Who needs TO when you've got Miles Austin?

Remember all those people who wondered what the Dallas Cowboys would do without Terrell Owens? How would they function without their big-time receiver? How would Tony Romo fare without his go-to guy? Well, I guess they have their answer. Who needs Owens when you've got Miles Austin racking up yards and TD's like the '01-'02 version of Owens when he had over 1400 yds. and 16 TD's for the San Francisco 49ers? Now Owens is wallowing up in the Buffalo while Austin and the Cowboys are starting to make some noise in the NFC East.

But even with Owens departure this past off season, Austin's emergence as the #1 receiver in Dallas still required a Roy Williams injury to fully materialize. Coming in to the Week 5 match-up against the Kansas City Chiefs, Austin had a total of 5 receptions and 81 total receiving yards. Not exactly game-breaking stats. But then he's thrust into the spotlight and delivers a Cowboy record-setting day (10 receptions, 250 receiving yards, 2 TD's) and then follows that up with 6 receptions, 171 yards and 2 TD's against the Atlanta Falcons.

So...is Austin for real? Can we expect him to put up big numbers every week? It's probably too early to tell, but he's off to a good start. The real test will come once Williams gets healthy, because then Austin will have to prove that he can make things happen with fewer looks. But even if his stats do drop off a little bit the rest of the season, he's already making people think...Terrell who? Right now he's all the production without all the drama. It's almost enough to make Owens wish he hadn't left Dallas.

Fantasy Impact: Austin is obviously the better fantasy receiver right now. He plays for decent, sometimes explosive, offense in Dallas, he's only 25-years-old, and he's built like an NFL receiver at 6'3" & 215 lbs. Not only is Owens playing for an inept offense in Buffalo, but he's going on 36-years-old and looks noticeably slower than in the past. Miles is definitely a trade-worthy acquisition and I'd put him in the 2nd-tier of WR's just behind Roddy White, Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston.

Did you forget about Hines Ward?

Hines Ward has already proven himself to be a durable, sure-handed wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, having collected at least 70 receptions the last 8 straight seasons and only missed 6 games during that same period. But even with that amazing track record, he's found a way to elevate his game to an even higher level. Through 6 weeks of the season, Ward leads the NFL in receiving yards with 599, averaging just shy of 100 yards/game and has also recorded a TD in each of the last two games. Not bad for a 33-year-old "possession" receiver who's played his entire 12-year career with the Steelers.

Another great thing about Ward is that he's so damn likable. His great big smile just speaks to that childhood dream we all had of playing professional football. He helps remind us that it's just a game and that he's going to enjoy every second that he's out there. And, I don't know about you, but I really respect a guy who spends his whole career with one team. Now that we're well into the salary cap era where free agency often strips teams of their best players, it's increasingly rare for a guy to actually stay with the same team for his entire career. Obviously Ward isn't finished yet, but it sure seems like he'll retire as a Steeler.

With Ben Roethlisberger playing out of his mind right now and the Pittsburgh offense having to be more active in the passing game while they figure out their running back situation, Ward should continue to have increased success this season. But, of course, the big question is really how good is Rashard Mendenhall? Because if he can be a guy that can carry the ball 25 times a game, then you know Mike Tomlin and the run-first Steelers will ride him all the way to the playoffs. If that happens, then Ward's numbers will inevitably suffer. But for right now he's doing everything he can to not only help the Steelers win, but also prove that he's a big-time NFL receiver.

Fantasy Impact: Ward fits perfectly into that category of fantasy players that you either drafted really late to be a back-up, bye week fill-in, reserve-type WR or picked up after a strong first week, but then comes out of nowhere to be an every-week starter. If you drafted him, then of course you're feeling like a fantasy genius because you knew all along that he was going to be great. Regardless, the reality is that he's probably not worth trading for because of the uncertainty of his production and he almost certainly not available on Free Agency. If you already have him, then enjoy the production while it lasts. If you don't have him, then just chalk it up to the fantasy gods not liking you.

Maurice Jones-Drew keeps on rolling

For the second time this season, Maurice Jones-Drew topped the 100-yard mark and rushed for 3 TD's in a game for the Jacksonville Jaguars. All in a day's work for the 5'7" and 208 lb. wrecking ball out of UCLA. Coming into his 4th NFL season, everyone expected MJD to be among the leagues best running backs, but he's proved to be one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the NFL. Even while splitting carries with Fred Taylor the last few years, he's managed to put up excellent yardage and TD totals, averaging over 1300 yards from scrimmage and 12 TD's a season.

