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BRIAN FINNERAN
WR - Falcons
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Comments from Parker Hillery - 7/4
FANTASY UPSIDE
Finneran was the best fantasy option among Falcons receivers last year despite being listed as the number three guy behind Michael Jenkins and Roddy White for much of the season. Finneran led the group with 50 catches for 611 yards and 2 touchdowns. The 6’5” receiver, however, is a perfect fit for the slot position and gives quarterback Michael Vick a big, reliable target to get the ball to. That’s exactly why the Falcons prevented him from leaving as a free agent this offseason, re-signing the receiver to a new four-year contract.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
While Finneran had the most catches among Atlanta’s receivers, tight end Alge Crumpler actually led the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. The big guy will probably continue to be the top receiving threat in Atlanta as long as Vick is the quarterback. Vick’s inconsistency in the passing game makes any Falcons receiver a risky pick and the team will definitely be looking to get Michael Jenkins and Roddy White (both former first-round picks) more involved in the offense.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Until Vick shows some real consistency as a passer, Finneran’s opportunities are going to be limited. He managed to put up decent numbers last year, but Atlanta keeps drafting receivers in the first round for a reason. Finneran fills the role as the number three guy, but the coaches want to see those younger guys step up and play bigger roles in the passing game. Until that happens, this team will continue to play with a run first mentality. If either White or Jenkins gets injured, Finneran could have a chance to improve on last year’s numbers. If he remains the number three option, expect more of the same.
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Comments from DJ Boyer - 7/4
FANTASY UPSIDE
At 6-5 Brian Finneran has the size the Falcons like to see at the wide receiver position. Michael Vick has the tendency to throw many of his passes high so larger targets are welcomed in the Atlanta offense. Finneran had a resurgence in the passing offense last season leading all Falcon wide receivers with 50 catches and placing only second to tight end Alge Crumpler as far as catches on the team. Finneran knows the system in Atlanta and will be entering his 7th season with the club.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
The Falcons focused on the wide receiver position in the 2004 and 2005 NFL drafts as they spent first round picks at the position in both years. Michael Jenkins and Roddy White both show promise and are talented young receivers. The Falcons showed more and more faith in the youngsters by trying to showcase them in the offense later in the year. During the first 8 games of the year the duo had 23 catches for 343 yards and 1 TD. Over the last 8 games Jenkins and White had 42 catches for 611 yards and 5 TD’s. This is a trend that I expect to continue as Finneran settles into the role as the third wide receiver and third down specialist. Finneran is also 30 years old as compared to Jenkins and White who are both 24 and have more speed.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Finneran is a guy you want to think about drafting because he has plenty of experience and seems to have some chemistry with Michael Vick. In the event that Jenkins or White miss time due to injury than Finneran is a starter who will get you some points. If both stay healthy then Finneran’s production will be limited (non factor in FF). I project Finneran to have about 35 catches and 450-500 yards on the year with 2-3 TD’s. He may be worth some limited spot starts in very large leagues, but in Dynasty leagues his value is much lower because of the youth movement at the position in Atlanta.
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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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