ProFootballCentral.com

 

By PFC Writer Daniel Johns
           
There are quite a few top tier position players that you may find yourself debating on whom to take ahead of the other.  Two quarterbacks have been consistently dominating the fantasy points every year, so who do you take Tom Brady or Peyton Manning? 

If you want a star WR early in the draft, do you go Randy Moss or Terrell Owens?  What about the most coveted position to pick early in every draft since the beginning of time, the running backs, LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson?  Well there are a lot of good position battles this year to think about, but one clear cut choice in the 2008 NFL Fantasy Draft is – pick LT first!
Studs to Draft in 2008 (by individual position rankings)

RB’s

1. LaDainian Tomlinson                    San Diego Chargers

            Tomlinson should be the clear cut choice if you are drafting first overall and why?  Well the stats don’t lie.  In his 7 year career, he has always had double digit touchdowns and never rushing below 1,236 yards (and that was his rookie year!)  He’s tough as nails as he seems to never miss any time over his career.  He is a sure lock to put into your fantasy lineup every week no matter who the Chargers face.  Not only is he the ultimate fantasy threat (not to mention one of the best players in the entire NFL), but he does more for your team than just run and score TD’s.  Tomlinson is also considered a very dangerous receiving threat (which is a major plus for any RB), as he has caught 458 balls with 14 TD’s received since joining the league. 

 This all goes without mentioning he isn’t scared to throw the ball once and while either.  He has 8 career completions, 7 of them going for TD’s.  Bottom line, dude is a playmaker who can run, catch and pass.  Draft him first overall if you find yourself lucky enough to have that pick.  Enough said.

2. Adrian Peterson                             Minnesota Vikings

            Adrian Peterson has all the tools and ability to be the “next” Tomlinson.  In fact he can be a younger version of the superstar RB.  So why not take him before LT?  Well, basically he’s still unproven.  He had a sensational rookie campaign, and arguably (besides receiving numbers) had better overall numbers than LT had in his rookie season of 2001.  Even so, with all things considered, Peterson throughout college and even in his first year in the pros has proved he can be injury prone.  When healthy he is highly effective and is quickly becoming the young Ken Griffey of Football (or other words, everyone’s favorite player).  He’s heading into 2009, after his rookie campaign) averaging 95.8 yards a game (also better than LT last year). 

However, the Chargers got rid of Michael Turner and the Vikings still have former starter Chester Taylor who will cut into Peterson’s carries, as they may do some time splitting, especially if Peterson get’s banged up again.

3. Brian Westbrook                           Philadelphia Eagles

            Well this is interesting because most fantasy players out there will shy away from picking him 3rd and go with Steven Jackson instead, but not only is that risky but it could be stupid.  I for one like Jackson this year and want to draft him if I get the chance, but if your sitting at the 3rd pick, Westbrook has to be the safer choice at this point.  Yes, Westbrook misses at least a game or more a season, but when he’s healthy and out there, he is undoubtedly the best Eagle on the field and their leading play maker.  The last 2 years he has rushed for over 1,000 yards and last year caught a career high 90 catches.  He is not a huge TD threat, but when you combine his rushing skills with his catching skills and his shifty ability of run-after-the-catch, he has all the fantasy tools you’ll need to lead your RB corps.

4. Steven Jackson                              St. Louis Rams

            I as many do, predict a comeback year for S-Jax.  After an injury-filled, disappointing season for himself and his entire club, the year of 2007 is a year that Jackson , the Rams and their fans will soon want to forget.  Jackson is no doubt the workhorse of the offense and new offensive coordinator Al Saunders, has vowed to use him similar to how he used Priest Holmes back in the day.  So that should be good news for Jackson and great news for fantasy teams out there.  Not to mention, the Rams tried to bolster their line with the free agent signing of former Titan, Guard Jacob Bell.  Jackson is a power-horse, run right at you type of runner that probably won’t last 10 + years in the league because of it, but as for now, he is in his prime and you should take full advantage of it, by drafting him in top 5 in your fantasy draft. 

