Mock NFL Draft Picks, get your fix and sound off!

With the 2012 NFL Draft only a couple days away, we have recently completed our full 32-team Mock Draft list for your viewing pleasure! The lockout last year may have shortened the 2011 offseason. But for us Fantasy Knuckleheads a lot happened in a short period of time. T.O. didn’t get signed, Moss didn’t play, Kenny Britt got hurt, who I like as a 2012 Sleeper, and MJD proved an ACL tear can’t stop him. Now enter the 2012 NFL Draft. A time when teams blow a chunk of cash on prospects that never pan out, and fans get to express what they think is their teams needs. Well, Fantasy Knuckleheads is here to help you explore the players your team may draft, how we feel about the draft prospects and so much more from our “fan experts”.

So let’s kick it off with Team by Team – Full 7 Round Mock Drafts

Here’s our Round By Round Coverage

As Detroit improved a great deal both the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears took a step back. Those two teams are going to have to restructure their rosters in order to contend with the Lions and Packers. If not, they are going to be consistently vying for last place in the division.

Green Bay Packers

LB- A.J. Hawk: $6.6 million cap hit

This linebacker is one high draft pick that just hasn’t worked out too well for the Green Bay Packers over the course of the last couple of seasons. Instead, Hawk has saw his game regress a great deal in 2011 as he became nothing more than an marginal starting linebacker in the NFL.

I am not sure what the possible replacements for Hawk would be on Green Bay’s roster. A possibility would be to move Erik Walden inside, which seems to be a fit for the up-and-coming backer. Either way, the Packers are not in the game of paying marginal players nearly $7 million on an annual basis.

S- Nick Collins: $3.5 million cap hit

This has absolutely nothing to do with performance. Rather, it is all about injury and a possibility that Collins might not play again. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that a decision will come down in March whether Collins will ever play again. For his part, Collins has pretty much said it is up to the doctors at this point. Considering that he needed fusion on that injured neck, my money is on Collins retiring.

While it is a sad end to what promised to be a great career, the Packers are going to have to make a strictly business decision. Releasing Collins would save them $3.5 million against the 12′ cap.

WR- Donald Driver: $5.6 million cap hit

The idea of Donald Driver playing anywhere else than Green Bay makes me cringe, but it is a real possibility at this point. While I assumed the descending receiver would just retire than try to hang on with another team, that doesn’t seem to be the case right now.

“If the Packers don’t want me, I’ve got to go somewhere else and play,” Driver said. “I don’t have a choice. I’m not ready to hang the cleats up. My wife feels like I still got it. I feel like I still got it. If my family feels that way, then I’m going to continue to play. It’s up to the organization to make that decision.”

One thing is clear, either Driver agrees to restructure his contract or he will be looking for a new team in March.

Detroit Lions

DT- Corey Williams: $6.1 million cap hit

I am working under the assumption that the Detroit Lions remain high on Nick Fairley, if that is the case Corey Williams is as good as gone. While Detroit did some amazing things in 2011, they still have numerous holes to fill in order to be considered an elite team in the NFC. Among them is retaining the services of Cliff Avril. Short of getting Calvin Johnson to restructure his whopping $17 million cap figure for 2012, Detroit is going to have to get creative.

They also need to get a top tier offensive linemen, another linebacker and some secondary help. That all cannot be done via the NFL Draft. Instead, they are going to have to cut some fat from the 53 and Williams will be the first to go.

C- Dominic Raiola:$3.4 million cap hit

NFL free agency is all about upgrading at positions of weakness or relative mediocrity. This is where taking a look at the pending free agent class comes into play. Accordingly, the center position is going to be absolutely stacked when the league year begins in March.

Raiola is due $3.4 million in 2012 and has regressed a great deal over the course of the last couple seasons. Considering the San Francisco 49ers got an above-average center, Jonathan Goodwin, for pennies on the dollar last off-season, there is no reason to believe that Detroit cannot do the same thing this off-season. If not, the draft class is stacked at that position as well. Peter Konz (Wisconsin) comes to mind first.

Chicago Bears

WR- Earl Bennett: $3.4 million

If Bennett is in the Bears regular wide receiver rotation next season they are in a lot of trouble. This is a unit that needs more upgrades out of any “contending” team not named the San Francisco 49ers.  The free agent class of receivers is absolutely stacked this season and I fully expect Chicago to make a play for one of the top ten players on that list. Additionally, it can already be concluded that they are going receiver in the first round if the board plays out to their liking.

With that said, Chicago seems to like Bennett a lot despite the fact that he has regressed a great deal since a breakout 2009 season. Maybe he was a pet project of Jerry Angelo, who is no longer with the team. If that is the case Bennett could be looking for a new team in a couple weeks.

OL- Frank Omiyale:$2.9 million

Right up there with Charlie Johnson( who you will see later) as well as Marc Columbo as the absolute worst offensive linemen in the entire NFL, Omiyale just cannot get it done. He is one of the primary reasons that Jay Cutler went down and consistently struggles in pass protection. It goes without saying that Chicago must address this unit in the off-season. If so, he is as good as gone.

