Fantasy football is back! OK, OK, your draft may be 5 months away, but if you could get Christmas gifts everyday, wouldn't you? So, one, this is fun - why not start now? Two, don't you have to analyze the draft from a fantasy perspective if you're any kind of fantasy football player? Well, luckily, you don't have to! You are reading stuff from a man who sat on a couch for 7 1/2 hours this Saturday watching NFL Draft Coverage (it's awesome, by the way! ESPN is sooooo good!) and I'm not afraid to share my candy!
Let's make a few points about drafting rookies in fantasy football. One, don't draft them! I call this the Ryan Matthews Rule! Got drafted in the second round last year - waited until Week 16 and finally put up some numbers. Really, the only rookies last year who got you any points whatsoever weren't even drafted (some, not only by fantasy teams, but NFL teams). But, I might not even follow that rule this year - I have another Ryan Matthews crush! Two, pay attention to who got drafted where. I really think the more important info from the draft comes for how it affects the team or what the team is thinking. For example, if Carson Palmer says he's gonna retire, and you draft a red-headed QB who looks and talks like a robot, in the second round it might lead you to believe the Bengals are heading in a different direction.
So, don't get crazy as you read this - or do! It seems like the owners and players have already! And yes, it will be color-coded!ARIZONA CARDINALS
I don't think I'll be drafting Beanie Wells in the second round this year! But, I've got Beanie love for someone else.....MY PICK FOR THE SECOND BEST ROOKIE YOU COULD PICK IN THIS YEARS DRAFT - RYAN WILLIAMS. The Cardinals drafted him in the second round, and then drafted a FB in the fifth round, they didn't draft a QB, and Whisenhunt is a Steeler guy right? Wouldn't you think it's about time the Cardinals got the running game going? And I don't think that running game includes a huge portion of Beanie or Timmy!
Now, let's talk about the Cardinals not drafting a QB. I really think John Skelton might be better than anyone available in this draft. I don't think he starts the year as starter, but with Larry Fitz, a TE (Robert Houser, 3rd Round) who might actually be able to catch the ball - I wouldn't put it past him to be alright! (OK, I admit it - I still love John Skelton!)
ATLANTA FALCONS
Let me say it loud and proud - Love what the Falcons did in the draft! You are not guaranteed any of those later picks are going to be any good. If you really think you've got THE GUY out there, in the immortal words of Billy Madison, "you go get that %^%$%^& guy!" Admitedly, I'm not the expert, but there are two guys in this draft that I think are can't miss - A.J. Green and Julio Jones! That offense is going to Rock! With Jones, Jacquizz Rodgers and what they already had........uh, oh wait a minute.
We said the same thing about the Cowboys last year when they drafted Dez Bryant! So, before you take Matty Ice with your second round pick or escribir "Julio" on your draft card, just slow down. Roddy White - still good! Michael Turner - still good! Matt Ryan - average! But, as a team, look for Atlanta to be doing the "dirty bird" a few more times this year!
BALTIMORE RAVENS
"Look out for the Ravens passing game! Flacco is gonna racco up some numbers!" Oh wait, that was a quote from 2010! (And don't you hate that Matthew Berry came up with Wacco for Flacco - that's so awesome, I wish I could use it!) Don't forget how excited everyone was last season for the Ravens passing game with Anquan Boldin.
Now, that they've drafted Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss (who I guess Flacco actually told the coaches he wanted), you may be tempted to do it again? But, is it possible that Joe Flacco is just not that good? I think so! And if I'm right, watch out for Tyrod Taylor - he seems to have an awesome attitude and desire to get the most out of his ability. Sure, he's a 6th rounder, but he's a better version of Troy Smith.
P.S. No fantasy value, but I love Jimmy Smith going here!
BUFFALO BILLS
I was just going to make this huge argument how Ryan Fitzpatrick was a fantasy stud last year and nobody should have been wanting to draft a QB.....then I checked the stats. OK, he wasn't great, but I still say he's better than anyone they could have drafted. (Can you tell I'm not high on the quarterbacks this year?) I wouldn't be surprised if they get a free agent, but I still like Ryan Fitzpatrick. He's an Ivy-Leaguer for cry-ey!
