My 2013 mock draft marks the first blog post on the Sports Geek site in some time. While I’d love to blame writers block for my lack of additional posts, some of the credit for absence of articles goes to my three-month old daughter and the whirlwind year it has been in the Kelley household. That being said, this is my favorite time of the year and it seemed almost criminal to miss my first mock draft in five years.

Not to overstate, but this could be the most interesting and perplexing draft in recent memory. There are no locks from pick #1 all the way down to Mr. Irrelevant at #254. I cannot remember a year where that has been the case. So, in the same breath as I tell you that I have no idea how it’ll go down, I now tell you how the first round will go: Read More…

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As the NFL season gets closer every day, so does your fantasy draft. The Sports Bank fantasy football previews conclude with the quarterback position.

Full Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers, GB (10): He’s already the best quarterback in the league and only getting better. The question isn’t if Rodgers should be the first quarterback drafted, it’s whether he should be the first player drafted.

2. Tom Brady, NE (9): Brady gets the slight edge over Brees because the Patriots got him more weapons in the offseason. Expect Brandon Lloyd to play a role similar to Randy Moss in his New England tenure. There’s no shortage of weapons at Brady’s disposal.

3. Drew Brees, NO (6): A very good consolation prize if Brady and Rodgers are off the board. Brees set an NFL record with 5,476 passing yards last season. He has a chance to eclipse that number as Brees will serve as the defacto offensive coordinator this season.

4. Matthew Stafford, DET (5): There’s a drop off from the top three, but Stafford is clearly the best of the rest. He played a full 16 games for the first time in his career and rewarded the faith of fantasy owners by tossing more than 40 touchdowns. If he can stay healthy again, there’s no reason to believe he won’t put up similar numbers.

5. Cam Newton, CAR (6): No rookie hit the NFL quite like Cam, who obliterated a number of rookie passing records. And let’s not forget his 14 rushing touchdowns, which is what truly makes him fantasy gold. The real question is if Newton can avoid the dreaded sophomore slump.

6. Peyton Manning, DEN (7): He comes to Denver with a huge chip on his shoulder.  Doubting Manning has made a lot of writers look stupid in the past. I won’t doubt Manning.

7. Michael Vick, PHI (7): When Vick was healthy in 2010 he put up a truly special fantasy campaign. No one denies he has the ability to be elite, but there are a lot of reasons to think he can’t stay healthy for a full season. If you roll the dice, invest in a backup early in the draft.

8. Eli Manning, NYG (11): Eli was all over the map last season. His good was extremely good as he finished 6^th in scoring among quarterbacks. But he produced less than 11 points in a quarter of his games. I think he’ll be good once again, but be prepared to ride the rollercoaster.

9. Tony Romo, DAL (5): Don’t trust what ESPN was telling you. Romo had a good fantasy season, putting up 31 touchdowns opposed to just 10 interceptions. He’s got a bevy of weapons and an offense that prefers to air it out. He won’t be flashy, but you could do a lot worse.

10. Philip Rivers, SD (7): Let’s be clear: Rivers was terrible last year. That being said, he’s a former top-five QB in a pass-happy offense. If you’re willing to take the chance, you could be well rewarded.

11. Matt Ryan, ATL (7): All the pieces are there for Matty Ice to take leap to elite quarterback. Although, the same thing could be said about last year.

12. Jay Cutler, CHI (6): Cutler is an underrated fantasy option. The edition of a legitimate #1 receiver in Brandon Marshall will help Cutler immensely. The last time the duo was together, Cutler was a top-five fantasy quarterback. That kind of jump might be a stretch, but he should be above average.

13. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (4): Big Ben gets a lot of respect for playing through injuries s but that didn’t translate into points for his fantasy owners. Still, he’s an above-average talent with some really good receiving options. His ceiling this year will depend on the development of his offensive line.

14. Matt Schaub, HOU (8): Schaub returns from injury to a team that has its sights set on the Super Bowl. He’s been a solid fantasy player for years but his elite days might be behind him. When healthy last year, he topped 300 yards just twice. Don’t overreach for Schaub.

15. Josh Freeman, TB (5): Freeman was a fantasy darling in 2010 and expectations were extremely high for him last year. Then last year happened. He went from 25 TDs and 6 INTs in 2010 to 16 TDs and 22 INTs last year. Something tells me the real Josh Freeman is likely somewhere in between and the addition of Vincent Jackson certainly won’t hurt.

16. Joe Flacco, BAL (8): Joe Flacco is not higher on this list because the Ravens offensive game plans are more conservative than Rush Limbaugh. The talent and weapons are there but I wouldn’t get too excited until there are signs of the offense opening up.

17. Robert Griffin III, WSH (10): A word of caution to those who are considering drafting RG3 as their starting quarterback. Only one rookie has been a legitimate fantasy starter in the past two decades and that was Cam Newton. Still, in a keeper league, Griffin should go a little higher than you would normally consider drafting him.

18. Carson Palmer, OAK (5): I’m a little higher on Palmer than most. He was thrown into a tough situation last season and was better than his numbers indicated. He’s got some decent weapons in Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey and has a full offseason to work with them. Palmer is worth watching.

19. Sam Bradford, STL (9): You’re not drafting Bradford to be your fantasy starter and his upside is much higher than the names below. He was sacked a ridiculous 36 times last season and suffered through injuries. Expect things to be better under new coach Jeff Fischer.

20. Andrew Luck, IND (4): Everything I wrote about RG3 goes for Luck as well. He’s rated lower because there aren’t as many weapons at his disposal. Still, I’d pick Luck higher in a keeper league.

21. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (8): There’s no doubt that Fitzpatrick was impressive at the start of last season, but there’s also no doubt that he was a terrible fantasy quarterback the rest of the way. Reported a rib injury can be credited with some of his struggles, but I’ll still wait before trusting him fully.

22. Andy Dalton, CIN (8): Don’t get too excited about Dalton’s season last year. Despite leading the Bengals to the playoffs last season, he struggled down the stretch, topping 235 yards just once in his final six games. There’s still work to do before Dalton is a fantasy starter.

23. Alex Smith, SF (9): Smith has new toys to play with, but he’s still the same old Alex Smith. He’s never been the type to heave it deep and will look for the check down more often than not. He’ll give you double-digit points, but you shouldn’t expect much.

24. Matt Flynn, SEA (11): I liked Flynn a lot more as a fantasy quarterback before the Seahawks’ camp opened. Now there is a real chance that he won’t even be the starter to open the season. You might want to hold off drafting either quarterback until Pete Carroll makes an announcement.

25. Matt Cassel, KC (7): Cassel is still riding the momentum he gained when he stepped in as Tom Brady’s replacement. Last year before breaking his hand, he had just 10 touchdowns while tossing nine interceptions. Not exactly awe-inspiring numbers. He’s no more than a spot starter.

26. Jake Locker, TEN (11):  Locker might be Tennessee’s future but he’s not the present for fantasy football owners. Still, monitor his situation as his running ability makes him a potential backup candidate.

27. John Skelton, AZ (10): Most likely will be the starting quarterback out of fall camp. Good for him. Fantasy owners should wait and see what he does before rolling the dice.

28. Blaine Gabbert, JAX (6): Ditto.

29. Christian Ponder, MIN (11): Double ditto.

30. Tim Tebow, NYJ (9): Ugh, I don’t like having Tebow on this list any more than you like seeing it. The fact is there are a lot of unknowns when you get this far down on the rankings and Tebow is a proven fantasy contributor (notice I didn’t say passer). Mark Sanchez is the starting quarterback but if (when) Tebow takes over, he’s worth owning.

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As the NFL season gets closer every day, so does your fantasy draft. The Sports Bank fantasy football previews continue we take a look at a running back position that has as many question marks as answers.

Full Rankings

1. Arian Foster, HOU (8): One of the few elite options at the position, Foster finished fourth in fantasy points among fantasy backs despite missing almost all of four games. He’s back and healthy this year. Watch out.

2. LeSean McCoy, PHI (7): Shady got into the end zone 20 times last year and was one of the lone bright spots in Philly. He and Ray Rice both make sense as the number two back, but McCoy is used more in the passing game, so I’m giving him the edge.

3. Ray Rice, BAL (8): He had a career-best fantasy season and earned himself a five-year contract. He’s the key to Baltimore’s offense and will see plenty of touches. The only reason he’s not higher on this list is the Ravens didn’t fully commit to giving him the ball every game. Hopefully they’ve learned their lesson.

