2013 – Page 6 – The Fantasy Sports Coach

Position Versatility and Needs

Oh how I miss the straight forwardness of fantasy football positions. If you lose a wide receiver to an injury you pick up another wide receiver. No fuss no muss, as they say. I wonder if it was always that easy. Can you imagine if NFL teams today were using their running backs the way the NY Giants used Frank Gifford back in the day. I could see it now – Adrian Peterson being used at QB, RB, WR and TE all in the same game? (he actually might put up better numbers than Christian Ponder). The Steelers tried to confuse opposing defenses and fantasy GMs alike in the 1990’s when they introduced Kordell “Slash” Stewart to the world. Stewart was a wide receiver…no wait, he was running-back…oh wait, he was a quarterback. Depending on what was allowed in a 1990’s fantasy football league, he was playing at different positions on some other GM’s team.

Fantasy baseball is a completely different animal with players qualifying at multiple positions and picking up new positions all the time. Different sites have players qualified at different positions with different criteria as to how they obtain eligibility. The positional flexibility can be maddening or it can be the key to success, especially if you have daily lineup changes as one of my leagues employs.

The best thing I did post-draft was pick up players who could qualify all over the field as injury protection. I drafted Todd Frazier (1B,3B,LF) to be my poor man’s Allen Craig (LF,RF,1B). I also picked up Matt Carpenter (1B,2B,3B,RF) and Jed Lowrie (2B,SS) to back up all over the infield. They were supposed to be spot starters and short-term injury fill-ins, but Frazier and Carpenter have spent a lot of time in my starting lineup. (Frazier not so much lately).

I was getting lucky avoiding the injury bug considering I have Evan Longoria as one of my cornerstones. I was finally stung when Ian Kinsler hit the DL and faced a decision as to who would be his replacement. I could go to the waiver wire and pick up his likely replacement in Jurickson Profar (the Rangers’ and MLB’s No. 1 prospect), fill the gap from within with the likes of Kyle Seager or Matt Carpenter, or go to the waiver wire and pick up a streaking player at a different position.

Profar was the most intriguing choice. He is a big time prospect who could perform his way into staying on with the big league club. If Profar handles second base well, he may even force Kinsler to shift to an outfield position or first base. I looked at his position eligibility in my Yahoo league and realized he will be stuck as a utility player at least for his first five starts with the Rangers. With Kinsler due back in two weeks and Ron Washington being non-committal to Profar playing every day, he became less of an option.

My in-house options were nice with Seager and Carpenter, but with the loss of Kinsler I was going to hurt in HR’s and SB’s with either player. Carpenter has been raking, but is not a threat to steal and has very limited HR potential. His batting average and OPS are comparable to Kinsler’s and he is a slight improvement in runs scored. Seager has been in a little bit of a slump, (batting .227 over the last two weeks) but still has a good chance to put up decent 2B numbers batting third for Seattle. However, neither will solve a power potential problem.

Last but not least is Brandon Belt. (AUTHOR’S NOTE: We would be talking about Mitch Moreland and his power statistics if Kinsler had been placed on the DL just a bit sooner. Moreland was scooped up just two days before Kinsler went on the DL and will be hitting 30 homers for another GM). Belt was finally going to play up to his lofty potential this season as he was hitting homeruns and driving in runs in bunches during spring training, but he began the season in a slump. I drafted him projecting that he would break out with 30 homers and steal bases in the double digits, but I quickly pulled the plug on his season when it looked as if Bruce Bochy was giving up on him. Bochy was batting him eighth in a National League lineup and sitting him against most lefthanders again.

I kept an eye on Belt after I dropped him just to make sure he wouldn’t break out for another GM. My current first baseman, Adrian Gonzalez, is sporting a high batting average (.319) and driving in runs (29), but his power numbers look to be headed in the wrong direction (just four homeruns). Gonzalez has eligibility in RF and could be an upgrade out there for me while I wait on Corey Hart and Josh Reddick to heal. So I had to turn my attention to a streaking player with power potential at first base. Belt had turned it on over the last month with a .301 batting average with six homeruns, 17 RBI, and a .961 OPS. I could no longer ignore his resurgence and neither could Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy. Bochy moved Belt back up to sixth in the order and I slid Belt into my lineup last Monday night. Belt came through with a 4 for 5 night with a homerun and four runs scored. Not a bad start for Belt and definitely worth a few pats on the back for this old eagle eye.

this article is also featured at www.FantasyJudgment.com in a weekly diary series.

Bad Trades = Cell Phone Voicemails (How to ignore and discourage both)

Is there anything more annoying than a terrible trade offer in one of your fantasy leagues? The only thing comparable would be voicemails on my cell phone. I avoid responding to both out of sheer principle.

One has become an epidemic since I last played fantasy baseball in the 1990’s. The other is a dinosaur that should be avoidable with all of the easier ways to say “hello” or to see how I am doing. Hasn’t anyone ever heard of even trades, email, text messages, Google chat, or even Facebook messenger?

Bad trade offers were much tougher to even attempt when everything was done face to face or over the phone. If someone offered me Edward Mujica for Troy Tulowitski in a bar, I could at least make them buy me a beer for having to listen to that nonsense. If they tried that over the phone, I could actually hang up and let them know how offended I was. But now sitting behind a keyboard, fantasy GMs have no conscience when sending out their offers.

I understand the impulse to ask for the ridiculous. You never know unless you ask. But the anonymity of the computer age has made leagues almost unbearable. A fellow GM offered me two waiver pick ups (who should still be on the waiver wire BTW) for my best starting pitcher. He then got offended when I didn’t answer back in a timely manner.

I’m sorry I didn’t know I was holding up his attempt at league domination by not responding to the crap currently in my inbox. I have even got the halfhearted messages explaining to me how this awful trade makes my team better. Really? A fourth closer for the number one fantasy shortstop is my ticket to a championship? Who knew? I guess all that work I do breaking down numbers and trying to make my team the best it can be is all for nothing. I should just have this guy put together my team and the league championship is all mine.

I could have instantly rejected the idiotic trade offer, but I chose to avoid it like the long-winded drunken catch-up voice mail from my old college buddy currently blinking away on my cell phone. I am keeping both for posterity. The next time I see someone from my league, I will whip open my phone and say “look at this!” Can you believe he actually tried that? Then we will try and one up each other with all the bad offer stories we have from our multiple leagues.

I guess it goes to show that there is a feeling out process when joining a new league. People don’t know each other all that well and feel like they need to try and see who the sucker is. I understand that we all have made terrible trades when we first started playing fantasy sports. Mine was trading Jerome Bettis for Reggie Rivers (the man who took over for Barry Sanders) when I was introduced to fantasy football. I have never forgiven myself and have never done business with that GM again. That was almost 15 years ago and it still stings like it was yesterday.

Luckily nowadays, newbies to fantasy sports are protected by league votes and impartial commissioners. If both are in cahoots, you can even go to an arbitrator to try and reach a resolution. I know if there was a problem in my league we would immediately go to fantasyjudgment.com and let someone outside of the situation rule on a league controversy.

You didn’t have that back in 1999. All you could do was complain to an uncaring bartender at your local watering hole and learn from your mistakes. I don’t know which I prefer; the old face to face handshake deals or the faceless emails. Both have their pro’s and con’s, but I think I miss sealing a trade over a nice tall Yuengling Lager.

