Yesterday I took a look at a few different players you needed to take a watch during the first full day of the 2012 NFL Preseason. One of them was Julio Jones, who dominated to the tune of six receptions for 109 yards and a score.
Today's article is going to take a look at a few players you must look long at in Friday's preseason action when drawing conclusions about your big board entering fantasy football draft season.
Jermaine Gresham, Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals
You would expect this former first-round pick to excel with Andy Dalton at quarterback in the Bengals offensive scheme. This didn't exactly happen in 2011 as Gresham compiled less than 600 yards and six scores in his second NFL season.
Fantasy owners who are high on the former Oklahoma product, hopes this changes a great deal in 2012. He has the talent and seems to be playing in a scheme that utilizes that talent a great deal. In short, Gresham could be an under-the-radar TE1 on your team this season.
LaMichael James, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
The inclusion of James in this article is more about possible waiver-wire pickups down the road. He won't be an instant impact performer as a rookie with the 49ers due to their plethora of talent in the backfield.
Instead, you can expect James to hit that proverbial home-run at times in 2012. We all know how much a 70-yard rushing touchdown helps out on occasion in fantasy football. This is what James is going to provide should you make the decision to pick him up later in the year.
Dexter McCluster, Running Back/Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs
It doesn't matter where McCluster is on the depth chart. He will be playing both running back and wide receiver for the Chief in 2012. This should mean that the talented young player is a perfect fit for your flex starting spot. Of course it makes some sense to go with a starting RB or WR there, but McCluster could provide a nice combination for you.
He recorded nearly 1,000 total yards of offense for Kansas City in 2011. Improved play from Matt Cassel and the Chiefs offensive line could help him build on those numbers this season.
Doug Martin, Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There is little doubt that Martin is going to be the Buccaneers starting running back as a rookie. The Boise State product has a chance to be a dynamic player in Tampa Bay's offense, especially with their great offensive line.
I can easily envision Martin going for 1,500 total yards and double-digit scores. This puts him smack dab in the middle of the RB1 conversation. It should be interesting to see how he performs against what promises to be a much improved Miami Dolphins defense.
Brandon Weeden, Quarterback, Cleveland Browns
No, I am not expecting you to look at Weeden as a QB1 or even a backup for that matter. Instead, his inclusion on this list is more about dynasty leagues than anything else. Why not take a look at rookie first-round pick that seems to have the physical tools to be a good quarterback?
While it wont have an impact in terms of standard leagues, Weeden could end up being a tremendous steal long-term. I am also interested to see how he performs with both Greg Little and Josh Gordon, two youngsters, on the outside.