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Subject: RIFC 2008: Draft Rationales #1 (Rounds 1-6)

Posted by: Guru - [330592710] Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 23:39

This thread will be for managers in the 2008 RotoGuru Invitational Football Challenge 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 Priest Holmes - RB, KC
Several sentences of rationale.

As part of your first round rationale, please comment on your selection of draft sequence.

Smith32
ID: 23412218
Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 17:41

1.01 Tomlinson LaDainian - RB, SD
I chose the first pick because I wanted to pick Tomlinson. Plus, I feel you can still usually get 2 premier players in the 2/3 turnaround and build your team around 3 studs.

While Tomlinson had somewhat of a decline from his record-setting 2006 season last year, he still put up numbers worthy of the consensus #1 pick. He gets lots of carries, scores TDs, catches passes, and even throws TD passes. My biggest concern with LT is Norv Turner. As a Redskins fan, I think he is more offensive than offensive genius. How much of LT's decline was Norv, and will he continue to get the least out of the league's best player? I suppose I did consider Peterson here, as I believe Peterson has a greater chance to score 350+ pts, but I also believe Peterson has a greater chance of scoring fewer than 100 with his history of knee issues, and Peterson also has no QB.

da Bomb
ID: 23412218
Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 17:42

1.02 Adrian Peterson - RB, MIN
I picked fourth in the draft squared so when the second overall pick was still available I took it knowing I'd be able to get either LT or Peterson.

Peterson presents more question marks than I'd normally like for a second overall pick such as that his durability is questionable, the QB situation isn't good thus possibly leading opposing defenses to stack the box, and his backup can hold his own. However, he was the 3rd highest scoring RB last year and I see him improving this year. Peterson has phenomenal talent and the skills to be in a class of his own at his position and here's to hoping he realizes that potential this season.

Bags
ID: 23412218
Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 17:48

1.03 Brian Westbrook – RB, PHI

Once I found out I would be able to pick third I knew I wanted to pick in the top 5. I might have taken the 5th pick if not for deepsnapper. When it was time for me to pick my draft position I hadn’t really decided between AP or Westbrook. I saw AP as future #1 pick with a huge upside but also with injury concerns and the presence of Taylor. Westbrook is a rock who will get the ball and score 10+ times a season. Westbrook also gets injured a bit and takes a knee at the 1 yard line. I couldn’t decide which RB I wanted so I decided to pick 3rd and let my first choice come to me. I would have been happy drafting either one.

I_AM_CANADIAN
ID: 466141317
Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 18:01

1.04 Steven Jackson, RB, STL

This years first round crop seems to have very little consensus agreement beyond LT/ADP/Westbrooke. Sjax wasn't necessarily my "target" player in chosing this pick spot, I was just trying to stick as close to the top of possible. I was hoping that by the time I made my pick that he'd have re-signed, then I'd feel a ton more comfortable in drafting him, but no dice, so I decided to play it a little more risky than maybe I should have with my first selection. Finding positives with this guy certainly isn't challenging: Just finished his 3rd straight 1000yd season, is a great receiver out of the backfield, has no competition for his job (no rbbc), team and o-line should be improved over last years (if "undrafted" and the o-line both stay healthy), and still is very young. There is definetely some risk involved, but overall, I'm happy with this pick.

Best Pick of Round 1: LT2 (Kinda obvious no?)
Stretch of Round 1: Randy Moss (I'm a NE fan, and even I don't think he'll have another season like last year)

deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 19:20

1.05 Joseph Addai, RB, IND

Addai was my choice based on his dual threat out of the backfield unlike some of our top RBs. I'm anticipating a similar year out of him as 2007 as he gets more involved in Tom Moore's offensive system (YR3).

Possibly not having Peyton to start the season is a question mark, I guess we'll have to wait and see if he is ready for game one. Addai's production may go down if Peyton is out for any "real" game time.

I chose the 5th pick to push myself down the draft as far as I felt comfortable to get a stud RB in RD 1, but at the same time afford me the chance of still having a good selection in the even numbered rounds. In hindsight I wish I'd taken #6 instead as I'd have still been able to draft Addai or Barber. You never know when you pick spots though.

holt
ID: 425869
Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 20:32

1.06 Tom Brady, QB, NE

When I saw I had 6th pick for draft slots, I knew that Brady was meant to be on my team again.

The only reason I'm in this league again and not AAA is because I managed to dump (trade) Gore and Rivers for Brady last season. It was around mid-season and I was deep in a hole. Once I had Brady it all turned around. I don't know if I lost a single game other than his bye week (and in the playoffs), and that was the kind of miracle I needed for an invite back.

It's hard to imagine him repeating last years performance but the fact that the Pats fell short in the Super Bowl makes me think a fire will remain lit under his ass.

Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 425869
Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 20:35

1.07 Marion Barber, RB, Dal

I thought with him currently AWOL from training camp that Steven Jackson might slip, but instead the guy I was initially targeting was still here. I had Barber last year - got him in the fourth round, and he was huge. With (undrafted) gone, Barber should see more of the workload. I briefly considered Randy Moss here, but figured drafting in the middle that I should have my pick between some top-tier WRs next round.

As far as picking the 7th pick, I just went best overall. Being in the middle should allow me to get two decent RB's to start things off.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 17, 2008, 21:14

Pick 8 – I thought Marion Barber might fall to this pick, and was happy with that prospect. Dropping back a few slots would have provided a better choice in round 2, but I decided to stick in the middle of the round.