C- Chris Spencer: $3.8 million

The former Seattle Seahawks center was a late addition last season when the Bears couldn’t work out a contract with Olin Kreutz. He is a marginal starting center at best and struggled to pick up the middle blitz during the 2011 season. As I mentioned before, the center position in free agency is stacked. Look for Chicago to rid themselves of Spencer’s $3.8 million price tag and acquire an upgrade at this position.

RB- Marion Barber: $2.9 million

This has nothing to do with Marion Barber’s struggles against the Denver Broncos in the Hail Tebow comeback during the 2011 season. It has more to do with roster logistics than anything else. Kahlil Bell, who performed great in Matt Forte’s stead, is an exclusive rights free agent. While he will only receive the league minimum next season, Bell needs to be inserted in as the Bears No. 2 back behind Forte. He has more explosiveness and is a better blocker than Barber. Is this happens, which I expect it will, Chicago isn’t paying a third string back nearly $3 million. That slot is usually reserved for late round projects.

Minnesota Vikings

DT- Kevin Williams: $7.0 million

The “Williams Wall” will be no longer heading into the 2012 season. Instead, the Vikings are rebuilding and looking to get some young blood on both sides of the ball.  Kevin Williams, who was suspended for the first two games of 2011, had the worst season of his career. He continually struggled in the run game and looked old, for a lack of a better word. With the direction that Minnesota is going in, I doubt very much they pay this nine year vet the $7 million that he is owed. This money would be better used going after an elite wide receiver for Christian Ponder in free agency or upgrading a poor offensive line.

OT- Charlie Johnson: $4.0 million

Speaking of poor offensive line performances, Charlie Johnson was one of the worst pass protectors in the entire league last season. After coming over from Indianapolis in free agency, Johnson consistently struggled on the outside in protection of Christian Ponder. You just cannot have a tackle struggle the way he did in front of a young quarterback. Just look at what happened to David Carr with the Houston Texans last decade. It has become a necessity to get a franchise offensive tackle when looking to groom a young signal caller. If you don’t do that, all of the indicators of failure are going to be there.

Minnesota, who has the third pick in the draft, is probably going to Matt Kalil. Even if they don’t, expect this team upgrade the left tackle position.

*All Salary Cap Figures Provided by Spotrac

If I showed you the next page you would have seen the last of 11 week 3 match-ups which was a $9 win in a heads up expert only game. Expert only means you get less $$$ to play with. Expert get $55,000 - standard gets $60,000 and Beg. get $65,000

Here is what I do to find the excellent match ups headed into the week and rank them accordingly.

1. Get the top 10 or so fantasy points allowed by position (listed below)
2. Find the obvious studs with great match ups (high dollar value guys on fanduel)
3. Find the “flex starts” with great match ups that present high upside (low dollar value guys on fanduel)
4. TOP 10 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing QB’s this year.

You can use this method to determine who is a great weekly fantasy play based on match up, helpful for you guys without a backup for Antonio Gates, more on that later.

I’ll start at the Quarterback position.

Eli Manning comes to mind over the next several weeks, this week he face the Cardinals who allow the 8th most fantasy points to Quarterbacks.

TOP 10 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing QB’s this year.

1. New England Patriots vs. QB – 1,163 yards – 6 TD
2. Green Bay Packers vs. QB – 1,153 yards – 6 TD
3. Oakland Raiders vs. QB 937 yards 6 TD
4. Miami Dolphins vs. QB 957 yards 8 TD
5. St. Louis Rams vs. QB 799 yards 7 TD
6. Buffalo Bills vs. QB 829 yards 7 TD
7. New Orleans Saints vs. QB 929 yards 7 TD
8. Arizona Cardinals vs. QB 884 yards 4 TD
9. Kansas City Chiefs vs. QB 796 yards 8 TD
10. Minnesota Vikings vs. QB 956 yards 5 TD

QB Match-ups to exploit in week 4 are:

• Jason Campbell faces the New England Patriots who, as you see above, are allow a sever amount of fantasy stats to opposing QB’s.
• Rex Grossman AKA “Sexy Rexy” have a juicy match-up against St. Louis Rams who rank 5th in most fantasy points allowed.
• Andy Dalton should bounce back this week versus the Bills, who rank 6th in points allowed to opposing QB’s.
• Eli Manning comes to mind over the next several weeks, this week he face the Cardinals who allow the 8th most fantasy points to Quarterbacks. Excellent Value on Fanduel.

The obvious starter with exceptional match ups:

• Tom Brady obviously.. Oakland just sweetens the pot.
• Phillip Rivers is another no brain-er with a sweet match-up versus Miami who ranks 4th in most points allowed.

Here are are WEEK 4 Quarterback Rankings

Either Cedric Benson (if allowed to play) or Bernard Scott should have success this week versus Buffalo however, I'd only start Bernard Scott in PPR leagues as the Bengals will have to play from behind.

TOP 10 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing RB’s this year.

