Bengals: Chris Henry (WR)

The headcase finds his way back into the NFL.

Per CBS Sportsline: CINCINNATI — With their two Pro Bowl receivers hurt, the Cincinnati Bengals brought back troubled receiver Chris Henry on Tuesday, a move that their coach had emphatically ruled out only a month earlier as inappropriate.

The signing helps the team but raises questions about its commitment to holding players accountable for their actions. Henry must serve a four-game suspension from the NFL — his third such punishment — before he can fully rejoin the team.

The move was stunning in light of Lewis’ statement shortly before training camp opened that the team had permanently parted ways with the receiver, who has been arrested five times since he joined the Bengals. Henry had indicated he was interested in rejoining Cincinnati.

“I’m not interested,” Lewis said at the team’s annual preseason luncheon on July 22. “I don’t think it would be productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player, and there’s responsibilities to being an NFL player. It’s a privilege, it’s not a right. There’s a lot that comes with being an NFL football player.”

The Bengals evidently feel differently after Chad Johnson sprained his left shoulder during a 27-10 preseason loss to Detroit on Sunday night, leaving his status uncertain. T.J. Houshmandzadeh has missed both preseason games with a hamstring injury as well.

The Bengals released Henry after he was accused of punching a college student and breaking his car window with a beer bottle in March. Bengals president Mike Brown also cut ties with Henry, saying he could no longer be with the team.

Pro Bono Outlook: Henry may actually hold a bit of Fantasy value as he does already kow the teams system and should be able to step right in and provide a slight contribution to the banged up wideouts in Cincy.

Part 2.. AFC North

  (by Steven Kolb)

    Baltimore Ravens

  One of the bigger questions affecting the Ravens this upcoming season is the quarterbacking situation. Kyle Boller will once again take the reigns at QB for Baltimore and because of his lack of success thus far in NFL draft him as a low number two QB. Expect Joe Flacco to begin the season behind Boller but because of Boller’s struggles he will at some point be called on to start, monitor how Flacco performs in training camp. With the unsettled issue at QB and the retirement of Jonathan Ogden, look for Willis Mcgahee’s numbers to take a little hit this season as teams will stack the line against the Ravens. Still consider Mcgahee as a low end number 1 back and hope his TD numbers can rise, watch Ray Rice early this year to see if he takes carries from Mcgahee. Derrick Mason experienced a rebirth last season after a down year the season before. While Mason will continue to rack up catches for the Ravens this season, don’t expect 103 catches again. After a breakout second season in the NFL big things were expected from Mark Clayton in his third season. Clayton was limited to 531 yards with no Td’s last season as he was hampered by a nagging ankle injury which hurt him all year. Clayton is worth a late pick though as a potential sleeper on the fact that he has shown he can produce in the NFL.  Keep an eye on Demetrius Williams this season, he offers the Ravens a solid deep threat at WR and if Clayton struggles he could slide right in opposite Mason. Todd Heaps 2007 season was basically a washout as he was hampered by a hamstring injury that forced him to be put on injured reserve. If healthy Heap is a number 1 TE, but monitor his training camp to see how he responds. At this point in his career Matt Stover is a bye week filler at kicker for your team, he did not hit a FG pver 50 yards last season.

     Cincinnati Bengals

   The Bengals offer fantasy owners a pool of talent from which to choose from on offense this season. The big question though is the status of Chad Johnson, which appears more and more likely he will stay a Bengal and play this season. If Johnson does indeed play, Carson Palmer has the potential to get back to the 30 TD plateau. Expect Palmer to throw for over 4,000 yards this season while he cuts down on high INT total of 20 last season. With Johnson the Bengals have potentially two of the most dangerous Wr’s in the game lined up opposite one another. Both Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh had over 1000 yards recieving last year with 8 and 12 td’s apiece. With Johnson back both WR will duplicate those numbers with Johnson catching double digit touchdowns. With Chris Henry being cut watch for rookies Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell, one of them could emerge to pick up the slack left by Henry. One of the other big questions for the Bengals this year is if Rudi Johnson’s 2007 season was just a fluke. Johnson battled injuries but when he came back he wasn’t the runner he was in the past. Like with Palmer i really see the Bengals all coming together this season and rallying, so look for Rudi to get to 1000 yards this year. If Rudi struggles look for Kenny Watson who filled in solidly last season. The TE position has been a spot that has rarely produced much fantasy value for the Bengals. Reggie Kelly will open the season as the starter but really only value him as a bye week filler. Because of the explosiveness of the Bengals offense Shayne Graham makes a great kicker for your team as he can rack up points.

