With the NFL season finally getting underway, we can finally turn our attention from the courtrooms and onto the field, where it belongs. In the coming weeks, we will rank the fantasy studs, duds and sleepers for each division. Today, the NFC North gets some time under the microscope.

 

Fantasy Studs

 

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, GB (2010: 3922 yards, 28 TD, 11 INT, 356 rushing yards, 4 TD)

This is the biggest no-brainer of the studs group. In the past two seasons, Rodgers has elevated his game to another level. From a fantasy perspective, Rodgers was the model of consistency. He’s played in all but one game in the past two seasons, and put up at least one touchdown in all but one game last season (the injury-shortened week 14 against Detroit). If Rodgers is on your fantasy team, good luck getting rid of a 17-week grin.

 

Running Back: Adrian Peterson, MIN (2010: 1298 rushing yards, 12 TD, 36 receptions, 341 yards, TD)

Peterson has been a top-3 pick in almost every draft in the past three years, and that streak will likely continue this year. His rushing numbers have dropped each of the past three seasons, but Peterson has compensated by becoming a weapon in the passing game. With rookie Christian Ponder, second-year man Joe Webb, or a free agent to be named later under center for the Vikings this year, I think fantasy owners can feel comfortable in assuming Peterson will get plenty of work this year.

 

Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings, GB (2010: 76 receptions, 1265 yards, 12 TD)

It took a while for Jennings to get going in 2010, putting up over 75 yards just once in the first five weeks. But from there, everything just seemed to go right. He scored double-digit fantasy points eight times, and fell below eight points just once in the final 11 weeks. Jennings is the best pass catcher on one of the best passing teams in the league.

 

Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson, DET (2010: 77 receptions, 1120, 12 TD)

Despite a carousel at QB, Johnson remained a top-flight pass option for the Lions. But that shouldn’t surprise any fantasy owner; he’s been doing this his entire career. Now the scary thought comes with what Johnson can do with a healthy quarterback all season (See Matthew Stafford below). Honestly, that thought should keep NFL secondaries awake at night.

 

Tight End: Jermichael Finley, GB (2010: 21 receptions, 301 yards, TD)

Finley makes this list based on potential for next season. In his first four games, Finley averaged five catches and 75 yards a game. More impressive, his role in the offense will likely expand even more this next season. Of course, fantasy owners will (and should) be apprehensive to spend a high pick on Finley based on his injury past. But if you roll the dice and win, you’re going to win big.

 

Defense/ST: Green Bay (2010: 166 fantasy points)

Green Bay was the second –highest scoring defense last year. The team forced at least one turnover in all but two games, and forced two or more in an astounding nine games. Need I say more?

 

 

Fantasy Duds

Quarterback: Jay Cutler, CHI (2010: 3274 yards, 23 TD, 16 INT, 232 rushing yards, TD)

Cutler is just as frustrating as a fantasy player as he is to watch on the field. He has all the talent in the world, but to own Cutler is to ride the rollercoaster with him. When Jay is good, he’s very good (four weeks scoring over 20 points). But when he’s bad, he’s very bad (four weeks under seven points and a big fat -3 points in week 4). 16 quarterbacks scored more fantasy points than Cutler, including – pause for irony – Kyle Orton. Cutler is a fantasy backup. If you expect more from him, don’t expect much from your team.

 

Running Back: Jahvid Best, DET (2010: 563 rushing yards, 4 TD, 58 receptions, 487 yards, 2 TD)

If Best can remain healthy, he will quickly move off this list. But in a fantasy-rich running back division, Best is the worst. His 127 fantasy points are impressive for a rookie, but it becomes way less impressive when you consider he scored more than half of the points in three games. In fact, after week two, he scored just one touchdown the rest of the year.

 

Wide Receiver: Donald Driver, GB (2010: 51 receptions, 565 yards, 4 TD)

Name the top two fantasy receivers for Green Bay last season. You’ve got Jennings, sure. But number two is?  James Jones, and the race wasn’t all that close. Driver was a fantasy stud for years, but injury and a lost step cost him in 2010. He’ll be a solid option as a reserve, but he can no longer be counted on as a fantasy starter.

 

Wide Receiver: Devin Hester, CHI (2010: 40 receptions, 475 yards, 4 TD)

Oh sure, Hester is a return dynamo. Possibly the best there ever was. But as a fantasy receiver, he deserves a spot on this list. In a pass-happy offense that revolved around speedy receivers, Hester could only crack the 50-yard plateau twice. Even a gimpy Donald Driver has better fantasy numbers.

 

Tight End: Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (2010: 47 receptions, 530 yards, 2 TD)

Shiancoe lived off of Brett Favre in 2009, and died off of him in 2010. After topping 75 yards in each of the first two weeks, he didn’t sniff it again the rest of the season. In fact, he caught more than 4 catches just once after week two. He’s on the wrong side of his career, has a shaky QB situation, and is going to play in a run-happy offensive system. Don’t expect much more than the numbers above in 2011.

 

Defense/ST: Minnesota (108 fantasy points)

The Vikings defense was drafted in the top-10 in almost all fantasy drafts last year, but scored just one more point than the Browns when all was said and done. With a number of free agent questions, and one huge hole fill (DT Pat Williams), the expectations should be much lower this year.

 

 

Fantasy Sleepers

 

Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, DET (2010: 535 yards, 6 TD, INT, 11 rushing yards, TD)

The pieces are around him (Johnson, Best, Brandon Pettigrew, and Nate Burleson) and he’s got the talent. But can Stafford stay healthy? He’s played just 13 games in two seasons, but it’s way too early to write him off yet. Let me say this: if you draft Stafford as a backup and he gets hurt, is your team really hurt? But if you draft Stafford and he puts up the above numbers over an entire season, don’t you look like a genius? Roll the dice.

 

Running Back: Ryan Grant, GB (2010: 8 rushes, 45 yards)

Remember Grant, the steady running option that kept opposing defenses honest? The guy who rushed for more than 1200 yards in consecutive season before getting hurt this past season. The guy that missed just one game in his first three seasons? Hopefully you do (and your buddies don’t), because drafting Grant is going to be cheap with a big payoff. (Writers Note: Yes, James Starks belongs here too)

 

Wide Receiver: Nate Burleson, DET (2010: 55 receptions, 625 yards, 6 TD)

Burleson has been under the radar the past two seasons, putting up good numbers for Seattle in 2009 and Detroit in 2010. Burleson is an ideal option across from Megatron. He’s a guy who can hit a slant and take it to the house, and quietly puts up good numbers. If Stafford has the season I believe he will, Burleson becomes even more valuable.

 

Wide Receiver: Earl Bennett, CHI (2010: 46 receptions, 561 yards, 3 TD)

Finding a good sleeper option is like predicting the stock market. You look for trends, look to buy low, and hope the payoff is high. The Bears were impressed at what they saw from Bennett in the postseason, and has reportedly been an offseason workhorse. Will that translate to the playing field this year? Maybe, but we know the Bears will throw the ball, and someone’s got to catch them.

 

Tight End: Kyle Rudolph, MIN (Rookie out of Notre Dame)

I’ll leave the gossip to TMZ, but I think it is telling that Rudolph and Ponder have worked out together all offseason, and Ponder has crashed at Rudolph’s place during the offseason. If Ponder does take over as the starter, he’ll need a safety net, and that will be Rudolph. Even if it’s not Ponder under center, expect the Vikings to try to stretch the middle of the field with the big TE and keep the safeties out of the box.

 

Defense/ST: Detroit (120 fantasy points)

They boast one of the best front-fours in the league, will be great against the run, and will attack the quarterback. There are a number of question marks in the secondary, but this is a defense on its way up.

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The 2011 NFL Draft is in the books and like most years, there were no shortage of moments that evoked a “Did that really just happen?” As many who follow the draft know, you can have your facts, figures, and statistics ready, but in the end, it’s really a crapshoot.

This year’s draft was one of the most unique in a long time. The draft started with one set of rules, ended with another, and the NFL labor situation cast a shadow over the whole ordeal. With NFL teams not allowed to trade players, there was a more desperate vibe, more reaches than in recent memories, and an air of unknown. Does Arizona have a gentleman’s agreement with Philadelphia to land Kevin Kolb once trading resumes? If not, you have to question the Cardinals not taking a chance on a quarterback. Something tells me we will better be able to break down this draft in three or four months.

I really believe it takes at least two years to fully appreciate and rate a draft. Getting B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews in the same draft class looks a whole lot different now than it did in 2008. Same goes on the flipside – passing on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams no longer looks like one of the biggest draft mistakes as it did when the news was first announced. Still, this is a business of rapid reaction, so here are my initial thoughts on this weekend’s NFC North selections.

 Green Bay Packers : B+

RD	PK (OVR)	Name	Position	School
1	32 (32)	Derek Sherrod	OT	Miss. State
2	32 (64)	Randall Cobb	WR	Kentucky
3	32 (96)	Alex Green	RB	Hawaii
4	34 (131)	Davon House	CB	New Mexico St
5	10 (141)	D.J. Williams	TE	Arkansas
6	14 (179)	Caleb Schlauderaff	OG	Utah
6	21 (186)	D.J. Smith	OLB	Appalachian St.
6	32 (297)	Ricky Elmore	OLB/DE	Arizona
7	15 (218)	Ryan Taylor	TE	North Carolina
7	30 (233)	Lawrence Guy	DT	Arizona St.

 

Just like we’ve come to expect, GM Ted Thompson was patient, calculated, and successful. He stood pat at 32 when his phone was blowing up with teams looking to trade up for a QB, and walked away with a future replacement for Chad Clifton. In the last two drafts, Thompson has nabbed two young, talented tackles who will likely be protecting Aaron Rodgers for the next 10 years. For that fact alone, this draft was a success.

The theme for Green Bay has always been selecting the best player available. Randall Cobb earned a late first round grade from the Packers staff, and could be a steal when we look back at this draft five years down the road. Cobb will provide an instant live to the return game, and adds options to the offense (he can line up in the slot, as a RB, or even a wildcat QB). Green averaged 8.2 yards a carry for Hawaii, and is the scat back the Packers have been missing the last few season.

Thompson has had a run of recent success with late round picks, and the hope is that this group will show some of the same returns as the team got in 2010 from C.J. Wilson, Andrew Quarless and James Starks last year. D.J. Williams was a steal in the 5^th rounds, as was fellow TE Ryan Taylor in the 7^th. Taylor adds versatility as an h-back as well. Ricky Elmore has a chance to develop into a pass-rusher, and D.J. Smith could make an impact in a year or two.

Best Pick:  Sherrod. He was slated to go in the 20s, and fell to the Packers at 32. He will get a chance to learn for a year or two under Chad Clifton, and will be a starter for a long time.

Questionable Move: I like a lot of what Green Bay did over the three day stretch, but I wonder if addressing the pass rush should have been a higher priority. Cobb was one of my favorite picks, but he’s a luxury for an already potent offense. This was one of the richest DE/OLB drafts in recent memory, and Green Bay didn’t get in on the action until the 6^th round. Still, Thompson has been successful in the late rounds, so we’ll see what kind of production the team gets from Smith and Elmore this year.

