This is a 10-team, serpentine draft with
16 rounds to field a 1 QB/ 2 RB/ 3 WR/ 1 TE/ 1 K/ 1 DEF line up.
The Scoring
System is standard.
When I was a young athlete growing up in the Midwest, coach after
coach told me that in order to be as good as I wanted to be, I should
practice, practice, practice. And practice I did, foregoing the
immediate benefit of a social life to ensure my place in prep football
and basketball greatness.
So it is with great shame that I come before my readers today
to confess that while I did everything (and more) that my coaches
ever asked me to do, my dedication did not pay immediate dividends
on the gridiron or hardwood and left me in state of social ignorance
and indifference (not really, but thanks for your concern). But
is there ever an ounce of regret for trying hard and preparing
my mind and body as best I could? No.
It is with that in mind that I turn this discussion over to fantasy
football, a hobby (okay, obsession) that I treat with a similar
vigor. And just like the real-world sport it takes its numbers
from, much can be learned from practicing fantasy football well
before training camps open. Two of the major reasons mock drafts
are good for the fantasy owner are: they can readers take away
where they should target certain players AND they allow us to
practice different drafting strategies that have been sitting
in the back of our minds since the end of last season.
So, without further delay, let me proudly present FF Today’s
Staff Mock Draft a practice FF Today will revisit in July
and once again in August to prepare our readers for their draft
as much as possible.
1st Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
1.01 |
1 |
RB |
Adrian Peterson (MIN) |
MIN |
Compiler Guy |
1.02
| 2 |
RB |
LaDainian Tomlinson |
SD |
Coxsackie Virus |
1.03
| 3 |
RB |
Steven Jackson |
STL |
The Prototype |
1.04
| 4 |
RB |
Brian Westbrook |
PHI |
FF Librarian |
1.05
| 5 |
RB |
Joseph Addai |
IND |
Mack 1 |
1.06
| 6 |
RB |
Marion Barber |
DAL |
Kilroy |
1.07
| 7 |
RB |
Larry Johnson |
KC |
SPUFF |
1.08
| 8 |
WR |
Randy Moss |
NE |
Team Marx |
1.09
| 9 |
QB |
Tom Brady |
NE |
Husky Jerks |
1.10
| 10 |
RB |
Ryan Grant |
GB |
Wildman |
|
1st Round Summary: Not much
to argue with here. Some people will say that Gore or McGahee
should go before Grant, but I have no problem with Wildman's pick.
Grant could easily pick up right where he left off last season
(and may be relied on even further) with Brett Favre no longer
under center. I was quite surprised that Moss and Brady went after
Barber and Johnson, allowing Team Marx to land the game's best
WR and Husky Jerks to land the QB that benefits from his presence.
Best Value: Tom Brady. History
suggests there is zero chance Brady repeats last season's numbers,
but with Moss and Welker still running routes, it is safe to say
he'll be in the running again for fantasy's best player. And anytime
an owner can pick someone like that near the end of the first
round, that can't be a bad thing.
Biggest Reach: Larry Johnson.
It's really a tough call, but I think Johnson possesses more uncertainty
and reasons why he could struggle this season than anybody else
in this top 10. He's coming off injury and supporting cast (especially
his offensive line) doesn't figure to give him much more help
than it did last season.
2nd Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
2.01 |
11 |
RB |
Clinton Portis |
WAS |
Wildman |
2.02 |
12 |
RB |
Marshawn Lynch |
BUF |
Husky Jerks |
2.03 |
13 |
WR |
Reggie Wayne |
IND |
Team Marx |
2.04 |
14 |
RB |
Frank Gore |
SF |
SPUFF |
2.05 |
15 |
WR |
Terrell Owens |
DAL |
Kilroy |
2.06 |
16 |
RB |
Willis McGahee |
BAL |
Mack 1 |
2.07 |
17 |
WR |
Braylon Edwards |
CLE |
FF Librarian |
2.08 |
18 |
QB |
Peyton Manning |
IND |
The Prototype |
2.09 |
19 |
WR |
T.J. Houshmandzadeh |
CIN |
Coxsackie Virus |
2.10 |
20 |
WR |
Larry Fitzgerald |
ARI |
Compiler Guy |
|
2nd Round Summary: Another solid
round all the way through. Wayne going before Owens was a surprise,
but certainly not unforgivable. It was a bit more of a surprise
to see McGahee - a RB I have tabbed as the sixth-best at his position
right now - fall to Mack 1 in the middle of this round. SPUFF gets
the RB (Gore) I feel he should have considered earlier in this round,
giving him a backfield with the potential to do great things regardless.
