The Draft can shake things up. Changes are in bold.
Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning - Peyton is easily the best. He's not on Madden '08, and the Colts got him a great slot receiver in Anthony Gonzolez.
2. Drew Brees - I wish I could make Brees 1A, as he will now throw to speedy Tennessee Alum Robert Meachem.
3. Tom Brady (Previously 4) - Randy Moss! He's throwing to Randy F-ing Moss! He had a good year with Brown, Gaffeny, and Caldwell, he'll do unbelievable things with Moss, Stallworth, and Washington.
4. Carson Palmer (Previously 3) - Brady's electrified recieving corps knocks Palmer down a peg.
5. Donovan McNabb (Previously 6) - Andy Reid has said McNabb is 'ahead of schedule' and has 'no need to worry' about Kolb being Philadelphia's first pick. You wouldn't lie to us, would you, Andy?
6. Marc Bulger (Previously 7) - Rutgers Fullback Brian Leonard will provide nice pass protection that will complement the Rams explosive offense.
7. Michael Vick (Previously 5) - I love rushing quarterbacks, they get you those few precious points in tight contests, but Vick can't seem to get away from trouble. Bulger and McNabb have better weapons anyway.
8. Matt Leinhart - Arizona fans rejoice! The drafting of Penn State Tackle Levi Brown to protect Leinhart's blind side almost made me put him above vick. Get ready for a very productive year from number seven.
9. Ben Roethlisberger (Previously 10) - It KILLS me that Dwayne Jarrett was taken right before the Steeler's second round pick. I think Big Ben Roethlisberger has something to prove this year, and word on the street is third rounder TE Spaeth has solid hands.
10. Philip Rivers (Previously Unranked) - Rivers now has a weapon out of LSU in Craig, and developed great rapport with Antonio Gates towards the end of last season. They have offensive minded coach Norv Turner at the helm. You can bet they'll score some serious point-age.
Late Round Flier Special: Jon Kitna - I know this seems like a really weird pick, but it makes sense once you think about it. Kitna, who threw for over 4,000 yards last year, has Calvin "The Next Jerry Rice" Johnson to throw to in addition to Mike Furrey and Roy Williams. And you know the Lions will be playing from behind often.
Dropped Out: Vince Young - I feel bad for Titans fans. Their Rookie Of The Year QB gets the cover of Madden (almost guaranteeing a down year) and Tennessee fails to draft a major recieving threat.
Running Back
1. LaDanian Tomlinson - Is there a rank higher than one? Because there is now a #1 recieving threat in San Diego.
2. Steven Jackson (Previously 3) - He now has Leonard to open huge holes to run through.
3. Larry Johnson (Previously 2) - Another stalwart of the KC line just retired, and LJ's on the trading block. Love the guy as a runner, but he doesn't deserve #2.
4. Brian Westbrook (Previously 5) - Tony Hunt was a great pick. I love it. No more Westbrook fumbles in the fourth quarter, and the Philly Halfback will take alot less of a beating with a bruiser to spell him.
5. Frank Gore (Previously 4) - Gore should do well this year, but Norv Turner's departure isn't good. The D-Jax acquisition does help him. Think of him as a safer pick now.
6. Rudi Johnson - Cincy picked up Kenney Irons, but this won't threaten Johnson's workload as much as you'd think.
7. Willie Parker - I like the idea of moving to more multiple tight end sets. This means better blocking for FWP.
8. Shaun Alexander - I can't like the fact that the best reciever the Seahawks had was traded. There is alot more pressure on Alexander now.
9. Willis McGahee - The Ravens did the smart thing and drafted a few OL's this weekend. McGahee should bloom this season.
10. Maurice Jones-Drew - He can post eye-popping yardage totals, and that's that.
Late Round Flier Special - Michael Bush - Yes, he is playing in Oakland, where they won't have alot of time to hold on to the ball, but he has been called 'The Steal of the Draft' and 'A future star'. Perfect MJD candidate for this year.
