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Ye shall receive Inside the wideout battles, Part 2
By Bob Harris, Special to CNNSI.com The latest installment in a position-by-position series previewing this year's major training camp battles -- and other significant issues -- from a Fantasy perspective. Next Position: Tight End.
Miami DolphinsInjury Concerns: O.J. McDuffie (torn tendon in left big toe -- 11/21/99)The word out of Miami this summer says McDuffie's left big toe, which has bothered him since 1999, has not healed enough for him to practice. McDuffie, who missed the first seven games last year with the same injury, has had the toe operated on twice and taken cortisone shots for the pain. Head coach Dave Wannstedt told reporters last week that McDuffie, currently on the physically unable to perform list, could miss the first six weeks of the season -- unless he agrees to an injury settlement before the season begins. "He's probably better than he was a year ago, but he's not ready to play,'' Wannstedt said of the former Penn State star. "He'll continue to be in rehab. We're probably looking at a situation similar to last year." For what it's worth, McDuffie recently told reporters he intends to retire if the toe doesn't improve.
If speed kills: Wannstedt has been impressed with free agent acquisition James McKnight. "James McKnight is everything I had hoped from a player standpoint and more as a person," Wannstedt told reporters last week. "I didn't realize he had the type of work ethic, the film study and all those things off the field it takes to be a winner. He is a heck of an addition to our team." Team officials also like the way McKnight has gone out of his way to help rookie Chris Chambers, a promising, but unpolished youngster who needs all the help he can get. Both McKnight (who was recently timed at 4.3-second over 40 yards) and Chambers (who reportedly ran a 4.31 on a fast track at Wisconsin) have speed to burn. Chambers also has a knack for making catches. According to Wannstedt, "[Chambers'] athletic ability is as good as anybody we have, as far as speed and jumping and all that stuff. He's similar to Oronde [Gadsden] as far as strength and leaping ability, but he has the speed of [James] McKnight or one of those guys." Former Jet Dedric Ward also brings considerable speed to the table, but McKnight -- who is expected to line up as the starter opposite Gadsden -- and Chambers look like the guys offensive coordinator Chan Gailey will rely on to stretch opposing defenses.
Who's The Man? The fact is Gadsden has emerged as a dangerous target in the red zone after pulling in 19 touchdown passes since his arrival in Miami three years ago. More of a possession receiver than a downfield burner, Gadsden -- who is already penciled in as the team's No. 1 wide out -- should continue to play a significant role for the Dolphins. By the way, recent reports indicate that Gadsden has made at least one big play per workout so far in camp.
Minnesota VikingsThe $75 Million Question: Is Randy Moss Worth The Money?It all depends on whom you ask. After the deal was completed, Vikings head coach Denny Green told reporters Moss would do things we've yet to see before his career is over. "Randy is only 24 years old and I think he is going to get a lot better," the coach explained. "I think he knows it. He's still getting faster. That's why it is a good fit for us because we think that we have the system that can get Randy deep, the new three-deep hat that is out (Moss, Cris Carter and Jake Reed ). That was part of bringing Jake Reed back because that is when we are at our best. The ability to spread the field out and have Jake Reed working the weak side, Cris Carter working inside, and Randy Moss working deep. That's what we missed the last year, the last couple of years, and that's what we have back. It's what makes us operate. I think Randy, with all of the things he does, will get a lot better. ..." Those of you looking for a more objective take on this one might enjoy the one from Sports Illustrated's Peter King: "The Vikings have a great player under contract for the rest of what should be a great career. But there's no telling which Moss will show up every week, which makes this a dangerous deal for the Vikings -- particularly because the reported $18-million signing bonus will be an anchor to their salary cap if the club decides to terminate the contract for any reason in the first four or five years. "Often in his first three NFL years, Moss has looked liked a player who doesn't love the game. If he doesn't, the Vikings have just made a big mistake." The fact is, Moss has been good for at least 1,300 yards, double-digit touchdowns and an average of more than 18.7 yards per catch in each of his first three seasons as a pro and there's absolutely no reason to believe he won't post similar totals this year. Sure, Minnesota's offensive system and the personnel surrounding him have played a role in Moss' phenomenal success, but at the end of the day, when you need somebody to outrun, outjump, and outmaneuver anybody the opposition cares to put in front of him, who do you call? The real question here might be: Could the Vikings afford not to pay him? In the end, Green Bay safety LeRoy Butler might have summed things up best. The outspoken Packer believes Moss is worth the money, but quickly noted: "If he's hurt or disgruntled like he normally is, you have to eat it. You could never trade him; the cap would be all messed up; and you would have to get rid of most of the people on the team."
