John Skelton should make it hard on Kevin Kolb for the starting job at quarterback.

Arizona Cardinals: Starting Quarterback (Kevin Kolb/John Skelton)
Kolb should get one more season to prove he isn’t a dud. But even if he makes it through training camp and starts Week One, I don’t see him lasting the entire season, whether it be due to injury or ineptness. Skelton isn’t a world beater, but he still gave the Cardinals a winning record at 5-2 in 7 starts last year while Kolb dealt with concussion-related symptoms. And because of that, Ken Whisenhunt said Skelton has certainly earned a chance to compete for the starting job. With a duo consisting of Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, whichever player wins the job could have some value as a QB2 in larger leagues.

Cincinnati Bengals: No. 2 Starting Receiver (Mohamed Sanu/Marvin Jones)
With A.J. Green cemented as the team’s No. 1 option, the No. 2 job is vacated after the team opted not to re-sign Jerome Simpson (Vikings). Both Sanu and Jones offer plenty. Jones has solid route-running ability and vertical skills, while Sanu is physical and has solid hands. This could wind up being a committee. But if either of these guys pulls away from the other, they could have value with Green getting most of the attention from defenses.

New England Patriots: Starting Running Back (Stevan Ridley/Shane Vereen/Joseph Addai)
With Benjarvus Green-Ellis the new starter over in Cincinnati, Ridley is the early favorite to start Week One. Vereen could also get a shot after missing time last year due to hamstring problems. Not to mention Vereen was drafted higher in last year’s draft. Most of Addai’s contract isn’t guaranteed. So if he doesn’t bounce back in August and show he still has something left in the tank, the job could wind up being shared between Ridley and Vereen, with Danny Woodhead coming in on certain situations and Addai out of a job. For now, my money is on Ridley, but any one of these guys could have value if all 3 make the 53-man roster.

Miami Dolphins: Starting Quarterback (Ryan Tannehill/David Garrard)
This situation is for those owners who play in 16-team leagues or larger. The debate is ongoing on whether or not Tannehill should start now, or sit behind Garrard early in the season and play if/when Garrard starts slipping. Either way, there are going to be huge growing pains at the position. Expect Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas to be used heavily until the passing game finds it’s bearings.

Carolina Panthers: No. 2 Starting Receiver (David Gettis/Brandon LaFell)
With many in the front office believing 2012 will be LaFell’s breakout year, I still won’t discount Gettis, who put up 37 catches for 508 yards and 3 scores in 2010. The good news is that Gettis’ ACL injury happened in early August of last year, which puts him in great position to be 100 percent by training camp if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks. Right now the big question is whether Cam Newton can capitalize on his early success to make either of these guys valuable in fantasy leagues. I will say LaFell wins the job, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Gettis pushes him hard for it.

One shining example of this theory is Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin, who broke out last season—with a rookie quarterback, mind you—posting career numbers in catches (87), yards (967) while tying his record in TDs (6) from his rookie campaign back in 2009.

This theory does, however, come with its fair share of risk involved.

One example that many fantasy owners still seer over is Tennessee Titans WR Kenny Britt, who tore his ACL and MCL in his third year of play (2011) after only three games. Britt had already caught 17 balls for 289 yards and three touchdowns before going down, which prorates out to roughly 90 catches for 1,538 yards and 16 TDs had he played a full 16.

That’s Calvin Johnson territory right there.

We’re going to take a sneak peek at this season’s third-year receiver class, and try to disseminate just who is in line for a breakout season, and why.

So everyone knows, I have left out Steelers receiver Antonio Brown, who is already covered in my last piece: Must Own Receivers Who Aren’t Number One Selections and I have also left out Giants receiver Victor Cruz who already broke out last season—I don’t think you need me to tell you that Cruz is among the elite class of receivers this season.

Let’s take a look.

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
2011 Stats: 63 catches, 928 yards, 9 TDs
2012 Proj:   75 catches, 1,148 yards, 12TDs

Initial Outlook: Bryant is an above average receiver to begin with, and now he becomes a more featured part of the Cowboys offense with the exodus of Laurent Robinson to Jacksonville. Bryant is also enjoying his first full offseason program since joining the Cowboys which can only add to his potential. There’s very little reason to disbelieve in Bryant’s potential breakout season and you would be wise to target him early before someone else beats you to him.

Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2011 Stats: 65 catches, 771 yards, 3 TDs
2012 Proj:   75 catches, 1,098 yards, 11 TDs

Initial Outlook: Think I’m crazy? When opposing teams defend against Tampa Bay’s passing game, who are they going to focus their attention towards; The apparent No. 2 receiver in “regression” (Williams) or one of the most explosive outside receivers in the NFL (Vincent Jackson)? Look, sometimes a receiver is made to look better than perhaps he is simply because of situation, and Williams may wind up being that guy. This isn’t to say that Williams has no talent—that would be silly—but with Jackson on the other side of the field, and Doug Martin in the backfield, it’s gonna be real difficult to dedicate more than one cover man on Williams in any one given game.

Eric Decker, Denver Broncos
2011 Stats: 44 catches, 612 yards, 8 TDs
2012 Proj:  65 catches, 988 yards, 12 TDs

Initial Outlook: The Broncos discovered Decker was just as valuable in the short passing game as he was in the vertical attack in 2011. Because of which, Decker was awarded around 30 routes per game in 2011; a number that is supposed to increase significantly in 2012. Decker would’ve had a much better season last year if the Broncos didn’t run the ball 50 percent of the time, but you can bet that will not be the case this season with Peyton Manning under center—catch my drift?

Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders
2011 Stats: 33 catches, 618 yards, 5 TDs
2012 Proj:   50 catches, 900 yards, 10 TDs

Initial Outlook: I actually tinkered with the notion of increasing his projected line, but to be honest, Carson Palmer is bound the spread the ball around more in 2012 than he did a year ago. This approach will still bode well for Moore, however, as he is expected to be the number one deep-threat receiver in Oakland this season. No other receiver was targeted more in 2011—downfield—than Moore which is a trend you can expect to continue in 2012. Moore is a solid WR2/3 option in most drafts.

David Nelson, Buffalo Bills
2011 Stats: 61 catches, 658 yards, 5 TDs
2012 Proj:   80 catches, 1,001 yards, 9 TDs

Initial Outlook: Nelson is the sort of player who could be viewed more as a PPR option than a Standard format one simply because Nelson’s primary role was a possession receiver, but let’s not discount his potential to hold more value in other formats this upcoming season. Stevie Johnson will undoubtedly attract more defensive attention after posting career numbers in 2011 while Fred Jackson returns to hopefully finish what he started in 2011. If Donald Jones is as serviceable as he was in 2011, the slot will simply be unmanned from a defensive standpoint. Another year under his belt, and worlds of opportunities—yup, I smell a breakout.

For more information on third-year receivers, check Greg Brosh’s Third-Year Receivers To Target. These articles will become increasingly popular in the coming months, so make sure you check back regularly, and take in as much information as possible :)

The fevered pitch that comes with the anticipation of a new fantasy football season is almost as paramount as the apparent state of awe most television viewers are currently in as they wait for the Desperate Housewives Wives series finale. With that anticipation, however, comes the daunting task of not only getting ramped up for a new season, but also having the fortitude to rifle through the myriad of articles that offer keen advice.

Like this one.

With that said, we all know that 2012 fantasy football mock drafts and ADP info are in full swing  because fantasy football owners are trying to not only get a leg up on what they are going to do on actual draft day, but also trying to figure out some sort of game plan for whom they are going to consider drafting.

Ireland fantasy football owners, I’m looking your way!

I thought I would do a little piece for everyone that highlights a few underrated receivers you may want to consider since the receivers are the real money-shot outside of that marquee quarterback leading your hopeful “tour de force”.

Ready?

Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans:

Nate Washington had a career year last year filling in for injured receiver Kenny Britt. The man posted career numbers in receptions (74), receiving yards (1,023) and TDs (7).

The most current news out of the smoky mountains is that Kenny Britt may need additional surgery. While the mentioned procedure would be “comparatively minor” to his surgery that repaired a torn ACL and MCL, it will still be left in the air as to whether or not Britt will be able to even return at full strength.

Washington proved that he deserves more time on the field, and  the Titans now know what the kid is capable of. If they become weary of Britt’s recovery, or if Britt doesn’t respond well in the coming months, Washington would obviously be the go to guy. If Britt does return, however, Washington is still going to be on the field. Britt’s return could cause defenses to pay more attention to him than anybody else—a situation that could still add tremendous value to Washington.