    Cleveland Browns

   The 2007 season was a breakout out season for the Cleveland Browns offense. Derek Anderson took his opportunity at QB and ran with it as he threw for 29 TD’s and 3787 yards. Expect Anderson to pick up right were he left off this season because of the surplus of talent around hm. On the topic of breakout seasons Braylon Edwards in his third season showed the potential many people had tagged him with as he had 1289 yards and 16 Td’s. Edwards began to build a rapport with Anderson as the season wore on as they connected for 5 td’s in the seasons final month. While 16 tds again is a stretch expect Edwards to eclipse double digit touchdowns as he remains a number 1 WR. The addition of Donte Stallworth makes him an immediate sleeper at WR. Stallworth will have a ton of opportunities in this offense alongside Edwards, draft Stallworth as a low second WR. Joe Juevicius also offers some minimal fantasy value this year, as he has the potential to grab 5-6 tds. After exceeding expectations in his first year with the Browns, the question is can Jamal Lewis do it again? Lewis proved with all the wear he has he was able to do it last year so why doubt him this year. Lewis will crack the 1000 yards mark and he will be in on all goal line situations for the Browns, View him as a top tier number 2 RB. Kellen Winslow will remain a number 1 TE this year and he offers enough value where you can draft him basically as a second WR. Veteran Phil Dawson will continue to be a number 1 kicker as long as the Browns offense continues to produce as it did last season.

     Pittsburgh Steelers

    First and foremost did anyone expect Ben Roethlisberger to throw for 32 Td’s last season because i didn’t. While duplicating that will be tough, look for Big Ben to hedge around 25 Td passes this season. Probably one of the bigger issues for the Steelers and fanasy owners is Willie Parkers status as the starter with the drafting of Rashard Mendenhall. After being a first round pick last season in fantasy leagues Parker could fall to as low as the third round. But even that can be a steal, I honestley expect Parker to get plenty of carries to warrant him being a high number 2 RB.  Parker has fully healed from a broken leg so don’t hesitate to draft him on that fact. Mendenhall has enough talent to warrant him being selected later in the draft as you may want to hold onto him to see what type of role he will play early in the year. Injuries have taken their toll on Hines Ward the last three years as his number of total games played has gone down each season. Ward did have 7 TD’s last season and should be viewed as a number 2 WR. If Ward can stay healthy this year he could potentially be a low number 1 WR. In his first full season as a starter Santonio Holmes showed glimpses of promise recording 942 recieing yards and 8 TD’s in 13 games played. He is entering that magical third season and I expect an even better year for him this season as he will surpass the 1000 yard mark and could potentially reach double digit Td’s. While Nate Washington will start the season as the Steelers number 3 WR look for Limas Sweed to take over at some point. The tall athletic Sweed will give the Steelers a big red zone threat and a legitimate down-field threat. Look for TE Heath Miller to build on his career high numbers last season. Expect his catches and recieving yards to go up while he should repeat his 7 TD catches of last year. Kicker Jeff Reed offers a reliable option at kicker and is a great play given the right matchup.

 

 

