Ok so first , I'm going to go back to my list and answer those questions. I'll then proceed with my final thought afterwards.
1. Will Ben Roethlisberger be traded?
Big Ben wasn't traded despite all of the talk. I figured he wouldn't be. Who would trade a 2 time supberbowl champion quarterback just because of an off field incident?
2. What will the Browns do with the number 7 pick?
I don't think the Browns received a good offer from anyone, because they would have traded down. Instead they addressed their weak secondary and drafted Joe Haden out of Florida.
3. Where does Dez Bryant go?
Unfortunately the Broncos passed on Bryant and took WR Demaryius Thomas, which lead to my hated Dallas Cowboys selecting the stud reciever.
4. Who drafts Tebow and where?
The Denver Broncos selected Tim Tebow 25th overall. This was shocking because they already have 2 quality quarterbacks.
5. Does anyone trade for Marshawn Lynch?
Marshawn Lynch wasn't traded......yet. And I say yet because the Bills drafted RB C.J. Spiller with their first pick. On a side note, the Seahawks traded for Lendale White and Leon Washington.
6. What will the patriots do with all of their draft picks?
Patriots had a solid draft like usual.
1. Devin McCourty CB
2. Rob Gronkowski TE
3. Jermain Cunningham OLB
4. Brandon Spikes MLB
7. What will my hometown Eagles do?
The Eagles traded up in the draft to get DE Brandon Graham from Michigan. Im not ecstatic about the pick because I dont think DE was a position of need. But Graham seems like he'll be a quality player. In round 2 we addressed the huge hole at Safety and drafted Nate Allen. Love the pick. In round 3 we drafted another DE. Daniel Te'o-Nesheim. WHO?!!? What a reach! It might have been the worst pick of the draft. In round 4 with 4 picks we took a QB, a LB, a CB and a TE. Overall I give the Eagles a B-/C+ draft grade.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Pre Draft Hype!
The NFL draft is coming up in 2 days! It should be a very exciting day for football fans around the world. Not only will teams be drafting players, but there will also be a lot of trades and player movement. Heres a list of things I can't wait to see unfold.
1. Will Ben Roethlisberger be traded? The 2 time Superbowl winning QB is said to be on the trading block due to his off field issues. The Steelers want a top 10 pick in return.
2. What will the Browns do with the number 7 pick? I think they'll trade down, but do they pass on Clausen? And if Spiller is still there do they grab him?
3. Where does Dez Bryant go? A lot of the teams that need a wide receiver have said they are going to pass on him because of his off field issues despite his ridiculous talent.
4. Don't forget about Tebow. Who drafts Tebow and where? I'm sure Tebow will be the main attraction on draft day.
5. Does anyone trade for Marshawn Lynch? And if so, whats the compensation. I think the Chargers might pull the trigger and send a 3rd or 4th round pick for him.
6.What will the patriots do with all of their draft picks? 4 in the top 53!
7. And last but not least......What will my hometown Eagles do?
1. Will Ben Roethlisberger be traded? The 2 time Superbowl winning QB is said to be on the trading block due to his off field issues. The Steelers want a top 10 pick in return.
2. What will the Browns do with the number 7 pick? I think they'll trade down, but do they pass on Clausen? And if Spiller is still there do they grab him?
3. Where does Dez Bryant go? A lot of the teams that need a wide receiver have said they are going to pass on him because of his off field issues despite his ridiculous talent.
4. Don't forget about Tebow. Who drafts Tebow and where? I'm sure Tebow will be the main attraction on draft day.
5. Does anyone trade for Marshawn Lynch? And if so, whats the compensation. I think the Chargers might pull the trigger and send a 3rd or 4th round pick for him.
6.What will the patriots do with all of their draft picks? 4 in the top 53!
7. And last but not least......What will my hometown Eagles do?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Updated Mock Draft with Explanations!!
Round 1
1. Rams - Sam Bradford - QB (The real deal. A franchise QB this team needs)
2. Lions - Ndamukong Suh - DT (One of the best prospects coming out in a while)
3. Bucs - Gerald McCoy - DT (The bucs would rather have Suh, but McCoy isn't far off)
4. Redskins - Russell Okung - OT (O-line is pathetic in DC, Okung is desperately needed)
5. Chiefs - Eric Berry - S (A ball hawk that could really help this defense out. S is a need anyway)
6. Seahawks - Trent Williams - OT (A OT that can replace Walter Jones)
7. Browns - CJ Spiller - RB (Probably the hardest decision to make. The browns won't take Clausen, made a trade for a CB so probably won't take Haden, and they have issues with Dez Bryants off field incidents. I ultimately see them trading down. But if not they need to address their abysmal offense. Spiller is the best playmaker in the draft.)
8. Raiders - Jason Pierre-Paul - DE/LB (Freakish talent, somewhat of a project. Even with Seymour the raiders struggled to generate pressure.)
9. Bills - Brian Bulaga - OT (One of the worst O-lines in the league. It definitely needs to be addressed.)
10. Jaguars - Joe Haden - CB (The jags secondary was atrocious last year.)
11. Broncos - Rolando McClain - MLB (With the departure of Andra Davis, the Broncos need another LB. McClain is a stud.)
12. Dolphins - Earl Thomas - S (Bit of a reach but S is a need for the Phins, and questions about Taylor Mays make Thomas the best S aside from Berry.)
13. 49ers - Anthony Davis - OT (In regards to potential, he's right there with the big 4.)
14. Seahawks - Derrick Morgan - DE (Tapp is gone, Kerney is injury riddled. Making DE a need in Seattle.)
15. Giants - Bruce Campbell - OT (The giants line is aging and looked sloppy at times last year.)
16. Titans - Brandon Graham - DE (KVB is gone and Kearse failed to help at all last year. Graham should step in and play well for the Titans.)
17. 49ers - Jimmy Clausen - QB (Great value here at 17. With two first round picks they can afford to use one on Clausen in case Alex Smith is unimpressive again.)
18. Steelers - Kyle Wilson - CB (Steelers drafted CBs in round 3 and 5 last year but they didn't see the field much. An upgrade is needed.)
19. Falcons - Sergio Kindle - DE/LB (Abraham is declining. The Falcs struggled getting consistent pressure. They'll look to Kindle for help.)
20. Texans - Ryan Matthews - RB (If Wilson was left they would surely grab him because CB is the biggest need. But they also need a RB who can carry the ball 20+ times a game and Matthews has the capability of doing that.)
21. Bengals - Jermaine Gresham - TE ( The Bengals haven't had a good TE in years, with the top 3 safeties off the board they could grab Gresham.)
22. Patriots - Dez Bryant - WR (I could see Bryant falling here. Hes a steal at 22. And a Randy Moss replacement.)
23. Packers - Mike Iupati - OT/OG (Packers o-line was spotty last year. Tauscher and Clifton are getting old. Iupati will provide depth)
24. Eagles - Taylor Mays - S (The Eagles missed Brian Dawkins last year. Mays is an interesting prospect, some believe he'd be better at the LB position which is also a need for the birds. Either way, Philly should find a way to use him. )
25. Ravens - Jared Odrick - DE (Pryce is getting older. Odrick fits the ravens scheme.)
26. Cardinals - Charles Brown - OT (Cardinals need a OT to protect whoever they have throwing the ball. Brown is the next best thing after the big 4 are gone.)
27. Cowboys - Demaryius Thomas - WR (Raw talent but the next best WR after Bryant. If Mays and Thomas are gone I could see the Boys getting a WR since they don't have much depth there.)
28. Chargers - Dan Williams - DT (Williams falls right into their laps. This would make the chargers happy campers since Williams is no longer their and they struggled to stop the run last year.)
29. Jets - Everson Griffen - DE (Had a great combine. The jets could use another DE with Shaun Ellis getting up there in age.)
30. Vikings - Patrick Robinson - CB (Winfield is getting older and was often banged up. Robinson at 30 is good value.)
31. Colts - Rodger Saffold - OT (Can do better than Charlie Johnson at tackle)
32. Saints - Sean Weatherspoon - LB (Replacement for Fujita. Tackle machine.)
Round 2
1. Rams - Brian Price - DT (Just because they took Bradford over Suh doesn't mean they still don't have to address their D-line. Price will help stop the run.)
2. Lions - Devin McCourty - CB (Great value here. He should help the lions worst in the league secondary.)
3. Bucs - Golden Tate - WR (With Bryant gone the Bucs are thin at WR. Tate is explosive, and has great value in round 2. )
4. Cheifs - Vladamir Ducasse - OT/OG (Chiefs needed a OT but couldn't pass on Berry. Ducasse is versatile and the best O-line man left.)
5. Eagles - Kareem Jackson - CB ( Eagles traded Sheldon Brown leaving them thin at the CB position. Jackson could go earlier but if he's there the Eagles would be happy to snatch him up.)