4. Chris Johnson, TEN (11): Had one of the best-ever fantasy seasons in 2010, living up to the nickname CJ2K. Last year he was just out of synch, thanks to his holdout and the league’s lockout. He’s more focused this year and will get more work with 2^nd-year pro Jake Locker taking over the starting QB job.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX (6): Would be near the top of this list, but holdouts always seem to affect a player (see above). I’ll feel much better about MJD when he gets back into camp.

6. Matt Forte, CHI (6): He led the NFL in yards from scrimmage when he was healthy last year, before a knee injury held him out of the final four games. The Bears brought in Mike Tice to be the offensive coordinator and he’s made it known he wants the running game to be the focus of the offense. Don’t worry about Michael Bush, Forte is still the man in Chi-town.

7. Jamaal Charles, KC (7): Last year he was a top-5 fantasy back but killed a number of fantasy teams when he tore his ACL in the second week. He’s fully healthy and has shown what he can do even when sharing the load in the backfield (see Peyton Hillis below). Many fantasy sites will undervalue Charles this season. Those sites will be wrong.

8. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (11): Skittles for everyone! In a world of platoon backfields, Lynch is one of the few lead backs out there. Still, which Lynch will fantasy owners get this year: The 2011 version of Beast Mode or the guy who didn’t seem to care in Buffalo? I tend to think the former, but be fantasy owners should be warned.

9. Adrian Peterson, MIN (11): Peterson is a freak of nature and looks like he’ll be ‘healthy’ for the start of the season. Yes, he’s probably coming back too early and very well could be injured again. But as a late second or early third round pick, isn’t the risk worth the reward?

10. DeMarco Murray, DAL (5): Murray starts what will be a common theme in this column. He’s extremely talented but the question with him (as well as many of the running backs below) is if he can stay healthy. He’s started just seven games during his rookie year, but also has a huge upside

11. Ryan Mathews, SD (7): Mathews put together the kind of season the Chargers were expecting when they drafted him in the first round. The worry for fantasy fans is whether he can stay healthy for 16 games. He didn’t get off to a good start in the preseason, breaking his collarbone on his first carry. That being said, he’ll be ready for the beginning of the season.

12. Darren McFadden, OAK (5): Was on his way to a special fantasy season before getting hurt in week seven. Michael Bush is no longer in Oakland to steal carries, but will McFadden stay healthy (see, I told you this would be a trend).

13. Fred Jackson, BUF (8): I’m sounding like a broken record at this point. Jackson was on his way to a top-five fantasy season before breaking his right leg in week 11. He’s back, but will have to split the load with C.J. Spiller.

14. Steven Jackson, STL (9): Jackson’s best fantasy years were wasted by the Rams, and for that, they owe all fantasy owners an apology. He’s still able to put up good fantasy numbers and St. Louis should be better, but there is a lot of tread on his tires.

15. Michael Turner, ATL (7): Turner started to break down at the end of the season, averaging an uninspiring 3.2 yards per carry in his final six games (not counting the week 17 matchup with Tampa Bay when the Bucs just wanted the season to end). The Falcons are quickly becoming a passing team, but expect Turner to still be the top option around the red zone.

16. Trent Richardson, CLE (10): Richardson has the talent to put of a big year but will the Browns do enough to let him blossom? Also, I’m not thrilled to see him suffering injuries before the season even begins.

17. Darren Sproles, NO (6): In a PPR league, he’s a top-10 running back. Even in a standard scoring league, it’s hard to pass up a guy who touched the ball 173 times last season. He has the confidence of Drew Brees and that’s good enough for me.

18. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (11): Bradshaw fought a number in injuries last year after his stellar 2010 fantasy season. His production this season will come down to his health and the development of his offensive line.

19. Frank Gore, SF (9): Gore did a lot of great things for fantasy owners and that won’t be forgotten. That being said, I am very down on Gore this season. The 49ers backfield is a jumbled mess between free agent additions and draft picks and the prevailing thought is Gore will be hard-pressed to replicate his 20-plus touches per game.

20. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, CIN (8): My fantasy sleeper running back, the Law Firm is finally out of the fantasy wasteland that was the Patriots backfield and will be given the opportunity to shine in Cincy.

21. Reggie Bush, MIA (7): Miami’s offense will be a work in progress with a rookie QB under center. That should only mean more touches for Bush. Don’t forget, he’ll also be very involved in a passing game that is extremely thin at wide receiver.

22. Beanie Wells, AZ (10): There’s good Beanie Wells and bad Beanie Wells. The good is the guy who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 scores last year. The bad is the guy who continually struggles to stay off the injury report.

23. Doug Martin, TB (5): Greg Schiano has no ties to LeGarrette Blount and has been extremely high on Martin, even comparing him to Ray Rice. Martin is a three-down back and will be given ample opportunity to keep the starting job.

24. Shonn Greene, NYJ (9): The Jets’ offense is going to be bad. At least Green should get the ball in Tony Sparano’s offense. Let’s just hope that Tim Tebow doesn’t take away too many goal line carries.

25. Jonathan Stewart, CAR (6): If he was the lead back in Carolina, you’re looking at a top-10 fantasy RB. Alas, the jumble in the Panthers backfield brings down the value of every guy. And honestly, Cam Newton’s goal line carries aren’t helping anyone either.

26. Willis McGahee, DEN (7): Peyton Manning will make the Broncos’ offense better, but the focus will shift away from the run game. Still, McGahee will see the field plenty and is the top option around the goal line.

27. Stevan Ridley, NE (9): Gets the first crack at replacing Green-Ellis as the Patriots lead back. Fantasy owners should be warned; Bill Belichick hates fantasy owners and will rotate a number of players in the backfield. You’ve be warned.

28. Isaac Redman, PIT (4): With Rashard Mendenhall injured to start the season and no experienced options behind him, Redman figures to see plenty of work early.

29. Cedric Benson, GB (10): Possibly the most talented back Green Bay has had in a while. This is a passing team, but Benson’s use in this Thursday’s preseason game should be monitored. He’s an interesting prospect.

30. Ben Tate, HOU (8): Backing up Arian Foster would kill a lot of player’s fantasy potential, but the Texans lead the league in run attempts and give both backs carries. Tate topped double digit fantasy points six times last season and his stock would soar if Foster were injured.

31. Donald Brown, IND (4): He’s claimed the Colts starting job and has looked extremely effective in the preseason. At the very least, you know he’ll get a solid number of carries. At this point on the list, that’s all you can ask.

32. Kevin Smith, DET (5): Jahvid Best is on the PUP list and might not even play this year. Kevin Smith is the starter for the foreseeable future.

33. Roy Helu, WSH (10): Never trust a running back on a Mike Shanahan team. Never.  Helu might get 20 carries one game and not sniff the ball for the next three. There’s just no way to know. Pass on all the Redskins’ backs.

34. DeAngelo Williams, CAR (6): See Stewart, Jonathan.

35. C.J. Spiller, BUF (8): Spiller came on strong in relief of Fred Jackson, showing a propensity to catch the ball out of the backfield. The Bills are rumored to use Spiller as a wide receiver in a number of sets, so his value might be highest in a PPR league.

36. Mark Ingram, NO (6): Ingram is in a loaded backfield in a pass-heavy offense. The talent is there, but he might not be more than an injury replacement until the Saints show they are committed to the run.

37. Peyton Hillis, KC (7): His terrible 2011 season got him shipped out of Cleveland and backing up Jamaal Charles in KC. He’s an elite goal line back and a number of fantasy ‘experts’ are high on Hillis, but I’ll wait to see how he’s used before getting too excited.

38. Toby Gerhart, MIN (11): It would behoove the Vikings to bring back Adrian Peterson slowly to keep him healthy. At the very least, that means a lot more Toby Gerhart early in the season. And if AP can’t stay healthy, Gerhart becomes a good back to have on your roster.

39. David Wilson, NYG (11): Ahmad Bradshaw suffered through injuries last year. Wilson is a speedster with a very unique skillset and should find ways to get onto the field.

40. Daniel Thomas, MIA (7): Thomas had over 200 yards in his first two games, but seemed a little overwhelmed with the spotlight his rookie year. Bush is the main guy in Miami, but Thomas has talent to begin to take away carries.