Wide Reciever
1. Marvin Harrison - He can only benefit with Gonzolez on the field. Really.
2. Chad Johnson - Chris Henry got suspended, and Chad can go back to scoring TD's.
3. Larry Fitzgerald - Fitzgerald should be #1c if he stays healthy.
4. Steve Smith - With Dwayne Jarrett on the roster, you have to believe that Smith will have less defenders to deal with. We can only hope.
5. Reggie Wayne - Peyton didn't get Madden '08, so Reggie's production will be great.
6. Terrell Owens - T.O. is getting his Bonus. A paid T.O. is a happy T.O.
7. Javon Walker - Jay Cutler is coming into his own, and Walker will reap the benefits.
8. Roy Williams - You have to wonder if opposing defenses will dare to double cover Williams while Calvin Johnson is on the field.
9. Anquan Boldin - The drafting of Levi Brown makes Arizona's offensive stock soar.
10. T.J. Houshmanzadeh - Again, Chris Henry won't be around for half the season, and I can only be elated by that.
Late Round Flier Special - Calvin Johnson - If CJ even lasts until the late rounds of your draft, you have to take him. He is a number three WR candidate based simply on the fact he has been called "uncoverable".
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Mark's Mock (Picks 17-32)
Here's Part two - remember, this is what i'd LIKE to happen, not what will.
17. Jaguars - Brandon Merriweather - Jax will ignore character issues and take the Miami standout at their own risk to compensate for the loss of Grant.
18. Bengals - Darelle Revis - Pittsburgh is more likely to take the hometown cornerback, but if he is somehow passed up for Poz (I can only hope) instead, Cincy will take him in an instant.
19. Titans - Ted Ginn Jr. - Even though he is an injury concern, I'd love for Young to have a speedy weapon like Ginn in Tennessee.
20. Giants - Lawrence Timmons - The Giants don't have any linebackers, do they?
21. Broncos - Jamaal Anderson - One slight move in a draft can completely change a player's stock. Anderson would be a steal for Denver here, who needs help at DE.
22. Cowboys - Dwyane Jarret - I really don't know who else to put here.
23. Chiefs - Robert Meachem - For LJ's sake, the Chiefs have to get a threat downfield. Huard can have another great season if he is properly equipped with this Tennessee standout.
24. Patriots (from Seahawks deal for Deon Branch) - Jon Beason - The Pats take Beason a little earlier than they'd like to as LBs are flying off the board.
25. Jets - Chris Houston - New York needs help in the secondary and will get it with Houston.
26. Eagles - Aaron Ross - The Birds love D-Linemen in the first round, but they have so many losses at secondary they almost have to take the Texas standout.
27. Saints - Jarvis Moss - New Orleans takes Moss in 'Best Player Available' mode, and hopes that conerback depth will be their ally.
28. Patriots - Anthony Spencer - With a deep draft for Wide Receivers, the Patriots stay defensive.
29. Ravens - Justin Blalock - Baltimore needs a young quarterback, but no one is worth taking this early. Here's to patching up the line.
30. Chargers - Dwayne Bowe - Like the Chiefs, they need a reciever to complement their great running back.
31. Bears - LaMarr Woodley - Chicago takes out Lance Briggs insurance.
32. Colts - Reggie Nelson - It's absurd to think Nelson will fall this far, but the Colts will take the best defensive player available.
17. Jaguars - Brandon Merriweather - Jax will ignore character issues and take the Miami standout at their own risk to compensate for the loss of Grant.
18. Bengals - Darelle Revis - Pittsburgh is more likely to take the hometown cornerback, but if he is somehow passed up for Poz (I can only hope) instead, Cincy will take him in an instant.
19. Titans - Ted Ginn Jr. - Even though he is an injury concern, I'd love for Young to have a speedy weapon like Ginn in Tennessee.
20. Giants - Lawrence Timmons - The Giants don't have any linebackers, do they?
21. Broncos - Jamaal Anderson - One slight move in a draft can completely change a player's stock. Anderson would be a steal for Denver here, who needs help at DE.
22. Cowboys - Dwyane Jarret - I really don't know who else to put here.
23. Chiefs - Robert Meachem - For LJ's sake, the Chiefs have to get a threat downfield. Huard can have another great season if he is properly equipped with this Tennessee standout.