1. Philadelphia Eagles vs. RB 394 yards 2 TD, 15 Catches for 185 yards 3 TD
2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. RB 360 yards 5 TD, 16 Catches for 153 1 TD
3. Oakland Raiders vs. RB 305 yards 2 TD, 24 Catches for 283 2 TD
4. St. Louis Rams vs. RB 399 yards 2 TD, 19 Catches for 187 1 TD
5. Minnesota Vikings vs. RB 190 yards 3 TD, 27 Catches for 256 2 TD
6. New York Jets vs. RB 356 yards 4 TD, 15 Catches for 106 0 TD
7. Buffalo Bills vs. RB 292 yards 2 TD, 25 Catches for 152 2 TD
8. New England Patriots vs. RB 202 yards 2 TD, 30 Catches for 271 1 TD
9. Indianapolis Colts vs. RB 315 yards 4 TD, 11 Catches for 73 0 TD
10. Atlanta Falcons vs. RB 277 yards 2 TD, 18 Catches for 165 1 TD

RB Match-ups to exploit in week 4 are:

• Dexter McCluster faces the Vikings BUT WAIT they got back some players in Week 3 and picked up the run stuff. Only consider McCluster in PPR leagues as a strong FLEX.
• BenJarvus Green-Ellis / Stevan Ridley are both good flexes this week versus the porous Raiders. I like Ridley this week to get plenty of chances as New England burns the clock holding a lead.
• Frank Gore could easily bounce back this week against the Eagles who are allowing the most points to RB’s this year.
• Tim Hightower should toss the Rams salad this week, they rank 4th in points allowed.
• LeGarrette Blount should have a bounce back week against Indy, but don’t keep your hopes to high.
• Either Cedric Benson (if allowed to play) or Bernard Scott should have success this week versus Buffalo however, I’d only start Bernard Scott in PPR leagues as the Bengals will have to play from behind.

The obvious starter with exceptional match up:

• A. Peterson is an obvious start any week but this week is exceptional as he faces the Chief’s who can’t stop tumbleweed from blowing across the field.

Here are our Week 4 Running Back Rankings

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TOP 16 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing WR’s this year.

Denarius Moore is poised for a break out game.

1. New England Patriots vs. WR 48 catches for 794 yards and 4 TD
2. Green Bay Packers vs. WR 42 catches for 660 yards and 4 TD
3. St. Louis Rams vs. WR 34 catches for 535 yards and 6 TD
4. Miami Dolphins vs. WR 37 catches for 578 yards and 5 TD
5. New Orleans Saints vs. WR 39 catches for 525 yards and 3 TD
6. San Francisco 49ers vs. WR 36 catches for 514 yards and 5 TD
7. New York Giants vs. WR 41 catches for 606 yards and 3 TD
8. Baltimore Ravens vs. WR 50 catches for 600 yards and 3 TD
9. Arizona Cardinals vs. WR 41 catches for 581 yards and 3 TD
10. Houston Texans vs. WR 37 catches for 503 yards and 4 TD
11. Kansas City Chiefs vs. WR 37 catches for 484 yards and 4 TD
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. WR 44 catches for 582 yards and 2 TD
13. Oakland Raiders vs. WR 45 catches for 519 yards and 3 TD
14. Buffalo Bills vs. WR 36 catches for 517 yards and 3 TD
15. Denver Broncos vs. WR 42 catches for 517 yards and 3 TD
16. Carolina Panthers vs. WR 20 catches for 437 yards and 4 TD

WR Match-ups to exploit in week 4 are:

• Brandon Lloyd and Eric Decker should have a good day against Green Bay who allow the 2nd most fantasy points to WR so far this year.
• Oakland has some nice flex plays lined up for you this week but gamble at your own risk here, while someone in Oakland is going to have a great day it’s hard to predict. I expect the Pats to stack the box and force Campbell to pass, Denarius Moore is poised for a break out game.
• Santana Moss WILL have a big day versus the Rams. I don’t think the Rams will move the ball on offense and Washington will be able to air it out versus their weak secondary who ranks 3rd in points allowed.
• Minnesota has a possible deep sleeper in PPR formats, deep leagues only, Michael Jenkins is on the rise as a nice match-ups based flex starter and this week he gets the Chiefs who rank 11th in points allowed.

More obvious starters with great match-ups

• Larry Fitzgerald versus NYG
• Vincent Jackson, especially if Gates returns to the line-up. Miami allows the 4th most points to WR.
• Hakeem Nicks / Mario Manningham or Victor Cruz depending on Manninghams status – Arizona allows the 9th most fantasy points to WR.

Greg Olsen has a great match-up versus the Bears, nice flex play in your a Antonio Gates owner in a time of need.

TOP 10 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing TE’s this year.

1. Miami Dolphins vs. TE 25 catches for 315 yards and 3 TD
2. San Diego Chargers vs. TE 14 catches for 180 yards and 4 TD
3. Chicago Bears vs. TE 19 catches for 237 yards and 3 TD
4. New Orleans Saints vs. TE 14 catches for 259 yards and 2 TD
5. Kansas City Chiefs vs. TE 12 catches for 159 yards and 3 TD
6. Cincinnati Bengals vs. TE 17 catches for 217 yards and 2 TD
7. Dallas Cowboys vs. TE 15 catches for 214 yards and 2 TD
8. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TE 21 catches for 207 yards and 2 TD
9. Green Bay Packers vs. TE 9 catches for 178 yards and 2 TD
10. Buffalo Bills vs. TE 13 catches for 164 yards and 2 TD

• Greg Olsen has a great match-up versus the Bears, nice flex play in your a Antonio Gates owner in a time of need.
• Marcedes Lewis is a deep sleeper in DEEP leagues – he faces the Saints who can’t cover TE and you can bank that the Saints will score a lot of points.
• Randy McMichael (If Antonio Gates sits out) has a DECENT match-up versus Miami, but they’re ranked number one in points allowed due to the thrashing they took in week 1 versus the Pats.
• Jermaine Gresham is another Antonio Gates weekly flex replacement – the Bungles will have to air it out versus the Bills who rank 10th in points allowed.