1.08 Frank Gore, RB, SF

I think Gore offers very good value here, but still kind of hoped he’d be taken earlier, since I already have Gore in a similarly scored keeper league. But I think at this point that I’ll just hitch my wagon to the Gore train this year and hope for the best. An injury or disappointing season is really going to mess me up, though.

With Mike Martz calling the offensive shots, here’s hoping that Gore becomes the second coming of Marshall Faulk. Of course, Gore doesn’t have the same caliber of offensive weapons around him, so that’s a bit much to expect.

The other RBs I considered were Portis and Lynch, but I thought Gore was solid enough to warrant eschewing the diversification. Randy Moss also seems to be a popular choice at about this pick, but unless he has a repeat of last year, I’m not convinced that makes any sense.

No guts, no glory. Regardless of how he does, my fantasy fortunes this year will be full of Gore.

Slowhand
SuperDude
ID: 056744223
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 00:39

Pick #9..Like Guru I considered dropping back a few picks to get a top tier reciever with pick 2 but just couldn't do it.

1.09 Clinton Portis RB Was.
This was tough pick for me; I had Lynch and Johnson ranked right with Portis and was even tempted by Ryan Grant;I briefly considered Moss here but in the end it was Portis'improvement as a reciever last year (and hope it will continue) that gave him the edge.

Letter J
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 13:19

No real big strategy about taking the 10 slot; it was the next spot in line. I thought Clinton Portis would still be available (if I would have known that Portis would not be available here, I think I would have taken a spot a little lower), but he was not available so I selected...

1.10 Larry Johnson, RB, KC
I am a firm believer that LJ will deliver top-10 numbers this year.

On talent alone, he should not be going tenth. Further, the Chiefs gave him big guaranteed $$$ this offseason, and I expect that coach Herm Edwards will give LJ 300 carries, as Edwards' coaching philosophy insists upon a high run/pass ratio.

That said, he is coming off an ankle injury and he does not have an offensive line blocking for him like the Chiefs had a couple of years ago. That's why he's available tenth.

I think this is a good risk/reward pick...and I did not like the other options this early. The only other option here for me was Marshawn Lynch, who was selected next.

fugazi
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 13:19

1.11 Randy Moss, WR, NWE

Drafting in the 11 slot, I figured I would draft the best receiver. Rather than a middling running back. I hope this strategy pans out.

I drafted Moss on the theory he would have a bad taste in his mouth after last season. I know he has the skills and QB to produce the same or better numbers than last year. I just have to hope the defense's have not figured them out.

Tree
ID: 67581211
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 13:32

1.12 Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buf

at this point, there really wasn't any question for me - i was going for who i felt was the best RB left on the board.

it as somewhat close between Lynch and Grant, but i think Lynch is going to get a ton of carries - maybe 300 of them, and that will translate into yards. i also believe he's got big play potential, and that to me means TDs.

it's definitely weird picking at this spot. at moments it seemed easy, and at other moments, i struggled.

Nerfherders
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 13:52

1.13 Ryan Grant, RB, GB

I was given the 13th pick and admittedly had no idea what to do with it. This year I was not locked into getting RB’s with my top two picks so I was open to a WR here as well. The top 10 RB’s pretty much went in top 12 and the only WR that was good here was Moss, so I went with Ryan Grant. He had quite a breakout year last year but it remains to be seen if it is a sign of things to come or a one-year wonder. The rewards outweighed the risks as I think Green Bay’s running attack will be good.

Electroman
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 15:48

1.14 Peyton Manning, QB, IND
First pick at the back end of the draft, had a few ways to go. Thought about taking 2 RB’s, or a RB and WR. But I decided to go with the QB and RB. Peyton was the reason for this. Generally a middle first round pick, worries about the injury dropped him a bit. Couldn’d really pass him up, could be cause for regrets if I did. The only problem I had with this pick is that he is Peyton Manning, and plays for the Colts. I don’t really care for either. I hope they lose a lot of high scoring games this year.

2.01 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jax
With the top tier backs gone, I had the choice of a few guys. I decided to go with Jones-Drew. The down side is that he will share carries with Taylor, but he does a lot of other things that warrent this pick. Plus, with RB’s, the can disappear very fast. I like Taylor, and don’t wish anything bad on him, but this could be the year that he slows down. Looking forward to big things from Jones-Drew this year.

Nerfherders
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 15:48

2.02 Reggie Wayne WR IND

This was definitely a spot to take a top WR, especially in a year where there is a lack of strong RB’s. With Moss and Owens off the board, I went with the 3rd best WR, Wayne. He is good, in a great passing offense, and is extremely durable. I do not think anyone can argue about taking Wayne in this slot.

Tree
ID: 67581211
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 17:15

2.03 Terrell Owens, WR, Dal

my normal gut instinct is to always grab a RB2 here. but, between RBBCs, and what i consider a pretty big drop off between the WR1s on the board and the RB2s, i definitely was torn...

if MJD had been around, i would have taken him. i was looking at Michael Turner, Jamal Lewis, and Laurence Maroney, but ultimately decided to grab TO, thinking that not only was i getting the best player available, but that with 2 WRs off the board prior to him, it might start a run on WRs

i wouldn't call it a run, but a few more WRs did tick off the board, and i am pretty happy to get TO at this point.

but, of course, now i'm stressing my RB2.

fugazi
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 23:49

2.04 Braylon Edwards, WR, CLE

Had every intention of grabbing an RB here. but when I looked at who was left. I just decided I could get the same value later.

