Depth Chart Week Drama
Depth chart week in the NFL causes something of a stir, especially when elite talents like Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Bowe are listed as backups because their coaches are trying to send a message. You're probably smart enough to know this, but I just want to make sure: For the most part, the depth charts don't mean a lick. Please, do not downgrade Dwayne Bowe before your fantasy draft. Chiefs coach Todd Haley is well aware that he won't win a game if Devard Darling and Terrance Copper are his starting wideouts.
Still, there are certain instances when a team's depth chart is strongly indicative of how a coaching staff has begun viewing a position battle. Let's take a look at five of those:
Editor's Note: The Rotoworld Fantasy Football Draft Guide is updated daily. Get it, and you will dominate your draft.
Dolphins No. 2 Wide Receiver
Greg Camarillo vs. Davone Bess vs. Patrick Turner
Current Dolphins Depth Chart
Perhaps because he still isn't fully comfortable running on his reconstructed knee in live practice, Camarillo has lost the momentum he gained at non-contact OTAs. Even receivers coach Karl Dorrell would admit Bess is best suited for a slot-type/third receiver role. Bess has hands of gold and is fearless in traffic, but doesn't project as much of a red-zone or vertical threat due to size and speed limitations. However, he's running with the first team in scrimmages and listed ahead of Camarillo at flanker. That means Bess is on track to be an every-down receiver. He'll see plenty of slot work in three-receiver sets when Camarillo enters outside, so the Fins aren't worred about Bess' role. He's an outstanding late-round PPR target, but continue to track this battle.
Vikings No. 2 Wide Receiver
Sidney Rice vs. Percy Harvin vs. Bobby Wade
Current Vikings Depth Chart
Considering how much praise the Vikings have heaped on Harvin, his third-string listing is clearly a formality. But Rice's slotting over Wade, who's started 26 games over the last two seasons to Rice's seven, shows a few things. First, Rice is healthy after knee woes ruined his 2008 season. Second, it looks like the Vikings want him to win the flanker job. Third, it hints that Harvin will spend most of his time in the slot. Harvin passing Wade on the depth chart (he probably already has) is a given. At that point, Harvin will be on the second team and the first receiver off the bench when the Vikes go three wide. Harvin will end up playing more than most "No. 3s" because he's also the Vikings' QB in the Wildcat package, will get carries, and is the first-team kickoff returner. But Rice appears poised to start outside, even if Harvin gets more touches.
Buccaneers No. 1 Running Back
Derrick Ward vs. Earnest Graham
Current Buccaneers Depth Chart
We fully expect Ward to see the most action in this backfield. He is a better threat than Graham to break into the open field and make people miss, much smoother in the passing game, and an absolutely ideal fit for coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski's zone-blocking scheme. The front office also has more money tied up in Ward. But a foot sprain cost him some practice time, and Graham was taking first-team carries even before then. Unless Ward lights up the preseason, Graham is the likely opening-day starter. Many of the coaches have stayed from the Jon Gruden era, and they'll lean to Graham's tenure in the organization. Keep an eye on goal-line carries in exhibition games. It's realistic to think that Ward will emerge as the Maurice Jones-Drew to Graham's Fred Taylor, siphoning all scoring chances and passing-down snaps, even as Graham starts.
Raiders No. 1 Running Back
Justin Fargas vs. Darren McFadden
Current Raiders Depth Chart
Here's another battle in which the "backup" will see fewer touches than the starter. Fargas is still running with the first unit, and just about all signs point to it staying that way into Week 1. The Raiders value his no-nonsense style, selfless attitude, and reliability in blitz pickup. McFadden's second stand-out summer hasn't been enough for the coaches to demote Fargas. Fargas will start, McFadden will rotate in for "explosion" packages, and Michael Bush will see spot duty in power formations. Which brings us to perhaps the biggest issue here: Who gets the goal-line carries? At 6'2/240, Bush is clearly the most imposing option. McFadden was an efficient short-yardage back at Arkansas, but scored just four times on 140 touches as a rookie and the Raiders may want him off goal-line duty to keep him fresh and his yards-per-touch average high. It's hard to imagine getting too excited about McFadden when he won't start or score, but his preseason debut was quite promising.
