Top Ten Fantasy: Issue 2

Even before the free agency period is over, some adjustments need to be made to my recomendations for fantasy drafts. Things are getting interesting - major changes are in bold.

Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning - The only threat here is if he lands on the cover of Madden '08. Even so, if anyone could beat the curse, it would be Peyton.
2. Drew Brees - Sure, Joe Horn is with the Falcons now, but Brees has got the O-line and offensive talent to wow us again this coming season,
3. Carson Palmer - The Cincy arrest rate seems to be slowing. Either that, or I've stopped caring. Palmer will deliver.
4. Michael Vick - Petrino is a magician when it comes to quarterbacks, and Joe Horn can't hurt Vick's production.
5. Tom Brady - Randy Moss trade rumors, Wes Welker in the receiving corps and Gisele Bunchden may be pregnant, oh my!
6. Marc Bulger (Previously 7) - So now he's throwing to Touchdown Torry, Old man Bruce, and Drew Bennett? Bulger will be throwing the ball far and often. Rams fans should be giddy.
7. Donovan McNabb (Previously 9) - The Birds let Garcia spread his wings and migrate south. If that isn't a early nod of confidence to number five, I don't know what is. Here's to hoping he stays McHealthy for a McWhole McSeason.
8. Matt Leinhart (Previously 6)- The former USC star's stock only falls because of free agency moves. The Cards kicked underachieving tackle Davis off the roster, but really should pick someone new up.
9. Vince Young (Previously 8)- Hopefully Young won't be forced into a Tom Brady situation and have to make ends meet with receivers off the street. Young could hurdle Linehart for number 8 if Ted Ginn Jr. gets scooped up by the Titans.
10. Ben Roethlisberger - Still alot of questions, call me biased, but I like Big Ben at Ten.

Mid Round Flier Special: Jeff Garcia - There is a very good chance the newly signed former probowl quarterback will win the starting job in Offensive Guru Gruden's potentially high-octane offense. With grumblings of Calvin Johnson lasting until pick number four, you can't help but love the guy's upside.

Running Back
1. LaDanian Tomlinson - The only threat to LDT being dethroned was the rumored departure of offensive lineman Dielman. He stayed. But even if he didn't, would you pass up on Tomlinson? I didn't think so.
2. Larry Johnson - LJ is a buyer beware situation. He carried the ball a record number of times, and could be due for an off year. I know, that's blasphemy. I take it back.
3. Steven Jackson (Previously 4) - With more distractions downfield, SJ is poised to be launched into the elite level. Let's face it, Faulk isn't coming back, and workhorse backs like Jackson are becoming a select group. Snatch him up.
4. Frank Gore (Previously 3) - Gore takes a hit with Norv Turner's departure. I just don't get it. When will people learn he isn't meant to head coach? Gore will continue to pound the ball regardless.
5. Brian Westbrook (Previously 8) - With McNabb's Rehab going swimmingly, and one of the best offensive lines in the NFC in front of him, you can't let Westbrook slip into the second round.
6. Rudi Johnson - Rudi! Rudi! Rudi!
7. Willie Parker - The Steelers passed on brining in a power back to share time. A victory for fantasy players everywhere.
8. Shaun Alexander (Previously 5) - Yes, this seems arbitrary, but let's face it: Seattle's offensive line isn't getting any better. After the failed Dielmann deal and the looming departure of Porkchop Womack, it looks like Alexander will have his work cut out with him.
9. Willis McGahee (Previously Unranked) - With Jamal getting cozy in Ohio, the Ravens moved on quickly. McGahee played well with a mediocre line and inconsistent quarterback. Just imagine him killing the clock in purple.
10. Maurice Jones-Drew (Previously 9)- When the Jags signed Fred Taylor to a contract extension, a distant set of knocks was heard in the distance. It was the sound of thousands of fantasy football fans htting their heads on their desks over and over.

Mid Round Flier Special - LenDale White - With Travis Henry in Denver, and Chris Brown being shopped around to various teams, you have to wonder who the Titans will have in the backfield. Who else but last years second round pick?

Wide Reciever
1. Marvin Harrison - The same goes with Harrison - if Peyton graces the cover of everyone's favorite football video game (ok, some of us like 2k5, but that's besides the point) - you may have to worry. He's still elite.
2. Chad Johnson - Let's hope he starts scoring quicker next season. Even if he doesnt, he'll still be invaluable in the fantasy postseason.
3. Larry Fitzgerald - Ken Wisenhunt + Best Recieving Duo in the NFC = Love.
4. Steve Smith - Remember the old Steve Smith? The one from '05. Just got a text from him - he's back.
5. Reggie Wayne - Need I repeat myself?
6. Terrell Owens - Jones is giving him the nod of confidence. Your call, Jerry.
7. Javon Walker - Fake handoffs to Henry countered with a reverse by walker are a recurring dream.
8. Roy Williams - The rumored arrival of Kevin Curtis may or may not help him.
9. Anquan Boldin - Seriously, I'd draft him on account of the fact that he as a cool first name alone.
10. T.J. Houshmanzadeh - Remember when everyone was worried about Chad Johnson? They have two reasons to worry now.

Mid Round Flier Special - Randy Moss - If he gets traded to the Packers or Patriots, he may not even last until the mid rounds. Oh, the possibilites!