Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 9 Pick 1

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: WR Lee Evans BUF

He is far better than his numbers suggest thanks to a horrible offense. Regardless, he’s too good to pass up in the 9th round.

Round 9 Pick 2

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: WR Donald Driver GB

I’m not in love with Driver this season, but in the 9th round, he represents good value. Driver has eclipsed 1000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons, and if he can stay healthy, he has the opportunity to make it seven.

Round 9 Pick 3

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: QB Eli Manning NYG

Eli is a borderline QB1 and will serve as a solid backup to his brother Peyton for the 2010 season. With a running game in NY that will likely prove unreliable for a second straight season, look for Eli to take it to the air often in 2010 and repeat with 4,000+ passing yards with around 25 TD’s.

Round 9 Pick 4

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: TE Kellen Winslow TB

Wish I could see Winslow (5th right knee surgery in 6 years) in a live game to see if he’s as healthy as he says he is, before drafting him. However, if healthy, Winslow should see an increase in production across the board (77/884/5). Freeman is no longer a rookie at quarterback and put in a ton of work this offseason to improve off his disappointing rookie year. Winslow is the only Buccaneer receiver who isn’t either a rookie or mediocre so he’s my pick to lead them in receiving should he stay healthy. And if he doesn’t stay healthy, I can drop him and pick up a tight end from the waiver wire that is close to the same caliber of any other tight end left on the board at this current point. Tight end is always a very, very deep position so if you can’t get a guy you feel is or could be a stud like Winslow, you’re better off waiting until the late rounds and playing the matchups and/or waiting to see if someone gets hot or breaks out.

Round 9 Pick 5

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: TE Visanthe Shiancoe MIN

Shiancoe grabbed 11 TDs a season ago, and with Favre back, I think he’s got a shot to duplicate those numbers. The Vikings’ passing game weapons are dropping like trees in the rain forest, and he’ll be a great red zone target once again.

Round 9 Pick 6

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: RB Donald Brown IND

You would think Donald Brown would emerge as the better back in Indy sooner or later. Even if he splits carries with Addai he’s still a viable back up in Indy’s offense.

Round 9 Pick 7

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: QB Matt Ryan ATL

While I am a big believer in Joe Flacco this season, he is a risk, so I wanted a viable backup who could step in if need be. For me, Ryan is a borderline fantasy starter (with White & Gonzalez making plays), so pairing him with Flacco is a great match. You would expect one of the two to enjoy a breakout campaign.

Round 9 Pick 8

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: RB Anthony Dixon SF

No analysis given

Round 9 Pick 9

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: QB Ben Roethlisberger PIT

I know Ben will not be playing a game until week six, but he is a great back up. Even though Schaub was able to stay healthy in 2009 I think having a solid back up is a necessity.

Round 9 Pick 10

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: RB Cadillac Williams TB

Was looking to have a really nice group of running backs and adding Carnell Williams now gives me four No. 1 backs. Pretty happy about that.

Round 9 Pick 11

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: WR Mike Williams TB

Love Mike Williams this year. He’s a stud. He’s looked great in OTAs and training camp, and is now dominating the preseason. Josh Freeman also looks like he’s a million miles ahead of where he was last year, so I think Williams could approach 1,000 yards.

Round 9 Pick 12

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: TE Owen Daniels HOU

I have to grab a TE here. I’m very concerned about Daniels’ knee, but reports say that he is 100 percent. If he’s healthy he’ll be a great value pick here.

 

 

 

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 8 Pick 1

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: RB Jerome Harrison CLE

Jerome Harrison ran for 561 yards and 5 TDs in the last three games of last season. Plus, the injury to Montario Hardesty allowed Harrison to move into the starting RB spot this off-season. I think the Browns will move the ball better than people think and Harrison will break out this year.

Round 8 Pick 2

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: WR Robert Meachem NO

Robert Meachem is my top receiver available. Meachem came on at the end of the year and became a big red-zone target for Drew Brees.

Round 8 Pick 3

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: TE Chris Cooley WAS

Redskins QB, Donovan McNabb, has a good history with TE. Chris Cooley is one of the best, despite coming off injury. I’m looking for a big season from Cooley and he adds depth to my TE position.

Round 8 Pick 4

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: RB Clinton Portis WAS

The Redskins running back situation is quite unsettled, but I will gladly take Portis with 180 carries behind a Mike Shannahan OL. I’m not expecting great things from Clinton but I think he does have something left in the tank.