24. Patriots (from Seahawks deal for Deon Branch) - Jon Beason - The Pats take Beason a little earlier than they'd like to as LBs are flying off the board.
25. Jets - Chris Houston - New York needs help in the secondary and will get it with Houston.
26. Eagles - Aaron Ross - The Birds love D-Linemen in the first round, but they have so many losses at secondary they almost have to take the Texas standout.
27. Saints - Jarvis Moss - New Orleans takes Moss in 'Best Player Available' mode, and hopes that conerback depth will be their ally.
28. Patriots - Anthony Spencer - With a deep draft for Wide Receivers, the Patriots stay defensive.
29. Ravens - Justin Blalock - Baltimore needs a young quarterback, but no one is worth taking this early. Here's to patching up the line.
30. Chargers - Dwayne Bowe - Like the Chiefs, they need a reciever to complement their great running back.
31. Bears - LaMarr Woodley - Chicago takes out Lance Briggs insurance.
32. Colts - Reggie Nelson - It's absurd to think Nelson will fall this far, but the Colts will take the best defensive player available.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Mark's Mock (Picks 1-16)
This is not necessarily what I think will happen tomorrow, but here's how I would like to see the first round go:
1. Raiders - JaMarcus Russell - Oakland needs to start with the foundation of a good team: a franchise quarterback. Russell is a physical freak and deserves to fill that role.
2. Buccaneers (Trade 1st round pick, 2nd round pick for Detroit's 1st) - Calvin Johnson - If Tampa snatches up this phenom, whoever is behind center will put on a great show. Think of what Bush did for the Saints.
3. Browns - Brady Quinn - As much as I hate the Steeler's chief rival getting such a quality signal caller, Quinn is the best fit.
4. Lions (Traded down) - Gaines Adams - Millen has to go defensive here, trading down will take off alot of pressure.
5. Cardinals - Adrian Peterson - I really really wanted my "third team" to take Joe Thomas here, but when I thought about it, I love the idea of this offense being even more potentially explosive. I'll say they take OL's in subsequent rounds if not Thomas here.
6. Dolphins (Traded 1st round spots with Washington) - Joe Thomas - Most have the 'phins taking Levi Brown at nine, but most teams (Arizona not included) consider Thomas to be the better tackle. I could see them skipping ahead three spots via the second-pick desperate Redskins.
7. Vikings - LaRon Landry - Much to the Falcon's dismay, the player hailed as "The Next Ed Reed" won't last past seven. Childress is an offensive-minded coach, but there isn't an offensive player worth taking at seven on the board.
8. Falcons - Amobi Okoye - Okie (My nickname) will be scooped up by his college coach, and will likely be a force to be reckoned with by his third year. He's a good candidate for the fading falcons d.
9. Redskins (Traded with Miami) - Alan Branch - The washington brass might find Okoye too big of a risk to take at 6, so they take an arguably equitable DT at nine, and pick up a second round pick in the process.
10. Texans - Levi Brown - Matt Schaub has my vote of confidence, but only behind a retooled line. Let's hope the houston front office doesn't screw another draft up.
11. 49ers - Adam Carriker - There's no doubt SanFran will go defensive in the first round. They got Vernon Davis as a downfield threat last year, and will focus on giving QB smith weapons later. DE is a need, and with the two best DT's off the board, they will take Carriker.
12. Bills - Patrick Willis - Does Buffalo have ANY LB's on the roster? With Spikes and Fletcher gone, they will have big holes to fill fast.
13. Rams - Leon Hall - St. Louis' defense was terrible last year. The Secondary will welcome the Michigan corner with open arms. Nuff said.
14. Panthers - Greg Olsen - A little high? Maybe. But I'd like Carolina to realize they lost a key component in their offense when Kris Magnum retired. Olsen is the only TE worth drafting this high.
15. Steelers - Paul Posluszny - Remember this is what I WANT to happen, not what will. The possibility of Poz in black and gold heightens if a team is willing to trade up to 15. Tennesee maybe?
16. Packers - Marshawn Lynch - They have no other choice. With Ahman Green in houston, Farve is a sitting duck or interception machine unless they have a threat in the backfield.
