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DREW BLEDSOE
QB - Cowboys
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Comments from Brian Rollo - 7/19
FANTASY UPSIDE
Bledsoe’s first year in Dallas proved that he is still a viable fantasy quarterback. His 23 passing touchdowns and 3639 passing yards both ranked 8th in the NFL. The addition of Terrell Owens to the Cowboys’ offense should enable Bledsoe to improve on those numbers in 2006.
How much improvement can be expected? Consider the effect that Owens’ addition to the Eagles’ offense in 2004 had on Donovan McNabb’s statistics. Without Owens in 2003 McNabb threw for 3216 yards and 16 touchdowns. With Owens in 2004 McNabb threw for 3875 yards and 31 touchdowns. Owens’ presence meant an extra 15 touchdown passes and 659 yards for McNabb.
Let’s also not forget about the Cowboys’ other receivers. Resurgent wide receiver Terry Glenn and two-time Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten will give Bledsoe plenty of options, and the running back combo of Julius Jones and Marion Barber III should keep defenses respecting the running game.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
Bledsoe will generally play up to or down to his level of protection, and the Cowboys have questions at every position on the offensive line. Things could get ugly if the offensive line cannot establish a consistent running game and the overall protection scheme cannot give Bledsoe time to find his receivers.
Of course, we all know Owens’ relationships eventually soured with his previous quarterbacks Jeff Garcia and McNabb. There is the possibility that Bledsoe’s relationship with Owens could deteriorate in a similar manner, and that such possible hostilities could affect Bledsoe’s statistics.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Bledsoe will improve markedly on last year’s performance. He may not equal the 15 touchdown, 659 yard improvement that McNabb had in 2004, but half of that increase would vault Bledsoe to the 30 touchdowns and 4000 passing yards range. Bledsoe should be drafted well above his current ADP.
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Comments from Stan Feldman - 7/19
FANTASY UPSIDE
Drew Bledsoe experienced a renaissance of sorts last season, his first with the Dallas Cowboys. Playing once again under Coach Bill Parcells, Bledsoe threw for 3639 yards and 23 touchdowns while completing over 60% of his passes, good enough to finish as 4for4's 5th-ranked QB. Last season, Dallas had an excellent aerial attack led by WR Terry Glenn, since-departed WR Keyshawn Johnson, and TE Jason Witten.
Normally, the loss of a receiver such as Johnson would be cause for concern, but the Cowboys made the biggest move of the offseason by acquiring WR Terrell Owens from division rival Philadelphia. Not only is Owens an upgrade over the aging Johnson, but also the addition of Owens gives the Cowboys one of the best receiving combinations in the NFL when paired with Glenn. Third-year WR Patrick Crayton is no slouch either. This is one of the league's most dynamic passing offenses.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
Bledsoe, 34, is one of the oldest starting QBs in the NFL. He has never been a mobile QB, and his notorious tendency to hold the ball too long could be compounded this year by Dallas's questionable offensive line. Bledsoe was sacked 3 or more times in 10 games last year, which does not bode well for his aging body. He also threw 17 interceptions and fumbled 9 times (losing 4 of them).
MY BOTTOM LINE
Bledsoe should once again be one of the top-5 fantasy QBs. He will throw interceptions, but any QB who completes over 60% of nearly 500 passes is going to throw plenty of touchdowns as well. Parcells leaned heavily on Bledsoe last year largely because the Cowboys struggled to run the football, which could very likely happen again this season. Besides, Parcells didn't sign T.O. so he could watch RB Julius Jones fall down every three yards. Bledsoe's ADP is 90, which is well below his projected value. In a fantasy draft, it is generally beneficial to take a wait-and-see approach with QBs not named Peyton Manning, but Bledsoe is certainly in a better situation than the likes of Drew Brees, Jake Plummer, Marc Bulger, and even Eli Manning, all of whom are being taken ahead of him. Consider him a good value after the 5th round and a steal after the 7th.
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What Next?
Be sure to check out the following...
a)
Full Impact Draft Simulator
b)
Full Impact Customized Cheat Sheets
c)
Ultimate Cheat Sheets
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