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Subject: RIFC - Draft Rationales (11-15)
Posted by: Guru
- [330592710] Wed, Aug 25, 2004, 08:08
This thread is only for rationales for RIFC picks in round 6-10.
Rationales - first 5 rounds
Rationales - round 6-10
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| 1 | culdeus
Leader
ID: 43105818
Wed, Aug 25, 2004, 08:22
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11.01 Mike Anderson RB DEN
Never got around to this rationale until after the draft, and maybe in the end that's what caused his season ending injury. At this point in the draft I was looking to take a big gamble because I thought I had a playoff spot locked up for sure, this pick plus the waste of a DB spot one pick before becaase of my stupidity set me back a bit. First one waived for me.
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| 3 | Sludge
ID: 54692111
Wed, Aug 25, 2004, 14:51
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11.02 Emmitt Smith - RB, ARI
Perm Dude: With the departure of Shipp, Emmitt Smith now has the field to himself as the #1 back in Arizona. I'm concerned about his long-term health, but as my third RB I think I took him about where I would have expected.
One upside, from RotoWire: A change in the offensive scheme will have the line cutting and chopping more than driving forward, and Smith, the more experienced back, should have greater success as a slasher, given his penchant for finding holes from cracks.
Smith's still-strong cutback ability will not only get him more yardage and play to his strengths as a runner, but will help ensure he stays healthy longer since he won't be banging heads directly so much anymore.
It's hard to predict output on a guy like Emmitt, but I think the new style and new health can make him a 700-800 yard rusher without any real stretch. Obviously the healthier he stays the more yardage he'll get, as he will get the touches so long as he's on the field. If, by some miracle of God, he plays 16 games there's no doubt he would get 1200 yards and 10-12 touchdowns.
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| 4 | TB
ID: 54692111
Wed, Aug 25, 2004, 14:51
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11.03 Jay Foreman - LB, HOU
I have had my eyeball on Jay for two rounds now and am glad he stuck around while I filled some other slots. Jay teams up with Jamie Sharper to form one of the better tackling ILB combos in the NFL. In the last three seasons he has topped 100 total tackles and increased the amount each year. I debated grabbing a 4th QB here just to see if it started a back-up QB frenzy, but then reality kicked in…doh!
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| 5 | Sludge
ID: 54692111
Wed, Aug 25, 2004, 14:52
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11th Round
11.04 Shaun Ellis - DL, NYJ
I was either going to take a LB or a DL with this pick, but looking at the board there were a lot more holes at DL than at LB/DB, so hopefully I can pick up one of the remaining LBs I have my eye on when it finally comes back to me.
Ellis is young, had a great year last year, and I don't see any reason why he won't repeat.
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| 6 | leggestand
Sustainer
ID: 451036518
Wed, Aug 25, 2004, 15:06
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11.05 Jake Delhomme, QB, Car
No position really jumped out at me with this pick, so, I looked at the 9 teams behind me to figure out what position was most likely going to see a run. TB had taken 3 QB's almost in a row, so, I thought that may force some people into drafting QB's, and I assumed that about 5 QB's would go (only 4 did) before it got back to me at 12.10. Also, since I waited so long on my starting QB (Garcia, who has some risk), I thought it would be wise to draft a stable QB. Delhomme fits right in to my strategy. He is an average QB that I can rely upon if Garcia gets hurt or doesn't perform. Last year Delhomme put up 3200 yds and 20 TDs, although he did throw 16 Ints. I expect last seasons experience to help him improve this year, and I forecast a stat line of:
3200 yds, 24 TDs, 12 Ints
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| 7 | Challenger
Donor
ID: 481126818
Wed, Aug 25, 2004, 15:23
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11.06 Muhsin Muhammad - WR, CAR
While I was deciding between several different choices of about equal rank wide receivers, I was eating a bag of M & M's………
Okay, seriously the strategy I'm adhering to I won't reveal at this time. Suffice to say this eliminated other preferred choices at this time. Muhammad has averaged nearly 60 catches for the last 3 years and I hoping for another 60 with 700 - 800 yards excepted.
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| 8 | MikeV
SuperDude
ID: 25924115
Wed, Aug 25, 2004, 15:57
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11.07 David Carr, QB, HOU
I don't think there is any chance that Vick will make it to the end of the season so I wanted a second QB with a very large upside as he would probably be my #1 soon. I see Carr as having a truly break out year and didn't think I could afford to wait another round to take him. The Texans are going to be a much bigger offensive force this year with Carr getting some huge numbers.
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| 9 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 08:56
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11.08 Pittsburgh Steelers
Having already drafted the Dallas defense, I wanted to fill the bench spot with a Defense that could be more than a bye week fill in. The Steelers were a top 10 Defense in terms of yardage allowed, but faired poorly. With a new Defensive co-ordinater who intends to energize the pass rush, an increase in turnovers are a distinct possibility...then again...they could turnout to be just a bye week defense.
