Baylor Passing Attack Means Good Fantasy Value
Where Coach Art Briles goes, fantasy value always follows. It started at Houston, which is still reaping the fantasy benefits of his presence, and is now at Baylor. It has taken a little time for the Bears to win games, but they are now and that has only made Baylor’s fantasy value increase.
The Quarterbacks
Robert Griffin III is a top five quarterback even in leagues using all 120 teams. In BCS only leagues he is right up there with Landry Jones as the best fantasy quarterback in the land. As a sophomore in 2010, Griffin III threw for 3,501 yards and 22 touchdowns and added 635 yards on eight touchdowns on the ground. The offensive line has to replace left tackle Danny Watkins, but the rest of the unit returns intact. With an experienced offensive line, Griffin III should have another huge season. Since Griffin III is such a quality quarterback and you may need to use a first round draft pick on him in most leagues, it would be wise to keep an eye on Nick Florence. The backup quarterback is no Griffin III, but in some leagues you may want to protect your investment just in case Griffin III goes down with an injury.
The Wide Receivers
Just about every college fantasy football owner has had a Baylor wide receiver on their team at one time or another over the last three years. This time around the top option is Kendall Wright. After catching 78 passes for 952 yards and seven touchdowns last season, Wright should be equally adept this season. In fact, he may be looked at more often if Josh Gordon remains suspended. The 6-4 junior caught 42 passes for 714 yards and seven scores a year ago and would be the teams secondary option if, and when, he is eligible. But while Gordon is gone, the rest of the receivers will see increased value. Tevin Reese had a fine freshman campaign and is ready for a breakout sophomore season as a slot receiver. Terrence Williams, a 6-2 junior, will join Gordon on the outside. Williams is not a big play threat as much as Gordon, but he did catch 43 passes last year. Lanear Sampson adds even more depth. While there are a lot of players to choose from, the good news is Griffin III will share the wealth. In 2010 Wright caught 78 passes and Reese, Williams, Gordon and Sampson all caught between 42 and 45 passes.
The Running Backs
Jay Finley is gone after rushing for 1,218 yards and 12 touchdowns. If the Bears had a clear cut number one back this year, there would be plenty of fantasy value at the position. However, it is a four way battle to replace Finley. Jarred Salubi is the most experienced option. Terrance Ganaway, who followed Coach Briles from Houston, rushed for 295 yards and a couple scores last year. Converted wide receiver Isaac Williams has breakaway potential, but will not likely be able to handle too many carries. Martin, a freshman, is the wildcard of the bunch. If anybody can emerge as the top running back, they could be a great fantasy back, but we will have to wait until the Fall to figure out who that back will be.
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