His success this season is even more surprising given the fact that the Jaguars have underachieved to this point and have a record of just 3-3. But that's also the beauty of MJD's explosiveness. He doesn't need 20+ carries a game to make an impact. He's not a slow-and-steady RB that's going to wear down a defense over the course of a game. He's the type of guy that catches the ball in the flat, breaks a tackle and goes 60 yards for a TD. He's capable of turning any play into a big play. Then you put him down on the goal line and he's just as dangerous. His short, elusive, powerful frame is well-designed for penetrating even the smallest gaps to reach pay dirt.

His size, speed and big-play ability draw obvious comparisons to the great Barry Sanders, who played his entire 10-year career for the Detroit Lions and shredded opposing defenses like they were moving in slow motion. Although MJD's not quite in the same conversation as Barry yet, he'll be well on his way with a few more dynamic seasons. He's certainly got the tools to get there.

Fantasy Impact: MJD leads all running backs in TD's (8) and is sixth in rushing yards (463). Then throw in 165 receiving yards and you're talking about one of the top 3 fantasy RB's in the league. As long as he stays healthy, he should get 15-20 touches a game. Although most likely untouchable in your league, he's worth the investment if you're in a keeper league.

Will Braylon Edwards make an impact in New York?

With the trade of Braylon Edwards from the Cleveland Browns to the New York Jets, a malcontent receiver was freed from the football purgatory of Cleveland and has landed in the big city lights of New York. To many this wasn't a huge surprise. Besides maybe Brandon Marshall, I'm not sure if there was a more openly "unhappy" receiver in the NFL. For the last 4+ seasons he's had to suffer through the inconsistent quarterback play, the lack of a running game, and the overall losing culture in Cleveland. Moving from the 0-4 Browns to the upstart 3-1 Jets should prove to be all the motivation he needs to step up his game.

Ah, if it were just that easy. Get traded from a bad team to a good team and immediately find success. So many people like to point to Randy Moss and say "look, he went from being a headcase for the Oakland Raiders to being a team player and an elite wide receiver for the New England Patriots, Edwards will surely do the same thing." However, I have some real issues with this reasoning. First of all, Moss had already put up great numbers with the Minnesota Vikings before being traded to the Raiders. So far in his short NFL career, Edwards has produced only one All-Pro season. Secondly, when Moss came over to New England, he had Tom Brady throwing passes to him. Although many believe Mark Sanchez to be the second-coming of Joe Namath, I think we would all agree that he's still a rookie quarterback with just four starts to his credit. He's not going to hit every read and deliver a perfect ball over the top and do all of the little things that come with experience. And lastly, he's coming on to a team in the middle of the season. This isn't like baseball where you can just suit-up, get inserted in the lineup, and go stand out in the outfield. Moss was traded during the off-season and had several months and a full training camp to get on the same page with Brady. It's going to take Edwards at least a few weeks to get up to speed on the offensive system in New York.

Let's be honest, there's no doubt that Edwards is in a much better situation in New York than he was in Cleveland, but let's not all get too far ahead of ourselves. He's probably not going to produce right away. But down the road, if the Jets can continue to play well, he could start to become a factor. And if Sanchez develops into the quarterback that many believe he can be, then perhaps we will start to talk about the Sanchez-Edwards combination among the leagues best quarterback/receiver tandems. But until that happens, let's have a quick reality check and remember that he hasn't proven anything yet.

Fantasy Impact: Obviously, the prospects of Edwards producing relevant fantasy numbers this season improved significantly with the trade to the Jets. He'll eventually be the #1 target in a very good, strong, balanced offense. But for the first 3-5 weeks, I wouldn't expect much more than 2-4 catches a game for 40-60 yards and maybe a TD. But later in the season, Edwards could be a fantasy boon if he and Sanchez start to make sweet music together through the air. If you need help in other areas on your team, I don't see his trade value getting any higher than it is right now, so maybe now you should be looking into some possible trade opportunities.

Vernon Davis is finally putting is all together

After three underwhelming seasons, Vernon Davis is finally playing like one of the most physically gifted tight ends in the league. As the 6th overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2006 draft, much was expected of the former Maryland Terrapins standout. His combination of size and speed was thought to be an unstoppable combination, but like most young players he struggled from the beginning. Learning the nuances of the pro game proved elusive and his rookie season amounted to just 20 receptions for 265 yards and 3 TD’s. His second season provided glimpses of growth (52 receptions, 509 yards, 4 TD’s), but still fell short of expectations. Then came a regression in his third season as he finished with only 31 receptions for 358 yards and 2 TD’s.

It would be easy to point the finger at Davis and say it’s entirely his fault and that if he had stronger character or a stronger work ethic that he would have had more success to this point, but I think that’s over-simplifying the issue. Davis has even admitted that he came into the league with a selfish attitude and a lot of brazen arrogance that probably got in the way of success early in his career. BUT he’s also played for some terrible San Francisco 49ers teams, played for four different offensive coordinators in as many years and two separate head coaches. Those aren’t exactly the best circumstances to adapt to the NFL game.