1. Raiders - JaMarcus Russell - Oakland needs to start with the foundation of a good team: a franchise quarterback. Russell is a physical freak and deserves to fill that role.
2. Buccaneers (Trade 1st round pick, 2nd round pick for Detroit's 1st) - Calvin Johnson - If Tampa snatches up this phenom, whoever is behind center will put on a great show. Think of what Bush did for the Saints.
3. Browns - Brady Quinn - As much as I hate the Steeler's chief rival getting such a quality signal caller, Quinn is the best fit.
4. Lions (Traded down) - Gaines Adams - Millen has to go defensive here, trading down will take off alot of pressure.
5. Cardinals - Adrian Peterson - I really really wanted my "third team" to take Joe Thomas here, but when I thought about it, I love the idea of this offense being even more potentially explosive. I'll say they take OL's in subsequent rounds if not Thomas here.
6. Dolphins (Traded 1st round spots with Washington) - Joe Thomas - Most have the 'phins taking Levi Brown at nine, but most teams (Arizona not included) consider Thomas to be the better tackle. I could see them skipping ahead three spots via the second-pick desperate Redskins.
7. Vikings - LaRon Landry - Much to the Falcon's dismay, the player hailed as "The Next Ed Reed" won't last past seven. Childress is an offensive-minded coach, but there isn't an offensive player worth taking at seven on the board.
8. Falcons - Amobi Okoye - Okie (My nickname) will be scooped up by his college coach, and will likely be a force to be reckoned with by his third year. He's a good candidate for the fading falcons d.
9. Redskins (Traded with Miami) - Alan Branch - The washington brass might find Okoye too big of a risk to take at 6, so they take an arguably equitable DT at nine, and pick up a second round pick in the process.
10. Texans - Levi Brown - Matt Schaub has my vote of confidence, but only behind a retooled line. Let's hope the houston front office doesn't screw another draft up.
11. 49ers - Adam Carriker - There's no doubt SanFran will go defensive in the first round. They got Vernon Davis as a downfield threat last year, and will focus on giving QB smith weapons later. DE is a need, and with the two best DT's off the board, they will take Carriker.
12. Bills - Patrick Willis - Does Buffalo have ANY LB's on the roster? With Spikes and Fletcher gone, they will have big holes to fill fast.
13. Rams - Leon Hall - St. Louis' defense was terrible last year. The Secondary will welcome the Michigan corner with open arms. Nuff said.
14. Panthers - Greg Olsen - A little high? Maybe. But I'd like Carolina to realize they lost a key component in their offense when Kris Magnum retired. Olsen is the only TE worth drafting this high.
15. Steelers - Paul Posluszny - Remember this is what I WANT to happen, not what will. The possibility of Poz in black and gold heightens if a team is willing to trade up to 15. Tennesee maybe?
16. Packers - Marshawn Lynch - They have no other choice. With Ahman Green in houston, Farve is a sitting duck or interception machine unless they have a threat in the backfield.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Joey, Joey, Joey...
The Rooney family can only feel vindicated after releasing OLB Joey Porter, who quickly signed with the Miami Dolphins. Porter, who was cut because he was due a large bonus and was a possible holdout threat for training camp, had a scuffle with Bengals player Levi Jones merely days after signing with his new team. Porter appparently did the right thing in telling the organization about the incident right after it happened, but new details, reported by Benmaller.com, put the linebacker in a different light;
"The fight between Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter and Bengals offensive tackle Levi Jones at a Las Vegas casino earlier this month was about football -- but it no longer appears to have been the one-on-one scrap initially described by police. Instead, video surveillance revealed Porter punching Jones with a closed fist before other ''unidentified males'' also joined the attack on Porter's behalf, a report released by the Las Vegas Police Department said. Jones, who suffered a small cut above his eye in the fight, spoke publicly for the first time about the incident. On the Bengals' official website, the lineman called the incident ``a cowardly assault by a coward.'' ''One versus seven, six from behind,'' Jones told the website. 'The police report came out and told the truth. Joey Porter did not kick Levi Jones' [butt]. Basically what he did was walk up to me, get my attention talking trash while his boys jumped me from behind. ``They plotted the thing. He was shooting craps. I was playing blackjack. He saw me, there was no exchange before he just came up on me.''
