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Nelson’s Mock Draft 2.0

April 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

We are now just 23 days away from the 2013 NFL Draft.  As promised, scoutPRO expert Nelson Sousa is back to unveil his Mock Draft 2.0.  Let’s check it out:

1.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

2.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

3.  Oakland Raiders:  Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

4.  Philadelphia Eagles:  Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

5.  Detroit Lions:  Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

6.  Cleveland Browns:  Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

7.  Arizona Cardinals:  Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

8.  Buffalo Bills:  Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

9.  New York Jets:  Kenny Vaccaro, SS, Texas

10.  Tennessee Titans:  Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

11.  San Diego Chargers:  Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

12.  Miami Dolphins:  Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

13.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Ziggy Ansah, DE, Brigham Young

14.  Carolina Panthers:  Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

15.  New Orleans Saints:  Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

16.  St. Louis Rams:  Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

17.  Pittsburgh Steelers:  D.J Fluker, OT, Alabama

18.  Dallas Cowboys:  Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

19.  New York Giants:  Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse

20.  Chicago Bears:  Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

21.  Cincinnati Bengals:  Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

22.  St. Louis Rams:  Matt Elam, FS, Florida

23.  Minnesota Vikings:  Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

24.  Indianapolis Colts:  Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

25.  Minnesota Vikings:  Keenan Allen, WR, California

26.  Green Bay Packers:  Eric Reid, FS, LSU

27.  Houston Texans:  Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

28.  Denver Broncos:  Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

29.  New England Patriots:  Robert Woods, WR, USC

30.  Atlanta Falcons:  D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston

31.  San Francisco 49ers:  Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

32.  Baltimore Ravens:  Kevin Minter, LB, LSU

Nelson will continue to update his mock draft, so make sure to keep coming back over the next few weeks.  Don’t forget to follow us (@CSAscoutPRO) and Nelson (@The_Franchise12) on Twitter!

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Nelson’s Thoughts on the Combine

March 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

March is here and with free agency beginning in just 10 days, the NFL offseason is starting to heat up.  From Alex Smith getting traded to Kansas City to Joe Flacco’s new monster contract, these will no doubt be just a few of the many storylines around the league.  scoutPRO expert Nelson Sousa was hard at work this past week watching the Combine and is back this week to offer up his thoughts on everything that went down in Indianapolis.

Quarterback

Geno Smith

Although you may hear some compare him to RGIII, I see him as a smaller Cam Newton.  He is a pocket passer, but a lot less accurate than RGIII.  That is why I don’t agree with the comparison.  He won’t step in and run an offense right away next season, and I just don’t think he will be a great QB, at least during his first couple years in the NFL.

Matt Barkley

If he goes to a team that runs a west coast offense, he could be fine.  However, I just don’t think he will be all that special.  Barkley’s stock has really fallen over the past two years, as many analysts were saying he would have been a top 10 pick had he declared after his junior year at USC.

Could he still be a first round pick?

Tyler Bray

Bray is flying under the radar, and may not make an impact in his rookie season.  However, he has really good tools.  He is one of the tallest (6’6” 232 lbs.) QB’s in the draft and has arguably the best arm of anyone.  He does show some inconsistencies with his game, which is why I think it will take him a few years to make an impact.

Running Back

Eddie Lacy

Lacy’s stock rose to the rafters after his personal demolition of Notre Dame’s defense in the BCS National Championship game.  Some are saying he is better than Trent Richardson, which is a bit ridiculous.  He is getting a ton of hype right now, and it may or may not be warranted.  I need some time to watch more film and will wait until his pro day to see what else he can do.

Notre Dame had no answer for Lacy during the National Championship game.

Montee Ball

Like Lacy, I don’t see him being anything special at the next level.  He played behind a massive offensive line at Wisconsin, which boasted an average weight of around 320 pounds per lineman.  That played a big role in his production, so it’s hard to predict what will happen once he gets into an NFL backfield.  I see him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Giovani Bernard

I believe Bernard will be a difference maker in his rookie season.  He is an explosive RB who also catches well coming out of the backfield (had 47 receptions at UNC in 2012).  He performed well at the Combine, finishing near the top in both the 20 and 60-yard shuttles.  That shows his explosiveness, an attribute you definitely need to succeed as an NFL RB.

Look for Bernard to be a difference maker during his rookie year.

Andre Ellington

Unfortunately for him, he pulled his hamstring while running the 40 at the Combine.  I still like this guy and will look to see what he can do at his pro day at Clemson.

