First Down: Shoddy Roddy, Martin mystique and Lions unleashed…sort of
• The Hot Roddy may soon cool. Atlanta wideout Roddy White, one of the most consistent and durable receivers in fantasy, could undergo a major makeover next season. That is, in his own unselfish words. Though he's hauled in at least 83 receptions, 1,150 yards and six touchdowns in five consecutive seasons, the eighth player in NFL history to accomplish the feat, he expects to become more of a role player within Dirk Koetter's diversified offense. From the Journal-Constitution:
In order for the Falcons' offense to soar under new coordinator Dirk Koetter, Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White figures that he must do less.
"I know that sounds crazy, but we've got other guys out there that can play," White said. "Julio Jones is going to be a big part of the offense this year. Harry Douglas is going to do wonders in the slot. We have to maximize our talent and get the ball in everyone's hands. …"
Under former coordinator Mike Mularkey, who left to become Jacksonville's head coach, the offense leaned heavily on White and running back Michael Turner.
"We switched some things up," White said. "We are doing the things [Koetter] likes to do. He's a smart guy, and he knows what we do best. …"
White said you can expect to see more five-receiver formations from the Falcons under Koetter.
"There will be a lot of wide receivers out there, tight ends and things like that," White said. "We're going to try to get the ball to the backs in the screen game. We are going to try to get it in everybody's hands."
News of Koetter's desire to implement a no-huddle, spread offense combined with White's socialist perspective lends insight into how the Falcons offense may look in 2012. Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers could form a firm 60-40 committee, especially if a zone-blocking scheme is installed. Meanwhile, White, Jones, Douglas and Tony Gonzalez could also share the sugar.
Roddy is a decorated former All-Pro who is a legit consistency king. But based on his perspective above, it's likely his 2011 campaign is unrepeatable. Jones is an outstanding talent who possesses the physicality and speed needed to develop into an elite receiver. Of the pair, he is the more fantasy desirable. Recall last year as a rookie, he bested his tag-team partner in per game average (standard leagues) 11.5 to 11.1.
As for White, he will be one of the more overvalued receivers on draft day. Selected on average around pick No. 28 (WR6), his stock slips, even in PPR formats, in light of the news. On the Noise's cheat sheet A.J. Green (30.3 ADP, WR8), Victor Cruz (33.2, WR11) and even Demaryius Thomas (48.9, WR18) are more coveted.
•
Trent Richardson may be the most buzz-worthy back in fantasy this year, but fellow rook Doug Martin has the highest profit potential.
Late Monday, the first-round pick from Boise State inked a four-year deal with the Bucs. Hours before, he made his OTA debut immediately earning the admiration of Greg Schiano. From the Tampa Tribune:
"He's only done it two days (Monday and Tuesday), but he's done some nice things," Schiano said. "You can see he has good vision. That's one of the things you can't teach. You can teach a lot of things, but for me to see daylight over here when I'm looking over there, that's a gift."
In terms of raw talent, Martin pales in comparison to Richardson, but he's no pushover. His versatility, open-field wiggle, speed around the edge and aforementioned vision are very appealing. He is the consummate three-down back, a mini-Ray Rice, a description Schiano has often attached to the youngster over the past few weeks.
LeGarrette Blount will remain in the mix, but his stone hands and fumbling issues greatly limits his upside within Tampa's offense. At most he'll garner 10-12 carries per game while relinquishing goal-line work to the presumed incumbent.
Going around pick No. 41 in average drafts (RB20), Martin is an outstanding value, particularly in PPR formats. The Bucs, who boast one of the league's stiffest offensive lines, are built to blast. A 55-45 run-pass split would be no shock. Assuming Josh Freeman recovers from a horrific sophomore slump, the pass game should prevent overstacked boxes. Prized free agent acquisition Vincent Jackson, one of the league's finest field stretchers, will also help. Put that together and the former Bronco could buck his way to 1,500 total yards with 8-12 touchdowns. ARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!
• Serve Jahvid Best's brain with a side of bacon. Dude's head is still scrambled. The youngster's defiant attitude shrugging off previous serious head injuries is a major concern. Though he is symptom-free, Lions physicians have yet to clear him for contact, placing his availability for Week 1 in limbo. Even if he does sprint out of the tunnel in early September, he is a monumental risk. At his mid-70s price point, he's a reasonable gamble, but chances are strong he could be a throwaway pick.
Sources close to the team suggest Mikel Leshoure is the Detroit RB to own. Kevin Smith was re-signed during the offseason, but the original plan to feature the ex-Illini as the "thunder" complement will likely be followed. Provided Leshoure, recovering from a nasty Achilles injury, enters training camp at 100-percent, he should rack upwards of 12-15 touches per game. At full strength, he has the between-the-tackles brawn, one-cut burst and versatility to serve the position productively. Really he's an ideal fit for the Lions' zone-blocking scheme. Though keep in mind he could face a two-game suspension for his recent pot-related arrests.
Overall, Leshoure is arguably the finest RB2 upside buys after pick No. 100 (109.8 ADP, RB44). The Lions' superb passing game should create enormous holes. Recall last year, Smith was the 11th-best rusher in per game average tallying a 13.6-point haul, one spot behind Matt Forte. The youngster will surrender some touches on third down, but he's certainly capable of compiling roughly 1,200 yards and 7-9 TDs.
Want to bull rush Brad? Follow him on Twitter @YahooNoise and be sure to check him along with Andy Behrens, Brandon Funston and Scott Pianowski on The Fantasy Freak Show (Now on iTunes) every Friday at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET on Yahoo! Sports Radio