All of this brings us to this season, where Davis is finally putting it all together and finding success on and off the field. With Mike Singletary’s father-like discipline and encouragement, Davis has not only bought in to the team-first mentality, but has also started running better routes and catching TD passes (3 so far). With an offensive game plan designed to take advantage of his tremendous skill set, this could be the year that Davis finally establishes himself as a dynamic offensive weapon. Although just four weeks into the season, I’d say he’s well on his way.

Fantasy Impact: While not yet as consistent as other elite tight ends in the league (i.e. Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Dallas Clark), Davis has shown that he's worth a roster spot in most fantasy leagues. The fact that he's becoming a frequent red zone target of Shaun Hill bodes well for his production moving forward. With points coming from the TE position being unpredictable at best, taking a chance on a guy like Davis makes too much sense to ignore.

Is Cedric Benson officially back from the dead?

The 4th overall pick of the Chicago Bears in 2005, Cedric Benson had all of the promise of any top running back taken in the draft, but to this point has failed to live up to the hype. Not only has he not lived up to expectations, but has preformed so poorly that he found himself out of the NFL after being released by the Bears following 2007 season. Fortunately for him, he was able to find a home as a backup for the Cincinnati Bengals, who were trying to fill the void left by longtime starter Rudi Johnson, who left to go play for the the Detroit Lions.

After beating out Chris Perry for the starting job midway through last season, Benson’s finally playing like a starting running back and even making some people wonder whether the “Bust” label was a little premature. So far this season he’s picked up right where he left off last year, averaging 98 rush yards a game and already has two rushing TD’s. Not bad for a guy with 5 career 100 yard games and 12 career TD’s in four years! Of course the big question is whether he can sustain this type of production. Is this the beginning of a new chapter for Benson or is this just a brief glimpse of what could have been?

I don’t think anyone expects him to rise to the level of the elite running backs in the league (i.e. Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore, Maurice Jones-Drew), but he certainly has the potential to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark and rack up 6-8 TD’s by the end of the season. One question that still hasn’t been answered but will have a profound effect on Benson’s production this season is how good are the Cincinnati Bengals, really?

Is the defense good enough to keep them in games against AFC North powerhouses like the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers? Can Carson Palmer stay healthy for a full season? If the answer to these questions is yes and the Bengals are a legitimate playoff team, then Benson could be in a great position to surprise some people and finish among the leaders in rush yards by the end of the season. But if the defense isn’t as good as advertised and Palmer has to throw 30-4o times a game or if Palmer goes down with another injury, then it’s going to be a long season for Benson.

I’m certainly rooting for Benson to keep things rolling and I’d like to think that he could succeed even if the Bengals falter, but I just don’t think that’s possible. If the Bengals go down, then Benson goes down.

Fantasy Impact: Benson owners must be feeling pretty good right about now and those who actually drafted him must be feeling like geniuses. With three straight weeks of consistent play, I think he's actually worth consideration as a #2 RB or Flex starter. He's probably not going to have many BIG weeks, but as long as he's healthy it looks like the Bengals are going to give him the rock 20+ times a game. I don't like him as a trade acquisition, just because most owners are probably going to try to "sell high" on him.

Who's the best running back in Buffalo?

Two weeks into Fred Jackson's three-week audition as the starting running back for the Buffalo Bills and he's starting to make believers out of a lot of people. Against the New England Patriots in Week 1, he accounted for 130 total yards and a touchdown, then followed that up with an 188 yard performance against the Tampa Bay Bucs. Not bad for a guy who played college football at Coe College in Sioux City, Iowa, went undrafted, then played two seasons for the Sioux City Bandits of the National Indoor Football League, then played one season for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europa, and then finally got an invitation to the Buffalo's training camp in 2006. After a journey like that I'd say he's finally arrived.

But lets not forget about Marshawn Lynch. The guy who's basically carried the Bills offense the last two seasons, rushing for over a 1,000 yards and collecting at least 7 TD's in each season. Without much of a passing game, Lynch has had to consistently be the best player on the field and he's been able to answer the call. He's got a bruising downhill running style and an intensity that keeps his legs driving all the way through the run. It's not surprising that his teammates call him "The Beast" because he runs like one. As a pure running back, I'd put Lynch in the same conversation with top-tier backs like Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore, but unfortunately having success in the running game takes more than just a great running back.

It's always interesting how success in the running game is so dependent on success in the passing game, and I think Buffalo is a great example of this. With a healthy Trent Edwards playing well and Terrell Owens playing opposite long time go-to guy Lee Evans, Buffalo might just start getting some offense through the air. If that happens, then I think opposing defenses will have to soften up against the run and either Jackson or Lynch or a combination of the two will have a big season.