6. Browns - Colt McCoy - QB ( Browns like him better than Clausen, and he becomes their next project at QB.)
7. Raiders - Maurkise Pouncey - C/OG (Pouncey will provide immediate offensive line help.)
8. Chargers - Jahvid Best - RB (Durability concerns but the Californian would be a good fit in SD.)
9. Bills - Arrelious Benn - G (Not much after Lee Evans on the depth chart.)
10. Bucs - Carlos Dunlap - DE (Continue to work on the D-Line. Nice Dunlap/McCoy tandem going.)
11. Dolphins - Jerry Hughes - LB (Taylor replacement. Dolphins continue to strengthen their line backers. Crowder/Dansby/Hughes is a solid group.)
12. Patriots - Tim Tebow - QB (Patriots will find a way to use him. Bellicheck is said to like him.)
13. Broncos - Tyson Alulalu - DE (Provides more depth on the rotating d-line)
14. Giants - Sean Lee - LB (Pierce replacement. Could become a good starting MLB.)
15. Patriots - Rob Gronkowski - TE (Pats need a TE now that Watson is gone. Gronkowski is second best behind Gresham.)
16. Panthers - Linval Joseph - DT (Panthers have lots of needs but with Damione Lewis gone and no real quality DTs on the team, Joseph is someone they can't pass on.)
17. 49ers - Dexter McCluster- WR/RB (49ers could draft another WR to line up on the other side of Crabtree. McCluster could also provide depth behind Gore.)
18. Chiefs - Aaron Hernandez - TE (The chiefs need someone to replace TG. Could Hernandez be that guy?)
19. Texans - Jerome Murphy - CB (Ultimately a Dunta Robinson replacement.)
20. Steelers - Damian Williams - WR (With Holmes gone they need to grab another WR)
21. Patriots - Daryl Washington - LB (Another great value pick. The pats usually draft the best player thats on the board. If Washington is here this late they won't pass.)
22. Bengals - Koa Misi - DE/LB (A pass rushing project that could help out the Bengals D)
23. Eagles - Ricky Sapp - LB (Finally the birds grab a LB. Could Sapp become the next successful Clemson grad in Philly? (Dawkins) )
24. Packers - Brandon Spikes - LB ( Best suited for a 3-4 team. Spikes will provide depth at the LB position for the Packers.)
25. Ravens - Brandon LaFell - WR (Despite the acquisition of Boldin, Mason is 36 and Clayton hasn't done much. LaFell would be a good pick for the ravens this late in round 2.)
26. Cardinals - Brandon Ghee - CB (Rodgers lit up this secondary! Aside from DRC and McFadden the cardinals are thin at CB.)
27. Cowboys - Nate Allen - S (The biggest need for the Boys is safety. Allen could fall right into their laps.)
28. Seahawks - Toby Gerhart - RB (Seahawks need a back to compliment Forsett. Jones is no good and Carrol saw what Gerhart did to his trojans last year.)
29. Jets - Donald Butler - LB (Somewhat of a project for Rexy but fits the Jets defense. Could play either OLB or ILB.)
30. Vikings - Terrence Cody - DT (Pat Williams will eventually retire. Cody is even bigger than Williams.)
31. Colts - Lamarr Houston - DT (The colts have a group of lack luster DTs. Houston should help them out in that area.)
32. Saints - Corey Wooton - DE/LB (Saints would be thrilled if Wooton was left this late. He could play either DE or LB and knows how to rush the passer.)
1. Rams - Sam Bradford - QB (The real deal. A franchise QB this team needs)
2. Lions - Ndamukong Suh - DT (One of the best prospects coming out in a while)
3. Bucs - Gerald McCoy - DT (The bucs would rather have Suh, but McCoy isn't far off)
4. Redskins - Russell Okung - OT (O-line is pathetic in DC, Okung is desperately needed)
5. Chiefs - Eric Berry - S (A ball hawk that could really help this defense out. S is a need anyway)
6. Seahawks - Trent Williams - OT (A OT that can replace Walter Jones)
7. Browns - CJ Spiller - RB (Probably the hardest decision to make. The browns won't take Clausen, made a trade for a CB so probably won't take Haden, and they have issues with Dez Bryants off field incidents. I ultimately see them trading down. But if not they need to address their abysmal offense. Spiller is the best playmaker in the draft.)
8. Raiders - Jason Pierre-Paul - DE/LB (Freakish talent, somewhat of a project. Even with Seymour the raiders struggled to generate pressure.)
9. Bills - Brian Bulaga - OT (One of the worst O-lines in the league. It definitely needs to be addressed.)
10. Jaguars - Joe Haden - CB (The jags secondary was atrocious last year.)
11. Broncos - Rolando McClain - MLB (With the departure of Andra Davis, the Broncos need another LB. McClain is a stud.)
12. Dolphins - Earl Thomas - S (Bit of a reach but S is a need for the Phins, and questions about Taylor Mays make Thomas the best S aside from Berry.)
13. 49ers - Anthony Davis - OT (In regards to potential, he's right there with the big 4.)
14. Seahawks - Derrick Morgan - DE (Tapp is gone, Kerney is injury riddled. Making DE a need in Seattle.)
15. Giants - Bruce Campbell - OT (The giants line is aging and looked sloppy at times last year.)
16. Titans - Brandon Graham - DE (KVB is gone and Kearse failed to help at all last year. Graham should step in and play well for the Titans.)
17. 49ers - Jimmy Clausen - QB (Great value here at 17. With two first round picks they can afford to use one on Clausen in case Alex Smith is unimpressive again.)
18. Steelers - Kyle Wilson - CB (Steelers drafted CBs in round 3 and 5 last year but they didn't see the field much. An upgrade is needed.)
19. Falcons - Sergio Kindle - DE/LB (Abraham is declining. The Falcs struggled getting consistent pressure. They'll look to Kindle for help.)
20. Texans - Ryan Matthews - RB (If Wilson was left they would surely grab him because CB is the biggest need. But they also need a RB who can carry the ball 20+ times a game and Matthews has the capability of doing that.)
21. Bengals - Jermaine Gresham - TE ( The Bengals haven't had a good TE in years, with the top 3 safeties off the board they could grab Gresham.)
22. Patriots - Dez Bryant - WR (I could see Bryant falling here. Hes a steal at 22. And a Randy Moss replacement.)
23. Packers - Mike Iupati - OT/OG (Packers o-line was spotty last year. Tauscher and Clifton are getting old. Iupati will provide depth)
24. Eagles - Taylor Mays - S (The Eagles missed Brian Dawkins last year. Mays is an interesting prospect, some believe he'd be better at the LB position which is also a need for the birds. Either way, Philly should find a way to use him. )
25. Ravens - Jared Odrick - DE (Pryce is getting older. Odrick fits the ravens scheme.)
26. Cardinals - Charles Brown - OT (Cardinals need a OT to protect whoever they have throwing the ball. Brown is the next best thing after the big 4 are gone.)
27. Cowboys - Demaryius Thomas - WR (Raw talent but the next best WR after Bryant. If Mays and Thomas are gone I could see the Boys getting a WR since they don't have much depth there.)
28. Chargers - Dan Williams - DT (Williams falls right into their laps. This would make the chargers happy campers since Williams is no longer their and they struggled to stop the run last year.)
29. Jets - Everson Griffen - DE (Had a great combine. The jets could use another DE with Shaun Ellis getting up there in age.)
30. Vikings - Patrick Robinson - CB (Winfield is getting older and was often banged up. Robinson at 30 is good value.)
31. Colts - Rodger Saffold - OT (Can do better than Charlie Johnson at tackle)
32. Saints - Sean Weatherspoon - LB (Replacement for Fujita. Tackle machine.)
Round 2
1. Rams - Brian Price - DT (Just because they took Bradford over Suh doesn't mean they still don't have to address their D-line. Price will help stop the run.)
2. Lions - Devin McCourty - CB (Great value here. He should help the lions worst in the league secondary.)
3. Bucs - Golden Tate - WR (With Bryant gone the Bucs are thin at WR. Tate is explosive, and has great value in round 2. )
4. Cheifs - Vladamir Ducasse - OT/OG (Chiefs needed a OT but couldn't pass on Berry. Ducasse is versatile and the best O-line man left.)
5. Eagles - Kareem Jackson - CB ( Eagles traded Sheldon Brown leaving them thin at the CB position. Jackson could go earlier but if he's there the Eagles would be happy to snatch him up.)
6. Browns - Colt McCoy - QB ( Browns like him better than Clausen, and he becomes their next project at QB.)
7. Raiders - Maurkise Pouncey - C/OG (Pouncey will provide immediate offensive line help.)
8. Chargers - Jahvid Best - RB (Durability concerns but the Californian would be a good fit in SD.)
9. Bills - Arrelious Benn - G (Not much after Lee Evans on the depth chart.)
10. Bucs - Carlos Dunlap - DE (Continue to work on the D-Line. Nice Dunlap/McCoy tandem going.)
11. Dolphins - Jerry Hughes - LB (Taylor replacement. Dolphins continue to strengthen their line backers. Crowder/Dansby/Hughes is a solid group.)
