Insects Fill Needs in Draft

[Flaxwless]

Winslow and Perry Newest Insects
AP News

Today the Bay Area Bloodsucking Insects have addressed two of their most glaring needs going into the draft: a starting TE and 3rd RB. With the 5th selection the Insects selected TE Kellen Winslow II and followed that pick with RB Chris Perry. Although the team selected players playing the right positions, it is debatable wether they selected the right player available at the position they drafted from.

There is heavy debate among league owners wether the Insects made the right decision by passing on Larry Fitzgerald, the 3rd overall pick in the NFL Draft, and Roy Williams, the 7th overall pick, in favor of Winslow and Perry. Both were considered the two best WRs in a WR rich draft and are expected to become future studs. GM Frank Alonzo commented on Fitzgerald and Roy, "I believe they are the two best WRs in the draft and if I were forced to pick one I would've picked Roy. However, they are WRs and most likely would not have affected the game like Winslow and Perry are going. Maybe in the future but not within the next year. Plus I love the WRs I have now. We needed a starting TE and we got one and you can never have enough RBs." GM Frank Alonzo may be onto something as most rookie WRs do not produce in their first year, in the past 10 years only handful of rookie WRs have broken 1000 yards. However the statistics also don't bode very well for rookie TEs as well.

This is a norm that Alonzo believes Kellen Winslow Jr can change. The University of Miami product holds the school's single season records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns for a TE. He is the son of an Hall of Famer, has freakish athleticism, and great drive. On K2, as Winslow is called, GM Frank Alonzo said, "He'll probably step in and become our starting TE from day 1. He has it all size, speed, strength, route running, hands, and drive. He's going to be a great player and become the #1 TE in the league by the time he is over. No offense to Jolley, but Winslow is our future." One could see how much GM Frank Alonzo values Winslow, but if that was not evident then maybe the fact that the GM selected him at the 5th overall position, making him the highest TE selected in the Frenzy draft, one slot above former Hurricane teammate Jeremy Shockey. Alonzo may not be alone in his position as Matt Marshall of the Philadelphia Freedom said, "Good value here," and Joe Bao of divison rival, Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers said of Winslow, "I love K2. The big 3 is now the big 4. He'll dominate for years to come." Although the reviews for the 1.5 pick may have been positive, those of the 1.6 selection were not as good.

With the 6th pick overall the Insects passed on Larry Fitzgerald and Roy Williams in favor of RB Chris Perry. Perry has not been highly regarded and many feel he will suffer the same fate as other former Wolverine RBs: Anthony Thomas and Tyrone Wheatley. GM Frank Alonzo believes that Perry will be a successful running back stating, "The kid has the total package and because of that he will see time on the field. Not to mention he can catch the ball and has great vision. Those two qualities are what sets him apart from the other RBs. To me his similiar to Stephen Jackson, but he may get more oppourtunity to contribute this year. I'm happy with the pick." The debate though with pick of Perry is because some feel Frank Alonzo may have reached a bit. The Predators GM said, "I knew [Frank] wanted a RB with the 1.6 but damn! I never thought [he] would take Perry so high." Matt of the Freedom was also suprised in seeing Perry picked this high.

Unfortunatley that is not the only discussion held about the Insect's choice at the 6th pick. Many believed the Insects, a team who traded all their draft picks in 2004 and 2005 and Brian Westbrook for the 6th pick, could have and should have traded down to acquire Perry. Jacob Atz of the Wonder Mutts told the press, "I had no interest in Perry with my picks. I even offered him a last minute deal to let me move up, which with a chance at Roy I'm sure I would have given way more than I should of... and Frank still likely gets Perry at 1.8." He then shrugged, smiled, and added, "Oh well... thanks for not answering that inquiry Frank!" The missed oppourtunity to acquire extra picks is something the Insects could possibly not have passed up, but Frank Alonzo disagrees. "First let me get this out of the picture. When Jake contacted me he offered the 1.9, when I saw that I was not interested. I was afraid he would nab Perry with the 8th pick. Second, I don't think we missed that big of an oppourtunity. He had no 2nd round picks this year and the only players I would be interested in from his roster are Chris Brown and Quinten Griffin. I doubt he would let either go. To me a 2nd round pick in 2005 would not be enough to make me risk losing Perry." As always hindsight is 20/20 so we should give Frank Alonzo the benefit of the doubt.

Overall it seems that the Insects have built their team to win this year and the future. The acquisition of Winslow solidifies their TE position and Perry is RB depth that is needed to compete for a championship year in and year out. Asked about his outlook Frank Alonzo said this, "I like how our team is shaping up. We have great players and they're all young. We know Steve is a great leader and QB, so he'll be able to get these young guys to play hard. We have a Top 10 QB, two Top 5 RBs, a solid group of young WRs, a superstar TE in waiting, and an awesome kicker. We're definatley shooting for the championship." With Winslow expected to start and Perry or Fargas headed to the active squad, the Insect's cap space will be tight, so Frank commented on future moves, "The team we have now will most likely will be the team that goes into the season. We'll fill the rest of our roster from our DS squad. We'll be looking at a few players in UFA, but we only have so much capspace left. But as of now I'm really happy with our offseason moves. We're shooting for the Championship this year. We want to become the 1st two time champion." He was asked if he'd guarantee it and Frank said, "Yes. This year I guarantee a championship."