Round 8 Pick 5

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: DEF Atlanta

Going to be a complete and utter homer here. I think Atlanta’s defense will be much improved with Weatherspoon and Robinson in the fold and think they could very well be a top 5 scoring defense this year.

Round 8 Pick 6

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: WR Steve Breaston ARI

He steps in as the #2 WR in Arizona with the departure of Anquan Boldin. In need of depth at the position with some risk involved in having Terrell Owens as my WR3, I’m going with the top WR left on my draft board here.

 

Round 8 Pick 7

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: WR Jeremy Maclin PHI

BPA here after a great showing in week one of the pre season. Maclin has the skill set to explode in Phili’s offense.

Round 8 Pick 8

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: RB Reggie Bush NO

I need running back depth, and although he’s not your traditional runner, Reggie Bush is good enough value for me near the end of the eighth round. He’s going to touch the ball a lot. Especially now that Kim Kardashian won’t be touching it for him.

Round 8 Pick 9

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: QB Donovan McNabb WAS

Need a quarterback. I wanted to get one earlier (Romo, Rivers, Favre) but kept missing my chance. Waiting for a relatively safe bet like McNabb here in the 8th ended up working out pretty well. Too much is being made about his lack of offensive supporting cast. He’s got a revamped offensive line and solid talent in the receiving corps. Remember, this is the same guy who made NFC Championship after NFC Championship with horrible receivers before TO showed up and a head coach who never ran the ball. Expect similar stats to the last 3 years, 3300-4000 yards passing, 19-23 touchdowns, 7-11 interceptions and he’s still above average rushing the football.

Round 8 Pick 10

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: WR Kenny Britt TEN

With Santonio Holmes out for the first four games of the year and Percy Harvin’s health about to give us a migraine, we thought it would be smart to grab another high upside WR in the 8th round. Kenny Britt, who was the younger player in the NFL last year, was a guy we have had our eye on for a few rounds. He has been compared to Brandon Marshall and it fits, both on and off the field. The QB situation is going to hold him back a bit, but he is easily the most physically gifted WR on the Titans roster. A true breakout may be another year away, but 1,000 yards and 5-8 TD’s are within reach this year.

Round 8 Pick 11

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: RB Ahmad Bradshaw NYG

I feel comfortable drafting Ahmad Bradshaw as my #3 running back, and expect him to start the season with at least a 50/50 split of the Giants carries out of the backfield. Bradshaw outplayed Brandon Jacobs last season, and while Jacobs should get the goal-line carries, Bradshaw is a superior pass catcher. I expect Bradshaw to outproduce Jacobs this season.

Round 8 Pick 12

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: RB Ricky Williams MIA

Ronnie Brown can’t stay healthy. Ricky Williams just keeps on producing. I can’t think of a better 4th RB.

 

 

 

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 7 Pick 1

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: TE Brent Celek PHI

With essentially a rookie QB under center, Celek is going to be a security blanket for Kolb. I expect a lot of receptions and looks in the red zone.

Round 7 Pick 2

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: QB Jay Cutler CHI

For as bad as Jay Culter performed for the Bears last season, he still turned in a pretty good fantasy season. Mike Martz should be able to turn the Bears offense up another notch, and with Johnny Knox developing into a go to wide receiver, Cutler should be a top ten quarterback once again in 2010. I expect big things from Jay Cutler this season.

Round 7 Pick 3

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: TE Zach Miller OAK

At only 24 years old, Zach Miller is primed for a breakout. In each of his three NFL seasons, his catches and yards have increased. He only has 7 career TD’s and was trying to catch passes from Jamarcus Russel, so he has been somewhat of an unreliable fantasy player. That will change this year. Jason Campbell will help the entire Raiders offense and he should look to the 6’5″ Miller often, especially in the redzone. There are a few very solid TE options still on the board and we could wait another round to grab one, but Miller’s upside has us not wanting to chance it.

Round 7 Pick 4

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: RB Michael Bush OAK

Bush looks like the favorite to win the lead back job in Oakland. He has a career YPC of 4.6 despite running behind a horrible line and playing alongside a horrible quarterback. The Raiders have improved both of those areas this offseason.

