Posted by brian in 
Every August, NFL teams break out their early Depth Charts. While some of the random placements make sense (i.e.- Brandon Marshall on the second team because of injury), there are a handful of others that might actually have an impact on your Draft Board. Here are a few shockers that have come out this week…..
Brandon Marshall and Correll Buckhalter (DEN, WR & RB)- Marshall was not only dropped as the Broncos’ top receiver when the team released their depth chart on Monday, but he was moved all the way to the second team. Marshall has been bogged down with a hamstring injury, and if you add to that the (small) possibility of him being dealt, you might want to move Marshall down your board. The other interesting note out of Broncos Camp, is that Correll Buckhalter has been listed as the team’s number one back, ahead of Lamont Jordan, Peyton Hillis and rookie Knowshon Moreno. Any selection of a Denver Running Back should come with a packet of BG’s headache powder, and those hoping for a change now that fantasy killer Mike Shanahan is on the golf course, shouldn’t get their hopes up with Josh McDaniels at the helm.
Dwayne Bowe (KC, WR)- For some reason that’s completely beyond me, new KC Coach Todd Haley, has third year player Dwayne Bowe listed as the team’s third receiver. Bowe is listed as high as the 15th overall receiver in some publications, has reportedly clashed with his new coach, and has been slotted behind Amani Toomer and Terrance Copper. Reporters in KC still believe that Bowe will be the starter once the season gets underway, so keep your eye on Bowe during your draft. He might slip a bit because of this news, and you’ll be able to get some good value.
Luke McCown and Earnest Graham (TB, QB & RB)- I don’t think many people plan on drafting Luke McCown, but the news that Earnest Graham was named the starter for the first preseason game is big news. Tampa Bay brought in Derrick Ward from the Giants in the offseason, and the former Giant is high on everyone’s boards these days. The McCown news drops Bryron Leftwich to #2, and rookie Josh Freeman to #3. The Bucs have about five players at every offensive position, and with Antonio Bryant now battling injury, you might just want to take a wait and see approach and hope for a waiver wire pickup if you have some early injuries on your squad.
Brian Leonard (CIN, RB)- You may remember the former Rutgers star being a backup to Steven Jackson in St. Louis. Well the Bengals traded for him in the offseason, just released veteran Kenny Watson, and have already moved him up to the 2nd RB spot in the Queen City. With Cedric Benson currently occupying the one hole, it might just be a matter of time before Leonard sees the lion’s share of carries. You can also tune into HBO’s “Hard Knocks” to get a closer view of what’s going on in camp this Summer.
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If we missed any of the more important Depth Chart irregularities, please let us know in the comments.
