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DAUNTE CULPEPPER
QB - Dolphins
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Comments from Dale Lolley - 7/3
FANTASY UPSIDE
It's a safe bet that Culpepper will be hungry after being brushed aside by
Minnesota. Add in his poor performance last year when he was healthy and
Culpepper should be highly motivated to perform this season. Miami offensive
coordinator Mike Mularkey also did wonders for Kordell Stewart in 2001.
Culpepper has some similar skills as Stewart but is also a much better
passer. Look for a rebound in 2006.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
How much will his severe knee injury limit Culpepper's mobility? He's been
practicing with the Dolphins during the offseason, but sometimes players
come back a little tentative from the type of knee injury Culpepper
suffered. He's also working with a new offense and new receivers. There
could be a bit of a learning curve involved.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Daunte Culpepper was one of the big flops of 2005 and will be undervalued
this season. Is he somebody to consider early in the draft like he was last
season? Certainly not! But he should be good enough this season to be a
solid No. 1 fantasy QB. The Dolphins figure to still be a run-heavy offense,
but Culpepper has better weapons around him this year than he did last
season in Minnesota. There's no reason to think he shouldn't bounce back
strong and have a very solid season.
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Comments from Parker Hillery - 7/3
FANTASY UPSIDE
When he's on top of his game, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better fantasy
quarterback than Daunte Culpepper. He's got size, mobility and a strong arm.
In Miami, he'll have number one receiver Chris Chambers to stretch defenses
downfield and a reliable red zone target in tight end Randy McMichael.
Having talented second-year running back Ronnie Brown in the backfield will
also help keep defenses honest. So far, all the news regarding Culpepper's
rehab has him well ahead of schedule.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
Culpepper had surgery in November to repair three torn ligaments in his
right knee. For most players, the timetable to return to full strength would
be 10 to 12 months. While Culpepper may appear to be ahead of schedule, we
really have yet to see him in "live" action with pads, so don't get too
excited. Even if Culpepper does return in time for the start of the season,
he'll need show better decision-making skills than he did last year before
the injury when he threw 12 interceptions compared to 6 touchdowns (three in
one game) through the first six games of the season.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Keep an eye on Culpepper during training camp and pre-season. If he can
bounce back from his injury, he could easily be a top five fantasy
quarterback this season. Culpepper to Chambers should be one of the most
dangerous combinations in the game. Throw in McMichael for good measure and
Culpepper appears to be worth the risk if he can make it back to field for
the start of the season. But that's a big if.
Special Note from Greg Alan - last year, before camps started, we called out
Larry Johnson as a huge difference maker. We said he's the kind of guy that
could make your team and you need to reach for him. Right now, overall, we're
feeling the same way about Culpepper in 2006. As I learn more from my
contacts in Miami, don't be surprised if Culpepper moves up the 4for4.com
rankings 3 or even 4 more spots. DC is a huge difference maker and could
make your team if all goes well.
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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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