41. Felix Jones, DAL (5): Had a chance at the starting job a year ago and pulled a ‘Felix Jones’ by showing a lack of durability and effectiveness. The talent is there, but like many fantasy owners, the Cowboys might be fed up with the act.

42. James Starks, GB (10): With Green Bay getting rid of Ryan Grant, it appeared Starks was ready to be ‘the guy.’ Instead he struggled in the preseason, living up to his fragile moniker and forcing the Packers to sign Cedric Benson. As it stands, expect Starks to be nothing more than a backup on a pass-heavy offense.

43. Bernard Scott, CIN (8): If Green-Ellis doesn’t perform well in Cincy; Scott will get the first crack at replacing him. He’s got the makeup to be a three-down back, but clearly the Bengals didn’t see enough to make him the guy this offseason.

44. Shane Vereen, NE (9): Will see carries and will get the first crack to step in if Stevan Ridley can’t get the job done.

45. LeGarrette Blount, TB (5): Rookie running backs are known to struggle and Blount is hungry since losing his job to Doug Martin. Let’s just say if he gets the opportunity to win back his spot at some point in the season, I’d want Blount on my team.

46. Pierre Thomas, NO (6): See Ingram, Mark.

47. Jonathan Dwyer, PIT (4): Isaac Redman is far from established and has struggled with a nagging hip injury in training camp. Dwyer’s the next man up if Redman is hurt or ineffective.

48. Ryan Williams, AZ (10): If Cardinals fans see the bad Beanie Wells reemerge, Williams is going to be a hot commodity.

49. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (4): At this point in our rankings (and in your fantasy draft), Mendenhall is worth a pick. He’ll return around midseason and at the very least will be a more than capable fantasy backup.

50. Mikel Leshoure, DET (5): As noted earlier, there is a real chance Jahvid Best will spend the entire season on the PUP list. Leshoure has made more news off the field than on, but Kevin Smith isn’t exactly a top-flight prospect. Expect Leshoure to get a shot at some point.

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As the NFL season gets closer every day, so does your fantasy draft. Stephen Kelley’s fantasy football previews continue with a look at the surprisingly deep wide receiver position.

Full Rankings

1. Calvin Johnson, DET (5): Bigger, faster and stronger than any other receiver in the league. He should be the top pass catcher off the board.

2. Larry Fitzgerald, AZ (10): He’s put up big numbers despite ineffectiveness at quarterback. Last season he dipped below 50 yards just once. It doesn’t matter who’s under center as long as they can throw the ball near Fitzgerald.

3. Andre Johnson, HOU (8): Injuries have cut Johnson’s season short last year, and he’s missed multiple games in four of seven seasons. When he’s healthy, there are few better. Depends if you want to bet that’ll happen.

4. Mike Wallace, PIT (4): He’s a threat to go to the house every time he touches the ball. The emergence of Antonio Brown takes some of the pressure (and attention) off of Wallace. Now that he’s in camp, it shouldn’t take long for him to become Big Ben’s favorite target once again.

5. Wes Welker, NE (9): The two tight ends get the attention (and rightfully so), but all Welker does is catch the ball and make plays. Pencil him in for well over 100 catches and 1,000 yards.

6. Roddy White, ATL (7): White was second in the league in catches last year, so he’s shown he can coexist with Julio Jones. But to move up on this list, he’ll need to be more consistent. He led the league with 11 drops last season.

7. Greg Jennings, GB (10): The good news for Jennings is that Green Bay is going to air out the ball a ton. The bad news is there are plenty of candidates to catch that ball. Still, Jennings has been the most consistent and prolific of the receivers.

8. A.J. Green, CIN (8): He’ll see the ball a ton, he’ll catch the ball a ton. The scary thing? He’s only getting better.

9. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (11): Nicks has the talent to be near the top of this list, but like Johnson, he needs to find a way to stay on the field. The latest injury to his foot has him slated to return by the first week. It’s hard to argue with his talent when he’s healthy.

10. Brandon Marshall, CHI (6): Marshall has finished in the top 13 in fantasy points among wide receivers the past five years despite a myriad of terrible quarterback play. He had his best seasons when playing with Jay Cutler, his new (old) quarterback. It doesn’t take much to read between the lines.

11. Jordy Nelson, GB (10): He might not be listed as the top receiver on his own team, but Nelson found the end zone 15 times last season. While touchdowns don’t always transfer year to year, he’s earned the trust of Aaron Rodgers around the end zone.

12. Victor Cruz, NYG (11): What will he do as an encore, with defenses regularly game planning for him? The answer to that question will affect where you should draft Cruz. I’m not as high on him as some, but he put together one of the better seasons we’ve seen in a while.

13. Steve Smith, CAR (6): Rejuvenated by the emergence of Cam Newton, Smith is once again a player worth picking high on your draft board.

14. Marques Colston, NO (6): Finished with over 50 yards in all but one game and is a legitimate red zone weapon. Drew Brees likes to spread the ball around, but always seems to find Colston enough to make him a reliable fantasy starter.

15. Brandon Lloyd, NE (9): I’m very high on Lloyd this season. He’s reunited with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, under whom he had his best seasons in Denver. He’s best used on deep routes – which Tom Brady will be more than happy to throw. Lloyd has the chance to fill the role in the Pats offense vacated by Randy Moss a few years ago.

16. Vincent Jackson, TB (5): The Buccaneers spent $55-million to bring Jackson to Tampa Bay. You don’t buy a new toy not to play with it.

17. Julio Jones, ATL (7): Was a bit inconsistent during his rookie season, but has all the physical tools to be a top-10 fantasy receiver.

18. Dez Bryant, DAL (5): See above, except substitute ‘first two seasons’ for ‘rookie season’.

19. Miles Austin, DAL (5): Injuries have hampered Austin the last two seasons, but he has a lot of incentive to return to his 2009 form. He’s a dynamic player if he can stay on the field.

20. Dwayne Bowe, KC (7): His touchdown numbers took a big dip last year, falling from 15 in ’10 to five in ’11. Still, his yardage remained consistent. Given the revolving door at quarterback last year, you have to believe Bowe will look more like the 2010 version.

21. Stevie Johnson, BUF (8): He’s put up eerily similar numbers the past two seasons. Those numbers have been good and so has Stevie.

22. Eric Decker, DEN (7): Decker was a good fantasy player with Tim Tebow as his quarterback. Expect him to be a great fantasy player with Peyton Manning as his quarterback. I believe he’s got the football smarts and athleticism to be Peyton’s #1 guy.

23. Antonio Brown, PIT (4): Exploded onto the scene last year and earned himself a big contract. In fact, down the stretch, he was a better fantasy receiver than Mike Wallace.

24. Percy Harvin, MIN (11): Showed last season that he could carry the load as the top receiver, finishing eighth in fantasy points among receivers last year. He has a history of injuries, but if he’s healthy, he’s a good value.

25. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (7): Like Philadelphia’s entire season, the passing game was inconsistent. Still, we’ve seen what Maclin is capable of and he’s the Eagles receiver you’ll want on your team.

26. Pierre Garcon, WSH (10): He left Indy for the big contract and the chance to be the main guy. Garcon is all about the big play, and the Redskins will get him plenty of opportunities to show what he can do.

27. Demaryius Thomas, DEN (7): While I’m higher on Decker as a fantasy guy, Thomas very well could lead the team in touchdowns. He’s the type of freakish athlete that Manning can turn into a fantasy stud (just like he did for the guy listed above).

28. DeSean Jackson, PHI (7): DeSean’s fantasy value is closely tied to his ability to get into the end zone. His touchdown numbers have declined the past three years, as has his standing in the fantasy football rankings.

29. Robert Meachem, SD (7): Meachem goes from one elite quarterback to another. The only difference is he’ll see a lot more balls in San Diego.

30. Denarius Moore, OAK (5): Moore was hampered by injuries during his rookie year, but looks posed for a breakout season. He finished fourth in the league in deep catches last year. With a full offseason to work with Carson Palmer, expect that tandem to do good things together.

31. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (9): Ugh, someone has to catch the ball for the Jets. Holmes is the only capable wideout on the roster.

32. Kenny Britt, TEN (11): Had two incredible fantasy games to start 2011 before an ACL tear ended his season. Since then there has been nothing but drama and run-ins with the law. Now, facing a possible suspension, projecting Britt’s season is hazy. Draft at your own risk.

