AFC West
8/3/01
Email Quentin
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A complete, up-to-date, in camp look at all the NFL sleepers - just
in time for pre-season.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Desmond Clark could be a surprise, fantasy tight end this season.
At 6'3, 255 pounds, Clark is a big target with exceptional receiving
skills. A wide receiver at Wake Forest, Clark has spent the previous
two seasons learning how to block. Last season, Dwayne Carswell
was the Denver starter. This season, Clark will get the nod because
his blocking has finally reached a level where it is no longer a
liability. He has a chance to see consistent playing time, and with
the Bronco offense, that could mean great numbers.
The trio of Clark, Carswell, and Byron Chamberlain combined for
98 receptions at tight end last season. Given that number, Clark
should at least get fifty catches now that Chamberlain is in Minnesota.
Combine that amount with a career, 12.2 yards per catch average,
and Clark should net around 600 yards receiving.
Super Sleeper: Watch Kevin Kasper.
He catches everything thrown his way. At 6'0, 190 pounds, this Hawkeye
rookie snared 82 balls as a Big Ten senior, and is Iowa's all-time
reception leader. While not a burner, Kasper possesses good speed
and an ability to get open. He also is a solid blocker. Kasper has
been so impressive during Bronco workouts, he could be Denver's
third receiver this season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City signed Priest Holmes in an attempt to do away with a
running back by committee. The problem is both Holmes and Tony Richardson
should see plenty of action this year. Holmes has good speed, is
an excellent blocker, and a solid receiver. Ditto Richardson, whose
size should get him substantial playing time in Al Saunder's single-back,
offensive formations. For now, both these backs will fulfill a role
in the Chief offense.
Soon, though, rookie Derrick Blaylock will get the opportunity to
be the explosive halfback Dick Vermeil covets. This sprinter from
Stephen F. Austin has Marshall Faulk's size (5'10), hands, and better
speed. Okay, Blaylock is no Faulk, but if he can add 15-20 pounds
to his 190 pound frame, you see what Vermeil is thinking. If Blaylock
can take the hits, he could eventually take the halfback job.
Also, watch Marvin Minnis. Both Vermeil and wide receivers coach,
Charlie Joiner, love his ability to elude coverage, and make plays.
With Sylvester Morris out for the season, and the never-speedy Derrick
Mayes signed as a replacement, Minnis will get an opportunity to
contribute. Like Blaylock, the question is whether Minnis' 185 pound
frame can take the punishment. If he can, look out.
Super Sleeper: Watch Lawrence Tynes.
This Troy State rookie could unseat Todd Peterson as the Chiefs
kicker. Tynes has a cannon leg, which means long fields goals and
kickoff touch-backs. The incumbent Peterson was only 2-5 in 2000
from beyond the forty-yard line. That, coupled with his short kickoffs,
could mean Tynes, who has been impressive in camp, will get the
nod. If the Chief offense is anywhere near as effective as the Ram
offense, Tynes could be a nice sleeper pick.
Oakland Raiders
In Raiders camp, second year receiver Jerry Porter is learning from
Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, and impressing the coaching staff. The
Raiders believe the versatile, but raw, Porter (6'2, 225 pounds,
4.40 forty) can be a future star. Sebastian Janikowski arrived at
camp in shape and all business. Although Janikowski made news last
season for all the wrong reasons, this season could be his year.
If your league rewards field goal distance, draft Janikowski. The
Polish cannon is armed.
San Diego Chargers
hope LaDainian Tomlinson solves their running back woes. If Tomlinson
can learn to run inside, he could be great. New quarterback Doug
Flutie joins general manager John Butler at Buffalo-west. Flutie
should be a nice mentor for Purdue standout Drew Brees.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle got their quarterback when they acquired Packer Matt Hasselbeck.
By adding North Carolina St. receiver, Koren Robinson, to help 2nd
year man Darrell Jackson, the Seahawks are slowly building an explosive
offense. Both Robinson and Hasselbeck are great talents, who will
be helped by a solid offensive line and running attack. Remember,
Rickey Watters is a free agent next season, which means the talented
Shaun Alexander will finally get his chance to start, just as the
Seahawks enter a new division (with the Rams, Niners, and Cardinals).
This team, and these players, are going to be very good, very soon.
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