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 Emerging Dynasty Prospects
Posted by BeastOrBust on Wednesday, Aug 05 2009  -  about 3 years ago
::  Back to Featured Columns  ::  Emerging Dynasty Prospects Archive
2009 Emerging Dynasty Football Prospects
Tashard Choice is in a tough position.  He currently sits #3 on the Cowboys depth chart with 2 very legit talents ahead of him.  Marion Barber is one of the leagues most talented runners and Felix Jones is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. 
Why we want Choice on our Dynasty roster:  In 2008, Choice dispalyed his skills stepping in for an injured Felix Jones and Marion Barber rushing for an impressive 5.1 ypc and a solid ability to catch the ball from the backfield.  Even more impressive was his solid "off the bench" performance came against the leagues top defenses 2008 that included the Ravens, Giants and Steelers and Eagles. 
What to expect: The Cowboys are committed to being a run oriented team.  They have a solid backfield that will take some of the pressure off Romo is critical moments.  If they want to preserve MBIII for late in the game, they are going to need an RB to help carry the load on the inside rush game.  Felix Jones is not that guy.  Choice is.  It's realistic to think Choice can get 20% of the RB touches.  This is enough to post some decent fantasy numbers.  Choice is also a must own handcuff to Barber owners.  Even more so than Felix Jones.  Looking forward to 2010, MBIII's contract is structured in a way that the Cowboys can cut ties with him.  This would put Choice in an excellent position to take over lead RB duties.  Choice has proven he can carry the load as a three down back and he has a versatile skill set suitable for rushing and catching.  He's one of the top bench players in the league. 


Johnnie Lee Higgins is fast.  It's clearly a consistent theme in Oakland, and with speed and opportunity brings interesting prospects. 
Why we want Higgins on our Dynasty Roster:  Higgins found his niche in Oakland returning kicks, although he managed to score 4 TD's in only 22 receptions in 2008 as a slot receiver.  Add this to his 3 TD's in the return game and there is some serious upside here.  There is little legit competition in Oakland right now (We are high on Chaz Schilens) for starting roles.  Higgins could easily become the teams starting slot reciever in 2009 
What to expect: JLH needs to establish himself in 2008 or else he will fall into the he-is-what-he-is category, but he's worth a roster spot.  If he continues to build on his impressive TD per reception ratio, Higgins could establish himself as a low end weekly starter or high end bye week filler.


The Eagles really like Jason Avant.  They have gone as far as stating that he is the best slot reciever in the league and also that he has the best hands on the Philly roster. 
Why we want Avant on our Dynasty roster:  He's heading into his 4th season and has consistently improved his stat line each season in the league.  32 receptions for 377 yards and 2 TD's are modest numbers.  Nothing to get too excited about, however there is something to be said for consistent improvement.  Should Avant move into the 60 reception range, low end starter numbers will follow. 
What to expect: The Eagles pass the ball a lot.  There is plenty of receiving talent on the Eagles roster, but what they lack is a soild possession receiver.  This is where and the Eagles high powered passing offense makes for plenty of promise for Avant in 2009.  60 receptions and 800 yards in not a ridiculous expectation for Avant, and with Kevin Curtis showing signs of age, there is some opportunity here. 


Jerome Harrison is a versatile RB that has been buried behind perennial stud Jamal Lewis. 
Why we want Harrison on our Dynasty roster:  He has taken advantage of his limited touches by improving his productivity each of his three seasons in the league.  In 2008, Harrison averaged 7.2 yards per carry and 9.7 yards per reception.  Lewis is not getting any younger, and despite the presence of rookie RB James Davis, Harrison is currently 2nd on the depth chart. 
What to expect:  Harrison is not a big RB at 5'9" 205lbs, but with a similar build and skill set to that of Leon Washington, it can be expected new HC Eric Mangini will utilize him in the same way.  An interview with coach Mangini at Browns training camp, he indicated that Harrison is one of his favorite players on the team.  He can line up anywhere and is a beast in the classroom.  "He has done everything right."  In his current situation Harrison seems like a valuable prospect.


Mike Walker had an impressive 13.6 yard per reception average in his 2nd season, after being put on IR as a rookie.  At 6'2" and 208 lbs., Walker looks to become a legitimate large body target for David Garrard and the receiver starved Jaguars. 
Why we want Walker on our Dynasty roster:  He has already solidified himself as the #2 WR in Jacksonville behind aging veteran Torry Holt. His talent makes him an excellent dynasty gamble, one who's stock could soar as the season progresses.
What to expect: Expect a breakthrough type of season, if he can stay healthy. The Jags added Holt and 3 receivers in the draft, but Walker should get his fair share of targets. He could very well end up as David Garrard's go-to receiver.  At the same time though, he is a major health risk and could end up on the sidelines in a knee brace. His potential is well worth a roster spot.

Chad Henne is in a fabulous situation.  QB's in a Dynasty league are a valuable commodity.  If they are not currently a starter, you want to target players on emerging football teams that have the opportunity to step in within a 2 season timeframe.
Why we want Henne on our Dynasty roster:   Chad Henne is a proven winner.  His collegiate career at Michigan is defined by 4 straight years starting in a bowl game.  While this doesn't prove success, the fact the Dolphins have committed to Henne as the future signal caller for this squad is quite promising.  His 60% completion record in college isn't the most impressive, but learning behind mr. accuracy himself can only help.
What to expect:  Chad Pennington had a great 2008 season and is the guaranteed starter for 2009.  While he has never played two consecutive full 16 game seasons, Henne owners should hope Pennington stays upright for a full 16 in 2009.  This would give Henne 2 full seasons learning under Pennington (a cerebral player) and a 2010 starting gig on a Dolphins squad that Parcells has been building into a league powerhouse.  Henne is a must own handcuff for Pennington owners, but the key here is patience.  Reap the fantasy benefits in 2010, it will be worth it.



On a side note:

Much love goes out to Harry Douglas.   Douglas was one of our top candidates on this list to establish himself as a long term NFL stud.  A training camp torn ACL injury has suddenly derailed this young studs rapid climb to stardom for another 1.5-2 years.  Matt Ryans reaction when Douglas went down - a series of "explitives" is a good indication of the chemistry the two were building.  It will be hard to keep him rostered at this point, even in the deepest of Dynasty Leagues.  



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