Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 94 (Wednesday, July 22nd)

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Hi Folks,

Good Thursday to you. Training Camps are right around the corner which means the Hall of Fame inductions can't be far behind. It's a great time of the year.

On that note, I wanted to call out a fantastic new book written by our friend Adam Schefter of ESPN. Adam's been a long time friend of Footballguys and is a guy we stop what we're doing when he starts talking about what's going on in the NFL. His book is called The Class of Football: Words of Hard-Earned Wisdom from Legends of the Gridiron. It's a fascinating look at the legends of our game.

From the website, "Compiled in conjunction with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, The Class of Football brings together sage advice from legends of the game whose knowledge, leadership, experience, and athletic prowess made them heroes on and off the field. George Halas speaks on history, Alan Page on justice, Gale Sayers on perseverance, John Madden on passion, Steve Largent on mentors, Mike Singletary on childhood, Michael Irvin on family, Marv Levy on philosophy, and Willie Davis and the rest of the great Green Bay Packers on Vince Lombardi. Each Hall of Famer reflects on his life and career and, even more important, addresses how and why he was able to arrive, once and for all, in Canton, Ohio. Motivating and gripping, these wise words from nearly five decades of Hall-of-Fame history will live on long after the cheering."

I was lucky to get an advance copy and I highly recommend the book. Check it out. For an Amazon.com link to the book, click here.

We've got lots of good stuff to get to so let's go.

J

SITE NEWS

A. Interview with Adam Schefter of ESPN
As mentioned in the opening, ESPN's Adam Schefter has been a long time friend of Footballguys. He's at the top of the heap when it comes to NFL sources in my opinion. He was kind enough to let me ask him about 3,000 questions trying to get his take on everything from LaDanian Tomlinson's prospects to Cecil Lammey's hair. Check it out. Thank you Adam for the huge chunk of time this took for you.

B. Microfracture Surgery Killing Colston's Value?
Guest Steve Wyremski with a look at the controversial microfracture surgery and how it relates to NO WR Marques Colston.

C. Average Magazine Rankings
Want a quick summary of where the Fantasy Football magazines ranked players this year? We have it.

D. Average Draft Position
You know where you want to draft a player. But the trick to getting value for your picks is knowing where the other owners in your league want to draft that player. Our Average Draft Position (ADP) tells you what you need to know.

E. Updated Projections
Don't settle for projections that are 6 weeks old. Don't settle for projections that are 1 week old. Our Footballguys detailed stat projections are tweaked whenever news breaks or situations change that affect how we think a player will fare this year.

F. Faceoff - WR Greg Camarillo, Miami Dolphins
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at the upsides and downsides of MIA WR Greg Camarillo.

G. Faceoff - RB Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at the upsides and downsides of STL RB Steven Jackson.

H. Faceoff - RB LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at the upsides and downsides of PHI RB LeSean McCoy.

I. Faceoff - WR Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at the upsides and downsides of BUF WR Terrell Owens.

J. Faceoff - QB Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at the upsides and downsides of ARZ QB Kurt Warner.

K. Faceoff - Who Is the Cowboys' WR2?
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at "Who Is the Cowboys' WR2?"

L. Faceoff - Who Is the Eagles' WR2?
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at "Who Is the Eagles' WR2?"

M. Faceoff - Who Is the Rams' WR2?
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at "Who Is the Rams' WR2?"

N. Faceoff - Who Is the Seahawks' WR2?
Our Footballguys staff takes a hard look at "Who Is the Seahawks' WR2?"

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

BAL - WR Derrick Mason second guessing decision to retire?

Source: Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports

Charles Robinson, of Yahoo! Sports, reports on his Twitter feed that he is "continuing to hear from people around Derrick Mason that he'll be back next season. I hear he's second guessing the decision daily."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Everyone started to have their doubts about Mason's intentions the moment he announced his retirement without filing the appropriate papers with the NFL. We would definitely cast some trade offers for Mason in start 3 WR PPR dynasty leagues with minimal bait, like late-round rookie picks or end of the bench players. It's worth the risk that Mason decides to retire after all.

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NFL - Bengals, Jaguars, Raiders possible landing spots for Vick?

Source: Jason LaCanfora, The NFL Network

Jason LaCanfora, of the NFL Network, reports that he's heard the Bengals, Jaguars, and Raiders mentioned in scouting circles when discussing possible landing spots for free agent Michael Vick. Mike Lombardi also said Jacksonville could emerge as a serious bidder for Vick on the NFL Network.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The Bengals and Raiders have always seemed like obvious teams to be interested in Vick because of their more lax requirements on character. The Jaguars are the most interesting from a fantasy standpoint because there was a lot of noise earlier in the offseason about the Jags wanting to upgrade from David Garrard at QB in the draft. The Raiders could also give Vick eventual opportunity at QB if JaMarcus Russell doesn't make progress this year.

