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 Dynasty Digging
Posted by BeastOrBust on Tuesday, Sep 28 2010  -  about 2 years ago
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Dynasty Digging: Early Season 2010
Dynasty Digging prospects can rise to fantasy revelance in a matter of weeks. Many times, these types of players are buried on the depth chart with no playing time in sight. All it takes is an underperforming veteran or an injury to give a prospect the opportunity to shine on a Sunday. It is important to keep a a few Digging prospects on your bench at all times, because even if they will not crack your starting lineup, they could become valuable trade pieces as your league's deadline approaches. Let's dig.

The Cowboys are all set at QB for the immediate future with Tony Romo performing as a Top 5 Fantasy QB, but you can never be sure of what is going to go on in Dallas from one season to the next. Plus, Romo is already 30 years old. Not that he is on his way out or past his prime, but it never hurts to be looking for the QB of the Future. Enter Stephen McGee, 4th Round selection of the Cowboys out of Texas A&M. Coming out of college, he was a very athletic QB project that needed to work on his accuracy, footwork and throwing mechanics in order to be successful on Sundays. He also battled through injuries as a senior. He does possess strong leadership skills, excellent mobility and the ability to make all of the throws necessary of an NFL starter. Don't be surprised if they get rid of John Kitna after this season and make McGee Romo's primary back-up. With the weapons in Dallas, McGee could reap the benefits down the road. Stash and stay patient.

QB Josh Freeman is the present and future of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Josh Johnson is just waiting for his opportunity. That is likely going come in a different uniform, but Johnson should not a back-up for much longer. He is a free agent after the 2011 season and could command a large contract, too large for the Bucs to justify as a clipboard holder. Johnson is tall, lanky and athletic. He has work to do as a pocket passer, but the potential is there for him to be above average. In his spot duty over the past two years, he has looked poised for a young QB. He was prone to turnovers and his accuracy was up and down, but he can inject energy into an offense with his play. He played collegiate ball at University of San Diego, racking up 43 TD's in his senior year to just 1 INT. He has a high football intelligence and a strong work ethic. While still somewhat of a project, he has the profile of a nice fantasy starter down the road. For right now, he is Freeman insurance and a potential QB2 with an injury. He also makes for a high upside stash in Dynasty leagues, with a payoff on the way.

If you own RB Chris Johnson, you have definitely heard of Javon Ringer, his only rosterable handcuff. While owners may feel that CJ2K does not need a back-up, Javon Ringer is ready and waiting for more carries and a larger piece of the pie. Ringer was drafted in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft and played well in very limited action as a rookie. Coming out of Michigan State, he was very much a solid, but not spectacular prospect. He did battle through some injury concerns and at 5'9" and 202 lbs. there were concerns as to whether he could hold up through a full season. Good thing for him, he doesn't need to be a bellcow back, just a spark of energy when CJ needs a rest. With an injury to CJ, Ringer would have immediate RB2 value. His speed and playmaking skills would play well in the Titans offense. Long term, he profiles as more of a complimentary RB, but as the NFL evolves, speed backs are becoming just as valuable as goal line bruisers in the fantasy world.

The Panthers knew they desperately needed WR help this offseason to take some pressure off of Steve Smith. Dwayne Jarrett has fallen even further out of favor with the organization and is not part of their present or future plans and after that they did not have much to speak of. They quickly changed that. In the 3rd Round, they addressed the situation by nabbing both Brandon Lafell and Armanti Edwards. Lafell was hyped as a potential 1st round pick, but a down senior season at LSU dropped him, while Edwards was a collegiate star QB who they are converting to WR in the NFL. In addition, the Panthers grabbed an under the radar Baylor prospect named David Gettis. He has an intriguing blend of size and speed and is a willing special teamer. He possesses solid hands, good leaping ability and body control in traffic. While he did not put up gaudy collegiate numbers, he was not really given the opportunity. The Panthers dearth of options presented that opportunity and so far Gettis has made the most of it. He quickly worked his way up the depth chart this summer. Lafell missed one game with a hamstring injury and that opened the door for the 6'3" Gettis to start alongside Steve Smith in Week 2. Moving forward, he will likely compete with Lafell for looks this season until either one establishes himself. Lafell has more pure talent and is a punishing blocker, but has struggled with drops. Gettis should continue to develop with more exposure and playing time, and he will be there should Lafell falter. Grab him in your Dynasty league, leave him on your bench and see what he does with his touches this season.

The other Zach Miller, tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars, could eventually push his Raiders namesake much like the New York Giants Steve Smith did in 2009 to his Panthers counterpart. Miller is a physically gifted athlete that was a converted QB in college. Yes, you are reading that correctly. The Jaguars, even after the "failed" experiment of converted Arkansas QB turned NFL TE Matt Jones, drafted a similar prospect. This one has the potential to work out a bit better than that project did, but it is still very much a project that will require time and patience to develop. He was originally recruited to play at Nebraska as a QB, but after Frank Solich was fired from the program, he transferred to Division-II Nebraska Omaha. Miller's talent made him a standout and record setter. Before the Cactus Bowl (Division-II's All Star Game), scouts asked Miller to line up as a tight end. He responded with 5 catches, 116 yards and TD. He followed up that performance with a very solid pro day. He is raw as both a receiver and blocker, but the natural ability is there. Last year in Week 17, Miller was given a significant amount of playing time and ended the day with 8 catches, 69 yards and 2 TD's. That was a glimpse into what the future may hold for Miller. Much like the Raiders Zach Miller, this one has ideal height and athleticism to be a TE1 in your fantasy league, but patience will be required. He doesn't get as much love as the Raiders version, but that could change by 2011.
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