33. Torrey Smith, BAL (8): Smith grabs yards and touchdowns in bunches. If Cam Cameron can break away from his vanilla offense and find a way to get Smith the ball consistently – look out.

34. Malcom Floyd, SD (7): Will fight Meachem for the bulk of Philip Rivers’ passes.

35. Anquan Boldin, BAL (8): He’ll be slowed down by a nagging injury at some point in the season, but Boldin skills are still sharp, and I’m projecting his touchdown numbers to trend upwards.

36. Reggie Wayne, IND (4): See: Boldin, Anquan.

37. Nate Washington, TEN (11): Quietly put together a very nice season last year. Washington has the confidence of both Jake Locker and Matt Hasselbeck and has been the most consistent receiver the Titans have.

38. Sidney Rice, SEA (11): The quarterback situation will be better in Seattle and Rice still has the ability to replicate his 2010 season.

39. Justin Blackmon, JAX (6): He’s a rookie with subpar quarterback play on a bad team. That being said, Blackmon has the physical tools to be placed much higher on this list.

40. Laurent Robinson, JAX (6): Robinson broke out last year playing in Dallas. Jacksonville is not Dallas. Still, he’ll be a serviceable fantasy player.

41. Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK (5): Last season it wasn’t DHB’s play that was inconsistent; it was how the Raiders used him. He dominated the field for more than a month, disappeared for the next month, and then dominated again. If you’re willing to ride the rollercoaster, your pick could be rewarded.

42. Michael Crabtree, SF (9): The 49ers have remade the passing game, but Crabtree still remains. He has good hands and will actually be aided from San Fran’s additions.

43. Titus Young, DET (5): Look for Young to overtake Nate Burleson and start opposite Calvin Johnson.

44. Mike Williams, TB (5): Williams was extremely impressive his rookie year and was extremely unimpressive last year. With Vincent Jackson in the fold, there will be more room for Williams to operate.

45. Randy Moss, SF (9): He is a niche player at this point, but his niche is as a deep threat and touchdown machine. He shouldn’t be a starter on your team every week, but with the right matchup, he’ll be worth the investment.

46. Brian Quick, STL (9): He certainly fits the mold of a fantasy sleeper. The rookie has height and speed and should endear himself to Sam Bradford quickly (no pun intended).

47. Rueben Randle, NYG (11): The depth behind Cruz and Nicks is weak, and the Giants showed that there are plenty of receptions to go around last year. Randle is a nice late flyer pick.

48. Michael Floyd, AZ (10): Will have ample opportunities opposite of Larry Fitzgerald.

49. Leonard Hankerson, WSH (10): It took him awhile to pick up Washington’s offense, but once he did, he excelled. An injury cut his season short, but he’ll get the first crack to start opposite of Garcon.

50. Davone Bess, MIA (7): It might not always be pretty in South Beach, but Bess is the best receiver on the roster.

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The first wave of preseason games are in the books and fantasy football drafts are right around the corner. In the coming weeks, we will prepare you ready for the upcoming fantasy season by breaking every position. Today we’re talking the top-heavy tight end position.

Full Rankings

1. Rob Gronkowski, NE (9): He set positional records for receiving yards and touchdowns last year. He’ll be the first tight end off the board, and if you’re the owner picking him, you’ll be happy.

2. Jimmy Graham, NO (6): Graham’s spectacular season was overshadowed by Gronk, but he finished with the second most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history. With Robert Meachem now in San Diego, Graham’s role in the offense could expand even more.

3. Vernon Davis, SF (9): Davis really came on for the Niners in the playoffs and showed fantasy owners what he is capable of. With new weapons like Randy Moss and Mario Manningham drawing attention on the outside, the middle will be open for Davis.

4. Jermichael Finley, GB (10): If he can stay healthy (and that’s a big if) Finley has the chance to put himself into the conversation with Gronkowski and Graham. But Finley also dropped 11 passes last season and is behind Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings in the pecking order. He’s a classic risk/reward pick.

5. Jason Witten, DAL (5): Started strong with through the first eight games of the season but his production tailed off dramatically towards the end of the year. Witten failed to reach the end zone in the final six games. He’s still productive but should not be drafted higher than the fifth round.

6. Antonio Gates, SD (7): Another aging superstar tight end, Gates missed four games due to injury, and just doesn’t have the speed to make plays in the open field. But with Vincent Jackson now residing in Tampa Bay, expect the Chargers to expand Gates’ role in the offense this season.

7. Aaron Hernandez, NE (9): On any other team, he’d be a top-flight fantasy option. Even with Gronk in front of him on the depth chart, the Patriots are creative in finding ways to get Hernandez the ball.

8. Fred Davis, WSH (10): Showed glimpses of what he is capable of last season with nearly 800 yards through the first 12 games of the year. But then he suspended the final four games for marijuana use. Still, with a rookie quarterback in the mix, Davis should see his fair share of balls.

9. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (5): Finished third in the league in fantasy receptions and was second in targets. The reason he doesn’t rank higher on this list is because he doesn’t put up a ton of yards, but is a great option in a PPR league.

10. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (7): Gonzalez is very well the best tight end to play the game and still has a lot left in the tank. Matt Ryan does a good job utilizing him in the middle of the field, but don’t expect the world from this 36 year old.

11. Jacob Tamme, DEN (7): Projecting this spot a little, but we saw what Peyton and Tamme could do together in Indianapolis. It’s well documented that Manning is a big fan of getting his tight ends involved. I expect that trend to continue with the Broncos.

12. Dustin Keller, NYJ (9): The Jets receiving corps is among the league’s worst. Someone has to catch the ball, and Keller is the most reliable receiving threat on the team.

13. Jared Cook, TEN (11): Cook has the physical tools to be an extremely good tight end. He’s 6-5, 250 and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. He really blossomed in the final three games, going over 100 yards twice. If he can reach his potential, he’ll move way up this list next year.

14. Owen Daniels, HOU (8): Daniels has had a few down years and is no longer a top fantasy option. But he’s still a solid route running tight end in a play action offense. He’ll see his share of balls this season.

15. Martellus Bennett, NYG (11): No longer stuck behind Witten on the Cowboys’ depth chart, Bennett came to New York looking for a chance to shine. Because of injuries at tight end, Bennett should get a lot playing time. He’s certainly a player to watch.

16. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (8): Surprisingly solid for the Bengals last year. He will only get better as Andy Dalton develops, but might not become a fantasy starter until Cincy commits to featuring his athleticism in the fantasy game.

17. Brent Celek, PHI (7): Closed the season with touchdowns in his final three games, Celek was gold in the fantasy playoffs. However, his targets and catches the rest of the year where all over the map. Celek is a TE2, but likely not a starter.

18. Greg Olsen, CAR (6): His numbers should improve with Jeremy Shockey no longer on the team, but Olsen does not see the ball enough in the red zone to be overly enthused with him as a prospect.

19. Kellen Winslow, SEA (11): My fantasy sleeper last season, Winslow was fourth among tight ends in targets last year. With Zach Miller already in the fold in the Emerald City, you might want to pass on Winslow.

20. Kyle Rudolph, MIN (11): You can’t teach height, and at 6-foot-6, Rudolph is a big target. He takes over as the main tight end and his best friend is Christian Ponder. Gut call, but I’m expecting some very nice things from Rudolph this season.

21. Coby Fleener, IND (4): At the very least, Coby Fleener is familiar to QB Andrew Luck, as the two were teammates at Stanford. Indy’s offensive line leaves a lot to be desired, which could mean more check downs to Fleener.

22. Marcedes Lewis, JAX (6): Put together one of the better fantasy seasons in 2010-11, but followed it up by catching just 39 passes and no touchdowns. Buyer beware, the Jags QB situation is not good.

23. Ed Dickson, BAL (8): With Dennis Pitta out with a broken hand suffered in training camp, Dickson will not have to fight for playing time early in the season. Keep an eye on him. If he’s seeing the ball in the first couple of weeks, he might be worth a waiver claim.

24. Scott Chandler, BUF (8): Caught four touchdowns in the first three games last season, but just two after that. He’s a great red zone option for the Bills, but does not see the ball enough to be owned in most leagues.

25. Heath Miller, PIT (4): If the Steelers offensive line was better, Miller wouldn’t be a bad fantasy option. But too often he’s forced to stay in as a blocker to compensate.

