Survivor I - T.J. Houshmandzadeh Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	0	0	0	41	492	1	55.2	79
2004	6	51	0	73	978	4	126.9	31

Positives - When Peter Warrick went down last year Houshmandzadeh (who will be known as T.J. from here out) stepped in to the #2 WR spot on Cincinnati and posted a near 1,000 yard season with 4 TDs, and averaging near a 100 yard game each of the last five games of the season. T.J. is a combination of good hands, good route running, and good, but not blazing, speed.

Negatives - T.J. has suffered from hamstring problems in the past, which can be an ugly recurring injury. While he does posses decent speed, he is not the breakaway threat of a true top-tier WR. With the return of Warrick and the possible emergence of Chris Henry, T.J.’s status as the #2 WR is not a lock.

Draft Strategy - I’d be lying if I said I was targeting T.J. with this pick. I was still in need of another starting WR, and was ready to take one, practically drooling on my keyboard as my pick grew closer and closer and Eddie Kennison, the #1 WR on the highest scoring offense in the league was still on the board. Then Nugget ripped my fantasy football soul right out of my chest and stomped on it, snaring Kennison one pick before me. I was caught with my pants down and committed to taking a WR. T.J. has the chance for a great year, but not my most solid pick. Considered several others, but ruled them out for various reasons, including: Dante Stallworth (inconsistent and disappointing last year), David Givens (vanilla, one decent year), Lee Evans (J.P. Losman), and Santana Moss (Coles failed in Washington and is better than Moss). If I had this pick over again, I think I would have taken Brandon Stokley, selected by Mikey T at the end of the round.