Fantasy 101: Boom or Bust?

By. The Gridiron Guru

The summer means several things- baseball, cookouts, hot weather, and most importantly, prep time for the upcoming fantasy football season, which is quietly approaching.  Most drafts are a mere month and a half a way.  This week, rather then focus on a specific position, I thought I would evaluate some of the "potential sleepers" in this years draft.  Keep in mind that the Guru cannot reveal all of his insight, in hopes of winning that elusive championship this year, but the generous Guru is still happy to offer tidbits of info to his loyal readers to help them get an early start on their upcoming drafts.  The following, is my list of potential "break-out" players or those that could surprise.  Next week, I will present the contrast, "Potential Bust players" of the season.  Why start with the negative, after all?

Also look for the Gridiron Guru's column, The Art of Fantasy Football posting early next month.  It will offer advice and preparation that I especially recommend new fantasy players read, in order to be ready come draft time.  -GG.

Quarterbacks-

Jake Delhomme (Panthers)- Why am I so high on Delhomme this year? For one, the Panthers may be the best team in football this year, and for another, the addition of Keyshaun Johnson will make this one of the more quietly explosive offenses in football, if that is possible.  This gives the already-solid Delhomme two very good weapons to throw to.  I like Jake as a top 8 QB.  For some reason he always seems to get overlooked come draft time, that mistake will be someone else's gain this season.

John Kitna (Lions)- Don't laugh yet, he is a super sleeper for sure.  Keep in mind that he now has Mike Martz calling the plays for him as the Offensive cordinator.  So you know the Lions will be coming out throwing in most games.  Kitna will beat out Josh McCown in training camp to earn the start and I believe he will prove to be one of the more solid backup QBs to have on your roster.  When was the last time you could say that about a Detroit QB?

Running backs-

Reuben Droughns (Browns)- This year the touchdowns will come.  Call it a hunch, but I see a big season in store for the Brown's back this year.  I believe with both Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow coming off injuries, not to mention the presence of an inexperienced quarterback, that the running game will be the focal point of the Brown's offense.  The Guru has a knack for picking out surprise RBs.  I had Lamont Jordan last season and Corey Dillon before that.  So remember Reuben come prep time. 

Ron Dayne (Broncos)- Terell Davis, Mike Anderson, Droughns, Orlandis Gary, the list goes on and on.  Looking for this year's Mike Anderson? Then look no further then the soon-to-be great Dayne.  This perennial underachiever is in store for a career year.  Don't make the mistake of taking the more flashy Tatum Bell before this guy, no matter how tempting it may be. 

Wideouts- 

Roy Williams (Lions)-  It only figures that if Kitna is listed here, that his #1 wide receiver would be, as well.  Williams will have his best season ever, this year, the Guru guarntees it, provided he stays healthy.  It is so probable, he probably shouldn't be listed as a "sleeper."

Reggie Brown (Eagles)- Other than L.J. Smith and the so-so Todd Pinkston, who else does McNabb have to throw to? I think Brown will make a solid #2 and/or great #3 receiver on your depth chart.  I think he has a lot of potential and could put up numbers comparable to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He could be a bargain in the mid-rounds.

Tightend- 

Chris Cooley (Redskins)- Shouldn't really be considered a sleeper at this point, but I still see many fantasy mock boards with him outside the top ten among those at his position, and I find that be outlandish.  Cooley will have some quiet games, but he'll also give you 4-5 catches every time out, making him one of the safest picks at tightend, as well as, one of the most underrated. (New poll below) 

-That does it for this week's fantasy report, next week promises to be a fun one, as the Guru beats down on those players that might look appealing, but to avoid come draft day.  Make sure to tune in, my fellow fantasy freaklings.

-GG. (send comments to the guru at: thejsmcafe.blogstream.com or mail to nessie80@aol.com)