R.I.P. Gene Upshaw

-Christopher Dutra

Gene Upshaw, 63, passed away today at his home in California. He is survived by Terri, his wife, and his sons Eugene Jr., Justin, and Daniel.

Gene was the leader of the NFLPA for nearly 25 years. Before that, many knew him as a prolific offensive lineman during his tenure with the Raiders. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987, and was named to the 1970’s all-decade team.

Our thoughts and prayers from everyone here at RGFFootball.com go out to the Upshaw family.

Source: Associated Press

Third Year Wide Recievers

by, James McPartlin, Senior Vice President- Editor

As rookies the only position that usually has any fantasy potential is the running back position. Thus, if it’s late in the draft and player names are starting to look unfamiliar, start taking rookie running backs. They are usually not starters, but could hold fantasy impact given injury or the dreaded RBBC.

Wide receivers, unlike running backs, get up the the NFL speed in their third year. AFter an adjustment to the NFL and learning a new offensive system, it is much harder for a rookie WR to make an impact, especially if the team already is loaded with stars and role-players.

Marques Colston proved us wrong, completely. Originally slated to work as a TE, his playmaking ability and true speed made him fit to play WR. That year, many fantasy owners were blessed with having Colston giving WR1 production out of the TE slot. Entering the 2008 season, Colston has now matured into a top 5 wide receiver in the NFL.

Here’s a look at Colston and other wide receivers looking to break out in their 3rd year in the NFL:

1. Marques Colston (NO) Doesn’t really qualify as a break out, seeing how he has been the favorite target of Drew Brees since coming into the league. Look for Colston to have another viable fantasy season.
2. Santonio Holmes (PIT) Holmes had a good year last season and it would have been better if it wasn’t for his injury. Pittsburgh will run the ball better in the end zone so I don’t think Holmes will get too many targets there but you have got to love him as a nice tall deep threat for Rothlisberger.
3. Greg Jennings (GB) Jennings is facing a QB change which may or may not affect his fantasy potential. Other than being unsure on Rodgers, Jennings will remain surrounded by good players on a team that should have went and lost the super bowl last year.
4. Brandon Marshall (DEN) Is the last receiver worth drafting the others are watch list prospects. Marshall did receive a suspension and should not be over drafted. If he falls and you can get him at the right value he is worth a mid round selection 4-6th would be a steal.
5. Ben Obomanu (SEA) With all off the Seahawks’ wide receiver issues (Branch and Engram the top two options for Matt Hasslebeck are out on injury and will miss time this season) Obomanu is a nice sleeper especially if Nate Burleson struggles which he has in years passed.
6. Jason Avant (PHI) Is another receiver with a prime opportunity. Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are both out of the Eagles starting lineup on injury. Avant is not a flashy receiver but this is a very good chance for him coming into his third year. If Avant fails to take advantage of this situation look for rookie, speedster DeSean JAckson to do so. I wouldn’t suggest looking down any further on this list the rest of these receivers are going into their third year but have little to no fantasy impact potential.
7. Sinorice Moss (NYG) Fell Behind Steve Smith on the depth chart. Right now Burress, Toomer, and Smith are above Moss so unless an injury occurs Moss will not make any noise.
8. Lance Moore (NO) Is on a pass happy offense but is still too far down on the depth chart. Especially with a healthy Robert Meachem getting a chance to play this year.
9. Demetrius Williams (BAL) Troy Smith temporarily named the starter. Who knows who will end up taking snap in Baltimore. Williams has taken steps backwards after a good rookie season.
10. Derek Hagan (MIA) Actually has sleeper potential. The Dolphins just acquired Chad Pennington and Ted Ginn Jr can’t be the only option for him. Hagan will lineup opposite of Ginn Jr and has an opportunity to start but in a very poor offense. Hagan is higher on the depth chart than the third year receivers ranked above him but Miami was so bad last year through the air and Chad Pennington is not the future of this franchise. Unless Pennington resurrects his career in Miami Hagan will not put up great fantasy numbers.
11. Chad Jackson (NE) Chad who was criticized for not being intelligent enough to grasp the offensive play book finds himself in a position battle with Jabar Gaffney. Jackson has the height and speed advantage over Gaffney however Gaffney has more NFL experience and a good rapport with Quarterback Tom Brady.
12. Jeff Webb (KC)
13. Maurice Stovall (TB)
14. Brad Smith (NYJ)
15. Travis Wilson (CLE)
16. Bennie Brazell (CIN)