Wide Receiver

Tavon Austin

This guy is worth all the hype and is a real deal difference maker.  His elite speed and agility was on display in Indianapolis where he posted a blazing 4.34 forty time.  The comparisons of a Wes Welker/Percy Harvin hybrid make sense.  If a team like Atlanta or New England could draft him, he would be a great fit for their high-scoring passing attacks.  More weapons for Matt Ryan and Tom Brady is not something opposing defenses want to hear.

Austin is one of the most explosive playmakers in the 2013 draft.

Cordarrelle Patterson

Like Eddie Lacy, this guy is getting a lot of hype.  He has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones, but I see him as more of a Stephen Hill type WR.  He is a size and speed freak like Hill, which was on display at the Combine.  He had strong performances in the 40, broad jump and vertical jump, but not so much during the position drills.  Patterson messed up a number of times (e.g. not following directions) and looked quite confused at times. The Chiefs coach that was running the drills got frustrated with him, something you don’t want happening as a rookie.  He is a huge work in progress and I don’t see him making an impact in his first year.  With that being said, he will probably be the first WR off the board during the 2013 NFL draft.

Ryan Swope

He surprised everyone with his 40 time, matching Tavon Austin with a 4.34.  I don’t see why he can’t be productive in the NFL and think he is worth the hype he is receiving after his surprising display of speed at the Combine.

His 4.34 forty time surprised many at the Combine.

Conner Vernon

The former Duke Blue Devil may not be a household name like Tavon Austin or Cordarrelle Patterson, but he is a guy who could make an impact as a later round pick.  He is by no means a speed guy, but has many skills that a slot WR needs.  He has good hands, run crisp routes and is simply a smart player.  Mike Mayock was talking him up during the Combine, complementing him on his intangibles such as the ability to draw penalties.  He won’t be taken in the early rounds, but he is the kind of player that you hear about during their rookie season.

Stedman Bailey

If it weren’t for his college teammate Tavon Austin, you would probably hear about this guy more often.  He has very good hands, which hauled in a whopping 25 TDs from Geno Smith in 2012.  He is built similarly to Steve Smith, although he isn’t quite as fast (4.52 forty time).

Robert Woods

Like Conner Vernon, this kid knows how to play the game.  He is listed at 6’0”, 200 lbs. which doesn’t sound like anything special.  However, he looks bigger on the field.  Mike Mayock compared him to Reggie Wayne, which isn’t a bad guy to be compared to.  He has no red flags or baggage attached to his name, and will get on the field right away with his football smarts.

Woods will get on the field right away as a rookie.

Tight Ends

Tyler Eifert

This kid blew up the Combine.  He excelled in basically every drill and clearly knows how to catch the ball.  He didn’t look all that big to me, but that won’t be a problem for him.  He can really stretch the field from the TE position.  Since he didn’t do much blocking while at Notre Dame, that might be something he needs to improve upon as he transitions at the next level.

Zach Ertz

He looks like a player and will look to join his many former Stanford teammates as a high pick come April.  Going into the Combine, all the talk at the TE position was concentrated on Ertz and Eifert.  They did nothing to change my view on them and I think most analysts would agree with that.

Along with Tyler Eifert, Ertz is at the top of the 2013 TE class.

Vance McDonald

He is flying under the radar, which surprises me.  He basically matched Eifert’s numbers in every drill, while showing his upper body strength after posting the most bench reps at the TE position with 31.  As a converted WR, he moves really well for his size and showed great athleticism making catches.  With his ability to line up in the slot and a deep TE class, someone is going to get a great deal on this guy.  He reminds me of Rob Gronkowski.  Like Gronk, he isn’t going to be a first round pick, but don’t be surprised if he ends up being better than Eifert and Ertz.

Thanks for stopping by!  Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @CSAscoutPRO and Nelson at @The_Franchise12!

 

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Free Agency Preview – WR’s

February 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

With the Combine getting started this weekend, it will only be a few weeks before free agency begins.  scoutPRO expert Nelson Sousa is back to talk about the talented group of free agents WR’s.  Any team in need of some help has plenty of options to consider, including some big names.

Greg Jennings

In my opinion, I think he is the best of the bunch and the most valuable.  He can play on the outside, in the slot, has a great work ethic and no off the field problems like some other free agent WR’s (Dwayne Bowe and Mike Wallace).  Miami seems like a logical fit, as they are desperate for a WR1.  Also, they are way under the salary cap and have plenty of money to spend.  Dolphins HC Joe Philbin was Green Bay’s OC from 2007-2011, and during that period Jennings averaged over 1,100 yards per season while hauling in 46 TD’s.  Philbin is clearly familiar with him and I’m sure Ryan Tannehill wouldn’t mind throwing to the two time Pro Bowler.

