ESpn: Len Pasquarelli: Sleepers could get solid deals

[Cbz40]

Updated: March 1, 2007, 2:57 PM ET
Sleepers could get solid deals



By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive


Every unrestricted free agent class features a group of players who, despite flying below the public radar, are surprisingly well regarded by teams in the market. Here are a few such veterans who could strike solid deals: (Editor's note: This list is as of Thursday morning and will not include any players released at a later date.)

Sleeper free agents Player 2006 team Comment

1. DE/LB Jarrett Johnson
• Scouting report

Ravens At 270 pounds and with deceptive quickness, the four-year veteran can provide a team some snaps at all four defensive line positions and also at linebacker, especially in a 3-4 front. Definitely a guy with an upside and could land a $4 million-a-year deal somewhere.

2. FB Justin Griffith
• Scouting report

Falcons One of the NFL's best, if little-known, fullbacks. But Griffin does not seem to fit into the plans of first-year Falcons coach Bobby Petrino. An excellent lead blocker and pass protector, and solid-enough receiver, he'll get plenty of action.

3. OT Marc Colombo
• Scouting report

Cowboys Because of a catastrophic leg injury, Colombo appeared in only two games 2003-2005, but persevered and came back to start all 16 contests at left tackle in 2006. More than just serviceable and has a lot of tread left on the tires.

4. RB Dominic Rhodes
• Scouting report

Colts Despite starting all 16 regular-season games in 2006 for the Super Bowl champions, Rhodes isn't really suited to be a No. 1 tailback. Still, he's a versatile back who can fill a lot of roles, and a good guy to have around.

5. TE Eric Johnson
• Scouting report

49ers When he's healthy, Johnson is as good a mid-range receiver as there is in the game. But he's missed two full seasons in the past four years, so suitors will have to be diligent in checking out his physical status.

6. OT Damion McIntosh
• Scouting report

Dolphins In seven seasons, McIntosh has registered 80 starts and lined up at every position except center. He's got better feet than most people think, and can start at left tackle in a pinch for a team seeking a veteran presence at the position.

7. C/OG Sean Mahan
• Scouting report

Bucs In a free agency period when guards merit a lot of attention, Mahan is going to do well in the secondary market. He's a tough in-line blocker with some movement skills, and it's a little surprising the Bucs have soured on him.

8. CB Travis Fisher
• Scouting report

Rams A five-year veteran with some feistiness to him, Fischer has been a good on-ball defender when healthy. Unfortunately, his history of injuries is going to be a factor, but he could be a No. 3 corner on a lot of rosters around the league.

9. OT Jordan Black
• Scouting report

Chiefs Has 29 career starts and, while he surrenders way too many sacks, especially when playing at left tackle, Black has some talent. Still plenty young enough to develop into a pretty decent player.

10. SS Mike Doss
• Scouting report

Colts A series of injuries has kept him from ever living up to his second-round status, but he's a solid player when healthy. Played well in place of injured Bob Sanders early last season then, typically, suffered a season-ending injury.

11. TE Reggie Kelly
• Scouting report

Bengals Kelly has only caught more than 30 passes in a season once in his career, but rarely has played in third-down situations. The eight-year veteran is still good enough to start for a few teams or to log a lot of snaps in an offense that plays two tight ends.

12. DT Alfonso Boone
• Scouting report

Bears Starting to show some age, at 31, but Boone is still productive enough to be a solid No. 3 tackle in most teams' rotations. Isn't going to provide much inside push on the pass rush, but plays the run well and certainly knows the ropes.

13. QB Tim Rattay
• Scouting report

Bucs Rattay's résumé includes 18 starts in seven seasons, but he's played in a variety of offenses and seems to have accepted his role now. Some team looking for a 30-something backup could do worse than to sign him.

14. C Al Johnson
• Scouting report

Cowboys At one point not that long ago, Johnson was considered a superior prospect to Andre Gurode, who last week got a $30 million contract from the Cowboys. He has started in 31 games and, while injuries have slowed him, is still a good player at a thin position.

15. DE/LB Antwan Peek
• Scouting report

Texans Peek never quite developed into the standout edge rusher the Texans thought they were getting in the third round in 2003. Kind of a "tweener" defender, but did have six sacks in 2005 and possesses some intriguing qualities.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

hmmm, nyc, Mahan's growing on me

 

[TheEnigma]

• Scouting report

Cowboys Because of a catastrophic leg injury, Colombo appeared in only two games 2003-2005, but persevered and came back to start all 16 contests at left tackle in 2006. More than just serviceable and has a lot of tread left on the tires.