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| 10 | Ender
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 10:17
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11.09 Marcus Robinson - WR, MIN
I decided to go back to the Minnesota well again on this pick. This one is a risk because we all know how injury prone Robinson has been. He should see opportunies opposite Moss and that could make him very valuable. I may have taken him too soon (based on what I am reading in the papers), but he could payoff big.
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| 11 | cEHp
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 10:19
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11.10 Julius Peppers - DL, CAR
Peppers had a fine season last year and is becoming a dominant force in a tough Panthers defense. Word is that he will swing between defensive end and linebacker so he should get a good mix of tackles, sacks and ints. Young and still improving. He should easily be in the top 5 linemen this year.
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| 12 | deepsnapper
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 10:20
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11.11 Marty Booker - WR, MIA
Jumping back onto the offensive side of things, I grabbed Booker when he fell to round 11 which was kind of surprising to me. I believe the reason for his sudden drop in the draft was the trade to Miami over the weekend more than his level of talent as a WR.
Combined with Chris Chambers, they will make a nice tandem of receivers for whomever is the QB for the Dolphins this year, and they’re going to need someone because of the lack of a running game will predicate passing on a lot of downs. Being big, tall, and fast is never a problem when you’re a wide receiver IMO and Marty has all three covered.
The thing that has to occur now is Marty has to develop a rapport with the quarterbacks in Miami before the season starts and lessen the potential decrease of his productivity to start the season. That is only made more difficult by the competition for the QB job in Miami. Of course we’ll all have to find out who’s the QB in Miami first and Wanstadt hasn’t posted that notice yet TMK.
I guess we’ll know by the first 3-4 games how well Booker works out with the eventual winner of the Dolphin's QB job. I’m looking at Booker as a 3rd receiver and he should fit that position very well for an 11th round pick.
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| 13 | Motley Crue
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 10:21
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11.12 Brad Johnson – QB, TAM
When it comes to QB, you have to have a decent fantasy football back up, no matter who your starter is. I snaked the last good one. Johnson is actually good enough that I may start him ahead of Pennington some weeks, based on matchups.
While Brad doesn’t usually rack up the rushing yards (which are important in our league), he does usually throw for quite a few, and he is a mid-20’s TD threat annually. I love that he’s been in Gruden’s system for a few years now. I feel that portends an increase in his numbers. The WR’s aren’t overly impressive, but the way he spread the ball out last year dictates that a stud WR isn’t a necessity. I would like to see him cut back on the 21 INT’s he threw last season. I think this is where playing under the same system for several consecutive years will help.
I really think Johnson was the best available QB left by about a mile. Those managers with only one QB at this point will probably start sweating a little thinking about potential backups. It’s starting to get ugly.
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| 14 | Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 10:23
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11.13 Josh McCown - QB, Ari
It's no fun picking right after Motley Crue! I had been targeting Brad Johnson with this pick, and he almost made it.
I thought Johnson was a cut above the other available QBs. I looked at other position options, but didn’t see anyone that jumped out. Culpepper is my starting QB, but has a bye in week 4, and there is always the possibility of an injury. I didn’t want to be caught without a 2nd viable QB, even if this pick will hopefully carry a clipboard on my roster for most weeks.
Is McCown the best available QB? Frankly, I have no idea. Maddox was tempting, but I had him on a team last year and still have a bad taste in my mouth. Joey Harrington and Carson Palmer were other thoughts. Along with McCown, all have upside, and all could fizzle. I finally went with McCown because of Denny Green's confidence. Maybe the change in regime at Arizona will change fates.
Or maybe I'm really a dumbass for picking someone from Arizona! Don’t discount it!
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| 15 | GoatLocker
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 10:42
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11.14 Aaron Schobel DL BUF
Was time to take a DL and he looked to be the best of what was left.
Hopefully he can come back to his numbers of last year.
60 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 int, and 1 fumble recovery.
12.01 Drew Bennett WR TEN
Ugh, is about all I want to say.
Becomes my second WR from Ten, but was torn when I took Calico and since he was still on the board, decided to take Drew now.
Looking for 5-7 TDs and 700-900 yards from him.
Might be a better choice in the long run than Calico.
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| 16 | Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 10:44
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12.02 Deion Branch – WR, NE
I wanted to fill a backup slot here for either RB or WR. I couldn't find any RB that I felt confident would not be dropped by the end of September. There are still some serviceable WRs however.
The problem with Patriot receivers is that there is no clear target, and from week to week, anyone could have big numbers or be virtually invisible. As a 4th option on my roster, though, Branch seems like a good risk. I'm confident there will be some weeks when he comes up very big. Hopefully, I'll have him active for some of them.