However, just 20 picks in, his draft is the highest risk-reward
so far. Seeing Manning fall to me was a complete shock, and a pick
that was pretty easy for me to make even though I really wanted
to load up on top WRs early.
Best Value: Peyton
Manning. Year in and year out, Manning will finish among the
top three scorers among fantasy QBs. Even without Marvin Harrison
for most of 2007, No. 18 eclipsed the 4,000-yard mark and threw
for more than 30 TDs. And since he never misses a game and is
one of the few QBs available that could match Brady on any given
week, getting Manning in the late second when he should have been
off the board in the first round gives me a rock-solid signal-caller
and a ton of points from my first two picks.
Biggest Reach: Reggie
Wayne. Drafting a Colts WR is hardly ever a bad thing, and
it is certainly not in this either. However, it is quite likely
that Marvin Harrison returns from injury (and off-field troubles)
to be a 1 and 1a tandem again for Manning. Owens and Edwards have
no such concerns and probably represented better value picks with
the #13 overall pick than did Wayne.
3rd Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
3.01 |
21 |
RB |
Maurice Jones-Drew |
JAC |
Compiler Guy |
3.02 |
22 |
QB |
Tony Romo |
DAL |
Coxsackie Virus |
3.03 |
23 |
WR |
Marques Colston |
NO |
The Prototype |
3.04 |
24 |
RB |
Ronnie Brown |
MIA |
FF Librarian |
3.05 |
25 |
WR |
Andre Johnson |
HOU |
Mack 1 |
3.06 |
26 |
RB |
Brandon Jacobs |
NYG |
Kilroy |
3.07 |
27 |
QB |
Drew Brees |
NO |
SPUFF |
3.08 |
28 |
WR |
Steve Smith (CAR) |
CAR |
Team Marx |
3.09 |
29 |
WR |
Brandon Marshall |
DEN |
Husky Jerks |
3.10 |
30 |
WR |
Torry Holt |
STL |
Wildman |
|
3rd Round Summary: Some strategies
start to show themselves in this round. Compiler Guy gets both the
best value pick and secures his backfield with Jones-Drew, right
before Virus makes sure he gets the only other QB that has a decent
chance of upstaging either Brady or Manning this season. Mack continues
collecting potential injury risk (but high reward) players when
he selects Johnson. Kilroy lands his second RB from a good team
that figures to share the load a bit more than most fantasy owners
would care for, but with few "great" options at RB left, Jacobs
is far from a bad pick. SPUFF's choice of Brees brings some predictability
to his backfield of LJ and Gore while Marshall and Holt both go
to teams that found their starting RBs in the first two rounds.
Best Value: Steve
Smith. Very few people are ever going to find fault with Smith,
but it just seems like that things happen to him or key players
around him that keep him from stringing together year after year
of #1 WR numbers. Now, I'm not crazy about Jake Delhomme's ability
to sling the ball all over the field following his "Tommy John"
surgery, but I think between him and Carolina's new-and-improved
running game, one of the two - if not both – will allow Smith
to get the numbers he is capable of posting.
Biggest Reaches: Ronnie
Brown and Brandon
Marshall. History is littered with RBs who did not fare well
the season after ACL surgery. Combine that with limited play-calling
imagination of new OC Dan Henning, a possible committee backfield
with Ricky Williams and there is potential for Brown to be benched
in fantasy leagues just as many weeks as he is worth a start.
Marshall's talent belongs in this round, but time will only tell
if the injuries he suffered falling on a McDonald's bag while
wrestling with his brother and putting his arm through a glass
door of an entertainment center will plague him this season.
4th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
4.01 |
31 |
WR |
Chad Johnson |
CIN |
Wildman |
4.02 |
32 |
RB |
LenDale White |
TEN |
Husky Jerks |
4.03 |
33 |
RB |
Laurence Maroney |
NE |
Team Marx |
4.04 |
34 |
RB |
Willie Parker |
PIT |
SPUFF |
4.05 |
35 |
WR |
Anquan Boldin |
ARI |
Kilroy |
4.06 |
36 |
WR |
Plaxico Burress |
NYG |
Mack 1 |
4.07 |
37 |
WR |
Wes Welker |
NE |
FF Librarian |
4.08 |
38 |
WR |
Roy Williams (WR) |
DET |
The Prototype |
4.09 |
39 |
RB |
Matt Forte ® |
CHI |
Coxsackie Virus |
4.10 |
40 |
RB |
Jamal Lewis |
CLE |
Compiler Guy |
|
4th Round Summary: Perhaps the
most well-picked round up to this point as it is really difficult
to find much fault with any pick. Wildman continues to add solid,
predictable players (at least on the field) and should have the
best 1-2 WR combo outside of Team Marx. Husky Jerks gets his second
RB in the fourth - and while the order could be argued - he nabs
the RB most likely to score the most TDs between White, Parker and
Maroney. Kilroy lands another physical marvel at WR to pair with
TO while Mack selects another stud WR who is terrific when he's
100%, although owning Burress can sometimes be a mixed bag. Virus
shows an incredible amount of faith in the all-around game of Forte
- the first rookie selected - selecting him as his #2 RB ahead of
Lewis, who lasts a bit longer than someone coming off the season
he just had, although there are plenty of reasons not to expect
a repeat from him.