When Lynch's suspension ends after this weekend, I fully expect him to regain his role as the #1 running back in Buffalo. This might include a few more touches per game for Jackson moving forward, but Lynch is going to be the guy Buffalo leans on in the running game. Jackson's amazing journey to the NFL is truly remarkable, but to win games you've got to put the best guys on the field, your play-makers, and Lynch is one of those guys.

Fantasy Impact: Even after missing the first 3 games of the season, I'm still extremely high on Lynch and think that he'll reach 1,000 yds. and 7 TD's again by the end of the season. Given his current situation, he's certainly a buy-low candidate right now and is probably available in your league for the right price.

Will the real Steve Smith please stand up?

No, not the Steve Smith trapped down in Carolina with Jake Delhomme and the hapless Panther offense. I'm talking about the real Steve Smith in New York who's tied for the league lead in receiving yards (214 yds.) for the 2-0 Giants. With all of the questions surrounding New York's passing game and whether anyone could fill the shoes of Plaxico Burress, I think it's fair to say that he's answered the call so far. Time will tell as to whether he can sustain this sort production, but he's certainly off to a good start.

Although thought of primarily as a possession-type receiver even coming out of college at USC, he's proving that his game is much more than just 8-10 yard slants and out routes. He's been able to create separation from the defense and pick up bigger chucks of yardage at a time. In his 10 reception, 134 yard performance on Sunday night, he hauled in a long pass of 32 yards from Eli Manning. It may not be a 60 yard bomb, but it's definitely helping to fill in the void left by Burress' big-play potential.

On the other hand, this type of statline is what we've come to expect from the other Steve Smith. The one who's had 6 straight seasons with at least 1,000 yds. and averaged 8 TD's (minus the '04-'05 season where he went down for the year in the first game). But can we continue to expect this kind of production? With the way the Panthers offense have started out the year, he may have a difficult time duplicating those numbers. There's no doubt he's still an explosive game-changing receiver, but with the concerns at the QB position and the lack of another receiving option, this could be the year his production starts to slide.

Of course at this point in the season it would be foolish to suggest that the Steve Smith of New York has eclipsed the Steve Smith of Carolina by any measure, but I think it's worth noting given each receivers current situation. If the Giants end up winning the NFC East and the Panthers struggle in the NFC South, then I'd expect both Steve Smith's to be within 100 yards and 2 TD's of each other by the end of the season.

Fantasy Impact: Pretty simple...both guys should be owned in all league sizes and formats. I'm not sure if I'd declare them both "must starts" just yet, but a few more weeks of consistent play from Smith (NYG) and I think that's a pretty reasonable conclusion to draw.

Can Thomas Jones do it again?

Even after setting a near career high last season in rushing yds (1312) and a career high in TD's (13) at the ripe old age of 30, there are a lot of people out there who doubt that Thomas Jones can do it again this year. Surprisingly durable and consistent over the last 5 seasons, Jones has averaged 290 carries, 1,185 rushing yds, and 7 TD's while only missing 3 games in that span. But even with that impressive track record, the stereotype of the 30-year-old running back who's lost a step and who's one injury away from being done for good is hard to shake. Both Jones and the New York Jets are hoping to prove the critics and naysayers wrong again this season.

After the first week of the season, I'd say he's off to a pretty good start with his 107 rushing yds and 2 TD effort against the Houston Texans. The real test, however, will be later in the season when the bumps and bruises start to pile up and we'll see whether he can avoid the type of career-threatening injury that has cut short other running back careers (i.e. Shaun Alexander). Personally, I love his running style and I'm rooting for him to succeed. He's not overly big or particularly flashy, but if you lose track of him for a second, he can rip off a 60-yd run just like that.

While 13 TD's is probably an unreasonable expectation this season, I do think he can still have a really good year. If he's healthy for the entire season, then I think you can count on another 1,000 yd. and 7 TD campaign. If he gets injured and misses a significant portion of the season, then I think he's probably done for good, released after the season or relegated to a Edgerrin James-type situation in New York next year. There's no doubt he can still produce when healthy, but it's just whether he can stay on the field and off of the trainers table.

Fantasy Impact: Jones was probably one of the highest value picks at the RB position in the draft this year. Taken on average in the 6th round in standard draft formats, he's the #1 guy in New York and coming off a career year. At that point in the draft, even if you only get 8 good games out of him before an injury, that's still worth it. And if he stays healthy the entire season, then it's a ridiculous value. While maybe not a marquee fantasy RB, he's the type of guy that eventual fantasy league champions ride all the way to the title.

Will Vince Young get on the field this season?

It's gotta be hard playing behind Kerry Collins, a journeyman quarterback who's going on 37 years old, but such is life for Vince Young. Two years removed from not only being the starting QB but also the face of the Tennessee Titans franchise, he's now stuck carrying a clipboard on the sidelines while Collins try to "manage" the Titan offense.

