Ram's Jackson holding out?

Steven Jackson did not report to Ram's training camp today. Jackson, who is in the final year of a 5 year contract, is said to be seeking a new deal. The Rams are considering him a hold out.

Fantasy Impact: Jackson is widely considered to be the consensus # 3 overall selection behind LT and Peterson this season. The Rams would be stupid not to get Jackson signed to a long term deal. With all due respect to Torry Holt, Steven is their best offensive weapon. Assume this situation will be resolved soon and don't hesitate to take Jackson early in the 1st round.

Harrison looks good...so far

Reports coming out of Colt's camp this afternoon are stating that Marvin Harrison had a good first day. Apparently, Harrison was running good, crisp routes and showed no ill effects from last seasons knee injury that kept him out 11 games. Harrison did not speak with the media after practice.

Fantasy Impact: One day of practice does not make me feel confident about Harrison. I'd keep an eye on him throughout the preseason and see how he looks. I have a feeling people may be reluctant to select him in drafts this coming month. If you take a risk on him, you could get rewarded big time. For now, consider him a good low end # 2, high end # 3 option.

Report: Favre headed to Packers camp/Jets interested

ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that Brett Favre told GM Ted Thompson he will be reporting to Packer's training camp. Favre, who is still considered retired, would need to send in his reinstatement letter to the league in order to report.

It's no secret that the Packers are listening to offers for Favre, and Chris Mortensen is also reporting that sources have told him that the Jets have received permission to speak with him.

Fantasy Impact: Personally, I am already tired of this Favre situation...but I guess that for another post. If Favre plays, he is a low end # 1, high end # 2 option no matter what team he is on. I'd feel good having him as my starter if he is with Green Bay, however I would be hesitant if he comes back with another team. It takes time to learn a new offense and Favre has a tendency to try and force some throws which may not mix well. If he ends up on the Jets, Bucs, or another team with average talent around him, I would draft him as a #2 QB and hope there is some upside there.

Holdouts, Coin Flips, and Bears Oh My!

Things are already looking complicated for the Chicago Bears. First, KR/WR Devin Hester is holding out for a new contract. The Bears have a general policy of not talking contract if a player is not in camp but they will most likely bend the rules for Hester. Hester, who has an amazing 12 touchdowns the past 2 years via punt and kick returns, is penciled in at WR this season as well.

As far as who might be throwing Hester the ball, the Bears have decided to flip a coin. Seriously. Well, it worked for Clevelnad last season right? The Bears have done a coin flip to see who will take reps with the first team to start training camp. Rex Grossman won which means basically nothing. Kyle Orton will get his shot too and it is believed that the Bears, who want to run the ball and play good defense, like Orton. The reason being, Kyle is less likely to turn the ball over than Grossman.

Fantasy Impact: Hester, who had 20 catches for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns in limited action at WR in 2007, is a nice sleeper pick this year. Even if he flops at WR, he can still get you some TD's in the return game. The Bears don't have many other options at WR though and Hester could end up being a nice bench player and maybe even a # 3 receiver on your team. Neither Orton or Grossman are worth any fantasy consideration right now.

Manning will be ready for opener

The worst nightmare for any Colts fan is Peyton Manning going down with any type of an injury. Their hearts most likely stopped beating briefly last week when they heard that Manning needed surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his knee. The doctors said Manning would be ready in 4-6 weeks which would have him returning just in time for the Colt's first game. Tony Dungy confirmed yesterday that he is certain Peyton will be ready for the opener against the Bears and might even see some action in the preseason.

Fantasy Impact: News that Peyton will be ready to go is good for Colts fans and fantasy players. I wouldn't be surprised to see him be a little rusty in his first start, but I also wouldn't be surprised to see him light the Bears up for 4 Td's. He's still a first round pick and don't even consider sitting him...ever.

Chad Johnson will be at Bengals Camp

Chad Johnson spent most of his offseason demanding a trade from the Bengals. He said that if he wasn't traded, he would hold out. Johnson has decided to to attend camp after all and looks like he will play the 2008 season in Cincinnati. While Chad will be in camp, the recent surgery he had on his ankle will prevent him from fully particpating.

Fantasy Impact: In mockdrafts, I have been seeing a lot of people staying away from Chad Johnson. It hasn't been uncommon for him to last until late in the 4th round. While Johnson being in camp is a good thing, his ankle surgery worries me a little. Still, he is one of the league's best receivers. I advised taking him in the 4th round in my WR rankings post. I stand by that but if you really need a WR and he is there in the 3rd you should consider taking him.

