| 1 |
Raiders
|
RB
|
Darren McFadden
|
The Raiders selected RB Darren McFadden with the 4th pick overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. We believe McFadden was clearly the best RB available coming out this year and he’s a potential NFL franchise player. Highly versatile, McFadden has game-breaking speed and explosiveness. Since he’s not that great running parallel to the line, we look for the Raiders to send him up the middle more often than not. Without question, McFadden will have every opportunity to start come week one of the 2008 regular season. McFadden ranks with the likes of Adrian Peterson and Reggie Bush when they came out of college.
|
| 2 |
Panthers
|
RB
|
Jonathan Stewart
|
In the first round of the 2008 NFL draft the Panthers selected RB Jonathan Stewart. The selection was a slight surprise but tells us Carolina is fully committed to its power running game this season. Look for Stewart and DeAngelo Williams to battle in camp for playing time but don’t be shocked if Stewart wins the starting job at some point this year. He’s a power runner with great upper body strength and at a minimum he’ll be a good complement to Williams who is more of a scat-back runner and receiver. Stewart’s pass blocking skills should also keep him on the field. No doubt about it, Stewart could become a banger in the NFL and he’s a decent fit for the Panthers current scheme.
|
| 3 |
Steelers
|
RB
|
Rashard Mendenhall
|
In the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, the Steelers went for RB Rashard Mendenhall. From the looks of it the Steelers made a nice value pick. Mendenhall is a power runner and will compete with Willie Parker who is coming back from a leg injury. One thing is for sure -- the Mendenhall pick does not help Parker's fantasy stock. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers go to an RBBC with Parker only getting 60% of the carries in 2008. If your league awards big points for red zone production get Mendenhall on your radar screen – he figures to be a decent short yardage and inside runner.
|
| 4 |
Cowboys
|
RB
|
Felix Jones
|
Cowboys RB Felix Jones
With the 22nd overall pick in the 2008 Draft the Cowboys picked RB Felix Jones from Arkansas. Jones is a big play threat with great burst in the open field. Dallas may look to Jones as a kick returner in addition to a change of pace complement to Marion Barber. Jones reminds us a little of Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook. However, due to his upright running style, he might never become a consistent 20+ carry/game guy in the NFL.
|
| 5 |
Titans
|
RB
|
Chris Johnson
|
In the first round of the 2008 NFL draft the Titans picked RB Chris Johnson from East Carolina. Johnson has blazing speed and decent hands for a running back. If he can hold up, he could become a serviceable NFL running back. Short term, combined with LenDale White, the Titans could have a true Thunder-n-Lightning committee in 2008. Johnson may only get a maximum of 5-7 carries/game in his rookie season but keep in mind he runs a legitimate 4.2-40 – one of the best times we’ve ever seen from a first round running back. One big opening in the o-line and Johnson could take it all the way. In addition, he’s more than capable as a receiver out of the backfield. While at ECU Johnson actually played some WR in addition playing in the backfield. If your league rewards huge points for big runs, keep Johnson on your radar screen.
|
| 6 |
Ravens
|
RB
|
Ray Rice
|
The Ravens went for depth at RB having landed Ray Rice in round two of the 2008 NFL draft. Rice will back up Willis McGahee to start but he could eat into McGahee's touches as the season moves along. Despite his size, Rice is a powerful North-South runner who is very compact and can make people miss. Down the line, if all goes well, we believe Rice is capable of carrying the ball 15-20 times per game in the NFL. If Rice were drafted in 2007 he would have ranked with the likes of Marshawn Lynch.
|
| 7 |
Bears
|
RB
|
Matt Forte
|
The Bears picked RB Matt Forte from Tulane in round two of the 2008 Draft. Forte will be given every chance to compete with Cedric Benson for the starting job this year and he might just win it. We like Forte’s size/speed ratio and he timed well in the 40. In addition Forte proved to be a fairly durable runner in college. At Tulane, Forte also flashed decent hands as a receiver and averaged over 6-yds per carry his senior year.
