The 2010 NFL Draft is mere days away. This Thursday April 22nd, some teams will be sporting new quarterbacks. This season more than any in recent memory, these rookies go will play a big part in this year's fantasy landscape. Names like Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, and Jimmy Clausen could all possibly be starting under center in 2010, or all four could be riding the pine. The latter is a blessing for their development, but the former is a mixed bag for fantasy production. Not every QB will have a solid first year as Matt Ryan did a couple of seasons back. More will turn in JaMarcus Russell or Vince Young type performances.
Sam Bradford - The Oklahoma QB's destination is nearly written in stone. He will go straight into the fire as QB for the St. Louis Rams. This doesn't bode well for fantasy or professional production in 2010. There are just too many holes in the Rams offensive line, and their secondary. His expected 2010 fantasy value is marginal at best in St. Louis. However, there are rumblings that the Cleveland Browns are willing to sell the farm to move up and grab Bradford. He has better peripherals with the Browns stable of receivers than the Rams, but his 2010, IF he does start, doesn't appear at the outset to be fantasy viable.
Colt McCoy - Mr. Texas is perhaps the most talented and passionate QB in this year's draft. The same thing that makes him so good could be his downfall at the NFL level; his passion. If he does well out the gate he could be dominant for years, but if he plays poorly for any length of time, he could take it to heart and burn out quickly. His 2010 fantasy value is dependent on where he lands. Right now the Cleveland Browns seem a likely target though word out of their front office has them looking to move up for Bradford. Like Bradford, his 2010 fantasy outlook is dim. However, if the Browns do take him, he could be good sooner than expected. He fits in with their west coast style short passing game quite well, and he's a strong leader.
Jimmy Clausen - The Notre Dame alum is considered by the "experts" to be the most NFL ready because of the system he played in under Charlie Weiss. Many seem to think he will end up in Al Davis's Oakland Raider camp this summer, which would be bad for Clausen. No one can ruin a good young player faster than Davis. Other team's that could be looking at Clausen include San Francisco, Seattle, Minnesota, and Buffalo. Minnesota is unlikely unless Clausen pulls a Brady Quinn freefall. The 49ers and Bills might actually give the QB a chance to be fantasy relevant in 2010. Seattle's O-line is just too decimated, but that seemed perhaps the most likely landing spot before their recent acquisition of Charlie Whitehurst.
Tim Tebow - The Florida Gator is almost a household name already though he may be the least talented of the four on this list. Wherever he is drafted it will likely be too high, and don't be shocked to see Al Davis reach for him over Clausen. He's made more ignorant moves over the years. His likely destination may be the Buffalo Bills or the New England Patriots early in the second round. The Pats have three picks in the second. The latter is perhaps the best option for Tebow as he gets time to mature behind Tom Brady. If he lands in Buffalo he will likely struggle in 2010 assuming he starts. Best case scenario he puts up Joe Flacco like first year numbers.
The flies in the ointment: Jason Campbell and Ben Roethlisberger. Both are likely on the move either before or after the draft, and having them orbiting out there makes this a harder draft to call. A Roethlisberger trade especially could change the face of the first round in a big way.
