Bledsoe4MVP
Benched
- Messages
- 907
- Reaction score
- 0
Since it's that time of year and all the speculation has begun regarding free agent movement, I thought I'd throw my two cents into the mix. There are plenty of 'big names' out there in the upcoming free agent market, but I always like to look at the potential 'sleepers' that come with a much less expensive price tag than guys like LeCharles Bentley, Steve Hutchinson, and Reggie Wayne are going to likely demand. Also in this day and age it seems that more and more 'fat cats' are rising to the forefront after they sign lavish multiyear contracts with exorbitant signing bonuses. Dan Snyder and the Deadskins know all about that. Anyway here's a few that I have targeted and I'm curious as to what other people think about them or other potential sleepers not mentioned here.....
1) Victor Riley, RT, UFA, HOU - Right now the jury is still out on Petitti, he showed some good things last year, but IMO showed my bad things. I'm just not sure he's the answer at RT but then again he was only a rookie. Riley is a former 1st round pick from KC, he's never reached the potential that some envisioned coming out of Auburn. But he can dominate at the point of contact and has great size and strength. When he's playing well he is the true definition of an authoritative blocker, similar to Larry Allen in his Prime. But when he tires, his focus wanes and inconsistency is present. I think he's worth a look at this point in his career.
2) Mike Flanagan, C, UFA, GB - We all know the issues this team has at Center, but this one might be a gamble. I say that because Flanagan is a 10 year vet and also had some serious knee issues with tendinitis that kept him out of the lineup for extended periods of time the last few years. But if he can stay healthy, he is very versatile and can play multiple position on the Oline.
3) Idrees Bashir, S, UFA, CAR - He was drafted by Tony Dungy in Indy to be his new John Lynch for the Colts. But injuries have kept him out of the line-up. When he's on his game he can cover a lot of field and can be a very aggressive pass defender...maybe a bit too aggressive. He's only been in the league 4 years though, and I look at this kid as another Anthony Henry.
4) Mack Strong, FB, UFA, SEA - I'm pretty sure Seattle will retain him, especially since he's played there his whole career. Also the guy he blocks for did ok this season as well ;-). Mack is a seasoned veteran at an endangered position in this league. I think Polite has tremendous upside, but Strong is a bruising physical beast. He reminds me of a great FB that Bledstud used to play with by the name of Sam Gash. Strong is also good for about 20 catches a season as well.
5) Cory Chavous, S, UFA, MIN - This is another solid safety I wouldn't mind taking a look at. He's never been a interception machine, although he did have a career high 8 in 2003. He has always striked me as an intelligent player and a rock solid defender. The big question is he on the downswing of his career? Or can he rebound and showcase his probowl form from the 03' season?
6) David Givens, WR, UFA, NE - I'm not sure you call a former 7th round pick who emerged as one of Tom Brady's key weapons during their dynasty a sleeper. But he's still a relative 'unknown' player to the average jo blow football fan. He has been called 'deceptively quick' by a lot of scouts around the league. His reception total continues to increase each year and he's average 707 yards a season since his 02'. If the Pats don't resign him, I would definitely take a look at this emerging young player. Especially since we are not getting any younger at the receiver position and Bledstud could use another young weapon like Witten.
7) Keith Newman, OLB, UFA, MIN - Even though Cato June, Julian Peterson and Will Witherspoon are all superior OLB available this offseason, I think this guy is worth taking a look at. Newman showed flashes of brilliance early in his career in buffalo, but then it seemed he hit a wall in the 02 season and was released. He might not be a full time starter, but is a great situational pass rusher.
8) Joe Nedney, K, UFA, SF - My first choices would obviously be Adam Vinateri or Mike Vanderjagt. But both will likely come with a high price tag if not retained by their respective teams. Nedney is a guy who has seemed pretty consistent the last few seasons, especially since the 49ers need all the points they can get! But his biggest criticism has been his accuracy from kicks 45+ yards. So the question is, do you rely on him to make a 48 yard field goal to win or tie a game if Bledstud and the offense does their part?
1) Victor Riley, RT, UFA, HOU - Right now the jury is still out on Petitti, he showed some good things last year, but IMO showed my bad things. I'm just not sure he's the answer at RT but then again he was only a rookie. Riley is a former 1st round pick from KC, he's never reached the potential that some envisioned coming out of Auburn. But he can dominate at the point of contact and has great size and strength. When he's playing well he is the true definition of an authoritative blocker, similar to Larry Allen in his Prime. But when he tires, his focus wanes and inconsistency is present. I think he's worth a look at this point in his career.
2) Mike Flanagan, C, UFA, GB - We all know the issues this team has at Center, but this one might be a gamble. I say that because Flanagan is a 10 year vet and also had some serious knee issues with tendinitis that kept him out of the lineup for extended periods of time the last few years. But if he can stay healthy, he is very versatile and can play multiple position on the Oline.
3) Idrees Bashir, S, UFA, CAR - He was drafted by Tony Dungy in Indy to be his new John Lynch for the Colts. But injuries have kept him out of the line-up. When he's on his game he can cover a lot of field and can be a very aggressive pass defender...maybe a bit too aggressive. He's only been in the league 4 years though, and I look at this kid as another Anthony Henry.
4) Mack Strong, FB, UFA, SEA - I'm pretty sure Seattle will retain him, especially since he's played there his whole career. Also the guy he blocks for did ok this season as well ;-). Mack is a seasoned veteran at an endangered position in this league. I think Polite has tremendous upside, but Strong is a bruising physical beast. He reminds me of a great FB that Bledstud used to play with by the name of Sam Gash. Strong is also good for about 20 catches a season as well.
5) Cory Chavous, S, UFA, MIN - This is another solid safety I wouldn't mind taking a look at. He's never been a interception machine, although he did have a career high 8 in 2003. He has always striked me as an intelligent player and a rock solid defender. The big question is he on the downswing of his career? Or can he rebound and showcase his probowl form from the 03' season?
6) David Givens, WR, UFA, NE - I'm not sure you call a former 7th round pick who emerged as one of Tom Brady's key weapons during their dynasty a sleeper. But he's still a relative 'unknown' player to the average jo blow football fan. He has been called 'deceptively quick' by a lot of scouts around the league. His reception total continues to increase each year and he's average 707 yards a season since his 02'. If the Pats don't resign him, I would definitely take a look at this emerging young player. Especially since we are not getting any younger at the receiver position and Bledstud could use another young weapon like Witten.
7) Keith Newman, OLB, UFA, MIN - Even though Cato June, Julian Peterson and Will Witherspoon are all superior OLB available this offseason, I think this guy is worth taking a look at. Newman showed flashes of brilliance early in his career in buffalo, but then it seemed he hit a wall in the 02 season and was released. He might not be a full time starter, but is a great situational pass rusher.
8) Joe Nedney, K, UFA, SF - My first choices would obviously be Adam Vinateri or Mike Vanderjagt. But both will likely come with a high price tag if not retained by their respective teams. Nedney is a guy who has seemed pretty consistent the last few seasons, especially since the 49ers need all the points they can get! But his biggest criticism has been his accuracy from kicks 45+ yards. So the question is, do you rely on him to make a 48 yard field goal to win or tie a game if Bledstud and the offense does their part?
