Eagles WR coach David Culley could tell that DeSean Jackson's mind was on his contract situation throughout last season. "He tried not to let it affect him," Culley said. "Sometimes he didn't do a very good job of that. It affected him in meetings. It affected him on the field. There were days when it didn't. But it made him inconsistent." Culley also thinks D-Jax was afraid to go over the middle because of the money issue, but that's always been a problem for him. With a new 5-year, $47 million deal in hand, we're expecting Jackson to be more focused and more productive in 2012. He's still a one-dimensional receiver, though, and will be an inconsistent week-to-week fantasy option.
The Raiders nabbed Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor in the 3rd-round of today's supplemental draft. That's at least 1 round earlier than Pryor was expected to go, but we can't say we're surprised. Oakland loves height-weight-speed guys, and that's exactly what Pryor is. The 6'5, 232-pounder recorded a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at his Pro Day on Saturday. We've heard that the Raiders don't think highly of Pryor as a QB, so they may immediately start his transition to WR or TE. Regardless, Pryor won't be a fantasy factor in 2011.
Giants 1st-round pick CB Prince Amukamara garnered the 3rd-best rating among rookies in Madden '12. That might just seem like a fun, relatively worthless tidbit. But IDP owners should take note as they consider drafting Terrell Thomas. The CB has been a fantasy beast the past 2 years but could be overvalued in 2011. CB tends to be one of the easiest positions for a rookie to pick up. If Amukamara can get quickly up to speed, he could displace Thomas in the lineup early this season. That wouldn't kill Thomas' fantasy value. Teams put 3-CB packages on the field often, and covering slot receivers would help Thomas' tackle numbers. It's enough to make you think twice about drafting him 1st at the position, though.
The Union Tribune reports WR Vincent Jackson sustained a mild concussion near the end of the game last week at KC. He should be OK but we'll look for more news. Malcolm Floyd (collapsed lung) and Chris Chambers (head/neck) might not be available this Sunday at Tampa so they need Jackson desperately.
Falcons DT Rod Coleman had his knee scoped and will miss 2-4 weeks. He thought he was ready for the opener but apparently had some debris to clean out. His absence will be felt against the Vikings' ground game this Sunday.
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