It’s Mid-May and Fantasy Owners are already asking the question … Who is the guy to go after from this draft?!? We give the options below as we see it. It’s very early and much can change, but it’s never too early to talk Fantasy Football.
Johnny Manziel – CLE – QB
Manziel arrives in a Cleveland Offense that should be considered anemic with the loss of star wideout, Josh Gordon. Cleveland remains healthily below the cap and could make a splash. We have heard rumors that Cleveland is in discussions with Houston for an Andre Johnson trade. Should Josh Gordon’s sentence be minimized, should Cleveland nab Andre Johnson and should Ben Tate remain healthy with a solid TE Jordan Cameron … In the land of what if’s, could have’s and should have’s – There is light at the end of the tunnel for “The Mistake on the Lake.”
On another note, one much more solid … Manziel will team up with Former Redskins OC – Kyle Shanahan who has seen success with the pass/run styled QB. In his rookie-season, Robert Griffin III saw phenomenal success with Shanahan and the styles are similar. Browns Owner – Jimmy Haslem has been quoted saying that Brian Hoyer is the Starting QB and Johnny Manziel is the Back-up QB.
C’Mon Man … This is Cleveland. They’ll light the city on fire if Manziel isn’t behind Center by Game One and play “Johnny Be Good” while they are doing it!
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All in all, if you’re in a deep keeper league, we see there being potential in drafting Manziel. Much can change roster wise between now and the start of the season. However, QB is extremely deep and there are plenty of QB’s with great tract records to provide stability to your roster that Johnny Football will not.
Legion Report’s Vote: SELL
Mike Evans – TB – WR
Not sure how the league plans to cover the Tampa Bay WR’s, but they better figure it out in a hurry. The gruesome twosome of Vincent Jackson (6’5″/230 lbs) and Mike Evans (6’5″/231 lbs) will be a tantalizing duo to have to deal with. For Josh McCown, this is Chicago 2.0 as Tampa is laying out the blueprint comparable to Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. If we are laying it out there, Evans is a future double-digit NFL touchdown scorer and could flirt with that number this season. Our favorite adjective that we have heard attached to his name is that he has fire-hoses for arms.
Take it away Jim Cramer …
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Everything from his down-field speed, massive catch radius, ball skills and big body type set him up to have an explosive situation. Vincent Jackson is 31 and has no guaranteed money on his deal. It’s obvious that the heir apparent has reared it’s head in Tampa. Stay tuned, but we’re digging this Rookie on both short-term and long-term appeal.
Legion Report’s Vote: BUY
Sammy Watkins – WR – BUF
Watkins is the go-to immediately in Buffalo and the Bills gave up a whole lot to get him. Like Evans, Watkins was drafted into a run-heavy offense, but has a questionable QB behind center. Watkins is explosive and demonstrated such in his YAC (Yards After Catch) Numbers. Look for him to rack receptions and yards in Buffalo. It will be interesting to see what the Buffalo Offense has in store for 2014 and if they will allow Sammy Watkins to bring the jolt of offense they were desperate for. At 6’1″, it’s uncommon that WR’s of his stature are drafted within the Top 5 … but it doesn’t mean he can’t be great. We expect his stock to jump to elite fantasy status by 2015, with him being a 2WR/3WR in 2014. It’s early to judge, but much of his success will depend on the decisions of the Buffalo Offense in 2014.
Legion Report Vote: BUY
Bishop Sankey – RB – TEN
Was he one of the Little Rascals? I’m pretty sure he was, at least, it sounds like it! Tennessee took the RB out of Washington as the first RB off the board at Pick 54. Sankey doesn’t possess the best natural running ability, but the rookie couldn’t be jumping into a better situation. Shonn Greene is already having problems with his knee and Sankey is running behind one of the Top Offensive Lines in the NFL. Look for the Little Rascal to be a big part of a heavy running game on a bad team. There’s better options out there, in terms of fantasy, but, Sankey will be given every opportunity to shine.
Legion Report’s Vote: Buy (Late Round Pick)
Brandin Cooks – WR – NO
The Saints selected Speedy WR Cooks with the Number 20 overall pick. The 20 year old WR won the 2013 Biletnikoff Award as the nations top WR. Cooks ran a 4.33 – 40 yard dash time, while Tavon Austin ran a 4.34 – 40 time. Cooks is a better version of Tavon Austin, will be relied upon more than Tavon Austin and is in a better offense than Tavon Austin.
With Darren Sproles out of New Orleans, Cooks looks to be the new dynamic playmaker who is going to be relied upon heavily in this Saints offense. It’s likely that Payton is going to feature the Dynasty stud, Cooks, (over Stills) who is going to provide a ridiculous amount of speed on the Superdome turf. Cooks is another WR who should be drafted on all Fantasy Teams this upcoming season.
Legion Report’s Vote: BUY
Jordan Matthews – WR – PHI
Matthews fell to Chip Kelley’s Eagles, something Kelly couldn’t pass up on. The Vanderbilt WR was a “known sleeper” to almost every NFL Team and he couldn’t have fell into a more perfect situation. Kelly said Matthews will start the season as a slot receiver. Last year, Avant was the slot guy, posting 38 catches for 447 yards and 2 TD’s.
With Desean Jackson’s departure, Matthews will line up as the slot receiver, with Maclin and Cooper on the outside. Expect a huge year out of Nick Foles! Like Legion Report has been saying for the last year, expect Philly’s Defense to improve dramatically within a year or two. The Philadelphia Eagles are on the verge of something good!
Legion Report’s Vote: BUY
Terrance West – RB – CLE
The Cleveland Browns absolutely love this guy. They’re actually in love with this pick. In the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft the Browns traded up to pick the RB out of Towson, completely ignoring their WR need. With the lack of WR’s in Cleveland, Pettine and the Browns look to implement a strong Defense with a heavy Running attack, much of like Rex Ryan’s philosophy.
Ben Tate is not able to carry a full load. He never was able to and never will be able to. His consistent injury status is what will allow West in jump into the Cleveland running game. West has been compared to a runner similar to Alfred Morris of the Redskins, something Kyle Shanahan (The Browns new OC, and former OC for Morris) loves. West’s natural run talent and versatility is what makes him a dynasty type RB. He’s going to have an immediate impact his rookie season in Cleveland, and should be drafted in all Fantasy Football Leagues!
Legion Report’s Vote: BUY