Minnesota Vikings: C

RD	PK (OVR)	Name	Position	School
1	12 (12)	Christian Ponder	QB	Florida St.
2	11 (43)	Kyle Rudolph	TE	Notre Dame
4	9 (106)	Christian Ballard	DT	Iowa
5	8 (139)	Brandon Burton	CB	Utah
6	3 (168)	Demarcus Love	OT	Arkansas
6	5 (170)	Mistral Raymond	S	South Florida
6	7(172)	Brandon Fusco	C	Slippery Rock
6	35 (200)	Ross Homan	OLB	Ohio State
7	12 (215)	De’Aundre Reed	DE	Arizona
7	33 (236)	Stephen Burton	WR	West Texas A&M

 

This draft will ultimately be graded on how Christian Ponder does as the starting quarterback. Simply put: The Vikings got nervous and flinched. Minnesota could have traded down into the 20s and still got Ponder, plus a second rounder this year, or a first rounder next year. Instead, the Vikings worried that a run on quarterbacks were coming, and made sure they got in on the action. Hindsight might be 20/20, but you have to also question why Minnesota had Ponder as the guy as opposed to an Andy Dalton or Colin Kaepernick? Ponder is extremely smart and a cerebral player who is the most ready to play now. But he really struggled to stay healthy at Florida State, and his arm strength could be exposed at places like Chicago and Green Bay. Minnesota clearly likes the upside of Ponder, but I think they handled the first round poorly.

That being said, Minnesota did a nice job with their next few picks. Ponder already has weapons like Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin. Getting the top tight end on the board, Kyle Rudolph, makes this offense even more potent and should help in both the passing and running game. Christian Ballard fills a need at defensive tackle, and could have been a late first round pick if not for a marijuana arrest during his senior year. Burton and Love were strong picks and should see the field this next year. The sleeper of this draft class will likely be Brandon Fusco, who could be the starting center by the end of the year.

Best Pick: Fusco. It was an off the radar pick, but he’s got the physical tools to develop into an excellent player. He needs some coaching and practice time against better competition, but Fusco is an instant upgrade of John Sullivan.

Questionable Move:   Ponder. The draft is not a time to get impatient, but that’s what Minnesota did. Now it’s up to the coaching staff to make sure Ponder has everything he needs to succeed immediately.

Chicago Bears: B

RD	PK (OVR)	Name	Position	School
1	29 (29)	Gabe Carimi	OT	Wisconsin
2	21 (53)	Stephen Paea	DT	Oregon State
3	29 (93)	Chris Conte	S	California
5	29 (160)	Nathan Enderle	QB	Idaho
6	30 (195)	J.T. Thomas	OLB	West Virginia

 

While the Packers and Lions had successful drafts because they took the best players available, Chicago walked away from the draft a winner because it filled its biggest needs. Gabe Carimi was a no-brainer when he fell to 29. The Bears even tried to trade up with Baltimore to pick Carimi at 26, but in classic ‘phone tag’ fashion, miscommunication led to the Bears not informing the league office that they signed off on the trade. The blunder didn’t end up costing the Bears or Ravens, who both got their guy. Carimi gives Chicago a much-needed boost in talent on the offensive line, and he’s ready to move into the starting lineup immediately.

Chicago filled another big need in the second round picking up Paea with the 53^rd pick. I had Paea going at the beginning of the second round, so he’s also a good value at this spot. With the team’s release of Tommie Harris, getting Paea was a best case scenario. He’s incredibly strong (set an NFL Combine record with 49 repetitions of 225 pounds) and will win over his teammates thanks to his excellent motor.

The final three picks do not wow me, but Chris Conte and J.T. Thomas should contribute on special teams. Conte will likely get a shot to start in training camp, and will have a good shot if Daniel Manning is not resigned. Nathan Enderle is a developmental project, but has a lot of enviable physical tools. The quarterback position is solid right now with Jay Cutler and Caleb Hanie, so Enderle won’t be rushed onto the field.

Best Pick: Carimi. Chicago needed an upgrade in both its run and pass blocking, and they got the best tackle left in Carimi. Like the Wisconsin offensive linemen that have come before him, Carimi is a mauler who projects best as a right tackle. He should be a regular contributor for the next decade.

Questionable Move: Waiting until 6^th round to pick a linebacker. Chicago currently has a hole on at OLB, where Pisa Tinoisamoa, Nick Roach, and Brian Uwoh all set to hit free agency. Clearly the Bears think they’ll be able to sign at least one of them back next year, but it would have made sense to hedge their bet.

Detroit Lions: A-

RD	PK (OVR)	Name	Position	School
1	13 (13)	Nick Fairley	DT	Auburn
2	12 (44)	Titus Young	WR	Boise St.
2	25 (57)	Mikel Leshoure	RB	Illinois
5	26 (157)	Douglas Hogue	OLB	Syracuse
7	6 (209)	Johnny Culbreath	OT	South Carolina St.

 

After years of being the laughingstock of the draft weekend, Detroit has come up with three of the best drafts in recent memory. The team is no longer forcing the issue, and picking its spots to make impact moves. After picking up Ndamukung Suh last year, defensive tackle certainly was no longer a position of need. But when Fairley fell to Detroit at 13, the team made the smart move in pairing their superstar with another potential superstar. Call it a luxury pick if you wish, but the Lions now have the scariest defensive tackle combo in the league, and their NFC North brethren are shaking in their boots.

Getting Titus Young in the second round might pay off even bigger dividends for Detroit. Young is the speedy slot receiver the team has been missing since they drafted Calvin Johnson. Young will force defenses to stop shading its coverage to Megatron’s side, and will make the league’s most physically talented player even more dangerous.

The Lions traded up to select Mikel Leshoure in the second round. The team traded up in 2010 to select Jahvid Best, a move that paid off immediately. Leshoure is a thumper, who will provide to the thunder to Best’s lightning. He also adds extra insurance in case Best continues to battle with injuries. The running back position is now set for the next five years. Hogue will challenge for a starting job in training camp, while Culbreath projects to be a developmental prospect, though he does possess good size.

Best Pick: Fairley. He adds instant talent to an already solid defensive line. The rich got even richer.

Questionable Move: Passing on need positions. The Lions biggest offseason needs were linebacker and cornerback, but only one pick (Hogue) addressed either need. With a number of their top cornerbacks set to hit free agency, the Lions need a lot of help in the secondary. If the team cannot resign Chris Houston, this could be an egregious error.

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1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

I do not agree with the pick, but all signs are pointing to the Panthers picking the controversial signal caller. A change at head coach often means a switch at QB and Ron Rivera has told reporters he has been sold on Newton’s physical attributes. The question remains if Newton has the mental toughness to lead a team immediately. With a poor season by Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike’s inexperience, there will be pressure for Newton to be the guy from day one.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

This seems to be the biggest no-brainer of the top 10 picks. Dareus is a game-changing player. Some will say Denver needs to upgrade with a pass rusher here (the team finished last in the NFL in sacks with just 23), but they will be getting back former sack leader Elvis Dumervil this season. The Broncos released Jamal Williams and Justin Bannan this offseason, leaving just three defensive tackles with experience left on the roster. Dareus is an ideal fit.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

The second biggest no-brainer. The Bills swung and missed on Aaron Maybin in 2008, and AFC East foes have feasted on the Buffalo secondary with no threat of a pass rush. Miller is a physical freak, who ran a 4.6 40-yard dash and will cause havoc in backfields immediately.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

With the status of Carson Palmer up in the air, the Bengals might be tempted to pick Blaine Gabbert with this pick. But owner Mike Brown has shown he does not grant player trade requests, and with the current labor situation, the Bengals have to enter the draft as if Palmer will be in orange and black next season. Terrell Owens and possibly Chad Johnson (yes, no more Ochocinco) are headed out the door. Green is an instant difference maker, and is one of the highest rated players in the draft. There have been rumblings that the team likes Julio Jones a bit more, but I believe Green’s exemplary physical tools put him above Jones on the Bengals draft board.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Here is where it starts to get interesting. It would make absolute sense for the Cardinals to look for a future franchise quarterback like Gabbert. However, many in the organization believe Arizona is closer to a playoff team than their 2010 record indicated. Couple that with the fact that Ken Wisenhut and GM Rod Graves could be shown the door fit they don’t win soon, there seems to be a better chance that the team will bring in a veteran QB (Palmer, Kevin Kolb, Marc Bulger, Donovan McNabb) in the offseason. Instead, the Cardinals pick the best player on their board (and possibly in the draft), and immediately push their cornerback position into the conversation for best in the league. Some highly respected draft experts (and me) have compared Peterson to Champ Bailey. That makes Peterson a tough prospect to pass up.

6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

I’m split 50/50 on this pick. Quinn and Julio Jones both make sense for a Browns team that is looking to make the next step toward relevancy. In the end, Quinn wins out because you can’t win the AFC North without a stellar defense. The Browns are switching to a 4-3 defense under defensive coordinator Dick Jauron, and they need a major talent boost quickly. Quinn simply blew people away at his pro day, and a number of scouts say they’d be surprised if Quinn lasts through the top eight picks. The Browns will likely field calls from teams looking to trade up to get Jones, but if they stay put, I believe this is the pick.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

The 49ers have to be thrilled if this scenario plays out. Gabbert is rated as the number on quarterback on many teams’ boards, and Gabbert would be a great fit for John Harbaugh’s offense. He’s smart and athletic, and would enter a situation with good pieces around him. This would be an ideal situation for both parties involved.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Fairley entered the draft process neck-in-neck with Dareus for the top-rated defensive tackle. A poor Combine and injury concerns have dropped his stock to this point, but he did some much-needed damage control at his pro day. As I wrote in my top-5 breakdown, Fairley has exceptional athleticism and footwork, and fills a big need for the Titans. Tennessee has had a huge void at defensive tackle since Albert Haynesworth has departed, and Fairley could change that. The Titans will be pick a quarterback somewhere in the draft, but with no viable options at this point, they’ll likely wait until the second round. Julio Jones is also an option, but wide receiver is not as big of a need.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Do not be surprised to see the Cowboys trade down from this pick. There is huge interest in Jones from teams like St. Louis and Washington and Dallas could easily get a good offensive tackle prospect in the mid-first round. If the team stays here, Smith is the pick. The team got almost no protection from Marc Colombo, and Doug Free might be better suited as a right tackle. Smith has wowed people with his athleticism, and has bulked up to 310 pounds. Jerry Jones has never selected an offensive lineman in the first round, but that could change this year.

10.  Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

I would be surprised if Jones lasts this long, with a team likely to trade up and grab him. However, in this scenario, there’s no chance he’ll get past the Redskins. Washington has a number of needs, but they have not had a dynamic receiver such as Jones in recent memory. He would be a great compliment to Chris Cooley and Santana Moss. Washington has been linked to Jake Locker, but they could likely trade back into the first round if that’s the direction they want to go. Washington beat writers say the team has DE J.J. Watt rated very high on their board, and that would likely be the pick if Jones is off the board.