More obvious starters with great match-ups this week:

• Jimmy Graham get the Jags who have trouble with tall TE’s.
• Scott Chandler gets the Cincinnati Bengals and they can’t cover TE either, rankings 6th in points allowed. Chandler has a TD in every game this year, it won’t stop this week.

Bouns Round for Kickers – top 10 teams allowing the most Kicker Fantasy Points

1. Cleveland Browns vs. K 10.7 points allowed
2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. K 10.3 this week they face Ryan Longwell
3. Indianapolis Colts vs. K 10.0 points allowed
4. Atlanta Falcons vs. K 9.7 points allowed
5. New Orleans Saints vs. K 9.3 points allowed
6. Chicago Bears vs. K 9.0 points allowed
7. Green Bay Packers vs. K 8.7 points allowed
8. Denver Broncos vs. K 8.7 this week they facec Jason Hanson
9. Dallas Cowboys vs. K 8.3 points allowed
10. Seattle Seahawks vs. K 8.3 points allowed

Locks this week are:

Ryan Longwell and Jason Hanson – both kickers present favorable TOP 10 match-ups this week and they’re in the TOP 10 in regards to FG and XP attempts.

Antonio Gates Injured?

UPDATED – 5:00 pm, Friday, September 23rd: All updates will be done in RED.

The Week 3 injury report is growing at an exponential rate (Antonio Gates and Beanie Wells were just added this AM), with players seemingly being added by the minute so I’m going to cut to the chase here.

In total, there are roughly 25 players or so most will be interested and listed here today, but if there is a player I left out, just imply ask about him below.

I’ll separate the players listed as “probable” from everyone else, but I recommend reading the analysis provided.

KEY: Q – questionable / D – Doubtful / UN – uncertain / D₂D – Day to Day / GTD – Game time decision

The Probables:

• Brandon Lloyd, Kenny Britt, Santonio Holmes and Stevie Johnson have all been upgraded to full practice, and are clear to play on Sunday. These receivers are worthy of WR 2 and 3 status and hold a lot of value coming into this week.
• Percy Harvin and Darrius Hewyward-Bey were also upgraded to full practice and cleared for this week. Harvin and Heyward-Bey seemed slower than usual, and will probably show the after effects of their respective injuries. They are more risky than the other four receivers mentioned above.
• Cam Newton’s foot injury won’t prevent him from starting this week.
• Doctors now say that Tony Romo’s lung has completely healed. Romo missed Friday’s practice due to pain. The official word on Romo won’t come until Saturday due to the Cowboys playing Monday night, but it isn’t looking to favorable right now.
• Barring any setbacks, Michael Vick will play this week against the woeful Giants.
• Last but not least, Chargers’ RB Mike Tolbert will start this week.

Great “Dane-s”, and Marijuana, Batman! Most of you may already know that Cowboys receiver Miles Austin is expected to be sidelined until Week 6, but what you may not know is the recent news surrounding Bengals receiver Jerome Simpson. Simpson will be sat this week, and perhaps permanently, after the fuzz discovered 8.5 pounds of the smokey chiba at his house. Bengals receiver Andre Caldwell will step in and could become the next hot waiver wire option after this week.

And finally, Chicago Bears receiver Earl Bennet is now officially out of this week’s contest against the Packers with what is being labeled as a “torso” injury—rookie Dane Sanzenbacher will start in Bennet’s place. Sanzenbacher got everyone up in arms last week with his late game touchdown, but the fact is we’ll have to see more from him going forward in order to qualify him as a new fantasy starter.

If you are in a pinch and need a WR off the WW—especially in deeper formats—he could make for a nice flyer this week.

Stay Tuned, and be sure to check back at the end of the day for the final reports.

Late Day Injury Additions:

• Lee Evans – WR – OUT: Evans return is unknown right now, Tandon Doss may get the nod.
• Danny Amendola – WR – Return Week 6: He has his motion back, but the Rams will not rush his return which is schedule for after their Week 5 bye.
• Michael Crabtree – WR – Will Play: Crabtree will play against the Bengals, but doesn’t have a good matchup (Leon Hall) and is not 100 percent healthy…keep him benched.
• Sidney Rice – WR – Debuts Sunday! A big round of applause for Sidney Rice as news out of Seattle is he will in fact start, which is actually horrible news when you consider the current passing game in Seattle right now. Still he is worth a spot  on your watch list.
• Peyton Hillis – RB – Questionable: Out of the clear blue, Nate Ulrich on Twitter is reporting that Hillis is listed on the Browns injury report as Questionable with an illness. All other reports do, however, suggest he is likely to play but it could come as a time-share with Montario Hardesty.

