Five Guys Who Are Staying Fresh (And Five That Aren’t)

With the league in turmoil and players unable to work on their game within the structure of a regular coaching staff, the league is separating itself around those who continue to work as if nothing has changed, those who have made their own personal offseason arrangements, and those who aren’t handling the potential lockout idea with the professionalism they normally would under a fabricated program.

In fantasy football, there are so many factors that contribute to the success of an individual player. The success of one’s team, their happiness in playing time or with contracts, injuries, even weather: all are something to always consider. This year, even more unknowns than usual arose on draft day and after going undercover around the league, I have compiled a list of five guys who you shouldn’t worry about, and five guys you possibly should.

Five Guys you should feel confident drafting.

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints - The guy is one of the classiest in the league and prepares just as hard as the Mannings’ and the Brady's of the world. While he didn’t have the same statistical seasons as years past in 2010, Brees is still the head of the class. Without Sean Payton around, Brees is the unquestioned leader and catalyst behind the Saints workouts. Not only has an astounding number of players shown up, but he is leading the drills as if they haven’t missed a step. There’s no question his preparation and attitude in regards to 2011 is the same as any other season. Only this year, there is a chip on his shoulder.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles - The speedy receiver from Missouri has popped up on a few radar screens thus far. Maclin and several other Eagles players (including Michael Vick) have been training in South Jersey at one of the popular Power Train facilities. Maclin, along with several others, is currently going through rigorous training with a focus on speed and agility. There’s no question one of the leagues fastest receivers will remain in shape. Look for him to have a breakout year in his third season.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs - Here’s a guy who outdid expectations last year in a major way. After struggling through the first few weeks of the season, Bowe went off and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time. Expect much of the same this season. Bowe continues to condition and stay on top of his game and has helped organize workouts at local high schools in Kansas City. Being from the area, I can say that this wasn’t always the case with Bowe but this time around no news is good news. Bowe is ready to become the elite wideout he is capable of being on and off the field and with new rookie Jonathan Baldwin in the mix, defenses aren’t going to be able to solely focus on D-Bowe.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers - This might be my man-crush of the year, much like Arian Foster was last season. It looks as if J-Stew will finally become the feature back in 2011 and even with the possibility of a rookie QB in Cam Newton at the helm, I feel it will only help their running game. The Panthers have been most secretive about their offseason workouts (going as far as to hire cops to keep reporters out) but, by the sounds of it, Stewart is finally looking healthy and is not going into the offseason with known injuries as in year’s past. I look for this to be J-Stew’s breakout campaign.

Santonio Holmes, WR, New York Jets - One of the teams who have been most impressive through all the madness is the New York Jets. Even with the antics, the Jets seem like they have matured over the past couple seasons. We all know they have what it takes and this might be the year Sexy Rexy gets over that hump. The young Mark Sanchez has been an unquestioned leader throughout the offseason in organizing workouts with his ‘Jets West’ for the second straight season and the guy who stands to benefit the most is Santonio Holmes. Holmes was somewhat inconsistent last season as he fought through an injury and a new playbook. Look for that connection to be much better. In 2011, Santonio will be big.

Five Guys to be weary of come draft day.

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers - It’s hard to say exactly what everyone is doing and it’s nearly impossible to keep tabs on it all, but with a new coach, new offense, and a QB who hasn’t lived up to the hype, wouldn’t you want to be working on fixing the problem?

Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals - Here’s one guy where the entire world knows what he’s doing at all times. Whether it’s soccer tryouts or bull-riding, we know one thing: football has not been the focus. Whatever uniform he dawns this year, there are better options.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns - Alright, the dude is a workout warrior and looks more like a linebacker than a running back. Peyton has been working out at ‘Camp Colt’ in Austin this offseason, but he did get tabbed with the Madden Curse. Do you really expect him to put up the same numbers in regards to where he will be drafted? I’m not so sure.

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans - Here’s a case where the no news = good news does not apply. Britt has been front and center this offseason and while a felony charge has recently been dropped, the Titans are a mess altogether. Now comes word that additional warrants are out for his arrest. I have a list of guys I will draft and he’s not on it.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers - There are better players to put here, especially considering Big Ben has had a much more tame offseason than what he has become accustomed to. However, this is his chance to really show his leadership and from the sounds of it the focus isn’t quite there yet. It’s very early and we all know what Big Ben can do, but be cautious.