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To call Chad Ochocinco's offseason "adventurous" would be a gross understatement. Combating tedium while simultaneously keeping his name in the headlines during a tortoise-slow NFL offseason, the flamboyant wideout tackled a variety of temporary jobs — soccer player, bull rider, NASCAR driver, snake wrangler,*gator 'rassler and professional speeding ticket negotiator. Among all the unpredictable turns he's taken over the past several weeks none matched Thursday's remarkable plot twist.
According to John Clayton, Ochocinco was traded from fantasy toxic Cincinnati to New England in exchange for two undisclosed picks, one in 2012, the other 2013.
After Albert Haynesworth was shockingly acquired by the Pats earlier in the day, nabbing a proven, hard-working receiver, though exhibiting signs of aging, wasn't completely out of left-field. Still, opting for Ocho over young gun Malcom Floyd was a bit of a surprise.
Leave it to Bill Belichick.
Many fantasy owners will likely continue to express lukewarm feelings over Ochocinco despite the change in scenery. At a career point (33-years-old) when most wide receivers start to enter a period of regression and coming off two extremely disappointing seasons over the past three years, to say he isn't a risk would be shortsighted.
Still, this is team generaled by Tom Brady, a quarterback entrenched in his prime who will surely establish an instant rapport with the NFL jester. Despite his advanced age, Ocho is still one of the game's most tireless workers. More importantly, he's a superb fit in a Patriots offense predicated on timing patterns. He and Wes Welker are without question one of the best route-running combinations in the league. Throw in his size and still deadly downfield speed, and he's sure to become the apple of Brady's eye, especially on pass plays beyond 20 yards. Yes, the Pats were more balanced offensively a season ago striking a near 50-50 split in pass-run plays. But with Eighty-Five now in tow, it's possible they could again tilt the scales skyward. Mr.*Sloughleupagus*Randy Moss certainly did them no favors last year.
On my WR board, Chad is going up with a flaming arrow. It's conceivable he could reemerge as a 80-1200-8 candidate as Brady's dance partner. Deion Branch is only a minor threat. And Welker's role as short-field greaseman is well-defined. However, tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez may continue to be Brady's primary targets near the goal-line. And remember this is a spread-the-love offense. Consistency could be a problem. Regardless, anticipate Ocho's stock to rise sharply over the next few days (ADP: 113.0, WR45), possibly puncturing the top-80. Without question his odds of finishing as a premier WR2 are strong, even in shallow formats.
What do you make of this Shocker Special? Are you investing heavily in Chad stock? What's your Fearless Forecast? Does this affect Brady's value? Discuss below.
Bring the noise on Twitter. Follow Brad*@YahooNoise.*And harass him in person, along with esteemed Yahoo! colleagues Brandon Funston and Andy Behrens, throughout August in a city near you. Visit*FantasyFootballSymposium.com for more details.
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Image courtesy of US Presswire