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Whether he chooses to leave town or is forced out, almost every NFL veteran has to find a new home at some point in his career. All is not lost, though, as many of these vets have gone on to have great first seasons with their new clubs.
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New Falcons RB Michael Turner
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QB Drew Brees was seen as damaged goods after suffering a major shoulder injury in 2005; all Brees did was go to New Orleans and have the best year of his career. Similarly, everyone was ready to write off RB Jamal Lewis after three subpar seasons following his 2,000-yard ’03 campaign; the Browns took a chance on Lewis and saw him have a very productive 2007. Finally, WR Wes Welker never got much of an opportunity in Miami and was dealt to the Patriots before last season; he went on to catch 112 passes for 1,175 yards and eight TDs in New England.
There are bound to be veterans on new teams who will make a fantasy impact in ’08. Here are the top 10 as voted on by the PFW editorial staff.
10. Texans RB Chris Brown
A former starter and 1,000-yard rusher for the Titans, Brown only could watch as LenDale White passed him on the depth chart last year. Knowing his time in Tennessee was over, Brown moved on this offseason to Houston, where he’s expected to share carries with Ahman Green and rookie Steve Slaton. While not a great situation for Brown on the surface, any injury to Green likely would mean a heavy workload for Brown — and instant fantasy value. He’s not a bad guy to grab in the middle rounds of your draft.
9. Panthers WR D.J. Hackett
Expectations were high for Hackett heading into last season, as he was slated to take on a starting role after a nice ’06. However, the wideout suffered a high ankle sprain in Week One and proceeded to miss 10 games. Seeing a great opportunity in Carolina, Hackett signed with the Panthers in March and will compete with Muhsin Muhammad for the No. 2 WR job. If he wins out, Hackett will be in prime position to make a fantasy splash, as QB Jake Delhomme should be back healthy and WR Steve Smith will continue to draw most of the coverage. Hackett has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and makes for an excellent sleeper pick this year.
8. Titans TE Alge Crumpler
Known for years as one of the best fantasy tight ends and QB Michael Vick’s favorite target, Crumpler saw his numbers drop off in ’07 with Vick spending time in court and not on the field. Leaving Atlanta for Tennessee, the tight end will hope to establish a similar rapport with QB Vince Young and become the top pass catcher in an offense lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver. The Titans got Crumpler on the cheap, and he could prove to be a steal if he can recapture some of his old form. He’s at worst a No. 2 fantasy tight end and could be used as a starter in larger leagues.
7. Raiders WR Javon Walker
While most clubs were afraid to offer a big contract to Walker, who has been plagued by knee problems since tearing his ACL in 2005, Al Davis saw him as worth the gamble and gave him $16 million in guaranteed money to become a Raider. Walker will be expected to be the go-to receiver for first-year starting QB JaMarcus Russell, who has a rocket arm but is very inexperienced. If Russell grasps the offense quickly, Walker could be a productive fantasy wide receiver, provided his balky knee can hold up. Owners who like to roll the dice can pick Walker and hope, but don’t be shocked if injuries sideline him at some point.
6. Browns WR Donté Stallworth
After a somewhat disappointing 2007 in which he was stuck behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker in New England, Stallworth still managed to strike it rich this winter by signing with the Browns, his fourth team in as many seasons. He should step in as the No. 2 wide receiver for one of the league’s best young offenses and will benefit greatly from playing alongside two studs, WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow, who will command the majority of defensive attention. This will give Stallworth myriad opportunities to face one-on-one coverage, which should result in a lot of deep looks from QB Derek Anderson. Stallworth never has had a 1,000-yard season, but he has a good chance at his first in ’08.
5. Rams PK Josh Brown
One of the league’s top long-distance kickers while with Seattle, Brown stayed in the NFC West to play in St. Louis’ kicker-friendly Edward Jones Dome. Brown, who’s never scored fewer than 109 points in a season, should continue to thrive as a Ram, as he’ll get to play 10 games indoors in ’08. In addition to his great range (he’s made 13 field goals of 50-plus yards in five pro seasons), Brown also is dead-on from inside 30 yards, having never missed a kick from that distance. Brown easily is a top-five fantasy placekicker who’s even more valuable in leagues that reward long kicks.
4. Jaguars WR Jerry Porter
Porter’s eight-year tenure in Oakland was rocky at best, as he posted terrific numbers in 2004 and '05 before angering coaches by demanding a trade in ’06 and proceeding to catch one pass that year. Taking the first flight out of town once his contract expired, Porter landed in Jacksonville, where he presumably will become the team’s No. 1 wideout. An explosive big-play talent, he should be a perfect fit for the Jaguars’ offense, which had been lacking a deep threat in recent years. Though they are still a run-first team, the Jags’ success on the ground should leave Porter wide open on play-action passes from accurate QB David Garrard. Porter should be a quality No. 3 fantasy wide receiver.
3. Vikings WR Bernard Berrian
Known strictly as a deep threat early in his career, Berrian proved over the past two years that, when given playing time, he could be a complete receiver. Minnesota offered him the farm in the offseason, and he obviously took it, immediately becoming the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. Playing all his home games indoors should suit the speedy wideout perfectly, and with opponents focusing so much attention on RB Adrian Peterson, Berrian won’t see as much coverage as he did in Chicago. The lack of a proven quarterback is a concern, as Tarvaris Jackson was inconsistent in his first year as a starter and only threw nine TD passes, but Berrian still should be active enough to be a No. 2 or No. 3 fantasy wide receiver.
2. Seahawks RB Julius Jones
As Dallas’ full-time starter the last three seasons, Jones spent much time being compared to backup Marion Barber, whom most viewed as the better running back. Now out of "Big D," Jones won’t have to worry about those comparisons anymore, as he joins a Seahawks franchise that will feature him in the backfield. Seattle certainly can move the ball, and Jones should benefit from the team’s consistent passing attack. Picking up yards won’t be a problem for him, but scoring from near the goal line always has been his Achilles’ heel, prompting the Seahawks to sign bulldozer RB T.J. Duckett, as well. Even with a lack of touchdowns, Jones is a good fantasy option who’s guaranteed touches on a weekly basis.
1. Falcons RB Michael Turner
Our top offensive veteran with a new home in ’08 is Michael Turner, the most coveted free-agent running back this offseason. Stuck behind LaDainian Tomlinson for four years in San Diego, Turner opened eyes with his blazing speed and ability to rip off huge chunks of yardage with every touch (career 5.5 yards per carry). In search of a starting job, Turner signed with Atlanta and will step in as the team’s featured back. He likely will be the focal point of the Falcons’ offense, as new head coach Mike Smith is committed to a power running game. Though Turner is not much of a receiver and will yield some carries to change-of-pace RB Jerious Norwood, “The Burner” should get plenty of action and makes for a solid No. 2 fantasy running back in most leagues.
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