It looks as though Robert Meachem has finally gotten it.  He has become a favorite target of prolific passer Drew Brees on a roster loaded with explosive offensive weapons.  At only 25 years old, Meachem can use his athletic frame (6'2" 210lbs) to be a touchdown machine for many years.

Why we want Meachem on our Dynasty Roster: Until mid season 2009, Meachem has had a difficult time landing productive playing time.  Previously considered a situational player, Meachem has shed this title while emerging as a dangerous presence in the Saints passing game, especially within the end zone. By mid season 2009, Meachem is scoring on a regular basis and his targets and subsequent receptions totals have consistently improved.

What to expect:  All signs point toward the Saints remaining a serious offense unit for the forseeable future.  The existing offensive weaponry at Drew Brees's disposal are young and growing as a group.  Additionally, the presence of Brees only strengthens the future value of each receiver on the roster.  While Meachem doesn't have the physicality trait of Marques Colston, his speed and agility will carve him a unique role in the Saints offense.  Translation - A deep threat with size equals lots of touchdowns.  Monitor the health of Lance Moore as he could be the only roadblock to a highly expanded role for Meachem in 2010.  Don't sell the farm on this guy as he is not an elite talent, but at the right price, ideally as a throw-in as part of a larger offseason trade, you are securing a solid high end flex player to your Dynasty roster.

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While most were waiting for Roy E. Williams to step up as the Coyboys #1 wide receiver, Miles Austin came out of nowhere to dominate as the Cowboys most reliable receiver.

Why we want Austin on our Dynasty Roster: Since Austin's breakout game in Week 5 of this season (10 catches, 250 yards, 2 TD's), he has established himself as a big play threat.  He currently has a yards after the catch (YAC) of 9.0, nearly twice that of any other WR.  He also tops the league with catches of 20 yards or more and TD receptions of 20+ yards.  Austin's yards per reception average at just over 17, and 10 TD's mostly after a slow start over 5 weeks are some impressive number that should not be overlooked.  Austin is a stat machine plain and simple....so far.  

What to Expect: Austin will continue to be the first look of Tony Romo.  He has shown a predominance for the big play and his YAC ability should solidify him as the #1 in Dallas for the immediate future.  While Roy E. Williams will maintain a starting role, the cream will rise to the top as we have already seen in 2009.  At this point, Miles Austin will not be acquired on the cheap.  His ridiculous 2009 production has his value nearly as high as any other NFL WR.  Additionally, his value will continue to rise with a stong finish.  At this point, a 1-1 deal where you are forced to deal an even value trade for Austin is a bit risky, and another half of a season (for evaluation purposes) pass before making a big-boy trade to acquire him.  Austin's 2009 production currently places him in company of the leagues elite at his position.  He is however more likely to fall within the 12-15 range in fantasy point scorers for WR's throughout his career.

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Many thought Jamaal Charles didn't have the size to handle more than a situational workload at the NFL level.  Heading into his 2nd season, Charles had serious sleeper potential in 2009.  His early season workload was limited to approximately 7 touches per game and his value subsequently dropped.  Injuries and suspensions quickly thrust Charles into the role he should have been in since Week 1.  It's about time...

Why we want Charles on our Dynasty Roster: Charles has a nice skill set to fit the latest RB trend in the NFL.  He has the same build as Chris Johnson, and with a similar skill set that includes a shifty running style and above average pass catching abilities.  This skill set is an intriguing one suited for a spread style offense and RBBC situation.  While he doesn't have the elite speed of Johnson, Charles is displaying an impressive 5.2 yard per carry average and a 7.5 yard per reception average.  He is an explosive player that seems poised to comfortably handle 18-22 touches per game while sprinkling in the occasional CJ'esque big play.

What to expect: Jamaal Charles is not a workhorse by any means.  He is however showing an ability to be the explosive half of an RBBC.  Todd Haley's offense is predicated on a pass heavy attack with a heavy dose of RB  utilization in the passing game.  In only his second year, the Chiefs are building an offense that Charles can thrive in for many years.  Charles late 2009 season showcase will solidify his role as a member of the youthful talent the Chiefs can build around.  Matt Cassell will likely lineup mostly from the shotgun in 2010 leaving Charles in a position to lineup all over the field.  He has shown an ability to pay through pain, working through a mid season shoulder injury, but his key to long term success is management of touches.  Dynasty owners should sell him the minute his workload consistently increases above the 22 touch range, however his current usage is one that equals solid fantasy numbers. 

