Mini-Camp Tour - AFC West
AFC West
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| Ashely Lelie's one-dimensional play has made him virtually undraftable in fantasy leagues. (Doug Pensinger / Getty Images) |
Denver Broncos
It's been quiet in Denver because the team holds the latest OTAs and minicamp of any team by far, wrapping up in early July, only three weeks before training camp. My theory is Mike Shanahan just wants to shorten the beat writers' vacations. … Ashley Lelie remains the best young player in the NFL who could be traded before the season. Up to six teams have expressed interest, with the Falcons and Chiefs prominently mentioned. Only a year ago, I thought he turned a corner in his development. But he proved to be a one-trick player in 2005, albeit a great trick. He's one of the best deep threats in football and could be an elite No. 3 receiver if he got over his ego-driven desire to be a "No. 1 receiver." The Broncos would like him back in case Javon Walker re-injures his knee. … Walker's rehab from a torn ACL has been slow. He underwent a second knee surgery in the off-season and the team hopes he'll be ready for the start of training camp, but Walker is a dicey bet as a fantasy starter until he shows his speed is back. Rod Smith may remain the No. 1 receiver in Denver for this season. … One player taking advantage of Lelie's absence is former second-round pick Darius Watts. It's early, but he appears to have the edge over David Terrell for the No. 3 receiver role. … Not much news at running back, where it appears Ron Dayne and Tatum Bell will split the workload. With only Cedric Cobbs behind them, Denver may pick up another veteran before the end of training camp.
Rising: Smith – With Walker hurting and Lelie complaining, Smith stands alone.
Falling: Lelie – No longer worth drafting.
Kansas City Chiefs
Priest Holmes continues to say he's planning on playing this season. He hasn't been cleared medically, though, and I suspect the current confusion has a lot to do with his contract. If he retires by choice, he doesn't get any money. It's very possible he starts the year on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform list and comes back during the season like Tedy Bruschi last season. The best sign that Kansas City is still hopeful he'll play: Quentin Griffin is next on the depth chart. If the team knew Holmes was leaving, they'd acquire another veteran. Larry Johnson can't keep up the pace of carries he had last season. … Tackle John Welbourn's retirement was a disappointment, but it didn't exactly rock the Chiefs offense. He was a decent starter since acquired from Philadelphia, but probably the weakest link of their offensive line. Newly signed tackle Kyle Turley will probably replace him. … Coach Herm Edwards casually mentioned he is likely to only keep four wide receivers active this season. Eddie Kennison, Samie Parker and Dante Hall are locks. That probably leaves Craphonso Thorpe and Jeff Webb fighting for a roster spot.
Rising: Parker – Chiefs brought in no competition.
Falling: Trent Green – The Dick Vermeil to Herm Edwards transition could be ugly.
Oakland Raiders
Despite what all the Bay Area papers are doing, the Raiders could be the least covered team in the NFL. They ran their minicamp in early May and the local media has barely seen the team since. The team's website is the worst in the league. Al Davis likes an air of mystery, but I don't. One thing I know is that Andrew Walter has been working ahead of Marques Tuiasosopo. Walter officially became Oakland's "Quarterback of the Future" the minute the team passed on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler. Aaron Brooks remains the heavy favorite to start this season while the Raiders stay in playoff contention. … If the media could watch the Raiders, maybe they'd talk about Ronald Curry's rehab. One of the great high school athletes of the last 20 years, Curry was off to a promising start in his NFL career before tearing his Achilles' tendon twice in two seasons. If he comes back healthy, he'll challenge Jerry Porter and Doug Gabriel for playing time. … Oakland hasn't upgraded their backup running back situation, which I'm surprised about. Look for new coach Art Shell to run more, which means Justin Fargas and Zack Crockett could see increased roles behind LaMont Jordan.
Rising: Walter – A fine keeper league prospect.
Falling: Porter – Could face increased competition for playing time.
San Diego Chargers
The transition to Philip Rivers has gone smoothly thus far. Spending two years learning the San Diego offense gives him an advantage most first-time starters don't have. … I'm more concerned with the team around him. Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson are All-Pros, but Rivers has an underwhelming group of receivers. Keenan McCardell should be a No. 2 receiver entering his 15th season. Eric Parker, who is only 172 pounds, is better suited to come off the bench. The Chargers hope they get something out of second-year man-child Vincent Jackson, because the likelihood of 49ers import Rashaun Woods contributing is small. Jackson has reportedly looked solid in minicamps. … One way to spice up the offense is to get scat-back Darren Sproles more involved. The team may line him up at receiver and could use Sproles as a Dante Hall-type player.
Rising: Jackson – Nowhere to go but up.
Falling: McCardell – Quarterback change can't help him.
Gregg Rosenthal directs the football coverage for RotoWorld.com and Fantasy Sports Monthly. You can reach him at GRosenthal@Rotoworld.com.