12. Patriots - Tim Tebow - QB (Patriots will find a way to use him. Bellicheck is said to like him.)
13. Broncos - Tyson Alulalu - DE (Provides more depth on the rotating d-line)
14. Giants - Sean Lee - LB (Pierce replacement. Could become a good starting MLB.)
15. Patriots - Rob Gronkowski - TE (Pats need a TE now that Watson is gone. Gronkowski is second best behind Gresham.)
16. Panthers - Linval Joseph - DT (Panthers have lots of needs but with Damione Lewis gone and no real quality DTs on the team, Joseph is someone they can't pass on.)
17. 49ers - Dexter McCluster- WR/RB (49ers could draft another WR to line up on the other side of Crabtree. McCluster could also provide depth behind Gore.)
18. Chiefs - Aaron Hernandez - TE (The chiefs need someone to replace TG. Could Hernandez be that guy?)
19. Texans - Jerome Murphy - CB (Ultimately a Dunta Robinson replacement.)
20. Steelers - Damian Williams - WR (With Holmes gone they need to grab another WR)
21. Patriots - Daryl Washington - LB (Another great value pick. The pats usually draft the best player thats on the board. If Washington is here this late they won't pass.)
22. Bengals - Koa Misi - DE/LB (A pass rushing project that could help out the Bengals D)
23. Eagles - Ricky Sapp - LB (Finally the birds grab a LB. Could Sapp become the next successful Clemson grad in Philly? (Dawkins) )
24. Packers - Brandon Spikes - LB ( Best suited for a 3-4 team. Spikes will provide depth at the LB position for the Packers.)
25. Ravens - Brandon LaFell - WR (Despite the acquisition of Boldin, Mason is 36 and Clayton hasn't done much. LaFell would be a good pick for the ravens this late in round 2.)
26. Cardinals - Brandon Ghee - CB (Rodgers lit up this secondary! Aside from DRC and McFadden the cardinals are thin at CB.)
27. Cowboys - Nate Allen - S (The biggest need for the Boys is safety. Allen could fall right into their laps.)
28. Seahawks - Toby Gerhart - RB (Seahawks need a back to compliment Forsett. Jones is no good and Carrol saw what Gerhart did to his trojans last year.)
29. Jets - Donald Butler - LB (Somewhat of a project for Rexy but fits the Jets defense. Could play either OLB or ILB.)
30. Vikings - Terrence Cody - DT (Pat Williams will eventually retire. Cody is even bigger than Williams.)
31. Colts - Lamarr Houston - DT (The colts have a group of lack luster DTs. Houston should help them out in that area.)
32. Saints - Corey Wooton - DE/LB (Saints would be thrilled if Wooton was left this late. He could play either DE or LB and knows how to rush the passer.)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Round 2
1. Rams - Arrelious Benn - WR
2. Lions - Devin McCourty - CB
3. Bucs - Everson Griffen - DE
4. Cheifs - Rodger Saffold - OT
5. Eagles - Kareem Jackson - CB
6. Browns - Colt McCoy - QB
7. Raiders - Tim Tebow - QB
8. Chargers - Jahvid Best - RB
9. Bills - Vladamir Ducasse - G
10. Bucs - Damien Williams - WR
11. Dolphins - Dexter McCluster - RB/WR
12. Patriots - Carlos Dunlap - DE
13. Broncos - Tyson Alulalu - DE
14. Giants - Daryl Washington - LB
15. Patriots - Rob Gronkowski - TE
16. Panthers - Brian Price - DT
17. 49ers - Mardy Gilyard - WR
18. Chiefs - Nate Allen - S
19. Texans - Ryan Matthews - RB
20. Steelers - Linval Joseph - DT
21. Patriots - Ricky Sapp - LB
22. Bengals - Koa Misi - DE/LB
23. Eagles - Sean Lee - LB
24. Packers - Brandon Spikes - LB
25. Ravens - Brandon LaFell - WR
26. Cardinals - Jerome Murphy - CB
27. Cowboys - Morgan Burnett - S
28. Seahawks - Toby Gerhart - RB
29. Jets - Donald Butler - LB
30. Vikings - Terrence Cody - DT
31. Colts - Lamarr Houston - DT
32. Saints - Corey Wooton - DE/LB
1. Rams - Arrelious Benn - WR
2. Lions - Devin McCourty - CB
3. Bucs - Everson Griffen - DE
4. Cheifs - Rodger Saffold - OT
5. Eagles - Kareem Jackson - CB
6. Browns - Colt McCoy - QB
7. Raiders - Tim Tebow - QB
8. Chargers - Jahvid Best - RB
9. Bills - Vladamir Ducasse - G
10. Bucs - Damien Williams - WR
11. Dolphins - Dexter McCluster - RB/WR
12. Patriots - Carlos Dunlap - DE
13. Broncos - Tyson Alulalu - DE
14. Giants - Daryl Washington - LB
15. Patriots - Rob Gronkowski - TE
16. Panthers - Brian Price - DT
17. 49ers - Mardy Gilyard - WR
18. Chiefs - Nate Allen - S
19. Texans - Ryan Matthews - RB
20. Steelers - Linval Joseph - DT
21. Patriots - Ricky Sapp - LB
22. Bengals - Koa Misi - DE/LB
23. Eagles - Sean Lee - LB
24. Packers - Brandon Spikes - LB
25. Ravens - Brandon LaFell - WR
26. Cardinals - Jerome Murphy - CB
27. Cowboys - Morgan Burnett - S
28. Seahawks - Toby Gerhart - RB
29. Jets - Donald Butler - LB
30. Vikings - Terrence Cody - DT
31. Colts - Lamarr Houston - DT
32. Saints - Corey Wooton - DE/LB
Josh's 2010 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
1. Rams - Sam Bradford - QB
2. Lions - Ndamukong Suh - DT
3. Bucs - Gerald McCoy - DT
4. Redskins - Russell Okung - OT
5. Chiefs - Eric Berry - S
6. Seahawks - Trent Williams - OT
7. Browns - CJ Spiller - RB
8. Raiders - Jason Pierre-Paul - DE/LB
9. Bills - Jimmy Clausen - QB
10. Jaguars - Joe Haden - CB
11. Broncos - Rolando McClain - MLB
12. Dolphins - Earl Thomas - S
13. 49ers - Brian Bulaga - OT
14. Seahawks - Derrick Morgan - DE
15. Giants - Anthony Davis - OT
16. Titans - Brandon Graham - DE
17. 49ers - Taylor Mays - S
18. Steelers - Bruce Campbell - OT
19. Falcons - Sergio Kindle - DE/LB
20. Texans - Kyle Wilson - CB
21. Bengals - Jermaine Gresham - TE
22. Patriots - Dez Bryant - WR
23. Packers - Mike Iupati - OT/OG
24. Eagles - Maurkice Pouncey - C
25. Ravens - Jared Odrick - DE
26. Cardinals - Charles Brown - OT
27. Cowboys - Demaryius Thomas - WR
28. Chargers - Dan Williams - DT
29. Jets - Golden Tate - WR
30. Vikings - Patrick Robinson - CB
31. Colts - Jerry Hughes - LB
32. Saints - Sean Weatherspoon - LB
1. Rams - Sam Bradford - QB
2. Lions - Ndamukong Suh - DT
3. Bucs - Gerald McCoy - DT
4. Redskins - Russell Okung - OT
5. Chiefs - Eric Berry - S
6. Seahawks - Trent Williams - OT
7. Browns - CJ Spiller - RB
8. Raiders - Jason Pierre-Paul - DE/LB
9. Bills - Jimmy Clausen - QB
10. Jaguars - Joe Haden - CB
11. Broncos - Rolando McClain - MLB
12. Dolphins - Earl Thomas - S
13. 49ers - Brian Bulaga - OT
14. Seahawks - Derrick Morgan - DE
15. Giants - Anthony Davis - OT
16. Titans - Brandon Graham - DE
17. 49ers - Taylor Mays - S
18. Steelers - Bruce Campbell - OT
19. Falcons - Sergio Kindle - DE/LB
20. Texans - Kyle Wilson - CB
21. Bengals - Jermaine Gresham - TE
22. Patriots - Dez Bryant - WR
23. Packers - Mike Iupati - OT/OG
24. Eagles - Maurkice Pouncey - C
25. Ravens - Jared Odrick - DE
26. Cardinals - Charles Brown - OT
27. Cowboys - Demaryius Thomas - WR
28. Chargers - Dan Williams - DT
29. Jets - Golden Tate - WR
30. Vikings - Patrick Robinson - CB
31. Colts - Jerry Hughes - LB
32. Saints - Sean Weatherspoon - LB
Friday, April 9, 2010
Its Official! McNabb is a Redskin.
Thats right, despite numerous reports saying that the Raider were one of the only teams willing to match the Eagles demands, the Washington Redskins traded their second round pick and either a 3rd or 4th next year for Donovan McNabb.
