Kevin Smith To Start The Season?
The position battle between rookie back Kevin Smith and veteran Tatum Bell was a hot topic for some time. For the most part, a split role was the obvious outcome but our sources are now telling us that Kevin Smith is the leading candidate for the starting job, and he would have to completely fall apart to lose the job. Smith, who had an amazing 2,567 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns in his Junior year at UCF, obviously has the tools needed to succeed. The Lions are confident in his ability to be a full-time back and since they are trying to re-establish their ground game, it’s safe to say Smith will touch the rock frequently. Even though the coaching staff will not name a starter for their upcoming pre-season game, Smith has worked with the first team both Saturday and Sunday and we don’t expect this to change.
From a fantasy standpoint, Smith will serve you well as an RB3 and in most cases, can be picked up in the middle of the 5th round in a 12 team league. Considering the Lions already have multiple weapons in the passing game, we expect them to find their groove on the ground fairly quickly. Smith has a lot of potential and we suggest targeting him in most of your drafts.
Hightower Moving Up!
With the recent release of running back Marcel Shipp and the fact that Edgerrin James is getting older every day, Tim Hightower continues to look better and better. The 5th round pick from Richmond had a solid pre-season opener, rushing for 23 yards and a score on 5 carries and pulling in 2 balls for 11 yards. He even saw time on 3rd down which is something we did not initially expect with J.J. Arrington on the roster. Reports are that Hightower has a solid grasp of the second spot on the depth chart and may even steal goal-line looks from the fading James. As a Cardinal, James has not recorded a season where he averaged at least 4 yards per carry. Why would anything change next year? If James continues to struggle, Hightower will inevitably see more looks and touches making him a solid late draft choice. Still, James will start the year and it’s unlikely they remove him from that role, but there is no reason for them to limit a younger and far more athletic option to the bench.
Right now, you can easily pick up Hightower as your 5th running back. There is absolutely no risk with this pick as long as your 4 backs ahead of him will see substantial playing time. If Hightower is given the permanent goal-line role, expect at least 7 or 8 touchdowns, which is a great output from your 5th option.
Drew Bennett Number Two In St. Louis!
The release of Isaac Bruce has left a large role to fill in the passing game and we expect Bennett to step in and produce. Drew signed a 6 year, 30 million dollar contract with the Rams in 07’ and did not live up to expectations. He missed the first game with a hamstring injury which lingered throughout the year limiting his playing time and productivity. According to our sources, Bennett feels great and is excited about the opportunity in front of him. As the starter opposite Holt, he provides the Rams with a dangerous red-zone threat.
As you’ve noticed, we frequently highlight late round prospects in attempt to optimize your draft. Fantasy league championships don’t just happen, it takes a lot preparation and digging to find those draft gems and Drew Bennett could be one of those. In a standard 12 team 18 round format, it’s likely Bennett will go un-drafted. Honestly, that doesn’t make sense to me. If anything, use your second to last pick to draft him as your 6th wide receiver. (If you have read any of my articles, you already know I always recommend using your last pick on a kicker) In reality, you have nothing to lose. If Bennett bombs, drop him and pick up someone else. If he booms, then you just got yourself a solid fantasy option in the 17th round.
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