I guess in some ways it makes sense. With the explosiveness of Chris Johnson and power of LenDale White in the backfield, Tennessee really doesn't need a mobile QB. All they really need is a guy who can step up in the pocket and deliver an accurate ball 10-15 yds. down the field to keep the chains moving and the defense honest. At this stage in Collins career that's exactly what he is. There once was a time when Collins could air it out 40 times a game and throw for 300 yds. while carrying his team to a victory, but those days are certainly behind him. These days he's lucky if he hits 200 yds. in a game (only 4 times last season).

So is it the right decision to keep Young on bench? Is the experience of playing behind Collins going to have the same effect as Aaron Rodgers playing behind Brett Favre for a couple seasons in Green Bay? In my opinion, I think the answer is no. Young is a play maker. Whether it's with his arm or with his legs, he just knows how to make things happen. Of course he's going to make mistakes along the way, but when the game's on the line, you want your play makers in the game. When a pass play breaks down, can Collins avoid a pass rusher, shed a linebacker, and pick up 8 yds. and a first down? I don't think so.

With Tennessee's stout defense and prolific running game, Collins may make sense to some people but to me he's a liability and I think by the end of the season Young will be back in there as the starting QB. Either by injury or inability, Young will get his chance to once again be the man in Tennessee.

Fantasy Impact: In keeper leagues, I think Young is an excellent value. He may not even be a guy you pick up right away, but keep him on your 'watch list' and as mid-season approaches don't hesitate to pull the trigger. By this time next year you'll be glad you did.

Draft Results - Downtown SJ League

With the start of the NFL season just around the corner, fantasy drafts are taking place all over the country. Having recently participated in two drafts of uniquely different formats, I wanted to share the results of the drafts, as well as my perspective of how the drafts went and any related draft strategy.

Here's a shout out to my compadres in the Downtown SJ League!

League Settings:

• Host Site: ESPN
• League Size: 8 Teams
• Roster: QB, RB, RB, WR/RB, WR, WR, TE, K, DEF, B, B, B, B, B, B, B
• Draft Type: Standard Snake Format (Offline)

Draft Results:

Round 1:

1. T. Brady (NE)
2. A. Peterson (MIN)
3. M. Jones-Drew (JAC)
4. M. Turner (ATL)
5. D. Brees (NO)
6. D. Williams (CAR)
7. P. Manning (IND)
8. M. Forte (CHI)

Looking at Round 1, what jumps out to me most is the fact that 3 Quarterback's went in the first 8 picks. Not only is this rare in standard 10-12 team leagues, but in an 8 team league it's almost unheardof. As a result of the mini-run on QB's, I had Adrian Peterson fall in my lap with the #2 pick.

Round 2:

9. C. Johnson (TEN)
10. S. Slaton (HOU)
11. D. McNabb (PHI)
12. L. Tomlinson (SD)
13. L. Fitzgerald (ARI)
14. A. Rodgers (GB)
15. C. Johnson (DET)
16. R. Moss (NE)

Another 2 QB's went off the board in Round 2, as well as the first Wide Receiver (Larry Fitzgerald) at pick #13. Having had the #2 overall pick, I wasn't sure what type of talent would be available when the snake got back around to me at #15, but I was pleasantly surprised to find Calvin Johnson still on the board. He's a big-time receiver who's coming into his "breakthrough" 3rd season in the league.

Round 3:

17. J. Cutler (CHI)
18. F. Gore (SF)
19. A. Johnson (HOU)
20. C. Portis (WAS)
21. T. Owens (BUF)
22. A. Boldin (ARI)
23. S. Smith (CAR)
24. G. Jennings (GB)

With Frank Gore still on the board at pick #18, I had to pull the trigger. I have him rated as the #2 overall running back coming into the season and I think he's going to put up big numbers. Round 3 also saw a run on WR's with 5 out of the last 6 picks being pass-catchers. Terrell Owens is probably the biggest stretch here, with his advancing age and the uncertain Buffalo offense.

Round 4:

25. R. White (ATL)
26. S. Jackson (STL)
27. M. Barber (DAL)
28. B. Westbrook (PHI)
29. B. Jacobs (NYG)
30. K. Smith (DET)
31. M. Colston (NO)
32. R. Grant (GB)

I like picking up Marques Colston in the Round 4, but the biggest steals have to be Steven Jackson and Brian Westbrook. To get that type of scoring potential in Round 4 is an amazing value. It's also interesting to see how far Marion Barber has fallen from last year when he was going in the mid to late first round in standard leagues.