26. Tony Moeaki, KC (7): Moeaki is returning from an ACL injury, but showed good chemistry with QB Matt Cassel during his rookie year. Keep an eye on his camp battle with Kevin Boss, but I’d be surprised if Moeaki didn’t put up good numbers this year.

27. Joel Dreessen, DEN (7): Peyton Manning likes to keep his tight ends involved in the offense, and Dreessen did catch six touchdowns last season. Still, Dreessen will be the backup in Denver, and should be drafted as such.

28. Dallas Clark, TB (5): QB Josh Freeman threw to his tight ends a ton last season (see Kellen Winslow). Clark has struggled with injuries the past two seasons, but was a superstar when healthy. Keep an eye on the situation; he could be worth a flyer.

29. Evan Moore, CLE (10): The more durable of the Browns tight end options, Moore is used like a wide receiver in the red zone. Rookie quarterbacks lean on the tight ends more, so Moore could be more involved in the offense this year.

30. Anthony Fasano, MIA (7): With Chad (Ochocinco) Johnson on the street and an underwhelming receiving corps, someone will have to catch the ball.

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Football fans, you’re Christmas is right around the corner. Preseason games have already started and the regular season is right around the corner. Nearly as important, the fantasy football season is finally here! In the coming weeks, we will prepare you ready for the upcoming fantasy season by breaking every position. First up, we’ll rank the top the top defense & special team units.

 

Full Rankings

1. 49ers: Last year San Francisco finished with the most fantasy points despite picking up just one defensive touchdown. Given the playmakers on John Harbaugh’s team, you have to expect that number to go up.

2. Texans: DC Wade Phillips turned Houston’s weakness into strength last season, completely transforming the defense. With a full training camp, expect this defense to only get better.

3. Bears: Call this ranking a hunch, but Chicago’s defense has always been able to turn the ball over. Last season they scored six defensive touchdowns and Devin Hester is always a threat to return a kick for a score. An improved offense will only help Chicago’s D.

4. Ravens: Age and injuries are beginning to catch up with this former defensive powerhouse. Even with the loss of 2011 Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs, the defense should once again be among the league’s best. After all, you can’t count out a unit featuring Ed Reed and Ray Lewis.

5. Steelers: Like the Ravens, Pittsburgh’s defense isn’t getting any younger. Still, this is a defense that allowed an NFL-low 271 yards per game last season. With a good return game and ball-hawking secondary, expect at least one more good fantasy season for this unit.

6. Eagles: No longer dubbed the Dream Teams, Philadelphia has quietly added a couple of nice pieces and turned weakness into strengths. The addition of DeMeco Ryans solves the middle linebacker spot. Add in guys like Jason Babin, Nnamdi Asomugha and Trent Cole, and this unit has a chance at the top-overall spot.

7. Jets: For all of his faults, Rex Ryan does a great job of getting the most out of his defenses. Safety was a weakness last year, but the addition of a healthy LaRon Landry should help. Expect more of the same from this unit.

8. Packers: Green Bay had an OK fantasy season last year, but OK was not good enough. After allowing an NFL-worst 412 yards a game, the unit has beefed up its front seven, adding in rookie pass rusher Nick Perry as well as a plethora of defensive lineman. Don’t forget, this unit had 31 picks last season. With more pressure on the quarterback, the hope is that number will go up even more.

9. Lions: Detroit’s defense is making most of its news in the police blotter, but this is a unit with some real star power. The key for the Lions D is getting to the quarterback, which they did 41 times last season.

10. Seahawks: Quick, name the fifth-best fantasy defense last year. My guess is Seattle was not even in your top ten guesses. With only one major loss from last year’s unit (LB David Hawthorne), the Seahawks might be your best bang for the buck.

11. Falcons: Atlanta has one of the best sets of corners, with Asante Samuel joining Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson via an offseason trade. If Ray Edwards can prove he is worth his big contract (just 3.5 sacks last season), the Falcons defense should be solid.

12. Bills: All it took was one offseason for Buffalo to revamp its defensive line into one of the league’s best. Free agent defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson join defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams to form one of the most imposing D-lines in the league. This is certainly a unit on the rise.

13. Cowboys: This is a conservative estimate for Dallas’ D, who can get to the quarterback with the best of them. The question is if the additions of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne are enough to fix the Cowboys’ secondary. If the back half of the defense can stay healthy, the team had top-5 potential.

14. Giants: Despite its phenomenal postseason run, the Giants actually struggled most of the year on defense. But health and inexperience played big parts in New York falling to the 22^nd best fantasy defense last season. There are just too many good players to think that will happen again.

15. Chiefs: Even though the injury bug bit KC early and often last season, the defense played pretty well. They have a good pass rush, nice linebacker play, and an above-average secondary. If healthy, this is a defense worth owning.

16. Cardinals: We’ve spent a lot of time discussing the defenses, but the return game is a big piece of how the scores pan out. With Patrick Peterson returning kicks in Arizona, this unit gets a big boost. Still, they have to force more turnovers before they should be on a fantasy roster.

17. Dolphins: This unit got better as last season went on and a change at coach should give new life to Miami’s D. From week 8 on, the team averaged a consistent 8.1 fantasy points a game. Depending on the matchup, the Dolphins could be a good bye week pickup.

18. Bengals: Have you looked at Cincinnati’s defensive roster for this upcoming season? It’s like the team of misfit draft busts. Seriously, give it a look. Still, if they can somehow turn some of this potential into production, look out for Cincy.

19. Rams: St. Louis’ defense is not bad, just not all that good. They are young at a number of positions, and might be a year or two away from being a dependable fantasy defense.

20. Patriots: The secondary was so bad last season that a wide receiver saw a ton of playing time at corner last year. They made some interesting moves in the offseason, but I’d watch and wait before adding New England to your roster.

21. Raiders: Oakland’s defensive front is actually pretty good, but the team had to remake its secondary again this offseason. There’s potential but better options out there.

22. Broncos: They can get to the quarterback with Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, but there are a lot of question marks on the roster. Pass on Denver.

23. Titans: Lost a lot of key pieces in the offseason and did not really replace them.

24. Browns: Cleveland is good against the run but the secondary is pretty porous. Not a great fantasy option.

25. Redskins: There is young talent on the roster, but too many holes remain unfilled. Pass.

26. Chargers: If the pass rush can come into form this unit will be better than this ranking. But that’s a big if…

27. Buccaneers: They have talent, but like the Rams, they are likely a year or two away from realizing their potential.

28. Jaguars: Good news: Jacksonville finished 11^th in fantasy points last season. Bad news: take away the week 14 performance and they are right back near the bottom.

29. Saints: Bountygate gutted the roster but age and ineffectiveness are what makes this unit undraftable.

30. Vikings: They have Jared Allen, so that’s nice. They also have the league’s worst secondary, so that’s not.

31. Panthers: The team’s defensive hopes might rest on the reconstructed ACLs of linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis.

32. Colts: Switching to a 3-4 without the personnel to make the defense succeed. Check back in two years.

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With the NFL Draft (or as I see it, Christmas day) later this week, it’s time to throw my hat in the mock draft ring. Here’s how it will go down:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

IND team needs: QB, DT, CB, WR, TE, LB

As big of a no-doubter as there is in this draft. I could wax poetic about how much the Colts need a guy like Luck, or you could just read my QB breakdown here . We’ve got 31 more picks to go.

 

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

WAS team needs: QB, LB, OT, S, CB, OG

If Luck is the biggest no-brainer, Griffin is 1-A. The Redskins mortgaged the future, sending three 1^st round picks to the Rams, to pick this guy. He’s a perfect fit for Mike Shanahan’s system. Even though Shanahan is often a wild card, I don’t expect him to get cute here.

 

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

MIN team needs: OT, WR, CB, S, DT, LB

The first team to start throwing out smoke signals, the Vikings are trying to convince teams they are not a lock to pick Kalil. The smart money is on GM Rick Spielman trying to build up a little trade chatter. With needs at corner and receiver, the team could move back in the top-10 and still possibly get a Morris Claiborne or Justin Blackmon. Claiborne will get a look considering the Vikings have to play Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford six times a year. But with no certainty that both guys will still be there later in the top-10 and Minnesota needs to invest in the protection of Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder. If they stay, Kalil is likely the guy.