Washington has a current ADP of 169.23 among receivers which potentially makes him not only a solid value pick, but a borderline sleeper candidate regardless of what he did last season.

Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers

Seeing a trend yet? I am not only targeting players who have potential sleeper tags attached to their rumps, I am also targeting players who have such a high ceiling, it’s really difficult to ignore once you look up.

Here’s a quick overview.

The Steelers are trying like hell to get Mike Wallace signed. But they also have the ability to cut his salary from $2.7 million to $577,500 if he hasn’t signed by June 15 which could make for a very angry receiver who thinks he is worth a ton of money—which he appears to be so.

Antonio Brown, on the other hand, still isn’t getting the sort of attention from fantasy owners he himself deserves, especially after catching 69 balls for 1,108 yard and 2 TDs.

The problem here is that everyone is looking at his 2 TDs and thinking  that’s the ceiling for Brown, when in fact that simply isn’t the case.

Mike Wallace is sure to get his deal which means the Steelers will have their “number one” deep-threat target on the field for16 games, which also means Brown is potentially in-line to see more single coverage just as he did in 2011, in an offense that is expected to be primarily pass-first in 2012.

In other words, an extreme value pick for a guy who is currently averaging out as a sixth to seventh round pick in most draft formats (Draftcal.com)

Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers

Consider this.

1. Randall Cobb was only on the field 30.8 percent of the Green Bay Packers offensive snaps and still managed  to haul in 25 catches for 375 yards and a TD.

2. While Donald Driver is expected to return to Green Bay (no guarantees, mind you) his role is expected to diminish ever-so-slightly, to give way for the young and explosive Cobb.

3. The Packers DO NOT look away from high end talent, lending favor to the notion that Cobb could see a bigger role than many expect.

Look, the Packers are going to find a way to get Cobb more offensive snaps in 2012 than he had in 2011, and in an already pass-first offense led by Aaron Rodgers, that just screams potential. While I can’t see him being a guy you would draft higher than say fifth or sixth round, I can see this guy being one player you should not ignore, simply because of the potential alone.

If you can scoop him up in the fifth or sixth (PPR and Standard) then do so, and if he is available in re-draft, don’t be spooked if Driver returns because it may not hinder his ceiling as much as people will initially think.

Honorable Mentions:

• Leonard Hankerson, Washington Redskins: New QB could mean greater value for a back-end draft selection
• Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks: Expected to begin the season as the number three receiver, but it is worth noting that he was on pace with Larry Fitzgerald from a production standpoint, and he did lead the Seattle receivers in receiving.
• Tommy Streeter, Baltimore Ravens: At 6’5″, 219 the Ravens could utilize Streeter’s presence in red-zone packages and even a possible additional deep-threat option, according to carrollcountytimes.com
• Danny Coale, Dallas Cowboys: Laurent Robinson is gone which opens up a vacant spot for WR3….think about, guys.
• Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos: The youngster is simply bound for a breakout season, especially with Peyton Manning under center.

Below is a small top-20 sample from our friends at MyFantasyLeague.com, followed by a quick summary from yours truly. This list is based on a normal 12-team league and a combination of PPR and non-PPR scoring. For a complete listing, make sure you check out MFL’s complete ADP list, which will change often from now until Week One of the regular season.

SUMMARY
Arian Foster continues his climb as fantasy gold. Like Priest Holmes and Marshall Faulk in the early 2000′s, Foster is continuing his dominance in the fantasy football world ever since his breakout 2010 season. But with LeSean McCoy not far behind, could we possibly see an upset in the making come August? In PPR leagues, Foster, McCoy and Ray Rice could all be considered No. 1 prospects. But for my money, I’ll take Foster in every draft (And I’m one of McCoy’s biggest fans). Some thought I was nuts for putting Cam Newton at the 1.9 spot in my First Round Mock Draft, but it looks like owners are backing up my prediction. Many owners are not only banking on him matching his 2011 numbers, but destroying them in 2012. Matt Forte’s average (15.49) is a bit too high for my liking. Not that I don’t think he can’t have continued success, but Forte relied heavily on former OC Mike Martz’s utilization of his running backs as receivers out of the backfield. Will that still continue now that Mike Tice has been promoted and Brandon Marshall has been added?

