Mini-Camp Tour - AFC South
AFC South
Houston Texans
The good news for Domanick Davis ended after the team bypassed Reggie Bush. Davis hasn't practiced all off-season because of swelling in his knee. He's tried to return from the injury a few times, but his body won't cooperate. It's one of the most under-reported stories in fantasy football and significant for a player who can't simply can't stay healthy. Davis looks like the ultimate boom-or-bust RB2 this season. If Houston's zone blocking system, he could pile up yardage and touchdowns if he can stay healthy. I doubt he'll play more than 13 games. … Davis owners looking for a handcuff should probably pick up Antowain Smith. He reportedly has a decided edge over incumbent Vernand Morency to be the team's backup. Just don't be surprised if another veteran enters the mix before training camp. … Coach Gary Kubiak called David Carr the "most improved" player during minicamp season. Kubiak cast his lot with Carr before he was even hired and clearly believes in him. With Eric Moulds acquired and improved options at tight end, there is plenty of reason to think Carr will provide value as a QB2.
Rising: Smith – Still draftable, after all these years.
Falling: Davis – Knee problems persist.
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| Domanick Davis' injury could affect his fantasy status this season, and many owners aren't even aware of it. (Scott Halleran / Getty Images) |
Indianapolis Colts
Marvin Harrison's elbow surgery, performed on top of wrist surgery earlier in the off-season, is a concern for the 180-pound 10-year veteran. He's caught less passes every season over the last four years, but it's hard to say he's breaking down physically with only six missed games his entire career. He's someone to watch closely in training camp. … Rookie running back Joseph Addai reportedly looked good in blitz pickup in minicamp, but it's hard to say how he'll handle passing down chores until the team is in pads. The Colts will give him every opportunity to win the primary running back job, but they should keep Dominic Rhodes involved. … The Colts are worried about backup quarterback Jim Sorgi's throwing arm. He had to rest his shoulder the last month and his status for training camp is uncertain. The team brought in veteran Shaun King to be the team's third quarterback. … I'm curious how the Colts will use their tight ends this year. Will they continue to use Bryan Fletcher and Dallas Clark on the field at the same time? That would severely limit Brandon Stokley's draftability in fantasy leagues.
Rising: Addai – An ideal RB3 in fantasy leagues.
Falling: Harrison – Despite the spin, two surgeries are a concern.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Reggie Williams is lining up ahead of Ernest Wilford at Jaguars organized team activities (OTAs) … again. I thought they were over this. Williams was taken 111 picks ahead of Wilford in the 2004 draft, but Wilford has outplayed him ever since. Williams has resembled a slow Kevin Johnson in his two years in the league, mostly as a starter. Wilford got a chance to start in the second half of last season and was Jacksonville's most productive wideout and a top 20 fantasy option to boot. One thing working in Reggie's favor, besides his draft status, is that he's only 23 years old, four years younger than Wilford. Jacksonville hopes Williams can be Keyshawn Johnson-lite. They will ask him to make the tough catches over the middle, approach 1,000 yards and block his butt off. I am still surprised by this move, even in June. Wilford's combined toughness, scoring and big play ability were key in his successful run as a starter last season. He was an every-week fantasy option, but he's going to have to beat out Williams in training camp to live up to his ADP (top 40 receiver). This is officially messing with our undervalued list in our magazine (on newsstands next week). With Matt Jones locked into the other starting job, Williams and Wilford threaten to cancel each other out. Jones looks like the best bet of the three.
Assault charges were dropped against rookie running back Maurice Drew. While that's a relief, the second-round pick missed most of OTA season because UCLA hadn't graduated yet. At this point, the best Drew can hope for going into camp is third on the depth chart behind Fred Taylor and Greg Jones.
Rising: Williams – Playing time could increase.
Falling: Drew – Missed too much of the off-season.
Tennessee Titans
The drama surrounding Steve McNair overshadowed an interesting off-season in Tennessee. They have significant position battles and injury concerns at every skill position and plenty of turnover on the offensive line. … At running back, it appears the trade rumors surrounding incumbent Chris Brown were baseless. Entering the final year of his contract, however, Brown is no longer the running back of the future. That's LenDale White, who finally returned to fully participate in team drills this week. If White shows up to training camp on time, he has a good chance to be splitting carries with Brown. White has even gone ahead of Brown in some mock drafts. I have Brown still slotted in front of him, but it's not a crazy pick. Travis Henry remains on the roster, but it appears he's just injury insurance. Coach Jeff Fisher wants to use a committee in some form, which means you shouldn't reach for any Titans runner.
At receiver, David Givens, Drew Bennett, Brandon Jones, Courtney Roby and Tyrone Calico have all struggled with various injuries. Only Jones' is serious, but all are worth monitoring. For Bennett and Calico, it's a continuation of a career theme. Once a fantasy sleeper, Calico probably will get cut in August. … It's surprising the Titans haven't signed Kerry Collins. The veteran is reportedly looking for too much money, but his price should come down as we approach training camp. Considering the ground he would have to make up learning a new offense, I doubt he'd have a real chance to supplant Billy Volek in August.
Rising: White – Healthy again.
Falling: Brown – Being phased out?
Gregg Rosenthal directs the football coverage for RotoWorld.com and Fantasy Sports Monthly. You can reach him at GRosenthal@Rotoworld.com.