Round 5:

33. R. Wayne (IND)
34. P. Rivers (SD)
35. R. Williams (DAL)
36. T. Gonzalez (ATL)
37. D. Bowe (KC)
38. A. Gates (SD)
39. B. Edwards (CLE)
40. R. Brown (MIA)

Round 5 is where I finally get my QB, drafting Philip Rivers at #34. In my mind he's just below Tom Brady and Drew Brees, so to get him 4 rounds later in the draft is a great value. Hopefully a healthy Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson will keep the San Diego offense firing on all cylanders all season long. Speaking of Gates, the top 2 Tight Ends came off the board with Tony Gonzalez going first at pick #36.

Round 6:

41. K. Warner (ATL)
42. P. Thomas (NO)
43. K Moreno (DEN)
44. J. Stewart (CAR)
45. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (SEA)
46. A. Gonzalez (IND)
47. J. Witten (DAL)
48. D. Hester (CHI)

Round 6 was my turn to draft a TE, going with Jason Witten at pick #47. With Terrell Owens now in Buffalo, Tony Romo will be relying even more heavily on Witten in the passing game. No real surprises in this round, other than maybe Devin Hester going a little sooner than I would expect.

Round 7:

49. K. Winslow (TB)

50. D. McFadden (OAK)

51. B. Roethlisberger (PIT)

52. M. Ryan (ATL)

53. S. Moss (WAS)

54. B. Berrian (MIN)

55. V. Davis (SF)

56. T. Romo (DAL)

Round 8:

57. D. Clark (IND)

58. M. Schaub (HOU)

59. M. Hasselbeck (SEA)

60. T. Edwards (BUF)

61. T. Jones (NYJ)

62. G. Olsen (CHI)

63. M. Lynch (BUF)

64. J. Addai (IND)

In Rounds 7 & 8, I was able to stock up at the Running Back position by taking Darren McFadden and Marshawn Lynch. McFadden has all the skills to have a breakout season in Oakland and I can afford to wait for Lynch to come back from his 3-game suspension. Vernon Davis is probably the only reach at pick # 55.

Round 9:

65. L. Johnson (KC)

66. B. Marshall (DEN)
67. D. Ward (TB)
68. W. Welker (NE)
69. D. Sproles (SD)
70. S. Holmes (PIT)
71. E. Royal (DEN)
72. V. Jackson (SD)

Round 10:

73. D. Jackson (PHI)

74. J. Nedney (SF)
75. L. White (TEN)
76. O. Daniels (HOU)
77. C. Ochocinco (CIN)
78. H. Ward (PIT)
79. R. Rice (BAL)
80. C. Benson (CIN)

Having already drafted Johnson and Colston, I felt pretty comfortable drafting Brandon Marshall in Round 9. I won't be relying on him early, but with all of his talent he could be a factor later in the season. With all of the positive buzz surrounding Ray Rice this preseason, I was also very surprised to find him still available at pick #79. With the way Baltimore likes to run the ball, he could have a very good season.

Round 11:

81. S. Gostkowski (NE)
82. F. Jones (DAL)
83. R. Mendenhall (PIT)
84. W. Parker (PIT)
85. Ravens D/ST
86. Giants D/ST
87. R. Bush (NO)
88. C. Wells (ARI)

Round 12:

89. D. Brown (IND)
90. 49ers D/ST
91. P. Harvin (MIN)
92. A. Bryant (TB)

93. C. Palmer (CIN)

94. Patriots D/ST

95. L. Evans (BUF)

96. Steelers D/ST

Another value pick with Felix Jones in Round 11. I could have gone with Rashard Mendenhall here because I think both guys have the potential to put up points this season, but I ended up going with Jones. Snagging Lee Evans at pick #95 is a nice value now that he'll be playing across from Terrell Owens. If Trent Edwards stays healthy, I like Evans' chances at a 1000 yd. season.

Round 13:

97. J. Cotchery (NYJ)

98. L. McCoy (PHI)

99. J. Lewis (CLE)

100. C. Cooley (WAS)

101. M. Crosby (GB)

102. D. Mason (BAL)

103. G. Coffee (SF)

104. J. Carlson (SEA)

Round 14:

105. K. Walter (HOU)

106. M. Crabtree (SF)

107. D. Akers (PHI)

108. L. Coles (CIN)

109. Titans D/ST

110. A. Bradshaw (NYG)

111. E. Manning (NYG)

112. J. Norwood (ATL)

Probably the biggest mistake of the draft for me was taking LeSean McCoy instead of Glen Coffee in Round 13. Nothing against McCoy, but having Coffee as insurance for Gore would have been the smart move here. Getting Eli Manning in Round 14 is also a nice value pick for a back-up QB. His receiving options are uncertain right now, but he's a proven leader and New York should still have an excellent ground game this year.

