Wandering around ESPN.com this morning, I stumbled across the 2009 fantasy projections. Below are some projections for our beloved Bucs. Debate away.
Quarterbacks
Luke McCown - #284 Overall - 1,868 yards, 9 TDs, 11 INTs
Byron Leftwich - #388 - 1,305 yards, 7 TDs, 4 INTs
Josh Freeman - #420 - 641 yards, 4 TDs, 4 INTs
Josh Johnson - #484 - No Stats
Running Backs
Derrick Ward - #46 Overall - 948 yards, 4 TDs, 47 receptions, 409 yards, 1 TD
Earnest Graham - #89 - 835 yards, 6 TDs, 30 receptions, 239 yards
Cadillac Williams - Not Ranked Due to Injury Status
Wide Receivers
Antonio Bryant - #57 Overall - 91 receptions, 1,164 yards, 6 TDs
Michael Clayton - #319 - 34 receptions, 391 yards, 1 TD
Tight Ends
Kellen Winslow - #106 Overall - 70 receptions, 694 yards, 6 TDs
Jerramy Stevens - #356 - 15 receptions, 178 yards, 1 TD
Defense
Bucs - #290 Overall - 19th Ranked Defense
Kickers
Mike Nugent - #329 Overall
Matt Bryant - #410
Now before you all debate too much, remember these are fantasy projections. This is looked at differently than someone actually predicting the season. A lot of it is based on the player's past performances as well as how the team may do. I, for instance, am not sure who will step up as our #2 receiver (Clayton will have the first shot), but whoever it is, I think that guy will have more than 34 receptions. Over the last 5 years, the #2 has averaged 41.2 catches per season. So just keep in mind, these are FANTASY projections.
An interesting note: the highest ranked Buccaneer is Derrick Ward at #46 overall. The fantasy guys don't seem to think our offense will be anything to brag about.