2013 NFL Draft Recap

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Round 1, Pick 7 (7): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Round 2, Pick 13 (45) (from Chargers): Kevin Minter, LB, Louisiana State
Round 3, Pick 7 (69): Tyrann Mathieu, CB, Louisiana State
Round 4, Pick 6 (103): Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
Round 4, Pick 19 (116) (from Giants): Earl Watford, OG, James Madison
Round 5, Pick 7 (140): Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
Round 6, Pick 6 (174): Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M
Round 6, Pick 19 (187) (from Giants): Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
Round 7, Pick 13 (219) (from Panthers through Raiders): D.C. Jefferson, TE, Rutgers

The Arizona Cardinals selected a guard with the 7th overall pick in this year’s draft. While Jonathan Cooper was probably the best player left on their board, it was still a guard in the top ten. Cooper proved to be extremely athletic while manning the offensive line for the Tar Heels, as he paved the way for the dynamic Giovani Bernard. He played at a svelte 285 and showed a tremendous ability to down field block, while also excelling in pass protection. In the NFL he will most likely have to play around the 310 threshold to be able to anchor against bigger and stronger defensive linemen. The running backs selected by the Cardinals in rounds 5 and 6 could end up being their RBBC of the future. Stepfan Taylor has proven to be a tough inside the tackle runner with a nose for the goal line while playing for Stanford. Andre Ellington was once considered to be the second or third best running back prospect going into the draft process, but slid on mediocre combine and pro-day numbers. However, he showed the ability to get to the edge and break away once at the second level when breaking down Clemson’s game film. Ryan Swope will be a nice special teamer and fill-in receiver, but should not threaten the lineup. D.C. Jefferson will most likely be a practice team player, as he still needs to learn the nuances of playing tight end.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Round 1, Pick 22 (22) (from Redskins though Rams): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Round 2, Pick 28 (60): Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana
Round 4, Pick 30 (127): Malliciah Goodman, DE, Clemson
Round 4, Pick 36 (133) (Compensatory Selection): Levine Toilolo, TE, Stanford
Round 5, Pick 20 (153) (from Bears): Stansly Maponga, DE, Texas Christian
Round 7, Pick 37 (243) (Compensatory Selection): Kemal Ishmael, DB, Central Florida
Round 7, Pick 38 (244) (Compensatory Selection): Zeke Motta, SS, Notre Dame
Round 7, Pick 43 (249) (Compensatory Selection): Sean Renfree, QB, Duke

The Falcons concentrated on defense in this year’s draft. Anyone who saw their second half collapse against the 49ers during the NFC Championship game will agree that they chose a wise approach. The Falcons chose Levine Toilolo (TE-Stanford) in the fourth round. Toilolo is an interesting TE prospect, especially when he is used in the Red-Zone. He is tall and athletic with tremendous skills in the air, and used those skills to post up safeties and defensive backs while playing in the PAC-12. He will not be a deep seam threat or run away from defenders, but should be a decent in line blocker. He will most likely be used as another end-zone threat to compliment the aging Tony Gonzalez.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Round 1, Pick 32 (32): Matt Elam, S, Florida
Round 2, Pick 24 (56) (from Seahawks): Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
Round 3, Pick 32 (94): Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern State
Round 4, Pick 32 (129): John Simon, DE, Ohio State
Round 4, Pick 33 (130) (Compensatory Selection): Kyle Juszczyk, FB, Harvard
Round 5, Pick 35 (168) (Compensatory Selection): Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin
Round 6, Pick 32 (200): Kapron Lewis-Moore, DE, Notre Dame
Round 6, Pick 35 (203) (Compensatory Selection): Ryan Jensen, OT, Colorado State-Pueblo
Round 7, Pick 32 (238): Aaron Mellette, WR, Elon
Round 7, Pick 41 (247) (Compensatory Selection): Marc Anthony, CB, California

The world champion Baltimore Ravens had to reload on defense with this year’s draft. They might have made up for the losses of Ed Reed and Ray Lewis with their first two draft picks in 2013. Matt Elam, the Ravens’ first rounder, is a true centerfielder who has great range and shows good instincts in the passing game. He is a bit undersized at just under 5’10” tall, but should be able to play bigger with his anticipation and leaping ability. Arthur Brown, the Ravens’ second round pick, will benefit greatly from playing behind a massive defensive-line and will show why he was a favorite of draft blogs leading up to the draft. If Kyle Juszczyk wins the opening day FB job, expect the running game to take some time to gel.

BUFFALO BILLS

Round 1, Pick 16 (16) (from Rams): E.J. Manuel, QB Florida State
Round 2, Pick 9 (41): Robert Woods, WR, Southern California
Round 2, Pick 14 (46) (from Rams): Kiko Alonso, LB, Oregon
Round 3, Pick 16 (78) (from Rams): Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas
Round 4, Pick 8 (105): Duke Williams, FS, Nevada
Round 5, Pick 10 (143): Johnathan Meeks, S, Clemson
Round 6, Pick 9 (177): Dustin Hopkins, PK, Florida State
Round 7, Pick 16 (222) (from Rams): Chris Gragg, TE, Arkansas

The Buffalo Bills may be kicking themselves for allowing Tavon Austin to land in St. Louis with the Rams. Rookie head coach Doug Marrone was put in a difficult spot when he was forced to look for a franchise QB in this year’s draft. The 2013 draft class did not have any clear cut can’t miss franchise quarterbacks the way the 2012 draft did. The Bills should have moved even further back in the first round if they were always going to take E.J. Manuel with their first pick. While he has great measurables (6’5”-237-4.7 forty), he is extremely inconsistent and definitely an unfinished product. I would not expect him to crack the top 20 fantasy QB range if he is forced to play early. If he does win the job, expect eight in the box against the Bills’ running game and reduced numbers for all their pass catchers. Robert Woods, the Bills’ second round pick, is going to be a plug and play possession receiver in the NFL and shouldn’t take away from Stevie Johnson’s numbers. If anything, with his smooth route running and consistent hands, the Bills will be able to extend their possessions with him being a third down conversion waiting to happen. Marquise Goodwin, the Bills’ third round pick, is a burner who hasn’t shown enough when given the chance at Texas. If he develops some receiver skills he could become a good deep target. (think poor man’s Chris Givens)

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Round 1, Pick 14 (14): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Round 2, Pick 12 (44): Kawaan Short, DT, Purdue
Round 4, Pick 11 (108): Edmund Kugbila, OG, Valdosta State
Round 5, Pick 15 (148): A.J. Klein, LB, Iowa State
Round 6, Pick 14 (182): Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

Ron Rivera and the Panthers went to the defensive side of the ball with this draft. Luke Kuechly owes the Panthers’ brass a steak dinner for providing all that beef in front of him. Star Lotulelei and Kawaan Short should make playing middle linebacker an enjoyable experience for last year’s defensive rookie of the year. Edmund Kugbila is a huge guard who will need some time to develop. He never played above Division II and needs a lot of coaching to make the leap to the pros. Kenjon Barner could end up being a really nice change of pace back for the Panthers but shouldn’t be on the fantasy radar just yet.

CHICAGO BEARS

Round 1, Pick 20 (20): Kyle Long, OG, Oregon
Round 2, Pick 18 (50): Jon Bostic, LB, Florida
Round 4, Pick 20 (117): Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers
Round 5, Pick 30 (163) (from Falcons): Jordan Mills, OT, Louisiana Tech
Round 6, Pick 20 (188): Cornelius Washington, LB, Georgia
Round 7, Pick 30 (236) (from Falcons): Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

The Chicago Bears took Kyle Long (of the Howie Long Clan) to help keep Jay Cutler upright throughout the 2013 season. He projects as a RT with guard flexibility, and may even develop into a blind side protector. He has excellent measurables and played at high level while with the Oregon Ducks. He should immediately help Matt Forte and the Bears’ offense in the running game, and should hold up well in the passing game wherever they decide to play him. He did have a history of off-the-field issues while in JUCO that hopefully are a thing of the past. The rest of their draft was used to replenish their aging defense. Jon Bostic is an NFL ready MLB and Khaseem Greene will help on special teams and contribute at the WLB position. Marquess Wilson in round 7 is a complete gamble on a kid with NFL ready skills, but issues that most teams shied away from.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Round 1, Pick 21 (21): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Round 2, Pick 5 (37) (from Raiders): Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
Round 2, Pick 21 (53): Margus Hunt, DE, Southern Methodist
Round 3, Pick 22 (84): Shawn Williams, SS, Georgia
Round 4, Pick 21 (118): Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M
Round 5, Pick 23 (156): Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
Round 6, Pick 22 (190): Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska
Round 6, Pick 29 (197) (from Patriots): Cobi Hamilton, WR, Arkansas
Round 7, Pick 34 (240) (Compensatory Selection): Reid Fragel, OT, Ohio State
Round 7, Pick 45 (251) (Compensatory Selection): T.J. Johnson, C, South Carolina