Posted March 29, by Ben Maller"
Joey, Joey, Joey...it is truly discouraging to see one of the players I have loved watching in Black and Gold get involved in such activity. Player brawls are never good, but three things make this situation worse;
1) If you're going to fight a guy, whatever your problem with him may be, don't jump him with your friends. Not only does it reflect badly upon your strength and toughness, it completely dismisses any potential merit in the fight.
2) Honestly, who picks a VEGAS CASINO as a location to assault someone? Did Porters train of thought seriously go like "There's not any cameras in or around casinos, right?"
3) This is amid a flurry of press about NFL players misbehavior and how the league should crack down. The commissioner is less than a month away from completing his overhaul on the disciplinary policies, and Joey Porter's lack of control over his anger throws him in the category of more notorious wrongdoers like Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, and Pacman Jones. What timing.
Personally, I thought Joey Porter was professional enough to maintain a good reputation, especially in the first stages of employment with a new team. No matter what his motivations were, his actions are dissapointing and reprehensible.
"The fight between Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter and Bengals offensive tackle Levi Jones at a Las Vegas casino earlier this month was about football -- but it no longer appears to have been the one-on-one scrap initially described by police. Instead, video surveillance revealed Porter punching Jones with a closed fist before other ''unidentified males'' also joined the attack on Porter's behalf, a report released by the Las Vegas Police Department said. Jones, who suffered a small cut above his eye in the fight, spoke publicly for the first time about the incident. On the Bengals' official website, the lineman called the incident ``a cowardly assault by a coward.'' ''One versus seven, six from behind,'' Jones told the website. 'The police report came out and told the truth. Joey Porter did not kick Levi Jones' [butt]. Basically what he did was walk up to me, get my attention talking trash while his boys jumped me from behind. ``They plotted the thing. He was shooting craps. I was playing blackjack. He saw me, there was no exchange before he just came up on me.''
Posted March 29, by Ben Maller"
Joey, Joey, Joey...it is truly discouraging to see one of the players I have loved watching in Black and Gold get involved in such activity. Player brawls are never good, but three things make this situation worse;
1) If you're going to fight a guy, whatever your problem with him may be, don't jump him with your friends. Not only does it reflect badly upon your strength and toughness, it completely dismisses any potential merit in the fight.
2) Honestly, who picks a VEGAS CASINO as a location to assault someone? Did Porters train of thought seriously go like "There's not any cameras in or around casinos, right?"
3) This is amid a flurry of press about NFL players misbehavior and how the league should crack down. The commissioner is less than a month away from completing his overhaul on the disciplinary policies, and Joey Porter's lack of control over his anger throws him in the category of more notorious wrongdoers like Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, and Pacman Jones. What timing.
Personally, I thought Joey Porter was professional enough to maintain a good reputation, especially in the first stages of employment with a new team. No matter what his motivations were, his actions are dissapointing and reprehensible.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Takeo Me Out
If you listened closely this morning, a distand chorus of "ohhhhs" could be heard being uttered under the breath of football junkies everywhere.
When the Eagles signed DT Reagor on the roster, it didn't seem to make sense. Defensive Tackle wasn't the most pressing need on defense, the Linebacking Corps was. Plus, this was the team that drafted Broderick Bunkley right after Mike Patterson; why would they need another DT? Because the trade market is all about using excess to compensate for your needs.
The Reagor singing made Darwin Walker, who tended to only show flashes of greatness in Philly and was at best a rotational player, expendable. This worked out very well for the Buffalo Bills, who were looking to deal slightly disgruntled veteran LB Takeo Spikes.
The deal involved the Bills dealing both Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb (who will be the veteran influence on the QB roster) for Darwin Walker and a conditional 2008 pick. The conditional pick is based on whether Spikes (who has one year left on his contract) and the Eagles work out an extension.
