Minnesota

There was lots of activity coming out of Minnesota camp this spring.  Star WR Eric Decker was playing baseball, causing some to wonder whether he will return to the gridiron this fall.  QB Adam Weber was coming off shoulder surgery, RB Duane Bennett was coming off knee surgery, and the arrival of new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch has brought a run-first mentality back to the Gophers.

WR Eric Decker still should be the first Gopher drafted in fantasy leagues, assuming he’s not on a minor league roster this fall.

If RB Duane Bennett can return to form after suffering a 2008 season-ending knee injury, he becomes an instant fantasy threat.  The Gophers are moving out of the Metrodome and into the elements this fall.  And with this move comes a new emphasis on the running game.  Bennett looked great before his injury. 

In keeper leagues, freshman QB MarQueis Gray deserves some serious attention.  He has a rocket arm and can run like the wind.  Gray will be a nightmare for Big Ten defensive coordinators for years to come.  But in 2009, Weber will still be running the show.

WR Troy Stoudemire accounted for 274 all-purpose yards in the spring game.  If Decker plays baseball, Stoudemire becomes a draftable commodity.

In the absence of Duane Bennett, who was held out of practice as he continues to rehab his ailing knee, RB Kevin Whaley turned heads this spring.  If Bennett is unable to go at 100%, Whaley could overtake DeLeon Eskridge for carries.

The biggest question is the health of RB Duane Bennett.  With the new OC preaching a renewed emphasis on the running game, whoever totes the rock for Minnesota should be a valuable fantasy prospect.  The Gophers seem to be holding the No. 1 spot for Bennett, but Whaley rocketed up the depth chart this spring.
 

QB MarQueis Gray was 8-10 for 141 yards, but was unable to showcase his immense running talents as the QBs were “hands off”.  As stated above, WR Troy Stoudemire exploded for 274 all-purpose yards.

RB Duane Bennett was held out of drills as he continues to rehab his knee.  QB Adam Weber seems to be fine after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Spring Recaps - Team Index