The Cincinnati Bengals had a very nice draft, both in value and in need. Tyler Eifert, the Bengals’ first round pick, is a perfect complement to their passing attack and will team with Jermaine Gresham to make a very formidable TE duo. Eifert should be a late round TE2 with some TE1 potential if Gresham goes down with an injury. Giovani Bernard is the best change of pace back in this year’s draft. He is explosive with a good center of gravity, and shows nice skills in the passing game. He is a threat to score any time he touches the ball and most likely will see time returning kicks early on. I don’t think the Bengals would draft a back this high without him figuring big time into their long term plans. I definitely see Bernard eventually becoming the feature back down the road. I really like him as a late round keeper or dynasty league pick. I don’t see a lot of upside with Rex Burkhead. He has good pass-protection skills and has nice hands, but his injury history and lack of speed will most likely keep him from having any NFL impact.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Round 1, Pick 6 (6): Barkevious Mingo, DE, Louisiana State
Round 3, Pick 6 (68): Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State
Round 6, Pick 7 (175): Jamoris Slaughter, SS, Notre Dame
Round 7, Pick 11 (217) (from Dolphins): Armonty Bryant, DE, East Central (Okla.)
Round 7, Pick 21 (227) (from Bengals through 49ers): Garrett Gilkey, OT, Chadron State

The Browns are a mess and this draft will most likely go down as waste. Barkevious Mingo, the Browns’ first round pick, has real pass-rushing skills, but did not hold up well against the run in the SEC. The rest of the Browns’ draft was used on roster fillers. The problems facing their embattled owner, Jimmy Haslam, clearly worked their way to the draft room. Mingo will be a good Pro, but they had too many needs to draft him where they did. A trade back to recoup some picks would have gone a long way to solidifying this roster. Josh Gordon, who was taken in last year’s supplemental draft, is the one caveat to my critique. He basically was this year’s second round pick, and has a year of NFL coaching under his belt. He showed he has first round potential last season, and will most likely be their number one receiver entering camp.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Round 1, Pick 31 (31) (from 49ers): Travis Frederick, C, Wisconsin
Round 2, Pick 15 (47): Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State
Round 3, Pick 12 (74) (from Panthers through 49ers): Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
Round 3, Pick 18 (80): J.J. Wilcox, FS, Georgia Southern
Round 4, Pick 17 (114): B.W. Webb, CB, William & Mary
Round 5, Pick 18 (151): Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State
Round 6, Pick 17 (185): DeVonte Holloman, LB, South Carolina

The Dallas Cowboys took the draft’s top Center in the first round, but really didn’t take advantage of their draft’s potential. They traded back with the 49ers from 18 to 31 and passed on a lot of quality players. (Shariff Floyd and Eric Reid just to name a few) At 31 they could have taken Matt Elam to solidify their safety position, but reached with Frederick. I truly believe they would have been better off waiting until the second round to select Frederick, while using the 18th overall pick to bolster other holes in their lineup. Gavin Escobar, the Cowboys’ second round pick, has great hands and showed at San Diego St. that he can make some plays down the field. On the bad side, he has not shown even the slightest potential to be an inline blocker. He is not Jason Witten’s heir apparent, but could be a nice running mate. Terrance Williams is an interesting pick, and could eventually push Miles Austin out the door in Dallas. Joseph Randle will be Jerry Jones’ new object of fascination. Jones will tout him as the perfect backup to Demarco Murray and wax poetic that he is Murray’s perfect complement, but Randle was at best a late round roster filler, nothing more. With Murray’s injury history you will still be forced to keep an eye on Randle if you draft Murray in your fantasy league, but don’t expect the same numbers if he has to tote the rock.

DENVER BRONCOS

Round 1, Pick 28 (28): Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
Round 2, Pick 26 (58): Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Round 3, Pick 28 (90): Kayvon Webster, CB, South Florida
Round 5, Pick 13 (146) (from Dolphins through Packers): Quanterus Smith, DE, Western Kentucky
Round 5, Pick 28 (161): Tavarres King, WR, Georgia
Round 6, Pick 5 (173) (from Eagles through Browns, 49ers and Packers): Vinston Painter, OT, Virginia Tech
Round 7, Pick 28 (234): Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (Ohio)

The Broncos took a space eater in Sylvester Williams with their first round pick, and he should help Von Miller rack up big sack totals as he pushes the pocket. The Broncos then took Montee Ball in the second round and everyone in fantasy football land had to take notice. Ball was a scoring machine in college, and showed surprising skills in the passing game. His only drawbacks are the amount of caries he had in college (over 900), and some concussion injuries that are always a red flag for me. I think he will be very productive during his rookie year, but I wouldn’t place him as high as most fantasy gurus, because of the amount of mileage on those legs.

DETROIT LIONS

Round 1, Pick 5 (5): Ziggy Ansah, DE, Brigham Young
Round 2, Pick 4 (36): Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State
Round 3, Pick 3 (65): Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
Round 4, Pick 35 (132) (Compensatory Selection): Davin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
Round 5, Pick 32 (165) (from Ravens and Seahawks): Sam Martin, P, Appalachian State
Round 6, Pick 3 (171): Corey Fuller, WR, Virginia Tech
Round 6, Pick 31 (199) (from Ravens through Seahawks): Theo Riddick, RB, Notre Dame
Round 7, Pick 5 (211): Michael Williams, TE, Alabama
Round 7, Pick 39 (245) (Compensatory Selection): Brandon Hepburn, LB, Florida A&M

The Lions concentrated the early part of their draft on defense, but took a road grater guard in the third round. The addition of Warford may be the key to the Lions’ running backs becoming more than an afterthought. Larry Warford moves people, plain and simple. He touches you and you disappear He may not have the pass protection skills down pat yet, but he will really help the Lions become a more well-rounded offensive team.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Round 1, Pick 26 (26): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Round 2, Pick 29 (61) (from 49ers): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
Round 4, Pick 12 (109) (from Saints through Dolphins): David Bakhtiari, OT, Colorado
Round 4, Pick 25 (122): J.C. Tretter, OT, Cornell
Round 4, Pick 28 (125) (from Broncos): Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
Round 5, Pick 26 (159): Micah Hyde, CB, Iowa
Round 5, Pick 34 (167) (Compensatory Selection): Josh Boyd, DE, Mississippi State
Round 6, Pick 25 (193): Nate Palmer, LB, Illinois State
Round 7, Pick 10 (216) (from Titans through 49ers): Charles Johnson, WR, Grand Valley State
Round 7, Pick 18 (224) (from Cowboys through Dolphins): Kevin Dorsey, WR, Maryland
Round 7, Pick 26 (232): Sam Barrington, LB, South Florida

The Green Bay Packers took a defensive lineman in the first round, to help keep blockers off of Clay Mathews and BJ Raji. Round two is where Eddie Lacy’s draft slide finally ended, and fantasy football fans around the country rejoiced. Lacy has great feet and excellent vision and should immediately become the Packers’ featured back. If Lacy’s toe really is an issue, then Johnathan Franklin is a nice insurance policy in round 4. I expect Lacy to finally be the back that eats into some of Aaron Rodger’s fantasy numbers. If all goes according to plan there will be plenty of production to go around.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Round 1, Pick 27 (27): DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
Round 2, Pick 25 (57): D.J. Swearinger, SS, South Carolina
Round 3, Pick 27 (89): Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina
Round 3, Pick 33 (95) (Compensatory Selection): Sam Montgomery, DE, Louisiana State
Round 4, Pick 27 (124): Trevardo Williams, DE, Connecticut
Round 6, Pick 8 (176) (from Titans through Vikings, Cardinals and Raiders): David Quessenberry, OT, San Jose State
Round 6, Pick 27 (195): Alan Bonner, WR, Jacksonville State
Round 6, Pick 30 (198) (from Falcons through Rams): Chris Jones, DT, Bowling Green
Round 6, Pick 33 (201) (Compensatory Selection): Ryan Griffin, TE, Connecticut

The Houston Texans selected DeAndre Hopkins in the first round to immediately come in and start opposite Andre Johnson. The Texans’ wide receiver 2 position has long been a wasteland for fantasy football GMs. This pick may be the answer for the Texans and fantasy GMs. DeAndre Hopkins has big play ability, and penchant for taking over games. He made the vaunted defense of LSU look like any other ACC defense when he decided to take over in the second half of their bowl game. I still think the Texans will be a run first, run second, and maybe even run third team, but Hopkins will get his fair share of play-action big plays.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Round 1, Pick 24 (24): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
Round 3, Pick 24 (86): Hugh Thornton, OG, Illinois
Round 4, Pick 24 (121): Khaled Holmes, C, Southern California
Round 5, Pick 6 (139) (from Browns): Montori Hughes, DT, Tennessee-Martin
Round 6, Pick 24 (192): John Boyett, SS, Oregon
Round 7, Pick 24 (230): Kerwynn Williams, RB, Utah State
Round 7, Pick 48 (254) (Compensatory Selection): Justice Cunningham, TE, South Carolina

