Fantasy FanHouse will be chiming in throughout the NFL draft with fantasy analysis of each fantasy relevant pick.This was not what a lot of people thought would happen. I think Ryan Clady was the pick if the Broncos hadn't grabbed him, but Fox and Hurney probably didn't like Otah enough to pull the trigger there. This is also a deep draft for offensive linemen, so that taking Rashard Mendenhall or Jonathan Stewart here wouldn't be out of the question. Unlike, say, taking a quarterback, as many of the draft "experts" seemed to think the Cats might do.
From a fantasy perspective, Stewart is going to be huge sleeper material. Most owners are going to assume -- barring a training camp/pre-season that sees Stewart win the starting job -- that DeAngelo Williams will be the go to guy in Charlotte and a beasty RB2 for fantasy leagues. I don't think it's that simple.
In fact, I think Stewart may end up being the most valuable back out of the two. Stewart is a big, bruising runner who dropped because of issues with turf toe. And if you recall the Panthers teams of a few years ago, with Stephen Davis, you will remember that John Fox absolutely loves to pound the rock. DeShaun Foster and Williams did not allow him to do that. Stewart will.
Keeper leagues should jump all over this guy; he seems to me to be the second best option out there as of right now, immediately behind Darren McFadden (who simply doesn't have to compete with anyone else right now.)
Single season leagues will want to plan on taking a flier on Stewart in the later rounds. I would think, based on Williams' status as starter, that Stewart will be cheap come draft day. But given the first rounder success that Panthers front office has had in recent years coupled with Fox's choice of running style, he may end up being a worthy RB2, or worst case a lower end flex option.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I say BULL_BLEEP! The Panthers just drafted another DeSahun Foster or Tim Biatubuka. I hope Jon Fox and Marty Hurney both lose thier jobs over this mismanagement. We needed an offensive lineman to block for the QBs not another woulda coulda shoulda take a chance RB. Time and time again this mentality from the ownership and management staff shows why the Panthers are total crap! We haven't done well since Bill Polian left us because of Jerry Richardson's stubborness. Carolina is doomed to fail until they change owners.
Posted at 5:27PM on Apr 26th 2008 by Stoney
2. Jonathon Stewart is a beast! I went to every home game for Oregon in 2007 and let me tell you, he is an amazing athelete to watch! Carolina is very lucky to have him...watch out rookies, here comes Stewart!! Go Ducks!
Posted at 10:55PM on Apr 26th 2008 by Baker
3. Stoney you are a stone jackass..Go play in traffic!!
Your logic and reasoning is on E!!
Please do some research before you start dogging out
the draft picks..You are just like the boneheads who opted not to draft Tom Brady, Eli & Peyton Manning
and other stellar players for One Year Wonders who could not catch a cold or throw a fit!!
You sourpuss moron..Stay off your parents' computer!
Posted at 11:07PM on Apr 26th 2008 by Redzzzz
4. Strength, size, and speed. He is a beast in the weight room and on the field. a better than Jon Beason addition to the Panthers. Finally, a good pick at RB in the draft for the Panthers. Their offensive tackle is a good one also. Now if we could just trade up to a remaining good defensive end or either get Pep back on steroids this year.
Posted at 10:25PM on Apr 30th 2008 by tom tanner