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Episode 056 Fantasy Football Bob Harris

Episode 056: The Fantasy Coach Podcast
Fantasy Football, Heavy Metal Music, and Life
Featuring: Bob Harris (@footballdiehard) of Football Die Hards (SiriusXM Radio)

Bob Harris SiriusXM

Show Rundown:

  • Intro
  • Get to know our guest:  We get to know a little about how (FSWA Hall of Famer) Bob Harris got into Fantasy Football.  We also discuss how the industry has grown and how he has grown with it.  Lastly, we touch on the future of Fantasy Football.
  • Music:  Bob and I talk about his love of musicianship and how his tastes turned to the heavier side of the dial.  We also touch on how my home town had a hand in the Thrash Metal Movement of the early 80s.  I am just a little jealous that Bob was able to see the Maynard Birthday Show.

 

Fantasy Football Week 2 Rankings

Fantasy Football Week 2 Rankings

If week one over reactions are your thing, then you might not like my rankings for week two of the NFL season.  I’m not ready to throw in the towel on some of my projected fantasy stars, but I have to admit week one wasn’t encouraging for a quite a few of them.

Guys who fell in my rankings. (not due to injury)

Jamaal Charles – Charles was hit in the backfield quite a bit this past Sunday and Andy Reid quickly abandoned the running game.  Reid promises he will be more diligent getting Charles his touches, but I’ve heard that before from Andy in Philly.  Charles takes a slide from the elite of the elite, but is still an RB 1.

Maurice Jones-Drew – Jones-Drew and the Raiders offense could not even sniff yardage in the running game against the Jets.  The Jets front seven are a very good unit, but I’m not sure the Raiders would have done much better against anyone else.  I think Jones-Drew is a case of a starting running back that you might not even want to consider playing.  He also had a hand procedure during the week and may be out this Sunday.

Victor Cruz– Cruz slides down the rankings to wide receiver three territory after all the Giants’ fans fears were confirmed in a terrible week one against the Lions.  Eli is going to struggle to be consistent this year and in turn Cruz won’t have as many opportunities to break out.

Guys who rose in my rankings. (not due to injuries to the starter)

Kelvin Benjamin

Kelvin Benjamin– When Benjamin was coming out I compared him to Plaxico Burress.  That comparison looked dead on in week one as he provided a huge down field target to Derek Anderson.  His catch radius and big body are going to be fantasy gold and he got an immediate bump up my rankings.

Andrew Hawkins– Hawkins proved to be the Browns go to receiver when Jordan Cameron left the game with a shoulder injury.  Hawkins should continue to be a nice PPR flex play going forward and deserved a jump up the rankings.

Brian Quick– Quick is guy that a lot of people have been waiting patiently to blossom.  In week one he showed he is the Rams clear cut wide receiver one, eve if the Rams are a very bad team.  The situation in St. Louis dictates that Quick shouldn’t be considered more than a wide receiver four for now,  but he could move up the rankings further if Shaun Hill gets healthy and they develop a connection.

Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros

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How To Win Your Fantasy Football League

How To Win Your Fantasy Football League: From the 1 Spot

Some people actually hate drafting from the one spot this year in fantasy football leagues and I’m having a hard time figuring out why. The only thing I can come up with is that they are really buying in to the zero running back method and just can’t pass up on the big four running backs when they are lucky enough to draw the one spot.  They feel dirty going against their favorite strategy because they are forced (by peer pressure) to grab that consensus #1 pick in either Jamaal Charles or LeSean McCoy.  I really don’t understand the hesitation in following through with what you think is a winning strategy.

For me personally, I have hedged my bets quite a bit, by going with the zero running back method and going with a one running back method.  Both of these methods I prefer in full point PPR leagues where there is at least one flex, but I prefer them even more in multiple flex leagues.  In .5 point PPR leagues I find myself gravitating towards the one running back method.  Standard leagues are a horse of a different color, as they say.

Zero RB

demaryius-thomas

When I go zero-running back, I start off the draft with Demaryius Thomas (or Dez Bryant) and I watch the draft room go crazy.  The first barrage of insults is always the best.  Typical things you would hear from the future leaders of the world sitting on the back of the bus in middle school.  The next wave of comments are about going Demaryius Thomas or Dez Bryant over Calvin Johnson.  Sometimes the chatter and mind blowing can throw off some people who were picking in the wildcard spots (picks 6-10).  Either way, I sit as quiet as a school mouse, because just like at the poker table, I’m not there to give lessons on strategy and percentages.  I don’t give a *^it what John from Cincinnati thinks about how I’m building my team.

The two three turn is all about value at the wide receiver position.  The only thing that can stop me from taking two more wide receivers is if Rob Gronkowski gets to me, or if there was an incredible run on wide receivers.  Either way I’m not taking a running back there unless it was a crazy upside value.  For the purposes of this article, almost all regular home leagues will have Rob Gronkowski or Julius Thomas make it to the 2-3 turn and I believe that they are THAT MUCH better at their position (because of skills or situation) that it’s okay to take a player at a onesie position, especially if a tight end can be flexed.  If your league can flex a tight end than you have just trumped more than half of your league.

The wide receivers that I absolutely love to see fall to the 2-3 turn are Alshon Jeffrey, Jordy Nelson and Antonio Brown.  For two of the three to get to you in a 12 team league there has to be some running backs going and maybe Gronk has already come off the board.  If the choice is between taking two of these receivers or taking one and Julius Thomas, then I will undoubtedly take the two wide receivers.  I love Thomas, but he’s not quite as special as Rob Gronkowski and these receivers are money in the bank.  In fact Alshon Jeffrey could make the leap above Brandon Marshall this season and I wouldn’t even be mildly surprised.

The 4-5 turn is where you can really separate yourself from the pack and you have to go all in and subscribe to the redundancy that Shawn Siegele preached last year.  The list of names that I love to see here are Michael Floyd, Michael Crabtree, Cordarrelle Patterson, Roddy White and now Victor Cruz is making it down that low.  If there has been a run at wide receiver I like to add Julian Edelman to that mix, especially in full PPR leagues.

The perfect 0-RB team would look like this from rounds 1-5

Demaryius Thomas, Alshon Jeffrey, Jordy Nelson, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Michael Floyd.

If Gronk falls to the 2-3 turn.

Demaryius Thomas, Rob Gronkowski, Alshon Jeffrey, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Michael Floyd.

The approach from there doesn’t change much.  I’m picking off more wide receivers as I go and waiting as long as I possibly can at running back and quarter back.  If it’s a four point passing touchdown league I’m trying to come away with Russell Wilson or Colin Kaepernick even later.  Home leagues tend to make this a little harder as QB’s go earlier.  If the quarterback landscape gets wiped out by the 11h round I will pull out my inner J.J Zachariason and wait it all the way out.  I’m not above grabbing Carson Palmer or Ryan Tannehill as my starter and just playing the match up game.  Shoot I may even go Geno Smith for the week one matchup against the Raiders and go from there.

The type of running backs I’m targeting when I go zero-Rb are the Jeremy Hill‘s and Devonta Freeman‘s of the world, with Chris Ivory and Mark Ingram sprinkled in.  The cost for both Lance Dunbar and Khiry Robinson has been rising so I usually don’t get a chance to grab them much.  Ronnie Hillman is also a guy I love as my RB5 when I go zero-RB.  He has a bunch of upside as a pass catcher and change of pace back in an offense I want pieces of.

The tight ends I really like are Kyle Rudolph, Jordan Reed, Zach Ertz and Travis Kelce late.  I also like to grab Heath Miller long after the tight end runs are over.  This may be the last year Miller pays off as a pass catcher, but his chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger is undeniable.  With Timothy Wright‘s trade to the New England Patriots, he becomes a nice flex stash as well.

One RB Method

McCoy

In .5 Point PPR leagues and where I decided to hedge my number one pick, the choice was easy.  I chose LeSean McCoy and never looked back.  McCoy’s age and the his potential to outperform last year’s numbers put him at the head of the class.  Charles and Forte are nice picks in full point PPR leagues, but I believe that last year was their ceiling as far as touchdown production goes.  There’s no way Charles matches or surpasses his receiving TD production from last year and Forte scored more rushing touchdowns than he ever has before and is entering his age 29 season.  Adrian Peterson isn’t even in the conversation for me as I just don’t see him being super human at this age.

My method after that is exactly like Zero-RB.  I take a wide receiver with every pick I can from round 2 through round 8.  The only places I don’t is when I take Gronk or Julius at the 2-3 turn, otherwise I gorge myself at the wide receiver position.  I tend to take wide receivers with more upside than safe picks when I go Rb first overall.  I may take Michael Floyd over Victor Cruz and scenarios like that, just so I have the upside of a possible low end wide receiver one and am not stuck with a wide receiver two with no upside.

I think these are your best bets to win your leagues from the one position and hope you use them to make lots of money this year.  On a side note if this doesn’t work out and Montee Ball wins a bunch of fantasy football leagues single handed, I don’t want to hear about it.

Episode 017: Fantasy Football Micah James

Episode 017: The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Fantasy Football Edition: Fantasy Football Running Back Thoughts

Featuring: Micah James (@FFMagicMan) of The FFToolBox Radio Show

FFMagicMan_Avatar  About My Guest:  Micah James is the winner of the 2012 FSTA Accuracy Rankings Challenge (1st out of 61 Expert entries) and Runner-Up in 2013 — Heard nationwide on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports channel and worldwide on the FFToolbox Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio — here to help you win your fantasy football Championship this season!

Episode Summary:  Micah and I discuss the fantasy football running back position from top to bottom.  We talk about the big four, and if it’s even a big four, and even delve into the late round rookie running backs we may be targeting.  We also talk about his recent success in the Pro’s Vs. Joe’s league and how he fared in this year’s draft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode Rundown: 

  • Intro
  • Is the Big Four running backs really the Big Four? Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy, Matt Forte, and Adrian Peterson.
  • Who do we think will end up in that top four that isn’t ranked that way now?
  • Our thoughts on Arian Foster and Marshawn Lynch.
  • Which running backs are we targeting after the 2nd round/3rd round turn in fantasy football drafts?
  • Which running back that switched teams in the off-season will be more valuable to fantasy owners?
  • Which PPR running backs will help teams to a championship?
  • Which running back will bounce back this season?
  • Which aging veteran will score the most fantasy points this season?
  • Which rookie running backs are we drafting in Fantasy Football drafts?
  • Outro

You can Download this episode as well as the previous three on Itunes and Stitcher Radio.

Thank Yous For Episode 017:  I want to thank my former co-host on the Trick Plays Podcast, Micah James, for coming on the show and discussing the running back position for the 2014 Fantasy Football season.  I would also like to thank C-Quel for providing the intro music as well as the outro beat.  You can Find all of C-Quel’s current music available here.

 

Episode 014: Fantasy Football C.D. Carter

Episode 014: The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Fantasy Football Edition:  Daily Fantasy Football Strategies

Featuring Denny Carter (@CDCarter13) of XNSports.com

Denny Carter of XNSports.com

About My Guest: C.D. Carter is a journalist, author of various novellas, and fantasy football writer for XNSports, 4for4.com, and The Fake Football.  He’s also a contributor to The New York Times.  He is also the author of How To Think Like A Daily Fantasy Football Winner available on Amazon.com and in your Kindle Stores.  Denny is also the owner of Draft Day Consultants Inc.

Episode Summary:  Denny and I talk about how he is able to divide his attention among all of the different outlets that he writes for.  I also ask him about his most recent work.  We talk at length about his new book about Daily Fantasy Football.  We also discuss 80’s slasher movies.  Fun stuff people!

 

 

 

Episode Breakdown:

  • Intro
  • We get to know Denny and talk about the various sites he writes about fantasy football for.  We discuss his new venture at Draft Day Consultants Inc.  We also discuss his podcast Living The Stream that he co-hosts with J.J. Zachariason of NumberFire.
  • News and Notes:  David Wilson cleared, Bishop Sankey and the RBBC rumor, Vernon Davis’s hold out and slide in ADP, Andre Johnson’s showing up to camp on time, Aaron Dobson starts training camp on the NFI list and Rob Gronkowski is cleared, Jamaal Charles with the world’s shortest hold out.
  • Denny’s All Equity Score Team at XNSports
  • Denny’s New Book:  How To Think Like a Daily Fantasy Football Winner and some of the highlights that deal with daily fantasy football strategy.
  • The Coach’s Office:  Surprise questions from the audience.
  • Let’s go top the movies:  Denny and I discuss the timelessness of Friday The 13th and other classic slasher flicks.
  • Outro

 

You can Download this episode as well as the previous three on Itunes and Stitcher Radio.

Thank Yous For Episode 014:  I want to thank Denny Carter for coming on the podcast and discussing his approach to daily fantasy football and regular fantasy football with me.  The slasher movie talk was just an added bonus.  I would also like to thank C-Quel for providing the intro music as well as the outro beat.  You can Find all of C-Quel’s current music available here.

Episode 011: Fantasy Football Salvatore Stefanile

Episode 011: The Fantasy Coach Podcast

Fantasy Football Edition: Two Quarterback Leagues

Featuring Salvatore Stefanile (@2QBFFB) SportableNFL

 

Salvatore Stefanile joins me to clown around and talk some Fantasy Football.

Salvatore Stefanile joins me to clown around and talk some Fantasy Football.

About My Guest: “Salvatore Stefanile, the winner of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association’s award for Best Fantasy Football On-Going Series in 2013, is a big proponent of the 2-QB fantasy football movement . You can find his 2-QB musings at XNSports.com and on Twitter @2QBFFB. He’s also the content manager for Sportable — your place for interactive, bite-sized football news and fantasy football resources.” Articles and Posts referenced in the Podcast:

2-QB draft project for Sportable:  http://www.sportable.is/?c17889/fantasy-football/sportable-2-qb-draft-recap/  

http://www.sportable.is/?t17889/tag/sportable-2-qb-draft/

Recent 2-QB ADP (goes over some draft strategies)http://www.xnsports.com/2014/06/23/2-qb-fantasy-football-adp-post-2014-nfl-draft-edition/

                                                                                               http://www.xnsports.com/2014/07/06/look-quarterbacks-drafted-2-qb-fantasy-football-mocks-2014/

Top 250 overall 2-QB rankingshttp://www.xnsports.com/2014/06/23/top-250-overall-2-qb-fantasy-football-redraft-rankings/

Tiered QB rankings for 2-QB leagueshttp://www.xnsports.com/2014/06/23/tiered-qb-rankings-2-qb-fantasy-football-leagues-june/

Primer on 2-QB leagueshttp://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/47389/404/the-two-qb-mindset

Fanium Fantasy Football: http://splash.fanium.com/

Episode Summary:  Sal and I discuss all of his current work as well as get to know everything about SportableNFL.  We delve into two quarterback leagues Vs. traditional leagues as well as strategy and specific player targets.  We may or may not discuss the movies Heavyweights, Good Burger and Youngblood.

Episode Breakdown:

  • Intro
  • Get to know Salvatore Stefanile and find out where all of his work can be found on the internet.
  • 2QB Vs. Tradional Fantasy Football Leagues and how the strategy differs.
  • Where’s the drop off for the top scoring QB’s this year?
  • What RB’s and WR’s should be looked at in the first two rounds of 2QB Fantasy Football Drafts?
  • How important is the tight end position in 2QB leagues?
  • Which QB2 in the current rankings has a chance to be a top 8 QB in Fantasy Football?
  • Which QB3 should we target as a bye week fill in/ trade piece?
  • Some 2QB Daily Fantasy Talk
  • Outro

 

You can Download this episode as well as the previous three on Itunes and Stitcher Radio.

Thanks For Episode 011:  I want to thank the guru of two quarterback fantasy football, Salvatore Stefanile, (@2QBFFB) for coming on The Fantasy Coach Podcast and enlightening me and my audience on the nuances and strategies that go into preparing for a two quarterback draft.  

I would also like to thank C-Quel for providing the intro music as well as the outro beat.  You can Find all of C-Quel’s current music available here.

 

Cordarrelle Patterson Returns

If you won a few fantasy football leagues last year you more than likely had either Josh Gordon or Alshon Jeffrey on your roster to thank.  While they didn’t lead the percentages among NFL players to be on fantasy championship rosters, that belonged to Jamaal Charles with Peyton Manning close behind, they were by far the best “value draft picks” of the season.  Alshon Jeffrey may have even slipped through the cracks in some 10 team league drafts where you don’t have an opportunity to start three wide receivers and made some waiver wire troller extremely happy.

The reason I think you should thank Gordon or Jeffrey before patting Charles or Manning on the back is because of value.  The value that comes with massively out performing your average draft position.  This massive value spike is hard to contend with for an entire season.  It was even harder to contend with in daily fantasy football on sites like FanDuel and DraftKings where Gordon and Jeffrey were playing so far above the invested value that you couldn’t win any money without them in your lineups.

I’m not the first to talk about Gordon and his massive value last season.  Here Michael Fabiano wrote about Josh Gordon’s value in his season ending awards on NFL.com.

Draft value of the year

Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns:
Gordon wins his second Guru Award, as he was a steal in 2013 drafts. Remember, he was suspended for the first two weeks of the season due to off-field issues — that made his stock fall in most leagues (ADP: 132.68). Gordon would finish the fantasy season tied with Calvin Johnson for the most fantasy points among wideouts.

While I wasn’t the first to talk about his value last year, I may be the first to talk about the fact that he may not come close in 2014 to hitting his ADP value. Don’t get me wrong Gordon is a supremely talented wide receiver, but he is currently going off the board in the middle of round one in fantasy football drafts. He’s going in the right spot based on last year’s production, but can he really match or outplay last year’s league leading numbers. I am not willing to bet on it with the situation in Cleveland.

Gordon is going in the top tier of fantasy wide receivers right now, Alshon Jeffrey is not too far behind him going in the third to fifth round of drafts. Jeffrey started slow last year, but really came on and became a huge fantasy football weapon. His ability to high point the ball always made him an intriguing pick, but his polished route running coupled with his run after the catch ability made him a break out star. Jeffrey even gets consistent carries as a runner on short reverses that keep his stat ticker climbing in the right direction.

Jeffrey wasn’t Jay Cutler‘s favorite target early on in the season and didn’t really get on track until Josh McCown took over for the injured Jay Cutler in the middle of the season. McCown and Jeffrey’s chemistry was magical to fantasy owners as Jeffrey quickly went from a fantasy bench warmer to a must start. His record breaking performances haven’t gone unnoticed as you can see by my aforementioned ADP for him at this point in the off season. His ADP is only going to climb over the off season as other wide receivers may be hurt by free agent moves (Eric Decker) or draft picks.  Speaking of climbing, a buddy of mine on Twitter, Matt Lane, and a writer for FakePigSkin.com took Jeffrey in the first round of one of the early off season Draft Masters @FantasyTaz has put together.  While I told him that was too early for my liking I can completely understand falling in love with him based on his upside.

The traits that Jeffrey and Gordon share are that they are huge physical receivers that can run, Gordon can run fast more-so than Jeffrey.  Those physical traits used to be very rare to come by, but the wide receiver class of 2012 had quite a few receivers that fit that body type.  In contrast the wide receiver crop from the 2013 NFL Draft was missing those big, physical, speed receivers.  There was plenty of short speed receivers like Tavon Austin, the first wide receiver taken in the first round by the St. Louis Rams, but the big outside marquee guys were few and far between.

[soliloquy id="968"]

The only wide receivers taken in the 2013 draft that came close to fitting the bill of the big, fast, physical wide receiver prototype in my opinion were DeAndre Hopkins and Cordarrelle Patterson.  Hopkins had made his name lining up on the opposite side of the field from Sammy Watkins at Clemson University and tearing through tough defensive backfields like LSU.  While Patterson was a junior college phenom that moved on to Tennessee and became the most explosive offensive football player in the SEC.  Hopkins hand size was discussed more than when Hakeem Nicks was coming out of the University of North Carolina, while Patterson was described as a raw play-maker that was as far from a polished wide receiver that had been considered for the first round in a long, long time.

Hopkins had a few nice games to start the year in Houston as Matt Shaub looked to have plenty of confidence in the rookie, but after week number three the rest of the season was pretty much un-ownable in fantasy leagues.  The resurgence of Andre Johnson and the unpredictability of the quarterback position in Houston pretty much soured the back end of his rookie year.  Hopkins didn’t score a touchdown after week number seven and didn’t top one-hundred yards after week two.  I think the continued presence  of Andre Johnson and the tailspin of a second half of a season should be able to keep him as a good value pick for next year.  I believe he has the ideal skills set to out play his draft position if the right quarterback ends up in Houston.

Cordarrelle Patterson of the Minnesota Vikings is the type of wide receiver that makes fantasy players drool.  He can score when ever he touches the ball.  He scores on kick offs, he scores on hand-offs, and he scores on receptions.  The only way he doesn’t score is when the Vikings decide not to give him the ball, which happened a lot last season.  The #FreePatterson chanting on Twitter was almost becoming a grass roots effort to make the Vikings fun to watch.

The only excuse for the Vikings not to use Patterson more has to be the fact that he was as raw as advertised when coming out.  If you look at Patterson’s numbers through out the year his one big performance as a wide receiver came in a bit of an outlier type game as his production was in the snow against a shell shocked Baltimore Ravens’ Defense.  Beyond that one game that really was a product of a missed tackle that led to a huge catch and run touchdown, Patterson was not all that impressive as a pass catcher.  His return skills and ability to run the ball once in possession of it was off the charts.

The reason I look beyond his receiving tape from last season is because of his after the catch running skills and his build.  Patterson is 6’2″ 220 pounds and is a nightmare to try and tackle in the secondary.  He measures up well to last year’s break out wide receivers Josh Gordon who is 6’3″ and 225 pounds and Alshon Jeffrey 6’3″ 216 pounds (that must be typo from the Bears.)  and actually is a more explosive runner than Jeffrey.  This off season is huge for Patterson because that’s where Alshon Jeffrey did all the work that led to his breakout 2013 season.

While Jeffrey had Brandon Marshall pushing him day in and day out in the off season, I’m not sure Greg Jennings is doing the same for Patterson.  I hope Jennings is taking Patterson under his wing and showing him how a top level wide receiver works, but at this point I just don’t know if that’s the case.  If not, hopefully he hired the right coaches for the off season.

Either way I’m betting on Patterson to make the leap to almost elite this season.  He should easily outplay his draft position as long as your league doesn’t get too smart in the off season.  I am willing to take him as my second wide receiver in drafts at this point as long as I have a strong back up plan in place with some high floor-type receivers as my WR3 and WR4.  If you nab Patterson any where after the fourth round you should be able to collect excellent returns on your investment.

 

 

 

Fantasy Football: Week 7 Thoughts

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

Marshawn Lynch was his usual powerful self running for over 90 yards and scoring a touchdown.  His middle finger to the sideline on a goal-line pass call was like a scene from the cutting room floor of Any Given Sunday.  If I were Lynch I would be pissed as well as he is as good as it gets at the goal line.  Russell Wilson broke the spell of underperforming QBs on Thursday night as he managed 3 TDs through the air and ran for an additional 29 yards.  Zach Miller continued the tight end dominance against the Cardinals as he had 5 grabs for 40 yards and a TD.  The return of Percy Harvin to practice this week makes him a top waiver priority, but don’t expect huge numbers in this run first offense.

The Cardinals on the other hand were lucky that the scoreboard didn’t reflect their actual play.  Waiver wire darling Andre Ellington managed 5 touches for 13 yards, as Rashard Mendenhall once again led the Cardinals’ backfield in touches with 13.  Mendenhall was once again ineffective as he had only 22 yards on 13 carries, but did manage a rushing TD.  Larry Fitzgerald was playing on a balky hamstring and it showed.  He only had 2 receptions for 17 yards on 5 targets.  Michael Floyd led the Cardinals in yardage and targets, while Rob Housler had a lot of “garbage time” looks.  Housler finished with a season high 7 receptions for 53 yards.  If Jermichael Finley was your TE1 Housler may be a better roster filler than whoever gets named Finley’s replacement.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

Mike Glennon was able to top 20 fantasy points once again as he made it a point to target Vincent Jackson whenever possible.  Jackson led all wide receivers in week 7 with 22 targets, while finishing with a tremendous 10 receptions for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Tim Wright got the bulk of the passing down snaps, but didn’t see the targets necessary to make him fantasy football relevant.  Doug Martin had juicy match up against Atlanta and of course he was injured while running the ball in the red zone.  Mike James took over and looked very capable in Martin’s absence.  Schiano won’t admit that Martin’s shoulder injury is season ending yet, but I would be targeting Mike James in all free agent systems.  The volume will be there and he is a skilled runner so it could be worth mortgaging your FAAB budget if your early round running backs didn’t pan out. (Wilson, T-Rich, Spiller, etc.)

The demise of Matt Ryan was greatly exaggerated as he had a fantastic fantasy day against the Buccaneers.  His big first half was enough to calm many a fantasy GMs nerves.  Jacquizz Rogers  had a great PPR day with 8 receptions for 46 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the Falcons as team found it difficult to run the ball as they had 18 carries for 18 total yards.  With Steven Jackson having a set back last week it only solidifies Rogers’ PPR value.  Tony Gonzalez was thought to be the beneficiary of all the lost targets from the losses of Julio Jones and Roddy White, but Harry Douglas had other plans.  Douglas had his best fantasy day as a pro with 7 receptions for 149 yards and touchdown, while Gonzo had 2 receptions for 30 yards.

Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions

The Bengals’ Andy Dalton must have heard me muttering a few weeks ago about his lack of production.  I was sold on him coming into the year as the poor man’s Matt Ryan with all the weapons at his disposal, but he had failed to breakout until the last two weeks.  Dalton had 372 yards and 3 touchdowns in a tough road game in Detroit.  AJ Green had a huge game with 6 receptions for 155 yards and a TD.  The Bengals talented tight end duo of Gresham and Eifert had 7 receptions for over 100 yards and a touchdown combined.  Giovani Bernard was held in check, but still managed over 10 points in full point PPR leagues.  Marvin Jones had a nice TD and could be taking over a the WR2 very soon.  For those of you that lost Reggie Wayne this weekend in deep leagues, I could see taking flier on the talented Jones. 

Calvin Johnson

Matthew Stafford was once again a player that many thought about benching going against a very tough Cincy Defense that never gives up 300 yard games, but if you stayed the course you were rewarded.  While Stafford wasn’t terribly efficient (28/51) he did manage to throw for 357 yards and 3 touchdowns.  That gives him 7 passing TDs over the last two weeks.  Reggie Bush got plenty of opportunities with 20 carries and 5 targets, but only managed 94 yards.  Calvin Johnson broke out big time with 9 receptions for 155 yards and 2 TDs after being a decoy last week.  Kris Durham was targeted 8 times and came away with 5 receptions for 41 yards.  Joseph Fauria was NOT the tight end to reach the end zone as Brandon Pettigrew was able to catch a touch down pass.  Fauria did see 3 targets in the end zone.  Nate Burleson is almost back and will be a welcome sight for this offense.

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

Thad Lewis was unable to match his week 6 fantasy output (who knew) and finished with 0 TDs.  Stevie Johnson was his favorite target with 13 total targets, but only managed 6 receptions for 61 yards.  CJ Spiller had 9 touches for 7 total yards.  7!!!!!  The future is as cloudy as it’s ever been for this top fantasy draft pick.  Fred Jackson was injured twice during the game,  but toughed it out and managed the only offensive touchdown for the Bills.

Ryan Tannehill was constantly under pressure and turned the ball over 3 times resulting in points for the Buffalo Bills.  Brandon Gibson was a PPR star with 5 receptions for 40 yards and 2 TDs.  Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline both had over 10 targets, but didn’t have the big games many expected.  Charles Clay turned his one reception into a touch down.  I was surprised he wasn’t more involved.  I was even more surprised that the annoying (for fantasy purposes) Daniel Thomas had more touches than Lamar Miller.  Miller is in a virtual time share for the foreseeable future and should be benched in most formats.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Tony Romo had a few bad turnovers, but still managed to top 300 yards and throw a touchdown pass.  Joseph Randle proved to be just an average talent, but did have 22 touches for 93 yards.  Miles Austin once again was riding a bike and it looks like he will be shut down for a while.  He honestly he doesn’t fit the offense anymore as their ideal set of receivers is Dez, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, and Jason Witten are much better at exploiting matchups.  Dez Bryant had 8 receptions on 16 targets for 110 yards.  Terrance Williams once again scored a touch down and looks to be more than a dynasty league target now.  He is a legitimate WR2 if Miles Austin is phased out.  If he is available make him a top priority.

Nick Foles pretty much sunk every daily fantasy line up I had as he was horrible while he was in the game and later left with a concussion.  The good new is Michael Vick should be back this week.  DeSean Jackson failed to get going with his QBs struggling and was injured on a running play.  Somehow Jason Avant had a team high 15 targets, but only turned them into 3 receptions.  Riley Cooper had 6 receptions on 7 targets for 88 yards and still managed one bad drop.  LeSean McCoy was held in check by a Dallas defense filled with no names up front.

New England Patriots at New York Jets

Gronk

Tom Brady once again disappointed, but who can blame him.  These wide receivers just can’t be relied on and he focused almost all of his attention on the returning Rob Gronkowski.  Gronk led the Patriots in targets with 17 and had 8 receptions for 114 yards.  He was tackled inside the 2 yard line on one play and failed to see a pass from Brady because of the sun being in his eyes, otherwise he would have also had a touchdown.  Brady was focusing on Gronk so much that he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown on one pass where he defender undercut Gronk’s route.  Ridley and Bolden split the touches in the backfield and both had rushing touchdowns.  Bolden getting the first crack at a goal line carry had some Ridley owners running for the exits.  Ridley is by far the best running back at their disposal, but he is nothing more than a RB2 with this usage.

Geno Smith was inefficient when throwing the football (17/33), but did manage to throw a touchdown and run for one.  Off season acquisition Chris Ivory was finally on display, but nobody decided to tell fantasy owners of Bilal Powell that Ivory would be the bell-cow for the day.  Ivory getting 34 carries for 104 yards was a nice surprise for anyone who was forced to put him in their lineups is deeeep leagues.  Jeremy Kerley was able to show off his considerable skills in the absence of Santonio Holmes by having 8 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown.  Jeff Cumberland started the game with a 25 yard reception, but managed just 2 more receptions for 16 additional yards.  I still like his skill set if you’re desperate for a tight end.

Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins

The Bears are decimated by injuries on defense and that trend continued as Lance Briggs was injured in this game.  The bigger problem for the Bears and fantasy owners is Jay Cutler was injured and looks like he will be out more than a month with a groin tear.  Matt Forte was in all my daily fantasy lineups and that paid off big time as he had his first ever 3 rushing touch down game.  Alshon Jeffrey made the most of his four receptions as he went over 100 yards and had an additional 16 on the ground.  Brandon Marshall had 6 receptions for 75 yards on a team high 10 targets.  Martellus Bennett made the most of his one reception with a seven yard TD.  The fact that the Bears will have to turn to journeyman Josh McCown for the next few games makes banking on anyone besides Forte and Marshall going forward a tough thing to do.

I expected a huge game from the Redskins running game against the Bears and boy did we get it.  The only thing is it wasn’t Alfred Morris who was the top fantasy producer.  Instead Roy Helu Jr. came off the bench and vultured 3 touch downs.  The Redskins ran for 209 yards and Morris was able to nab 95 of those yards while Robert Griffin III was able to run for 84 yards.  The big news in this game was the break out of tight end Jordan Reed.  The signs have been coming for a while that Reed was going to break out and now he has arrived.  The stage was cleared before the game as Fred Davis was a healthy scratch and Reed came through big time with 9 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.  Somehow he is only owned in 25%of ESPN fantasy leagues.  That’s going to end big time.  If he’s on the wire he should be your top priority.

St. Louis Rams at Carolina Panthers

Well this game couldn’t have ended any worse for the Rams.  Their best defensive player Chris Long was shown the door for throwing a punch in a scrum and Sam Bradford was lost for the year to a torn ACL.  Janoris Jenkins decided to enrage Steve Smith of the Panthers and was the recipient of a vintage move by Smith for a receiving TD.  The only bright spot was waiver wire find Zac Stacy managed to have a nice fantasy game (87 total yards and a TD) in a terrible matchup.  The Rams should have to lean heavily on Stacy going forward, but their run game might not be able to hold up against the added attention.  Kellen Clemons is a big down grade from Sam Bradford behind a suspect offensive line.

The Panthers had a nice fantasy match up against the Rams and failed to capitalize.  Cam Newton put up pedestrian numbers and DeAngelo Williams was only able to 40 yards on 15 carries.  If you chose Mike Tolbert in any best ball leagues you got rewarded again with a short yardage touchdown.  Steve Smith had a touchdown and added 69 yards.  Greg Olsen only had 4 targets and caught all four for 47 yards.  I’m worried that he isn’t involved enough.

San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Philip Rivers was super efficient going 22/26 for 285 yards and a touchdown.  While Rivers had a very nice day it was the running backs you wanted in your lineups for this match up.  Ryan Mathews rewarded your patience by running the ball for 110 yards and 1 TD.  A running back going for 100 yards is nothing to sneeze at in today’s NFL.  Danny Woodhead once again put up over 15 PPR points and has been even better than he was last year in New England.  Eddie Royal finally got back in the end zone with a diving effort at the pylon.  Waiver wire target Keenan Allen had 3 receptions for 67 yards, but was banged up a little in this one.  Antonio Gates had 6 receptions, but managed only 31 yards.

Chad Henne had over 300 yards passing, but was sacked 6 times and threw one interception.  Justin Blackmon had a pedestrian game (6-58-0TDs) after having back to back huge games.  Cecil Shorts III was a surprise start and had a team high 8 receptions for 80 yards.  Mike Brown looked pretty good against Denver last week and he looked even better this week with 5 receptions for 120 yards.  I would only look at him in extremely deep leagues unless there’s an injury to Shorts or Blackmon.  Still a name to file away.

San Francisco 49ers at Tennessee Titans

The 49ers have decided they are a running team only apparently.  They rode Frank Gore and Colin Kaepernick’s legs to a victory on the road.  Kaepernick was once a gain not a top 10 fantasy QB, but did look more decisive and explosive when running.  Frank Gore had 70 yards rushing with 2 TDs and even added 34 yards in the air.  Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis got the bulk of the targets and had decent days as both just barely managed more than 10 fantasy points in PPR leagues.

Jake Locker made a surprise start and was a top 12 fantasy quarterback as he racked up yardage and touchdowns in catch up mode.  (326 yards 2 TDs)  Chris Johnson was only used in 1% of Draftstreet lineups because of the tough match up against the 49ers, but racked up 19 fantasy points thanks to a long catch and run. Kendall Hunter is becoming a nice flex option in PPR leagues as he had 9 receptions for 98 yards.  Nate Washington saw his targets increase (10) with Locker back , but managed only 3 receptions for 62 yards.

Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers

The Browns played like a team that knew they didn’t have a chance to win.  Even though the Packers defense was banged up the Browns failed to take advantage.  Weeden looked awful (17/42 for 149 yards 1TD 1Int) and it wouldn’t surprise me if he finds the bench next week.  McGahee was pedestrian and the Browns haven’t missed a beat with T-Rich traded.  The big surprise was the performance by Josh Gordon.  He had 2 receptions for 21 yards on 6 targets and looked almost disinterested.  Jordan Cameron got a lot of garbage time attentions and finished with a team high 7 receptions for 55 yards and 1 TD.