The Colts looked to Defense and keeping Andrew Lucky upright with their first few picks and probably came out okay, but no home-runs here. Unless you are talking about more time in the pocket for Andrew Luck put up huge fantasy numbers. I definately think Luck jumps into the top 8 must start fantasy quarterbacks this year.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Round 1, Pick 2 (2): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Round 2, Pick 1 (33): Johnathan Cyprien, S, Florida International
Round 3, Pick 2 (64): Dwayne Gratz, CB, Connecticut
Round 4, Pick 4 (101) (from Eagles): Ace Sanders, WR, South Carolina
Round 5, Pick 2 (135): Denard Robinson, WR, Michigan
Round 6, Pick 1 (169): Josh Evans, FS, Florida
Round 7, Pick 2 (208): Jeremy Harris, CB, New Mexico State
Round 7, Pick 4 (210) (from Eagles): Demetrius McCray, CB, Appalachian State

The Jaguar’s first round pick, Luke Joeckel, will be a perennial pro-bowler and should bring some Tony Boselli comparisons out of the back of the closet. He was 1A or 1B in many teams’ minds and will be an anchor for a suffering franchise. I think this pick will boost Maurice Jones-Drew’s numbers and make either Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne very happy. More time for Jaguar’s QBs means more downfield plays for Cecil Shorts III or Justin Blackmon. (when Blackmon returns from his four game suspension)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Round 1, Pick 1 (1): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Round 3, Pick 1 (63): Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati
Round 3, Pick 34 (96) (Compensatory Selection): Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
Round 4, Pick 2 (99): Nico Johnson, LB, Alabama
Round 5, Pick 1 (134): Sanders Commings, CB, Georgia
Round 6, Pick 2 (170): Eric Kush, C, California (Pa.)
Round 6, Pick 36 (204) (Compensatory Selection): Braden Wilson, FB, Kansas State
Round 7, Pick 1 (207): Mike Catapano, DE, Princeton

The Chiefs took the very big and very nasty Eric Fisher with the first overall pick. While most pundits exclaimed that the Chiefs needed to move Brandon Albert before taking another tackle, the Chiefs chose to bookend their offensive line with two beasts. I am sure the Chiefs would have moved Albert for the right price, but with nothing enticing them, he stayed put. Jamal Charles and Alex Smith ended up benefiting from the dry trade market and should reap the benefits this coming year. Fisher played against lesser competition in college, but proved at the senior bowl that he can dominate at any level. Jamal Charles will be able to go left or right at will, while also benefiting from Andy Reid’s use of the RB position in the passing game. Charles is a solid top six pick with top three upside if he gets his hands on the ball in the passing game.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Round 1, Pick 3 (3) (from Raiders): Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
Round 2, Pick 22 (54) (from Colts): Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
Round 3, Pick 15 (77): Dallas Thomas, OT, Tennessee
Round 3, Pick 31 (93) (from 49ers through Packers): Will Davis, CB, Utah State
Round 4, Pick 7 (104) (from Browns): Jelani Jenkins, LB, Florida
Round 4, Pick 9 (106) (from Jets through Saints): Dion Sims, TE, Michigan State
Round 5, Pick 31 (164) (from 49ers through Browns): Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida
Round 5, Pick 33 (166) (Compensatory Selection): Caleb Sturgis, PK, Florida
Round 7, Pick 44 (250) (Compensatory Selection): Don Jones, SS, Arkansas State

The Dolphins traded up and surprised everyone by drafting a defensive end/OLB with the third pick in the draft. Everyone and their mother thought the Dolphins were going to take Lane Johnson with the third pick, but chose to take Dion Jordan to chase Tom Brady around in the AFC East. With the Dolphins’ recent signing of Tyson Clabo (for a very affordable 3.5 Million) they essentially upgraded both spots. Dion Sims, the Dolphins’ second fourth round pick, has a ton of potential, but should not be considered in this year’s fantasy drafts. He most likely will evolve into a low-end TE2 down the road.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Round 1, Pick 23 (23): Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Round 1, Pick 25 (25) (from Seahawks): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Round 1, Pick 29 (29) (from Patriots): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Round 4, Pick 23 (120): Gerald Hodges, LB, Penn State
Round 5, Pick 22 (155): Jeff Locke, P, UCLA
Round 6, Pick 28 (196) (from Broncos through Eagles and Buccaneers): Jeff Baca, OG, UCLA
Round 7, Pick 7 (213) (from Cardinals): Michael Mauti, LB, Penn State
Round 7, Pick 8 (214) (from Bills through Seahawks): Travis Bond, OG, North Carolina
Round 7, Pick 23 (229) (from Vikings through Patriots and Buccaneers): Everett Dawkins, DT, Florida State

The Minnesota Vikings looked to be concentrating on the defensive side of the ball as they used their first two picks in the draft on Shariff Floyd DT-Florida and Xavier Rhodes CB-Florida St, but threw everyone for a loop with a late first round trade to take Cordarrelle Patterson WR-Tennessee with a pick originally owned by New England. While both Floyd and Rhodes have big time potential and should help the Vikings defense for years to come, I will focus on the Vikings’ third first round pick Cordarrelle Patterson and his potential fantasy value. Patterson was a Juco transfer at Tennessee and exploded on the scene in the SEC. His electric returns and his run after the catch abilities immediately had his name jumping up draft boards. As the season went on he showed that his route-running and concentration were concerns. He would round off routes and not recognize deep safeties on quite a few occasions. Patterson’s hands were a big knock as he went through the draft process. He proved to be a body catcher that does not utilize his hands nearly enough. His agility and speed are downright jaw-dropping, and should make the growing pains worth it for the Vikings. If he can be coached up on route-running and using his hands to high-point the football, we could have an even more talented version of Torrey Smith on our hands.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Round 2, Pick 20 (52) (from Vikings): Jamie Collins, LB, Southern Miss Round 2, Pick 27 (59): Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall
Round 3, Pick 21 (83) (from Vikings): Ryan Logan, CB, Rutgers
Round 3, Pick 29 (91): Duron Harmon, S, Rutgers
Round 4, Pick 5 (102) (from Lions through Vikings): Josh Boyce, WR, Texas Christian
Round 7, Pick 20 (226) (from Bears through Buccaneers): Michael Buchanan, DE, Illinois
Round 7, Pick 29 (235): Steve Beauharnais, LB, Rutgers

The New England Patriots took a pass rusher in Jamie Collins with their first pick in the second round and followed that up with Aaron Dobson WR-Marshall. Dobson was a sleeper favorite of many draft pundits as he has a great size to speed ratio (6’3” 4.55 Forty) and good burst off the line of scrimmage. He runs routes well and shows good body control when fighting for the ball in the air. His blocking is above average and should help Steven Ridley and the other Patriots backs break longer runs. Josh Boyce, the Patriots’ fourth round pick, could be a draft day find, as his play was hampered by all the problems TCU had at the QB position. Look for Boyce to have fantasy relevance next year.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Round 1, Pick 15 (15): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Round 3, Pick 13 (75): Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Round 3, Pick 20 (from Bears through Dolphins) (82): John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
Round 5, Pick 11 (144): Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma
Round 6, Pick 15 (183): Rufus Johnson, DE, Tarleton State

The Saints concentrated on the defensive side of the ball as they had a huge need to upgrade the safety position. Their first round pick Kenny Vaccaro should be able to step right in to the Saints’ secondary and make a difference. Terron Armstead, The Saints’ third round pick, has a lot of upside, but is very green. He could end up being the third best tackle in this draft, if he develops the right way.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Round 1, Pick 19 (19): Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse
Round 2, Pick 17 (49): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Round 3, Pick 19 (81): Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
Round 4, Pick 19 (110) (from Chargers through Cardinals): Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
Round 5, Pick 19 (152): Cooper Taylor, S, Richmond
Round 7, Pick 19 (225): Eric Herman, OG, Ohio
Round 7, Pick 47 (253) (Compensatory Selection): Michael Cox, RB, Massachusetts

The Giants finally drafted an Offensive lineman in the first round to help their aging group up front. Justin Pugh will be a very good Pro, but probably projects better as a guard or center than outside at tackle. I have seen his game film and came away impressed. He moves really well with a good center of gravity. He uses very good technique to make up for his short arms and less than ideal strength when anchoring against a bull-rush or drop stepping to cut off a speed rusher. The Giants then used the next two picks to draft on more bodies for their defensive line. Both, Johnathan Hankins and Demontre Moore, were widely regarded as first round picks leading up to the draft process. Both fell off first round mock drafts as teams put them under the microscope. Hankins has a soft physique, but plays with a nice motor and quick first step. He should provide a good 1 technique tandem with Linval Joseph. To help the Giants stop the running games of their NFC East rivals. Moore had a ton of production while at Texas A&M and looked to be the next Von Miller. Rumors of his immaturity and questions about his work ethic kept him from being a first round pick. Ryan Nassib, the Giants fourth round pick, could become trade bait if he shows well in the preseason and in relief appearances. Nassib was rumored to be going in the first or second round, and heavily linked to the Bills. So getting him in the fourth round was definately good value.