|
| 8 |
Lions
|
RB
|
Kevin Smith
|
Short term, the Lions 3rd round pick could prove to be the Fantasy sleeper
of the 2008 draft. Smith is a powerhouse and looks to be a capable inside
runner. In fact, after Darren McFadden, we believe Smith is the best inside
rusher coming out of the 2008 class. Smith is on track to be the Lions
starting week-1 RB in 2008. |
| 9 |
Falcons
|
QB
|
Matt Ryan
|
The Atlanta Falcons selected QB Matt Ryan of Boston College with the 3rd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. We believe Ryan was clearly the best QB available in the college draft this year. He’s a complete package and his throwing accuracy helps separates him from the pack. Despite little help from the Boston College wide receiving core, Ryan dominated in school and he’s also one tough guy. He reminds us of a poor man’s Carson Palmer and he’s also similar to Drew Brees. Long term we have him ranked below last year’s #1 rookie QB JaMarcus Russell, but ahead of Brady Quinn when he was drafted.
|
| 10 |
Rams
|
WR
|
Donnie Avery
|
Avery was the first WR taken in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Rams selected the
dangerous high-speed threat in the 2nd round. Avery will attempt to replace
the Rams long- time stud Isaac Bruce (who went to SF). Avery ranks a little
behind Lee Evans, Troy Williamson and Santana Moss the year they came of
college and is in the same tier as Ted Ginn as a college prospect.
Unquestionably, Avery is an explosive open-field runner and he’ll have every
opportunity to start the 2008 season playing behind Torry Holt and Drew
Bennett in the Rams offense. Due to his speed, in time, Avery could become a
good fit playing inside the Rams dome. |
| 11 |
Ravens
|
QB
|
Joe Flacco
|
In the first round of the 2008 NFL draft the Ravens may have reached a little for QB Joe Flacco. The move sends Kyle Boller's fantasy stock falling. Flacco has great arm strength but needs time to learn the NFL game. If you like QBs with a strong gun you’ll like Joe. That said, we believe he’s still got some learning to do, especially against more complex NFL defensive schemes. The Ravens will need to be patient with Flacco and move him along slowly. If they do and Flacco’s rocket arm lives up to its potential, Baltimore will have drafted one heck of a bargain.
|
| 12 |
Bills
|
WR
|
James Hardy
|
The Bills need a WR and they hope rookie WR James Hardy from Indiana will step in. Hardy, selected in round two of the 2008 draft, has talented but he's also had his share of off-field problems. His best attribute is his monster size. He stands over 6ft 5in and has long arms. If he manages to get his head together he could be a threat in the redzone. Buffalo took a huge risk with Hardy. Time will tell.
|
| 13 |
Bengals
|
WR
|
Jerome Simpson
|
The Bengals went for small college prospect WR Jerome Simpson in round #2 of the 08 Draft. Simpson went to Costal Carolina College and is said to be a high character guy. He could compete for the Bengals #3 WR spot sooner than later if all goes well for him. On the down side, he really needs to work on his open field blocking skills. The Bengals hope that Simpson will replace Chris Henry.
|
| 14 |
Redskins
|
WR
|
Devin Thomas
|
The Redskins picked WR Devin Thomas from Michigan State in round two of the
2008 NFL Draft. Thomas is a powerful possession-type receiver and the
Redskins hope he'll blend well with their smaller down field receivers
Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle-El. In short, the Redskins see Thomas as
another Dwayne Bowe in the making.
|
| 15 |
Eagles
|
WR
|
Desean Jackson
|
The Eagles went for WR Desean Jackson from California in round two. Jackson may also contribute on special teams as a return man. In time he could become Philly’s #3 WR in 2008. Jackson has quick feet and good open field speed however he lacks size and could be outmatched on the line against NFL press coverage. Still Philly would be wise to get him several touches a game on reverse and trick-plays as Jackson is dangerous in open space.