Not so fast
New England PatriotsInjury Concerns: Terry Glenn (bruised knee and tailbone -- 7/27/01)Don't look now, but Glenn has already missed three days of camp due to a bruised knee and tailbone. X-rays and an MRI on his knee were negative and Glenn told reporters, "Everything seems fine. I just had to go get an MRI to make sure there was no damage in there. I just landed on it hard and it didn't feel so good afterward. But I should be back out there soon."
Primary Battle Front: Glenn vs. head coach Bill Belichick Despite his reluctance to discuss their meeting, Belichick went on to say, "Terry and I discussed a number of things -- past, present, and future. The best way I can characterize it is we'll go day by day. There are a lot of things that have to be re-established. Each year, the coaches and the players need to re-establish themselves. We all need to do that. Terry falls into that category just as everyone else does. We'll take it one day at a time. Try to move forward. I'd like to give it my best effort to try and have Terry and every player reach their highest level of productivity. All of the other players are committed as well.'' Asked about Glenn's past problems, Belichick was quick to point out, "Nobody said anything's been forgotten." However, he was just as quick to add, "We're looking forward, we're not looking in the rearview mirror. What's been done has been done." Some observers seem to believe the coach is reluctant to take a hard-line approach with the former Ohio State star, but others have hinted that Belichick has had enough of the troubled superstar. In fact, Michael Felger, who covers the Pats for the Boston Herald, predicted on Tuesday that Glenn won't make it through training camp. According to Felger, "One gets the feeling the Pats might have finally had enough of their oft-troubled receiver. If they can get out of paying the remainder of his signing bonus -- and they're currently withholding [$1 million in] deferred payments -- that could pave the way for his departure. It's a far-fetched scenario, but don't be surprised if it happens."
There's safety in numbers After noting that Glenn looked good before he was hurt, Bledsoe said, "The other guys that we've signed are also looking very good. Bert Emanuel looks good, David Patten looks good, [Johnson] looks like he's got some stuff for us, Torrance is a big target. Then we've got Troy Brown, who's just Troy Brown, and he looks solid. ''Behind them we've got Tony Simmons and Shockmain Davis, so we've got a ton of guys at the receiver spot, and there's some great competition there.'' Long-time observers seem to be most impressed with Patten, who caught 38 passes for the Browns last season. In fact, Patten has been the best receiver on the field so far. Considered a solid reserve during his three seasons with the Giants, Patten emerged as a legitimate threat in Cleveland last year. Many observers felt he was the Browns most reliable wideout. A cagey veteran, Patten has outstanding quickness and like Brown, is a more than adequate return man.
Hot hands in the red zone
One last thought
New Orleans SaintsInjury Concerns: Albert Connell (hamstring -- 6/22/01)A nagging injury has turned Connell into a frustrated bystander during the early days of training camp. "It's not my choice," Connell said Monday. "I want to practice, but coach and them are holding me out, because they don't want me to rush it." Connell has a pulled right hamstring, the same one he tweaked during the team's second mini-camp in early June. He felt a twinge again Saturday night and hasn't practiced since. Head coach Jim Haslett said there is no cause for alarm, and Connell might be back in uniform for Friday's two workouts against the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
Primary battle front: Connell vs. Willie Jackson The former Chief earned a Pro Bowl berth by finishing the 2000 season with 94 catches for 1,340 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he had to overcome almost constant double coverage to post those numbers. "I'm sure some teams will probably still try to double-cover me," Horn said recently. "They'll say, 'OK, we're going to see if Albert Connell can beat us, because we're going to stop Joe Horn.' "But after a few games when Albert turns it on and catches some deep balls, I think teams will think twice about doing that and be forced to play Albert and me straight-up man or zone." This is exactly what Saints general manager Randy Mueller and Haslett envisioned when they brought Connell on board. "We needed another playmaker," Mueller explained. "When Jake [Reed] ran out of steam and got hurt last season, everybody was doubling Joe, and Joe still did a hell of a job. I don't know if teams will be able to do that if [Connell] is right." However, Mueller went out of his way to point out that the team's ultimate success doesn't necessarily hinge on Connell's presence. "Is everything riding on [Connell]? No, because I think Willie Jackson can be the second guy for us," Mueller said. "And the way [Onome] Ojo is coming around, he can move up to that third spot. And Robert Wilson has had a great camp. But we don't have another guy who can do what [Connell] and Joe can do. So, from a speed standpoint, it's very important that [Connell] does produce." In the meantime, Jackson continues to work with the first team -- he reportedly made a number of spectacular catches Tuesday. One last note here: Jackson not only emerged as one of Aaron Brooks' favorite targets late last season, he led the league in postseason receiving yardage (267) and tied for the lead in postseason points (24).