After falling to pick 1.10, Gore was the first pick in our first expert league of the Summer.

Even though the NFL season has been going strong for weeks now, Fantasy Knuckleheads’ official start to the fantasy season began with our first expert draft of the 2011 season; KFFL NFL Experts League. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill draft either. We’re talking about some of the top dogs in not only fantasy football, but guys who cover the NFL on a daily basis. Here is a list of the participants:

RotoExperts.com
FootballGuys.com
FOXSports.com
FFToday.com
RotoWire.com
RTSports.com
KFFL.com
BrunoBoys.net
FantasyGuru.com
CBSSports.com
Gridiron-Guru.com
FantasyKnuckleheads.com

Below is how the draft went down and a quick synopsis on each of Knuckleheads’ picks, round-by-round.
PPR, 4 points per passing TD, 6 points per rushing/receiving TD.
1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1TE, 1Flex/RB/WR/TE, 1DEF, 1K

Round One
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Arian Foster RB, HOU
#2 RotoWire.com – Adrian Peterson RB, MIN
#3 CBSSports.com – Chris Johnson RB, TEN
#4 FOXSports.com – Jamaal Charles RB, KAN
#5 FootballGuys.com – Ray Rice RB, BAL
#6 RotoExperts.com – LeSean McCoy RB, PHI
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Andre Johnson WR, HOU
#8 RTSports.com – Darren McFadden RB, OAK
#9 FFToday.com – Roddy White WR, ATL
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Frank Gore RB, SFO
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Calvin Johnson WR, DET
#12 KFFL.com – Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAC

In a PPR league, I was hoping one of the last pass-catching running backs would be left, so I decided to take Gore instead of quarterback or receiver. A healthy Frank Gore will produce big numbers under a new coaching staff.

Round 2
#1 KFFL.com – Larry Fitzgerald WR, ARI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Peyton Hillis RB, CLE
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Hakeem Nicks WR, NYG
#4 FFToday.com – Rashard Mendenhall RB, PIT
#5 RTSports.com – Greg Jennings WR, GNB
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Matt Forte RB, CHI
#7 RotoExperts.com – Reggie Wayne WR, IND
#8 FootballGuys.com – Aaron Rodgers QB, GNB
#9 FOXSports.com – Michael Turner RB, ATL
#10 CBSSports.com – Brandon Marshall WR, MIA
#11 RotoWire.com – Drew Brees QB, NOR
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Steven Jackson RB, STL

Going with the strategy of taking a top player in each position in the first 4-5 rounds, Hakeem Nicks was the best available receiver left on our board. With Steve Smith’s recovery from microfracture surgery expected to take months, Nicks will easily top last year’s stats in terms of receptions (79) and yardage (1052).

Round 3
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Miles Austin WR, DAL
#2 RotoWire.com – Jahvid Best RB, DET
#3 CBSSports.com – Mike Wallace WR, PIT
#4 FOXSports.com – Vincent Jackson WR, SDG
#5 FootballGuys.com – Ahmad Bradshaw RB, NYG
#6 RotoExperts.com – Felix Jones RB, DAL
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Michael Vick QB, PHI
#8 RTSports.com – Mike Williams WR, TAM
#9 FFToday.com – Antonio Gates TE, SDG
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Wes Welker WR, NWE
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Knowshon Moreno RB, DEN
#12 KFFL.com – Dwayne Bowe WR, KAN

Welker is only a year removed from 123 catches in 2009. Hell, he still had 86 last year when the team was going through Randy Moss withdrawals and added in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. If Chad Ochocinco can squeeze out another strong year, Welker should at least hit 100 receptions again.

Round 4
#1 KFFL.com – Shonn Greene RB, NYJ
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Tom Brady QB, NWE
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Peyton Manning QB, IND
#4 FFToday.com – LeGarrette Blount RB, TAM
#5 RTSports.com – DeAngelo Williams RB, CAR
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Ryan Mathews RB, SDG
#7 RotoExperts.com – Tony Romo QB, DAL
#8 FootballGuys.com – Mark Ingram RB, NOR
#9 FOXSports.com – Jason Witten TE, DAL
#10 CBSSports.com – Dez Bryant WR, DAL
#11 RotoWire.com – Dallas Clark TE, IND
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jeremy Maclin WR, PHI

Peyton Manning is coming off neck surgery and it’s still unknown if he will be ready by Week One. This is the main reason why he likely slid all the way to the fourth round. Even so, I simply don’t see him missing any of the regular season. While he is getting bumped down by guys like Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, and Michael Vick, Manning will hold his own and put up disgustingly huge numbers if he’s ready by Week One. If so, 30+ touchdown passes here I come!!!!! He still has plenty of time to prepare.

Fred Jackson should get 250+ touches this year.

