Nothing is more refreshing than a night of good, deep sleep...or just for comparison's sake, a "power nap." The latter usually happens to me when watching golf, tennis, or reruns of Friends. Then again, I never watch Friends. Give me any episode of the King of Queens by a long shot. Long shot--there's a good term that refers to the guys on this list. While others are mentally sleeping or napping in the final rounds on draft day, or snoozing while you run to the free agent list during the season, you'll already be well aware of the potential impact of these possible fantasy contributors at the "big three" offensive skill positions. Some may turn out to be good for depth, and a few could contribute much more than anyone expects as of today.

QUARTERBACKS

Sage Rosenfels, Texans: Look, I am admittedly big fan of Matt Schaub from the fantasy perspective. Yet if Schaub's durability concerns continue, Rosenfels has already shown us that he fits much more comfortably in the Houston offensive scheme than he did in Miami, where quarterbacks go to die or fade away. Houston cannot depend on its running game, so any Texans quarterback will have to throw often. Rosenfels threw 15 touchdowns in nine games last year, so he is not a top secret.  Either way, most owners aren’t thinking about him right now, and you should not forget his name.

Kevin Kolb, Eagles: I don't have to tell you that Donovan McNabb doesn't come with any guarantees. If Kolb has to replace him for any length of time, he will not be intimidated and should play respectably. A.J. Feeley won't be able to get the job done consistently in relief, and Kolb is the future at quarterback in Philadelphia. He'll be impressive for a young player, because he won't force the issue under pressure and will try to limit his mistakes. He can instantly be a better game manager than the erratic Feeley.

Matt Moore, Panthers: Moore threw a pair of touchdown passes in the regular season finale last year, and there is no doubt that he can throw a nice-looking deep ball. That's important and obviously notable on an offense featuring Steve Smith. Jake Delhomme is a noted concern, and if he misses more time in 2008, Moore is a good bet to deliver a few quality outings against vulnerable secondaries.

Shaun Hill, 49ers: Like Rosenfels, he isn't a major unknown to experienced fantasy players. Yet he will go undrafted in most leagues, even though I may be one of a few who believe he will beat out or take the starting job from Alex Smith. Hill threw three touchdown passes in Week 16 last year, and Mike Martz's passing game demands precision and poise to operate effectively. I believe Hill has Smith beat in both of those departments.

RUNNING BACKS

Mewelde Moore, Steelers: Yes, I have openly admitted I am a big supporter of Rashard Mendenhall. While Moore fits best as a third-down guy for the Steelers, it's not out of the question that he could become a quality contributor. All it would take is another Willie Parker injury and (unexpected by me) disappointing play from the rookie Mendenhall, and Moore would become a hot pickup. Not every RB who gets such an opportunity makes the most of it. Moore would be at least serviceable if pressed into a bigger role.

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs:  Larry Johnson may take quite a pounding from defenses this year. If he gets hurt, Kolby Smith is merely adequate and won’t add much to the offense overall. Charles could get an opportunity to show what he can do at some point, and he will quickly challenge defenses with his speed. Charles likely won't be able to muster consistent fantasy production, but he is certainly explosive and could help as a flex player if you're in a pinch, especially if the Chiefs need him more than initially expected as a rookie.

Maurice Morris, Seahawks: The consensus seems to be that Julius Jones is set for a revival. However, Jones runs with no fear and will certainly expose himself to possible injury, while T.J. Duckett has disappointed previously. Morris will have the trust of Mike Holmgren if the team runs out of other reliable options. And while Morris isn't much of a touchdown threat and will never be anything more than a decent fantasy plug-in when needed, he is fast and confident. He can deliver a few quality outings in the yardage department if called on for a more prominent role.

Jesse Chatman. Jets: Lots of Jets fans and many fantasy players are excited about what Thomas Jones can do, now that New York has improved its offensive line during the off-season. Yet, I am not sold on a big rebound season from Jones, who has been up and down throughout his career.  It is also important to note that Leon Washington is certainly no full-time RB. I'm not saying that Chatman will pass Jones on the depth chart.  Jones could garner a lot of defensive attention and get banged up, forcing the team to lean on Chatman more at some point. Chatman is an overachiever who played well in spots with Miami, and I would certainly consider him in the final rounds as the better Thomas Jones handcuff, rather than Washington.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Brad Smith, Jets: Laveranues Coles is certainly a warrior, but he has been prone to health concerns. Smith may be asked to play a more prominent role in the passing game this year, and he has the natural abilities to challenge defenses. Smith has good size and can make tacklers miss after the catch. If Coles misses any time during the season, you should pick up Smith immediately.

Derek Hagan, Dolphins: He has looked raw so far, and there are obvious quarterback problems in Miami, yet the passers will need someone to help them move the sticks on passing downs. Ted Ginn Jr. also needs a complement that can make possession catches. Ernest Wilford doesn't get open regularly and is not the answer as a second receiver. Someone has to catch the ball in Miami when there are completions, and Hagan has the potential to step forward and perform adequately.

Jacoby Jones, Texans: The Texans will have to lean heavily on their passing game this season, as I noted previously, and Andre Johnson can't do it all himself. Jones was a preseason revelation last year. He can take his game to the next level in the near future and surpass Kevin Walter as a statistical option. Schaub can spread the ball around well, and Rosenfels is a gunner, so Jones will build on his potential in 2008.

Steve Smith, Giants: Amani Toomer may still have something left in the tank, but Smith showed some serious promise last year during his rookie campaign, finally shaking off injury problems. Smith is smooth and smart, and it would be no shock to see him become a respectable complement for Plaxico Burress this season. Eli Manning is going to build on his fine 2007 postseason, and Smith's value will rise in the process. He’s a great final-round pick.

Ben Obomanu, Seahawks: Bobby Engram is getting up there in age and is not happy with his contract situation. Nate Burleson can make big plays, but he is not dependable. No one knows for sure when Deion Branch will return. Obomanu seems to have a good understanding of the Seattle offense and isn't afraid to take on starting cornerbacks at the NFL level. He will willingly make possession grabs and can post decent fantasy numbers if given the chance.

Jason Avant, Eagles: When young quarterbacks move into a featured role, they often take with them a lot of confidence in less-heralded receivers; guys with whom they have worked during practices. I have no solid proof that Kolb and Avant have developed a great relationship in practices, but it is something to consider. Plus, I like Avant's skill set and football intelligence, enough so that I think he can move into the starting lineup even if Kolb doesn't play much. He is big and quick, and he knows how to find soft spots in defenses.

Scott Engel doesn’t get much sleep during the fantasy football preseason, and none on the day Madden is released. E-mail Scott at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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