X-Body's Breakouts

Davcat,

You've seen my comments on your guys, now see my picks, by position.

QB - Big Ben. As I went over in the comments section of your post, Davecat, I see Ben as rebounding this year after the appendectomy and motorcycle accident that slowed him last year. Every report I have read about Steelers' camp is that they are committed to enabling Ben to throw more, and to take on more responsibility with the audibles at the line of scrimmage. Ben will continue to have Fast Willie Parker in his backfield to balance the attack, which can really open up the play action game. Hines Ward will be his usual productive self, with Heath Miller and Santonio Holmes stepping up for solid years as well. BigBen, despite the injuries/accidents last year, still did put up 3,500 yards. What hurt him though were his 18 touchdowns to 23 interceptions; look for him to reach 3,700 yards, 24 TD's, and 10 INT's.

Other QB Breakout - Jeff Garcia, TB. Jeff Garcia's ability to energize the Eagles last year and lead them to a division title was eye opening to say the least, especially coming off an atrocious spell in Cleveland. Jon Gruden turned an aging Rich Gannon into a stud, and while I don't think Garcia will reach the same level of success, you can expect to get this guy to get great value, even snagging him off the waiver wire. Garcia's pick leads nicely into my WR breakout of...

WR - Joey Galloway. In the past two seasons, Joey Galloway has finished fifth and fifteenth in fantasy receiving, but it almost always overlooked (except by Davcat, who selected him in our draft on Sunday). Despite his age (35), he will still be able to make significant contributions because he remains the team's prime target. With Garcia bringing some much needed stability to the QB position, I see Galloway approaching his 2005 numbers of 1,287 yards and 10 TDs, but not quite reaching that mark. Look for 1,100 and 8, which will still be a steal no matter what late round you land this guy in.

Other WR breakout - Javon Walker, Denver. Coming off an ACL injury and an offseason move from Green Bay to Denver, Walker did well last year, bringing in 69 balls for 1,000 and 8 TD's. And that was half a season with Jake Plummer, half with Jay Cutler. With an entire offseason and training camp to work on their timing, I love this duo to excel, especially with Travis Henry giving them a solid run game that they've lacked since the Clinton Portis departure.
Roy Williams - In his first three years, he's put up almost 2,500 yards and 23 TD's, and that's with no quarterback, no running game, and no other receiver to take away the double teams. Enter Calvin Johnson, and watch Roy emerge as the class of the NFC. Steve Smith and Terrell Owens will both be chasing 'The Toy'.

RB - Julius Jones. I know Marion Barber scored 16 touchdowns last year. I know Barber will steal 3rd down/short yardage and goal line carries from Jones, but this is this year, not last. Parcells was partial to Barber, but Wade Phillips comes in this year and the playing field has been leveled again. Jones has the tools to be a more productive NFL back, and I think Tony Romo will utilize him more as a receiver. But the most telling sign that Julius will have a breakout year...he's up for a new contract. This is Jones' shot to either prove he can carry the load for Dallas, or any team for that matter, or if he'll be someone who splits time his whole career. I'm guessing he steps up to the tune of 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns. Don't believe Jones can, and will, emerge as the featured back? Read this article.

Other RB breakouts - Travis Henry. Perhaps it's too easy to pick him, based on his 4.5 per carry avg. last year, but this year, in Denver, he could go for 1,500.

Chester Taylor - Thomas Jones was nothing more than a mediocre back when Chicago drafted Cedric Benson, and what did that do to Jones? It lit a fire under his ass. For all the talent that Adrian Peterson has, he's made of glass. An ankle, a collarbone...this guy just couldn't stay on the field, and that was in college. Now, he'll have the Brian Urlachers and Ernie Sims of the NFC North stalking him. I think Peterson's arrival motivates Taylor to at least match his 1,200 yards from last year. Value pick with an upside...don't pass him up as he falls and falls.

TE - Since I've already said I like Big Ben, might as well stick with his TE in Heath Miller. I don't think it's out of the question at all for Miller to almost double his 35 receptions from last year. I like him for 58 receptions, 675 yards, and 8 TD's. Also, really like Randy McMichael paired up with Marc Bulger's arm and the St. Louis offense.

DEF/ST - Kansas City. They have to play in San Diego and Indianapolis, but other than that, this veteran infused defense (Ty Law, Patrick Surtain, Donnie Edwards) has a great looking schedule throughout the year. With emerging youngters Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Jared Allen, expect low scoring games and forced turnovers.