| In the coming months I'm sure you'll hear a lot | | | | Quarterbacks |
| about studs, duds and sleepers. Here is a list of | | | | 5. Donovan McNabb - the Eagles really took care |
| players that really don't fall into any of those | | | | of their star this off-season with a new contract, |
| categories. These are solid players currently going | | | | drafting multiple assets on offense and trading for |
| in the mid rounds that if you're aware of can | | | | a stud left tackle. Plus, I still don't think Donovan |
| allow you to be much more confident in the early | | | | has forgot about when Andy Reid benched him |
| rounds. | | | | last year. He could really make a savvy owner's |
| You can then take advantage of the best players | | | | team in the 6th round where is currently being |
| available because you'll know what to expect in | | | | drafted. |
| the rounds to come and won't draft simply based | | | | 6. Matt Schaub - a low-end no. 1 quarterback |
| on need. Although these aren't all big-name | | | | being picked in the mid rounds 6-8. He filled in |
| players, targeting these guys in the mid-rounds | | | | nicely for me last year when Houston played |
| can change your entire draft strategy and the | | | | Detroit and Cincinnati back-to-back before getting |
| results you see significantly. | | | | injured. Has potential to break out with a great |
| Running Backs | | | | surrounding cast. He was 5th in points per game |
| 1. Cedric Benson - a new tackle and veteran | | | | at quarterback per Chris Dowling of |
| weapons around him. The Bengals have put in | | | | footballguys.com, and like Chris says his value |
| new zone and man blocking schemes to | | | | comes down to if he can stay healthy. |
| accommodate his North-South running style and | | | | 7. Tony Romo - people will sleep on him because |
| were pleasantly surprised with his speed on | | | | he no longer has T.O and Dallas is expected to |
| sweeps per John Clayton's inside the huddle. | | | | shift to a more run oriented offense. However, I |
| Seems primed to take advantage of a great | | | | read an intriguing comment from Carson Palmer in |
| opportunity in a resurgent offense and will be the | | | | a radio interview recently about how much Jon |
| lone featured back. He's being drafted any where | | | | Kitna really helped him during his best years so |
| between rounds 4-8, excellent value in the 6th | | | | far. Don't forget he still has one of the best tight |
| and later. | | | | end's and offensive lines in the game. I'd expect |
| 2. Derrick Ward - although Brandon Jacobs | | | | him to start a little slower but end much stronger |
| wearing defenses down and the Giants great | | | | due to the lack of drama without T.O. and extra |
| offensive line had a lot to do with Ward's success | | | | guidance from Kitna this year to provide solid |
| in New York , he did still manage to put up over | | | | stats for his current ADP of 59th overall. |
| 1,000 yards as part of a 3-headed monster. The | | | | Wide Receivers |
| Bucs pretty much cleaned house in the | | | | 8. OchoCinco - hampered by injury and losing his |
| off-season and are looking for a fresh start. I | | | | quarterback last year. Most people just don't like |
| think Ward is clearly the most talented and reliable | | | | him or are tired of hearing about his antics but |
| of the backs in Tampa Bay and I would look for | | | | the fact is that he should have a much better |
| him to outperform his current ADP of 54th | | | | year in 09'. If he slips past the fourth round be |
| overall. | | | | prepared to pull the trigger. |
| 3. LenDale White - is 20 pounds lighter and coming | | | | 9. Bernard Berrian - now that Favre is officially |
| into a contract year. The Titans are probably not | | | | with the Vikings, his stock should steadily rise. |
| going to be as good this year without Albert | | | | Although Minnesota won't live and die by Brett's |
| Haynesworth and Tennessee would like to expand | | | | gunslinger style likes teams in his past, I will still |
| Chris Johnson's role, but he still scores a lot (22 | | | | expect him to air it out enough for Berrian to be |
| times in the last two years, 15 times last year). | | | | a great look in the mid rounds 6-8 as a WR3 with |
| Johnson's size is an issue and he did get injured in | | | | potential for solid WR 2 numbers or a solid flex |
| last year's playoff game. All in all, at 71 overall | | | | play. I mentioned him in my article titled "The |
| ADP he is a great value especially in scoring | | | | Favre effect" as the biggest beneficiary of the |
| leagues. | | | | signing as well. |
| 4. Rashard Mendenhall - will get a chance on short | | | | 10. Anthony Gonzalez - probably the most |
| yardage and goaline opportunities for one of the | | | | overlooked 3rd year receiver this year. The Colts |
| best franchises around. His shoulder is healed, he | | | | still have a legit no. 1 even without Harrison, a tier |
| has fresh legs and I would expect the Steelers to | | | | 1 tight end in Dallas Clark, not to mention Peyton |
| use him much more especially in the second half | | | | Manning. Peyton trusted him in clutch situations |
| of the season when the wheels tend to fall off | | | | last year so he's not going to shy away from |
| for fast Willie Parker. Current ADP is 97th overall | | | | giving Gonzo more targets. Currently going in the |
| so keep an eye out for him in rounds 9 and | | | | late 5th which is little high for me but still definitely |
| higher. | | | | somebody to keep an eye on. |