Round 7 Pick 5

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: WR Dez Bryant DAL

I should probably go running back here considering Frank Gore always has a risky feel to him and Jamaal Charles might have to watch Thomas Jones score his touchdowns, but I can’t pass on the potential. If I’m going young at WR, I might as well go all out with it. Despite his injury, Dez Bryant is dying to prove his worth and will work like crazy to make it back and make an impact. The Cowboys’ offense provides plenty of opportunity for him to rack up yards, and I think he’ll be a more prominent red zone option than Jason Witten. With Miles Austin garnering most of the attention from defenses, Bryant should find plenty of beatable coverage after he knocks Roy Williams out of a starting role. Plus, and I don’t know if anyone else heard ESPN ramble on about it, he was playing catch in a walking boot at the Hall of Fame game. I’ll take any receiver that can still use his hands while suffering from an ankle injury.

Round 7 Pick 6

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: WR Santana Moss WAS

I wish I could see the McNabb/Moss duo in at least one pre season game before making this pick, but Moss is most likely the guy in Washington.

Round 7 Pick 7

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: WR Terrell Owens CIN

It’s a huge gamble, but with big potential rewards. As my third WR, it’s the perfect place to take the risk. He found a place in an offensive with the potential to put up a lot of points, meaning if he can keep himself in line, he could put up big numbers.

Round 7 Pick 8

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: RB Laurence Maroney NE

Getting a starting RB in the 7th round is a steal. Moroney may not have the best seasons every year, but he has been my solid bye week back for years now.

Round 7 Pick 9

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: WR TJ Houshmandzadeh SEA

Although I was tempted to select a defense, I felt it was best that I select a solid performer with this pick. I do not have grand expectations for TJ, but I know he will be serviceable and who doesn’t love yelling “Who’s Your Mama” on Sunday afternoons?

Round 7 Pick 10

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: RB Justin Forsett SEA

New Seattle Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll, has fallin in love with RB Justin Forsett. Although he might be the No.1 RB for Seattle, he’ll play flex and spot starter for my team.

Round 7 Pick 11

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: RB Arian Foster HOU

Ben Tate is out for the year and Steve Slaton keeps fumbling, so Arian Foster will get all of the carries for the Texans.

Round 7 Pick 12

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: RB CJ Spiller BUF

Fred Jackson is out 4-6 weeks with a hand injury and Marshawn Lynch hurt his ankle during the preseason game. This leaves C.J. Spiller as a steal in the 7th round, as I am getting a starting RB with HUGE upside.

 

 

 

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 6 Pick 1

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: WR Hines Ward PIT

Consistency is king here. He may not have the highest ceiling, but I can bank on 8-9 TDs and around 1,000 yards. I had to take a safe WR here after gambling on VJax.

Round 6 Pick 2

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: TE Antonio Gates SD

I really don’t like taking tight ends early, but Antonio Gates provides way too much value at the beginning of Round 6.

Round 6 Pick 3

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: TE Jermichael Finley GB

This kid is getting all the hype this preseason and deservingly so. He’s a huge target inside the red zone and I’m looking for him to top last years numbers.

Round 6 Pick 4

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: TE Jason Witten DAL

Waited for a TE to come back my way and it paid off. Witten did catch less than four passes in any game during 2009, that is amazing consistency week to week. I realize his touchdowns are what drag him down, but I expect those to at least double this season with more attention being paid to Miles Austin.

Round 6 Pick 5

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: RB Ben Tate HOU

I’m going to take Houston’s new starting back here. While it may seem like a bit of a reach, I truly believe he could be a big sleeper this year.

Round 6 Pick 6

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: QB Joe Flacco BAL

I’ve considered him with each of my last two picks and at this point, don’t want to risk him coming off the board before I pick again. With the addition of Anquan Boldin, along with the presence of Ray Rice keeping defenses honest, he has the potential to develop into one of the elite QB in the league this season.

 

Round 6 Pick 7

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: TE Vernon Davis

I really need Davis here to perform as well as he did in 09. I have had to settle for players in recent picks that I felt were a reach, but based on my draft position, it was necessary.

Round 6 Pick 8

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: WR Johnny Knox CHI

Word out of Bears camp is that Knox is the guy that Mike Martz wants to feature this season. He’s holding off Devin Aromashodu pretty easily right now, and if he’s really going to be the No. 1 in that offense, then I’ll take him as my WR3. It’s risky picking two second year guys in two of my WR slots, but I like both Nicks and Knox a lot this season.

