Preseason games are good for one thing. To evaluate the depth of certain teams and find out how a rookie might fit into the scheme moving forward during the season. In terms of fantasy football, it is pretty much as pointless is it comes.
That being said, there are a few things that we can look for when the Arizona Cardinals take on the New Orleans Saints in Canton later today.
We already know where Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham and Larry Fitzgerald stand heading into 2012. Each will be among the first selected in all major fantasy leagues at their particular positions. This game will afford us the ability to take a look at a couple lesser-known fantasy options.
So, let's take a gander at some.
Mark Ingram, RB, Saints
The second-year running back from Alabama was a fantasy dud after being selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. He struggled with injuries and really wasn't a consistent force. Ingram gained more than 60 rushing yards in just two of his eight games in 2011. Moreover, he struggled with injures..Missing a total of six games.
Ingram did provide a spark in the red zone, scoring five touchdowns on just 122 rush attempts for a solid average of one score for every 24 times he touched the ball.
Holding Ingram back is the fact that he is recovering from a minor offseason knee surgery and is a member of a crowded backfield in New Orleans. Ingram, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Chris Ivory all ran the ball at least 75 times last season.
Ingram is definitely not worthy of being a RB1 and come could even make the argument that he isn't going to produce to the levels that suggest a RB2 should. However, I would seriously consider going the RB2 route with Ingram is your able to acquire one of the top running backs in the initial round.
Ryan Williams, RB, Cardinals
Unfortunately for both the Cardinals and Ryan Williams, he missed the entire 2011 season with a knee injury after being selected in the second round that April. Arizona was expecting big things from the former Virginia Tech standout as a complementary guy to Beanie Wells.
Now fully healthy, Williams looks to resurrect a career that got off to an extremely disappointing start. Wells is currently injured and wont take part in today's preseason game, giving Williams an opportunity to earn his stripes.
In fact, there is a strong possibility that Williams could be the Cardinals starting running back when September rolls around. Considering their issues at quarterback, whoever gets the majority of the carries for Arizona could be a real steal heading into 2012. My money is on Williams at this point.
Nick Toon, WR, Saints
The Wisconsin product was considered a first-round talent prior to a disastrous 2011 campaign in college. He looked slow off the snap, couldn't get consistent separation down the field and tended to struggle catching the ball fluidly. This caused Toon to fall to the Saints in the fourth round.
The loss of Robert Meachem to the San Diego Chargers in free agency is huge here. It gives Toon an opportunity to earn the No. 4 wide receiver position in a pass happy Saints' offense.
As a waiver wire pickup late in the season, Toon might be able to provide you with something. The most important part about the rookie wide receiver is taking a look at how he performs with ample opportunity in the preseason.
Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals
My No. 1 overall receiver in the 2012 NFL draft, Floyd has everything you look for in a top flight player on the outside. He has the size, speed and hands to be a 1,000 yard receiver out of the gate.
Issues in regards to character and work ethic dogged Floyd at Notre Dame and has continued during training camp with the Cardinals. He opens the preseason as their No. 4 wide receiver, not a role that will make him an impact fantasy player.
Moving forward, it is hard to imagine the Cardinals being able to hold Floyd out of the starting lineup opposite Fitzgerald. It is all up to him at this point.