2012 Team Outlook: Philadelphia
QB Nick Foles, --- - Dynasty Only
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The Eagles spent a day two pick on the 6-foot-5 thrower, but the only QB competition in Philadelphia involves the backup role. More project than finished product, Foles will challenge Mike Kafka, who looked overmatched at times when called in from the bullpen. The drop from Michael Vick to either reserve is steep.
QB Michael Vick, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Buoyed by his electric NFL resurrection, Vick was a draft day favorite last preseason. Ummm, yeah. Finished with 3,303 passing yards and used his legs for more. His interceptions also rose dramatically, scoring runs dropped from nine to one. And he got hit, a lot. Still a top 10 option – though you should invest in a backup – Vick could be a value play if any backlash exceeds reality.
RB Dion Lewis, --- - Fantasy Handcuff
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The 5-foot-7 sparkplug remains LeSean McCoy's backup, though the starter's three-down ability makes it tough for anyone else to receive playing time. Diminutive size could limit touches if ever thrust into starting lineup, but Lewis produced in college, runs with purpose and averaged 4.4 ypc on 23 attempts last season. Draft as McCoy handcuff in later rounds of deep leagues unless offseason arrest proves truly problematic.
RB LeSean McCoy, --- - Stud (low risk)
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Now that's what you call a franchise fantasy running back. The Eagles fed McCoy plenty and the all-purpose threat delivered, generating 100 yards or scoring a touchdown in 15 straight games. Though some offseason talked hinted at lightening his workload, McCoy receptions were actually down last season. The offensive line is suspect, but McCoy is a top 3 option in every format.
RB Bryce Brown, --- - Deep-league Only
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Kansas State product has gone from seventh-round afterthought to training camp sleeper. Brown's roller coaster of a collegiate career included only three carries last season, but the physical style he brings to Eagles backfield is generating intrigue. Monitor situation in case he takes over backup role behind LeSean McCoy, but for now Brown is also behind Dion Lewis.
RB Stanley Havili, --- - Not Draft Worthy
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After spending 2011 on the Eagles practice squad, the former seventh-round pick out of USC enters training camp as the starting fullback. Havili replaces the ineffective Owen Schmitt as the lead blocker for LeSean McCoy. Using Schmitt's seven total touches last season as a guide, Havili has no business being on fantasy rosters.
RB Chris Polk, --- - Low Potential
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Profiling an undrafted free agent with a potentially degenerative shoulder condition might seem odd. The same could be said of Polk sliding out of the draft. The dual threat and physical runner a third-round grade from some analysts after rushing for over 4,000 yards at Washington. If healthy, could beat out seventh-rounder Bryce Brown for a spot behind LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis on the Eagles depth chart.
WR DeSean Jackson, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Jackson's home run receiving style often leads to all or nothing fantasy numbers. The nothing's - or at least the mediocre's - outweighed the all's last season. His stats dropped - yards and scores for the second straight campaign – with no 100-yard receiving games after Week 4. Explosiveness remains and perhaps Jackson's new contract upgrades his motivation and focus.
WR Jason Avant, --- - Deep-league Only
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The steady option within the Eagles receiving corps, Avant set career-highs with 52 receptions for 679 yards. The spot starter will have a couple of strong weeks. Guessing when is the issue. That and finding the end zone only once last season. Look elsewhere for upside, but role should increase following Riley Cooper's injury.
WR Riley Cooper, --- - Deep-league Only
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Update (11-4): Clearly Riley Cooper and Nick Foles have an on-field connection. In the three games started by Foles, Cooper has 15 receptions for 347 yards and four touchdowns. In the other six games, 10-106-1. Seeing as Foles isn't going away barring injury, Cooper is a strong add in most fantasy formats as a WR3.
Profile - This just in: broken collarbone's are not a good thing. How long Cooper is out, unclear, maybe a few weeks, maybe the season. Bummer, since last year he took advantage of a three-game starting gig during the second half of the season by tallying 13 receptions for 240 yards and a touchdown. Offers capable hands and a red zone inviting 6-foot-3 target. Cooper will not receive many looks as a backup, but is worth adding in deep leagues should another starting opportunity pop up. Well, assuming he's actually around.
WR Jeremy Maclin, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Entered 2011 battling a mystery illness. Ended the season leading the Eagles in receptions. Missed three games or likely would have topped 1,000 yards for the first time as a pro. The safer of the Philly starting receivers and yet his skill set pops. Entering camp healthy should boost Maclin's numbers. Strong second fantasy receiver.
WR Marvin McNutt, --- - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
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With DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin manning the start receiver spots and veteran Jason Avant the primary backup, there is not much room for a sleeper candidate to emerge. However, with Riley Cooper's collarbone injury, the door opened just a crack for the speedy McNutt. The sixth-round pick went for 2,861 yards during his days at Iowa and at 6-foot-3 has the size to be the Eagles red zone threat. Probably not draftable in anything but the deepest of leagues, but there's something about this kid that's worth watching.
TE Clay Harbor, NO - Not Draft Worthy
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Caught 13 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown last season though run blocking remains Harbor's primary role. His playing time increased during his second NFL season and the Eagles did not draft a tight end. Would not be surprising to see an uptick in production, but not enough to warrant fantasy attention.
TE Brent Celek, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Nice bounce back campaign for the surprisingly shifty Celek. Finished second in Philly with 62 receptions, posted a career-best 13.1 ypc and capped the season with touchdowns in three consecutive games. Upside lacking compared with top shelf TE options and could drop in the Eagles aerial hierarchy if DeSean Jackson steps up, but a solid low-end TE1 option.
PK Alex Henery, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Last season Henery executed the most accurate campaign by an NFL rookie kicker, drilling 24-of-27 field goals. Turnovers limited his opportunities and fantasy production, but with Michael Vick under center, the explosive offense will move the ball into scoring territory repeatedly. Look for more points from Henrey in 2012.
Philadelphia - Stud (low risk)
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Sacks came at a dizzying rate for the Eagles. With 50, they finished tied for most in the NFL. However, pedestrian interception totals and suspect tackling hurt the overall product. Former Texan DeMeco Ryans upgrades the lackluster linebacking unit while Nnamdi Asomugha should improve in year two. Tack on DeSean Jackson return skills and there are few better fantasy options to target, though early camp injuries at defensive end should be tracked.