Survivor I - Randy McMichael Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	39	485	4	73.3	9
2003	49	598	2	71.8	8
2004	73	791	4	103.1	5

Positives - McMichael is coming off career highs in receptions (73), yards (791) and touchdowns (4). This is the last year of his contract, which should raise the eyebrows of every fantasy owner. With the Miami offense looking to make major strides in 2005, this should benefit McMichael. New offensive coordinator Scott Linehan got a lot of use out of his tight ends in Minnesota, but none had the talent and skill that McMichael brings. If you thought last season was McMichael’s pinnacle, you may be in for a surprise.

Negatives - McMichael is no stranger to the law. His off the field antics have him in trouble after allegedly hitting his wife. The league could fine and/or suspend him for his actions, but as of right now, he is not expected to miss considerable time. Another concern is with the change of coaches in Miami. It’s possible that McMichael would have to earn his way back as a major contributor on offense. It’s possible that head coach Nick Saban will focus on the downfield talents of Chambers, Booker and Boston and not so much the tight end position. If that’s the case, it could mean less production from McMichael.

Draft Strategy - I needed a tight end and I kept putting it off to secure value at other positions. Six other tight ends were selected before this pick (Gonzalez, Gates, Shockey, Heap, Crumpler, Dallas Clark). McMichael was the 5th ranked tight end last year and for me to get him in the 8th round as the 7th tight end taken in the draft is reason enough for me to be excited about this pick. Why did I take McMichael and not Eric Johnson, who was also available? Although Johnson had more receptions and yards in 2004 than McMichael, his end of the season rank was 8th compared to McMichael’s rank of 5. I also have more confidence in the Dolphins offense over that of the 49ers offense. McMichael has improved each of his three years in the league, whereas Eric Johnson might’ve had a fluke season. That’s yet to be determined, but my gut was to take McMichael.