2008 Mock Draft

2008 Pro Bono Fantasy NFL Mock Draft
	1	Jake Long, OT, Michigan: Sources state the Fins are in talks with Chris Long, Pro Bono Fantasy however still feel that Miami should grab the Tackle from UM.
	2	Chris Long, DE, Virginia: Would drastically help the Rams Defense with his intense style of play.
	3	Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College: Good arm and NFL smarts, he should help the Falcons move pass the “Mike Vick Era”. Will be the new face of the franchise.
	4	Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas: Much like Adrian Peterson last year, “Run DMC” will make the Raiders run attack legit real quick in addition to “real quick”!.
	5	Vernon Gholston, OLB, Ohio State: Great edge rusher whose solid play over the last couple seasons make him a legit Top 5 pick.
	6	Glenn Dorsey, DT, Louisiana State: Sub-par Pro Day work outs caused this one time No.1 to slide down 5 slots. (Might shock everyone and pick Rashard Mendenhall).
	7	Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy: The Pats get back to rebuilding a recently depleted defense, especially the defensive backfield. Must make this pick count.
	8	Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida: This Julius Peppers-type DE will give the once mighty Ravens D a pass rusher the league will fear, something their missing.
	9	Sedrick Ellis, DT, Southern California: Bengals are another depleted defense that will add bodies just on principle. WR woes make force a change of plan.
	10	Keith Rivers, OLB, Southern California: With Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan already on the roster expect Rivers to gain experience and great knowledge.
	11	Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida: Content with Evans, Reed, and Parrish its too early to consider receiver here. The Bills will add Jenkins unreal speed.
	12	Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma: Bills need a big WR but pass on Kelly. The Bronc’s are banged up at wideout. Denver will send the Bills a Thank You note.
	13	Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State: Someone has to protect Matt Moore or Jake Delhomme. We can’t have another Vinny Testaverde experiment in 2009.
	14	Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh: Personally would love to see this guy fall to Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears about to become a ground machine with this guy on the line.
	15	Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois: Scared off by Jonathan Stewart’s injury history the Lions actually make the right choice with this Big Ten product.
	16	Philip Merling, DE, Clemson: Cards DE Depth Chart/ Darnell Dockett, Antonio Smith , Joe Tafoya, Bo Schobel…Yes Merling may step right in as a starter.
	17	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State: Vikes should grab the best OL available for AP. Instead they add a DB to their crowded D backfield.
	18	Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas: Ahman Green is not the solution to the Texans rushing problem. Jones played 2nd fiddle throughout college, now he’s the man.
	19	Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon: Brian Westbrook is secure in his spot, but Ryan Moats and Correll Buckhalter as backups make Stewart a steal here.
	20	DeSean Jackson, WR, California: Will make immediate impact as a return specialist, but will benefit from study under Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard.
	21	Kenny Phillips, S, Miami: You can never replace a player like Sean Taylor overnight, bt this is a step in the right direction.
	22	Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas: Cowboys get shutout of the stud RB sweepstakes so they add Talib a Jayhawk standout to blossoming defense.
	23	Justin King, CB, Penn State: Steelers eventually must address their weak corner situation. King has speed and is a good cover corner.
	24	Limas Sweed, WR, Texas: Possessing a group of rag-tag wideouts, Sweed teams up with former Longhorn Vince Young to validate the crew.
	25	Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State: The RB’s was upgraded via Free Agency. The Seahawks upgrade the WR’s via draft, taking a chance on Thomas.
	26	Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern California: WR Mario Manningham slides out the 1st when the Jags pass on him. Shoud go safety but Kenny Philips is gone
	27	Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College: As if LT need a reason to go up in value in regards to his fantasy stock. Cherilus will make a great addition.
	28	Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina: Desperate for a running back the Boy’s pass on Virginia Tackle Brenden Albert and Michigan WR Mario Manningham
	29	Brenden Albert, G/T, Virginia: Frank Gore will send Cowboys owner Jerry Jones a Thank You note for giving the 49ers their tackle for the next 8-10 years.
	30	James Hardy, WR, Indiana: Hardy is a freak of nature is just what Aaron Rodgers need in debut as the Packers signal caller.
	31	Pick forfeited. Would have more likely addressed their aging defense, the LB’s in particular or added a WR for depth.
	32	Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee: The Giants due to free agency enter the draft 2 LB’s short. Mayo is a necessity pick.

WR Chris Henry: What a Dumbass!!

CINCINNATI – Former Bengal Chris Henry was released from jail Friday, spending an extra night there because no one was available to provide a court-ordered monitoring device. He was released from the Hamilton County jail Friday, although his $51,000 bond was posted Thursday night.
 
 Henry, 24, was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, a few hours before he was arraigned on charges of assault and criminal damaging. A man accused Henry of punching him in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle on Monday night. Henry has been arrested five times since December 2005. He is due back in court on the latest charge on April 15. (AP)
 
Pro Bono View: Look likes its time to move Antonio Chatman up your list as a viable WR3 for your roster if you we’re considering taking Chris Henry. This guy is about to be toast!!

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: QB’s

1.	Tom Brady QB, NE		– Question is “Is he worth a #1 overall”?
2.	Tony Romo QB, DAL		– Will expand on his growth in 2007..
3.	Peyton Manning QB, IND		– A healthy Harrison will help.
4.	Carson Palmer QB, CIN		– Might be falling from grace.
5.	Drew Brees QB, NO		– Becoming a young stud.
6.	Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT		– This guy is a different FREAK.
7.	Matt Hasselbeck QB, SEA		– Add a RB presence in ’08 and watch out.
8.	Jake Delhomme QB, CAR		– Jake is not to worried about Matt Moore taking his job.
9.	Derek Anderson QB, CLE		– Signed deal now out to prove 2007 was no fluke.
10.	Jay Cutler QB, DEN		– Broncos hope he continues to mature. Add a WR please!!!
11.	Eli Manning QB, NYG		– See above… This is Eli’s last shot to prove he’s a gamer.
12.	Marc Bulger QB, STL		– Likely a 7th or 8th round Pick in 2008.
13.	Jon Kitna QB, DET		– Lions need not add another WR. Offensive Linemen guys!
14.	Jason Campbell QB, WSH		– Just need the ‘Skins to believe in him. Potential is there.
15.	Philip Rivers QB, SD		– First of the make or break ’08 QB’s.
16.	Vince Young QB, TEN		– Job is little more secure than Eli, but he’s on the bubble.
17.	Donovan McNabb QB, PHI		–Health concerns may force the Eagle’s to add another QB.
18.	Jeff Garcia QB, TB		–2007 post season finish my push him up list.
19.	David Garrard QB, JAX		–2007 post season finish my push him up list. Sound familiar?
20.	Aaron Rodgers QB, GB		– Everyone knew this day would come, now is his time to lead.
	Rookie Watch
1.	Matt Ryan (Boston College)		If he lands in Atlanta he’s expected to make immediate an impact.
2.	Brian Brohm (Louisville)		Same prospect outlook as Matt Ryan. Also an Atlanta  option.
3.	Andre Woodson (Kentucky)		Ravens might give him a look but more likely heads to Chicago Bears.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on the message board also.

