10 Players to Watch in 2008

Here is a quick look at 10 under-the-radar type players that could be a key to success for fantasy owners in 2008. This list is broken down by position, but in no particular order otherwise.

NOTE: Stats from Week 16 games are not included.

Quarterbacks

KEVIN KOLB, Philadelphia Eagles – There is a good chance that 2007 will be Donovan McNabb’s last season in Philadelphia. If that is the case, Kolb might start next season in just his second year in the league. The Eagles are very high on Kolb – they selected him out of Houston in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft over more regarded quarterbacks such as John Beck and Trent Edwards. Kolb played in an offense in college that used a lot of shotgun so he might take some time to adjust in the pros, but he has good size and mobility with a strong arm. If you’re in a deep keeper league, Kolb might be worth stashing on your roster to see what happens with Philadelphia’s quarterback situation.

JAMARCUS RUSSELL, Oakland Raiders – Russell took a lot of time to even sign with the Raiders and has sat on the bench for most of his rookie season. He has gotten a chance to play some recently, however, and might even start one of the team’s final two games. Russell, the number one overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, is huge at 6-6, 255 and has a cannon for an arm. Surprisingly, Russell has fairly good mobility for a quarterback of his size so that should help him in the long term future. Daunte Culpepper probably won’t be back with the Raiders next year so Russell should start over Josh McCown or any other veteran quarterback they may bring into camp. As with most young quarterbacks there will be some growing pains, but Russell has the type of skills to be a dominant player.

Running Backs

MICHAEL TURNER, San Diego Chargers (???) – Considered by many to be the best backup in the league at any position, Turner is extremely stocky (5-10, 237) and has great instincts and speed. Turner, who will become an unrestricted free agent, has served as LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup over the last couple of seasons, but clearly has the talent to be a starter in the NFL. The Chargers tried to deal Turner in the off-season but no team was willing to meet their high asking price. Now San Diego will receive just a low compensatory pick if Turner signs with a team at the end of the year so it’s a safe bet he will be a starter somewhere in 2008 and perhaps a second round selection in many fantasy drafts. If you’re in a keeper league and have a chance to grab Turner this season, stop reading and do so now.

CHRIS HENRY, Tennessee Titans – Henry is a physical freak at 5-11, 232 with 4.4 speed. The problem for Henry is that he is still extremely raw, never starting in high school or college. The University of Arizona product has shown some flashes in his first season in the pros, however, scoring a touchdown in back-to-back weeks during the middle of the season while backup Chris Brown was injured. Other than that, it’s been a quiet season for the rookie running back. LenDale White will probably be the starter again next year, but Brown might not be back with the team as he signed just a one-year deal in the spring. Henry should be the primary backup runner in 2008 and with White’s suspect physique and work ethic - Henry might get a chance to play a lot.

JERIOUS NORWOOD, Atlanta Falcons – This year was supposed to be Norwood’s breakout season. Unfortunately, Norwood and the entire team have struggled through a variety of on and off the field issues. To Norwood’s credit, he is one of the fastest players in the league and is a very solid receiver out of the backfield. The problem is that Norwood might not be an every down back, although the Falcons would never know because they have given him 10+ carries in game just three times in his two-year career. It would be surprising if Warrick Dunn had a major role on the team next season so unless Atlanta drafts a running back in April, Norwood will probably be given an opportunity to take on more of the rushing load.

Wide Receivers

SIDNEY RICE, Minnesota Vikings – We’ve discussed Rice a couple of times this year, but in case you missed it - this kid is a player. At just 21 years old, the sky is the limit for the big (6-4, 202) and talented Rice. It is probable that Rice would have been a first round pick if he had stayed for his junior year at South Carolina, but he chose to come out after just two seasons and has made some plays for the Vikings in his rookie campaign. There is a lot to like about Rice other than his size – he’s fast and athletic and has tremendous leaping ability. Perhaps the only thing that could hold Rice back would be shaky quarterback play next year (Tarvaris Jackson), but Rice will still probably be an eighth to 10th round pick next year in many fantasy drafts.

ANTHONY GONZALEZ, Indianapolis Colts – Another youngster we’ve hyped up this year, Gonzalez probably does not have as much talent as Sidney Rice, but Gonzalez is a very good player and in a much better situation with the Colts. Marvin Harrison (knee) has been hurt most of the year and could be on the decline anyway so Gonzalez has gotten a chance to shine and has been a beast in three of the last four games with a pair of 100-yard games and three touchdowns. Gonzalez might not start next year, but he’ll be one of the league’s best third receivers at worst. 2009 is the probable breakout season for Gonzalez, but he’s still someone to keep a keen eye on, especially in keeper/dynasty leagues.

BRAD SMITH, New York Jets – Smith used to play quarterback in college, but the Jets converted him to wide receiver and he’s on the verge of busting out. Smith has ideal size for a receiver at 6-2, 210 and is very quick and elusive. After catching just nine passes in his rookie season, Smith has 27 receptions this year with a pair of touchdowns and has been used on a bunch of gadget plays. The Jets lack many playmakers on offense so look for Smith to be involved even more next year, his third season in the league and a time when receivers usually develop.

JAMES JONES, Green Bay Packers – Jones has shown flashes in his rookie season, but has mainly taken a back seat to Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. The future looks promising for Jones, however. Jones was very productive at San Jose State so he has the confidence and swagger to be a legit playmaker at the wide receiver position. Jones does not have Driver’s experience and is not as fast as Jennings, but he’s fast enough and is terrific after the catch. Brett Favre is at the top of his game and might play a little longer, which is great news for Jones, who should blossom next year in his second season.

JEFF WEBB, Kansas City Chiefs – Webb is what you call a super sleeper. The second-year player has not done much this season as a receiver, catching just 21 passes for 245 yards. It’s not all his fault, though, because the Chiefs’ offensive line has been terrible and they’ve gotten shaky play from their quarterbacks all season. Webb, who has made an impact on special teams with a 20.4 average on kickoff returns, has a big frame at 6-2, 211 and is extremely fast. Aging Eddie Kennison and disappointing Samie Parker have been useless this year so both players might not be back, which would leave the door open for Webb to potentially start across from Dwayne Bowe next season.