Round 6 Pick 9

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: WR Malcom Floyd SD

After the Chargers cut Chris Chambers, Floyd had 34 catches for 525 yards in 8 games. Stretch that across 16 games and that’s 68 catches for 1050 yards. Add in the fact that Vincent Jackson is suspended for 3 weeks and could hold out until week 7 making Floyd the #1 option in the Chargers’ explosive offense for 3 weeks, and possibly 6 weeks or longer and Floyd might as well have the words “Fantasy Sleeper” stamped across his forehead. At 6-5, he’ll also be one of Philip Rivers’ favorite goal line threats. His ADP is significantly lower than this spot, but in an experts league, I’m not taking any chances with a guy who is a legitimate WR2 and, in my opinion, a lock for 1000 yards.

Round 6 Pick 10

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: WR Santonio Holmes NYJ

A 6th-Round run on Tight Ends, or an impending 4 game suspension doesn’t phase BeastOrBust.com as we select Santonio Holmes at this spot. At this point in the draft it’s all about finding the right value, and landing one of only 8 players to top 1,200 receiving yards in 2009 does just that. Reports from Jets camp have him already labeled as Mark Sanchez’s favorite and most reliable target. Upon his return from suspension he will be playing for a contract in 2011 and should easily exceed the WR3 numbers we drafted him for. We expect he could even move into our WR2 position by seasons end. Say No To Drugs.

Round 6 Pick 11

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: WR Mike Wallace PIT

Mike Wallace is a high upside wide receiver entering the 2010 season. Wallace led the NFL in yards per catch in 2009, and should see increased targets in 2010 following the departure on Santonio Holmes and the increased age of Hines Ward. Wallace is primed for a breakout season in 2010.

Round 6 Pick 12

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: QB Brett Favre MIN

I am not from the camp that believes that Favre’s retirement is for real. With all the weapons he has at his disposal in Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, Visanthe Shiancoe, and Adrian Peterson, Favre should turn in another big year.

 

 

 

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 5 Pick 1

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: RB Joseph Addai IND

Taking a rookie RB, even if he is in a great situation like Mattews, is a bit risky. Addai is a productive back, and perhaps even more important, one that Manning trusts. He can produce on the ground and through the air. Quality RBs are drying up, meaning I wouldn’t get a good RB3 the next time my picks swing around, so I am filling the need now.

Round 5 Pick 2

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: TE Dallas Clark IND

With no sure things left on the board at running back, I decided to go with the top tight end available. Clark is the safest tight end on the board, as he does not have the question marks surrounding him, as some of the other top options do. I will gladly take Clark at the top of the fifth round, as it is unlikely that any of the top tier tight ends will be around when I pick next.

Round 5 Pick 3

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: WR Percy Harvin MIN

We are going to stick with the playmakers theme for our wide receiver unit. No WR in the NFL broke more tackles than Percy Harvin last year. In addition to his slot receiver duties, Harvin is a threat out of the backfield and in the return game. We considered Hakeem Nicks and his immense upside with this pick, but ultimately decided that Harvin’s triple threat skills were the best fit. Whether Brett Favre comes back or not, we are expecting steady growth from Harvin this season as he develops into a reliable WR2.

Round 5 Pick 4

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: RB Felix Jones DAL

Felix Jones strikes me as the type of guy who could be a perennial fantasy football 1st round pick if he gets 300+ carries per year. The issues, he still has to share carries with Marion Barber and he hasn’t had more than 154 carries in a season in any level since high school. He did put on about 10 pounds of muscle this offseason and if he can maintain his speed with the heavier weight, the added muscle should make him more durable and if he starts showing that he can handle 20+ carries in a game, it’s going to be pretty obvious to the Cowboys coaching staff who the best running back on the team is. I love Felix Jones’ upside at this point.

Round 5 Pick 5

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: WR Hakeem Nicks NYG

Nicks has great potential this season after a nice rookie year, and Eli Manning should be more comfortable throwing his way. I think he’s got a good shot at becoming the Giants’ leading receiver, and his upside is high enough for me to take a shot on him as my WR2 considering his size and strength make him a unique fit in New York’s red zone passing game. Plus, I don’t think there’s any way Nicks will fall back to me with my next pick, so I’m not taking any chances on missing out on him.

Round 5 Pick 6

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: RB Brandon Jacobs NYG

Word out of Giants camp is that Jacobs has looked better than ever. I don’t mind a buy low strategy with him here since I still need a quality starter at my RB2. In the 5th round, I would be happy with 1000 yards and 8 touchdowns.