But the news pouring over the wire is that Adrian Peterson is right on track with his recovery, otherwise continually showing he is in fact a freak of nature. Just recently it was reported that Peterson is not only running—one month after beginning dryland running, mind you—but he beat his teammates during wind sprints according to ESPN TwinCities 1500.

As unbelievable as this news is, however, fantasy football owners have to take a look at the big picture before they get overly excited over this news.

The Workload Effect:

Adrian Peterson was a true-type workhorse back right out of the gate. In 2008 and 2009, Peterson averaged 338 attempts. In 2010,  Peterson averaged close 51.1 snaps in a span of 10 games (283 attempts) while in 2011 Peterson registered 208 attempts in 12 games.

But being a workhorse does take its toll on a running back. Peterson has suffered ankle sprains, up and down performances, and of course his latest injury, a torn MCL and ACL.

While there is obviously positive news streaming—now***—about Peterson’s recovery, one has to wonder about Peterson’s ability to stay healthy, because let’s face it kids, that’s where the real money is in fantasy football.

But simple durability isn’t the only concern here for fantasy football owners.

Understanding Trends:

When I say understanding trends I am not necessarily talking about those trendy mathematically infused algorithms that requires a higher understanding of Algebra and a bedside bottle of Tylenol, I’m talking about the sort of trends that never get openly discussed.

Any one of us can chew on running back Statistical methodology with a side of projected stats while hucking back our morning coffee, but we also have to be aware of what is going on around the player in question to better utilize all the information.

The NFL—for a growing while now—has been trending towards a two-back league. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean the dreaded RBBC, but it still is worth taking into consideration. Teams are realizing the potential dangers that naturally come with a single featured back system, but in the same vein, they are also realizing the potential value in utilizing more than one back over the course of 16 games.

The Carolina Panthers have been doing it for a few years now. The Oakland Raiders tinkered with the notion as did the Miami Dolphins, while the Philadelphia Eagles are hoping to scale back LeSean McCoy’s workload in hopes they can also run with Dion Lewis.

Even the New Orleans Saints has a separate locker room full of running backs they frequently tap into.

The Vikings are hoping they can AT LEAST get 15 touches out of Peterson at the start of the season. The Vikings are also hoping for an increased role with Toby Gerhart, considering how well he has done filling in for Peterson when needed.

In short, the Vikings brass are beginning to tinker around with running both backs in 2012 which means another team rolling with the trends.

So what does it all mean in fantasy football land?

The Preliminary Outlook:

Fantasy owners still have to wait and see how Peterson does with his cutting before they can truly trust the recovery news because simple power running is only phase one of the recovery process from the grade of injury Peterson sustained.

But even if everything goes over smoothly, the growing consensus is that fantasy owners will be lucky to the same 18 to 20 touches per year they have been enjoying out of Peterson.

From a strict football point of view, scaling back Peterson and running both “All-Day” and Gerhart makes perfect sense.

Now, the idea is to figure out Peterson’s true potential value in fantasy football if the Vikings do in fact follow the trend and scale Peterson back.

In the long-long ago, Peterson was number one material in any given fantasy football draft, but that doesn’t appear to be the case anymore.

The current ADP* info on Peterson has him averaging out—still—as a first round pick (1.12) in Standard leagues, and a second round pick (2.01) in PPR and FLEX leagues.

In both formats, Peterson was as low as a third round selection.

But in the real world of mock drafting, Peterson is actually averaging out as a fourth round selection.**

If the Vikings decide to trim Peterson back in 2012, then a third or fourth round selection makes sense, whereas a first round selection becomes a potentially wasted pick.

If Peterson is slow to make an impact at the start of the season—a very real possibility—then a third or fourth round selection makes even more sense.

The moral of the story is, pay close attention to the trends that are to come. Understand that Adrian Peterson is likely to fall in your own fantasy draft because he will be viewed as a player who is no longer number one material—not because of fading talent, but because of the changing trends and expected strategic approach of the Vikings coaching staff.

Quite frankly, if you do wind up grabbing Peterson in the fourth, a good portion of your team will already be under construction, making Peterson a monumentally inexpensive impact addition to your fantasy team.

See? Sometimes not being “number one material” is a good thing if you play your cards right.