Pondering on my first pick. I was torn between Moss Edwards or Owens. So when Braylon made it back to me I figured I would scoop him up. I would have been equally happy with Owens though.

letterj
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 23:49

2.05 Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
I draft another exceptionally talented player - this time at the WR position. Fitzgerald also got paid this off-season. I thought this was a safe pick - 1300 yards and 10 TDs should be realized.

I tried to trade out of this spot...alas I only received one offer (it was a fair offer) but it was not enough to get me to pull the trigger.

Slowhand
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 23:50

2.06 Jamal Lewis, RB, CLE

After the mini run on wide recievers just before my pick the real temptation was to grab one in this spot.I assumed correctly also that round two and three would continue a pretty serious run on WR. However while I did consider Andre Johnson or Marques Colston I felt unless TO or Reggie Wayne had fallen everyone else was a bit of a reach. The bottom line is I'm not conviced that most WR's aren't a bit over valued this year and old school enough to want two top ten RBs to start my team (Lewis finished 6th last year in most scoring systems).

The real choice came down to Romo, Bush and Lewis and if Cleveland's passing game continues to improve and the O- line plays as well as last year Lewis should have a solid year.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 18, 2008, 23:51

2.07 Tony Romo, QB, Dal

When I selected the 8th pick, I thought that Romo might be my second rounder – and that I might have two Dallas players to anchor my team. Barber got away in round 1, but Romo is available, and I’m going to lock up my QB now. He is generally ranked #3 (behind Brady and Manning), but the potential is there to end up as the #1 QB this year.

I could have taken a 2nd RB (B. Jacobs, perhaps), but I’ve opened my draft with RB-RB in each of the past two years, and both years, my RB results were disappointing. I could have taken a #1 WR, but I think there is enough depth to get a decent WR next round. And it’s too early for a TE or any other position.

I think there are 4 elite QBs this year, and it makes sense to grab one now. A repeat of last year’s stats would be just fine – when Romo outpointed every QB not named Brady, and even exceeded Peyton’s point total by more than a game.

Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 425869
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 00:00

2.08 Michael Turner, RB, Atl

After watching enough of Turner running rampant over the Colts in tonight's preseason game, he was high on my list. I seriously considered Andre Johnson here as he was standing out amongst the available WR's. I was fairly surprised so many WR had already gone at this point - which really made Johnson that much more tempting. Despite thinking Johsnon might be a better value here, I had to take into consideration my next pick. I figured there would be 6 or 7 RB's and WR's taken before my next pick. And I like the names towards the end of the 7 WR's as opposed to what I saw as being less of a lock on the RB side. There is some risk in taking Turner here. His past successes in SD as a reserve are of course biased by a stronger line than what he'll have in ATL and his runs were often in mop-up duty for LT. I'm hoping he uses this opportunity to show that he has always been deserving of a starting role.

holt
ID: 15621316
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 00:57

2.09 Andre Johnson WR HOU

Had it in my mind that I'd take a RB in the second rd after taking Brady in the 1st. I just didn't really feel good about drafting any of them that were available here (jacobs, bush, graham, mcgahee). Not with A.Johnson on the board. Just took the best player available and figured one of the few backs I was considering would come back around to me. I can live with R.Brown in the third. andre johnson is destroyer.

deepsnapper
ID: 466141317
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 01:55

2.10 Drew Brees, QB, NO

I was expecting Romo to make it back to me here, but surprise, Guru snapped him up a couple of picks earlier. I went with my next choice at QB in Brees at this point. I consider Brees to be the 4th best QB in the league and project him to throw more than 30 TD passes this year to compensate for the lack of a running game. Their passing attack is outstanding and they will use Sean Peyton's passing scheme to set up the run to their advantage. I took a QB here because I felt like the lack of quality QBs offset the number of WR & RBs available to draft. Time will tell if this is the right course. It is a different approach to the draft strategy of most and that is what I like about it also.

I_AM_CANADIAN
ID: 466141317
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 01:57

2.11 Reggie Bush, RB, NO

Last year, I felt it was a reach to go for Bush in the first round, so I found it a little funny that I'm picking him here. Bush isn't necessarily the best "pure" RB on the board, and may never take over as #1 RB on even his own team, but I feel his talent should keep him involved enough in numerous types of situations that he can get me good yardage/points. This in my mind, makes him a "safer" RB selection, after taking a bit of a risk on SJax in the first.

Best Pick of Round 2: Bush? (tough call)
Stretch of Round 2: Tony Romo (Price is too high for me)

Bags
ID: 23412218
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 06:33

2.12 Marques Colston, WR, NO

I wanted a WR with this pick. I would have passed on the WR if Romo have fallen to me here. Thought about taking McGahee here but I’m not thrilled with his knee injury. So my top two choices for WR here were Colston or TJH. I thought there might be a chance that Chad Johnson might bake it back to me so I went with Colston to avoid having two WR with the same bye week. I’m real happy with Colston he was a major threat in the red zone and I can’t see that changing this year.