Urlacher, Bears agree to new deal

Bears fans can breath a little easier now that the heart and soul of their defense is happy again. Sources are saying that the Bears and star middle linebacker, Brian Urlacher, have come to terms on a revied contract that will also include a 1 year extenstion. Urlacher had 4 years and 25.5 million remaining on his old contract. Under the new deal, Urlacher is said to be receiving a 6 million dollar signing bonus and is getting an additional 1 million dollar salary bump in each of the next 4 years. The 1 year extension will have Ulracher earning 7.5 million in 2012.

Fantasy Impact: When healthy, the Bears have arguably the best defense in the NFL(and in fantasy football for that matter). However, injuries to players like Mike Brown have slowed them in recent years. Urlacher was banged up with back and neck issues last season but still played at a high level. We expect that same play from him and the defense as a whole. The Bears should be one of the first defenses off the board. However, do not reach for them (or any other defense). The 12th round is fine to go D.

TE Rankings

A year ago at this time Antonio Gates was far and away the best and most productive tight end in the game, he hasn’t quite relinquished his top spot but the rest of the field is quickly closing the gap. The key to selecting a tight end in the draft is being able to get a good valued player as late in the draft as possible so that you can maximize your players at QB, RB, and WR.

1. Antonio Gates (Chargers) – Last year Gates had a disappointing season. He didn’t have the most TD’s (D. Clark), didn’t have the most yards (T. Gonzalez) and wasn’t even a first team All-Pro (J. Witten). With that being said, he did manage 984 yards a 9 TD’s. Not bad for an “off” year. Gates is still the number one tight end in the game, the only difference is that this year I don’t think you need to reach for him so early because the other TE’s in the league have caught up to him significantly of the past two years. Gates will probably be gone in most leagues by the end of the 5th round which is way too early for me to take a TE, I would look to get him either late in the 6th or the 7th rounds. Expect Gates to get you around 900 yards and 9 TD’s this year.

2. Jason Witten (Cowboys) – Witten had a career last year catching 96 balls for 1,145 yards and 7 TD’s (I had him in ’06 when he only had 1 TD and have a personal vendetta against the guy). Witten plays in one of the most explosive offenses in football. Unfortunately he has #81 (as Parcells likes to call him) and M. Barber on his team who tend to eat up the majority of the red zone opportunities. Look for Witten to hang with Gates in all offensive categories this year with the exception of TD’s which I anticipate him to fall two to three touchdowns short. Same story here for Witten, I fully expect him to be gone in most drafts by the end of the 5th because people will reach for him, I would take him late in the 6th at the earliest. Expect Witten to get you around 1,000 yards and 7 TD’s.

3. Dallas Clark (Colts) – This is where I differ from most fantasy football magazines or analysts who would typically have either Kellen Winslow or Tony Gonzalez as the 3rd TE. Clark is a crucial part of what could be the 2nd best offense in the NFL this year. In a year where Marvin Harrison was hurt, Clark stepped up huge scoring 11 TD’s and more importantly proved to be a reliable receiving tight end for P. Manning. This is a player that you can get a huge return from and can probably fill out your entire starting fantasy football roster (with the exception of the kicker and defense) before you pick him up. Look to draft Clark in the 8th round this year and expect a similar year from last year. Expect Clark to get you around 600 yards receiving and 10 TD’s.

4. Kellen Winslow (Browns) – There is no doubt that Winslow is one of the most talented TE’s in the game today, the problem with Winslow is his ability to stay healthy. The last two years Winslow has played in all 16 games, however, he has had a total of 4 knee surgeries and you have to expect that to catch up with him at some point. I like his potential but would be apprehensive to reach for him before the 8th round. The last thing I want on my roster is a TE with injury problems, that’s one position that I count on my starter being healthy. Expect a healthy Winslow to get you 1,000 yards and 6-7 TD’s.

5. Tony Gonzalez (Chiefs) – This guy just keeps getting the job done. Last year he was part of one of the most anemic offenses in football and managed to catch 99 balls for 1,172 yards and 5 TD’s. If Larry Johnson can stay healthy this year, that can only open things up for Gonzalez. Look for Gonzalez to have another good year this year and get you 6-8 TD’s and 1,000 yards receiving.

