w49

I'm going to disagree with the consensus so far - actually, I'm new to the board and was thinking about making a Lance Kendricks post when I saw this one. I know somebody already said they don't think Schottenheimer favors the TE, but Dustin Keller led the Jets in targets last year, and nearly did the year before. Rotoworld had a bit in June saying that the Rams website suggested that off season practices indicated that Kendricks would feature "prominently" in the offense. As you mention, Kendricks was a relatively high draft pick (2nd round), so the pedigree is there. When you look at the career stats of almost all of the top TEs, they rarely do too much in their rookie seasons, but blowing up in year two happens. And I think one of the key conditions for blowing up is the pecking order for targets. I'm too lazy to look it up again at the moment, but I think if you look at some of the big seasons Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates have had, they didn't always have much in terms of top WR around them. The Rams obviously don't have a proven #1 option, their offensive coordinator would seem to be in Kendricks' favor now, and at least we know his QB is a talent. The Rams just cut the only other semblance of competition that Kendricks had for TE receptions (Hoomanawanui). Also, if I am not mistaken, through three preseason games, Kendricks was leading the team in receiving, but did not play in the last game. I thought I read somewhere that he didn't practice Monday for unknown reasons, but it seems to me that if he was hurt they probably wouldn't have cut Hoomanawanui. Basically it seems to me that he may actually have more going in his favor than Kyle Rudolph, who has been getting some hype in preseason as a potential #2 target on the Vikings as an every down TE. I've got Kendricks stashed on the bench in one of my twelve team leagues (the other 12 teamer I'm in has fewer bench spots, so I don't have room for him). I really like him as a sleeper.

I think all Shanahan's actions have indicated that he prefers Royster at this point, IF he's healthy. Full disclosure, I drafted Royster in all three of my leagues, probably higher than where most would have taken him (based on this belief), so I'm biased. That being said, I watched the Skins last preseason game, and although Royster seemed to perform well, he also seemed to me to be getting up from each run a little gingerly, like he wasn't 100%. I'd listen for news on Sunday and go with Royster if it sounds as if he is expected to start - otherwise, I agree with your choice of McCluster.

Some may disagree, but I wouldn't do it myself. Obviously Wallace has proven he can put up the numbers, but the fact that he held out is concerning, as players who hold out have a history of underperforming, and from what I recall, the major exceptions in recent history were apparently Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice. The reason I suspect Wallace could be different from them is that he has a new offensive coordinator, although perhaps the fact that his QB has not changed will make the difference. Even so, there is reason to be high on Torrey Smith, and I don't think it would surprise a lot of people if he ends up putting up Mike Wallace numbers this year. His coach is talking him up as becoming a complete receiver and apparently the Ravens are going to be using a lot of no huddle. AFAIK, Fleener is freely available in the free agent pool in all three of my leagues, two twelve teamers and a ten teamer. I know he was Andrew Luck's TE in college, but the Colts drafted another TE in an early round as well (Dwayne Allen). From what I know, rookie TEs, like rookie QBs, rarely put up big numbers. And I like Fred Davis a lot better than your other TE, Tamme. I think your potentially taking a significant hit at the position with this trade.

I would drop Turbin for Dwyer. AFAIK, no one expects a long suspension for Lynch, for what that is worth. Dwyer may be the back to bet on for the first month in Pittsburgh, and maybe beyond that with Mendenhall coming back from ACL surgery.

No, I would not do that. You were fortunate enough to get Rice and DMC and I would ride them. The fact that Jennings had a concussion in preseason would also concern me. The D. Brown/Lance Moore part of the trade is a bit of window dressing to me - the essence of the trade is Jennings for DMC which I would definitely not do.

I would also take Smith for Garcon, personally.

I would go with Hillis