|
| 16 |
Jets
|
TE
|
Dustin Keller
|
In the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, the Jets reached for TE Dustin Keller from Purdue. Keller has decent hands so he could someday become a modestly serviceable fantasy TE. Long term he’ll need to improve his blocking skills otherwise he’ll only amount to a role player working in the slot at the NFL level. Short term, barring a trade, Keller will be competing against the Jets veteran TE Chris Baker for playing time. At this stage we’d give the advantage to Baker.
|
| 17 |
Chiefs
|
RB
|
Jamaal Charles
|
We believe Charles will end up being Larry Johnson’s main backup in 2008. He
has talent. While he may never be a 20+ carry guy in the NFL, we really like
his open field explosiveness and ability to explode outside the tackle box.
Down the line, if Charles ever averages 10+ touches a game, he’ll be a
somewhat viable fantasy option especially in yardage leagues.
|
| 18 |
Dallas
|
RB
|
Tashard Choice
|
The Cowboys went for depth in the 4th round when they selected Georgia Tech
RB Tashard Choice. Choice has good vision and seems to understand the game
well. In addition, he’s a decent pass catcher coming out of the backfield.
On the down side, he hasn’t shown the ability to break many tackles and he’s
not going to out run many NFL defenders. The Cowboys see Choice as a runner
who could carry the ball 20+ times a game if Marion Barber were to get
injured. For now, he’s going to be deep on the depth chart behind Barber and
fellow rookie RB Felix Jones.
|
| 19 |
Packers
|
WR
|
Jordy Nelson
|
The Packers picked WR Jordy Nelson in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
The Packers see Nelson as a possession receiver and a player that can return
kicks on special teams. Worth noting, he caught an amazing 122 passes his
senior year at Kansas State. Nelson will compete for the Packers #3 WR spot
playing behind Donald Driver and Greg Jennings in 2008. Long term he could
have some fantasy value in leagues that award points per reception.
|
| 20 |
Seahawks
|
TE
|
John Carlson
|
The Seahawks selected TE John Carlson from Notre Dame in round two of the 2008 NFL draft. At this early stage, fellow rookie TE Dustin Keller looks to be the better fantasy option however Carlson’s Seahawks have more offensive power than Keller’s Jets and Seattle wants Carlson in the starting lineup sooner than later.
|
| 21 |
Steelers
|
WR
|
Limas Sweed
|
The Steelers landed WR Limas Sweed in the 2nd round of the 2008 draft. The Pittsburgh coaching staff focused on drafting offense and they really liked Sweed. While Sweed is a tall powerful receiver with talent, the Steelers already have depth with Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward and Nate Washington so barring injury, we don’t see Sweed being a huge fantasy factor this year.
|
| 22 |
Broncos
|
WR
|
Eddie Royal
|
In round two of the 08 NFL Draft the Broncos selected WR Eddie Royal from Virginia Tech. If he makes it in the NFL he’ll become a slot receiver. He also could contribute as a return man on special teams.
|
| 23 |
Giants
|
WR
|
Mario Manningham
|
Loaded with raw talent, Manningham will have every opportunity to compete
for the Giants #3 WR job in 08. Teamed with Plaxico Burress, the highly
talented rookie is more than capable of making big plays. Given Amani Toomer’s
age, Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith and Manningham all have a shot at becoming
the Giants clear #2 WR in 2009. On paper, we believe Manningham is the
favorite. He’s a good blocker, has above average hands and runs excellent
patterns. On the down side, some question his character and he lacks ideal
NFL size. If you want to take a flyer on a rookie WR, Manningham is a decent
choice.
|
| 24 |
Cardinals
|
WR
|
Early Doucet
|
The Cardinals made out like bandits selecting Doucet late in the third round
of the 2008 draft. We believe he has all the skills required to become a
serviceable slot receiver in the NFL. He’s a mix of Anquan Boldin, Brandon
Stokley and Reggie Wayne. Doucet has excellent hands and won’t drop many
passes. At LSU, he often times outplayed NFL rookie stud Dwayne Bowe and
former 1st round pick Craig Davis. On the down side, Doucet lacks ideal
straight-line speed.
