The Oakland Raiders, unsure about first overall pick JaMarcus Russell’s contract status, signed recently released quarterback Daunte Culpepper to a one-year deal.
Culpepper will now compete with Andrew Walter and Josh McCown for the rights to be killed on Sundays behind that pathetic excuse the Raiders call an offensive line. Fantasy owners stay far, far away. If you thought he looked shaky last year in Miami on that bum knee, wait till you see him line up under center behind this line. Although if he’s healthy, it’s not like the guy can’t compete in this league.
I’m going to ask for keeper advice once again…recent rankings are causing me to second guess my decision.
OK…I’m keeping Gore and McGahee…no question about it.
My 3rd keeper is either Deuce McAllister (6th) or Marc Bulger (9th). I think both players will have better years in ’07 than ’06 which makes this decision incredibly difficult. I told myself Bulger was the best keeper and maybe he still is. However, I’m afraid to give up a solid RB and TD machine if I can pick up a decent QB later on. My head is spinning…
TD are worth 6 in all forms and no reception points.
For what it’s worth, I have 6th pick in the draft which will leave me with either Willie Parker or Ronnie Brown…another head spinning decision. Manning will be gone at #5.
Thanks.
Gator Bait, to me, your decision is simple – go with Bulger.
Deuce may bounce back, but you’re still talking about a guy sharing carries and worse yet, how many RB slots are going to be open week to week? You’ll play Gore and McGahee every week, but you’ll be knee deep in a guessing game week to week in whether to play Deuce or a WR. Plus, Deuce may get you two scores one week and then go two weeks with 10 carries for 32 yards and no scores.
I think Bulger is a safer pick and if Wille Parker and Ronnie Brown are going to be available anyway, you’re set. The Steelers are talking about a bigger role for Parker (as in not coming off the field unless his leg is broken) and there’s a rookie behind Brown so you know he’ll still see plenty of touches.
That’s my two cents G-Bait!
That’s the preseason pep talk I needed. Now, if McAllister has a Pro Bowl season and Bulger lays and egg, I know who to blame…haha! Seriously, I appreciate the advice (as always).
I think a healthy Ronnie Brown and Willie Parker are about even in value. Parker is the more proven of the two. He had a strong season last year without Bettis stealing TD’s and he also has one of the best and angriest lineman in the league looking to earn a free agent paycheck next year. I’m leaning his way although I’m intrigued by Brown…
That a boy G-Bait – don’t take any responsibility for your own draft! I love it!
I really like Parker this year. It’s never a bad thing when a coaching staff comes out and states a player is going to get more touches. Now, if he goes out there and blows out his meniscus, then don’t look at me!
I’d be worried with Deuce for a couple of reasons. One, he’s still battling back from the knee injury he suffered two years ago. He says he’s much better this year, but he’s still got some pain. Two, Reggie Bush – for obvious reasons. Three, the T.J. Duckett affect. One week he’s got two TDs, the next two, he’s got 28 yards on four carries while Warrick Dunn goes off.
Another bonus to Parker is the Steelers O is reportedly going to run a lot more no-huddle which will create some significant mismatches for fast Willie and D’s won’t get a chance to stack the line. Personally, if it’s a choice between him and Alexander, I’m taking Parker.
AS…what do you think about Larry Johnson’s value with Priest Holmes’ return? Especially since Larry hasn’t reported to camp yet. How many times we’ve seen this before…guy holds out, gets his big bank, shows up with a week to go in preseason then in week 2, tears an achilles or blows out a knee.
Oh yeah…anonymous was me on this post. New laptop, sorry.
I agree with you on both accounts T-Bone – well said all around.
To answer your question about Johnson, I think his fantasy value is in major question with this holdout. The Chiefs don’t pay anyone and like you said, even if they do, the injury factor is so high it seems if players workout on their own. Jamal Anderson in 1999 was the classic example of this…he did the same thing as far as a holdout, missing camp, etc, as Johnson is now.
Not good and it sucks if you’re drafting 2-6 as far as whether or not to take Johnson.
The keeper decision was made a whole lot easier after Jammal Brown went down with a “bruised knee”. Sorry, Deuce, when your pro bowl tackle goes down, it’s bad news for you and Reggie…no dice.
Concerning LJ, nothing has changed in my book. He’s the same stud RB he’s been for the last two seasons and his health is exceptional for a guy who carries the load of an entire offense on his shoulders. This guy is still Top 3.
Health and talent aside, LJ has more leverage on KC than the Feds have on Vick! KC is nothing without him – he knows it and they know it. He is the key to that entire offense and they will eventually come to terms. Preseason is not a huge deal….heck, LT doesn’t touch a ball in preseason and we see where that gets him each year.
Passing on LJ after #3 is a huge mistake!
The LJ situation is a little dicey. If I’m picking #3 before his contract situation is resolved, Frank Gore, Joseph Addai and Brian Westbrook are looking pretty good right now.
I would go with Parker (if healthy) over Brown. Parker is more proven and there are questions about Brown’s ability to handle the full workload. He’s intriguing, but Parker is more proven. If his knee continues to give him problems, then all bets are off.