| 0 |
Subject: RIFC AAA#1 Draft Rationales (Rounds 1-6)
Posted by: Trip
- Leader [13961611] Mon, Aug 20, 2007, 20:26
This thread will be for managers in the 2007 RIFC AAA#1 league to provide the rationale for each pick.
Here are the ground rules:
1. Only managers in this league should post here. If you want to provide feedback (either from other league managers, or from those not in the league), put it in the discussion thread. (Non-conforming discussion in this thread will be deleted.)
2. Try to keep the pick rationales in the same order as the draft. We'll attempt to keep this thread 2 rounds behind the actual draft. With the lag, most comments should not have an impact on the draft in progress. However, if there are aspects of your pick that you feel need to be kept under wraps, feel free to protect that information. In particular, please avoid mentioning the names of any players who are still undrafted at that time of the post.
If possible, please post your (2 round lagged) comments at the time you make each pick. For example, you should post your comments for your round 1 pick when you make your round 3 selection. If you are not ready to post at that time, then create a "placeholder" so that the next person is able to go ahead in sequence. When your post is ready, simply post it in the draft discussion thread and a moderator can copy it over.
If your rationale is due and intervening placeholders have not been inserted, please insert them before posting your rationale.
3. Once the draft is over, each manager is also encouraged to provide a general draft recap, at which time you can discuss your overall strategy, mention any undisclosed factors, comment on what worked out well and what didn't, etc.
The general format should be:
1.01 Ted Hendricks, LB, OAK
Several sentences of rationale.
As part of your first round rationale, please comment on your selection of draft sequence. |
| 1 | Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 01:31
|
1.01 LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, SD
placeholder
|
| 2 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 13961611
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 11:03
|
1.02 Steven Jackson, RB, STL
placeholder
|
| 3 | letter_J
Leader
ID: 13961611
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 11:51
|
Pick Selection Odd 03, Even 12
I selected the 3-hole so that I could secure the earliest pick possible in the odd rounds (Captain Obvious). Hopefully, I draft wisely and come away with major talent in the early rounds with these early picks.
That said, I tried to trade out of the 3-hole in the first round, as the player I really coveted was slotted a fair bit lower than #3 overall. Alas, no one was interested in trading up so I selected...
1.03 Frank Gore, RB, SF
He averaged 5.4 yds per carry a year ago (which ranked him 7th all time in that category for RBs that toted the ball at least 300 times in a season) and, according to reports, has personally set his sights on a 2000-yd season, a loftly goal indeed.
Last season, he finished as the 4th best fantasy RB and the 49ers have added a talented WR. In addition, he runs behind a good (and improving) offensive line. I am not in any way concerned with the broken arm in training camp.
All in all, I think that this was a safe pick, not a swing for the fences. Any numbers close to what he posted and this manager will be ecstatic.
LJ was the only other RB that I even considered in this spot (if I did not trade down); however, IMHO, the Chiefs offensive line is not what is used to be and I'm not sold on the KC QB situation. As a consequence, LJ's numbers will be impacted. I was not at all worried about LJ's holdout.
|
| 4 | jtserb
Leader
ID: 13961611
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 11:52
|
1.04 Larry Johnson, RB, KC
Very happy landing Johnson here. The reason I took the fourth pick was I thought I would get Johnson. Lot of worries about him with line retiring and the beating he has taken since coming into the league, but im not worried. He can be the best fantasy back this year, well if LT gets hurt that is :)
|
| 5 | deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 12:10
| 5th draft pick
With the 8th pick for selecting a draft spot, I had the choice of the #5 or #8 slot as personal preferences go. I chose the #5 spot to get a better (IMO) #1 RB and with the hope that a good #2 RB would slide to me in the 2nd round. I think I was sucessful in this approach, more on that later. I know I apear to draft better if I'm not on the very end of a draft. lol
1.05 Joseph Addai, RB, IND
Picking the best RB available IMO was an easy decision in Addai. Coming off the world championship and considering Rhodes is gone, I have to believe barring injuries he'll have a substantial increase in carries as the established back in Indy and he's already a favorite of Payton's out of the backfield. Now he has to prove he can score in the red zone.
I think he can and will prove up to the high pick. No handcuff back anyway to begin the season like so many teams are going with in the NFL now-a-days. :)
|
| 6 | Trip
Leader
ID: 13961611
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 13:51
|
6th draft pick
I regretted this pick once I saw round 1 of the RIFC play out. I initially targeted Peyton with this pick, but after seeing him drop to mid-round 2 I began to rethink. I decided not to try to trade down though because I liked the 2nd and 3rd round choices which I thought would be available here.
1.06 Peyton Manning, QB, IND
"It's only a reach if he won't make it back to you". That's what I kept telling myself. I would have jumped on Addai if he were available here and would have taken another reach - Maroney, if I did go with an RB at this slot. Again, this may be a reach, but it is a safe reach as Peyton is as consistent as they get and is in a tier to himself atop the QB group.
|
| 7 | loki
Leader
ID: 13961611
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 15:00
|
Pick selection 7:
I felt that LT, SJ, LJ, and FG would be taken with the first 4 picks, and after that there was little difference between the next 3 or 4 rated running backs. Therefore I did not choose the highest remaining spot, #5, and took #7 in order to get a better RB in round 2.