NEW YORK JETS

Round 1, Pick 9 (9): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Round 1, Pick 13 (13) (from Buccaneers): Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Round 2, Pick 7 (39): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Round 3, Pick 10 (72): Brian Winters, OT, Kent State
Round 5, Pick 8 (141): Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia
Round 6, Pick 10 (178): William Campbell, DT, Michigan
Round 7, Pick 9 (215): Tommy Bohanon, FB, Wake Forest

The NY Jets drafted two very good defensive players in the first round, but made their biggest splash by taking Geno Smith in the second round. Geno Smith looked to be a lock first rounder when he was carving up the Big 12 with both his arm and his legs, but something happened on the way to the draft. Teams were turned off by his diva attitude and his lack of pro style experience. Rumors were constantly coming out that he “ wasn’t a leader”or “he wasn’t a classroom guy”. Most of the time these rumors are just smoke screens trying to drive a prospects draft stock down, but this time they were right. I believe he has a lot of talent, and can be an excellent NFL QB with plenty of fantasy potential. He showed a strong enough arm, and very good touch while at West Virginia, but primarily played out of the shotgun and didn’t drop back at all. He did show excellent anticipation and coverage reads when dissecting an opponents defense, which bodes well for the next level. His fantasy potential takes a dive when you look at what the Jets have, as far as talent, on offense. The cupboard is pretty bare and he would be better off holding a clipboard until they restock. He could be a nice QB2 next year, but this should definately be a wait and see.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Round 1, Pick 12 (12) (from Dolphins): D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston
Round 2, Pick 10 (42) (from Dolphins): Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
Round 3, Pick 4 (66): Sio Moore, LB, Connecticut
Round 4, Pick 15 (112): Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
Round 6, Pick 4 (172): Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado
Round 6, Pick 13 (181) (from Buccaneers): Latavius Murray, RB, Central Florida
Round 6, Pick 16 (184) (from Rams through Texans): Mychal Rivera, TE, Tennessee
Round 6, Pick 37 (205) (Compensatory Selection): Stacy McGee, DT, Oklahoma
Round 7, Pick 3 (209): Brice Butler, WR, San Diego State
Round 7, Pick 27 (233) (from Texans): David Bass, DE, Missouri Western

The Oakland Raiders selected a very good cover corner in D.J. Hayden with their first round pick. Then took a very raw offensive tackle in Menelik Watson with their second round pick. Sio Moore, the Raiders’ third round pick, will be a very good pro right away. He can play all three linebacker positions and will be a contributor on special teams.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Round 1, Pick 4 (4): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Round 2, Pick 3 (35): Zach Ertz, TE Stanford
Round 3, Pick 5 (67): Bennie Logan, DT, Louisiana State
Round 4, Pick 1 (98) (from Jaguars): Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California
Round 5, Pick 3 (136): Earl Wolff, SS, N.C. State
Round 7, Pick 6 (212) (from Browns): Joe Kruger, DE, Utah
Round 7, Pick 12 (218) (from Buccaneers): Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State
Round 7, Pick 33 (239) (Compensatory Selection): David King, DE, Oklahoma

The Philadelphia Eagles selected tackle Lane Johnson from Oklahoma in the first round of this year’s draft. Lane Johnson is relatively new to the position of tackle and will benefit from playing along side Jason Peters and Todd Herremans. Chip Kelly will find he has a lot to work with if Jason Peters comes back healthy from a torn Achilles. With Peters, Todd Herremans(also recovering from a major injury) bumping inside to guard and Lane Jonson at right tackle the Eagles have the makings of a dominant line. The Eagles drafted Zach Ertz with their second round pick. Ertz will be a high end TE2 by the end of the year and could be a low end TE1 if Brent Celek gets injured. Matt Barkley will be a nice trade chip for the Eagles if his shoulder can regain its former strength, and he shows well in the preseason.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Round 1, Pick 17 (17): Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia
Round 2, Pick 16 (48): Le’Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State
Round 3, Pick 17 (79): Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State
Round 4, Pick 14 (111) (from Dolphins through Browns): Shamarko Thomas, SS, Syracuse
Round 4, Pick 18 (115): Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Round 5, Pick 17 (150): Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois
Round 6, Pick 18 (186): Justin Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Round 6, Pick 38 (206) (Compensatory Selection): Vince Williams, LB, Florida State
Round 7, Pick 17 (223): Nick Williams, DT, Samford

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a type. Better or worse they are often the easiest team to predict during a draft and this year was no different. Jarvis Jones, the Steelers’ first round pick, always looked like he would be headed to the Steel City and he should fit in perfectly. He has a great motor and processes polished pass-rushing moves. He will more than fill the void left by James Harrison’s departure. Le’Veon Bell may remind some, at first glance, of Jerome Bettis, but he is more of stand straight up runner than head down battering ram. He has good feet and vision and is instantly the best option at RB for the Steelers. I didn’t love the direction the Steelers took in the running game last year under Todd Haley, but Bell may be the answer Haley was looking for. Bell will definitely be a solid RB2 by week three in most fantasy leagues. Markus Wheaton is a very nice receiver who will play early and often if he picks up the offense quickly. If an injury hits the receiving corps he could be a deeper league find.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Round 1, Pick 11 (11): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Round 2, Pick 6 (38) (from Cardinals): Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
Round 3, Pick 14 (76): Keenan Allen, WR, California
Round 5, Pick 12 (145): Steve Williams, CB, California
Round 6, Pick 11 (179): Tourek Williams, DE, Florida International
Round 7, Pick 15 (221): Brad Sorensen, QB, Southern Utah

The San Diego “Super” Chargers addressed a big need with their first round pick by selecting D.J. Fluker. Fluker was a battering ram at the University of Alabama paving the way for Eddie Lacy and Trent Richardson while also doing a nice job of keeping his quarterback clean. He suffers against speed rushers and gets over his toes a little too often, but should make Ryan Mathews’ owners very happy as he caves in his side of the line on running plays. The Chargers drafted Keenan Allen WR-CAL in the third round and hope he can recover from a knee injury to show the burst and route running he showed on game film. Fluker’s addition will make many fantasy GMs reconsider the oft-injured Ryan Mathews as a low end RB1. I know I might gamble on him again. Did I just say that?!!

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Round 1, Pick 18 (18): Eric Reid, S, Louisiana State
Round 2, Pick 8 (40) (from Titans): Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State
Round 2, Pick 23 (55) (from Packers): Vance McDonald, TE, Rice
Round 3, Pick 26 (88) (from Packers): Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn
Round 4, Pick 31 (128): Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
Round 4, Pick 34 (131) (Compensatory Selection): Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
Round 5, Pick 24 (157) (from Colts): Quinton Dial, DE, Alabama
Round 6, Pick 12 (180) (from Dolphins): Nick Moody, LB, Florida State
Round 7, Pick 31 (237): B.J. Daniels, QB, South Florida
Round 7, Pick 40 (246) (Compensatory Selection): Carter Bykowski, OT, Iowa State
Round 7, Pick 46 (252) (Compensatory Selection): Marcus Cooper, CB, Rutgers

The 49ers concentrated on defense early in the draft, but found two future fantasy contributors in the fourth round when they selected Quinton Patton WR-La Tech and Marcus Lattimore RB-South Carolina. Patton is a good route runner who could push for slot catches and be a nice deeper league fill in if the 49ers suffer some injuries. Marcus Lattimore was going to be the next Adrian Peterson before multiple knee injuries derailed him at South Carolina. If he is able to make a full recovery he could be the heir to Frank Gore’s featured back throne. Personally, I will take a flier on Lattimore as a keeper for next season, but don’t expect anything this year.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Round 2, Pick 30 (62) (from Ravens): Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M
Round 3, Pick 25 (87): Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State
Round 4, Pick 26 (123): Chris Harper, WR, Kansas State
Round 5, Pick 4 (137) (from Lions): Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
Round 5, Pick 5 (138) (from Raiders): Tharold Simon, CB, Louisiana State
Round 5, Pick 25 (158): Luke Wilson, TE, Rice
Round 6, Pick 26 (194): Spencer Ware, RB, Louisiana State
Round 7, Pick 14 (220) (from Saints): Ryan Seymour, OG, Vanderbilt
Round 7, Pick 25 (231): Ty Powell, DE, Harding
Round 7, Pick 35 (241) (Compensatory Selection): Jared Smith, DT, New Hampshire
Round 7, Pick 36 (242) (Compensatory Selection): Michael Bowie, OT, NE Oklahoma State

The Seattle Seahawks have a roster full of talent and were able to draft players that fit into their system, rather than reach for need. Christine Michael was easily one of the most talented backs in this draft, but slid on injury and character concerns. If he can stay healthy he could leapfrog Robert Turbin on the depth chart and be the beneficiary of an injury to Marshawn Lynch. Luke Wilson TE-Rice could be nice player in this offense and I expect him to challenge Zach Miller for starting tight-end duties by next year.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Round 1, Pick 8 (8) (from Bills): Tavon Austin, WR West Virginia
Round 1, Pick 30 (30) (from Falcons): Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
Round 3, Pick 9 (71): (from Bills): T.J. McDonald, FS, Southern California
Round 3, Pick 30 (92) (from Falcons): Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia
Round 4, Pick 16 (113): Barrett Jones, OG, Alabama
Round 5, Pick 16 (149): Brandon McGee, CB, Miami
Round 5, Pick 27 (160) (from Texans): Zac Stacy, RB Vanderbilt

The St. Louis Rams selected the most explosive weapon in this year’s draft when they took Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick. Austin is quick in and out of cuts and shows breakaway speed whenever he gets in the open-field. Depending on how the Rams choose to use him this year, he could very well be a high upside WR2 in most fantasy league formats. The Rams selected Stedman Bailey WR-West Virginia in the third round and he will likely feature as the first sub in 4WR sets. He is a very nice addition to a Rams’ passing attack that has seen a complete offseason overhaul.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Round 2, Pick 11 (43): Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Round 3, Pick 11 (73): Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State
Round 4, Pick 3 (100) (from Raiders): Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois
Round 4, Pick 29 (126) (from Patriots): William Gholston, DE, Michigan State
Round 5, Pick 14 (147): Steven Means, DE, Buffalo
Round 6, Pick 21 (189) (from Vikings): Mike James, RB, Miami

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Mike Glennon in the second round to push Josh Freeman. If Freeman doesn’t step up his game expect Glennon to be throwing the ball downfield to Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. Freeman has the keys to a Cadillac, with the talent on this Buccaneers’offense, but he’s been running it like an old Chevy beater. I put Freeman in the same boat as Jake Locker. It’s time sink or swim fellas. Just don’t let them sink your championship dreams.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Round 1, Pick 10 (10): Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
Round 2, Pick 2 (34) (from Chiefs through 49ers): Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
Round 3, Pick 8 (70): Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut
Round 3, Pick 35 (97) (Compensatory Selection): Zaviar Gooden, LB, Missouri
Round 4, Pick 10 (107): Brian Schwenke, C, California
Round 5, Pick 9 (142): Lavar Edwards, DE, Louisiana State
Round 6, Pick 34 (202) (Compensatory Selection): Khalid Wooten, CB, Nevada
Round 7, Pick 42 (248) (Compensatory Selection): Daimion Stafford, SS, Nebraska

The Tennessee Titans solidified their interior offensive line in this year’s draft when they selected Chance Warmack OG-Alabama in the first round and Brian Schwenke C-Cal with their fourth round selection. Chris Johnson should have no excuses for not finding any running room with these two added to the offensive line. The draft pick of Justin Hunter WR-Tennessee seems like an indictment of someone in the Titan’s current receiving corps. Is he the replacement for Kenny Britt? Is Nate Washington headed out the door? Are the Titans down on last year’s draft pick, Kendall Wright? Expect Washington to be cut post June 1^st. Jake Locker is the one who will really have no place to hide, if he doesn’t make a big leap forward this year. Locker was a late round fantasy guru favorite heading into last season, but was most likely the first QB put on the waiver wire. His accuracy is a big question mark, but his athleticism will keep giving him chances. If he doesn’t make strides this year expect a regime change and a new QB in town.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Round 2, Pick 19 (51): David Amerson, CB, N.C. State
Round 3, Pick 23 (85): Jordan Reed, TE, Florida
Round 4, Pick 22 (119): Philip Thomas, SS, Fresno State
Round 5, Pick 21 (154): Chris Thompson, RB, Florida State
Round 5, Pick 29 (162) (from Patriots): Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
Round 6, Pick 23 (191): Bacarri Rambo, SS, Georgia
Round 7, Pick 22 (228): Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers

The Washington Redskins didn’t have a pick until the second round, and used it on David Amerson CB-NC State. Amerson was projected as a top ten talent heading into this college football season, but he played his way out of the first round. He has all the measurable and ball skills to make him the top corner in the draft, but was continually beat deep this year on double moves. His technique was poor and he had become greedy for interceptions after leading the country the year before. Opposing offenses saw the blood in the water and continually made him look bad. If he works on his fundamentals there is no reason he can’t be the best corner from this draft. Jordan Reed TE-Florida will be a nice complimentary piece, but shouldn’t crack fantasy rosters. Running backs Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison will push Roy Helu and Evan Royster for roster spots, while contributing very little in fantasy value.

The Challenge of Running Into Hot Fantasy Baseball Players

It appears that my luck (or lack thereof) has followed me from fantasy football into fantasy baseball. I feel I drafted a very solid team, but my early season results have been nothing to write home about. I drafted Ryan Braun with the third overall pick and he has been as good as advertised. Braun is a fantasy stud who can carry a fantasy team throughout the year. My infield is very solid with the likes of Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler and Evan Longoria. Besides Braun, my outfield consists of some late round gems such as Dexter Fowler and Starling Marte. My top starting pitchers are Adam Wainwright, Max Scherzer, and Jake Peavy. But my closers have been a mixed bag. Sergio Romo has been excellent thus far, but Joel Hanrahan seemingly has lost his closing duties to the reinvigorated Andrew Bailey in Boston.

While trying to figure out why my team was not dominating in the early going, I quickly found some players to blame. I missed the boat towards the end of the draft with selections such as Brandon Belt and Aaron Hicks who were quickly sacrificed to the waiver wire. In hindsight, I really regret picking Brandon Morrow over Jon Lester. I also rue the day of my gamble on Corey Hart’s injured knee and not targeting a solid right fielder earlier in the draft. Hart’s placement on the 60-day DL has forced me to play Adrian Gonzalez in right field and start one of my bench players (Todd Frazier and Matt Carpenter) at first base. I am losing significant power numbers when Carpenter is slotted at First Base as opposed to filling in at other positions periodically.

Before the draft, I targeted Paul Goldschmidt and Matt Moore but missed out on them by a pick or two. I have been scrambling to make up for missing out on both players ever since. That is probably why I reached for Belt and reluctantly took Brandon Morrow during the draft. I blame my poor time management for drafting Morrow, as I was down to the final five seconds on the draft clock.

Despite those shortcomings, I have made some quality early season pick-ups such as Jed Lowrie and Kyle Seager to partially offset those draft day mistakes. I even took a flier on Mark Teixeira who was dropped after the draft. Hopefully he does come back and can fill my all-important first base slot. He and Hart are stashed on my DL waiting to be utilized in June (fingers crossed). I also picked up Jose Valverde to fill the closer slot vacated by Hanrahan, and Shelby Miller to add some strike out power to my pitching staff.

