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Rookie gold vs. rookie pyrite

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LaDainian Tomlinson has shown he's for real with three straight 100-yard games to start his career. AP

By Bob Harris, Special to CNNSI.com

As we prepare to close out the first month of the 2001 NFL season, it’s time to take stock in this year’s rookie class.

Like every class before it, this year’s crop of incoming rookies features a number of studs and duds. And after three weeks, we’re starting to get a pretty good feel for who’s who.

Here’s a quick look at which youngsters have turned out to be Fantasy Gold, those who appear to be nothing more than “Fool’s Gold” and those who still haven’t shown their true colors yet:

Fantasy Gold

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
Unlike other rookies, who are being brought along slowly, Tomlinson came out of the chute as the focal point of Norv Turner’s offense.

After rushing for 116 yards in the opener against Washington, The former TCU star returned to his home state and amassed 117 yards from scrimmage in the Chargers’ win over Dallas. Tomlinson followed that performance up with a remarkable 21-carry, 107-yard, three-TD effort against the Bengals last Sunday.

It’s worth noting that San Diego’s leading rusher of a year ago, Terrell Fletcher, gained 384 yards on the ground all season; Tomlinson has 310 rushing yards after three games this year.

Michael Vick, QB, Atlanta Falcons
Your opinion of Vick probably varies depending on the kind of league you’re in; and those of you in re-draft leagues almost certainly disagree with this assessment.

However, those of you in keeper and Dynasty leagues know Vick is solid gold even though he’s been limited to just two series per game when healthy.

That said Vick has been remarkably productive despite his limited role. After a solid outing in his debut in San Francisco (32 yards rushing on two carries), Vick scored his first NFL touchdown in the Falcons’ win over Carolina two weeks ago and completed each of his two pass attempts.

Head coach Dan Reeves wants to keep Vick’s contributions to a minimum, using him in situations that will exploit his strengths and hide his weaknesses. If Vick continues to play like this, it may be hard to keep on the sideline. Expect him to play an increased role Sunday at Arizona.

Correll Buckhalter, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
While it’s not clear how long Buckhalter might shine, the former Cornhusker is delivering in a big way with Duce Staley sidelined by a shoulder injury.

After last week’s win over the Cowboys, Buckhalter has rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown this season while adding another 59 yards on five receptions. My guess says he’ll add considerably to those totals against the Cardinals this Sunday.

Chris Weinke, QB, Carolina Panthers
Weinke is proof that you don’t have to be a great player to be a solid Fantasy prospect. … The fact is he’s outproduced Aaron Brooks over the first three weeks of the season.

Fantasy Pyrite

Michael Bennett, RB, Minnesota Vikings
The former Wisconsin star is having a hard time filling the shoes of retired predecessor Robert Smith. The inexperienced Bennett has averaged 3.6 yards per carry, but his three-game rushing total of 144 yards certainly isn’t what the Vikings were hoping for. The fact he’s yet to score his first touchdown as a pro doesn’t help Bennett’s cause.

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Hasselbeck has gone from preseason sleeper to regular season bust in short order. Although he hasn’t had much help from his teammates, the fact remains: Mr. August failed to throw a single touchdown pass in September.

I won’t be incredibly surprised if the bruised thigh Hasselbeck suffered in last week’s loss to Oakland turns out to be Trent Dilfer’s ticket to permanent first-team duty for the remainder of the season.

Koren Robinson, WR, Seattle Seahawks
See above.

David Terrell, WR, Chicago Bears
Terrell has all the tools, but has yet to prove to head coach Dick Jauron he’s ready to use them on a consistent basis. The bottom line is this: Terrell needs to stop running his mouth and start busting his tail during workouts. Until he gets the job done in practice, he’s not going to get a chance to get it done during games.

Still awaiting word from the assayer

Travis Henry, RB, Buffalo Bills
According to head coach Gregg Williams, Henry made his decision at halfback this year a simple one.

I know Henry still hasn’t delivered the goods yet this year, but there’s no doubt who “The Man” is in Buffalo this season. The bottom line here says the former Tennessee star is a lock to get the ball 15 to 20 times a game in Williams’ offense, regardless of the final outcome.

When Buffalo’s offense finally gets it together – whether that’s this year or not – Fantasy owners can rest assured Henry will be the guy Williams will ask to move the chains.

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Make no mistake about it: Heap is a player. Unfortunately, the high ankle sprain that kept him off the field last week is likely to sideline the former Sun Devil star again this week.

Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis
Was a last minute scratch prior to last week’s loss to the Patriots due to the high ankle sprain that’s kept him from becoming a factor since this summer. However, those who follow the team closely insist the Colts’ first-round pick will fit right in with one of the league’s most explosive offenses once he’s healthy.

Rod Gardner, WR, Washington
Gardner has the size, speed and skill to be a success in the right system. The Redskins’ system ain’t it.

Marvin Minnis, WR, Kansas City
“Snoop” might be ideally suited to working in Dick Vermeil and Al Saunders’ offensive scheme, but he’ll have to live up to his “Skinny As A Rail, Tough As A Nail” college reputation before anybody gets too excited about his prospects this year.

Chris Chambers, WR, Miami
The former Wisconsin star has a handful of catches for the Dolphins despite the fact he’s surrounded by a solid group of veteran receivers in Miami. Might not be extremely productive this year, but looks like a solid pro over the long haul.

Bob Harris is Editor and Webmaster of the TFL Report and Senior Editor for Fantasy Sports Publications.

 

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