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: RB’s

1.	Joseph Addai RB, IND		– Slight edge over LT for now.
2.	LaDainian Tomlinson RB, SD		– Off year was still superb.
3.	Adrian Peterson RB, MIN		– Not ranked #1 simply because of his youth
4.	Brian Westbrook RB, PHI		– Simply a Fantasy Points magnet.
5.	Willie Parker RB, PIT		– Home run hitter that needs to hit more.
6.	Steven Jackson RB, STL		– SJax went #1 in many leagues in 2007, not ’08!!
7.	Ryan Grant RB, GB		– I just like the guy. No numbers to show why!!
8.	Ronnie Brown RB, MIA		– Still need to prove he can stay healthy.
9.	Clinton Portis RB, WSH		– Should be a definite Top 10 Fantasy back in ’08.
10.	Marshawn Lynch RB, BUF		– With a real QB he could be dangerous.
11.	Edgerrin James RB, ARI		– Will the Edge of old ever show up in the desert?
12.	Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAX		– Versatility make him Westbrook like.
13.	Frank Gore RB, SF		– Should rebound and have a banner 2008 outlook.
14.	Marion Barber III RB, DAL		– Will become the Cowboys main rush option.
15.	Larry Johnson RB, KC		– Durability in question. Handcuff Kolby Smith.
16.	Thomas Jones RB, NYJ		– Always overlooked. Could be a good #2 for you.
17.	Willis McGahee RB, BAL		– With Billick out, the  run game may improve.
18.	Jamal Lewis CLE, RB		– Resurrected his status in Cleveland. 1400 possible.
19.	Travis Henry RB, DEN		– Should emerge as the only Denver back option.
20.	Brandon Jacobs RB, NYG		– Just a mean runner. Should rank just under MB III.
21.	Rudi Johnson RB, CIN		– Has Kenny Watson breathing down his neck
22.	Laurence Maroney RB, NE		– Pats should re-establish the run game.
23.	Reggie Bush RB, NO		– In PPR Leagues he’s gold and ranked higher than value.
24.	Kevin Jones RB, DET		– With Martz out, the  run game may improve.
25.	LenDale White RB, TEN		– His presence helps Vince Young immensely.
26.	Cadillac Williams RB, TB		– May have to earn job back.
27.	Cedric Benson RB, CHI		– Will return as Bears RB1.
28.	Fred Taylor RB, JAX		– Great guy must give way to Maurice Jones-Drew.
29.	Justin Fargas RB, OAK		– Might have to share backfield with a Rookie!!!
30.	DeShaun Foster RB, CAR		– DeAngelo Williams pressing him for his gig.
31.	Shaun Alexander RB, SEA		– Wasn’t this guy consensus #1 2-3 seasons back?
32.	Julius Jones RB, DAL		– Will give total reigns over to Marion Barber III.
33.	Deuce McAllister RB, NO		– Better Saints option than Bush in my opinion.
34.	Adrian Peterson RB, CHI		– May get tired of being called “The Other” AP.
35.	Ahman Green RB, HOU		– Two words…Ron Dayne!
36.	Kolby Smith RB, KC		– Played well in in the absence of LJ.
37.	Kenny Watson RB, CIN		– Just waiting for another Rudi injury.
38.	Earnest Graham RB, TB		– Will have a shot to earn starters spot.
39.	Jerious Norwood RB, ATL		– Could catapult up list with Dunn’s decline.
40.	Chester Taylor RB, MIN		– A must handcuff for Adrain Peterson.
41.	Ahmad Bradshaw RB, NYG		– Will become Brandon Jacobs 3rd down back.
42.	Selvin Young RB, DEN		– A perfect compliment to Travis Henry.
	Rookie Watch:
1.	Darren McFadden (Arkansas)		Raiders at #4 only team that may need RB help.
2.	Ray Rice (Rutgers)		Size may hold him back. Possibly a 2nd Rd. (MIA)
3.	Chris Johnson (E. Carolina)		Possibly a 49er’s prospect. Gore should welcome him.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on our Message Board also.