5. Joseph Addai                                  Indianapolis Colts

            I had the pleasure of drafting him last year in my fantasy draft (along with Brian Westbrook, above, with my back-to-back picks.)  My RB’s were set right off the bat with that duo.  Addai didn’t find the end zone in only 4 of the 15 games he played.  All the rest he either scored a rushing TD or a receiving TD.  He was literally the only fantasy RB last year on the Colts depth chart, but that changes this year, as they re-signed Dominic Rhodes.  However, Addai will still be in the backfield with Peyton quite a lot (which is always great thing), however be aware late in the season.  Week’s 16 and 17 he rarely saw any snaps as the Colts had already locked up a playoff seed; and judging by the Colts record resume, you may want a viable backup option (hint, hint Rhodes) incase Addai is rested again, especially since most fantasy football super bowls happen in either Week 16 or 17 of the NFL season.

6. Frank Gore                         San Francisco 49ers

            Gore is set to have a monster year, if all things pan out.  He finally has an offensive-crazy minded coordinator in Mike Martz, who has already claimed that Gore will be the centerpiece in the Niners attack.  This should bold well for Gore-owners in fantasy this year, as he remains a double threat to run and also catch the rock.  The 49ers are poised to get back to respectability, after such high expectations last year ended in disappointment.  But beware, Gore is injury prone and coming off a somewhat statistical disappointing season, but don’t let that scare you away from taking him late in the first round.  All things considered, Gore is in for a career year in that new Mike Martz offense, making him a viable starting RB to take heading into the 2008 fantasy season.

7. Marion Barber                               Dallas Cowboys

            Well Barber can be classified as the definition of a “stud player.”  Just be glad you don’t have to be a defender trying to stop this guy.  He will run you over, and probably run back to run you over again before he takes off.  He loves contact and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder at any defender who dare’s stand in his way.  Bottom line, he’s been the career backup on Dallas thus far, yet still produces starting numbers; which will translate into the 2008 season because he now is officially the starter since Julius Jones has departed to Seattle .  Marion “The Barbarian” will infact split some time with new rookie Felix Jones, and it is yet to be seen if Barber can carry the load as full starter through the entire year, but he still warrants a late 1st round pick in every fantasy football format. 

            Other Notable “Stud RB’s To Draft”: 8. WSH Clinton Portis, 9. BUF Marshawn Lynch and 10. KC Larry Johnson

WR’s

1. Randy Moss                                   New England Patriots

            Randy Moss is a TD machine (23 in ’07) which should warrant him the obvious number 1 choice at wide receiver.  Surprisingly, what went under the radar is that he didn’t even lead his team with receptions that was Wes Welker who had 14 more catches than Moss.  Even still, as long as Moss has a man named Brady as his QB; Moss is the number 1 fantasy WR in the game.  Teams will do their best to double team him as much as possible this year now knowing what he is fully capable of; however don’t let that defer you from picking Moss late in the first round as your number 1 WR option.  Some one surely will act upon stealing him as quickly as possible, so in case you don’t want to stretch past a viable RB for a WR, then there are plenty of other WR’s out there, in by far fantasy’s deepest position every year.  But if you just have to have New England’s number 1 scoring threat then snag him up in the mid to later stages of round number 1.

2. Terrell Owens                    Dallas Cowboys

            Just like Brady to Moss, Romo to Owens ain’t too shabby in their own right.  In fact since Tony Romo took over the starting role of the Dallas Cowboys, no one has flourished more than T.O.  Romo and Owens hooked up 15 times for scores (81 total catches) last year good for 1,355 yards.  Owens seems to show his age on the field as he will turn 35 in December.  But he’s definitely not slowing down anytime soon.  He will be Dallas ’s number one red zone and deep threat target in that high-powered offense of Jason Garrett.  If you can’t go without having a top tier WR in your fantasy draft, and someone else quickly snatches up Moss before your turn, well don’t be shy to pull the trigger on Owens either in the later stages of the first round or early second.

3. Reggie Wayne                   Indianapolis Colts

            If you go look at Reggie’s receptions since being drafted back in 2001, you’ll see every year a rise in numbers.  27, 49, 68, 77, 83, 86, 104.  Now with the questions that surround Peyton’s favorite target Marvin Harrison, Wayne is in line to be the new favorite target in-town.  It’s not out of the question that Wayne can continue to improve on his reception totals this year and even eclipse 104+.  Whether or not Harrison regains to his usual self, Wayne still remands one of the safest fantasy choice options.  The Colts are no stranger’s to passing the ball, and Wayne should be targeted the most, while other role players like Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark should help take the heat off Wayne and keep defenders at bay.  The key components to setting Moss, Owens and Wayne above all the rest, is they all have the 3 best QB’s in the league, and certainly that pay’s enormous dividends. 