Best Value: Chad Johnson. I
thought long and hard about Lewis here, but I have a bad feeling
about him this season. He'll be turning 29 before the start of
the season and has already surpassed the 2,000-carry mark, about
the time that most RBs seem to start breaking down. Instead, I'll
opt for a player hasn't been shy in letting everyone know how
miserable he has been living in the same state. Johnson, a media
darling, is overhyped to a large degree, but for what Wildman
needs him for (playing second-fiddle to Holt), Ocho Cinco makes
for a worthy selection at this point.
Biggest Reach: Willie
Parker. In perhaps the toughest call I have been required
to make so far, Fast Willie gets downgraded. With someone of his
talents, I normally wouldn't be all that scared off by a first-round
RB in his rookie year (Rashard Mendenhall), but combine that with
the loss of LG Alan Fanaca and I think the signs of another letdown
season are there. I also believe that as long as OC Bruce Arians
is calling the shots, the Steelers will lean more heavily on the
pass than the run.
5th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
5.01 |
41 |
RB |
Reggie Bush |
NO |
Compiler Guy |
5.02 |
42 |
TE |
Antonio Gates |
SD |
Coxsackie Virus |
5.03 |
43 |
RB |
Rudi Johnson |
CIN |
The Prototype |
5.04 |
44 |
RB |
Michael Turner |
ATL |
FF Librarian |
5.05 |
45 |
QB |
Carson Palmer |
CIN |
Mack 1 |
5.06 |
46 |
WR |
Calvin Johnson |
DET |
Kilroy |
5.07 |
47 |
WR |
Greg Jennings |
GB |
SPUFF |
5.08 |
48 |
RB |
Jonathan Stewart ® |
CAR |
Team Marx |
5.09 |
49 |
RB |
Selvin Young |
DEN |
Husky Jerks |
5.10 |
50 |
TE |
Kellen Winslow |
CLE |
Wildman |
|
5th Round Summary: Compiler Guy
holds true to his name, "compiling" RBs in an effort to secure possible
trade chips and/or capably cover himself for bye weeks. Seeing Gates
go this late is a bit eye-catching, but considering his toe injury
and the influx of TEs that could challenge his throne as fantasy's
best at the position, it shouldn't be considered all that surprising.
I believe landing Rudi Johnson this late will look like a master
stroke in few months, but Mack strikes gold again with Palmer, who
certainly has the cast to give Romo, Brady and Manning a run for
their money. Considering his WR corps (Moss, Wayne, Steve Smith,
the selection of Stewart - this draft's second rookie runner - certainly
appears to be a solid choice for Team Marx.
Best Values: Reggie
Bush and Carson
Palmer. Quick...name how many RBs go from a part-time role
to a full-time role because of injury and see their stock fall
four rounds the next season, even when the player he was sharing
time with is far from a sure thing to return to the field? Like
many other owners, I saw Bush get exposed as a full-time runner,
but I believe his fall to the fifth round is a bit egregious considering
that, as a part-time player, he was a first-rounder last season.
Even in a part-time role, Bush is about as solid of a #2 RB as
there is, so give Compiler Guy credit for landing him in this
round as his #4 RB. Palmer is a player who fell a bit too far
because of his team's misfortunes last season. Losing Chris Henry
takes a big piece of his luster away from him, but I believe teams
will start creeping up to play the run as Cincinnati focuses on
the ground game. And teams will quickly realize with Ben Utecht
in the fold, they will need to pull out of their Cover 2 schemes
to stop the Bengals. Therefore, Palmer could push for another
huge season in 2008.
Biggest Reach: Selvin
Young. Here's the pattern I've noticed for Denver RBs. They
start off the season huge and about four weeks into the season,
either they get hurt or HC Mike Shanahan begins to realize how
much he likes his backup, leading to a frustrating ride for a
fantasy owner. With the Broncos saying rookie Ryan Torian reminds
them of Terrell Davis, Young figures to be a headache to own.