11.  Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Watt fills a need for the Texans, who are looking for a 5-technique defensive end. Watt has impressed throughout the draft process with his relentless motor and elite strength. He projects as a stronger Aaron Kampman. The Texans will also consider a pass-rushing OLB, but I do not see a prospect rated higher than Watt.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Disclaimer: The buzz right now is that the Vikings are looking very hard at Jake Locker. While it’s certainly a possibility, I believe that’s just too high for a prospect who is still a year or two away from making an impact. The Vikings went to the NFC Championship in 2009, and have a number of good pieces. Ray Edwards is a free agent, and is not expected to be back. Jordan is an extremely strong player, good against the run, and would be a great fit opposite of Jared Allen.

13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Lions would be thrilled to see Amukamara fall to them at 13. They desperately need help in the secondary, and the word is a number of teams have Prince rated near Peterson. Even if Chris Houston is resigned, he provides and instant upgrade at the cornerback position.

14.  St. Louis Rams: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

The Rams are expected to make a furious push to move up and get either A.J. Green or Julio Jones, but if they fail, they’ll look to bolster their run defense. This pick will likely come down to Smith and Corey Liuget. Smith offers Coach Steve Spagnola more versatility, as he can play with his hand in the ground or up as a rush-end.

15.  Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Teams are allegedly souring on Ingram because of concerns over his knee. I think that might be a bit of a smoke screen. Even so, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Dolphins look at Florida guard Mike Pouncey. That being said, Ingram fills a much bigger need, and is a player who will line up day in and day out for 10 years. Ingram is short but stout, and is extremely hard to bring down. Ronnie Brown and/or Ricky Williams will not be back, and the Dolphins must find a replacement in this draft.

16.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

The Jags are high on the Purdue product, both for his versatility and his motor. Even with Da’Quan Bowers still available, GM Gene Smith has leaned toward high character players. Jacksonville would like to boost their pass rush to create more pressure on QB’s like Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub, and Kerrigan can do that immediately.

17. New England Patriots: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

The local product would be a good fit for the Patriots, who do not know what the future holds with LT Matt Light. Even if Light were resigned, New England would be smart to start building depth on the offensive line. With two 1^st Round picks, the Patriots can take the top-rated tackle now and wait to select a pass-rushing OLB.

18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple

The team needs an upgrade at the 5-technique from Jacques Cesaire, who might not be back with the team. Wilkerson is big and strong, and could even slide inside in a 4-3 defense. But in the Chargers 3-4, he is an ideal fit. The team also needs to upgrade the offensive line, which means Gabe Carimi has to be on A.J. Smith’s radar, but I think Wilkerson will be the guy.

19. New York Giants: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

The Giants would be very happy to see Pouncey drop this far, with a number of teams ahead of New York taking a hard look at him. Interior lineman is a big need for the team after getting disappointing returns from C Shaun O’Hara and RG Chris Snee. Much like his twin brother did for Pittsburgh last season, Maurice can be plugged in immediately.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

One of the storylines to watch on Thursday will be how far Bowers falls after looking like a top 3 pick when the draft process started. Bowers has had injury and maturity concerns, but those he begins to look more like a steal at pick 20. If Bowers realizes some of him immense potential, this could prove to be a big pick.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Chiefs would be very happy and surprised to see Carimi still on the board at this point. Barry Richardson struggled last year at right tackle, and the organization is still not convinced former first round pick Branden Albert is the solution at LT. Carimi might not be a sexy pick, but he will provide steady production year in and year out.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

The Colts have struggled to replace Tarik Glenn. The team spent a second round pick on Tony Ugoh, but ultimately released him. Charlie Johnson has done an adequate job the past few seasons, but he’s better suited to play guard. Solder is an outstanding athlete who is still learning the position. Giving Peyton Manning time to throw is the difference between a Super Bowl season and just another playoff run.

23.  Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Concerns over Smith’s mental toughness and character have subsided in recent weeks. Many scouts have Smith rated right up there with Peterson and Amukamara, and he fills a need for the Eagles. Asante Samuel had another Pro Bowl season, but Dimitri Patterson was regularly burned, especially in the playoffs. Smith provides instant solidification of the position.

24.  New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

The Saints continue to look for a defensive end opposite of Will Smith. Clayborn started the 2010 season as a surefire top 15 pick, but his production was down his senior season as he faced constant double teams. Still, he has the size and pass-rush skills that New Orleans is looking for, and is very stout against the run. Cameron Hayward and Justin Houston will also be considered. Also, despite signing Shaun Rogers, Corey Liuget will also get a look.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Brandon Mebane is a free agent, and with the uncertainty of the labor situation, the Seahawks don’t have the luxury of waiting to see if a deal can be made. Liuget is the highest rated player available and would help improve a run defense that ranked in the bottom half of the league last season.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

The Ravens are looking for an upgrade at the 5-technique and Heyward is the big, strong player Baltimore seems to like. Cory Redding really struggled toward the end of the season, and Heyward has the pedigree and drive to make an immediate impact. The team could also look at taking an offensive tackle with the status of Jared Gaither still up in the air.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

The Falcons could go in a number of directions with this pick, but with three offensive linemen up for free agency, investing in depth now seems to make sense. Sherrod works will on the move and is ready to play right now. The team could also look at TE Kyle Rudolph, WR’s Torrey Smith and Leonard Hankerson, or DE’s Brooks Reed and Justin Houston with this pick.

28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona

Having already solidified the tackle position, the Patriots can now begin to add a pass-rusher to the mix. The Patriots inability to put pressure on Mark Sanchez in the AFC playoffs ended their season, and the team likes Reed’s motor and speed. Justin Houston is also an option.

29. Chicago Bears: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

The Bears will likely trade out of the first round if this scenario plays out. GM Jerry Angelo would like to strengthen the offensive tackle position, but is unlikely to reach for a player at this point. Tommie Harris was released earlier this year, and his replacement is not currently on the roster. Austin was suspended for his senior year after receiving improper benefits from an agent, and word is the team is not completely sold on him. Nevertheless, the hole at the 3-technique needs to be addressed. OG Danny Watkins and OT Brandon Ijalana remain possibilities.

30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Word came down this week that Taylor has in inoperable foot condition, which could scare off the Jets. If it’s found out to be manageable, Taylor makes a lot of sense. The Jets have no depth behind Sione Pouha, and an upgrade is needed. If the team is scared off by the foot problem, look for a pass-rusher like Akeem Ayers or Houston to be the pick.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

The offensive line was a huge concern for the Steelers this past season. It held up well in the playoffs, but the Steelers quarterbacks took a beating in 2010 being sacked 48 times while being hit regularly. Watkins is a big prospect who could slide in next to Maurkice Pouncey and form a solid duo for the foreseeable future.

32.  Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

With Ryan Mallett, Locker, and Christian Ponder still on the board, do not be surprised if the Packers field a number of calls from teams looking to trade up. If they stay put, Ayers is a very good value pick here. He would take a lot of pressure off Clay Matthews in the pass-rush, making the Packers defense even scarier. Ayers also has the versatility to slide inside if needed, and plays the run well. Houston is getting a lot of buzz leading up to the draft, and could be a possibility, even if the team decides to trade back.

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Quarterback

1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri (6-4, 238): The decision by Andrew Luck to bypass the 2011 draft catapulted Gabbert into the discussion for the top overall spot. Gabbert is good, but I’m yet to be convinced he’s elite.  He shows confidence on the field, and throws a very accurate ball. He can get rattled in the pocket and can make poor choices with a rusher barreling down.  Has a quick delivery and throws a good deep ball. Good arm strength.  He projects out as a quality starting quarterback.    Prediction: Top-5

2. Cam Newton, Auburn (6-5, 248): Depending on who you talk to, Newton is either going to be a big difference maker or a colossal bust. On one hand, he has a rare combination of size, speed and mobility. On the other hand, he’s had a number question marks about his attitude and off the field problems. He’s stated he wants to be an ‘icon.’ Physically, Newton still has work to do developing as a passer. He played in a spread offense at Auburn, and need to show NFL teams he can read and diagnose defenses. Has a strong arm, but does not always set his feet properly, which causes him to lose zip on his passes. Some NFL team will fall in love with his physical tools.                Prediction: Top-10

3. Jake Locker, Washington (6-2, 231): Like Newton, a rare physical athlete. Locker has elite speed at the quarterback position (4.5 40 yard dash) and exhibits impressive strength. Locker is a quarterback who actually throws better scrambling outside of the pocket.  Still has work to do with his mechanics, can throw a flat ball. Elite arm strength and can throw the ball with zip in any weather. Needs to learn when a play is done and throw the ball out of bounds. Has taken a beating in Washington’s option happy offense. Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas (6-7, 253): Good height for the position, though the lanky QB does have problems with moving around of the pocket. A fierce competitor who benefits from playing in a pro-style offense with the Razorbacks. Mallett has the best arm in the draft, exhibiting the ability to fit the ball into a tight window. Unfortunately, sometimes that means he forces a pass and takes unnecessary risks.  Scouts have expressed concerned about his maturity. He didn’t help his case by refusing to answer certain questions at the Combine.         Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

5. Christian Ponder, Florida State (6-2, 229): Surprising athletic quarterback who exhibits great toughness. Great leader who will win over a lockerroom. Shows a good ability to keep plays alive in the pocket without having to scramble. Anticipates his receiver’s break and throws the ball in a position where they can continue to run. Can float the ball at times. Had injury problems in college, missing time in his sophomore, junior and senior season.        Prediction: 2^nd Round

Running backs

1. Mark Ingram, Alabama (5-9, 215): Won the 2009-2010 Heisman trophy.  He shows adequate size, but is incredibly strong. Runs effectively behind his blockers, showing patience while a hole opens up. Ingram is hard to bring down because of his low pad level and elite balance. Does not have elite speed, but shows good burst when approaching the line. Effective receiver out of the backfield and is not afraid to stick his nose in pass protection. Scouts compare him favorably to Emmitt Smith.   Prediction: Top-20

2. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois (6-0, 227): Above average height and weight, but still shows good speed. Runs well after first contact and does a great job of locating cutback lanes. Can be inpatient in the backfield, trying to make something happen instead of picking up a few yards. Does a nice job near the end-zone, and could be a goal line back from Day 1. The biggest hole in his game is in the passing game, both as a receiver and as a blocker. Will need to improve in that area before he can be an effective starter.         Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

3. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (5-9, 212): Williams is a competitive runner who almost always finishes runs falling forward. Good initial burst at the snap, but does still shows patience to allow blocks to set up. Makes one cut and goes, making him an ideal fit for a zone blocking scheme. Missed 4 games this past season, and some feel he needs to add weight to deal with physical nature of the NFL.       Prediction: 2^nd Round

4. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State (6-0, 230): Ran for 1500 yards in his senior season, but still flew under the national radar. Has ideal size paired with good speed. He is a tough downhill runner whose legs don’t stop moving. Sets up blockers and has good pad level entering the line. Has impressed in his interviews with teams. Besides Ingram, might be the most NFL ready prospect.        Prediction: 2^nd Round

5. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (5-7, 199): Undersized prospect who runs hard and without hesitation. Earned rave reviews from his coaches at OSU for his dedication in the weight room. He is a decisive runner who gets to the second level quickly. Hunter effectively runs through arm tackles and almost seems to welcome contact. Could be effective in the screen game. With short stature, will struggle in pass protection picking up blitzes.      Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

Wide Receivers

1. A.J. Green, Georgia (6-4, 211): Unquestionably one of the top talents in the 2011 draft. Great height and strength for the ability. Shows rare ability to go up and snatch a ball at its highest point. Smooth runner who was like Teflon to college cornerbacks; they just couldn’t stick with him. A natural athlete who makes hard breaks out of routes. Fights hard for extra yards, and has shown a willingness to block in the running game.                Prediction: Top-10

2. Julio Jones, Alabama (6-3, 220): Had a productive college career which is impressive considering he played in a run-first offense. Surprised a number of scouts by running a 4.34 40 yard dash at the Combine. Given his size and elite speed, he will be a headache to cover in the NFL. Has closed the gap between him and Green as the offseason workouts have gone on. Can run every route but still need to develop as a route runner. Does not always fool a cornerback and can round off routes. That being said, he makes a play for the ball when it’s in the air, and shows the ability to make spectacular catches.        Prediction: Top-15

3. Torrey Smith, Maryland (6-1, 204): A speedster who has good body control to track down a deep ball. He has the potential to be a big play receiver at the next level, contributing both as a receiver and a returner. Has work to do as a route runner, especially in diagnosing the holes in zone coverage. Could make huge strides in that area by watching more film with a position coach. Can be bumped at the line and struggles to gain separation from bigger corners. A risk-reward prospect.       Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

4. Leonard Hankerson, Miami (6-1, 209): Has turned some heads this offseason as scouts break down tape. Made a number of plays in college on poorly thrown balls, showing great body control to adjust to a ball thrown behind him. Ran a very respective 4.4 40 yard dash. Shows good toughness and a willingness to run across the middle. Can struggle with dropped balls.      Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

5. Tandon Doss, Indiana (6-2, 201): Very polished as a receiver who shows the ability to run every route. Has good speed and it doesn’t take him long to hit his top gear. Has great hands and catches balls away from his body. Shows good focus in bringing the ball in, even in traffic. More of a possession receiver at this point.       Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

Tight Ends

1. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame (6-6, 259): Rudolph is by far and away the top prospect this year. Shows good ball skills and consistently catches balls thrown in his area. Very competitive and gives the extra effort no matter what the score is. Injuries were a problem in college causing him to miss multiple games.  Needs work in his blocking technique. The lack of depth at this position could force some teams to stretch for Rudolph.    Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

2. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin (6-3, 243): Kendricks is a converted wide receiver who brings a good mentality to the position. Competitive blocker who does a nice job of using leverage and angles to seal the edge. Needs to add some weight to his frame. Fast enough to blow by linebackers, but will not make many players miss in the open field. As a former receiver, he does a nice job of making the difficult catches. Can lose concentration on routine catches.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

3. Virgil Green, Nevada (6-3, 249): Green didn’t get much attention before the East-West Shrine game and the Scouting Combine, but he put up great speed and strength numbers at the latter, and had great practices in the former. He has great hands and can catch passes in traffic, and is not afraid to take a hit over the middle. Must add size to be a more effective blocker.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

4. Luke Stocker, Tennessee (6-5, 258): Prototypical block first tight end. Willing to do the dirty work in both the run and passing game. A bight stiff as a runner and won’t blow by coverage, but has great hands and rarely drops a ball. Will be a great goal line option given his frame and threat as a blocker.      Prediction: 3^rd or 4^th Round

5. Weslye Saunders, South Carolina (6-5, 270): Ideal size for the position and has surprising speed for the position. Shows good burst getting off the line and is a polished route runner. Good hands and size make him a reliable option. Has the size to be a great blocker, but does not always show the fire to finish plays. Receives a red flag after being suspended indefinitely by his team for undisclosed reasons to end the season.        Prediction: 4^th or 5^th Round

Offensive Tackle

1. Tyron Smith, USC (6-5, 311): Smith was a right tackle during his tenure with the Trojans, but teams believe he can make the move to the other side of the line at the next level.  Improved his stock with a great pro day. Has elite speed and flexibility to fight off edge rushers, and has long arms to separate on bull rushes. Has room to add size to his lanky frame. He has natural feet and has a great initial drop step. Still a bit raw as a blocker, and needs some additional one-on-one coaching. Can misdiagnose a blitz or stunt rush.                  Prediction: Top-15

2. Nate Soldner, Colorado (6-8, 319): Great height for the position and his long arms are ideal for a left tackle. Is a natural athlete who has the necessary agility to take on speed rushers. Extremely smart on and off the field, and rarely is confused by a defensive scheme. Has good strength, although he could add 5-10 pounds. Flashes a mean streak when finishing blocks. Ready to step in to a starting lineup right now.     Prediction: 1^st Round

3. Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin (6-7, 314): A masher with the Badgers, but still has the athleticism to be an effective pass protector. Does not have the elite athleticism of the two names ahead of him on this list, but still gets the job done. Unlike the two names above, Carimi is an elite run blocker, who can regularly be found 15 yards down the field. Needs to work on his lateral mobility and getting his hips turned. Solid and safe prospect.       Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Anthony Castonzo, Boston College (6-7, 317): Started every game during his three seasons at BC. Very hard worker who is a student of the game. Does well in pass protection, moving quickly off the line to negate speed rushers. Shows good agility, but needs to work on his lower body strength in the run game. Does not drive his man down the field, and can get stood up against a bull rush.  Scouts would like to see more fire in finishing off blocks.         Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

5. Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova (6-4, 317): Projects as a right tackle at the next level. Very productive college career, starting every game. He has a violent punch and is an absolute mauler in the running game. Good at adjusting to line stunts and blitzes, and can absorb a rush. As far as technique, he can get too high and get his feet crossed up in open space. Did not face top talent in the CAA conference.        Prediction: 2^nd Round

Offensive Guard/Center

1. Mike Pouncey, Florida (6-5, 303): The twin brother of rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey. Appeared in every game at Florida; impressive when you consider he started his career as a defensive tackle before moving to offensive guard. Played his senior season at center. Has a good bases and strong lower body. Has good instincts in the run and pass game, playing with his head on a swivel. Does not have the athleticism of his brother, and can struggle against big nose tackles.         Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

2. Danny Watkins, Baylor (6-3, 310): A possible first round pick who has only been playing the game of football for four years. Has taken to the game quickly, showing some savvy as a pass protector. He has sound technique in the run game, and is effective both at the line and in space. Shows surprising awareness considering his lack of playing experience. Does not quit on a play and has the mean streak coaches look for out of a lineman. Will be 27 later this year, old for a rookie.       Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

3. Marcus Cannon, TCU (6-5, 358): Massive prospect for the guard position. He exhibits surprising quickness for his size and combines it with great strength. Played tackle in college, but will move inside in the pros. Impressed scouts with his ability to read a defense and pick up the correct blocker. Has experience working in space. Needs to keep weight under control, as he cannot carry much more without losing speed.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

4. Orlando Franklin, Miami (6-5, 316): Shows good mobility for his size, especially in the screen game. His passion for the game is evident and plays with high effort. Smart player who makes does a nice job of picking up blitzes. His strength is as a run blocker.  Can struggle with quick moves in the passing game.     Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

5. Clint Bowling, Georgia (6-4, 308): Showed good versatility in college, lining up at three different positions on the line. Likely projects as a guard, but could also be a backup center. Needs to add weight to deal with some of the bigger defensive tackles in the NFL. Good football intelligence, he is rarely caught out of position. Needs to work on driving defenders away from the line.         Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

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Defensive End

1. Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson (6-4, 280): Bowers excelled in his junior season, accounting for 15.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. He can play both the run and pass.  As the offseason has gone on, red flags have started to surface concerning work ethic problems. A lingering knee injury has already forced Bowers to fail two team physicals. He will redo some of the combine tests later this month. The results will make the difference for where he is drafted.        Prediction: Top-15

2. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin (6-6, 290): Watt is a great combination of size, speed and power.  He projects well as a 3-4 defensive end, which will likely help his draft stock with a number of teams in the 5-15 pick range employing that defense. Watt’s motor and drive jump off the tape at scouts; he simply does not quit on a play. He might not have the physical upside of Bowers, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he’s off the board before the Clemson junior.                  Prediction: Top-15

3. Robert Quinn, North Carolina (6-5, 270): Quinn missed the entire 2010 season as a result of an NCAA suspension after allegedly receiving improper benefits from an agent. Has been humble about the process, and has not scared off many NFL teams. Still a bit raw in his technique, but boasts superior athleticism for his size. Could stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor his senior year of high school and told he may never play again. However, he was able to recover and started every game he played in at UNC.       Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Cameron Jordan, California (6-4, 283): Jordan has quickly moved up draft boards. He plays extremely well against the run, and can be disruptive in the passing game. He is a high-effort player, and incredibly strong at the point of attack. Projects very well as a 5-technique end, or a left end in a 4-3.     Prediction: 1^st Round

5. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa (6-3, 286): Clayborn faced regular double teams his senior season and his numbers reflect it. Despite lower than expected sack numbers, Clayborn still wreaked havoc in offensive backfields, and showed an excellent power rush. Needs to work a bit on his fluidity. Very stout against the run. Can play in either the 3-4 or 4-3.   Prediction: 1^st Round

Update: Keep an eye on Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan. He has had at least five private workouts for teams, and could be moving up draft boards. It seems teams believe he can play in both the 4-3 and 3-4.

