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Hanging out with Rotoworld senior NFL editor and PFT scribe Evan Silva two weeks ago got me salivating over fantasy football. That, and I REALLY want to kick Matt Grecco's butt this year!
This is a little primer for those of you who are participating in fantasy drafts this week. I'm focusing on three players that you should consider, especially if you are looking for late-round sleeper picks or keepers.
Mewelde Moore, RB
Donald Brown is the starting back, but it seems clear that Moore has solidified a spot as the No. 2 back. Also, Brown is a terrible pass blocker whereas Moore is quite good. Look for offensive coordinator Bruce Arians to utilize Moore much in the same way he did in Pittsburgh. Maybe more so.
Moore is an excellent third down back, and is efficient in short yardage. He also has good hands, making him ideal as an outlet receiver or a target for screens. While he only has six career rushing touchdowns and seven career passing touchdowns, he might be someone worth keeping an eye on if you have one of your runningbacks get hurt. Moore is productive, and if Andrew Luck begins to trust him, his numbers could go up.
Austin Collie, WR
Collie has been hampered over the last two years with injuries, specifically concussions. However, early camp reports tell us he is healthy and he has developed great chemistry with Luck. Luck hit Collie on a 23 yard touchdown in the preseason win over the Rams, and, in practices, Collie is a frequent recipient of Luck's passes.
Collie is also starting now, playing on the outside and not in the slot. He might be more productive in this role at this point in his career. Could have a good fantasy year, especially if Luck is as good as advertised.
Dwayne Allen, TE
I get the sense that Coby Fleener will go earlier in most fantasy drafts than Allen, mainly because Fleener was a favorite target of Luck's when the two played together at Stanford. However, don't sleep on Allen. He could have a better year, especially in the touchdown department.
Allen has drawn rave reviews from coaches at camp. He is also more physical than Fleener, and could get open more often down near the goal line. Bruce Arians described Allen as "explosive" when Allen has the ball in his hands. He is definitely worth taking in later rounds.