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Browns RB
William Green
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The NFL draft is a big deal. What other annual event merits almost 20 hours of TV
coverage over a two-day span?
But in the minds of many, the NFL draft is merely a precursor to the bigger draft
— the fantasy football draft. That said, the two go hand in hand.
A number of players drafted by NFL teams will affect the fortunes of current pro
players and their fantasy values. So, from a fantasy perspective, we decided to take an
early look at those teams that could quickly feel the impact of their rookie classes.
Atlanta — The first-round selection of RB T.J. Duckett could
spell the end of Jamal Anderson. But that won’t solve the Warrick Dunn issue. The
Falcons signed Dunn to a six-year, $28.5 million contract, and Dunn is expecting to be the
featured back. However, he’s yet to prove he can carry the load over 16 games. We
expect Duckett to become the Falcons’ top fantasy back, if for no other reason than
his potential near the goal line.
Baltimore — With little proven talent at wide receiver,
fourth-round pick Ron Johnson could surprise. He has great size, is strong and physical
and was the go-to guy at Minnesota. Travis Taylor and Brandon Stokley are 1-2 on the
Ravens’ depth chart, but what have they done?
Buffalo — Perhaps the Bills knew exactly what they were doing
when they chose OT Mike Williams first and WR Josh Reed second, because lo and behold,
here comes Drew Bledsoe. Suddenly, Bledsoe is a borderline fantasy starter again thanks to
an upgraded offensive line and a bolstered receiving corps, tight ends included.
Carolina — Currently, Lamar Smith is the Panthers’ top
running back, but DeShaun Foster could change that. The second-round pick has all the
tools, but he needs to protect the ball better. Smith is coming off a down year, during
which he averaged only 3.1 yards per carry.
Chicago — The Bears didn’t draft any significant
skill-position players, but their No. 1 pick could impact the passing game. OT Marc
Colombo is expected to become the starting left tackle, and if he doesn’t catch on
quickly, injury-prone QBs Jim Miller and Chris Chandler could be in trouble.
Cincinnati — With Tony McGee out of the picture, third-round pick
Matt Schobel has a chance to emerge at tight end. Schobel has great size and speed and
catches the ball well, but he had some injury problems last season. The Bengals have so
little experience at the position that competition for the starting job appears to be wide
open.
Cleveland — The Browns’ merry-go-round of running backs came
to a screeching halt upon William Green’s selection in Round One. Cleveland still has
a stable of rushers in James Jackson, Jamel White and J.J. Johnson, but Green is the most
complete of them all. Speedy WR Andre Davis, the team’s second-round pick, could
challenge Quincy Morgan for the No. 2 spot opposite Kevin Johnson.
Dallas — WR Antonio Bryant is currently third on the
Cowboys’ depth chart, but he makes a fine complement to starters Joey Galloway and
Raghib Ismail. The second-round pick has good size and better pass-catching skills. Of
course, much of the passing game’s success will hinge on the development of
second-year QB Quincy Carter.
Denver — Given the depth at their positions, it’s hard to
imagine WR Ashley Lelie and RB Clinton Portis posting big fantasy numbers this season. In
their favor, though, are the recent injuries suffered by those ahead of them (see WRs Ed
McCaffrey and Rob Moore and RBs Terrell Davis and Olandis Gary).
Detroit — Incumbent Mike McMahon will enter training camp as the
starting quarterback, but how long he holds the job remains to be seen. Joey Harrington is
the better talent, but it will take some for him to learn the team’s West Coast
offense. If all goes well, Harrington is the Lions’ quarterback of the future.
Detroit’s TE position is up in the air, but neither draftee (John Owens and Matt
Murphy) figures to start.
Green Bay — Right now, first-round pick Javon Walker is third on
the Packers’ WR depth chart (assuming Antonio Freeman doesn’t return). But if
Robert Ferguson continues to struggle and Walker catches on quickly, those two could
switch roles. Walker has great size and can get deep, and he’ll have Brett Favre
throwing to him.
