AFC Central
8/3/01
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A complete, up-to-date, in camp look at all the NFL sleepers - just
in time for pre-season.
AFC CENTRAL
Baltimore Ravens
Travis Taylor has the size and speed to become a great NFL receiver.
At 6'1, 203 pounds, Taylor excels at separating himself from defenders.
Although he is most effective in intermediate, pass routes, the
former Gator can still beat defenders deep. In the red zone, his
hands and leaping ability make him a constant threat. Taylor had
a great off-season, improving his strength, route running, and concentration
level. His performance in mini-camps, and now training camp, has
been exceptional.
In 2000, a collarbone injury cut short his season. This year, he
gets every opportunity to take Quadry Ismail's job. The acquisition
of Elvis Grbac should help Taylor develop into the receiving threat
the Ravens need to compliment Shannon Sharpe, and prevent defenses
from keying on the ground game.
Super Sleeper: Chris Redman is a strong,
accurate quarterback, who is the heir apparent to the Raven quarterback
job. As a 1999 senior at Louisville, Redman threw for 3,647 yards
and completed 65 percent of his passes. He finished his Cardinal
career as Division I's leader in attempts and completions.
When will he get his chance? The moment Elvis fails to deliver a
championship. The emergence of Redman is the reason Brad Johnson
didn't sign the Ravens' larger contract offer, and instead chose
Tampa Bay.
Cleveland Browns
James Jackson doesn't excel at anything. He just does everything
very well. Jackson has the size (5'10, 210 pounds), vision, speed,
and hands to be a quality, NFL back. Although injuries hampered
him as a senior at Miami, he still ran for 995 yards. At times,
he looked phenomenal. At other times, he seemed to disappear. The
obvious advantage for Jackson is playing for his former Hurricane
coach, Butch Davis. The release of Errict Rhett should tell you
all you need to know. Jackson will start at halfback.
Although Jackson is Cleveland's best fantasy bet, and could be a
major sleeper . . . temper your enthusiasm. The Browns ranked 30th
in rushing last season, due in great part to a terrible, offensive
line. With the signing of Ross Verba and Tre Johnson, the line should
improve. It better. The Browns' 2001 schedule gave up an average
of 102.7 rushing yards per game last season. That would be the 9th
best rushing defense in football, or the equivalent of playing a
better rushing defense than Tampa Bay every week. Ouch.
Super Sleeper: Watch Quincy Morgan.
The 6'1, 209 pound Kansas St. receiver has the physical tools to
prosper in the NFL. He needs time to refine his route running and
must become consistent. Too often Morgan makes an incredible catch,
and follows it by dropping a routine reception (a la Plaxico Burress).
That aside, his impressive performance in camp has vaulted him into
a starting role. Recent injuries to Dennis Northcutt and Jujuan
Dawson have sealed it. If Morgan can improve his concentration,
he could surprise, especially if Tim Couch stays healthy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Hollis averaged 9.5 points per game in 2000. He nailed 10 of
12 kicks over forty yards. If he'd played in all 16 games, he would
have scored 152 points. Unfortunately, he missed 5 games. The good
news for 2001 is Hollis is healthy, and he should be a solid fantasy
kicker.
Super Sleeper: Caribbean export Elvis
Joseph has become the leading contender to backup the oft-injured
Taylor. The un-drafted, 6'1, 217 pound, running back from Southern
University has looked impressive in Jaguar camp. Joseph is an excellent
receiver, solid return man, and has good size and speed. Since Taylor
and the Titanic are sure bets to always go down, Joseph is an intriguing
player.
Randall Williams also bears watching. The 6'3, 219 pound receiver
from perennial, NCAA powerhouse New Hampshire, has the size and
potential to be a great receiver. Before you pencil him in behind
Sean Dawkins on the Jaguar depth chart, Williams has limited football
experience (20 catches in college, but 7 went for touchdowns). If
he can make the Jaguar roster, he could be a name worth remembering
down the line.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are hoping either second year receiver Plaxico Burress
recovers from a wrist injury that turned last season into a nightmare
or the Jets finally call about making that Pennington-for-Burress
deal rumored to happen on draft day 2000. At 6'6, 229 pounds, Burress'
possesses the size and skills to be great. However, a poor work
ethic and inconsistent play have always been the knock against him.
Cincinnati Bungles
The Bungles are going through their annual motions of arising from
the dead. We native Ohioans know better.
» AFC
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