It's All About Value (Team View)
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Posted 7/15 by the Footballguys.com Staff - Exclusive to Footballguys.com
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Here at Footballguys.com, we know the following to be true. To have an excellent
fantasy draft, you must do two things:
- Select players with value.
- Avoid selecting players that are overpriced.
Of course that makes sense. If you take 4th round talent in the 6th round,
you're ahead of the game. If you take 6th round talent in the 4th round, you're
climbing uphill. It really is that simple.
Recently, the Footballguys.com staff was tasked to find players that provide
value and players that are overpriced.
Here were the guidelines:
- Using AntSports.com Average Draft
Position, choose players that will outperform their draft position (value
players) or underperform their draft position (overpriced players).
- Pick no more than one value player and no more than one overpriced
player per NFL team.
- Players with three or more votes would receive a short write-up by a staff
member that voted for that player.
Fourteen writers responded to the call, and here are the results list by number
of votes received. Each player is listed with their number of votes (out of
a possible 14), their Average Draft Position (ADP) at AntSports.com, and their
positional ranking with that ADP.
Click one of the following links if you would prefer to see the lists By
NFL Team or By
Position.
Value Picks with Ten Votes
WR Eddie Kennison - KC
ADP - 14.09 - WR61
10 votes (Dodds, Fazio, Grant, Gray, Hicks, Rudnicki, Smith, Tremblay, Wimer,
Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - Eddie Kennison is the most underrated fantasy
player in the game today. He's the leading wide receiver for the league's
most potent offense, and he's a fantasy afterthought, being drafted 61st among
WRs! This is a player who finished 24th last season, and has seen no change
in his projected role as a starter, yet he's coming off the board in the 15th
round of 12-team mock drafts. Do yourself a favor and roster him while other
people a drafting their kickers and backup tight ends.
Value Picks with Nine Votes
RB Correll Buckhalter - Phi
ADP - 8.10 - RB39
9 votes (Anderson, Grant, Gray, Levin, Rudnicki, Smith, Tremblay, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Marc Levin - Did someone anoint Brian Westbrook the starter
in Philly without telling me? Andy Reid spreads the ball around and prefers
Buckhalter in the red zone (5 of his 8 TDs in 2003 were from inside the 5).
Westbrook at 3.07 or Buckhalter at 8.10? I like the guy drafted later who
may get more TDs and more rush yards - and maybe even the starting spot!
Value Picks with Eight Votes
RB Curtis Martin - NYJ
ADP - 4.10 - RB26
8 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Grant, Gray, Levin, Smith, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Chris Smith - Martin is firmly entrenched as a starting running
back with the New York Jets and yet his ADP is a low 4.10. There is no way
he should slip past the third round despite his struggles to score touchdowns
a year ago. He will have a solid shot at finishing in the top twenty at the
position once again in 2004.
Value Picks with Seven Votes
QB Mark Brunell - Was
ADP - 10.07 - QB20
7 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Grant, Gray, Smith, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - Mark Brunell steps into a fantastic situation,
yet the average fantasy player hasn't woken up to that fact. Joe Gibbs didn't
forget how to coach, and if you think otherwise let me draw your attention
to Dick Vermeil and Bill Parcells. Gibbs takes over a team with one of the
best young running backs in the league, a very deep receiving corps, and an
offensive line that should be light years better than last season thanks to
Joe Bugel. Brunell is the perfect veteran presence to manage the offense,
and barring injury, he'll rack up 20-25 touchdowns and close to 3,500 yards
passing without blinking an eye.
RB Warrick Dunn - Atl
ADP - 7.06 - RB33
7 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Grant, Smith, Tremblay, White, Wimer)
Comments by Mike Anderson - Before his injury ending 2003 season, Warrick
Dunn put up 1,304 combined yards and scored 9 times in 2002. Dunn is expected
to be ready, is projected at the top of the depth chart, and is mentioned
most often by the coaching staff as the starter for the 2004 season. The primary
competition, TJ Duckett became the primary starter due to Dunn's season ending
injury. Duckett played all 16 games in 2003, but was only able to amass 779
yards rushing. According to the Falcon's official website, Duckett has put
even more weight on his 254 lbs total, and it is a concern of the coaching
staff.
RB Kevin Jones - Det
ADP - 4.04 - RB22
7 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Grant, Levin, Rudnicki, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Marc Levin - Getting a likely feature RB in the early 4th
is good value - especially for the top-rated back in the '04 NFL draft. Remember
that a rookie typically cracks the top-10 RB lists. He can be added either
as an RB3 or as a late RB2 to accompany top talent at other spots. He has
good hands and open field moves, which Coach Mooch is sure to utilize in his
spread offense.
QB Josh McCown - Ari,
ADP - 11.06 - QB23
7 votes (Dodds, Grant, Gray, Hicks, Smith, White, Wood)
Comments by Will Grant - When you draft this guy as one of the last backup
QBs in your league, someone will probably say 'who the heck is Josh McCown?'
Just smile and know that you're drafting a guy who has talented pass catchers
around him. His running ability will also give you some bonus points from
week to week. He's not going to put up Culpepper or Vick numbers this year,
but he's well worth an 11th round draft pick.
QB Carson Palmer - Cin
ADP - 12.02 - QB 24
7 votes (Brown, Dodds, Grant, Levin, Rudnicki, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Will Grant - Jon Kitna put up almost 3600 yards and had 26
passing TDs last year for Cincinnati. Those are top 10 stats, and many of
the guys taken ahead of Palmer this year won't come near them. Palmer's first
year as a starter probably won't be that good, but come playoff time in most
fantasy leagues, Palmer could be putting up very solid numbers.
Value Picks with Six Votes
RB Michael Bennett - Min
ADP - 3.03 - RB19
6 votes (Brown, Fazio, Smith, Tremblay, White, Wimer)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - Take a look at Michael Bennett's performance
at the end of last year coming off of his injury. He started in 7 games, played
in 8 and finished with 447 rushing yards on 90 attempts. The knock against
him is the crowded backfield he is a part of. But if he starts and continues
2004 like he ended 2003, it is probable that he will rush for 1,000 yards
making him a great second running back on any team and a good value from this
spot.
WR Marty Booker - Chi
ADP - 7.10 - WR30
6 votes (Brown, Dodds, Levin, Rudnicki, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - Coming off disappointing season due primarily
to the ineffectiveness of Kordell Stewart at QB, inferior talent at offensive
tackle, and the terrible offensive system of John Shoop. With a new Offensive
Coordinator on board from the Chiefs, a dominant RT in John Tait, and a QB
that can actually pass the ball, Booker should rebound with another strong
year. His current ADP at AntSports suggests he's normally the 30th WR drafted,
but with as many things that went wrong last year he still wound up as the
32nd highest scoring WR in standard scoring leagues. He is the best weapon
the Bears have on offense, and should have a good shot at cracking the top-20
for the 3rd time in 4 seasons.
QB Aaron Brooks - NO
ADP - 6.04 - QB10
6 votes (Dodds, Grant, Hicks, Rudnicki, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Aaron Brooks finished last year ranked 3rd. On
average he is being drafted as the 10th quarterback. What happened? Incredibly,
2003 was his worst for touchdown passes and yardage (and he finished 3rd).
New Orleans receiving corps has depth at all positions. He has not missed
a game and improvement can be expected. Brooks is fantastic value for someone
likely to be one of the best starters in the league.
RB T.J. Duckett - Atl
ADP - 5.09 - RB28
6 votes (Brown, Fazio, Gray, Levin, Rudnicki, Wood)
Comments by Michael Brown - When Warrick Dunn got hurt, Duckett's stats
as the feature back project to over 1,100 yards and nearly one touchdown per
game. Dunn's rehab hasn't gone smoothly, so Duckett should start, provided
he loses weight. Keep in mind, Dunn wasn't 'the man' last year until Week
10, so Duckett wasn't just holding the fort for some prime RB. A former first-rounder,
Duckett is talented in his own right and could have a huge year.
QB A.J. Feeley - Mia
ADP - 14.04 - QB34
6 votes (Anderson, Fazio, Grant, Hicks, Smith, Tremblay)
Comments by Chris Smith - With an ADP of 14.04, Feeley has awesome value
this year. First of all, the Dolphins didn't ship a 2nd round pick to the
Eagles to have him sit on the bench. Secondly, the Dolphins feature two gifted
receivers in David Boston and Chris Chambers whose strengths include getting
deep down the field behind defenders with great speed and quickness. Fiedler
doesn't have the arm strength to take advantage of that speed and Feeley does.
He should start immediately and could surprise with a decent fantasy season.
TE Erron Kinney - Ten
ADP - 14.08 - TE22
6 votes (Anderson, Grant, Levin, Rudnicki, Smith, Wood)
Comments by Marc Levin - With Frank Wycheck retiring, Steve McNair will
have his eye on Kinney. He loves the TE in the red zone - all 5 TDs to Kinney
and Wycheck were inside the 20 and 4 were inside the 10. Expect a bump from
41 catches, 393 yards and 3 TDs from Kinney, and don't worry about Ben Troupe
as rookie TEs rarely have a significant impact. At 14.08, Kinney could be
a top-12 TE as your backup.
WR Muhsin Muhammad - Car
ADP - 14.08 - WR59
6 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Grant, Rudnicki, Smith, Tremblay)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - Muhammad was the 22nd best fantasy WR over
the second half of the 2003 season, and continued his strong performance in
four postseason games. He gets a rap for being old, but at 31, he's no older
than Marvin Harrison, Joe Horn, Isaac Bruce, Eric Moulds, Keyshawn Johnson.
Moreover, his yards-per-catch was higher in 2003 than in any season since
his rookie year. Muhammad has more left in the tank than his average draft
position (59th WR taken) seems to reflect.
WR Reggie Williams - Jac
ADP - 13.06 - WR50
6 votes (Anderson, Fazio, Grant, Levin, Rudnicki, Smith)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - Rookie Reggie Williams joins a promising Jacksonville
Jaguar squad led by Byron Leftwich. He finds himself working across the field
from Jimmy Smith. Smith will command defenses to double team him, in turn
opening up opportunities for Williams. Williams is a young wide receiver with
lots of upside, making this a good value.
Value Picks with Five Votes
RB Jerome Bettis - Pit
ADP - 12.12 - RB50
5 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Fazio, Grant, Hicks)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Last year Jerome Bettis finished ranked 26th
and he has averaged 7 rushing touchdowns for the last 4 seasons. Duce Staley
is the best RB to assist Bettis to date, but he only averages three rushing
touchdowns a season. Pittsburgh will run the ball more, so look for Bettis
to get 150 to 200 carries minimum and his fair share of touchdowns. Bettis
is being drafted after 49 backs are off the board, definite value.
