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Articles
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Written by Jeremy Holcombe
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Sunday, 05 September 2010 00:00 |
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Many questions have surrounded this years #1 overall pick, Sam Bradford. While he is only a rookie, and definitely has a lot to prove, he may have shut the mouths of some critics by what he did the other night to the Patriots.
With the injury to AJ Feely, Bradford got the start and put together a very strong game. His final stats included a very crisp 15/22 passing for 189 yards, 2 touchdowns and no picks. Yes I know it was a preseason game, but remember he did this while the Patriots first team defense was on the field for a majority of the game. He showed excellent touch and arm strength with his passing, and also showed great command of the field.
If you read articles and listen to some pundits then you will know that right now most people are split on the issue of whether he should open the season as a starter. I happen to be on the side of YES, he should definitely open the season as the starter. My reasoning? Well I have a couple reasons for leaning this way.
- The Rams were 1-15 last year. 1-15! They can’t get worse so why not give him all the experience he needs right away?
- Over the past few years we have seen two quarterbacks start their rookie years and be very successful. See Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco.
- AJ Feely is a capable player, but why not go ahead and let your franchise player learn the ropes right away?
Of course there are downsides to this. He may struggle with the speed of the NFL, he needs to sit behind someone and learn for a year or two, etc. People will point to guys like Romo or Aaron Rogers and say that this is the way it should be done. Let a guy learn for a few years then plug him in. I actually agree with this. The problem is there is no Hall of Fame quarterback currently playing in the St. Louis area. There is no quarterback for that matter. Romo sat behind guys like Drew Bledsoe, Rogers learned from Favre. Bradford? He is there guy, and should be put in now.
A lot of critics also thought that when Bradford got hurt in college that his quarterbacking days were over. While his injury was pretty rough, there was nothing that said he couldn’t come back from it. Remember what happened to Drew Brees? Tore his arm up, got released, signed with Saints. Now he is arguably the best quarterback in the game.
I am actually excited to see what Bradford can do, and I feel he should get that chance right away. The Rams have some pretty good pieces around him, including one of the best running backs in the game today.
My conclusion on the way Bradford finishes up his year? If he starts all 16 games I think the Rams win 4-6 games and Bradford throws for more than 20 touchdowns. |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 05 September 2010 16:02 |
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Written by Jeremy Holcombe
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Friday, 03 September 2010 00:00 |
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Preparing for your league’s draft day can be one of the most exciting times of the year, especially if you are in a league that is run properly. It can also be one of the most frustrating things to do because it seems everywhere you look you see different predictions for players. Who is right? Who is wrong? The real question is this. How is your league set-up and what are the scoring settings? Answer that question and everything else should start to fall into place. What else should you do to prepare yourself for your fantasy football draft? Check out some of the following tips that will help you get the most out of your big draft day!
Get Draft Kit Tools
This is a great place to start. You can download draft kits from a number of different websites. These will provide you with a ton of information, rankings, stats, projections, and everything else you need to help you be successful on draft day.
Fantasy Magazines and Articles
Read as much as you can whenever you can. Buy one or two fantasy football magazines and read through them. You can compare them too. Use the tools and tricks those magazines layout for you to help you. Don’t worry if every magazine has the same player on the cover, they will usually all have great information. Another great place to find information and opinions is through online articles. There are a ton of writers out there who write about all things fantasy football related. They won’t be hard to find at all.
Understand your Draft Position and League Scoring Rules
For those of you who think you can’t win your league unless you have a top 5 pick, then you need to really do some research! Always remember this. Anyone can win the championship; it is all about drafting smart. I have run a league with some friends of mine for several years now and I can tell you this, the winner of the league is the person that drafts the smartest, and gets a little luck along the way.
Example: The last two winner of our league were myself two years ago, and my buddy last year. I won the league with the 10th overall pick. Last year my buddy won our league with the 12th pick! That’s the last pick in our draft. He drafted brilliantly and won. Not only did he win, he led our league in scoring. He realized that all the top tier running backs and probably the top 2 quarterbacks would be gone. His approach? He used his first three picks on top tier wide receivers, picked a quarterback in the fourth round (Phillip Rivers) and then added on from there. He used what was there to build an outstanding team. Where you sit in draft order doesn’t matter as much as drafting smart.
Drafting smart also entails understanding your league’s scoring settings. Make sure you know what players get you what points. Not all leagues are running back heavy.
Mock Drafts
Once you have done everything above, then start going into some mock draft rooms and conducting mock drafts. Jump into a room and get into the position you need to be (if you have the 4th pick in the draft, then get in 4th position). You should do several mock drafts. This will allow you a better feel of what players will be available where. While it won’t work out exactly the same on draft day, chances are you will land a lot of the same players you were drafting during the mocks.