Potential secondary battle front: Connell vs. Haslett "I took Albert to dinner," the coach explained. "I told him what he did was wrong. I said, 'If you ever come after me, I'll kill you.'" Laugh all you want. ... I'm still not sure Haslett was joking.
New York GiantsInjury Concerns: Ike Hilliard (toe -- 6/18/01)The latest word out of team headquarters says Hilliard is still in pain, but has been told to stay active to aid the healing process. Although he's been cleared to do conditioning work on a limited basis, Hilliard, who told reporters this week, "I feel about as good as I can feel," is at least one month away from getting onto the field. In the meantime, Joe Jurevicius and Ron Dixon, who underwent an emergency appendectomy on June 12, have both reportedly looked sharp working in Hilliard's place.
Primary Battle Front: Hilliard vs. head coach Jim Fassel Yet, just last week Fassel told reporters that the Giants are a better team with Hilliard on the roster. Go figure.
Ready to bust a move
One more worth watching If he gets his head screwed on right. For example, Fassel climbed all over Dixon during Tuesday morning's practice after the former Lambuth College standout dropped a pair of passes -- one on each sideline -- in the space of a few plays. According to Daily News reporter John Harper, Fassel had a couple of sharp words for him after the first drop. After the second drop, however, the coach exploded. Fassel was particularly upset because he thought Dixon was a little too casual about it. "Get your butt back to the huddle!" the coach howled. "You've gotta catch the ball out here. You've gotta come out here ready to play in the morning." For what it's worth, Dixon took the abuse like a man. "That's just part of football," he said of getting yelled at by Fassel. "You have to take the good with the bad." It's also worth noting that Dixon came back and made several outstanding plays Tuesday afternoon. "That shows me the level of maturity he has now," Fassel said of Dixon's afternoon rebound. "I feel much more confident in counting on him. He's come around."
New York JetsPrimary Battle Front: Matthew Hatchette vs. Santana Moss and Laveranues ColesIn what could be one of the more heated battles this summer, Hatchette, Moss and Coles will battle it out for the right to line up as the team's No. 2 man opposite Wayne Chrebet. According to those on hand for the team's first workouts, Hatchette has worked the sidelines effectively, but the former Viking still has to prove he's capable of working the middle of the field. Moss, who continues to draw praise from all quarters, is definitely ready for prime time. Don't let his 5-9, 185-pound frame fool you, either. With a 42-inch vertical leap and 4.37 speed in the 40, the former Miami star has no problem running with the big dogs. As Moss recently noted, "You don't have to be the biggest on the field; it's being the biggest to the ball. You put the ball up, and I'm going to try to be 6-5." Although he has to be considered a dark horse at this point, it's far too early in the game to dismiss Coles out of hand. The second-year man has reportedly looked comfortable in early workouts and he might be the only player on the roster with more speed than Moss.
Added value
Oakland RaidersPrimary Battle Front: Jerry Rice vs. Jerry Porter and James JettAccording to a July 31 article by Dan Pompei of The Sporting News, Rice was the most dominant player on the field during a recent training camp workout in Napa, California. Raiders QB Rich Gannon believes Rice still is one of the best receivers in the NFL. "He's very decisive, a very precise route runner," Gannon explained. "It's very easy to read his body language. It's very easy to anticipate what he's going to do." I'm looking for Porter -- and to a lesser degree Jett -- to come off the bench as the No. 3 man behind Rice and Tim Brown.
Secondary Battle Front: Rice vs. Brown "Tim is the man here. He's the man. I'm just trying to play a significant part," he said. "For years I was the main focus. In a way it feels good to be, not in a back seat mode, but not being the main guy." Head coach Jon Gruden grew so weary of answering questions about the relationship between the two veterans last week that he finally told reporters to lighten up. "I am not a marital counselor," he complained. "Jiminy Christmas, as far as I'm concerned, they're great players."
