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Subject: RIFC 2010: Draft Rationales

Posted by: Guru - [330592710] Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 11:22

This thread will be for managers in the 2010 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. Please 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. 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. Simply post in this format:

for Guru
1.13 Randy Moss, WR, NE

3. Once the draft is over, each manager will also be 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. A separate thread will be set up for that.

The general format should be:
1.01 Adrian Peterson, RB, Min
Several sentences of rationale.

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

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 12:26

for Building 7
1.01 Chris Johnson, RB, Ten
I had the first choice of draft slots. It’s not as big a deal this year, since we switched to the 3rd round reversal draft. Still, the first choice has an estimated 3% advantage. That, and Chris Johnson was well ahead of the next guy. Also, I have 5 of the first 57 picks, and that’s better than anybody else. So, I chose the first slot.

Chris Johnson finished last season with 11 straight 100 yard games. That’s Chris Johnson, not Franco Harris. And it was 2009, not the 70’s.Rushing yards – 2000, passing yards – 500. The only thing that bothers me is, I don’t really know why he is so good. I guess he’s real fast. I only remember seeing him play one time, and he lost 59-0. And still got 128 yards. You're probably wondering how I got in this league.

There is concern that he had over 350 carries, and the next year will be bad. I’m not worried about that at all. All of the top running backs had a lot of carries (that’s how they get to be top running backs) and all of them can get injured just as much as Chris Johnson.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 12:34

1.02 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jax
When I had the second choice for selecting my draft position, I was fully prepared to take either the 13th or 14th pick. I like picking near the end of the round, I’m used to picking near the end of the first round, and the Banzai draft sequence elevated the value of late first round picks by virtue of the 3rd round inversion.

But after Building 7 selected the top pick, I began to think, “Wouldn’t it be fun – and different – to have one of the elite running backs?” I don’t think that’s ever happened to me in an RIFC. In fact, RB has typically been one of my weaker relative positions. I’ve still had reasonable success over the years – even winning one year - so I didn’t consider this a problem that could not be overcome. But the intrigue of having a top RB suddenly consumed me, and without much additional thought, I decided that I’d go for MJD (on the assumption that B7 would take Johnson.)

Why Jones-Drew over Peterson? 1. Fumbles. 2. Hunch. Nothing more than that.

He did slightly outpoint Peterson last season, but by less than a TD (2 fumbles, actually.) That's not a statistically significant margin, by any means.

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 13:11

1.03 Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN

I looked at a few slots to pick from this year but ultimately decided on #3 since I wanted to grab a stud RB in MJD or ADP. I expected MJD to be there, but gladly took Peterson since I don't see there being a big difference between the two. I've never owned him before and also have MJD in a few other leagues this year, so it's nice not having so much riding on the same player. Hopefully he can fix his fumbling problem, but even if he doesn't, he can easily finish #1 this year.

Slizz
ID: 13104129
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 14:27

1.04 - Ray Rice, RB, BAL

First and foremost, I feel that the #4 slot is the best place to pick. You get the leftovers of the "guaranteed" quality at RB (i.e. there are no question-marks about any of the guys selected).I have Ray Rice as pre-season #1 overall player and here is why:

#1) He was the most efficient "starter"/"every down back" in the NFL last year with a offensive efficiency of 16.8% vs. Chris Johnson of a 15.2% as the next best.

#2) Broke 17% of his tackles (333 tackles, broke 57) (2nd highest in the NFL ) vs 15.1% (Chris Johnson - 408 tackles, broke 61).

#3) The Ravens threw 30% of their passes last season to their runningbacks. Given that Ray Rice is the safety valve for the QB, expect that trend to continue.

#4) They have the biggest & most efficient offensive line in the league. 5'8 Rice is small enough to be concealed behind the offensive line and is fast enough to blow past defenders.

Per my preview: Chris Johnson may be the better fantasy option because of his afterburners, but Rice is more consistent when it comes to “real football” and gets the tough yards better than Tennessee’s star. It’s not like Rice lacks big-play ability — just ask New England. Rice put in work before 2009 on his receiving, and it paid off in a 77 percent catch rate and 78 receptions, including an amazing touchdown against the Bengals in which Rice was nearly cut in half, yet maintained his balance and completed a mystifying 48-yard touchdown. Also impressive was his average of 6.5 yards per carry on third and fourth down. He projects to be worked less heavily as a receiver in 2010, with the Ravens hoping the throws go toward their top receiver instead. But barring catastrophic injury, roughly 1,400 yards and a dozen touchdowns on the ground seems a lock.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 15:21

For Promize

1.05 Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
So slot 5. Actually unfortunately I guess I didn't have a lot of time to research the new draft. When you come off a major surgery your mind isn't much into researching. With that being said, I still thought I could get a decent RB at this point till I started realizing who was available. Three constant IR RB's IMO Jackson, Gore, Turner. I had actually clicked Turner several times, but just kept thinking RB by committee. Andre' was on the board and looking at various sites he was teetering between 5-7 pick in most drafts. Took a chance on getting at least one stud at a position.

I'm not terribly disappointed at my team at the moment. Will take a few alignments of the moon for it to be good I guess. Will see, you never know.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 15:22

For LetterJ

1.06 Frank Gore, RB, SF
There was not much left as regards slots left (just the sixth and eighth), so I picked the higher of the two because I thought Gore OR Michael Turner would be left (as it turned out both were left, and I had to struggle with who to select).

I selected Gore because he is a focal point of both the rushing and passing attack (52 receptions per year over the last four years), as opposed to Turner who, in the past, has been a non-factor in the passing game.

I feel that I have a bell cow that can carry the load at RB week-in, week-out with this selection.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 15:22

For Electro

1.07 Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
The pick and the slot go hand in hand. I had my mind made up that I wanted Aaron Rodgers. Knowing that he probably wouldn’t go top 6, I chose the 7th spot, also I like the fact that you are in the middle of all rounds, no matter what draft style. As for the player picked, he was last year the second highest scoring player in this format. He still has a lot of weapons to throw to, and he is mobile enough that he can score on his own also. IMHO, he should have gone higher, but am happy he fell into my lap.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 15:30

1.08 Steven Jackson, RB, STL

Pick Selection: Rational on the 8th slot is pretty simple: I had no choice. I was the last to pick, and got the left-overs.

S-Jax: For a 1st round pick, he does hold a fair bit of injury worry. However, he had proven to be a real trooper in playing through injuries/pain. Being the most talented player on the Rams roster, he'll see a lot of touches. I really wanted to plug in a "studd" RB here, or pickup Andre Johnson. Picking a QB in the first round wasn't part of my gameplan, so I'm happy Electro made that decision even easier.

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 15:53

1.09 Michael Turner, RB, ATL

The first 2 rounds of this draft are almost scripted. At this point I considered Turner and Mendenhall. Anyone who knows me understands my affinity for the Falcons’ big back, and I sold myself on him over Mendenhall based on the Steeler being less proven—in running back parlance that probably just means he has more gas in the tank. Anyway, I’m sure they’ll both be great this season, but I sense more TD opportunities for Turner. After the pick was made I went back and reviewed Turner’s stats from last year and was blown away at how explosive he was and how many times he scored despite missing 1/3 of the season. A true workhorse RB, I don’t see any way to go wrong with this guy. I expect 300 touches at least this season. As a fun aside, I just traded Turner away in a keeper league for draft pick upgrades. It was a comforting feeling to get him back in the same week.

Draft Position 1.09: There were 3 choices left by the time I selected. I don’t know what made me go with this one, other than a vague notion that it would allow me to pick earlier in the next three rounds of the Banzai style draft. What can I say? There’s not much to analyze when you’re left with orts.

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 18:46

for twilson

1.10 Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT
I like drafting nearer the end of a round than the middle. Unfortunately, by the time my draft order selection came around, none of those slots were still available. 10th was the closest thing to appealing still untaken, so I went with it.

As for the pick itself, I think Mendenhall has significant potential this year to be a top RB. He performed at a high level last year once [undrafted] took his rightful place on the bench, is as healthy as an NFL running back can be, and has no meaningful competition from backups for carries. Pittsburgh is a good team and will have leads. Now Mendenhall just has to run with the opportunity provided. No other players were seriously considered at this slot.

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 18:52

1.11 Randy Moss, WR, NE

pick selection: I dont like picking too early or at the end of a draft. The new draft style supports that. I took #11 because I think that I either get a reliable RB or stud WR here. It all depends on how many take a QB in round 1.

Tom Brady is still at QB. [WR2] is healthy again, [WR3] was strong in his absence and they have a good running game too. opposing defenses won't know whom to defend on any given play. and the joker to all this is named "contract year". Moss wants to get paid after this season and wants every team to see that he is the best out there. it looks like he is already showing that because he looks faster than ever. Moss will be the #1 WR this year. Period!

Frick
ID: 97321912
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 21:50

for Smith32
Draft Position 12
I was originally opposed to the Banzai draft because I thought the statistics on the early pick advantage were probably skewed by years in which the top few guys were far better than the next tier, and I'm not sure that is the case this year. I thought Banzai might give an edge to those picking late in Rd 1 (and early in 2, 3, and 4). So I figured the best thing for me to do is go out and prove that it is unfair by having a stellar draft from one of those spots and 12 was the highest number available. After 4 rounds, I have concluded that I am an idiot.

1.12 Drew Brees, QB, NO
I have had some success in prior years by waiting on QBs. So why stick with what works? Brees is the Ronco Showtime Rotisserie Oven for the QB slot in Fantasy Football - he lets you set it and forget it. He is matchup proof and puts up very consistent numbers leading the most dynamic offense in the NFL, which I believe returns basically everyone of significance from last year. None of the undrafted WR warranted a selection here, and DeAngelo Williams was the only RB that would have been reasonable, and I don't want a part-timer in Rd 1.

Frick
ID: 97321912
Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 22:03

1.13 Reggie Wayne, WR, IND

I took the 13th spot after the 14th spot was already taken. I would have taken one of the top 4 spots, but after that I felt the running backs took a drop in expected outcome. I'm sure that another RB will finish in the top 4, but good luck trying to figure out who that will be.

Looking back I could have taken a slight higher spot to get one of the QBs who I wanted or taken Manning. I expect the Colts to throw the ball a lot again, while the Colts have committed to running the ball more, they say that every year. Nothing I've seen in the preseason this year thinks me things have changed. While the Colts have a number of options on offense, Wayne is still option 1. Wayne is 32 and injuries have slowed him a bit the last couple of years, but he still have plenty left in the tank.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 04:41

for Fugazi

1.14 Peyton Manning, QB, IND
I figured I would try out the 14 slot. This being the first bonzai I have ever been in, I have no idea what to expect. But I have always liked picking last. Mainly because of its convenience, and getting two picks at once.

I like to flow like water in the draft. That being said, Peyton was the only sure thing QB left on the board. I never should have said that. And I knew Qb's were going to drop like Eli's. Also It's nice to not have to worry about your Qb. I would have been equally happy with Brees or Rodgers though. Peyton also flows like water. The guy is amazing, I'm sure he will lead me to my first RIFC championship.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 04:42

for Fugazi

2.01 DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
Deangelo was an easy pick for me. I needed a top notch RB to go along with my stellar Qb. Williams is capable of ripping some monster runs. With the RB pool being so full of rookies and unprovens, Deangelo was the best player available in my opinion. I must admit that DeSean Jackson was very tempting though. But every time I draft a Wide out early Its the death of my team. So I had to go Rb here.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 04:42

For Frick

2.02 Roddy White, WR, ATL
I didn't see a RB that I felt was a consistent scoring threat at this pick. I also considered Calvin Johnson and Miles Austin. I'm curious to see if Austin can repeat his performance from last year, WR can time to develop in the NFL, but Austin came from no where, and if produces at the rate he did last year, IAC has a great pick. Johnson hasn't lived up to the hype from college where he was physically bigger than defenders, unlike in the NFL. He could also make me regret not taking him, but White appeared to be the more consistent WR with a better QB.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 04:43

For Smith32

2.03 Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
Fitz is one of the best athletes in the NFL and has put up some big numbers despite the presence of another great receiver, who has now left town. There are some factors that lead some to believe he is poised for a decline (and to write articles titled "Ten Players Who Will Kill (or Seriously Maim) Your Draft" featuring him). But I think he'll be The Man in ARI this year and produce. In hindsight, I should have taken DeSean Jackson here, but I failed to account for the 40+ pts he'll probably put up in the return game.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 04:44

For Youngroman

2.04 Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
After I got Randy in round 1, I was targeting a RB here. No need to take a QB this early. The projections of some "experts" have Ryan Mathews, Shonn Greene, Pierre Thomas and Cedric Benson near the top. Shonn Greene hasn't catched a ball last season, and I doubt that this will change this season. and he got LT on his team who will see some touches too. Cedric Benson was phenomenal last season, but can he repeat? I don't think so. Pierre Thomas just got a new RB on his team that should see some 3rd down duties, ouch! this leaves me with rookie Ryan Mathews. yes, he has [RB2] on his team, but the track record for the Chargers shows that they can have 2 successful RBs playing next to each other. this year it isn't [RBx]/[RB2], it is Mathews/[RB2]. the upside of Mathews is huge and only the season will tell me if I was right in trusting him.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 04:45

For Twilson

2.05 DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
After going RB in round 1, I knew I would be going for a WR in round 2. I would have perhaps considered Peyton had he dropped like the last few years in my AAA leagues, but that was not to be. I looked primarily at Calvin Johnson, Miles Austin, and my eventual selection. I knocked out Johnson due to his tendency to get banged up and went with the homer pick in DeSean, as Austin's Dallas setting canceled out his NJ roots. Plus he was the #1 WR in our format last year, and the PR opportunities should still be there. Here's hoping it continues!

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 04:45

For MC

2.06 Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
MEGATRON. MEGATRON will win this year. MEGATRON is better than your players. MEGATRON. This guy has the highest upside of any receiver in the NFL. If he is triple-teamed all season, he’ll still put up 1,000 yards. If the rest of the Detroit offense comes around and MEGATRON merely faces double teams all season, he’ll be great value for me in round 2. A superior WR to lead my corps, I’m enthused to watch him lay waste to Detroit’s last place schedule over the next 4 months.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 04:54

2.07 Miles Austin, WR, DAL

This was a pick from "queue". I had Austin going several picks earlier in my mind, and was targeting picking up Pierre Thomas here. Failing to go RB-RB leads me to skip out on RB's for a few more rounds, which may end up being a concern in the longterm.

Austin's stat line over the last twelve regular season games last year read: 76 REC, 1239 YDS and 10 TDs. If somehow "repeats" that performance over a 16 game season, he'll likely be the #1 ranked WR.

Electroman
ID: 565182111
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 07:38

2.08 Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ

Plan was to go RB here, and looked over a few, but this guy was high on my list. When I watch games, like most of us, I take note of young players that should make an impact the next year. Last year I hit a homerun with a NYG receiver, and obviously the Jets thought enough of this guy that they got rid of the other two guys there. The one thing that he is not good at is catching passes, but what I have seen him do with the ball is quite something. He should have a solid year, and I think that even though certain people believe that his backup with cut his carries, he is the best back they have there, and he will get the ball a lot.

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 12:21

Short Bus - letterj
2.09 Marshall, Brandon MIA WR
I really didn't like what was available at RB, so I netted Marshall...he got paid, so he does not really have incentive per se. That said, he's uber-talented, and is THE man for the Fish as regards the passing game. Hopefully, the Dolphin rushing game makes it difficult for teams to double team Marshall.

for Promize
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 12:23

2.10 Chris Wells, RB, ARI

Perhaps crazy I know, but I had my eye on him from the start. I'm not sold on Leinart doing anything for the Cardinals. He definitely is no Kurt Warner. But with Fitzgerald, he should open up the holes just enough for Beenie to have a decent year. I of course definitely needed a RB at this point and happy with who I got. Also had my eye on Greene, but he was taken just before hand.

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 12:24

Slizz
2.11 - Tom Brady, QB, NE
While ADP says otherwise, I feel this was a reach in the 2nd round. I did so only out of fear I'd miss out on one of the Tier 1-2 QB's (Brees/Manning/Rodgers/Brady/Rivers/Schaub) as a result of the "Banzai" style draft. Had this been a normal snake draft, I would have went with a RB and Brady / Rivers / Schaub on the turnaround. Since Rivers went right before me in Round 3, I have to say that I ended up satisfied with the selection. Nevertheless, here are my reasons why:

#1) Hunch - my gut tells me that he's gonna be in all out "eff you" mode...which brings me to my next point;

#2) Contract year for Brady, Moss, & Welker. You know that all 3 want a HUGE pay raise. That can only be good for the Pats (on the field) and Brady's stats.

#3) No Mankins. What this means is that they will likely be throwing the ball more as they struggle to move it on the ground.

#4) I have a feeling he's more confident now that he's got a full season under his belt post knee surgery.

#5) He played the toughest schedule of pass defenses last year...and was feeling much more pressure due to teams wanting to test that ACL. He figures to get a break in that department this season (I won't all out guarantee it will be any easier as he has to face the NYJ 2x, an improved Miami defense, and the division winners in the AFC, again). Given that, I expect at least 4250 yards, 30 TD's, and 12 INT's.

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 12:24

2.12 Greg Jennings, WR, GB

Initially I had a list of 3 receivers left I wanted at this spot, consisting of Calvin Johnson, Miles Austin, and Jennings. After making that list, Johnson and Austin went back to back and figured no way Jennings made it to me. Only problem was by the time Jennings looked to fall to me, I talked myself in to possibly drafting Romo since QBs seemed to be going quicker than normal. I decided to leave my queue as Jennings then Romo and would be fine with either. With Jennings, I expect a top 10 WR finish in a rebound year. Hopefully I can nail QB value picks later in the draft.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 13:55

2.13 Ryan Grant, RB, GB
Banzai, schmanzai – I wish I had an early 3rd round pick to pair with this one.

My choice was between Grant and Colston. Neither would be a bad choice. Grant is recovering from a concussion – so a possible recurrence is a concern. Colston is recovering from knee surgery. Both seem to be ready to play at this point, so those are not dominant issues.

I decided to go with Grant for reasons of consistency. Last year, he averaged 13 pts/game, and was only under 10 four times. Conversely, as just one of a stable of weapons, I expect Colston’s numbers to be more variable – although that can cut both ways, I know.