* ADP information taken from our friends at FantasyFootballCalculator.com

** Mock Draft info is based on a minimum of 25 mock drafts through 5/5/2012

*** Some video footage of Peterson

The Seahawks may have upgraded their quarterback position, but I still don't trust Sidney Rice enough to draft him this year.

1. Randy Moss (San Francisco 49ers) – Randy Moss gets much love in the fantasy football world because, well, he’s Randy Moss. Many times owners get so honed in on name recognition, that they fail to realize the player isn’t the stud he used to be. Moss signing with the 49ers tells me there wasn’t as much interest in him as the media portrayed. Being on the receiving end of an Alex Smith thrown ball isn’t going to sit well with Moss for long. Considering the memorable blow ups he has had in the past, it’s hard for me to see Moss giving 100 percent on the field once he gets underthrown, overthrown or taken out of plays entirely. Like Ray Tannock wrote in his Top 5 Positional Players To Be Careful With, I’m not taking Moss, Michael Crabtree or anyone else in the 49ers’ passing game not named Vernon Davis.

2. Laurent Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars) – I remember being very high on Robinson when he was a rookie in Atlanta back in 2007. He had all the tools to be a bonafide starter and the Falcons were desperately looking for someone to replace Michael Jenkins. But time after time, Robinson failed to compete for the No. 2 spot behind Roddy White. Then, lo and behold, Robinson becomes a fantasy commodity playing behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant as a Cowboy, racking up 11 touchdowns and topping career-high numbers across the board. That, my friends, will likely not be the case in his first year as a Jaguar. Robinson cashed in on his one year of success and landed $13.8 million in guaranteed money in Jacksonville. Great for him, but terrible news for his owners. With Blaine Gabbert under center, I don’t see Robinson making much of an impact. At least not in 2012. And now that Justin Blackmon is the No. 1 guy, that decreases Robinson’s value even more. Robinson’s time in Dallas was more of a fluke than anything else.

3. Pierre Garcon (Washington Redskins) – Surprisingly, Garcon did get some serious attention right before the start of free agency from the Browns, Rams and Vikings. But because much of that attention went under the radar, many were surprised when the Redskins gave Garcon a whopping $20.5 million guaranteed contract. If Garcon proved anything last year it was that he didn’t need Peyton Manning to have success. His 70 receptions and 947 receiving yards were career highs. And those numbers came from catching passes from either Curtis Painter or Dan Orlovsky. Now while I think Garcon could have tremendous success in Washington, I think he will get most of his lumps in 2012. He’ll be playing in a new offense under Mike Shanahan and will have to deal with a rookie quarterback in Robert Griffin III. Dynasty owners will want to continue to hold onto Garcon. But for redraft owners, I think I might pass on the former Colt for this year. Even when those later rounds come knocking.

4. Sidney Rice (Seattle Seahawks) – As the years go on, Rice’s 2009 season with Brett Favre looks flukier and flukier. That was the only year Rice was able to play in all 16 games. It was the only year Rice caught more than 32 passes (83). And it was also the only year Rice eclipsed 1000 receiving yards with 1312. According to Seahawks GM John Schneider, Rice is expected to be the healthiest he’s ever been as an NFL player by training camp. That really doesn’t do much for me in the way of confidence if I had to take him over someone else. We have yet to see how Matt Flynn will pan out as a full-time NFL starter. And Rice is one of the riskiest players in terms of injury history. If you take out 2009, Rice has only played a little over 10 games per season. No amount of talent in the world is going to make me take a chance him with that number looming over his head. Starter or not, I’ll pass on Rice.

5. Any Receiver On The Browns – Greg Little has talent, but dropped 14 passes in 2011. Mohamed Massaquoi seems to be poised for a breakout year every year, but I don’t see that happening whether Brandon Weeden or Colt McCoy starts Week One. Josh Cribbs has some value………..but only if your league counts return yards. I’m afraid to say I don’t see much in the way of fantasy value outside of Trent Richardson in 2012.

Mark Barron is considered the most complete player amongst safeties and cornerbacks and should be huge in his first year as a Buccaneer.

1. Mark Barron (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – How can you not love Mark Barron? He is easily the most complete S and probably the most complete DB in this class. He can play in the box to stuff the run and he can cover backs and TEs fairly easily. He makes good plays on the ball and takes good angles in pursuit. He is the real deal. He steps in as an immediate starter in TB and could play either FS or SS. He should easily be the top DB in this class and could approach 80-90 tackles and even upwards of 10 passes defended as a rookie.