 

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

CLE team needs: RB, WR, QB, ROT, DE, OG

Cleveland can have its pick of players who will fit a need: Trent Richardson, Ryan Tannehill, Blackmon or Claiborne. Mike Holmgren is something of a QB snob and I don’t see him falling in love with a raw prospect like Tannehill. The Browns desperately need an upgrade at wideout, so Blackmon would make a lot of sense. But I think the team is leaning towards Richardson. Cleveland looked like a team on the rise when Peyton HIllis was at his best two years ago. Richardson instantly becomes the best offensive threat for the team.

 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

TB team needs: RB, CB, OLB, SS, TE, OG

I think if Richardson were to slip to Tampa, he’d be the pick here. But as it is, Claiborne fits a need and can step in right away. Ronde Barber is past his prime, and has started to work at safety in spring camp. Aqib Talib is being shopped by the team after (multiple) off-the-field issues. The team signed Eric Wright as a free agent, but with both Barber and Talib’s future in the air, the team still needs a talent like Claiborne.

 

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

STL team needs: WR, OT, CB, RB, LB, S

The Rams will gladly take whoever falls to them out of Kalil, Richardson, Claiborne or Blackmon — a big reason they traded back into the draft. In this scenario Blackmon is the guy, finally giving Sam Bradford a weapon. There’s still buzz that St. Louis is still open to a trade which makes sense with so many needs. But if they stay, Blackmon is their guy.

 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

JAX team needs: DE, C, OT, CB, WR, RB

The Jags would be all over Blackmon if were to somehow fall to them, giving Blaine Gabbert a much needed weapon. Jacksonville is also a prime candidate to trade down. But word out of Jacksonville is that the team’s brass has been impressed with Ingram. The team has been searching for a rush end for quite a while. The team signed Aaron Kampman in free agency, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. The team reached for Derrick Harvey in 2008, who has eight career sacks. Ingram is the most versatile DE in the draft, and will form a nice duo with Jeremy Mincey.

 

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

MIA team needs: QB, WR, OT, S, DE, CB

A new regime often means a change under center, and in Tannehill, coach Joe Philbin could have his own guy to mold. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Tannehill played under new OC Mike Sherman at A&M. Tannehill is far from a finished product, but the Dolphins can let Matt Moore or David Garrard warm the seat for another year. The bigger question for Miami is if they’ll need to trade up to get Tannehill; possibly as high as number three.

 

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

CAR team needs: CB, DT, WR, OT, OLB, OG

I personally think Memphis’ Dontari Poe has a higher ceiling, but Cox might make more sense in Carolina’s 4-3 scheme.  He has been moving up a number of draft boards in recent weeks, and word is that he impressed coach Ron Rivera during their meeting. The Panthers will likely pick a DT one way or another, and it sounds like Cox is their guy.

 

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

BUF team needs: OT, WR, OLB, CB, OG, TE

There’s still an outside chance that the Bills could reach for Michael Floyd, a player they’re said to be enamored with. But the team would be smart to make Reiff the pick. The Bills’ offensive line was a complete disaster last year, with injury and ineffectiveness a big culprit for the team’s second-half collapse. Buffalo is actually fairly solid on the inside with Andy Levitre, Eric Wood and Kraig Urbik, but needs a big-time upgrade at tackle. Reiff is an ideal guy for a franchise who has not selected a tackle in the 1^st round since 2002.

 

11. Kanas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

KC team needs: NT, LB, OG, S, OLB, RB

Despite playing a 3-4, the Chiefs do not have a true nose tackle on its roster. Poe would certainly fit the bill. GM Scott Pioli is thought to prefer players with a proven track record, so LB Luke Kuechly remains a strong possibility here, but Poe’s upside at a premier position is tough to overlook.

 

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

SEA team needs: LB, DE, OG, OT, WR, CB

The Seahawks will have their choice between Kuechly and DE Quinton Coples, but I think Kuechly will win out. Besides being ridiculously productive at BC, he might fit the biggest need on the team. The Seahawks have a void after the loss of David Hawthorne, and Kuechly looks like a sure bet to be a prolific player in the NFL.

 

13. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

AZ team needs: OT, WR, OLB, QB, DE, OG, CB

I wanted to put OG David DeCastro is this spot, but based on the word coming out of Arizona; it seems the team is sold on Floyd. The team has not had a complement to Larry Fitzgerald since losing Anquan Boldin and Floyd has a similar skill set. The team needs to figure out what they have in QB Kevin Kolb, and the first step is to give him more weapons.

 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

DAL team needs: S, DL, CB, WR, OG, OLB

The Cowboys filled one need in the secondary by grabbing Brandon Carr in free agency. But to fix the mess in the back four, the team will need to continue to upgrade. Barron is the best safety out there and reports out of Dallas say Jerry Jones was extremely impressed with Barron. DeCastro or corners Dre Kirkpatrick and Stephon Gilmore are also options for the Cowboys.

 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

PHI team needs: LT, S, OLB, DE, DT, TE

With the two top defensive tackles off the board, the Eagles take one of the top talents left in Coples. Coples actually had his best season as a Tarheel playing defensive tackle. Coples might be the best pure pass rusher among the defensive lineman, and we know that Andy Reid loves the big fellas. The Eagles have picked four DL in the 1^st round since 2003.

 

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

NYJ team needs: OLB, WR, OT, DE, S, RB

For me, this pick comes down to Chandler Jones or Upshaw. The Jets swung and missed at a player with upside in 2007, picking Vernon Golston. Jones might end up being a better player, but he’s still incredibly raw while Upshaw is ready to contribute to the Jets right away. With Aaron Maybin already back in the fold, Rex Ryan would be smart to pick a well-rounded player like Upshaw.

 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

CIN team needs: OG, S, CB, SS, WR, RB

DeCastro is a good value for the Bengals at this pick. DeCastro will provide an immediate upgrade to the interior of the line and will help to shore up the running game. There might be sexier names left on the board, but DeCastro will only help the career of Andy Dalton. The team will also look at a corner, but I think they’ll get a quality guy there at #21. DeCastro will likely be off the board by then.

 

18. San Diego Chargers: Chandler Jones, OLB, Syracuse

SD team needs: G, C, OLB, S, DT, OT

Only one player had more than four sacks last season, and the team needs to upgrade this position. The team signed Jarrett Johnson in the offseason, but he’s more of a run stuffer than pass rusher. As I said, Jones is raw, but he’s got the physical tools that defensive coordinators salivate over.

 

19. Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

CHI team needs: LT, CB, DE, LB, TE, DT, OG

The Bears could go in a number of directions with this pick including offensive tackle or defensive end. But Chicago plays in a division with the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. Gilmore could be a top-15 pick, and has created a lot of buzz for himself over the last month. If Chicago passes on Gilmore, expect Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus to be the pick.

 

20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

TEN team needs: CB, LB, S, OT, DE, WR

Cornerback is the team’s top need after losing Cortland Finnegan in free agency. The team is said to be big fans of Gilmore, but I actually think Kirkpatrick is a better fit for the Titans zone-heavy coverage scheme. The Titans could also go another route, picking a guard like Cordy Glenn or linebacker like Dont’a Hightower.

 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

CIN team needs: OG, S, CB, SS, WR, RB

The Bengals gamble backfires in this scenario, with Gilmore and Kirkpatrick off the board. The team could take a look at Janoris Jenkins, but the prevailing thought is that his off-the-field issues make him a lock to miss the first round. Cincinnati could look to trade out of this pick, but if they keep it, Wright makes sense. He’d be a good complement to A.J. Green and give the team security at the position for years to come.

 

22. Cleveland Browns: Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

CLE team needs: RB, WR, QB, ROT, DE, OG

The Browns picked up their running back of the future earlier, now they pick a guy who can open up holes for him. The Browns recently hosted a private workout for Glenn, who can play either right tackle or guard. The team could also look at a wide receiver here, but with Wright off the board, Glenn makes more sense.

 

23. Detroit Lions: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

DET team needs: OT, CB, LB, DE, RB, OC

Detroit is another team looking for an upgrade on the line, and Martin is certainly an attractive prospect at this point. The team has a lot of money invested in their passing game, and they need to keep Matthew Stafford upright. Martin can learn under Jeff Backus and could potentially take over for him at left tackle sooner than later. Defensive end and cornerback will also be considered for this pick.

 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

PIT team needs: OT, OG, LB, CB, NT, RB

The team would have liked a shot at Glenn or Martin, but they might find a better fit in Hightower. He will excel in Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 scheme. He was an incredibly productive player during his time at Alabama and has the athleticism to play all over the field for Pittsburgh.