The craziest thing about this trade is that the Redskins are in the same division as the Eagles, which means they will play eachother twice a year! Usually in the NFL teams don't trade within their division. But the eagles felt as though the compensation was right and they also stated that they wanted to send McNabb to a place he was comfortable with. In my mind this is a direct slap in the face to Donovan McNabb. Why? Because this shows that the Eagles don't fear having to play McNabb twice a year. Apparently they think they know him well enough to exploit his weaknesses and defeat the Redskins twice.
McNabb however said that playing the Eagles next year will be no different for him then playing the Giants or Cowboys (The other teams in the division). This is obviously complete BS!!!!
Furtermore, to make the situation even weirder, Eagles star wide receiver DeSean Jackson stated "It was time for a change." Maybe it is true that McNabb wasn't such a great leader in the young Philadelphia locker room.
Many NFL experts think the Eagles organization is both stupid and crazy for trading McNabb to an in division foe. But I believe otherwise. They know something better than most experts know and that is Donovan McNabb. I mean he was their QB for 10+ seasons. They don't feel as though McNabb is a threat, especially behind that horrid offensive line in Washington. On top of that hes getting older and has always been injury prone. I think the Eagles made a good move, and got great compensation for a player who was going to be a free agent next year anyway.
The craziest thing about this trade is that the Redskins are in the same division as the Eagles, which means they will play eachother twice a year! Usually in the NFL teams don't trade within their division. But the eagles felt as though the compensation was right and they also stated that they wanted to send McNabb to a place he was comfortable with. In my mind this is a direct slap in the face to Donovan McNabb. Why? Because this shows that the Eagles don't fear having to play McNabb twice a year. Apparently they think they know him well enough to exploit his weaknesses and defeat the Redskins twice.
McNabb however said that playing the Eagles next year will be no different for him then playing the Giants or Cowboys (The other teams in the division). This is obviously complete BS!!!!
Furtermore, to make the situation even weirder, Eagles star wide receiver DeSean Jackson stated "It was time for a change." Maybe it is true that McNabb wasn't such a great leader in the young Philadelphia locker room.
Many NFL experts think the Eagles organization is both stupid and crazy for trading McNabb to an in division foe. But I believe otherwise. They know something better than most experts know and that is Donovan McNabb. I mean he was their QB for 10+ seasons. They don't feel as though McNabb is a threat, especially behind that horrid offensive line in Washington. On top of that hes getting older and has always been injury prone. I think the Eagles made a good move, and got great compensation for a player who was going to be a free agent next year anyway.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
McNabb a Raider?
The latest reports from ESPN state that Donovan McNabb will be traded to the Oakland Raiders before hes due his 6 million dollar roster bonus in May. So what does this mean for fantasy?
Well first off, this would shoot Eagles QB Kevin Kolb up the QB rankings. He could be a nice potential sleeper this year. And in fact, I would recommend grabbing Kolb as a QB2 in later rounds because I believe he'll put up QB1 numbers in a loaded Philadelphia offense. Mark my words, Kevin Kolb could be the next Matt Schaubb of last season.
As for McNabb, a move to Oakland will hurt his draft stock. First of all, McNabb would have to learn a whole new offensive system. In Philadelphia a West Coast offense system was in place. In this system, the Eagles passed the ball more than any other team in the NFL. This helped McNabbs fantasy numbers greatly. Not only will McNabb not pass as much, but he will be behind an abysmal offensive line with a lot less talent at the skill positions. McNabb will most likely be taken as a QB1 this year but I expect him to put up inconsistent and borderline QB1 numbers this season in Oakland, with lots of potential to do worse. My advice would be to avoid Donovan McNabb this year in fantasy.
Well first off, this would shoot Eagles QB Kevin Kolb up the QB rankings. He could be a nice potential sleeper this year. And in fact, I would recommend grabbing Kolb as a QB2 in later rounds because I believe he'll put up QB1 numbers in a loaded Philadelphia offense. Mark my words, Kevin Kolb could be the next Matt Schaubb of last season.
As for McNabb, a move to Oakland will hurt his draft stock. First of all, McNabb would have to learn a whole new offensive system. In Philadelphia a West Coast offense system was in place. In this system, the Eagles passed the ball more than any other team in the NFL. This helped McNabbs fantasy numbers greatly. Not only will McNabb not pass as much, but he will be behind an abysmal offensive line with a lot less talent at the skill positions. McNabb will most likely be taken as a QB1 this year but I expect him to put up inconsistent and borderline QB1 numbers this season in Oakland, with lots of potential to do worse. My advice would be to avoid Donovan McNabb this year in fantasy.
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Very Early Rankings *Revised*
Quarter Backs
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Tom Brady
5. Matt Schaubb
6. Phillip Rivers
7. Brett Favre
8. Tony Romo
9. Ben Roethlisberger
10. Eli Manning
11. Matt Ryan
12. Donovan McNabb
13. Carson Palmer
14. Jay Cutler
15. Joe Flacco
16. Kyle Orton
17. David Gerrard
18. Mark Sanchez
19. Alex Smith
20. Kevin Kolb
21. Vince Young
22. Matthew Stafford
23. Matt Cassel
24. Matt Hasselbeck
25. Jason Campbell
26. Matt Moore
27. Matt Leinart
28. Chad Henne
29. Josh Freeman
30. Jake Delhomme
Runningbacks
1. Chris Johnson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Ray Rice
4. Maurice Jones Drew
5. Steven Jackson
6. Michael Turner
7. Frank Gore
8. DeAngelo Williams
9. Joseph Addai
10. Cedric Benson
11. Jamaal Charles
12. Jonathon Stewart
13. Felix Jones
14. Ryan Grant
15. Matt Forte
16. Pierre Thomas
17. Rashard Mendenhall
18. Knowshon Moreno
19. LaSean McCoy
20. Chris Wells
21. Jerome Harrison
22. Ronnie Brown
23. Clinton Portis
24. Shonn Greene
25. Ladainian Tomlinson
26. Ricky Williams
27. Justin Forsett
28. Fred Jackson
29. Thomas Jones
30. Ahmad Bradshaw
31. Darren Sproles
32. Brandon Jacobs
33. Reggie Bush
34. Darren McFadden
35. Marion Barber
36. Cadillac Williams
37. Steve Slaton
38. Donald Brown
39. Willis McGahee
40. Marshawn Lynch
41. Michael Bush
42. Laurence Maroney
43. Kevin Smith
44. Julius Jones
45. Chester Taylor
Wide Recievers
1. Andre Johnson
2. Brandon Marshall
3. Reggie Wayne
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Randy Moss
6. Miles Austin
7. DaSean Jackson
8. Calvin Johnson
9. Vincent Jackson
10. Sidney Rice
11. Roddy White
12. Marques Colston
13. Greg Jennings
14. Santonio Holmes
15. Chad OchoCinco
16. Anquan Boldin
17. Mike Sims-Walker
18. Wes Welker
19. Steve Smith (CAR)
20. Dwayne Bowe
21. Steve Smith (NYG)
22. Robert Meachem
23. Hines Ward
24. Michael Crabtree
25. Devin Hester
26. Jerricho Cotchery
27. Percy Harvin
28. Donald Driver
29. Hakeem Nicks
30. Derrick Mason
31. Jeremy Maclin
32. Steve Breaston
33. Antonio Bryant
34. Pierre Garcon
35. Kenny Britt
36. Early Doucet
37. Mike Wallace
38. Braylon Edwards
39. Terrell Owens
40. TJ Houshmanzadeh
41. Laurent Robinson
42. Santana Moss
43. Chris Chambers
44. Mohammed Massaquoi
45. Donnie Avery
46. Devin Aromashadu
47. Roy Williams
48. Bernard Berrian
49. Eddie Royal
50. Devery Henderson
51. Nate Burlesson
52. Johnny Knox
53. Davonne Bess
54. Austin Collie
55. Nate Washington
56. Mario Manningham
57. Kevin Walter
58. Darrius Heyward Bey
59. Jabar Gaffney
60. Earl Bennet
61. Josh Morgan
62. Greg Camarillo
63. Jason Avant
64. Julian Edelman
65. Brian Hartline
Tight Ends
1. Dallas Clark
2. Antonio Gates
3. Jason Witten
4. Vernon Davis
5. Tony Gonzalez
6. Owen Daniels
7. Brent Celek
8. Jermichael Finley
9. Chris Cooley
10. Kellen Winslow
11. Heath Miller
12. Visanthe Shiancoe
13. Zach Miller
14. Greg Olson
15. Jeremy Shockey
16. Todd Heap
17. Fred Davis
18. Dustin Keller
19. Kevin Boss
20. Brandon Pettigrew
21. John Carlson