Grant shoud be the clear #1 back on the Pack as long as he stays healthy. If the Packers can put together a successful season this year, and if Aaron Rodgers is as good as predicted, then there should be multiple opportunities to turn Grant loose in the 4th quarter to grind out the clock. Sounds like a good situation.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 14:06

for Building 7
2.14 Tony Romo, QB, DAL
After selecting the first pick in the draft, I had a QB targeted with the 28th pick. Last year, I picked Drew Brees early, and he lead my team all season. Prior years in AAA RIFC, I never had a good QB, and never did very well. It came down to Romo and Schaub. We have to watch all of the Cowboy games and all of the Texans games, where I live. So, it was still close. I picked Romo, due to a slightly better schedule, reputation, ranking, and injury history. It looked like Pierre Thomas was still available. I might have picked him, but I was on the road and busy, and couldn’t really do much research. Better to stick with the original plan.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:49

for Fugazi
3.01 Pierre Thomas, RB,NE
I was very happy when I got home from work, and saw Pierre Thomas on my roster. I put Thomas at the top of my queue, but figured there was no way he would be undrafted by my turn. Maybe I'm putting too much stock in him? But I don't think so. He is part of a great offense, that should get him in close for a lot of goal line work.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:50

for Frick
3.02 Matt Schaub, QB, Hou
I was hoping that Romo or Brady would fall to me here. Schaub was the last of the 2nd tier QBs with Rogers, Manning and Brees being tier 1 and Romo, Brady and Schaub being tier 2. I'm not sure I buy into Schaub being in that 2nd tier and it was probably a reach to take him here. Yes, I'm deeply into buyer's remorse at this point.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:50

for Smith32
3.03 Cedric Benson, RB, Cin
I had a very difficult time choosing between Benson and Jamaal Charles. I discovered after the fact that Charles actually outscored Benson last year, despite the fact that he wasn't the starter for half the year and I thought Benson had a pretty good year. But most of the projections I've seen have Benson above Charles, and I'm a sucker for that garbage that these so-called experts crank out.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:51

for youngroman
3.04 Lesean McCoy, RB, Phi
Looking at the talent available there aren't many RBs left that are not part of a RBBC. So I better take one now, before they are all gone until my 4.04 pick. I really hoped for Benson who went a pick earlier. since that did not happen I needed to look at the other backs still on the board. there are: Joseph Addai, Jamaal Charles, Ronnie Brown, Knowshon Moreno and of course LeSean McCoy. they all have their question marks. there are some strong younger #2's waiting to take over, Brown just waits for his season ending injury, and so on. I simply took McCoy because he is the guy for the Eagles. he is catching balls, he is running the ball well. he is a Brian Westbrook 2.0. I'll take that.

I now hope that my 2 young RBs make it through the season. it will be a long way for both of them. I better get some veterans later just in case. they know how to stay fresh for 16 games.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:52

for twilson
3.05 Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
Put together a great second half of the season once [undrafted] got suspended and released, averaging nearly 6 ypc. While that number will obviously decrease, he is clearly the most talented RB on the roster in Kansas City. Haley is still playing his irritating depth chart games like he did last year with Bowe, but I think the upside at this pick is high enough that it compensates for the playing time concerns. Had one of the Minny WRs been healthy, I very well may have taken one instead to preserve drafting flexibility. Other RBs considered were Forte and Sproles.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:52

for Motley Crue
3.06 Steve Smith, WR, Car
I love Steve Smith. He’s a warrior and he can make plays even when the other 10 Panthers on the field are mediocre. He did it all year last year and I expect some improvement with [QB] locked in at QB [/redundancy]. This is about where Smith should be picked if you are an ADP fan, but I probably rank Smith’s talent ahead of where the rest of you guys do, so I am satisfied to get him in the third round. Perfect player at the right time.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:53

for IAC
3.07 Marques Colston, WR, NO
Another Queue'd pick. I was hoping to get Jamal Charles here... once again missing the RB that I was targeting, but ended up with another great talent. Brees' high flying offense should provide Colston with plenty of great games. I don't think I can really complain with a guy that projects to have 1000yds, and close to double digit TDs.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:53

for Electroman
3.08 Knowshon Moreno, RB, Den
Wasn’t too sure where to go from here. I see a lot of WR’s going, but none really tickled my fancy. Then I started to read up on Moreno. He will be used a lot in the offense in Denver, can do a lot of things. This should hopefully give me a solid duo at RB, something that seems to always be an Achilles heal of mine.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:54

for letter j
3.09 Anquan Boldin, WR, Bal
Again, I was not enamoured with the RB prospects in the vicinity of this pick, so I went WR. Boldin is a BEAST!!!! While it is true that Baltimore has been historically a run-first team, the Ravens have never had a pass receiving threat like Boldin, who has averaged a little over a thousand yards in his five-year career.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:54

for Promize
3.10 Philip Rivers, QB, SD
Well, the fourth round started the new type of draft we are doing which meant I wouldn't be making a pick for quite some time. In this league, having a solid / healthy QB has always been important. I did see a short trend of a QB rush so wanted someone solid on my team. I have a feeling he is going to have to throw a bit this year.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:55

for Slizz
3.11 – Matt Forte, RB, CHI
I was prepared to take Matt Forte in the 2nd round but got cold feet due to the “Banzai” style of draft as I didn’t want to risk not getting an elite QB. So I crossed my fingers and hoped either Forte or Jamaal Charles would fall to me with the 11th pick. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to get him in the 3rd. Liked him at 2. Loved him at 3! I know some of the Gurupies are probably questioning my draft methods, but I have logic behind my picks:

#1) Last season Forte scored ONLY 2 touchdowns on 19 chances inside the five. Given the NFL average, he should have scored 7.65 touchdowns on those carries (an additional 33 points)…that is just AWFUL…and also expected to change this season as water always finds its level, which brings me to my next point;

#2) The Mike Tice Effect - Chicago finished the season with -44.9% Offensive Efficiency running in the red zone, the worst in the league by a country mile. To give you perspective on this; Buffalo finished 31st with -27.6% red zone efficiency).

-1996 Minnesota Vikings (Before Tice): 3.84ypc, 19th in the league Rushing

-1997 Vikings (After Tice): 4.16 YPC, 10th in the league rushing

-1998 Vikings (After Tice): 4.08 YPC, 9th in the league in rushing

-2009 Chicago Bears, 4.02 YPC, 19th in the league in rushing.

Given the improvement of the offensive line with Mike Tice, I expect those “Power #’s” and rushing stats to improve.

#3) He was struggling to recover from a sprained MCL. He’s 100% healthy as evidenced by the 89 yard TD vs. Oakland.

#4) Throw in a couple more TD’s and receiving yards (Martz effect) and you’ll get 200 points easy:

-Conservative Projection: 850 Yards, 9 TD’s & 600 Yards receiving with 2 TD’s…not a bad value for the 3rd round.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:55

for Bonka
3.12 Antonio Gates, TE, SD
I had no idea what to do with this pick and didn't even set up a queue because of it. I figured I'd just wait to see who went and then make a decision. I didn't want to grab any of the RB/WR because I felt I could get better value later. Ditto for QBs. So that leaves me with TE and who better than Antonio Gates. Hopefully he's healthy the whole year and continues to put up top 4 numbers. I was also hoping this would start a TE run and force some to go before they should, but no luck there.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:56

3.13 Sidney Rice, WR, Min
I had hoped to take Gates here. Missed it by that much…

I thought about Percy Harvin. Those migraines are scary, and I don’t think I want to be depending on someone who could be a last minute DNP without warning. If the draft were done a week earlier, Harvin might have been the pick – if he was still available.

Ochocinco? Hard to figure out how the 88-81 tandem will play out. Not sure I want to get involved there. Some of my projection resources suggest he’s the guy, however.

Absent hip injury concerns, I’d probably have taken Rice over Gates. (He might have already been drafted, for that matter.) Coming off a 2009 with 1300 yds and 8 TDs, with Favre back in the fold for 2010, the value seems strong. But his latest comment that he might not be ready for week 1 has given me pause.

No guts, no glory. Hopefully, the hip injury will be manageable, especially once the regular season starts. Even if his return is delayed by a week or two, I think the upside potential warrants a pick here. The big concern, however, is that this is a lingering injury from last season. That’s a long time ago.

Fingers are crossed. A 3rd round pick is a terrible thing to waste.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:57

for Building 7
3.14 Dallas Clark, TE, Ind
Most of the RB’s looked similar here, same for WR. I have 2 picks coming up at 56,57. A lot of these same guys will still be there. It came down to Best vs. Clark. I doubt they will still be there. Best is dropping for some reason. I generally have bad luck when I am the one who steps up and drafts the guy that is dropping for some reason. Best is one of the last full-service RB’s left. It really came down to not wanting to pick a RB here and have less options in the future rounds. The three guys on my short list were the next three picks. This Clark dude had 100 catches for a TE. That's over 6 per game. He's more like a WR.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:57

for Fugazi
4.01 Wes Welker, WR, NE
The early run on wideouts kind of forced my hand here. His injury scares me for sure, But his upside was just to great to ignore. If he stays healthy I'm sure I will love this pick. Guess I just felt like he was worth taking a chance on. It's also possible I just blew my fourth pick.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 22, 2010, 20:58

for Frick
4.02 Jahvid Best, RB, Det
I hadn't taken a running back yet and I was in desperate need of one. Best appears to be the recipient of the majority of the Lion's carries. At this point there are no sure things at RB, so you roll the dice and hope to come up lucky.

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 07:30

for Smith32
4.03 Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
I am not sure I believe Stewart is any worse than Williams, and I'm not sure there will be a big disparity in carries either. So I'll gladly take Stewart several rounds later. I thought about OchoCinco here, but decided that the upside was greater with Stewart.

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 07:33

4.04 Steve Smith, WR, NYG

would have really loved Dallas Clark here. Alternate plan was either the other Steve Smith or Ochocinco. Smith is the guy in NY. He is [QB1]'s favorite target. I even think that Smith will be the most targeted receiver this season. the Giants lack a real #2 receiver and Smith is used to running the short routes. so even tough he might get targeted often, he won't see as many yards. I still think that this will result in a top-10 WR performance this year. taken as the 16th WR, this looks like a very good value.

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 10:41

for twilson

4.05 Chad Ochocinco, WR, CIN
After taking a bit of a risk at 3.05, I wanted to go a little safer at this slot. With Gates off the board, I saw little differentiation at TE and QB, so I settled on a WR. Would've looked at Rice or Welker had they stuck around. Came down to 85, Cribbs, and some other more dependable sorts. Ocho made the most sense from a bye week perspective and had a slightly better profile in my mind than the other older steady guys, so he's the pick. He's never had a problem sharing before, and I don't see this year being any different in that respect despite the new personnel in town.

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 10:42

4.06 Joseph Addai, RB, IND

Wading into RBBC territory, I think a manager can’t go wrong taking the lead back for a team that scores as much as Indianapolis. Addai’s at the point in his career where he consistently performs above average. I’m comfortable using him as my other RB starter. I was hoping Jonathan Stewart would make it to me here but no such luck. Addai was clearly the next best player available in my opinion. I’m a little surprised by the early QB run, but I’m trying to maximize the benefit to my team of all of these additional solid RB’s hanging around. Addai had 270 touches last season. That’s more than I would expect from a 4th rounder. Maybe RB2 eats into his carries this year, but I’ll take a chance on that because of the upside.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 12:13

for IAC
4.07 Vernon Davis, TE, SF
This was a tough pick. I already have two #1WRs, and couldn't find another RB that I didn't think would slide till my next pick (Sproles was one I thought would slide). So I figured it'd be the time to grab a QB or a TE. With Rivers already off the board (pre-draft I though maybe he might be available here), I conceded to taking a "top" TE. Davis has never lacked talent, but really only "exploded" offensively last year. Unless he gets asked to do a TON of blocking for his O-line guys (shouldn't happen since the Niners invested in talent on the line in the draft), then this pick should work out well.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 12:14

for Electroman
4.08 Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
Had the thought of going WR the last round, and this round was a certainty. Was a tough choice, because it seems that most of the guys on the top of my list have issues, either injury of other problems. Speaking of, Bowe was the guy top of the list. The potential for this guy is great, either way. I just hope that it goes up. He is in an offense that a lot of people are looking forward to seeing because of Wies.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 12:14

for letter j
4.09 Ronnie Brown, RB, Mia
I had Brown on the squad last year, and he performed admirably until he went down with a year-ending injury. The Wildcat runs through him, so I believe that he can be a solid #2. This pick, however, also requires a contingency plan at RB in the coming picks due to Brown's past injury woes.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 12:14

for Promize
4.10 Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
Well, I thought long and hard about this pick. I knew Slizz had this man crush on me and worried about the type of players that I picked from league to league... So I really didn't want to disappoint him in my pick. :) Kidding.

Slizz is true, although not a man crush I do like Crabtree and tend to try and grab him in most leagues. Being a Big 12 and SEC fan, I followed him. I put him away last year in most keeper leagues I was in.

Gore will soon be on the IR again and they will need to put the ball up to someone.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 12:16

for Slizz
4.11 Patrick Willis, LB, SF
Man…this ended up being a BRUTAL pick for me. I had a queue in mind and called a last minute audible thinking that I’d be able to get my WR1 on the snake figuring that my 4 guys wouldn’t go given their ADP.

The Guys on my board:

#1 – Michael Crabtree (ADP 4.04) – Had a feeling that Promize was going to take him as he has a man-crush on the guy.
#2 – Hines Ward (ADP 6.01) – Give his ADP, I didn’t think anyone would “Reach” on him. Well played, Guru…well played.
#3 – Hakeem Nicks (ADP 5.08) – I personally like Ward more…still a good player.
#4 – Josh Cribbs (ADP not applicable as Return Yards weren’t factored in to my projections… I just know the guy is a beast on special teams and figures to get more work at WR this season)
#5 – Jermichael Finley (ADP 5.06) – Potential 1,000 yard TE looking for a new contract.
#6 – Patrick Willis – Just a straight beast…almost 40 points better than the next LB. He always goes sometime in the 5th or the early 6th so I wanted to be the first off the board with him. No analysis needed here…I wanted the best and was willing (& arrogant enough) to take him early.

The #1 guy on my board, Crabtree, was taken the pick before me (no surprises to me) so I figured that based on ADP I could get one of Ward, Nicks, Cribbs, or Finley on the snake and take Willis a bit early. My logic was “hmmm…in 6 picks, I doubt all 4 of my guys go, so let me get a head start on Willis in case someone takes him at 5.01-03.”

Unfortunately, that worst-case scenario played out for me and as I checked the draft on my BlackBerry my reaction was “SH~T!” I immediately regretted taking Willis in the 4th as I could’ve taken Ward and likely got Willis in the 5th. Now my team is missing a true “Stud” WR and now I have to play the lottery in hopes it pans out as opposed to getting a guaranteed 1,000 yards with Ward.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 12:16

for Bonka
4.12 Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
From 8 picks out I had a list of 6 guys I wanted. Starting with Ochocino, they dropped like flies. Only Willis and Bowe weren't on my list. Well, Bowe was but then got replaced. In the end, the 2nd guy on my list made it to me in Nicks. This guy is talented and had some good games last season when he played. He's capable of a top 20 WR finish and could out score his teammate Smith, since Nicks is more of the big play receiver. I just need him to stay healthy.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 12:18

4.13 Hines Ward, WR, Pit
I had Crabtree and Nicks on my short list, but they failed to last.

Ward is not a sexy pick, but seems to find a way to produce. He’s been a 1000 yard receiver for the last two years, and even with the frontline QB sidelined for awhile in Pittsburgh, should continue to produce. He’s not a speed burner, and if the Pittsburgh passing game is restricted to more short routes, that doesn’t necessarily hurt Ward’s chances. In fact, it probably plays to his strengths.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 14:14

for Building 7
4.14 Josh Cribbs, WR, Cle
5.01 Darren Sproles, RB, SD
I ranked about 120 players. These picks were numbers 56 and 57. There were only two players selected that were not in my top 57. And one of those should have been ranked higher. However, I had these two guys ranked in the mid-30’s. So, it was a fairly easy couple of picks for me. These two players do a lot better in our league, because they get a lot of return yards. In fact, they are two of the best. When the fantasy football media discuss players, they almost never talk about leagues with return yardage. I’m in three leagues and they all have return yardage. Is that supposed to be rare or something? Anyways. adjustments have to be made to the readily available fantasy expert ratings. Maybe, there is a pay service that makes projections with return yardage. I don’t pay for any expert advice, though. One, I’m too cheap, and two, I’m old school. I made it into this league, though.

I predict more wildcat for Cribbs, More catches with a better QB. And a lot of return yardage. The Browns give up a lot of points, so they are always returning a lot of kickoffs. San Diego has a better defense, which means teams are punting a lot. Thus, lots of punt return yardage. These guys are going to get you either way.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 14:16

5.02 Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
This is getting to be brutal. I had planned to take Cribbs here. For some stupid reason, I thought he’d be safe until at least the beginning of round 5. I was almost right. Oh well – it’s not as though Cribbs doesn’t have risk…

I have Finley and Witten as the top two available tight ends. I had Witten last year, and was frustrated by his lack of TDs (2) in spite of racking up 955 yards.

Finley is younger, with more upside – particularly in the red zone. He caught 4 passes for 48 yards and a TD in the latest preseason game, which bodes well. Even if he doesn’t match Witten’s yardage, he seems to be a target in the end zone.

Finley’s projections put him on par with the top available WRs now (other than Harvin, whose migraine issues have scared me away). When you can get a TE with equivalent production to a WR, I think you’re supposed to go there. So I did.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 14:17

for Bonka
5.03 CJ Spiller, RB, Buf
I figured I'd go with the high upside Spiller over 2 other backs I considered due to the probability of him returning kicks and hopefully getting 10+ touches a game, even though Buffalo is beyond terrible. I also considered Witten and Harvin here, but since I had 2 WR and 1 TE already, combined with Harvin's migraines really causing problems and Witten probably having to block more, I just couldn't pull the trigger. Basically this felt forced, but I figured none of the RBs I was looking at would be there the next time I picked and wasn't comfortable completely punting my 2nd RB slot. If Spiller is at least somewhat productive, this thing won't sink the ship.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 16:09

For Slizz

5.04 Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
See my analysis for 4.11. I didn't like any of the other available WR's as I am not as bullish on Harvin and do not think he'll build on that rookie year.

Missing pretty much all of Training Camp and the fact he has those killer migraines really scared me away...so I went the safe route with Tony Gonzalez knowing I'm going to get a top tier TE who will produce week-in and week-out.