Round 5
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Philip Rivers QB, SDG
#2 RotoWire.com – Marques Colston WR, NOR
#3 CBSSports.com – Cedric Benson RB, CIN
#4 FOXSports.com – Steve Johnson WR, BUF
#5 FootballGuys.com – DeSean Jackson WR, PHI
#6 RotoExperts.com – Santonio Holmes WR, NYJ
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Jermichael Finley TE, GNB
#8 RTSports.com – Brandon Lloyd WR, DEN
#9 FFToday.com – Matt Schaub QB, HOU
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Fred Jackson RB, BUF
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Ryan Torain RB, WAS
#12 KFFL.com – Percy Harvin WR, MIN

Jackson had a down year in 2010 after achieving 1000 rushing yards in 2009. But this year will be a different story. He no longer has to compete with Marshawn Lynch. And with CJ Spiller still having fumble issues and pass-protecting problems in practice, Jackson will touch the ball 250+ times this season.

Round 6
#1 KFFL.com – Chris Wells RB, ARI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Vernon Davis TE, SFO
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Greg Olsen TE, CAR
#4 FFToday.com – Kenny Britt WR, TEN
#5 RTSports.com – Matt Ryan QB, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Daniel Thomas RB, MIA
#7 RotoExperts.com – Ryan Grant RB, GNB
#8 FootballGuys.com – Austin Collie WR, IND
#9 FOXSports.com – Sidney Rice WR, SEA
#10 CBSSports.com – BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB, NWE
#11 RotoWire.com – Marshawn Lynch RB, SEA
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jonathan Stewart RB, CAR

Out of all the picks, this is the one I regret……but just a little bit. Playing in OC Mike Martz’s offense killed Olsen’s value in Chicago. And he’ll have some growing pains as he gets adjusted to playing in a new system and a new quarterback. What I am banking on is Carolina OC Rob Chudzinski making Olsen a big part of the offense. Chud was the tight ends coach in San Diego and was a big part of making some dude named Antonio Gates a stud.

Round 7
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Anquan Boldin WR, BAL
#2 RotoWire.com – Chad Ochocinco WR, NWE
#3 CBSSports.com – Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT
#4 FOXSports.com – Eli Manning QB, NYG
#5 FootballGuys.com – Jimmy Graham TE, NOR
#6 RotoExperts.com – Mike Thomas WR, JAC
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Pierre Garcon WR, IND
#8 RTSports.com – Brandon Jacobs RB, NYG
#9 FFToday.com – Mario Manningham WR, NYG
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Jordy Nelson WR, GNB
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Ryan Williams RB, ARI
#12 KFFL.com – Matthew Stafford QB, DET

After putting up a huge game in the Super Bowl, and also suffering a burst bursa sac in his left knee, Nelson figures to see a lot more time on the field this year. James Jones coming back does hurt some, but we doubt he has fixed his inconsistencies. And Donald Driver is close to being done completely. Nelson has sleeper written all over him. He’s the team’s most talented receiver outside of Greg Jennings.

Round 8
#1 KFFL.com – Owen Daniels TE, HOU
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Roy Williams WR, CHI
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Joseph Addai RB, IND
#4 FFToday.com – Danny Amendola WR, STL
#5 RTSports.com – Mike Tolbert RB, SDG
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Steve Smith WR, CAR
#7 RotoExperts.com – Kellen Winslow TE, TAM
#8 FootballGuys.com – A.J. Green WR, CIN
#9 FOXSports.com – C.J. Spiller RB, BUF
#10 CBSSports.com – Santana Moss WR, WAS
#11 RotoWire.com – Reggie Bush RB, MIA
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Davone Bess WR, MIA

Another guy who slid farther than I had anticipated, Addai re-signed with the Colts and will start Week One. Donald Brown showed me nothing last year that would make me believe he can unseat Addai for the starting job. Rookie Delone Carter could make some noise, but the starting job is clearly Addai’s to lose. And as my No. 3 running back, THAT’S GOLD JERRY GOLD!!!

Robert Meachem could finally have the breakout season the Saints have been waiting for.

Round 9
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Darren Sproles RB, NOR
#2 RotoWire.com – Braylon Edwards WR, SFO
#3 CBSSports.com – Tim Hightower RB, WAS
#4 FOXSports.com – Julio Jones WR, ATL
#5 FootballGuys.com – Jacoby Ford WR, OAK
#6 RotoExperts.com – Greg Little WR, CLE
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Josh Freeman QB, TAM
#8 RTSports.com – Deion Branch WR, NWE
#9 FFToday.com – Rashad Jennings RB, JAC
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Robert Meachem WR, NOR
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Malcom Floyd WR, SDG
#12 KFFL.com – Johnny Knox WR, CHI

I initially ragged on Kurt for making a homer pick, but you can’t disagree that this could be Meachem’s year. Finally over injuries, Meachem is showing why the Saints drafted him in the first round back in 2007. With Marques Colston still sidelined with problematic knees, Meachem could end up being Drew Brees’ go-to guy. His upside is off the charts right now.

Round 10
#1 KFFL.com – Jay Cutler QB, CHI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Sam Bradford QB, STL
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Roy Helu RB, WAS
#4 FFToday.com – Michael Bush RB, OAK
#5 RTSports.com – Mike Sims-Walker WR, STL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Lance Moore WR, NOR
#7 RotoExperts.com – Matt Cassel QB, KAN
#8 FootballGuys.com – Marcedes Lewis TE, JAC
#9 FOXSports.com – Kevin Kolb QB, ARI
#10 CBSSports.com – Rob Gronkowski TE, NWE
#11 RotoWire.com – Hines Ward WR, PIT
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Brandon Pettigrew TE, DET

Hate the Redskins, but I love me some Roy Helu. Ryan Torain can’t stay healthy and Tim Hightower is going to fumble his way into Mike Shanahan’s doghouse. I’m trying to temper my expectations because he’s a rookie, but I can’t see Helu not landing the starting job in-season.