22. Ben Watson
23. Mercedes Lewis
24. Bo Scaife
25. Tony Scheffler
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Tom Brady
5. Matt Schaubb
6. Phillip Rivers
7. Brett Favre
8. Tony Romo
9. Ben Roethlisberger
10. Eli Manning
11. Matt Ryan
12. Donovan McNabb
13. Carson Palmer
14. Jay Cutler
15. Joe Flacco
16. Kyle Orton
17. David Gerrard
18. Mark Sanchez
19. Alex Smith
20. Kevin Kolb
21. Vince Young
22. Matthew Stafford
23. Matt Cassel
24. Matt Hasselbeck
25. Jason Campbell
26. Matt Moore
27. Matt Leinart
28. Chad Henne
29. Josh Freeman
30. Jake Delhomme
Runningbacks
1. Chris Johnson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Ray Rice
4. Maurice Jones Drew
5. Steven Jackson
6. Michael Turner
7. Frank Gore
8. DeAngelo Williams
9. Joseph Addai
10. Cedric Benson
11. Jamaal Charles
12. Jonathon Stewart
13. Felix Jones
14. Ryan Grant
15. Matt Forte
16. Pierre Thomas
17. Rashard Mendenhall
18. Knowshon Moreno
19. LaSean McCoy
20. Chris Wells
21. Jerome Harrison
22. Ronnie Brown
23. Clinton Portis
24. Shonn Greene
25. Ladainian Tomlinson
26. Ricky Williams
27. Justin Forsett
28. Fred Jackson
29. Thomas Jones
30. Ahmad Bradshaw
31. Darren Sproles
32. Brandon Jacobs
33. Reggie Bush
34. Darren McFadden
35. Marion Barber
36. Cadillac Williams
37. Steve Slaton
38. Donald Brown
39. Willis McGahee
40. Marshawn Lynch
41. Michael Bush
42. Laurence Maroney
43. Kevin Smith
44. Julius Jones
45. Chester Taylor
Wide Recievers
1. Andre Johnson
2. Brandon Marshall
3. Reggie Wayne
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Randy Moss
6. Miles Austin
7. DaSean Jackson
8. Calvin Johnson
9. Vincent Jackson
10. Sidney Rice
11. Roddy White
12. Marques Colston
13. Greg Jennings
14. Santonio Holmes
15. Chad OchoCinco
16. Anquan Boldin
17. Mike Sims-Walker
18. Wes Welker
19. Steve Smith (CAR)
20. Dwayne Bowe
21. Steve Smith (NYG)
22. Robert Meachem
23. Hines Ward
24. Michael Crabtree
25. Devin Hester
26. Jerricho Cotchery
27. Percy Harvin
28. Donald Driver
29. Hakeem Nicks
30. Derrick Mason
31. Jeremy Maclin
32. Steve Breaston
33. Antonio Bryant
34. Pierre Garcon
35. Kenny Britt
36. Early Doucet
37. Mike Wallace
38. Braylon Edwards
39. Terrell Owens
40. TJ Houshmanzadeh
41. Laurent Robinson
42. Santana Moss
43. Chris Chambers
44. Mohammed Massaquoi
45. Donnie Avery
46. Devin Aromashadu
47. Roy Williams
48. Bernard Berrian
49. Eddie Royal
50. Devery Henderson
51. Nate Burlesson
52. Johnny Knox
53. Davonne Bess
54. Austin Collie
55. Nate Washington
56. Mario Manningham
57. Kevin Walter
58. Darrius Heyward Bey
59. Jabar Gaffney
60. Earl Bennet
61. Josh Morgan
62. Greg Camarillo
63. Jason Avant
64. Julian Edelman
65. Brian Hartline
Tight Ends
1. Dallas Clark
2. Antonio Gates
3. Jason Witten
4. Vernon Davis
5. Tony Gonzalez
6. Owen Daniels
7. Brent Celek
8. Jermichael Finley
9. Chris Cooley
10. Kellen Winslow
11. Heath Miller
12. Visanthe Shiancoe
13. Zach Miller
14. Greg Olson
15. Jeremy Shockey
16. Todd Heap
17. Fred Davis
18. Dustin Keller
19. Kevin Boss
20. Brandon Pettigrew
21. John Carlson
22. Ben Watson
23. Mercedes Lewis
24. Bo Scaife
25. Tony Scheffler
Tight Ends
Like the quarterback position, my rule of thumb is to wait till the mid rounds (6,7) to draft a tight end. This is because after the "stud" TE's, the point variation between the rest of the available tight ends is quite small. And on top of that, there are always TE's who come out of nowhere and have a break out season. For example, Owen Daniels, untill he got injured, was the number one TE in fantasy last year. So I'm going to break down the tight ends this year.
Studs (Guys who could go before the 6th round)
Tony Gonzalez
Jason Witten
Antonio Gates
Vernon Davis
Dallas Clark
Owen Daniels
Tier 2 (Guys who have had solid seasons and are reliable #1 TEs)
Chris Cooley
Brent Celek
Heath Miller
Kellen Winslow
Greg Olsen
Visanthe Shiancoe
Tier 3 (Inconsistent)
Jeremy Shockey
Zach Miller
Todd Heap
John Carlson
Kevin Boss
Jermichael Finley
Fred Davis
One guy I absolutely love this year is Jermichael Finley. He's an absolute freak. Hes got great size (6'5 250 lbs) and receiver like athletic ability. Another thing thats great about Finley is that he has already showed flashes of greatness last year. He put up a huge game against the Vikings early on befroe he got hurt, and then ended the season with 3 good games. He is also on a pass first offense with a good QB in Aaron Rodgers. If you can get Finley in round 7 go ahead and grab him. Hes going to be top 7 this year.
Fred Davis can't block at all. Fortunately that doesn't matter in fantasy, and when Chris Cooley went down with a broken ankle, Fred Davis came out of nowhere to post big numbers. Expect Mike Shanahan to use lots of 2 TE sets this year, especially since the Redskins aren't deep at WR. Draft Davis as a number 2 TE with lots of upside who could post big numbers if Cooley gets hurt again.
Studs (Guys who could go before the 6th round)
Tony Gonzalez
Jason Witten
Antonio Gates
Vernon Davis
Dallas Clark
Owen Daniels
Tier 2 (Guys who have had solid seasons and are reliable #1 TEs)
Chris Cooley
Brent Celek
Heath Miller
Kellen Winslow
Greg Olsen
Visanthe Shiancoe
Tier 3 (Inconsistent)
Jeremy Shockey
Zach Miller
Todd Heap
John Carlson
Kevin Boss
Jermichael Finley
Fred Davis
One guy I absolutely love this year is Jermichael Finley. He's an absolute freak. Hes got great size (6'5 250 lbs) and receiver like athletic ability. Another thing thats great about Finley is that he has already showed flashes of greatness last year. He put up a huge game against the Vikings early on befroe he got hurt, and then ended the season with 3 good games. He is also on a pass first offense with a good QB in Aaron Rodgers. If you can get Finley in round 7 go ahead and grab him. Hes going to be top 7 this year.
Fred Davis can't block at all. Fortunately that doesn't matter in fantasy, and when Chris Cooley went down with a broken ankle, Fred Davis came out of nowhere to post big numbers. Expect Mike Shanahan to use lots of 2 TE sets this year, especially since the Redskins aren't deep at WR. Draft Davis as a number 2 TE with lots of upside who could post big numbers if Cooley gets hurt again.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Impact of Free Agency on Fantasy Football
Free agency has a huge impact on fantasy football every season. Some players are cut or released. Some are re-signed. And some sign big contracts with new teams. So far the free agent market has been very active this off season. Some key moves that will impact fantasy are the signings of Thomas Jones to the Chiefs, and Chester Taylor to the bears.
Matt Forte was a top 3 back his rookie season but struggled mightily last year. Yes, he was plagued with injuries, but by the end of the year he was relatively healthy and still struggled to maintain a high yards per carry. So what do the bears do? Go out and get Chester Taylor, who was backing up Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. Why is this important? Well the Bears recently signed Mike Martz as their new offensive coordinator. Traditionally, running backs in Martz system perform well. (Marshall Faulk, Frank Gore) He usually prefers backs with good hands, who can catch the ball as well as they can run with it. Taylor has great hands. And since Taylor is getting paid starter money I wouldn't be surprised if he got the majority of the touches in Chicago. Going into the season Forte was a RB2, he's now a borderline RB3 , along with Taylor. If your gonna draft a Bears RB, pass on Forte and take Taylor a few rounds later.
Bad news for Jamal Charles fans......The chiefs signed Thomas Jones. After the Chiefs cut Larry Johnson, Jamal Charles became the center piece of there offense and put up huge numbers. In the last 6 weeks of the season he was a top 5 fantasy running back. In most rankings this year (before the signing of Jones) hes a top 10 back. Though Jones is old, and showed signs of slowing down last year, Jones always seems to perform well everywhere he goes. Hes a true runningback, capable of carrying the ball 30 times a game. I would expect a 60/40 carry split between the two favoring Charles. And Charles will be in the game on all 3rd downs. I would still expect Charles to get 20 touches a game, either rushing or receiving. The guy is a game breaker, they're going to design plays to get him the ball. In PPR Charles is a borderline RB1. In standard formats hes dropped to a RB2. TJ on the other hand should be a solid RB3, with upside if Charles gets injured.