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| 17 | Motley Crue
Leader
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 11:01
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12.03 Eddie Kennison – WR, KAN
Have I really gone this long without taking a third starting WR? Yikes!
Not much left, and I’ll admit I am scraping the side of the barrel. May have to come back and scrape the bottom later. The problem with Chiefs WR’s in general is that they are usually the third targets in the passing game behind Holmes and Gonzo. And we all know that the passing game takes a backseat to the running game when Priest is your RB. With that said, Kennison gives me my third team #1 WR (haha, what a stretch). 56 catches for 854 yards and 5 TD’s last year. I will be placated if he clones those numbers this year. I would like to see 8 TD’s, but we’re talking a twelfth round pick here. I’m probably just as likely to get 2 TD’s out of him as 8.
Hey, at least I filled out my starting WR lineup! The Chiefs have an explosive offense and Trent Green is a very good passing QB, so you have to feel good about that aspect. As with so many other players, we shall see…
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| 18 | deepsnapper
Sustainer
ID: 017103420
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 11:29
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12.04 Drew Bledsoe - QB, Buf
With five quarterbacks coming off the board since my last pick, I take my 2nd QB with this pick rather than wait. Too many picks go off the board before my 13th selection and I had Drew ranked higher than any of the remaining guys on my board. With a new offensive coordinator and the tutelage of a QB coach, I expect Drew to have an excellent year. He’s certainly got the weapons around him to be successful. Now if the line can block.
The offensive scheme for running pass routes last year dictated the WR make up to 3 decisions during their route as to the break to make vs. the coverage and Bledsoe had to anticipate that route in order to make the correct throw. That’s led to a lot of missed throws, interceptions, and quite frankly sacks as Drew held the ball waiting for the receivers to run routes. He’s had the crap beat out of him the past 2 years.
The new system is simplified along the lines of a 3-5-7 step QB drop passing system where timing with the receivers is more important than deciphering route breaks. This is important in the new NFL passing game where “supposedly” the referees are going to strictly enforce the 5 yard bump rule and no contact after 5 yards will be allowed with the receiver. Call it the “Marvin Harrison Rule” after the manhandling New England did of Harrison in the 2003-4 AFC Championship game.
The important thing is the system is similar to the scheme Drew was in when he played under and had success with Bill Parcells in New England. The addition of a Quarterback Coach is also in line with what made Drew the best player in NE. He hasn’t had a QB coach in prior years in Buffalo. He’s worth a 12th round selection for sure in my opinion
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| 19 | cEHp
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 11:39
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12.05 Antowain Smith RB TEN
Well, I needed another running back and he was still on the board. Could get the majority of the short yardage carries which could give him some good TD totals. He has the ability to be a starter if Brown gets injured or can't handle the starting role.
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| 20 | Ender
Leader
ID: 31811922
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 16:37
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12.06 James Farrior LB PIT
I feel good about my Strahan and Harrison (even though we don't HAVE to have a DB he should score like one), but I need another IDP and the best scorers left are linebackers. At this point there were a lot of roughly equivalent options and he just felt like the best one. How's that for expert analysis? ;)
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| 21 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 31811922
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 16:37
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12.07 Deshaun Foster RB CAR
Foster is a talented RB mired behind an aging workhorse starter and has a huge upside. He showed the ability to produce when called upon last year and since the Carolina offense features a ground attack and Davis' health will no longer permit a 1 man show, Foster should produce nicely as a number 3 running back.
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| 22 | MikeV
Leader
ID: 31811922
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 16:38
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12.08 Jason Elam, K, DEN
If we hadn't decided to have graduated scoring for field goals I probably would have used my last pick to select a kicker. But with the bonus for length, Mile high Jason is definitly worth my 12th pick. He seems to be in good health and if Denver has as much trouble scoring TDs as I think, Elam will get many many chances from long range.
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| 23 | Challenger
Donor
ID: 481126818
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 17:34
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12.09 Adewale Ogunleye - DL, CHI
"Intrigued" is how I'll put this selection. Ogunleye was a Dolphin contract hold out who has recently been traded to the Bears. Ogunleye was the last sack master left on the board from the D line. The most of the remaining linemen get most off the points from tackles.
In the last 2 years Ogunleye had 10 sacks in 2002 with an improvement to 15 sacks last year. Will this continue @ Soldier Field? I believe it can.
