Bottom of the Barrel
By Editorial Staff
Brent Celek was one of Kevin Kolb’s favorite targets while he was starting in Philadelphia. In Arizona, Kolb will be throwing to Heap. While it seems like Heap has fallen quite a bit since his Pro Bowl days, his last 2 seasons have been decent, going for at least 500 yards and catching at least 5 touchdowns in seasons hampered by injuries. Heap was often one of the best, if not the best receiving threat that Ravens’ opponents had to worry about. In Arizona, the presence of Larry Fitzgerald may help him get open more often and potentially re-emerge as a viable fantasy tight end.
Roy Williams is coming off of what can only be described as 3 terribly disappointing seasons in Dallas. Many are surely saying that Williams is washed up, that he’s done, and that Chicago is crazy for signing him. However, it does make some sense. At 6-3, Williams will be the big target Jay Cutler has never had in Chicago. He will be able to go up and get Cutler’s sometimes wild throws, and should see the majority of red zone targets. As well, it can’t be forgotten that Williams had his 3 best seasons playing in the Mike Martz offense in Detroit (including 2006, where he went for over 1300 yards and 7 touchdowns). He knows the complicated system, and may shine in what is a very ideal situation for him.
Bruce Gradkowski, Cincinnati Bengals
Don’t worry, I’m not about to advocate drafting Bruce Gradkowski. However, having a veteran option at QB until Andy Dalton is ready should be a benefit to Cincinnati’s skill position players. They are still not great options, but having a veteran behind centre should improve the value of guys like Cedric Benson (who himself just resigned with the Bengals) and rookie wide reciever A.J. Green. Gradkowski also heavily targets the tight end position, which I think will help lead to a breakout season by 2nd year tight end Jermaine Gresham.
Matt Hasselbeck, Tennesse Titans
Same story as Gradkowski. Hasselbeck hadn’t played great the last two seasons, but his performance in the playoffs seemed to raise his stock. Hasselbeck will be starting for the Titans, although who knows how long he will be able to hold off Jake Locker. Again, the benefit is for the players around Hasselbeck. Defenses will have to be more honest and won’t be able to swarm Chris Johnson like they would without the threat of a passing game. And speaking of which, Kenny Britt, who showed flashes of brilliance last season, may be able to finally have a great, consistent season with Hasselbeck throwing to him.
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