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In a limited sample size, Josh Freeman looks to potentially have the brightest fantasy future of the three QB's drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.  Arm strength, poise, mobility and leadership are some of this gifted QB's attributes.  His skill set is in place to, in time, produce solid fantasy numbers over a long career.

Why we want Freeman on our Dynasty Roster: Freeman has ridiculous upside.  Built like a video game Quarterback (6'6" 248 lbs) he has taken a Tampa team with limited offensive weapons and laid down some intriguing performances in only 5 NFL starts.  Freeman is proving that the skills are very much for real and now all he needs is time to develop.    

What to expect: Freeman is a project, no doubt.  His turnover ratio is ridiculous and a poor offensive unit in Tampa doesn't help his cause. Being part of a Buccaneers team that is generally underwhelming, paired with a 2-3 year learning curve equates to patience should you decide to roster Freeman.   Freeman will take his lumps then use his upside to be an every week QB1 starter by 2011.  Most experienced owners recognize Freemans upside, but he can still be acquired at a reasonable price because of the wait on investment.  In all likelihood he will continue to struggle for the remainder of the 2009 season.  Your best bet is to wait until the offseason, then make your move before it is too late to buy him.  The likely scenario has him progressively improving through the 2010 season.  Pay close attention to coaching changes in Tampa this upcoming season. Freeman is HC Raheem Morris's guy and a change of play caller could have a negative effect on Freemans development.

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Hakeem Nicks reminds us of a young Anquan Boldin.  A strong and physical receiver built for YAC, Nicks plays bigger than his 6'0", 215 lb. frame. He is averaging 18 yards per catch and has a flair for the big play.

Why we want Nicks on our Dynasty Roster: Despite playing behind WR2 Mario Manningham through most of the 2009 season, Hakeem Nicks has gotten valuable PT in his rookie season. He has already shown a propensity for the big play and will continue to get deep looks through the 2009 season. His upside is that of a solid WR1  with Top-10 Dynasty WR potential.

What to expect: Like most young WR's there is a learning curve associated with the jump from college to the Sunday league.  Good thing for Nicks he has an established collegiate background running the NFL route tree and he has already shown above average route running abilites and above average agility with the ball in his hands.  As previously stated, Nicks has all the characteristics of a Top 10 WR and his path to this status may be quicker than most.  His Dynasty price tag will undoubtedly be steep, but now may be the cheapest he will ever be acquired.

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Is it possible we could see the diminutive Justin Forsett as the starting tailback in Seattle next season?  That is yet to be seen, however he is worth a spot on your Dynasty roster none-the-less.

Why we want Forsett on our Dynasty Roster: Forsett does not have the size to be a 3 down back in the NFL.  He is however extremely productive with each limited touch of the football.  He has also shown an above average receiving ability which could help him find the field on the ever important 3rd down situations.  He has maintained a 5.2 yard per carry and 8.8 yards per reception average while sharing the field with Julius Jones. 

What to expect: Forsett has been a viable flex option this season while amassing double digit fantasy points since earning a more prominent role in the ground, air and special teams games.  His small size has many fantasy owners concerned with his durability over the long term.  This should be the exact argument you should make in trying to acquire him this offseason.  While he is considered a small player, he is a Beast in the weight room where he prides himself on his upper body strength (he was a top performer in the bench press at the 2008 NFL combine).  Forestt possesses RB2 upside in a best case scenario and more realistically FLEX value. That is still a valuable asset to have and acquiring him early this offseason could pay dividends in 2010 and beyond.

Please refer to our archived EDP articles (See Link Below) for some insight into some additional players that still fall into the catergory of emerging talent.  Over the 2009 season, we are pleased to say that some of our EDP's have (and continue to Emerge) into legit talents.  It's time to go out and make a move for those players you feel can fill a nice missing piece to your current Dynasty Roster.  Good Luck and Happy Trading.