One draftee that ESPN seemed to like (and if they like him, we better listen; because they really do spend their lives doing this) was Johnny White, a Running Back out of UNC that went in the fifth round. Sure, Fred Jackson led me to the playoffs and they drafted C.J. Spiller pretty high last year, but neither of those two remind you or Walter Payton right now!
BREAKING NEWS: I got a Bills hat this year!
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Jimmy Clausen, thanks for your year of service! Is Cam Newton going to be any better? Not right now! Who's he going to throw to? (Is this color annoying or what?) Steve Smith? Brandon LaFell? The Panthers did draft Kealoha Pilares in the fifth round, but ESPN said he's not got great speed or size and has a hurt knee. Those would all seem to be important things for a receiver! Gotta like his name though!
I like Cam Newton's chances later on. I think he will be a good football player, but I wouldn't draft him this year - even if he has the Power of Chico on his side!
CHICAGO BEARS
Awesome story! My daughters come home last night from Cottage Grove, WI. I had been watching the draft all day, and Grace tells me that she saw a sign that says, "Gabe Carimi." I think nothing of it, but then I read in the Tribune that Gabe Carimi is from Cottage Grove, WI. Turns out, my daughter was playing at a park across the street from his house on Saturday. She said she did hear a lot of screaming and cheering going on over there!
OK, they got OLine help and a 4 year starting QB at Idaho, but can we talk about the botched trade? Awesome cartoon in the Trib about Jerry Angelo saying, "I love the NFL draft. It gives me more time to play Angry Birds!" Ok, we all make mistakes. Forgiven! But, when you say you're gonna trade - you trade! Sure, it would have totally screwed up their next pick, but as a Bear's fan, I wish my team was more "squeaky clean" than that!
CINCINNATI BENGALS
That Ochocinco and Palmer jersey you own may have to be traded in! I will say this, I think A.J. Green + Jordan Shipley = More wins than Ocho + T.O. The only problem I have is that their quarterback scares the BeJeeezus out of me! Is there a scarier man in the draft. He has that red hair, he talks like a robot. Just seems creepy. It would definitely scare me away from drafting any Bengals this year.
Even Ced Ben might be gone. You don't normally see 7th Round Running Backs being talked about in this column (you've probably never seen it; because I have never done this column before), but after Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard - ok, I've convinced myself, Jay Finley is never going to see the field!
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Out of Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy, who do you think will be the best QB in five years? I think it might be Colt McCoy! (You have to read Playing With Purpose by Mike Yorkey). Now, if they could only get him some receivers to throw to. Greg Little, might be the best receiver they've got! (Ironically, he's pretty big - 6'2, 231! But, man I'd love to see this guy play in a real offense. OK, they did get Jordan Cameron (A TE / hoops player - we like those!), but ESPN said he's definitely a couple years away.
Luckilly, he probably won't have to throw a single pass this year. With Peyton Hillis and new draft pick Owen Marecic knocking people over, I would hand off! Hand off! Hand off! Those guys are solid!
DALLAS COWBOYS
If you had your heart set on drafting Marion Barber this year - Beware! Remember last year when there was a bunch of hype about the Dallas offense? Dare I say it, this could be the year (Sorry Cub fans!) They drafted 2 OLinemen, have Dez Bryant back - hopefully. This could be the Romo, Felix Jones and Miles Austin we all expected last year!
DENVER BRONCOS
Not a great draft from a fantasy perspective; because they took a lot of defense. From a "let's stop losing so many games" perspective though - pretty good! The Broncos did take a Guard in the second round and went after two Tight Ends in Rounds 4 and 7 to help out in the passing game, but it really was mostly about defense.
What was more interesting to me was the "vibe" that I got for Tim Tebow! They've already said that Orton is the starter, but from everything I was hearing on Saturday, don't be surprised if the Bible-versed eye black man runs out of the tunnel on Opening Day. And I gotta tell you , I still believe - and I know Doc does too!
Also, why don't they just send in Tebow to clear up this labor negotiation thing?
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| Here's the answer to our labor problems! |
DETROIT LIONS
OK, the Lions have an awesome defensive line - but they didn't cure cancer!
This gives me great sadness to write - I am Leshure Kevin Smith is no longer a Lion! I am also Leshure no one else really cares, but I love Kevin Smith. I have been a Kevin Smith apologist for 1 whole year and I'm gonna miss him.