4. Andre Johnson                   Houston Texans

            Well the reason I rate Johnson a tad bit higher than Braylon Edwards, is because Cleveland certainly has more options at offense in both the running and receiving game, and outside of Johnson, Houston doesn’t have a whole lot in fantasy terms.  Andre Johnson was on pace for a career year last year.  He started the year with 14 catches, 3 TDS and 162 yards receiving in the first 2 weeks of the season; but then sprained his PCL, which cost him to miss a good portion of the beginning and middle of the season.  However, Johnson came back with strong performances to end the year and a respectfully stat line when it was all said and done.  He already seemingly has been developing a good bond between Texans QB Matt Shaub, which could translate into a monster season this year, pending on injuries.  Johnson should be picked from rounds 2-4 depending on how big your league is.

5. Braylon Edwards                            Cleveland Browns

            It was a tough choice between he and Andre Johnson (see above) to who should be picked higher in fantasy.  Both receivers are legit number 1 options and obvious play makers.  Both WR’s are big in frame and are dangerous deep threats.  With the development last year of surprise break out QB Derek Anderson, Edwards should pick up right where he left off.  Cleveland ’s offense is growing and turning into a pass first team, with Edwards being the number 1 target once again.  He’s coming off a career year last year in receptions, yards and TD’s.  He saw the biggest jump in his TD’s as he had 16 after only 9 in 2 years.  He looks to build upon last year’s breakout performances, as he build a relationship with Anderson and the boys in orange.  Same as above - should be picked from rounds 2-4 depending on how big your league is.

6. Larry Fitzgerald                             Arizona Cardinals

            He probably would even be rated higher than Braylon (above) if it wasn’t for the sketchy QB situation in Arizona .  Fitz has seen 4 different starting quarterbacks in his early 4 year career (McCown, King, Warner and Leinart).  However his stats don’t seem to transcend that fact.  At the tender age of 25, he is in the prime of his career and still improving.  Fitz has already established himself as an excellent route runner, and although he lacks breakaway speed, his vertical leap can out jump the best of them.  He just cashed in on a fat off-season contract to remain in the Desert, where he’s had already a phenomenal career.  He surpassed his teammate, Anquan Boldin, as the sure-fire number 1 receiving threat for the “Red Birds” (which isn’t an easy thing to do). 

Now if Arizona and coach Ken Whisenhunt could settle down and pick a starting QB than that offense should be in business.  They invested a lot in Leinart picking him 10th overall in the 2006 draft, but bottom line is old-vet Kurt Warner has been out performing him.  At this point, it seems it doesn’t matter too much who throws the rock for Fitz, he’s still going to produce and give your fantasy squad solid numbers week in and week out.  Lock him up between rounds 3-4.

7. Steve Smith                        Carolina Panthers

            For the past couple of years, Carolina ’s Steve Smith has been highly tainted as the number 1 WR to select in fantasy drafts.  However, with Jake Delhomme getting banged up combined with Smith missing sometime himself, he drops a little bit down the list of best available WR’s in fantasy.  But let’s not kid ourselves, he still is a legitimate number 1 WR and still out to prove he is the best in the game.  He may not have the build as TO, Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson or Braylon Edwards, but what he lacks in size he makes up plenty in catching, speed, shiftiness and breakaway ability.  He is the definition of a playmaker.  He used to be a dangerous weapon returning balls in the special teams department, but now he’s almost exclusively a playmaking wide receiver. 

 If Delhomme can stay healthy coming back from a year after Tommy John surgery, then there’s no reason Smith can jump up this list and become the 3rd best WR stat wise in the league.  So consider this almost like a sleeper/steal pick as you can probably get him between rounds 3-4.

            Other Notable “Stud WR’s” To Draft: 8. CIN T.J. Houshmandzadeh, 9. NO Marques Colston and 10. ST.L. Torry Holt

QB’s

1. Tom Brady                         New England Patriots

            Well these QB rankings are going solely off stats in this case, because I personally think Peyton Manning is the better all-around best QB in the league.  But fact is Brady (aka Mr. Savvy) has done so much with incredibly far-less than Manning.  Example, over the years Manning has put up monster numbers with players like Harrison, Wayne, Stokley and James.  Brady although his monster season came when Moss arrived, still put up Hall-of-Fame worthy numbers with targets such as Troy Brown, David Givens, Jabar Gaffney, Kyle Brady and Antwain Smith, respectfully.  So, point being Tom “Superhero” Brady has done a lot with no legitimate playmakers on offense.  That was until Randy Moss came to town, and suddenly Brady throws 50 TD’s with 300 Yards Passing Per Game!  Those numbers are nearly unheard of.  A “monster” year for Brady would be an understatement all-together, heck even “dominating” would be; I mean you don’t get voted NFL MVP for nothing. 