Not to mention I've never once owned the guy before!

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 16:09

For Promize

5.05 Marion Barber, RB, DAL
At this point of the draft I was in desperate need of another RB. I really hate the new concept of RBC NFL has anymore because who knows who is going to get the goal line carries. Of course in Dallas it seems to be Felix, but perhaps Barber can just break some of those long runs into the end zone for a change.

I admit, I was very tempted many times to grab Jerome Harrison or Cadillac at this point, but figured I shouldn't have any problems grabbing on of them later on in the draft.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 16:10

For LetterJ

5.06 Mike Sims-Walker, WR, JAX
I have Sims-Walker in my top-20 on my cheat sheet, so I pull the trigger on him despite his late-season swoon last year. He's the first option in the Jags passing game. Someone has to catch the ball in Jacksonville, right?

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 16:10

For Electro

5.07 Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
Really wasn’t too sure where to go with this pick. I was looking at a pass catcher for sure, TE seemed to be flying off the board, but I had been keeping an eye on Harvin. He has been having serious migrane problems lately, but this guy has a ton of potential. Not only as a receiver, but as a return guy too. They like to get the ball in his hands anyway they can. That shouldn’t change this year, and may have even bigger role.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 16:14

5.08 Reggie Bush, RB, NO

This guy is just fun to watch. Whenever he gets the ball he never fails to amaze me. In a league that's full of RBBC's, the Saints generate enough offense that I feel he'll get his share of touches. He's penciled in as my RB2, and has gone a lot earlier in previous drafts due to talent, but has slid to this point because it's obvious that he'll probably never unseat Pierre Thomas as the #1. I'm happy with this pick.

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 16:30

5.09 Jason Witten, TE, DAL

Witten is a guy you just plug in all season at TE and forget about. 90+ catches later you’re the league champion and it’s because of guys like this. Yeah, 2 TD’s last year. Can you think of a better candidate to revert to the mean? Me neither. I guess I’m just gobbling up ADP here. Tastes like victory. And chicken, a little.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:42

For Twilson

5.10 Jon Beason, LB, CAR
I already had two RBs and two WRs and didn't saw fairly deep tiers for both. No QBs seemed worth a pick, and the best TEs were already taken. Beason, however, stuck out as a true stud. It seems that I grab my top IDP earlier and earlier every season, and this year was no different.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:42

For Youngroman

5.11 Brent Celek, TE, PHI
he was the #4 TE last year and I don't think that he will be much worse this year. He has a "new" QB in Kevin Kolb, but he has excellent chemistry with him. They know each other very well and an unexperienced Kolb will need a target he can trust to throw to. and this will be Celek. 1000yd and a TD in every other game are not out of question. and I wouldn't be disappointed if the result is only 800yd and 6 TD.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:43

For Smith32

5.12 Felix Jones, RB, DAL
Since Benson and Stewart spend more time in the hospital than the end zone (and have the same bye), I thought I'd load up on another boom-bust-IR RB. I have no idea how the 'boys will use Jones this year, or how much. But he seems to be a great athlete, and as great owners like Al Davis and Dan Snyder know, you always take sheer athleticism and hype over results. Wait a minute... D'oh! Anyhow, that Matthew Berry guy loves Jones.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:44

For Frick

5.13 Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
I had a two player queue for this pick, the other Player was Celek who was taken 2 picks prior. I think Celek will outperform his draft spot. Macklin will hopefully improve slightly in his 2nd year.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:44

For Fugazi

5.14 Braylon Edwards, WR, NYJ
Remember that one season when Braylon was good? I do too, and I cant forget about it for some reason. Edwards will most likely leave me munsoned. But if he can live up to his potential he is a top five WR. I pondered over this pick for quite some time. Other possible picks were Wallace or Knox.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:45

For Fugazi

6.01 New York JETS, TEAM D
I hate having to worry about what team D to start. With that being said, I figured it was time to pull the trigger on the best defense in the league. Even without undrafted, this team is down right nasty. Maybe I jumped the gun a bit? But I'm sure this pick will win me some games.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:46

For Frick

6.02 Laurence Maroney, RB, NE
I've had Maroney in numerous leagues over the last several years, in general he's lead me to disappointment. Hopefully with Brady in year 2 of his recovery the Patriots passing game will improve leading to more room and opportunities for the NE RB. His competition for RB are both ancient in terms of life span of the average NFL RB. Hopefully the desire for a new contract will encourage Maroney to grab the job and run with it. We'll see.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:46

For Smith32

6.03 Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
Finally, a pick that I actually liked. I think Wallace is in a great position to succeed this year. He is a nice complement to Hines Ward, and I think the Pittsburgh offense should be balanced enough that he'll get his fair share of deep balls and red zone targets. 130-135 pts from a WR in the 6th round is good, and that's what I expect from him (900-1000 yds, 6-7 TDs). I also considered Garcon here.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:47

For Youngroman

6.04 Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
another rookie. He is the new kid in Dallas. We all saw that a WR can emerge in Dallas when Miles Austin went crazy last year. Dez Bryant has the same potential. I considered a few other WRs here, but the difference maker was that he could not only end up as the #3 receiver, but also as kick returner and maybe even punt returner. that is fantasy gold and can only be compared to Percy Harvin who went much earlier, or should I say later than I expected because of his injury issues. I like Dez Bryant the WR, I would love Dez Bryant the KR and/or PR.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:47

For Twilson

6.05 Santana Moss, WR, WAS
Again, the QB tier was very deep and the TEs/IDPs were unappealing. I saw more value at WR than RB, though Arian Foster was tempting. Santana Moss has consistently put up 900+ yards with 3-6 TDs. The importation of McNabb should improve the Redskins offense, which should put his scoring numbers on the higher side of that range. I can take that in the 6th.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:48

For MC

6.06 Kevin Kolb, QB, PHI
Maybe I’m crazy, but I like the potential of this guy enough to pick him here. His historical performance was mixed, but I keep seeing 300-yard passing games and thinking this is a solid QB. Lots of good players to throw to, above average athleticism, a coach with a history of leaning on the pass with success, and years carrying a clipboard and learning the system. There are a lot of things to like about Kolb. It’s always scary picking a QB headed into his first season as a starter, but the ceiling is too high for me to ignore in the 6th round. This is one of those picks that either ends up looking great or terrible, probably. The odds look good to me at this moment.

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 19:57

6.07 Jay Cutler, QB, CHI

The Martz QB. Nough Said? Maybe not. Despite what would seem to be a horrible season for Cutler he still managed to finish 12th for QBs. I'm hoping that this is a "bounce-back" season for him interception wise, and hoping that his O-line can hold it together enough for him to put up some sweet points up on the board. I was really surprised that he slid to me here... besides Santana Moss I didn't have have most of these guys going in this round.

Electroman
ID: 565182111
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 20:53

6.08 Jared Allen, DE, Minn

Was looking for my first IDP with this pick. This pick was made with the autopick, and had I been there, I probably would have gone LB, and should have put one on top, but when you set it at 5:30am, things like that happen. But I am happy with the Allen pick. He has averaged 15 sacks in the last 3 years, so he is consistent. I know that I have a solid player on a tough D, that has a lot of weapons. So there should not be a let down this year.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 22:48

for letter j
6.09 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
Part 1 of the contingency plan, since I drafted Brown in the fourth round. Reports out of camp are stating that Bradshaw will get twice as many carries as Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw had several off-season operations, leading him to state that he feels 10 times better than last year. I'm hoping this strat-o-matic star becomes an NFL star.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 22:49

for Promize
6.10 James Laurinaitis, LB, StL
Let's be honest... #1 pick isn't going to change your team over night when you have no WR targets for your #1 QB to throw to. Teams will stack the line and stuff Jackson and the defense will constantly be on the field.

Enter Laurinaitis, who will have a very busy year. I needed a solid LB and he was a good choice knowing how much the Rams defense is always on the field.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 22:50

for Slizz
6.11 Johnny Knox, WR, Chi
I needed a WR, period. I know for a fact that he will go into the season as Cutler/Martz’s #1 based on training camp targets, all the “tweets” from the Chicago insiders. He has been making nothing but plays so far this training camp so there is hope and plenty of upside.

I’m not exactly happy I have a good portion of my offense hinging on the Bears’ success but at the same time, I screwed myself by not taking Ward in the 4th as opposed to Willis so I had to take a bigger risk than I normally would like.

Nevertheless, I think Knox will end up being a 1,000 yard WR…but a good portion of my success or demise will come from my starting WR’s.

Fearless Projection: 70 receptions, 1100 yards, 7 TD’s.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 22:50

6.12 Terrell Owens, WR, CIN
Well, this pick was based off a queue hurriedly left prior to a bunch of picks going off before mine. I may have taken a QB here if I was around to do it, but what can you do. Owens was 2nd in my queue to Moss since he still has gas left in the tank and he seems to want to play. He's actually on a solid team now that he's out of Buffalo, so he can definitely put up numbers opposite of Ochocinco. I'm hoping for a top 30 finish out of him.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 22:54

6.13 Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
Of course, I was thinking strongly of taking TO here.

I’d been tentatively planning to take a WR here, and then a QB after the turn. I was second guessing that approach, though, as I thought that the group of comparable receivers might be large enough to withstand another two rounds.

But then where would I go with this pick? A backup/bye RB? I don’t think I need to rush there. An IDP? Maybe, since I’ll need 6. But I think that can wait as well.

I’m hopefully drafting my WR3 here, although with Sidney Rice’s hip issue, it’s possibly my WR2, at least for awhile. So I think I’ll stick with the plan.

Floyd is – at least for now – penciled in as the WR1 for the Chargers, although that still probably makes his the 2nd receiver (behind Gates). He’s got the size and the opportunity. Hopefully, he can capitalize and put up numbers similar to the Chargers’ WR1 last season – who had almost 1200 yards and 9 TDs. That’s probably the upside. Worth a shot for a WR3.

The other receivers on my radar were Driver and Garcon. Of those two, I probably would have gone with Garcon – but I thought Floyd offered similar upside potential and more limited downside.

Building 7
Leader
ID: 171572711
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 23:16

6.14 Pierre Garcon, WR, IND

7.01 Arian Foster, RB, HOU

After waiting 24 picks, I had a short list of three WR with three picks to go. And I get two picks. Then Knox, TO , and Floyd get picked. And my list was toast. Garcon was the only replacement I could find that was close. Sometimes when you pick a guy that you wouldn’t normally pick, or wasn’t really on your radar………it works out. I’m just trying to figure out how a French guy made it into the NFL.

I wanted another WR here with my other pick, but decided to go with the best choice. And that was Foster, who I had ranked many spots earlier. I think he’s the starter and the goal-line back on this high-scoring offense. That gives me 3 RB’s after 7 picks. I may have to make a trade later on.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 23, 2010, 23:53

7.02 Matt Ryan, QB, Atl
I’ve got all of my frontline offensive players except for a QB. Once the top tier were gone, I figured I would wait until this round to get one, as there are a bunch who look pretty similar. Frankly, I wish the list were shorter - and with only 4 other teams still missing a starting QB, maybe I could wait. But then watch one or two teams land a backup QB in the next 2 rounds. Doubtful, but maybe I shouldn’t get too greedy, with no alternative pick tempting me at this point.

I finally narrowed my short list to Ryan or Flacco, with Palmer, Eli, and even Favre under consideration. I decided to go with youth. I actually had Flacco as a backup QB on one team last year, and he was very serviceable. But he plays for the Ravens, and as a Browns fan, I think I should steer away from Baltimore players in the absence of any compelling reason.

So Matt Ryan it is. Most top QBs take several years to develop, and Ryan got his training on the field. He went through an off-season regimen that has reportedly made him bigger, stronger, faster, and smarter. Here’s hoping for further development in year #3.

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 00:00

7.03 DJ Williams, LB, DEN

Another pick from that quickly put together queue. If I didn't go QB in the 6th, I almost certainly would have taken one here. Anyways, I left a bunch of LBs in my queue as I figured they were the safest picks at this point since I didn't know if any runs were going to happen. I thought QBs might fall until later (obviously they didn't) and by grabbing a LB off the turn I could start a LB run and leave myself good value for when I got back in round 8. While I can't say a LB run happened, there were enough questionable picks made in this round that I'm not all TOO worried yet. All that ranting and I forgot to mention the player...Williams is playing on a Denver defense that has been ravaged by injuries. Denver is going to be bad, and he'll be the top guy on the field, so tons of tackle opportunities for one of the only guys that's going to make the tackles. Sign me up.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 10:20

for Slizz
7.04 TJ Whos-your-mama, WR, Sea
6 rounds in and I only have 1 WR in Knox. For my next pick, I headed to the Pacific Northwest…the home of overpaid LB’s and overpaid, undersized WR’s for a WR! I still think TJ has one more year in him and could possibly top the 1,000 yard Plateau.

Considering that he was able to make chicken salad out of chicken sh~t the past two years with sub-par QBs, I think he should be able to put together a Derrick Mason type year: 900-1100 yards and 5-7 TD’s isn’t unreasonable to expect.

Again, I have to play catchup considering my faux pas in round 4.

for Promize
7.05 Donnie Avery, WR, StL
Well someone had to take a St. Louis Rams WR didn't they? Bradford has only two choices. Avery or Robinson. Hopefully he looks for Avery a bit. I'm not sure if either of the two WR's in St. Louis or any better then the other. If Bradford doesn't get protection from his front line, he will soon fall into place of Warner, Green, and so on and so on. You would think Rams would of invested a ton on their offensive line to protect their huge new purchase. But watching a preseason game all I saw was Bradford ducking and hitting the ground.

I probably also should stop from picking players from a team I like. Bad bad.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 10:20

for letterj
7.06 Eli Manning, QB, NYG
We have to start a QB, and Eli is at the top of my cheat sheet. It is expected that Eli's young supporting cast will continue to develop, so I expect similar numbers to last year, which were career highs in yardage, TDs, completion percentage, and QB rating.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 10:21

for Electroman
7.07 Zach Miller, TE, Oak
Didn’t want to miss out on a productive TE, so I grabbed one here. Miller was a guy I was holding out for, and was worried that I might miss him. He is the best receiver on his team. I was reading something on how his new QB loves to use his TE in the red zone. Of his last 45 TD’s, 20 have gone to the TE. So even though Miller has only 4 in the last 2 years, he should get a healthy bump.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 10:21

for IAC
7.08 Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG
I really liked taking Reggie Bush in round 5, but at the same time, it's always good to have a "true" starting RB. Jacobs has always been consistent at getting his fair share of the TDs, however, he does often come out in 3rd downs. If he stays healthy, he should justify his draft position. That said... I do follow up in the 8th round with yet another RB.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 10:22

for MC
7.09 Joe Flacco, QB, Bal
Taking 2 QB’s in a row here might make it look like I don’t trust one of them. Rather, I think there’s just too much value at the position right now. Flacco enters year 3 of his career with the best offense Baltimore has had, probably ever. Kolb’s off in week 8; would I actually let Flacco’s week 8 bye bother me? Only I am a wuss. I am not a wuss. It’s decisions like this that put hair on your chest.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 10:23

for twilson
7.10 Ricky Williams, RB, Mia
At this point, I started looking at the draft in pick pairs. The targets this time around were some combination of QB, TE, RB, and IDP. I was confident a TE would still be around at 8.05, and enough QBs remained that I was comfortable waiting. So that left RBs. Portis and Williams were the names that stood out. Word out of camp seems very positive on Portis, but I know better than to trust everything I hear about Shanahan RBs. Williams played very well following Ronnie Brown’s injury last year, and only once has Brown lasted the entire season healthy. I decided the relatively high floor and ceiling of Ricky outweighed the starting status of Portis, so I made the pick.

for youngroman
7.11 Paul Posluszny, LB, Buf
It was time to get a defense player. Posluszny fits the bill. He scores near the top every year. There were some other LBs out there which will produce similar points, but Posluszny was the safest pick for me.

I could have taken a QB here too, but seeing that all 3 teams between now and my next pick already have elite QBs and it is not very likely that they add a 2nd soon I can wait until then to get Favre.

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 10:24

for Smith32
7.12 Donald Driver, WR, GB
Driver is as consistent as they come, having 1000+ receiving yds in 7 of the last 8 years, and 5+ TDs in 6 of those 8 years. He is aging, but he's still the #2 WR in GB, which should keep his production afloat for at least another year. Even 900 yds and 5 TDs (120 pts) would be pretty good value at this point in the draft.

Frick
ID: 97321912
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 10:32

7.13 Barrett Ruud LB TB

While many people still look at IDPs as late round fillers, a solid IDP group can be a a consistent way to score every week. There are plenty of LB to grab off the waiver wire who will put up a few points, but there are also a handful of LB who put up 10+ points on a weekly basis. Ruud is one of those.

Frick
ID: 97321912
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 12:41

for Fugazi

7.14 Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, VIA
Maybe everybody knows something I don't, but I think Shiancoe should have gone way before this. This was an easy pick. I needed a TE and one of the most productive was waiting for me. He finished sixth out of some great tight ends last season. Hopefully he can improve a little more this year. I was rushed while making my two picks for this round. My turn came up right as I was leaving for work. Afraid that I might time out, I had to just hurry up and pick. I briefly looked over injury reports, and everything seemed ok. But now with the recent news about rice, This could turn out to be a great pick.

8.01, Danieal Manning, DB, CHI
Manning is a great DB if he still returns punts this season. You never know how these things are gonna shake out though. He was ranked very high on my board, so I took him. Was running late for work and I had to make a quick pick. I hope this one works out.

Frick
ID: 97321912
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 12:45

8.02 DeMeco Ryans, LB, HOU

Adding another IDP to my roster. Ryans has been a consistent top 10 LB and with a teammate missing a few games for "over exercising" he should put up slightly higher numbers to start the season.

100

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 13:08

for Smith32
8.03 Owen Daniels, TE, HOU
At this point, I believe there were 9 TEs already taken, and I figured another 2-3 would go in next the 22 picks, so that made the position decision for me. But figuring out which TE to take was more difficult. I considered Cooley (but he's got competition) and Winslow (but he's fragile). The big question with Daniels is how long it will be until he is back to full strength after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL last season. Per Rotoworld, "Scan and MRI say I'm 100 percent," he confirmed to MyFOX Houston. Daniels will go for a recheck with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday, but it appears he'll be medically cleared to start the season." If that is true, I think he's a great value here, since he averaged more PPG (10.4) than Gates (10.3) last year.