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| 24 | leggestand
Sustainer
ID: 451036518
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 17:37
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12.10 Justin Gage, WR, CHI
Looking back on this pick, it was probably a reach. Once Booker departed for Miami, I assumed that Gage was going to be the go to guy for the Bears, but Coach Lovie Smith has not stated that this is the case. Gage is a good WR, and I think he has the potential to be the #1 Chicago WR (is that saying much?), but only the season will let us know if that’s true. He’s my 5th WR, and I don’t see him getting much playing time on my squad, but no other spot really jumped out at me with this pick. I almost took Randle El because of his return and big play capability, but I opted for, what I perceived to be, Chicago’s #1 WR vs. Pittsburgh’s #3 WR.
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| 25 | Sludge
ID: 54692111
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 17:42
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12.11 Mike Barrow - LB, WAS
I need a backup QB, but I've had my eye on Barrow for a few rounds. It wouldn't surprise me if two QBs are taken before it comes back around to me, but as I see it, it's tossing darts at this point.
Everything I've seen about Barrow is positive. That's about it.
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| 26 | TB
Leader
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 17:59
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12.12 Ron Dayne RB NYG
Hopefully, the only two times I will have to consider using Dayne will be when my two starting backs have their bye weeks. Coughlin seems dedicated to involving Dayne more in the rushing attack this season and he is getting more work in preseason games. In his first preseason game he ran for 118 yards in 11 carries. We are talking about Ron Dayne, though, and he didn’t fare so well in the 2nd game. I am not ready to say this is a wasted pick. He showed up at camp about 40 pounds lighter this year and is hopefully just working the kinks out. I would be happy to see him get 10+ attempts a game before the bye weeks for my starters come up just to give me the confidence that I could start him and get some production from the slot.
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| 27 | Perm Dude
Leader
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 19:40
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12.13 Jason Witten TE DAL
Witten is a player who isn't flashy but seemed to get more than one would expect in yardage the last few games of last season, about 45 yards/game.
I'm not looking for a miracle in this spot--TE is a notoriously weak spot, and after the top few guys it's a crapshoot at best. I was looking for a guy who looks like he'll be in the mix and get some yards each and every game, and with Vinnie now tossing the ball in Dallas I'm a little more confident that a guy like Witten (who appears to have the #1 TE spot on the team now) will get some good opportunities.
Most optimistic numbers?: 550 yards, 4 tds.
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| 28 | Culdeus
Leader
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 19:42
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12.14 Tommy Maddox
Watched a preseason game on 212 and had to have him, has a resonably secure situation in PIT which is all I ask for in a backup. Here again with backups you hope that they never get in especially 12th round ones. Had I waited on Garcia or someone earlier on I would have reached out and picked up a more stable QB like Plummer so this is more a reflection of how much I am counting on Brady to come through than anything.
13.01 Steven Jackson
I really don't think Faulk can hold up behind that porous line and I'm thinking STL might be out of the playoff hunt as early as week 6. To get him at 13.1 is shocking to me as he ADPs out several rounds earlier. Not sure if this will complement my guys in off weeks but in such a deep league he'll have to do.
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| 29 | Perm Dude
Leader
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 19:43
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13.02 Carson Palmer QB CIN
I was very surprised that Palmer was still available this late. He's got a great arm, a good squad in Cincinnati who now believes in themselves with Dillon gone, and some very good receivers to throw to.
With Hasselback and Palmer, it looks like I've taken a couple of real throwers who could easily throw for 400 yards a game each and it would suprise no one. It's the INTs I'm a little worried about with Palmer, but his preseason game against the Pats looked pretty damn good. He's got a bright future as a Perm Duder.
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| 30 | TB
Leader
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 19:45
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13.03 Adam Vinatieri K NE
I wanted to draft a kicker in this spot and was hoping to get Elam, who went a couple picks earlier. Vinatieri was my fourth choice for kicker and the other three were already gone. In recent years, I have ignored the kicker position until close to the end of the draft. Outside of the top ten kickers this season, I don’t see a lot of certainties. I hope the Pats find ways to move the ball, but have problems in the red zone and have to rely on defense and field goals to win games. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
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| 31 | Sludge
ID: 9649128
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 22:21
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13.04 Joey Harrington, QB, Det
Let's see... what is there to say about Joey Harrington?
At least he's a starter.
Seriously, though, people are saying good things about him, and the Lions have upgraded their offense.
Oh who am I trying to kid? It's Detroit! So I go back to my original rationale. At least he's a starter.
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| 32 | leggestand
ID: 9649128
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 22:22
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13.05 Chris Draft, LB, Atl
Draft is the MLB for the Falcons and benefits from playing with Brooking. Brooking gets the bulk of attention, and Draft takes advantage of this. Last year Draft had 122 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 Int. I look for him to duplicate these stats this year.
