck gold once again in the franchise QB area. Obtaining two of the 3 highest graded QB prospects of all time and in a 15 year span... Yes its official, your franchise is truly blessed. Luck will step in could provide instant deja vu for the colts. They should still be pretty bad as they were under Manning his rookie season, but quickly become one of the leagues best behind the arm of one of the leagues best signal callers. Once they add a couple weapons for Luck to work with ( a Stephen Hill, Mohammed Sanu, or even an AJ Jenkins who I'm boldly dubbing the next Victor Cruz) they should soon be a dynamic offense once again.

2. WAS: Robert Griffin III QB - The Redskins may of made a Herschel Walker esk trade in moving up to number two but they are getting a player with one of the highest ceilings in recent memory. There's nothing he can't do. He has the arm to make all the throws and he has the athleticism on par with NFL WRs. Although the Redskins may appear to be lacking weapons for Griffin to work with, there's actually much more than meets the eye in the nations capitol. Say what you will about the Garcon signing, he will pair with Griffin perfectly. Garcon is one of the leagues premier deep threats and Griffin excels at throwing the ball deep downfield. Leonard Hankerson is another playmaker who can stretch the field for the skins. He has a lot of upside that can be unlocked by Griffin. Then there's one of the most underrated TEs in the league in Fred Davis. Davis will be a tremendous security blanket for the rookie. Lets not forget the effect Griffin will have on the already stout run game. His dual threat ability should open up better/more running lanes for Roy Helu and company giving them a diverse and potentially lethal offense. Think Cam Newtons effect on the abysmal Panthers offense last season.

3. MIN: Matt Kalil OT - The Vikings will likely try and trade down a few spots to squeeze out some value, but I don't see a deal going down and thus will select Kalil the top ranked Lineman and franchise tackle at 3. He doubles as an insurance package for their franchise players Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder.

4. CLE: Trent Richardson RB - Drafting The highest graded RB since AP is a near no brainer for the Browns at 4. He's far superior to the other backs in this class where there other need, WR, runs very very deep. The Browns can build their offense around a premier talent like Richardson. He gives them an instant identity and will help their defense out as well by picking up first downs and taking time off the clock shortening games and allowing their defensive unit to be better rested throughout games. The Browns can then look to add a WR who can stretch the field potentially putting opposing teams in a pick your poisen type of scenario with the selection of Kendall Wright or Stephen Hill. Throw in progression from Greg Little and Colt McCoy and things are looking up to say the least. Perhaps "fun times in cleveland" are just around the corner

5. TB: Morris Claiborne CB - Ronde Barber is nearing the end to brilliant career, Aquib Talib battles off the field issues and is rumored to be on the trading block. With Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and uhhh Drew Brees in their division they could definitely use someone with shutdown corner potential. Ignore his Wonderlic score, Morris can flat out play. Unless T-Rich is miraculously available Claiborne should be a no brainer at 5.

6. STL: Justin Blackmon WR - The rams need playmakers particularly at the WR position. Blackmon is the obvious choice at 6 overall. The Bradford to Blackmon combo could quickly become one of the games best. Bradford was a big disappointment last season but largely due to his lack of weapons. The selection of Blackmon and the return of Danny Amendola, or "Welker lite" should do wonders for Bradford and that offense.

7. JAC: Michael Floyd WR - The Jags are reportedly "desperate" to trade out of the 7 spot (thanks John Clayton). They likely want to move down a few spots to select the best remaining pass rusher of the Ingram, Coples, Jones group while adding a pick or two they can use to add some weapons for Gabbert. If they are unable to find a trade partner I think they have to draft Floyd. They desperately need a true number one WR on their roster. Floyd still produced elite numbers at the collegiate level last season despite inconsistent and subpar play from the QB position (sounds a lot like what Gabbert brings to the table) If the Jags have any hope in Gabbert being the future of their franchise they must get him some help. Floyd would be a great start.

8. MIA: Ryan Tannehill QB - Who's the biggest loser so far in the NFL offseason? It has to be the Dolphins. They missed out on Manning. They completely whiffed on Matt Flynn despite all the ties he had to their new regime. Then they trade away their most valuable asset (Brandon Marshall) without proper compensation. Now there pass happy offense is without a big time arm and a big time pass catcher. As Billy Madisons dad Brian would say "what a mess". With the 8th pick the Dolphins will attempt to lock up their franchise QB with Tannehill and look to add him a couple of weapons later on.

sorry boys and girls. Check back later for the full mock and analysis.

Thanks