Possible destinations:  Dolphins

Will Jennings take his talents to South Beach?

Mike Wallace

I think he is right behind Jennings in this class and could see the Chiefs making a run at him if they don’t end up keeping Dwayne Bowe.  New Chiefs HC Andy Reid likes smaller, faster WR’s (Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin), and that’s exactly what Wallace brings to the table.  He can really stretch a defense deep with his 4.3 speed, evidenced by his 21 yards per reception in 2010.  If they want similar money, I think Kansas City would choose Wallace over Bowe.  The Dolphins are another team that could target Wallace.  They are weak at WR and could definitely benefit from his big play ability.

Possible destinations:  Chiefs, Dolphins

Wes Welker

First off, I think the Patriots are going to trade for Percy Harvin.  Bill Belichick likes him and he can step into Welker’s role while injecting some youth and speed into the offense.  Furthermore, Harvin can stretch a defense deep and also line up in the backfield.  With that being said, they are going to let Welker walk.  He is going to get quite a bit of money and should attract attention from multiple teams.  It all depends on cap room, but one team that makes sense is Dallas.  Miles Austin is always hurt and Welker would pair well with Dez Bryant.  Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones could view him as the piece to get them over the hump into the playoffs while providing a safety valve for Tony Romo.  Denver would also be a good fit.  He could be that slot guy, but with two young WR’s in Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas who are going to need new contracts soon, it might not work financially.  The Bengals are in need of playmakers to go with A.J. Green, and he would be a great complement to him.  This is a playoff caliber team, but they still need a guy like Welker to solidify the offense and help Andy Dalton out.  A few more teams that make sense are the Falcons and Steelers.  If Tony Gonzalez does end up retiring and they don’t sign a free agent TE, he could step in and take his catches in the middle.  That’s a big part of their offense, and Welker would pair well with outside threats Julio Jones and Roddy White.  Lastly, if Mike Wallace ends up leaving Pittsburgh, they are going to need a new WR.

Possible destinations:  Cowboys, Bengals, Falcons, Steelers, Broncos

Welker has had 100+ catches in five of the last six seasons.

Dwayne Bowe

He is no doubt a talented player, but his off the field issues will raise concern with anyone looking to sign him.  From conditioning and work ethic questions to a suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs, he has quite a bit of baggage attached to his name.   A team with a veteran coach who can control him would be an ideal fit for Bowe.  If Mike Wallace leaves Pittsburgh, the Steelers could work.  Mike Tomlin is a no-nonsense kind of guy and would provide some tough love that Bowe needs.  Although he had some run-ins with Todd Haley while he was in Kansas City (now the Steelers OC), Bowe had his most productive seasons under Haley.  He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2010 and 2011, notching a career best 15 TD’s in 2010.  Another team that could make sense is Minnesota.  If they end up trading Harvin like I have predicted, they will be left with basically nothing at the WR position.  Adrian Peterson can’t do everything, so they would have to make some moves and get Christian Ponder some weapons to work with.

Possible destinations:  Steelers, Vikings

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back next week for Nelson’s review of the NFL Combine.  Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @CSAscoutPRO!  

 

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Free Agency Preview – RB’s and TE’s

February 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Although it has only been a few weeks since the Super Bowl, I’m sure many of you are already counting down the days till the 2013 season.  With the Combine and free agency coming up in the next few weeks, there will be plenty of opportunities to get your football fix.  To help you get a head start on your 2013 fantasy leagues, scoutPRO expert Nelson Sousa is here to offer his thoughts on some guys who may be headed for new teams in the near future.  This week, let’s take a look at some RB’s and TE’s who will be free agents come March 12th.

Reggie Bush

When it comes to Bush, I don’t see him re-signing in Miami.  With Lamar Miller waiting in the wings (a guy I have been high on for a long time) and bigger holes to fill at other positions, I believe they will ultimately let him walk.  With a treasure trove of talented WR’s set to hit the open market (Dwayne Bowe, Greg Jennings, Wes Welker, Mike Wallace), Miami could look to use some of their $35 million in cap space to upgrade their WR talent.  Salary demands could also factor in, as his base salary in 2012 was at $4.5 million.  Taking all that into account, I could see Bush fitting in well in Detroit and Cincinnati.  Both of them have traditional between-the-tackles RB’s (Leshoure and Green-Ellis) and could use a hybrid, pass catching type threat out of the backfield that Bush provides.  During his days in New Orleans, Bush had two seasons with over 70 catches, showing he can definitely be a major factor in the passing game.

