RC of www.junkyardjake.com was responsible for this week’s Fourth & 1 Roundtable debate topic.
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This Week’s Topic:
Thinking back to the players that you targeted in drafts at the beginning of the season, which 1 or 2 players have been the biggest disappointments? What kind of additional information do you think you could use to avoid selecting this type of underachieving player in 2010 ?
My Response:
A couple of players that I targeted in fantasy drafts this year were Calvin Johnson and Carolina’s Steve Smith. Both Wide Receivers were coming off of big years and came with high expectations.
However, a closer look at both of their situations would have revealed some red flags. Calvin Johnson had little talent around him on offense to take away some of the pressure that he faces from week to week. He also had to rely on an unproven Rookie QB in Matthew Stafford or washed up Daunte Culpepper. When you consider that he was being drafted ahead of Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, Wes Welker, and Vincent Jackson it just makes you cringe.
There were warning signs for Steve Smith as well, that many chose to ignore. First of all he plays for a run-first offense. Plus, Carolina did not provide him a legitimate complimentary receiver. They don’t have a solid #2 WR, slot receiver, or even a pass-catching Tight End. It’s Smith and that’s it. Finally, the way Jake Delhomme imploded in the playoffs, especially when the Panther didn’t solidify their QB depth, should have been the last straw.
Next year, when I am investing an early pick on a Wide Receiver I am going to make sure he has a stable QB.
Panelists
RC of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com
