It’s not a surprise when an unknown name rises to the top of the fantasy scoring leaders. It happens almost every year. Though the league will always be separated into back-up, quality, and superstar players - every player on a roster has a reason for being there - and that means they all have the potential to do something special.

Still, when it does happen, it’s difficult not to ask “Where did that guy come from?”

In ’07, the question was directed at Cleveland Browns back-up QB Derek Anderson - an unknown castoff from Baltimore clinging to his NFL life. In week 13 of 2006 - Anderson filled in for an injured Charlie Frye and led his team to a exciting OT victory. But three losses later (including a four interception effort against Tamp Bay), the return of Frye for the final week, and the subsequent drafting of top prospect Brady Quinn in the 2007 draft - the NFL tale of Derek Anderson seemed to be at an end.

But the planets aligned themselves properly for Anderson to get another shot. Rookie Brady Quinn held out in the early season - and wasn’t ready to start - particularly for a coach like Romeo Crennel. Then Charlie Frye played so badly in the first quarter of the season opener - that he wasn’t just pulled from the game - he was traded to Seattle the next day. The reigns were handed over to Anderson - presumably just to keep the spot warm until Brady was ready to go.

Anderson’s solid play, combined with the Brown’s surprising success on the way to a 10-6 record, secured his spot as the starter through season’s end. He finished with some respectable numbers - including 3,700 passing yards, 29 TD’s, and an 82.5 QB rating. The effort was good enough to finish 6^th on most fantasy QB scoring lists. Not bad for a player who wasn’t drafted by anyone, anywhere. Not even accidentally by an auto-pick system.

The outlook for Anderson in 2008 was shaped dramatically in March after the Browns rewarded him with a 3 year - 28 million dollar deal. If the deal isn’t impressive enough for you - consider GM Phil Savage’s comments - “When you sign a deal like we did with Derek, I don’t think there is going to be an open competition (at QB).”

So owners should feel confident that Anderson goes into 2008 as the Browns’ starter - and only a horrific start should threaten to get him pulled. However - it would be unwise to discount the existence of highly touted (and highly drafted) Brady Quinn completely. We’ve all heard head coaches make commitments to QB’s before, only to have them reverse field when the going gets tough. Quinn’s development in training camp, and particularly the pre-season, should be monitored closely. Logic dictates that the better Quinn plays, the shorter Anderson’s leash will be if he struggles. Otherwise, only a string of losses and an early exit from the playoff race would make switching to Quinn a sensible choice.

Fans and fantasy owners alike have every reason to believe that Anderson improves his production in ’08. One year as a starter - without even getting the bulk of the snaps in pre-season - forces a player to ride a huge learning curve in the toughest of environments. With that in mind - Anderson’s ’07 is even more impressive. With his financial security handled, Derek has little to do but worry about improving his play and getting a better handle on the offense. This type of scenario almost always leads to at least marginal improvement. Derek has a good, strong arm and is proving skeptics who said he couldn’t move around in the pocket wrong. He’s shown touch and leadership and builds chemistry with each passing day.

So too, is the addition of WR Donte Stallworth reason for optimism. Not only is Stallworth a step up from last years #2 Joe Jurevicius - but he creates a situation where the sum of the corps is now greater then the value of it’s parts. Consider the offense on paper. Braylon Edwards is as good as there is in the league. Stallworth offers a better number two option - and Jurevicius should thrive in the slot because of it. Kellen Winslow is finally playing up to expectations, and offers a target comparable to any of the league’s top TE’s. It wouldn’t be surprising if Winslow was still the second most productive receiver on the team in ‘08. Reborn Jamal Lewis is back with a three year deal - and keeps the chains moving and the defense honest. The offensive line is more or less intact. It’s hard to find anything not to like.

The knocks on Anderson revolve around his accuracy and decision making - both of which go hand in hand for him. His ’07 completion percentage of 56.5 was 28^th in the league - and he was near at the top of list for picks. And this is why - despite a good record, lots of yards, and finishing fifth in TD’s - no one is exactly touting him as the second coming of Joe Montana.

And he most likely isn’t. His forcing of passes and lapses of concentration are real problems - but problems that virtually every young, inexperienced player struggles with. What he does seem to be is a winner. A player who showed consistent ability over a long season in a tough town. A piece of what could potentially be a very powerful offense ( a group that quietly finished 8^th overall in 2007). And a QB who will, for the first time, be given every opportunity to improve and make an offense his own.

There will be those who fear Anderson will falter, and that the Browns will be looking for the first opportunity to get their golden boy Brady Quinn into the lineup to appease the fans and sell more jerseys. But I’ll put my money on Anderson. Crennel is not a knee-jerk type of coach - and knows that “the other guy” is not always the answer. Anderson will be considerably improved from a solid ’07. 4,000+ yards is well within reach, and 30+ TD’s could easily follow. He won’t be the invisible man in fantasy drafts like he was last year, but skeptics may pass on him - choosing names or players without looming back-ups instead. If this is the case, Anderson could provide tremendous value in the middle rounds.