 

Round 5 Pick 7

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: WR Dwayne Bowe KC

With my RB set, it’s time to find a counterpart to Andre Johnson. Bowe lost time last year due to injury, but had over 2,000 yards over his first two years and could be primed for a career year in 2010. At this point in the draft, that’s more then enough for me.

Round 5 Pick 8

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: TE Tony Gonzalez ATL

I’d be stupid here to not take the top player at his position ever. Especially since Mr. Gonzalez doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing down yet.

Round 5 Pick 9

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: WR Wes Welker NE

Welker looks to be healthy heading into the season and that’s good enough for me. You don’t earn points for activity (PPR), but you do earn points for production and that is what Welker will do, produce. Based on the what is left at the wide receiver position I feel more comfortable talking Welker in this spot than taking a tight end and crossing my fingers he comes back to me. I’m sure a solid tight end or running back will make it back my way in the next round.

Round 5 Pick 10

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: RB Marion Barber DAL

Get a No.1 guy here was important. After covering the Cowboys camp, head coach Wade Phillips assured me that Barber was still man, especially when it comes to goal-line.

Round 5 Pick 11

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: WR Mike Sims Walker JAC

Mike Sims-Walker was pretty inconsistent last year, but that’s because he was often hurt. When he was healthy, he was a big producer. He’s not the ideal WR2, but I think he’s passable in that spot

Round 5 Pick 12

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: WR Vincent Jackson SD

I’m taking a huge risk here taking VJax, given his suspension and holdout. However, if he plays by week 4, I just got a huge steal here. When he’s on the field he’s a top-5 WR.

 

 

 

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 4 Pick 1

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: RB Jahvid Best DET

I’m a little hesitant to draft Best this early, because he is so unproven, but my gut feeling couldn’t be any higher on this guy. The Detroit Lions have a plethora of young talent and head coach Jim Schwartz has already said that he wants Best to be the feature back. I think if Best can hold up, which has been a concern for him in college, he could put up monster numbers as a rookie. This is the ultimate “boom-or-bust” pick, but I’m hoping for the Best (sorry, I had to).

Round 4 Pick 2

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: WR Steve Smith CAR

I’m not sure why Steve Smith keeps falling into Round 4 of my mock drafts. His injury isn’t serious and he should be ready by Week 1. He had a down year because of Jake Delhomme, but finished strong with Matt Moore. Smith is still one of the most talented receivers in the NFL. He’s a steal here.

Round 4 Pick 3

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: QB Tony Romo DAL

With a ton of weapons at his disposal, Romo likely will reach the 4,000 yard passing plateau. I have him ranked as my No. 4 QB, so getting him now only makes sense since I’ll have no shot if I would have waited to my next pick.

Round 4 Pick 4

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: QB Matt Schaub HOU

I passed on a QB last round because between Romo, Schaub, and Rivers at least one would come back to me. I’m selecting Schaub because I feel that he has great value with this pick. He is still underrated and I until Vincent Jackson shows up, Rivers is down graded on my board. With that said, I think you have a major drop off after Schaub.

Round 4 Pick 5

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: QB Carson Palmer CIN

Carson Palmer is the biggest sleeper at the QB position. With the weapons he has he is poised for a HUGE season.

Round 4 Pick 6

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: RB Ronnie Brown MIA

I considered continuing the run on QBs, but decided that I could gamble that one of the two QBs I want will be left on the board when my next pick comes up. What won’t likely be there is one of the RB I want, so that’s where my pick went. Ronnie Brown is the top RB on my board so that’s who I’m going with.

 

Round 4 Pick 7

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: WR Pierre Garcon IND

This is a definite stretch, but with the retirement of Brett Favre looming, I now need another quality receiver to go with Sidney Rice. Garcon was inconsistent in his first year breaking the starting line up, but another off season with Manning should turn into more frequent double digit fantasy points. He shined when it counted most, recording 21 catches to go with 251 yards and 2 scores in the playoffs.

Round 4 Pick 8

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: QB Philip Rivers SD

With Favre gone, for now, there’s one less quarterback worth taking in the draft. I like Rivers even without Vincent Jackson. I’m pretty sure he’s completed passes to other receivers before, and even with all the hype surrounding Ryan Mathews, I don’t expect this team to lean on anyone but Rivers offensively.

Round 4 Pick 9

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: WR Steve Smith NYG

 

He may be the lesser known of the two Steve Smiths, but I’d take them both around the same time. The Giants’ Steve Smith is a consistent producer that only had less than 57 yards 2 times last year. I think he’s pretty close to a lock for 1000 yards and at least 50-60 yards every week, with a good chance of more. I’ll take his consistency as a starter on a weekly basis here in the 4th.