Cardinals No. 1 Running Back
Chris Wells vs. Tim Hightower
Current Cardinals Depth Chart
The Cards' run blocking is still terrible, but Hightower tightened his grip in this derby by rushing six times for 24 yards in Thursday's preseason opener, just days after being listed first on Arizona's "unofficial" depth chart. Wells is still sidelined by ankle issues, which were also problematic for him at Ohio State. Hightower's game is nearly complete. He's got the pass catching and pass blocking parts down. He can be a powerful runner, has adequate open-field moves, and keeps his feet moving through contact. Hightower just needs to stop dancing behind the line to be a quality starting NFL back. Promisingly, he wasted no steps against Pittsburgh Thursday. It's also worth noting that Hightower looked way better than Rashard Mendenhall.
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Other ongoing position battles have been affected by injury, boosting their relevance. Here's two of them:
Rams No. 2 Wide Receiver
Keenan Burton vs. Laurent Robinson vs. Ronald Curry
Current Rams Depth Chart
Top receiver Donnie Avery's stress fracture will likely sideline him into Week 1, meaning Burton and Robinson will be St. Louis' starting wideouts for the duration of preseason. Robinson is ahead of Burton on this week's depth chart and was running with the first team when the Rams opened camp. He is the clear leader, although Burton impressed with a 33-yard reception in a recent scrimmage and will get plenty of opportunities going forward. Look for both to play two full quarters or more tonight at the Jets. Robinson and Burton will finally be tested by some real corners (Aaron Ross, Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas) after practicing against Tye Hill and company for the last two weeks.
Panthers No. 2 Wide Receiver
Muhsin Muhammad vs. Dwayne Jarrett
Current Panthers Depth Chart
Steve Smith (shoulder) is already back to practice, but don't look for him to suit up for preseason games anytime soon. He's healthy, but it isn't worth the risk. Jarrett will play extensively Monday night at the Giants. He'll need a monster effort to seriously threaten Muhammad's depth chart status, but it isn't out of the question. Muhammad is 36 and the Panthers have noticed improvement from Jarrett on the practice field.
And to wrap up, here are three updates on quarterback competitions around the league:
Vikings No. 1 Quarterback
Tarvaris Jackson vs. Sage Rosenfels
Current Vikings Depth Chart
Jackson is back from his MCL sprain, but continues to wear a knee brace that limits his mobility. Despite their listing as "co-starters" on the intial camp depth chart, Rosenfels was announced as the first-team quarterback for Friday's exhibition opener versus Kansas City. This is a major opportunity for Rosenfels to separate. While rumors swirl that he's been slow to grasp the offense, Sage has seen far more first-team reps than Jackson and stayed healthy, which is key. He's also coach Brad Childress' best option in the vertical passing game. We recommend to check out the first half of Colts-Vikes tonight.
49ers No. 1 Quarterback
Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith
49ers have not released a depth chart
Hill will start San Francisco's preseason opener, even though by all accounts he's been outplayed by Smith since spring practices. Smith is sure to start the Niners' second exhibition. The 49ers will probably wait for their third preseason game to announce a Week 1 starter, but at this point Smith has the slight edge. He's been attacking the defense downfield in camp.
Browns No. 1 Quarterback
Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson
Current Browns Depth Chart
Anderson's recent scrimmage performance left a lot to be desired. Not only was he picked off at the goal line, Anderson threw the football in NT Shaun Rogers' face after a sack. That isn't the kind of behavior any coach wants from a quarterback. He's listed as a "co-starter" with Quinn on the Browns' current depth chart, but Quinn remains the best bet to win out. Still, it will be interesting to see who Eric Mangini picks to start Saturday's exhibition opener against Green Bay.