So proving that Brady can outshine Manning’s wonderful numbers now with a legitimate number 1 option at his disposal, Brady should be the clear cut leading QB taken off the fantasy board.  Someone will get cute and take him 3rd overall, (but realistically you could nab him in the middle of the first rounds) and the early stages of the first round is supposed to be designed to take only RB’s exclusively, but this QB (and the next on the list) can be the ONLY exceptions; because for as many fantasy points as he scored last year, why not?!

2. Peyton Manning                             Indianapolis Colts

            Peyton is my choice for best overall QB, but Brady get’s the nod in fantasy land.  Well, in fact Brady is the first QB to dethrone Manning of the number 1 fantasy QB since … well … Manning’s been number 1 for too long to even remember?!  I mean probably since 1998 (his rookie season), when (if you even played fantasy back then) Brett Favre seemed like the viable choice for best QB to pick in fantasy.  Peyton Manning has been blessed throughout his career with a good, no great supporting cast.  When Marvin Harrison was in his prime, the combination duo of Manning to Harrison was nearly unstoppable, as they climbed their way up the charts of biggest QB to WR duo.  It’s not like it end’s outside of Harrison, Peyton still has Reggie Wayne who at age 29 is still in his prime. 

Dallas Clark has made strides as a go-to Tight End in this league and Manning always seems to have a legit RB at his disposal whether it’s Marshall Faulk, Edgerrin James or Joseph Addai.  Bottom line, Manning never gets hurt and is the best signal caller in the game and owns the persona of having the best field general (awareness) of all the other QB’s.  He’s got a good pedigree background as his father and brother all played(s) Quarter Back in the NFL.  Manning is no doubt heading to Canton , Ohio when it’s all said and done, but until then lock him up as your # 1 QB if you want consistent numbers and consistent play.  He should be drafted soon after Brady so look for him to be available for you mid-late in the first round of any fantasy draft.

3. Tony Romo                         Dallas Cowboys

            Romo burst onto the scene in 2005 after the bad play by Drew Bledsoe.  He instantly became a fan favorite in Fort Worth Texas and with Owner Jerry Jones.  As for Bill Parcells he left soon after and in came current head coach Wade Phillips.  Dallas even persuaded Jason Garrett (A former backup QB in Dallas ) to become the new OC, and quite possibly the future head coach.  It has done wonders for Romo’s production as he hurled 36 TD’s (2nd in the league, behind only Brady) with almost half of those going to T.O. in ’07..  He’s a gunslinger and no doubt will take a lot of chances. As for the Cowboys biggest need going into the off-season, other than defensive back’s which they addressed, was the wide receiver depth.  However, the latter they did not address as Owens and Terry Glenn are both 34 years old. 

 There other WR’s include Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd, but both aren’t considered starting talent for the future.  Either way Romo has plenty of targets for the near future and two really big ones in Owens and Tight End Jason Witten, who he uses as his security blanket down the middle.  He has the luxury of playing in a brand new state of the art stadium and should continue the impressive numbers he posted last year … that is only if Jessica Simpson doesn’t attend any home games.  He should be selected anywhere in the third round of your fantasy draft.

4. Drew Brees                                    New Orleans Saints

            Drew Brees quietly broke the NFL record for most completions with 440.  His season really went under the radar due to the awful start of the ’07 campaign.  In the first 5 weeks of the season, Brees had a 1 TD to 9 INT ratio.  But as expected he bounced back and even though he finished with 18 INT’s he did also have 28 TD’s.  Fact remains, Brees is on one of the more potent if not most potent offensives in the league, and as long as Sean Payton is the head coach, he still will be chucking up Hail Mary’s.  When healthy the Saints have a dangerous one-two punch at Running Back with the two-headed monster of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.  They provide a change up every once and while, but the Saints are a pass first team, and Brees loves his connection with former 6th round draft pick, Marques Colston. 

If Robert Meachem can get healthy this season, he could be in line for a sleeper type of year.  Bottom line, Brees is a top 5 QB in the NFL and so should be drafted either right before or right after Romo, somewhere in the 3rd round.

5. Ben Roethlisberger                       Pittsburgh Steelers

            Big Ben is finally in the top 5 of the QB rankings … Well depending on how you rank him next to Carson Palmer.  Both QB’s should post similar stats to one another, and the only reason I am ranking Big Ben ahead of Palmer is because of all the drama in Cincinnati this off-season.  He still has his reliable veteran target in Hines Ward and up-and-coming star and deep-threat Santonio Holmes.  On top of that, he has the also up-and-coming Tight End Heath Miller, who could be in line for a very stellar year, as Roethlisberger frequents him often in the red zone.  After never throwing more than 18 TD’s in a given season, he tossed a career high 32 in ’07.  His break out year has many fantasy football experts jumping on his bandwagon and being 4th among QB’s in rushing yards certainly does help his stock in fantasy.  His stock keeps soaring as he continues to develop in Pittsburgh .  With that all in mind, Big Ben should be selected at some point in round # 4.

6. Carson Palmer                               Cincinnati Bengals

            Palmer threw a league high 20 INT’s last year, but still managed to have a solid year, although it was mediocre by his terms.  He called out his coaching staff and his players last year.  The off-season has been hampered by Chad Johnson’s drama of wanting out of Cincy and then back in.  These are all major red flags heading into the 2008 season for the Bengals, but don’t count out Palmer’s production.  He has been a solid QB since he was first inserted into the lineup.  He has two major weapons at his disposal which include Ocho-Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh; so touchdowns shouldn’t come at a premium.  He can be relied on as at least a 20+ touchdown QB and should is in the top tier of the QB rankings.  Pick him around the same spot as Big Ben around the 4th round.

7. Derek Anderson                            Cleveland Browns

            Well is it a conscience that the last 3 QB’s listed are all from the same division in the AFC North?  Well in a division usually dominated by Pittsburgh , all of the sudden there is some extra competition, in that of the Cleveland Browns.  Anderson started out as a 6th round draft choice by Baltimore as their 3rd string, and then headed over to Cleveland to battle time with Charlie Frye.  For whatever the reason, Cleveland finally took a chance on Anderson and took Frye out of the acquisition.  He then excelled as the full time starter after completing 298 passes for 3,787 yards and 29 TD’s..  However, before his break out year, they drafted home town hero Brady Quinn in the off-season to give more competition to Anderson .  If at any moment he would struggle you could sense they would call on Quinn’s name at a moments notice. 

However, Anderson never did struggle and posted very respectable numbers in his first full year as the starter.  The Dawg Pound has a lot to be excited for with their new revamp offense and two young talented QB’s on their squad.  It was talks during the season that maybe Anderson could have been trade bait and let Quinn run the team, but it’s getting a little harder to just cancel out Anderson at this juncture.  He is a good sleeper pick but with Quinn waiting in the wings, Anderson’s value will take a slight hit making him a borderline # 1 fantasy QB, so pick him between rounds 4 and 5. 
           
Other Notable “Stud QB’s” To Draft: 8. SEA Matt Hasselbeck, 9. Donovan McNabb and 10. ST.L. Marc Bulger

TE’s

1. Antonio Gates                                San Diego Chargers

            He has remained as the best fantasy TE in the league once Tony G was out of his prime.  However, Gates had an up and down year which ended in toe surgery after it took him out of the Wild Card playoff victory over Tennessee .  Even still 75 catches and 9 TD’s are great for a Tight End.  Gates is always a big threat in the red zone and this former high school basketball player has mad hops considering his size.  He’s a well-rounded TE and still remains the best one available heading into 2008.  Now the TE position in fantasy is a tricky one.  There really isn’t a clear cut strategy on when to draft them, so usually someone will pick one ex/ Gates or Gonzalez out of nowhere anywhere between rounds 4 and 5.  So if you want the best TE in the game and red zone scoring machine, then gobble up Gates before someone else pulls the trigger.

2. Jason Witten                                  Dallas Cowboys

            The gap is closing on Gates, as Witten is making a push at becoming the best all around TE in the business.  He already surpassed Tony Gonzalez (in fantasy terms) which not many can say in their career.  Witten set franchise records in Dallas for catches and yardage by a tight end last year.    In Week 15 against Detroit he tied an NFL record for most catches in a game by a tight end with 15!  He finished the year catching a career high 7 TD’s from Romo after only 1 in ’06.  He once again should be in line for a lot of looks from his QB and should only continue his stellar play in coming seasons.  He’s a star rising in Big D; and should be selected quickly after Gates so if you rather have Witten keep your eyes open.

