Preseason Waivers
By Rich Giorgi
February 26, 2008
With the season fast approaching, we thought we'd give you a look at some guys who could still be floating around your waiver wires prior to the start of the season. Each of these players has a chance to make an impact, some more impact than others, and all are good candidates to replace anyone on your team who got cut, injured, folded, spindled or mutilated during training camp.
Brett Holmes, WR, Georgia
The reports of the demise of the Georgia passing game are highly exaggerated. And with most likely only one Georgia receiver going in your draft (Troy Bergeron), it's time to pick up the other two. Brett Holmes is one of those starters and he's the speedy one. The 5'11", 175 pounder spent a year on the Force practice squad and has developed a rapport with his fellow receivers and has the confidence of his quarterback, the record-setting Chris Greisen. Holmes made some beautiful catches in the team scrimmages and could come up big for your fantasy team in 2008.
Carl Morris, WR, Georgia
The other receiver on the Force is the big one. At 6'3" and 28 pounds, Carl Morris is sure to be the top redzone target for Georgia. Morris played some at the end of 2007, but was stuck behind a pretty good trio of receivers in Chris Jackson, Troy Bergeron and Derek Lee. Morris caught 14 passes for 145 yards and 3 TDs in three games at the end of the season, and without Jackson and Lee, Morris should be able to replicate those stats in half the time. If you have room, pick up Morris and you just might get a Top 30 receiver by year end.
Willie Quinnie, WR, Colorado
How did everyone miss Willie Quinnie? Quinnie escaped our rankings and probably many draft sheets and that was a grave oversight. Quinnie had 72 catches for 845 yards and 14 TDs in 2007, ringing up 32 catches for 387 yards and 5 scores in the first five games. But injury slowed Quinnie down and he didn't return to full strength until Week 12, when he rang up 6 catches for 70 yards and 2 TDs against Columbus. And this was on a team that sported Damian Harrell and Brad Pyatt. Quinnie should get plenty of action in 2008 and is a great pickup for anyone who lost a receiver during training camp.
John Vaughn, K, Orlando
Vaughn won the kicking job in Orlando over veteran Jay Taylor by nailing a 49-yard field goal on the last play of a scrimmage against the Tampa Bay Storm. Vaughn finished his college career at Auburn with a .667 percentage on field goals (30 for 45) and an amazing .992 percentage on extra points (128 of 129). Vaughn should have plenty of chances to show off his accurate leg in Orlando and should be picked up by anyone who owned Taylor.
DeShane Dennis, DB, Dallas
The injury to DS Chris Brown leaves the door open for DeShane Dennis to step into the starting lineup. Dennis had 68 tackles, 20 assists and 2 INTs in 2007, tacking on 1305 return yards for 3 TDs. Although he may not get as many return opportunities with Will Pettis around, Dennis could be in line for an 80 tackle season in the Desperado backfield.
Kevin Nickerson, WR, Arizona
Nickerson is a veteran who switched teams this year from Austin to Arizona. His TDs have been on the decline but his receiving numbers have remained strong, as he averaged 9 catches and 1047 yards in his three years in Austin. Nickerson had a good camp and could open the season as the WR3 for the Rattlers and he's familiar with the quarterback, Lang Campbell. Nickerson should be owned on someone's squad going into 2008.
Ahmad Carroll, DB, Orlando
Ahmad Carroll made the Predators squad and could see some good playing time, since the only other DBs on the roster as aging veterans Kenny McEntyre and Damon Mason, along with rookie Nick Allison. Carroll is a former 1st round draft pick in the NFL (Green Bay) and is a charismatic player. If you need DS2 help, Carroll could be someone you target.
Rob Mager, WR, Chicago
Rob Mager is another receiver who flew under the radar in the preseason due to injuries. However, Mager was activated from Injured Reserve and should be ready for the season opener against San Jose. Last year, Mager had 76 catches for 820 yards and 13 TDs in ten games, playing in the shadow of Bobby Sippio. This year, Mager has another top flight receiver to contend with in Damian Harrell, but he's good enough to be looked at as a WR3 on any fantasy squad.
Odie Armstrong, FB, Orlando
The Predators have announced that Marlon Moye-Moore will play more Jack linebacker this season, leaving the starting fullback position to Odie Armstrong. Armstrong played last year with the Tulsa Talons, helping them to an ArenaCup victory. Armstrong rushed 36 times for 159 yards and 6 TDs, also catching 7 passes for 100 yards and 2 more scores. Orlando is a team that likes to run the ball, so pick up Armstrong if you need a FB.
Jason Willis, WR, New York
Jason Willis played in eight late season games for the Dragons, catching 51 balls for 640 yards and 8 TDs. He ended the season with three straight 100 yard games, scoring three times against the Predators in Week 15. This year, Willis is on a team with three oft-injured players (Damien Groce, Kevin Swayne and Jeremiah Pope) and has a very good chance of easily topping his 2007 stats. Pick up Willis as a WR4 and you might get quite a bargain if any of the other receivers miss time in 2008.
Chas Gessner, WR, Orlando
It was pretty shocking to see Javarus Dudley get cut and not get immediately signed. Before you fret, Dudley very may well be re-signed, but if he is that still only leaves Orlando with four receivers. Gessner would be the 4th, and at 6'5" and 220 pounds he's easily the largest. Gessner was a standout receiver at Brown University and has spent time with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If you're worried about Dudley, it might be time to take a stab at Gessner.
James Jordan, WR, New Orleans
James Jordan was looking at reduced playing time in 2008 until the injury to Derrick Lewis thrust him back into the limelight. Jordan caught 68 passes for 632 yards and 9 TDs in 2007 and should be easily able to surpass those numbers in 2008. He should be the WR2 in what looks to be an exciting offense in New Orleans, so take a chance on Jordan if you have the space.
Other players to consider:
Jerrian James, AZ, WR
Atnaf Harris, AZ, WR
Jamin Elliot, GA, WR
Huey Whittaker, UT, WR
Darius Watts, PHIL, WR
Roc Haith, GR, DS
Monty Montgomery, KC, DS
Keron Henry, NY, WR
Rich Giorgi has been following the Arena Football League since 1999. He is also a member of the Arena Football League Writers Association. Contact Rich at info@arenafootballonline.com
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