Once Again Shanahan Holds the Keys for Redskins Fantasy Success

“Does the number 10 stand for the 10th rd?”

With a new franchise QB and some new toys at his disposal, the Redskins offense should be new and improved in 2012. But will that translate to improved fantasy success?

Talent is there at the skill positions, but this team is still void of any game-changing players that you find at the top of fantasy drafts (which is why you more than likely won’t find the first Redskin off the board until at least the 4th round).

Add in the Shanahan factor to muck up the RB situation and one could easily argue, like in years past, that the Redskins are a fantasy situation to avoid if you can on draft day.

Though most drafts are at least a month away, I thought I’d preview which Skins are being drafted today and where. Then I thought I’d add in my 2 cents on where I think they should be getting drafted.

So much can and will change in a months time, but nonetheless here it is:

QBs
Robert Griffin, III
Currently Being Drafted: 8th round
Right After: Matt Ryan (ATL)
Right Before: Jay Cutler (CHI)

I think that’s: Too Early!

Though RG3 seems to be a near ideal fit in a Shanahan offense where a mobile quarterback could thrive, I wouldn’t draft the rookie over veterans like Cutler, Schaub or even Carson Palmer.

If you’re in a keeper or dynasty league, obviously that changes things- and I’d definitely take him over fellow top draft pick Andrew Luck. Is a Cam-like rookie fantasy season possible for RG3? Sure it is. But a fantasy pick is all about risk vs. reward- especially in the middle rounds of a draft. There’s obvious potential reward taking him, but I’d feel a lot better with some of the other, more established guys- especially if you waited on a QB and were planning on drafting him as a QB1.

Not Currently Being Drafted:

If you draft either Rex Grossman or Kirk Cousins at any point in any one of your fantasy drafts, call me. I want in that league.

RBs
Roy Helu
Currently Being Drafted: 6th round
Right After: Willis McGahee (DEN)
Right Before: Beanie Wells (AZ)

I think that’s: Too Late!

Shanahan has certainly earned his reputation as a fantasy RB killer. But, as we all know, his running backs also produce. The problem is the complete inability to trust him from week to week. But considering how shallow RB is this year in fantasy, I’d definitely be taking a chance on a guy like Helu earlier than the 6th rd.

I was talking to a friend of mine who’s an Eagles fan this morning and he said he likes Helu’s upside but wouldn’t draft him where he’s going in most leagues because of the risks – and he put all the blame on Shanahan. It’s certainly a common feeling around the country.

I like Helu’s chances to emerge as the most productive back in what should be an improved offense in 2012. I think he could be knocking at the door of 1,500 total yards and 10 td’s- giving him much better than 6th round value.

Tim Hightower
Currently Being Drafted: 11th round
Right After: Jacquizz Rogers (ATL)
Right Before: Isaiah Pead (STL)

I think that’s…Too Late!

Now I don’t want to come across as a homer here, but let’s not forget that for the nano-second Hightower was healthy last season, he produced. And I’ll revert back yet again to how weak the RB position is in 2012 to say that if you can get a potential starter (obviously doesn’t mean he’ll end up with the most touches, but still) towards the 9th or 10th rounds (a full round or two earlier than he’s going now) of your draft, you do it.

There are other examples, but there may not be a preseason position battle that will be watched more closely for fantasy purposes than the Redskins backfield.  But then again, not like you could trust any decisions made to last very long.

Not Currently Being Drafted:

Evan Royster
Royster looked great late last season and many are raving about his potential. That’s the thing about this backfield- you could take a chance on a guy like Royster in the 15th rd of your draft and be handsomely rewarded by week 6. I say it’s worth a shot.

WRs
Pierre Garcon
Currently Being Drafted: 8th round
Right After: Robert Meachem (SD), Randy Moss (SF)
Right Before: Denarius Moore (OAK), Malcom Floyd (SD)

I think that’s: Too Late!

The Redskins paid Garcon big money in the off-season to come in and make..well..big plays. He’ll immediately become RG3’s top threat- and he was able to prove a few things in Indy last year. First, he can be productive without Peyton Manning (70 catches). He also has big play ability and can produce yards after the catch- both things that the Skins have severly lacked in years past, but can also add up to fantasy goodness.

Is he the kind of play maker and game changer at WR seen elsewhere in the NFC East and around the NFL? No, but I’d be taking him at least a round earlier where guys like Torrey Smith and Eric Decker are going given his projected role on his new team.

Santana Moss
Currently Being Drafted: 10th round
Right After: Greg Little (CLE), Justin Blackmon (JAX)
Right Before: Michael Crabtree (SF), Michael Floyd (AZ)

I think that’s…Just right

Though I say the 10th rd is just right for Santana, I think he could end up being the Redskins version of fantasy sleeper. How much does he have left? Will he play the slot position and thrive there? He comes with questions like many players, but his production history says he’s worth a shot.

Currently Not Being Drafted:

Leonard Hankerson, Josh Morgan
If healthy, Hankerson has WR3 with upside written all over him. He could be the chain-moving, across the middle guy opposite deep threat Garcon. But his health is a big concern- and, for now at least, I’d use a wait and see approach and keep him as someone to target quickly off the wire if he proves that his hip is healed.

TEs
Fred Davis
Currently Being Drafted: 7th round
Right After: Jason Witten (DAL)
Right Before: Jacob Tamme (DEN)

I think that’s…Just right

Sleepy was actually on pace for 1,000 yards receiving last year before the marijuana came calling and he got suspended. And speaking of suspension- one more slip up and he’s done for the year.

I think the 7th round or so is a perfect place for a guy who has the talent (and the maturity) to either kill your team or set you up for the playoffs. He should be drafted as a TE1, but have a good backup at the ready.

Currently Not Being Drafted:

Chris Cooley
Not worth a draft pick, but I’m interested to see what kind of role he carves out this season- particularly if injury or suspension comes for Mr. Davis.

Tags: Redskins, RG3, RGIII, Robert Griffin III, Roy Helu, Slider

Category: Blogs, Home, Redskins