[CBFF] Briggs Blurb and Olsen Fantasy Blurb

[Steve Behrens]

Lance Briggs
July 4, 2007
FOXSports.com News for Bears
News: Agent Drew Rosenhaus says he's prepared a new approach towards a
possible contract agreement between the Bears and Lance Briggs.Impact:
Rosenhaus won't give specifics but says he's "presented some concepts
that we think will work for the Bears and for Lance." Any progress
would be a positive here. The sides haven't been in communication
since late April. ...

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Let the First Round Signing Derby Begin!Chris Schweizer4 Jul 2007  >>
Fantasy Football 2.0, Around the League in Two Minutes, Chicago
BearsAround the League in Two Minutes Chicago Bears Fantasy Football
2.0
The Chicago Bears announced on Tuesday that they have come to terms
with their first round choice, tight end Greg Olsen. In doing so it
gives us an opportunity to introduce a new feature to go along with
our brand new (.net) surroundings that we're still getting acclimated
to.

Each time a first round choice signs, we'll tell you a little about
his immediate future along with any fantasy implications his rookie
season might hold.

In April, Olsen became the 31st pick in the NFL draft and the first TE
selected in '07. The deal is for five years and according to
Profootballtalk.com is worth $10.69 million. In becoming the first
team to sign their first round choice this year, the Bears ensure that
quarterback Rex Grossman's new target will be in camp from the start.

Olsen comes into this season with great expectations from the starting
tight end spot and thanks to a solid showing in OTA's he'll most
likely start from day one. The former Miami Hurricane should develop
into quite a nice safety blanket for Grossman, helping to present an
inviting target underneath.

At 6′4 and 252 lbs, Olsen's frame is nearly identical to that of
another Hurricane TE, New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey. Olsen also
slides right into a very similar looking offense. The Bears suddenly
have a very young core of players on that side of the ball. A big
season by Olsen and it could help the offense to be competent enough
to get Chicago back in the NFC title game.

Whether you like it or not, it forces us (those who dabble in FF) to
think about fantasy football. Greg Olsen should get most of the snaps
this year, provided he stays healthy. This doesn't mean, though, that
he'll be the only option at tight end for the Bears. Both Desmond
Clark and John Gilmore provide veteran stability, especially inside
the redzone.

Traditionally tight end has been a very difficult position for a
rookie to make an impact from. Last year Vernon Davis caught just 20
passes, and although mostly slowed by injury, it took until the end of
the year for Davis to make an impact for the 49ers.

Other examples of rookie seasons by tight ends: Future hall of famer
Tony Gonzalez caught just 33 balls and 2 touchdowns. Todd Heap, just
16 catches and a single score. And how about Antonio Gates…..24
catches and a pair of touchdowns.

The exception just happens to be Greg Olsen's veteran counterpart, the
aforementioned Jeremy Shockey. In 2002, Shockey helped welcome the
Houston Texans to the NFL by running through and over a Texan
defensive back, the hit being so brutal I can't recall the the poor
guy's name. In that season, the Giants' rookie racked up 74 catches,
894 yards, but even he managed only two touchdowns.

Our View: Greg Olsen might be among the most valuable of all rookies
for fantasy owners this season. He's getting into camp on time, and
the Bears seem intent on him being the weapon that leads to a Rex
break through.

It seems from the numbers that at worse you'd be looking at a tight
end with 30 catches, 400 yards and 2 touchdowns. If he can stay
healthy, those numbers could climb. Olsen should be able to take
advantage of the openings in the middle of the field created by the
Bears speedy wideouts.

When most of the more talented tight ends are off the board, Olsen
could be a welcomed option when all that's left are veteran players
with far lower ceilings.