The Longhorns have over 50+ players currently active in the NFL. While I'd love to talk about each and every one of them, this article will just mention a few that you may want to keep your eyes on during the 2011 season if you're looking to infuse your fantasy football roster with some orange-blooded alumni.
1. Jamaal Charles, RB (Kansas City)
If you are somehow lucky enough to get your hands on Charles in your fantasy draft, consider yourself lucky. While C.J. and Peterson are nice, solid picks at RB, I would probably consider Jamaal the next best bet, right up there with Arian Foster. I was privileged to be graced by Jamaal's fantasy presence in my 2010 league, and it paid dividends. Charles probably had some of the quietest 1450 yards you'd ever see, just because Foster happened to have his breakout season at the same time. But Charles managed 1467 yards on just 230 carries - an astounding 6.4 yards/carry average. His 1467 yards was just second in the league behind Arian Foster. However, Foster had the luxury of carrying the ball 327 times - 97 more than Charles. If Jamaal had the same number of carries and kept up his 6.4 yards/carry average, he would have totaled 2,090 yards. 2,090!!! Yes, I know, his average may have gone down, but to think he would have had a shot at 2,000 is amazing nonetheless. But, I digress..
2. Jermichael Finley, TE (Green Bay Packers)
Finley looks like a nice pick at TE, particularly if the likes of Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, or Dallas Clark are unavailable. Finley suffered a knee injury early in the 2010 season, and consequently only played in the first five games of the season. He averaged 60 yards/game and pulled in one score before the injury. With his knee healed, Finley now looks poised for a strong season if he remains healthy. And you can always count on Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers to spread the ball around and get everyone involved. With the strong passing attack coming from the Packers, Finley can be expected to contribute on a regular basis.
3. Cedric Benson, RB (Cincinnati Bengals)
In 2010, Benson tallied up 1111 yards and 7 rushing TDs on 321 carries, averaging just 3.5 yards/carry. This was down from 4.2 yards/carry in 2009. Cedric looks to improve in 2011, and Cincinnati will need it. With a new QB taking snaps behind Center, the Bengals will be looking to the run game early and often in hopes of easing the pressure on Andy Dalton, the rookie QB from TCU. I'd look for Cedric as a solid #2 RB, or perhaps #1 in deep leagues.
4. Jordan Shipley, WR (Cincinnati Bengals)
By no means should Shipley be considered a #1 WR on your fantasy board, but in 3 WR formats with 10-team-deep leagues, Shipley should be considered a solid #3 depending on other receivers available. He has more added value in PPR leagues, because he benefits from the potential for more receptions when he lines up in his usual slot position. He had a solid season in his 2010 rookie debut, pulling in 52 receptions totaling 600 yards and 3 scores. And without Ochicinco (and perhaps T.O.), the Bengals may be looking for Shipley to contribute more this season.
Notable others:
- Roy Williams (WR, Chicago Bears): It will be interesting to see if Williams can make an impact with the Chicago Bears. While mostly unused and seemingly unappreciated in Dallas, he will be trying to re-ignite his once-promising career in Chicago.
- Colt McCoy (QB, Cleveland Browns): I think we were all cheering hard for Colt during his rookie season last year, and overall, I think he performed as well as one can expect. Lets hope he has a strong season this year and can help bring the Browns back to prominence.
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