WR Deion Branch - NE
ADP - 11.05 - WR41
5 votes (Dodds, Gray, Levin, White, Wood)
Comments by Marc Levin - Though there are a slew of receivers in Pat-land,
Branch was targeted 105 times in '03. He needs to up his efficiency as he
caught only 57 passes, but a nice 14 YPR average shows he can blow games open
downfield. Only 3 more TDs would have made Branch a top-24 WR in 2003. At
11.05, you can afford to hope for Branch to approach numbers similar to guys
drafted 5 rounds earlier.
RB Chris Brown - Ten
ADP - 6.06 - RB30
5 votes (Brown, Dodds, Fazio, Tremblay, White)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - Chris Brown is one of the backup running backs
who could very well work himself into a starting position by the end of the
year. Even if he is not the starter by year's end, he will be sharing a significant
amount of the carries with Eddie George, which makes Brown an intriguing draft
pick.
WR Isaac Bruce - StL
ADP - 6.10 - WR24
5 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Fazio, Gray, White)
Comments by Ron White - Bruce has averaged 75 receptions, 1158 yards,
and 6.8 TDs over the past 4 years. His least productive year came in 2003
as he finished with 69-981-5 in 15 games. Bruce played a better part of 2003
on a high ankle sprain, which limited his effectiveness. WR Torry Holt became
the focal point. A healthy
Isaac Bruce should return closer to his average numbers (around WR #15) which is currently being drafted around 4.11.
RB William Green - Cle
ADP - 7.11 - RB37
5 votes (Brown, Dodds, Hicks, Smith, Wood)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Cleveland is persisting with William Green for
one reason, his talent. With an ADP in the mid to late 30s he represents that
rare thing from a late drafted running back, huge upside and little downside. Green will be given every opportunity to win the starting job from
Lee Suggs. If he does, his draft position will look ludicrous and those who
plumped for him as their 4th back will have received excellent value.
WR Ike Hilliard - NYG
ADP - 13.10 - WR53
5 votes (Anderson, Fazio, Grant, Smith, Tremblay)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - Hilliard, a former first-round pick, is
the Giants' top possession receiver, and does his best work in the red zone.
He was tied for third last year among all NFL WRs in touchdown receptions
from inside the 20 yard line, and has scored at least six touchdowns in three
of the last four seasons. Hilliard has suffered an assortment of injuries
throughout his career (he's had seven surgeries in the last seven years);
but he has played well when he's been healthy, and he will enter the 2004
season in good shape.
WR Brandon Lloyd - SF
ADP - 11.05 - WR42
5 votes (Brown, Fazio, Grant, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Michael Brown - Lloyd's ridiculous talent has never been in
question, just his size. Now, he's muscled up to 192 pounds without losing
his playmaking ability, making one spectacular play after another in minicamp.
He's also the clear-cut #1 receiver. It's tough for a #1 to NOT put up big
numbers. Sure, he won't have Peyton Manning throwing to him, but guys like
Coles, Boldin, and Chambers proved you can put up huge numbers without a star
QB.
WR Rod Smith - Den
ADP - 7.10 - WR29
5 votes (Dodds, Rudnicki, Smith, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - Rod Smith is the 29th WR off the board, according
to Antsports. When you consider that Smith had just 845 yards last year and
YET finished 25th, there's no way this guy should fall so far. Remember, the
Broncos lost Shannon Sharpe, Ed McCaffrey and Clinton Portis this offseason
- a combined 119 receptions, 1279 yards and 8 touchdowns - Rod Smith will
see a SIGNIFICANT increase in his workload this year.
WR Steve Smith - Car
ADP - 4.06 - WR13
5 votes (Brown, Hicks, White, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Ron White - Throwing out his rookie season, Smith has averaged
71 receptions, 991 yards, and 5 TDs the past 2 years. Going into his 4th season,
Smith should be in for a nice season, matching or topping his 2003 numbers
of 88-1110-7. It's also very possible the Panther's defense won't be as good
this season, prompting more playing from behind. The new rules for defensive
backs could also help Smith's cause. He should end up a Top 10 receiver, possibly
Top 5.
Value Picks with Four Votes
QB Kyle Boller - Bal
ADP - 14.09 / QB35
4 votes (Brown, Dodds, Fazio, White)
Comments by Ron White - Boller is the starting quarterback of the Ravens.
I had to point that out as he is ranked lower than several back ups. Baltimore
is a run first team, but in his 2nd year, Boller is already much more confident
and should be improved. He missed time last season with a torn quadriceps
muscle, but is now fully healed. The uncertainty of Jamal Lewis' availability
could also factor in why his ADP is so low. He will outperform his #35 ADP
ranking.
DT Indianapolis Colts - Ind
ADP - 15.09 - DT23
4 votes (Dodds, Fazio, Gray, Rudnicki)
Comments by Clayton Gray - Did the Colts change head coaches over the
offseason? Aren't they still led by the defensive minded Tony Dungy? They
were hit hard by injuries in the secondary last season and struggled to force
turnovers. The draft brought in some quality reserves so that issue is likely
solved. If they could just toughen up against the run, this would be an elite
squad. As it is, it is at least a middle of the pack defense. Some of the
teams going off the board before them (specifically New Orleans and Oakland)
make Indianapolis an excellent value.
WR Andre Davis - Cle
ADP - 11.12 - WR44
4 votes (Fazio, Levin, Tremblay, White)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - With a new quarterback in town, at least one
of the Cleveland Browns' wide receivers is going to greatly benefit. To pick
up Andre' Davis this late in the draft is a true steal as he is the most likely
of the Browns' receivers to improve on last year's performance of 40 receptions
for 576 yards.
WR Kevin Dyson - SD
ADP - 15.03 - WR68
4 votes (Anderson, Gray, Hicks, Tremblay)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - Kevin Dyson, a former first-round pick
by the Tennessee Titans, is the most accomplished wide receiver on the Chargers
and immediately becomes the team's go-to guy at the position. Since the Chargers
have a below-average passing attack, it is reasonable for several other teams'
#2 WRs to be selected ahead of Dyson; but with an ADP of 15.03 (68th WR taken),
there are a number of #3 WRs going before him as well. That's absurd. The
Chargers have produced a top 30 WR in each of the last four years; Dyson should
at least be top 50.
WR Robert Ferguson - GB
ADP - 14.07 - WR57
4 votes (Grant, Hicks, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Robert Ferguson is being drafted roughly where
he finished last year, 55th. Green Bay has signed him to a long term extension.
He'll be a starting receiver with Brett Favre as his quarterback. Entering
his 4th year, he has improved every season. Last year he improved his target
to reception ratio from 39% to 63%. If you are looking for late value Robert
Ferguson is almost certain to outperform his draft slot.
TE Antonio Gates - SD
ADP - 10.05 - TE9
4 votes (Brown, Dodds, Grant, White)
Comments by Michael Brown - Gates really came on strong late last season.
Over his last 5 games, he caught 17 passes for 284 yards (16.7 YPC). He enters
2004 as the full-time starter. With David Boston in Miami, someone has to
catch passes for the Chargers. After LaDainian Tomlinson, there is not another
solid pass catcher in the bunch. Gates should receive a bunch of looks and
provide excellent value in the 10th round.
RB Travis Henry - Buf
ADP - 2.08 - RB17
4 votes (Brown, Dodds, Gray, Rudnicki)
Comments by Clayton Gray - Henry lasting until 16 other backs are off
the board is a real head-scratcher. The guy has been an excellent RB the last
two years (finishing 8th and 11th in RB rankings), but everyone is afraid
he'll lose a ton of carries to Willis McGahee (a guy that has zero NFL touches
and is coming off an horrific knee injury). I guess that makes sense. Henry
is the type of RB that makes drafting late in the first round very appealing
this season. Checking the current Footballguys.com rankings
shows him in everyone's Top 16 backs. Getting him as a #2 RB will be a huge
boost to your fantasy fortunes.
QB Tommy Maddox - Pit
ADP - 12.06 - QB26
4 votes (Gray, Rudnicki, Smith, White)
Comments by Ron White - The threat of a holdout by both Hines Ward and
Plaxico Burress, coupled with rookie QB Ben Roethlisberger looking over his
shoulder, has driven Maddox's ADP way down. The fact is Maddox will start,
and Pittsburgh will likely follow Cincinnati's game plan and bring Roethlisberger
along slowly. The addition of RB Duce Staley will also help Maddox. Duce has
averaged 50 receptions and 516 receiving yards over the past 3 seasons. If
everything falls into place, Maddox should easily creep into the Top 15. The
risk is you would have to carry an extra quarterback on your roster in the
event things don't fall into place.
WR Jerry Rice - Oak
ADP - 14.08 - WR58
4 votes (Gray, Hicks, Levin, Wood)
Comments by Clayton Gray - No, this is not the same Jerry Rice from the
late '80s and early '90s, but this is still Jerry Rice. What is he doing being
the 58th WR off the board? Excluding his two-game 1997 season, Rice has never
finished lower than the 38th fantasy WR. Never! And it's not like we're talking
about a 3-year sample of data. Rice has been in the league for 19 years, and
except for his injury year in 1997, he has always been a Top 40 WR.
WR Travis Taylor - Bal
ADP - 15.02 - WR67
4 votes (Grant, Levin, Smith, Wimer)
Comments by Mark Wimer - Travis Taylor is a longtime Raven; he's worked
with QB Boller before; he led the Ravens' WR stable for the last 2 seasons
with 61/869/6 (a 14.2 ypc average) and 39/632/3 (a 16.2 ypc average), respectively.
I expect him to be back in the 800-900 yard, 6-7 TD range in 2004 (Kevin Johnson,
a legitimate #2 WR, is across from him, Boller now has NFL experience) - that's
#38 among all WR according to my board, yet he is being drafted at an ADP
of #67. Serious value!
WR Amani Toomer - NYG
ADP - 6.01 - WR21
4 votes (Dodds, Gray, Hicks, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - Toomer is the Rodney Dangerfield of NFL receivers.
He's got prototypical size, speed, hands and has become as polished a route
runner as there gets in the league YET he never seems to get his due on draft
day. For folks who aren't paying attention, Toomer has five straight seasons
of at least 1,000 yards and 5 touchdowns. He remains as explosive as ever,
averaging a career best 16.8 yards per catch in 2003. While Toomer does need
to adjust to a new quarterback situation (Warner and Manning in place of Collins),
he's far and away the team's best receiver and should be targeted game in,
game out.
WR Peter Warrick - Cin
ADP - 10.01 - WR37
4 votes (Anderson, Fazio, Smith, Wimer)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - While Chad Johnson is firmly entrenched as the
flashy number 1 receiver in Cincinnati, Peter Warrick quietly put up solid
numbers last season with 79 receptions for 819 yards and 7 touchdowns. Look
for the same kind of production from him in 2004, making him a great number
2 receiver and a great value at this draft spot.