2. Harrison Smith (Minnesota Vikings) – Who does Minnesota have at S? No seriously, really who do they have? This team is desperate for playmakers in the secondary and they play in a division with high-flying passing offenses in Green Bay and Detroit. When you factor in that Chicago has added Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery as well, the Vikings will be facing some tough passing offenses. He has a legitimate chance to start from day one and accumulate 80+ tackles in that defense. While I think he is overrated, he has a great opportunity to excel here.

3. Brandon Taylor (San Diego Chargers) – As of right now the options for the starting SS spot in San Diego are Darrel Stuckey and Atari Bigby. The Chargers traded up in the draft to select Taylor and he should put some serious heat on the two incumbents to start at SS. If he does, he could rack up some tackle numbers. Eric Weddle has the center field position held down, so this enables the SS to help with playing in the box when need be and separating the ball carrier from the ball over the middle of the field when not playing in the box. Both of those duties are Taylor-made (pardon the pun) for the rookie 3rd round pick. He could be a nice player flying under the radar fantasy-wise this year.

4. Morris Claiborne (Dallas Cowboys) – Claiborne has elite ball skills and will have every chance to showcase them now in Big D. He is an immediate starter and a player that eventually could follow the other team’s best WR all over the field. Initially he will get targeted often as a rookie. He has 6 games against Vick, Eli and RGIII and should see a ton of opportunities for tackles, interceptions and passes defended as he guards players like DeSean Jackson, Maclin, Nicks, Cruz, Garcon and Santana Moss. Practicing against Dez Bryant and Miles Austin can’t hurt his development either.

5. Dre Kirkpatrick (Cincinnati Bengals) – The Bengals will be counting on Dre picking up the slack that their other CBs never picked up last season when they lost Jonathan Joseph to the Texans. Kirkpatrick is not as good as Joseph, but he is better than what the Bengals were trotting out last year. With Leon Hall coming off a down year and some injuries of his own, Dre will be a key piece to that D. He will likely get targeted often as he adjusts to the NFL game, but his physical play could result in a bunch of tackles from the CB position.

6. Josh Robinson (Minnesota Vikings) – Robinson has a similar outlook to Smith in that he will be relied upon to contribute to that terrible Minnesota secondary early and often. He may already be their second best CB on day one. Robinson will get targeted often and he will almost certainly play in 3-WR sets. Since GB and DET run those sets all the time and Chicago could be doing so a lot more with Marshall, Jeffery and Hester, Robinson should see the field a lot and tally around 50-60 tackles and maybe 2-4 interceptions.

7. Stephon Gilmore (Buffalo Bills) – Gilmore is already being expected to contribute immediately and could enter the year as a starter. The Bills are already touting his ability to successfully cover TEs and that could be big news in the AFC East. He could see a lot of Gronkowski, Hernandez, Fasano, Egnew, and Keller as a result. I am not entirely sold on Gilmore’s meteoric rise in the NFL Draft, but he will certainly be given every opportunity to be on the field to help compile stats.

8. Omar Bolden (Denver Broncos) – If Bolden can somehow manage to stay healthy he is an absolute steal for the Broncos. He has above average NFL coverage skills, ball skills, burst and recognition. And he is not bad in run support either. He could very easily be starting across from Champ Bailey next year and he could easily break the nickel set with Bailey and Tracy Porter this year.

9. George Iloka (Cincinnati Bengals) – I really like Iloka and he comes to a Cincinnati team with a clear need at Safety. However, Iloka is best suited in coverage and will shine most in covering big possession WRs or TEs. That isn’t a bad skill set to have in today’s NFL, but he will never be a huge tackler to really justify a starting position in IDP leagues.

10. Tavon Wilson (New England Patriots) – Let me be the first to say I know very little about Tavon Wilson. Many scouts had a 3rd day grade on him and some had him as an undrafted free agent, yet the Pats took him in the second round. Word has it they love his versatility and his ability to play CB or S. The Pats did not take him so high to have him sit and collect dust. He will see the field and will probably line up all over in the secondary. That versatility and ability to earn playing time alone makes him a draftable commodity amongst this rookie class.

Honorable mention: Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson