My take on the 2007 NFL Draft

I’m back. At least for this week. By request of Kevin, I’m going to discuss how last weekend’s NFL draft affects the FADUCO teams. But first, PJ, you still have not answered my question. Are you happy with the Dolphins’ draft? Or were you tearing your hair out when they announced Ted Ginn’s name? Too bad, it would have been fun watching you trying to root for a Notre Dame pretty boy.

Quarterbacks:

Last year saw a few rookie QBs who became instant contributers. Not so this year. There are no Vince Youngs or Matt Leinarts here.I don’t see Jamarcus Russell instantly elevating the Raiders offense. Brady Quinn may be worth a late late round flyer for Bill to satisfy his Fighting Irish quota.

Running backs:

I can see 5 rookie running backs that are draftable in the first few rounds. Perhaps 2 or 3 will be first round material, given the lack of free agent starting RBs in FADUCO this year.

Adrian Peterson, like Andrew mentioned, has devalued Bill’s Chester Taylor by going to the Vikings. Maybe Bill can try to trade up to get him as a handcuff. With what seems like the 9^th pick in the draft, it’s unlikely Peterson will be there for Bill. You’re getting a possible pro-bowl keeper down the road but it may be Running Back By Committee in the first year. Make sure you pick the Adrian Peterson in Minnesota and not the one in Chicago.

Marshawn Lynch is going to be Buffalo’s starter. He’s not a slam dunk talent-wise, and has character issues (accused of sexual assault) so those of you drafting him may be risking a fine. Still, given his physical stats, I see him going in the upper half of the draft.

Chris Henry. If you do draft him, make sure it’s the Titan and not the Bengal. Could cost you a lot of money in fines otherwise. Another player who’ll get drafted based on where he’s playing, not on talent. Tennessee looks thin at RB, and analysts are saying he’ll push Lendale White for the starting position. Worth watching when preseason rolls around. If he’s starting or getting most of the carries, expect him to go in the late first round or early second round. I doubt Tuna is keeping Lendale White, so he’s not going to be a handcuff need that is picked earlier than normal. Indirectly, the Madden Curse may mean Henry could get a lot of carries but see 8-man stacks, if you get my drift Katy.

Brandon Jackson. Another player who’ll be drafted due to his team’s situation. He’s going to be the favorite for the starting Green Bay job. I anticipate he’ll be high up in Hai’s draft chart, since Hai can appease his boss by taking a Nebraska product. Or maybe because Hai will have access to “insider” scouting info from his boss.

Michael Bush: Handcuff for Tuna, has the talent to supplant #1 Lady Terps fanboy. Not first round worthy however.

Wide Receiver:

Well, only one rookie WR who’ll be a surefire fantasy starter. There could be another random Marques Colston type, but you won’t know who that is until the first few weeks of the season and I don’t recommend during the draft speculating on whom it will be.

You remember how high I was on Reggie Bush last season? Well, this year’s Reggie Bush award goes to Mr. Calvin Johnson. His situation is even more favorable than Reggie Bush. He was a man amongst boys in the ACC, yet had a really bad QB throwing to him at Georgia Tech. Basically, he’s Terrell Owens on the field and Marvin Harrison off the field. Torry Holt did pretty well as a rookie WR with Mike Martz coaching. Also, unlike Reggie, he won’t be facing too many double teams with Roy Williams on the other side. The only downside is that bad luck like an injury may happen to him due to being associated with Matt Millen. Since there may be a few proven pro-bowl level WRs available, I expect Calvin Johnson to be a late 1^st round or 2^nd round pick.

Ted Ginn Jr. Just kidding. Maybe PJ will draft him in the 4^th round to try to prove us wrong.

Some rookie WRs possibly worthy of bench spots due to team situations, but I wouldn’t pick them until they show their stuff in the preseason (that was when Marques Colston got on my radar)

Dwayne Bowe (KC), Anthony Gonzalez (IND), Steve Smith (Giants, and yes, the NFL is running out of names for its players. It's like franchise mode in Madden where they start randomly combining first and last names)

Tight End:

Greg Olsen could be worth a late round pick as a backup. Same with Zach Miller, who’ll be Russell’s safety outlet.

Kicker:

Rookie Kickers were drafted by KC, Dallas, and Green Bay. KC and Dallas have proven goal-line backs, so there may be less field goal opportunities there. The highest rated rookie kicker (according to ESPN), however, was selected by Green Bay. Without a proven goal-line back, he may be getting quite a few chances since GB can move it to the red zone.