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Outside Arizona and Philadelphia, no team has lassoed more top-flight free agent talent than Seattle. After enticing Tarvaris Jackson and Sidney Rice away from Minnesota, Pete Carroll and company poured salt into the wound of one of their staunchest former rivals, the Oakland Raiders. Tight end Zach Miller, the subject of a bidding war between the two franchises, spurned his 2010 employer, opting on a multi-year deal with the suddenly loaded 'Hawks.
Presumably, the painful move added another liver spot to Al Davis' ancient face.
To the casual fan, Miller is one of the business's best kept secrets. The most consistent aerial threat on largely mediocre Raider teams, he's hauled in an average of 61 receptions for 756 yards per year over the past three seasons. More importantly, the durable target has missed just two games since 2009, quite the achievement for a position typically battered by injury. Though his fantasy output hasn't exactly pumped the juices, in the right situation, he could emerge a reliable TE1. His mammoth size, smooth route-running ability and terrific hands are strong attributes.
Seattle could be one such destination.
Yes, the Tarvarisaurus is an insatiable beast who would find it difficult to thread a football through a tire given 50 attempts, but the viable weapons GM John Schneider has gifted him increases his chances to achieve success. Just look at their heights: Miller - 6-foot-5, Rice - 6-foot-4, Mike Williams - 6-foot-5. If Jackson can't hit a tree from 10-yards out in this forest, he's completely hopeless.
Still, because of his ability to scramble and the 'Hawks' improved offensive line, he could emerge a useful QB2 in deeper formats, especially against the NFC West's host of soft secondaries. In games with at least 17 attempts, he's averaged a respectable 16.2 points per week or roughly what Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez tallied per game a season ago. Don't laugh, but Jackson is sleeper material, albeit Grand Canyon-deep leagues.
Historically, Jackson has only occasionally favored his tight end. In seven starts with the Vikings, he lined Visanthe Shiancoe up in the crosshairs a mere 3.8 times per game. Last year in Oaktown, Miller nearly doubled that number, generating 6.3 targets per game.
Still, in an offense predicated on exploiting the middle of the field, Miller will carve out a substantial role. Yes, Rice, Williams and Marshawn Lynch will command looks, but if Jackson can find his TE with regularity and actually deliver fairly crisp passes, another borderline top-10 campaign in range of 60 receptions, 700 yards and 4-7 touchdowns is possible for No. 80. Drafted on average around pick No. 104 (TE9) in early mocks, Miller probably won't undergo a major ADP spike. For all intents and purposes, this was a lateral value move. Keep in mind, John Carlson, who was thrown to just 58 times over 15 games last year (3.9/gm), is still lingering. But after the position's big boys are off the board, he is the next best option.
Your turn gamers. What are your thoughts on Miller in Seattle? Is he a trustworthy starter in 12-team leagues? What about Jackson? Is designating him a "sleeper" more or less delusional than Mike Martz's claim that Roy Williams is "elite?" Discuss below.
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