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Back Page Dynasty league diamonds in the rough
Updated: Friday November 16, 2001 1:28 PM
By Bob Harris, Special to CNNSI.com As we head into the second half of the 2001 season, it's time to throw those of you who participate in Dynasty, or "keeper," leagues a bone. There are a number of players who aren't necessarily huge stars right now, but who definitely appear to be heading towards bigger and better things in coming seasons. Of course, it's impossible for me to know what players are currently available as free agents in your league, but I'll stick with players I'd feel comfortable working out trades to acquire. It should be understood, but I'll bring it up anyhow: If any of the following prospects are available as free agents in your league -- sign them immediately. You'll thank me in a couple of years. ... Really!
QB: Tom Brady, New England Patriots Brady is 5-2 as a starter since taking over after Bledsoe was sidelined during the team's Sept. 23 loss to the Jets that ruptured a blood vessel in the veteran's chest. The Patriots were 0-2 with Bledsoe starting. Brady has led the Patriots back into the AFC East mix at 5-4 by completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 1,426 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. The team has averaged more than 26 points per game under Brady, compared to 10 points per game in two games under Bledsoe. So why would you want a guy who's obviously going to be stuck behind Bledsoe's $100 million contract for the foreseeable future? Because he's not going to be stuck behind it very long. Whether the Pats leave Bledsoe unprotected in the upcoming expansion draft that will stock the Houston Texans, or they find somebody willing to fork over a first-round draft pick in exchange for Brady, this kid isn't going to be mired behind anybody for very long.
RB: Troy Hambrick, Dallas Cowboys As the team focuses on rebuilding, a handful of folks around Valley Ranch are convinced that with some seasoning, second-year RB Troy Hambrick could be the guy to succeed Smith eventually. Hambrick, signed as a rookie free agent last year, began getting prominent play even before Smith suffered a sprained knee against the Cardinals late last month and he's continued to showcase his skills in Smith's absence. So far this season, Hambrick has averaged 5.5 yards per carry while racking up 437 yards on 80 carries. According to head coach Dave Campo, "He's a big, powerful guy with unusual speed – and he has a stiff-arm that just puts people on the ground," Campo said. "He's only in his second year, so he still has a lot to learn. "But he has the talent to be a featured back in this league. I like him because he loves to play the game and he's a survivor." I agree. At 6-1 and 235 pounds, Hambrick clearly has the speed and the power to hurt opposing defenses whether he's working the perimeter or between the tackles.
RB: Kevan Barlow, San Francisco 49ers Granted, his NFL career to date hasn't been anything to write home about, the future is bright for the former Pitt star. After all, Garrison Hearst isn't going to play forever and once he's out of the picture, Barlow will be waiting to take over as the Niners' lone feature back. How good is Barlow? After selecting him with a third-round pick, Bill Walsh told reporters that Denver head coach Mike Shanahan called to congratulate him for drafting "the best back in the draft."
WR: Chris Chambers, Miami Dolphins Chambers has both the size -- 210 pounds -- and the speed -- he covers 40 yards in the 4.4-second range -- to provide Miami with the deep threat they've lacked for years. In fact, he demonstrated that very ability during last Sunday's win over the Colts by delivering a 74-yard catch for his first career NFL touchdown and then adding a game-winning 29-yard score in the fourth quarter. Through eight games, Chambers has 21 catches for 443 yards. Nine of those catches have gone for 25 yards or more and his 21.1-yard per catch average ranks fifth highest in the league among all receivers -- and the league's highest among receivers with at least 20 catches. If you ask me, veteran teammate Oronde Gadsden probably put it best when he recently said of Chambers: “I don’t think he has a weakness right now besides experience
WR: Kevin Kasper, Denver Broncos Denver Post staffer Patrick Saunders wrote earlier this year, "Take away the bleached-blond hair, earrings and perpetual tan, then add 4 inches, 20 pounds and 10 years of NFL experience, and Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Kevin Kasper would be Ed McCaffrey." In addition to the fact he was drafted by Denver head coach Mike Shanahan, a guy with a pretty solid track record when it comes to divining talented young receivers, it's hard to ignore remarkable physical attributes the 6-3, 195-pound Kasper brings to the table. During Kasper's pre-draft workout, he demonstrated remarkable speed and agility by posting 431/2-inch vertical leap, a 10-foot, 6-inch standing long jump and a 4.43-second time in the 40-yard dash. Combine those numbers with Kasper's reputation for above-average self-discipline and you have a player worth acquiring if for no other reason than to watch him slowly emerge as a top-notch NFL receiver a la teammates McCaffrey and Rod Smith as well as former Shanahan draftee Patrick Jeffers.
TE: Alge Crumpler, Atlanta Falcons Crumpler already boasts an excellent grasp of the Falcons’ offensive system and the team's quarterbacks view him as an inviting target because of his incredibly strong hands that allow him to catch balls away from his body -- often with his fingertips. Because he doesn’t cradle the ball like a lot of pass catchers, Crumpler always seems to catch the ball in full stride. In addition, he has proved to be a very solid blocker. And according to those who follow the team closely, it won't be long before the newcomer develops into Atlanta's primary receiving weapon -- much like Tony Gonzalez has done in Kansas City.
TE: Eric Johnson, San Francisco 49ers Johnson, who currently ranks 12th among all the league's tight ends with 21 catches for 123 yards and two TDs, says his success is the product of playing in a system designed to reward tight ends who know their job. By studying the man he replaced in the starting lineup this year -- injured veteran Greg Clark -- and knowing the offense, he has cut down on rookie mistakes while encouraging his teammates to trust him. The 49ers knew Johnson was an outstanding receiver from his college career. As a junior, he caught 21 passes in a game against Harvard; as a senior, he broke his own school record with 86 catches for 1,007 yards and 14 touchdowns. But Mariucci is even more impressed by Johnson's progress as a blocker. Johnson has gained 25 pounds since the close of his senior season at Yale, and he has used that added weight to approach the standard Clark set with his outstanding blocking. "Greg Clark could just push people," Mariucci pointed out. "But [Johnson] has to use his feet and shuffle. ...He's getting better." I'd be willing to bet a nickel or two Johnson gets a lot better before he levels off. Of course, the players listed above are some of my personal favorites; I’m sure there are others you might find more appealing. Heck, I can think of a number of prospects worth considering, some whom might currently be available as free agents in your league. You might want to take a look at running backs like Travis Minor (Miami Dolphins), Nick Goings (Carolina Panthers), Amos Zereoue (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Jason Brookins (Baltimore Ravens); wide receivers like Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals), Justin McCareins (Tennessee Titans) and Larry Parker (Kansas City Chiefs); and tight ends like Eddie "Boo" Williams (New Orleans Saints) and Marcellus Rivers (New York Giants), both of whom are probably waiting to be picked up off your league’s waiver wire as you read these words. So, what are you waiting for? Bob Harris is Editor and Webmaster of the TFL Report and Senior Editor for Fantasy Sports Publications.
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