Possible destinations:  Lions, Bengals

Bush's days in Miami are likely over.

Ahmad Bradshaw

As many of you have probably experienced, Bradshaw is very injury prone.  He has had numerous surgeries on his right foot over the past few years, a potential red flag for teams looking to sign him.  When he is on the field, he has been productive.  Bradshaw has averaged 4.6 YPC over his career, while compiling two 1,000-yard seasons since 2010.  I see him getting a one-year deal with incentives to prove his worth and show everybody that he can stay healthy.  With that being said, I could see Green Bay taking a chance on him with a cheap contract.  They haven’t finished in the top half in the NFL in rushing since 2009 and could use some explosiveness out of the backfield that Bradshaw provides.  While the Bengals have a 1,000-yard rusher in BenJarvus Green-Ellis, they also could use an injection of explosiveness into their offense.  A few other teams that I think might take a look are the Jets and Falcons.  Shonn Greene is also a free agent and Bradshaw himself has said he would be interested in talking with them.  When it comes to the Falcons, Michael Turner is simply out of gas.  He is scheduled to count $8.9 million against the salary cap in 2013, so it’s probably safe to say he will be released.  Jacquizz Rodgers is not going to be a full-time RB, so picking up Bradshaw on a cheap contract makes sense.

Possible destinations:  Packers, Bengals, Jets, Falcons

Jared Cook

I have always been a fan of this guy.  Simply put, he is an athletic specimen (6’5” with 4.49 speed) who has been underutilized in Tennessee.  The Titans are expected to slap the franchise tag on him come March 4th, so he may still be in Tennessee for the 2013 season.  While former Titans OC Chris Palmer didn’t seem interested in using him, he saw an increase in targets when new OC Dowell Loggains took over the play calling in early December.  For instance, he saw 12 targets against Houston in early December, the only time he reached double digits in that category in 2012.  If he doesn’t end up getting franchised, I could see the Falcons making a run at him. With Tony Gonzalez expected to retire, Cook would be a great fit in the Falcons vertical passing attack. Gonzalez saw 124 targets during the 2012 season in which the Falcons finished with the 6th ranked passing offense in terms of YPG.  The Falcons love to air it out and are going to need someone to step in at TE and fill the void left by Gonzalez’s retirement.

Possible destinations:  Falcons

Matt Ryan probably wouldn't mind adding Cook to his arsenal of pass-catching weapons.

Jermichael Finley

Like Jared Cook, Finley is a big time athlete.  He recently told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that it is a “50/50” chance on whether he will return to Green Bay next season.  The Packers will soon have to make a decision on him as he is due a $3 million roster bonus in March.  Finley has publicly said he would like to return, while head coach Mike McCarthy seconded that statement in his season ending news conference.  Finley has shown flashes of brilliance in the past (3 TD game against Chicago in 2011), but has also been plagued with drops and apparent chemistry issues with Aaron Rodgers.  A change of scenery could probably do him so good, and one team that comes to mind is the Falcons.  As I talked about in the Jared Cook segment, they are going to need a new TE with Gonzalez retiring.  Finley can line up all over the field and create serious matchup problems in the red zone.  With Julio Jones and Roddy White taking up most of the attention of opposing defenses, Finley could do some damage in the Falcons high octane passing attack.

Possible destinations:  Falcons            

Dustin Keller

Although he struggled with injuries in 2012, Keller has always been a favorite target of Mark Sanchez.  He saw over 100 targets in 2010 and 2011 while grabbing 5 TDs in each of those seasons.  He is not likely to return to the Jets as they have some serious salary cap issues.  According to reports, they are $18 to $22 million over the 2013 salary cap.  Two teams that could use some help at the TE position are St. Louis and Tampa Bay.  Rams OC Brian Schottenheimer used to be with the Jets and was OC when Keller was at his best.  Other than Lance Kendrick’s 80 yard TD against the Bucs in week 16, the Rams got basically no production from any of their TE’s in 2012.  Tampa is in a similar situation, with the aging Dallas Clark as their only option at the TE position.  Adding a viable TE would not only give Josh Freeman another option and a nice security blanket, but it would also free up some more room for playmakers Doug Martin and Vincent Jackson.

