Top 10 Free Agent Moves for 2008
By Scott Lange
Damien Harrell WR (Chicago Rush)
Biggest mover by FAR this off-season! Harrell simply dropped the "C" from last year's team the Crush and joined the Rush in Chicago. Harrell is the best Offensive Specialist in the AFL, in this writer's opinion. He is an absolute STUD, and an immediate upgrade to the Rush offense. He joins a Rush team that lost All-World Bobby Sippio to the NFL. With new Rush QB Sherdrick Bonner, Harrell should make a return as the top AFL offensive player and make a run at the MVP. Sherdrick is a proven veteran AFL QB and should be in store for a career year. You can expect another 130+ catches, 45+ TDs, and 1700+ yards receiving from this Damien. He should be the first pick in most drafts.
Siaha Burley WR (Arizona Rattlers)
Last year's MVP will move his record setting ways out to the desert. Last season, Burley posted an AFL record 2129 yards receiving. He moves back to Arizona though and could have second year man Lang Campbell throwing him the ball. This is a big drop in QB talent, as Joe Germaine did a solid job last year in Utah getting the ball to Siaha. I see Burley's stats dropping a bit from last year if Lang is at the helm. He's still a solid first round choice and should post respectable numbers as 1600 yards and 35+ TDs is a lock.
Chris Jackson WR (Philadelphia Soul)
WR Chris Jackson had to fight for receptions last year in the Force offense. The Force had studs like Derek Lee and Troy Bergeron to throw to, yet CJax was still second in the league in receptions (145) and yards (1915) to go along with 47 TD catches. CJax could be even more dangerous in Philly this year, with less competition and his old Avenger QB Tony Graziani tossing the rock. Jackson has never had 50 receiving TDs in his AFL career, but don't be surprised if that changes this year. Owners can expect 130+ receptions, 1800 yards and at least 45 TDs this year.
Ben Nelson WR (Colorado Crush)
Meet John Dutton's new main man in Colorado. After two seasons with the Arena Bowl Champion San Jose Sabercats, Nelson will have to step in and replace Damien Harrell, who was lost via free agency. Nelson is no Harrell, but he is a very good AFL receiver with room for improvement. If he can stay healthy, I see no reason why this kid can't put up 40+ TDs - he's that good. He had to fight WR James Roe for receptions in San Jose, but now that he's out in Colorado, he should find it easier to get receptions, yards, and TDs. I expect a big increase in Nelson's numbers so 120+ receptions, 1700 yards, and 40 TDs are very possible.
Derrick Lewis WR (New Orleans VooDoo)
Lewis exploded last year and racked up 139 catches, 1903 yards, and 41 TDs in only his second season in the AFL. He moves over to New Orleans, who should have an explosive offense behind QB Steve Bellisari (who threw for 42 TDs last year in limited action). Lewis has the potential to be a top 5 wide out this year and could be a huge sleeper. People often don't think of Lewis when you mention top 5 WRs, so he could be a real bargain this year on your fantasy team. Target Lewis as a late first rounder. I expect Lewis to duplicate last season's numbers and he could be even more productive as long as Bellasari is the Voodoo's QB.
Sherdrick Bonner QB (Chicago Rush)
Bonner threw for 4000 yards and 83 TDs last year as a Rattler. He had some nice talent around him, but none of them are the caliber of Damien Harrell. Harrell could be the best receiver Bonnor has ever played with, and I fully expect Bonner to throw for at least 95 TDs this year. Along with Harrell, Bonner has some other young and upcoming receivers, most notably Travis LaTendresse, who played for the Las Vegas Gladiators last year and had 900+ yards and 15 TDs in very limited action. With Harrell, LaTendresse, and Rob Mager, Bonner has a solid group to work with and will enjoy his best all-around year as a QB.
Derek Lee WR (Columbus Destroyers)
"Baby Moss" - as he is so often is referred to - will reunite with QB Matt Nagy in Columbus for the 2008 season. Lee struggled staying healthy last year and had his lowest output statistically since joining the AFL. However, if he can stay healthy, he should be able to rebound for a strong season with Nagy throwing him the ball. In Lee's rookie year with Nagy two years ago, Lee took the AFL by storm by catching 113 passes for 1234 yards and 33 TDs. Lee is going to be by far the Destroyers best option on offense, so give him a good chance to exceed his rookie numbers. Lee will be an excellent early 2nd round selection come draft day.
Dan Alexander FB (Chicago Rush)
No team has been more active in the free agent market than the Rush, and they could have signed their most important offensive player in Dan Alexander. Of all the records set in 2007, perhaps the most impressive was Alexander's 41 rushing TDs, shattering the previous record of 26. A strong, pure runner out of Cornhusker Country, Alexander may not match that record this year in what looks like a strong Rush offense, but should get plenty of opportunities near the goal line. 300 yards rushing and 20+ TDs should be in the bag for Big Dan.
Remy Hamilton K (Dallas Desperados)
Now I know what everybody is thinking. Why in the world is there a kicker on this list? Well, Remy is by far the best kicker in the AFL and, despite a big drop in field goals made last season, he did kick over 100 extra points with the Avengers. Now he gets to kick for one of the most explosive offenses in the AFL with Dallas. I expect his field goals and extra points to increase this year with the 'Rados. He's been one of the most consistent kickers in the AFL and he'll also get you double-digit tackles each year. Remy will definitely be the first kicker off the board, and when the owner calls his name on draft day, they won't have to worry about not getting points from their kicker.
Matt D'Orazio QB (Free Agent)
As I write this, news has broken that D'Orazio has been released by the Chicago Rush. D'Orazio had an excellent season last year with the Rush totaling 94 TDs. He ran the Rush offense very well, and you can better believe teams are looking at him. Whatever team he goes to will have upgrade at the QB position. He's a dual threat that can score through the air and on the ground. He will not stay a free agent very long, and I can promise you, you have not heard the last of Matt D'Orazio. (Update: D'Orazio has signed with the Philadelphia Soul as Tony Graziani's backup, and should see playing time.)
Scott Lange is a founding member of Arena Football Online and has been following Arena Football since 2000. Contact Scott at slange@arenafootballonline.com
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