Round 11
#1 BrunoBoys.net – James Starks RB, GNB
#2 RotoWire.com – Mike Williams WR, SEA
#3 CBSSports.com – Joe Flacco QB, BAL
#4 FOXSports.com – Pierre Thomas RB, NOR
#5 FootballGuys.com – Plaxico Burress WR, NYJ
#6 RotoExperts.com – Danny Woodhead RB, NWE
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Willis McGahee RB, DEN
#8 RTSports.com – Kyle Orton QB, DEN
#9 FFToday.com – James Jones WR, GNB
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Jared Cook TE, TEN
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Green Bay Packers Def/ST, GNB
#12 KFFL.com – Michael Crabtree WR, SFO

Now we start getting into the players that are looking good in camp, but haven’t popped up on anyone else’s radar. With Matt Hasselbeck in town, Cook could be in for a solid season. Reports say that the coaches are lining him out as a wide receiver in practice, so we could see him push for a career year in 2011.

Round 12
#1 KFFL.com – LaDainian Tomlinson RB, NYJ
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Donald Driver WR, GNB
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Philadelphia Eagles Def/ST, PHI
#4 FFToday.com – Ryan Fitzpatrick QB, BUF
#5 RTSports.com – Tony Gonzalez TE, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Dustin Keller TE, NYJ
#7 RotoExperts.com – New York Jets Def/ST, NYJ
#8 FootballGuys.com – Shane Vereen RB, NWE
#9 FOXSports.com – Zach Miller TE, SEA
#10 CBSSports.com – Pittsburgh Steelers Def/ST, PIT
#11 RotoWire.com – Mark Sanchez QB, NYJ
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Chris Cooley TE, WAS

My homer pick of the draft. The Eagles Defense still has to gel with all the new faces, plus a new defensive coordinator, but they should slowly start raining down some terror against opposing offenses. I still worry about the pass rush and the linebackers, but that secondary is just too sick to pass up. If they end up flopping, I’ll be eating some crow in the winter.

For at least one week, I'm hoping Matt Hasselbeck shines as much as his bald noggin does on a sunny day.

Round 13
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Donovan McNabb QB, MIN
#2 RotoWire.com – Justin Forsett RB, SEA
#3 CBSSports.com – Jerome Simpson WR, CIN
#4 FOXSports.com – Delone Carter RB, IND
#5 FootballGuys.com – New England Patriots Def/ST, NWE
#6 RotoExperts.com – Tony Moeaki TE, KAN
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Jordan Shipley WR, CIN
#8 RTSports.com – Chicago Bears Def/ST, CHI
#9 FFToday.com – Aaron Hernandez TE, NWE
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Matt Hasselbeck QB, TEN
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Danario Alexander WR, STL
#12 KFFL.com – New York Giants Def/ST, NYG

I don’t expect Hasselbeck to find fantasy glory behind a questionable offensive line, but I only need him to pick up the slack during Peyton’s bye week (11). Luckily, he’s playing Atlanta in the dome, so weather won’t be an issue.

Round 14
#1 KFFL.com – Steve Breaston WR, KAN
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Leonard Hankerson WR, WAS
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Torrey Smith WR, BAL
#4 FFToday.com – Baltimore Ravens Def/ST, BAL
#5 RTSports.com – Brent Celek TE, PHI
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Jerome Harrison RB, DET
#7 RotoExperts.com – Ronnie Brown RB, PHI
#8 FootballGuys.com – DeMarco Murray RB, DAL
#9 FOXSports.com – Lee Evans WR, BUF
#10 CBSSports.com – Javon Ringer RB, TEN
#11 RotoWire.com – Early Doucet WR, ARI
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL

Another upside/depth pick, Smith has been looking really good in practice, yeah maybe I put too much stock in training camps, and he looks to be the starter alongside Anquan Boldin. Nice bye-week filler who could make a flex appearance.

Round 15
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Stephen Gostkowski K, NWE
#2 RotoWire.com – Detroit Lions Def/ST, DET
#3 CBSSports.com – Brandon Jackson RB, CLE
#4 FOXSports.com – New Orleans Saints Def/ST, NOR
#5 FootballGuys.com – Nate Kaeding K, SDG
#6 RotoExperts.com – Emmanuel Sanders WR, PIT
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Kansas City Chiefs Def/ST, KAN
#8 RTSports.com – Jabar Gaffney WR, WAS
#9 FFToday.com – Jason Snelling RB, ATL
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Todd Heap TE, ARI
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Titus Young WR, DET
#12 KFFL.com – Rob Bironas K, TEN

I never take three tight ends. Sometimes, I don’t even take two. But I was so worried about my Olsen pick, that I picked up Cook and prayed. This league allows a tight end as a flex position, so Heap will help during the bye weeks. And playing with Kevin Kolb, who likes to throw to tight ends, Heap might have a little bit of TE2 value left.

