Fantasy Draft Analysis

The greatest day of the year….almost. In terms of anticipation building, fantasy football draft day is rivaled only by Christmas Eve. The feeling of a “clean slate” from the previous year…the feeling of having your fate for the next 16 weeks at your fingertips. Nothing beats a fantasy football draft.

This league is a 12 team PPR league that has been in existence for over 5 years. The teams are a relatively close-knit group of guys who make each season an interesting one. In terms of competition, I’d put this league up there against any other. Each year, we leave the draft feeling that each of the 12 teams has a shot to win the title. I’m not sure you can say that about many leagues. The team names in this blog have been altered to protect the identity of everyone in the league. The Vibe won the league two years ago, while DeBow is the defending champion.

If you're wondering what the defending champ looks like...start by picturing this guy!

Prior to the first round, team owners drew cards for draft position. There was a trade between the #2 and #5 positioned teams that was questionable at best. The teams (Mac Attack and Latwig) exchanged picks for the first 2 rounds, then reverted back to their original draft position for the remainder of the draft. It remains to be seen whether the trade made sense for Mac Attack (original #2), but my initial analysis is given below. I dissected the first few rounds with a more critical lens, while the last 9 rounds (where mostly backups are drafted) were analyzed as a larger chunk.  

Rounds 1 & 2

Saint Nick – Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN

Latwig – Arian Foster, RB, HOU

Schmatty Fo’ – Ray Rice, RB, BAL

Cowlings – Jamaal Charles, RB, KC

Mac Attack – LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI

Señor Paisan – Chris Johnson, RB, TEN

DeBow – Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB

The Vibe – Andre Johnson, WR, HOU

Coach – Phillip Rivers, QB, SD

Elroy – Michael Vick, QB, PHI

Itchy – Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT

Slopster – Frank Gore, RB, SF

Slopster – Calvin Johnson, WR, DET

Itchy – Darren McFadden, RB, OAK

Elroy – Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC

Coach – Matt Forte, RB, CHI

The Vibe – Roddy White, WR, ATL

DeBow – Michael Turner, RB, ATL

Señor Paisan – Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI

Mac Attack – Tom Brady, QB, NWE

Cowlings – Drew Brees, QB, NO

Schmatty Fo’ – Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG

Latwig – Miles Austin, WR, DAL

Saint Nick – Steven Jackson, RB, STL

Maybe you didn't have Rivers as a first round pick, but you can't say that he won't have a shot to finish as the top QB scorer. He has the ability to outpoint Rodgers, Brees, and Brady. 

The Vibe Commentary: In drawing the 8^th pick, I knew I’d miss out on the top RB’s. I immediately began to think Aaron Rodgers or a top WR. I was confident in my evaluation of the mid-level RB’s, and felt I could wait a few rounds to take a RB without losing too much value. I decided I would be going WR-WR with my first 2 picks. Incidentally, I ended up with my top 2 rated WR’s, as Slopster jumped on Calvin Johnson before Roddy White went.

League Commentary: The first round unfolded very predictably, as the “top tier” running backs all went early. Señor Paisan answered the question of where Chris Johnson will end up. At #6 overall, he could prove a beast for the Paisans if his contract dispute gets settled. The back end teams began to jump on top guys at other positions, as non-RB’s went from picks 7 thru 10. The selection of Phillip Rivers at #9 left some heads scratching, but I think that ultimately he’ll put up numbers comparable to your top QB’s. Coach probably could’ve had him on the wrap around though. The Elroys were pumped about their selection of Vick at #10. Only time will tell. No player in the league is more of a risk/reward case than Vick.

Round 2 brought a run of uncertain running backs (D-Mac & MJD due to injury….Turner & Jackson due to potential declining production). Elroy went with MJD, giving him consecutive risk/reward picks.

Mac Attack said "No Thanks" to Arian Foster and opted for McCoy and Brady instead. Latwig took Foster and paired him with Miles Austin as a product of the first draft day trade in fantasy league history.

Saint Nick paired top running back ADP with a solid, consistent Steven Jackson – another feature back. Could be the best 1-2 punch in the league. Schmatty Fo’ went with his heart, taking a Scarlet Knight and a G-man. Allegiances aside, both solid picks…An early look at the pre-draft trade after the first two rounds: Bowling guru Latwig trades LeSean McCoy & Tom Brady to futbol wunderkind Mac Attack for Arian Foster & Miles Austin. Advantage bowling.

Best Value Pick: Cowlings – Drew Brees (Round 2, 9^th Pick)

Biggest Reach: Coach – Phillip Rivers (Round 1, 9^th Pick)

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Rounds 3 & 4

Saint Nick – DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI

MacAttack – Greg Jennings, WR, GB

Schmatty Fo’ – Vincent Jackson, WR, SD

Cowlings – Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE

Latwig – Mike Wallace, WR, PIT

Señor Paisan – Matt Schaub, QB, HOU

DeBow – Reggie Wayne, WR, IND

The Vibe – LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB

Coach – Mike Williams, WR, TB

Elroy – Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG

Itchy – Dez Bryant, WR, DAL

Slopster – Peyton Manning, QB, IND

Slopster – Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ

Itchy – Antonio Gates, TE, SD

Elroy – Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC

Coach – Jason Witten, TE, DAL

The Vibe – Tony Romo, QB, DAL

DeBow – Ryan Mathews, RB, SD

Señor Paisan – Felix Jones, RB, DAL

Latwig – Jermichael Finley, TE, GB

Cowlings – Steve Johnson, WR, BUF

Schmatty Fo’ – Jahvid Best, RB, DET

MacAttack – Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN

Saint Nick – Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL

This is what Steve Johnson looks like. Rose from obscurity last year to post one of the better seasons for a WR. Was he a one hit wonder? I'm glad I don't have to find out with him on my team.

The Vibe Commentary: I thought it appropriate to grab a RB in Round 3, even though I was tempted to shore up my QB situation with Romo or Manning right there. I went with Blount (despite his lack of passing game versatility) because he is the unquestioned feature back in an offense that will be running a lot. I was really torn between him and Bradshaw, but I’m nervous with the way Brandon Jacobs is running right now. I think he’ll get even more touches in the Giants running game than he did last year. In Round 4, I was committing to either Romo or Witten. When Witten got taken by Coach right before my pick, it made the decision an easy one. I feel good about my draft at this point, as I think Romo has top 5 QB scoring potential.

League Commentary: As much as it pains me to say, I think Itchy reached with Dez in Round 3. He did pick Gates at an appropriate time (you have to almost evaluate Gates as another WR), but I’m not convinced yet on Dez. DeBow, who had drafted his first 3 guys over the phone, went with Ryan Mathews in Round 4. A questionable pick at best. Slopster followed up a smart pick (Manning) with a questionable one (Greene). Greene has a lot to prove this year. Coach decided to go with a WR in Round 3 instead of doubling up at RB, passing up the likes of Ahmad Bradshaw for Mike Williams of Tampa. We’ll see.

Jahvid Best has to prove he can make cuts like this without getting turf toe. There's no way he gets 20+ carries a game, but has increased value in this league because it is a PPR. 

“We’ll see” can be said about the last six guys taken in Round 4, as Felix Jones (inconsistent?), Jermichael Finley (injury?), Steve Johnson (one hit wonder?), Jahvid Best (turf toe?), Knowshon Moreno (injury?), and Anquan Boldin (diminishing skill?).

Best Value Pick: Elroy – Ahmad Bradshaw (Round 3, 10^th Pick)

Biggest Reach: DeBow– Ryan Mathews (Round 4, 6^th Pick)

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Rounds 5-8

Saint Nick – DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR

MacAttack – Dallas Clark, TE, IND

Schmatty Fo’ – Fred Jackson, RB, BUF

Cowlings – Vernon Davis, TE, SF

Latwig – Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ

Señor Paisan – Brandon Lloyd, WR, DEN

DeBow – Marques Colston, WR, NO

The Vibe – Cedric Benson, RB, CIN

Coach – BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NWE

Elroy – Mark Ingram, RB, NO

Itchy – Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA

Slopster – Wes Welker, WR, NWE

Slopster – Beanie Wells, RB, ARI

Itchy – Reggie Bush, RB, MIA

Elroy – Percy Harvin, WR, MIN

Coach – Hines Ward, WR, PIT

The Vibe – Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA

DeBow – Owen Daniels, TE, HOU

Señor Paisan – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET

Latwig – Joseph Addai, RB, IND

Cowlings – Mike Sims-Walker, WR, STL

Schmatty Fo’ – Danny Amendola, WR, STL

MacAttack – Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA

Saint Nick – Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT

Saint Nick – Jimmy Graham, TE, NO

MacAttack – Sidney Rice, WR, SEA

Schmatty Fo’ – Eli Manning, QB, NYG

Cowlings – James Starks, RB, GB

Latwig –Matt Ryan, QB, ATL

Señor Paisan – Ryan Grant, RB, GB

DeBow – Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI

The Vibe – Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG

Coach – Pierre Thomas, RB, NO

Elroy – Mario Manningham, WR, NYG

Itchy – Chad Ochocinco, WR, NWE

Slopster – Kenny Britt, WR, TEN

Slopster – Tim Hightower, RB, WAS

Itchy – Plaxico Burress, WR, NYJ

Elroy – Zach Miller, TE, OAK

Coach – Donald Driver, WR, GB

The Vibe – Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR

DeBow – Tashard Choice, RB, DAL

Señor Paisan – Julio Jones, WR, ATL

Latwig – Mike Tolbert, RB, SD

Cowlings – Lance Moore, WR, NO

Schmatty Fo’ – Mike Thomas, WR, JAX

Mac Attack – A.J. Green, WR, CIN

Saint Nick – Steve Smith, WR, CAR

The last time Beanie Wells had a run of over 4 yards....

The Vibe Commentary: I took some heat here, but I could care less. As indicated earlier, I was confident with my mid-range RB evaluation. As such, I selected 4 consecutive RB’s from Rounds 5-8.  Two feature backs (Benson & Lynch) and two timeshare guys with tremendous upside (Jacobs & Stewart). If two of these 4 pan out, I’ll be in good shape.

League Commentary: Collectively, the league had a strong Round 5 …DeAngelo Williams, Dallas Clark, Vernon Davis, Santonio Holmes, Marques Colston, Cedric Benson, Brandon Marshall. Some great value picks in there. That said, Round 6 was a disaster. The run of picks from R6, #4 to #7 (Ward, Lynch, Daniels, Pettigrew) leave a lot to be desired. I mean…Señor Paisan… Brandon Pettigrew in the 6^th round? He may not even be the primary pass catcher on his own team (Tony Sheffler).

Senor Paisan invested a high pick in Pettigrew, who has been going undrafted in some leagues. Will it pay off?

After a return to sanity (Latwig with Joseph Addai), the league resumed with a run of Sims-Walker, Amendola, and Daniel Thomas. I know people are high on Bradford, but back-to-back Rams WR’s in the SIXTH round of a fantasy draft? Cowlings’ Sims-Walker hasn’t been relevant in 2 years, and perhaps Schmatty Fo’ doesn’t realize that return stats won’t count for Amendola’s offensive scoring. His value is enhanced because it’s a PPR league….but Round 6? Saint Nick threw together a great 4 pick run, with consistent Big Ben and Welker mixed in with sleeper Jimmy Graham. Meanwhile, Coach assembled one of the great wideout tandems of 2004 with Hines Ward and Donald Driver. Last, but certainly not least, is DeBow’s puzzling “Choice” of the Cowboys backup RB in Round 8. Rumors out of Dallas have rookie DeMarco Murray hopping Choice on the depth chart. We will see. Either way, is there any question Choice would’ve been there in Round 14?