Matt Forte was a top 3 back his rookie season but struggled mightily last year. Yes, he was plagued with injuries, but by the end of the year he was relatively healthy and still struggled to maintain a high yards per carry. So what do the bears do? Go out and get Chester Taylor, who was backing up Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. Why is this important? Well the Bears recently signed Mike Martz as their new offensive coordinator. Traditionally, running backs in Martz system perform well. (Marshall Faulk, Frank Gore) He usually prefers backs with good hands, who can catch the ball as well as they can run with it. Taylor has great hands. And since Taylor is getting paid starter money I wouldn't be surprised if he got the majority of the touches in Chicago. Going into the season Forte was a RB2, he's now a borderline RB3 , along with Taylor. If your gonna draft a Bears RB, pass on Forte and take Taylor a few rounds later.
Bad news for Jamal Charles fans......The chiefs signed Thomas Jones. After the Chiefs cut Larry Johnson, Jamal Charles became the center piece of there offense and put up huge numbers. In the last 6 weeks of the season he was a top 5 fantasy running back. In most rankings this year (before the signing of Jones) hes a top 10 back. Though Jones is old, and showed signs of slowing down last year, Jones always seems to perform well everywhere he goes. Hes a true runningback, capable of carrying the ball 30 times a game. I would expect a 60/40 carry split between the two favoring Charles. And Charles will be in the game on all 3rd downs. I would still expect Charles to get 20 touches a game, either rushing or receiving. The guy is a game breaker, they're going to design plays to get him the ball. In PPR Charles is a borderline RB1. In standard formats hes dropped to a RB2. TJ on the other hand should be a solid RB3, with upside if Charles gets injured.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
3rd Year Wide Receivers
It seems like every year a wide receiver in their third year has a break out campaign. So one way to hit big in a fantasy league is to draft a WR who hasn't put together a solid season yet, in their 3rd year, with a lot of upside. Easier said then done huh? Steve Smith (the one on the Panthers) came out of no where to have a huge season in his 3rd year, back in 2003. Since then, other WRs have followed his footsteps, this list includes guys like Santana Moss, Lee Evans, Roddy White, and last years stand outs Sidney Rice and the other Steve Smith (Giants).
DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon already had big seasons in there second year last season, so the obvious can be ignored, you probably wont be getting these guys late in a draft.
So who are next years 3rd year wide receivers with break out season potential?
Early Doucet (ARI) - Most likely the Cardinals will get rid of Anquan Boldin this off season, if they do, that makes Doucet a starter in a pass happy offense. Hes already showed flashes of big game potential in the playoffs. If Boldin goes, take Doucet in a later round next year.
Andre Caldwell (CIN) - Last season Caldwell put up decent numbers as a slot receiver. Next year could be the year though that he steps his game up and become a fantasy stud. With reliable hands, and an aging WR in Laverneus Coles ahead of him on the depth chart, Caldwell has lots of potential.
Eddie Royal (DEN) - Royal put together a huge rookie season. He had 91 receptions, and over 900 receiving yards. He followed that with a miserable sophomore campaign, in which he only totaled 300 receiving yards. Royal is fast, great in the slot, and can make people miss in the open field. Which is also why hes so deadly in the return game. Proclaimed offensive genius Josh McDaniels will find a way to get Royal involved in the offense. Look for him to put up numbers that mirror his rookie campaign.
DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon already had big seasons in there second year last season, so the obvious can be ignored, you probably wont be getting these guys late in a draft.
So who are next years 3rd year wide receivers with break out season potential?
Early Doucet (ARI) - Most likely the Cardinals will get rid of Anquan Boldin this off season, if they do, that makes Doucet a starter in a pass happy offense. Hes already showed flashes of big game potential in the playoffs. If Boldin goes, take Doucet in a later round next year.
Andre Caldwell (CIN) - Last season Caldwell put up decent numbers as a slot receiver. Next year could be the year though that he steps his game up and become a fantasy stud. With reliable hands, and an aging WR in Laverneus Coles ahead of him on the depth chart, Caldwell has lots of potential.
Eddie Royal (DEN) - Royal put together a huge rookie season. He had 91 receptions, and over 900 receiving yards. He followed that with a miserable sophomore campaign, in which he only totaled 300 receiving yards. Royal is fast, great in the slot, and can make people miss in the open field. Which is also why hes so deadly in the return game. Proclaimed offensive genius Josh McDaniels will find a way to get Royal involved in the offense. Look for him to put up numbers that mirror his rookie campaign.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Tribute
Brian Westbrook was officially released by the Philadelphia Eagles this past week. As a huge BWest fan I can truely say that i will miss him. And I'm sure I can speak on behalf of most Philly fans when saying how much he will be missed. BWest was a dynamic and versatile player, who not only changed the way the runningback position was played in the NFL but also how runningbacks were drafted in fantasy football. BWest wasn't your normal every down back, he was much more than that. He was a game changer. At any second, if the ball was in his hands, he could take it to pay dirt. Every team in the NFL wished they had a guy like BWest when he was in his prime. He was really that much of a weapon. BWest led the Eagles in rushing yard and in receptions for a few seasons. Thats an accomplisment! No other running backs were doing that for their teams. In fantasy leagues this was a huge plus because not only did he get points for rushing yards and touchdowns, he also got points for receiving yards and receptions, making him a top 3 RB in fantasy football for a few seasons. And on top of all of that, BWest was an incredible punt returner, but because he was so involved in the offense he rarely got to show off his punt returning skills.
At age 30 and coming off of major injuries to his knees and concussions, BWest's days as a starting runningback in the NFL are most likely numbered. When watching him run last season it was easy to tell he lost a step. He didn't have that quick cut ability anymore that made him so dangerous throughout his career. BWest isn't ready to hang up the cleets yet, but it would be nice to see him retire as an Eagle. The team that originally drafted him, and took a chance on him by drafting him in the 3rd round out of Villanova. Theres still a small chance that the Eagles could resign him, at a lower salary, to be a backup and mentor but it kills me to see such a prolific player in such a role. BWest was a classy player with a great attitude. He never complained, and stayed out of the media. The city of Philadelphia and all of the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles will miss you.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Major Changes at the RB Position
One of the easiest ways to be successful in fantasy football is to get two stud runningbacks on your team. This is because runningbacks are relatively consistent and tend to have a few breakout games. Of course, this is easier said than done.
For quite a while now stacking up on runningbacks has been a popular draft day strategy. Last year if you were lucky enough to get Chris Johnson and Ray Rice, you probably won your league. And if you were unfortunate enough to draft Matt Forte and Steve Slaton you probably didn't do too well in your league. Runningbacks are somewhat hit or miss, but as I mentioned earlier, they can be a major factor in winning your fantasy league. So let's take a look at the major changes at the running back position this season.
Jets: Thomas Jones had another strong campaign last season putting up RB1 numbers but saw his carries limited during the playoffs due to the emergence of Shonn Green. Leon Washington should also be back from his season ending injury. At age 31, Jones is already considered "old" for a RB. The Jets could ultimately release Jones and if so Shonn Green immediately becomes a top 15 RB. But I expect a share of the workload in New York this year. Jones being drafted as a RB2, where as Green will be drafted as a RB3. My advice: Take Green in a later round, he has much more upside. Pass on TJ.
Chargers: Ladainian Tomlinson has been one of the most dominant runningbacks of the decade, but he has already packed his bags and is out of San Diego. His back up, the speedy Darren Sproles is going to be a free agent and will get a decent amount of cash from some team this off season. This leaves the Chargers with a huge hole at the RB position. Drafting later in round 1, they could grab a running back. Jahvid Best out of Cal and Ryan Matthews out of Fresno St. should both still be available. If they do draft a RB, that RB immediately becomes a RB2 in fantasy next year. Expect numbers similar to Knowshon Moreno's last year. The Chargers could also trade for a RB. Willis McGahee from Baltimore and Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo are both available. If either of these RBs are acquired, they both too would become RB2s in fantasy, with McGahee having the higher upside. I see them ultimately drafting a RB though.
For quite a while now stacking up on runningbacks has been a popular draft day strategy. Last year if you were lucky enough to get Chris Johnson and Ray Rice, you probably won your league. And if you were unfortunate enough to draft Matt Forte and Steve Slaton you probably didn't do too well in your league. Runningbacks are somewhat hit or miss, but as I mentioned earlier, they can be a major factor in winning your fantasy league. So let's take a look at the major changes at the running back position this season.
Jets: Thomas Jones had another strong campaign last season putting up RB1 numbers but saw his carries limited during the playoffs due to the emergence of Shonn Green. Leon Washington should also be back from his season ending injury. At age 31, Jones is already considered "old" for a RB. The Jets could ultimately release Jones and if so Shonn Green immediately becomes a top 15 RB. But I expect a share of the workload in New York this year. Jones being drafted as a RB2, where as Green will be drafted as a RB3. My advice: Take Green in a later round, he has much more upside. Pass on TJ.