101

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 13:09

8.04 Brett Favre, QB, MIN

Hi grandpa! I don't think that his stats will be far away from last years. Not much has changed in Minnesota. He still has his threats around him that should buy him time to make the right decision, which is definitely not throwing interceptions like in previous years.

a day later this pick does not look as sexy, because of the Rice injury lasting half of the season, but we are talking about Favre here, not about a rookie QB. he can and will adjust and if that means one deep threat is gone, he will identify another.

102

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 14:19

For Twilson

8.05 Kellen Winslow, TE, TB
At TE I was considering Cooley, Daniels, and Winslow. Had Favre lasted a few more picks, he would’ve been in the conversation as well. Injury news on Daniels was not positive enough for me to be comfortable drafting him here, so I didn’t mind when he was grabbed two picks prior. Since Cooley has to split opportunities with [undrafted] and Santana Moss was already on my roster, I took a chance on Winslow. His knee has been acting up again, but there’s no talk of missed games, and when on the field Winslow has generally produced. QB play should be more effective also with a second year starter.

103

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 14:20

For MC

8.06 Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
So he’s going to play 2 games in the first 7 weeks of the season. That sucks, but of course, that’s why he was available here. 4th round talent is 4th round talent, and if I can stay in the game long enough to get this stud into my WR rotation for the second half, it will be tough to beat my WR trio. MEGATRON, The Matriculator, and Thug Life. Let’s all pause to admire them for a moment, m’kay?

104

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 14:25

8.07 Cadillac Williams, RB, TB

He looks to be the clear starter on this team, and shouldn't be challenged too much by [undrafted] as he's fallen back to 3rd on the depth charts recently. Michael Bush was another solid RB3 option for here, but I felt that their was a larger chance of his job being contested at some point in the season. Cadillac obviously has so injury worries (as most RBs due), but I'm satisfied with landing him here.

105

Electroman
ID: 565182111
Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 14:35

8.08 Steve Breaston, WR, ARI

Wanted to get a WR here that could put up big #’s in case the worst happens with Harvin. Breaston could fit that mold. They are probably going to run the ball more this year in Arizona, but he should still get his fair share of targets. He has delivered when he has had opportunity in the past, so I expect the same thing this year.

106

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:47

for letterj
8.09 Clinton Portis, RB, Was
Part 2 of the contingency plan after drafting Brown three rounds ago. Portis has enjoyed great success with Coach Satanahan in the past. I'm banking on Clinton having one more big year left in those soon to be 29-year old legs.

107

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:47

for Promize
8.10 Jerome Harrison, RB, Cle
As stated in a previous post, I had sort of wanted this guy. I mean, he blew up there at the end of the season last year. Hopefully the coach calls him out early and calls him weak early so it drives him to do well and work hard.

Do they have anything else in Cleveland anymore?

108

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:49

for Slizz
8.11 Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, KC
I know Peter King isn’t the authority on Fantasy Football…but I figured that McCluster was worth the risk as a flex option with tremendous upside, per MMQB:

Kansas City: Dexter McCluster will be the most dangerous offensive rookie in the league. I see him as a 1,500-yards-from-scrimmage guy, with a bunch of touchdowns. I'm no fantasy student, but don't pass on him.

If he hits that…that would put him in some elite company b/c that’s 150 points plus TD’s plus whatever return yardage he might get should he win the job. I also hold out hope that he has RB/WR flexibility here as well…either way I’m excited about this pick!

109

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:50

for Bonka
8.12 Michael Bush, RB, OAK
Bush presents pretty good value to not grab him in this spot. I figured there was a chance Guru would take him around the turn and there was no chance he'd be there in round 10. Oakland should hopefully be improved with a QB who doesn't break 300 pounds. Bush should get the majority of carries and be the goal line/short yardage back. Spiller may not be startable weekly, so I wanted to make sure I grabbed what should be a reliable backup.

110

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:50

8.13 Ray Lewis, LB, Bal
My first IDP. Age 35, but consistently a top 10 LB. Hasn’t missed a game in the last two years. One of these years, age will catch up. Hopefully not this one.

111

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:51

for Building 7
8.14 Baltimore Ravens Defense
I am usually one of the first coaches to select a defense. I was going to take the Jets at 6.14, but they were taken at 6.01. I had a few 2nd choices, but wasn't sure what would happen during the next 27 picks. I probably could have waited another round. That's one drawback of picking at the end. It's hard to predict when a run will start. The Ravens usually don't allow a lot of points or yards. The rest of those defensive stats are hard to predict.....TD, Int, F. I guess sacks are predictable somewhat. There are only 3 offensive powerhouses on their schedule.

9.01 Jacoby Jones, WR, HOU
Jacoby Jones is pushing for the #2 receiver spot on this offensive dynamo. As long as he returns a lot of kicks, this pick will be OK. He's great at it, I don't know why they tryout other people. His coach has Hester syndrome. The WR pool is thinning out at this stage. Someone will be the next S. Rice or Sims-Walker. you just have to figure out who it is, or more likely get lucky.

112

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:52

9.02 Lee Evans, WR, Buf
There are plenty of reasons to be leery of Evans, not the least of which is his disappointing 2009. But he is the #1 receiver on Buffalo – of course, that’s the good news and the bad news. With a new head coach and no T.O., maybe he can return to his form of the prior 3 years, when he averaged 1000 yds per year.

In any event, he’s my WR4, which means my plan is to use him as an injury/bye filler. His bye week fits that need, and he hasn’t missed a game in the last five years, so he should be available when needed.

Worth a gamble.

[Note: the morning after I drafted Evans, I learned that Sidney Rice will now miss at least half the season. Looks like Evans just got promoted to WR3 for me.]

113

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:53

for Bonka
9.03 Karlos Dansby, LB, MIA
I was debating between Dansby, Lofton, and Harris at this slot. Could easily have went with any of them and mostly went with Dansby because I liked his bye week the best and I'm a Dolphins fan. Just had to pick one since I wanted another top LB before they stop dropping left and right.

114

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:56

9.04 Donald Brown, RB, IND
Since both of my running backs have a week 8 bye, I needed a back with the upside for solid production during that week.

If this was a keeper league, I would feel so much better about this pick…but either way, I am banking on a Joseph Addai midseason injury and Brown getting the lion’s share of the carries that week/overtakes Addai for the job.

Should that happen, I will be able to play matchups for the remainder of the season or just have a stud starter week-in & week-out.

In hindsight, I should’ve taken Berrian…but I didn’t think Brown would make it back to me in the 10th.

115

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:57

for Promize
9.05 Heath Miller, TE, Pit
Sorry, really not a lot of thought into this pick at all. I need a somewhat good TE and he was on the board still. Not flashy or great, if I remember right he did produce for me last year.

116

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:58

for letter j
9.06 Chris Cooley, TE, Was
Reports indicate that Cooley's broken ankle, which cut his season in half last year, is completely healed. I like Cooley A LOT at this stage of the draft...a year ago, he was being drafted three or four rounds earlier.

117

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:58

for Electroman
9.07 David Harris, LB, NYJ
Figured a second IDP was worth the pick here. I wanted a LB that was one of the top on the board. He had a strong season last year, led the team in tackles. Should repeat the performance this year. What I liked about him over other LB’s that I was looking at, is that he gets to the QB. I feel that a strict tackles LB will be available later on.

118

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 09:59

for IAC
9.08 Devin Hester, WR, Chi
My 3rd Straight year grabbing Hester in the RIFC. I've payed 7th round picks for him in the two previous years, and he had finished 38th in 2009, and 27th in 2008. I was trying to move up at the end of the 8th round in order to insure I landed him, but, all is well. He's still considered #1 WR in CHI, although Knox may end up being Cutler's favorite target. Martz has said that he's going to let Hester focus more this year on the return game again. Knox and Manning may see their KR #s cut into.

119

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:00

for Motley Crue
9.09 Leon Washington, RB, SEA
I need someone to back up Addai and Turner. Washington has looked very good in preseason action and I’m cautiously optimistic that he’ll be strong enough this season to play well when my other RB’s are on bye. In the AA draft last season, I took him in the 4th round, reaching because I love his talent. I guess this is another reach, but what can I say—I have faith in the guy. Me and Pete Carroll.

120

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:13

for twilson
9.10 Eddie Royal, WR, Den
I hate using the “somebody has to catch the ball” reasoning for a pick, but this is a situation in which it definitely applies. From what I have read, Royal will be getting a chance to redeem himself after the lost season he put forth last year. The upside is his 2008 line of nearly 1000 yds and 5 TDs. I am expecting a significantly lower performance, perhaps 600 yds with a handful of TDs. Combining that production with his historical numbers as a return man place him squarely in the WR3 tier. Since I’m getting him at a WR4 price, I think it’s worth the gamble.

121

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:14

for youngroman
9.11 Jonathan Vilma, LB, NO
no players out there that stand out and want to be taken here. So I looked at a hole to fill. There are some elite LB left that will not be there in 21 picks. So I better grab a 2nd one now before it is too late. I considered a few others too (Lofton, Briggs, Harrison). Vilma is my man because of the weaker players around him. this should give him even more tackle opportunities. or at least the hope is there that this will be the case. bigger upside = signed!

122

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:17

for Smith32
9.12 Curtis Lofton, LB, Atl
I never heard of this guy before. But I wanted to get an IDP here, and he was near the top of the ADP list among undrafted LBs and pretty highly ranked on the 2 sites that I use for IDP projections. He's the MLB in the Falcons 4-3 and had 105 solo tackles last year. In hindsight, I probably should have taken Forsett here, but I was afraid the RB situation in SEA would be a total mess and they might be terrible on offense this year.

123

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:33

for Frick
9.13 Justin Forsett, RB, Sea
I needed another RB and the choices are dwindling slowly. Forsett has been cut a number of times, but his competition doesn't look to fierce. Hopefully he can get the majority of touches. This was a risk/reward pick. If it doesn't pan out, off to the WW I go.

124

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:34

for Fugazi
9.14 Bernard Berrian, WR, Min
I got lucky with this pick. The news about Rice had just surfaced, and it was my pick. I needed my number three wideout, so there was not much to think about.

10.01 London Fletcher, LB, Was
After looking over the available players at skill positions, I figured it was time to Build my IDP crew. Fletcher is a great player to begin with. He scores around ten points a game. Hes everything a young boy could want in a LB.

125

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:35

for Frick
10.02 Donovan McNabb, QB, Phi
Passing on Manning in round 1 is a decision I'm regretting more and more as the draft goes on. Schaub has a history of injuries, while Manning has only missed a handful of snaps to injury.

McNabb provides a decent back-up in case of injury and as a bye week replacement.

for Smith32
10.03 LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, NYJ
So I pass on a guy at 9.12 who is likely to be the starter to take a guy at 10.03 who will be the 3rd down back? Brilliant. Anyhow, the Jets will run the ball - alot. And I don't think they're going to give it to Greene 400 times. As Matthew Berry says - LT is getting older but he's not DEAD. Plus I think Tomlinson is motivated to prove he's not done yet, and he's looked good in the preseason. Even if he's in decline mode, I think Rd 10 is pretty cheap, and he's my RB4. I thought about Fred Jackson, but the Buffalo running game is also a mess and they might not be very good either.

126

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:35

for youngroman
10.04 Fred Jackson, RB, Buf
Last time I checked he still was the #1 for the Bills. The question will be when he will be healthy again. The latest he should be back is week 3. I have no problem with that as long as Mathews/McCoy stay healthy.

Jackson showed that he can run last year. every time he got the ball at least 20 times he rushed for 99 or more yards with the masterpiece of 212 yards in week 17 against a depleted Colts defense. when healthy, a consistent 100 yards from scrimmage is not out of question.

127

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:36

for twilson
10.05 Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pit
In the last three years, Roethlisberger has been ranked #4, #22, and #3 as his position in PPG. He will likely be suspended for the first 4 weeks of the season, but that shouldn’t affect him once he returns. It isn’t often one can take a guy who puts up those kind of numbers as the 15th QB off the board. McNabb would’ve been another consideration had he dropped.

128

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:36

for Motley Crue
10.06 Robert Meachem, WR, NO
Meachem’s a fellow with whom I have a love/hate relationship. I was all over him in his second season because it seemed like he was ready to break out. Instead he just got broken. Last year, when I didn’t draft him, he had some real flashes. It seems to me he’s one of the 2 most talented WR’s on the roster in New Orleans. While Thug Life cools his heels in NFL jail, Meachem gets a crack at my starting lineup. We’ll see what happens after Week 7 when all 4 of my guys are competing for the starts. Could be some fireworks here.

129

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:37

for IAC
10.07 Philadelphia Eagles defense
I'm already behind in picking IDPs, so I figured I'd just get ahead of the group that hopefully should start drafting TeamD. I also drafted the Eagles last year in the 10th round. Maybe everyone has bought into the propaganda that one TeamD is as good as another? I don't buy it. I think the Eagles will produce a LOT of sacks this year, and should be stingy in making turn-overs.

130

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:38

for Electroman
10.08 Willis McGahee, RB, Bal
The productive RB’s were basically running dry, and I wanted to get one that I thought could fill in. Did reading on a few, and from what I have read, it seems that McGahee will be doing the GL running, which is good for TD’s, but also that teams have been inquiring about him. So he could be a starter somewhere soon, which would add to his value.

131

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 10:38

for letter j
10.09 Vincent Jackson, WR, SD
Jackson would have been drafted in the fourth or fifth rounds provided he was not holding out due to his desired pay raise. Five rounds later, he seemed like real good value so I pulled the trigger. A boom bust pick.

132

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 13:29

for Promize
10.10 Carson Palmer, QB, Cin
Well at this point I figured I needed another QB just in case my first QB went down. As well as having someone cover the by. I also believe this is either going to be a rocket big season for Carson or when the two ego twins blow up it will be a horrible season. A gamble I would say huh? With the moves CIN made it really looks like they are going to be an air attack this year, so will see. I saw a couple preseason games with them and it looks like they are targeting both WR's. I think it will be a good 10th round pick up if all the stars align.

133

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 13:29

for Slizz
10.11 Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
As stated above, I had two running backs with a week 8 bye. Nevertheless, I needed another guy who can start and give me the potential to be a #1 back.

Enter McFadden. McFadden is ONLY 23. I’m hoping that his lack of production to this point was more or less a byproduct of the Raiders crappy QB play. I think that stands to change as 7-8 wins is actually expected due to some stability at the QB position.

Remember, only Chris Johnson had a higher speed score than McFadden and the Raiders finally look to have a decent offense. If McFadden ends up living up to his draft status, I will have a steal here. If he doesn’t, I lose out on a pick to provide depth. In the 10th round, these are the risks that you have to take.

134

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 13:30

for Bonka
10.12 Matthew Stafford, QB, Det
Coming in to the draft I had wanted to grab a solid QB. I was hoping to get one in the 3rd round, but for whatever reason, people decided most of them should go before round 3. Then I figured I'd grab 2 decent QBs for a QBBC if needed between rounds 8-12. Bam, QB run while I'm gone and can't do anything. Felt I could float some of the remaining QBs I liked until this turn but McNabb, Roethlisberger, and Palmer all went. Luckily I felt comfortable with 2 guys remaining who could out perform their draft slot. Stafford is a guy with pretty good upside with a hopefully more high powered Lions offense. He should be improved from his rookie year and Detroit should be playing from behind a lot, so lots of passing opportunity. I just need to pair him with as best I can grab from the remaining QBs.

135

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 13:32

10.13 Steve Slaton, RB, Hou
Well, if Sidney Rice is going to burn me with sudden hip surgery, at least he did it before the draft was over, so that I can react sooner than later. And reacting sooner means picking up another serviceable receiver. This pick was probably going to be made by queue, so I started assembling one about 14 picks in advance – and after awhile, I decided that after Berrian and Meachem, no one struck me as decidedly better than a F/A pickup in week 2 or 3. I’ll still add another WR or two along the way, but the value just seems too speculative at this point.

So, I’m going back to the original plan, which was to take a backup RB and another LB in this turn. Fred Jackson was really my first choice, but he disappeared a few picks ago (although after my queue was set.). Slaton is now “penciled” in to return kicks for Houston, while also backing up Arian Foster. I’ll confess that I didn’t fully research this pick, trying to sift through a dozen or so possible offensive players into a queue.

I also had Carson Palmer and Roethlisberger queued up for this pick. No such luck.

In any event, I hope not to have to use Slaton much, behind Jones-Drew and Ryan Grant. If Slaton sees much action for my team, then the season isn’t going well.

136

Building 7
Leader
ID: 171572711
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 14:37

10.14 Derrick Mason, WR, BAL

The Rodney Dangerfield of wide receivers. He gets no respect from drafters. He gets 1000 yards every year. Once in the last nine years he did not get 1000 yards. Here he is at pick #140. I’m in.

11.01 Kirk Morrison, LB, JAC

I have this guy in a keeper league. I don’t usually like to pick the same guys in different leagues, if I can avoid it. IMO he was the last of the top linebackers. I did consider McClain the rookie, who went with the next pick. I’m not sure he’s going to play on 3rd down. That’s if Oakland can force the other team into a 3rd down. He was awesome in college. In fact, he’s taking Morrison’s place. And Morrison is going from one bad defense to another.

137

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 15:08

11.02 Rolando McClain, LB, Oak
I looked over a range of different LB projections, and two that seemed to be highly ranked by everyone were Morrison and McClain. Since B7 just took Morrison, I got McClain.

Even though he’s a rookie, everyone is expecting him to start from day one and rack up a boatload of tackles (curiously enough, replacing Morrison’s spot in the Oakland LB corps.) Here’s hoping that the consensus is right.

138

Guru
ID: 330592710
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 15:09

for Bonka
11.03 Vince Young, QB, TEN

Finally, something QB related went my way and nobody took Young on the turn. I have him ranked right next to Stafford and feel he should put up very good numbers as he did once he took over starting again last season. He's a threat to run, and with defenses zoned in on Johnson...watch out. I hate to blow back to back picks on QBs this early, but really felt like I had no choice. I figured QBs would thin out by my next pick and didn't feel comfortable with relying on Stafford all season. I'm confident I can make up anything I lost by doing this in the next few rounds and would not be surprised to see either or both of these QBs to finish top 12 after being the 17th and 18th QBs taken.