Da Bomb
ID: 396101713
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 10:13

2.13 Chad Johnson, WR, CIN

I knew I wanted to get a top WR and my 2nd RB for my 2nd and 3rd round picks. I could have taken McGahee here, but I was fine with Earnest Graham if Smith32 took him with his set of picks (which he did). CJ was the guy I wanted though. He racks up the yardage with the best of them as he was 2nd in the league to Randy Moss in that department last year. His TD totals could improve, but I see that as more arbitrary than yards so I look for him to up that number this year.

Edit: I made this pick before his injury which I now read could be serious which would totally stink.

Smith32
ID: 396101713
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 10:13

2.14 TJ Houshmanzadeh, WR, CIN

I wanted to take at least 1 WR at the 2/3 turn. I agree with Guru - there are 4 elite QBs this year, and they were all taken. Too early for a TE. I was hoping for TJ, Chad Johnson, or Marques Colston, so I was happy with TJ. He had 112 catches last year, and his production seems to be more consistent than Chad's, even if Chad might have a few more points over the course of a season.

3.01 Willis McGahee, RB, BAL

The second decision to be made was whether to take a second WR or a second RB. I know McGahee has some knee issues and some o-line issues, but he was the last available member of a tier I had consisting of MJD, Lewis, Bush and McGahee. His production is fairly consistent, he is still in his prime years, and he doesn't really have RBBC issues. I didn't see any WR that I really wanted. I guess I thought about Torry Holt or Steve Smith - but this wasn't a difficult decision. I took the 1 spot so I could build my team around 3 studs, and I am happy to start with these 3.

Da Bomb
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 12:23

3.02 Earnest Graham, RB, TAM

Graham is my RB2 and am happy to have him. He might be one of if not the last sure thing at RB at this point. He is definitely the starter and will get the goal line carries. Not counting the first week of the season, he was the 9th highest scoring RB last season.

Bags
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 12:25

3.03 Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG

I didn’t have the cojones to wait till the 4th round to pick my 2nd RB, 10 RB’s went in the 3rd. While I didn’t like McGahee in the 2nd I might have picked him here. Other RB’s I considered here were R. Brown & W. Parker. I liked Jacobs upside a bit more than the others. I think that if he can stay healthy for an entire season he has a good chance to be a top 10 back.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 12:28

3.04 Wes Welker, WR, NE

This pick was almost Tory Holt, but I talked myself out of it. Last year I drafted Welker late, and benefited all year. In hindsight, I consider him one of the keys to my teams success last year. Now however, Welker won't be the "secret" weapon he once was… last year I drafted him in the 11th round, and in 2006 he went in the 6th round, but even with a slight decline in his numbers, I'm expecting him to be a Top10 WR once again.

Best Pick of Round 3: Brandon Jacobs (His TD #s will improve IMHO)
Stretch of Round 3: Ronnie Brown (I've been drinking a little bit of the "undrafted's" Koolaid)

deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 12:37

3.05 Darren McFadden, RB, OAK

I fully expected McFadden to get back to me, of course I thought Romo would make it to me in the 2nd so you never know, but he did. His speed is the allure here. You can't teach or train speed, you either have it or you don't - that extra gear that is. If Darren possesses it on the NFL level, he'll get plenty of action and if he doesn't, he'll be part of the RBBC at Oakland.

I don't know if he's got Bo or Tony D speed, but he's got an extra gear and thats why I took him here. No guts, no glory in this league and you have to start 2 running backs and I'd rather have speed on my side.

holt
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 14:53

3.06 Ronnie Brown, RB, MIA

3rd rd and I still have no RB. didn't really care for any that were still available, but Brown averaged almost 19 rifc pts a game before he went down last season. I'll take a shot at that. I came damn close to taking Torry Holt but you have to draft an RB at some point, I guess.

Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 14:53

3.07 Plaxico Burress, WR, NYG

I had already decided that with 2 solid RB's for my first two picks that I'd get a receiver here. Several of the guys I had listed during the planning of my previous pick were still available. It came down to Burress and Steve Smith. With Smith serving a suspension the first two weeks, I decided that's not what I wanted with my first receiver selction. It's unnerving to see that Burress is still having problem with his ankle. It sounds like he re-injured the ankle that famously kept him out of practice all last year. It didn't seem to phase him too much during games last season, and he says he's close to being healthy.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 14:53

3.08 Santonio Holmes, WR, Pit

I want to nab my first WR here. The short list includes Holt, Smith, Holmes, and Boldin. Published rankings seem to prefer either Holt or Smith, but I can’t get wholly comfortable with either – and, of course, Smith will miss the first two games as well. Boldin had the best per-game average of the bunch last year, but durability is a concern there. Holmes had a similar average, and although he also missed three games, that doesn’t seem to be a chronic issue for him yet. I’m going to go with the upside of youth.

Slowhand-at-work
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 14:54

3.09 Torry Holt WR StL

After going for 2 running backs with my first two picks I had cringed every time another WR had come off the board. I felt I really had to start getting a WR corp together.
As I started looking over remaining players I saw Maroney was still available and almost took him in this spot.
But Holt's availability was too tempting. I may have had him ranked a bit higher than most people,but after a couple of down years (coaching changes,injuries to him and Bulger,and Jackson) this seemed like the year he could return to his earlier form and get back in the top 5 WRs.

letterj
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:08

3.10 Willie Parker RB PIT
This time last year, Fast Willie was a consensus first rounder. How the mighty fall fast!

I drafted Fast Willie here because all the reports I have read state that he is STILL fast, despite sustaining a broken leg in week 16 last year. The Steelers taking Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of the NFL Entry Draft this year also does not scare me, as I watched a couple of the Steelers pre-season games and it seemed that Mendenhall was having trouble picking up blitzes.

