Five Players Moving Up Fantasy Football Draft Boards
Moving Up
Eric Decker WR DEN - No player in the early days of training camp has excited fantasy football fans like Eric Decker. Peyton Manning looks razor sharp and his favorite target thus far has been Decker. Decker posted a good season in 2011 despite attempting to haul in passes from the wild arm of Tim Tebow. With Manning under center and playing at even 85%, Decker should post 1,000 yards+ and could catch 8+ touchdowns. Bump him up your draft boards. He could be this year’s Jordy Nelson.
Kevin Smith RB DET - Jahvid Best has yet to practice, and Mikel LeShoure has had trouble staying on the field between suspensions and injuries. Smith has reported to camp in great shape and is ready to make the most of potentially his last shot. Smith looked like a world beater for a week last season before going down with a heart breaking injury. Watch him closely.
Robert Turbin RB SEA - Called the “Sea-Hulk” by his team, Robert Turbin has been the most impressive rookie in Seattle this summer. He is exciting management and has begun his march towards the starting lineup. He needs to be seen in game action, but if Turbin continues to shine - the Seahawks may lock in on him as the future at the RB position.
Randall Cobb WR GB - Randall Cobb has shown big play flare, and has passed Donald Driver on the depth chart. While he might not be able to dance the tango like Driver, he has far more explosion than the aging wideout. Cobb could give the Packers a dangerous weapon over the middle of the field and he only needs to catch three or four balls a week to turn in a 75 yard performance with his breakaway skills. He’s a great guy to stash on your bench for a WR4 with upside.
Ryan Williams RB ARI - Everyone in Arizona has raved about Ryan Williams work ethic coming back from injury. It is clear that he loves the game and wants to be a great player. During yesterday’ scrimmage, Williams ripped off an impressive 45 yard run. He broke an arm tackle and darted past the defense. It is safe to say that his explosion is returning. If he stays healthy, Beanie Wells is in trouble. Add Ryan Williams and stash him away.
Moving Down
Mike Wallace WR PIT - Mike Wallace will play well in 2012. The big question is when, and where. While unlikely, Wallace may dig his heels in and hold out until the middle of the season - the way that Vincent Jackson did a few years ago. Wallace may have made his last demand in Pittsburgh. The Steelers just ponied up big bucks for his team mate, and reports have Wallace wanting $10M per year. The Steelers are tight to the cap. They could spend it…but it is hard to seem them paying two receivers $18M of their cap. If a team approaches the Steelers with a good draft pick and a willingness to sign Wallace to the big dollar contract - they would have to listen. That team would not likely have a QB with Big Ben’s downfield arm, which would knock Wallace down a peg on the fantasy value board.
Sidney Rice WR SEA - Sidney Rice has yet to take the field. The Seahawks are “taking their time” with Rice but this is a bad sign for a player that spent most of sitting on the trainer’s table. Seattle needs Rice but fantasy owners may want to seek less fragile goods unless he comes at a WR3 price.
Rashard Mendenhall RB PIT - Some buzz emerged during the winter that Mendenhall might be able to get healthy in time to start the season with the club. Stash that rumor in the circular file. Mendenhall is not able to cut, which means he’s several months away from performing at game speed.
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