Round 15:

113. C. Taylor (MIN)

114. Eagles D/ST
115. T. Holt (JAC)

116. N. Kaeding (SD)

117. T. Choice (DAL)

118. M. Bush (OAK)

119. D. Avery (STL)

120. R. Longwell (MIN)

Round 16:

121. Vikings D/ST
122. J. Morgan (SF)
123. P. Crayton (DAL)
124. Z. Miller (OAK)
125. L. McClain (BAL)
126. K. Brown (HOU)
127. R. Bironas (TEN)
128. D. Driver (GB)

The last 2 rounds are roster fillers. I like the Philadelphia defense and Rob Bironas has one of the biggest legs in the league. Not a bad way to round out my team.

Overall I thought I came away with some absolute steals. From Peterson in Round 1 to Gore in Round 3 and Rivers in Round 5 to Rice in Round 9, I think my roster looks pretty formidable. Only time will tell.

Preseason Rankings: Rookies

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

This season's batch of rookies will have big shoes to fill after last season's group took the league by storm. Guys like Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, and Matt Ryan all stepped right on the field as rookies and were immediate game-changers. A few guys on this list have that kind of potential this year, but it may come down to seizing the opportunity when it comes. Chris 'Beanie' Wells seems to have found himself a nice situation in Arizona with the Cardinals looking to establish more of a power running game. If he can avoid the IR, he should contribute right away. Matthew Stafford also finds himself with offensive weapons around him in Detroit, so the opportunity is there for an immediate impact. With Thomas Jones due for an injury, I expect Shonn Greene to be the man in New York by the end of the season. Also looks for Hakeem Nicks build a nice rapport with Eli Manning. I like Mark Sanchez and LeSean McCoy looking down the road, but I don't think they'll be factors this season.

1. Chris 'Beanie' Wells (ARI)
2. Matthew Stafford (DET)
3. Shonn Greene (NYJ)
4. Knowshon Moreno (DEN)
5. Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
6. Donald Brown (IND)
7. Mark Sanchez (NYJ)
8. LeSean McCoy (PHI)
9. Percy Harvin (MIN)
10. James Davis (CLE)

Fantasy Impact: Rookies are always such a tough group to draft because of the unpredictability. First of all, you don't know if they're good enough to play at the next level. Second of all, they're probably on a bad team in a bad situation. Thirdly, you never know how injuries might affect the situation (i.e. Rashard Mendenhall last year). If your in a single-season league then roll the dice will mid-round picks on guys like Wells and Moreno if you want, but be prepared to live with the possible consequences. My advice for legacy or keeper leagues would be to wait until the late rounds and pick up a guy like Jeremy Maclin or Glen Coffee who may not be a starter right now, but has the potential to be a starter down the road. You never know when an injury can open up the door of opportunity.

Preseason Rankings: Tight End

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players at each skill position based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

With the explosion of talent at the tight end position over the recent years, the gap between the top tier and free agency pickups is smaller than ever. With a rejuvenating season last year and a trade to an offense loaded with weapons in Atlanta, Tony Gonzalez tops the list going into the season. Antonio Gates still put up decent fantasy numbers while missing significant time due to an array of injuries that are now behind him. Another 1,000 yard, 10 TD season out of Gates wouldn't surprise me at all. I'm also expecting another strong season from Dallas Clark, who'll probably see the lions share of passes formerly allocated to Marvin Harrison. Looking a little further down the list, it's about time for Visanthe Shiancoe and Greg Olsen to step into that top-tier conversation. Both Minnesota and Chicago will be counting on their TE's to move the chains and also get open in the red zone. With Pittsburgh's penchant for looking to the tight end in the end zone, Heath Miller is always a scoring threat.

1. Tony Gonzalez (ATL)
2. Antonio Gates (SD)
3. Jason Witten (DAL)
4. Dallas Clark (IND)
5. Kellen Winslow (TB)
6. Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN)
7. Greg Olsen (CHI)
8. Owen Daniels (HOU)
9. Chris Cooley (WAS)
10. Heath Miller (PIT)

Fantasy Impact: With the emergence of several viable fantasy options at the tight end position, there's no need to reach for a tight end early. Unless Gonzalez, Gates, or Witten falls to you in the 5th or 6th round, look to try and grab Shiancoe or Olsen in the 9th or 10th round. And if that doesn't work out, you can always troll the free agent pool once the season starts. There's always at least one TE that comes out of nowhere to produce good numbers, think Jon Carlson last season.

Preseason Rankings: Wide Receiver

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players at each skill position based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

Larry Fitzgerald proved at the end of last season that he's the best wide receiver in the NFL as he almost single-handedly won the Super Bowl for Arizona. He'll have some stiff competition this season from a couple young rising stars in Calvin Johnson and Roddy White. Similar to the arrival of Matt Ryan in Atlanta, Johnson's looking to have the same type of success with Matthew Stafford in Detroit. The fact that he's been able to excel without the luxury of stability at the QB position just further illustrates how talented he really is. I'm also looking for Reggie Wayne to have a big season, now that Marvin Harrison has finally moved on. Toward the bottom of the list should be some interesting story lines. Can Roy Williams be the guy in Dallas now that Terrell Owens has moved on? Can Dwayne Bowe, now in his 3rd year, take it to the next level now that Matt Cassel will be taking the snaps in Kansas City? Should be fun to see who steps it up in 2009.

1. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
2. Calvin Johnson (DET)
3. Roddy White (ATL)
4. Randy Moss (NE)
5. Reggie Wayne (IND)
6. Andre Johnson (HOU)
7. Steve Smith (CAR)
8. Greg Jennings (GB)
9. Roy Williams (DAL)
10. Dwayne Bowe (KC)

Fantasy Impact: When it comes to putting together my fantasy football team, I'm usually pretty high on wide receivers, but this season's crop is simply awesome. There are play-makers up and down the list, with tons of value in the later rounds. I would have no problem going with back-to-back WR's in Round's 2 & 3, which would probably net you both Johnson's (Calvin and Andre). I'll take that any day.

Preseason Rankings: Running Back

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players at each skill position based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

At the running back position the conversation starts and ends with Adrian Peterson. He's built for power and speed, and has stayed relatively healthy so far in his young career. After him, there's a group of really strong backs who all have something to prove. The guy who made the biggest jump last season was Michael Turner, who stepped in as the every-down back in Atlanta and simply ran wild. Known primarily for his speed, the versatile Turner held up all season under the grueling workload of being the every-down back for the first time in his career. Two rookies of a year ago, Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton, made the list due to their breakout seasons. I think they both have what it takes to stay there. I'm not as high on Maurice Jones-Drew as some of the "experts" because I don't think he can be an every-down back. Part of his strength the last few years has been returning kicks, working primarily in the red zone, and being the "change of pace" back. Now that it's just him in Jacksonville, he's got to prove that he's got the toughness to battle all season long. Pierre Thomas is my wildcard. After finishing strong last season, it'll be interesting to see how he fits in to the pass-happy New Orleans offense over the course of a full season.

1. Adrian Peterson (MIN)
2. Matt Forte (CHI)
3. Frank Gore (SF)
4. Chris Johnson (TEN)
5. Michael Turner (ATL)
6. LaDainian Tomlinson (SD)
7. Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
8. Ronnie Brown (MIA)
9. Steve Slaton (HOU)
10. Pierre Thomas (NO)

Fantasy Impact: It's a widely held belief that running backs are what win fantasy championships, but I'm one of the few who disagree with this strategy. Depending on the format of your league, I would say that having a single top running back is all you need. I'd take any one of the top 10 backs and then not take another RB until at least the 4th round. With the way the running game is evolving in the NFL, more than half of the teams will be splitting carries between at least two backs this season, and in some cases three (i.e. Baltimore with McGahee, Rice, McClain and New York with Jacobs, Ward, Bradshaw last season). Avoid the pressure to draft RB's back-to-back in the first and second round and you'll find yourself with some amazing players on the board.

Preseason Rankings: Quarterback

The following series of posts will list the top 10 fantasy players at each skill position based on projected fantasy output for the upcoming 2009 season.

Let's start with the quarterback position which had some breakout performances last year, most notably by Matt Cassel, Matt Ryan, and Aaron Rodgers. All three guys have moved into the top 10 at the quarterback position going into this season, so it's up to them to prove that they deserve it. At the top of the list, I think Tom Brady's 100% back from his season-ending knee injury last season and should put up big numbers with Randy Moss and Wes Welker still in New England. There's some doubt in Dallas whether Tony Romo can succeed without Terrell Owens, so I think he's got something to prove. I was hesitant to put Kurt Warner higher on this list because I think his age will finally catch up to him this season. Jay Cutler barely made it on the list after a tumultuous off-season that saw him traded from Denver to Chicago. He's definitely got the skills to be a top 5 quarterback, but I just don't think Chicago has enough talent at the wide received position.

1. Tom Brady (NE)
2. Peyton Manning (IND)
3. Drew Brees (NO)
4. Tony Romo (DAL)
5. Philip Rivers (SD)
6. Matt Ryan (ATL)
7. Kurt Warner (ARI)
8. Matt Cassel (KC)
9. Aaron Rodgers (GB)
10. Jay Cutler (CHI)

Fantasy Impact: I'm of the opinion that drafting a quarterback is one of the most critical moves you can make in the draft. They're historically the top fantasy point producers, so even though many "experts" will say that the drop-off from #1-#10 isn't as great as at other positions, I would much rather have a quarterback that I can count on every game to deliver 20- 25 pts. for my team. Usually the first QB comes off the board in the late first-early second round. I would shoot for Ryan in the 5th to 6th round as a solid value pick with tons of upside.