Defensive Tackle

1. Marcell Dareus, Alabama (6-4, 306): Ideal size and strength combo. Has very good quickness at the snap, and does a great job of disengaging from blockers. He has a thick lower frame, and does a great job of playing the run. Has surprising agility and balance when breaking down to tackle. Won’t likely be on the draft board long.      Prediction: Top-5

2. Nick Fairley, Auburn (6-5, 298): Has exceptional athleticism and footwork for his position. In fact, he grades out very high across the board. The biggest questions for Fairley have to do with character and work ethic concerns. He is dropping down a number of draft boards. If he can convince a team he has his head on straight, he has top-3 talent.          Prediction: Top-10

3. Muhammed Wilkerson, Temple (6-5, 315): Wilkerson didn’t have a lot of pub entering the draft process because of a lack of national exposure for the Owls program. But that has changed thanks to a stellar combine. His measurable are ideal. He plays with the fluidity of a basketball player and carries his weight well. Still has room to grow, both physically and in technique.        Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Corey Liuget, Illinois (6-3, 300): He is tough to handle in one-on-one situations. Showed versatility throughout his career, playing all the positions on the line. Does a great job of creating problems in the backfield.  Does a great job of using his hands to disengage. Intriguing prospect because NFL teams can plug him into any position on the line.           Prediction: 1^st Round

5. Stephen Paea, Oregon State (6-1, 311): Set a Combine record with 49 repetitions of 225 pounds. An anchor a run defense and take on multiple blockers. Lacks ideal height, but makes up for it with an excellent motor. Often chases down plays and makes tackles from behind. Exhibits a great work ethic.       Prediction: Late 1^st, Early 2^nd

Inside Linebacker

1. Martez Wilson, Illinois (6-4, 250): There is not an elite player at this position. Wilson has the upside to become a real force, but is still raw in a number of areas. He has top-end speed, and is a good pass rusher. Can be fouled in play action, and has a tendency to take a false step. A bit of a risk, but the payoff could be high.    Prediction: Late 1^st, Early 2^nd

2. Quan Strudivant, North Carolina (6-1, 228): Good straight-line speed, and can beat blockers to point of attack. Great football IQ. Not an elite athlete, but reads plays well. Only played seven games because of a hamstring injury.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

3. Colin McCarthy, Miami, FL (6-2, 240): Had a very productive senior season, coming up with 106 tackles. An aggressive tackler  who can play every linebacker position. Very instinctive, could develop into a starter in two or three years.     Prediction: 3^rd Round

4. Greg Jones, Michigan State (6-1, 228): Undersized linebacker, who was extremely productive in college. He is one of the best tacklers in this draft. Had 154 tackles and 9 sacks during his senior season.  Will endear himself to a team with his work ethic.    Prediction: 3^rd Round

5. Kelvin Sheppard, LSU (6-2, 250): Locates the ball quickly, and has a good burst to close out the tackle. Has good timing in the blitz. Has good, not great, size for an inside linebacker in the NFL. Could be an effective special teams player.       Prediction: 4^th Round

Inside Linebacker

1. Von Miller, Texas A&M (6-3, 246): Miller is an extremely hard worker who struggled to begin the season. But in the last six games for the Aggies, he simply dominated games. Teams saw the impact of Clay Matthews and Lamar Woodley in getting their teams to the Super Bowl, and many project Miller has a similar impact player. Teams fell in love with his measurable and speed at the Combine.      Prediction: Top-10

2. Aldon Smith, Missouri (6-4, 260): Smith missed some time this season with a broken bone in his leg. He is a bit of a developmental project, but projects as an excellent pass rusher at the next level. Has the size to put his hand in the ground on third down. Draws favorable comparisons to Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul who was selected early in the first round last season.      Prediction: Top-20

3. Akeem Ayers, UCLA (6-5, 255): He has surprising agility for  a player of his size. He can be a sideline-to-sideline defender and is best when he can roam. Always around the ball, but sometime s does not make a sure tackle. Very good pass rushing skills. Ayers does a great job of getting  skinny to beat an offensive tackle to the outside.              Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Bruce Carter, UNC (6-3, 258): Does a nice job of reading his keys in the running game. Shows good speed off the edge, and has good flexibility to get around an offensive tackle. Underwent an ACL reconstruction surgery this offseason, which has limited his ability to work out for teams. Teams might be wary to use a high draft pick until they can see how he bounces back.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

5. Brooks Reed, Arizona (6-2, 263): Initially played offense when he enrolled at Arizona, but was moved to defensive end during his freshman year. Shows excellent discipline and executes his assignments. Has top-level football IQ. Played with his hand in the ground in college and could struggle right away at pass coverage.                Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

 

Cornerback

1. Patrick Peterson, LSU (6-1, 222): Quite possibly the best prospect in the draft. Has the physical tools to be a shutdown corner. Displays good overall range in coverage, and makes a play on the ball when the ball is near him. Has the size to be a safety, but the athleticism to lockup with elite receivers. Adds another dimension to his future team with his ability to return kicks.            Prediction: Top-10

2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska (6-1, 200): Plays with nearly perfect technique. Excellent instincts, and shows great awareness in zone coverage. Does a great job in bump and run coverage, and can flip his hips to run with a receiver. In any other year, he would be the elite cornerback prospect.     Prediction: Top-15

3. Jimmy Smith, Colorado (6-2, 205): Good blend of size and top-end speed. Has confidence in his coverage ability and his not afraid to be aggressive in press coverage. Has good closing burst in coverage to make a play on the ball. His good work ethic and football IQ should secure him a spot in the first round.         Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Aaron Williams, Texas (6-1, 195): Excellent at reading routes and closing in on a receiver when he makes his break. Not fooled by bubble screens. Has the prototypical build for the position, but must work on his technique. Could be a year away from stepping in and starting.      Prediction: 2^nd Round

5. Brandon Harris, Miami (5-9, 191): A bit undersized for the position, but makes up for it with elite speed.  Has good instincts in man-to-man coverage and is rarely fooled on double moves. Surprisingly good in run support, and is not afraid to put his head down and make a tackle. Has above average ball skills.            Prediction: 2^nd Round

 

Safety

1. Rahim Moore, UCLA (6-1, 196): Moore looked like a top ten pick after putting up huge numbers his sophomore season. The numbers declined this past season, with teams less willing to test the safety. He is a hard worker on and off the field, and was voted a team captain as a junior. Shows quick feet and good balance in his back pedal. He is aggressive when the ball is in the air, and closes quickly.       Prediction: 1^st Round

2. Quinton Carter (6-1, 211): Has ability to play either safety positions. He is a confident and aggressive player with above-average instincts. Quickly finds a ball in the air and secures interceptions. Struggled against taller receivers and tight ends in college. Struggles a bit to get off blocks, but excels at making open field tackles.          Prediction: 2^nd Round

3. Robert Sands, West Virginia (6-5, 221): Gets rave reviews for his leadership during his senior season.  Ideal size for the position, and ran a good, not great, 40 time at the Combine. One area of weakness is his strength (he had the 2^nd worst bench press among safeties in Indianapolis). Fills lanes with conviction and is a reliable tackler. Will win over teams during the interview process.      Prediction: 2^nd Round

4. Tyler Sash, Iowa (6-1, 210): Has elite ball skills as evidenced by his 13 interceptions in 37 games with the Hawkeyes. Does not have great speed, but his instincts keep him in position to make plays. Fills downhill and is fearless in making tackles. Will contribute in special teams, and could be an excellent sleeper pick.     Prediction: 3^rd Round

5. Da’Norris Searcy, UNC (5-10, 223): Does not have ideal size, but has incredible strength, leading all defensive backs with 27 bench press reps at the Combine. Rarely caught chasing receivers in coverage, and has elite route recognition in zone coverage. Might be a bit short, but has incredibly long arms. Not always willing to stick in and make a tackle. Involved in an NCAA investigation at the beginning of the season.     Prediction: 3^rd Round

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Growing up as a Bears fan (which, I should point out, you don’t choose), I bought in time and time again that Chicago was developing the quarterback of the future. But while I cheered for Kordell Stewart, Craig Krenzel, Chad Hutchinson, and Jonathan Quinn (all in the 2003/2004 season), I had to sit and watch the other teams in the NFC North have success with Brett Favre, Daunte Culpepper and even Jon Kitna. It certainly didn’t seem fair to me.

But there was a reason for the Bears’ continued quarterback futility. The simple NFL truth: the late round quarterback turning into your team’s next stud is a myth. Sure, Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick, and Tony Romo wasn’t even drafted, but those are outliers, once in a generation diamonds in the rough.  If teams are looking for a starter at running back or offensive guard, there is nothing wrong with using a fifth round pick to get it. But if they want a franchise quarterback, they’d better be prepared to pay dearly for one.

I’m not just talking about salary, I’m talking draft picks. If a team wants a playoff caliber starting quarterback, history tells us they need to spend either a first or second round of the draft. That means your team drafts the player early, or trades a high draft pick to get him. Don’t believe me? Let’s head to the chart.

2010-2011 NFL Playoff teams

Team	Quarterback	Where drafted (pick traded for)
Atlanta Falcons	Matt Ryan	Drafted 2008: 1st round (#3)
Baltimore Ravens	Joe Flacco	Drafted 2008: 1st round (#18)
Chicago Bears	Jay Cutler	Traded from Denver for two 1st round picks
Green Bay Packers	Aaron Rodgers	Drafted 2005: 1st round (#24)
Indianapolis Colts	Peyton Manning	Drafted 1998: 1st round (#1)
Kansas City Chiefs	Matt Cassel	Traded from New England for 2nd round pick
New England Patriots	Tom Brady	Drafted 2000: 6th round (#199)
New Orleans Saints	Drew Brees	Drafted 2001: 2nd round (#32)
New York Jets	Mark Sanchez	Drafted 2009: 1st round (#5)
Philadelphia Eagles	Michael Vick	Drafted 2001: 1st round (#1)
Pittsburgh Steelers	Ben Roethlisberger	Drafted 2004: 1st round (#11)
Seattle Seahawks	Matt Hasselbeck	Traded from Green Bay for 1st and 3rd round pick

Only one quarterback was not drafted, or traded for, a first or second round pick. Only one! In the past ten years, there have been 94 quarterback chosen between rounds 3 through 7. No doubt a huge number. Of those 94, only four quarterbacks ended the season as their team’s starter. Just four-percent of those quarterbacks; surely not awe-inspiring numbers.

But wait, it gets worse. Let’s take a look at the records of the teams that started those four QBs:

Team	Quarterback	Round Drafted	Team’s final record
Arizona Cardinals	John Skelton	5th (#155)	5-11
Buffalo Bills	Ryan Fitzpatrick	7th (#250)	4-12
Cleveland Browns	Colt McCoy	3rd (#85)	5-11
Minnesota Vikings	Joe Webb	6th (#199)	6-10

With 3^rd through 7^th round draft picks, the four teams finished a combined 20-44, nowhere near competing for a postseason berth. Does a team’s record have everything to do with the play of the quarterback? No, of course not. There are 53 players on an NFL roster. But the numbers show if your team doesn’t have elite talent at sports most important position, they’re more likely to be watching the Super Bowl than playing in it.

So does this mean a team like Minnesota or San Francisco, teams that need quarterback help, look to draft Cam Newton or Jake Locker? Not exactly. As important as it is to select a top talent early, it’s just as important to select the right guy. As it’s been proven before, for every Donovan McNabb, there is a Tim Couch – a quarterback who sets a franchise back years while they wait for him to ‘develop.’

So what do the statistics tell us? With all due respect to guys like Delaware’s Pat Devlin, North Carolina’s T.J. Yates or Wisconsin’s Scott Tolzien, they’re most likely not going to develop into the next big thing. Teams looking for their next franchise-saving quarterback better be willing to invest a top pick. Fans just have to hope they pick the right guy.