RB Tyrone Wheatley - Oak
ADP - 11.01 - RB47
4 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Rudnicki, Tremblay)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - Tyrone Wheatley's ADP has him going as the
47th RB, behind a lot of players that may not even get 25% of their team's
carries this season. Meanwhile, Wheatley is currently projected to be the
starting RB in Oakland for a coach in Norv Turner who loves the power running
game. The Raiders also spent their top 2 picks in the draft to rebuild their
offensive line, so if Wheatley can hold onto the job and stay healthy, he
should find plenty of room to run through. Last year, with Garner generally
considered to be the primary ballcarrier, Wheatley still managed to rack up
678 yards on the ground, averaging 4.26 y/r, and finished as the #35 ranked
fantasy RB. He should have little trouble improving on those numbers provided
he can fight off driftwood like Amos Zereoue and Troy Hambrick.
TE Jason Witten - Dal
ADP - 14.07 - TE21
4 votes (Brown, Gray, Smith, White)
Comments by Ron White - Witten is the Cowboys receiving tight end, and
led all Cowboys tight ends as a rookie with 35-347-1. He is in a great position
as the Cowboy's receiving corps are not that strong, and he will be utilized
as a bigger part of the deep passing game in 2004. Look for his 2nd season
stats to increase, which could put Witten just inside the Top 10.
WR Rashaun Woods - SF
ADP - 14.07 - WR57
4 votes (Gray, Hicks, Rudnicki, Smith)
Comments by Clayton Gray - It is very possible that presumed starting WR
Brandon Lloyd will prove to be nothing more than a talented #3 WR. If so,
the rookie Woods should be ready to step in as the team's primary pass-catcher.
If Lloyd can handle the top job, Woods could easily post similar stats as
he will face less coverage. Factor in the fact that Woods is available more
than three rounds after Lloyd, and you have a good deal of value.
Value Picks with Three Votes
DT Buffalo Bills - Buf
ADP - 13.08 - DT11
3 votes (Tremblay, White, Wood)
Comments by Ron White - The Bills offense should be much improved this
year, keeping the defense fresh, and more efficient. In two of the three years
that Mike Mularkey was the OC with the Steelers, his offense ranked in the
league's top five. The Bills defense was 9th in sacks last season, and were
2nd in overall defense. This offseason they stayed with the status quo (except
for the addition of Troy Vincent) so they should be a top defense again. Throw
in the fact they may have eight cold weather games, and they finish the fantasy
season with Cleveland, Cincinnati, and San Francisco, weeks 14, 15, and 16
respectively.
WR David Boston - Mia
ADP - 7.02 - WR25
3 votes (Brown, Gray, White)
Comments by Michael Brown - Boston's draft stock has plummeted in recent
years due to performance and attitude issues. But that drop is precisely what
gives him value. Now that others are scared off, this is the chance to steal
him for a mid-round pick. Dolphins' WR coach Jerry Sullivan coached Boston
in Arizona and seemingly can get the most from him. Reports from Miami are
that Boston is shedding weight and has his explosiveness back.
DT Tampa Bay Buccaneers - TB
ADP - 10.12 - DT7
3 votes (Brown, Fazio, Wood)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - Even with the loss of Warren Sapp and John Lynch,
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense is still a force to be reckoned with. Certainly
the changes that they have undergone will move them down spots when ranking
defenses. But they still should be considered in the top ten and to grab a
tough defensive unit like Tampa Bay without sacrificing an early draft pick
is a great strategy at this point in the draft.
WR Chris Chambers - Mia
ADP - 5.08 - WR19
3 votes (Dodds, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - Chris Chambers will finish higher than 19th this
year, yet that's where he's being drafted according to Antsports. Chambers
has been remarkably productive in a stultifying passing offense, and is coming
off career highs in catches, yards and touchdowns. Don't let David Boston's
presence confuse you. Chambers is the best receiver on that team and will
benefit from having a real threat opposite him for the first time.
WR Joey Galloway - TB
ADP - 12.09 - WR47
3 votes (Hicks, Tremblay, Wimer)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - Galloway has always had the blazing speed
to go the distance on any play, and he hasn't slowed down yet: his 19.8 yards
per reception in 2003 was the best of his career. Although WRs changing teams
often struggle, the move from Dallas to Tampa Bay may help Galloway since
the Buccaneers have a better passing attack than the Cowboys. Moreover, Keenan
McCardell's holdout -- with no end in sight -- is giving Galloway the opportunity
to work as the Bucs' #1 WR in all offseason workouts, which could carry over
into the season.
QB Jeff Garcia - Cle
ADP - 8.05 - QB13
3 votes (Anderson, Rudnicki, Wimer)
Comments by Mark Wimer - Garcia has jumped to the Browns, who have an
excellent and deep receiving staff and a suspect running game. With guys like
Quincy Morgan, Andre Davis, Dennis Northcutt and Kellen Winslow Jr. to catch
the ball, the Browns should have a very dangerous aerial attack in 2003. Garcia
should be a strong candidate for QB 1 in most fantasy leagues, yet his average
draft position is 13th QB taken, at pick 8.05. He should outperform that draft
spot if his stable lives up to their potential.
WR Rod Gardner - Was
ADP - 11.01 - WR40
3 votes (Fazio, Hicks, Levin)
Comments by Marc Levin - In the 11th round you are looking for depth (or
a starting defense) and Gardner as a WR3/4 is nice depth. Will Brunell bring
McCardell/Smith numbers to Coles/Gardner? In 2000-01, they were both top-20.
In 1998 they were 10/25. Gardner had flashes of fantasy greatness in 2002-03
and he could benefit from the attention defenses will give Coles and Portis.
Nice value and upside from your bench, especially if Coles' injured toe becomes
a problem.
RB Charlie Garner - TB
ADP - 4.09 - RB25
3 votes (Anderson, Grant, Smith)
Comments by Will Grant - Michael Pittman is suspended for the first three
games of the season, and the job will be Garner's to lose when Pittman gets
back. Charlie has lost a step to be sure, but he also catches the ball well
and the Bucs threw to their RBs 139 times last year. The additions of Clayton
and Galloway at WR will keep the secondary honest as well, and Give Garner
room to work. He should be a decent RB2 for your fantasy team this year.
WR Terry Glenn - Dal
ADP - 14.08 - WR60
3 votes (Anderson, Tremblay, Wimer)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - Glenn has been working as the starter alongside
Keyshawn Johnson in the Cowboys' minicamp practices, and Antonio Bryant has
done nothing to change that. Since an early June spat with the Cowboys' head
coach, Bryant has in fact found himself in Bill Parcells's doghouse. Glenn,
on the other hand -- after having been criticized for his attitude in past
seasons -- was a model citizen last year for the Cowboys. The former first-round
pick has topnotch physical talent, and should easily outperform his current
ADP (60th WR taken).
TE Daniel Graham - NE
ADP - 13.02 - TE15
3 votes (Rudnicki, Smith, Tremblay)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - The Patriots throw to their TEs as much as
any team in the league, and Graham should be the #1 option there this year.
Some rated him higher than Shockey coming out of college, and he started to
show signs of that talent with 4 TDs in the last 8 games of 2003. He finished
the year as the #12 ranked fantasy TE, yet his ADP at AntSports has him going
as the #15 TE. Reports out of minicamps this year have been raving about his
play, and even though 2003 1st rounder Ben Watson was a workout warrior, he
was never quite that dominant in college and will likely need some time to
adjust. Christian Fauria is a solid receiving TE, but he's 33 years old and
Graham clearly overtook him late last season. The addition of Corey Dillon
should lead to some more favorable matchups for Graham as well, and he has
a great chance at cracking the top-10 among fantasy TEs this year.
RB Quentin Griffin - Den
ADP - 7.09 - RB35
3 votes (Hicks, White, Wimer)
Comments by Mark Wimer - Quentin Griffin has the inside track to be the
featured Bronco back. While he is likely to see some FP siphoned off by other
backs on the team, Griffin will see the most action. Considering that Denver
rushed the ball 543 times (2nd in the NFL) for 2629 yards (2nd) and 20 rushing
scores (3rd) last season, there are carries, yards and scores enough to be
shared around and still put Griffin in the top 25. He should significantly
outplay his current ADP of 35th RB selected.
RB Steven Jackson - StL
ADP - 8.10 - RB40
3 votes (Hicks, Rudnicki, Wood)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - ADP currently has him listed as the 40th
RB, but with recent reports out of St. Louis that Marshall Faulk likely won't
be 100% this season and may even consider taking the year off, Jackson's value
is skyrocketing. He was regarded by many as the top RB in this year's draft
class, and Faulk is clearly on the downside of his career. The Rams are a
team with Super Bowl aspirations, so it might make sense for them to try and
use Jackson as much as possible early on in the year so that Faulk can stay
healthy and ready to contribute in the playoffs. With a healthy and productive
Faulk, Jackson could still get some work in a committee and possible get enough
goalline work to beat his ADP. With an injured Faulk, Jackson could very likely
crack the top-20 among RBs in the explosive Rams offense.
WR Andre Johnson - Hou
ADP - 5.01 - WR16
3 votes (Brown, Grant, Wimer)
Comments by Will Grant - At 30 out of 32, Houston's passing offense has
nowhere to go but up. The improved OL and the new zone-blocking scheme should
give Carr more time to find his receivers. Johnson should be able to improve
on his 976 yard, 4 TD rookie performance and he should crack the Top 15 for
fantasy wide receivers this year. If the offensive progress is better than
expected, Johnson could push the Top 10. That's solid value for a fifth round
pick.
WR Keyshawn Johnson - Dal
ADP - 8.05 - WR31
3 votes (Hicks, Levin, Rudnicki)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - Since entering the league in 1996, Keyshawn
finished outside of the top-30 fantasy WRs just ONCE, when he was suspended
for the final 6 games last season. Additionally, he finished ranked #23 or
higher in 6 of his first 7 seasons, with the only exception coming in 2001
when he put up 106 receptions but only 1 TD (and made the Pro Bowl). Throughout
his career, he has constantly played with different coaches, systems, QBs,
etc. and still been a productive and consistent fantasy option. Keyshawn has
now been reunited with Bill Parcells, who he had his best seasons ever with
while playing in New York, including 1999 when he had Ray Lucas and Rick Mirer
throwing him the ball and finished as the #12 ranked WR. He automatically
becomes the most reliable target in Dallas and should have little difficulty
outperforming his ADP ranking.