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| 33 | Challenger
Donor
ID: 481126818
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 22:26
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13.06 Mark Brunell - QB, WAS
Brunell gains new life with the Redskins. Watching the Redskins preseason games shows why the 'Skin's front office went after a veteran QB. Ramsey is NOT at all comfortable in the pocket and the defenses know it thanks in part to last years Spurrier offense. With Brunell in the game the defenses appear to have more respect for his veteran decision making abilities. Add in the running attributes of Portis and the 'Skins offense should have more bang in it this season.
I'm hopefully projecting Brunell to get 3000 passing yards and 20 -25 td passes
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| 34 | MikeV
SuperDude
ID: 25924115
Thu, Aug 26, 2004, 23:40
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13.07 Grant Wistrom, DL, SEA
I'm not very excited about picking Wistrom. Not having Little beside him could have a huge negative impact on his effectiveness. He hasn't played in preseason because of a foot injury so there is some trepidation about that. If he can get 8 sacks and 50 tackles I'll have made a good pick.
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| 35 | Taxman
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 09:23
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13.08 Antwaan Randle El - WR, PIT
Foster is a talented RB mired behind an aging workhorse starter and has a huge upside. He showed the ability to produce when called upon last year and since the Carolina offense features a ground attack and Davis' health will no longer permit a 1 man show, Foster should produce nicely as a number 3 running back.
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| 36 | Ender
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 09:24
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13.09 Tim Rattay - QB, SFO
I needed a back up QB and pickings were getting slim. He proved he could sling it college and had solid numbers in what time he got last year. He doesn't have TO to throw to this year so I don't have high hopes, but hopefully I'll only need him 1 week anyway.
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| 37 | cEHp
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 09:25
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13.10 Buffalo Bills - defense
I wanted to draft a second defense relatively early and I think the Bills have a tremendously talented unit. The have a lot of young and dynamic players like Takeo Spikes, Aaron Schobel and London Fletcher and a good casts of veterans as well.
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| 38 | deepsnapper
Sustainer
ID: 017103420
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 09:52
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13.11 Green Bay - Def, Packers
This is a unique league for me in that we’re playing individual defensive players (IDP) and Team Defenses (TD). It’s usually one or the other. This puts an interesting twist on the situation. . I decided to take Green Bay as a defense based upon a “gut” feeling. I know they’re committed to improving the pass rush by signing former NYG Kenny Holmes to play opposite Kabeeri Gbaja-Bjamila. It’s their hope that these 2 will put pressure on the QB from the DE position and not allow the secondary to placed in so many pressure situations with the deep passing attacks of Minnesota and most likely Detroit. Only time will tell if this is a good choice of a defense. I hope so for Brett’s sake this is true and they’ll keep him on the sideline an extended period of time during games.
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| 39 | Motley Crue
Leader
ID: 439372011
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 10:05
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13.12 Dennis Northcutt – WR, CLE
Hi, my name’s Dennis Northcutt and I want to be a starting WR for the Cleveland Browns. I used to hate them and demanded a trade last winter, but when they offered me $9M+ for 3 years, how could I not sign that deal? Plus, deep down, I know I look great in that orange helmet.
The Browns finally got rid of that Couch someone kept leaving on the playing field behind the offensive line, and they brought in a great QB in Jeff Garcia. I think he likes me, which is good, because there should be a great passing game in Cleveland this year. I expect to catch at least 60 passes for 700 yards like last year, but I bet I’ll score more than 2 TD’s this time around. Heck, without Kevin Johnson around to steal my touches, I could be a 1,000 yard receiver this season (hey, a guy can dream right?). Did I mention I am a return man extraordinaire? 36 punt returns for 295 yards ain’t too shabby, and I plan to do better than that in 2004.
Let’s recap why I’m the man:
1. I’m getting paid like a starter.
2. The passing game will be better with Garcia at QB.
3. No more KJ.
4. I return punts!
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| 40 | Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 10:12
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13.13 Gus Frerotte – QB, Min
I know,... I probably could have waited on this pick, but I thought he was important enough for my roster that I didn't want to risk a surprise.
With Culpepper as my top pick, Frerotte provides critical QB insurance. Last year, when Culpepper was injured, Frerotte put up very respectable numbers in his absence. With Josh McCown as my other QB, I simply couldn’t risk a Culpepper calamity.
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| 41 | GoatLocker
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 12:06
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13.14 David Akers - K, PHI
Looking at the board and who was left, made the decision to go to a kicker at this point.
Akers was 24/29 with only misses being longer than 40 yards.
Hopefully the offense will give him more chances this year, as last year he had 5 less chances than the year before.
14.01 Kyle Boller - QB, BAL
Time for a back-up QB and liked Boller and his offense better than any of the other options.
Expect him to show more maturity and better choices and should work okay for the one week I have to play him and still not be too much of a load if I have injury problems and need to play him more.