Possible destinations:  Rams, Bucs

Could Keller reunite with his former OC in St. Louis?

Remember to come back over the next few weeks to check out Nelson’s thoughts on free agent QB’s and WR’s.  Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at @CSAscoutPRO!

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Fast Forward to 2013 – Breakout TE’s

January 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

We are now less than a week away from Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans.  The anticipation has been building and football fans around the world are surely counting down the days until kickoff.  Throughout the playoffs, scoutPRO expert Nelson Sousa has been here offering up his advice for next season in his Fast Forward to 2013 segments.  After revealing his breakout QB’s, RB’s and WR’s, he is back this week to talk about some TE’s who could make some noise come September.

Rob Housler

Like teammate Michael Floyd, he is a talented player who could be a sleeper next year if Arizona’s QB play improves.  New Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians will also feature the TE, just as he did in his days as offensive coordinator in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.  Housler wowed scouts at the 2011 Combine with his unique blend of size and speed at the TE position (ran a 4.53 forty with a 37” vertical).  Even though he hasn’t produced much of anything through his first 2 seasons, the awful play of Arizona’s QB’s and offensive line makes it difficult to objectively evaluate this guy.  Even Larry Fitzgerald wasn’t immune to their issues in 2012.  He had only 798 yards, his first season with less than 1,000 since 2006.  Arians worked his magic with the Colts this past year, so maybe he can do the same with Arizona and get their offense going.

Jermichael Finley

If Greg Jennings leaves Green Bay during free agency, Finley could be in for a career year if he stays with the Packers.  Over the last 5 years, Jennings has caught 38 TDs and compiled three 1,000-yard seasons.  Somebody will have to fill the void, and Finley is fully capable of doing just that.  He seems dedicated to becoming a better football player, and it doesn’t hurt that he has one of the best QB’s in the business throwing him the ball.  Speaking at his season ending press conference, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy had this to say regarding Finley; “I’ve really felt Jermichael Finley was a different man, different player from the bye week on.”  If he keeps working hard, maybe 2013 will be his breakout season.

Will 2013 be Finley's year?

Dustin Keller

Since he is a free agent, it all depends on where he ends up playing next season.  Although he struggled with injuries in 2012, Keller did not miss a game in his first 4 seasons.  He has always been a favorite of the much-maligned Mark Sanchez, evidenced by his 100+ targets in 2010 and 2011.  During that span, he also had 120 catches with 10 TDs.  The Jets don’t exactly have a vaunted passing attack, so maybe a change of scenery could spell a breakout for the 6th year pro.

Vernon Davis

He isn’t a sleeper, however, he will come discounted in your 2013 fantasy drafts.  Colin Kaepernick will learn how to use him, and it may just be starting to click.  In the NFC Championship game against Atlanta, Davis had 106 yards and a TD.  Simply put, this guy comes up big when it matters.  In 4 career postseason games, he has compiled 442 yards and 5 TDs while averaging 27.6 YPC.  Judging by his past, expect Davis to make some plays against the Ravens come Sunday.

Davis has come up big in the postseason.

We would like to thank all our subscribers for a great 2012 NFL season.  Enjoy the game this weekend and remember to check us out on Twitter at @CSAscoutPRO!

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Fast Forward to 2013 – Breakout WR’s

January 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

After yet another entertaining Sunday in the NFL, the Ravens and 49ers have outlasted the rest of the league and punched their tickets to Super Bowl XLVII.  Not that the Super Bowl needs any more publicity, but the added dimension of the Harbaugh brothers going head to head should add a little extra spice.  While we have to wait two weeks for the big game, why not get a head start on preparing for your 2013 fantasy draft.  With that in mind, scoutPRO expert Nelson Sousa is back this week for another segment of Fast Forward to 2013.  Let’s take a look at his breakout WR’s for next season.

Pierre Garcon

Although he was hampered by a foot injury in 2012, this guy was an explosive, difference-maker with RG3 when he was on the field.  In the 10 games he played in, the Redskins went 9-1.  Washington paid big money for him last offseason and he showed why in week 1 with an 88 yard TD against New Orleans.  Hopefully, he will have surgery in the offseason to fix his foot problem and get back to 100%.  If he does that, watch out for him in 2013.

When healthy, Garcon and RG3 are an exciting duo.

