2012 Team Outlook: Philadelphia
RB Stanley Havili, IND - Not Draft Worthy
After spending 2011 on the Eagles practice squad, the former seventh-round pick out of USC enters training camp as the starting fullback. Havili replaces the ineffective Owen Schmitt as the lead blocker for LeSean McCoy. Using Schmitt's seven total touches last season as a guide, Havili has no business being on fantasy rosters.
WR Jeremy Maclin, PHI (WR - #19) - Solid/Safe Pick
Entered 2011 battling a mystery illness. Ended the season leading the Eagles in receptions. Missed three games or likely would have topped 1,000 yards for the first time as a pro. The safer of the Philly starting receivers and yet his skill set pops. Entering camp healthy should boost Maclin's numbers. Strong second fantasy receiver.
WR DeSean Jackson, PHI (WR - #29) - Solid/Safe Pick
Jackson's home run receiving style often leads to all or nothing fantasy numbers. The nothing's - or at least the mediocre's - outweighed the all's last season. His stats dropped - yards and scores for the second straight campaign – with no 100-yard receiving games after Week 4. Explosiveness remains and perhaps Jackson's new contract upgrades his motivation and focus.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveWR Jason Avant, PHI (WR - #75) - Deep-league Only
The steady option within the Eagles receiving corps, Avant set career-highs with 52 receptions for 679 yards. The spot starter will have a couple of strong weeks. Guessing when is the issue. That and finding the end zone only once last season. Look elsewhere for upside, but role should increase following Riley Cooper's injury.
WR Riley Cooper, PHI (WR - #96) - Deep-league Only
This just in: broken collarbone's are not a good thing. How long Cooper is out, unclear, maybe a few weeks, maybe the season. Bummer, since last year he took advantage of a three-game starting gig during the second half of the season by tallying 13 receptions for 240 yards and a touchdown. Offers capable hands and a red zone inviting 6-foot-3 target. Cooper will not receive many looks as a backup, but is worth adding in deep leagues should another starting opportunity pop up. Well, assuming he's actually around.
WR Marvin McNutt, MIA - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
With DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin manning the start receiver spots and veteran Jason Avant the primary backup, there is not much room for a sleeper candidate to emerge. However, with Riley Cooper's collarbone injury, the door opened just a crack for the speedy McNutt. The sixth-round pick went for 2,861 yards during his days at Iowa and at 6-foot-3 has the size to be the Eagles red zone threat. Probably not draftable in anything but the deepest of leagues, but there's something about this kid that's worth watching.