You should be all set for your big day! If you have done everything listed above, then you are going to give yourself a great chance to have a brilliant draft. Not only that, but you will have a great understanding of the process, and be ready to roll every time it is your turn to pick. Good luck! |
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 September 2010 19:46 |
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Written by Matthew Poling
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Wednesday, 01 September 2010 00:00 |
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The number next to player names represents the highest round he should be drafted.
Quarterback
Brett Favre (Round 7)
The odds of Favre repeating his stellar 2009 campaign are slim. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a good QB for the Vikes or your fantasy team, but I wouldn’t bank on 30-plus TDs and only seven picks this year. Favre will still have plenty of chances to sling the ball around, but to whom he’s throwing is the real concern. With Sidney Rice out half the season and Percy Harvin a constant question mark because of migraines, it could be the receiving corps that holds Favre back from big numbers. Nonetheless, in regular re-draft leagues, Favre is worth a mid-round pick once the elite 6-8 QBs are off the board. If you do take Favre, be sure to be one of the owners to drafts a second QB in the middle rounds. Favre’s value is virtually nil in dynasty/keeper leagues. He’s worth having on your roster, but only if you can get him cheap enough.
Running back
Adrian Peterson (Round 1)
The consensus No. 1 pick in 2009, Peterson has taken a back seat to Chris Johnson in the fantasy work for 2010. Regardless, he’s still one of the few elite workhorse backs in the league and if you’re picking second in your league, snatch him up. Don’t bite on the hype of Ray Rice over Peterson. You will get burned by season’s end.
Wide Receiver
Sidney Rice (Round 10)
Less than two weeks ago Rice would have been a second- or third-round pick. But the decision to undergo hip surgery puts him out at least half the season. And who knows how healthy or good he’ll be upon his return? Rice becomes a good mid- to late-round pick if dynasty/keeper leagues for two reasons: 1) He could definitely help your fantasy team down the stretch and 2) If you can keep him in your league, depending upon your format/league rules, he’ll be a relatively cheap keeper for 2011.
Percy Harvin (Round 7)
Harvin’s value shot up a bit after it was learned Rice was out for a while. However, Harvin has been dealing with his own ailment – migraines. When healthy, Harvin can be a great receiver, but don’t be surprised if one Sunday he’s not even playing simply because he woke up with a headache, possibly ruining your fantasy lineup for that week. Draft Harvin with caution in the middle rounds. He’s a decent No. 3 fantasy receiver.
Bernard Berrian (Round 8)
Berrian wasn’t even on the fantasy radar until Rice underwent surgery. But he’ll be the No. 2 receiver in Minnesota, which automatically gives him value, no matter how much he may have slowed down. If you take Berrian, keep in mind he could be relegated to the bench/No. 3 receiver role for the Vikings once Rice does return.
Javon Walker (Don’t’ draft)
Walker was signed by the Vikings recently to provide depth. He hasn’t produced in the NFL for about five years now and there’s no reason to think he’s going to now. Don’t buy the hype that reuniting with Favre is going to spark a career revival for Walker.
Tight end
Visanthe Shiancoe (Round 6)
With 18 TDs the last two years, including 11 in 2009, Shiancoe could be a real value pick. Several owners will target the elite tight ends in rounds 4-5. If you don’t get one of those guys, lay off getting a tight end and look for Shiancoe in round 6, maybe as low as round 8. He may get you similar stats to the top tight ends when it’s all said and done as we know how much Favre likes to hit his TE in the red zone.
Vikings Defense (Round 16)
The Vikings are one of the top defenses in the league and from a fantasy perspective. Again, I must reiterate, taking a defense before the final few rounds is a waste, so if you follow my rule of thumb, the Vikes will likely be gone by the time you take one. But if you do decide to draft a defense before the final rounds, Minnesota should be one of the first defenses taken. |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 September 2010 06:26 |
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Written by Jeremy Holcombe
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Tuesday, 31 August 2010 22:00 |
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The tight end position if the NFL has evolved dramatically over the last decade or so. Long gone are the “blocking only” tight-ends that caught a singular pass here and there. While a tight end must still have the ability to be a good blocker, there is no denying that on some teams, a tight end is the “go to” receiver; especially in scoring situations.
In my opinion there are five tight ends in the NFL who I would take in my fantasy draft over 90% of the receivers in the league. These tight ends all block very well when called upon, but they also catch a ton of passes and score several touchdowns each year. More and more tight ends are coming into the league that are big, strong and fast. I am talking wide receiver speed. Here are my top 5 tight ends going into the 2010-2011 NFL season.
Dallas Clark
No big surprise here. Clark is Peyton Manning’s “go to” guy in many situations. You can also take into account that he had over 100 catches, 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns last year. He was a stud. He outgained most wide receivers in those categories. If you are looking for a tight end who will have the ball thrown his way at least 5-7 times per game, then Dallas Clark is where its at.