One guy, I won't miss is Matthew Stafford. Now, with Titus Young to go up with Calvin Johnson and what looks like a solid running game, Stafford should really put up big numbers.....at least until he gets injured in Week 4!
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Everyone just couldn't get enough of what a great draft the Packers had. But, I tell you what, if the Bears had drafted the same exact guys - average! I don't think they tremendously upgraded their Offensive Line. They drafted two Tight Ends, and I believe Jermichael Finley is coming back. They took a Running Back in the third, but Ryan Grant and James Starks might get a little more playing time than Alexander Green.
The one guy who's interesting is Randall Cobb! Receivers - pretty good in this offense! Sure, he compared the cold in Kentucky to the cold in Green Bay, but he still might make a few catches by the end of the year!
HOUSTON TEXANS
Probably the coolest thing they did was draft Mr. Irrelevant - Cheta Ozougwu, a DEnd from Rice (I loved hearing the guy struggle with that name at the podium!). Did you know he gets like a week long celebration with a golf-outing, trophy presentation, roast and the whole deal. Kinda cool!
This guy will probably never play, but Trent Dilfer will be his biggest fan if he ever does - T.J. Yates, a QB out of UNC taken in the fifth round. Wait, I take that back - he's behind Matt Schaub, who hasn't really been injured for two years. He's due! T.J. Yates, starting quarterback for the Texans at some point this year!
By the way, did you know Arian Foster was an undrafted free agent?
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Is it bad when they take the five or six best plays a running back has all year, and he looks as slow as me? That's the impression I got watching Delone Carter from Syracuse (Indy's 4th Round pick). I know Joseph Addai may not be back and Donald Brown really hasn't done anything, and maybe you shouldn't judge a guy by five highlights - but Peyton, get ready to pass it!
Luckilly, he should have more time to pass it! Bill Polian said they don't normally draft OLinemen with early picks......and then they drafted two!....in the first two rounds. You would hope that gives Peyton plenty of time. Heck, I guess everyone could have plenty of time if they never figure out how to split the gazillion dollars they are taking in.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
How does Jack Del Rio get his hair to do that?
I do like what they did with the QB! Their line is set, their Running Backs are set, they have a guy who can help Blaine Gabbert learn and there will be no pressure to get him in too quickly! Now, if they only had someone he could throw the ball to.
Oh wait! They drafted Cecil Shorts. This guy went to Mount Union, just like Pierre Garcon. Only difference? Shorts had better stats! Take that! Maybe someone to watch.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
It was kind of cool when I heard that last year the Chiefs took team captains with their first five picks. I love that Character Guys actually worked. You'd think they'd stick with it - NOPE!
First pick is a guy who threw his teammates and coaches under the bus. Next pick is another Character Risk. I guess they figure they've got enough character.
One of those guys is Jonathan Baldwin. You would think that he, Dwayne Bowe and Tony Moeaki would give Matt Cassel some great targets in the red zone. Only problem? Still not sold on Matt Cassel - especially, with the wise and round one, Charlie Weiss gone! That's what makes the Ricky Stansi pick so interesting in the fifth round. I wonder what it would take for him to get in there?
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Has anyone been paying attention to what Ricky WIlliam has been doing during the lock-out? Uh-oh!
Gotta tell you, the more I look at this draft, the more I like it! 1st round - Center, 2nd round - Running Back, 4th round - Wide Receiver, 6th round - fullback. Sure, they need all those things and they still don't have what you might call a "Franchise Quarterback", but it's a good start.
And getting Gates, who has speed could open stuff up for Brandon Marshall (hope so, or else Brandon Marshall owners may kill him this year!) and with the Ronnie and Ricky on the way out - maybe Daniel Thomas is the guy! (Whoa, my buddy is a Dolphins fan and his son is named Daniel - is that a sign or what?)
With all this help, Chad Henne might be a pretty good Quarterback - or not!
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
I said it before the draft, I'll say it again - out of all the Quartebacks in the 2011 draft Christian Ponder will be the best! That may not be saying much, but I'll take the smart, hard-working, cerebral guy when you have to memorize 90-page playbooks and be able to read defenses in milli-seconds! Check it out though, Ponder has an awesome running back, quality receivers who can make plays, a Tight End who was not so great last year, but if he's not so great again - hello, Kyle Rudolph - and he gets to play the Bears twice a year! Is he gonna be draftable? NO! Could he be the best of this class? Heck ya!
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Say what you want about Bill Bellichek, but he may have saved some kids lives this weekend! First, he takes Ryan Mallet and saves him from himself, lets him learn how to be a pro, and offers him a chance to be in the league ten years from now. Then, in one of the classiest, and possibly smartest, moves of the draft, he takes Marcus Cannon. This is the guy who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He may be cured by Training Camp. It may take until next year - not sure. But, I thought it was cool that they took a chance.
It would take hours to analyze the total Patriots draft; because they had about as many picks as I had Reesie's Eggs on Easter, but let me sum it up for you. The old Patriots are back! Five or six Running Backs who get the ball, 5 receivers and 3 Tight Ends who get the ball, 0 people you want to start in fantasy - except Ryan Mallet's new role model!
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
My mom and I were watching as Mark Ingram started to cry about the email from his dad. I asked, "Why is his dad sending an email? Why isn't he there?"
"He's in jail," Mom said.
Oh, that would make sense! And a cool story - love that Mark Ingram took the high road.
It does seem like everyone, including Reggie himself, thought this meant the end of the Bush era; however, Sean Payton doesn't seem to think so. It makes more sense to me that this would be a good way to get Pierre Thomas out of the picture. Remember last year and the injury thing? Relationship not so good with Pierre and Sean! Just saying!
Whatever the case, unless you are the Messiah and can predict injuries, it's going to be really hard to decide who to start in the Saints backfield each week.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Again, I don't know anything about these college players, but it seemed like the Giants got a lot of really good guys! Got Prince in the first round (although they probably should have had to use another pick on his mom's hat!)
They got a Wide Receiver in the third, a Running Back in the seventh, but they probably won't need them. The guy I really liked was James Brewer, a Tackle from Indiana taken in the fourth round. Dude looked like he was forty. Probably won't play, but you gotta check this guy out!
NEW YORK JETS
Isn't that nice - they drafted Mark Sanchez's best buddy?
But, they also drafted a guy who could spend 20 years in jail (3rd round pick, Kendrick Ellis) That seems just about right for the Jets, doesn't it?
Bilal Powel, Running Back, fourth round - pretty high, decent shot of playing right? Well, Shonn Greene, LT and Joe McKnight might not think so!
I will say this. I don't think he'll get on the field, but love the interview with Greg McElroy when he was drafted. When they called him, he's like shoving his mom out of the way. And then in the interview he's very well spoken - seems like a fun guy to have on your team!
OAKLAND RAIDERS
I'm looking at the Raiders draft, and from a fantasy perspective it looks pretty good! A couple wide receivers, a Tight End, a Running Back, 2 OLinemen in the first three rounds. But then I realize something - Al Davis is crazy! Can you really trust anyone the Raiders pick these days?
It was interesting to hear Hue Jackson (like him, seems to really enjoy his job so far!) say that Jason Campbell is the starting Quarterback! I'm not going to jump on that bandwagon again, but we may have a SLEEPER!
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The Eagles have my BEST ROOKIE TO PICK IN YOUR FANTASY DRAFT. I'll tell you who it is later.
I do hope the fireman does well! It was so awesome to see all those firemen there when he was announced! And I would say that any Running Back that gets picked in Philly would seem to have a good shot, but with LeSean McCoy breaking out last year, not sure Dion Lewis is gonna see much of that new, good astro-turf.
Now, for the one guy you have to pick - Alex Henery! A kicker! They took him in the fourth round. He's going to take the place of David Akers! That's the one guy! The one rookie you can count on! A fourth round kicker - put him on your draft board now!
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
I think Doc said this, "The Steelers just seem smarter than everybody else!" Whenever they pick it just seems like the awesomest thing ever. Except for the seventh round. Here's what it said about Baron Batch, a Running Back from Texas Tech.
"Average size without great power or speed who doesn't protect the ball well." That doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement for Mr. Batch! Hopefully he knows Charlie!
They did draft an Offensive LineMan in Round Two that should help, but for the most part, if you took a Steeler last year, and this year he's not older than dirt, do it again!
ST. LOUIS RAMS
When you first look at this draft you are going to think Sam Bradford will be a Hall of Famer by 2012 (OK, he may be but not because of this draft!). They get two Wide Receivers and a Tight End to help out Sammy! Problem is - none of them are fast. And Lance Kendricks, the Tight End, will never play. He's got Billy Bajema in front of him. At least he gets to learn from the Master!
Josh McDaniels must like slow, tall guys because that's what both Receivers are - and the experts weren't all that impressed. So, Sammy may still have no one to throw to, but the guy is still awesome!
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Yes, we did go baby blue on you! The Chargers took Vincent Brown from San Diego St. That's the first time in 37 years they've taken someone from a school that has their team name in it! You'd probably say, "big deal" but the Chargers could lose three Receivers this year, and Phillip Rivers - pretty good! Vincent Brown may still be catching passes in San Diego!
It's unfortunate that Ryan Matthews had such a solid year in 2010, or else Jordan Todman (6th round from UConn) migh actually have a shot at some touches. (Do you sense the sarcasm?)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
I can't believe Mike Singletary went Quarterback early! What? They fired him? No way!
Out of all the Quarterbacks that were interviewed this weekend, I think I like Kaepernick the best. He looks cool, smiles a lot and seems very confident. Not sure if that translates into stud quarterback, but there is no way that Alex Smith starts the season under center.
By the way, don't Defensive Linemen make the best interviews. Saw the piece on Gerald McCoy and the whole "hug the commisioner thing" - Awesome! Now, that's a guy who's enjoying the heck out of this thing!
Oh yeah, the Niners did get a Wide Receiver in the sixth round, but I won't even bother with his name because whoever his Quarterback is probably won't be able to hit him too often anyway.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Awesome shot of Pete Carrol tossing the football to himself in the War Room on NFL Channel.
They got two offensive linemen and a wide receiver, but I think the general consensus of the experts was "They all stunk!" A lot of people said the Seahawks had the worst draft out of anyone. It would seem they got worse! Their QB seems to be gone (and why are we calling him Matthew instead of Matt?) and now it's going to be Charlie Whitehurst handing off to Marshawn Lynch. Maybe these linemen will open more holes, or Marshawn will just run over everyone again. Still awesome!
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
This one's easy! The Bucs only drafted a Running Back and two Tight-Ends on the offensive side of the ball, and they're pretty much set at those positions. Thank you Raheem! This article is getting long!
Another interesting undrafted free-agent - LaGarrette Blount!
TENNESSEE TITANS
Do you think they'll try to get another Quarterback in free agency or are they putting all their schoolbooks in the Locker? (Get it? It's like the "all their eggs in one basket" thing?) I'd kind of like to see it - see how this kid does throwing to Kenny Brit. Don't think it will be great, but it's better than watching Kerry Collins.
Also, think Chris Johnson is feeling the pressure? In an obvious move to shake up some competition about Johnson's subpar 2010, the Titans drafted Jamie Harper in the fourth round. Note to Titans - when you have Chris Johnson you don't ever draft a Running Back unless he can also make hot dogs!
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
I always say, End with the craziest; especially if it's from the Devil! So, Washington keeps on trading down and they get like six picks in the last two rounds. They come away with three Wide Receivers - all of who might be starting on Opening Day (Santana Moss is a free agent, and the rest; especially Leonard Hankerson, might be better than anyone else they have).
And what is Mike Shannahan famous for? Finding Running Backs late! In the fourth round he trades up to get Roy Helu, and then grabs Evan Royster in the 6th. Watch out, I smell Terrel Davis!
The interesting thing was, even with all those picks - No Quarterback! If McNabb gets traded (and if he doesn't I'm cutting my hair like Donovan) Rex Grossman is your starting Quarterback! Dare you to take him!
Well, that does it. My fingers and wrist are actually sore. Just one more thing to do - give you the ONE GUY WHO DIDN'T GET DRAFTED WHO SHOULD OF:
MARK HERZLICH
This guy was a first-round pick and then got cancer. He made it back to play for Boston College! You can read his story here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=6458483&source=NFLHeadlines
OK, one more thing, ONE GUY WHO DIDN'T GET DRAFTED BECAUSE HE DIDN'T CARE IF HE GOT DRAFTED....
Teejay Johnson
has more important things than football on his mind. Check out his story here:
Thanks for reading - ROCK ON!
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