[CBFF] (FF) Impact Report: Devin Aromashodu

[Steve Behrens]

Yeah, it's fantasy football, but it's also the offseason, so what the
hell.....

http://www.rototimes.com/article/2010/3/Impact-Report-Devin-Aromashodu

Impact Report: Devin Aromashodu
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By Cory Elfrink
March 20, 2010 6:30am CDT

 *INTRO*
It was a long and winding road from Auburn to Chicago for wide receiver Devin
Aromashodu <http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/6132>. He was drafted in
2006 by the Dolphins and was a member of the Colts, Texans, and Redskins
before finally latching onto the Bears last season. A virtual unknown at the
start of last season, Aromashodu burst onto the scene with an eight-catch
performance in Week 14 against the Green Bay
Packers<http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/1877>.
As the season drew to a close, he seemed to have separated himself from the
Bears mediocre receiving corps by posting 22 catches and four touchdowns in
the team's final four games. The 25-year-old showed impressive speed and
route running against secondary cornerbacks and seemed to have established a
strong chemistry with quarterback Jay
Cutler<http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/6070>.
The Bears' gunslinger finished the season on a high note with eight
touchdowns and one interception in his final two games, and Aromashodu's
reliability had something to do with that. In fact, it was actually Cutler
who lobbied the team's offensive coordinator, Ron Turner, to give Aromashodu
playing time. Will the receiver' late season emergence translate into 2010
consistency?

*NFL CAREER*
 Year Games Games Started Receptions Yards YPC TDs   2006 6 1 7 96 13.7 0
2008 0 0 0 0 0 0  2009 10 2 24 298 12.4 4  *TEAM SCENARIO*
The Bears' offense did not takeoff as hoped with Cutler under center last
season. In fact, it regressed. As a result, the Bears brought in pass-happy
Mike Martz as their new offensive coordinator in hopes of igniting a
high-scoring attack. While generally considered an offensive genius thanks
to his days coordinating the Greatest Show on Turf, Martz's last two stops
came with the far-less successful Lions and 49ers. One may be quick to point
out the subpar quarterbacks he was working with in those two franchises, and
the Bears are hoping that pairing him with Cutler will lead them back to the
playoffs. However, it's no secret that Martz's playbook is amongst the most
complicated in the league, and the Bears will have to pick it up quickly in
order to avoid a slow start to their season.

All of the 2009 receiving corps is back for 2010, including Devin
Hester<http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/6275>,
Earl Bennett <http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/7214>, Johnny Knox, and
last season's third-round pick Juaquin
Iglesias<http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/7743>.
The team has excellent secondary pass catchers in tight ends Greg
Olsen<http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/6611>and Desmond
Clark <http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/3088>, as well as running backs Matt
Forte <http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/7168> and Chester
Taylor<http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/4321>.
While Martz has been known to often utilize the running backs in the passing
game, he rarely employs the tight end as anything more than a blocker. That
puts the team's leading receiver, Olsen, in an awkward position moving
forward.

The Bears have thrown a lot of money into free agency already this
offseason, investing more than $100 million in Taylor, defensive end Julius
Peppers <http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/4266>, and tight end Brandon
Manumaleuna <http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/4075>. However, they have
failed to address their atrocious offensive line and if they fail to do so,
this offense could very well endure substantial struggles again next season.

*2010 UPSIDE*
Aromashodu was a successful late season pickup in 2009, doing virtually all
of his damage in the team's last four games. His 150 yards against the
Vikings in Week 16 was a standout performance, and his two scores the
following week against the Lions certified him as one of Cutler's favorite
targets heading into the offseason. With those two showings, Aromashodu
proved what he's capable of when given the opportunity. He's got the speed
and size to emerge as a legitimate starter, although he's had difficulty
breaking through since entering the league. If he manages to hold down no
less than the No. 3 receiver job in Martz's offense, he could morph into an
exceptional fantasy sleeper. If the Bears choose not to alter their
receiving corps, Aromashodu will battle Bennett, Hester, and Knox for a
coveted spot on the depth chart. Should he find himself in the starting
lineup, 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns are in the fold.

*2010 DOWNSIDE*
A starting job is certainly not guaranteed for Aromashodu. Five Bears
players caught at least 45 passes last season, before Aromashodu emerged
late in the season to run his reception total to 24. All five of the players
that finished ahead of him are back and there remains a chance the team
signs or drafts another receiver to join the pack. Throw in last year's
third round pick, Juaquin Iglesias<http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/7743>,
and Rashied Davis <http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/player/5990>, and it's clear
that there will be a lot of competition for the receiving jobs this year.
The favorites for those jobs will be those players that grasp Martz's
immense and complex playbook quickest. Given how much Aromashodu has bounced
around the league, we question how quickly he will adapt to his new
offensive coordinator. If he fails to do so, he could once again find
himself buried on the depth chart or even operating on the practice squad.

*OVERALL FANTASY IMPACT*
The Bears have a bunch of young and similar receivers, of which Aromashodu
does not stand out. His value is tied directly to his spot on the depth
chart. Cutler's top three receiving targets should all hold fantasy value in
the revamped offense, but the Auburn alum is not guaranteed one of those
spots. He must show well throughout the offseason program, training camp,
and in the preseason. His value would greatly be enhanced if he submerges
himself in Martz's playbook immediately. Aromashodu has the tools to be an
impact sleeper, but his role, along with the rest of the potential
receivers, remains cloudy at best. The competition at receiver will be a
hotly contested battle and one that will hold the interest of the fantasy
world later this summer.
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