Round 4 Pick 10

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: RB Matt Forte CHI

We like Forte as a solid strategy selection at this spot. We view him as an upside pick here considering his diminished value following a marginal 2009 season. While his career ypc average (3.7) has been disappointing, he has been overly impressive in the passing game averaging 60 receptions per season – a trait that should serve him well in his new (Mike Martz) offensive system. The addition of Chester Taylor will also limit some of the workload that has previously been all Matt Forte in the Windy City. Seeing that we have 5 picks until our next selection, we will pass on a WR here knowing we will land one of our high upside receivers at the start of the next round.

Round 4 Pick 11

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: WR Michael Crabtree SF

Michael Crabtree is a bit of an upside pick here, but I feel that he should put up great numbers in his first full season. Crabtree will have a full training camp and preseason to get accustomed to his teammates, and he has the talent to soon become one of the leagues best wide receivers. An upgraded offensive line should give Alex Smith more time to find Crabtree all over the field.

Round 4 Pick 12

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: WR Chad Ochocinco CIN

Ocho bounced back last year and I think he’s motivated to play well so he can stay in the limelight. T.O.’s arrival could take some of his production, but this is still a guy who is capable of 1200 receiving yards and 8 TDs.

 

 

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 3 Pick 1

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: RB Ryan Mathews SD

Mathews is stepping into a perfect situation. He will get the bulk of the carries in a potent offense. He should get most of the carries at the stripe.

Round 3 Pick 2

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: RB DeAngelo Williams CAR

This pick came down to Williams or Pierre Thomas, and I like Williams to have another big year in 2010. Despite Jonathan Stewart cutting into Williams’ workload, Williams has averaged at least 5 yards per carry in each of the last 3 seasons. With the Carolina quarterback situation as poor as it is, the Panthers should run the ball more than ever in 2010, giving both Williams and Stewart the opportunity to reach at least the 1000 yard mark. I would love to get Williams in the third round of any draft.

Round 3 Pick 3

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: WR DeSean Jackson PHI

We need a WR at this point and it really comes down to two options – DeSean Jackson or Greg Jennings. While we don’t love either of these players as our WR1, we anticipate a big year for Jennings, and we love the “score from anywhere on the field” ability of DJax. We like the foundation built in the first two rounds and we will therefore look past the question marks of Kevin Kolb and go for the “high octane” pick in DeSean Jackson. He’s got some serious juice, and while his reception totals may not be Beastly, we hope to see him go for at least 1,000 receiving yards and find the end zone 10 times in 2010. We like this pick in a non-PPR.

Round 3 Pick 4

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: WR Greg Jennings GB

I need a WR after going RB-RB in the first two rounds. Jennings is my best available receiver. He’s got a great quarterback and with Driver suffering injuries, he is going to be getting the bulk of the targets for his team. He really caught fire late last year and I expect that to carry over to this season.

Round 3 Pick 5

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: WR Marques Colston NO

Colston has required work on his knee in three straight offseasons, but he appears to be fully healthy now, and I’m willing to take the chance here. I don’t want to wait and miss out on the last of the sort-of-elite receivers, and I like Colston slightly more than fellow injury risk Anquan Boldin.

Round 3 Pick 6

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: QB Tom Brady NE

Brady seems to have the most value here at a position of need, the others being Benson and Stewart. Since I think both Benson and Stewart have just as good a chance busting as players I can target in later rounds, I’ll settle for the New England QB whose playing for a contract.

 

Round 3 Pick 7

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: RB LeSean McCoy PHI

Already with a top WR on my roster and Tom Brady off the board, I wanted to strengthen my RB duo. While I considered other options, McCoy is the top RB left on my draft board, so he gets the call here.

Round 3 Pick 8

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: RB Jonathan Stewart CAR

I can’t believe he lasted this long. Carolina’s RB by committee is the best possible thing for me to believe in when I make this pick. Even so, Stewart just gets the ball near the goal line and is good for at least 10 TD’s normally.

Round 3 Pick 9

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: RB Chris Wells ARI

Wells finished strong in 2009 and would be a great play in 2010 even if Kurt Warner returned. With so many questions about the passing game in Arizona, Wells will be given the opportunity to carry the team. Love the value of this pick in round three.

