SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT
Thursday's supplemental draft ended with two players out of a pool of 11 being selected by NFL teams. The San Diego Chargers drafted Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver. They gave up a fourth-round pick in next year's draft for the right to take Oliver. But with starting cornerback Drayton Florence a free agent after this season, the Chargers felt they needed to address their future at this position. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens selected Maryland's Jared Gaither — a 6-foot-9, 325-pound tackle that the Ravens feel could contribute at a high level. Finally, the San Francisco 49ers agreed to a two-year deal with Mark Washington, a linebacker from Texas State. Washington was eligible for the supplemental draft, but had no takers. The 49ers offered him a free agent deal after the fact.
BULGER HOLDOUT UNLIKELY
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger caused a media stir earlier this week when he hinted that a holdout might be possible if he didn't receive a contract extension by the start of training camp. A spokesperson for Bulger later claimed that these comments were "blown out of proportion." The Rams team president Jay Zygmunt took notice, however, and quickly scheduled a meeting with Bulger's agent. After a career-making 2006 in which he threw for 4,301 yards and 24 touchdowns, the Rams' star quarterback is entering the final season of a four-year, $19.1 million contract. Owners have no reason to worry; a holdout is unlikely. In fact, most players tend to perform better in contract seasons when so much money is on the line. The two sides are unlikely to agree on an extension within the foreseeable future, so expect Bulger to start the season strong as he looks to prove his worth.
JOHNSON AND JOHNSON
The Houston Texans signed wide receiver Bethel Johnson to a one-year deal on Monday. Bethel is a four-year veteran, who played with the Minnesota Vikings last season and recorded 156 yards in 11 games. Outside of Andre Johnson, the Texans don't have a reliable receiver heading into 2007. Eric Moulds was second to Johnson with 557 yards and one touchdown last season, but at 34, he is on the downside of his career. The Texans have a host of receivers who will be fighting over the final wide receiver spot, and Bethel Johnson could potentially work his way into the starting lineup with a strong preseason. The Texans need a viable second receiver to help take the pressure off of Andre Johnson and open up the field. Bethel Johnson might get the opportunity. And if he performs well for the Texans, then he is a solid third receiver in deep fantasy leagues.
SMITH STILL REHABBING
Despite multiple assurances from Denver Broncos officials that injured wide receiver Rod Smith would be available at the start of the season, comments made by him in this week's Denver Post cast doubt on that possibility. "They can't set a timetable for me," Smith said. "My body sets the timetable. . . if it's not time, I'm not going out there." Smith sat out of the Broncos minicamps and training sessions this off-season. When he returns, he will be competing for a starting role with Brandon Stokley and Brandon Marshall, who is expected to win the No. 2 starting job. Smith appears to have limited fantasy value and should be held off rosters until his status for the season has been confirmed. After posting 1,000 yards in eight of his last nine seasons, Smith tallied only 512 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games in 2006. If he can return to the Broncos lineup healthy, consider him a low-end third or fourth receiver.
BROWN RETURNS
According to Boston media reports, the Patriots' all-time leading receiver, Troy Brown, will return for a 15th season after agreeing to a one-year deal this week. In 16 games last season, Brown had 43 receptions for 384 yards and four touchdowns. This off-season, the Patriots substantially upgraded their offense with the acquisition of wide receivers Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelley Washington. With the veteran Brown re-joining New England, the Patriots have the deepest receiving corps in the NFL. But that depth will limit Brown's fantasy relevance.
Lamberti is UPDATE! Editor in Chief.
