Fantasy Football Movers & Shakers-NFC South

Take a look at the fantasy players from the NFC South who will see their role change as result of a new team or the departure of a former teammate. 

NFC South



Julio Jones

 Atlanta Falcons-The Falcons are looking to make a Super Bowl run this year after a playoff loss to the Packers to end their 2010 season.  Few changes were made as the Falcons looked to their solid nucleus in place.  The only notable addition for the Falcons came via the draft when they traded up to select Julio Jones.  Jones should step right in and claim a starting job opposite Roddy White.  The Falcons use a balanced attack but they have the ability to air it out with a smart, signal caller in Matt Ryan.  Look for Jones to post 65/750/4 and be worthy of a reserve receiver slot on your team. 




Carolina Panthers-The overhaul of the Panthers included some major attention to the tight end position.  The Panthers haven't had a receiving threat at tight end since Wesley Walls, but now have two possible targets in Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen.  Olsen looks like the better option early in training camp and he should get plenty of targets for whichever young quarterback ends up under center.  Olsen is a quality option for an owner who elects to pass on the top tier of tight ends. 

New Orleans Saints-The former #2 overall draft selection Reggie Bush departed for Miami.  Bush's talent never translated in to him being a feature back in the NFL, but his versatility allowed him to contribute in a variety of ways.  Darren Sproles steps in and should have a similar role to Bush.  Sproles is not worth fantasy consideration except in deep, PPR leagues. 

The Saints also used the draft to address their revolving door running back situation adding Mark Ingram late in the first round.  Ingram has the build to be a feature back, but history suggests he is more likely to share the load.  Ingram is regularly being drafted in the third round of drafts and will likely not match that value on the the field this season.  I have Ingram slated as a quality RB3 with high upside if he earns the majority of the carries, but with Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory and Sproles in the mix that is an unlikely scenario. 



LeGarrette Blount

 Tampa Bay Buccaneers-The Bucs did not make any fantasy football significant moves this off season.  However, by allowing Cadillac Williams to leave the Bucs demonstrated their commitment to LeGarrette Blount as their primary running back.  Blount had a surprising 1,000 yard six touchdown rookie campaign and will look to build on that this year.  He will no longer fly under the radar, but Blount would make a reliable RB2.  Another 1,000 yard season should be attainable and expect him to flirt with double digit TDs.