Best Value Pick: Slopster – Tim Hightower (Round 8, 1^st Pick)

Biggest Reach: DeBow– Tashard Choice (Round 8, 6^th Pick)

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Rounds 9-17 Summary

Best Value Picks

Round 9, Pick 1 Saint Nick – Austin Collie, WR, IND

Round 10, Pick 3 Elroy – Josh Freeman, QB, TB

Round 11, Pick  8 The Vibe – Kellen Winslow, TE, TB

Round 12, Pick 9 Cowlings – Darren Sproles, RB, NO

Round 13, Pick 2 Mac Attack – Greg Olsen, TE, CAR

Round 14, Pick 1 Slopster – Jordy Nelson, WR, GB

Round 15, Pick 3 Schmatty Fo’ – Jason Snelling, RB, ATL

Round 16, Pick 3 Elroy – Eric Decker, WR, DEN

Round 17, Pick 12 Cowlings – Riley Cooper, WR, PHI

Eric Decker had injury problems at Minnesota, but possesses first round talent. You may not know him now, but you will know him by Week 5. Elroy uses an expendable late round pick to snag Decker.

Can we be honest here? If you’re a non-kicker or defense drafted in rounds 16-17, you have an excellent shot at being a good “value pick.” I like Schmatty Fo’s pick of Snelling in the 15^th with Michael Turner looking like a late-career Jerome Bettis. Jacquizz Rogers is there as well, but it’ll be Snelling’s show if/when Turner goes down. Cowlings grabs the Reggie Bush heir apparent in New Orleans in Sproles, who is at worst a great bye week fill-in. Mac Attack stole one of the sleeper tight ends in Olsen (I had rated him higher than Pettigrew, who was taken in the 6^th). Josh Freeman was a top 10 quarterback last year, and has been getting dogged out this year in drafts. An excellent pick for Elroy….Freeman will be starting by Week 5 when Vick gets hurt.

Biggest Reaches

Round 9, Pick 11 Itchy – Roy Helu, RB, WAS

Round 10, Pick 8 Latwig – Delone Carter, RB, IND

Round 11, Pick 2 Mac Attack – Johnny Knox, WR, CHI

Round 12, Pick 10 Schmatty Fo’ – Eddie Royal, WR, DEN  

Round 13, Pick 1 Coach – Nate Kaeding, K, SD

Round 14, Pick 5 The Vibe – Jacob Tamme, TE, IND

Round 15, Pick 1 Saint Nick – Kendall Hunter, RB, SF

Round 16, Pick 5 The Vibe – Rams D/ST

Round 17, Pick 7 DeBow – Rex Grossman, QB, WAS

Let’s start with the last pick listed there. You read that correctly. Not only did DeBow draft a Redskins quarterback….he drafted the Redskins backup quarterback. I know it’s your last pick, but let’s not throw it away completely. I would have taken any of the remaining kickers, or defenses, ahead of Rex Grossman. But then again, this guy did win the league last year.

Is the defending champ just messing with us by drafting Redskins backup Grossman (left) over starter Beck (right)? Who knows, but I'm nominating Rex as the "Most Droppable Player" coming out of the draft.

Coach wins the award for being the first to jump on a kicker, grabbing Kaeding in the 13^th. While solid, you’ll never get me to subscribe to taking a kicker prior to the last 2 rounds. He also nabbed Pittsburgh D/ST in Round 12, becoming the first to choose a defense. Saint Nick reached deep into the sleeper pool with Kendall Hunter in Round 15, but the fact of the matter is it looks like him and Dixon will split duties in the event of a Gore injury.