Chris Givens

He is already on the radar after a solid rookie season, but his talent could push him to be a top 30 WR in 2013.  While he only scored 3 TDs in 2012, they went for an average of 46 yards per catch. He also finished 6th overall in the NFL in average yards per reception (2nd among rookies behind T.Y Hilton).  After outperforming fellow rookie WR Brian Quick, Givens should have a shot to start for St. Louis in 2013.

Will Givens be a starter in 2013?

Michael Floyd

He no doubt struggled in 2012, but Floyd has the talent to make an impact.  One positive to his lackluster rookie year is he won’t cost much in 2013 drafts.  While he didn’t do much of anything through week 16, his 166-yard performance against the NFC Champion 49ers in week 17 is definitely something to take note of.  With a new sheriff in town (Bruce Arians) and QB play that can only get better, Floyd could turn out to be a nice value pick.

If he can make catches like this, watch out for Floyd.

Justin Blackmon

If he can keep his head on straight and focus on learning the playbook, Blackmon could be huge in Jacksonville’s new offense.  After starting off slow in 2012, he came out swinging against the Texans in week 11, grabbing 7 receptions for 236 yards and a TD.  Over the last 7 weeks of the season, he saw over 10 targets per game, while reeling in 4 TDs.  If he can build off his strong finish in 2012, look out for Blackmon next season.

Will Blackmon's strong finish in 2012 carry over to next season?

Jon Baldwin

He is an off the radar guy who could thrive in new Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s offense next year, especially if Dwayne Bowe signs elsewhere during free agency.  Over the past 7 seasons, the Eagles finished in the top 10 in the NFL in passing YPG 6 times under Reid.  While he hasn’t done much in his first two seasons, Baldwin does bring good size and speed to the table (6’ 4” and 4.49 speed).  If Bowe does indeed leave Kansas City, maybe 2013 will be a coming out party for the former Pitt Panther.

Andy Reid's offense could be just what Baldwin needs.

Come back next week for the final segment of Fast Forward to 2013 featuring Nelson’s 2013 breakout TE’s.  Don’t forget to check us out on Twitter at @CSAscoutPRO!

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Fast Forward to 2013 – Breakout and Bounce Back QB’s

January 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

We hope everyone enjoyed the Divisional Playoff games this past weekend.  From the double overtime thriller in Denver to Matt Bryant’s game winning field goal, a lack of action was not a problem for NFL fans over the past few days.  It should be another great weekend as New England hosts Baltimore and the 49ers head to Atlanta for the right to play in Super Bowl XLVII.  After going over his breakout RB’s last week, scoutPRO expert Nelson Sousa is back again to reveal some more of his breakout picks for 2013.  This week, Nelson will reveal his QB picks.

Colin Kaepernick

After his demolition of the Packers defense on Saturday, it’s easy to see this guy is an elite talent.  He accounted for 444 yards and 4 total TDs, including 181 rushing yards.  That set an NFL playoff record for most rushing yards by a QB in a game.  After becoming the starter in mid-November, Kaepernick threw 10 TDs and only 3 INTS, while also averaging over 5 YPC.   With the players he has around him, I think he will be a stud next season.  Michael Crabtree set career highs in yards, receptions and TDs this season.  He also has Vernon Davis, one of the most athletic TE’s in the league, and a 6-time 1,000-yard rusher in Frank Gore to work with in the backfield.  Considering that, look for him to breakout in 2013.

Green Bay had no answer for Kaepernick this past weekend.

Mike Vick

I think he will most likely end up getting released by the Eagles, who are set to pay him $15.5 million next season with $3 million guaranteed.  If he is released by February 6th, they will not have to pay him the $3 million.  Depending on where he ends up, I think he can still get it done.  Kansas City is definitely a possibility with former Eagles head coach Andy Reid now running the show.  Judging by some things Reid said during his appearance on ESPN’s Mike and Mike last week, he is clearly still a fan.  Talking about this past season, he said, “Michael got hurt and then it allowed Nick to play.  That’s why Nick had that opportunity. It wasn’t because of Mike’s play.”  Whether it happens or not, it’s definitely something to watch during the offseason.

Will Vick still be an Eagle in 2013?

Philip Rivers

It was a tough year for the Chargers and the 9-year veteran Rivers.  Offensive line issues plagued them all year, which culminated with the firing of head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J Smith.  Although he struggled with turnovers in 2012 (28 total), I expect Rivers to bounce back in 2013.  Over the last 4 games of the year, he threw 8 TDs and 0 INTs and the Chargers went 3-1.  If the offensive line can improve and protect Rivers better, he could be in line for a better season.

