Fantasy Football Draft Guide

Fantasy football players on the upswing

August 14, 2008 @ 08:31:18

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Herija C. Green

Each season players find themselves in more favorable situations than the previous year(s). In this article we will identify those players and how they can help your fantasy teams in 2008.

Quarterbacks

Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins - Campbell (knee) looked to be making strides last year before a knee injury sidelined him for the final three-plus weeks. Prior to his injury, Campbell had completed more than 61 percent of his passes in three of four games. His first two 300-yard passing games also came during those four weeks. The Redskins have added three new targets in the passing game - tight end Fred Davis and wide receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly - as well as hiring new head coach Jim Zorn, who is expected to increase the passing offense this year. Campbell could have trouble transitioning to a new offense, but he has experience in the West Coast offense from his time at the University of Auburn. Draft Campbell as a high-upside No. 2 quarterback; though make sure to pair him with a veteran in case Campbell's potential does not translate into production.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers - The Green Bay faithful will see a new starter behind center this year. After three years of biding his time behind quarterback Brett Favre (New York Jets), Rodgers, a 2005 first-round draft pick, looks set to assume the starting duties. Rodgers should be stepping into an optimal situation for a first-year starter. The Packers possess a very good offensive line (only 19 sacks allowed last year), an improving ground game and one of the strongest receiving corps in the league. All this should make Rodgers' transition that much easier. He excelled in his only substantial playing time last year, completing 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown. Drafting Rodgers brings considerable risk due to some durability concerns and the still unresolved situation with Favre's possible return. However, he has great upside as a No. 2 quarterback.

Running backs

Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins - Don't be scared off by the six carries since 2005, Williams is a player to watch for in 2008. First-year head coach Tony Sparano says he sees potential in Williams, especially in his explosiveness in and out of the line of scrimmage. For his part, Sparano is a former offensive line coach who is trying to implement a run-first offense in Miami. There is some uncertainty at the position with starting halfback Ronnie Brown (knee) returning from a torn ACL. This could give Williams more utilizations, especially early in the season. Don't reach for Williams - he is still best drafted as a fourth back or handcuff for Brown - but if he falls on draft day, scoop him up. He could be a good candidate to sell high on early in the season if he jumps out to a quick start.

Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers - Injuries and poor performance gave Grant an opportunity last year, and the former Notre Dame back ended up running away with the starting job. His breakout performance came in Week 8 (104 yards on 22 carries), and he went on to rumble for 825 yards and eight touchdowns over the final nine weeks. He had four 100-yard games in that stretch and likely would have had another if he wasn't pulled after gaining 57 yards on six carries in the season finale. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers expected to assume duties behind center, Grant could be leaned on heavily until Rogers is established. Grant also runs behind a quality offensive line, not to mention, he managed 30 receptions in limited snaps last year so he could have more valuable in point-per-receptions league. Draft him as a strong No. 2 back with the potential to develop into a solid No. 1.

Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons - Turner makes the jump from being the backup with the San Diego Chargers to the man in Atlanta. The Falcons are expected to employ a run-first offense under new head coach Mike Smith and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. Mularkey's previous offenses (with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills) have consistently ranked among the league leaders in rushing attempts. Turner averaged 5.5 yards per carry during his four years in San Diego, and he is a great big-play threat with touchdowns of 74 and 83 yards in limited time. However, there is reason for concern with the Falcons poor offensive line and potentially inept passing game. Look to snag Turner as a solid No. 3 back with room for a decent reward.

Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills - New offensive coordinator Turk Schonert plans to open up the offense during his first season in Buffalo. After catching just 18 passes in 2007, Lynch is expected to be more involved in the passing game this season. His rushing was consistent in 2007 as Lynch had six games with at least 80 rushing yards in his final eight contests, which included a 153-yard, one-touchdown outburst in Week 9. Quarterback Trent Edwards enters camp as the starter and consistency could help the passing game. If the air attack improves, it should take some pressure off Lynch. Lynch has value as a strong No. 2 running back in point-per-reception leagues, though he is a borderline No. 1 option in standard formats.

Wide receivers

Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints - A disappointing rookie year saw Meachem placed on the inactive list for all 16 games. However, head coach Sean Payton has reportedly been impressed by Meachem's confidence and determination this offseason. The passing game has been the strength of the Saints offense during Payton's two years in New Orleans, averaging 4,409 passing yards and 616 passing attempts per season. Receiver Marques Colston is entrenched at one starting spot; however, they are far less certain on the other side. Meachem is expected to compete with wideouts David Patten and Devery Henderson for that spot. Meachem is not someone to draft early; however, if he wins a starting job in the Saints offense, he has value as a sixth receiver with considerable upside.

Roydell Williams, Tennessee Titans - Williams showed flashes of big-play potential with six catches of 20-plus yards and four catches of 40-plus yards last year. Last season was his first regular stint as a starter and with another offseason under his belt, there is reason to believe he will improve entering his fourth year. Improvement should also be expected from quarterback Vince Young, who will be working with new offensive Mike Heimerdinger. Heimerdinger was the coordinator who helped develop former Titans quarterback Steve McNair into one of league's better signal callers. Williams emerged as Young's favorite target last year with 55 receptions for 719 yards. Down the stretch, this proved to be the case even further. Williams led the Titans in receiving in four of the final five games, catching four passes or more four times. Williams should be viewed as a weak No. 4 receiver in most leagues.

Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings - Rice looks poised to break out as a solid fantasy threat this year after improved play - and some amazing catches - during his rookie season. At 6-foot-4 and with solid leaping ability, Rice presents a lanky target for expected starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. Rice is a solid big-play threat who caught two touchdowns from 40 yards or longer last year. With a dominating offensive line and All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson, defenses are forced to respect the run, which should open up the field for Rice. The addition of receiver Bernard Berrian (Chicago Bears) should open up the field even further. Rice is a potential breakout candidate and could be drafted as a solid No. 5 receiver with great upside.

Bryant Johnson, San Francisco 49ers - After playing third fiddle to wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin with the Arizona Cardinals, Johnson should finally have some room to establish himself as a top receiving threat in San Francisco. He averaged 44 receptions per season during his final four years in Arizona, and he scored six times in the last two despite the presence of the aforementioned receivers. Joining him in San Francisco is new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. During his two seasons with the Detroit Lions, Martz's offenses ranked near the top of the league with an average of 592 pass attempts per season. With no clear cut No. 1 receiver, Johnson has a decent shot at starting. In a pass-heavy offense such as Martz's, Johnson has great potential. Draft him as a No. 5 or No. 6 receiver with some upside.

Drew Bennett, St. Louis Rams - The departure of wide receiver Isaac Bruce (San Francisco 49ers) leaves Bennett as the No. 2 receiver in the Rams passing attack. Bennett racked up 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns during his breakout campaign in 2004, but he followed that up with back-to-back mediocre seasons. Bennett struggled in 2007, but with a new offensive coordinator in town, and Bruce's departure, things could be looking up. A healthy season from quarterback Marc Bulger, who started just 12 games last year, should also help Bennett. Wide receiver Torry Holt is an elite receiver and can draw double coverage, opening up the field for Bennett. Bennett has value as a weaker No. 4 receiver with decent upside.

Sam Hurd, Dallas Cowboys - After a forgettable rookie season, Hurd made strides during his sophomore year. Two of his best three games came during the final two weeks last year when he caught six passes for 114 yards. He has worked on bringing his weight up this offseason, adding nine pounds to his frame, which he hopes will increase his speed. With receiver Terry Glenn's status on the Cowboys in doubt, Hurd was splitting the first-team reps with fellow wideouts Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton during earlier team activities. He could emerge as the team's third receiver. Hurd isn't someone to consider until the final round of your draft, but he could give a decent return if taken as a sixth receiver.

Tight ends

Owen Daniels, Houston Texans - Daniels emerged as a solid receiving threat in 2007 after modest success during his rookie season. He caught at least three passes in 12 games and finished with more than 50 yards receiving in half of his games last year. Quarterback Matt Schaub should show some improvement after regularly starting for the first time in 2007. The presence of wide receiver Andre Johnson opens up the field as well. Without any other top-notch receivers on roster, Daniels could receive plenty of targets. He finished last year sixth at his position with 63 receptions. Entering his third season, Daniels could be ready to break out. If you are looking for a good value pick, consider Daniels a weak No. 1 tight end with upside.

Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos - Another third-year tight end on the list, Scheffler has been a solid late-season threat in the Denver offense the last two years. A foot injury has been a problem for the former second-round pick since breaking it in May 2007. However, his foot appears back to normal after wearing a protective boot earlier this offseason. Scheffler's two best months in the NFL have come during December - playoff time in most fantasy leagues. He had two seven-reception games in the final three weeks last year and finished with at least four receptions in four of his final six games. Quarterback Jay Cutler, another 2006 draftee, should show improvement in his third season as a pro. Scheffler is a weak No. 1 fantasy tight end in both regular and point-per-reception leagues.

Place kickers

Rob Bironas, Tennessee Titans - After failing to eclipse the 100-point mark in his first two seasons, Bironas obliterated that barrier with 133 points last year. His contributions came as he made 35 of his 39 kicks, both of which led the league. His leg strength is a bonus as he missed just two kicks in 15 attempts from 40-plus yards. His two other misses came from inside 30 yards. Bironas' biggest output came in Week 7 when he set a league record with eight field goals. Outside of that game, he attempted at least two field goals 12 times. Bironas has all the makings of a solid No. 1 kicker who gives good value late in drafts.

Defensive teams

Buffalo Bills - The Bills did not have any significant losses from their defensive unit last year. Instead, they added numerous pieces to the puzzle with the drafting of cornerback Leodis McKelvin, the signing of linebacker Kawika Mitchell (New York Giants) and the acquisition of defensive tackle Marcus Stroud (Jacksonville Jaguars). McKelvin is a big-time talent at the corner while the 310-pound Stroud should shore up a horrible run defense. Safeties Ko Simpson and Donte Whitner are a solid duo as the last line of defense. Over their final five games, the Bills defense registered 15 sacks (out of just 25 all year) and intercepted six passes (of 18), both of which ranked in the top 10 in the NFL during that stretch. Poor weather conditions could limit offenses that play in Buffalo late in the season. The Bills are just a weak No. 1 defense, but they could return plenty of upside for those that hold off on selecting their defensive unit until the final round.

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Author Bio

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.