|
| 25 |
Redskins
|
WR
|
Malcolm Kelly
|
Trying to upgrade their WR corp, the Redskins selected WR Malcolm Kelly from
Oklahoma in round two of the 2008 NFL Draft. Kelly needs to work on his route running but
we believe he has athleticism and good hands. In addition he has decent size. Still, Fantasy
fans should keep in mind Kelly is currently more know for his blocking skills than down field
receiving accomplishments. On the flip side, his size and powerful hands give him upside potential
as an NFL possession receiver and red zone target.
|
| 26 |
Dolphins
|
QB
|
Chad Henne
|
The Dolphins landed QB Chad Henne from Michigan in round two. This can't be good news for Miami QB John Beck. For his part, Henne has good arm strength but his throwing mechanics still need work. Henne fits Bill Parcels mold as a “tough guy” who competes hard on every play. Long term our concern is his throwing accuracy and overall pocket awareness. Don’t expect much any time soon.
|
| 27 |
Broncos
|
RB
|
Ryan Torain
|
Torain is a strong guy with powerful legs. On the down side, he lacks the
ability to make quick moves. The Broncos are hoping Torain’s Lisfranc injury
in 2007 is a thing of the past. Denver sees him as a long-term project.
Given the team’s history at producing stud RBs late in the draft, Torain is
worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. As a rookie, he’s clearly
behind Travis Henry and Selvin Young on the depth chart.
|
| 28 |
Packers
|
QB
|
Brian Brohm
|
The Packers selected QB Brian Brohm from Louisville late in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Green Bay incumbent QB Aaron Rodgers fantasy stock takes a hit as a result of Brohm being on the roster. Durability concerns do exist with Brohm and most of his problems have been soft tissue issues. That’s never a good sign and given his lack of mobility, we also share concerns about his long-term durability. Also on the down side, we’ve never been that impressed with his pure arm strength. That said, Brohm is a polished QB prospect and he could excel in the NFL when working in play-action situations. Also on the plus side, Brohm comes from a football family and he has displayed NFL-level vision while in college. If all goes well for Brohm he could press and overtake Rodgers during his rookie season.
|
| 29 |
Bengals
|
WR
|
Andre Caldwell
|
The Bengals are clearly looking for a #3 WR and they say Caldwell could help
right away. Caldwell will compete with fellow rookie Jerome Simpson for
Chris Henry's #3 WR spot. Some question Caldwell’s durability and he didn’t
help himself during his pro-day workouts. The biggest knock we have on
him --inconsistent hands. On the plus side, he’s a complete WR with big-play
abilities. As long as the Bengals have Carson Palmer at QB, both Caldwell
and Jerome Simpson have upside fantasy potential.
|
| 30 |
Cowboys
|
TE
|
Martellus Bennett
|
The Dallas Cowboys landed TE Martellus Bennett from Texas A&M with the last pick in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. On paper Bennett has a ton of talent and we like his hands however he ranks behind the likes of Vernon Davis, Greg Olsen and Zach Miller when they came out of college. Dallas wants Bennett to step in for Anthony Fasano who went to the Dolphins in the offseason. If Dallas continues to run a two tight end package Bennett could produce a few serviceable fantasy games in his rookie season.
|
| 31 |
Texans
|
RB
|
Steve Slaton
|
At 5-9 195-lbs his size will work against him. In addition, his running
mechanics need work. On the plus side, he’s more than capable of quickly
making one cut and hitting the hole – exactly what the Texans like to see in
their running backs. Translating all this to the NFL suggests Slaton will be
most dangerous working on 3rd downs and when defenders play off the line. He’s
not a 20-carry type prospect and short term he’s competing against the
Texans Ahman Green and Chris Brown so don’t expect all that much.