WR Ashley Lelie - Den
ADP - 8.07 - WR33
3 votes (Anderson, Brown, Grant)
Comments by Mike Anderson - With the retirement of Ed McCaffrey and Shannon
Sharpe, not only does Ashley Lelie automatically become a starter, but also
he can easily become the focal point of the offense. Although he was once
a stud, Rod Smith is now 34 years old. Smith scored just 3 TDs with just 846
yards in 2003. Outside of Smith, there is simply no other player on the team
besides Lelie to become the focal point of this high powered offense that
plays weekly in the high scoring AFC West. Lelie has incredible speed as witnessed
by his 17 yards per catch average.
WR Justin McCareins - NYJ
ADP - 8.05 - WR31
3 votes (Hicks, Rudnicki, White)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Last year Justin McCareins was in and out of
the starting spot opposite Derrick Mason. This year he'll be the No. 2 with
the Jets opposite a smaller receiver in Santana Moss. Last year McCareins
finished just outside the top 20. This year he is being drafted in the early
30s. McCareins has the talent to be a top 10 receiver. He also could bust,
but because of the value he is worth that risk.
TE Marcus Pollard - Ind
ADP - 12.07 - TE12
3 votes (Grant, White, Wood)
Comments by Will Grant - Indianapolis TEs had over 900 yards receiving
and 4 TDs last year, and Pollard accounted for better than half of that. Everyone
(including Footballguys.com) picks Clark to be the #1 TE on the Colts this
year, but Pollard is still worth consideration. If Clark is not fully recovered
from his injury, Pollard will be an easy target again. His redzone potential
is very good as well, and could really surprise someone drafting him in the
12th round.
WR Josh Reed - Buf
ADP - n/a
3 votes (Anderson, Hicks, Smith)
Comments by Chris Smith - He isn't a fantasy starter but he could add
decent depth as a backup receiver on a fantasy roster. His value should be
considered strong since he doesn't even have an ADP with AntSports. Reed caught
58 passes in 2003 and should improve on his paltry two-touchdown total. Reed
is entering his third season and should catch around 50 passes once again
this season and should do more with the ball once it's in his hands.
WR Donte' Stallworth - NO
ADP - 7.09 - WR28
3 votes (Anderson, Brown, Smith)
Comments by Chris Smith - Stallworth has worked hard this offseason in
improving his durability. If that improves, he will have an excellent shot
of jumping into the top twenty at the receiver position. His explosiveness,
speed and quickness put him near the top of the receivers when it comes to
potential. With an ADP of 7.09, his upside greatly outweighs his draft position
and he is a great risk at that point in the fantasy draft.
TE Jerramy Stevens - Sea
ADP - n/a
3 votes (Brown, Levin, Smith)
Comments by Marc Levin - Jerramy Stevens did not appear on any ADP charts
- which means he is readily available on your WW or in the last round, if
need be - and he is potentially the starting TE on a high proficiency passing
offense that utilized starter Itula Mili a lot the last two years. With Mili
at 13.06 and possibly holding out, Stevens represents potentially excellent
value.
WR Reggie Wayne - Ind
ADP - 9.03 - WR35
3 votes (Hicks, Tremblay, Wimer)
Comments by Mark Wimer - Wayne is a #2 WR, but Manning has thrown for
more than 4,130 yards and 26 or more TDs during the past 5 consecutive seasons.
Even as second-fiddle, there are plenty of balls available for Wayne to make
a strong contribution to fantasy teams in 2004. He's increased his share of
the pie every year, and snagged 68/838/7 last season. He should easily match
those numbers, if not better them, in 2004. He'll be a top 30 WR, at least
7-10 spots higher than his current ADP of 35th WR.
WR Roy Williams - Det
ADP - 10.06 - WR39
3 votes (Hicks, Smith, Wimer)
Comments by Chris Smith - Aside from 2nd year starter Charles Rogers,
there isn't much in the way of competition for this seasoned rookie receiver
from Texas. Williams has great quickness, runs good routes and is ready to
contribute right away. His ADP on Ant Sports is 10.06, which puts him 39th
at the receiver slot. He has a great shot of outperforming his draft position
in 2004.
Value Picks with Two Votes
RB Mike Alstott - TB
ADP - 13.07 - RB55
2 votes (Gray, Rudnicki)
RB Tiki Barber - NYG
ADP - 3.02 - RB18
2 votes (Levin, White)
QB Tom Brady - NE
ADP - 7.05 - QB12
2 votes (Anderson, Wimer)
QB Marc Bulger - StL
ADP - 5.07 - QB7
2 votes (Brown, Tremblay)
PK John Carney - NO
ADP - 15.07 - PK18
2 votes (Levin, White)
QB David Carr - Hou
ADP - 11.03 - QB21
2 votes (Smith, Tremblay)
TE Dallas Clark - Ind
ADP - 11.02 - TE10
2 votes (Levin, Smith)
WR Donald Driver - GB
ADP - 9.05 - WR36
2 votes (Levin, White)
PK Aaron Elling - Min
ADP - 16.02 - PK21
2 votes (Dodds, Grant)
RB Justin Fargas - Oak
ADP - 9.06 - RB42
2 votes (Smith, White)
RB DeShaun Foster - Car
ADP - 7.09 - RB34
2 votes (Fazio, Levin)
TE Bubba Franks - GB
ADP - 10.02 - TE8
2 votes (Anderson, Smith)
WR Justin Gage - Chi
ADP - 16.03 - WR75
2 votes (Fazio, Grant)
QB Rich Gannon - Oak
ADP - 11.04 - QB22
2 votes (Fazio, Wimer)
WR David Givens - NE
ADP - 13.07 - WR51
2 votes (Fazio, Hicks)
QB Trent Green - KC
ADP - 6.02 - QB9
2 votes (Anderson, Brown)
QB Rex Grossman - Chi
ADP - 14.01 - QB30
2 votes (Anderson, Gray)
QB Matt Hasselbeck - Sea
ADP - 4.05 - QB5
2 votes (Gray, Wimer)
RB Tony Hollings - Hou
ADP - 14.08 - RB66
2 votes (Hicks, Rudnicki)
RB Edgerrin James - Ind
ADP - 1.08 - RB8
2 votes (Anderson, Brown)
WR Bryant Johnson - Ari
ADP - 15.06 - WR70
2 votes (Brown, Tremblay)
WR Kevin Johnson - Bal
ADP - 12.10 - WR49
2 votes (Hicks, Rudnicki)
RB Thomas Jones - Chi
ADP - 5.03 - RB27
2 votes (Smith, Tremblay)
WR Derrick Mason - Ten
ADP - 4.02 - WR11
2 votes (Gray, Wimer)
WR Keenan McCardell - TB
ADP - 7.06 - WR27
2 votes (Levin, White)
TE Itula Mili - Sea
ADP - 13.06 - TE17
2 votes (Fazio, Rudnicki)
WR Quincy Morgan - Cle
ADP - 12.10 - WR48
2 votes (Grant, Gray)
RB Michael Pittman - TB
ADP - 13.09 - RB57
1 vote (Dodds)
QB Tim Rattay - SF
ADP - 13.09 - QB28
2 votes (Dodds, Tremblay)
QB Philip Rivers - SD
ADP - 15.02 - QB37
2 votes (Fazio, Smith)
RB Emmitt Smith - Ari
ADP - 10.11 - RB46
2 votes (Fazio, Wimer)
WR Jimmy Smith - Jac
ADP - 5.07 - WR18
2 votes (Brown, Tremblay)
TE L.J. Smith - Phi
ADP - 12.11 - TE13
2 votes (Brown, White)
RB Musa Smith - Bal
ADP - 14.06 - RB61
2 votes (Anderson, Tremblay)
RB Duce Staley - Pit
ADP - 4.06 - RB23
2 votes (Levin, Tremblay)
QB Vinny Testaverde - Dal
ADP - n/a
2 votes (Dodds, Wood)
WR Javon Walker - GB
ADP - 6.04 - WR22
2 votes (Brown, Wimer)
Value Picks with One Vote
DT San Francisco 49ers - SF
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Levin)
RB Richie Anderson - Dal
ADP - 13.07 - RB54
1 vote (Fazio)
RB Tatum Bell - Den
ADP - 7.03 - RB32
1 vote (Levin)
RB Ladell Betts - Was
ADP - 15.08 - RB70
1 vote (Rudnicki)
QB Drew Bledsoe - Buf
ADP - 10.02 - QB17
1 vote (Fazio)
TE Kyle Brady - Jac
ADP - n/a
1 vote (White)
WR Corey Bradford - Hou
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Anderson)
PK Josh Brown - Sea
ADP - 14.05 - PK8
1 vote (Grant)
WR Plaxico Burress - Pit
ADP - 6.05 - WR23
1 vote (Brown)
WR Reche Caldwell - SD
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Levin)
WR Tyrone Calico - Ten
ADP - 12.06 - WR45
1 vote (Hicks)
DT Kansas City Chiefs - KC
ADP - 14.04 - DT13
1 vote (White)
TE Desmond Clark - Chi
ADP - 15.01 - TE25
1 vote (White)
WR Keary Colbert - Car
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Gray)
WR Laveranues Coles - Was
ADP - 3.11 - WR9
1 vote (Wimer)
RB Najeh Davenport - GB
ADP - 13.10 - RB59
1 vote (Rudnicki)
RB Domanick Davis - Hou
ADP - 2.04 - RB13
1 vote (White)
RB Ron Dayne - NYG
ADP - 14.07 - RB62
1 vote (Rudnicki)
RB Corey Dillon - NE
ADP - 2.05 - RB14
1 vote (Brown)
WR Bobby Engram - Sea
ADP - 14.12 - WR64
1 vote (Hicks)
WR Lee Evans - Buf
ADP - 14.06 - WR55
1 vote (Wimer)
RB Kevin Faulk - NE
ADP - 14.07 - RB63
1 vote (Grant)
RB Marshall Faulk - StL
ADP - 2.01 - RB11
1 vote (Levin)
QB Jay Fiedler - Mia
ADP - 14.03 - QB32
1 vote (Levin)
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Ari
ADP - 8.10 - WR34
1 vote (Rudnicki)
TE Casey Fitzsimmons - Det
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Gray)
PK John Hall - Was
ADP - 15.12 - PK20
1 vote (White)
RB Troy Hambrick - Oak
ADP - 13.10 - RB58
1 vote (Grant)
PK Jason Hanson - Det
ADP - 15.01 - PK12
1 vote (White)
QB Joey Harrington - Det
ADP - 10.05 - QB18
1 vote (Brown)
RB Garrison Hearst - Den
ADP - 7.02 - RB31
1 vote (Gray)
WR Torry Holt - StL
ADP - 2.04 - WR3
1 vote (Wimer)
WR Joe Horn - NO
ADP - 3.10 - WR8
1 vote (Gray)
WR Darrell Jackson - Sea
ADP - 4.10 - WR14
1 vote (Wood)
DT Jacksonville Jaguars - Jac
ADP - 13.07 - DT10
1 vote (Wood)
TE Eric Johnson - SF
ADP - 15.05 - TE27
1 vote (White)
RB Rudi Johnson - Cin
ADP - 2.07 - RB16
1 vote (White)
TE Freddie Jones - Ari
ADP - 11.08 - TE11
1 vote (Anderson)
RB Julius Jones - Dal
ADP - 3.12 - RB21
1 vote (Grant)
RB LaMont Jordan - NYJ
ADP - 10.10 - RB45
1 vote (Fazio)
PK Nate Kaeding - SD
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Rudnicki)
TE Jim Kleinsasser - Min
ADP - 14.05 - TE19
1 vote (Gray)
DT Detroit Lions - Det
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Fazio)
PK Ryan Longwell - GB
ADP - 13.10 - PK7
1 vote (Fazio)
QB Eli Manning - NYG
ADP - 14.04 - QB33
