|
PRIEST HOLMES
RB - Chiefs
|
|
|
|
Comments from Tim Ferrell - 6/21
FANTASY UPSIDE
At one point in time Priest Holmes scored 52 TDs in just 30 regular season games. Yes history buffs, in NFL terms it was a long time ago - the 2002 and 2003 seasons. However, I believe if Holmes had 20+ carries in a game this year, he’d still be money. For that matter most starting RBs working behind a line that features Willie Roaf, Casey Wiegmann, Will Shields and Kyle Turley would prosper. Also on the positive side, for now, I continue to hear Holmes says he still wants to play this year.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
KC’s starting RB job belongs to Larry Johnson, not Priest Holmes. Holmes suffered a neck injury last year and he’s way to smart to risk permanent damage just to get a few more carries working as a backup in the NFL. On top of that, team doctors have yet to allow him to participate in any hitting drills. When I read these tealeaves they’re all very bad signs!
MY BOTTOM LINE
At this stage of the game, Quentin Griffin might be a better handcuff for Larry Johnson. Griffin’s running style makes him a decent complement to Johnson and “Q” is much more elusive than the aging Holmes. Even if Holmes sticks with the team, I just don’t see him standing up to the pounding of even 10 carries per game. I believe Holmes would be wise to retire. He has his health and the rest of his life to look forward too. As of mid-June Holmes is getting drafted at about pick #125. I’d rather roll the dice with Marion Barber, Greg Jones or even Ron Dayne at that point in my draft.
|
Comments from Tony Finn - 6/21
FANTASY UPSIDE
Holmes, arguably the most popular fantasy football player of all time has experienced two consecutive injury shortened seasons. Despite his age and limited role the last two years he still showed the lateral movement, the ability to create in open space and the uncanny knack for finding the end zone that made him one of the top running backs in the league during his 10-year NFL career. Holmes was quick to the hit the open hole between the tackles, and few players in the long and storied history of the National Football League did a better job of reading blocks on power sweeps. His patience in finding a northern route and turning what appeared to be a short gain into a ten-yard scamper baffled defensives during his entire Kansas City career.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
Fantasy owners never imagined that Holmes’ career would end after taking a hard hit from San Diego linebacker Shawn Merriman last year, but that’s the likely scenario for Holmes and his brilliant NFL career. A neck injury resulted in doctors advising the Chiefs running back to sit out the second half of the 2005 campaign. The KC football-baton has been passed to the younger, faster and more powerful Larry Johnson. Holmes recently verbalized his desire to play football this season, but looking at Holmes’ glass as half full, is more optimistic than realistic. Holmes has yet to be cleared by doctors for contact drills and has done little training this off-season to stay in shape. Durability is the major issue for Holmes and the primary reason his role would change even if he were permitted to resume playing.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Holmes’ numbers and his ability to stay healthy declined as soon as he surpassed the Mendoza-age-line of 30. Fantasy owners tried to rationalize how Holmes, a player that hadn’t been a featured back until well into his prime, could be an exception to historical trends that provides convincing data showing a decline in production once a running back crosses the 30-something threshold. Johnson is now the featured back in Kansas City and talk of Holmes returning in 2006 is just that, talk. Expect Holmes to be placed on the PUP list before the final roster cuts in September, and then find the injured reserve when his ’unable to perform’ pass is expired. And don’t be surprised if he announces his retirement sometime between today and the end of the 2006-07 season.
|
What Next?
Be sure to check out the following...
a)
Full Impact Draft Simulator
b)
Full Impact Customized Cheat Sheets
c)
Ultimate Cheat Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