1.07 Willie Parker, RB, Pitt
I felt that Parker was the best remaining RB. I did not think that Addai offered any advantage over Parker (and a few others). This contributed to taking pick 7 instead of 5.
|
| 8 | Hubble
Leader
ID: 13961611
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 15:01
|
Pick Selection #8
I was hoping for 7, 8 or 9th spot. I felt that beside the obvious LT at #1, S.J. at #2, pick 3-9 would give me about the same value in first round. Silently hoping that either LJ or S.A. would fall to 8th. Also, never having to wait more than 14 picks is very usefull to never miss a run. All this is all nice, but i still have to make good picks out of those.
1.08 Shaun Alexander, RB, SEA
It's hard to beleive that Mister 28 TD is down to the 8th spot. Granted he won't come even close to that number this year i certainly consider he is a 14-16 TD man +/- 1800 yds. I did not hesitate 1 second. A proven stud with no ceiling. Easy schedule early will also be a plus.
|
| 9 | Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 16:50
|
1.09 Brian Westbrook, RB, PHI
Westbrook was the best player on the board. May have even slipped a smidge IMM. His all-purpose yardage makes him very appealling.
|
| 10 | Athletics Guy
ID: 31658719
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 19:37
|
1.10 Rudi Johnson, RB, CIN
I took the 10th pick with the intent of taking a RB. I was pretty sure either Parker, Westbrook or Johnson would still be around. It was a close one, but I managed to get one of my targeted players. If I had a chance to do it over, I would have taken #8 though. Shaun Alexander looks like a steal at that spot.
Nevertheless, I'm still pleased with getting Rudi here. He's a lock for 1400+ yards and should have another double-digit TD season in that high-powered Bengals offense.
|
| 11 | Doug
Dude
ID: 31010716
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 21:30
|
0.11 draft slot – It was 11 or 14. I generally don’t like to be in the double-picking slot at the end, and I kinda have fun “playing the ends” and seeing who goes. Besides which, I just figured the sooner I could nab my RB1 the better (and the off chance that Peyton was available I’d have considered him too).
1.11 Reggie Bush RB NOR
I had two guys here who, while not as as highly ranked in most leagues, were actually both rated top-5 on my board since I gave them some allowance for punt returns (Bush) or kick returns (MJD). On the one hand, return duties are not very guaranteed… but from the sounds of things MJD will at least start the season returning kicks… and I’d be shocked if the Saints didn’t at least give Bush a few punt returns in close games (‘cus any time he touches the ball the opposing team’s coaches get so nervous they throw up a little in their mouth). The upside of those extra yards seemed worth it here.
By contrast, my two potential feature backs, Henry and Maroney, both had question marks. Henry could be in for a big year with the Broncos, but he just hurt his knee, which should only affect him preseason, but it’s his first season on a new team, so I think that could mean he gets off to a bit of slower start this year… you gotta get full-speed game action to get that timing down with the new O-Line, etc. And then Maroney’s concern is the offseason shoulder surgery.
So, being semi-indifferent between these options, I considered trading down a few slots to improve my second round choice and maybe have an outside shot at getting a second one of these guys at 2.02 (I was convinced they’d all be gone by 2.04), but in the end decided I just couldn’t resist taking Bush. He’s so exciting to watch, and I don’t have him on any of my other teams. In retrospect, I’m pretty psyched to get him here, and glad I decided to stand pat (especially considering how things ended up going for me in round 2!).
Round 1 Analysis - No big surprises… thought Peyton went a couple picks early, and Ronnie Brown has some question marks.
|
| 12 | TB
Dude
ID: 31010716
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 21:31
|
Pick 12: LT goes first, Jackson goes second, and my third favorite player in the draft was Manning. I never luck into the number one spot in any of these RI formats, so I was hoping to get the highest slot possible and a chance for Peyton. Didn't happen.
1.12 Laurence Maroney, RB, NWE
I was hoping that Bush fell one more slot. Hopefully Maroney can stay healthy and have a productive season. I really wanted both Maroney and McGahee and was hoping that McGahee would make it back on the turn. Meh.
|
| 13 | PeterN
Dude
ID: 31010716
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 21:32
|
Pick 13
I chose Pick 13 hoping to get Laurence Maroney. In hindsight, I wish I had taken Pick 11 as Maroney didn't quite make it to me.
1.13 Willis McGahee, RB, BAL
As I said above, I really wanted Maroney here. Doug had posted about wanting to trade down, but that deal didn't end up occuring. In the end, I'm happy with McGahee. Going into the draft, I wanted to select two RBs that didn't share the carries. McGahee is fully-entrenched in the starting RB job for Baltimore. Improved passing game should also keep the opposing team defenses honest.
|
| 14 | StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 21:34
|
Draft pick 14
Taken by default
1.14 Ronnie Brown, RB, MIA
Drafting at the end I figured I'd better go ahead and take 2RBs before they were all gone. No way could I have waited. Don't really like Ronnie but he could be OK this year with a new offensive scheme in place.
|
| 15 | StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 21:36
|
2.01 Travis Henry, RB, DEN
Following up with taking 2RBs first I went with Travis Henry. If he can hold up and Shanahan doesn't flip out and start somebody we've never heard of he could have a really good year. Or he could be a complete bust.
