The purpose of this column is to spotlight deeper roster moves that could pay off big over the course of the season. Unless stated in a player's write up, we're not looking for one-week wonders here, but shark moves that could really strengthen your team down the road.

Dynasty Watch focuses on low risk, huge payoff roster moves that you might be able make before the guys in your league think about it. This aim of this column is to make you look like a genius to the other owners in your league. When news breaks, and the other owners are scrambling to make a waiver wire move, we want them to be upset time and time again that the player is already on your squad.

Cedric Cobbs: RB New England Patriots
6'0" 225 lbs - Arkansas
23 years old. 4th Round pick in 2004 #128 Overall

What has he done so far
Nothing. Cobbs has been on the physically unable to play list for the majority of the season. He had 1 carry in the week 8 loss to Pittsburgh. Starting RB Corey Dillon was inactive for that game, and backup Kevin Faulk had only 5 carries. Cobbs did not play during the preseason either.

Current Situation
Currently #4 on the New England running back depth chart. Corey Dillon is the #1 back with over 75% of the running back carries for the year. Fullback Patrick Pass is second in carries with just 22, and backup running back Kevin Faulk has more receptions (21) than carries (17).

Spotlight ETA
Could be as early as 2005. Dillon has over 2000 carries and 8800 yards for his career. His contract with the Patriots is incentive laced, and balloons from $660,000 base in 2004 to $3.85 million in 2005. He is also not known as a 'team player.' If attitude, age, or cap cost make Dillon expendable for the 2005 season, Cobbs could enter training camp with a chance to take over the starting role.

If Dillon is retained for the 2005 season, Cobbs could still see time in the 2005 season. While Dillon has been very healthy for most of his career, he has been dinged up the past few seasons. Even if Cobbs is the primary backup for 2005, there is a good chance that he can see action.

Dynasty Upside
The Patriots brought in Dillon to help with their running game. In 2001 and 2002 the Patriots ranked 28th and 27th respectively. While Dillon has lifted them up to 17th in the league, they still only have 5 rushing TDs for the season (21st). It is the Patriots hope the Cobbs can improve on that. At present, Dillon is on pace for a 1500 yard, 8 TD season. As a full time starter, Cobbs could put up similar numbers.

Final Thoughts
It's still too early to tell if Cobbs is worth a roster slot. Dillon's success might keep him around another year, and if Dillon is the starter at the start of the 2005 season, Cobbs will spend several games on the bench with little or no fantasy value.

Another issue with Cobbs is durability. He missed his 2000 season in college with a shoulder injury and was dinged up for another portion of his college career. Beginning his NFL career on the PUP list doesn't give anyone warm, fuzzy feelings.

Keep an eye on Cobbs for the second half of 2004 and see how he performs. Unless you have deep rosters, it's probably too early to grab him now, but if he begins to see more action as the season wears on, he might be worth a late season pickup.

Ronald Curry: WR Oakland Raiders
6'2" 220 lbs - North Carolina
25 years old. 7th Round draft pick in 2002 #235 Overall

What has he done so far
With the departure of Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, Curry has come into his own for the Raiders this year. Despite an inconsistent passing game this year, Curry is the #2 receiver for Oakland this year.

Current Situation
Still not considered a starter for Oakland, Curry actually has 12 more receptions than the guy in front of him (Doug Gabriel). He's had an inconsistent mix of good and bad games this year, including a 10-catch, 72-yard game against Indy and a complete shutout a few weeks later against San Diego. Finally, he is in his final contract year with the Raiders, and could use this season to test the waters during the offseason.

Spotlight ETA
Curry is going to start for someone in 2005. If he sticks with the Raiders, he should be able to beat out Gabriel for the starting job. If the Raiders let him leave after this season, he has done well enough this season to warrant someone giving him a shot.

His few solid games this year may have landed him on a roster in deeper leagues, but his inconsistency has him sitting on many waiver wires as well. He'll probably have up and down games the rest of the way for 2004 setting the stage for a real breakout season next year.

Dynasty Upside
Curry is currently on pace for 55 catch, 650 yard season. As a full time starter with a good QB throwing to him, he could easily break the 1000 yard mark. He has additional value in leagues that award points for receptions as he could easily be Oakland's top pass catcher.

With Curry, it all depends on the QB. Oakland will certainly be looking for someone other than Collins to run the ship next year. If Curry stays with the Raiders and they add a good veteran QB, Curry could really blossom. If Curry leaves via free agency and lands on a team with a struggling QB, Curry's stats could suffer.

Final Thoughts
If you have the roster space, grab Curry now and hold on to him for the rest of the way. His 4 games with 1 catch or less have scared off a lot of fantasy owners, and Curry is available for pickup in many leagues.

Curry's world is going to change dramatically in 2005. Either he'll stay with Oakland, and probably have a new quarterback throwing him the ball, or he'll depart via free agency and be with an entirely new team and offense. Either way, he's going to get a shot at the starting lineup, and he's worth taking a look at now for next year.