6th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
6.01 |
51 |
RB |
Kevin Smith ® |
DET |
Wildman |
6.02 |
52 |
WR |
Dwayne Bowe |
KC |
Husky Jerks |
6.03 |
53 |
RB |
Thomas Jones |
NYJ |
Team Marx |
6.04 |
54 |
TE |
Jason Witten |
DAL |
SPUFF |
6.05 |
55 |
RB |
Edgerrin James |
ARI |
Kilroy |
6.06 |
56 |
RB |
Earnest Graham |
TB |
Mack 1 |
6.07 |
57 |
QB |
Jay Cutler |
DEN |
FF Librarian |
6.08 |
58 |
WR |
Marvin Harrison |
IND |
The Prototype |
6.09 |
59 |
WR |
Santonio Holmes |
PIT |
Coxsackie Virus |
6.10 |
60 |
QB |
Ben Roethlisberger |
PIT |
Compiler Guy |
|
6th Round Summary: This rounds
starts off with a trio of solid selections that could all end up
being solid #2 players at their position this season, solid value
for Round 6. Witten getting drafted a full round after Gates has
to bring a smile to SPUFF's face while James joins Jones as RBs
that lasted about 1 1/2-2 rounds later than they should have. Graham
remains as a bit of an unknown to me. While he certainly proved
himself to HC Jon Gruden and fantasy owners alike, I have doubts
what he will do against a non-creampuff run schedule. Last season,
during my Inside the
Matchup column, it seemed like Graham and the Bucs were getting
matched up against a bottom 10 fantasy defense just about every
week. I expect Cutler, with his mysterious weight loss now solved,
to take the next step and be an every-week fantasy starter. As I'll
get into a bit later, Harrison is both the best value and biggest
reach of this round.
Best Value: Thomas Jones. Quite
often in fantasy, when a RB disappoints with his new team, his
stock nosedives to the point where he becomes a bargain the following
season. As the public takes their frustration out on his stock,
savvy owners know that a RB who was going in the second round
last season probably isn't four rounds worse behind a better supporting
cast. Such should be the case with Jones, who should perform well
behind what should be the best line he has ever run behind.
Biggest Reach: Marvin
Harrison. I believe when it is said and done, this will end
up being the best value pick of the round (and the type of pick
that would help me win a championship in this league if we played
it out), but until we actually see Harrison him on the field and
completely separated from the shooting in Philadelphia, his value
will remain in limbo.
7th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
7.01 |
61 |
WR |
Lee Evans |
BUF |
Compiler Guy |
7.02 |
62 |
RB |
Rashard Mendenhall ® |
PIT |
Coxsackie Virus |
7.03 |
63 |
RB |
Darren McFadden ® |
OAK |
The Prototype |
7.04 |
64 |
WR |
Anthony Gonzalez |
IND |
FF Librarian |
7.05 |
65 |
TE |
Dallas Clark |
IND |
Mack 1 |
7.06 |
66 |
TE |
Tony Gonzalez |
KC |
Kilroy |
7.07 |
67 |
WR |
Roddy White |
ATL |
SPUFF |
7.08 |
68 |
QB |
Derek Anderson |
CLE |
Team Marx |
7.09 |
69 |
WR |
Hines Ward |
PIT |
Husky Jerks |
7.10 |
70 |
QB |
Donovan McNabb |
PHI |
Wildman |
|
7th Round Summary: Compiler Guy
selects Evans as just his #2 WR - an oversight that can easily be
corrected with his stable of RBs via trade. However, until such
a trade is made, Evans is ideally a #3 WR - capable of big things,
but not a player an owner wants to expect anything steady from week-to-week.
Mendenhall – even as a #3 fantasy RB - scares me. The most I believe
can be expected out of him is an even split of the carries with
Willie Parker,
something I don't see happening. What's worse is that Pittsburgh
will likely throw more and its running backs will run behind a worse
offensive line than they did in 2007. White makes for an interesting
study: does he build on last season or was his production based
on the passing philosophy of the previous staff? Will OC Mike Mularkey's
conservative play-calling halt his development? Anderson and McNabb
are solid value picks that show - at least at this point of the
season - owners do not need to spend a high pick on a productive
QB while Ward's selection gives Husky Jerks a rock-solid #3 WR.
Best Value: Darren
McFadden. While I agree with Wildman (aka The Gut Check) on
a great many things in fantasy football, I'm not quite as down
on McFadden's prospects as he is. Much as Bush slipped to the
fifth round, I believe McFadden - who I see taking on a Bush-like
role in Oakland - is getting unfairly punished for being too explosive.