Round 3 Pick 10

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: WR Anquan Boldin BAL

The No. 1 WR on a team that is talking like they want to pass more. Boldin now becomes the man in Baltimore and has shown that he can handle the pressure of being the main man.

Round 3 Pick 11

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: RB Pierre Thomas NO

Mike Bell is gone, so maybe Sean Payton will stop playing games with his running back rotation and give Pierre Thomas the touches he deserves. And even if Payton falls in love with a new mediocre running back, Thomas is still a very good RB2 because he’ll have tons of scoring opportunities in that great offense.

Round 3 Pick 12

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: RB Cedric Benson CIN

Going QB-WR with my first two picks, I have to go RB-RB with my next two. I’m not high on Benson by any means, but at the end of the third round he is a really nice value. I’m concerned about his durability, off-the-field issues and his ineffectiveness in the second half of last year, but he is is getting all the carries in a run-heavy offense.

 

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 2 Pick 1

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: WR Miles Austin DAL

I have to confess, I have an absolute man-crush on Miles Austin. While some may be wary of drafting him this early, I have no qualms. He was able to put up 80+ catches, over 1300 yards and double digit touchdowns despite only starting 3/4’s of the season. It’s scary to imagine what he could do with a full season. I also think the addition of Dez Bryant will only help Austin, as he will be facing less double-teams. Frankly, I’m all-in on Austin this year.

Round 2 Pick 2

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: QB Aaron Rodgers GB

I don’t think you’re going to see Aaron Rodgers fall to the second round of many standard leagues. Rodgers is the top fantasy quarterback this year, as he piles up solid rushing yardage and touchdown totals on top of his impressive passing stats.

Round 2 Pick 3

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: RB Rashard Mendenhall PIT

Getting Rashard Mendenhall here in the second round is great value. Everyone is worried about his first four games, but if he can manage to get double digit points from yards and TD, fantasy owners will be happy. Let’s add the fact that he’s not splitting carries and you have potentially first round value.

Round 2 Pick 4

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: WR Reggie Wayne IND

I cannot pass up Reggie Wayne. Fitz is very tempting, but I feel too many question marks surround him. Wayne is solid, consistent and I know exactly what I am going to get every week.

Round 2 Pick 5

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: WR Roddy White ATL

Roddy White is a very underrated WR. With his ability as a #1, I think both he and Calvin will rock out for me this year at the WR spot.

Round 2 Pick 6

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: RB Knowshon Moreno DEN

This may be a bit early on Moreno, but I love his chance for a breakout this season and there is little chance that he is still on the board the next time I pick. He’s reportedly improved his conditioning and adds a receiving dimension out of the backfield. With Brandon Marshall traded, the Broncos will rely heavily on him this season. Look for him to emerge as a first round lock in 2011.

 

Round 2 Pick 7

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: WR Sidney Rice MIN

I was tempted to take DeAngelo here, but the steady play of Rice over the last 10 games of the regular season last year out weighed the positional value of Williams. Rice averaged 6 receptions and over 80 yards over that span, including a 10 reception 136 yard day against the Steelers in week 7, 7 reception 201 yard performance week 10 against Detroit, and a 6 reception 112 yard day with 2 touchdown’s against New York week 17. He played even better in the playoffs, recording 6 receptions for 141 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Cowboys in the divisional round playoffs.I don’t want to gamble on him being taken before my next selection, he could be the best fantasy wide out come season end.

Round 2 Pick 8

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: RB Jamaal Charles KC

I like Jamaal Charles this year, and I’m not all that worried about Thomas Jones. Jones could be a decent short-yardage and/or goal line back, but I don’t see him commanding as many carries behind the Chiefs O-line. Charles can create on his own, plus he was on fire at the end of last season and remains KC’s most dynamic playmaker. Hopefully he’ll make up for a lack of GL opportunities with long scores and loads of receptions.

Round 2 Pick 9

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: RB Ryan Grant GB

He may be boring, but he’s healthy and there’s no one challenging him for his job, or even to take any significant portion of his carries. He’s a solid 4+ YPC guy and should get around 300 carries once again this year. I can expect 1200-1300 rushing yards with around 150 yards through the air and double digit touchdowns. RB-RB wasn’t my strategy coming into this, but with so many receivers being taken early, I was able to get two top 10 RBs in the first 2 rounds.

