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In my earlier Dynasty Buy Low articles, I mentioned with the NFL season looking closer to being resolved by mid July, it is time to get your shovels out to start digging for dynasty gold. I am discussing five QBs that could be on your waiver wire (maybe two of them) or available for a cheap trade (very likely) that can help you improve your dynasty team’s depth. QBs are the hardest position, because it seems an owner has to use the most patience with them aka hold them for longer than you want.
Let’s put our best knee forward and discuss, Jay Cutler. First, I admit Cutler is a knucklehead; however, he has won the Bears’ locker room. Cutler, selected as the 18th QB in the afore-mentioned “The League” dynasty draft held in May, is being drafted as the 16th QB taken according to myfantasyleague.com keeper ADP. Cutler had a rough time adapting to OC Mike Martz’ offense as he dipped almost 400 yards passing and threw 4 fewer TDs than he did in 2009. He did miss a game, but ended up throwing 10 fewer interceptions! I’m not saying wait and make Cutler your #1 QB in your dynasty league, but he is the type of QB that you can pair up with a Joe Flacco, Tim Tebow, or a Matt Cassell and play the matchups. Many Cutler owners want to jump ship, so get him as your backup.
This next QB is most likely on your waiver wire, Josh Johnson. QB Johnson has not had the great opportunity to start for a long time for the Bucs. He had some limited success with Tampa Bay back in 2009. Unfortunately for him, Johnson was basically holding the spot for another Josh aka Josh Freeman. Johnson is very athletic like Freeman, but sometimes is not the best decision maker as he proved with 8 interceptions in four 2009 starts. He has experienced success at the collegiate level playing for University of San Diego coached by current San Fran Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. In his senior season at U of SD, Johnson had 43 passing TDs and 1 interception under Harbaugh’s watchful eyes. Johnson has been productive in the right system and I see a Jason Campbell career for him aka grinding it out and may find himself in a good situation with a change in scenery.
The first rookie QB that makes this list is Blaine Gabbert. Yes, there were college QBs that put up better numbers. Gabbert stands apart with his physical and mental abilities. His biggest fault is that he seems to do his best without pressure, which is everything that NFL defenses cause. In “The League” dynasty start-up, I selected him at 19.11. Opinions on Gabbert’s value have varied all around and is drafted anywhere from the rookie 2.6 to the 3.8 in rookie drafts in which I have participated. His value might go down a bit more with Garrard fighting for his career in Jacksonville and the longer the lockout goes the better the chances Jax stays with the vet Garrard. I envision a Josh Freeman/Joe Flacco career for Gabbert. He will be a decent #1 dynasty QB option or a great #2 QB.Talk about teams that have excelled with developing QBs, look no further than the Green Bay Packers. Matt Flynn was a 7th round draft pick that hung around, beat out former 2nd rounder Brian Brohm, and looked good filling in for Aaron Rodgers. His 24 for 37 for 251 passing yards and 2 TDs versus the Patriots in 2010 showed the fantasy world that there was more to him than a clip board. He was a very productive collegiate QB his senior year and led LSU to a national championship. Flynn has had time to hone his craft behind Rodgers and with injury to Rodgers or a trade like Houston made for Schaub; Flynn could find himself in the right situation and is still on your league’s waiver wire.The second rookie QB I want to discuss is Colin Kaepernick. Two words, Jim Harbaugh, is all that I have to say. I have a feeling that once he gets coached up ,Kaepernick, will become a productive system QB. He played in the piston formation in college which is a shortened shotgun formation. He can run and throw the ball quite well as he proved in college. Kaepernick started for Nevada from his 6th game his freshman year up through his senior year. In all three full consecutive seasons , he threw for over 2000 yards and ran for over 1000 yards which is an NCAA record! Yes, he is raw and will start this season behind the “immortal” Alex Smith and maybe into the next season. Kaepernick did not play in an advanced offense, but if you are patient you could be looking at the next Steve McNair. He is consistently being selected in the 3rd round of rookie drafts or later as he probably won’t start anytime soon.
Good luck and happy hunting/drafting/trading!
Oh and watch out for my new dynastyblitz podcast coming in late July!