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| 42 | Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 12:06
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14.02 Sam Cowart – LB, NYJ
After 2 years at OLB, Cowart is moving back to the middle for the Jets, where he seems to feel more comfortable. Early reports suggest that he's looking rejuvenated at what he considers his more natural position. I'd settle for last year's numbers, but think he has some upside from there.
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| 43 | Motley Crue
Leader
ID: 439372011
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 12:12
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14.03 Justin Fargas – RB, OAK
My favorite thing about this part of the draft is that pretty much no matter who you choose, you can almost hear TB’s loud groan from central Missouri as another one of his sleepers lands on someone else’s roster.
I have Ty Wheatley. It makes sense to me to have Justin Fargas. Everyone is assuming that Wheatley will be the starter in Oakland, because Norv Turner usually uses a pounder to run it. Fine, maybe that will happen. But if it does not, it will likely be because Turner realizes he has a better RB on the roster: Fargas. Even if Wheatley starts the first few games, he has been an injury risk for a while, so having his backup isn’t a bad plan. And of course, there are those among us who feel that if Wheatley was gonna be a starter, he would have been one by now. It’s evident to me that Fargas will be the starting RB in Oakland one day, and this pick ensures that if that day comes in 2004, I will be set with the Raiders’ starter.
Fargas really showed some talent last year in pre-season. I remember having a few discussions with people about whether he would start over Garner or not. Garner got the nod, but Fargas ran the ball very well (5.1 YPC average) a few times (40) last season before he was injured. He is still looking for his first NFL TD, and I think he’ll get it this season.
Happy to have him as part of my 5-headed RB stable.
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| 44 | deepsnapper
Sustainer
ID: 017103420
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 12:56
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14.04 Greg Jones - RB, JAC
What can I say? He’s basically my insurance policy for Fred Taylor in the event of an injury. Case in point, Fred sprained his foot this week in practice and probably won’t participate in the preseason game Friday night (or next week for that matter). We’ll have an opportunity to see how Jones runs behind the 1st team offensive line. I hope I’m not disappointed. I also hope I don't need to use him this year.
This is the part of the draft where you’re filling backup positions and reserve roles anyway so taking your key players backups on their teams is a wise decision in most cases. The rule of thumb with most running backs is “if you don’t take their backup, someone else will” due to the scarcity of quality depth at the position and frequency of injury during the season. It’s difficult for a player to stay healthy for all 16 games of the regular season in the modern NFL with the size and speed of players and the game itself.
This one’s for you TB Raiders – to make up for the crack last year when I grabbed Taylor’s backup thinking he’d go down in LEOG and he didn’t. I'm covering my own tail this time. lol.
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| 45 | cEHp
Leader
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 23:39
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14.05 Rex Grossman QB CHI
Needed a backup QB and Rex is a starter with promise. Brooks is quite durable and I should only need Grossman to fill in for him for his bye week. Apparantly he is progressing quite well and he could turn out to be a nice sleeper in this draft.
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| 46 | Ender
Leader
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 23:40
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14.06 Derrick Brooks LB TAM
I needed a back up flex IDP and Brooks appeared to be the best available. Derrick has been incredible in the past and is well known for turning turnoers into TD's. He's a little older and may be trending down, but he may be a monster this year and at worst can fill in any given week for me. |
| 48 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 23:41
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14.07 Jermaine Wiggins TE MIN
I am always a sucker for the "this guy is going be a star" report through any jake leg analysis. So here is the spiel that got to me from TSN Fantasy Source "Wiggins could be the missing link of an otherwise high-powered offense: A tight end whose receiving skills will match the opportunities he should get in this offense. Coaches hope Wiggins can approach the 57 receptions of Byron Chamberlain in 2001, the type of production that will help take pressure off wide receiver Randy Moss and even running back Michael Bennett". I know. If frogs had wings, yada yada yada ...
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| 50 | MikeV
Leader
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 23:47
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14.08 Atlanta DEF ATL
This was an easy pick for me. I have both San Francisco and Atlanta as top 10 defenses. This pick will give me a lot of flexability in selecting matchups or using both in the same week without much of fall off.
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| 51 | Challenger
Leader
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 23:48
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14.09 Mike Peterson LB JAX
I was fully expecting to steal Cowart at this pick, especially against those using the DD. His rating with FootballGuys.com was way too low and I had to research to see if he had an injury or position change.
With Cowart gone I had to scramble to find a replacement. Pulled out 3 different rankings and started checking off whom had not been drafted yet and that ended up being Peterson, inside the top 10 on all 3 and presto we had a selection.
