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Scott Engel looks at players who are changing in fantasy value during the preseason.
Here's a look at players who are either climbing or falling in value based on recent news out of training camps. RISING Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals: With Arizona's release of Marcel Shipp, Hightower has a clear shot at the backup job behind Edgerrin James. Hightower has been getting goal-line work in camp and could steal short-yardage carries and goal line opportunities from James in 2008. The rookie is looking like a good pick in the final rounds, especially if you are considering a possible James handcuff. Marc Bulger, QB, Rams: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Bulger is looking good in camp and is doing a good job of picking up Al Saunders' offense. If you don't draft one of the top QBs available, don’t forget Bulger, as long as you quickly draft a dependable backup behind him. Bulger can still post good fantasy numbers, but to keep your peace, protect yourself with another quality QB. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers: The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that expectations are high for Jackson this season after the promise he showed during last season's playoffs, combined with a strong camp so far. "He finished last season unbelievable, and now he seems more explosive, bigger, stronger," Philip Rivers said. Jackson has a lot of upside, and the Chargers wideouts may get more looks early this year if Antonio Gates is not at 100 percent. Jackson is a nice pick for depth and potential once you have filled out your projected starting lineup. Alge Crumpler, TE, Titans: The Tennessean reported Crumpler is looking good in camp and there are no signs of any knee troubles. Crumpler has the opportunity to become the team's top pass-catcher, reprising the role he had in Atlanta, where he was the preferred target on a team with a weak receiving corps. If you don't draft a top-level tight end, it's worth taking a gamble on a comeback year from Crumpler. Jason Campbell, QB, Redskins: He looked sharp in the Redskins' preseason opener, and so far, it looks like he is ready to work efficiently in Jim Zorn's offense. His value could change if he struggles in the weeks ahead, but Campbell his solid performance in the Hall of Fame game can't be discounted. Campbell is trying to learn a new offense and he showed that he is picking it up well. He should at least be a good fantasy backup if he continues to progress. Darrell Jackson, WR, Broncos: The early suspension of Brandon Marshall gives Jackson a prime opportunity to develop a strong rapport with Jay Cutler at the beginning of the regular season. If Jackson is up to the task, he can post decent numbers while Marshall is out. He also should benefit even more when the No. 1 receiver returns. Jackson is looking like a fine late-round pick right now. D.J. Hackett, Panthers: Another suspension, another opportunity. Hackett has a great chance to prove himself to his new team early while Steve Smith sits out the first two games. If Jake Delhomme quickly gains confidence in Hackett, his value could really rise when Smith comes back. Hackett is a fine upside selection in the later rounds. Dustin Keller, TE, Jets: The New York Daily News reported Keller has been having a strong camp, and recently caught a 55-yard TD pass in a scrimmage. Keller fills an apparent need in the New York offense and it would not be surprising to see him deliver at least a few quality fantasy outings in his first pro season. FALLING Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins: Brown told the Miami Herald he needs more time to get himself back into the proper state of mind, even though he is feeling fine physically. "From a mental aspect it may take some time just to be out here, being a part of practice and taking those licks where you're not thinking about it," Brown said in reference to taking hits as he works his way back from a significant knee injury. He has been limited in recent drills, and such statements certainly make me consider passing on Brown on draft day and letting him be someone else's concern. Michael Pittman, RB, Broncos: The Rocky Mountain News reported Pittman was not listed on the running back depth chart initially released by the Broncos. He appeared on the chart as a third-string fullback. Pittman reportedly fumbled during a recent workout and then found himself working as a backup fullback. Mike Shanahan has a very short fuse when it comes to fumbling. The Bronco RB situation could always change again quickly, but Pittman's chances of getting quality carries seem remote right now. He also loses significant appeal as a handcuff. Laurent Robinson, WR, Falcons: The team's official site reported that Robinson has missed time in camp recently because of a tailbone injury. WRs coach Terry Robiskie has indicated Robinson needs more work on his route running skills. Many experts have mentioned Robinson as a possible sleeper, but the missed time could hurt him as he pushes for a starting job. Devard Darling, WR, Chiefs: He is another sleeper candidate, but even though he is working as a starter, there have been reports he has done nothing to separate himself from the rest of the competitors in camp. According to the Kansas City Star, WRs coach Eric Price has indicated he may use a rotation at the position. It seems best to avoid all Chiefs wideouts other than Dwayne Bowe. Mike Bell, RB, Texans: He seemed like an intriguing addition with some fantasy upside when he joined the Texans. But Bell has already suffered a hamstring injury and it's clear he is not up to speed or in optimal physical condition. "Unfortunately, that's what happens when you bring guys in the middle of camp. If they’re not in excellent shape, they get exposed. I just don't think he was in very good condition," head coach Gary Kubiak told the team's official website. It's best to avoid drafting Bell for now, even considering the shaky RB situation in Houston. Rudi Johnson, RB, Bengals: As if fantasy players weren’t skeptical enough about him to begin with, Johnson has missed time in camp with a right hamstring problem. Last season, it was the left hamstring that hobbled Johnson, but many owners will certainly now give stronger consideration to Kenny Watson in the later rounds. Brandon Marshall, WR, Broncos: This one is obvious, but what needs to be addressed is where to draft him now. I wouldn't drop him too far, now selecting him as a WR2 instead of a No. 1 guy. He's not going to miss much time in terms of workouts, so I don't worry about his conditioning like I would for a holdout player. Marshall should step right in and perform at a high level when he returns. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers: Basically the same scenario as Marshall. Smith will be highly motivated to put the camp incident behind him when he returns, and he could really explode when he makes his regular season debut. I wouldn't let Smith or Marshall slip past the end of the fourth round while making sure I pick up early insurance quickly thereafter. Scott Engel became the first-ever regular fantasy sports writer for CBS Sportsline after he joined their staff in 1996. He eventually became a Managing Editor and Senior Writer, and spearheaded the construction of an "All-Star" staff that included Tristan H. Cockcroft (now with ESPN.com) and Michael Fabiano (NFL.com) at the beginning of their climbs to major prominence as professional fantasy analysts. E-mail Scott at
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