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What a wonderful business the NFL is. Less than a week after winning Super Bowl XLV, players for the Packers are already discussing what they’ll need to do to get the team’s fifth championship. While Facebook feeds across Wisconsin are still Packer-centric, the organization has already moved on. In fact, in the locker room following the Super Bowl win, General Manager Ted Thompson said his group was already behind on their offseason work. So much for stopping to smell the roses.

Simply put, this offseason will be different. The continuing labor talks between the NFL owners and players will cast a shadow over the whole process. Trades and free agent pickups will be down. That’s both good and bad. The labor talks put a bigger emphasis on the draft. Teams will have to look to fill the holes in the lineups with rookies next season more than any in recent memory. In this blog, we’ll break down the top needs of the teams in the NFC North.

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay is in a unique position entering the offseason. 16 players ended the season on I.R., an absolutely ridiculous number for a championship team. While the guys they brought in stepped up and were a factor, the team will basically get a huge influx of talent without spending anything extra. Among the key contributors expected back: RB Ryan Grant, TE Jermichael Finley and LB Nick Barnett, all of which are guys who have played at pro bowl levels at some point in their careers. Believe me, this is a great position for the team to be in.

Biggest Offseason Needs: OLB, OG, OT, DE, K

Outside Linebacker: Everyone knows how good Clay Matthews has been since joining the league just two years ago. The scary thing is: he could be better. It’s not that Matthews needs extra work, but offenses have started to shift their offensive protections to try to neutralize the Claymaker. Looking at the numbers, he only had three sacks over the last seven games of the season. Just like Dwight Freeney has Robert Mathis, Green Bay needs to add another pass-rushing threat opposite of Matthews.

Offensive Guard: Daryn Colledge is a free agent, and the Packers might consider letting him walk. Colledge has been good, but not great since joining the team from Boise State. His possible replacement is also a free agent (Jason Spitz), but even if Colledge is retained, depth is needed.

Offensive Tackle: Bryan Bulaga grew into the right tackle position as the season went on, and he looks like he will be a keeper. Chad Clifton was named to the Pro Bowl this year, but there is not much tread left on those tires. The team is high on TJ Lang, but there is not much beyond him on the roster. The team’s ultimate plan is for Bulaga to move the LT, but I’m not sure the long term right tackle is on the roster yet. I wouldn’t expect Green Bay to pick someone high in the draft, but a sixth round pick is not out of the question.

Defensive End: Cullen Jenkins has been fantastic as a 3-4 defensive end, but he is a free agent this offseason, and might have priced himself out for the Packers. Johnny Jolly will be entering a contract year, but still has the off-the-field problems hanging over his head. If Jenkins is not retained, depth must be added.

Kicker: Mason Crosby is a free agent. The Packers will likely resign him, but if not, a kicker will need to be added.

Packers Key Free Agents:

Player	Position	Age
Cullen Jenkins	DE	30
James Jones	WR	27
Mason Crosby	K	26
Daryn Colledge	OG	29
John Kuhn	RB/FB	29
Atari Bigby	SS	29
Brandon Jackson	RB	25
Charlie Peprah	SS	28

Minnesota Vikings

It’s amazing the difference a year can make. At this time last season, many were discussing how the Vikings were just one play away from playing for a Super Bowl. The 2010 Vikings resembled something much closer to a bottom dweller. There are a number of needs for this team. Many of the key players are getting up there in age, and a big youth movement might be coming under new coach Leslie Frazier.

Biggest Offseason Needs: QB, OLB, Safety, CB, DT

Quarterback: The Brett Favre era is done two very long years after it began. The Tavaris Jackson era is likely also over. In the modern NFL, you can’t win a championship without a solid quarterback. Joe Webb played well in one of his late season starts, but he still has a lot of work to do before he can be trusted with an NFL franchise. Minnesota pick 12^th in the 1^st round, and Frazier has already said he’d like to find the next Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco. An outside possibility of bringing in someone like Vince Young still remains.

Outside Linebacker: Both of Minnesota’s top OLBs are free agents. Chad Greenway will likely cash in on a big free agent deal. Ben Leber’s price tag will be much lower. The Vikings will likely need to replace one, if not both.

Safety: Minnesota could use an upgrade at both safety positions. Husain Abdullah is a free agent, and really didn’t play for long periods of time. Madieu Williams has not played up to his big free agent contract, and could be released because Minnesota does not want to pick up his $5.4-million contract next year. Don’t expect two rookies to be starting in the back of the secondary though. Likely, the team will look to bolster at least one of the positions in free agency.

Cornerback: Antonie Winfield will be 34 at the start of next season and Cedric Griffin is coming off another injury. Chris Cook showed promise in his rookie season, but more often he looked lost for long stretches. The Vikings simply need help – a lot of it.

Defensive Tackle: Pat Williams has said that he will likely not be back next year. Even if he was, he and Kevin Williams are facing a four-game league suspension. Letroy Guion will move into the starting lineup, but there isn’t much behind him and Kevin Williams.

Vikings Key Free Agents:

Player	Position	Age
Chad Greenway	OLB	28
Ray Edwards	DE	26
Sidney Rice	WR	25
Pat Williams	DT	38
Ben Leber	OLB	32
Lito Sheppard	CB	30
Husain Abdullah	SS	26
Tavaris Jackson	QB	28

Chicago Bears

The Bears aren’t sexy, but they get the job done. The team was one game, and one injured quarterback, away from playing in the Super Bowl. They got there mostly with defense and special teams, but following the team’s bye, you saw the pieces of the offense coming together. Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz will likely feature more balance in 2011, and many of the top guys are locked up for a while.

Biggest Needs: OT, DT, WR, OLB

Offensive Tackle: The team drafted Chris Williams a few years ago in the hopes that he would be the long-term answer at left tackle. Instead, Williams struggled on the outside and was moved inside to guard. Tackle remains to be an issue, and will likely be the top priority on the offseason.

Defensive Tackle: Tommie Harris’ rollercoaster started with him being benched in September, and ended with him playing at a top level in the playoffs. Which guy can the Bears count on in 2011? There isn’t a ton of depth at tackle, but where the team drafts a tackle will be dependent on what they think they can get out of Harris.

Wide Receiver: This has long been a weakness for the Bears. Devin Hester and Johnny Knox are good, but neither should be the focal point of a good passing game. A big, tall wideout would bring balance to this team.

Outside Linebacker: Pisa Tinoisamoa has been a disappointment since signing as a free agent. The problem isn’t really about how he has played, but how often he is actually on the field.  An influx of youth and athleticism will be needed to upgrade this team.

Bears Key Free Agents:

Player	Position	Age
Olin Kreutz	C	34
Daniel Manning	SS	29
Caleb Hanie	QB	25
Pisa Tinoisamoa	OLB	30
Nick Roach	OLB	26
Brad Maynard	P	37

Detroit Lions

The Lions clearly have a strategy of how they would like to build their team, and with the pieces they continue to add, this team could be very good in just a few years. The young core of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Ndamukong Suh, Brandon Pettigrew and Louis Delmas is the envy of many executives in the league.

Biggest Needs: OLB, CB, OT, OG/OC

Outside Linebacker: Julian Peterson will not be back next season, and the Lions will be happy to shed his $8-million salary next season. He’ll likely be joined on the unemployment line by Zack Follett, who is coming off what could be a career-ending injury. Depth is desperately needed.

Cornerback: Last year’s third round pick, Amari Spievey, will likely be playing safety next season. If the team does not resign Chris Houston, they will need a major upgrade. Even if Houston is retained, someone to compete for a starting job is needed.

Offensive Tackle: Matthew Stafford has struggled to stay healthy, and the poor play of the offensive line is part of the reason. Jeff Backus played okay last year, but is not a left tackle. Ideally, the team would like to move Backus to the right side of the line, but not until a capable replacement can be found.

Offensive Guard/Center: The reason for the slash is because the team needs to make a decision on what to do with Dominic Raiola. He has not been great, and likely needs to be replaced. His replacement might be the guy who lined up next to him all year, Steve Peterman. In any case, an additional body on the interior line is a big need.

Lions Key Free Agents:

Player	Position	Age
Chris Houston	CB	26
Kevin Smith	RB	24
Cliff Avril	DE	25
Julian Peterson	OLB	33
Turk McBride	DE	30
Drew Stanton	QB	27
Jerome Fulton	FB	25
Landon Johnson	OLB	30

Posted under Uncategorized

Let me first say, welcome back to the blog. For those of you who don’t know me, or check in periodically, it’s been an exciting month and a half. I got married in the largest snow storm in Eau Claire history (22-inches – I would not recommend getting married in December), got snowed out of a honeymoon, celebrated Christmas,  New Year’s, a birthday, and was promoted to weekend sports anchor. With all of that on my plate, I decided to take a step back from the blog for awhile

Only meteorologists and fantasy writers are expected to predict the future. Yet, it’s the line of work we pick. Much like a meteorologist, I scour over data, look for trends, and make my best hypothesis on what will happen each Sunday. I certainly had some successes, but there were many failures mixed in. Here’s a look back at some of the good and bad preseason picks.

Quarterbacks

Got it Right:

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay: Rodgers didn’t put up the same ridiculous numbers as the 2009 season, but that would have been a very tough one to repeat. The fact is, the guy was consistently good, and that’s what you’re looking for in a fantasy QB.  Rodgers was the second rated fantasy quarterback, and should continue that production for years to come.

2. Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay: Freeman made it on my sleepers list, but quickly rocketed up my rankings each week. He’s a guy who has great size, an above-average arm, and his young receivers continue to improve. He will be a top 10 fantasy quarterback option next year.

3. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets: This may be the pessimistic view, but I never loved Sanchez. He gets a lot of hype, and he continues to win games. But the fact of the matter is, in fantasy football, that simply doesn’t matter. It’s all about the stats you put up. Sanchez was the 17^th ranked fantasy quarterback, and his season took an epic nosedive when fantasy owners needed him most.

Swing and a miss:

1. Michael Vick, Philadelphia: He was the top fantasy player in 2010, and didn’t even make my top 25. Yes, he started the year as a backup, but I missed big on that one.

2. Tony Romo, Dallas: Many fantasy owners know the pain of injuries. Romo entered the season with a bevy of talented pass-catchers, a good offensive line, and every opportunity to succeed. But just like with the Dallas Cowboys season, things didn’t go as plan.

3. Brett Favre, Minnesota: He had a ton of weapons, was coming off the best season of his career, and had the Super Bowl in his crosshairs. Simply put, even legendary players can only put on so many miles before it falls apart.

Running Back

Got it Right:

1. Arian Foster, Houston: I fell in love with Foster in the preseason, and he established himself in week one with a stellar performance against the Colts. He continued it through the rest of the year, rushing eight times for 100 yards or more, and chipping in 66 catches. He finished with 81 more fantasy points than any other fantasy back.

2. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia: In his first season as the main guy, McCoy left his mark on the league. The sixth-ranked fantasy back did it on the ground (1,080 yards, 7 touchdowns) and catching the ball (78 catches, 592 yards, 2 touchdowns). That kind of versatility is reminiscent of the guy he replaced in Philly.

3. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh: Mendenhall finished right where I expected he would. His 1273 yards and 13 touchdowns made him a must-start throughout the season.

Swing and a miss:

1. Peyton Hillis, Cleveland: The fourth-ranked fantasy back did now show up in my top 50 rankings, but he certainly deserved to be there. Hillis ran with an edge all year, and his production even got backup Jerome Harrison shipped out of town.

2. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City: I loved Charles all year, but was very wary of the dual-back system in KC. Clearly I was wrong. Charles and Thomas Jones both thrived in the backfield, and Charles clearly had the type of season that will make him special for years to come.

3. Ray Rice, Baltimore: Rice still finished as a top 10 scorer, but more was expected from him. He scored a total of six touchdowns and only had two 100 yard games. Not what fantasy owners were expecting from a guy drafted in the top five.

Wide Receiver

Got it Right:

1. Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants: Back in August, I wrote this: “With great hands, and a year of experience, this could be a big year.” Well, it was a big year for Nicks, a guy who elevated himself into the upper echelon of fantasy wideouts. Despite losing four games to injury, Nicks still finished seventh in fantasy scoring, above guys like Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne.

2. Mike Williams, Tampa Bay: It’s not hard to say that it’s a good idea to draft a Wayne or Greg Jennings, but fantasy teams are won by the guys who are drafted late that pay huge dividends later on. Mike Williams gave second round fantasy production for a 14^th round price tag. That’s a win every time.

3. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City: I had Bowe in my top-20, but he was quickly moving up my fantasy rankings each week. The addition of a new offensive coaching staff, and an offseason of working out with Cris Carter and Larry Fitzgerald, paid huge dividends for Bowe.

Swing and a miss:

1. Steve Smith, Carolina: The QB carousal killed a lot of the good fantasy options on the Panthers, but no one took a bigger hit than Steve Smith. He only scored two touchdowns in 2010; this after averaging eight a season the five seasons prior. Let’s just say it’s a season Smith owners would like to forget.

2. Donald Driver, Green Bay: Driver entered my rankings at 22, but finished well out of the top 40. Age, injury, and the receivers behind him forced DD to have his worst statistical season since 2001.

3. Randy Moss, New England/Minnesota/Tennessee: He was my number three receiver, but it seems he had more teams in 2010 than he did touchdown catches. In the final few weeks for the Titans, he was nothing more than a decoy. It was a big fall for a guy who was drafted by some in the first round.

Tight End

Got it Right:

1. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta: Year in, year out, he’s the poster child for consistency. 70 catches, six touchdowns. Another ho-hum season for Gonzalez.

2. Chris Cooley, Washington: I thought having McNabb on the roster would mean a boost for Cooley. I was half right. Cooley had a good bounce back year, catching 77 balls for 850 yards and three touchdowns.  He was the sixth-ranked TE, and was a consistent 6 points each week.

3. Todd Heap, Baltimore: The Ravens made a statement when they drafted two young tight ends in the draft. Heap responded with his best season in years. He’s still among the best pass catchers around the goal line.

Swing and a miss:

1. Mercedes Lewis, Jacksonville: Lewis entered my rankings as the 20^th best TE, but quickly was moving up the list. The key for Lewis was a midseason slim down. Some reports have him losing as much as 50 pounds. If only he had done that before the season, maybe I would have got his ranking correct.

2. Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati: He could not leave his mark on what turned out to be an extremely dysfunctional Bengals offense. He topped just 50 yards three times.

3. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis: Another victim of the injury bug. Clark entered as the top fantasy tight end, and will likely be in the top five once he recovers from his injury.

Posted under Uncategorized

I’d have to consult the sports blog handbook, but I think there’s a line in there about not starting off a new post by apologizing. Unfortunately I never bought the sports blog handbook. I think there was a game on or something. Anyways, I have to apologize to you all because I’m going to abandon you when you need this blog the most.

Believe me, it wasn’t my idea (well, it kind of was). But like the fool that I am, I scheduled my wedding for the start of the fantasy football playoffs (where were my priorities, right?). So yes, I am apologizing. I hope you won’t hold it against me. If I can tear myself away from last minute planning, I will certainly try to put up my week 14 rankings. But, in case I don’t, best of luck down the stretch.

-Stephen Kelley, the Sports Geek

Waiver Wire Pickups (in a word)

QB: Sam Bradford, St. Louis: Legit

RB: Brian Westbrook: Veteran

RB: Jonathan Stewart: Hungry

RB: Toby Gerhart: Starter?

WR: Ben Obomanu: TD-Machine

WR: Blair White: Ditto

WR: Jacoby Ford: Speedster

TE: Kevin Boss: Last-Man-Standing

TE: Jimmy Graham: Drew-Brees!

K: Nate Kaeding: Consistent

Week 13 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Aaron Rodgers, GB (vs. San Francisco)

2. Michael Vick, PHI (vs. Houston)

3. Phillip Rivers, SD (vs. Oakland)

4. Peyton Manning, IND (vs. Dallas)

5. Tom Brady, NE (vs. New York Jets)

6. Eli Manning, NYG (vs. Washington)

7. Drew Brees, NO (at Cincinnati)

8. Kyle Orton, DEN (at Kansas City)

9. Jay Cutler, CHI (at Detroit)

10. Matt Cassel, KC (vs. Denver)

11. Matt Ryan, ATL (at Tampa Bay)

12. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (at Baltimore)

13. Matt Schaub, HOU (at Philadelphia)

14. Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. Pittsburgh)

15. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (at Minnesota)

16. Josh Freeman, TB (vs. Atlanta)

17. David Garrard, JAC (at Tennessee)

18. Sam Bradford, STL (at Arizona)

19. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (at New England)

20. Carson Palmer, CIN (vs. New Orleans)

21. Jon Kitna, DAL (at Indianapolis)

22. Donovan McNabb, WAS (at New York Giants)

23. Chad Henne, MIA (vs. Cleveland)

24. Brett Favre, MIN (vs. Buffalo)

25. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA (vs. Carolina)

Running backs

1. Arian Foster, HOU (at Philadelphia)

2. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (at Tennessee)

3. Jamaal Charles, KC (vs. Denver)

4. Michael Turner, ATL (at Tampa Bay)

5. Adrian Peterson, MIN (vs. Buffalo)

6. Chris Johnson, TEN (vs. Jacksonville)

7. Peyton Hillis, CLE (at Miami)

8. Matt Forte, CHI (at Detroit)

9. LeSean McCoy, PHI (vs. Houston)

10. Fred Jackson, BUF (at Minnesota)

11. Mike Tolbert, SD (vs. Oakland)

12. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (at Baltimore)

13. Ray Rice, BAL (vs. Pittsburgh)

14. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (at Kansas City)

15. Steven Jackson, STL (at Arizona)

16. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (vs. Washington)

17. Darren McFadden, OAK (at San Diego)

18. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (at New England)

19. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (vs. Washington)

20. LeGarrette Blount, TB (vs. Atlanta)

21. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (vs. New York Jets)

22. Felix Jones, DAL (at Indianapolis)

23. Cedric Benson, CIN (vs. New Orleans)

24. Brian Westbrook, SF (at Green Bay)

25. Jonathan Stewart, CAR (at Seattle)

26. Mike Goodson, CAR (at Seattle)

27. Ronnie Brown, MIA (vs. Cleveland)

28. Thomas Jones, KC (vs. Denver)

29. Donald Brown, IND (vs. Dallas)

30. Maurice Morris, DET (vs. Chicago)

31. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (vs. Carolina)

32. Chris Ivory, NO (at Cincinnati)

33. Brandon Jackson, GB (vs. San Francisco)

34. Keiland Williams, WAS (at New York Giants)

35. Shonn Greene, NYJ (at New England)

36. Toby Gerhart, MIN (vs. Buffalo)

37. James Davis, WAS (at New York Giants)

38. Ricky Williams, MIA (vs. Cleveland)

39. Beanie Wells, ARI (vs. St. Louis)

40. Joseph Addai, IND (vs. Dallas)

41. Danny Woodhead, NE (vs. New York Jets)

42. Tashard Choice, DAL (at Indianapolis)

43. Anthony Dixon, SF (at Green Bay)

44. Tim Hightower, ARI (vs. St. Louis)

45. Reggie Bush, NO (at Cincinnati)

46. Justin Forsett, SEA (vs. Carolina)

47. Cadillac Williams, TB (vs. Atlanta)

48. Willis McGahee, BAL (vs. Pittsburgh)

49. Darren Sproles, SD (vs. Oakland)

50. Chester Taylor, CHI (at Detroit)

Wide Receiver

1. Dwayne Bowe, KC (vs. Denver)

2. Greg Jennings, GB (vs. San Francisco)

3. Andre Johnson, HOU (at Philadelphia)

4. Roddy White, ATL (at Tampa Bay)

5. Reggie Wayne, IND (vs. Dallas)

6. DeSean Jackson, PHI (vs. Houston)

7. Marques Colston, NO (at Cincinnati)

8. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (at Kansas City)

9. Calvin Johnson, DET (vs. Chicago)

10. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (at New England)

11. Stevie Johnson, BUF (at Minnesota)

12. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (vs. St. Louis)

13. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (vs. Houston)

14. Terrell Owens, CIN (vs. New Orleans)

15. Mike Wallace, PIT (at Baltimore)

16. Mike Williams, TB (vs. Atlanta)

17. Dez Bryant, DAL (at Indianapolis)

18. Mario Manningham, NYG (vs. Washington)

19. Wes Welker, NE (vs. New York Jets)

20. Miles Austin, DAL (at Indianapolis)

21. Percy Harvin, MIN (vs. Buffalo)

22. Johnny Knox, CHI (at Detroit)

23. Malcom Floyd, SD (vs. Oakland)

24. Michael Crabtree, SF (at Green Bay)

25. Anquan Boldin, BAL (vs. Pittsburgh)

26. Santana Moss, WAS (at New York Giants)

27. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (vs. New Orleans)

28. Hines Ward, PIT (at Baltimore)

29. Pierre Garcon, IND (vs. Dallas)

30. Sidney Rice, MIN (vs. Buffalo)

31. Ben Obomanu, SEA (vs. Carolina)

32. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC (at Tennessee)

33. Mike Thomas, JAC (at Tennessee)

34. Derrick Mason, BAL (vs. Pittsburgh)

35. James Jones, GB (vs. San Francisco)

36. Brandon Marshall, MIA (vs. Cleveland)

37. Steve Smith, CAR (at Seattle)

38. Davone Bess, MIA (vs. Cleveland)

39. Deion Branch, NE (vs. New York Jets)

40. Nate Burleson, DET (vs. Chicago)

41. Randy Moss, TEN (vs. Jacksonville)

42. Danny Amendola, STL (at Arizona)

43. Lance Moore, NO (at Cincinnati)

44. Blair White, IND (vs. Dallas)

45. Mike Williams, SEA (vs. Carolina)

46. Steve Breaston, ARI (vs. St. Louis)

47. Nate Washington, TEN (vs. Jacksonville)

48. Jacoby Ford, OAK (at San Diego)

49. Donald Driver, GB (vs. San Francisco)

50. Danny Amendola, STL (at Arizona)

Tight ends

1. Antonio Gates, SD (vs. Oakland)

2. Jacob Tamme, IND (vs. Dallas)

3. Vernon Davis, SF (at Green Bay)

4. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (at Tampa Bay)