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| 52 | leggestand
Leader
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 27, 2004, 23:48
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14.10 Kansas City Chiefs DEF KAN
I was surprised to see the KC defense fall so far. Sure they let up tons of yards and sometimes tons of points, but this league doesn't penalize for yards allowed and only has small penalties for points allowed. Last year, using our scoring that includes special teams TD's, the Chiefs were ranked as the 6th best defense. I don't expect Dante Hall to score 4 TD's again, but even if he had scored only 1 last year, the KC defense would have average almost 10 points/game.
Plus they have brought in Gunther Cunningham, which should increase their sacks and int numbers. Lastly, I expect KC to get in a bunch of shootouts, which should increase sack and int opportunities.
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| 54 | Sludge
ID: 475323018
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 01:54
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14.11 Randy McMichael - TE, MIA
I don't really feel like writing much about a tight end that makes it down this far, nor will I write much about the kicker that I'm going to take next round.
I'll be happy with 2-3 TDs from McMichael and 400+ yards. I'm not counting on much more than that.
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| 55 | TB
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 02:18
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14.12 Joey Galloway WR TAM
Joey fits perfectly with my WR corps. I have my young stud in Steve Smith and my three old amigos. I needed a fourth receiver and Galloway is the #1 receiver for the Bucs. I have him pegged at 800 yards and 6 TD’s, which is good enough to put him inside the top 30 receivers. I expect more from him and he will see a few starts based on match-ups. Having a solid 4th WR will allow me added flexibility when it comes to choosing what positions to use for bench slots.
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| 56 | Perm Dude
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 11:01
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14.13 Matt Stover K BAL
placeholder
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| 57 | culdeus
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 11:01
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14.14 Daniel Graham TE NWE
This is my TE pick of the year, last year I was all about Freddie Jones and getting him at the right time. So basically I just watch the actual draft spot to fall below ADP for this guy and draft him in every league. When picking a TE you want a guy that isn't competing with a pass catching back, another TE, or a system that doesn't lend itself to TE's catching balls. I think this guy lends himself to that. Very pleased with this pick.
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| 58 | culdeus
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 11:01
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15.01 Quincy Morgan WR CLE
Well, I needed a backup WR and man the only guy I could find with any upside whatsoever was Q, the undeniable bust of 2003. The bye weeks work, new QB will help, and I didn't want to go D just yet. (for reasons to be added next) The range of yards for this guy could go from 500-1000 depending on how the new situation develops. CLE will be a team to watch, they could easily challenge in their division and be the Carolina of last year and maybe it starts with Q?
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| 59 | Perm Dude
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 11:02
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15.02 Josh Scobey RB ARI
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| 60 | TB
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 11:04
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15.03 Charles Grant DL NOR
I did not consider DL a priority position to fill. By my calculations, the difference between the #1 and #15 DL is less than 2 fantasy points per week. They are the TE of IDP, if you will. Grant was my 4th rated DL and I was happy to grab him in the 15th round. Grant had 57 tackles (11th in NFL for DL), 4 forced fumbles (3rd in NFL for DL), and was 6th in the NFC in sacks last season with 10. The expectations from his coaches are much greater this year. John Pease, who coached the defensive line when the Saints had a great defense, is coaching the defensive line once again this season. With other personnel additions they have made to their defense, I expect to see Grant have a Pro Bowl caliber season.
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| 61 | Sludge
ID: 475323018
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 11:13
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15.04 John Kasay - K, CAR
As promised, I'm not going to write much about kickers. Pick one from a team with a good offense. Not a great offense, not a bad offense. Carolina should have a decent offense.
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| 62 | leggestand
Donor
ID: 481126818
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 11:28
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15.05 James Jackson - RB, CLE
There is talk that Jackson may go to Miami and I have Travis Minor. I just wanted to increase my chances that I was going to have the starting RB in Miami. Jackson will probably end up being the 1st person dropped from my team, though, if he stays in Cleveland.
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| 63 | Challenger
Donor
ID: 481126818
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 11:29
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15.06 Eli Manning - QB, NYG
I can't believe Scobey Doo was drafted before Eli. Eli is my franchise pick. His potential is unlimited. The only question is how soon will Eli get his chance to start showing it.
I expect Kurt Warner to start out the season as the Giants #1 QB. His game reminds me a lot of times of a Chinese firedrill. Kurt seems a lot at times to about to be sacked when all of a sudden he whips out a pass, on target to his receiver or an interception. This type of game really reminds me of an Arena Football game.
With Eli in the pocket, he strikes me as a QB in a more control game; things go as expected or he throws the ball away, an in control QB. The only knock I have on Eli is big brother Peyton broke down Eli's college game film and provided him with game keys. Obviously this will not be happening any more. How much will this hinder Eli and his decision making? But then again, Warner was brought in to groom Eli for the starting QB job.
With the no nonsense Coughlin as head coach now, I envision a short leash on Warner's Chinese firedrill and we will see Eli starting sometime later this season.