1 vote (Wimer)
RB Willis McGahee - Buf
ADP - 8.11 - RB41
1 vote (Grant)
TE Billy Miller - Hou
ADP - 14.10 - TE23
1 vote (Fazio)
WR Freddie Mitchell - Phi
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Hicks)
RB Maurice Morris - Sea
ADP - 14.11 - RB68
1 vote (Dodds)
WR Johnnie Morton - KC
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Levin)
WR Santana Moss - NYJ
ADP - 3.11 - WR10
1 vote (Wimer)
WR Eric Moulds - Buf
ADP - 4.04 - WR12
1 vote (Levin)
RB Chris Perry - Cin
ADP - 12.09 - RB49
1 vote (Hicks)
WR Jerry Porter - Oak
ADP - 7.05 - WR26
1 vote (Brown)
WR Koren Robinson - Sea
ADP - 4.11 - WR15
1 vote (Anderson)
WR Marcus Robinson - Min
ADP - 10.04 - WR38
1 vote (Anderson)
DT Seattle Seahawks - Sea
ADP - 14.02 - DT12
1 vote (White)
RB Marcel Shipp - Ari
ADP - 4.08 - RB24
1 vote (Levin)
RB Onterrio Smith - Min
ADP - 8.08 - RB38
1 vote (Levin)
DT Pittsburgh Steelers - Pit
ADP - 14.11 - DT19
1 vote (Wood)
RB Anthony Thomas - Chi
ADP - 9.10 - RB43
1 vote (Hicks)
DT Minnesota Vikings - Min
ADP - 14.11 - DT17
1 vote (Rudnicki)
WR Hines Ward - Pit
ADP - 3.02 - WR6
1 vote (Wimer)
QB Kurt Warner - NYG
ADP - 12.06 - QB25
1 vote (Brown)
TE Jed Weaver - Den
ADP - 15.02 - TE26
1 vote (Fazio)
RB Brian Westbrook - Phi
ADP - 3.07 - RB20
1 vote (Fazio)
WR Dez White - Atl
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Hicks)
RB Ricky Williams - Mia
ADP - 1.08 - RB9
1 vote (Rudnicki)
RB Moe Williams - Min
ADP - 10.05 - RB44
1 vote (Hicks)
TE Boo Williams - NO
ADP - 8.04 - TE6
1 vote (Fazio)
WR Cedrick Wilson - SF
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Anderson)
TE George Wrighster - Jac
ADP - n/a
1 vote (Hicks)
Overpriced Picks with Eight Votes
WR David Boston - Mia
ADP - 7.02 - WR25
8 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Fazio, Grant, Hicks, Levin, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Mike Anderson - With all the talent (and size) in the world,
David Boston is an unstable loner who is prone to issues. With drug, injury,
and attitude questions, Boston fled to Miami for a fresh start. Although it
seems unlikely given is physique, Boston has a poor work ethic and attitude
issues that result in suspensions from the team. With an AntSports draft position
of 7.02, Boston is seen as a #1 NFL WR, although Chris Chambers is an emerging
star who will take that role. There is too much baggage and uncertainty surrounding
Boston to select him as the #2 WR on your fantasy team.
TE Kellen Winslow, Jr - Cle
ADP - 6.01 - TE4
8 votes (Anderson, Fazio, Grant, Gray, Rudnicki, Smith, Tremblay, White)
Comments by Mike Anderson - Many fantasy owners are expecting Kellen Winslow
to be an 80 catch All-Pro TE right out of the gate. The issue is that in Butch
Davis' entire career as a head coach, he's never had a TE catch over 25 passes
or break the 180 yard mark. Last season, Shane Heiden led the team with 18
catches for 134 yards. Winslow should be the best TE Davis has ever coached,
that's not in dispute, but without a major overhaul to the offense, he simply
won't put up the numbers that are being expected as shown by his draft position
as the 4th overall TE off the board on AntSports.
Overpriced Picks with Seven Votes
WR Troy Brown - NE
ADP - 12.08 - WR46
7 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Fazio, Hicks, Rudnicki, Smith, Tremblay)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Troy Brown's status as a Top 50 receiver is over.
He is caught in the middle of the Patriots youthful revolution at the position.
Deion Branch, David Givens and Bethel Johnson are going to push the 33 year
old Brown hard. Brown will provide excellent veteran leadership, but not fantasy
points. His once superior ability to catch almost any ball is fading, as age
and injury catch up with him.
WR Plaxico Burress - Pit
ADP - 6.05 - WR23
7 votes (Dodds, Fazio, Grant, Smith, Tremblay, White, Wimer)
Comments by Will Grant - Despite 3500 yards passing for the Steelers last
year, Burress posted his worst numbers since his rookie season. He's had only
one year with more than 70 catches, and only cracked 1,000 receiving yards
once. His four TD performance from last year was downright pathetic for a
player of his size and skill. His 2002 season looks more like a fluke than a trend, and Burress is primed to disappoint anyone expecting a big comeback
from him this year.
RB Stephen Davis - Car
ADP - 2.06 - RB15
7 votes (Brown, Fazio, Gray, Levin, Rudnicki, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Mark Wimer - Bright new talents emerge to knock NFL veterans
off the pedestal year after year. Many reports out of Carolina say 2004 may
be the year that Stephen Davis gives way to DeShaun Foster, at least in part.
Talk out of Charlotte indicates a sharing-of-the-workload is to come (some
say roughly 50-50) between the two. Even assuming a 60-40 split for Davis,
that will mean a reduction in FP. His current ranking of 15th RB selected
is too high for a player mired in a RBBC.
WR Joe Horn - NO
ADP - 3.10 - WR8
7 votes (Anderson, Brown, Dodds, Hicks, Smith, White, Wood)
Comments by Ron White - Horn missed a game late last season with a separated
left shoulder. He also recently had an arthroscopic procedure on his knee.
Although he has been pretty durable the past 4 years, the recent injury risk
may knock him down a tad. The expected emergence of WR Donte' Stallworth may
also indicate a decline in Horn's numbers. He has averaged 86 receptions,
1222 yards, and 8.5 TDs over the past 4 years. His least productive year of
the 4 came last season when he went 78-973-10. If he falls somewhere in between,
and Stallworth doesn't improve, he would be generously ranked around #10.
RB Clinton Portis - Was
ADP - 1.03 - RB3
7 votes (Anderson, Brown, Dodds, Hicks, Levin, Rudnicki, Wimer)
Comments by Mike Brown - Portis is a great RB, and should do well for
Washington. Key word being SHOULD. He has an unpredictability that doesn't
exist for other top backs. The safer play would be Ahman Green, Deuce McAllister,
or Shaun Alexander. It's been said you won't win your league in the first
round, but you could lose it. While Portis deserves a high pick, third overall
is too high for an injury-prone player who is changing teams.
WR Charles Rogers - Det
ADP - 5.12 - WR20
7 votes (Anderson, Brown, Dodds, Hicks, Levin, Smith, Wood)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Detroit has used this years No. 1 pick on fellow
wideout Roy Williams. Whilst Charles Rogers looked like a potential star in
his injury limited appearance last year, he is getting drafted as a top 20
receiver. The 19 above him all have at least one season of 900+ yards. Rogers
had 243 yards in his only season to date. Drafting a receiver this high on
potential is filled with danger. Are you feeling lucky?
RB Marcel Shipp - Ari
ADP - 4.08 - RB24
7 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Rudnicki, Smith, White, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Mark Wimer - Over the past 5 seasons, the Cardinals have ranked:
29th, 15th, 27th, 27th, and 29th in rushing yardage as a team. Their OL isn't
getting the job done - plus, Shipp isn't even the starter right now. Almost
everyone expects him to win back the top spot from Emmitt Smith, but Shipp's
career totals of 416/1664/6 rushing and 68/597/3 receiving over two seasons
aren't exciting. Throw in the fact that Arizona scored 5 rushing TDs as a
team last season (0 for Shipp), and you'll see why guys like Duce Staley,
Curtis Martin, Thomas Jones and T.J. Duckett (all currently lower in ADP than
Shipp) should probably be given consideration before Shipp. Overpriced.
Overpriced Picks with Six Votes
RB Marshall Faulk - StL
ADP - 2.01 - RB11
6 votes (Brown, Dodds, Gray, White, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Mike Brown - Obviously, recent news makes it a no-brainer
to lower Faulk. But even before that, there was reason enough to be wary of
using such a high pick on him. He hasn't been truly great since 2001, and
I don't weigh what a player did three years ago all that heavily. Those using
high picks on Faulk were basing it on what he did back when he was 28, not
what he will do at 31.
RB Eddie George - Ten
ADP - 7.09 - RB36
6 votes (Brown, Dodds, Grant, Smith, Tremblay, Wimer)
Comments by Mark Wimer - Eddie George's average yards per carry over the
last 3 seasons: 3.3, 3.4, 3.0. # of 100 yard rushing performances in 2003:
2. # of multiple TD games in 2003: 1. Total production in 2003: 312/1031/5
rushing, 22/163/0 receiving. Chris Brown will get every opportunity to be
the #1 RB in Tennessee, and if George won't restructure his contract he could
still be shown the door. It is highly unlikely George plays the featured role
in 2004 - drafting him only makes sense if you have Chris Brown.
RB Quentin Griffin - Den
ADP - 7.09 - RB35
6 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Gray, Levin, Smith, Wood)
Comments by Mike Anderson - Griffin is considered by many to be the heir
apparent to Portis as witnessed by his unbelievable Antsports draft position
of 7.09. At 5'7, Quentin Griffin won't be able to stand up to the punishment
of the NFL, assuming he can even win a starting role. The Broncos drafted
far more talented Tatum Bell this season. The team also added Garrison Hearst,
who held off an infinitely greater talent in Kevan Barlow for 3 solid years.