You've got to hand it to the Eagles brass on this one, they're willing to take risks, but only very miniscule ones. They don't just give away draft picks - thanks to the conditional policy we didnt have to give up any for Donte Stallworth. Spikes will bolster the Linebacking corps immediately, and will give the Eagles more options in the draft. Chances are, Philly will take a raw Linebacking talent that will take a year or two to develop behind Spikes and Trotter, or focus on the secondary, which has been hit in free agency.
The only part of this deal I don't love is Holcomb. While it is good to have an 11-year player on the QB roster to offer his influence, I believe the Eagles should draft a young quarterback to groom for a few seasons very soon. McNabb is a great player - but given his injury history, the position becomes a bigger risk each draft the Birds pass up on a young buck to make their next franchise player.
When the Eagles signed DT Reagor on the roster, it didn't seem to make sense. Defensive Tackle wasn't the most pressing need on defense, the Linebacking Corps was. Plus, this was the team that drafted Broderick Bunkley right after Mike Patterson; why would they need another DT? Because the trade market is all about using excess to compensate for your needs.
The Reagor singing made Darwin Walker, who tended to only show flashes of greatness in Philly and was at best a rotational player, expendable. This worked out very well for the Buffalo Bills, who were looking to deal slightly disgruntled veteran LB Takeo Spikes.
The deal involved the Bills dealing both Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb (who will be the veteran influence on the QB roster) for Darwin Walker and a conditional 2008 pick. The conditional pick is based on whether Spikes (who has one year left on his contract) and the Eagles work out an extension.
You've got to hand it to the Eagles brass on this one, they're willing to take risks, but only very miniscule ones. They don't just give away draft picks - thanks to the conditional policy we didnt have to give up any for Donte Stallworth. Spikes will bolster the Linebacking corps immediately, and will give the Eagles more options in the draft. Chances are, Philly will take a raw Linebacking talent that will take a year or two to develop behind Spikes and Trotter, or focus on the secondary, which has been hit in free agency.
The only part of this deal I don't love is Holcomb. While it is good to have an 11-year player on the QB roster to offer his influence, I believe the Eagles should draft a young quarterback to groom for a few seasons very soon. McNabb is a great player - but given his injury history, the position becomes a bigger risk each draft the Birds pass up on a young buck to make their next franchise player.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Top Ten Fantasy: Issue 3
Though there aren't a ton of major changes (in bold) on the fantasy front, I'd like to keep this updated regularly.
Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning - I honestly don't see Manning succumbing to Superbowl Hangover. Buyer beware here if he lands on Madden '08.
2. Drew Brees - Brees became a storm last season. This is the guy who will come out of nowhere with a 35 point game one week.
3. Carson Palmer - Cincy has done some work on their O-line. As a Steelers fan, I hate that, but as a potential Palmer owner, I can't help but feel better.
4. Tom Brady (Previously 5) - You would think that Brady signed up to do a MTV show entitled 'Pimp my Receiving Corps': Stallworth, Washington, and Welker will be scoring (as opposed to dropping) touchdowns all year long.
5. Michael Vick (Previously 4) - Petrino has given Vick a very pronounced nod of confidence by trading Schaub. But can Vick take advantage of all his new responsibilities?
6. Donovan McNabb (Previously 7) - Bulger's loss is McNabb's gain: Kevin Curtis will be catching long bombs with a pair of wings on his helmet.
7. Marc Bulger (Previously 6) - Only moved down because of buzz around McNabb; Bulger should technically be #6b.
8. Matt Leinhart - The Cards defense is getting better, so Linehart won't play from behind nearly as much this season. This sounds like bad news in fantasy terms, but will actually decrease his INT numbers when he won't try and force as many passes.
9. Vince Young - I am screaming at the top of my lungs for the Titans to pick up at least one reciever in free agency. However, the Tennessee brass seems to be pretty good at drafting rookies who are ready to play. Meachem, Ginn, Jarrett in the first round?
10. Ben Roethlisberger - I almost put Tony Romo or Eli Manning here. Then my bias kicked in. Big Ben is barely holding on to number ten, because of coaching switches. There's a risk factor here.
Mid Round Flier Special: Matt Schaub - Yes, Schaub is playing behind the dreaded Houston O-line, but people love this kid. Draft him as a QB2, and you may have a starter or massive trade bait on your hands.