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| 64 | MikeV
Leader
ID: 31811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 12:46
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15.07 Anthony Simmons LB SEA
He's supposed to finally be healthy and if he can remain that way he should be worth at least 100 tackles and more than a few sacks/ints. I'll probably have to carry an extra IDP through week 4 since I have 2 Seahawks but if that's my worst problem, I really don't have any problems.
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| 65 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 31811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 12:47
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15.08 Kurt Warner QB NYG
A nice asset chosen for the wrong reason.
At the time the pick was made I had only P. Manning at QB, I needed a bye week QB and all known starters except Brees were off the board. I picked Warner on the unlikely possibility that he would win the starting assisgnment over the highly trumpeted rookie AND because Warner can torch a secondary when he is on. (and no way would I ever draft Brees...see my pick 16.07)
Several days later TB pointed out that the Colts and Giants had the same BYE week (#%@^&(*)^%@$#). Not very bright on my part, but again showing that it is far better to be lucky than good, Warner has now been announced as the starter for the beginning of the season and may provide an alternative for Peyton's tough road matchups or be attractive trade bait.
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| 68 | Ender
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 16:08
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15.09 Jerome Bettis RB PIT
Yeah, I know, I drafted my top 2 RB's with the same bye week :( I don't know if I would change it if I had it to do over again because I think they were the right choice at the time. Anyhow, it means that I need 2 backup RB's. I decided to go with Bettis because I see him vulturing some red zone TD's from Staley and hopefully he will do so in week 3. If he's a complete bust then I'll have a roster spot to work with after that.
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| 69 | cEHp
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 16:08
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15.10 Jay Feely K ATL
I like Feely and though he has had trouble kicking in the Georgia Dome I think he will find his game once again and be a very consistant player in 2004. Kickers are always a crapshoot anyway. I thought about Akers earlier on but wanted to fill some other needs instead. I think Feely is a nice value pick in this round.
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| 70 | deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 16:09
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15.11 David Terrell WR CHI
This is a league that starts 3 wide receivers and seeing as we’re into the 15th of 20 rounds of the draft and I only have my 3 starting WR, I decided it was prudent to pick up at least a backup at this time in case of injury. From the remaining receivers on the board, I selected Terrell primarily on his potential to be the number one receiver in Chicago now that Booker is no longer there. It’s kind of ironic since I drafted Booker in the 11th round. David’s experience is giving him the opportunity to show he is the caliber of player to be a #1 receiver in the NFL. The coaches believe he has the talent to be that guy, It remains to be seen whether he can take the next step and will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to improve upon his previous year’s numbers significantly. It’s all up to him at this point. He’s filling a #3 receiver slot or reserve position for me so I’m pleased to get him in the 15th round.
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| 71 | Motley Crue
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 16:09
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15.12 Minnesota Vikings DEF MIN
These guys really have a bum rap. Everyone remembers the offense on this team, no one thinks about the defense. Of course, there were a few years where their defense was horrid, but I think it showed vast improvement last year (tell me you never picked up the Vikings D in TSN last season) and I expect that trend to continue somewhat this season.
Between Culpepper, Moss, and the monster running game, they should have a huge advantage in time of possession. Hey, the longer you are on the sidelines, the fewer points you give up. Man, that’s one of the biggest hunks of crap I’ve ever spewed forth, but I have to make myself feel good about my team.
I had the Vikings ranked in the Top 10 in defense, so I’m fine with getting them this late (especially since the ice was broken on Team D’s in Round 4). 7th in takeaways last year, 12th in sacks, they need to improve on their average points allowed (22.1 per game). They’ve brought in some new players that I think will really help out with that. Including [undrafted player], who should help shut down the opponents’ best WR’s, and [undrafted player], a rookie who will bring more pressure from the defensive end position.
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| 72 | Guru
Leader
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 16:10
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15.13 New York Jets DEF NYJ
I'm not particularly high on the Jets D, and I'm expecting to have the Tennessee defense active most weeks. For my backup defense, I looked at matchups for those weeks when I might want to "rest" the Titans, and the Jets seemed to be the best fit, facing Buffalo on Tennessee's bye week, and San Diego and Houston when the Titans face Indy, for example.
I relize that a backup RB might be a more pressing priority, but I have 2 guys in mind for that need, and doubt that GoatLocker will take them both on the turn. In fact, I doubt if he'll take either one.
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| 73 | GoatLocker
Sustainer
ID: 060151121
Sat, Aug 28, 2004, 16:26
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15.14 Tedy Bruschi, LB, NWE
Time to fill out the IDP and like having the 2nd LB.
Plays in a good scheme and should fit in good from a scoring side.
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| 74 | Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2004, 13:33
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Rationales for round 16-20
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