Player to watch: Porter However, Porter benefits greatly from the fact Gruden is determined to make him a success. The coach told reporters last week, "I think it is important that [Porter] understands that I am working for him in a lot of ways. ... I am not screaming and yelling at him because I don't like him. I am screaming and yelling because I want him to max out and realize his true potential. I am going to be relentless in my pursuit and I told him I expected him to be relentless in his. And, by God, he has been. He has really worked hard. I am proud of Jerry Porter right now." That wasn't the case Tuesday, however, when Porter left the team's morning workout early as punishment for what Gruden called "an emotional flare-up." Receivers coach Fred Biletnikoff apparently took exception to something Porter said or did and ordered the youngster off the field. Gruden left practice a short while later, ducked into the locker room and emerged with Porter not far behind. Porter didn't participate in any more drills the rest of practice. Asked about the incident later, Gruden said: "Emotional flare-ups, hamstring flare-ups. It's been addressed." According to Steve Cockran of the Contra Costa Times, Porter made light of the incident before walking away from reporters.
Philadelphia EaglesInjury Concerns: Freddie Mitchell (hip pointer -- 7/31/01)Mitchell returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon after suffering a hip pointer during the morning session. Team officials don't view this as a serious injury.
Primary Battle Front: Todd Pinkston vs. Mitchell But I still like Mitchell. As sure-handed as he is cocky, the former UCLA star definitely wants the ball with the game on the line. A gifted all-around athlete, Mitchell is capable of making the big play downfield and hauling in the tough passes over the middle with equal aplomb. It's also worth noting that Mitchell becomes the first Eagles first-round pick to report to camp on time since offensive tackle Tra Thomas in 1998. Don't get me wrong here. Pinkston is reportedly getting off the line of scrimmage well in camp and he isn't about to lie down for anybody. Nonetheless, I'm looking for Mitchell to force his less-physical teammate into the slot and take over the starting spot opposite James Thrash before the summer is over.
Other Issues: Overall lack of experience at receiver
Pittsburgh SteelersInjury Concerns: Plaxico Burress (fractured wrist -- 11/26/00)After undergoing delicate surgery to repair it last year, Burress resumed workouts in June wearing a brace on his right wrist. Head coach Bill Cowher told reporters at the time, "He's out here doing everything. He's 100 percent until he takes a couple hits on it. He's wearing the brace more for precautionary reasons than anything. There are no limitations on him. It's going to be something I'm sure until he gets to training camp and takes a few hits, that will probably alleviate some of the anxiety that may exist." In an article published on June 22, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac wrote that Burress' wrist will be monitored this summer, but not as closely as his attitude. Team officials are looking for him to win the No. 1 receiving job during camp, but unlike last year, it won't be handed to him. One last note here: Burress missed Monday afternoon's practice with back spasms, but team officials aren't especially concerned with the problem at this point. Troy Edwards returned to practice last Saturday after missing two days with a strained thigh.
Primary Battle Front: Burress vs. Edwards Burress says he understands where he went wrong last season. "I didn't really take it as seriously as I should have," he recently admitted. "I just have to recommit myself. That's my focus right now, to recommit." The Steelers hired former first-round draft pick Kenny Jackson as receivers coach/counselor with Burress and Edwards in mind. It's worth noting that Cowher singled out both Burress and Edwards for praise following a recent workout. "I've been very impressed, just with their approach and way they come out each day," Cowher said. "It's still early, those are things they have to show over time, but I've been very pleased to this point."
St. Louis RamsIssues: None WhatsoeverWe just didn't want anybody hollering that we forgot to tell them all four of the team's top wide outs are worthy of consideration at some point on draft day. In fact, it might be the best group in the league based solely on talent right now. Highly productive Pro Bowlers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt reprise their roles as starters this year while Az-Zahir Hakim and Ricky Proehl, who combined for eight touchdowns last season, will hold down the No. 3 and 4 spots respectively.
San Diego ChargersPlayer To Watch: Curtis ConwayAssuming he can stay healthy, Conway will have the benefit of a veteran quarterback in Doug Flutie and an offense from Norv Turner that can be receiver-friendly. How quickly these pieces come together remains to be seen. The factors make Conway a risky fantasy prospect and don't warrant a high selection, but should the Chargers get improved play from their offensive line, Conway could be a nice surprise for fantasy owners this season. The addition of former Falcon Tim Dwight should benefit Conway greatly. Not many teams can line up a pair of wideouts with the kind of speed Conway and Dwight can bring to bear on opposing defenses.