For Itchy and Latwig, snatching rookie RB’s with upside was not a bad thought, but they may have jumped the gun a little early. Helu is currently 3^rd on the depth chart and exists in the Mike Shanahan running back crapshoot. Delone Carter is also 3^rd (at best) on the depth chart, and will need to work his way up. I think both could have been had about 3-4 rounds later.

"Hmmm...how can I split the touches 3 ways?" Shanahan has been a running back value's worst nightmare over the last 10 years. With Torain, Hightower, and Helu, the pieces are in place for him to screw with us all again.

In the interest of being objective, I added The Vibe twice to the “reach” list. I’m not trying to sandbag, as I think most would say each of those picks is questionable. Tamme is a reach for me, but just have a hunch it may work out. Low risk/high upside. Rams D/ST is more about Spagnuolo and their presence in the NFC West than their talent. Expect The Vibe to play matchups for most of the year.

The Vibe’s Picks (9-17): Pierre Garcon, Javon Ringer, Kellen Winslow, Jerome Harrison, Mike Williams (SEA), Jacob Tamme, Kyle Orton, Rams D/ST, Nick Folk

The Vibe Commentary: I grabbed a couple of backups (Ringer and Harrison) who have potential to contribute this year. Ringer has more immediate value, as he’ll be the guy if Chris Johnson does not sign to start the year. I like Orton and Williams as backups at their respective positions for me, and my selections of Winslow, Tamme, and the Rams are explained above.

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LEAGUE POWER RANKINGS

Based on ESPN season point projections (projected starting players only)

1.     Mac Attack              1792.5

2.     Señor Paisan          1762.0

3.     Latwig                       1755.0

4.     Saint Nick                1740.0

5.     DeBow                     1732.1

6.     Schmatty Fo’          1727.0

7.     Elroy                         1726.0

8.     Cowlings                  1716.0

9.     The Vibe                  1694.0

10.                       Coach            1678.5

11.                       Itchy              1675.5

12.                       Slopster        1602.0

Fantasy WR Preview

The wide receivers…the ultimate fantasy draft wild card. The dilemma on the doorstep of any owner drafting late in the first round – Do I take a borderline first round RB, or do I jump on one of the “Can’t Miss” receivers likely still on the board? The answer to that question depends on what type of faith you have in your drafting skills.

If you play it safe and take the RB (and no one can argue that it’s a sound pick), you need to make sure you do your due diligence to the WR depth out there. You are likely banking on your ability to grab a sleeper WR with upside later in the draft, once your RB spots are set. If you jump on the WR, it’s likely that you have more confidence in your ability to evaluate the running back depth that will be out there in rounds 4-6. Either way you play it, this is how these guys shake out.

HOUSHMANDZADEH!! Remember when this guy was a Can't Miss WR?

Due to the high volume of WR’s available, it is impossible to rank and adequately comment on each. Therefore, the focus of this blog will be geared toward which guys could be targeted in which spots.  And let me be clear. These are NOT rankings. Any savvy blogger could look up the rankings of someone else and post them as his own. These guys are sorted out based on their consensus draft projections, but the comments below each group give you some insight as you evaluate each group.

First/Second Round

(listed alphabetically)

·        Larry Fitzgerald

·        Greg Jennings

·        Andre Johnson

·        Calvin Johnson

·        Roddy White

Expect Andre Johnson and Roddy White to both go in the first round of your draft (12+ team leagues). Their consistent production over the last few years make them absolute studs, especially in a PPR league. Greg Jennings may not go until the second round, but he’s another one from whom you should expect consistent production.

Just to be up front...I consistently underrate Greg Jennings year to year. You can't dispute the value of a #1 WR who plays in an offense with arguably the best fantasy QB. You won't be too disappointed with Jennings as your top wideout.

Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson should make you think twice about taking either very highly. Fitz is Arizona’s only proven offensive weapon, which means defenses will be keying on him like it’s their job (actually, it is). On top of that, the unproven Kevin Kolb and an anemic running game anchored by a fragile Beanie Wells give me doubts about Fitz’s fantasy potential. It’s sad, because he is clearly the best wide receiver in football. Calvin’s value is tied to Matthew Stafford’s health. You really won’t see him put up terrible numbers, but you may not get 1^st/2^nd round return if you jump on him early.

Second/Third Round

(listed alphabetically)

·        Miles Austin

·        DeSean Jackson

·        Vincent Jackson

·        Hakeem Nicks

·        Mike Wallace

·        Reggie Wayne

I really like Hakeem Nicks and Miles Austin of this group.  Manning will be gunning to Nicks all year, and Nicks has the ability to take it to the house on any given touch. Austin should see a resurgence with Romo back under center, and has proven that he can put up monster numbers. Reggie Wayne is a perennial 1^st/2^nd rounder whose value is being hurt only by Peyton’s injury status. If Wayne happens to be there going into your third round, you should be salivating. Even if Peyton has a slow beginning to the season, Manning-to-Wayne has been a fantasy staple that you can expect to fire back up when Peyton is in there.

It's a safe bet that Eli Manning will complete some passes to his own players this year. Sorry for that burn Giants nation, but it should be some consolation that I think Nicks will be a fantasy beast this year.

Mike Wallace is a guy who’s been rated very highly, and I’m not sure it’s warranted. Big Ben ALWAYS finds him downfield for big plays. And don’t get me wrong, I expect him to have a very good season, but if you are expecting 2^nd round value out of him you may be disappointed.

Good lord! Karma's a... Anyway, you're taking a big risk that D-Jax will be healthy all year. On the flip side, he's playing for his money so he could be one to shine.

I’m not crazy about the Jacksons. V-Jax has one of the best QB’s in fantasy throwing to him, but we didn’t get a great look at what he can do last season. He could be a tremendous risk/reward pick. D-Jax just annoys me. But I have to be objective, so here it is. He is capable of putting up 40 points on any given week. He is also capable of putting up a dud on any given week. His presence on special teams also means that his risk for injury is greater than others.

Third/Fourth Round

(listed alphabetically)

·        Dwayne Bowe

·        Dez Bryant

·        Marques Colston

·        Percy Harvin

·        Santonio Holmes

·        Steve Johnson

·        Brandon Lloyd

·        Brandon Marshall

·        Wes Welker

·        Mike Williams (TB)

I’ll mention a few guys in this group. Steve Johnson needs to prove to me that he was not a fluke. I’m staying away unless he falls into the 5^th round. I mean, who expects anything out of a guy with a generic name like Steve Johnson. Any Johnson outside of Andre that doesn't change his name to something more interesting is asking to be a bust. Brandon Marshall would be first round talent on many other teams…unfortunately he has Dave Brown (uhh…I mean Chad Henne) at quarterback. Wes Welker is a monster in PPR leagues, and I don’t expect the presence of Ochocinco to change that.

Brandon Marshall (right) is hurt tremendously by the "factors" around him in Miami. He "took his talents" there, but didn't quite have the supporting cast to warrant selection in the first 3 rounds of a fantasy draft.

Santonio Holmes is one of the more dynamic players here, but the Jets offense will not be slinging it all over the field. So, he’ll have some big games and some ho-hum games. The rest of this list is riddled with question marks. The dynamic but unproven – Harvin, Bryant, Williams. And the veteran but somewhat risky – Bowe and Colston.

Fourth/Fifth Round

(listed alphabetically)

·        Kenny Britt

·        Austin Collie

·        Jeremy Maclin

·        Mario Manningham

The list dwindles a bit entering the 4^th/5^th rounds. This is typically when most #1’s have been taken, and teams are looking to start shoring up other spots (QB or TE…or if you have an idiot in your league, DEF). I can’t imagine why anybody would draft Kenny Britt earlier than the 8^th round, but that’s where he’s projected. Don’t be stupid. Let someone else grab him.