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BAL - HC Harbaugh optimistic WR Derrick Mason will play

Source: Associated Press

The Associated Press reports Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he is optimistic that WR Derrick Mason will return to the team this season after having a conversation with him. 'He's ready physically. He's in good shape and he's healthy. He just wants to decide if he's mentally ready,' Harbaugh said. 'It's really open right now. I'm optimistic and hopeful that he'll be there, but if he's not there, we'll be support and respect his decision either way.'

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Harbaugh is yet another voice (and a very important one) in the growing chorus singing "Mason will play in 2009".

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WAS - More work for RB Ladell Betts?

Source: Ryan O'Halloran, The Washington Times

Ryan O'Halloran, of the Washington Times, reports that he thinks putting RB Ladell Betts on the field for a series or two a half and selected third downs will keep Clinton Portis from wearing down in December like he did last year.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Betts is looking better and better as a late-round pick, especially in PPR leagues, and Portis is looking like he might not deserve to be a first-round pick this year. Betts has already gotten praise in the offseason from the coaching staff, and we already know that he can carry a fantasy team to victory if he gets a shot late in the season.

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OAK - RB Justin Fargas to start, but not finish season as starter?

Source: David White, The San Francisco Chronicle

David White, of the San Francisco Chronicle, writes that he believes RB Justin Fargas will begin the season as the starter because "the Raiders want a dependable back willing to take the lion's share of blows to wear down the defense." White also thinks Fargas will get hurt and eventually give way to Darren McFadden. White believes the Raiders aren't sold on McFadden's durability. He expects that the Raiders will use McFadden "as a change-of-pace back early on and get him involved as a receiver" and that McFadden will "always be in the game inside the 20". He dismisses the idea that Fargas could get cut for savings because they restructured his deal in January. White also writes that Michael Bush "will also get fazed in more than he was last year but won't be considered for everydown duty. Short-yardage downs and fourth-quarter cameos could work out nicely for him", but adds that third-string backs have started for the Raiders each of the last two seasons, so "he'll get his chance".

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

It continues to sound more and more like Darren McFadden will be an excellent value in PPR leagues, and Michael Bush will be an excellent late flyer in every league. The Oakland beat writers disagreed about whether McFadden or Fargas will be the starter at the season's open, but they both agree that McFadden will take over eventually.

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BAL - RB Willis McGahee expects Ray Rice to enter camp as starter

Source: Jamison Hensley, The Baltimore Sun

Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee said he believes RB Ray Rice will enter training camp as the starting running back.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Even McGahee knows that you can't make the club in the tub.

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NYJ - HC Ryan expects RBs Thomas Jones, Leon Washington to report on time

Source: M.A. Mehta, The Newark Star-Ledger

M.A. Mehta, of the Newark Star-Ledger, reports New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said he fully expects RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington to report to training camp on time. Both running backs are looking for new contracts.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Washington is much more valuable to the Jets than Jones at this point, but he is demanding too much money. Jones should just show up and play out his contract, because getting a lot of playing time now is the best way for him to earn money in the future.

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WAS - QB Jason Campbell was impressed with WR Devin Thomas during workouts

Source: Paul Tenorio, The Washington Post

Paul Tenorio, of The Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins QB Jason Campbell was impressed with WR Devin Thomas' improved route running skills and decision making during offseason workouts.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The Redskins probably want to get Antwaan Randle-el back in the slot, where he is the most effective, so Thomas could break into the starting lineup. We still don't like his upside in a mediocre passing offense enough to spend a pick on him, even in very deep leagues, but we'll keep him on the short list of WRs to pick up in September if he starts hot.

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NFL - RB Edgerrin James feels he can still play at high level

Source: David Dorsey, The Fort Myers News-Press

David Dorsey, of The Fort Myers News-Press, reports free-agent RB Edgerrin James (Cardinals) reiterated his desire to play in the NFL this year. 'There are not 32 backs out there who are better than me,' James said. He isn't saying where he wants to play this year, noting that will take care of itself. 'I can play at a high level,' James added. James needs 123 rushing yards to crack the top 10 in league history.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

We agree with James. He was an important part of the Cardinals Super Bowl run, and he was generally more effective than Tim Hightower between the 20s last year. James lacks the burst he had earlier in his career, but we think would still be the best RB on the Seahawks roster if they decided to sign him.