Round 2 Pick 10

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: QB Peyton Manning IND

The earliest rounds of a fantasy draft are all about landing elite and consistent production. Taking a perennial Top-3 QB in Peyton Manning gives us just that. In 2009 he posted his 2nd most productive seasonal stat line in each of the following categories: Passing Attempts (571), Total Yards (4,500) and TD’s (33). This is a trend that will definitely continue in 2010, making us totally comfortable with this pick. This early in a fantasy draft is not the time to over-think. An easy selection considering the question marks surrounding nearly every other QB still available.

Round 2 Pick 11

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: WR Larry Fitzgerald ARI

This pick came down to three players for me, but in the end I chose to go with Fitzgerald. I feel that even with Matt Leinart at quarterback, and Anquan Boldin gone, Fitzgerald is still a cut above the rest of the wide receivers left on the board. I am very happy to get Fitzgerald at the tail end of round two.

Round 2 Pick 12

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: WR Brandon Marshall MIA

Brandon Marshall didn’t skip a beat when he went from Cutler to Orton or from Shanahan to McDaniels. Sure, he’s a bit of a pain, but the dude can flat out play football. He’s a virtual lock for 100 catches, and even though this isn’t a PPR league, securing a premier WR here is the direction I’m going in.

 

 

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10

 

Round 10 Pick 1

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: WR Derrick Mason BAL

He’s as solid as they come. He’s had at least 1,000 yards in eight of his nine past seasons. I understand he will be the number two, maybe even number three option with Ray Rice and now Boldin, but he’s too consistent to pass up as my #4 WR.

Round 10 Pick 2

Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football

Pick: RB Montario Hardesty CLE

Jerome Harrison fumbled twice on his first two carries in the last preseason game. Eric Mangini loves Montario Hardesty and could opt to play the rookie over Harrison.

Round 10 Pick 3

Paul Greco- Fantasy Pros 911

Pick: WR Eddie Royal DEN

This was a tough decision. My hope is the Eddie Royal bounce back. He’s in an offense I think he can succeed in and it gives me a little depth at the position.

Round 10 Pick 4

Steve Adler- Fantasy Daddy

Pick: WR Julian Edelman NE

 

Edelman will have plenty of opportunities this season to improve on his strong finish. I expect Welker to be healthy, but Brady is a guy that knows how to spread the ball around and Edelman established himself last season as a solid target.

Round 10 Pick 5

Scott Carasik- Scardraft

Pick: WR Malcolm Kelly WAS

No analysis given

Round 10 Pick 6

Eric Stashin- Rotoprofessor

Pick: RB Darren McFadden OAK

He’s the top RB on my board, and has the chance to emerge this year as a viable RB2. Given the status of their WR corps, someone needs to emerge, right? Certainly worth the flier at this spot.

 

Round 10 Pick 7

Sam Arker- Rothstein Sports

Pick: RB LaDainian Tomlinson NYJ

LT has exploded this pre season and looks like he could get more carries than we thought, not to mention his value on 3rd down.

Round 10 Pick 8

Hunter Ansley- Draft Zoo

Pick: WR Jabar Gaffney DEN

Kyle Orton’s looked pretty solid this preseason, and Denver could be in a position to throw the ball a good bit if their running game doesn’t come around. Gaffney’s got the potential to catch a lot of balls in this offense.

Round 10 Pick 9

Steven Lourie- Football Fan Spot

Pick: RB Tim Hightower ARI

Hightower has been the starter at running back for three straight preseason games. Ken Whisenhunt loves his pass catching and pass blocking skills so even if he doesn’t start during the season in favor of Chris Wells, he’ll still see his fair share of touches.

Round 10 Pick 10

Jeff Malloy- Beast or Bust

Pick: WR Louis Murphy OAK

We are happy to land Murphy as our 5th receiver. The addition of a legit QB in Jason Campbell, the inability of Chaz Schilens to stay healthy, and the slow development of DHB, solidifies Murphy as the #1 WR option in Oakland to start the season, maybe longer. A solid rookie campaign and a nice 2010 situation makes Murphy a low risk-high upside selection at the end of the 10th Round.

Round 10 Pick 11

Vin Sadicario- FF Toolbox

Pick: QB Kevin Kolb PHI

With most of my starting lineup filled out, I will go with the best player available, and at this point, I believe that to be Kevin Kolb. Kolb has the weapons to be a top ten fantasy quarterback this season, and pairing him with Jay Cutler gives me two good options to work as a committee based on matchups.

Round 10 Pick 12

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: WR Bernard Berrian MIN

With Sidney Rice out, Berrian becomes a starter. Favre looked for him in the NFC Championship game and will do so during the season.