Strong answer for a man coming out of a draft being bombarded by questions.

[Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers]

Great read. Perry might have been a reach but trading down is only an option if you have a partner. It takes two to tango. The only questions I have is that you stated you passed on Fitz or Roy because you have a young, solid WR core. To me, that's not a good enough reason to pass on an elite WR propesct. Some NFL scouts have mentioned Fitz as the best WR prospect to come out of college in a long time. In addition, we all know Shanny's eye for talent with RBs. I think Dennis Green has a great eye for offensive talent. He made it known that Fitz was his man from the beginning. You gotta love the confidence Green has in Fitz. I cant see this kid failing. If it makes you feel any better Frank, you wont be the only one regretting passing on Fitz.

[Flaxwless]

Yeah but every year there is a great WR prospect. If Boldin wasn't in ARZ I would've taken Fitz.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Bay Area Bloodsucking Insects

"Yes. This year I guarantee a championship."

Oh... I get it... you just are making the guarantee THIS YEAR... but you're not actually saying you'll be THIS YEAR'S CHAMPION. Of course you wouldn't say that!?!? Right? Tell me that was just talking "smack"!

Can't wait until this season starts!!! :evilgrin

[Philadelphia Freedom]

Far be it from me to question another man's trade(s) but I have to say with what you gave up I was surprised to see you take Perry. Essentially:

Derby Cars gets:
Brian Westbrook
2004 2.5
2004 3.5
2004 3rd Round Comp
2004 4.5
2005 1st Rounder
2005 2nd Rounder
2005 3rd Rounder
2005 4th Rounder

Insects get:
Chris Perry

[Nittany Dodgers]

Ouch, gotta agree with Matt on this one. If that is correct, that quite a number of picks/players for Perry. I would think with all that given up, you'd have to go for the home run with Roy or Fitz.

Perry to me is nothing special. He's not a bad pick at this spot if he fills a need, but if you traded all of that for a pick, I think you need to take the best available player. Even if he doesn't fill a need, if he works out, he can be traded for a proven commodity at the need position.

[Flaxwless]

I can see where you guys are coming from, but I like Perry just as much as Stephen Jackson and Julius Jones. Maybe I'm the only one. The only thing keeping people from clamoring all over Perry is Rudi Johnson and he's not even signed yet. But agree it looks like a steep price and it probably is for Perry. Essentially Westbrook, 2005 1st rounder, and two 2nd rounders. Maybe if Westbrook wasn't involved, but I had no problem trading him because he was in the last year of his deal. The 2005 1st will be lower than 1.6 so I see it as trading Westbrook and two low 2nd rounders to move up.

Fitz and Roy are great recievers, but I don't like where any of them landed. Fitz has Boldin to fight with and Roy has Rogers to fend off and for Christ's sakes, Joey Harrington as his QB! If Fitz hand landed in say Oakland, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Buffalo, I would've taken him.



WRs are a dime a dozen. RBs

[Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers]

Sorry Frank, you're trying to justify this trade but your reasoning is questionable. Whether you think you're 1st next year is going to be a late round pick or not, a 1st rounder is incredibly more valuable than a 2nd rounder because of the new RFA compensation packages. Just take a look at Mike's 1.12 vs Matt's 2.1. Look at the dropoff in value and that's comparing the last pick in the regular 1st round to the 1st pick in the 2nd round.

Also, Joey Harrington has been in the league for all of 2 years. I think he gets a bad rap in this "what have you done for me lately" league. Rookie QBs arent allowed to develope like before. They are expected to come in and light it up which is unfair in my opinion. Lets see how he does this year, his 3rd year, in which he has talent surrounding him before passing such harsh judgement.

If you truly believe that Perry is a future stud and that you wanted him all along then its a good trade for you. Personally, I think you gave up way too much and you underestimate the value of the future draft picks you traded away, especially with the new rookie salaries.

But only time will tell...........Good luck.(as a division rival I dont really mean that)

[Nittany Dodgers]

Good points, Frank, but I guess for me it boils down to upside. Fitz' situation might not be the best with Boldin entrenched, but even so, it has been shown many times that a team can put out two productive fantasy receivers. Green himself did it in Minny with Carter/Reed and Carter/Moss. I see no reason why Fitz can't put up good numbers alongside Boldin. Roy's situation is a little more clouded until Harrington shows he's a real NFL QB, I'll grant you that.