The very best Griffin could hope for is a RBBC, but HC Shanahan has proven
over the years that although it might be game by game, he rides one horse
at a time.
RB Rudi Johnson - Cin
ADP - 2.07 - RB16
6 votes (Anderson, Brown, Fazio, Gray, Hicks, Wimer)
Comments by Mike Anderson - Although Rudi Johnson exploded onto the scene
in 2003, the Bengals as an organization have shown very little confidence
in him to be the undisputed ball carrier. With Dillon hampered by a groin
injury, and Johnson performing at a high level, the team would still never
commit to Johnson, leaving the door open for Dillon. With Dillon traded to
New England, the team then drafted highly gifted Chris Perry in the 1st round.
Expect Perry to push for time, turning this into the dreaded RBBC. According
to AntSports, Johnson is currently going at pick 2.07, way too high for what
might not even be the primary part of this RBBC.
WR Keenan McCardell - TB
ADP - 7.06 - WR27
6 votes (Anderson, Brown, Grant, Rudnicki, Smith, Wimer)
Comments by Chris Smith - With an ADP of 7.06, McCardell is currently
overrated. He is in the midst of a nasty contract dispute, the Buccaneers
have lots of offensive talent to get the ball to (Charlie Garner, Joey Galloway,
Joe Jurevicius and rookie Michael Clayton) and he is coming off of a career
season that isn't likely to be duplicated. I would much rather take a shot
on Joey Galloway much later in the draft this year.
WR Santana Moss - NYJ
ADP - 3.11 - WR10
6 votes (Anderson, Gray, Hicks, Levin, Rudnicki, Smith)
Comments by Clayton Gray - When you take a WR in the 3rd round, he will
generally be your #1 WR. With such a high draft pick, that spot on your roster
should be occupied by a guy with multiple quality seasons. Moss has one 1000-yard
campaign. Banking on a repeat performance is extremely risky (just ask Koren
Robinson). The biggest red flag is Moss' 10 TDs (which accounted for 50% of
the Jets receiving TDs). It would be a mistake to expect a 5'9 WR to continue
to grab half of his team's receiving scores, and without that high level of
scoring, Moss is just a run of the mill starting WR. Those can be found in
the 5th and 6th round.
WR Eric Moulds - Buf
ADP - 4.04 - WR12
6 votes (Dodds, Fazio, Grant, Hicks, Smith, Wood)
Comments by Chris Smith - Moulds has an ADP of 4.04 at AntSports. While
I fully expect him to improve on last season's disaster, I don't see him putting
up numbers similar to 2002 anytime soon. Reasons he won't live up to his draft
slot are as follows: The Bills will run the ball a lot in 2004; the team plans
on throwing ball to both the TE and RB positions more this year and Josh Reed
and Lee Evans will both get opportunities. Expect about one thousand yards
and six touchdowns.
TE Jeremy Shockey - NYG
ADP - 5.05 - TE3
6 votes (Anderson, Grant, Hicks, Tremblay, White, Wood)
Comments by Will Grant - Based on Footballguys.com projections,
Shockey will give you less than one point per game more than the next three
TEs drafted behind him (Winslow [6.01], Crumpler [6.11] and Williams [8.04]).
During that same time span, the WR and QB quality will drop off significantly
more than one point per game. Your team will be better served taking one of
those positions in round five and waiting a round or two to grab a TE.
WR Javon Walker - GB
ADP - 6.04 - WR22
6 votes (Anderson, Fazio, Gray, Levin, Rudnicki, Tremblay)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - ADP currently ranks Javon Walker as the #22
WR, which is similar to where he finished last year (#21). However, his numbers
last year can be somewhat deceiving, as he was able to record 9 TDs on only
41 receptions. He definitely became a favorite target for Favre on the deep
routes, especially later on in the season, but big plays and TDs are the most
difficult to repeat and predict from year to year. It is almost impossible
to expect Walker to maintain that same level of TD/rec ratio, so in order
for his ranking to stay the same or improve he'll need to get a lot more targets
and catch a lot more passes. That will be tough to do, however, considering
that the Packers are now primarily a run-first offense that revolves around
Ahman Green's legs much more than Brett Favre's arm. Also, Donald Driver,
Robert Ferguson, and Bubba Franks are all very capable weapons in the passing
game that should all contribute and make it difficult for one WR to emerge
as the true star. He has some nice upside, but Walker could potentially be
this year's version of Quincy Morgan so beware.
Overpriced Picks with Five Votes
QB Quincy Carter - Dal
ADP - 13.12 - QB29
5 votes (Anderson, Dodds, Hicks, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Quincy Carter is the Dallas quarterback until
Drew Henson is ready. Vinny Testaverde is likely to relieve Carter at the first sign
of trouble. Dallas needs a quarterback who won't cost them games. Carter had
just 3 wins in his last 8 games, and 10 TDs/17 interceptions in his last 11. If
you believe Carter can keep the job, then he is value. If not, then as the
29th QB drafted he is a draft liability.
PK Paul Edinger - Chi
ADP - 14.08 - PK10
5 votes (Dodds, Gray, Levin, Rudnicki, Smith)
Comments by Clayton Gray - Methinks there could be a huge contingent of
Chicago Bears fans stalking the mock drafts at AntSports. That is the only
logical conclusion from seeing Edinger as the 10th PK off the board. The Bears
offense should be improved from their 2003 effort, but the leap will not be
sufficient to bring Edinger into the Top 10.
RB Justin Fargas - Oak
ADP - 9.06 - RB42
5 votes (Brown, Dodds, Grant, Gray, Wimer)
Comments by Michael Brown - The last time we saw Fargas, he was tearing
his ACL. We know that it usually takes RBs two years to recover from that.
Fargas isn't even one year removed from his, and it's not like he was dominating
at the time anyway. HC Norv Turner wants one feature back, and with competition
from Tyrone Wheatley and Troy Hambrick, Fargas has almost no chance to start.
A waste of a pick in the 9th round.
TE Bubba Franks - GB
ADP - 10.02 - TE8
5 votes (Dodds, Grant, White, Wimer, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - Last year, Bubba Franks set career lows in receptions
(30), receiving yards (241), and yards-per-reception (8.0). Thirty tight ends
generated more receiving yards last season, 21 caught more passes, AND he
only scored 4 touchdowns. So why on Earth is Franks the 8th TE off the board?
Franks has ALWAYS been one dimensional, when he doesn't score, he's useless.
Counting on him as your TE1 is as foolish as trusting an Enron executive to
do your accounting.
TE Tony Gonzalez - KC
ADP - 3.08 - TE1
5 votes (Brown, Grant, Hicks, Levin, Smith)
Comments by Will Grant - Gonzo is easily the best TE in the league. His
receiving yard and TD performance has kept him at TE#1 performance for several
years now. He should finish in the #1 TE spot again this year as well. The
problem is, everyone else knows this too, and you'll have to draft him way
too early for the value he'll give you. Stick with a WR or RB in round three
and let someone else reach for Gonzalez.
WR Terrell Owens - Phi
ADP - 2.08 - WR4
5 votes (Anderson, Brown, Grant, Rudnicki, Wimer)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - ADP currently has Owens as the #4 WR, which
seems surprising considering he finished #12 last year and will now be playing
for a new team, with a new QB who despite making 4 straight trips to the Pro
Bowl, hasn't thrown more than 17 TDs the past 2 seasons. McNabb makes a lot
of plays with his feet and likes to spread the ball around, so Owens could
have some trouble getting as many opportunities as he's had in the past. McNabb
has also not proven to be the most accurate QB, failing to complete 60% of
his passes despite playing in a West Coast style of offense that demands accuracy
from the QB position. Owens is widely considered one of the top 5 most talented
WRs in the league, but it seems unlikely he'll be able to produce as a Top
5 WR unless the Eagles really decide to open up the offense a bit more.
DT Baltimore Ravens - Bal
ADP - 7.02 - DT1
5 votes (Dodds, Fazio, Rudnicki, Tremblay, White)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - As defenses go, I like the Ravens. But
an average draft position of 7.02 is too high for any defense. There are three
reasons for this: (1) From year to year, defensive fantasy points are notoriously
hard to predict. (2) From week to week, defensive fantasy points have more
to do with which offense a defense is matched up against than with the quality
of the defense itself. (3) There are still plenty of "starting"
defenses left in the final rounds of every normal fantasy draft. (Team defenses
aren't like running backs; they all start every week.) (4) Because of the
previous two factors, using a "committee" approach at the DT position
with two bargain-basement defenses can offer as many expected fantasy points
as the Ravens' defense, but at a considerably cheaper price. See Chase Stuart's
article for more on
this concept.
QB Michael Vick - Atl
ADP - 2.12 - QB3
5 votes (Fazio, Gray, Hicks, Rudnicki, Wimer)
Comments by Clayton Gray - No one can deny that Vick is an ultra-talent.
When he is on the field, exciting things happen for the Falcons and for his
fantasy owners. However, his style of play also makes him a huge injury risk,
and losing your 2nd round pick to injury can be crippling. Also, he is not
yet a quality passer. If a defense can control Vick's running (no small task),
then there's a good chance that he will put up small fantasy numbers that
week. All told, there is simply too much risk in taking Vick before the fourth
round, but there is little chance that he'll last that long in your draft.
RB Brian Westbrook - Phi
ADP - 3.07 - RB20
5 votes (Hicks, Levin, Tremblay, White, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - I'm a huge Brian Westbrook fan, he saved my beloved
Eagles' hide countless times last year
BUT, he's the 20th RB off the
board right now and that's too high in my view. Philadelphia had the 2nd most
rushing touchdowns in the NFL last year, yet added Terrell Owens, one of the
most prolific scoring receivers in NFL history. Add in the fact that Westbrook
couldn't stay healthy last year despite getting just 154 touches, and he's
not going to get the workload needed to be an every week fantasy starter.
Overpriced Picks with Four Votes
RB Tatum Bell - Den
ADP - 7.03 - RB32
4 votes (Grant, Hicks, White, Wimer)
Comments by Will Grant - Griffin put up some solid numbers at the end
of last season. Hearst was signed during the offseason to carry the load.
Mike Anderson put up almost 1700 yards from scrimmage in 2000. Bell is going
to have to beat out all of them, while learning a new offense and trying to
adjust to the NFL. If Bell starts slow, or has to share the load with any
of those guys, he is going to disappoint anyone taking him at 7.03.
WR Anquan Boldin - Ari
ADP - 3.09 - WR7
4 votes (Brown, Grant, Hicks, Levin)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Boldin is being drafted in the first 3 rounds
overall. For a guy with a new quarterback, new coach and a highly regarded
draftee (Larry Fitzgerald) along side him, he presents a real risk for whoever
drafts him as their No.1 receiver. Whilst Boldin should do very well, don't
expect a repeat of his mind boggling rookie numbers. Let someone else take
him this high, whilst you look for better value elsewhere.
