The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have possibly the weakest selection of fantasy prospects in the entire league. Their running game is in shambles and their passing game has been non-existent. On the more optimistic note, they have young players slotted in most of their offensive skill positions and could form a solid core down the line. Still, its slim pickings on the Bucs fantasy offense in 2010.
Kellen Winslow is easily the Buccaneers best fantasy player. Despite being ship[wreck]ed to Tampa Bay last offseason, Winslow still put up impressive numbers for a tight end, finishing with nearly 900 yards receiving and 5 scores. Look for a modestly improving Josh Freeman to keep Winslow's numbers around that mark, with more upside in the TD margin. Still, with the influx of receiving tight ends in NFL offenses, strong production from the tight end position isn't as scarce as it once was.
- Expect: 80 catches, 850-950 yards receiving, and 6-8 TDs
The aforementioned Josh Freeman is a shaky fantasy selection. His rookie campaign was less than stellar, finishing with 186 passing yards per game, a 10:18 TD-INT ratio, and a 54.6% completion percentage. He will see help from his two new receivers, selected early in the 2nd and 4th rounds, but confidence is lacking in his offensive line's pass protection. I'd stay away from Freeman in anything but a deep backup keeper role. Fantasy dividends won't procure until a year or so.
- Expect: 2,800-3,000 passing yards, 15 TDs, and 15 INTs.
The player with the most room to surprise people is rookie Arrelious Benn out of Illinois. Benn is an intriguing size/speed prospect at 6'2" 220lbs with a 4.40 second 40 yard dash. After a successful collegiate career and an impressive combine performance, Benn was selected early in the second round by the Bucs. If Freeman improves upon last season, look for Benn to make an impact early. It might be worth to take a late round flyer on Benn, especially in keeper/dynasty leagues.
- Expect: 45 catches, 700 receiving yards, 4 TDs.
As far as the running game is concerned, don't expect much out of Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams. Ward is an overrated back whose numbers were inflated by a terrific offensive line in New York.
- Expect: 300 yards rushing, 1 rushing TD, 25 receptions, 200 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD.
Cadillac is productive when healthy, but knee issues have curtailed an otherwise promising career. Still, he has more upside than Ward and might be worth a late rounder for a 4th RB.
- Expect: 700 yards rushing, 5 rushing TDs, 30 receptions, 300 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD.
On a much more positive note, Tampa Bay has some solid prospects in IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues. Middle Linebacker, Barrett Ruud has been a consistent monster the past two seasons. He is especially valuable because of his high tackle totals, accruing over 100 solo tackles in each of the past two seasons. He's definitely a solid option at a LB spot.
- Expect: 100 solo tackles, 35 assisted tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 6 passes defended and 1 forced fumble.
The Bucs also have a solid IDP in their secondary with young cornerback, Aqib Talib. Talib gets a respectable number of tackles for the position and has some ball-hawking skills as well, pulling in 9 INTs over the last two seasons. He's an above average option at a DB spot.
- Expect: 50 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 5 INTs, and 12 passes defended.
Great analysis on Winslow, good enough player to warrant those stats with questionable QB play.
ReplyDeleteI also like the call on Ward. Last season fantasy owners were foaming at the mouth for him forgetting, as you said, the stellar offensive line Ward was running behind. I also see Williams stats ending up pretty close to that. Maybe a little higher if his knees hold up but we will have to wait and see on that one.
As far at he IDPs go Rudd is a solid option for a LB (can also be used as a white card for those of you who know what I'm talking about). Talib should continue with his solid production and both INTs and passes defended could go up if QBs continue to throw at him.