We've just started week two, and the gradual evolution of rosters is underway. There have been 110 transactions to date- 39 since the calendar flipped to September. As each team tries to field the best team it can, there remain some diamonds in the rough. Some will be unearthed from the waiver wire once their value becomes apparent, but others are already rostered, lottery tickets, that if their owner proves faithful, could represent a major upgrade down the road. Some of these players retain sneaky value due to their playing status- returning from a suspension or an injury, while others are contingent upon their spot on the depth chart. Lets name a few lottery tickets, and see how they pan out; We'll redeem their value at the end of the season.
California: TE Gronkowski, WR Gordon, CB Bailey
Gronk was not cheap, getting pulled in the third round- perhaps just a round later than he might have gone were he fully healthy. In fact, he's almost a reverse lottery ticket- He has to deliver major value upon his return to payoff. If he is able to return in the first month and deliver at the elite level he has in the past, he was a good gamble. Otherwise, he's hamstrung his team. Gordon is suspended for two games, and looked lethargic and undisciplined in camp, leading the no-nonsense New York team to cut their tenth round pick. The Swag will capitalize big time if he can segue right into the game plan and produce. Finally, the defending champs have protected Champ Bailey's roster slot as he struggles to get healthy. Bailey is 35 years old, and is no longer an elite cover man- he rated 37th last year. Leadership and intangibles (not fantasy categories) aside, the best CBs on the roster are those already healthy enough to play.
Chicago: WR Edelman, RB Jacobs
The Bipolarbears brought Edelman in as insurance after trading for injury prone Danny Amendola. Typically the lottery is not a good method of insurance, but after two games, it has made Windy City GM Steve Grimes look like a goddamn oracle. Edelman has shown a great rapport, getting plenty of targets, while Amendola is already looking at a lengthy recovery period. Even then, Edelman's value does not seem to be tied to Amendola's health; He's an instant win scratch off win for life. If he stays healthy, he's probably a flex play at worst. Chicago traded in their waiver chip for the third time this season for Brandon Jacobs, in an attempt to address his susceptibilities at RB. With the last waiver number, it was a low risk move with minimal upside. Best case, Jacobs becomes a goal line TD vulture... which could help shore up the position until an upgrade becomes available.
Hill Valley: WR Blackmon
The McFlys are renowned for their roster optimization, and blue chip prospect Justin Blackmon could be a boon at WR when he returns from his knuckleheaded suspension in week 5. After that, it will come down to the offense he is tied to, and his ability to avoid being a complete freaking knucklehead, but if those things don't doom him, he has the skills to be a high upside WR2.
Levee: RB Brown
The Levee didn't plan for Andre Brown to be a lottery ticket, but after breaking his leg, that's what he has become. Utilizing the new IR slot, Brown is eligible to return following the bye, and if he can return to the role he had carved out before his leg caved in, he will be plenty useful. Of course, legs are important for running backs, and two months is enough time for someone else to snap up his job. This one's a coin flip- but because he doesn't take an official roster slot, it's got limited risk attached to it.
Toronto: WR Randle, TE Eifert
Eifert was a big risk in the 12th round, but with the size and skills to be a top flight tight end, is the sort of mid round flyer that can bring vindication. As long as he gets fed targets, he is too skilled to be a bust. The same goes for 14th round pick Reuben Randle, who despite being a little buried on the depth chart, has off the charts potential and plenty of game value even in a limited role (He had over 100 receiving yards week 1.) If he can ascend the chart via injury or otherwise, he could elevate from flex play to WR2 real quick.
NY: RB Bell
Le'von Bell was supposed to be the Finest's #2 RB- until he suffered a mid-foot injury with a fluid timeline, and dreaded whispers of the cursed word...
Lisfranc. The Finest have no decent plan B for the slot, so they either need to believe in Bell's recovery, or flip him off to someone who does. This is a risky bet- the longer they stick with Bell, the lower his perceived value will drop, and when he does return, his effectiveness will be called starkly into question. With the #2 waiver slot, their best bet might be to stick through the recession, and hope to use their waiver selection on another, yet unclear, lottery pick up.
Oakwood: RB LeShoure
Honestly, I am perplexed that they have stuck with LeShoure this long. He was plenty useful last year when he wasn't injured or suspended, but he's been demoted to the point of being a healthy scratch. There are other handcuffs closer to prominence on the wire, and the Drivers stubbornly cling to LeShoure. One thing is for sure: if he comes to fruition, I will look like a humongous idiot. (More than usual.)
Pawnee: WR Allen, TR Thomas, LB Miller
The PJers picked up Orange Julius and he paid immediate divedends with a big week one and bragging rights over yours truly. Where he ultimately grades out at TE is yet to be seen... but he definitely has the talent to be a difference maker. WR Keenan Allen is a rookie who didn't get targeted once in week one. If he can rise to the top of the pecking order, he may provide some juice. But right now there is no obvious potential for production. Finally, their stud LB Von Miller is sidelined until at least week 7 due to suspension- There were rumors he could end up suspended longer, but they seem to have subsided now. Miller is one of the best BIG PLAY LBs in the game, but after two months away from the game, chemistry and synergy issues may come into question. It's a high cost for a sixth round defensive player who will only be eligible to play in six of the LFL's 13 regular season games.
Phoenix: RB Michael, RB Tate
The Uprising, affectionately referred to as the Running Back Carousel of Doom, have Christine Michael at the far end of their bench. He does not have any gameday value right now- it will take an injury to one of the backs higher on the depth chart to make him relevant. Truly a lottery ticket. Ben Tate went undrafted, but looks to have attained a platoon role, making him a reasonable bye week plug and play. Should he ascend to pole position, he setup is as enviable as any in the league. Top tier handcuffs excite no one today, but perhaps in the hypothetical tomorrow...!?
Atlanta: WR Harvin
The Rage had an active preseason, and in reshaping their roster, traded for Percy Harvin, who might have been a second or third round pick if he were healthy. He is not, and his return is indiscernible, but should he come back at a level close to his healthy capabilities, he's a WR2 at worst. There's also the chance he doesn't end up playing at all this season, which is of course known as the "Andrew Bynum on the Sixers."
Silver City: LB Washington
Daryl Washington was a monster for Silver City last year, and so they thought they had a bargain in the 7th round! Of course, Washington had already been suspended for the first four games of the season. He should be one of the best IDPs in the league when he is on the field, but will only play in a maximum of eight LFL regular season games. (Still way better value than Von Miller though.) FC shored up the hole defensive captain hole by selecting veteran safety Ronde Barber, who reminded them that he had already retired. It was the most Silver City thing Silver City could do.
Teamville: WR Thompkins
The Players made a bold move early, bringing Matt Stafford in for Dwayne Bowe; They received Thompkins as a throw in replacement, an undrafted rookie turning heads in camp. From there, his stock soared, making it look like an obvious win for Teamville, but two games in expectations may need to be tempered, as he has looked like a fringe flex option at best. Still, as a throw-in, if he can score two thirds of Dwayne Bowe's season numbers, this will have to be seen as alchemy.
