Who's Hot, Who's Not

Hot

Sedrick Ellis – DT: The Saints could not be happier with their first round selection after this week’s mini camp. Ellis was the epitome of dominance and lived up to the hype as he was commanding opposing lineman. "He's been a pain in the rear for a couple days now, splitting double-teams and getting in the backfield…. He's an explosive player. I think he's got a want-to. He's been a part of a winning program. I like him. I like what I've seen," head coach Sean Payton said. At USC, Ellis exhibited his superb strength and power, but surprisingly at 310 lbs, Ellis also has impressed coaches with his exceptional quickness and first step. While his spectacular showing was only against fellow rookies, there is no denying Ellis’ natural ability and great potential. From a fantasy standpoint, there are usually just a handful of defensive tackles that make an impact and even though it’s unlikely Ellis jumps right into that group he is still worth a late round selection as your last defensive lineman. According to Sean Payton, Ellis has the ability to play both tackle positions, which would make 50 total tackles and 4 to 5 sacks a very possible goal.

Jake Delhomme – QB: Jake Delhomme is right on schedule and threw three straight days at mini-camp. Most passes did not exceed 20 yards but he did have few 30 – 40 yard passes. "He's looked very, very good," coach John Fox said. "His arm looks stronger than it has ever looked." While I was skeptical about Delhomme’s future following Tommy John surgery, I now must say I like his fantasy value. Not only does he have a great receiving core coming into this year, but the Panther’s also bolstered their backfield with the addition of rookie running back Jonathon Stewart. Even though Delhomme just misses our top twelve, I strongly suggest nabbing him early as a back-up. This is a great situation for Jake, and one that could turn into an even better fantasy situation.

Donovan McNabb – QB: With critics at his doorstep daily, McNabb always finds a way to get up and go to work. McNabb sat out the Eagles last mini-camp and as usual this did not go unnoticed. Andy Reid was bombarded with questions about Donovan’s health. Why did McNabb sit out? He was simply on a pitch count and he reached it the day before. For all you haters out there, McNabb is on my hot list. When asked to compare McNabb’s health last season with this season, Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg told the Philadelphia Inquirer that there is "no comparison…. Donovan looks sharp, quick…. He's throwing the ball well. Last year at this time, there was still a lot of work to be done physically with that injury." Donovan is one of many players this year that can be picked up in the later draft with a lot of upside. He falls to the bottom of the list when it comes to fantasy starters, but could easily end the year between 5 and 10 at his position.

Keith Brooking – LB: Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Brooking has recently been moved back to his natural position of outside linebacker. While Brooking has excelled playing both inside and outside, it’s safe to say his best statistical years were while he was playing on the outside. Even though other factors such as youth and defensive schemes played a large part in his increased production, Brooking is still worth watching. Keith has not logged an interception in the past two seasons. This will likely increase as will his sack total, making him a solid IDP option.


Not

Cedric Benson – RB: This one is obvious. Even though Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the team has no immediate plans to punish RB Cedric Benson, at least until after his May 19th court date, it’s safe to say the Bears are quickly losing confidence in Benson. The fact that they drafted running back Matt Forte with their second round pick before these events says enough. The Bears are ready to move forward with or without Benson. It’s now up to Benson, as we wait and see if he can get his act together and in some way live up to his draft hype. Unless you can pick him up late, your fantasy team is better off without Benson. Once we see how his legal problems turn out, then we will update you with an exact value.

Travis Henry – RB: Coming off a disappointing '07 season, Henry stock continues to fall. Denver is returning Selvin Young and Andre Hall who have both shown potential. To the naked eye, the Broncos seem to have plenty of depth at the running back position, but Denver has recently shown interest in veterans Shaun Alexander and Dominic Rhodes. Even though Rhodes is no longer an option, this clearly indicates their disgruntlement with Henry. This very well may be nothing more than speculation, but to be on the safe side, I wouldn’t recommend reaching early for Travis Henry anytime soon. With Mike Shanahan’s reputation, this is shaping up to by a deep backfield by committee making Henry no more than 3rd option.