|
| 16 | Peter N.@ ds'
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 21:49
|
2.02 Cedric Benson, RB, CHI
Thomas Jones is out of Chitown leaving Benson with the job all to himself. He has the build to handle the workload and I see Benson doing much better than alot of people expect. Having Grossman at QB is a concern, but I'm just going to have to hope for the best there. Benson ended the year well and I hope that carries over into this year. My goal of getting two starting RBs with the fulltime job has been accomplished.
|
| 17 | TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 23:16
|
2.03 Steve Smith, WR, CAR
My top rated WR and the best player available on my board. In hindsight, had I know that nobody else was going to draft WR, I would have taken MJD and went WR-WR with my next two picks.
|
| 18 | For Doug
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Tue, Aug 21, 2007, 23:17
|
2.04 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAX
Perhaps I overrate the kick-return value (I used a conservative estimate IMO), but even if MJD sees a 15% decline in his rushing yards from scrimmage this year, I still have him as a top-10 RB in our format. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see such a decline actually… his 5.7 YPC is likely unmaintainable. Still, I was VERY pleasantly surprised that he made it back to me at 2.04. The only other player I would have considered here would have been Steve Smith (who also does some punt returns, hence some bonus points vs. the other top-tier WRs)… but he went just before at 2.03, which was perfectly fine with me. I really wanted MJD here. He might not return kicks all year long, but IF he does then I definitely think he’ll outperform his draft position.
I’m a bit concerned that even the 2nd tier WRs will be off the board by my 3.11 pick. I’ll just go where the value is. If the 2nd-tier WRs are gone, then maybe I’ll take a QB or a 3rd RB first.
Round 2 Analysis - Again, no big surprises… still thought the QBs (Palmer and Brady) were a little early for their value, but nothing ridiculous.
|
| 19 | Athletics Guy
ID: 31658719
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 02:26
|
2.05 Marvin Harrison, WR, IND
I could have gone in many directions with this pick. Carson Palmer looked pretty tempting here, as did Edgerrin James or Clinton Portis. I ended up taking Harrison because of his consistency. He's had 8 straight seasons of double-digit TDs with no signs of slowing down. You can't say that about too many players.
|
| 20 | For Ref
Dude
ID: 31010716
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 08:31
|
2.06 Chad Johnson, WR, CIN
had every intention of drafting a RB with this pick--but funny thing happened on the way...No decent ones were left for this high of a pick IMM. CJ was one of the three WRs I would consider with this pick. In fact, I again felt it was a value pick and he should have went earlier. After picking I peeked at the other drafts and noticed he went even later, so either I did really well, or I reached. Time will tell.
|
| 21 | For LetterJ
Dude
ID: 31010716
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 08:33
|
pick traded from hubble to LetterJ
I was hoping to move up in the round via a trade because I did not like the starting RB talent that seemed would be available at 2.12 and when Hubble put the 2.07 up for sale, I jumped, completed the deal and selected...
2.07 Clinton Portis, RB, WAS
It seems that Portis has been around forever, yet, he will only turn 26 years old this season. In four of his five NFL seasons, Portis has been a top twelve fantasy RB. In addition, he has tallied three top 6 RB fantasy seasons. Those performances, however, all occurred before last season, when Portis struggled with a variety of ailments.
He is currently struggling with knee tendonitis and shoulder pain. This is the main reason why he dropped into the second round.
After I felt that I made a safe pick in the first round with Frank Gore, I swung for the fences in the second round. IMO, I drafted Portis in the second round, but he has first-round upside. I believe/hope that the Washington offense will be much improved and when Portis is healthy, he's good for 1500 yds and 10+ TDs.
|
| 22 | For loki
Dude
ID: 31010716
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 08:34
|
2.08 Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG
When I chose draft position 7, it was with the intention of having a good RB available at 2.08. I narrowed my my choice to Thomas of the NYJs and Jacobs of the NYGs. It was a tough decision, as Thomas is the only decent RB on the Jets and will get the bulk of the carries. Jacobs is less of a known entity as he has never been the featured back. However he will get most of the goal line carries, has breakaway speed and is younger than Thomas.
GO BIG BLUE!!
|
| 24 | Trip
Leader
ID: 13961611
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 09:54
|
2.09 Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
Thought about Marshawn Lynch here, but RBBC issues scared me away. Carnell Williams was an option too, but lack of goal line opportunities made me decide to wait on an RB at this point. Wayne gives me a top tier WR in an explosive offense. Last year I had Addai, Wayne and Manning and watching the Colts games was a hoot. It's fun watching your team score 30 points in a single quarter.
|
| 25 | deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 13961611
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 10:23
|
2.10 Edgerrin James, RB, ARI
I'm a proponent of a double RB system when you can get 2 quality backs and while EJ was a little questionable last year, if you look at wks 13-16 last year, AZ and particularly EJ showed remarkable improvement in their offense. He had 100yds rushing in 3 of 4 games and scored 2 tds & should have scored a couple more. I'm looking for better production with a year's experience playing together as an offense and a "stable" coaching environment too.
|
| 26 | jtserb
Leader
ID: 13961611
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 10:24
|
2.11 Carson Palmer, QB, CIN
Closest thing to Manning that there is. Wanted a stud QB and felt if I didnt take one here I wouldnt see one next pick. Turns out I was probally right with Brady going a couple pick later. Thought about taking a WR here, but every year it seems i pick the wrong stud WR so I felt carson was the safest and best pick here.
|
| 27 | Hubble
Leader
ID: 13961611
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 10:25
|
2.12 Terrell Owens, WR, DAL
Via trade with Letter J
When it was my turn to pick at 2.07, i seriously couldn't settle for anyone left. I thought i could land a top tier WR (Smith, Harrisson or CJ). RB options were getting slim, Edge + Portis + Jacobs were only one left. Edge had same BYE as my #1 pick and i don't like Portis this year. I was a little more enthousiast about Jacobs but thought i could still have him if i traded down. So i traded 5 spot down... and he was gone. I cant say i was happy with that, on retrospec i should have reach to get Jacobs. Back to TO... I don't need to elaborate on his skills... we all know the jerk. best WR option at that time.
|
| 28 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 13961611
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 17:21
|
2.13 Tom Brady, QB, NE
He is cute!
|
| 29 | Da Bomb
ID: 12730213
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 17:27
|
2.14 Torry Holt, WR, Stl
Placeholder
3.01 Thomas Jones, RB, NYJ
Placeholder
|
| 30 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 13961611
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 18:14
|
3.02 Baltimore Ravens, DEF
placeholder
|
| 31 | Hubble
Leader
ID: 13961611
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 18:23
|
via Letter J
3.03 Carnell Williams, RB, TB
I just needed to take the best RB avalaible at this point. I can't say i'm happy with Cadillac as 2nd RB, but the other options were not appealing at all. So here i'm banking on the fact that last year was a fluke. New QB, increased workload and easy schedule should help him help me. 1300 yds 8 TD?
|
| 32 | deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 18:41
|
for jtserb
3.04 Marshawn Lynch, RB, BUF
To early? Probally.. but wanted to make sure i didnt get stuck with a scrub as a second back. In retrosepct im kind of wishing I took deangelo or Peterson here, but with Buff revamped lined this year im hoping it turns out to be a good pick.
|
| 33 | deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 18:45
|
3.05 Drew Brees, QB, NO
I took a look at the remaining WR and decided to take a QB at this time. I usually don't draft one this early, but considering the level of play Drew exihibited last year and the returning offensive weapons he has, I decided to pull the trigger now.
I'm expecting the same type of performance this year and that the reason for so high a pick.
|
| 34 | loki
SuperDude
ID: 4211201420
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 19:48
|
3.06 D. Williams, RB, Car
I'm banking on DeAngelo taking the RB job by week 4 if not sooner. I originally targeted Gates with this pick and couldn't believe he was still available, however I got cold feet and decided that I better grab a RB.
|
| 35 | loki
SuperDude
ID: 4211201420
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 20:01
|
3.07 Mark Bulger, QB, StL
I had planned on taking a WR with this pick, but the top rated ones were gone. Bulger has the potential of putting up Manning-like numbers; therefore I thought he was a good round 3 choice.
|
| 36 | Athletics Guy
ID: 31658719
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 20:22
|
3.08 Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Peterson is a punishing runner who seems to derive pleasure from running over would-be tacklers. He also, however, has the breakaway speed to take it to the house on any play.
With a very good offensive line that includes Steve Hutchinson, Matt Birk and Bryant McKinnie, there should be plenty of holes for Peterson to run.
In mid-July, it was reported that Peterson had not been cleared for contact due to the collarbone injury sustained last year. However, in the preseason game against the Jets (week 2), he broke one for 43 yds and then did not avoid contact with the tackling DB (frankly, he knocked [undrafted DB] on his ***). Nice to see from this buyer!
The Vikes gave this guy 40+ million bucks with 17 million in guaranteed money...that alone tells me that it's only a matter of time before he starts. Additionally, he's simply more talented than the other Minnesota RB; in his 3 years at Oklahoma (playing against big time talent), Peterson averaged 5.3 YPC. Moreover, head coach Brad Childress has historically used one primary RB to rush the ball (as an offensive co-ordinator). All of this leads me to believe that WHEN Childress decides that Peterson is too good to platoon, this pick could be huge.
A medium risk/high reward choice, IMHO.
In retrospect, if I could see the future and would have known that Jerious Norwood would have slid to the bottom half of the fourth round, I probably would have selected from the second tier of WRs that were available at this time and then selected Norwood at that time.
|
| 37 | Athletics Guy
ID: 31658719
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 20:23
|
3.09 Deuce McAllister, RB, NO
I needed a RB and Deuce was the last RB IMM I could take w/o a huge dropoff. He will get GL carries and prob 20+ touches per game. Rather get him than another position and try and scrape the RB dregs next round.
|
| 38 | Athletics Guy
ID: 31658719
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 20:24
|
3.10 Antonio Gates, TE, SD
I was prepared to take my 2nd RB with this pick. Unfortunately, Deuce McAllister was nabbed right before my turn came up. In my opinion, there was a pretty steep dropoff after him. Rather than make a reach for a RB, I went with Antonio Gates, the best TE in the game today. Last season, I shyed away from taking him in any league due to the QB situation. Gates still produced strong numbers despite Brees' departure. I expect another strong season out of him. He should get me around 1,000 yards with about 10 TDs.
|
| 39 | For Doug
Dude
ID: 31010716
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 22:28
|
3.11 Roy Williams, WR, DET
Solid performer… unclear whether the presence of Calvin Johnson will help him or hurt him. But that porous defense hasn’t improved much IMHO, so I think they’re going to be in for a lot of gunslingin’ shootouts overall. And we’ve seen multiple receivers (and RB) excel in Mike Martz’s offense in the past… so I’m not really worried… in fact, I think that an improving offense might actually mean a few more red zone opportunities for Roy. The only downside is the ball gets TOO distributed… but no, I feel confident he’ll get his touches.
I might have considered Gates if he hadn’t gone the pick before me… but I’m almost appreciative that he did… because although I thought he was a fair value here, I have him in 3-of-5 keeper/dynasty leagues already! Would have been tough to pass up on him though… if nothing else for trade value later on. I think my team is better off getting a stud WR here. And it’s definitely looking like I’ll be able to snag another high-quality WR in round 4. Top-tier QBs are all gone though (too soon IMHO, but that explains the 2nd-tier WRs)… but I don’t really have a specific strategy for the QB position this year. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on… but at this point I have no idea if I’ll end up drafting one sooner or later.
Round 3 Analysis - I don’t care how good they are, or even if you didn’t think they would make it back to you at 4.13… 3.02 is way too early for a D/ST given the other talent that was still available on the board. I still felt QBs were going early… and a couple RBs I was mildly surprised by (but I can understand a bit more)… so I was thrilled that the 2nd-tier WRs fell to the end of round.
|
| 40 | For TB
Dude
ID: 31010716
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 22:29
|
3.12 Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
Every year in this format I tend to struggle a bit with WR points. Had I known that Fitz would have made it me in the 3rd round, maybe I would have taken a RB in the 2nd round and grabbed B2B WR in these spots. It never fails to amaze me. If I go RB-RB, everyone else drafts WR. If I go RB-WR, everyone else drafts RB. I should trade my first and 5th for a 2nd and a 3rd each year and see how the tides are turning.
So anyway, Fitz is a stud and gives me one of the better WR duos in this league. I thought about a QB, but the four I would draft this high were already gone. McNabb appears to be everyone's sleeper this year, which means he's going to be drafted way to early. Really, this was a easy choice.
|
| 41 | For PeterN
Dude
ID: 31010716
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 22:30
|
3.13 Anquan Boldin, WR, ARI
After getting my two RBs, I wanted to take a WR here. I had Roy Williams and Larry Fitzgerald ahead of Boldin and of course they were drafted right before I picked again making me regret not taking Pick 11. Boldin should be fine and I expect solid numbers from him in an improving 'Zona offense.
|
| 42 | StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 22:32
|
3.14 Javon Walker, WR, DEN
I had planned on taking either 2 WRs here or a WR and a RB. Seriously considered moving up by trading with Doug and taking Fitzgerald, but really hoped two of the top WRs left would fall to me. Didn't happen, but I did get the bottom one of who I targeted anyway.
|
| 43 | StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 22:35
|
4.01 Jamal Lewis, RB, CLE
I actually had Jamal and Walker queued up for the entire round and they were both their at the end. I thought they might be ones to make it back to me, but always a bit distressing when no one else targets the guys you have picked out. Don't expect great things from Jamal, but I do think he'll be better than last year. He sure better be.
|
| 44 | For Peter N
ID: 113132214
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 23:30
|
4.02 Tony Romo, QB, DAL
Homer pick. Need I say anymore? :-) All kidding aside, Romo has the potential to be a top 5 QB. With Barber, Jones, Owens, Glenn, Witten and a solid offensive line, Romo has no excuses not to be a stud this year.
|
| 45 | TB
ID: 113132214
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 23:30
|
4.03 Chicago Bears, DEF
No idea what I was thinking when I made this pick. I know I wanted the Chicago defense and wasn't sure they'd make it back to me by the 5th round. I looked at RB, but I knew I wanted Lamont Jordan and this was too high to pick him. QB? That can wait until 10-12 other teams have their starter. I already have two solid WR. I think I am drafting a team that I will have fun rooting for.
|
| 46 | Doug
ID: 113132214
Wed, Aug 22, 2007, 23:31
|
4.04 TJ Houshmandzadeh, WR, CIN
I was deciding between him and Lee Evans. Frankly, I thought both might have been gone (along with Roy Williams) prior to my 3.11 pick! Housh has actually been outperforming Ocho-Cinco… more a possession receiver (meaning more consistent production), and more of a red-zone target. The presence of CJ makes it tough for teams to key on Housh so I really can’t see his production dropping off at all. The other thing I love about Housh is his pain threshold… he played the last month of the season with some minor fractures in his back. You could say “oh no injury!” but when bones heal, they tend to “heal”… unlike soft-tissue (which often accompanies joint injuries). The only bone injuries that concern me are ones that happen in the joints. The fact he played through it says a lot to me. This guy might actually be better than the entertaining hype-machine that is CJ. They actually make a great pair that way… and the more attention CJ draws on the field, the more opportunity for Housh.
By contrast, Lee Evans has more big-play ability, and honestly I think is a top-5 WR in terms of talent/skill. But fantasy-wise, he is in a tough situation in Buffalo, and opposing D’s will continue to key on him. I’m thinking that rookie RB Marshawn Lynch < McGahee, and they didn’t add anyone to improve WR2 or the OL that I’m aware of… so if anything his situation may be WORSE than last year. I’m think he’ll still get at least in the neighborhood of 1000+ yards or whatever, but I just felt Housh was much more of a sure thing. When I noticed Lee Evans had the same bye week as Roy Williams, that sealed the deal.
(In case you couldn’t tell, I write these as I make the picks… going through the thought process helps me clarify my decision. One time last year I got halfway through the writeup, and by doing so realized I wanted to draft someone else instead. So forgive me if it’s a bit stream-of-consciousness or if I focus on players I didn’t draft.)
Round 4 Analysis - The overdue WR pickups finally happened, in fact, fully half this round was WRs. I don’t think we’ll see anything like that at any position the rest of the draft… only the round 1 RBs are a bigger percentage. I was happy how this played out, as I feel I got to choose the cream of the crop of 2nd-tier WRs.
|
| 47 | Athletics Guy
ID: 31658719
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 00:24
|
4.05 Ahman Green, RB, Hou
Having taken a WR and a TE in the last 2 rounds, I wasn't going to push my luck any further. My team needed a legitimate #2 RB and I think Ahman Green fills that hole perfectly. Barring injury, he has a strong shot at a 1,000 yard season.
|
| 48 | For Ref
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 08:50
|
4.06 Marques Colston, WR, NOR
I picked hm based on what he did last year. He posted 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 starts. If he can repeat this is a great pick. If not he could be a flop. People are aware of him now. But I love the high-pwoered passing attack of Brees and they seem to click.
|
| 49 | For Hubble
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 08:51
|
4.07 Donald Driver, WR, GNB
I wished there was some decent value for a 3rd RB.
Hesitated between R.Moss, Andre Johnson,Donald Driver and McNabb. I hate McNabb. Both Moss and Johnson have ???s. Driver was the safest pick.He should once again see a lot of balls thrown his way. Around 90 rec, 1200 yds, 8TD.
|
| 50 | For Loki
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 08:52
|
4.08 Lee Evans, WR, BUF
Wide receivers were disappearing quickly, and if I wanted to pick up a decent one, now was the time. I had targeted Colston, but I do not think that Evans was settling.
|
| 51 | For Trip
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 08:52
|
4.09 Randy Moss, WR, NWE
As a Dolphins fan, it really pains me to see Randy Moss in a Patriots jersey as it may be the best opportunity for him to return to his former status as one of the top 5 receivers in the NFL. It also gives Brady the best receiver he has ever worked with.
|
| 52 | deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 09:19
|
4.10 Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
I was expecting a very good WR to come back to me in the 4th round and I'm very happy with Andre. I was getting pumped to see Moss drop almost to me, but it was not to be. Maybe for the best. lol
After experiencing a knee injury in '05, Andre came back to be the #1 receiver in '06 that he was prior to being injured. I can't wait to see what he does with Schaub at QB. I'm expecting a 1,000 yd season from him and hoping for 10 tds, (up 2 from last season).
|
| 53 | For jtserb
ID: 353551013
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 09:50
|
4.11 Shawne Merriman, LB, SDG
I dont know why I took him this early. This has been a tough draft for me and every position I wanted either i felt the tier was to low to select at the current pick. There is no doubt in my mind Merriman with be top 3 fantasy LB this year if he can piss clean for a while, but for him to warrant this slection he needs to really dominate the other LB's.
|
| 54 | Letter_J
ID: 353551013
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 09:51
|
4.12 Plaxico Burress, WR, NYG
Plaxico Burress is the No. 1 wide receiver on the Giants. He also has the size, speed, hands and athleticism to be amongst the finest receivers in the NFL today. Yet, he isn't one and that's why he's available at the end of the fourth round.
I'm not a fan of Burress at all, but he was in my second tier of WRs. He should finish the season ranked where I drafted him (16th WR taken). Maybe even a tick up from that.
As I stated in my third-round rationale, if I could do it all over again, I would have selected from the top of my 2nd tier and not from the bottom of my second tier and then selected Jerious Norwood. Even though I already had gone RB/RB/RB, I seriously considered drafting Norwood here.
|
| 56 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 13961611
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 17:20
|
4.13 Marion Barber, RB, DAL
I will make queues or other arrangements in the future when I know that I am traveling.
|
| 57 | DaBomb
Leader
ID: 13961611
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 17:22
|
4.14 Donovan McNabb, QB, PHI
Placeholder
5.01 Laveranues Coles, WR, NYJ
Placeholder
|
| 58 | Taxman
Leader
ID: 13961611
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 17:23
|
5.02 Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
I will make queues or other arrangements in the future when I know that I am traveling.
|
| 59 | Letter_J
Leader
ID: 13961611
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 17:25
|
5.03 Santana Moss, WR, WAS
I had targeted Moss before the start of the draft and strongly considered taking him at 4.12, believing that he will post much better numbers than those of last year.
In the past, a healthy Moss has proven to be a Top 10 fantasy WR twice. Hopely better health, an improved offense, more reps with his QB, and being utilized in an offensive system that has a track record of putting up big numbers will result in Moss again being a Top 10 WR.
|
| 60 | jtserb
Leader
ID: 017103420
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 18:11
|
5.04 Julius Jones, RB, DAL
placeholder
|
| 61 | deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 18:17
|
5.05 Deion Branch, WR, SEA
I was looking to increase my depth at WR with this pick since the requirements call for 3 starting WR in the league. Branch is expected to have an outstanding year in Seattle this season with Alexander back and having a year in the Holmgren offense. I'd expect the same production as Andre along the line of 1,0000 yds and 10 tds from him if they're going to be sucessful passing in the Emerald City this season.
|
| 62 | For Trip
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 18:21
|
5.06 Jerious Norwood, RB, ATL
Placeholder
|
| 63 | loki
SuperDude
ID: 4211201420
Thu, Aug 23, 2007, 19:42
|
5.07 London Fletcher-Baker, LB, Wash
Different strategy this season--drafting defense earlier. Could have gone with a number of top LBs, but I liked Fletcher-Baker the best.
|
| 64 | For Hubble
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 00:38
|
5.08 Reggie Brown, WR, PHI
Once again, no RB caught my eyes so i decided to complete my WR squad by taking Brown. 3 WR in 5 picks so far... is that crazy? I'd like to beleive the 3 will be top 20 at the end of the season. No doubt Reggie will go 1000 tds+ and could get 8 TD.
|
| 65 | For Ref
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 00:38
|
5.09 Vince Young, QB, TEN
Had to wait to post this. I saw 3 QBs I liked with this pick and with so many WRs left and the fact that I already had two, I wanted a QB with this pick. I didn't see Bulger come off so was shocked when he didn't go right before me--then I saw that he was long gone. So my combo of about 8 draft sites all had Kitna then Hass then VY Jelly. I think Kitna may actually put up the best numbers passing. Hass is so consistent. But VY has huge upside. Not only is he getting better as a passer, but he will continue to run and get some rushng TDs. I think he is underated this year and even though all these supposed experts may feel I'm reaching here, I don't. Not sure how long he would have lasted, but no way he gets back to me--even though Hass actually did.
|
| 66 | For A's Guy
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 00:38
|
5.10 Hines Ward, W,R PIT
Hines Ward is getting up there in age, but his numbers really don't show it. Despite missing 2 games last year, he still managed to come close to the 1,000 yard mark and score 6 TDs. Even with Santonio Holmes in the picture, Ward is still their #1 WR for the time being. It would not be a big surprise to see him have a 1,200 yard/8+ TD season.
|
| 67 | For Doug
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 00:39
|
5.11 DeMeco Ryans, LB, HOU
Seemed like there were several ways I could go with this pick. Still no QB stood out to me… though some of them might be decent picks here… I still think I’ll take my chances later on. There are 3 TEs in the tier after Antonio Gates… but I’m indifferent between them, and the odds that all 3 of them go to around the bend here is highly unlikely, so no urgency. The IDP studs were still here though. I have Bulluck and Ryans basically equal to one another, but in a tier of their own, and figured there was a chance that both could get drafted around the bend here. I realized my two RBs both have week 4 byes, as does Bulluck… thus Ryans became the obvious choice. He’s a stud.
Round 5 Analysis - I felt like most people were filling holes at WR or RB this round with players who weren’t necessarily the best value… but no major reaches. Before the draft started, I figured we’d start seeing some IDP and D/ST going in round 5… the two top D/STs came earlier than expected, the IDPs right on schedule.
|
| 68 | TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 00:42
|
5.12 LaMont Jordan, RB, OAK
I needed another RB and had my eye on Lamont before the draft ever started. Let's face it, the Raider's offense sucked last season. The coaching was horrible, the scheme was horrible, the blocking was horrible, and Jordan was hampered by injuries. The Raiders will be the surprise team of the AFC this season. Their offense will be much improved and Jordan has enough motivation to go earn his big contract. He is just a season removed from 1500 total yards and I'm gambling we haven't seen his best effort to date.
|
| 69 | For PeterN
Dude
ID: 31010716
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 01:39
|
5.13 Brandon Jackson RB GNB
I'm really high on Jackson. I've had him pegged for a couple months now and feel like I'm getting solid value for the 5th round. If it all goes to plan, I won't need him but for just bye weeks. However, I won't hesitate to use him if the matchup sees fit for it. He has good instincts and displayed great vision at Nebraska. He reminds me alot like Ahman Green.
|
| 70 | StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 01:42
|
5.14 Braylon Edwards WR CLE
WR is a valuable position in this format and I didn't want to be stuck scouring the waiver wire. Not high on Edwards but he does have the potential to put up some big games, so maybe he'll help me win a few anyway to help offset his stinkers.
|
| 71 | StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 01:44
|
6.01 Bernard Berrian WR CHI
I really became sold on Berrian last year. Has tremendous speed and can actually catch the ball too. A large part of the Bears offensive production can be attributed to Berrian and I just hope he stays healthy and builds on last year.
|
| 72 | For PeterN
Dude
ID: 31010716
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 01:45
|
6.02 Tony Gonzalez TE KAN
I'm doing something different this year. I usually don't draft a top tier TE, but at this point in the draft, nothing else excited me. I felt like I could wait on WRs and so decided to take the 2nd best TE in the league IMO. I look for outstanding consistency from the 10 year veteran this year.
|
| 73 | TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 09:02
|
6.03 Fred Taylor, RB, JAX
When you wait a long time to get your 2nd RB you normally try to make up for it by grabbing your 3rd right away. I'm hoping I will be able to play weekly match-ups with who I have and be able to get decent RB points.
|
| 74 | Doug
Leader
ID: 13961611
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 11:19
|
6.04 Jeremy Shockey, TE, NYG
I was torn between Bulluck and Shockey here. Have two stud IDPs really appealed to me, but I knew I was much more likely to find “value” at IDPs later on than I would at TE… better to get TE sewn up and not have to worry about it later. For me it was Shockey or Heap, there are a couple other guys I like, but they’re still a cut below IMHO, and I felt like a run was about to start so time to pounce. Between Shockey and Heap I went a bit with gut feel on this one, I think the Giants are going to try and utilize Shockey more this year. And of course, Bulluck went with the next pick. :)
I briefly considered a QB, but I feel there’s a fairly big grouping of QBs here who are capable but not elite… I’ll let someone else have their pick of the litter since none stand out to me. I may end up drafting two of them in upcoming rounds since I’m not going to have a top-tier guy available.
Round 6 Analysis - Value-wise, I felt like we were on the verge of a TE run… and my 3 “second-tier” TEs all went this round, but that was it. Still too early for D/ST IMHO. Was targeting Leon Washington for an upcoming round, but Da Bomb took him as a Thomas Jones handcuff at the end of this round. Bummer.
|
| 75 | AthleticsGuy
Leader
ID: 13961611
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 11:20
|
6.05 Keith Bullock, LB, TEN
Last year in the RIFC, I had to settle for the top DBs instead of the top LBs and it really hurt me. Getting top 10 DBs isn't a bad thing but the points difference was pretty significant when compared to players such as Brian Urlacher and Keith Bulluck. This time I wasn't going to pass up on a stud LB who was available. I was really glad to get Bulluck here as he is simply a tackling machine. His numbers have been consistent over the past 5 seasons and he should be a top 5 performer among all IDPs this year.
|
| 76 | ref
Leader
ID: 017103420
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 15:20
|
6.06 Tatum Bell, RB, DET
I had it narrowed down to Cotchery, Holmes and Cooley for this pick, but all three seemed like a reach. I was going to take one and see if the other would fall to me. Since Cotchery was rated higher by most sites, I was leaning him. Then I thought, I don't need to grab a WR now--I already have two. So I started looking at other positions and found Bell. A starting RB would be much harder to find later than a WR or TE. I figured Heap would go for sure before it got back to me and if Cooley went then I'd just wait until late to get a TE. There are a couple other TEs who are nice after Cooley so figured I'd let the guys in front of me make the decision for me.
|
| 77 | Hubble
Leader
ID: 017103420
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 15:22
|
6.07 New England Patriots, Def, NWE
Well well... little glitch here. I knew i wanted to select NE DEF as my round 7 pick so i set up my Q for next round before making my pick of round 6. Then some1 picked it as my 6th rounder. You know what? i don't care!!!! I was demoted to RIFC-AAA for one reason last year... TEAM DEF! I had a very potent team ... but i had TB as main DEF... and they were atrocious... Meanwhile team i was playing against had 20 pts from their Team Def... and that pissed me off. So i thought never again will i wait last to pick team D.
|
| 78 | LokI
Leader
ID: 017103420
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 15:24
|
6.08 Jason Taylor, DL, MIA
The DL position usually produces few FPs, but Taylor at the top of this position should produce like an LB or DB. This was part of my plans to draft defense earlier this season.
|
| 79 | Trip
Leader
ID: 017103420
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 15:25
|
6.09 Chris Chambers, WR, MIA
I'm a huge dolphins fan but that is not why I made this pick. I have barely been able to watch their offense for a couple of years. Chambers has been horribly inconsistent. That being said, I felt like I was getting value for him here in the late 6th round.
|
| 81 | deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 15:31
|
6.10 DeShaun Foster, RB, CAR
As I reviewed the remaining RB available, there werer only a couple worth selecting IMO that had a chance at starting for their respective teams and I believe DeShaun still has a good shot based upon his size factor plus speed. The injury risk is there, but as a #3 back I was willing to take a chance. There are too many WR candidates bunched up for me to take one at this point and too few RBs left to leave one on the board. Case closed AFAIC.
|
| 82 | jtserb
ID: 353551013
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 15:32
|
6.11 San Diego Chargers, DEF, SDG
[placeholder]
|
| 83 | Letter_J
ID: 353551013
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 15:36
|
6.12 Ladell Betts, RB, WAS
Last year, with an ailing Clinton Portis, Betts was very effective when provided the opportunity. In fact, he averaged 4.7 yds per carry, totalling 1154 yds rushing, 445 yds receiving and 4 TDs. As the 'Skins starter, he put up top-6 fantasy football numbers.
As I drafted Clinton Portis earlier, I decided to scoop up Betts as an insurance policy.
|
| 84 | Taxman
Donor
ID: 487112814
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 16:15
|
6.13 Todd Heap, TE, Bal
Placeholder
|
| 86 | Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Fri, Aug 24, 2007, 16:18
|
6.14 Leon Washington, RB, NYJ
Placeholder
|
|
|
Post a reply to this message: (But first, how about checking out this sponsor?)
|
|