Players to watch in 2007: Part 1

Anyone with even the slightest pulse on the fantasy scene can reel off and name you a couple of obvious players that they will like going into the 2007 NFL season. Here are a few of the not so obvious players that should be considered to have high upside.

Brandon Jones: Has anyone noticed that the Titans have been on fire and that Brandon Jones seems to be Vince Young's go to guy. Entering his third season next year, Jones may blossom along with Young sooner than people realize

Vince Young: He throws funny and didn't play an NFL style offense in college but he seems to get the job done. The Raiders sure as hell wish they could go back in time and take him during draft day. Vince has not even scratched the surface of his potential and has already made many defensive coordinators look real silly. The sky is the limit with him. Maybe he can become what many had hoped for Mike Vick.

Matt Jones: The 6'6 Jones is a red zone target but who will be the QB throwing him the ball? He is fast and he is big but he is also injury prone. A late round pick with solid upside, although the Jaguars have not been a pass first team in a long time so take Jones late if he is there, otherwise you can find someone competent elsewhere.

Brandon Jacobs: If I need to explain why this guy is a top 3 round pick next year then you have no business playing fantasy football.

Mojo Drew: If/When Fragile Fred Taylor is gone from Jacksonville, this late round pick out of UCLA seems to be a Brian Westbrook clone. The biggest question marks that will surround him are whether his small frame can withstand a full pounding while being the primary ball carrier.

Chris Henry: This oft-troubled WR may be one of the best kept secrets in the league. His numbers would have been even better had he not been in trouble with the law earlier in the season. If something should ever happen to the status of T.J or Chad, Henry's value would vault to the top of the rankings. After Chad, Henry has been every bit of a solid deep threat to Carson Palmer. If the Bengal O-line can stay healthy next year expect bigger things to come for Henry.

Greg Jennings: Jennings impressed early on in the season before hurting his ankle. He will be of very little value if Favre does not return so here's hoping good ole number 4 gives it one more whirl.

Cedric Benson: Talk about a player ready to burst at the seams. Cedric cannot wait for Thomas Jones to clean out his locker and hit the road. Much like Larry Johnson being stuck behind Priest Holmes (although not as good as Larry) Cedric is chomping at the bit to prove that he is the real deal. The way the stars line up for Cedric he should get that chance next year. Cedric will be a top target considering his strength of intra-division opponents and the fact that the Bears are a defensive ball control team. He will be a terrific value next year as long as he doesn't not shoot himself in the foot off the field.

Deangelo Williams: Beside a good showing in the Super Bowl a few years ago Deshaun Foster has been a big dissapointment for John Fox and the Panthers. Deangelo deserves a chance to get the show to himself. Whether that will actually happen is another story but I'm willing to bet a few bones that Deangelo gets a shot next year whether due to Foster's inability or Foster's injury history.

Jerious Norwood: Warrick is certainly all but Dunn in a Falcons uniform going into next year. Owner Arthur Blank has had enough of the old regime and will make some changes that will include disposing of Dunn and of Coach Mora. Norwood has blazing speed and should get the chance to show it off.

Vernon Davis: This TE for the 49ers is a stud in the making. Anyone who can come back from breaking his leg and posting quality numbers down the stretch of his rookie season like Vernon has accomplished deserves some recognition going into next year. He will be among the top 7 or so tight ends very quickly and could vault into the top 3 or 4 if things fall into place and the team continues to head in the right direction.

Net Zito

Is Barry the fantasy ace to grab?

The short answer is no. Here are the reasons why. There is no question that Barry Zito has tremendous qualities as a pitcher. First and foremost is the fact that in his career up to date he has rarely missed a start. His youth and consistency in taking the mound every fifth day are among the biggest reasons that he was awarded such a lofty contract. Indeed the move from the AL to the NL will also contribute to a statistical increase as will the friendly lineups of the Padres, Dodgers and Dbacks, all of which he will most surely face more than once throughout the season. There is no denying that Barry may even have the best curveball in the game. All that being said, is Barry Zito the ace that your fantasy staff needs? Sure he is a fine option to round out your pitching staff after you already have an established ace to tote the rock, ie. Chris Carpenter, Jake Peavy. But Barry is no more than a 3rd option at best in a fantasy lineup. While his fantastic curveball allows his pitching arm to stay off the Disabled List, it also prohibits him from ranking among the top strikeout pitchers in the game. Additionally, the price that a fantasy GM will have to pay to obtain this winter's big free agent acquisition will most assuredly rise now that he has received the big dough. To the novice fantasy GM he will look, feel and smell like an ace. His CY Young award will add even more lore to take a chance on him earlier than necessary. Do not make the same mistake that Giants GM Brian Sabean by paying top dollar for Barry. An ace pitcher must provide you with top numbers in every statistical category including strikeouts. His potential to obtain 15 plus wins with that Ginats lineup is also a major question mark. As a 3rd tier option he is great value that cannot be denied, but an ace he is not.

Auction league value range: $10 - $15 (at most)

Snake Draft range: round 6 - 9