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DAL - WR Sam Hurd could contend for #2 WR job

Source: Matt Mosley, ESPN.com

Matt Mosley, of ESPN.com, reports that WR Sam Hurd impressed him during OTAs, when he wasn't hurt. Mosley writes, "I think Sam Hurd will have an outstanding camp and could actually challenge for the No. 2 receiver role."

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Hurd's name hasn't come up as much in discussions of who could win the #2 WR job in Dallas as Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin. Hurd is a great special teamer and he has gotten open when he has been on the field, but he has also had some crucial drops.

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BAL - RB Willis McGahee says he is healthy but understands he may be backup

Source: Jamison Hensley, The Baltimore Sun

Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports on his Twitter page that Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee (knee, ankle) will be completely healthy starting training camp and will report in shape. McGahee believes he could start camp as a backup but hopes to be able to win the starting job.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

If McGahee can practice in full in training camp and work his butt off to impress head coach John Harbaugh, then he will have a good-sized role in the Baltimore backfield, but his days of being the featured back are over.

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OAK - TE Zach Miller's stats can improve with addition of blocking TE

Source: Jerry McDonald, InsideBayArea.com

Jerry McDonald, of InsideBayArea.com, reports that Oakland head coach Tom Cable believes that TE Zach Miller's stats can improve with the addition of a blocking TE. The Raiders hope that sixth-round pick Brandon Myers can be that TE.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Miller's production last year was astounding considering how remedial the passing offense was, how poor the wide receivers surrounding him were, and how much he had to stay in to block. Even a modest improvement in those areas and the play from QB JaMarcus Russell could make Miller a top six TE.

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HOU - QB Dan Orlovsky appears to have edge in backup job

Source: Nick Scurfield, HoustonTexans.com

Nick Scurfield, of HoustonTexans.com, reports Houston Texans QB Dan Orlovsky appears to have an edge over QB Rex Grossman for the backup job entering training camp.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

This is a very important training camp battle to monitor because Schaub has not been able to play all 16 games in either of his two seasons as the starter in Houston. We think no matter who wins, the Texans will likely lose when Schaub misses time.

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BAL - WR Joe Horn on Raven's radar

Source: Jamison Hensley, The Baltimore Sun

Jamison Hensley, of the Baltimore Sun, reports that Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has spoken to the agent for veteran free agent WR Joe Horn, and told him that the team would contact him after Friday's tryouts. "The Ravens are one of the teams that would definitely interest Joe," said Ralph Vitolo, Horn's agent.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Horn would have only marginal value if he was signed. It's hard to imagine a 37-year-old receiver who has been away from the game for a year doing much upon his return.

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BAL - Ravens battle at kicker about to begin

Source: Jamison Hensley, The Baltimore Sun

Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens PKs Graham Gano and Steven Hauschka will be competing in training camp for the team's kicker job. Both kickers have hit over 80 percent of their attempts this offseason and the battle is currently too close to call. If the two fail to win the job, the Ravens have not ruled out a return of PK Matt Stover.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

There are more than enough good kickers to go around in redraft leagues, so you can ignore this battle unless you play in dynasty leagues because Stover was only the 13th highest scoring kicker last year. For those of you that play in deep dynasty leagues where owners hoard kickers to get a ransom from teams that suffer injuries at the position or have bye week problems, we like Hauschka to be the eventual winner.

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DEF - MIN - Williamses back in court

Source: Brian Murphy, The Pioneer Press

Brian Murphy, of the Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings DL Kevin Williams and DL Pat Williams are due back in Hennepin County District Court for a hearing Wednesday, July 22, as a judge decides whether to schedule a trial in their fight to overturn the NFL's four-game suspensions. The players want Judge Gary Larson to have a jury determine whether the league violated Minnesota drug-testing laws before the start of the season. The NFL wants to postpone the state claims until federal appeals in the case are resolved to avoid conflicting rulings by different courts. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Paul has scheduled oral arguments for Aug. 18, part of a schedule accelerated to produce a federal ruling before the start of the season.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

It sounds like the NFL is pushing to get this resolved before the season starts, so Jamal Lewis, Frank Gore, Kevin Smith, and Ryan Grant owners could get a break and much easier early season matchup minus the Williams wall after all.

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That'll do it for today, Folks. Sorry to destroy your morning throwing all that content at you. But it's sort of what we do.

And remember, if you want to keep up with Footballguys on our Facebook page, just click here.

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Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great Thursday.

J