And while McFadden is more Bush than Adrian Peterson, Bush is
much more of a dancer than McFadden is. I tend to believe the
rookie can take a hit; it is just that with the Razorbacks offense
and Houston Nutt’s play-calling, there was very little reason
for him to ever take on contact. That's rather amazing considering
he played in the SEC, which is supposed to be the best league
year in and year out in college football. While he is not the
receiver Bush is, McFadden will probably haul in at least 50 catches
and touch the ball about 200 times. Combine that with a zone-blocking
scheme that (I feel) accentuates his propensity to hit the corner
and I think he is in great position to thrive.
Biggest Reach: Anthony
Gonzalez. I'll go with the younger Tony Gonzalez for now,
until it is decided that Harrison can't play this season. In that
case, Anthony Gonzalez becomes an extremely savvy pick. Either
way, this pick depends almost entirely to what degree Harrison
can play. If Harrison can go, Gonzalez will likely produce no
better than a healthy Brandon Stokley, which isn't all that bad
depending on what year you look at. On the other hand, if Harrison
can't play, Gonzalez is worthy of consideration as a low-end #2
WR in fantasy.
8th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
8.01 |
71 |
WR |
Kevin Curtis |
PHI |
Wildman |
8.02 |
72 |
WR |
Laveranues Coles |
NYJ |
Husky Jerks |
8.03 |
73 |
RB |
Fred Taylor |
JAC |
Team Marx |
8.04 |
74 |
WR |
Chris Chambers |
SD |
SPUFF |
8.05 |
75 |
QB |
Matt Hasselbeck |
SEA |
Kilroy |
8.06 |
76 |
QB |
Eli Manning |
NYG |
Mack 1 |
8.07 |
77 |
QB |
David Garrard |
JAC |
FF Librarian |
8.08 |
78 |
TE |
Chris Cooley |
WAS |
The Prototype |
8.09 |
79 |
WR |
Ronald Curry |
OAK |
Coxsackie Virus |
8.10 |
80 |
WR |
Joey Galloway |
TB |
Compiler Guy |
|
8th Round Summary: Four solid
picks to open the round. Curtis gives Wildman a steady #3 WR to
pair with Ocho Cinco and Holt while Coles is the fourth #1 WR to
find his way onto the Husky Jerks. Taylor doesn't figure to repeat
last season's amazing finish, but to have him as a #4 fantasy RB
provides a lot of peace of mind. I really like Chambers here, who
will be working with the same QB in successive years for one of
the first times in his career. I'm a bit worried about Manning's
prospects for this season, but as a #2 fantasy QB, it is hard to
go wrong with him. Garrard is an intriguing pick to back up Cutler.
While he didn't turn out to be the greatest value on the board,
I was pleased to land the last top-tier TE in Cooley this late.
Best Values: Fred Taylor and
Joey Galloway. For an owner who didn't draft a RB until Round
4, landing Taylor as a #4 RB has to be considered a coup. I don't
think there is much chance he repeats last season's numbers -
especially his strong finish - but Taylor certainly will be a
threat for at least another 1,000-yard, five-TD season - at least
the same numbers Compiler Guy can expect from Galloway. No matter
how small or large the league, getting the ageless Galloway as
a #3 WR this late qualifies as solid value.
Biggest Reach: Ronald
Curry. It's not a big reach by any stretch because he is a
potential breakout candidate with Javon Walker a question mark,
but picking Curry with more "sure-thing" WRs like Driver and Engram
still on the board can be questioned. (Of course, he righted that
wrong somewhat by stealing Driver a pick before mine in the next
round.) Nevertheless, Virus could have nabbed Driver and Engram
as his #3 and #4 WRs or Julius Jones to provide himself with some
more RB insurance instead of hoping for a career season from Curry.
9th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
9.01 |
81 |
RB |
Julius Jones |
SEA |
Compiler Guy |
9.02 |
82 |
WR |
Donald Driver |
GB |
Coxsackie Virus |
9.03 |
83 |
WR |
Santana Moss |
WAS |
The Prototype |
9.04 |
84 |
TE |
Todd Heap |
BAL |
FF Librarian |
9.05 |
85 |
WR |
Vincent Jackson |
SD |
Mack 1 |
9.06 |
86 |
RB |
DeAngelo Williams |
CAR |
Kilroy |
9.07 |
87 |
WR |
Deion Branch |
SEA |
SPUFF |
9.08 |
88 |
QB |
Marc Bulger |
STL |
Team Marx |
9.09 |
89 |
WR |
Bobby Engram |
SEA |
Husky Jerks |
9.10 |
90 |
WR |
Reggie Williams |
JAC |
Wildman |
|
9th Round Summary: I think as
we move along this summer, Jones will find his way about three rounds
higher, even in 10-team league drafts. Virus picked Driver just
in front of me, leaving me without a best player on the board that
I could quickly identify. If Mack gets the Vincent Jackson that
turned it on during the playoffs all season long this year, he may
have walked away with the best pick in this round. DeAngelo Williams
isn't going to go down without a fight and a worthy pick here, but
if the team were more enamored with him, they wouldn't have started
a player (DeShaun Foster) ahead of him, only to cut the starter
and use a first-round pick on another runner. Bulger represents
good insurance for Derek Anderson for Team Marx, and behind a healthy
offensive line in 2008 - as well as handing off to a healthy Steven
Jackson - should keep him in one piece. As long as Engram doesn't
take his contract situation too personally and gets to camp on time,
he is a solid value pick here as well.