Being honest with myself, I really cannot blame my team for some of my early season losses. Instead, I had the misfortune of playing against some players who produced extraordinary results. Two that come to mind are Carlos Gonzales who battered and abused the Mets, as well as Mike Napoli when he was doing his best Tony Conigliaro impression. I swear, the Green Monster is a magnet for that guy. I watched him rain double after double off that little league fence with the bases seemingly always loaded. Then incredibly, I was up against Anibal Sanchez last week when he decided to set a Tigers’ record of 17 strikeouts in one game.

Weeks like that reminded me of some fantasy football weeks your quarterback throws for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns in the early game, only to be outdone by Drew Brees and his videogame-like numbers later in the day. Or if Chris Johnson (that would be CJ2K of the Tennessee Titans and not the pasty third baseman on the Braves) finally breaks out for you with a 100-yard day and a touchdown only to be outscored by Adrian Peterson during one of his record-breaking romps. I guess I didn’t realize that this type of misfortune also applied in fantasy baseball.

However, running into a couple of hot teams and players during the early part of the season is not going to get me off my game. I am going to stick to my strategy of playing match-ups and making some shrewd moves on the waiver wire. I will not hit the panic button and make a bad trade just to just to get a shaky closer or retread first baseman. After all, the fantasy baseball season is long and my luck is bound to even out. Right? Right???

The Pull of the Waiver Wire

The call of the waiver wire is as irresistible as a Siren calling me towards a rocky shore. I cannot help but peek constantly at all of the unwanted players that could be the key to a championship season. The songs are full of homeruns and stolen bases, but when you get up close you realize they are actually strikeouts and hitless nights. Unwanted relievers that look like save opportunities are actually WHIP and ERA killers dressed as shaky closers.

While it has been a long time since I have visited the baseball version of this island, my years of fantasy football have prepared me to navigate these rough waters. Some early season struggles of mid-round picks may send some GMs to dispatch their weak link early. Meanwhile, it can be a great place to buy low for the knowledgeable GM.

Some names that recently hit the waiver wire in my head-to-head league include late round sleepers, solid bench players, and even a former MVP. These players include Mike Moustakas, Kyle Seager, Brett Gardner, and Justin Morneau. None of these players are going to make or break a fantasy team, but I had to pinch myself to see if this was a waiver wire reality or a free agent fantasy.

Both real and fantasy baseball pundits have repeatedly proclaimed that “Moustakas is going to hit.” Maybe so. But for now I would rather hold the fort down with guys like Chris Johnson and Jason Donaldson until Moustakas figures it out…on my bench. Brett Gardner was supposed to fill your stolen base quota, but instead he has opened the season like he was stuck in second gear. If he’s not stealing now, he will be later in the year. Don’t let another GM reap the benefits of your quick trigger finger.

Kyle Seager has way too much upside to put on the waiver wire, even if he is batting against the wind. Seager is someone you should hold on to, especially since he is eligible at second base in some leagues. Even with his recent hot streak, his batting average hasn’t surpassed .250 which is demonstrative of how poorly he started the season. Finally, I was quite surprised to see 2006 AL MVP Justin Morneau on the waiver wire. Granted, if he is not hitting for power then he can possibly drag your team down in several roto categories. But he appears healthy and is a strong candidate to be traded at some point during the season. He would be worth your while to simply stash on your bench until he gets hot later in the year.

Moving on to the pitchers, many big names have surprisingly found their way to the waiver wire after failing to quickly rekindle their past glory. Dan Haren and Josh Johnson are two prime examples as GM’s might begin to hit their ejector seat buttons. (Chad Billingsley was originally on this list before it was revealed he required Tommy John surgery). Haren has been very shaky after a terrible 2012 season,and I see him as surplus to requirements in almost every format. Johnson is one of the most injury-prone pitchers in baseball, and is playing in a park that is not very friendly to sinker-ball pitchers. He got off to a very poor start in 2013, but he can still be a fantasy asset and is playing for a contract which is always an added motivating factor.

Finally, I must acknowledge that I have been greatly amused watching the train wreck otherwise known as the always-evolving “Closer Carousel.” Newly acquired Red Sox closer Joel Hanrahan started out hot, cooled off, got hurt, and now looks like an afterthought with the job Andrew Bailey is doing. Carlos Marmol and John Axford lost their jobs during Week 1 with epic failures. Then Marmol has some success pitching in a setup role. As soon as he is given another chance to protect a lead, he fails…again. I mostly put his recent blown save on his manager, who brought him in the day after throwing over thirty pitches in a two inning outing. Not to mention Joey Votto was overdue against him and a runner was already in scoring position. I, like most GMs, are happy to avoid the headaches and indigestion that some of these bad closers can cause. The Detroit Tigers closing situation has been like a Mike Shanahan running back competition. First it is this guy, then it is that guy, and now it’s Jose Valverde all over again. There is a very good chance that this will change again by the time this article is published.

PS Axford might get his closers job back………

You can also see this article featured at Fantasyjudgment.com as Coach Dennis’s Diary

Bad Picks = Bad Beats

Now three weeks into the season, it is easy to start second-guessing yourself. Do you have a gaping hole in your lineup thanks to an early round gamble on an injury-prone star such as Jose Reyes? Has that “sure thing” and “can’t miss”stud turned into a bench-warming nightmare such as Josh Hamilton and Matt Kemp? Are you paying the “Price” for taking last year’s Cy Young winners and overlooking Matt Harvey later on in the draft? Is “Cain” not able? Rather than dwell on all of your mistakes, you should bask in the glory of the small victories you attained.

It is easy to get down on yourself and play Monday morning quarterback. Instead, try and focus on all the smart picks you made. Maybe you took late bloomer Chris Davis in the later rounds and have been reaping the benefits of his newfound confidence ever since. If so, your own confidence as a GM should grow as well. Maybe you went with your gut looking for an outfielder and grabbed Dexter Fowler, and in the process bypassed roto darlings Brett Gardner and Angel Pagan. Maybe you are skeptical of medical records and physicals so you drafted Mike Napoli and now look like a genius. Or, maybe you smartly grabbed an established second baseman such as Dustin Pedroia or Ian Kinsler instead of getting tempted by Jason Kipnis or Emilio Bonifacio.

Focusing only on the missteps can drive a fantasy baseball GM mad. I would equate this mentality to the poker player who dwells on his bad beats. You played the hand by the percentages and with perfect mathematical precision, but the other guy just happened to get lucky. You can drive yourself crazy replaying these hands and bad picks, over and over again. But eventually, you realize you could not and should not have done anything differently. After all, David Price at the top of the third round is something I would take any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

As the saying goes, focus on the good things and don’t let the bad get you down. Don’t let early season struggles become a cancer on your fantasy team. I realize symbolizing an under-performing fantasy baseball as a cancer is a bit extreme, but it fits. Think about it – the GM feels as if the struggling player is sucking the life from his team, but most likely that player is too good to drop (think BJ Upton, Jason Heyward, Asdrubal Cabrera, Ike Davis). You should not be running around your league trying to trade your bad apple because that apple will look awfully rotten if the other GMs get to talking.

It is advisable to hold on to the underperforming star player and think long-term. They can always be stashed on your bench during serious cold streaks. Do not make rash or impulsive waiver wire decisions based on these early season anomalies. Instead, you can make up the difference by picking up valuable players while dropping the dead weight. Players like Jhoulys Chacin (currently on 15-day DL) and Ross Detwiler would be nice upgrades for some of the bigger names that are droppable such as Mark Buehrle, Dan Haren, and Edwin Jackson. Don’t rush to drop Jarrod Parker, Josh Johnson, or Brandon Morrow. They have too much upside to put out on the waiver-wire right now.

Back to Bases!

Welcome back to fantasy baseball (insert my best Horshack voice). No, I am not that old that the last time I participated in a league was during the time of bellbottoms and Oscar Gamble’s afro. Rather, it was during the time of flannels and the greatness of Seattle, both in music and on the field. This is my ongoing diary for Fantasy Judgment of my experience venturing back into fantasy baseball. I will provide insight and observations throughout the season of my team, league, and general perception of fantasy baseball from the perspective of someone who has been out of the game for awhile and is now back. Think of me as the Unfrozen Caveman Fantasy Baseball Player. FIRE BAD!