5. Jason Witten, DAL (at Indianapolis)

6. Marcedes Lewis, JAC (at Tennessee)

7. Joel Dreessen, HOU (at Philadelphia)

8. Dustin Keller, NYJ (at New England)

9. Greg Olsen, CHI (at Detroit)

10. Chris Cooley, WAS (at New York Giants)

11. Todd Heap, BAL (vs. Pittsburgh)

12. Kevin Boss, NYG (vs. Washington)

13. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (vs. Buffalo)

14. Aaron Hernandez, NE (vs. New York Jets)

15. Kellen Winslow, TB (vs. Atlanta)

16. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (vs. Chicago)

17. Zach Miller, OAK (at San Diego)

18. Heath Miller, PIT (at Baltimore)

19. Tony Moeaki, KC (vs. Denver)

20. Jimmy Graham, NO (at Cincinnati)

21. Brent Celek, PHI (vs. Houston)

22. Rob Gronkowski, NE (vs. New York Jets)

23. Benjamin Watson, CLE (at Miami)

24. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (vs. New Orleans)

25. Anthony Fasano, MIA (vs. Cleveland)

Defense/Special Teams

1. Green Bay Packers (vs. San Francisco)

2. Chicago Bears (at Detroit)

3. New York Giants (vs. Washington)

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Baltimore)

5. Baltimore Ravens (vs. Pittsburgh)

6. Miami Dolphins (vs. Cleveland)

7. San Diego Chargers (vs. Oakland)

8. New Orleans Saints (at Cincinnati)

9. New York Jets (at New England)

10. Tennessee Titans (vs. Jacksonville)

11. Miami Dolphins (vs. Cleveland)

12. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Houston)

13. Atlanta Falcons (at Tampa Bay)

14. Seattle Seahawks (vs. Carolina)

15. St. Louis Rams (at Arizona)

16. Minnesota Vikings (vs. Buffalo)

17. New England Patriots (vs. New York Jets)

18. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Denver)

19. Cleveland Browns (at Miami)

20. Oakland Raiders (at San Diego)

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Atlanta)

22. Arizona Cardinals (vs. St. Louis)

23. Washington Redskins (at New York Giants)

24. Dallas Cowboys (at Indianapolis)

25. Indianapolis Colts (vs. Dallas)

Posted under Uncategorized

I don’t want to ruin your opinion of me, but even sports reporters/writers celebrate the holidays (when we can). There might not be the weekly pickups, but at least I didn’t leave you hanging with the rankings. Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone, and try to win a fantasy game or two between bites of turkey.

Week 12 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Philip Rivers, SD (at Indianapolis)

2. Aaron Rodgers, GB (at Atlanta)

3. Drew Brees, NO (at Dallas)

4. Peyton Manning, IND (vs. San Diego)

5. Tom Brady, NE (at Detroit)

6. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (at Buffalo)

7. Michael Vick, PHI (at Chicago)

8. Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

9. Eli Manning, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

10. Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. Green Bay)

11. Kyle Orton, DEN (vs. St. Louis)

12. Shaun Hill, DET (vs. New England)

13. Matt Cassel, KC (at Seattle)

14. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

15. Jon Kitna, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

16. Matt Schaub, HOU (vs. Tennessee)

17. Josh Freeman, TB (at Baltimore)

18. Carson Palmer, CIN (at New York Jets)

19. Brett Favre, MIN (at Washington)

20. Jay Cutler, CHI (vs. Philadelphia)

21. Donovan McNabb, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

22. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (vs. Pittsburgh)

23. David Garrard, JAC (at New York Giants)

24. Sam Bradford, STL (at Denver)

25. Troy Smith, SF (at Arizona)

Running backs

1. Chris Johnson, TEN (at Houston)

2. Adrian Peterson, MIN (at Washington)

3. Frank Gore, SF (at Arizona)

4. Arian Foster, HOU (vs. Tennessee)

5. Peyton Hillis, CLE (vs. Carolina)

6. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (at New York Giants)

7. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (at Buffalo)

8. Steven Jackson, STL (at Denver)

9. Ray Rice, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

10. Darren McFadden, OAK (vs. Miami)

11. Jamaal Charles, KC (at Seattle)

12. Michael Turner, ATL (vs. Green Bay)

13. LeSean McCoy, PHI (at Chicago)

14. Mike Tolbert, SD (at Indianapolis)

15. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (vs. St. Louis)

16. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (at Detroit)

17. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

18. Matt Forte, CHI (vs. Philadelphia)

19. LeGarrette Blount, TB (at Baltimore)

20. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

21. Fred Jackson, BUF (vs. Pittsburgh)

22. Mike Goodson, CAR (at Cleveland)

23. Keiland Williams, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

24. Cedric Benson, CIN (at New York Jets)

25. Thomas Jones, KC (at Seattle)

26. Brandon Jackson, GB (at Atlanta)

27. Felix Jones, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

28. Danny Woodhead, NE (at Detroit)

29. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

30. Ronnie Brown, MIA (at Oakland)

31. Shonn Greene, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

32. Maurice Morris, DET (vs. New England0

33. Donald Brown, IND (vs. San Diego)

34. Chris Ivory, NO (at Dallas)

35. Beanie Wells, ARI (vs. San Francisco)

36. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (vs. Kansas City)

37. Darren Sproles, SD (at Indianapolis)

38. Ricky Williams, MIA (at Oakland)

39. Reggie Bush, NO (at Dallas)

40. Tim Hightower, ARI (vs. San Francisco)

41. Marion Barber, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

42. Michael Bush, OAK (vs. Miami)

43. Jahvid Best, DET (vs. New England)

44. Cadillac Williams, TB (at Baltimore)

45. Willis McGahee, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

46. Javarris James, IND (vs. San Diego)

47. Ryan Mathews, SD (at Indianapolis)

48. Ryan Torain, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

49. Justin Forsett, SEA (vs. Kansas City)

50. James Davis, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

Wide Receiver

1. Calvin Johnson, DET (vs. New England)

2. Greg Jennings, GB (at Atlanta)

3. Andre Johnson, HOU (vs. Tennessee)

4. Dwayne Bowe, KC (at Seattle)

5. Reggie Wayne, IND (vs. San Diego)

6. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (vs. St. Louis)

7. Roddy White, ATL (vs. Green Bay)

8. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (vs. San Francisco)

9. Mike Wallace, PIT (at Buffalo)

10. Dez Bryant, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

11. DeSean Jackson, PHI (at Chicago)

12. Marques Colston, NO (at Dallas)

13. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

14. Mario Manningham, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

15. Steve Johnson, BUF (vs. Pittsburgh)

16. Mike Williams, TB (at Baltimore)

17. Vincent Jackson, SD (at Indianapolis)

18. Anquan Boldin, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

19. Miles Austin, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

20. Santana Moss, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

21. Terrell Owens, CIN (at New York Jets)

22. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (at Chicago)

23. Michael Crabtree, SF (at Arizona)

24. Sidney Rice, MIN (at Washington)

25. Percy Harvin, MIN (at Washington)

26. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (at New York Jets)

27. Hines Ward, PIT (at Buffalo)

28. Wes Welker, NE (at Detroit)

29. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

30. Malom Floyd, SD (at Indianapolis)

31. Mike Thomas, JAC (at New York Giants)

32. Pierre Garcon, IND (vs. San Diego)

33. Nate Burleson, DET (vs. New England)

34. James Jones, GB (at Atlanta)

35. Nate Washington, TEN (at Houston)

36. Randy Moss, TEN (at Houston)

37. Mike Williams, SEA (vs. Kansas City)

38. Steve Breaston, ARI (vs. San Francisco)

39. Johnny Knox, CHI (vs. Philadelphia)

40. Danny Amendola, STL (at Denver)

41. Steve Smith, CAR (at Cleveland)

42. Lance Moore, NO (at Dallas)

43. Lee Evans, BUF (vs. Pittsburgh)

44. Blair White, IND (vs. San Diego)

45. Danny Woodhead, NE (at Detroit)

46. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (vs. St. Louis)

47. Donald Driver, GB (at Atlanta)

48. Deion Branch, NE (at Detroit)

49. Robert Meachem, NO (at Dallas)

50. Brandon Marshall, MIA (at Oakland)

Tight ends

1. Jacob Tamme, IND (vs. San Diego)

2. Vernon Davis, SF (at Arizona)

3. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (vs. Green Bay)

4. Zach Miller, OAK (vs. Miami)

5. Chris Cooley, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

6. Marcedes Lewis, JAC (at New York Giants)

7. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (vs. New England)

8. Joel Dreessen, HOU (vs. Tennessee)

9. Greg Olsen, CHI (vs. Philadelphia)

10. Todd Heap, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

11. Dustin Keller, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

12. Jason Witten, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

13. Heath Miller, PIT (at Buffalo)

14. Aaron Hernandez, NE (at Detroit)

15. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (at Washington)

16. Kevin Boss, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

17. Benjamin Watson, CLE (vs. Carolina)

18. Kellen Winslow, TB (at Baltimore)

19. Jimmy Graham, NO (at Dallas)

20. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (at New York Jets)

21. Rob Gronkowski, NE (at Detroit)

22. Bo Scaife, TEN (at Houston)

23. Brent Celek, PHI (at Chicago)

24. Randy McMichael, SD (at Indianapolis)

25. Anthony Fasano, MIA (at Oakland)

Defense/Special Teams

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Buffalo)

2. Green Bay Packers (at Atlanta)

3. Cleveland Browns (vs. Carolina)

4. New York Jets (vs. Cincinnati)

5. New York Giants (vs. Jacksonville)

6. Baltimore Ravens (vs. Tampa Bay)

7. Tennessee Titans (at Houston)

8. San Francisco 49ers (at Arizona)

9. Philadelphia Eagles (at Chicago)

10. Chicago Bears (vs. Philadelphia)

11. Oakland Raiders (vs. Miami)

12. Kansas City Chiefs (at Seattle)

13. New England Patriots (at Detroit)

14. New Orleans Saints (at Dallas)

15. Minnesota Vikings (at Washington)

16. Dallas Cowboys (vs. New Orleans)

17. Washington Redskins (vs. Minnesota)

18. St. Louis Rams (at Denver)

19. Atlanta Falcons (vs. Green Bay)

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Baltimore)

21. Miami Dolphins (at Oakland)

22. Arizona Cardinals (vs. San Francisco)

23. San Diego Chargers (at Indianapolis)

24. Denver Broncos (vs. St. Louis)

25. Seattle Seahawks (vs. Kansas City)

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