Kenny Britt plotting his next move. If you own him just hope it's a legal one and that it involves the football field.

Manningham and Collie are nice security blankets for their respective Mannings. Just note that Collie has the better Manning. Plus, Eli seems to love his slot receiver more than his #2, and Victor Cruz has been playing extremely well this preseason. Maclin possesses big play ability, but his health is a major question mark. For my money, I’m passing.

Sixth – Eighth Round

(listed alphabetically)

·        Anquan Boldin

·        Michael Crabtree

·        Braylon Edwards

·        Malcolm Floyd

·        Pierre Garcon

·        Devin Hester

·        Robert Meacham

·        Lance Moore

·        Randy Moss

·        Santana Moss

·        Chad Ochocinco

·        Sidney Rice

·        Steve Smith (CAR)

·        Mike Thomas

·        Roy Williams

Some of these guys on this list would have been killer picks in 2007. Anquan Boldin. Chad Ochocinco. Steve Smith. Santana Moss. Randy Moss. YES you read that correctly. Moss has been going in drafts, and might be worth a late (10^th or later) pick if he’s still there. Sidney Rice has 2^nd-3^rd round talent, but his value his hurt by two words – Tavaris Jackson. Want two more words? Charlie Whitehurst.

"Who dat?!?!..I'm going to try to get the ball to each one of you today, OK? Also, if you scored a TD last week, I'm getting it to someone else in the end zone this week." Brees keeps us on our toes when it comes to the Saints WR2. I, for one, am sick of being jerked around.

One of the more frustrating things for fantasy owners over the past few years has been evaluating the Saints WR’s after Colston. Moore had flashes of brilliance 2 seasons ago, and Meacham is finally healthy. Devery Henderson is thy thorn. Any Saints WR you take comes with risk that Drew Brees will spread it around like Scott’s Turfbuilder.

Late Draft Fliers

(listed alphabetically)

·        Danny Amendola

·        Davone Bess

·        Deion Branch

·        Steve Breaston

·        Plaxico Burress

·        Lee Evans

·        Jacoby Ford

·        Julio Jones

·        Derrick Mason

·        Jordy Nelson

·        Emmanuel Sanders

·        Mike Sims-Walker

·        Hines Ward

·        Mike Williams (SEA)

This could be where championships are won. Almost every year a late round WR emerges as a go-to guy, and helps a team reach the fantasy playoffs. This year, there are no shortage of candidates. Call me crazy, but I really like Steve Breaston in KC. Emmanuel Sanders put his name on the map in the Super Bowl, and could emerge as a Ben favorite. Problem is, this cuts into the value of “dewey” (think about it) extraordinaire Hines Ward. In Seattle, Mike Williams goes to #2 with the Sidney Rice acquisition, and has also lost the only QB (Hasselbeck) to ever make him fantasy-relevant. We shall see. Evans and Mason are looking to prolong their careers in new digs, but both play in a “run first” offense. Temper your expectations.

Best NFL bromance? Almost... Brady always seems to find Branch and Welker. I don't forsee the presence of Chad OchoJohnson to change that much.

Tom Brady and Deion Branch could have the second best bromance in the league (next to Romo and Witten), and I’d expect Branch to get the ball when he’s on the field. I wouldn’t touch Sims-Walker, Davone Bess, Jacoby Ford (or any other Raider for that matter) with a 10 foot pole.

Last, but not least, is the return of Plaxico Burress. No player's progress will be as watched this year as Plax. If you grab him this late, there really isn't much risk. I can't really see him having a terrible year. However, expect some excited arrogant Jet fan to jump on him earlier than he should go. Let them have him. Again, the Jets will not be flinging it all over the field this year.

Plaxico's performance against the Bengals likely got Jets fans' knickers in a bunch. Don't get sucked in to taking him earlier than he should be taken. If you grab him late, fine. But don't expect consistent WR2 production out of him.