Remember to come back again next week as Nelson will continue his fast-forward to 2013.  Enjoy the games this weekend and check us out on Twitter at @CSAscoutPRO!

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Week 14 – Playoff Implications

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There are just 3 more weeks remaining in the NFL schedule, and fantasy owners know what that means. Most leagues kick off the playoffs this week. Those of you who failed to make the cut, you should have subscribed to scoutPRO! There is ALWAYS next year!

For those who made it in, congratulations! The pressure is on now, as every matchup is win or go home. The big prize is just a few short weeks away, and here are some storylines that will help make sure you take home the hardware and the bragging rights you deserve.

Watch Your Matchups

Weeks  14-17 are without a doubt the most important to consider what quality of opponent your roster players are facing. A particularly tough matchup could cost you valuable points in a critical situation, while on the other hand, looking to start players with high upside vs. favorable matchups can be the most direct way to a W. Joe Flacco’s matchup vs. a porous Washington defense in Week 14 is a juicy example. Flacco hasn’t been quite as good on the road as at home in 2012, but the Skins have had trouble stopping the air game all season.

You might want consider dropping your stronger team DEF for one with a weak schedule. Pittsburgh’s stout D faces tough tests in Weeks 15 and 16 with desperate and talented offenses from Dallas and Cincinnati, and could be a risky play. Denver faces Oakland, Cleveland, and Kansas City in 3 of its final 4, a safer schedule with much higher upside.

Star Players Resting Up

As some of the better teams lock up playoff spots and byes, a handful of star performers will plant themselves on the bench to avoid unnecessary injuries and rest up for the playoff push. This year is especially interesting , with four teams already clinching earlier than usual.

Keep an eye locked on this storyline, but Arian Foster may be benched soon, as the Texans are looking a sure bet for a first round bye. Backup Ben Tate is already starting to fly off the shelves in most leagues. Also, veteran receiver Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez could be watching from the sidelines with the Falcons sitting pretty in the NFC. There might be much more value from players on teams fighting for a spot, like the Seahawks’ Golden Tate or the Colts’ Donnie Avery.

Arian Foster may spend some time on the bench in the last few weeks of the season

Some Bigger Names Not Worth the Trouble

Injuries have plagued Jordy Nelson, and with the return of Greg Jennings, the standout WR may not be worth the trouble for his frustrated owners. Denarius Moore has been the focus of opposing defenses after a great first half – now he is struggling to produce, and doesn’t merit a start with the playoffs on the line. Jay Cutler is a legitimate #1 fantasy QB, with Brandon Marshall at his service, but coming off some iffy weeks and facing off with stronger defenses in his division, run with a quality backup if you have one.

 

Jordy Nelson and his nagging injury is one example of a usual must-start player being relegated to bench status for the playoffs

scoutPRO wishes all the teams vying for their league titles good luck this week! Check back in next week for insights on Week 15, and check out www.scoutpro.com for the latest projections and insights from our Fantasy Expert Nelson Sousa.

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Week 13 – The Replacements

November 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Desperate times call for desperate measures.  With the fantasy playoffs fast approaching, many owners have their backs against the walls trying to make the cut and extend the season. Bye weeks are history, but injury problems only continue piling up, with Bears’ RB Matt Forte at the top of the list of players who went down in Week 12.

Matt Forte's injury is causing headaches for fantasy owners headed towards the playoffs

As a result of all the turmoil in the NFL, many leagues are seeing pickups of players whose names have never before been mentioned in the realm of fantasy football. Some have been eye-catching surprises, while others have barely delivered on already-low expectations. Here is what you need to know:

The emergence of Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco has created a bit of a quarterback controversy, as Alex Smith owners face the frustration of having a fairly reliable quarterback relegated to the bench. Kaepernick has shown himself to be a dynamic run/pass QB, racking up impressive point totals in each of his first two starts, both wins for his club. If you were fortunate enough to pick him up, he is worth a start until further notice, and if he is still available, snatch him up for depth and to keep the competition at bay.

When Willis McGahee went down with a severe knee injury that landed him on the IR, many owners scrambled to pick up Ronnie Hillman as a replacement. Those owners were undoubtedly disappointed when the Broncos went with Knowshon Moreno instead, and the former Georgia Bulldog put in a nice day’s work against the Chiefs while Hillman rode the bench. It seems Denver doesn’t quite trust the rookie with the protection of its most prized asset, Peyton Manning, so look for Moreno to continue getting the majority of snaps going forward.

