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NFL Mock Draft 2009 Draft of 2009 Lacks Star Power NFL Draft 2009: Getting Started Super Bowl Well Worth Tuning In For
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| NBA | |
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Prospects On Center Stage NBA Preview 2008/09: Final Call
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2007 Fantasy Football Preview: Sleepers By Ric Atkinson We are right in the middle of Fantasy Football drafting season, so here is a quick list of five sleepers I’m hoping to pickup in the later rounds of my drafts. These are the guys that could potentially pay big dividends and give your team that boost down the stretch to win your Fantasy League. When making a Fantasy playoff run, there are always those backups and sleepers that provide the biggest boost down the stretch because of injuries and players sitting out.  1. Devery Henderson, Saints: Marques Colston is going to be the perceived number one wide receiver for the Saints. He’ll draw the opponents #1 CB and a lot of double teams. Add that to the attention Reggie Bush will be drawing and Henderson will get overlooked by most defenses. A veteran QB, like Drew Brees, understands that you have to take what NFL defenses give you and in this case Henderson is what the defenses will be giving. Remember last year Henderson averaged 23.3 yard per catch. I think he has a very good chance of being a Top 25 type fantasy receiver. 2. Ladell Betts, Redskins: When Clinton Portis gets hurt (not if, but when) Betts could be a “start every week” running back. Last years stats were pretty impressive. He started 9 games, gained 1154 yards on 245 carries for a 4.7 yard per carry average. Granted his 5 TDs leave a bit to be desired, but I expect that number to go up this year. At the very least, if you do draft Portis to be your #2 RB make sure you draft Betts as a handcuff. You’ll be glad you did. (Quick Note From Ron: This is an intriguing pick, as he could be the biggest steal of the entire draft or a waste of a pick if Portis rebounds [granted, I don’t think Portis has much left]. Now, looking at the numbers, Betts had 770 yards and 3 Touchdowns in the last 6 games to finish 2006! Remind you of LJ a 3 years ago when he finished the season on fire and then carried it over to the next season? Just a thought…) 3. Mike Furrey, Lions: Last year Furrey caught 98 passes. That was the 2nd highest total in the NFL (only Andre Johnson caught more). In all the excitement about Calvin Johnson, Furrey is the forgotten man. Remember three things: 1. As talented as he is, Calvin Johnson is still a rookie. 2. Jon Kitna loves Mike Furrey. 3. The Lions are going to throw the ball almost 40 times per game this year. There will be lots of catches to be spread around in Detroit. Furrey is the ideal guy to be your #4 WR. 4. 49er D/ST: We should see a big turn around for the 49 defense. They were very aggressive in the free agent market getting a shutdown CB in Nate Clements from the Bills, NG Aubrayo Franklin from the Ravens, pass rushing LB Tully Banta-Cain from NE, and SS Michael Lewis from the Eagles. The biggest addition however is new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky who came over from the Chargers. Look for a vastly improved pass defense from the 49ers. 5. Carnell Williams, Bucs: Yes, he had a sophomore slip last year. He just didn’t look that good, though neither did the Bucs last year. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel, and that lights name is Aaron Sears. Jon Gruden is calling his rookie starting guard a “Natural”. Sears emergence has allowed last years starting LG Dan Buenning to move to center, which really solidifies the Bucs offensive line and should give Cadillac a good chance to rebound as an impact fantasy player. If he’s available in the 5th round, it would be tough to pass him up. (Another Note From Ron: The biggest factor for Caddy is that Alstott isn’t around to get the Red Zone carries. Expect William’s TD numbers to rise heavily this season. As Ric was saying about the offensive line, Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood took their lumps starting last season as rookies so expect them to settle into those roles going into their second season. Joseph was one of the biggest standouts in training camp on the entire team, so he seems prime for a breakout season.)  August 19, 2007 |
| NCAA Football | |
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Be Careful What You Wish For
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| NCAA Basketball | |
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Jumpology: My Bracket Jumpology: Scouting The Heavyweights Jumpology: Reviewing The Bracket
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