Will Tony Martin's drug laundering case stand between him and another 1,000-yard season?

Before we wrap up our "trilogy" of battle reports, just a quick side note about preseason football.

There's little doubt that coaches see these first two (or so) weeks of exhibition play the same way boatsmen view that first trip around the harbor after a long winter in dry-dock. Fire it up, take it for a quick spin, and find out which parts need a tune up, and which need an overhaul.

To football fans, these games provide a nice first dose of what they've been craving since January. To the fantasy follower, they can also provide a few early clues. A couple of things to watch for in the warm-up games:

1. While the veteran starters won't see much action, veteran newcomers (trade and free-agent acquisitions) tend to see more work as they learn the system. Watch for those who seem to pick things up quickly and seem to fit the system well.

2. Rookies can solidify positions in the preseason, but often need to impress early to really be considered. Watch for those who show consistency in the first weeks, not necessarily those making one or two big plays.

3. Though you don't want to read too much into it, make a mental note of those returning veterans who look particularly rusty in the early weeks. This can occasionally be a sign that age is catching up, or that a new system could be difficult to learn.

That said, let's proceed with installment #3, and take a look at a few receivers and tight ends competing for some fantasy-impacting playing time.

MIAMI: TONY MARTIN vs. YATIL GREEN vs. ORONDE GADSDEN
Outlook: As undecided as the Dolphins are at who will be taking the hand-offs from Dan Marino this year, they have been just as unsure as to who will be catching a lot of his passes. Coming off a big year, veteran possession guy O.J. McDuffie was re-signed and figures to catch a lot of balls, but at least one more receiver needs to emerge to balance this attack.

Fantasy Value: As committed as Jimmy Johnson is to the run, and with so many good backs in camp, it is safe to assume that a good running attack is in the cards this year. If this takes any pressure off of Marino, he will likely pick apart defenses like the Danny of old, and his receivers will haul in some good fantasy numbers.

'Dozer's Take:Tony Martin isn't necessarily the safe pick here. If his legal troubles don't keep him off the field, they may distract his play. Gadsden played well at times, but hasn't yet convinced coaches he is the permanent fix. Green has the most potential, but is so far a card-carrying member of the "injury-prone" club. Watch carefully as this plays out.

BALTIMORE: PAT JOHNSON vs. QADRY ISMAIL vs. BILLY DAVIS
Outlook: If Billick succeeds in piecing together a Viking-like offense in Baltimore, one or more of this crew will be over-achieving to make it happen.

Fantasy Value: If Brian Billick turns in a dud for an offense, I'm going to have a lot of explaining to do. (Oh well, I'm already out on that limb&). There are some points to be scored in Baltimore this year, and one of these guys will find a welcome home on a fantasy roster.

'Dozer's Take: Ismail was signed for a reason, and knows the coach's system, but has never proven consistency. Pat Johnson is the raw talent in the bunch, and is the one to watch. If he looks good early, he could make a nice late-round fantasy gamble.

GREEN BAY: DERRICK MAYES vs. BILL SCHROEDER vs. COREY BRADFORD
Outlook: With Robert Brooks heading out to pasture, every day of Antonio Freeman's holdout makes these names more important to know. Even when Freeman does sign, there is always plenty to go around in Green Bay.

Fantasy Value: Favre throws, somebody catches. It's really that simple. There's more likely to be a shortage of cheese than one of touchdowns in Wisconsin these days. Get hold of the right one of these guys and you'll be glad you did.

'Dozer's Take: Mayes will get his opportunity again this year, but hasn't done much with the ones he has had before. Bradford has the tools, but needs more experience. Give the nod to Schroeder, who has shown a Freeman-like knack for finding open spots and getting behind defenses.

INDIANAPOLIS: E.G. GREEN vs. JEROME PATHON
Outlook: I don't know if it's the 26 TDs or just that polished aura, but Peyton Manning just doesn't seem to have that sophomore-slump look about him. Maybe staying for that senior year at Tennessee will prove to be the ticket to avoiding the young-quarterback roller coaster that has plagued some if his colleagues. If so, big things are in store for Indy's '99 offense.