Best Value: Donald
Driver. Considering he was the player I wanted with my pick
to serve as Harrison's insurance policy, I'll go with Driver here.
The former Alcorn St. standout didn't fall too far below his usual
catch and yard numbers, but he had to be plenty frustrated by
only scoring twice all season while Greg Jennings visited the
end zone 12 times. I expect those numbers will even out somewhat,
if only because Aaron Rodgers doesn't possess Brett Favre's arm
strength. That should mean more short and intermediate catches
for Driver.
Biggest Reaches: Deion
Branch and Reggie
Williams. A healthy Branch belongs about four rounds higher,
but as we know, an ACL tear can wreck havoc on a player the next
season. Seattle has enough depth at the WR position to not rush
him back, but even if the Seahawks did, they may be too busy on
trying to improve the running game. Engram and Nate Burleson figure
to keep a healthy Branch's numbers down somewhat, so they should
come close to matching his totals if he is running at less than
100%. Williams is bound to bust out and be a consistent receiver
at some point. But in a run-based offense, he will have to battle
Jerry Porter and Garrard's favorite WR, Dennis Northcutt, for
touches - a prospect that I'm not all that envious about at this
point. (Of course, Wildman backed up his best on Jaguar WRs a
few rounds later when he selected Porter.)
10th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
10.01 |
91 |
WR |
Bernard Berrian |
MIN |
Wildman |
10.02 |
92 |
RB |
Ahmad Bradshaw |
NYG |
Husky Jerks |
10.03 |
93 |
WR |
Derrick Mason |
BAL |
Team Marx |
10.04 |
94 |
WR |
Jerricho Cotchery |
NYJ |
SPUFF |
10.05 |
95 |
QB |
Matt Schaub |
HOU |
Kilroy |
10.06 |
96 |
RB |
Felix Jones ® |
DAL |
Mack 1 |
10.07 |
97 |
RB |
Chester Taylor |
MIN |
FF Librarian |
10.08 |
98 |
RB |
Justin Fargas |
OAK |
The Prototype |
10.09 |
99 |
RB |
Deuce McAllister |
NO |
Coxsackie Virus |
10.10 |
100 |
WR |
Isaac Bruce |
SF |
Compiler Guy |
|
10th Round Summary: Risks abound
as we start the downward descent in this draft. Berrian could really
benefit from the best ground game he has played with or suffer because
of QB Tavaris Jackson's inaccuracy. Just how much work will Bradshaw's
impressive second half last season lead to this season? Can Schaub
last a full season and will Felix Jones do what Julius Jones struggled
to do - work hand-in-hand with Marion Barber? Does Taylor take on
even more of a secondary role to Adrian Peterson and can Fargas
and McAllister rebound from injuries? The answers to those questions
could play a large role in determining what teams find themselves
on top of the standings in this league and which ones do not.
Best Value: Justin
Fargas. I was very happy to fall into Fargas and collect both
important pieces to the Oakland running game. While not exactly
the "hammer" that Deuce McAllister can be, Fargas runs very tough
for his size and should make for a nice complement to McFadden,
with either player benefiting greatly fantasy-wise from the other
player's injury. Either way - to get a RB than ran for over 1,000
yards last season despite not taking over the full-time job until
midseason - this late has to be considered a steal.
Biggest Reach: Derrick
Mason. In a tough call to make, I'll go for the former Titan
receiver. OC Cam Cameron's pro offenses have been all about the
running back so far, and I don't expect his tenure with the Ravens
to be any different. I believe Mark Clayton has a better chance
to succeed, but both will likely play second fiddle to Todd Heap.