Chargers: Ladainian Tomlinson has been one of the most dominant runningbacks of the decade, but he has already packed his bags and is out of San Diego. His back up, the speedy Darren Sproles is going to be a free agent and will get a decent amount of cash from some team this off season. This leaves the Chargers with a huge hole at the RB position. Drafting later in round 1, they could grab a running back. Jahvid Best out of Cal and Ryan Matthews out of Fresno St. should both still be available. If they do draft a RB, that RB immediately becomes a RB2 in fantasy next year. Expect numbers similar to Knowshon Moreno's last year. The Chargers could also trade for a RB. Willis McGahee from Baltimore and Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo are both available. If either of these RBs are acquired, they both too would become RB2s in fantasy, with McGahee having the higher upside. I see them ultimately drafting a RB though.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Drafting Tips: The QB Position
There once was a time in fantasy football when top Quarterbacks were always drafted in round 1. But those days have been long gone. Yes, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees still get drafted in the first round in some drafts, but more people have realized that you can get a quality QB in between rounds 5-7. Of course, Quarterbacks usually score the most points in fantasy football, but the variance in points between the top quarterbacks, and the quarterbacks from the 10-15 range is so small. For example, outside of the top 3 fantasy quarterbacks last year, (Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning) the number 4 QB only averaged 3 more points a game than the number 15 QB. Which means there were 12 Quarterbacks who basically put up the same amount of points per game. So in my opinion, pass on a quarterback in the first 4 rounds, stock up of WRs and RBs and grab a guy within that 4-15 range that you think has lots of upside in a later round.
Last year in my draft, both Manning and Brees were taken in round 1. Brady was taken in round 2, and then no other QBs were drafted until this 5-7 round range. I grabbed Kurt Warner in round 5, which at the time I thought was a steal since he was a top 3 QB the year before. I also took a flier on Matt Schaubb in round 10 or 11, when the talent starts to really diminish. After the draft I realized I lacked some depth at the WR position, so I decided to trade Warner because I realized that the QB position isn't really that important. It ended up working out well because Matt Schaubb ended up as the 4th best QB overall last year.
QBs to target in later rounds next year:
Jay Cutler - Chicago Bears - Jay throws lots of interceptions but he has an enormous amount of talent and the Bears recently hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator.
David Gerrard - Jacksonville Jaguars - This guy always seems to finish as a top 15 QB, and he'll be around in round 7.
Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions - The number one overall pick last year in the NFL rookie draft had an injury plagued season. Look for him to turn it around this year and build a good connection with Calvin Johnson, the stud Lions receiver.
Last year in my draft, both Manning and Brees were taken in round 1. Brady was taken in round 2, and then no other QBs were drafted until this 5-7 round range. I grabbed Kurt Warner in round 5, which at the time I thought was a steal since he was a top 3 QB the year before. I also took a flier on Matt Schaubb in round 10 or 11, when the talent starts to really diminish. After the draft I realized I lacked some depth at the WR position, so I decided to trade Warner because I realized that the QB position isn't really that important. It ended up working out well because Matt Schaubb ended up as the 4th best QB overall last year.
QBs to target in later rounds next year:
Jay Cutler - Chicago Bears - Jay throws lots of interceptions but he has an enormous amount of talent and the Bears recently hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator.
David Gerrard - Jacksonville Jaguars - This guy always seems to finish as a top 15 QB, and he'll be around in round 7.
Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions - The number one overall pick last year in the NFL rookie draft had an injury plagued season. Look for him to turn it around this year and build a good connection with Calvin Johnson, the stud Lions receiver.
Friday, January 29, 2010
2010 Breakout Candidates
Next fantasy football season these are the guys you are going to want to target in the later rounds when most of the studs are off the board.
Devin Aromashadu, a WR for the Chicago Bears, stepped his game up at the end of the season last year when Devin Hester went down. And I believe he'll be able to carry that success over next season. Aromashadu 22 catches, 282 yards and 4 touchdowns in the last 4 games of the season last year. Which made him a viable #2 Fantasy receiver. Despite that success, Aromashadu will probably be drafted as the 50th-60th best WR! If you can get "Z" (Nickname given by his QB, Jay Cutler) in the 40's range then I think that's a huge steal. Some of the reasons why I like Z is because he doesn't have any stand out receivers in front of him on the depth chart, and because he has a good relationship with his quarterback Cutler.
Felix Jones, running back, Dallas Cowboys. As much as I hate Dallas, I love this kid. He averaged 9 yards per carry at Arkansas........Which means he's a big play threat. Felix has had trouble with durability but if he can stay healthy he'll be a top 10 RB this year. He can catch the ball well out of the back field and hes lightning fast. That coupled with the recent decline of Marion Barber should have him in line to receive the majority of the carries in Big D next year. If you can get Felix Jones as your 3rd running back, where he's typically being drafted, you might have just secured a fantasy championship.
Devin Aromashadu, a WR for the Chicago Bears, stepped his game up at the end of the season last year when Devin Hester went down. And I believe he'll be able to carry that success over next season. Aromashadu 22 catches, 282 yards and 4 touchdowns in the last 4 games of the season last year. Which made him a viable #2 Fantasy receiver. Despite that success, Aromashadu will probably be drafted as the 50th-60th best WR! If you can get "Z" (Nickname given by his QB, Jay Cutler) in the 40's range then I think that's a huge steal. Some of the reasons why I like Z is because he doesn't have any stand out receivers in front of him on the depth chart, and because he has a good relationship with his quarterback Cutler.
Felix Jones, running back, Dallas Cowboys. As much as I hate Dallas, I love this kid. He averaged 9 yards per carry at Arkansas........Which means he's a big play threat. Felix has had trouble with durability but if he can stay healthy he'll be a top 10 RB this year. He can catch the ball well out of the back field and hes lightning fast. That coupled with the recent decline of Marion Barber should have him in line to receive the majority of the carries in Big D next year. If you can get Felix Jones as your 3rd running back, where he's typically being drafted, you might have just secured a fantasy championship.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
2009 Fantasy Heroes: Sidney Rice and Miles Austin
This past year in fantasy, if you drafted Sidney Rice or Miles Austin late in your draft then you probably fared pretty well this season. Both of these wide receivers average draft position was somewhere in the 50-60 range. Which means they weren't even drafted in most leagues! But both of these guys put up huge numbers and made it to their first pro bowls.
1 Key to winning a fantasy football leagues is to hit big in the later rounds of the draft. So I applaud those who drafted Rice or Austin.
Sidney Rice, a former first round pick in the 2007 draft by the Minnesota Vikings, was considered to be a bust. After having a disappointing rookie campaign, Rice followed it up with an even worse Sophomore season. Despite his size and freakish athletic ability, he was written off in most fantasy leagues this year.
But by week 3, Sidney Rice became one of Brett Favres favorite targets. From there he continued to put up big fantasy numbers. Against tough defenses in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, Rice put up a combined 212 yards to go along with 17 catches. From there Rice never looked back, finishing the season as the tenth best WR in fantasy. His 84 receptions, 1312 yards and 8 touchdowns also won him his first Pro Bowl honor.
If there was anyone who surprised fantasy players more than Rice, it was Miles Austin, the wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Austin, an undrafted rookie out of Monmouth in his 3rd year, entered the season as the 3rd WR on the Cowboys depth chart.
After an injury to Roy Williams, Austin became the starter in week 5. He did not let the opportunity pass by as he put up HUGE numbers against the Kansas City Chiefs. 10 catches for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns! After a game like that Dallas had no other choice but to make him a starter.
Going from relatively unknown to becoming a star on america's team the Cowboys, Austin had a probowl season and helped Dallas win the NFC East. He ended up with 81 catches 1320 yards and 11 touchdowns. Thus pleasing the few fantasy owners who took a risk in drafting him.
1 Key to winning a fantasy football leagues is to hit big in the later rounds of the draft. So I applaud those who drafted Rice or Austin.
Sidney Rice, a former first round pick in the 2007 draft by the Minnesota Vikings, was considered to be a bust. After having a disappointing rookie campaign, Rice followed it up with an even worse Sophomore season. Despite his size and freakish athletic ability, he was written off in most fantasy leagues this year.
But by week 3, Sidney Rice became one of Brett Favres favorite targets. From there he continued to put up big fantasy numbers. Against tough defenses in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, Rice put up a combined 212 yards to go along with 17 catches. From there Rice never looked back, finishing the season as the tenth best WR in fantasy. His 84 receptions, 1312 yards and 8 touchdowns also won him his first Pro Bowl honor.
If there was anyone who surprised fantasy players more than Rice, it was Miles Austin, the wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Austin, an undrafted rookie out of Monmouth in his 3rd year, entered the season as the 3rd WR on the Cowboys depth chart.