Finley's career may be in jeopardy after sustaining a serious neck injury

Finley’s career may be in jeopardy after sustaining a serious neck injury

Aaron Rodgers was able to have a very representative game (260 yards 3 touch downs) despite missing two of his biggest targets in Randall Cobb and James Jones.  Jarrett Boykin the owners that rushed to the waiver wire for him last week with 8 receptions for 103 yards and 1 TD.  Jordy Nelson was limited in production by Joe Haden, but still managed to grab 5 balls for 42 yards and 1 TD.  The big issue for the the Packers is the very scary injury to Jermichael Finley.  He was having a break out game with 5 receptions for 72 yards and a hard fought touch down, only to have his health come into question on a hit over the middle.  Finley has been diagnosed with a spinal contusion and if you own him you should look for a replacement ASAP.  I honestly hope he is put on IR and is able to fully heal before thinking about suiting up again.  Andrew Quarless will most likely take over tight end duties for the Packers, but I would look to some other FA names first.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

Case Keenum got the chance to start for the struggling Texans.  He had a very nice game (271 yards 1 TD) even though he didn’t have a running game to take the pressure off.  Arian Foster injured his hamstring very early in the game and his back up Ben Tate apparently broke a few ribs filling in.  By the end of the game they were down to fullback Greg Jones running the ball as third string running back Cierre Wood was inactive and later released for team rules violations.  After the running backs were hurt it was impossible for Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins to build on their hot starts to the game.

What more can I say about Jamaal Charles.  He is the most consistent runningback in fantasy football.  A ho-hum 123 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in the 7th game in a row.  Dwayne Bowe had a team high 9 targets, but didn’t have a big game.  The return of Anthony Fasano almost produced two touchdowns, but he was tackled inside the 5 yard line twice.  Keep an eye on him in deep leagues as Alex Smith loves to feature the tight end.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

This game was a struggle for both teams and for fans to watch.  Ray Rice continued to struggle and Torrey Smith was once again held in check.  Nothing more to report besides some injuries to the Baltimore offensive line that might need a shuffle.

The bright spot for the Steelers was the continued emergence of Le’Veon Bell.  He carried the ball 19 times for over 90 yards and showed nice patience when pressing the hole.  One of my all-time favorite tight ends Heath Miller caught the only touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger, but only caught one other pass.  PPR beast Antonio Brown was held relatively in check with 6 receptions for 55 yards.  My Trick Plays sleeper Emanuel Sanders was a big disappointment with only one reception for 7 yards.  He teased me and fantasy owners with with a long touchdown return, but stepped out of bounds by a hair.  UGH!

Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning was able to put up big fantasy numbers (386 yards 3 TDs), but his passes were mostly wounded ducks that had fantasy owners scared about an injury.  The injuries along the offensive line finally proved to be costly as Manning was hit regularly by the Colts defense.  Manning tried to take advantage of two deep safeties by running the ball, but Knowshon Moreno failed to get anything going on the ground (15-40 1 TD) and his running mate Ronnie Hillman once again had a costly fumble.  Eric Decker had 8 receptions for 150 yards and 1 TD, Demaryius Thomas had 4 for 82 and 1 TD, Wes Welker was fed the ball late and had 7 receptions for 96 yards.  Tight End Julius Thomas had 5 receptions for 41 yards and 1 TD.

Andrew Luck was played heavily in daily fantasy football and he didn’t disappoint. (228 yards 3 TDs 29 yards 1 TD), but he did lose his best wide receiver Reggie Wayne to a torn ACL on a poorly thrown ball.  The injury to Wayne should be very concerning for any Andrew Luck owner as he leaned on him heavily.  The Colts are going to need TY Hilton and Coby Fleener to grow up fast and Darius Heyward-Bey to make more plays.  Trent Richardson was once again held in check as he looks completely lost running the ball.  He is indecisive and shows a real lack of vision.

Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants

Adrian Peterson should have stayed on the bus for this one.  With the Vikings throwing Josh Freeman to the wolves by starting him a few short weeks aster signing him, Peterson was met  by a wall every time he tried to carry the ball.  Freeman looked rusty and out of sync with every wide receiver on the Vikings as he had over 30 in-completions.  Talking about any of the receivers would be disservice to them as they had no chance on may of Freeman’s throws.  I would stay away from starting any Viking besides AP until Freeman gets acclimated.

Eli Manning was looking at another banged up secondary and another chance to get into the good graces of fantasy owners, but once again didn’t produce. (200 yards 1 TD)  Peyton Hillis was signed off the street and found himself as many fantasy owners’ last hope of grabbing a victory.  While he totaled 81 total yards and a touchdown, it was anything but a great running back performance.  Hakeem Nicks had a case of the drops and if you hoped he would be traded to a better passing team I think that ship has sailed.  Victor Cruz had a tremendous match up and only managed 5 receptions for 50 yards.  Rueben Randle was once again hit or miss.  He made a tremendous leaping catch for a touchdown and then fumbled a punt return by using poor fundamentals.  I’m a little worried that play may land him in the doghouse next week.

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.

 Jonathan Cooper

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)

E.J. Manuel

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.

Tyler Eifert

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. Eddie Lacy 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 Cordarrelle PattersonTennessee 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 Geno Smithwith 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.

Marcus Lattimore

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.

Tavon Austin

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 1st.  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.

Chance Warmack

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.

 

 

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