139

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 20:19

for Slizz

11.04, Green Bay Packers Defense
I didn't see much value elsewhere, so I opted to go with the defense before I was left picking from the scraps like I am with Wide Receiver. I really think this team can be a potent force on defense starting with their defensive line. They feature a Solid LB corps, and strong cornerback play. No real in-depth analysis other than they were the best available option on the board.

140

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 20:20

for Promize

11.05 DeMarcus Ware, LB, DAL
Wanted to make sure I had enough LB's to choose from come playing time. Ware always seems to be pretty solid fantasy player. He was injured most of the year last year, so lets hope that doesn't happen again this year.. Need to watch that foot I guess after being repaired.

141

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 20:21

for letterj

11.06 Greg Olsen, TE, CHI
I'm not buying all the talk about OC Mike Martz not making proper use of TEs in his system. Olsen is a wideout masquerading as a TE, and I think Martz knows it, so I believe that he'll make proper use of Olsen. Besides, there is not much else in Chicago that can catch the ball downfield (other than a previously selected WR). I had my eye on several other TEs, but they were previously selected.

142

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 20:22

for Electroman

11.07 San Francisco 49ers Defense
They have a solid D. Were top 5 in many categories, including PA, takeaways, and sacks. That is not only good in real football, but in fantasy, it is great. Got a lot of playmakers there, so I doubt there will be a letdown.

143

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 20:22

for IAC

11.08 John Carlson, TE, SEA
Another "value" pick, but one that I'm not overly excited about. Once Guru took McClain off the board, I decided I'd go another round w/o IDP. With the Flex spot, Carlson "could" end up coming in to cover bye weeks for my top 3 receivers as well as Vernon Davis. Seattle is generally a passing team, and lost Burleson who had over 100 targets last year... Carlson should pick up a bit of the left-overs.

144

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 20:23

11.09 Stewart Bradley, LB, PHI

What can I say? I’m a risk taker. Is he back to 100% after tearing up his knee? Even if he is, will he slide right back into form and get as many opportunities? It’s hard to tell, but the 11th round is a good place to take a chance on a player with this much upside. I know there were about 4.5 managers sitting there going, “Well I can always pick Stewart Bradley as my 3rd LB in the 17th round.” To those guys I say, “Are you kidding me?” [This rationale has to break some kind of record for most questions asked, doesn’t it? See what I did there? I added a few more questions.]

145

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:25

for twilson
11.10 Lance Briggs, LB, CHI
Briggs is a proven low-end LB1. He has averaged at least 7.8 ppg for each of the last 6 years, and at age 29, his physical prime has not yet fully passed. I really like having 2 very reliable IDPs around which I can try fliers, and Briggs will join Beason as part of this year’s core. This is the 4th year of 5 in which I have owned Briggs in my RIFC league (and the latest I’ve drafted him), so there’s clearly something that draws me. I seriously contemplated picking up Thomas Jones as a handcuff at this spot, but decided to take a risk. This is probably something that I’ll look back upon negatively at the conclusion of the draft, but what’s done is done.

146

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:26

11.11 Yeremiah Bell, DB, MIA

I felt the need for another IDP. I looked at the LBs available because they are usually worth the most but none of the remaining guys stood out. It is far too early for a DL, so I better grab one of the top DBs while they are still left.

Bell is a tackle machine. he averaged nearly 100 tackles over the last 2 seasons and that is the value we are searching in RIFC. the only other player to challenge him for this roster spot was Tyvon Branch. in th end Bell got the call, but don't ask me why.

147

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:27

for Smith32
11.12 Nate Burleson, WR, DET
This was a bit of a busted pick because I mistakenly thought Burleson was going to return punts (thanks Yahoo! depth charts - grrr). However, I now see (on Rotoworld) that he is not going to be the primary punt returner. Aromashadu would have been a better choice if Burleson doesn't return any punts. He is, however, the WR2 for the Lions, and Stafford should take another step in his development this year and get Nate his fair share of targets, so maybe he'll have some value.

148

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:27

for Frick
11.13 Javon Ringer, RB, TEN
This was probably to early to take this pick, but I needed another RB, and any injury to C. Johnson makes Ringer the steal of the draft with the trading of UNDRAFTED.

149

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:27

for Fugazi
11.14 Thomas Jones, RB, KC
I have drafted Jones three years in a row now. He produces great numbers year after year. I don't expect anything different this year. He was a total steal this late in the draft.

150

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:28

for Fugazi
12.01 James Harrison, LB, PIT
I really wanted to get another solid IDP here. That's exactly what Harrison is. He will be out there week after week, batting down balls sacking QB'S and destroying all before him.I love watching this guy play.

151

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:28

for Frick
12.02 Minnesota Vikings Defense
I have the Vikings as one of the top5 Defenses and being at the end of a draft means that if you don't start a trend, you can be a long time until you can address the issue.

152

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:29

for Smith32
12.03 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense
I had the DEF split into 3 tiers - the elite (9 teams), the serviceable (11 teams), and the dreaded "others" (12 teams). Most of the elite were already gone (NYJ, BAL, PHI, GB, SFO, MIN), and the Vikes were taken right before this pick, so I figured if I wanted an elite DEF I needed to take it now. The Steelers play an aggressive style that leads to sacks and turnovers, so they usually do well as a fantasy unit. In case anyone was curious, the other two teams in my elite tier were Dallas and New Orleans, who have both since been drafted.

153

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 04:31

12.04 Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE

the plan was not to add another RB here but Hardesty had too much value. He returned to practice today, is scheduled to participate in the last preseason game and might taker over the starting gig if either Harrison is not playing as expected or the Browns are out of the playoff race. and looking at their talent I don't see them with too many wins early in the season. so I expect him to start sooner than later.

154

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 10:58

for twilson

12.05 David Garrard, QB, JAX
Garrard may not offer the upside of the other QBs available, but he is tremendously consistent year in and year out. The WR corps is gradually improving (though it still has a ways to go), and despite some rumors to the contrary his starting job looks to be safe. Since Big Ben is going to be out for the first 5 weeks (including bye), I wanted to lock down my preferred backup before the long wait until my next pick.

155

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 10:59

12.06 Bernard Pollard, DB, HOU

Last year, I had Pollard on my AA Championship-Winning Squad and let me tell you: he was a big part of the reason I won. He was a machine at safety for the Texans after missing a few games to start 2009. I expect his numbers to taper slightly this season, but assuming he plays a full season (and what else would someone assume?), he can make up for it. I am expecting Top 10 DB performance from the guy.

156

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 11:42

for IAC
12.07 Trent Cole, DL, Phi
As part my of research on the Eagles Defense I ran across the fact that [un-drafted] has won the battle to start at the other end spot. This duo will be supremely hard to stop, as teams won't be able to focus exclusively on either one of them independently. Looks like all the LB1s are off the board now.

157

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 11:42

for Electroman
12.08 Jabar Gaffney, WR, Den
I was looking at the WR’s available, and Gaffney stepped out because of his knowledge of the offense, and the fact that there is not much in terms of receivers in Denver. He has a connection with the QB so far in pre-season games. I think he fills a nice role as a #4 WR and bye week fill-in

158

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 11:43

for letterj
12.09 Jerod Mayo, LB, NE
I tend to prefer LBs that play in 4-3, rather than 3-4. Mayo is, however, on the field all the time, so he should represent good value. I timed out and was skipped due to an unexpected work commitment and I missed out on several other players I had targeted, so I went with a need-to-fill position.

159

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 11:43

for Promize
12.10 Dallas defense
Short and brief on this one. Wanted to get a Defense under my belt and looked to be the best one on the chart at that time. I actually had Vikings and 49ers queued up, but they went just a few picks previously. So missed out.

160

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 11:44

for Slizz
12.11 Kenny Britt, WR, Ten
Best skill position player left on my board (Ranked 101). Worked perfectly with me as I needed a 4th Wide Receiver in case Dexter McCluster ends up being a dud. My projections have him at 700 yards and 6 TD's (which is a tad conservative...but also what to expect from him).

That being said, it should provide me with a competent starter I can rely on should someone stink it up. Per my guide: "The Titans’ first impressive rookie receiver for the better part of a decade, Britt did his best work as a deep threat on first down. He had an increasing role as the year went on and is likely to emerge as the clear top target as soon as 2010. He will have to improve his reliability, as he struggled in the tighter windows of short and intermediate routes, especially on third downs.

What I gather from that is that he is a low risk pick with the potential for a big year...fine by me.

161

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 11:45

for Bonka
12.12 Justin Tuck, DL, NYG
After making my round 11 pick, I had hoped I could grab Trent Cole or Jabar Gaffney in round 12. Well, as it goes, they almost made it to me, but not quite. I decided now was the time to grab my DL since you can get a solid gain over others at the position. I drafted Tuck last year as well, and even with essentially missing 2 games due to injury from a bush league trip from Flozell Adams, Tuck managed to finish 7th among DL. He should hopefully keep up the production and finish in the top 5 at least.

162

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 11:46

12.13 Brandon Jackson, RB, GB
When I drafted Ryan Grant in round 2, I decided that I’d better eventually nab Jackson as a handcuff. The trick is to figure out how long to wait. I had tentatively planned to wait until round 14, but I’ve been burned in the past by waiting too late for a desired handcuff, and in the absence of a compelling alternative, I’m going to nail this one down now.

While Jackson’s primary role for GB and me is as Grant’s backup, he may be playable in a pinch even in tandem with a healthy Ryan. He’s likely to get some KR duties, and if GB is as successful at scoring as many anticipate, he could get a respectable amount of regular work as well, especially in “running out the clock” situations.

163

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 12:43

for Building 7
12.14 Tim Hightower, RB, AZ
I was looking for a 4th RB here, since my handcuff got picked. It came down to Mr. X, Kevin Smith and this guy. Tim had the best bye week. It looks like they are still starting this guy. I would go with Beanie. I hope he doesn’t have to see a lot of action. After these three, it wasn’t looking good at RB IMO. And I didn’t think any of them would be around 23 picks from now.

13.01 Julius Peppers, DE, Chi
My DL rankings show a top group of 4 or 5. Actually, there was Jared Allen in a group my himself, and then this group. They all went in a series of picks 161 – 173 and I am glad I got a decent one. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a mini-run on DL’s. Using the various positions drop-off strategy, these two picks called for a RB and a DL. The DL position is the lowest scoring one, usually. Hopefully, my DL will score a little more than yours.

164

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 12:46

13.02 Devin Aromashodu, WR, Chi
I was all set to draft a 3rd LB here. I had even pre-written the rationale. But for some reason, Aromashadu started popping into my head as I waited for B7 to pick on the turn.

I’ve actually considered Aromashodu several times in this draft. While the prospects are intriguing, the common admonition is to “not buy the hype,” that he’s being drafted way too early in many drafts. Indeed, Mock Draft Central currently lists him as the #34 WR and the #90 offensive player drafted in recent drafts. In our league, I’m taking him as the 51st WR and the 133rd offensive player. So if nothing else, I feel like I’ve heeded the advice. In addition, he’ll be my WR4, so it’s not as though I’m depending on him week in, week out. On the other hand, if he does produce, I can adapt!

He seems to be the consensus 3rd receiver in Chicago, and with Mike Martz designing the offense, there’s plenty of room for three (or more) receivers to produce fantasy-worthy stats, assuming Cutler can deliver the ball to them.

I have no specific stat projection in mind. I expect he’ll have some games as a hero, and some with a zero. Hopefully, I’ll have the good fortune to deploy him on those heroic occasions (like that’s gonna happen!)

166

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 13:43

13.03 Mike Williams, WR, TB

At this point in the draft you can do almost anything since it's hard to predict what players are going to be taken. I figured I'd grab my first backup WR since there were some left that stood out. Williams is one of those. He's a rookie on a mediocre team, and wasn't even the first WR drafted this year on that team, but he's been very impressive and looks to be locked in to a starting position, most likely the WR1 for the Bucs. While you can't rely on rookies to put up consistent numbers, I'll take his upside over some of the WR2/3s out there that have lower ceilings.

167

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 15:53

for Slizz

13.04 Mario Williams, DL, HOU
To quote "The Beezer" from last years' draft: "No less an authority than Guru himself summarized the benefits of choosing Mario much earlier than DLs typically go – he’s a strong candidate to be #1 by several points over the field, he has a high floor barring an unanticipated injury, and with his week 10 bye, I can afford to pass on carrying a backup until over half the season is complete.
While he might not have the week 10 bye...week 7 is good enough for me.

168

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 15:53

for Promize

13.05 Will Smith, DL, NOR
DE that plays just about every down... What else can you ask for but more sacks. Well ok he made a few great movies over the time also and had a few rap albums. :)

169

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 15:54

for letterj

13.06 Brian Cushing, LB, HOU
If Cushing were not suspended for the first four games, I believe he would be near the top of everybody's IDP cheat sheets. Cushing was an absolute beast last year, and I'm banking that that continues once he returns to the squad from his league sanctioned PED suspension.

170

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 15:54

for Electroman

13.07 Kevin Smith, RB, DET
Well, most of what is left at RB is backups or people fighting to be a backup. Smith actually has a chance to start, even though I doubt that he will. He is coming off a knee injury, but has been looking good apparently. As a #4 back on my team, I thought that Smith was worth the pick.

171

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 15:55

for IAC

13.08 Chad Henne, QB, MIA
Love this pick. I'm happy to have Cutler, I'm even happier to have a solid backup plan should he implode. Qbs are just to value-able to not have a quality backup. Playing match-ups will be a great option too. Brandon Marshall's presence should only bring greater stability to the Phins air attack.

172

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 15:55

13.09 Alex Smith, QB, SFO

Pretty simple reason for taking another QB here: QB is the only position left that presents above average value this late in the draft. There are some other candidates that have more potential than Smith still on the board, but none of them are surrounded with such talent. Between the RB’s, the TE, the WR’s and the line, this offense is tailor made for success. I can always trade a QB if I wind up with too many good ones. No point in throwing darts at IDP’s or TM DEF’s when I’m pretty sure Smith is 2-3 ppg better than the next available QB.

173

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:26

for twilson
13.10 Bernard Scott, RB, CIN
As two of my first three RBs shared a bye week, I wanted to pick up another RB to cover me for those situations. Cincinnati likes to run the ball, and I’m of the opinion that Cedric Benson is much more a product of his environment than the other way around. Even if Benson stays healthy and productive, Scott should see a handful of carries every game. In addition, he is a good kick returner and has solid matchups during the bye weeks for my starters. As it turned out, I think I should’ve waited one more round to draft him because I was hoping to grab Tyvon Branch around the turn. Youngroman denied me that opportunity, so I was forced to change plans on the fly.

174

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:28

13.11 Tyvon Branch, DB, OAK

It was either Tyvon Branch or Eric Weddle. Both get a lot of tackles in their defenses and are therefore worth a pick here. Some projections have him as high as 3rd DB overall, so this could turn out to be great value.

175

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:29

for Smith32
13.12 Terrell Suggs, DL, BAL
I had 5 guys in the top tier of DL - Allen, Peppers, Cole, Smith and Suggs. The other 4 were taken when it was my turn, and I didn't see any better options at other positions, so I went with Suggs. Being a Redskin fan and hearing how he blew up Trent Williams in the pre-season game last week reminded me how much of a beast Suggs can be when he is healthy. Per Rotoworld, "Terrell Suggs is 20 pounds lighter than he was last season and looked dominant in Saturday's preseason game against the Redskins."

176

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:30

for Frick
13.13 Laurent Robinson, WR, STL
I wanted another receiver to help with some bye week issues. Robinson will hopefully fulfill that role, I'm not asking for much more, but maybe the STL offense will blossom and Robinson might be a decent pick. Granted, I don't put much faith in that, but it is nice to dream and if wasn't for dreams skill position picks at this point wouldn't happen.

177

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:30

for Fugazi
13.14 Stephen Tulloch, LB, TEN
Just getting another solid IDP here. My internet was down so I did not get to research him much. But what I read I liked. Perhaps I should have taken another WR at this point, Only having three. But I just could not make up my mind on any.

178

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:30

for Fugazi
14.01 Charles Woodson, DB, GB
Woodson is amazing. Every year I think he's done, and he just gets better. Again I should have taken a WR but Woodson was just too enticing.

179

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:31

for Frick
14.02 Tracy Porter, DB, NO
I am an IU football fan and I'm probably one of a handful that saw Porter play more than 1 or 2 college games. He's a decent CB and a bit of a homer pick for me. Although I'm still trying to get over the Superbowl.

180

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:31

for Smith32
14.03 Eric Weddle, DB, SD
Another IDP I don't know anything about other than that he's ranked high on a lot of IDP cheat sheets. Looking at his stats, he had 105 solo tackles in 2008, but struggled with injury during 2009, missing 3 games. His 7.4 ppg were top-10 last year. He apparently didn't like one of his teammates, and that guy is now gone. My queue contained Woodson and Tulloch ahead of Weddle, but both were taken right before this pick.

181

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 18:33

14.04 Kyle Orton, QB, DEN

I'll better grab a 2nd QB now before all the "good" ones are gone in 21 picks. I don't want to end up with a [undrafted] or [undrafted].
Orton looks great in camp. His contract was extended for another year, so I don't think that the Broncos switch to [QB3] this year. Orton is capable of throwing 300yds in any game. that can't be said about most other available QBs. and if all goes well I only need him in week 4 against the Titans, the 7th worst pass defense last year.

182

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 19:32

for twilson

14.05 Brian Dawkins, DB, DEN
I had no positions here where I felt I could not wait and get pretty much the same value, so I went for an IDP since depth is a littler nicer there than elsewhere at this point. Dawkins put up 8 ppg in his first Denver year. I don’t expect him to keep up that pace, but it’ll be nice to own the former Eagle.

183

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 19:32

14.06 Danny Amendola, WR, STL

Return man extraordinaire last season, he averaged nearly 10 points over 14 games. There’s certainly a risk that he may lose out on some or all of the return work this year; and he only scored 1 TD last season. However, the 14th round is a great place to take a risk that he might repeat or even improve on 2009’s performance. The Rams will certainly be returning lots of kickoffs this year. [I guess that sort of counts as mentioning an undrafted player. Oh no! I hope that doesn’t help anyone or ruin anyone’s draft strategy!]

184

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 23:30

for IAC
14.07 Mike Thomas, WR, Jax
Had this guy rostered at times throughout last year. Liked his consistency due to regular targets plus return duty mix. This year, he should keep some of the returns while moving up to #2 on the depth chart at WR. Not quite a flyer guy.

185

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 23:31

for Electroman
14.08 Dustin Keller, TE, NYJ
Back up TE here. He is on a team with a young QB, and he is a young player. He has a skill set that is impressive, and could produce big numbers. Had a good playoff last year, he will be a good one, but we will see how the offense in NY runs this year.

186

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 23:31

for letterj
14.09 Mark Sanchez, QB, NYJ
Sanchez proved himself to the Jets last post season, and, given all of the weapons that he has at his disposal, he could very well put up top-10 numbers. Prior to the knee injury, Sanchez was also considered to be a fairly mobile QB, with the ability to take it in from short distances in the red zone.

187

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 23:32

for Promize
14.10 Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Cle
Ok, probably one of those root for the home player picks again and I tend to grab him in most leagues. He is a Georgia Dawg and did well in college. He didn't have any big break out games last year being on the Browns, but he did lead the team a couple times. Not much other talent up in Cleveland so hopefully he will continue to get noticed and put a few numbers up for me on the board when needed.

188

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 23:34

for Slizz
14.11 Javier Arenas, CB, KC

Total reach and gamble here...if it pans out, great, if it doesn't...I could probably get a Safety or someone off of waivers (i.e. Tyvon Branch) later on in the season. When I gave the pick to Guru via IM he was like "WHO?!?!?!"

The reason why I chose him: He is the KR/PR for Kansas City. He was a playmaker in college and will be the nickel back for the Chiefs...given how crappy their defense is he will probably get plenty of opportunity to impress in the return game. That being said, he should be good for at least 8ppg which would put him in a tier 1/2 at defensive back (i.e. 128 points on the season...33 shy of Willis last year).

190

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 23:36

14.12 DeAndre Levy, LB, DET

Levy is moving in to an every down role this season for Detroit and has pretty good upside. There should be plenty of tackle opportunities and he could finish as an LB1, but expect no lower than LB2 production.

191

Guru
ID: 330592710
Thu, Aug 26, 2010, 23:36

14.13 Matt Cassel, QB, KC
Better nab a backup QB before the pickins’ are thin.

Oh wait, they already are thin. Well, before they’re totally picked clean, then. And since B7 also has only one QB so far, I figured I’d better take mine now, and then get an IDP after the turn. There’s much more depth at IDP right now.

Matt Ryan is my starting QB, and should have a lock on that role (for me and for Atlanta) as long as he stays healthy. I need a bye week filler (week 8) and an injury backup.

Heading into this pick, my short list was Cassell, Sanchez, and one other undrafted QB – probably in that order. Hoping for modest improvement from last year, with a better running attack to keep the defenses more honest, and a new offensive coordinator in Charlie Weis. KC is at home vs Buffalo in week 8, which seems relatively benign. Hopefully, that will be Cassel’s only non-clipboard appearance for my squad.

192

Building 7
Leader
ID: 171572711
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 08:03

14.14 San Diego Defense

I usually try to get two good defenses and use them both. San Diego has the 2nd easiest schedule for a team with only three losses in the history of the NFL. I’m not sure they’re even any good, but they play such lousy teams it doesn’t matter. They also fit in well with the Ravens schedule, having nice match-ups when the Ravens play high powered offenses. The easiest schedule for a team with three losses? The 1972 Miami Dolphins. You may remember that team.

15.01 Matt Hasselback, QB, SEA

It’s time for a backup QB. I usually try to get a good one, because you can trade one sometimes. I’m not sure what happened this year. Matt is at St. Louis when Romo is off.
That’s pretty much all I needed unless Romo gets injured.

193

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 08:56

15.02 Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pit
In the RIFC, I’ve historically had good results with IDPs. So last year, I tried to see if I could field a competitive IDP crew by waiting until later in the draft to fill my LB spots. After taking my first LB in round 9, I waited until round 20 to take my second LB.

The end result was not so good. My IDPs ended up as one of my weaker components, and that may have been enough to keep me out of the playoffs, as I just marginally fell short. So this year I’m going to try to keep better balance. I have two LBs already, and Timmons is my third solid one.

Timmons will be a starting ILB this year, and while he’s not projected to get as many tackles as some of the leading LBs, he has registered 12 sacks in the last two years – one sack is worth 3 tackles in this league. I suspect that’s why he is not ranked as highly on many of the “canned” rankings, where sacks are not as significantly valued. I actually had Timmons as the “next player” (behind Rolando McClain) in my queue for round 11, so I’m really pleased that he’s still there four rounds later.

194

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 09:57

for Bonka
15.03 Correll Buckhalter, RB, Den
I was one of a couple teams remaining with only 3 RBs at this point and in this league, that's somewhat of a problem. I knew I had to grab another here before more got taken before my next pick. Buckhalter was solid last year when he played and Moreno has some injury issues and doesn't seem to be an amazing back, so Buckhalter should get plenty of work.

195

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 09:58

for Slizz
15.04 Davone Bess, WR, Mia
Honestly…I think Davone Bess has a chance to be a solid bye-week fill-in for my regulars. He is now their punt returner and a reliable slot WR (*crossing fingers for a poor man’s welker!*)

No matter where he ends up on the depth chart, Bess is a great complementary player — he led the AFC with 35 third-down receptions. If Brandon Marshall commands plenty of coverage and Henne takes the next step forward…he could put up some good numbers!

196

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 09:59

for Promize
15.05 Eric Berry, DB, KC
Stud at Tennessee and hopefully it will boil over into the SEC. He is playing in KC which probably means he will be on the field a lot. Which should equal lots of tackles and maybe some interceptions. I think he will make DB1 status easily this year.

197

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 09:59

for letter j
15.06 Chicago Bears def
The Bears added Julius Peppers on the offseason, a move that should help the defense produce turnovers. That, and the return of the (hopefully) healthy leader of the D - Brian Urlacher - could very well make the Bears one of the defenses to have in 2010.

198

Guru
ID: 330592710
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 10:00

for Electroman
15.07 Matt Leinhart, QB, AZ
Ugh, I can’t believe I got Leinart. I place in him in my list, but hoped that I would not get him. But, as I got emails, I see the guys higher on the list going, and I couldn’t remember the order I placed them in. Then I get the news that it looks like the Cards have given up on him. Looks like he could be an early cut. Possible wasted pick.

199

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 16:25

for IAC
15.08 Chad Greenway, LB, MIN
BRAINFART! I was setting up queue's and somehow I selected Greenway when I was intending on targeting EJ Henderson (who went 3 picks later). I guess I sorted by ADP, and since Greenway was up higher... oh well. I don't mind this guy either, just could have probably landed him in the next round, but maybe not.

200

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 16:26

for Mötley Crüe
15.09 Kareem Huggins, RB, TB
OK, I admit it. I stole Bonka’s cheat sheet. I think maybe Bonka and I both hang around at RotoWorld.

I know next to nothing about Kareem Huggins. The bottom line is that he’s number 2 on Tampa’s depth chart today and Cadillac Williams has not shown a ton of durability. Maybe Kareem Huggins is terrible and Cadillac will have an All Pro season. I need some RB depth, though, so time to gamble a little bit.

Anyone noticing a theme here?

201

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 16:26

for twilson
15.10 Louis Murphy, WR, OAK
Louis Murphy was the best WR in Oakland last year as a rookie, easily outperforming the 1st rounder Heyward-Bey. Now that he has a QB capable of throwing the ball, I expect a significant boost in performance. Whether or not that boost makes him relevant fantasy-wise is the question, and I can’t say for certain which way it will end up.

202

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 16:27

15.11 Erin J. Henderson, LB, MIN

it was time for a team defense, but with all 3 teams between now and my next pick already having one, I can pass a last time.

I feel solid at QB and RB and I hope I get some sleepers at WR. No need to draft a 2nd TE this early, so it was IDP again. as mentioned earlier LBs are usually worth more than DBs. this is still the case at this stage of the draft. Henderson is healthy again and he showed that with 7 tackles in limited playing time in the last preseason game. that are some serious tackle numbers, even for the preseason. as long as he stays healthy there is a chance that he tops 90 tackles this year. not bad for a 5th IDP or 15th round pick.

204

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 18:49

for Smith32
15.12 Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
At the time of this pick, I was a little nervous about Owen Daniels being at full strength (and now I see he will be on a limited snap count in the early weeks) so I figured I should grab a backup. Gresham is a rookie, but looks to have a full-time job in the CIN offense. If defenses key on the established veterans, Gresham could have some value. In hindsight, Rd 15 is way too early for a guy like this.

205

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 18:50

for Frick
15.13 Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
As I said in an earlier rationale. Skill position picks at this point are unlikely to pan out, but when they do they are difference makers. I don't see Gerhart being an everyone down back, but think he has a chance to be a TD vulture based on his running style.

206

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 18:50

for Fugazi
15.14 Austin Collie, WR, IND
Just taking a shot in the dark here. The news on Collie wasn't great but I had little choice, After waiting so late on my fourth WR. I'm sure there will be more suspect WR'S to come my way. I'm just hoping a couple will work out.

207

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 18:51

for Fugazi
16.01 Devin Thomas, WR, WAS
Hedging my bet here. I don't really know too much about Thomas but he was ranked fairly high on some of my sheets, not sure why? Oh well if he stinks I'll cut him.

208

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 18:51

for Frick
16.02 Golden Tate, WR, SEA
I had the opportunity to watch Tate several times last year. He was amazing at going up for the ball and coming down with it. Will that translate into the NFL? Possibly and he should get plenty of chances in Seattle. He also could get some chances at returning and thus justifies a pick imo.

209

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 18:51

for Smith32
16.03 Matt Moore, QB, CAR
I rushed a little when making my queue for rds 15/16. At this point in the draft, it gets really hard to find any value. I figure Moore will either be a pleasant surprise in his first year as the signal caller in CAR, or he'll suck and I can get rid of him in favor of one of the hot early season waiver wire guys. Moore was excellent in the last few games of last year and seems to have chemistry with S Smith, but this is a run-first offense and there's no one other than Smith to throw to.

210

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 18:52

16.04 New Orleans Defense

defenses are like kickers, you can't really predict how they will score. Of course you can predict in which tier they should end up, but that's it. This is one reason why I waited this long to pick a defense.
The Saints won the Superbowl, and can win it again this year. so I just took the defense of the best team in football. in the 16th round! I don't expect too much change in their scoring other than a lower defense TD number. everything else should be the same. and as long as the offense is on the field, the defense won't lose points because of yardage/points allowed. is this a good strategy? we will see.

211

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 20:37

for twilson

16.05 New England Patriots Defense
The Patriots were a respectable though unexciting fantasy defense a year ago as they embarked on their transition away from the veteran group that had helped them win their Super Bowls. Another year should only enhance the unit’s performance. It doesn’t hurt that the QBs in their division are quite weak on the whole. I also strongly considered the Giants, Bengals, and Dolphins.

212

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Fri, Aug 27, 2010, 20:38

16.06 Fred Taylor, RB, NEP

Fred Taylor was a great running back once upon a time. If he stays healthy for 16 games, he’s the most talented RB on the New England Patriots. That “if” is so unlikely that he’s being drafted in the middle of the 16th round, after 200+ other players. An easy cut if he doesn’t generate north of 8 ppg out of the gate. How’s that for confidence in this pick?

213

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 11:33

for IAC
16.07 Roman Harper, SS, NO

Harper just seems to get it done in the tackles numbers every year. SS tends to be the position of choice for DB's, and I got to start at least one of them.

214

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 11:34

for Electroman
16.08 Dashon Goldson, DB, SF
I have Shonn, Knowshon, know I have Dashon. That is pretty much why I picked him;) Along with the fact that he had a breakout season. Produced pretty solid numbers in all categories. He’s a solid IDP.

215

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 11:35

for letter j
16.09 Jerricho Cotchery, WR, NYJ
Vincent Jackson is out for at least the first three games (provided he signs, which I believe he will) and I wanted a little flexibility with my WRs in the early weeks. With Santonio Holmes out for the first four games, Cotchery should provide the depth that I seek.

216

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 11:35

for Promize
16.10 Nate Kaeding, K, SD
Simple enough, I sort of felt that the kicker rush would be coming soon and wanted to get a solid kicker for my team. With each week coming down to just a few points of winning and losing, having solid points from a good kicker is important I feel.

217

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 11:36

for Slizz
16.11 LaMarr Woodley, LB, Pit
Shortest analysis ever: I needed a LB, never had Woodley, and he has always killed it for Ref in G24.

218

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 11:36

for Bonka
16.12 Brandon Tate, WR, NE
Phew. I had listened to an interview with a Patriot's beat writer earlier in the day and heard Tate was on top of the depth chart for returns. He should also be the 3rd receiver behind Moss and Welker. That means he gets a pretty decent bump up from normal rankings. I got worried when the game was on tonight though and he returned the opening kickoff for a TD, then had another return for 43 yards. Since the draft was stalled, I was afraid people would see what he was doing and possibly toss him in their queues. Luckily he was still there so hopefully I have someone doing returns the whole year while also being the 3rd receiver on a Pats team that passes a lot.

219

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 11:37

16.13 Oshiomogho Atogwe, DB, StL
I just like the name.

Seriously.

Well, that and he’s a decent safety on a defense that’s likely to be on the field a lot, just like last year. I had him on another team last year, and was pleased with the performance – stable, but not flashy. Averaged 7.3 points per game. Until he was injured, at least.

But mostly, it’s the name.

220

Building 7
Leader
ID: 171572711
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 11:55

16.14 Legedu Naanee, WR, SD

Sometimes I have to look up a player’s first or last name. Not with this guy or my next pick. I had to lookup both names. The #1 wide receiver in SD is out. Everyone thinks Floyd will be the new go to guy. But, I don’t see why it can’t be Legedu. Or both. Plenty of scoring and yards to go around on that team. I also looked at Mr. X here.

17.01 Lofa Tatupu, LB, SEA

Lofa can get 100 tackles if he stays healthy. I prefer a LB in a 3 LB system. Those ones that play the 3-4, I can never figure out who is going to get the tackles. Plus they have to be split 4 ways vs. 3. I don’t know if that makes any sense or not, but it doesn’t matter because it’s my team and that’s the way I’m going to do it. Unless I see compelling evidence to the contrary. Ray Lewis is an exception, but I think the other linebackers on the Ravens are more scared of Lewis that the running back, so they let him make the tackle.

221

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 12:12

17.02 Rashad Jennings, RB, Jax
I was going to wait until a later round for this handcuff, but with recent reports that Jones-Drew has not practiced for three days for undisclosed reasons, I don’t want to risk an untimely announcement and then have someone else swoop in. Since the time I made this pick, rumors abound on Jones-Drew, and the issue seems to be knee soreness. Nothing seems to indicate he’ll miss any regular season time (yet) – but I’m glad I nabbed Jennings here, as his name has now been bandied about at several sites. Of course, if MJD were to have to miss extended time early in the season, the Jags might decide to shop for an alternative. I don’t even want to think about that!

As far as I can discern, Jennings is the undisputed backup, should get some action each week, and may get some return duties. I’m not going to have a deep RB bench, so it’s important that I have the handcuffs for my two top RBs – and now I do.

222

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 12:45

17.03 Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE

Too early. Rookie TEs aren't worth touching. I'm guessing that's what you were thinking. Both could be right, but after seeing multiple other guys I had hoped I could grab a few rounds after they went, I decided I just had to grab the guy I liked. Hernandez is basically a WR running around in a TE body. He wasn't drafted to block and he's looked good in pre-season when he's played. The guy runs with the WRs at practice and could rack up 30 to 40 catches this season and grab a few TDs. If I'm going to draft a backup TE for Gates, I might as well grab a guy with high upside and an early bye week to dump him at if he doesn't pan out.

223

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 15:38

for Slizz
17.04 Geno Hayes, LB, TB
Honestly, I remember reading something about Hayes and thinking that this could be a steal…turns out, it was about another player and Hayes was mentioned in the same article. Go figure. Its one of those “read what I wanted to read” type deals.

Either way, he should provide sufficient starter-type #’s.

224

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 15:38

for Promize
17.05 Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
At this point I am impressed with folks who can write long reviews about players in the seventeenth round. At this point I think we are all just hoping that they will be the next big thing if a #1 would fall.

Anyways, perhaps a new QB and outlook of a team will help make some of these young receivers shine.

225

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 15:39

for letterj
17.06 New York Giants Defense
A second defense that I believe has the pieces to post good numbers. Defenses are such a crap shoot from year to year, so I thought I would follow up the earlier pick of Da Bears with another potentially stellar defense.

226

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 15:39

for Electro
17.07 Brandon Gibson, WR, STL
With the WR corps in St. Louis losing the top guy, it means that everyone has to step up. I know from last year that they are high on this guy. He finished the year strong last year also. But the passing attack in St. Louis isn’t like it once was 10 years ago, but he still has a chance of making a splash.

227

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 15:40

for IAC
17.08 LaRon Landry, DB, WAS
Landry has more ball-hawk skills then my last SS drafted, but maybe all that bouncing around from FS/SS every year leaves him a little more confused about his assignments? Talent wise, he's a solid pick here, and I finally have my first Flex-IDP.

228

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 15:40

17.09 Jason Snelling, RB, ATL

Snelling averaged 4.3 ypc for Atlanta last season spelling an injured Michael Turner. I don’t want to have to beat back the masses if something were to happen to my first round pick for a second consecutive season. This is my security blanket, and he happens to be a pretty decent running back to boot.

230

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 15:41

for twilson
17.10 Clint Session, LB, IND
Session is another returning LB to my team. The WLB spot in Indy has produced good fantasy players dating back to Cato June, and Session continued the tradition last year. I probably would’ve gone with Gary Brackett here had he not had the injury scare the night before. The Giants DEF may have been appealing had they made it 5 more picks.

231

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 15:42

17.11 Jacoby Ford, WR, OAK

He is the 2nd fastest player in the league (CJ is #1) and with the injury of WR1, Jacoby Ford gets a shot as the 3rd WR for the Raiders. In addition to that he will also return kicks and maybe even punts. So he will be a busy guy, at least early in the season. if he plays well he will be used more in the offense. if he is not that good, he will be waiver wire fodder. I am willing to take this risk with my 17th rounder.

232

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:28

for Smith32
17.12 Julian Edelman, WR, NE
Edelman is supposed to be a Wes Welker clone. Which would be great if he didn't play on the same team as Wes Welker. Welker seems to be doing ok coming off of his ACL injury, but if he isn't, I think Edelman is in a great position to be a big-time sleeper this year. He's exactly what you want in a WR5 in a 14-team league - someone who will probably score either 70 or 140 pts this year.

233

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:28

for Frick
17.13 Nick Barnett, LB, GB
I needed a 3rd LB and Barnett is a top 25 LB. I have concerns about his production with Green Bay switching to a 3-4, but hopefully he will continue to produce and possibly upgrade his sack numbers.

234

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:29

for Fugazi
17.14 Garrett Hartley, K, NO
Time for a kicker? Maybe I went a little too soon. But Hartley has a monster leg, and he should get plenty of field goal attempts. I hate scrambling around the first four or five games of the season trying to find a productive PK. So I'm going with who I believe will be the number one kicker this season. There were still some decent running backs on the board, But I figured I would try and improve the starting line up.

235

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:29

for Fugazi
18.01 Ray Edwards, DL, Min
Just grabbing a DL here. Jared Allen is about the only sure thing when it comes to a DL. So here's to hoping double teaming Allen will lead to many Edwards sacks.

236

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:29

for Frick
18.02 Mason Crosby, K, GB
Depending on who you ask this is either way to early for a kicker or about right. I know that plenty of managers don't plan on drafting a K, but then you have to play the WW and/or worry about the kickers who don't have a firm grasp on their job. Crosby is playing on what should be one of the top offenses in the league, but I'll make an exception this year.

237

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:30

for Smith32
18.03 Kevin Boss, TE, NYG
After I had time to think about the Gresham pick, I wondered why I passed on the guy who actually scored 90-some pts at TE last year. Since he was still available, I figured I would take him. Then in Week 1, I don't have to start the rookie.

238

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:31

for youngroman
18.04 Chester Taylor, RB, Chi
I was all set in taking a 2nd defense with this pick but Chester Taylor sat in the top3 available players in most, if not all projections I looked at. That is too much value to pass, even if his bye-week (8) matches that of McCoy and Hardesty.

Taylor is the #2 in Chicago, he plays a role in the passing game and is also used to return some kicks if needed. it is a long season and you never know when these skills might be useful.

239

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:31

for twilson
18.05 David Akers, K, Phi
Akers has been a top 3 kicker for both of the last two years. I believe in the talent that has been aggregated in Philadelphia on the offensive side of the ball. Also, Akers has a late bye week that is not common on my team thus far, particularly in comparison to the others I was considering. At this point in the draft, I see value in grabbing a highly projected kicker instead of grabbing IDP #5 or DEF #2.

240

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:32

18.06 Carolina Panthers, TM DEF, CAR

Carolina’s defense wasn’t flashy last season, but they outscored the Steelers, Cowboys, and Chargers, who’ve all been picked already. Plus, check out how they wound up the season:

Week 15 v. MIN – 15 fantasy points
Week 16 @ NYG – 18 fantasy points
Week 17 v. NOR – 16 fantasy points
This could be a team on a roll.

242

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:33

for IAC
18.07 Dqwell Jackson, LB, CLE

My "highest risk" pick so-far? He has an injured pec right now, and missed two-thirds of last season with a similar injury, but, he was a top tackler when he went down last year. This pick reminds me of Dan Morgan a few years back. If he's healthy, he should justify a roster spot.

243

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:34

for Electroman
18.08 Sammy Morris, RB, NE
New England and running backs are like women and purses. They seem to have one for every type of event and circumstance. From what I remember, Belichick likes him. Morris some weeks with certain matchups could produce big numbers. I feel taking him at this stage of the draft is pretty good value for a player like him.

244

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:35

for letter j
18.09 Brian Uhrlacher, LB, Chi
When healthy, Urlacher has been a fantasy stud in past seasons. He is the leader of Chicago's defense and is still in his prime. At this stage of the draft, I believe he's value.

245

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:35

for Promize
18.10 Tashard CHoice, RB, Dal
Simply is there any RB in Dallas that wants to stand up and take the lead role? I think you can basically draft all three of their RB's in hopes that one of them will shine this year and be a star. I needed to beef up my RB a little bit of "just in case" and I'm sure Choice will get plenty of carries. A good "Choice" for a bye week and possibly more playing time.

246

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:35

for Slizz
18.11 Jeremy Shockey, TE, NO
Low risk, backup tight end...if he can stay healthy all 16 games he will provide starting TE #'s (4 for 40 and the chance at a TD is always a safe risk for a backup). Shockey has remade himself as a quiet, non-controversial cog in an excellent machine, and that role fits him better than New York stardom ever did.

He also provides decent trade value should someone's starting TE go down and they still need a "decent" starter. Either way, this pick was 100% depth to bolster the bench.

247

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:36

18.12 Cincinnati Bengals, DEF

Only one other team doesn't have a defense at this point, and he's picking on the turn before my next pick, so I knew I had to grab Cincinnati now and hopefully still be able to grab Henderson (was considering Choice too, but he went) next round. The Bengals have been ranked highly by a few people and the division they play in isn't real big on scoring most of the time, plus they play the Browns twice and also get the Bills and Bucs. I wanted to wait and grab a defense as late as possible this year since I'm tired of being burned by spending early picks on defenses that end up sucking. Being able to grab the Bengals as the 15th defense only reinforces the thought that waiting on defense is the best move.

249

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:37

18.13 Chris Long, DL, StL
Filling out the holes in my lineup with a DL and a defense with this next pair of picks. Since Building 7 already has 2 defenses, I’ll take the DL here, although he has one of them too, so I don’t think the sequence matters.

With Long, I’m hoping for continued growth in his third year, still waiting for the Long family genes to kick in. I do note that he picked up his stats in the second half last year – all 5 sacks were in week 8 or later. Maybe he can pick up where he left off and grow from there. He’s also got a week 9 bye, so if he pans out, I won’t need a bye filler for awhile.

250

Building 7
Leader
ID: 171572711
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 22:49

18.14 Ryan Longwell, K, MINN

If I pick a kicker right here, I can get a top one. If I wait 23 picks, I may get a Tier 2 kicker, whatever that is. Longwell kicks in a dome. Dome kicks almost never miss, except real long ones. I don’t remember if there is a bonus for 50 yarders, but he has the range for those, also.

19.01 Tanard Jackson, DB, TB

I was willing to trade up to get Tanard, but nobody would and he fell to me, anyways….nice. After missing the first three games last year, he averaged 8.8 points per game, mostly from making tackles. Now if he can only duplicate that this year.

251

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 23:05

19.02 Tennessee defense
It’s not that I downplay the value of the team defense. It’s that I doubt my ability to pick one, and am unwilling to venture an early pick on one.

To wit, the top 5 defenses taken in last year’s draft were Pitt, Balt, SD, NYG, and Minn. Of that group, only one finished the year as a top 5 defense (Balt ranked #4), while Pitt ranked 10th, SD was 16th, and the Giants 20th. Meanwhile, the top defense – NYJ – was the 12th defense to be drafted. The Packers (#2) were drafted 11th. The #3 defense – SF – wasn't even drafted. And last year wasn’t an anomaly.

That said, I’ve had some past success with this slot. Last year, I drafted the Bears in round 14 (before the Jets or Packers were drafted –ugh), then picked up Seattle in an early-season trade, dumped the Bears mid-season in favor of Tennessee, and managed to end up with an excellent cumulative result – in spite of the fact that all three of those teams ranked outside the top 20 for the full season. Magic! So my strategy is to start with a defense that I can live with for a few weeks, and then see what opportunities develop. Tennessee’s opens with 3 home games in the first four weeks: Oak, Pitt, @NYG, Den. Sounds OK.

252

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sat, Aug 28, 2010, 23:07

19.03 Devery Henderson, WR, NOS

I don't know how this guy is even still available this late in the draft. You figure almost anyone on the Saints offense is going to be rostered by now, especially someone in line to be starting across from Colston. This guy is a steal in the 19th round and my WR6.

253

Electroman
ID: 565182111
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 08:59

For Slizz
19.04 Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
#1 Kicker on my board and I needed a kicker. Had my starters and reserves for every other position so I felt it was time to take one.

254

Electroman
ID: 565182111
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 09:00

For Promize
19.05 Daryl Washington, LB, Ari
At this point of the draft just covering my starters with possibly decent fillin's for points if someone is injured or on a bye week. He is young and from what I ready could possibly be a sleeper IDP this year at the ILB for the Cards.

255

Electroman
ID: 565182111
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 09:01

For LetterJ
19.06 Gary Brackett, LB, Ind
A solid Mike LB that consistently posts solid tackle numbers. I have had Brackett in the past, and he produced for me. Beginning to round out my roster, with a fairly solid MLB.

256

Electroman
ID: 565182111
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 09:01

19.07 Kevin Walter, WR, Hou

The Texans passing game was #1 in the league last season, and Walter is still the #2 starter on this team according to the coach. He still should get a lot of targets, and is so far the 6th receiver that I have selected. He should do fine as a bye week or injury fill in.

257

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 11:01

19.08 Stephen Cooper, LB, SD

My 5th straight IDP. He's now on the wrong side of 30, but he hasn't seen a ton of action over the years. He should be able to keep up his production which has been top 25 LB over the last 3 seasons. As the 36th LB drafted, seems like fine value to me. Boley goes off from MC's queue right after this pick. I wonder if I stole one away from him?

258

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 12:49

19.09 Michael Boley, LB, NYG

RotoWorld says he’s the Giants LB to target. In 2009, he averaged 8 ppg and it’s the 19th round. No-brainer.

259

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 13:14

for twilson
19.10 Anthony Gonzalez, WR, IND
Gonzalez was a top sleeper pick going into last year until he hurt his knee and the Colts decided to lie to everyone for 15 weeks. According to the news reports, he’s still not 100%, but if he regains the role he was supposed to fill last year, he will significantly outperform this draft slot. A high risk high reward pick, which is what I want at this point in the draft.

260

youngroman
Donor
ID: 02934823
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 13:15

19.11 Mike Bell, RB, PHI

there are not many RB2 left at this point in the draft. And when the RB is the backup to your 3rd round pick he is more valuable than others. I have no idea why he was still out there. Most other backups were taken way earlier and they are not as proven as Mike Bell. he started 3 games last year for the Superbowl champs.

but in the end he is just a handcuff to McCoy.

261

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:16

for Smith32

19.12 Derek Anderson, QB, ARI
Arizona has some good receivers, and Anderson has a good arm. There is some speculation that Leinart will be cut and Anderson will be the starter, in which case I think he's worth a 19th round pick.

262

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:17

for Frick

19.13 Anthony Fasano, TE, MIA
In the tiers of TE, Fasano was the last TE that isn't primarily a blocking TE. While we can flex a TE into a WR spot, I was surprised at the number of TEs drafted. I had a few TEs in queue and watched them go before it got back to me. I kept waiting not wanting to reach and I got burned. This will probably be a spot that I'll look to trade for an upgrade or watch the WW, I just can't see managers carrying 3 TE for the full season.

263

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:18

for Fugazi

19.14 Sam Bradford, QB, STL
I waited way too long to grab a backup QB, now I'm stuck with Bradford. I think he's got all the skills to be a great QB. But who knows how long that will take. Hopefully I will only have to start him once or less this season.

20.01 Lance Moore, WR, NOS
I have been reading some good things about Moore. If he can get it together and produce like he did two seasons ago, he will be a great value. If he resumes last year's role, he gets cut.

264

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:19

for Frick

20.02 Aaron Kampman, DE, JAC
Meh, DL are virtually identical other than 3 or 4, I probably should have waited wit this pick, but I like Kampman's energy and hopefully a new scene will help inspire him. If there was any spot that could wait to be drafted in today's NFL it is DL.

265

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:20

for Smith32

20.03 Adrian Wilson, DB, ARI
Wilson is a veteran safety who gets his fair share of tackles, picks and passes defensed. Just trying to build some IDP depth at this point.

266

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:22

for youngroman

20.04 Michael "" Hoomanawanui
He was the Rams best receiver in last nights preseason game and even caught 2 TDs. With the mess of standard receivers in St Louis, he might see a significant amount of targets. And if really Bradford starts the season at QB he might be worth even more because TEs are usually the safety net for rookie QBs.

267

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:23

for twilson

20.05 Miami Dolphins, TM DEF, MIA
I think the Dolphins defense will take a step forward this year. Their young secondary is a year older and more experienced, and they brought in Karlos Dansby to be a difference maker in the front 7. If it doesn’t happen, then I’ll drop them for another team after a few weeks.

268

Mötley Crüe
Dude
ID: 439372011
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:24

20.06 Indianapolis Colts, TM DEF, IND

I have a history with the Colts’ defense. They’ve been good to me in the past and I’m going to give them another shot in 2010. They have the benefit of the Colts’ offense scoring lots of points and putting pressure on the other team’s offense to score, which hopefully leads to turnovers. They have some great defensive players, too, but a lot of them are getting older. Maybe their 19 rank in last year’s defensive scoring is a bad omen. I’m crossing my fingers for some improvement in 2010.

269

I_AM_CANADIAN
Donor
ID: 01361448
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 20:25

20.07 Larry Johnson, RB, WAS

Portis doesn't inspire a lot of confidence for his ability to stay healthy. It seems like only a mater of time till he misses a few games with some sort of ailment. I would never have drafted LJ at his normal ADP, but here about 100 spots later in the draft, he's great value. Maybe Letter_J will be contacting me for a trade in order to pick up this handcuff at some point this season?

270

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 22:58

for Electroman
20.08 Tamba Hali, LB, KC
I was reading up and looking at stats for different LB’s and I came across this:

In outside linebacker Tamba Hali, the Chiefs have a pass rusher just waiting to get the recognition - and perhaps the traditional statistics - his level of play deserves. Compare Tamba Hali to another player who moved to 3-4 outside linebacker for the first time in 2009: division rival Elvis Dumervil of the Broncos ... Dumervil had a huge lead in sacks and six more defeats ... Hali made a higher percentage of his team's plays than Dumervil did, despite the fact that teams ran at Dumervil like it was going out of style. He had more quarterback hits that didn't result in sacks than Dumervil did, with several more hurries. Adding up their sacks, hits, and hurries yields a total of 41 quarterback "incidents" for Dumervil - and 41.5 for Hali. Furthermore, five of Hali's 8.5 sacks resulted in a forced fumble or a safety; only three of Dumervil's 17 sacks did the same.

So, according to this, Hali could have a huge season. He also has a new DC in Romeo Crennel, who has a good track record in the league. I don’t plan on having high WW picks this year, so if this guy does break out, I wouldn’t be able to pick him up. Better grab him in the draft.

271

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 22:59

for letter j
20.09 Rey Maualuga, LB, Cin
Maualuga, the former USC standout, has a great opportunity to man the middle for the Bengals. At this point, I'm looking for a solid contributor that could turn out to post solid numbers, and IF his development continues, I think he'll do just that.

272

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 23:00

for Promize
20.10 David Hawthorne, LB, Sea
Needed another LB to fill the slots on the team instead of using CB's or a DL.

This also might of been a queue pick at the time that I didn't want at that moment. Odd to pick LB back to back.

273

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 23:00

for Slizz
20.11 Josh Wilson, DB, Sea/Bal
At the time, he was listed as Seattle's KR and starting cornerback. 2 seasons ago, he was the #1 IDP due to his KR points...much like Terrence McGee in Buffalo a couple years back. Figured it was a low risk play. Now that he was traded to Baltimore, that all goes away as Chris Carr handles those duties. Likely my first player dropped...fortunately it was the 20th selection!

274

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 23:01

for Bonka
20.12 Keith Bulluck, LB, NYG
Should put up decent stats, hopefully staying in for all 3 downs. At this point you're just grabbing bodies that will likely get replaced in a few weeks.

275

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 23:01

20.13 Bradie James, LB< Dal
Completes my starting IDP corps. Solid tackler, has played all 16 games for 6 straight years, agw 29, averaged about 7 pts/game last season. Bye week is unique among my IDP. Nothing flashy, but should be a solid, stable contributor.

276

Building 7
Leader
ID: 171572711
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 23:17

20.14 Antoine Winfield, DB, MINN

I couldn’t find anyone good looking at last year’s stats. So, I went to 2008, and Winfield was near the top of the list. He gets a lot of tackles for a CB, and he’s not that great in coverage….an IDP dream. He had a broken foot last year, and now he has fully recovered, according to my sources. OK, I read it at rotoworld.com.

21.01 Justin Durant, LB, JAC

I’ve never really heard of this guy. But, he plays WLB on a bad defense. His averages were pretty good last year. He missed some games or he would have shown up higher on a lot of people’s lists. Also looked at Dan Connor here, but I’m hoping he makes it thru the next 23 picks. This completes my defense and roster requirements. My last three picks will be to strengthen my bench.

277

Guru
ID: 330592710
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 23:19

21.02 Rob Bironas, K, Ten
Some managers think that the kicker should be taken in the final round. But I don’t mind spending a 21st rounder, especially when I get a top-5 kicker in each of the past two seasons, and also a bye that’s not until week 9.

278

Bonka
Sustainer
ID: 019742310
Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 23:22

21.03 Patrick Chung, S, NEP

Probably should have waited a round or two to grab a DB, but I figured the sleepers I was targetting would be there regardless. Who you draft at DB hardly even matters, there's always people you can pick up off waivers during the season that will put up good numbers. Grabbing DBs early is the biggest waste of a pick possible due to this, so I was enjoying seeing DBs coming off the board starting in round 8 - just leaves more value at other positions that aren't as easily filled from waivers. Not to mention some of the top DBs are still available after 18 have went. Anyways, Chung has looked good in New England. He's definitely in line to put up big numbers and could finish top 10.

279

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:12

for Slizz
21.04 Josh Freeman, QB, TB

Always been a big fan of Freeman dating back to his days at K-State. I thought long and hard about Delhomme based on how good he's looked this preseason but couldn't pass up on Freeman. I hope that he is solid in the one week I don’t bench him (@CIN) week 5.

Last year, Josh Freeman’s game tended to progress as the game went on, and the Bucs are hoping that he’ll show a similar progression from season to season. In his first ten attempts per game, his completion percentage was a dismal 47.9 percent. By attempts 21-to-30, he was up to 57.8 percent. The passers that Freeman replaced regressed as the game wore on. Freeman’s interception rate of 5.4 percent was the among highest for any quarterback last year (minimum 300 passes) but nearly all of those interceptions came in the second half with the Bucs tied or behind — in other words, his interceptions came when he was pressing.

This season, he may not be asked to throw more, but he’ll be asked to do more with each throw. He’ll have the same solid offensive line, a good stable of running backs, and a couple of young weapons at wide receiver. To be successful, the Bucs need to establish Freeman in a rhythm early in each game using a methodical offense that runs first and passes later, when Freeman is more comfortable with the rhythm of each game. If he gets going early in each game, he’ll have his team headed in the right direction early in the season. The projections really like him for some reason, and we actually had to depress his projection a little bit to bring it in line with the projections for Tampa Bay’s inexperienced receiving corps.

280

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:13

for Promize
21.05 Chris Chambers, WR, KC
I think at this point I got word that Avery was out for the season and it was panic mode to try and find some WR's to take his place. Word had spread like wildfire and managers in all drafts were quickly picking up the young WR's in St. Louis.

10 years in the league, not sure what he is going to do for me as a fantasy player.. But he is a starter next to Bowe.

281

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:13

for letterj
21.06 Adam Jones, DB, Cin
The one formerly known as PacMan, because he gobbles up yards. He is supposed to return kickoffs, and given his talent, could also be a starting CB on a team that LOVES reclamation projects. I hope he doesn't go to a strip bar this weekend, 'cuz I don't think Goodell has patience for this guy.

282

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:14

for Electroman
21.07 Dan Carpenter, K, Mia
Well, what can you say about a kicker? Among what was left, I didn’t really know that much about him. But I saw that he is high on lists because of his strong leg and accuracy. Many feel that he could have a big year. He has hit 46 of 53 FG in his first 2 years, which is better than the guys that have gone earlier, at the same point in their careers. The Dolphins should be better this year too, giving them more scoring.

283

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:15

for IAC
21.08 Todd Heap, TE, Bal
My 3rd TE. Heap seems likely to continue to be a favored red-zone threat for Flacco. The Ravens will likely be throwing a lot this year, so I'm expecting Heap to be heavily involved. They did however draft a couple young TE's; good thing this isn't a dynasty league.

284

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:15

for Motley Crue
21.09 Mike Peterson, LB, Atl
Peterson is an old man now, and he’s probably not going to get 100 solo tackles ever again. But it’s the 21st round and I’d wager about 12 of the guys picked in this round will be cut by Week 3. I think he’s going to start in Week 1, but he’s dealing with an injury even now. Peterson is not a big investment for me, so it makes it easier to cut him when it’s time to pick up the hot player during claims. Or before if necessary.

285

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:16

for twilson
21.10 Ellis Hobbs, DB, Phi
Had been targeting Bulluck and Bradie James as late game LBs, but they went off the board. Back in his NE days, Hobbs was a top DB performer, combining a starting job with consistent kick return performance. He got knocked out for the season early last year but seems to have recovered enough that the Eagles felt comfortable trading away [undrafted]. Hopefully that means he will be back to his old tricks as a CB/KR. Since the pick was made, the Eagles have declared him the primary kick returner.

286

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:16

for youngroman
21.11 Roscoe Parrish, WR, Buf
He had 56yds just in the 1st half in last nights preseason game. And he is the primary returner for the Bills. It finally could be the first season where Parrish will not be a special team guy only. I like this pick a lot if this comes true. if not I will get one of the breakout players of week 1 for him.

287

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:17

for Smith32
21.12 Denver defense
At this point in the draft, I felt there was limited value at any of the skill positions, and there were no IDPs that stood out to me. I also think you can generally do about 20-25 pts better over the course of the season carrying 2 defenses and capitalizing on good matchups. Denver always plays 25% of their games against KC and Oakland, with bonus matchups against SEA and STL this year. Dumervil's injury definitely hurts though.

288

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:17

for Frick
21.13 Perrish Cox, DB, DEN
I don't know much about Cox other than he has a chance to be the primary returner, assuming he Eddie Royal isn't in the job full time. At this point in the draft, it was worth a gamble.

289

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:18

for Fugazi
21.14 Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
Gronkowski was about the only TE left on the board when I made this pick. I needed a backup TE, and I read some good thigs about Rob. He's a big guy with good hands. Hopefully Brady will target him often, you just never know with the pats. Throw in the fact that Gronkowski is a rookie, and you got all the makings for a real dud. hopefully he works out, or I only have to start him once.

22.01 Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buf
Just grabbing one of the remaining RB'S here. I don't see Lynch having much of a season, But maybe he will be worth starting a couple of games.

290

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:19

for Frick
22.02 Tim Tebow, QB, DEN
Did I just mention worth a gamble? That defines this pick to a T. I don't expect Tebow to be Denver's starting QB, and I have serious doubts about his ability to be a QB in the NFL. But, I do see McDaniels wanting to get him into games in a Kordell Stewart/Slash type of role. He's decent insurance as a bye week/short term injury QB. I doubt he puts up big numbers, but he could get into a game and produce a few points on occasion.

291

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 10:20

for Smith32
22.03 Matt Prater, K, Den
Prater was 8th in pts scored among kickers last year in this format. I think the thin Denver air helps with the longer attempts. Plus he has a Week 9 bye - I like to try to draft a late-week bye kicker, and then swap him for a guy who has already had his bye.

292

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:34

for youngroman
22.04 Jim Leonhard, DB, NYJ
DL and K can still wait. Leonhard always racks up his tackles, but he got drafted because there is the possibility to do either punt or kick returns or both. Maybe not from the start, but it will happen sometime during the season. if his tackle numbers are good until then, he may still be on my roster. but to be honest: I doubt it.

293

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:37

for twilson
22.05 Mewelde Moore, RB, Pitt
He’s the clear #2 RB in Pittsburgh, so I picked him up as a handcuff. I drafted him now rather than later because I didn’t yet have other targets picked out.

294

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:38

for Motley Crue
22.06 Oakland defense
These rationales are getting harder to write, because there’s not much separating any of these players except hunches. My hunch on Oakland is that there’s a culture change afoot with the dismissal of a certain Purple Dranking QB. This team has some players that are going to surprise some people. Oakland could wind up being one of those teams that improves by 6 or 8 games; the division is certainly not a strong one. If that happens it will likely be because the offense is better. But if the offense is better then maybe the defense will sense an opportunity that wasn’t apparent last year. Maybe the defense plays lights out this season and finishes in the Top 10 (or 5!). So you asked for a rationale and this is what I was thinking when I made this pick. If I’m right, though, my cult of personality can only further swell with enigma.

295

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:39

for IAC
22.07 Mario Manningham, WR, NYG

With Domenik Hixon placed on the IR, Manningham has very little competition for the 3rd WR role. Last year he managed 800+ yards. I'd be happy with the same (obviously). He also will be helping out in the return game (punts mainly), where there are a lot of question marks for the Giants. On the downside... he has been dealing with injuries throughout the off-season, and has preseason sensation [undrafted] currently breathing down his neck.

296

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:40

for Electroman
22.08 Josh Morgan, WR, SF
He is listed as the #2 WR on SF. I am guessing that teams will be keying more on Davis and Crabtree, so he may have favourable matchups.

297

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:40

for letterj
22.09 Jerious Norwood, RB, Atl
A backup running back that has a serious extra gear. Norwood can put up big points in the rushing and return game. I had someone else in mind, and then forgot about him, so...time will tell.

298

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:41

for Promize
22.10 Anthony Dixon, RB, SF
Gore is prone to IR... Westbrook is prone to IR... Welcome to the NFL rookie!

299

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:41

for Slizz
22.11 Jonathan Goff, LB, NYG
The press clipping on Goff and why I chose him:

"It takes a lot to follow Antonio Pierce, who helped lead the Giants’ defense to a Super Bowl. It says a lot, though, that the Giants let Pierce go and then passed on options in the draft and free agency to give Goff, a fifth-round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2008, a clear path to the starting Mike gig. He profiles as a better run-stopper than Pierce was, and while he is nowhere near as experienced when it comes to reading quarterbacks, he’s faster than Pierce, which should help in coverage. With the Giants’ move to the Tampa-2, Goff will assume the role played by guys like Barrett Ruud and Gary Brackett. He has great potential as an IDP linebacker, and should help the real Giants back towards the top of the defensive charts."

If I can get anywhere near Barrett Ruud value in the 22nd round, Lord have mercy!!!

300

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:42

for Bonka
22.12 Mike Williams, WR, SEA

Figured he'd be available at this point. Was the 10th pick a few years back but never panned out and gained a ton of weight. He's now slimmed down and has looked good in pre-season and could be the WR1 in Seattle. Big upside for a late round pick.

301

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:42

22.13 Tampa Bay defense
I’ll probably be carrying two defenses for the better part of the season, mixing and matching from week to week. Of the defenses still remaining, I thought TB had the best fit with my other defense, Tennessee.

302

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:43

for Building 7
22.14 Dan Connor, Car, LB
I was going to pick Dan with my last set of picks, but was hoping he would make it here, and he did. He’s the MLB for Carolina in the 4-3. That’s really all I know, or need to know to make this pick. Goff was another option in the same situation, but he was picked.

303

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:44

for Building 7
23.01 Demaryius Thomas, WR, Den
He was a 1st round draft pick, but hurt his foot. That’s OK, I can wait. If he doesn’t do something before the bye weeks, he’ll probably have to go. WR looks like my weakest part of my team, so I’ll select someone with a high upside.

304

Guru
ID: 330592710
Mon, Aug 30, 2010, 15:44

23.02 Mardy Gilyard, WR, StL
A true flier. The WR situation is St. Louis is very unsettled with Avery now out for the year. It’s possible that Gilyard could see some action as a receiver. It seems likely that he’ll get some kick and punt return opportunities. It’s plausible that, if Amendola becomes a full time starting receiver, the Rams might opt to make Gilyard the primary return man.

I had been thinking of adding a 7th IDP with this pick, but I don’t think I’ll need one until week 4, and by that time, someone on the roster can be sacrificed. Perhaps Gilyard. And I didn’t think the IDPs available at this point were likely to be much different than what I can get as a F/A in a few weeks.

My last pick (rd 24) will be Chris Redman, as the Matt Ryan handcuff. Since I can’t think of any reason why he’d be drafted by anyone else, I figure I’ll take Gilyard now. It’s unlikely he’d be drafted either – although he’s probably got more visibility than Redman.

305

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:38

for Bonka
23.03 Lawrence Tynes, K, NYG

I didn't want to wait until the 3rd to last pick in the draft to grab my kicker. While I may end up swapping some in and out all season, Tynes may be good enough to play at least up until his bye. Not really concerned as I can't really do much worse at my K position than last year.

306

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:39

for Slizz
23.04 Arizona defense
Cardinals defense always puts up decent stats and I can play matchups (Bucs offense, Rams & the turnover-prone Seahawks 2x/year). Plus they have my boy Nine-O!

307

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:40

for Promize
23.05 Brandon Flowers, DB, KC
Sorry, just not a lot to write about a player in the 23rd and 24th draft picks. I think at this point we all just wanting to end the draft and whatever is available that looks good we grab. Some of us cross our fingers that a IR report will come out right on our pick so we can grab someone off the line... But that didn't happen to me. :)

I needed to beef up my IDP's, so grabbed a CB

308

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:41

for letterj
23.06 Neil Rackers, PK, HOU

I thought about punting PK entirely, but then I saw Rackers sitting there. If the Texans offense lives up to the hype, Rackers, indoors, could put up as good a numbers as anybody.

309

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:41

for Electroman
23.07 Andre Brown, RB, NYG
Nothing much but a flier here. I saw in a magazine that he is a player to watch with the RB situation in NYG.

310

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:41

for IAC
23.08 Troy Polamalu, FS, PIT

I tend to shy away from the FS position in general, but as a late flyer, with his talents he should be a good bye week filler. He doesn't share a similar bye week with any of my current IDPs.

311

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:42

for Motley Crue
23.09 Bob Sanders, DB, IND

Not kidding myself with Sanders, who has never once played 16 games in a season. Frankly I wonder how he manages to stay in the league, playing less than 7 games in 4 of his 6 seasons. It has to be that when he's on the field he's an animal. I'll take an animal for 6 or 8 games while I look for replacements on the waiver wire.

312

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:43

for twilson
23.10 John Abraham, DL, Atl
He has produced fairly well in the past when healthy and faces the statue known as Byron Leftwich in Week 1.

313

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:43

for youngroman
23.11 Robert Mathis, DL, IND

We need to start a DL, right? Outside of the top 3, all the others performances are not really predictable. So before wasting a 18th rounder for waiver wire material, I am wasting my 23rd rounder.

314

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:44

for Smith32
23.12 James Farrior, LB, PIT

I needed 2 IDPs to round out my roster, so I turned to my go-to guy. I may have drafted Farrior more than any other player during my years in the RIFC and QL. He's a great late round pick, because he fills a roster spot with solid, dependable production. Last year he had at least 4 pts in 14 games. That consistency is valuable.

315

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:44

for Frick
23.13 Early Doucet, WR, Ari
With the departure of Anquan Boldin someone needs to step up and play WR2 with Fitzgerald. With this pick I'm hoping Breaston stays in as the slot receiver and Doucet develops into a a WR2.

316

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:45

for Fugazi
23.14 Christopher Ivory, RB, NO
It looks like Ivory will be the number three back. So it only makes sense to grab him here. Hopefully I never have to start him. May Pierre have a healthy season.

317

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:46

for Fugazi
24.01 Derrick Ward, RB, TB
I forgot Ward was even in my queue. I'm sure he will be the first player cut this season. I really want nothing to do with anything Buccaneer. Are they even trying over there?

318

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:49

for Frick
24.02 Washington defense
I needed another D to cover the bye week and possibly a couple of other weeks. D's have huge variances and changing from the 4-3 to the 3-4 doesn't help with the expectations. At most this is an asset to trade or WW fodder depending on how the D performs.

319

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:49

for Smith32
24.03 Roger "Rocky" McIntosh, LB, WAS

I am a Skins fan, so I had to make at least one homer pick. Rocky is a bit like Farrior - he puts up dependable numbers on a weekly basis. Rocky had 4.5 pts or more in 13 games last year. I am not sure what the 3-4 will do to the Redskins IDP numbers. Rocky will most likely share the middle with Fletcher, so maybe he can steal a few of his tackles.

320

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:50

for youngroman
24.04 Jonathan Dwyer, RB, PIT

I was planning on taking my kicker here, but I figured I can wait for that until the season starts. I hope I know more about my latest picks until then, so I drop the right guy. And this could very well be Jonathan Dwyer. he had a good preseason and the #2 back in Pittsburgh isn't the greatest option. so he might earn some playing time if he keeps opposing defenders missing their tackles. I guess I will drop him just before the season opener.

321

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:50

for twilson
24.05 Mario Haggan, LB, Den
Wanted another LB for lineup flexibility. Haggan will be the other ILB in Denver next to DJ Williams, so he should have a good number of chances. I have no idea if he’ll convert them or not. He may not even be on my roster by Week 1, but he’ll do for now.

322

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:51

for Motley Crue
24.06 Antwan Odom, DL, CIN

Somehow this guy managed to sack Aaron Rodgers 5 times in a game last season. That was a bit of a fluke, but he did have 3 sacks in his other 5 games before going on IR. He's in the prime of his career and we'll see if he's healthy or not fairly quickly.

Great draft, fellas. Thanks for the memories.

323

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:51

for IAC
24.07 Robbie Gould, K, CHI

He's a kicker. I don't really mind who I got here. Whoever was left was going to be good enough IMHO.

324

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:52

for Electroman
24.08 Clay Matthews, LB, GB
Matthews blew onto the scene with 10 sacks last year. I don’t see why he wouldn’t continue to improve this year.

325

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:52

for letterj
24.09 Dwight Freeney, DL, Ind
When he has been healthy (a theme on my team), Freeney has terrorized opposing QBs. There were a few others that I researched, but Freeney seemed to have the most upside.

326

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:53

for Promize
24.10 Nate Washington, WR< Ten
Starting receiver for a questionable passing team with their star RB. Will see, it could be decent since teams will know exactly what they are getting game after game with the Titans.. Chris Johnson.

327

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:53

for Slizz
24.11 Aaron Curry, LB, Sea
The 4th overall pick in the 2009 draft. I'll let the Seattle Seahawks defensive writeup do this pick justice:

One of the first things Carroll did upon taking the Seahawks job was to get some film cut-ups of linebacker Aaron Curry to see how Curry could be better used in pass pressure situations. Curry was the fourth overall pick in 2009, and it was thought that his tackling power and pure athleticism would propel Seattle’s linebacker corps to the league’s elite. Curry started out strong, but rookie linebackers need veteran chaperones, and when Lofa Tatupu was lost for the season after a Week 6 pectoral muscle injury, Curry’s demon speed turned to recklessness...

...Second-year linebacker David Hawthorne replaced Tatupu in the middle. While Hawthorne’s tackle stats were impressive on the surface (there was a three-game, 29-tackle stretch in midseason, and he made 15 tackles against the Bears in Week 3), it’s important to remember that middle linebackers in 4-3 defenses are always tackle magnets. What the team missed with Tatupu off the field wasn’t just his ability to keep everyone assignment-correct. Tatupu also displayed an ability to drop into coverage that fit the Seahawks’ Tampa-2 schemes far more than Hawthorne’s “forward-only” skill set. The Vikings in Week 11 specifically and repeatedly exploited Hawthorne’s weaknesses in pass coverage.

With Tatupu back, I expect his trend of 8ppg+ to continue which is damn fine for a LB4. Think of his skillset and statline to project similar to Thomas Davis pre-injury.

328

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:54

for Bonka
24.12 Jalen Parmele, RB, BAL

Deep sleeper, could back up Rice if McGahee is hurt or moved. Also doing returns.

329

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 09:54

24.13 Chris Redman, QB, Atl
Backup to my QB1, Matt Ryan. In his three games last year (when Ryan was injured), he average about 14 fantasy pts. So if Ryan goes down again, Redman could be competitive with my QB2, Matt Cassel.

Hopefully, I’ll never have to make that choice.

330

Guru
ID: 330592710
Tue, Aug 31, 2010, 10:12

for Building 7
24.14 Tony Scheffler, TE, DET

Supposedly, he’s going to see some action in Detroit. We’ll see. Actually, I won’t see, because they haven’t shown a Lions game on TV in years. Maybe, on Thanksgiving, but I doubt he’ll still be on my team.

Forum: footPage 5353Subject: RIFC 2010: Draft Rationales

Forum: foot
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Subject: RIFC 2010: Draft Rationales