LaMichael James Scout

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie News

Running Back

Oregon

5-8 194

Draft board overall prospect rank: #124

Draft board overall running back rank: #10

Overall rating: 62 (4^th round)

40 time: 4.37

Game notes: USC/Oregon, Stanford/Oregon, California/Oregon, Oregon/Wisconsin

Positives

· Incredibly fast

· Incredibly explosive

· A threat to score at any time

· Very productive over the last 3 years (2009: 1546 yards and 14 touchdowns on 230 carries, 2010: 1731 yards and 21 touchdowns on 294 carries, 2011: 1805 yards and 18 touchdowns on 247 carries)

· Elusive

· Good vision

· Deadly in the open field

· Good pass catcher (51 catches in 3 years in a run heavy offense)

· A team leader

· Great toughness

· All the intangibles

· Played through injuries

· Return ability

Negatives

· Played in a weird offense

· Undersized (5-8 193)

· Has a history of injury problems

· Not much of a between the tackles runner

· Doesn’t push the pile

· Struggled against elite defenses

· His game relies on defense’s breaking contain

· Won’t carry the load at the next level

· Already has a lot of tread on his tires (771 carries)

· Doesn’t get a lot of yards after contact

· Not a short yardage back

NFL Comparison: Reggie Bush

Bush is a little bigger (6-0 200), but the comparisons are obvious. Both were explosive playmakers for good teams for years in college football. Bush obviously went #2 overall, but that was an obvious mistake in hindsight. I think James will be overdrafted as well, but not nearly as much. I have a 4^th round grade on him and he should come off the board in the 2^nd or 3^rd round.

He has a history of injury problems. He already has a lot of tread on his tires (771 carries). He’s undersized. He doesn’t get a lot of yards after contact and he was pretty inconsistent in his career. He struggled against good defenses that didn’t often break contact and his game is so dependent on defenses breaking down and missing assignments. That doesn’t happen that often in the NFL. He also played in a weird offense in college that won’t translate to the NFL and a lot of his production was as a result of the offense he played in.

I think someone will overdraft him on his production, his name, and his game breaking ability. Like, Bush, he’d be best as part of a tandem, but I do question his ability to stay healthy. It’s also worth noting that Bush rushed for fewer than 4 yards per carry in 3 seasons, something that could happen to James as well, as is evidenced by his struggles against elite defenses.

He’ll probably come off the board in the 2^nd or 3^rd round to a team like San Diego (needs a #2 back behind Ryan Matthews and I’m sure Phillip Rivers wouldn’t mind a Darren Sproles like player on his offense), Cincinnati (needs another back to go with Bernard Scott and BenJarvus Green-Ellis), Tampa Bay (needs a compliment for LeGarrette Blount), and the Jets (needs a compliment for Shonn Greene.

Cowboys

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie News

2010 Record: 6-10

Draft Position: 9

2010 Season Recap: Click Here

Offseason Needs: Click Here

Free Agents/Team Transactions: Click Here

Draft Grades: Click Here

Key Offseason Moves: None

Cowboys Blogger: Jim Keller

2010 Posts

Dallas Cowboys vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Preview, Cowboys/Vikings Preview, Cowboys-Titans Preview, Cowboys Win, Texans/Cowboys Preview, Cowboys/Bears Preview

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Fantasy Experts: Round 6

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie News

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

Round 6 Pick 1

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: WR Hines Ward PIT

Consistency is king here. He may not have the highest ceiling, but I can bank on 8-9 TDs and around 1,000 yards. I had to take a safe WR here after gambling on VJax.

Round 6 Pick 2

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: TE Antonio Gates SD

I really don’t like taking tight ends early, but Antonio Gates provides way too much value at the beginning of Round 6.

Round 6 Pick 3

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: TE Jermichael Finley GB

This kid is getting all the hype this preseason and deservingly so. He’s a huge target inside the red zone and I’m looking for him to top last years numbers.

Round 6 Pick 4

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: TE Jason Witten DAL

Waited for a TE to come back my way and it paid off. Witten did catch less than four passes in any game during 2009, that is amazing consistency week to week. I realize his touchdowns are what drag him down, but I expect those to at least double this season with more attention being paid to Miles Austin.

Round 6 Pick 5

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: RB Ben Tate HOU

I’m going to take Houston’s new starting back here. While it may seem like a bit of a reach, I truly believe he could be a big sleeper this year.

Round 6 Pick 6

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: QB Joe Flacco BAL

I’ve considered him with each of my last two picks and at this point, don’t want to risk him coming off the board before I pick again. With the addition of Anquan Boldin, along with the presence of Ray Rice keeping defenses honest, he has the potential to develop into one of the elite QB in the league this season.

