Walking the Waiver Wire – 5 Guys to Consider

As mentioned in last Friday’s Rogers’ Report, early season waiver pick-ups can turn your average team into a playoff team. Here are this week’s top 5 free agents that could be available in your league, depending on roster sizes:

• Mike Bell – With Pierre Thomas sitting out Week 1 with a knee injury, former Bronco Mike Bell took full advantage of his opportunity, rushing for a career-high 143 yards on 28 carries. Rumors already have him keeping the job even after Thomas gets back. Let’s keep in perspective that he ran against a Lions defense more focused on trying to slow down that juggernaut of a passing game led by Drew Brees. It’s my belief that while Bell will get 5-8 carries per game moving forward, Thomas is still the guy. For all Thomas owners, Bell is a must-have handcuff.
• Dustin Keller – While the tight end position is the deepest it’s ever been, Dustin Keller appears to have great chemistry with QB Mark Sanchez and is worth taking a look at. Sanchez keyed-in on Keller throughout Sunday’s game against the Texans and finished with 4 catches for 94 yards. Keller showed great ability to run after the catch and remember, the tight end position always seems to be a favorite of rookie QB’s since the throws are easier to make.
• Antwaan Randle El – The Redskins rookie WR’s were practically non-existent against the Giants, so QB Jason Campbell leaned on Antwaan Randle El, who caught 7 balls for 98 yards. If Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly continue to disappoint, Randle El is a good pickup as a WR3, flex or bye week replacement.
• Mark Clayton – A few reasons why I like the former first-round draft pick – 1) Derrick Mason is old and 2) Joe Flacco has improved by leaps and bounds, evident by his outstanding performance in Week 1.  I would compare this situation to the ‘changing of the guard’ that has happened in Green Bay with Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. Pick up Clayton and stash him away as your WR3.
• Mark Sanchez – I think everyone was pleasantly surprised with Sanchez’s fantastic Week 1 performance vs. the supposedly improved Texans defense. Sanchez showed great footwork and the poise of a savvy veteran. While he’ll have his ups and downs as a rookie, look for Sanchez to continue to surprise in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense. If you’re sitting with only one QB on your roster, the kid from USC is worthy of fringe QB2 status.    

 I’ll add that if you have a waiver pick in the top 3, the above players are NOT worth it. Choose wisely and good luck.