|
| 32 |
Cardinals
|
RB
|
Tim Hightower
|
Hightower is a north-south runner who can pack a punch. Down the road,
Hightower could be used in goal line and short-yardage situations if he
makes it in the NFL. He also has decent hands and could be used as a
receiver out of the backfield on third downs. Just don't expect him to break
many long runs. |
| 33 |
Bears
|
WR
|
Earl Bennett
|
Bennett is cut from the Hines Ward/Muhsin Muhammad mold. The Bears think he
could start at some point this year and given Chicago’s depth chart, he’ll
certainly have every opportunity. In college, Bennett was a great route
runner and a top-tier possession receiver.
|
| 34 |
Chargers
|
RB
|
Marcus Thomas
|
The Chargers think he could make the team as a backup RB and a special teams
player. Thomas is a better inside runner as he lacks big-play skills in open
space. |
| 35 |
Chiefs
|
TE
|
Brad Cottam
|
KC took a nice calculated risk in drafting Cottam in the 3rd round. Down the
line, if Cottam can stay healthy, he could become a viable Fantasy TE. He’s
a smart receiver with solid hands. If KC’s Tony Gonzalez were forced to the
bench, take note and watch Cottam, he has the raw skills to average 2-4
receptions per game in the NFL.
|
| 36 |
Buccaneers
|
WR
|
Dexter Jackson
|
The Buccaneers picked WR Dexter Jackson from Appalachian State in round two
of the 2008 NFL Draft. Jackson is a true speedster however his lack of size
and inconsistent hands raises doubts. We believe he’s going to have problems
beating press coverage if he lines up outside as a wide receiver. At 5-9 180
pounds we’re not sold on Jackson as an NFL fantasy prospect. He’ll likely be
limited to working in the slot and as a possible special teams return man.
|
| 37 |
Vikings
|
QB
|
John David Booty
|
Booty is a pure pocket passer with decent accuracy. While he often lacks
consistency on his deep ball, in time, he may have what it takes to be an
effective game-manager at QB. The fact he ran a modified West Coast scheme
in college will only help him once he gets into camp. The Vikings
desperately need a dependable QB and in time, Booty will get his chance if
he’s able to step up and focus.
|
| 38 |
Falcons
|
WR
|
Harry Douglas
|
Douglas is not real big. In fact he only weighs 180-lbs. Durability will
always be a concern in the NFL. That said, he has excellent hands and could
prove to be a dangerous slot receiver if he can adjust to the next level.
The Falcons need immediate WR help so Douglas could get his share of playing
time even as a rookie. Short term, he’ll be competing for the Falcons #3 WR
job. He reminds us a little of Sammie Parker.
|
| 39 |
Redskins
|
TE
|
Fred Davis
|
In round #2 of the NFL Draft the Redskins selected TE Fred Davis from USC.
The Redskins will be going to a new West Coast offense in 2008 so Davis has
a chance to catch a few balls. That said, he’s been a major underachiever in
college and under whelmed many scouts during his NFL workouts. Playing
behind Chris Cooley, we don’t expect much from Davis this year.
|
| 40 |
Chargers
|
RB
|
Jacob Hester
|
If Hester makes it in the NFL it will be as a fullback so we don’t see that
much fantasy value here. On the plus side, he has decent hands so he might
catch a few balls in the flat. Bottom line? At best, Hester will become
LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in 2008.
|
| 41 |
Falcons
|
RB
|
Thomas Brown
|
Another smallish RB, Brown lacks the ideal size/speed ratio to become a star
NFL running back. That said, he reminds us of a more powerful version of
Darren Sproles but with less flash and burst. The Falcons like his quick
acceleration and that could come in handy playing in a dome. Still,
durability will be an issue assuming he makes an NFL roster as a third-down
back and special teams return man.
|
| 42 |
Chiefs
|
WR
|
Will Franklin
|
Decent speed but very inconsistent hands. He may be a year away but KC has a
thin stable of WRs so Franklin will have a chance to move up fast. We see
him more as an NFL slot receiver, not a deep threat along the sidelines.
|
| 43 |
Packers
|
TE
|
Jermichael Finley
|
Green Bay cut Bubba Franks and Finley runs great routes getting off the line
so he could develop into a fantasy TE option. If Finley makes it in the NFL
it will be because of his receiving skills. Short term, he’s clearly behind
Donald Lee on the Packers depth chart.
|
| 44 |
Patriots
|
QB
|
Kevin O'Connell
|
New England went for a high upside sleeper pick in the third round. As a
solid physical talent with good arm strength, O'Connell is going to be a
welcome project for the Patriots. In time he could bump Matt Cassell as the
Pats #2 QB. O’Connell has good vision and the ability to move around in the
pocket. On the down side, his throwing mechanics need work. Given his
natural pocket awareness skills, the selection is a best-case scenario for
O'Connell.
|
| 45 |
Rams
|
WR
|
Keenan Burton
|
The Rams need depth at WR and they hope Burton will develop into a
possession receiver. He lacks speed but runs decent short routes. If he
makes the Rams roster in 2008, he’ll earn his spot due to his special teams
return skills.
|
| 46 |
Ravens
|
WR
|
Marcus Smith
|
The Ravens like his power. He’s one of the stronger WRs coming out so he
should be able to handle NFL press coverage. That said, he lacks
explosiveness and his route running needs some work. If he makes it in the
NFL it will be due to his special teams play and abilities as a
short-yardage possession receiver. |
| 47 |
Craig Stevens
|
TE
|
Craig Stevens
|
The Titans drafted Stevens for his blocking ability but their system also
looks to the TE as a safety valve. Otherwise, at this stage, he’s nothing
that special as a Fantasy prospect. |
| 48 |
Browns
|
TE
|
Martin Rucker
|
Do the Browns have some real health concerns about Kellen Winslow? At least
that would explain why they reached for Rucker in round 4. The knock on
Rucker is he’s slow. That said, having Rucker on the field could help open a
few more things up for the Browns wide receivers. In college Rucker was seen
as a premier tight end for most of the season because of his ability to get
open and his terrific size. Long term, as a pass catching tight end Rucker
has some Fantasy potential in leagues that require you start a TE. Barring
injury, Rucker will need to beat out Steve Heiden for playing time in his
rookie season. Overall, the Browns may have reached a little on this pick. |
| 49 |
Bears
|
TE
|
Kellen Davis
|
The Bears rolled the dice on a boom or bust player. Davis has great size and
good speed but he’s more of an athlete than a football player. Chicago must
be willing to give him several years to learn the position. Bottom line. A
very captivating NFL prospect but a very risky NFL selection. |
| 50 |
Raiders
|
WR
|
Arman Shields
|
The Raiders reached when the selected Shields in the 4th round. He's a small
school prospect coming out of Richmond where he only averaged 40 receptions
per season. To make matters worse, Shields missed almost his entire senior
year due to a knee injury. Even when healthy, Shields only had modest speed.
His best attributes are his hands and route running. Oakland is betting he’s
made a full recovery and they see him as a long-term project.
|
| 51 |
Titans
|
WR
|
Lavelle Hawkins
|
Hawkins has serviceable route running speed and he’s good coming out of his
cuts. The Titans hope he can be a deep threat and they’d like to line him up
in the slot as well. The problem is he’s never been a consistent receiver
and he’s prone to drops. At 5-11, he has his work cut out for him making an
NFL roster.
|
| 52 |
Colts
|
TE
|
Jacob Tamme
|
The Colts hope Tamme will be able to fill in for Ben Utecht who they lost to
free agency. Tamme is a marginal NFL prospect with modest raw skills. He’s a
long shot for Fantasy players despite being on the Colts.
|
| 53 |
Panthers
|
TE
|
Gary Barnidge
|
The Panthers consistently draft TEs in the 5th round and this year was no
expectation. From the fantasy angle Barnidge is more of a blocking TE so don’t
expect many receptions even if he moves up the Panthers already crowded TE
depth chart.
|
| 54 |
Lions
|
WR
|
Kenneth Moore
|
Great hands but he lacks size and only possess modest speed. He's a long
shot to make the Lions roster in 2008. If he does he'll be returning kicks
on special teams to start.
|