Round 6 Pick 7

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: TE Vernon Davis

I really need Davis here to perform as well as he did in 09. I have had to settle for players in recent picks that I felt were a reach, but based on my draft position, it was necessary.

Round 6 Pick 8

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: WR Johnny Knox CHI

Word out of Bears camp is that Knox is the guy that Mike Martz wants to feature this season. He’s holding off Devin Aromashodu pretty easily right now, and if he’s really going to be the No. 1 in that offense, then I’ll take him as my WR3. It’s risky picking two second year guys in two of my WR slots, but I like both Nicks and Knox a lot this season.

Round 6 Pick 9

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: WR Malcom Floyd SD

After the Chargers cut Chris Chambers, Floyd had 34 catches for 525 yards in 8 games. Stretch that across 16 games and that’s 68 catches for 1050 yards. Add in the fact that Vincent Jackson is suspended for 3 weeks and could hold out until week 7 making Floyd the #1 option in the Chargers’ explosive offense for 3 weeks, and possibly 6 weeks or longer and Floyd might as well have the words “Fantasy Sleeper” stamped across his forehead. At 6-5, he’ll also be one of Philip Rivers’ favorite goal line threats. His ADP is significantly lower than this spot, but in an experts league, I’m not taking any chances with a guy who is a legitimate WR2 and, in my opinion, a lock for 1000 yards.

Round 6 Pick 10

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: WR Santonio Holmes NYJ

A 6th-Round run on Tight Ends, or an impending 4 game suspension doesn’t phase BeastOrBust.com as we select Santonio Holmes at this spot. At this point in the draft it’s all about finding the right value, and landing one of only 8 players to top 1,200 receiving yards in 2009 does just that. Reports from Jets camp have him already labeled as Mark Sanchez’s favorite and most reliable target. Upon his return from suspension he will be playing for a contract in 2011 and should easily exceed the WR3 numbers we drafted him for. We expect he could even move into our WR2 position by seasons end. Say No To Drugs.

Round 6 Pick 11

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: WR Mike Wallace PIT

Mike Wallace is a high upside wide receiver entering the 2010 season. Wallace led the NFL in yards per catch in 2009, and should see increased targets in 2010 following the departure on Santonio Holmes and the increased age of Hines Ward. Wallace is primed for a breakout season in 2010.

Round 6 Pick 12

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: QB Brett Favre MIN

I am not from the camp that believes that Favre’s retirement is for real. With all the weapons he has at his disposal in Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, Visanthe Shiancoe, and Adrian Peterson, Favre should turn in another big year.

2011 NFL Draft Rankings

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie News

Quarterbacks Updated 4/12/11

Running Backs Updated 4/12/11

Fullbacks Updated 4/9/11

Wide Receivers Updated 4/12/11

Tight Ends Updated 4/11/11

Offensive Tackles Updated 4/11/11

Guards Updated 4/11/11

Centers Updated 4/12/11

Defensive Ends Updated 4/11/11

Rush Linebackers Updated 4/9/11

Defensive Tackles Updated 4/12/11

3-4 Defensive Ends Updated 4/11/11

Nose Tackles Updated 3/5/11

Middle Linebackers Updated 4/9/11

Outside Linebackers Updated 4/9/11

Cornerbacks Updated 4/12/11

Safeties Updated 4/12/11

Kickers Updated 4/9/11

Punters Updated 4/9/11

2010

Defensive Ends 2011

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie News

Updated 4/26/11

QB RB FB WR TE OT G C DE RLB DT 3-4 DE NT MLB OLB CB S K P

Scoring System

100 Once in a decade prospect
95-99 Elite talent
90-95 Solid top 10 pick
85-90 Solid first round pick
80-85 Late 1st-early 2nd
75-80 Solid 2nd round pick
70-75 Solid 3rd round pick
65-70 3rd-4th round pick
60-65 4th-5th round pick
55-60 5th round pick
50-55 6th round pick
45-50 7th round pick
40-45 Undrafted, invite to training camp
30-40 Career practice squader
20-30 No NFL future
0-20 No football future