Houston — Top pick David Carr will be the starting quarterback
sooner than later. The fact he was studying the Texans’ playbook months before Draft
Day is a plus. Second-round pick Jabar Gaffney could become one of Houston’s top two
wideouts. He was extremely productive at Florida and has all the tools. Fourth-rounder
Jonathan Wells is a big back who runs with power. He could supplant James Allen as the
starter. They all should benefit from a fine offensive line that now has depth.
Miami — The Dolphins have been in need of a true pass-catching
tight end, and fourth-round pick Randy McMichael could fit the bill. He has good hands and
a feel for the passing game. Fifth-round pick Sam Simmons could contribute as a return
man.
Minnesota — They may have wanted DT Ryan Sims instead, but the
Vikings should be just as happy with OT Bryant McKinnie, their first-round pick. McKinnie
should step right in at left tackle and help stabilize a patchwork offensive line. That
should mean better protection for QB Daunte Culpepper, who suffered through a sophomore
slump last season.
New England — Cam Cleeland’s history of injury and Christian
Fauria’s lack of production means TE Daniel Graham could see a lot of playing time.
The Patriots traded up 11 spots to grab him, and rightfully so. Graham was rated right
behind top TE Jeremy Shockey. Second-round pick Deion Branch doesn’t figure to see
much action behind Troy Brown, Donald Hayes and David Patten.
New Orleans — He might not beat out Joe Horn or Jerome Pathon for
a starting job right away, but Donté Stallworth will see a lot of time as the
Saints’ third wideout. The first-round pick is a big-play maker who could benefit
from QB Aaron Brooks’ improvisational skills.
N.Y. Giants — The Giants wanted TE Jeremy Shockey badly, so you
have to believe they’ll utilize him. With WR Joe Jurevicius and his 51 receptions
from last season gone, there are catches to be had. WR Tim Carter’s selection in
Round Two means Ron Dixon is on notice.
N.Y. Jets — Chris Baker was a very good pass-catching tight end
at Michigan State, but he doesn’t figure to pose a serious threat to Anthony Becht,
who caught five TD passes last season.
Oakland — Second-round pick Doug Jolley has been likened in some
ways to Jeremy Shockey. The Raiders have been disappointed in starting TE Roland Williams
since his arrival via trade in 2001, and Jolley could challenge for the job.
Philadelphia — Third-round pick Brian Westbrook could be RB Duce
Staley’s replacement one day. Though he played against Division II competition,
Westbrook dominated, and he showed he could play with the big boys at the Senior Bowl.
Pittsburgh — Second-round pick Antwaan Randle El can do it all,
but he’ll probably serve as a return man and slot receiver. He shouldn’t pose a
threat to WRs Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward.
San Diego — The Chargers are high on Trevor Gaylor and they gave
Tim Dwight a big contract, but third-round pick Reche Caldwell could still see playing
time. At Florida, Caldwell was neck and neck with Jabar Gaffney in the production
department. Many question whether Dwight can hack it as a regular receiver.
San Francisco — Jose Cortez missed 7-of-25 field-goal attempts
last season and had four blocked. Enter Jeff Chandler, a fourth-round pick who could win
the 49ers’ PK job.
Seattle — With so little production coming from the TE position,
the Seahawks need first-round pick Jerramy Stevens to stay out of trouble and produce.
He’s a huge target with good hands, and Mike Holmgren’s West Coast offense
should suit him fine.
Tampa Bay — WR Marquise Walker has a lot of bodies in front of
him, but the third-round pick has size, is aggressive and makes plays. Fourth-round pick
Travis Stephens was very productive in college, but he shouldn’t surpass either RB
Michael Pittman or FB Mike Alstott.
Washington — First-round pick Patrick Ramsey could be the
Redskins’ quarterback of the future. But he’ll have to learn Steve
Spurrier’s offense first. Expect second-round pick Ladell Betts to become RB Stephen
Davis’ backup. |