Due to the foregoing, I believe Parker sees the field a fair bit and the presence of Mendenhall will keep him fresh, thereby leading to Parker bouncing back pretty strong this year.

letterj
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:08

for fugazi
3.11 Thomas Jones RB NYJ
Most of the running backs I wanted were gone by this point. I drafted Jones because of his touches. Hopefully he will be more productive this season with a new line.

Tree
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:08

3.12 Laurence Maroney RB NWE

I have to admit i wasn't sure what i was going to do here. i was thinking i needed to do the traditional thing, and grab an RB2, but i really didn't expect there to be much of anyone worth of a third round pick left.

lo and behold, some how, Maroney fell to me. i've seen his ADP pretty much be in the low to mid-20s, and here at pick 40, he stood standing, passed over in favor of guys like McFadden, Parker, and Thomas Jones. seeing that happen shocked me, but i'm happy for it.

Nerfherders
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:09

3.13 LenDale White RB TEN

When I had the chance to put my queue up for this pick there were still a few good starting RB’s on the board to choose from. I picked White for a few reasons – he was consistently good when he started last year. He scores touchdowns at a good rate and should still get goal line carries. And running should be a cornerstone of the TEN offense, even if he has to share some carries.

Electroman
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:09

3.14 Rudi Johnson RB CIN
Wanted to get a RB/WR combo with these two picks. The guys at the top of my list left just a few picks before, leaving me wondering who to take. I took a gamble with Johnson. There is a good chance that this pick could be a bust. But he has shown that he can be a very productive back. I am hoping that I don’t regret this pick.

4.01 Steve Smith WR CAR
This guy should have been off the board at this point, but missing the first two games dropped him. I wanted a WR here, and I am willing to take the risk at the beggining of the year to get a guy that produces like a 1st or 2nd rounder. Also, with so many picks before my next one, I figured someone would grab him.

Nerfherders
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:10

4.02 Anquan Boldin WR ARI

Boldin stood out to me here for some reason. He had an injury shortened season last year but still caught 9 touchdowns. Arizona will again have a pass-happy offense, and as long as he stays with the team he should put up #1 type numbers. I stole Moss in this round last year. Boldin might be a bit of a steal here this year if he plays a full season.

Tree
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:10

4.03 Jason Witten TE DAL

I wanted a WR2 here, but a lot of them went off the board quicker than i expected, and i wasn't keen on anyone else left for that position.

so, when you can't find a WR2, an elite TE1 will do the trick.

fugazi
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:10

4.04 Edgerrin James RB ARI
I was quite surprised That Edge was still around this late. Hes a great running back. I know last season was a bit of a bust. But I fully expect him to do much ... much better this year.

letterj
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:11

4.05 Marvin Harrison WR IND
Two seasons ago, Harrison was the top fantasy football receiver. I believe that Harrison offers exceptional value at his current ADP, which is right around where I select him. I am somewhat concerned about his knees and his age, but I have read that each day at Colts camp, he was involved in the highlight of the day.

I am beginning to be concerned, as three of my four picks so far can be described as high risk/high reward.

Slowhand-at-work
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:12

4.06 Roy Williams WR Det.
With the wide recievers still being drafted at a pretty good clip I wanted at least one more in this spot. I almost flipped a coin between Williams and Calvin Johnson. I'm not thrilled with Kitna as QB but he has had a couple of good years and I think Detroit has improved a bit in the offseason so perhaps there will be enough passes to go around.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:13

4.07 Kellen Winslow, TE, Cle

I thought about getting my second RB here, but when Edgerrin James disappeared a few picks ago, I decided to wait for at least another round. I doubt if more than 2-3 RBs are taken before my fifth rounder, and I can live with that variability.

The top two receivers on my list were Winslow and Calvin Johnson. I opted to go with Winslow, taking a top tier TE instead of a 2nd or 3rd tier WR. Either would have been acceptable. But it’s quite possible that Winslow could put up as many points as Johnson, and that’s hard to turn down from a TE.

Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 425869
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 17:45

4.08 Antonio Gates, TE, SD

Leading up to this pick, I debated going several different ways. In fact I had an informal queue that went TE, WR, QB, TE. Guru before me actually picked up the second of the tight ends in my short list. Before the position thinned out too much, I decided to get Gates who was the name on the top of my list. He represents another receiver for me (after Plaxico) who has some question marks at this time following off-season surgery on his toe. I'm hoping that this injury doesn't hold him back and that he returns to his dominant form. If so, this could be a solid pick - this is the same guy who was an early 3rd round selection in last year's RIFC.

holt
ID: 15621316
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 18:59

4.09 Calvin Johnson WR DET

Pretty happy with this pick. All kinds of upside here. Johnson is a monster. I'm just hoping he can avoid injury. He's got the talent to be the top WR in the league at some point.

another RB would have been cool, but argh, nothing but a junkpile left.

deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 19:10

4.10 Jerricho Cotchery , WR, NYJ

Thought I'd better start with a WR at this point and Cotchery is more of a "gut" pick than anything else. He was pretty high on my list, but not at the top. What made me decide to select him was watching how he played with Favre this past weekend. They seem to be developing a chemestry together and especially on how Brett was throwing the ball to spots where he expected Jerrico to be (and he was).

If Cotchery turns out to be the #1 receiver of Favre, then he can play on my team anytime. He's about the same size as Jennings in GB and we all know how well that relationship worked out.

I_AM_CANADIAN
ID: 23412218
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 19:22

4.11 Selvin Young, RB, DEN

Starting RB, and no direct competition for the job. He may come out on 3rd downs, and is a little undersized, so has questionable ability to stay healthy… but Denver has always been good at getting the most from there RBs.

Best Pick of Round 4: Edge (Hard to find solid RBs at this point)
Stretch of Round 4: Gonzalez (Don't think he merits this high a pick)

Bags
ID: 23412218
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 19:27

4.12 Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT

Drafting at the top the round I knew I would have to “stretch” for a player I wanted. I had Palmer, Reothlisberger, Anderson and Undrafted as the last of the 250 pt QB’s. I felt that one of them would make it back to me but decided to "stretch" for the one at the top of the list. I like the young WR’s that PIT has put around Roethlisberger and think that he should be able to throw for 30+ TD’s again.

da Bomb
ID: 25751421
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 20:28

4.13 Tony Gonzalez, TE, KC

After getting 2 RB and 1 WR with my first 3 picks, I looked at QB, WR, and TE for this turn. None of the remaining QBs separated themselves to me so I'll take one later without feeling mine will be much less of a producer than if I were to take one now. One player that did separate himself was Gonzalez. He was about 7 points away from being the top TE last year as he put together another 1000+ yard campaign. After Gonzalez I saw a significant drop at TE so I decided to grab a top tier one while I could.

Smith32
ID: 25751421
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 20:36

4.14 Brandon Marshall, WR, DEN

The first of these two picks was easy. Brandon Marshall was the
only player I considered here. I've seen several rankings that
have him in the top 10-15 WR, and I think I got him as the 20th.
Yes, he's out the first 2-3 games with suspension, but he is that
much better than the other WR available here that I'll accept it. I
think he has a ton of upside, assuming he can keep his backside
off of McDonald's bags.

5.01 Patrick Willis, LB, SFO

This pick was hard. Obviously I had no clue what to do, so I
tried to trade down. I didn't like any of the other WR at this
point, I figured I could wait on a QB that would be equivalent to
a Carson Palmer, the top 4 TE were gone, and I didn't feel like
gambling on a rookie RB. So I went with what I thought was a
sure-thing in the IDP department. Last year Willis scored 179
pts in this format, which is probably 65-75 pts above
replacement value since we essentially start 5 LB/DB. That
sounds like value to me. I looked back to last year's RIFC and
Guru took Ryans in Rd 5, so I figured it wasn't all that early for
an IDP.

da Bomb
ID: 23412218
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 21:00

5.02 Lee Evans, WR, BUF
If Ocho Cinco's injury proves to be serious, Evans will need to step up for me and I feel he has that ability. Evans is the clear #1 in Buffalo and has big play ability. What hinders him is his shaky QB but I have read they have gelled more since last season and I'm seeing that lead to an improved year for Evans.

Bags
ID: 23412218
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 21:01

5.03 Nate Burleson, WR, SEA

Last year Burleson was the 3rd highest WR in points; he only had two games under 8 pts and was a starting WR for most of the season. This year he is a starting WR and will still be handling PR/KR duties. I thought about Jennings here and really had hoped Marshall would make it back to me.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 21:26

5.04 Greg Jennings, WR, GB

I felt there was about to be a WR run, so wanted to get in a quality starter while I still could. He won't have "undrafted" throwing… but he's got the speed to beat defenders for long gains.

Best Pick of Round 5: Burleson (Improved situation over last year... could be huge)
Stretch of Round 5: Willis (too early for IDP IMHO)

deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 21:29

5.05 Chris Chambers, WR, SD

Chambers as a 2nd WR choice was easy as he is a huge target and will be easily integrated into the San Diego offense this year. He has great hands and runs great routes. With the problems the other 2 receivers (not to be mentioned) at SD, Chambers has received a lot of work with Philip Rogers this training camp and it shows. He made Pacman look silly in their first preseason game and I hope that carries on into the regular season.

Time will tell, but the SD offense needs to be balanced to be effective and Chambers can stretch the field to keep the safeties honest and give LT a chance to run. LT can also give Chambers a chance to make some big plays in the passing game too.

holt
ID: 425869
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 23:18

5.06 Jonathan Stewart RB CAR

Hmmm. 5th rd and I only had 1 RB. Stewart broke Oregon's single season rushing record. He might return kicks. He was Carolina's 1st rd pick (13th overall) this year. He might start. DeAngelo Williams is just OK. Stewart seems likely to get goal line carries.

I don't have extremely high hopes for Stewart. I wasn't enthused with the pick then and I'm not any happier with it now (epecially after the vultures scooped D. and R. Williams handcuffs out from under me). If he can get the playing time, then he could be a great bargain. Just one of several (dozen?) RB's I'll be rolling the dice on.

I was really really close to taking Roddy White. Was set to take Kevin Smith but his bye week already matched with 3 of my other players so I just couldn't do it.

Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 23:43

5.07 Roddy White WR ATL
With my previous pick I was really conflicted between getting Gates (who I did select) and Calvin Johnson. Johnson ended up getting taken with the next selection after mine. I had also debated even getting a quarterback with my previous pick. However, I couldn't make myself pull the trigger on either of the qb's I was contemplating this time around - although a bit more consistent than who I'll probably end up with later, they are not locks week-in week-out. So, I decided to get my second starting WR. Roddy White looked to be a good option here, and the more I found out about him the better I thought. Rotowire pointed out that he'll now be playing in a scheme designed around his abilities (or actually, Hines Ward as the Steelers former Offensive Coordinator is now in Atlanta), so he should thrive even with an unstable QB situation.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 19, 2008, 23:44

5.08 Matt Forte, RB, Chi

My most successful RIFC season was the one in which I waited until the 5th round to take my 2nd RB – Larry Johnson. So I’m not at all concerned about waiting until this pick to fill my RB2 slot.

My choice came down to Matt Forte & Fred Taylor. As a known commodity, Taylor is tempting. But I’m going to go for the upside potential of Forte, who was recently named the starting RB for the Bears.

This pick is not without risk. As a rookie on a team with offensive weaknesses, he could flail even if he keeps the starting job. He could end up as one part of a 3-man RBBC. But he also could live up to some of the preseason hype. For a fantasy team, he’d be better suited as a backup RB, but since I have only one RB so far, he’s at least tentatively my RB2.

As a 5th rounder, I don’t feel the risk is all that great. Last year, my RB2 was also the opening day Bears starter, and that worked out miserably. But I wasted a second round pick on that mistake. This year, I feel like I have the risk/reward equation better balanced. I don’t expect him to live up to the standards of a 2005 Larry Johnson. But maybe he has a chance to challenge the output of a 2008 Larry Johnson.

Slowhand-at-work
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 12:44

5.09 Donald Driver

Still feeling the need to shore up my wide recievers just went with the best available; although I do think the old pro may be a young QB's best friend (actually Grant may be Roger's best friend) as I think Jennings may be a bit over-rated.

letterj
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 12:55

5.10 Kevin Smith RB DET
The rookie Smith, as a junior last year, led the NCAA in rushing at Central Florida with 2,567 yards and also scored 29 times. Only one other college running back other than Smith has run for more than 2,500 yards in a season - Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State.

This offseason, Lion's head coach Rod Marinelli fired offensive co-ordinator Mike Martz and promoted the team's offensive line coach - Jim Colletto - to that role. Running the ball seems to be a priority in Detroit, as the Lions have gone to a zone blocking scheme. I am also NOT afraid that the other Lions' RBs will steal Smith's carries.

With only two of my first four picks being an RB, I felt I had no choice but to go RB here and Smith offers the most bang for the buck.

fugazi
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 12:56

5.11 DeAngelo Williams RB CAR
Not too thrilled with this pick. But I felt that the drop off was severe after Williams. I needed a 3rd running back so I pulled the trigger. Deangelo has looked great in the preseason. But so has Jonathan Stewart. And that scares me a bit. I expect Stewart will get the goal line carries. But Deangelo should still put up some decent numbers.

Tree
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:02

5.12 Dwayne Bowe WR KAN

referring back to my previous rationale, i was still looking for a WR2. and while i felt the 4th would be reaching for Bowe, late in the 5th seemed like the right place for him.

i have some concerns that KC doesn't even appear to have a second WR on their roster, so we'll see how this pans out.

Nerfherders
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:03

5.13 Laveranues Coles WR NYJ

Coles was perhaps a bit of a reach here, but I felt since the Jets will have a real QB for a change that he might do better than projected. Still he is not bad for a #3 WR, where most teams struggle to score 7 ppg.

Electroman
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:05

5.14 Bernard Berrian WR MIN

To be honest, all I know about this guy is that he is a threat for the long ball. Playing for a team that plays in a dome, I like that. It also seems that he and Jackson seem to be building good chemistry in the preseason from what I have read. Basically, with all the top tier WR’s off the board, I was looking for someone who will be solid all year, and certain weeks, can win me some games.

Electroman
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:06

6.01 Kevin Curtis WR PHI

With the pick of Steve Smith, I figured that I would go WR here. I am a huge Eagles fan, and that is basically what made me choose him from the other guys. He had some good stats last year, but was up and down though. His QB likes to spread the ball around, but when someone is proven like Curtis, a QB will look for them. I expect a good season.

Nerfherders
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:07

6.02 Carson Palmer QB CIN

I was surprised to see Palmer still here at the 72nd pick, considering he was once a 2nd-3rd round pick in the past. He struggles with the INT’s last year but he still had 26 TD and 4100 yards. He is also only 28 years old so he could get better. This could be a real steal.

Tree
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:08

6.03 Jay Cutler QB DEN

prayed Carson Palmer would fall to me. obviously, god hates me. :o)

so i went for what i felt was the next best QB on the board, Jay Cutler. another bit of a risk, but i think it would yield results.

Fugazi
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:09

6.04 Hines Ward WR PIT

I was very happy and surprised that Ward was not drafted by this point. I had him last year and he put up some great numbers for my team. I guess people are a little spooked by his age and last year's injuries. Not me. LOVE ME SOME STEELERS!!!

letterj
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:10

6.05 Julius Jones RB SEA
The Seahawks signed Jones from Dallas as a free agent this offseason and paid him starting RB $$$ (for this year at least). Further, the other two RBs in Seattle's backfield, while they will get some of the carries, do not scare me at all.

