It seems that every year guys are projected to have big seasons struggle for one reason or another and than the next year they are forgot about. For example, Randy Moss was a non-factor in 2006 as a member of the Oakland Raiders and despite a change of uniforms he still wasn't considered a top 15 wide receiver by many fantasy football publications. Because of this, Moss didn't get drafted until the 4th-6th round of most fantasy drafts and was last year's biggest bargain, as he hauled in an NFL record 23 touchdown receptions. It's the owners who take a deeper look into things like this that are usually successful on draft day and winning your leagues title.
With fantasy football drafts right around the corner, the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff is ready to get you prepared for draft day. To do so, staff writer Chris Ziza answers your questions and offers his expert insight on which fantasy football players can be had at a bargain price in your leagues draft.
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On the Biggest Projected Bargains for the 2008 Season
Question: As of right now, who is your favorite choice for the best bargain QUARTERBACK for the 2008 season?
Answer: Marc Bulger of the St. Louis Rams would be my pick to be the best bargain amongst quarterbacks this season. He had a horrible 2007 season, but that was because of many factors. First of all, he was never healthy. Second of all, he suffered because star running back Steven Jackson was hurt most of the year as well as their top OL Orlando Pace. This year Jackson and Pace expect to be back at the top of their games, which should allow Bulger to find more time in the pocker, and stay on his feet more. Bulger will be drafted lower than his 2008 production will warrant, thus making him my top quarterback bargain buy.
Q: As of right now, who is your favorite choice for the best bargain RUNNING BACK for the 2008 season?
A: Believe it or not, my choice is Kevin Smith of the Detroit Lions. He was drafted in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft and may go unnoticed by much of your competition, however, but he has the skills and mindset to be a very solid RB in the NFL. His only competition comes in the form of Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun, in which the Lions chose not to even suit Bell for some games and Calhoun can't seem to stay healthy. From everything that I have read and seen on this kid, I really believe he can become a great bargain for you this year. He will be drafted anywhere from low RB3, high RB4 in deeper leagues but by the end of the season could become a low end RB2, high end RB3, making him my choice for the bargain running back of 2008.
Q: As of right now, who is your favorite choice for the best bargain WIDE RECEIVER for the 2008 season?
A: This guy is a superstar, but I'm going Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers. He had a solid 2007 season, but no where near what his numbers could have been if QB Jake Delhomme did not get hurt. In fact, Delhomme and Smith started the season HOT, as they connected on 4 touchdowns during the seasons first 2 weeks. But down went Jake, and in return, down went Steve! Smith is still an electric player with a great attitude, and if injuries do not play come into play, with added receiver depth and a more balanced running game, there is no reason why Smith can't resemble his former self! He is my 2008 bargain wide receiver!
Q: As of right now, who is your favorite choice for the best bargain TIGHT END for the 2008 season?
A: Alge Crumpler of the Tennessee Titans is my choice for bargain tight end for 2008. He joins a team that is desperate for the type of skills that Crumpler can bring to the passing game. Despite getting up there in age, he is amongst the most talented in the game at his position, and I look for Vince Young to use Crumpler a lot in plays in which he would have normally tried to run and escape. The coaches in Tennessee are getting irritable with as much as Young runs when pressured and Crumpler, barring another injury plagued season, should be able to step in and benefit from this. Outside of the top 4-5 tight ends, you might want to wait and grab Crumpler after bulking up at the core (RB/WR) positions.
Q: As of right now, who is your favorite choice for the best bargain TEAM DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS for the 2008 season?
A: The New England Patriots are my favorite to be the biggest bargain for 2008. Let’s look at some facts. The Patriots would score early and often, so their opponents were always behind and scoring cheap points during the end of games. The Patriots overall numbers actually rank amongst the best of the 2007 teams, but because of points allowed, they fell down to the middle of the pack. I am not sure the affect of one season will play on everyone’s overall rankings of this defensive unit, but I have a feeling that in a lot of leagues people are going to pass on them for some squad that is not nearly as talented. Also, the Patriots are looking to run the ball more, which should help keep the defense off the field, allowing the time clock to keep on ticking. If the Patriots are successful at this, the biggest winners will be the defense themselves. I can see the Patriots falling into the second half (5th-10th overall defense) of the starting defenses picked, but in my mind they could very well take the cake as the best Fantasy Football defense this year.
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