Knowshon Moreno will have to carry the majority of the workload in McGahee's absence

Bryce Brown stepped into the spotlight on Monday Night on the national stage in the absence of LeSean McCoy for Philadelphia. He scored twice, including a 65 yard rush that made his owners very happy. He had some trouble controlling the ball, which may be a concern, but the Eagles might have little incentive to rush McCoy back without a shot at the postseason – roll with Brown in the meantime.

The abomination that was the Steelers’ performance against lowly division foes the Browns on Sunday was characterized by 8 turnovers – 3 interceptions and 5 fumbles by 5 different players. Right now, Pittsburgh’s replacement backup QB Charlie Batch is on the ‘avoid-at-all-costs’ list, and its corps of RBs aren’t bringing much value to the table, even Rashard Mendenhall, who hasn’t found his groove since returning from injury.

On a related note, Seahawks cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner have been suspended for the use of banned substances, which makes Seattle’s secondary extremely thin. Upcoming matchups with the Bears, Cardinals, Bills, and 49ers make for some prime opportunities for opposing QBs and WRs against the Hawks’ own replacements, a drastically different outlook than suggested by Seattle’s strong defensive numbers this season.

scoutPRO Fantasy Football Expert Nelson Sousa will be appearing on Sirius radio to talk all things fantasy football this Thursday, November 29. Follow scoutPRO on Twitter for the latest details.

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Week 12 – More Injury Troubles

November 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This 2012 season has been no bargain for fantasy GMs, with an epidemic of injuries to key players, especially as of late. Weeks 10 and 11 have been a nightmare scenario, taking out several top QBs, RBs, and now a standout TE who is as valuable as any player in the league. The trade deadline in your league may have passed, and the implications of these injuries have become even more severe as we approach fantasy postseason weeks. Here is what you need to know:

In as a replacement for Michael Vick, rookie Nick Foles failed to impress, and RB LeSean McCoy also went down to injury, leaving the Eagles with very few options on the offensive side of the ball. Other Eagles players will suffer as a result, so be conservative in expectations for DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and others.

Steelers QB  Ben Roethlisberger will remain out of commission for at least a few more weeks, and those who thought Byron Leftwich would be a viable backup were disappointed as he too suffered a rib injury in Week 11. Third stringer Charlie Batch isn’t quite as attractive an option.

The Steelers Will Suffer Without Big Ben

Jay Cutler missed Monday night’s matchup with the 49ers and Brandon Marshall owners are lamenting. Matt Forte’s value may increase as a result, as a consolation prize to his owners, who are probably dealing with some other injuries as well.

Blaine Gabbert, who isn’t generally part of the fantasy discussion, suffered an injury of his own, opening the door for Chad Henne, who had a surprising big day, against a top rated Houston D nonetheless. Henne looks to be one of the most popular waiver wire pickups this week for owners dealing with injured QBs, as he should be the guy going forward in Jacksonville, at least temporarily.

After Alex Smith suffered a concussion last week and failed to pass testing for clearance this weekend,  Colin Kaepernick stepped in with a breakout performance against a solid Bears defense on Monday night  and may have sparked a quarterback controversy in San Francisco. Smith owners might be wise to pick up Kaepernick just in case.

The Broncos’ veteran RB Willis McGahee, should be out for the rest of the fantasy year after suffering a break and an MCL injury in his knee. He had been a pleasant surprise top 15 RB, balancing Peyton Manning’s air attack in Denver. Obviously the injury has implications for Manning and his receiver corps of Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Brandon Stokley, but owners looking to replace McGahee should consider backup Ronnie Hillman, who has looked good on carries all year, thanks to a solid O-line who will give him ample opportunity for yardage up the middle.

McGahee had been a fantasy surprise before his injury

Perhaps the biggest injury news of the week came in garbage time during the Patriots’ blowout of the Colts in New England. Rob Gronkowski suffered a broken forearm that might put him out for the remainder of the fantasy season just after becoming the first TE ever to score 10+ TDs in 3 consecutive seasons. This is a huge blow for the star’s owners, but a boon for those with Aaron Hernandez, whose value will skyrocket if he can shake his own nagging injury. WR Julian Edelman may see an expanded role – he is worth a look, especially if Hernandez isn’t at 100%. Owners missing Gronk might be able to stop the bleeding with Ben Watson or Mercedes Lewis, both who have been much more involved in their respective offenses as of late, and should be available on waivers.

The Pats will have to survive without the NFL's strongest TE

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