Depth chart week in the NFL causes something of a stir, especially when elite talents like Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Bowe are listed as backups because their coaches are trying to send a message. You're probably smart enough to know this, but I just want to make sure: For the most part, the depth charts don't mean a lick. Please, do not downgrade Dwayne Bowe before your fantasy draft. Chiefs coach Todd Haley is well aware that he won't win a game if Devard Darling and Terrance Copper are his starting wideouts.
Still, there are certain instances when a team's depth chart is strongly indicative of how a coaching staff has begun viewing a position battle. Let's take a look at five of those:
Editor's Note: The Rotoworld Fantasy Football Draft Guide is updated daily. Get it, and you will dominate your draft.
Dolphins No. 2 Wide Receiver
Greg Camarillo vs. Davone Bess vs. Patrick Turner
Current Dolphins Depth Chart
Perhaps because he still isn't fully comfortable running on his reconstructed knee in live practice, Camarillo has lost the momentum he gained at non-contact OTAs. Even receivers coach Karl Dorrell would admit Bess is best suited for a slot-type/third receiver role. Bess has hands of gold and is fearless in traffic, but doesn't project as much of a red-zone or vertical threat due to size and speed limitations. However, he's running with the first team in scrimmages and listed ahead of Camarillo at flanker. That means Bess is on track to be an every-down receiver. He'll see plenty of slot work in three-receiver sets when Camarillo enters outside, so the Fins aren't worred about Bess' role. He's an outstanding late-round PPR target, but continue to track this battle.
Vikings No. 2 Wide Receiver
Sidney Rice vs. Percy Harvin vs. Bobby Wade
Current Vikings Depth Chart
Considering how much praise the Vikings have heaped on Harvin, his third-string listing is clearly a formality. But Rice's slotting over Wade, who's started 26 games over the last two seasons to Rice's seven, shows a few things. First, Rice is healthy after knee woes ruined his 2008 season. Second, it looks like the Vikings want him to win the flanker job. Third, it hints that Harvin will spend most of his time in the slot. Harvin passing Wade on the depth chart (he probably already has) is a given. At that point, Harvin will be on the second team and the first receiver off the bench when the Vikes go three wide. Harvin will end up playing more than most "No. 3s" because he's also the Vikings' QB in the Wildcat package, will get carries, and is the first-team kickoff returner. But Rice appears poised to start outside, even if Harvin gets more touches.
Buccaneers No. 1 Running Back
Derrick Ward vs. Earnest Graham
Current Buccaneers Depth Chart
We fully expect Ward to see the most action in this backfield. He is a better threat than Graham to break into the open field and make people miss, much smoother in the passing game, and an absolutely ideal fit for coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski's zone-blocking scheme. The front office also has more money tied up in Ward. But a foot sprain cost him some practice time, and Graham was taking first-team carries even before then. Unless Ward lights up the preseason, Graham is the likely opening-day starter. Many of the coaches have stayed from the Jon Gruden era, and they'll lean to Graham's tenure in the organization. Keep an eye on goal-line carries in exhibition games. It's realistic to think that Ward will emerge as the Maurice Jones-Drew to Graham's Fred Taylor, siphoning all scoring chances and passing-down snaps, even as Graham starts.
Raiders No. 1 Running Back
Justin Fargas vs. Darren McFadden
Current Raiders Depth Chart
Here's another battle in which the "backup" will see fewer touches than the starter. Fargas is still running with the first unit, and just about all signs point to it staying that way into Week 1. The Raiders value his no-nonsense style, selfless attitude, and reliability in blitz pickup. McFadden's second stand-out summer hasn't been enough for the coaches to demote Fargas. Fargas will start, McFadden will rotate in for "explosion" packages, and Michael Bush will see spot duty in power formations. Which brings us to perhaps the biggest issue here: Who gets the goal-line carries? At 6'2/240, Bush is clearly the most imposing option. McFadden was an efficient short-yardage back at Arkansas, but scored just four times on 140 touches as a rookie and the Raiders may want him off goal-line duty to keep him fresh and his yards-per-touch average high. It's hard to imagine getting too excited about McFadden when he won't start or score, but his preseason debut was quite promising.
