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

Murray is currently ranked 18th in our RB Rankings.

Murray and the Cowboys face two teams in St. Louis and Philadelphia who are not exactly setting the world on fire with their run defense, so it is a very intriguing consideration.

St. Louis ranks dead last allowing 163.0 yards a game and have given up three TDs, and Philadelphia is not too far behind ranking 24th against the run, allowing 123.8 yards a game and an exorbitant 6 TDs.

For those of you looking for a bye week or injury fill, you can safely add Murray as he is sure to make the most of the situation.

DeMarco Murray wK 7 Projections: 18 carries for 81 yards and 1 TD / 4 catches for 12 yards

Word out of Denver is that recent WR waiver wire sensation Demaryius Thomas was seen practicing with a “heavy wrap” on his surgically repair hand.

Thomas has three screws and a plate in that hand along with a bum Achilles tendon and a bad foot, so he is obviously a little banged up and that could cause the Broncos’ to err on the side of caution here.

Thomas did not crack this week’s WR Rankings.

The Dolphins are terrible against the pass (29th), and the Broncos have a new quarterback at the helm which makes this a sticky situation.

If you have a better option at WR keep Thomas sat, but if you have to start him, don’t expect too much.

Quick Hits From Around the League.

• In case you didn’t catch it, we have three new quarterbacks starting this week in John Beck (Washington) Christian Ponder (Minnesota) and Tim Tebow (Denver). Tebow offers the most for fantasy owners but all of these quarterbacks do not deserve a start unless you are in a serious pinch and that would be one serious pinch.
• Lions RB Jahvid Best sat out of practice Wednesday with “concussion-like” symptoms, and is in Jeopardy of missing this week’s game against the Falcons. Newly acquired RB Ronnie Brown could get the nod, and should have little trouble fitting to Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan’s offense, since the two were joined at the hip in Miami.
• Finally, Browns RB Peyton Hillis missed practice on Wednesday with that nagging hamstring issue, and are prepared to go with Montario Hardesty. Again, this is another intriguing situation to think about, but only if you are really hurting at RB this week.

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.

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.

Heyward is a good option for the Pats because he is great against the run and has enough power in him to be a viable, though likely not better than average, pass rusher. Because of concerns surrounding his elbow (Tommy John surgery), Heyward may be available as late as 28 (assuming the Patriots don’t trade out of this slot, though if Heyward is still there I don’t think they will) and would be a great complement to the defensive pieces already in place. In New England’s 3-4 Heyward profiles as a defensive end and should become an every-down player, something the Patriots badly need (as well as a strong need to get rid of Gerard Warren). However, should the Pats switch to a 4-3 defense, Heyward also has the versatility to play defensive tackle. Long story short: Bill Belichick will be in hog heaven if he can net this at 28. Just to play it safe, he may take Heyward at 17, or use the 17th pick on someone else while using the 28th pick to move up and net Heyward. The Patriots have a ton of options and it’s still anyone’s best guess, but my guess is Heyward. The only way he could be a better fit for the system is if he could rush the QB like Robert Quinn, although if he could he’d probably be a top 10 or top 5 pick.

Wilkerson looks like the best fit of all for New England’s system, where he would line up as a defensive end. He’s big and strong enough to defend against the run, should be a good pass rusher, and is a team-leader type. The Patriots may “overpay” for Wilkerson at 17 just like they did for Warren at 13 because his build is almost exactly the same as Ty Warren’s. His motor never stops running and regardless of whether or not he’s netting sacks, he can evade blockers easily enough to constantly be making plays at the line of scrimmage. After allowing the most third down conversions by far last year, this is the kind of defensive impact the Patriots need to be looking for in order to get past the first round of the playoffs. Like I said with Heyward before, the Patriots may be “value” drafters, but if they can get Wilkerson at 17 and Heyward at 28, you won’t see them trading any draft picks tonight. That’s all the value they need on defense right there.

I’d just like to say before wrapping this up that most things never go as according to planned, so the Patriots (and their giddy fans, like me) can’t count on them being able to take both Wilkerson and Heyward tonight. So what other options exist? Luckily for the Pats, several other good fits will be out there for the taking in round one, including Ryan Kerrigan, JJ Watt, Cameron Jordan, and Brooks Reed. One guy I’d like to focus on is Reed, because there is a much better chance the Patriots will be able to net him than there is that they could take Kerrigan, Watt, or Jordan. Reed is considered a late first round talent, and the defensive end from Arizona is a high-motor, passionate player. He’s considered one of the best pure pass rushers in the draft and may have similar upside to Clay Matthews, but the downside is that he lacks the athleticism to shed some blocks and like Matthews, is a liability against the run. Reed will definitely be around late in the first round and even though he isn’t the most well-rounded prospect, physically he’s not a bad fit for New England’s system and provides the kind of edge rusher the Pats passed up on when they traded the pick they could have used on Matthews a few seasons ago. Of course, there is debate over whether or not Matthews would fit in a 3-4 system, so the same concerns exist here. With the Patriots Reed would turn into a project player, as he’d have to switch to outside linebacker from defensive end, so he’d require time to learn the ropes.

In an article with the Tennessean, Babin discussed his plans for the offseason by saying that he may compete in MMA matches or go on a bear-hunting trip to Alaska. In regards to this, Babin told writer Jim Wyatt, “They would probably frown on that, but right now I am free and clear to do as I please. I could play in the Canadian Football League if I wanted to.”

Babin also added, “I know those leagues would love to grow their awareness, and if they got a certain amount of high-profile guys to join in, the money would go from the NFL pool to the CFL or UFL pool and maybe they could negotiate a TV deal. Now that would scare the (stuffing) out of the NFL owners, you know?”