11th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
11.01 |
101 |
TE |
Owen Daniels |
HOU |
Compiler Guy |
11.02 |
102 |
RB |
Ladell Betts |
WAS |
Coxsackie Virus |
11.03 |
103 |
WR |
Sidney Rice |
MIN |
The Prototype |
11.04 |
104 |
WR |
Patrick Crayton |
DAL |
FF Librarian |
11.05 |
105 |
WR |
Reggie Brown |
PHI |
Mack 1 |
11.06 |
106 |
WR |
Donte’ Stallworth |
CLE |
Kilroy |
11.07 |
107 |
WR |
Javon Walker |
OAK |
SPUFF |
11.08 |
108 |
TE |
Vernon Davis |
SF |
Team Marx |
11.09 |
109 |
RB |
Ricky Williams |
MIA |
Husky Jerks |
11.10 |
110 |
RB |
Warrick Dunn |
TB |
Wildman |
|
11th, 12th, 13th-Round Summary:
As one would expect, owners are filling out their rosters with underperformers
or high-upside guys who could be primed for a breakout or players
heading to greener pastures. Some of the best examples of these
types of players are Vernon Davis, Ricky Williams, the "other" Steve
Smith, Javon Walker and D.J. Hackett. We also see our first defenses
come off the board as well and it is hard to argue with the logic
of defenses that were selected. If I were a betting man, I would
guess that Walker, Davis and Philip Rivers will all go 2-3 rounds
higher than this as we move closer to the season
Best Values: Vernon
Davis, Warrick
Dunn, Philip
Rivers, Jeremy
Shockey and Jerry
Porter. I believe the popular opinion is because Davis is
a TE, OC Mike Martz will not call his number. Martz is an innovative
play-caller (not always the best one, mind you) but he will get
his best receivers the ball. Dunn may be getting older, but because
so many of his years have been spent sharing carries, I'm not
sure his tires are completely worn yet. ACL surgeries are troublesome
for everybody, but Carson Palmer showed a few years ago that a
pocket QB can recover quickly and be fantasy-relevant. While Shockey
is unhappy, it would be mildly surprising not to see him take
the field. More than anything, he is a hard-nosed football player.
He'll play - he may be mad - but he'll play. Finally, Porter will
benefit from one of the best QBs he has played with. I have Porter
identified as one of my most underrated picks and as a player
I would like to have to round out my WR corps this season.
Biggest Reaches: Owen
Daniels and Ladell
Betts. I think Daniels could have been had at least two rounds
later and certainly after Shockey and Davis. As for Betts, I could
understand if Virus had used an earlier pick on Portis to then
use an earlier-than-usual pick on his handcuff, but for an owner
like me who believes there is no such thing as an unimportant
draft pick, the selection of Betts seems like a wasted one to
me.
12th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
12.01 |
111 |
QB |
Jon Kitna |
DET |
Wildman |
12.02 |
112 |
TE |
Heath Miller |
PIT |
Husky Jerks |
12.03 |
113 |
TE |
Tony Scheffler |
DEN |
Team Marx |
12.04 |
114 |
QB |
Philip Rivers |
SD |
SPUFF |
12.05 |
115 |
WR |
Nate Burleson |
SEA |
Kilroy |
12.06 |
116 |
WR |
D.J. Hackett |
CAR |
Mack 1 |
12.07 |
117 |
WR |
James Jones |
GB |
FF Librarian |
12.08 |
118 |
QB |
Aaron Rodgers |
GB |
The Prototype |
12.09 |
119 |
QB |
Vince Young |
TEN |
Coxsackie Virus |
12.10 |
120 |
DEF |
Minnesota Vikings |
|
Compiler Guy |
|
|
13th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
13.01 |
121 |
WR |
Steve Smith (NYG) |
NYG |
Compiler Guy |
13.02 |
122 |
TE |
Jeremy Shockey |
NYG |
Coxsackie Virus |
13.03 |
123 |
DEF |
San Diego Chargers |
|
The Prototype |
13.04 |
124 |
RB |
Chris Brown |
HOU |
FF Librarian |
13.05 |
125 |
DEF |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
|
Mack 1 |
13.06 |
126 |
TE |
L.J. Smith |
PHI |
Kilroy |
13.07 |
127 |
DEF |
Chicago Bears |
|
SPUFF |
13.08 |
128 |
DEF |
Green Bay Packers |
|
Team Marx |
13.09 |
129 |
QB |
Matt Leinart |
ARI |
Husky Jerks |
13.10 |
130 |
WR |
Jerry Porter |
JAC |
Wildman |
|
|
14th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
14.01 |
131 |
RB |
Ryan Torain ® |
DEN |
Wildman |
14.02 |
132 |
WR |
Justin Gage |
TEN |
Husky Jerks |
14.03 |
133 |
WR |
Roydell Williams |
TEN |
Team Marx |
14.04 |
134 |