 

25. Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers, DET, LSU

DEN team needs: DT, CB, OG, C, WR, RB

The Broncos have a glaring need at tackle and have the opportunity to get a player with top-15 talent. Brockers created havoc in the middle for the Tigers last season, and should be able to play right away in Denver.

 

26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

HOU team needs: WR, OT, ILB, OG, CB, OLB

The Texans’ receiving corps was exposed when Andre Johnson went down with injury last season. There are plenty of complimentary pieces on the roster, but Houston is missing a difference-maker opposite of Johnson. Hill could fill that profile. Although he did not see the ball much in the Yellowjackets’ run-heavy offense, he has the physical tools to be a homerun threat.

 

27. New England Patriots: Shea McClellin, DE/OLB, Boise State

NE team needs: DE, S, DT, OLB, CB, OG

With the Patriots, it’s a good bet the team will trade at least one of its first round picks. The word from Boston is that the team is high on McClellin, a guy rising up a number of draft boards. He played as a defensive end at Boise State, but scouts say he can make the conversion to OLB. With a high football IQ, he’s the type of player Bill Belichick likes to have around.

 

28. Green Bay Packers: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

GB team needs: OLB, S, RB, DE, C, CB

GM Ted Thompson is notorious for drafting the best player available, but even TT can see the need for a pass rusher. Mercilus very well could be off the board at this point, but in this scenario, he makes a lot of sense for Green Bay. Mercilus is physically imposing and can play both outside backer and defensive end. The team will also take a look at DE’s Andre Branch, Nick Perry and linebacker Lavonte David.

 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

BAL team needs: OG, OLB, OT, DE, RB, MLB

Konz makes a lot of sense, fills a need, and is good for the team long term. Konz can fill-in for recently departed Ben Grubbs at guard this season. He also couldn’t ask for a better mentor than veteran center Matt Birk. There is a sharp drop in talent after Konz, so the Ravens would be smart to be proactive.

 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin

SF team needs: OG, DE, CB, WR, OLB, TE

Make it back-to-back Badgers. The NFL is extremely high on Wisconsin offensive lineman and word is that the 49ers have locked in on their guy at #30. I think this pick comes down to Zeitler, Coby Fleener or a rush end. Fleener would be a luxury pick with Vernon Davis already in the fold, so my gut says Zeitler. He has the nasty disposition that will resonate with Jim Harbaugh.

 

31. New England Patriots: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

NE team needs: DE, S, DT, OLB, CB, OG

As noted earlier, I do not believe the Patriots will hold on to both 1^st round picks. But if they do, New England would be smart to address its secondary. Smith made up for a subpar senior season by having a great Combine and Senior Bowl. Don’t count out CB Janoris Jenkins. Belichick likes to think he’s smarter than everyone else and Jenkins is a top talent.

 

32. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

NYG team needs: OT, RB, LB, DT, DE, TE

As I stated my draft prospects breakdown, Adams has the natural tools to be a high 1st round pick but questions about his work ethic and character drop him down the draft board. The risk/reward prospect doesn’t look as much of a risk at #32.

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Quarterbacks

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford (6-4, 234): There’s not much to say about Luck that hasn’t been said. He’s the best quarterback prospect to come into the NFL since the man he will be replacing in Indianapolis. Luck is intelligent, an extremely hard worker, and his surprisingly grounded despite his fame. He’s an incredibly good athlete or the position and can make all the throws needed to succeed. Luck has already received a degree in architectural design from Stanford, graduating with a 3.48 GPA.     Prediction: 1st Overall Pick

2. Robert Griffin III, Baylor (6-2, 223): In any other year, Griffin would likely be the top overall pick. Instead, he’ll have to settle for going #2 to the Redskins. Griffin showed that he was the complete package during his Heisman Trophy winning season, exhibiting exceptional arm strength, top-level athleticism, toughness and leadership. Extremely competitive, he will win over the fans in Washington right away. If there is an area of concern with RG3, it’s his lack of size. He has the ability to escape the pocket, but also leaves himself open to hits. Missed all but three games in 2009 because of an ACL tear.  These concerns will not affect his draft stock.     Prediction: 2nd Overall Pick

3. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M (6-4, 221): Has rocketed up draft boards despite not being able to work out at the Combine because of a foot injury. With a number of teams thinking quarterback early in the draft, expect a team to reach. Tannehill will need time to develop into an NFL caliber quarterback. The physical tools are there, but he only played a season and a half after making the switch from wide receiver. His progress has been helped by coming from a pro-style offense and working under Mike Sherman (now the OC in Miami). Handles pressure well and is extremely athletic, but will force a couple passes a game. If some team falls in love with him (or is scared he’ll be gone earlier), Tannehill could be off the board very early in the first round.     Prediction: Top-10 Pick

4. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State (6-3, 221): After the three names above, there is little consensus on the next best QB prospect. Weeden joined OSU after playing four years in the Yankees minor league season. He will be 29 in October. He enters the draft process as a mature and polished player who can contribute right away. Weeden is extremely accurate and throws a tight spiral. His arm strength is just a notch below elite. Played in a spread offense and will need to work on getting snaps under center and making reads. Limited foot quickness, he will not be a threat to leave the pocket.     Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round Pick

5. Brock Osweiler, Arizona State (6-7, 242): You can’t teach height (just ask Russell Wilson). Osweiler shows off impressive athleticism for his size and could add even more weight to his frame. Like Weeden, he comes from a spread offense and will need practice time under center. His mechanics are unrefined, but still throws a pretty clean ball. Has a good, compact release but needs to work with a QB coach on his trajectory. Will not be ready to step in and start right away.     Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round Pick

Best of the rest: Kirk Cousins (Michigan State), Nick Foles (Arizona), Russell Wilson (Wisconsin), Ryan Lindley (San Diego State), Kellen Moore (Boise State)

 

Running Backs

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama (5-9, 228): He has an excellent blend of height, weight and speed. Richardson is a load to bring down, thanks to his high knees and low center of gravity. He wears defenses down as the game goes on. Extremely patient runner who lets his blockers set up their blocks. Richardson would not be categorized as elusive, but he does hit his second and third gears faster than most backs his size. Very good pass catcher out of the backfield and will stick his man in pass protection.   Prediction: Top-10 Pick

2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech (5-10, 206): Gets a boost on a number of draft boards thanks to a great Combine performance. Ran the 40 in 4.40 seconds and led all running backs in the vertical and broad jumps. Beyond his physical numbers, Wilson was an extremely competitive runner for the Hokies this past season, and is a homerun threat every time he gets the ball. Has good vision and patience, and works well within the hole. Wilson will excel in a one-cut system because of his speed. Will need work in the passing game, mostly as a blocker.    Prediction: 2^nd Round Pick

3. Doug Martin, Boise State (5-9, 223): Martin impressed at the Combine and Senior Bowl. Ran faster than expected in the 40, posting a 4.47. Martin is solid in every area. He’s a solid north-south runner who will not go down at first contact. He’s a competitive runner who keeps his legs churning and also shows good vision in the open field. One of the best receiving backs in this year’s draft.     Prediction: 2^nd Round Pick

4. Lamar Miller, Miami (5-11, 212): An incredibly fast back, Miller ran a 4.38 at the Combine. His biggest strength is his speed and agility, but is not proficient as a pass catcher. There are questions whether he can be a three-down back. Miller can be taking down by arm tackles, but in open space, not many defenders can get an arm on him. Durability is a concern for Miller, who only carried the ball 335 times at Miami because of injuries. He’ll likely be a complimentary back at the next level.      Prediction: 3rd Round Pick

5. Lamichael James, Oregon (5-8, 194): James is smaller than the average NFL back and will need to add weight to his frame. Plays very fast and runs hard for his size. Has a natural feel for holes before they develop. His best attribute is his ability to accelerate through a hole. Shows incredibly quick feet and can freeze defenders. James seemed to constantly be nicked up throughout his career. Has not been a model citizen off the field. James was arrested and charged with assault after a domestic altercation in 2010. He spent 10 day s in jail and was sentenced to 24 months of probation.          Prediction: 3rd Round Pick

Best of the rest: Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati), Bernard Pierce (Temple), Chris Polk (Washington), Robert Turbin (Utah State), Edwin Baker (Michigan State)

