Keeping tabs

With the preseason over, and cuts recently made, there are a lot of faces in new places and expectations are at an all-time high. There are so many surprise cuts and still some anticipation from several general offices around the league. These players have made headlines in some way or another and I will be watching them from here on out, or I'm just excited about their fantasy prospects.

Mike Williams (SEA)--this former Lions-bust is being given another chance to shine in Seattle. With his former coach Pete Carroll now the head coach of the Seahawks, and #1 WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh released with final cuts, Williams is the clear #1 receiver for this offense. Although this still doesn't tickle me like a Vikings' signing of the aforementioned pre-madonna would, having a guy as the #1 receiver and being able to get him off waivers or late in drafts is excellent value.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh (FA)--I still believe in this man. Who's your mamma is more like who's your team because wherever this guy lands he will have fantasy value. Let's face it, no matter what team he signs with, he can't be in a much worse situation that he was already in. Last year, he had 79 receptions for 911 yards. While this was truly disappointing to those who drafted him expecting elite numbers, that still is not a bad year. If he signs with a decent team, he could be a very productive #3-4 WR. If he signs with the Vikings, watch out.

Keiland Williams (WAS)--the Redskins cut both speedy Willie Parker and Shanahan's project Ryan Torain, leaving Keiland as the #3 RB, behind 2 veterans who are both injury prone. He is a rookie out of LSU, and if Portis and/or Larry Johnson get injured or are unproductive, this guy could see his chance to make a fantasy impact.

Jabar Gaffney (DEN)--Josh McDaniels loves to throw the football. Kyle Orton had a decent year last year with Brandon Marshall in town, and even as the latter leaves to Dolphinland, this team is going to throw the ball--not to mention their backfield is in shambles to say the least. The 3 guys on this team that have the potential to be the top WR threat are Eddie Royal, Demaryius Thomas, and Gaffney. Gaffney has emerged has Orton's favorite target, and Thomas' injury should well delay his outbreak. Gaffney isn't being drafted until the latest of rounds, and the value their is through the roof. He will be a solid and consistent #3 WR (which is rare) throughout the season, and the vet will help many owners toward championship success.

Greg Camarillo (MIN)--the Vikings cut old-timer Javon Walker, leaving Camarillo as the clear-cut #3, slot WR. I expect him to quickly become Favre's favorite target, and I see him catching at least 60 passes this year. For a guy off of waivers, that's great. What's even better is Percy Harvin's spontaneous injury status, and for those games where Harvin is unable to play or is limited, Camarillo has excellent value. I watched their 3rd preseason game, and Favre was targeting Camarillo early and often, when he was on the field (it was his first week with the team). He is underrated as a receiver in general, plus he is a Favre-type player. Pick him up or draft him late.

Leon Washington (SEA)--the Seahawks also cut RB Julius Jones. This leaves Forsett and Washington for the backfield. While many are predicting Forsett as a sleeper and jumping on him in drafts, I have only heard rave reviews for Washington. He has claimed the top spot on the depth chart, and while he will never be a feature-back, he should get plenty of chances to make plays in a committee situation. Basically, I see Forsett and Washington as having the same value, yet Forsett is being drafted as high as the 5-6 round while Washington is left in the debris. One man's trash is another man's treasure.