6. Jeremy Shockey (Saints) – So the news just broke today that Shockey has been traded to the Saints for a 2nd and 5th round draft choice. Assuming Shockey can come back from the broken leg he suffered last year and passes his physical, Shockey could have the best year of his professional career. He will join a pass happy offense and a QB that thrives on spreading the ball. Shockey will no doubt be a valuable commodity to the Saints offense. I look for Shockey to score any where from 7-10 TD’s this year if healthy and get you 600-700 yards receiving.

7. Chris Cooley (Redskins) - Cooley has put up very good numbers over the last three years and is a very talented player, the only problem here is that he doesn’t have much of a quarterback throwing him the ball. Last year Cooley amassed 66 catches and 786 yards with 8 TD’s. The benefit for Cooley this year just like in years past is that the receiving core in Washington is not ideal so look for Cooley to continue to be the safety net for Jason Campbell this year. Look for Cooley to get you 700 – 800 yards and 6-7 TD’s this year.

8. Heath Miller (Steelers) - Miller had a very strong year last year posting 566 yards receiving and 7 TD’s. Miller is the type of player that will stay healthy the entire year and give you solid production. Do not expect Miller to blow up this year and get you 10 TD’s and 800 yards receiving, that will never happen with the new 3 WR look in Pittsburgh. Miller is a solid pick in the 9th round. Look for Miller to get you 600 yards receiving and 7-8 TD’s this year.

9. Vernon Davis (49ers) - The funny thing about Davis this year is that he has so much hype surrounding him because Mike Martz is the offensive coordinator…..ok great, who was the last tight end to thrive in a Martz offense? Let me save you some time and answer that, NOBODY. There is no question that Davis the raw physical ability to be really good in the NFL but I don’t think this is the year it will all come together for him. I’m not big on Alex Smith and Davis hasn’t shown me anything to convince me that he is set for a breakout year. Look for Davis to get you 500 yards receiving and 5 TD’s.

10. Todd Heap (Ravens) - If this guy could prove that he could stay healthy consistently he would be a top three or four tight end in the league, unfortunately he is much too fragile. Heap is coming off of a 239 yard receiving year and 1 TD, a year that he only played in 6 games due to a torn hamstring. Apparently he is healthy again but who knows whats ready to break down next. Look for Heap to get you 400 – 500 yards and 5 TD’s with the assumption that he plays in 10 – 12 games this year.

Notables:

Tony Scheffler (Broncos) – Could be a sleeper pick this year, he has a good rapport with J. Cutler.

Alge Crumpler (Titans) – Could be a nice outlet for V. Young this year and put up solid numbers.

LJ Smith (Eagles) – With the lack of WR’s that McNabb has to choose from, Smith could be in for a big year. He made great progress in 2006 but was hit hard with the injury but in 2007.

Saints get Shockey

Jeremy Shockey is getting his wish. Fox's Jay Glazer is reporting that (pending league approval) Jeremy Shockey will be traded to the Saints for 2 draft picks (a # 2and a # 5).

Fantasy Impact: Shockey could explode in the Saints offense. He is, without a doubt, a top 10 TE. Kevin Boss' stock will also rise. Based on his performance in the playoffs, he could be a nice low end # 1 option.

Porter to Miss Preseason

By: Sachie

Jerry Porter a sleeper at WR? Not so fast. Porter will miss the entire preseason after surgery to repair a torn hamstring tendon. This is a big blow to the Jaguars as they signed Porter to 6 year 30 million dollar contract in the offseason. They hope he will be ready for the opener against the Titans.

Fantasy Impact: Porter was a nice sleeper pick this season. Before the injury, I would have said he was worth a shot as your # 3 and at worst would have been a bench player with upside. He is still worth a pick late in your draft but don't expect much in the beginning of the season.

Taylor to Redskins for 2 picks

By: Sachie

All the talk about the Dolphins wanting to keep Jason Taylor was just that, talk. Taylor was traded today to the Redskins for a 2nd round pick in 2009 and a 6th rounder in 2010. Taylor, who was the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, fell out of favor with the Dolphins after spending his off season on TV show "Dancing With the Stars" rather than taking part in team activities. The move could have something to do with the fact that starting defensive end Phillip Daniels sustained a season ending knee injury earlier today.

Fantasy Impact: The move makes Washington's defense a more viable fantasy option. Taylor, who has 117 career sacks, should net around 10 sacks this season. He has had 8.5 or more sacks in 9 of his 11 NFL seasons. Daniels career high is 9 sacks but he only had 2.5 last season.