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: WR’s

1.	Randy Moss WR, NE		– Won’t break any records this year, but regain #1.
2.	Terrell Owens WR, DAL		– Get ‘cha popcorn ready!!
3.	Reggie Wayne WR, IND		– Emerging out of Harrison’s shadow.
4.	Braylon Edwards WR, CLE		– If CLE switch to Quinn where Braylon does he rank?
5.	Larry Fitzgerald WR, ARI		– Better when Matty is no throwing it to him.
6.	Plaxico Burress WR, NYG		– Potential to be Top 5 type guy.
7.	T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR, CIN		– Finally showing he’s better than Ocho Cinco.
8.	Marvin Harrison WR, IND		−On the downside of his HOF career.
9.	Chad Johnson WR, CIN		– Still Top 10, but I see him possibly falling below 15. The act is wearing thin.
10.	Marques Colston WR, NO		– Always undervalued.
11.	Torry Holt WR, STL		– Imagine if Bulger played semi-decent!!!
12.	Brandon Marshall WR, DEN		– Delivered almost weekly.
13.	Anquan Boldin WR, ARI		– Starting to have my doubts about this guy.
14.	Dwayne Bowe WR, KC		– OMG!!! Give him a QB and he will do damage.
15.	Steve Smith WR, CAR		– QB questions only reason for such a low ranking..
16.	Javon Walker WR, DEN		– When healthy he’s a top tier choice.
17.	Andre Johnson WR, HOU		– If he play more 75 % of the season he’ll shine.
18.	Greg Jennings WR, GB		– Brett Favre’s #1 option.
19.	Santonio Holmes WR, PIT		– Using his speed to become a top fantasy prospect.
20.	Roy Williams WR, DET		– Choice #1 of 3 top options for Jon Kitna.
21.	Joey Galloway WR, TB		– Old man just getting it done.
22.	Hines Ward, WR PIT		– Rank is not indicative of his tenacity.
23.	Calvin Johnson WR, DET		– Choice #2 of 3 top options for Kitna, in 2nd year.
24.	Wes Welker WR, NE		– Expect more coverage in ’08. Will not see 100 rec.
25.	Chris Chambers WR, SD		– Need Rivers to become more consistent.
26.	Derrick Mason WR, BAL		– Produced good FF numbers with erratic QB play.
27.	Roddy White ATL, WR		– Need the Falcons to acquire a veteran Quarterback.
28.	Laveranues Coles WR, NYJ		– Not the top tier option he once was becoming.
29.	Patrick Crayton WR, DAL		– Beneficiary of the TO double teams.
30.	Lee Evans WR, BUF		– This is the make or break season for Evans.
31.	Kevin Curtis WR, PHI		– Quietly becoming McNabb’s  No. 1.
32.	D.J. Hackett WR, SEA		– Great late pick for his potential.
33.	Ronald Curry WR , OAK		– Should help JamRu grow in the QB’s second season.
34.	Donald Driver WR, GB		– Officially give way to Greg Jennings.
35.	Reggie Brown WR, PHI		– Keep your fingers crossed when drafting him.
36.	Jerry Porter WR , OAK		– Should help JamRu grow in the QB’s second season.
37.	Reggie Williams WR, JAX		– Part of a decent core of WR’s.
38.	Justin Gage WR, TEN		– Could use his speed to become a weekly threat.
39.	Jericho Cotchery WR, NYJ		– Product of the resurgent Cleveland offense.
40.	Bernard Berrian WR, CHI		– Grossman, Orton, or Griese? Does it matter?
41.	Shaun McDonald WR, DET		– Detroit becoming a WR safe haven.
42.	Anthony Gonzalez WR, IND		– Played the Brandon Stokely role to perfection.
	Rookie Watch
1.	DeSean Jackson (Cal)		Could go to the Eagle’s if passed on by the Bears or Texans.
2.	Limas Sweed (Texas)		Also a Philly option. Eagles need a big go-to-type wide out.
3.	Mario Manningham (Mich)		Perfect replacement or understudy for Joey Galloway’s job in Tampa.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on the Message Board also.

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