Antonio Gates
Probably the most athletically gifted tight end on this list. He does things on the field that many wide receivers are unable to do. He has great hands, as well as leaping ability. This type of ability allows him to come away with almost every ball thrown his way. While his touchdown production has gone down some, I expect that he will have a gigantic 2010-2011 season.
Jermichael Finley
Aaron Rogers loves to throw this guy the football. He is super-talented and athletic. Finley is also going to score a ton of touchdowns this year. Don’t be surprised if he catches more touchdowns than any other tight end on our list. Aaron Rogers is scaring every defense in the league right now, and Finley is on the receiving end of it.
Jason Witten
For the last 3 or 4 years Witten has done a little of everything for a loaded Cowboy’s offense. He is one of Romo’s favorite targets and seems to always be in the right place at the right time. I expect he will catch between 80-100 balls again this year. Witten is probably one of the strongest tight ends in this list. He has the ability to drag defenders for several yards before they are able to bring him down.
Tony Gonzalez
The tight end responsible for revolutionizing the position still makes my list. He is not a young gun anymore, but nobody is better than him at their position. He had a bit of a down year – by his standards, last year, but I think he is going to bounce back in a big way in 2010-2011. There are a couple of other tight ends that you could argue about getting in our top five, but in my opinion Gonzales is still the man.
I know I know you are going to read this article and think I left out a few tight ends. Are there other guys who are knocking on the door? Sure. These were just the 5 I think are the best.
If you are not lucky enough to grab one of these guys on draft day, then think about some that are on the rise. My future picks include…
Brent Celek
Chris Cooley
Vernon Davis
Jermaine Gresham
Michael Hoomanawanui |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 September 2010 06:25 |
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Written by Ken Clein
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Tuesday, 31 August 2010 18:46 |
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Here are the results of our dynasty leagues recent rookie draft. The draft is 5 rounds and is a standard (not a snake) draft. We have a combined 50 years of dynasty drafting experience in this league and the results can serve as a mock for you as you prepare for your upcoming rookie draft.
Pick Coach Player Notes
Round 1
1 Oscar Ryan Mathews Consensus #1
2 Mark CJ Spiller Consensus #2
3 Mike M. Jahvid Best You guessed it, Consensus #3
4 Andrew (From Dan) Dez Bryant Best other than top 3
5 Mike D. Mike Williams Reach? Maybe not
6 John Montario Hardesty Solid RB pick at 6
7 Josh Damaryius Thomas Has the talent for this slot
8 Andrew Dexter McCluster Great pick at 8
9 Ken Rolando McClain Went D for the first time ever
10 Robb Jonathan Dwyer backup with potential
Round 2
11 Mark (From Oscar) Sam Bradford great value for second round
12 Mark Jordan Shipley Interesting pick, low upside
13 Mike M. Jermaine Gresham First TE off the board
14 Dan Daryl Washington Second LB, solid pick
15 Mike D. Rob Gronkowski Great preseason
16 John Golden Tate Good value here
17 Josh Brandon Lafell Certainly has opportunity
18 Andrew Eric Berry Maybe reach in R2
19 Ken Jimmy Graham Run on TEs
20 Robb Tim Tebow Boom? Or Bust? We’ll see
Round 3
21 Oscar Damian Williams Before Arrelious Benn?
22 Mark Anthony Dixon Solid pick in this round
23 Mike M. Jimmy Clausen Probably right place to pick
24 Dan Toby Gerhart Looked slow in preseason
25 Mike D. Arrelious Benn Great value here
26 John Taylor Price Will develop in NE
27 Josh Aaron Hernandez Good value if Gronk is hurt
28 Andrew Sean Weatherspoon Starting as a rookie
29 Ken Brandon Graham First DE of the board
30 Robb Derrick Morgan Second DE of the board
Round 4
31 Ken (From Oscar) Jason Pierre-Paul Run on DEs!
32 Mark Marty Gilyard Could be good value here
33 Mike M. Eric Decker Also could be good value
34 Dan Morgan Burnett He’s looked great so far
35 Andrew (From Mike D.)Tony Moeaki Sneaky TE pick
36 John Colt McCoy Good spot to take a chance
37 Josh Jared Odrick One Rookie Dolphin
38 Andrew Koa Misi Two Rookie Dolphin
39 Ken Ben Tate Stashing for 2011
40 Robb Carlton Mitchell Running low on WRs
Round 5
41 Oscar Andre Roberts Solid 5th round pick
42 Mark Pat Angerer Could be a starter in a year
43 Mike M. Nate Allen FS?
44 Dan Emmanuel Sanders Not many WRs left
45 Andrew (From Mike D.)Joe McKnight Not many RBs left
46 John Gerald McCoy DT, but good one
47 Josh Carlos Dunlap Good value below McCoy
48 Andrew Jerry Hughes Solid pick at this slot
49 Ken John Skelton Last QB, deep sleeper
50 Robb Sean Lee Mr. Irrelevant
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 19:30 |
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