3. Kellen Winslow                              Cleveland Browns

            Well if there is one concern and one only with Winslow, is his laundry list of injuries.  However, those days seem a thing of the past, after a slow start to his promising career due to certain “off the field activities” and hampering injuries, he finally has brought his game together.  Now Winslow is the corner stone of the high-powered Cleveland offense.  Some project Winslow to be a 90 catch guy this season and sprinkle in 5 or so TD’s and you have yourself a superstar fantasy tight end.  He’s starting a rapport with new QB Derek Anderson so the skis the limit.  He still belongs in the top tier of the TE rankings so once the two top talented TE’s are selected, go ahead and grab Winslow in round #4 or 5.

4. Tony Gonzalez                                Kansas City Chiefs

            If you look up the words “Fantasy Tight End” in the dictionary, their should be a picture of Tony G.  He has been the poster child and/or symbol of what a fantasy star tight end should be.  But unlike Gates, Witten and Winslow who are all in their mid to late 20’s, Gonzalez is 32 heading into the new season.  Now although that isn’t old, it sure seems like he has been around for awhile.  He is heading into his 12th season but don’t let his age fool you..  He’s coming off a 99 catch and 1,172 yard performance in ’07; and that’s after allegations assuming he would take more of blocking role than he is accustomed too because of the aging Kansas City offensive line.   He should eclipse by far the 10,000 yard mark from a TE and have close if not more than 70 touchdowns in his career by season’s end.  Even dropping to a # 4 ranking, the dude is still a stud worth picking.  He should be drafted around the same time as Winslow (give or take) sometime in round #4 or 5 as well.

5. Chris Cooley                                  Washington Redskins

            Here’s my first shocker in ranking the TE’s as most people have Indy’s Dallas Clark going at the #5 spot.  Well fact is, Cooley has been as “cool as the other side of the pillow” and Mr. consistent.  The last 3 years Cooley has had anywhere from 50+ to 60+ to 70+ catches, all three years within the 700 yard range and 7, 6 and 8 on TD totals respectfully the past 3 seasons.  Yup, he is the definition of consistent.  All this coming from being on an offense stacked with receivers, a good run game and a mediocre quarterback.  Because he’s good for consistent yet productive numbers, that’s why I give him the slight nod over Clark .  Go and ahead and pick up Cooley anywhere between rounds 5 and 6.
6. Dallas Clark                                   Indianapolis Colts

            Last year was a great time to own Dallas Clark in fantasy in fact it was the best time to do so.  After being a borderline top tier TE, pushing the mid-range area for awhile, he has leaped into a legit # 1 fantasy option after the career year he posted in ’07.  Through his first 4 years, he scored 14 combined TD’s.  In 2007 alone it rose to 11.  Many thought Clark was due for such a breakout year and he finally got it, with high hopes to build on.  With Harrison out a good portion of the year, Clark flourished as the second option behind WR Reggie Wayne.  With Harrison once again in doubt heading into the new season, Clark should build on those numbers or at least come close to matching them, that’s why he should be taken also around the 5th and 6th rounds of your fantasy draft.

7. Todd Heap                          Baltimore Ravens

            Ahh, how soon we forget.  After a few injury plagued seasons here and there, Heap often gets overlooked not only in fantasy but in terms of naming the top tier tight ends in the game.  Now he has slipped undoubtedly through injuries but not because of performance.  At 6’5 252 lbs, Heap is a beast and always a threat in the red zone.  Judging by Baltimore ’s lack of receiving talent, Heap continues to be the main target in purple and black.  Heap looks to rebound from last years disappointing injury shortened season, and should get back to where he normally finishes in the 60 catch, 5 TD range.  Take a chance on Heap anywhere between rounds 6-8, as he may fall a ways in your fantasy draft.

            Other Notable “Stud TE’s” To Draft: 8. PIT Heath Miller, 9. NYG Jeremy Shockey and 10. SF Vernon Davis

            Well that sums up the “Studs You’ll Want Too Draft This Year”.  There are many interesting skill position players that can be debated either way, so just remember to be smart and pick accordingly.  Only the Colts and Cowboys had skill position players in at least the top 7 rankings of all the main four fantasy positions.  Up next on the “Fantasy Football Outlook”, I’ll cover certain draft strategies, hand-cuff players and events that play-out when picking in your live draft formats, to possibly help prepare you or give you the edge over your opponents.