1. Robert Quinn 95 (North Carolina)

2. Cameron Jordan 90 (California)

3. Ryan Kerrigan 90 (Purdue)

4. Justin Houston 88 (Georgia)

5. JJ Watt 87 (Wisconsin)

6. Aldon Smith 87 (Missouri)

7. Brooks Reed 80 (Arizona)

8. Cameron Heyward 80 (Ohio State)

9. Adrian Clayborn 78 (Iowa)

10. Sam Acho 77 (Texas)

11. Da’Quan Bowers 77 (Clemson)

12. Allen Bailey 76 (Miami)

13. Ricky Elmore 74 (Arizona)

14. Christian Ballard 72 (Iowa)

15. Jabaal Sheard 71 (Pittsburgh)

16. Jeremy Beal 67 (Oklahoma)

17. Thomas Keiser 64 (Stanford)

18. Greg Romeus 63 (Pittsburgh)

19. Pernell McPhee 63 (Mississippi State)

20. Cliff Matthews 53 (South Carolina)

21. Rodney Gnat 52 (Louisville)

22. Ugo Chinasa 51 (Oklahoma State)

23. Karl Klug 51 (Iowa)

24. Eddie Jones 49 (Texas)

25. Pierre Allen 46 (Nebraska)

26. Ryan Winterswyk 44 (Boise State)

Fantasy Experts: Round 7

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie News

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

Round 7 Pick 1

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: TE Brent Celek PHI

With essentially a rookie QB under center, Celek is going to be a security blanket for Kolb. I expect a lot of receptions and looks in the red zone.

Round 7 Pick 2

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: QB Jay Cutler CHI

For as bad as Jay Culter performed for the Bears last season, he still turned in a pretty good fantasy season. Mike Martz should be able to turn the Bears offense up another notch, and with Johnny Knox developing into a go to wide receiver, Cutler should be a top ten quarterback once again in 2010. I expect big things from Jay Cutler this season.

Round 7 Pick 3

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: TE Zach Miller OAK

At only 24 years old, Zach Miller is primed for a breakout. In each of his three NFL seasons, his catches and yards have increased. He only has 7 career TD’s and was trying to catch passes from Jamarcus Russel, so he has been somewhat of an unreliable fantasy player. That will change this year. Jason Campbell will help the entire Raiders offense and he should look to the 6’5″ Miller often, especially in the redzone. There are a few very solid TE options still on the board and we could wait another round to grab one, but Miller’s upside has us not wanting to chance it.

Round 7 Pick 4

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: RB Michael Bush OAK

Bush looks like the favorite to win the lead back job in Oakland. He has a career YPC of 4.6 despite running behind a horrible line and playing alongside a horrible quarterback. The Raiders have improved both of those areas this offseason.

Round 7 Pick 5

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: WR Dez Bryant DAL

I should probably go running back here considering Frank Gore always has a risky feel to him and Jamaal Charles might have to watch Thomas Jones score his touchdowns, but I can’t pass on the potential. If I’m going young at WR, I might as well go all out with it. Despite his injury, Dez Bryant is dying to prove his worth and will work like crazy to make it back and make an impact. The Cowboys’ offense provides plenty of opportunity for him to rack up yards, and I think he’ll be a more prominent red zone option than Jason Witten. With Miles Austin garnering most of the attention from defenses, Bryant should find plenty of beatable coverage after he knocks Roy Williams out of a starting role. Plus, and I don’t know if anyone else heard ESPN ramble on about it, he was playing catch in a walking boot at the Hall of Fame game. I’ll take any receiver that can still use his hands while suffering from an ankle injury.

Round 7 Pick 6

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: WR Santana Moss WAS

I wish I could see the McNabb/Moss duo in at least one pre season game before making this pick, but Moss is most likely the guy in Washington.

Round 7 Pick 7

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: WR Terrell Owens CIN

It’s a huge gamble, but with big potential rewards. As my third WR, it’s the perfect place to take the risk. He found a place in an offensive with the potential to put up a lot of points, meaning if he can keep himself in line, he could put up big numbers.

Round 7 Pick 8

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: RB Laurence Maroney NE

Getting a starting RB in the 7th round is a steal. Moroney may not have the best seasons every year, but he has been my solid bye week back for years now.

Round 7 Pick 9

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: WR TJ Houshmandzadeh SEA

Although I was tempted to select a defense, I felt it was best that I select a solid performer with this pick. I do not have grand expectations for TJ, but I know he will be serviceable and who doesn’t love yelling “Who’s Your Mama” on Sunday afternoons?

Round 7 Pick 10

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: RB Justin Forsett SEA

New Seattle Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll, has fallin in love with RB Justin Forsett. Although he might be the No.1 RB for Seattle, he’ll play flex and spot starter for my team.

Round 7 Pick 11

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: RB Arian Foster HOU

Ben Tate is out for the year and Steve Slaton keeps fumbling, so Arian Foster will get all of the carries for the Texans.

Round 7 Pick 12

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: RB CJ Spiller BUF

Fred Jackson is out 4-6 weeks with a hand injury and Marshawn Lynch hurt his ankle during the preseason game. This leaves C.J. Spiller as a steal in the 7th round, as I am getting a starting RB with HUGE upside.