San Francisco 49ersInjury Concerns: Tai Streets (broken tibia -- 12/18/00)Streets is expected to work out at full speed in camp thanks in part to a titanium rod holding things together in the leg he broke late last year. The former Michigan star resumed workouts early last month and those who follow the team closely say he hasn't lost any of the speed and athleticism that makes him such an interesting prospect.
Primary Battle Front: J.J. Stokes vs. Streets On the other hand, Streets has done nothing but turn heads despite the limited time he's spent on the playing field. If you ask me, the former Wolverine brings the Niners many of the positive attributes missing from Stokes' game: breakaway speed, sure hands and heart. Sure, Stokes has a three-inch height advantage, but it wasn't enough to keep a healthy Streets from pushing for the No. 3 spot last year. The bottom line? I suppose there's a chance Stokes will step up and emerge as a consistent threat now that Jerry Rice is out of the picture, but if a healthy Streets continues to provide the Niners with a more dangerous downfield threat, it's only a matter of time before he moves into the starting lineup opposite Terrell Owens.
Seattle SeahawksInjury Concerns: None at this pointBut Seattle's wideouts have had a tough offseason. First-round draft pick Koren Robinson has yet to take part in his first workout as a Seahawk thanks to the hamstring he tweaked during a pre-draft workout. James Williams, a sixth-round pick last year, cracked a bone in his left ankle during the team's April mini-camp and hasn't worked out with teammates since. Finally, Darrell Jackson, the NFL's most productive rookie receiver last season after being selected in the third round, bruised his right knee and was a spectator for the final few practices in June. Team officials expect Jackson to go full speed when veterans crank things up in Cheney, Wash., on Saturday after a precautionary MRI confirmed that his injury was indeed nothing worse than a bruise.
Who's "The Man?" A quick glance at Pro Football Weekly's NFL.com draft capsule says it all: Super athlete. Nice size and great playing speed. Smooth and under control. Excellent broken-field runner. Soft, natural hands. Excellent timing, jumping ability and body control. Unlimited potential. Has more size and ability than Torry Holt. Could be the closest thing to Randy Moss since Moss. Makes the game look easy without playing that hard. Of course, one could easily argue that Jackson locked up No. 1 status last year. As Jon A. Dolezar pointed out in his CNNSI.com 2001 preview, Jackson's 53-catch, 713-yard, six-TD effort last season stands as the best by a rookie wideout working under Mike Holmgren since Jerry Rice pulled in 49 passes for 927 yards and three touchdowns with the 49ers in 1985.
Tampa Bay BuccaneersGive me the damn ballNobody can say Clyde Christensen doesn't know which side his bread is buttered on. The first thing he did after Tony Dungy promoted him from QB coach to offensive coordinator was jump on a plane to L.A. in order to meet with Keyshawn Johnson to share his thoughts on how the former No. 1 overall pick fits into the team's plans -- both this year and over the long haul. While Christensen downplayed the significance of the meeting, Johnson was reportedly impressed by the effort the coach had already put into devising ways to get him the ball. Of course, team officials further demonstrated their commitment to Keyshawn by signing Brad Johnson to a free agent contract in March. According to Sports Illustrated NFL insider Don Banks, Johnson chafed under former coordinator Les Steckel's conservative approach, and as the year wore on, he lost confidence in Shaun King's ability to find him in key situations. The result was a 71-catch, 874-yard, eight touchdown season that lacked the kind of impact Tampa Bay bargained for when they awarded him an eight-year, $53 million deal. "I feel a whole lot better," Johnson told Banks after reflecting on a turbulent 2000 season. "I've got some people who I really feel are behind me and in our corner as a group, and that's a plus. ... I'm just excited to play football. I don't think being in the situation that I was in last year was conducive to my health. I don't want to have to go through that situation again."
Building buzz Anthony, whose tendency to miss meetings and arrive late for practices doesn't sit well with Dungy or management, had to take a $250,000 pay cut back in May just to make sure he didn't become a June 1 salary cap casualty. It's worth noting that Anthony is currently missing time due to a sprained ankle. As for Green, more than a few observers believe the diminutive (5-9, 170-pound) speedster might be more effective working out of the slot than lining up as a starter. Hence the interest in Murphy, who is bigger (6-0, 210 pounds), faster (sub-4.3 speed) and more athletic (42-inch vertical leap) than Green and Anthony. His only real weakness is the fact he played halfback during his collegiate career at Kansas State. "What you do know about Frank is that he's going to come off the line of scrimmage hard," Tampa Bay receivers coach Charlie Williams said recently. "He's going to play hard, he's going to play fast and he's going to do everything he can to make the right decision and make the right play." You know what they say? It don't cost nothing to look.