Pearl Jam A lot has changed since the late 1990’s. Seattle is now known for its coffee and its baseball team is a cellar dweller with only a few players worth drafting. (Editor’s Note: thanks to the Houston Astros, the Mariners are almost guaranteed not to finish in last place in the AL West). The players around the league don’t quite fill out the uniforms, or the box scores, the way they did in the 1990’s. It is no secret that players’ statistics today pale in comparison with those achieved before the Mitchell Report. Gone are the days of middle infielders dominating the homerun and RBI categories (thanks Bret Boone). If anything, Major League Baseball is now reminiscent of the 1980’s in terms of positional values. The best example would be Robinson Cano having equivalent value as Ryne Sandberg did in the mid 1980’s. I am quite happy about that because I feel this trend actually helps me in my comeback quest.

I started playing fantasy baseball in a Rotisserie league in the late 1980’s and absolutely loved it. I assigned players a value based on position eligibility and looked to maximize my dollars according to the values I assigned during our league auction. The draft was everything I had hoped it would be – exciting, fun, and all together exhilarating. The rest of the season was always a letdown. The time before cell phones and the Internet did not make a long season exciting. I would follow my teams performance in the Daily News box scores, but there was no league banter or trades of any kind. The last thing on anyone’s mind was riding a bike across town just to get Tim Wallach or Kelly Gruber, when your Yankee third baseman didn’t materialize. Teams would be drafted and set adrift, and it would always leave a bad taste in my mouth.

The late 90s offered more excitement with the Internet being utilized, but once again getting a league to actually care, and stay interested for 162 games grew impossible. We were latch key kids who had grown up with the remote control. We had the attention spans of 6 year olds listening to a lecture. If you were not entertaining us than you were switched off.

Fantasy football became my passion. A draft that had all the excitement I was looking for, and a short season that kept mine, and everyone else in the league’s attention. The format was perfect, head to head week after week, divisions and playoffs culminating before the end of the season. Fantasy football and the rush associated became a increasingly addictive. I joined more and more leagues. I went through withdrawal after the season ended, even if I won the title. I would count the days to the draft, and look at meaningless Football news in the middle of May as if my life depended on it.

I needed an intervention, or at least a good fantasyadone clinic. Now at the height of my addiction, in walks a head-to-head fantasy baseball league and my attention is grabbed. I was still following baseball and all of its storylines, but had pretty much become New York-centric. If it didn’t have to do with the Yankees or Mets, I really did not care.

I was going to have to do some homework and fast. Luckily all of my draft strategies and GM skills easily translated to the new format for fantasy baseball. First and foremost I was looking at which positions were deep and which positions I needed to put a premium on based on scarcity. I also did the leg work and polled other GMs as to the pervasive draft strategies that I needed to try and stick to. The biggest tip I got was to try and get a stud number one starting pitcher in the first three rounds. If I didn’t, I would be gambling the rest of the draft to make up the difference. This theory easily paralleled my draft strategy in football as it is always imperative to get a top 6 quarterback in the first three rounds, otherwise you are gambling the rest of the draft with unproven commodities. While RG3 and Andrew Luck carried teams early, late in the season the owners who gambled on them mostly fell to the wayside. I feel the same way about GMs in fantasy baseball who think they are going to ride Matt Harvey and players of his ilk to the Promised Land. It’s a long season and I want a player that has been there and done that, not one that I have to draft way to early and hope that they are the exception to the rule.

I hope you tune in and don’t change the channel as I update you throughout the year on my reintroduction to fantasy baseball.

Fantasy Football 2012 Post Season Awards

After a long and grueling season, it is now time for Coach Dennis to hand out his awards for unique and completely fabricated categories.

The Least Sexy Pick of the Year

Winner: Marshawn Lynch (RB-SEA)

On draft day you would probably heard a lot of people say good pick as you put Marshawn’s name on the board. Not great, but good is the moral of this story. No one was super excited about drafting Lynch with an unknown commodity starting at QB in 2012. The smart GMs saw the late season matchups and knew the offense would run on Marshawn slipping into “Beast Mode” if the Seahawks were to reach their potential. Marshawn put up ten 100 yard rushing days and 12 total touchdowns during the season. His biggest games came at the most important times for fantasy GMs. Weeks 13 through 16 Lynch put up huge numbers carrying GMs into the playoffs, and onto the winners stand. Lynch averaged 109.75 yards rushing and 1.75 touchdowns during the most critical weeks of the year, earning him a Post Season award from yours truly, and a place in the hearts of Fantasy GMs around the country.

The Dennis Green “They are what we thought they were!” Award

Winner: Michael Turner (RB-ATL)

The entire world was ready for Michael Turner to fall off the list of must start running backs, and he did not disappoint. The talking heads on TV and even the guy at your draft that shows up with a draft guide printed in April all knew to stay away from this aging former fantasy stud. His decline in production was a perfect storm of factors for the Atlanta Falcons. The team was finally full of healthy weapons all over the field, and was moving more to a pass first offense, which did not bode well for the old war horse. The continued maturation of Jacquizz Rogers was just another nail into the coffin. While Turner did produce 11 combined touchdowns, he only totaled 800 yards rushing while only topping 20 carries once.

Same Team, Same Stats, Different Guy

Winner: Steven Ridley (RB-NE)

Stevan Ridley’s 1,263 rushing yards were well beyond Benjarvis Green-Ellis’s last few seasons in New England, but the 12 touchdowns was exactly what you could count on from the law-firm in his final two years in New England. Ridley was a steal as a top notch Running Back 2 in most leagues as he topped 100 yards four times and was the consistent goal line back piling up 12 touchdowns (when he was not in Belichek’s doghouse for fumbles). While he may not be Adrian Peterson, he is definitely the most talented back to feature for the Patriots since Corey Dillon.

Different Team, Same Stats, Same Guy

Winner: Peyton Manning (QB-DEN)

Peyton Manning was a steal in most drafts. He would have easily been the fourth or fifth quarterback taken if not for his career-threatening injury coupled with an address change to Denver. Manning was snapped up in the middle rounds in most drafts and threw 37 touchdowns, placing him third in the league while also eclipsing his totals during his previous two healthy years (2009-2010). He also threw for over 4,600 yards without breaking a sweat and seemingly getting better as the season progressed. Manning single-handedly made Demaryious Thomas and Eric Decker a dynamic receiving duo. Having these receivers and a solid running game, Manning’s renaissance is not a one-year wonder and he should return to the top of draft boards in 2013.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Darren McFadden

Winner: Darren McFadden (RB-OAK)

While fantasy owners constantly salivate over Darren McFadden’s potential and raw skills, he has proven again and again that he cannot hold up over the course of a season. This year proved no different as he missed four games due to constant foot and ankle injuries. Even when he was in the lineup, he had trouble adapting to a new zone read scheme. McFadden registered 700 yards rushing and just three touchdowns after being a late first or early second round pick. Two of his three 100 yard rushing days were against the Chiefs – enough said. I know there are a lot of you reading this cringing like a girlfriend constantly scorned, but I am willing to bet that you will probably draft him again next year based on potential.

Worst Deep Round Sleeper

Winner: Titus Young (WR-DET)

No matter where you looked, everyone and their mother were touting Lions wide receiver Titus Young, the second-year pro out of Boise State. I was almost swept up into the madness until I realized that he had more personal fouls during his rookie season than the entire New York Giants defense. Not exactly the calm, cool under pressure young receiver I wanted for my team, to say the least. With Calvin Johnson constantly seeing double coverage, Young was supposed to reap the rewards. Young was expected to almost double his 2011 stats of 600 yards and 6 touchdowns, but instead he cut that in half as he regressed into a banished draft bust. Young is the first receiver I have ever seen who purposely lined up in the wrong position, as well as ran the wrong routes in protest of how he was being used in the Lions’ offense. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, but I think his will come on the waiver wire both in the NFL and in fantasy leagues.

Most Valuable Surgeon

Winner: Dr. James Andrews

Dr. Andrews once again worked his magic as Adrian Peterson came back from a torn MCL and ACL to come within 9 yards of breaking the all-time single season rushing record. Peterson was only held in check by his own coaching staff as he was eased back into his workhorse role. He was a man amongst boys from Week 7 through Week 17 as he averaged 159.8 yards rushing and just over a touchdown per game. Peterson was nothing short of phenomenal as he carried many fantasy owners to the Promised Land.

(Honorable Mentions must go out to the surgeons for Jamaal Charles and Peyton Manning as they returned to their old selves sooner than anyone could have anticipated.)

Yearly Archives: 2013