RB |
DeShaun Foster |
SF |
SPUFF |
14.05 |
135 |
DEF |
Jacksonville Jaguars |
|
Kilroy |
14.06 |
136 |
K |
Adam Vinatieri |
IND |
Mack 1 |
14.07 |
137 |
DEF |
Seattle Seahawks |
|
FF Librarian |
14.08 |
138 |
RB |
Sammy Morris |
NE |
The Prototype |
14.09 |
139 |
DEF |
Dallas Cowboys |
|
Coxsackie Virus |
14.10 |
140 |
QB |
Jake Delhomme |
CAR |
Compiler Guy |
|
14th, 15th, 16th-Round Summary:
While Denver RBs seem to make lousy early-round picks, they sure
fill out a roster nicely, something Wildman took to heart when he
selected a RB the Broncos are touting as "Terrell Davis-like". Foster
also makes for a smart pick here because he should be able to fill
in adequately behind Gore should he miss a game or two, as he has
been known to do. A trio of selections catches my eye in the 15th
round where Wilford, Jackson and Hester all go. Wilford and Hester
stand out as possible #1 WRs for their respective teams, so to get
them this late is a bonus. On the other hand, I find it very hard
to believe Jackson has fallen off so far so fast. I believe he showed
at the end of last season in San Fran's feeble passing attack that
he can still be productive. If Brandon Marshall can't make it all
the way back in time, I think there is a real chance Jackson could
post some of his old numbers. I was quite surprised to see Watson
left for the taking in the final round. I think an argument could
easily be made that he deserves to go at least 2-3 rounds higher.
Otherwise, the final rounds of this draft are kicker- and defense-dominated
as many owners feel those two positions are among the most volatile
in fantasy football - and they would be right.
Best Values: Ryan
Torain, Sammy
Morris and the Ravens defense. Considering the Broncos' history,
Torian, for the reasons listed above, deserves mention here. It's
a virtual lock that he will start at least one game and it wouldn't
be all that surprising if he takes over the starting job by season's
end. Perhaps I remember last year too well, but I remember just
how productive Morris was in September. I believe New England
wants to share the load with its backfield, meaning Morris should
be closer to Maroney's spot in the draft than he is to the end
of it. The addition of CB Fabian Washington should go a long way
in bringing the Ravens’ defense back up to snuff. One of the major
reasons for their collapse last season was injuries to CBs Chris
McAllister and Samari Rolle. Having a third CB the caliber of
Washington should rectify that.
Biggest Reach: Marcedes
Lewis. Hard to be critical of owners who are just rounding
out their teams, but I'll go after SPUFF on this one. I think
Lewis is a talent that needs to be featured more - no doubt about
it - but if he was virtually ignored on a team that lacked consistent
receivers last season, why will it change this time around when
Jacksonville tried desperately to upgrade the WR position?
15th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
15.01 |
141 |
WR |
Ernest Wilford |
MIA |
Compiler Guy |
15.02 |
142 |
WR |
Darrell Jackson |
DEN |
Coxsackie Virus |
15.03 |
143 |
K |
Mason Crosby |
GB |
The Prototype |
15.04 |
144 |
WR |
Devin Hester |
CHI |
FF Librarian |
15.05 |
145 |
RB |
Tatum Bell |
DET |
Mack 1 |
15.06 |
146 |
K |
Stephen Gostkowski |
NE |
Kilroy |
15.07 |
147 |
TE |
Marcedes Lewis |
JAC |
SPUFF |
15.08 |
148 |
K |
Nick Folk |
DAL |
Team Marx |
15.09 |
149 |
DEF |
New England Patriots |
|
Husky Jerks |
15.10 |
150 |
DEF |
Baltimore Ravens |
|
Wildman |
|
|
16th Round |
Pick |
# |
Pos |
Player |
Team |
Mocker |
16.01 |
K |
K |
Nate Kaeding |
SD |
Wildman |
16.02 |
K |
K |
Shayne Graham |
CIN |
Husky Jerks |
16.03 |
DEF |
DEF |
Oakland Raiders |
|
Team Marx |
16.04 |
K |
K |
Josh Brown |
STL |
SPUFF |
16.05 |
QB |
QB |
Trent Edwards |
BUF |
Kilroy |
16.06 |
QB |
QB |
Jason Campbell |
WAS |
Mack 1 |
16.07 |
K |
K |
Josh Scobee |
JAC |
FF Librarian |
16.08 |
TE |
TE |
Ben Watson |
NE |
The Prototype |
16.09 |
K |
K |
Neil Rackers |
ARI |
Coxsackie Virus |
16.10 |
K |
K |
Rob Bironas |
TEN |
Compiler Guy |
|
|
Recap By Team |