TE Dallas Clark - Ind
ADP - 11.02 - TE10
4 votes (Rudnicki, Tremblay, White, Wood)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - Marcus Pollard is still one of the better
pass-catching tight ends in the league, and he produced more fantasy points
per game than Clark last year. Receptions between the two tight ends will
be split once again, each likely receiving two to four a game. With so many
other offensive weapons in the Colts' passing game (Marvin Harrison, Reggie
Wayne, Brandon Stokley, Edgerrin James), there will probably be no more than
900 receiving yards distributed to the tight ends collectively. Split two
ways, that puts a ceiling on what either can do individually.
WR Brandon Lloyd - SF
ADP - 11.05 - WR42
4 votes (Anderson, Levin, Rudnicki, White)
Comments by Mike Anderson - In 2003, inexperienced Brandon Lloyd was bottled
up at the line of scrimmage by physical play. He must overcome this tendency
to be able to play in the NFL. Cedric Wilson will start on the left side,
leaving the right side to Lloyd, 1st round pick Rashaun Woods, or FA Curtis
Conway. Between Conways 12 years of experience, and Woods speed
and talent, you will be hard pressed to see Lloyd as a starter on opening
day, negating any fantasy value he currently has.
QB Chad Pennington - NYJ
ADP - 5.11 - QB8
4 votes (Dodds, Grant, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - Chad Pennington is the 8th QB off the board,
according to Antsports. While I don't deny he's a dedicated, accurate, talented
young signal caller, how can anyone justify such a high pick? The Jets ranked
just 24th in passing attempts each of the last two seasons, Pennington simply
doesn't have the opportunity to rack up out-of-this-world passing numbers.
Solid? YES. Top 10? Hardly.
TE Marcus Pollard - Ind
ADP - 12.07 - TE12
4 votes (Anderson, Brown, Fazio, Hicks)
Comments by Mike Anderson - After a great run, the 32 year old Marcus
Pollard is on the down side of his career. Averaging 7 TDs a season to start
the new century, Pollard only scored 3 TDs last season as rookie Dallas Clark
began to emerge. Clark was lost for the season after breaking his leg, allowing
Pollard to increase his numbers at the end. Clark will be back this season
to continue to steal Pollard's stats. As an excellent blocker, Pollard is
held on the line to provide protection, while Clark will continue to pad his
numbers downfield. Pollard may still be a #1 TE on paper, but the days of
#1 numbers are now behind him.
WR Koren Robinson - Sea
ADP - 4.11 - WR15
4 votes (Fazio, Levin, Tremblay, Wood)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - In mock drafts, Darrell Jackson and Koren
Robinson are being picked only one spot apart, on average, at 4.10 and 4.11,
respectively. Jackson has been the more consistent receiver, averaging over
67.4 yards per game (1079 yards per 16 games) in each of the last three seasons,
while Robinson has had only one season over 1,000 yards. Many fantasy owners
are seduced into preferring athletic potential to steady production; but it
is production that wins games, and Robinson should not be drafted in the same
round as Jackson.
WR Marcus Robinson - Min
ADP - 10.04 - WR38
4 votes (Dodds, Fazio, Gray, Rudnicki)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - ADP has Robinson going as the 38th WR, yet
he hasn't ranked that high since 2000. He had 2 big games last year in Baltimore,
including one where he caught 4 TDs against Seattle, but he only had 18 receptions
total in the other 14 games. Not only has he been bothered by recurring back
problems in the past, but now he'll be playing on a team with a dominant running
game and likely the best WR in the game playing opposite him. Thus, even if
he can stay healthy for an entire season, it seems unlikely that he'll be
able to get enough targets and opportunities to perform up to the expectations
that people have for him. Finishing as the #38 WR is probably a best-case
scenario for him, but he's much more likely to finish closer to #50 or below.
RB Lee Suggs - Cle
ADP - 5.10 - RB29
4 votes (Dodds, Hicks, Levin, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - How can Lee Suggs be overrated when he's the
29th RB off the board? Simple, because he's going 8 slots higher than William
Green who has just as good a chance of being the Browns feature back, in my
view. Suggs has exactly one good game to his credit and nowhere have you read
or heard head coach Butch Davis endorse Suggs as the starter. Caveat Emptor.
Overpriced Picks with Three Votes
TE Stephen Alexander - Det
ADP - 13.02 - TE14
3 votes (Grant, Gray, White)
Comments by Ron White - Alexander won't be used nearly as much as TE Mikhael
Ricks was last season. Ricks was used as a receiver, because the Lions receiving
corps were depleted with injuries. This season, the receiver position is a
strength. Alexander has only played 1 of the last 3 seasons due to injury,
so there is a high risk in that regard. He was brought in because he is a
much better blocker than Ricks. Alexander will also have to share the ball
with TE Casey Fitzsimmons, WR Charles Rogers, WR Roy Williams, WR Tai Streets,
RB Kevin Jones, and FB Cory Schlesinger.
QB Kerry Collins - Oak
ADP - 12.12 - QB27
3 votes (Fazio, Rudnicki, Tremblay)
Comments by Maurile Tremblay - There is not much of a quarterback controversy
in Oakland: Gannon is the starter and Collins is the backup. While that could
change before the start of the season, all offseason reports have indicated
that Gannon (who had shoulder surgery last November) is now throwing better
than ever. Yet, with an average draft position of 27th among quarterbacks,
Collins is being drafted ahead of several starting QBs. Also, even if Collins
does end up starting for the Raiders at some point this year, there's no guarantee
he'd be of much fantasy value. The Raiders had the NFL's 28th-ranked passing
attack last year, and produced a league-worst nine touchdowns through the
air.
RB Domanick Davis - Hou
ADP - 2.04 - RB13
3 votes (Brown, Grant, Hicks)
Comments by Andy Hicks - Domanick Davis is the only 2nd year running back
being drafted by pick 60 in most drafts. All of the others have more than
a year's worth of history to judge possible development and consistency. With
Davis you enter into riskier territory. Of course Davis could turn into a
Top 10 back, but nagging injuries and the presence of Tony Hollings leaves
a little doubt. At the value presented I'd leave Davis to others.
WR Larry Fitzgerald - Ari
ADP - 8.10 - WR34
3 votes (Fazio, Gray, Tremblay)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - Larry Fitzgerald is being heralded as the second
coming of his teammate Anquan Boldin who surprised everyone with his rookie
performance last year. But no matter how talented Fitzgerald is, it is not adviseable to draft him
above other proven wide receivers. Let someone else take
a chance on this rookie at this spot in the draft while you add a stable veteran to your squad.
TE Antonio Gates - SD
ADP - 10.05 - TE9
3 votes (Fazio, Hicks, Rudnicki)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - The San Diego Chargers are a team in flux. Their
quarterback situation is sketchy, the receivers are not exceptionally strong.
The seemingly only bright spot on the team is that of LaDainian Tomlinson.
With these factors in mind, Gates is a risky choice at tight end at this point
in the draft.
RB Greg Jones - Jac
ADP - 13.03 - RB52
3 votes (Anderson, Fazio, Tremblay)
Comments by Cathy Fazio - Greg Jones joins a crowded backfield with the
likes of Fred Taylor, who has finally sustained some momentum without suffering
an injury and his capable backup LaBrandon Toefield. Jones may find the end
zone a couple of times this season, but I wouldn't expect more than a handful
of touchdowns from him this year.
RB Julius Jones - Dal
ADP - 3.12 - RB21
3 votes (Rudnicki, White, Wimer)
Comments by Mark Wimer - Julius Jones is a second-round talent going into
one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. The passing game in Dallas is mediocre,
at best. The OL is aging, anchored by venerable-and-declining Larry Allen
and Flozell Adams on the left side. Jones isn't noted as a good pass-catcher,
and only started part of one season at Notre Dame. There is precious little
reason to expect him to be a solid #2 fantasy RB, especially in the early
going - an ADP of 21st RB is wildly optimistic.
QB Byron Leftwich - Jac
ADP - 9.02 - QB15
3 votes (Levin, White, Wood)
Comments by Jason Wood - Leftwich is a talented young quarterback who
is going to be asked NOT to lose games versus win them. HC Jack Del Rio is
building this team with a power running game and a strong defense. Leftwich
will be a winning NFL QB long before he's a winning fantasy QB; don't count
on him as your QB1, you'll be sorry.
RB Jamal Lewis - Bal
ADP - 1.07 - RB7
3 votes (Gray, Hicks, Levin)
Comments by Marc Levin - No first round backs are "value" picks,
but counting on Lewis this year is extremely risky. He didn't catch many passes
last year and he is highly unlikely to approach 2000 rush yards again. In
fact, all backs who have reached 2000 rush yards have had significant regression
the following year. Unless he is used differently, Lewis is unlikely to be
worth such a high draft pick - value pick last year, overpriced this year.
RB Willis McGahee - Buf
ADP - 8.11 - RB41
3 votes (Brown, Levin, White)
Comments by Michael Brown - The last time McGahee played competitively,
his knee was exploding on national TV. He hasn't stepped on the field in a
real game since. Forgive me for not being higher on basically a first-year
RB coming off a MAJOR knee reconstruction who will have not played in 20 months
and is backing up a Pro Bowl-caliber starter in Travis Henry. McGahee is the
hot pick, but there are better choices in the middle rounds.
TE Itula Mili - Sea
ADP - 13.06 - TE17
3 votes (Dodds, Hicks, Smith)
Comments by Chris Smith - I find Mili overrated this year as the 17th
tight end taken in Ant Sports mock drafts (ADP of 13.06). At best, he'll be
sharing time with the younger and bigger Jerramy Stevens in 2004 but Stevens
has a chance to take over the role as the top tight end with a good training
camp. It is extremely unlikely that he'll eclipse 40 receptions on the season
and I wouldn't be surprised if his reception total was quite low. I'd rather
take a chance on guys with upside like Daniel Graham, Jason Whitten and Erron
Kinney.
WR Jerry Porter - Oak
ADP - 7.05 - WR26
3 votes (Levin, White, Wood)
Comments by Marc Levin - Jerry Porter as the 26th WR off the board is
a decent WR3, but he is overpriced at 7.05. Jerry Rice's likely retirement
tour will probably be a bang, not a whimper, which will erode Porter's yardage
numbers. You are counting on his TDs, which is always a risky proposition.
More desirable are primary receiving options available later in Marty Booker,
Rod Smith, Donald Driver and Keenan McCardell.