Only in the rarest of circumstances do teams produce two good RBs. I see a committee in Cinci this year, or a limited role for Perry at the least. He may take the job in a year or two, but even then I see his ceiling no higher the A-Train, Wheatley, Biakabatuka, Hoard, Bunch, etc etc.

WRs may be a dime a dozen, but blue chippers are still highly valuable.

The one reason why I do like the pick is because 1st round RBs are much less likely to bust than 1st round receivers. In that sense, this is a much safer pick (which of course means Mike won't like it).

[Flaxwless]

Sorry Frank, you're trying to justify this trade but your reasoning is questionable. Whether you think you're 1st next year is going to be a late round pick or not, a 1st rounder is incredibly more valuable than a 2nd rounder because of the new RFA compensation packages. Just take a look at Mike's 1.12 vs Matt's 2.1. Look at the dropoff in value and that's comparing the last pick in the regular 1st round to the 1st pick in the 2nd round.

I know that. That is why I was willing to trade my 2004 and 2005 2nd Round picks and my 3rd and 4th along with my 2005 1st and Brian Westbrook. I was just stating that most likely my 1st rounder next year would be lower than 6th. How low, who knows? But essentially I traded my Two 2nd ROunders and Westbrook, to move up from my 2005 1st rounder into a 2004 6th pick. Not too steep of a price.

I will agree with you with Carter/Reed and Moss/Carter and with Denny Green as coach it could definatley happen, but what can I say. Looking at past drafts, the only WR drafted recently (last 10 years) as 1st WR and in the top 10 to fulfill his top selection was Torry Holt (6th). David Terrell (8th), Peter Warrick (4th), Ike Hillard (7th), Keyshawn Johnson (1st, solid NFL WR hardly fantasy stud), and Michael Westbrook (4th) were all touted as the next great WR and quite frankly none has lived up to that expectation. I'll grant that is not the greatest study, but I guess it just illustrates my point.

Like I said before, WRs are a crapshoot and so is taking Perry, but I'd rather take my chances on an RB over a WR. And just to let you guys know, at least I stay consistent. Look at the 2002 draft, passed on Stallworth and Leile for Portis, granted they were not taken in the Top 10, but who knows.

[Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers]

Brian, how is Williams' situation more clouded than Fitz? You say its because Harrington is unproven but what the heck has Josh McCown proven? I dont really have a strong opinion either way, I just find your reasoning inconsistent. Well only time will settle this debate. Fitz vs Williams will be argued endlessly all summer long! I cant wait for Football season!

Side note: In doing my reasearch for this draft I looked back on the past drafts since '98. I found it interesting the amount of 1st round WR that havent shown squat. But I noticed top 10 WR hit with about a 50% rate(still not that great). I didnt really look at late 1st round RBs. That would be interesting to compare top 10 picked WR vs late 1st round RBs and see which position has a higher chance of suceeding.

[Flaxwless]

That would be a interesting study.

[Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers]

Originally Posted by Bay Area Bloodsucking Insects

I know that. That is why I was willing to trade my 2004 and 2005 2nd Round picks and my 3rd and 4th along with my 2005 1st and Brian Westbrook. I was just stating that most likely my 1st rounder next year would be lower than 6th. How low, who knows? But essentially I traded my Two 2nd ROunders and Westbrook, to move up from my 2005 1st rounder into a 2004 6th pick. Not too steep of a price.

Ahh, I gotcha. I misunderstood what you were comparing. If it makes you feel any better I had Perry as a late late 1st rounder. So you could think of it as trading your two 2nds to gain a late first rounder because I would have passed on him with my picks as well. :p

[Flaxwless]

Haha!

[Nittany Dodgers]

Originally Posted by Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers

Brian, how is Williams' situation more clouded than Fitz? You say its because Harrington is unproven but what the heck has Josh McCown proven? I dont really have a strong opinion either way, I just find your reasoning inconsistent.

This is very true. However, I like Fitz's situation for a number of reasons. First, I have zero faith in Harrington. I think he is the next Couch; a decent QB in the right place who made up for his lack of arm strength with accuracy. I think you can do that in college, but you can't in the NFL. I think Harrington's career will meet a similar fate within a couple of years.

While I know very little of McCown's particular tools, I have more faith in Green to develop them than I do with Mooch. Green has used almost every kind of player at QB (young, old, athletic, immobile, strong arm, weak arm, etc), and gotten fatasy WR production out of them. Yes, he did have Cris Carter almost his whole tenure to do that with, but it just shows me that Green knows how to get the ball to the receivers with what he has. I don't have the same confidence with Mooch.

Lastly, I think Fitz is a superior receiver to Boldin. Yes, Boldin has one year of proven NFL production which gives him the leg up on Fitz (Fitz could still bust). But I think Fitz is more athletic and more talented. Green has no ties to Boldin, he was the previous administrations 2nd round pick. Fitz is his first pick, he's friends with his dad, he was a ball boy for the Vikes and Green said back then he had softer hands than anyone on the team. He's going to do everything in his power to give the guy an environment to succeed in.