Cardinals No. 1 Running Back
Chris Wells vs. Tim Hightower
Current Cardinals Depth Chart
The Cards' run blocking is still terrible, but Hightower tightened his grip in this derby by rushing six times for 24 yards in Thursday's preseason opener, just days after being listed first on Arizona's "unofficial" depth chart. Wells is still sidelined by ankle issues, which were also problematic for him at Ohio State. Hightower's game is nearly complete. He's got the pass catching and pass blocking parts down. He can be a powerful runner, has adequate open-field moves, and keeps his feet moving through contact. Hightower just needs to stop dancing behind the line to be a quality starting NFL back. Promisingly, he wasted no steps against Pittsburgh Thursday. It's also worth noting that Hightower looked way better than Rashard Mendenhall.
<!--RW-->
Other ongoing position battles have been affected by injury, boosting their relevance. Here's two of them:
Rams No. 2 Wide Receiver
Keenan Burton vs. Laurent Robinson vs. Ronald Curry
Current Rams Depth Chart
Top receiver Donnie Avery's stress fracture will likely sideline him into Week 1, meaning Burton and Robinson will be St. Louis' starting wideouts for the duration of preseason. Robinson is ahead of Burton on this week's depth chart and was running with the first team when the Rams opened camp. He is the clear leader, although Burton impressed with a 33-yard reception in a recent scrimmage and will get plenty of opportunities going forward. Look for both to play two full quarters or more tonight at the Jets. Robinson and Burton will finally be tested by some real corners (Aaron Ross, Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas) after practicing against Tye Hill and company for the last two weeks.
Panthers No. 2 Wide Receiver
Muhsin Muhammad vs. Dwayne Jarrett
Current Panthers Depth Chart
Steve Smith (shoulder) is already back to practice, but don't look for him to suit up for preseason games anytime soon. He's healthy, but it isn't worth the risk. Jarrett will play extensively Monday night at the Giants. He'll need a monster effort to seriously threaten Muhammad's depth chart status, but it isn't out of the question. Muhammad is 36 and the Panthers have noticed improvement from Jarrett on the practice field.
And to wrap up, here are three updates on quarterback competitions around the league:
Vikings No. 1 Quarterback
Tarvaris Jackson vs. Sage Rosenfels
Current Vikings Depth Chart
Jackson is back from his MCL sprain, but continues to wear a knee brace that limits his mobility. Despite their listing as "co-starters" on the intial camp depth chart, Rosenfels was announced as the first-team quarterback for Friday's exhibition opener versus Kansas City. This is a major opportunity for Rosenfels to separate. While rumors swirl that he's been slow to grasp the offense, Sage has seen far more first-team reps than Jackson and stayed healthy, which is key. He's also coach Brad Childress' best option in the vertical passing game. We recommend to check out the first half of Colts-Vikes tonight.
49ers No. 1 Quarterback
Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith
49ers have not released a depth chart
Hill will start San Francisco's preseason opener, even though by all accounts he's been outplayed by Smith since spring practices. Smith is sure to start the Niners' second exhibition. The 49ers will probably wait for their third preseason game to announce a Week 1 starter, but at this point Smith has the slight edge. He's been attacking the defense downfield in camp.
Browns No. 1 Quarterback
Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson
Current Browns Depth Chart
Anderson's recent scrimmage performance left a lot to be desired. Not only was he picked off at the goal line, Anderson threw the football in NT Shaun Rogers' face after a sack. That isn't the kind of behavior any coach wants from a quarterback. He's listed as a "co-starter" with Quinn on the Browns' current depth chart, but Quinn remains the best bet to win out. Still, it will be interesting to see who Eric Mangini picks to start Saturday's exhibition opener against Green Bay.