WR Peerless Price - Atl
ADP - 5.02 - WR17
3 votes (Brown, Dodds, Wood)
Comments by Michael Brown - Let's try it again, all together now
number
two receivers don't automatically become number one receivers just by changing
teams. It's a simple trend, one that has shown to exist over and over again.
Some expect that Price, with a year under his belt in Atlanta, will blossom
into a #1 and put up big numbers. I don't doubt he'll improve (it'd be tough
to be worse), but he is not a #1.
WR Donte' Stallworth - NO
ADP - 7.09 - WR28
3 votes (Fazio, Rudnicki, Wimer)
Comments by Aaron Rudnicki - Stallworth is currently ranked #28 among
WRs according to ADP info at AntSports. I suppose the fact that he was drafted
very high by the Saints and managed to score 8 TDs his rookie season is reason
for optimism regarding his true potential. However, hamstring problems and
other ailments have caused him to miss 25% of the Saints games over the past
2 seasons. He'll have plenty of competition in New Orleans, who have Joe Horn
as a clear #1 WR, an emerging stud TE in Boo Williams, and one of the best
RBs in the entire league in Deuce McAllister. Even while playing in 11 games
last year, Stallworth was only targeted 55 times, so he clearly has a lot
of work to do before he'll come close to reaching that #28 ranking. He's a
boom/bust type of player that many people are probably willing to gamble on,
but there is a very good chance he'll end up much lower than where he is being
drafted.
Overpriced Picks with Two Votes
PK Morten Andersen - KC
ADP - 15.03 - PK13
2 votes (Rudnicki, Tremblay)
RB Tiki Barber - NYG
ADP - 3.02 - RB18
2 votes (Brown, White)
WR Drew Bennett - Ten
ADP - 11.12 - WR43
2 votes (Anderson, Gray)
QB Drew Bledsoe - Buf
ADP - 10.02 - QB17
2 votes (Gray, Rudnicki)
QB Tom Brady - NE
ADP - 7.05 - QB12
2 votes (Brown, Levin)
DT Tampa Bay Buccaneers - TB
ADP - 10.12 - DT7
2 votes (Levin, White)
QB Marc Bulger - StL
ADP - 5.07 - QB7
2 votes (Hicks, Rudnicki)
DT Kansas City Chiefs - KC
ADP - 14.04 - DT13
2 votes (Dodds, Wood)
WR Laveranues Coles - Was
ADP - 3.11 - WR9
2 votes (Grant, White)
WR Curtis Conway - SF
ADP - 15.08 - WR72
2 votes (Tremblay, Wimer)
RB Corey Dillon - NE
ADP - 2.05 - RB14
2 votes (White, Wimer)
WR Donald Driver - GB
ADP - 9.05 - WR36
2 votes (Brown, Hicks)
WR Lee Evans - Buf
ADP - 14.06 - WR55
2 votes (Anderson, Tremblay)
RB Lamar Gordon - StL
ADP - 14.08 - RB65
2 votes (Fazio, Tremblay)
RB Garrison Hearst - Den
ADP - 7.02 - RB31
2 votes (Brown, Fazio)
WR Darrell Jackson - Sea
ADP - 4.10 - WR14
2 votes (Brown, Rudnicki)
WR Andre Johnson - Hou
ADP - 5.01 - WR16
2 votes (Fazio, Levin)
QB Brad Johnson - TB
ADP - 9.12 - QB16
2 votes (Gray, Hicks)
WR Chad Johnson - Cin
ADP - 2.12 - WR5
2 votes (Levin, Tremblay)
WR Keyshawn Johnson - Dal
ADP - 8.05 - WR32
2 votes (Brown, Fazio)
RB Thomas Jones - Chi
ADP - 5.03 - RB27
2 votes (Fazio, Hicks)
WR Charles Lee - TB
ADP - 13.09
2 votes (Dodds, Tremblay)
WR Justin McCareins - NYJ
ADP - 8.05 - WR31
2 votes (Brown, Fazio)
TE Randy McMichael - Mia
ADP - 8.07 - TE7
2 votes (Rudnicki, White)
QB Steve McNair - Ten
ADP - 5.01 - QB6
2 votes (Fazio, Levin)
WR Randy Moss - Min
ADP - 1.09 - WR1
2 votes (Grant, Smith)
DT Carolina Panthers - Car
ADP - 9.01 - DT3
2 votes (Tremblay, White)
RB Chris Perry - Cin
ADP - 12.09 - RB49
2 votes (Dodds, Smith)
RB Onterrio Smith - Min
ADP - 8.08 - RB38
2 votes (Tremblay, Wimer)
RB Duce Staley - Pit
ADP - 4.06 - RB23
2 votes (Anderson, Hicks)
PK Matt Stover - Bal
ADP - 13.06 - PK6
2 votes (Anderson, Smith)
RB Anthony Thomas - Chi
ADP - 9.10 - RB43
2 votes (Brown, Tremblay)
DT Tennessee Titans - Ten
ADP - 12.02 - DT8
2 votes (Rudnicki, White)
PK Mike Vanderjagt - Ind
ADP - 8.01 - PK1
2 votes (Grant, Smith)
QB Kurt Warner - NYG
ADP - 12.06 - QB25
2 votes (Dodds, Rudnicki)
PK Jeff Wilkins - StL
ADP - 9.06 - PK2
2 votes (Grant, Smith)
TE Boo Williams - NO
ADP - 8.04 - TE6
2 votes (Gray, Tremblay)
WR Roy Williams - Det
ADP - 10.06 - WR39
2 votes (Fazio, Tremblay)
Overpriced Picks with One Vote
PK David Akers - Phi
ADP - 11.04 - PK4
1 vote (Smith)
RB Kevan Barlow - SF
ADP - 2.03 - RB12
1 vote (Hicks)
RB Michael Bennett - Min
ADP - 3.03 - RB19
1 vote (Hicks)
RB Jerome Bettis - Pit
ADP - 12.12 - RB50
1 vote (Rudnicki)
RB Ladell Betts - Was
ADP - 15.08 - RB70
1 vote (Fazio)
QB Aaron Brooks - NO
ADP - 6.04 - QB10
1 vote (Levin)
PK Josh Brown - Sea
ADP - 14.05 - PK8
1 vote (White)
WR Tyrone Calico - Ten
ADP - 12.06 - WR45
1 vote (Wood)
QB David Carr - Hou
ADP - 11.03 - QB21
1 vote (Rudnicki)
WR Chris Chambers - Mia
ADP - 5.08 - WR19
1 vote (Tremblay)
DT Dallas Cowboys - Dal
ADP - 10.02 - DT5
1 vote (Levin)
QB Daunte Culpepper - Min
ADP - 2.07 - QB1
1 vote (Levin)
RB Ron Dayne - NYG
ADP - 14.07 - RB62
1 vote (Fazio)
RB T.J. Duckett - Atl
ADP - 5.09 - RB28
1 vote (White)
RB Warrick Dunn - Atl
ADP - 7.06 - RB33
1 vote (Levin)
RB DeShaun Foster - Car
ADP - 7.09 - RB34
1 vote (Anderson)
QB Rich Gannon - Oak
ADP - 11.04 - QB22
1 vote (Hicks)
QB Jeff Garcia - Cle
ADP - 8.05 - QB13
1 vote (Brown)
WR Rod Gardner - Was
ADP - 11.01 - WR40
1 vote (Wood)
PK Martin Gramatica - TB
ADP - 15.05 - PK15
1 vote (Wood)
RB William Green - Cle
ADP - 7.11 - RB37
1 vote (Wimer)
QB Trent Green - KC
ADP - 6.02 - QB9
1 vote (Fazio)
RB Troy Hambrick - Oak
ADP - 13.10 - RB58
1 vote (Anderson)
RB Tony Hollings - Hou
ADP - 14.08 - RB66
1 vote (Anderson)
RB Priest Holmes - KC
ADP - 1.01 - RB1
1 vote (Wimer)
WR Torry Holt - StL
ADP - 2.04 - WR3
1 vote (Levin)
DT Jacksonville Jaguars - Jac
ADP - 13.07 - DT10
1 vote (Rudnicki)
RB Edgerrin James - Ind
ADP - 1.08 - RB8
1 vote (Wimer)
WR Michael Jenkins - Atl
ADP - 15.01 - WR65
1 vote (Tremblay)
WR Kevin Johnson - Bal
ADP - 12.10 - WR49
1 vote (Wimer)
RB LaMont Jordan - NYJ
ADP - 10.10 - RB45
1 vote (Wimer)
QB Jon Kitna - Cin
ADP - 14.01 - QB31
1 vote (Rudnicki)
WR Ashley Lelie - Den
ADP - 8.07 - WR33
1 vote (Tremblay)
QB Eli Manning - NYG
ADP - 14.04 - QB33
1 vote (Levin)
QB Peyton Manning - Ind
ADP - 2.09 - QB2
1 vote (Levin)
WR Derrick Mason - Ten
ADP - 4.02 - WR11
1 vote (Hicks)
QB Donovan McNabb - Phi
ADP - 3.09 - QB4
1 vote (Fazio)
TE Billy Miller - Hou
ADP - 14.10 - TE23
1 vote (Tremblay)
RB Maurice Morris - Sea
ADP - 14.11 - RB68
1 vote (Anderson)
WR Muhsin Muhammad - Car
ADP - 14.08 - WR59
1 vote (Hicks)
QB Carson Palmer - Cin
ADP - 12.02 - QB24
1 vote (White)
RB Artose Pinner - Det
ADP - 13.01 - RB51
1 vote (Rudnicki)
RB Michael Pittman - TB
ADP - 13.09 - RB57
1 vote (Fazio)
WR Jimmy Smith - Jac
ADP - 5.07 - WR18
1 vote (Hicks)
TE L.J. Smith - Phi
ADP - 12.11 - TE13
1 vote (Dodds)
RB LaBrandon Toefield - Jac
ADP - 14.07 - RB64
1 vote (Wimer)
RB LaDainian Tomlinson - SD
ADP - 1.02 - RB2
1 vote (Levin)
PK Adam Vinatieri - NE
ADP - 12.06 - PK5
1 vote (Wood)
WR Hines Ward - Pit
ADP - 3.02 - WR6
1 vote (Levin)
WR Peter Warrick - Cin
ADP - 10.01 - WR37
1 vote (Wood)
TE Jed Weaver - Den
ADP - 15.02 - TE26
1 vote (Rudnicki)
RB Tyrone Wheatley - Oak
ADP - 11.01 - RB47
1 vote (Smith)
RB Moe Williams - Min
ADP - 10.05 - RB44
1 vote (Brown)
RB Ricky Williams - Mia
ADP - 1.08 - RB9
1 vote (Brown)
WR Rashaun Woods - SF
ADP - 14.07 - WR56
1 vote (Fazio)
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