Chris Johnson's Holdout - Are You Concerned?

Roger · Post by **Roger** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 5:24 am

Tom,

Its interesting that you posted this question, as I was just about to post a question on this for Greg's chat today. CJ generally has not been discounted in the draft results that you have posted so far.

I am doing 2 online championship drafts. One next week, and the other on September 7. I don't concern myself with holdouts when I have a late draft. By then, he is in camp or he isn't and I can adjust my rankings accordingly.

But I have no idea what to do with him on the draft that I have next week. I am concerned that he will turn into 2010 Vincent Jackson, and am also concerned that he will report late and turn into 200x Ryan Grant? There are so many other decent 1st round picks who will score 15-17 pt / game range. Is it really worth taking on that much risk in the early 1st round for an additional potential 1 - 1.5 points per game? That is going to be a tough call. But if I pass on him, he will report to camp the day after the draft.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 5:28 am

I agree it's a tough call. I don't think there are more than 2-3 RBs in the league with more talent than CJ. So passing on an elite talent is a very difficult thing to do. I think that's why his ADP hasn't changed much in the past month or so. If I'm picking third right now I'd probably take Charles since he's the safer play and also a very good RB. If I was picking fourth, I'm taking CJ because I can't bring myself to pass on his talent.

I don't see this situation extending into the season. The Titans simply can't afford to have that happen with their only big-time player - especially when you consider how vastly underpaid Johnson is. But the longer this drags on, the more risk becomes attached to taking him. It'll be interesting to see if his ADP drops at all in the coming weeks.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:51 am

Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt said today he's prepared to make Johnson the highest-paid RB in the game. The Titans want CJ to report to camp first. CJ wants the deal first and then he'll report. But this does represent a positive step in the right direction.