After an injury to Roy Williams, Austin became the starter in week 5. He did not let the opportunity pass by as he put up HUGE numbers against the Kansas City Chiefs. 10 catches for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns! After a game like that Dallas had no other choice but to make him a starter.
Going from relatively unknown to becoming a star on america's team the Cowboys, Austin had a probowl season and helped Dallas win the NFC East. He ended up with 81 catches 1320 yards and 11 touchdowns. Thus pleasing the few fantasy owners who took a risk in drafting him.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
My VERY Early 2010 Fantasy Rankings (Without Rookies)
Fantasy Rankings
Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Tom Brady
5. Matt Schaubb
6. Philip Rivers
7. Brett Favre
8. Kurt Warner
9. Tony Romo
10. Ben Roethlisberger
11. Eli Manning
12. Donovan McNabb
13. Jay Cutler
14. Matt Ryan
15. Carson Palmer
16. Joe Flacco
17. Kyle Orton
18. Mark Sanchez
19. David Gerrard
20. Jason Campbell
21. Alex Smith
22. Matthew Stafford
23. Vince Young
24. Matt Cassel
25. Kevin Kolb
26. Chad Henne
27. Brady Quinn
28. Josh Freeman
29. Mike Vick
30. Matt Moore
Runningbacks
1. Chris Johnson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Ray Rice
4. Maurice Jones Drew
5. Steven Jackson
6. Michael Turner
7. Frank Gore
8. DeAngelo Williams
9. Jamal Charles
10. Joseph Addai
11. Ronnie Brown
12. Cedric Benson
13. Ryan Grant
14. Felix Jones
15. Matt Forte
16. Pierre Thomas
17. Chris Wells
18. Jonathon Stewart
19. Knowshon Moreno
20. Thomas Jones
21. Rashard Mendenhall
22. Jerome Harrison
23. LeSean McCoy
24. Shonn Green
25. Ricky Williams
26. Justin Forsett
27. Fred Jackson
28. Ahmad Bradshaw
29. Ladanian Tomlinson
30. Brandon Jacobs
31. Reggie Bush
32. Darren McFadden
33. Cadillac Williams
34. Clinton Portis
35. Marion Barber
36. Michael Bush
37. Marshawn Lynch
38. Darren Sproles
39. Steve Slaton
40. Laurence Maroney
41. Julius Jones
42. Donald Brown
43. Tim Hightower
44. Willis McGahee
45. Kevin Smith
Wide Receivers
1. Andre Johnson
2. Brandon Marshall
3. Reggie Wayne
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Randy Moss
6. Miles Austin
7. DeSean Jackson
8. Calvin Johnson
9. Vincent Jackson
10. Sidney Rice
11. Roddy White
12. Wes Welker
13. Greg Jennings
14. Santonio Holmes
15. Marques Colston
16. Chad Ochocinco
17. Anquan Boldin
18. Mike Sims Walker
19. Steve Smith (CAR)
20. Steve Smith (NYG)
21. Robert Meachem
22. Dwayne Bowe
23. Hines Ward
24. Jerricho Cotchery
25. Michael Crabtree
26. Derrick Mason
27. Devin Hester
28. Hakeem Nicks
29. Percy Harvin
30. Donald Driver
31. Terrell Owens
32. Jeremy Maclin
33. Antonio Bryant
34. Mike Wallace
35. Steve Breaston
36. Kenny Britt
37. Pierre Garcon
38. Malcolm Floyd
39. Braylon Edwards
40. Laurent Robinson
41. Bernard Berrian
42. Santana Moss
43. Chris Chambers
44. TJ Houshmanzadeh
45. Donnie Avery
46. Mohammed Massaquoi
47. Devin Aromashadu
48. Roy Williams
49. Johnny Knox
50. Nate Washington
51. Devery Henderson
52. Davonne Bess
53. Austin Collie
54. Earl Bennet
55. Jabar Gaffney
56. Nate Burlesson
57. Mario Manningham
58. Josh Morgan
59. Kevin Walter
60. Andre Caldwell
61. Jason Avant
62. Greg Camarillo
63. Early Doucet
64. Brian Hartline
65. Josh Cribbs
Tight Ends
1. Dallas Clark
2. Antonio Gates
3. Jason Witten
4. Vernon Davis
5. Tony Gonzalez
6. Brent Celek
7. Chris Cooley
8. Owen Daniels
9. Heath Miller
10. Kellen Winslow
11. Jermichael Finley
12. Greg Olson
13. Zach Miller
14. Visanthe Shiancoe
15. Jeremy Shockey
16. Todd Heap
17. Fred Davis
18. Dustin Keller
19. Kevin Boss
20. Brandon Pettigrew
21. John Carlson
22. Ben Watson
23. Mercedes Lewis
24. Bo Scaife
25. Tony Scheffler
Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Tom Brady
5. Matt Schaubb
6. Philip Rivers
7. Brett Favre
8. Kurt Warner
9. Tony Romo
10. Ben Roethlisberger
11. Eli Manning
12. Donovan McNabb
13. Jay Cutler
14. Matt Ryan
15. Carson Palmer
16. Joe Flacco
17. Kyle Orton
18. Mark Sanchez
19. David Gerrard
20. Jason Campbell
21. Alex Smith
22. Matthew Stafford
23. Vince Young
24. Matt Cassel
25. Kevin Kolb
26. Chad Henne
27. Brady Quinn
28. Josh Freeman
29. Mike Vick
30. Matt Moore
Runningbacks
1. Chris Johnson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Ray Rice
4. Maurice Jones Drew
5. Steven Jackson
6. Michael Turner
7. Frank Gore
8. DeAngelo Williams
9. Jamal Charles
10. Joseph Addai
11. Ronnie Brown
12. Cedric Benson
13. Ryan Grant
14. Felix Jones
15. Matt Forte
16. Pierre Thomas
17. Chris Wells
18. Jonathon Stewart
19. Knowshon Moreno
20. Thomas Jones
21. Rashard Mendenhall
22. Jerome Harrison
23. LeSean McCoy
24. Shonn Green
25. Ricky Williams
26. Justin Forsett
27. Fred Jackson
28. Ahmad Bradshaw
29. Ladanian Tomlinson
30. Brandon Jacobs
31. Reggie Bush
32. Darren McFadden
33. Cadillac Williams
34. Clinton Portis
35. Marion Barber
36. Michael Bush
37. Marshawn Lynch
38. Darren Sproles
39. Steve Slaton
40. Laurence Maroney
41. Julius Jones
42. Donald Brown
43. Tim Hightower
44. Willis McGahee
45. Kevin Smith
Wide Receivers
1. Andre Johnson
2. Brandon Marshall
3. Reggie Wayne
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Randy Moss
6. Miles Austin
7. DeSean Jackson
8. Calvin Johnson
9. Vincent Jackson
10. Sidney Rice
11. Roddy White
12. Wes Welker
13. Greg Jennings
14. Santonio Holmes
15. Marques Colston
16. Chad Ochocinco
17. Anquan Boldin
18. Mike Sims Walker
19. Steve Smith (CAR)
20. Steve Smith (NYG)
21. Robert Meachem
22. Dwayne Bowe
23. Hines Ward
24. Jerricho Cotchery
25. Michael Crabtree
26. Derrick Mason
27. Devin Hester
28. Hakeem Nicks
29. Percy Harvin
30. Donald Driver
31. Terrell Owens
32. Jeremy Maclin
33. Antonio Bryant
34. Mike Wallace
35. Steve Breaston
36. Kenny Britt
37. Pierre Garcon
38. Malcolm Floyd
39. Braylon Edwards
40. Laurent Robinson
41. Bernard Berrian
42. Santana Moss
43. Chris Chambers
44. TJ Houshmanzadeh
45. Donnie Avery
46. Mohammed Massaquoi
47. Devin Aromashadu
48. Roy Williams
49. Johnny Knox
50. Nate Washington
51. Devery Henderson
52. Davonne Bess
53. Austin Collie
54. Earl Bennet
55. Jabar Gaffney
56. Nate Burlesson
57. Mario Manningham
58. Josh Morgan
59. Kevin Walter
60. Andre Caldwell
61. Jason Avant
62. Greg Camarillo
63. Early Doucet
64. Brian Hartline
65. Josh Cribbs
Tight Ends
1. Dallas Clark
2. Antonio Gates
3. Jason Witten
4. Vernon Davis
5. Tony Gonzalez
6. Brent Celek
7. Chris Cooley
8. Owen Daniels
9. Heath Miller
10. Kellen Winslow
11. Jermichael Finley
12. Greg Olson
13. Zach Miller
14. Visanthe Shiancoe
15. Jeremy Shockey
16. Todd Heap
17. Fred Davis
18. Dustin Keller
19. Kevin Boss
20. Brandon Pettigrew
21. John Carlson
22. Ben Watson
23. Mercedes Lewis
24. Bo Scaife
25. Tony Scheffler
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