Now Babin isn’t the only guy who’s entertaining offers from outside leagues. In fact, some players have already made the leap like Cleveland Browns WR Rod Windsor and Dallas Cowboys WR Troy Bergeron, who signed with Arena League teams this week; Windsor went to the Arizona Rattlers while Bergeron signed with the Cleveland Gladiators.

However, these guys are both practice squad players, and Babin is coming off of a career year where he recorded 12.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. If the UFL or CFL can land a player like Babin, it could start a trend where more stars play in smaller league since there is no collective bargaining agreement in place. And this could definitely hurt the NFL as Babin eluded to when he told Wyatt, “So the NFL owners are fighting two fights. They are fighting a lockout fight, and they could be fighting the rise of the other leagues. They make themselves vulnerable the longer this lockout goes on.”

Obviously, these leagues have no chance to compete with the NFL in the long-term, but it could be fun to see some of the better players like Babin in a totally different league. And seeing as how it looks like there’s going to be a long-winding legal battle ahead between the NFLPA and league owners, it’s not unfathomable to think of some decent players taking low six-figure contracts from small leagues.

Moving beyond this whole mess, the lockout has already generated some good stories with Bengals WR Chad Ochocino scheduling a tryout with Major League Soccer’s  Sporting Kansas City, and Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski fighting a professional boxing match. Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards is also looking to get into the ring as he’s scheduled to box in early April.

But boxing matches and soccer tryout aside, it’s safe to say that fans would rather be thinking about what teams will shine in 2011, instead of wondering if teams will even take the field this fall.

We’re covering all 32 teams 2011 NFL Draft needs, bookmark it as we’re updating it often.

After an NFC Championship game appearance in the 2009 season, most expected the Vikings to at least make one more run at the Super Bowl in Brett Favre’s final season. And the result……a 6-10 disaster filled with ugly media scandals (Brett Favre), ugly quarterback play (Brett Favre), and ugly confrontations with the coaching staff (Brett Favre). Okay, so not everything that went wrong was Favre’s fault, but he was the poster boy for a disastrous and forgettable year.

Other problems included a midseason coaching change, Sidney Rice missing over half of the season (and being generally ineffective), the Randy Moss fiasco, and Adrian Peterson wearing down. In any case, new coach Leslie Frazier and the rest of the Vikings organization have some work to do in regards to addressing last year’s issues in the 2011 draft.

Quarterback – Quarterback remains the biggest issue going into 2011 for the Vikings with Favre retired, Tavaris Jackson as a likely casualty of Frazier’s new regime, and Joe Webb not even in consideration for the starting QB job. Whoever the Vikings draft, there’s a strong chance that it will be a Sam Bradford-type situation where they’re thrown into the fire immediately. With Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert likely gone by the time that the Vikings pick at number 12, candidates are Cam Newton or Jake Locker. Both of these quarterbacks have tremendous athleticism and running ability, both have tremendous arms, and both players are inconsistent passers who weren’t asked to make a whole lot of reads in college. The NFL Combine will shed some more light on which player the Vikings are leaning more towards.

Wide Receiver - If the Vikings can’t pay free agent Sidney Rice’s asking price, they’re definitely going to need help at wide receiver. Percy Harvin flourishes in the number two role, while Bernard Berrian just didn’t get the job done last year. Troy’s Jerrel Jernigan is one possibility if the Vikings decide to go for a small guy who can stretch defenses vertically. They might also opt for size in a later round, and could take somebody like Indiana’s Tandon Doss, who is 6’3″, 200 pounds, and doesn’t get jammed at the line of scrimmage easily.

Safety - This has been a weak spot for the Vikings ever since Darren Sharper left the team. This being said, there are plenty of safeties available in the middle rounds that the Vikes could scoop up. Iowa’s Tyler Sash is a fairly quick safety who can make it to deep balls, and sniff out running plays; he is definitely a prospect for the Vikings in the second or third round. Assuming the Vikings decide to address safety early, they could grab the best safety prospect available in DeAndre McDaniel. Aside from being fooled by play-action every now and then, McDaniel is a tremendous athlete that could shore up one of Minnesota’s safety spots.

Cornerback – The Vikes could benefit from adding another quality cornerback to their roster. Antonie Winfield is a good cover corner on one side of the field, so they could complete the equation by finding someone to replace Asher Allen, who was inconsistent in coverage last year. It’s unlikely that the Vikings will consider cornerback a pressing need, so they’ll be looking at mid-to-late round selections for talent. The Citadel’s Cortez Allen certainly fits the talented description since he hasn’t been playing football for long, yet shows solid instincts and even better athleticism. Assuming the Vikes want help now and don’t think that Allen is ready, Richmond’s Justin Rodgers is another good prospect that should be around in the 5th round.

Defensive End - Jared Allen is one of the top ends in the league, but his counterpart in Ray Edwards has indicated that he’ll be looking elsewhere as a free agent. If the Vikings decide to fill Edward’s spot through the draft, they’ll have a large pool to choose from since 2011 offers a talented group of defensive ends. Nebraska’s Pierre Allen is a nice middle round choice because he possesses a good mix of quickness and strength. If the Vikings go for a later DE pick, Oregon’s Brandon Blair has some value here since he explodes at the snap well, and has enough upper body strength to shed blockers and make tackles.

The Vikings have a lot of mini-needs coupled with their quarterback, safety, and wide receiver issues, so it will be interesting to see what positions they favor in the draft.