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Wide Receivers

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State (6-1, 207): Blackmon is an extremely strong player who is aggressive at when the ball is in the air. He makes difficult catches look easy. Despite his size and lack of top-end speed, he shows incredibly good lateral quickness. He plays with the intensity needed to succeed at the next level, and often came up with clutch plays in big moments.     Prediction: Top-10

2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame (6-3, 220): Floyd is moving quickly up draft boards after a fantastic Combine performance. Floyd was extremely productive during his career with the Fighting Irish, catching 37 touchdowns during his four years. Certainly has the look of a #1 wide receiver. Was charged with a DUI in 2010 which forced him to miss Notre Dame’s spring practice. Despite the slipup, Floyd is often characterized as a philanthropic person.   Prediction: 1^st Round

3. Kendall Wright, Baylor (5-10, 196): Ran a 4.41 40 at his senior day, solidifying his spot as the best burner in the draft. Was extremely productive during his time with Baylor, although it doesn’t hurt to have RG3 throwing you the ball. Caught an absurd 108 passes for an average of 15 yards a catch. Does not have great height and has surprisingly tiny hands. Makes too many body catches. Played on the Baylor basketball team in 2008. Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech (6-4, 215): Was not very productive in the Yellow Jackets’ run-heavy offense, but fellow GT alum Demaryius Thomas showed receivers from the system can translate. Hill is physically imposing and ran a lighting quick 4.36 40 at the Combine. Still has a lot of refining to do in his route running, but someone will fall in love with his combination of size and speed.     Prediction: Late 1^st, Early 2^nd Round

5. Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina (6-3, 216): Actually hurt his draft stock by not coming out last year. Played much heavier than his Combine weight, and will have to keep the pounds off for him to succeed at the next level. Runs some sloppy route and his speed prevents him from separating completely from corners. Displays great hands and displays the ability to catch the ball at its highest point. Considered a hard worker by coaches, who also rave about his leadership.  Prediction: 2^nd Round

Best of the rest: Rueben Randle (LSU), A.J. Jenkins (Illinois), Marvin McNutt (Iowa), Brian Quick (Appalachian State), Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers).

 

Tight Ends

1. Coby Fleener, Stanford (6-6, 247): Has great potential, although his stats for the Cardinal do not blow you away. Was injured at during the Combine, but cemented his spot as the top TE prospect with a fantastic pro day. Is best when using is speed and athleticism in the middle of the field. A good blocker, but has room to improve in this department. Fleener will benefit from an underwhelming draft class and could even sneak into the end of the first round if a team falls in love with him.  Prediction: 2nd Round

2. Dwayne Allen, Clemson (6-3, 255): Has promise, but definitely hurt his draft stock by running slow at the Combine. If you go by the tape, Allen has the potential to be a beast. He’s a dangerous receiver and shows surprising quickness in his routes. Has upside as a blocker because of his strength, but still needs to work on technique. Will also need to give a more consistent effort.     Prediction: 2nd Round

3. Orson Charles, Georgia (6-2, 251): Very productive career for the Bulldogs, Charles played in all 40 games during his career. Does not have great height for the position, and will need to bulk up. Plays faster on tape than his 4.70 40 at the Combine. Arrested and charged for a DUI in March of 2012. Any time a player has off the field problems right before the draft, you have to question his decision making. Prediction: 3rd Round

4. Michael Egnew, Missouri (6-5, 252): Egnew has good height and bulk, and showed off excellent speed during his pro day. He looks extremely comfortable running routes and can make every kind of catch. Shows an elite ability to stretch the middle of the field and is fearless going up for the ball. Lined up mostly off the line, so his biggest area of concern is with his blocking. This area needs a lot of work.  Prediction: 3rd Round

5. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette (6-6, 237): One of the better pass catching prospects in the draft, but needs to add quite a bit of weight before he sees regular playing time. Reportedly has tendonitis in his knees and had trouble staying on the field in college. Like Egnew, has plenty to room to grow as a blocker.   Prediction: 4^th Round

Best of the rest: Deangelo Peterson (LSU), Adrien Robinson (Cincinnati), Evan Rodriguez (Temple), James Hanna (Oklahoma), Kevin Koger (Michigan).

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Offensive Tackle

1. Matt Kalil, USC (6-6, 306): With great size and strength, Kalil certainly looks like an NFL tackle. There’s nothing about his game that disproves the eye test. Kalil has a great combination of size and athleticism, displaying very good feet and balance. Will excel against speed rushers, although he does give up ground at times against a bull rush. Plays with the nasty streak that NFL scouts love, he’s a lock to go near the top of the draft.    Prediction: Top-5 Pick

2. Riley Reiff, Iowa (6-6, 313): Possibly the most complete lineman in the draft, Reiff is just as comfortable playing the run as sitting back in pass protection. Certainly has the makeup to be a longtime starter on the left side, but could be elite as a right tackle. Bench press was a little low at the Combine, although he made up for it at his pro day.  Reiff will be extremely reliable and benefits from playing in Iowa’s zone-blocking scheme.    Prediction: Top-15 Pick

3. Jonathan Martin, Stanford (6-5, 312): Martin was unable to participate in the Combine because of an illness. If he were a little stronger, he would push Reiff for the second spot on this list. Mentally sound, he rarely is out of place or fooled by stunts. Very fundamentally sound, rarely loses the leverage battle. Strength and conditioning are the biggest concerns entering the draft, although he should benefit from working with a pro staff.    Prediction: 1^st Round Pick

4. Cordy Glenn, Georgia (6-6, 345): A massive prospect, Glenn started his senior season at left tackle. At the next level, he might be better suited as a right tackle or as a guard. He enjoyed an extremely prolific senior season, rounding out as a complete blocker. Scouts have said teams are concerned about his motivation to work. Not as aggressive on the field as you’d expect.     Prediction: 1^st Round Pick

5. Mike Adams, Ohio State (6-7, 323): A good case study in risk/reward drafting, Adams has the ability to be an elite pass protector at the next level. But questions about his work ethic and character could drop him on many teams’ boards. Adams was suspended five games in 2011 for trading memorabilia for tattoos. Was also found with drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop in 2009, but was never charged. He certainly has first-round talent; the question is whether a team falls in love with him early on.   Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round Pick

Best of the rest: Bobby Massie (Mississippi), Zebrie Sanders (Florida State), Mitchell Schwartz (California), Donald Stephenson (Oklahoma), Brandon Mosley (Auburn)

 

 

Offensive Center/Guard

1. David DeCastro, Stanford (6-5, 316): Solidified his position as a 1^st round pick at the NFL Scouting Combine. He was simply dominant last season or the Cardinal. DeCastro is a great run blocker and shows surprising footwork when working in space. Will be an above-average pass blocker at the next level. He has a blue-collar mentality and is passionate about the game. Should be a starter from day one.     Prediction: 1^st Round Pick

2. Peter Konz, Wisconsin (6-5, 314): Has played just about everywhere on the line for the Badgers, although projects best as a center at the next level. Did not have the best Combine workout, but was better at his pro day and dominates regularly in game situations. He’s at his best when pulling, a rare feat for a center. Konz suffered through a myriad of injuries at Wisconsin, but showed a willingness to play through pain.     Prediction: 1^st Round Pick

3. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin (6-4, 314): Another road grader from Wisconsin, Zeitler has made giant strides during his career. Actually lost his starting spot in the 2010 training camp because of injury, but worked hard in the weight room and won it back by the start of the conference season.   Will not win every quick-twitch battle, but is hard to lose when he’s engaged in a block. Needs to work on leverage and keeping a good knee bend, but is rarely pushed off his blocking point.     Prediction: 2^nd Round Pick

4. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State (6-6, 333): Played at left tackle for the Cyclones, but will make the move to guard in the NFL. Had a great 40 time at the Combine and has extremely long arms for his build. Already has impressive strength and should be even tougher working on the inside. A better pass protector than run blocker at this point.  Can take plays off at times and needs to improve his conditioning.    Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round Pick

5. Jeff Allen, Illinois (6-4, 307): Has an average build and strength for the position. Was very productive in his final two years with the Illini. Much more developed as a pass blocker at this point. Allen has a good initial surge in the run game, but will not always finish the block. He would not be characterized as a mauler, and will fit best in a zone-blocking scheme.       Prediction: 3^rd Round Pick

Best of the rest: Amini Silatolu (Midwestern State), Brandon Brooks (Miami, OH), Joe Looney (Wake Forest), Tony Bergstrom (Utah), Ben Jones (Georgia)

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