Tennessee TitansInjury Concerns: Kevin Dyson (ACL -- 9/22/00)The Nashville Tennessean reported earlier this week that Dyson is way ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation following last year's reconstructive knee surgery and according to head coach Jeff Fisher, "It looks like Kevin is going to be full speed and ready to go at the start of camp. We'll adjust if he encounters any problems, but it looks as if Kevin has this thing completely behind him." As SI's King wrote in his postcard from Titans' camp last Saturday: " Steve McNair sent Dyson flying up the left sideline on a go route, working against a corner whose number I didn't catch. McNair rainbowed one 45 yards in the air. Dyson stretched, stretched, stretched -- and gloved it. Great throw. Great test of Dyson's speed. Great catch." All of which seems to indicate Dyson will be ready to open the season as the starter opposite Derrick Mason and we can all forget about the notion of Fisher limiting the former first-round draft pick to fewer than 25 plays per game early this year.
Lemme in, coach; I'm ready to play Mason, Dyson and Chris Sanders are the only receivers on this year's roster with an NFL catch to their credit, which provides rookies Justin McCareins and Eddie Berlin with an excellent opportunity to earn significant playing time in 2001. McCareins, a fourth-round pick out of Northern Illinois, looks like the pick of the litter. Considered a tough, physical receiver, McCareins brings size (6-2, 209), speed (4.44-second 40), athleticism (41-inch vertical leap) and above-average receiving skills to a team with a serious need at his position. According to coaches, he was clearly the most impressive of the team's incoming rookies during recent mini-camp workouts. McCareins doesn't argue with their assessment, but he realizes this is the time he needs to pick it up a notch. "I felt like I did some good things there, that I could at least compete athletically at this level," he told reporters Thursday. "But I also know none of that means anything. Now is the time you have to show what you can do and that means knowing what you're supposed to do."
Washington RedskinsInjury Concerns: Michael Westbrook (ACL -- 9/10/00)According to the Washington Post, Westbrook seems to be regaining some of the confidence he left on the operating table when doctors rebuilt his injured knee last September. In fact, he was very excited after Thursday's practice when he went up high for a pass and came down on that reconstructed knee without incident. Is he working at full speed yet? No. "I'm somewhere between 98 and 100 percent," he said yesterday, before adding: "I still feel a little computerized -- a little mechanical -- because I haven't been jumping off my leg. I've been running and cutting and everything. But I haven't jumped until today."
Out with the old, in with the new Once the 'Skins get him under contract, Gardner is expected to line up as the starter opposite Westbrook with Lockett playing the same No. 3 role he's handled the last two years in Kansas City. And yes, things get very dicey once you get past the top three.
Gardner's edge Gardner has a pretty good idea of what the opposing cornerbacks have in store for him this year; but unlike most rookies, he might even be ready to deal with it. "A lot of DBs come out there, 'Hey, I want to press you,'" Gardner explained recently. "And you smack them in the mouth and let them know what's happening. It gives you that edge, that added advantage you can use on the field. If you've got a whole bag of tools, you can build a lot of stuff. But if you've got one tool, I don't think you can build too much with it." One of the "tools" in Gardner's "bag" is tremendous strength. We're talking a guy who bench-presses more than 400 pounds. That kind of upper-body strength should definitely come in handy when he starts smacking NFL cornerbacks in the mouth. "I didn't lift too much in high school, but once I got to Clemson, that's all we used to do," Gardner said. "And once you hit that 315[-pound] plateau, you feel good about yourself. You've got those three [45-pound] plates on each side. I just kept going up from there. I didn't compete against any receivers -- there was nobody on my level. [But] them D-linemen, linebackers, we were going in there battling every day." The fact that Gardner views his strength as an "ability," no different than his ability to run fast and make sharp cuts, gives him quite an edge over the average rookie receiver, who tends to have a hard time getting off the line of scrimmage. I'm not saying Gardner is a lock to come out and beat the living kapok out of every cornerback he faces, but I guarantee you he'll give all of them a run for their money at the line of scrimmage. Bob Harris is Editor and Webmaster of the TFL Report and Senior Editor for Fantasy Sports Publications. His work is prominently displayed in all four FSP Fantasy annuals -- Fantasy Football Pro Forecast, Fantasy Football Experts Poll, Fantasy Football Cheatsheets and the Fantasy Football DraftBook. ... Look for all four on newsstands nationwide or Order them online now!
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