Fantasy Value: With Marvin Harrison locked in as the go-to guy (and probably double-covered), and the way the Colts use tight-ends Ken Dilger and Marcus Pollard, one of these two receivers will fill a nice one-on-one roll which could translate into a lot of scoring.

'Dozer's Take: Pathon was believed to be the guy that could gel with Manning from the start. He isn't there yet, and Green may just sneak in and take that spot. Keep tabs on who is named the starter opposite Harrison, and bump him up your list accordingly.

PITTSBURGH: COURTNEY HAWKINS vs. HINES WARD vs. WILL BLACKWELL
Outlook: Speaking of the sophomore-slump, we watched disappointingly as Kordell Stewart went through his last year. While not technically a sophomore, it was his second real QB year, and clearly did not match expectations set up from the year before. Stewart will have to be better with Kevin Gilbride on board, and Jerome Bettis should bounce back, letting this over-due air attack finally fly in Pittsburgh.

Fantasy Value: With Charles Johnson moving on and rookie Troy Edwards getting all the attention (from defenses especially), a veteran receiver will need to emerge here, and should get a lot of opportunity while Edwards develops.

'Dozer's Take: Blackwell never quite stepped up last year, despite some preseason promise. Ward is the wild card, but needs a defined role if he is to develop some consistency that will help the team. Johnson would have been a good complement to Edwards, and the Steelers will miss him. Stay away if Hawkins keeps the job, but consider a draft pick if one of the younger guys emerges.

GREEN BAY: MARK CHMURA vs. TYRONE DAVIS
Outlook: Brett Favre or no Brett Favre, Green Bay is not going to produce two good fantasy tight ends consistently. However, they almost certainly will produce one. Baring injury or trade, both Chmura and Davis will see action, but only one will win the "money" TE spot.

Fantasy Value: If grouped in with receivers, only a small handful of tight ends are worthy of fantasy consideration; but the one catching touchdowns from Favre should make this list. In leagues where tight ends are separated, this is a valuable race to watch.

'Dozer's Take: A healthy Chmura has both the ability and rapport with Favre to be the producer again in Green Bay. Look for Davis' end-zone role to be reduced this year, as defenses take him more seriously, and as Dorsey Levens regains his goal-line duties.

A few other receivers and tight-ends to keep an eye on this August&

IRV SMITH, CLEVELAND
'Dozer's Take: San Francisco defector Irv Smith has shown end-zone skill and good hands. Given a thin receiving corps, Smith could become a favorite target for either rookie Tim Couch or ex-teammate Ty Detmer. Watch how he is used as the season approaches.

KEN DILGER AND MARCUS POLLARD, INDIANAPOLIS
'Dozer's Take: See "MARK CHMURA vs. TYRONE DAVIS" above. One of Indy's tight ends will be a good fantasy option this year, and the smart money is on Pollard, who continues to impress in the red zone.

KEVIN DYSON, TENNESSEE
'Dozer's Take: If the Titans are to take the next step offensively, Dyson's play opposite Yancey Thigpen will be the key. If he shows a little more consistency and life this year, consider a late-round spot for him.

ALBERT CONNELL, WASHINGTON
'Dozer's Take:Michael Westbrook can play the Cris Carter role for new D.C. QB Brad Johnson, but Connell will have to do a pretty good Jake Reed imitation to make it all work. Connell showed promise filling in last year, but must now fill the shoes of Leslie Shepherd if the Redskins are going to pose a threat.

SEAN DAWKINS, SEATTLE
'Dozer's Take: Most fantasy owners have written Dawkins off, but you can reasonably chalk-up his lack of end-zone experience more to environment than ability. In Seattle, he should benefit from single coverage opposite Joey Galloway and from a coach who knows how to exploit a good mismatch.