Running Back
1. LaDanian Tomlinson - Come to think of it, you should probably skip #1 whenever you look at the RB section. Everyone knows who it'll be.
2. Larry Johnson - With Huard at the Helm, the offense shouldn't stall like it did in the Wild Card game against Indy. Here's hoping KC drafts a recieving threat downfield to take the heat off LJ.
3. Steven Jackson - Faulk is out of the picture, and SJ is poised to become #2b on my draft board.
4. Frank Gore - Gore was relatively injury-free last year. You can't pass up on him at this point, as he is a dying breed; Each season, less and less workhorse backs stay that way.
5. Brian Westbrook - I love the Kevin Curtis signing. It takes a lot less pressure off of Westy.
6. Rudi Johnson - The man is a consistency king. He is the safest buy other than LDT.
7. Willie Parker - He's a workhorse back, but O-line questions need to be answered in Pittsburgh. Otherwise, we might have another Edge James on our hands.
8. Shaun Alexander - Alexander's fate is linked to that of Hasslebeck. He could slip down the rankings.
9. Willis McGahee - McGahee could move up if the Ravens get another downfield threat, and if Ogden stays on board.
10. Maurice Jones-Drew - Here's to hoping Fragile Freddy starts to sit early in the season.
Mid Round Flier Special - Carnell Williams - Caddy burned alot of us last year, as he was previously ranked as a first round pick. Well, the Tampa O-line is being restructured, and Gruden seems to have more quarterbacks than he needs this season. If Calvin Johnson suits up for the Bucs this season, Williams should have a bounceback year.
Wide Reciever
1. Marvin Harrison - Harrison may get a few touchdowns less than T.O., and recieve a few yards short of C.J., but this guy is a guaranteed WR1 every year. You can't pass up on him.
2. Chad Johnson - Ocho-Cinco loves to get the ball. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and Johnson's tendency to demand looks is an invaluable quality in terms of fantasy football.
3. Larry Fitzgerald - The Cardinals are a team on the rise, which can only mean good things for LFtiz's stats.
4. Steve Smith - Carolina is giving Delhomme a nod of confidence. If that isn't a good sign for Smith's #s, I don't know what is.
5. Reggie Wayne - If you have Harrison and Wayne as your WR1 and WR2, you are set (with the exception of their bye week) for the season.
6. Terrell Owens - Hate the guy, love his production. To some owners, he is worth the headache.
7. Javon Walker - Walker will clearly be the best recieving threat on the field with Rod Smith taking a smaller role in the offense.
8. Roy Williams - Kevin Curtis signed with Philly, and as long as Millen doesnt take Calvin Johnson with the #2, Williams' production should only increase.
9. Anquan Boldin - Boldin is likely to slip down the draft board with his failure to meet standards last season. Bargain alert.
10. T.J. Houshmanzadeh - Is it wrong to hope Chris Henry keeps getting arrested? Only if you're not a Houshmanzadeh owner.
Mid Round Flier Special - Kevin Curtis - Curtis has all the variables in place to blow people away this season. Anyone can look good catching passes from McNabb, so look for him to at least emerge as a strong WR2.
Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning - I honestly don't see Manning succumbing to Superbowl Hangover. Buyer beware here if he lands on Madden '08.
2. Drew Brees - Brees became a storm last season. This is the guy who will come out of nowhere with a 35 point game one week.
3. Carson Palmer - Cincy has done some work on their O-line. As a Steelers fan, I hate that, but as a potential Palmer owner, I can't help but feel better.
4. Tom Brady (Previously 5) - You would think that Brady signed up to do a MTV show entitled 'Pimp my Receiving Corps': Stallworth, Washington, and Welker will be scoring (as opposed to dropping) touchdowns all year long.
5. Michael Vick (Previously 4) - Petrino has given Vick a very pronounced nod of confidence by trading Schaub. But can Vick take advantage of all his new responsibilities?
6. Donovan McNabb (Previously 7) - Bulger's loss is McNabb's gain: Kevin Curtis will be catching long bombs with a pair of wings on his helmet.