Round 16
#1 KFFL.com – Lonyae Miller RB, DAL
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Mason Crosby K, GNB
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Garrett Hartley K, NOR
#4 FFToday.com – Alex Henery K, PHI
#5 RTSports.com – Matt Bryant K, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Sebastian Janikowski K, OAK
#7 RotoExperts.com – Josh Brown K, STL
#8 FootballGuys.com – Donnie Avery WR, STL
#9 FOXSports.com – Neil Rackers K, HOU
#10 CBSSports.com – David Buehler K, DAL
#11 RotoWire.com – Adam Vinatieri K, IND
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jacoby Jones WR, HOU

A kicker is a kicker, but at least I got one that ranked fairly high. And since Kurt is a Saints fan, nothing wrong with appeasing the boss with guys from his own team.

Among this group are a couple of developing young starters, a first year starter and a couple of veterans who aren’t considered good picks normally.

Here’s FantasyKnuckleheads.com’s official QB rankings. And here’s a list of my five sleeper quarterbacks to keep an eye on in your league’s draft.

1. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions – Stafford is an excellent talent and has elite weapons at his disposal. The only concern when drafting him is his health. He’s shown that he’s pretty injury prone in his first couple seasons in the NFL. But, if he can stay healthy for a whole season, he could easily be a top-tier fantasy quarterback.
2. Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins – Henne has a huge target in Brandon Marshall. 2011 will be his sink-or-swim season. If he’s going to make it as an NFL starter, he’ll need to show it this season. I predict he’ll take a step forward this season and become a pretty valuable second-tier fantasy quarterback.
3. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears – Call Cutler a baby, call him sulky, call him whiny. But, the fact of the matter is that he led the Bears all the way to the NFC Championship Game last season. He has one of the best pass-catching running backs at his disposal in Matt Forte. He’ll put up big numbers once again, but he’ll always have the stigma of being a quitter after last year’s NFC Championship Game.
4. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs have the NFL’s best running back duo in Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles. Eventually, that will start to pay dividends for Cassel. He already has Dwayne Bowe at his disposal. A solid No. 2 receiver would really boost Cassel’s value.
5. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings – Ponder is in the same boat as Cassel. He has Adrian Peterson, the best running back in the NFL. He also has Percy Harvin. If the Vikings re-sign Sidney Rice, Ponder will have a potent receiving tandem and could surprise some people by actually having a decent fantasy value. He could definitely be considered for a backup spot in later rounds.

Like this!

But every now and then we kick in a good old fashion news column to help keep everyone abreast of what’s going on in the league—such as the NFL Labor talks.

Here’s a rundown and recap of this week’s events.

• Plaxico Burress Will Not Be Going To Chicago: It is being reported by Vaughn McClure on Twitter that the Chicago Bears have no interest in Plaxico Burress; a report that was also backed by the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune.

Well, cross the Bears off the list, and bring on the Eagles, Rams, Browns Seahawks and Jets as the balance of possible suitors, but don’t expect anything to happen anytime soon—if at all.

• Labor Talks Beginning To Come Around? Albert Breer on Twitter reports the “economics” of a labor agreement between the owners and players are done despite some “ancillary” issues.

This is somewhat good news, because it tentatively means there is a deal in place for the rookie salary system and salary cap—two major hurdles that have acted as roadblocks all this time. This does not, however, mean that the lockout is lifted as of yet, but the players could be reporting to camp within one week if things keep on their current pace.

But don’t rule out another stall tactic either.

• NFL Disputes Rumor of the HoF Game Being Cancelled. The suspected cancellation was reported on the Chicago Sun-Times, STLToday and other blog driven areas of online newspapers, and the speculation was that players wouldn’t have enough time to get together and “practice” for an exhibition game—amongst other reasons.

The fact is, that’s a poor assumption since the starters only play a few series anyway and NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello is the guy who is squashing the rumor.

Right from the horse’s mouth, kids!

• Andy Dalton to Start In Cincy? Bengals beat writer Geoff Hobson on Twitter wrote the following:

Sounds like Dalton camp starter. Gruden won’t say, but says camp starter may not be Opening Day starter. Check out Bengals.com

The idea here is that it looks as if there will be a competition between Dalton, Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour which means Dalton is likely to be the front runner to take snaps with the first team. With so much inconsistency, youth and turmoil going on the Cincinnati, though, it’s hard to imagine anything special developing on the fantasy front, especially in the early goings.

But then again, stranger things have happened, and perhaps Dalton will wind up surprising us all in the coming weeks.

• Mike Munchak Wants a Veteran Quarterback Who Can Win. At least that’s what John Glennon on Twitter is reporting.

What makes this interesting is the fact that the Titans will indeed be searching for a veteran QB, and they could consider Donovan McNabb, Marc Bulger or even Matt Hasselbeck.

McNabb doesn’t seem to fit the mold but could be a cheap alternative to Hasselbeck who is looking for big money this year, while Bulger seems like the unlikely choice out of the three.

There could be some intriguing fantasy developments coming out of this in the coming weeks, so make sure to keep checking back.