While I'm not overly excited about this pick, adding a starter who will get the lion's share of the carries to my roster in the sixth round seems like good value to me.

Slowhand
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:11

6.06 Dallas Clark TE IND

Typically I wait for a couple of more rounds to get a tight end but I was pretty happy with my RBs and WRs and just couldn't see anyone I felt I wasn't reaching a bit for.

I had read at a couple of sites I trust that since Gonzales hadn't progressed quite as fast as they hoped and Harrison has lost 1/2 a step, the Colts were putting in a bigger package of plays for Clark. My bet is he's top 3 TE this year.

Guru
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:12

6.07 Fred Taylor, RB, Jax
I don’t usually take a third RB this early - but I almost took Taylor last round, and given the risk of Forte as my RB2, Jackson provides a great safety valve, who will probably even start for me in week one. The common knock on Taylor is durability, but he’s played in 15 games in each of the last two years, and has only played in fewer than 14 games once. Since he’s been sharing the workload with MJD, his average per carry has gone up (5.4 in 2007). He even made the Pro Bowl last year. Those seem like pretty good credentials for a RB2/3 selected in round 6.

The alternative was to get a second WR. Devin Hester was tempting, but I already have him in an identically scored (keeper) league, and wasn’t sure I wanted that type of risk doubled up – nor was I particularly enamored at the idea of having two offensive starters from the Bears. There are a few other WR’s that could have been taken as well, and although I expect WR to be a popular position in the next round, I decided to get a solid RB.

I read somewhere that he has his sights set on surpassing Jim Brown’s career rushing yards, needing about 1600 to get there. He won’t likely get there this season, but I’d love to see him get close!

Slackjawed Yokel
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:13

6.08 Derek Anderson, QB, Cle

I'd been looking at Palmer and Anderson since the fourth round. (I figured as long as I had a qb from the state of Ohio, I'd be good) Palmer just went six picks earlier, so before I had to settle on a QB who I couldn't feel was a lock every week I grabbed Anderson here. Anderson got off to a torrid start last season before slowing down the last several games. But if he puts up similar totals this would still be a good value pick.

holt
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:14

6.09 Minnesota Vikings DEF MIN

Last year I had the NE defense. Got lucky drafting them in the ninth rd. They played a major role in my run to the playoffs. It's nice having a defense that can consistently put up good points regardless of the opponent. It sucks to have an average defense. There are just too many scoring opportunities in this system for me to be content with a mediocre defense. Playing matchups and juggling defenses isn't something I want to do.

Knew for sure I wanted one of the top 3 defs (Min, SD, NE being the consensus picks this year). I felt There was a good chance they'd all go off the board before my 7th rd pick, so I pulled the trigger.

Wouldn't have minded having the NE def again, but their bye week would have put me in a bind.

deepsnapper
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:15

6.10 Felix Jones RB, DAL

Tough decison here, do I take another WR or grab a 3rd RB. The WR I had in mind just might make it back to me so I decided to grab Felix here. Another speed guy who has that extra gear. He's really not been profiled a lot in preseason, but even in limited action he's posted 3 plays over 20 yds showcasing his speed on each. If the Cowboys ever figure out how to block a screen play he will have a huge gain with it.

Maybe another risky pick as he's not a full-time back, but if he put up yardage and scores a few touchdowns along te way he'll be worth the pick.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:16

for I_A_C
6.11 Ted Ginn Jr. WR MIA

I already had Wes Welker, and now I have his clone. Once again I'm trying to "overpay" (slightly) to get the players that I think give me the best shot at winning the RIFC.

Bags
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 13:40

6.12 DeMeco Ryans LB HOU

I noticed that in past RIFC drafts the top LB's started to get drafted in the 5th-6th rounds. I also felt that if the WR’s available were less that 8 ppg I would take a LB who averaged over 8 ppg. There were a few WR’s available above my 8 ppg line but felt that a LB run would start before my next pick. I grab my one of my top 5 LB’s now I get a top ten with my 8th pick and make up for lack of WR points by bulking up on LB points. I seemed to work for me last year so I’ll give it a shot again.

da Bomb
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 16:34

6.13 Terrence McGee DB BUF
McGee is a special player in this scoring format because he is significantly better than any other player at his position. Last season he scored more than 2 points per game over every other DB. Only Brady and Moss were more dominant compared to their positional counterparts. I've read that the Bills plan to work in another player as a returner, but hopefully he won't cut into much of McGee's production.

Smith32
Leader
ID: 017103420
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 16:36

6.14 Santana Moss WR WAS

As I mentioned in 1.01, I am a Skins fan, so this is a bit of a homer pick. After the reach for Willis at 5.01, I wanted a 3rd WR. Moss was in the tier of WR I considered at 5.01, so I was surprised he made it back to me. I'm hoping Jim Zorn's offense helps the passing game in DC and keeps Moss's production high enough to be a consistent WR3. 900-950 yds and 6-7 TDs shouldn't be out of the question.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 20, 2008, 17:25

Rationales for round 7-12

Forum: footPage 5116Subject: RIFC 2008: Draft Rationales #1 (Rounds 1-6)

Forum: foot
Page 5116
Subject: RIFC 2008: Draft Rationales #1 (Rounds 1-6)