7. Marc Bulger (Previously 6) - Only moved down because of buzz around McNabb; Bulger should technically be #6b.
8. Matt Leinhart - The Cards defense is getting better, so Linehart won't play from behind nearly as much this season. This sounds like bad news in fantasy terms, but will actually decrease his INT numbers when he won't try and force as many passes.
9. Vince Young - I am screaming at the top of my lungs for the Titans to pick up at least one reciever in free agency. However, the Tennessee brass seems to be pretty good at drafting rookies who are ready to play. Meachem, Ginn, Jarrett in the first round?
10. Ben Roethlisberger - I almost put Tony Romo or Eli Manning here. Then my bias kicked in. Big Ben is barely holding on to number ten, because of coaching switches. There's a risk factor here.
Mid Round Flier Special: Matt Schaub - Yes, Schaub is playing behind the dreaded Houston O-line, but people love this kid. Draft him as a QB2, and you may have a starter or massive trade bait on your hands.
Running Back
1. LaDanian Tomlinson - Come to think of it, you should probably skip #1 whenever you look at the RB section. Everyone knows who it'll be.
2. Larry Johnson - With Huard at the Helm, the offense shouldn't stall like it did in the Wild Card game against Indy. Here's hoping KC drafts a recieving threat downfield to take the heat off LJ.
3. Steven Jackson - Faulk is out of the picture, and SJ is poised to become #2b on my draft board.
4. Frank Gore - Gore was relatively injury-free last year. You can't pass up on him at this point, as he is a dying breed; Each season, less and less workhorse backs stay that way.
5. Brian Westbrook - I love the Kevin Curtis signing. It takes a lot less pressure off of Westy.
6. Rudi Johnson - The man is a consistency king. He is the safest buy other than LDT.
7. Willie Parker - He's a workhorse back, but O-line questions need to be answered in Pittsburgh. Otherwise, we might have another Edge James on our hands.
8. Shaun Alexander - Alexander's fate is linked to that of Hasslebeck. He could slip down the rankings.
9. Willis McGahee - McGahee could move up if the Ravens get another downfield threat, and if Ogden stays on board.
10. Maurice Jones-Drew - Here's to hoping Fragile Freddy starts to sit early in the season.
Mid Round Flier Special - Carnell Williams - Caddy burned alot of us last year, as he was previously ranked as a first round pick. Well, the Tampa O-line is being restructured, and Gruden seems to have more quarterbacks than he needs this season. If Calvin Johnson suits up for the Bucs this season, Williams should have a bounceback year.
Wide Reciever
1. Marvin Harrison - Harrison may get a few touchdowns less than T.O., and recieve a few yards short of C.J., but this guy is a guaranteed WR1 every year. You can't pass up on him.
2. Chad Johnson - Ocho-Cinco loves to get the ball. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and Johnson's tendency to demand looks is an invaluable quality in terms of fantasy football.
3. Larry Fitzgerald - The Cardinals are a team on the rise, which can only mean good things for LFtiz's stats.
4. Steve Smith - Carolina is giving Delhomme a nod of confidence. If that isn't a good sign for Smith's #s, I don't know what is.
5. Reggie Wayne - If you have Harrison and Wayne as your WR1 and WR2, you are set (with the exception of their bye week) for the season.
6. Terrell Owens - Hate the guy, love his production. To some owners, he is worth the headache.
7. Javon Walker - Walker will clearly be the best recieving threat on the field with Rod Smith taking a smaller role in the offense.
8. Roy Williams - Kevin Curtis signed with Philly, and as long as Millen doesnt take Calvin Johnson with the #2, Williams' production should only increase.
9. Anquan Boldin - Boldin is likely to slip down the draft board with his failure to meet standards last season. Bargain alert.
10. T.J. Houshmanzadeh - Is it wrong to hope Chris Henry keeps getting arrested? Only if you're not a Houshmanzadeh owner.
Mid Round Flier Special - Kevin Curtis - Curtis has all the variables in place to blow people away this season. Anyone can look good catching passes from McNabb, so look for him to at least emerge as a strong WR2.
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