Sudden impact

Many recently drafted rookies will have a profound effect on skill-position vets in 2000

By Michael Lev, Senior editor
As published in print April 20, 2000

Miami RB J.J. Johnson

Now that the NFL draft is over, we can turn our attention to the draft that really matters.

We’re talking about Fantasy Draft 2000, of course. At Pro Football Weekly, we believe it’s never too early to discuss and dissect fantasy football. With every pick in April’s selection meeting, we were silently slotting the rookies into our 2000 fantasy draft board, which will be updated on this web site in early May.

Not only does the NFL draft provide the fantasy world with an influx of new blood, but the selections also impact numerous veterans throughout the league. What follows is a team-by-team look at how the draft will affect the fantasy fortunes of those veteran players. The list does not include every team, as some teams did not draft players who will significantly impact their offenses this year.

Arizona — The addition of RB Thomas Jones should help QB Jake Plummer immensely. With a legitimate ground game, Plummer will feel a lot less pleasure. Barring a holdout or injury, Jones’ arrival renders holdover RB Michael Pittman virtually irrelevant in fantasy terms.

Baltimore — Whoever wins the QB derby — Tony Banks is the early-line favorite, though we believe Trent Dilfer is a worthwhile long shot — suddenly will be surrounded by top-flight skill-position talent. Rookie Travis Taylor instantly becomes the Ravens’ No. 1 receiver, reducing the value of Jermaine Lewis, Patrick Johnson and Qadry Ismail (assuming he re-signs). Jamal Lewis will carry the load at running back, so don’t expect much from Priest Holmes.

Cincinnati — QB Akili Smith’s stock improved when the Bengals took WR Peter Warrick with their first-round pick. The arrival of Warrick and Florida State teammate Ron Dugans means perpetually unhappy WR Carl Pickens may finally get his wish in the form of a ticket out of town. Fourth-round RB Curtis Keaton could have the edge over Michael Basnight and Ki-Jana Carter if Corey Dillon holds out.

Cleveland — While he isn’t a legit go-to guy, Dennis Northcutt improves Tim Couch’s WR arsenal, which was mainly a one-man show last season. Errict Rhett enters training camp as the No. 1 running back, but he will be challenged by third-round steal Travis Prentice, who could take over the job sometime in 2000. The starting running back on the Browns is a serviceable bench option in fantasy ball.

Detroit — RB James Stewart was a big winner on Draft Day. Not only did the Lions add a huge run-blocking offensive lineman in Stockar McDougle, but they didn’t take a running back with either of their first two picks, as had been widely speculated. If he stays healthy, Stewart looks like a lock for double-digit touchdowns.

Green Bay — QB Brett Favre needed weapons, and the Packers got him a tank in mammoth TE Bubba Franks, who should become an instant starter and provide Favre with the seam-busting threat he missed last year. The Packers also added another Favre protector in second-round OL Chad Clifton. A healthy Favre is a productive Favre.

Jacksonville — First-round WR R. Jay Soward won’t take playing time away from starters Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell. But Soward does provide an additional weapon for QB Mark Brunell, who has yet to have the breakout season many believe he is capable of having.

Kansas City — What the Chiefs didn’t do in the draft actually will have a greater impact on their fantasy players than what they did do. The addition of WR Sylvester Morris shouldn’t greatly affect the production of Derrick Alexander or Tony Gonzalez. But by not selecting a running back with their first-round pick, the Chiefs reaffirmed their faith in their incumbent backs, led by second-year man Mike Cloud and FB Tony Richardson.

Miami — Dave Wannstedt got some help for RB J.J. Johnson in the form of enormous ORT Todd Wade and pure blocking FB Deon Dyer. Dyer’s presence will free up Rob Konrad for more touches. He could become a goal-line running threat.

Minnesota — Those who assumed Robert Smith would score more touchdowns without Leroy Hoard around better think again. Third-round RB Doug Chapman just might take Hoard’s place as the short-yardage runner.

New England — J.R. Redmond will pose a serious challenge to veterans Raymont Harris and Kevin Faulk. Redmond could relegate Faulk to a third-down role, while Harris could land on the unemployment line.

N.Y. Giants — RB Ron Dayne should make QB Kerry Collins’ life a lot easier by providing the Giants with a legitimate ground game. With Dayne on board, Joe Montgomery and Tiki Barber are at best end-of-the bench fantasy options.

N.Y. Jets — TE Anthony Becht is expected to start over incumbent Fred Baxter, who becomes undraftable. By not taking a wideout in the first round, the Jets handed the No. 1 WR role to Wayne Chrebet, provided they don’t sign a veteran between now and training camp. Chrebet should get more catches, but he will also receive more double-team attention.

New Orleans — The Saints want their offense to resemble Denver’s, and FB Terrelle Smith could be the Howard Griffith to Ricky Williams’ Terrell Davis. Ricky wanted better blocking, and now he has it.

Oakland — Unless Sebastian Janikowski gets deported, PKs Michael Husted and Joe Nedney won’t be back. WR Jerry Porter could nudge out speedster James Jett, who has never been considered a good fit in the West Coast offense.

Philadelphia — WR Todd Pinkston gives young QB Donovan McNabb another receiving option, but the Eagles still lack a go-to guy at wide receiver or tight end.

Pittsburgh — The addition of WR Plaxico Burress should aid Kordell Stewart’s cause, if he keeps his job in training camp. Because of his height, Burress is a better scoring-league prospect than Troy Edwards. Burress’ arrival probably pushes Hines Ward to the bench.

San Francisco — Don’t be surprised if third-round QB Giovanni Carmazzi gets some playing time this season in place of Jeff Garcia, who is not considered San Francisco’s quarterback of the future. That’s not good news for 49ers WRs Terrell Owens, J.J. Stokes and Jerry Rice.

Seattle — If he doesn’t replace him outright, Shaun Alexander will at least spell Ricky Watters a lot more than the veteran back is used to. A RB rotation would have a greater effect on Watters in yardage leagues than in scoring leagues.

St. Louis — Before the drafting of speedy RB Trung Canidate, an injury to Marshall Faulk might have had a devastating effect on all of the Rams’ skill-position players. Now there shouldn’t be as significant a drop-off if Faulk misses a few games.

Washington — If OT Chris Samuels lives up to his billing, QB Brad Johnson has a much better chance of playing 16 games. And Jeff George is less likely to see significant minutes.

The Archives
2000 - 2001 Season