Maroney’s Shoulder Still Not Ready
Jun 3rd, 2007 by guru-matt
Laurence Maroney is a prime candidate for a fantasy breakout campaign in 2007 - if his shoulder proves to be healthy. Maroney is not yet participating in New England’s off-season programs, and there is very little concrete evidence regarding the extent of his shoulder injury. His surgery was a success by all accounts but fantasy football eyes watched closely when Maroney made an appearance at a celebrity softball game a few days ago. Maroney did not play in the game - but it was noted that he did not throw the softballs, instead rolling them or handing them off, when one crossed his path. While this shouldn’t scare you away from him in your drafts this summer, it should be enough to put him on your Injury Watch list.
If Maroney is healthy for the start of the season, he has the talent and the team around him to warrant a first round selection in your fantasy football draft. Maroney is no longer competing with Corey Dillon for touches and goal line carries, which should give him a nice boost in production. In addition to this, the Patriots have seriously upgraded their aerial assault, which will force teams to play fewer defenders in the box or risk being beat deep by the likes of Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth.
