It’s not just a question of who you should draft. Equally important – who to avoid. I’m baffled every year when those plagued with injuries, handcuffs, contract disputes and mental instability are drafted as high as they are. Each time I have the chance to draft one of these bozos, there is always someone else equally talented who doesn’t have this baggage. I don’t understand how they maintain their draft value. A little too much dependency on the average draft position, I suspect. But the rankings don’t tell the full story. They just tell you when other uneducated fans drafted them. And they were probably drinking and drafting.
Don’t get me wrong, these are draftable players. But they are likely overrated for the risk they pose. So unless you can get them at a TJ-Maxx-like bargain, pick someone else.
Vikings receivers – While Sidney Rice emerged as Brett Favre’s favorite target (1,312 yards, 8 TDs), his ailing hip gives me reason to pause. Percy Harvin’s chronic headaches also concern me. Does this make Bernard Berrian a better pick? Perhaps a better value. But late, of course. And they’re all worth a gamble, but again, probably not where they’re currently ranked.
Vincent Jackson – Yikes! Things are getting nasty in San Diego. Jackson was insulted by the $3.27 million offer. OMG, Vincent! And because he didn’t sign the tender offer, the Chargers suspended him for the first three games. How does this fit with his other suspension, resulting from a DUI? Both suspensions could run concurrent with each other, but he would have to sign by September 4 or it turns into six weeks total. Confused yet? San Diego has also cleared the way for trade talks with Seattle. This could go so many ways, and none of them really that good. Without the drama, Jackson is easily a top-10 wideout. Unfortunately, he’s now outside the top 20. Malcom Floyd’s value suddenly increases.
The curse of the Denver running back – The last few years, there is an evil spell on Denver backs. And it continues this year. Likely starter Knowshon Moreno has hamstring issues, Correll Buckhalter has a sore back and LenDale White has an injured leg, and a four-game drug suspension. Moreno and Buckhalter can benefit your team, but Moreno shouldn’t be considered anything more than a No. 2 back, and Buckhalter a No. 3, although he could be a good value at the 3-spot.
DeSean Jackson – I love DeSean Jackson. I reached for him in last year’s draft in two leagues because I love him that much. And he performed to task. But I’m concerned about his chemistry with Kevin Kolb. Jackson led the league in receptions of 40 yards or more (10), but Kolb will likely play a little safer than McNabb did and the potential for the big play just isn’t there. Jackson is still a great player, but I see him taking a step back this year in terms of fantasy production. He’s currently the No. 10-12 receiver taken. I would put him around 15-18.
The Patriots island of misfit running backs – Where do I begin? Bill Belichick has assembled a crew of mediocre running backs and combine that with his haphazard method of choosing a starter, and it’s anyone’s guess who will be lead rusher. These aren’t good candidates anyway – Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and BenJarvis Green-Ellis. Maroney is likely the starter, but I have no confidence that will stick. And with a pass-first offense, does it really matter if we know who's starting?
The entire Bills offense – While Fred Jackson is the starter, what about C.J. Spiller? Spiller should start opening day, with Jackson banged up, but the job could go back to Jackson when he’s healthy. And what about Lee Evans, whose success rests in the hands of Trent Edwards? (don’t draft Edwards either). Spiller is a decent pick – just hard to predict how much he’ll play. Don’t draft him any earlier than the sixth round. And Jackson shouldn’t be drafted for anything other than a third RB or flex position. As for Evans, he should be considered a No. 3 wideout.
Dwayne Bowe – I actually think he’ll rebound, but he’s on this list because I’m too chicken to test him myself.
Sports Radio 610’s Fantasy Football Convention
Join Sports Radio 610 at Coaches in Katy this Friday at 7:30 p.m. SR610 will broadcast live beginning at 2 p.m. John McClain and I will join the rest of the crew at 7:30 for a panel discussion to help you with your fantasy questions. Hope to see you there!
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at ERSkelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 in Houston every Friday morning during the football season. And if you want more, more, more, check out Erin 's blog on FantasyPros911.
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