Jerramy Stevens

The signing of Kellen Winslow during the offseason takes Stevens off the radar of the majority of fantasy leagues. Throw in the instability at quarterback, and it would take a Winslow injury to make Stevens worthy of consideration even as a bye-week filler.

Stevens got more productive as the season went on, garnering all of his touchdowns in his last four games of the year (10 catches, 111 yards). However, there's much more competition in camp this year, and he's not guaranteed a roster spot. Note he'll be suspended for the first two games of 2008 due to DUI and marijuana charges from last year.

Stevens enters a situation with two capable tight ends ahead of him, and his offseason troubles leave his value reduced. He’s a better receiver than Anthony Becht, but will not take the starting job from Alex Smith. In Seattle last year, his 6-7 frame made him a favorite in the red zone where he had 13 targets (2nd most on the team) in 11 games.

The former first-round draft pick will return as the team’s No. 1 TE, but we’ll be keeping an eye on his rehab from offseason knee surgery which will prevent him from participating in minicamps. The Seahawks are about middle of the pack in terms of using the tight end in the passing game, and Stevens was 21st among TEs in red-zone targets. Inside the 20 has been Shaun Alexander’s territory, especially last year, but we expect Mike Holmgren to make more use of his 6-7, 265-pound tight end now that Stevens has established himself, his awful performance in the Super Bowl notwithstanding

Stevens emerged in training camp as Seattle’s starting tight end in 2004, eventually losing the job to Itula Mili, who the Seahawks signed to a four-year deal in the offseason. Stevens posted career bests with 31 catches for 349 yards and three touchdowns, but he lacked the consistency that Mili brings and didn’t always run the proper routes. Stevens still has much developing to do before becoming a fantasy factor or overtaking Mili for good.

This is likely the make-or-break year for Stevens, who is fast approaching the bust label. The 2002 first-round pick caught six passes last season and has spent more time in court than in the end zone. Injuries stunted his development as he missed much of training camp last year and four games as a rookie. On the other hand, his impressive performance at the team’s mini-camp drew high praise from coaches and players. And fellow tight end Itula Mili’s desire for a new contract, on behalf of which he skipped mini-camp, could open the door for Stevens. If Stevens stays healthy, he’ll likely see opportunities, but he’s too risky to draft as a sleeper. Keep an eye on him and if he buds, take the gamble.

Although Itula Mili developed into a solid option for the Seahawks in 2002, Stevens might supplant him as the starter. Stevens, the 2001 first-round pick from Washington, became the starter in Week 4 last season, but then a sprained ankle forced him to mi