July 6th Post #3

Well, I completed my first Fantasy Football draft the other day, so I figured I should inform my public of my picks...and see if I get any feedback.

Round One Selection (5th overall): RB Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers --- I am expecting big things from Gore this year (obviously). New offensive coordinator Mike Martz says he plans to turn Gore into the same type of player Marshall Faulk was in the "Greatest Show on Turf." This pick had a bit of risk to it though, as Gore struggled last year with injuries and consistancy. I picked Gore over players like Tom Brady and Joseph Addai, so he had better put up big numbers, or I could look like a fool.

Round Two Selection (16th overall): WR Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts --- Yes, I could have gone with the second RB, but at the time there were no big names that jumped out at me. So, I took a guy who led the NFL in receiving yards, along with 10 TDs. Wayne's production could detiorate if Marvin Harrison returns to form, but that is a risk I like.

Round Three Selection (25th overall): RB Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns --- I had Carson Palmer targeted, but he came off the board two picks before me, so I settled for Lewis. But, how can you "settle" for a guy who had 1300 yards and 9 TDs last year. I never have been a big fan, but Cleveland has the potential to be outstanding on the offensive side of the ball, and Lewis will be a big part.

Round Four Selection (36th overall): WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals --- It was either Housh or Brandon Marshall, so I took the guy with the better QB. Housh will be very productive again, as long as Chad Johnson comes to play. Exploded last year with 12 TDs, and here's hoping he reaches double-digits again.

Round Five Selection (45th overall): TE Kellen Winslow Jr, Cleveland Browns --- Gates came off the board in the last round, so I was targeting Jason Witten with this pick. He came off the board at 41, so I jumped on the best TE available. Again I am banking on huge production from the Browns offense, but if healthy Winslow is a great player.

Round Six Selection (56th overall): QB Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers --- I had to choose between Rivers and Donovan McNabb, so I went with the guy who has a better team around him. Rivers is an injury risk, however, and he needs to stay healthy to be a productive fantasy starter.

Round Seven Selection (65th overall): RB Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks --- I wanted to get a third RB before it was too late, so I jumped on Jones. I loved him during his Cowboy days, and I expect him to excel in Seattle. The only question will be whether or not they give him red zone carries with T.J. Duckett also on the roster.

Round Eight Selection (76th overall): Dallas Defence/Special Teams --- There was a mini run on defenses, so I jumped on the best available again. The Cowboys didn't have cause many turnovers last year, but with Adam Jones (not Pacman) and rookie Mike Jenkins, that could improve. Also, the sack totals should be high again with the trio of DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer leading the way.

Round Nine Selection (85th overall): QB Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers --- Had 8 TDs to only 1 INT before injuring his elbow last year, and I expect him to return to that form. The Panthers added some new WRs, so Delhomme could excel if he can stay healthy.

Round Ten Selection (96th overall): K Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers --- After a huge run on kickers, I jumped on the youngster Crosby. I expect Green Bay's offence to keep scoring even without Brett Favre, and Crosby should benefit. He was very effective as a rookie, and I don't see his production dropping this year.

Round Eleven Selection(105th overall): WR Jerry Porter, Jacksonville Jaguars --- With Bernard Berrian and Anthony Gonzalez going off the board from right under my nose, I chose a sleeper in Porter. He was a very effective player in Oakland when he wanted to be, and I am hoping a change in scenery helps. He also gets to play with emerging QB David Garrard.

Round Twelve Selection (116th overall): WR James Hardy, Buffalo Bills --- Call it a super sleeper, call it a reach, call it whatever. I expect Hardy to excel with the Bills, and could become an instant Red Zone target for QB Trent Edwards. I probably could have waited, but I am intruiged by his potential.

Round Thirteen Selection (125th overall): TE Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos --- I needed a backup TE, so why not Scheffler? If he can stay healthy, he should be a big part of the offence this year. He has the potential to develop into an elite TE in the next couple of years.

Round Fourteen Selection (136th overall): RB Deuce McAllister, New Orleans Saints --- I was torn between Deuce and Justin Fargas. Both are expected to be starters, but I expect Deuce to get much more playing time, especially because Reggie Bush is a dud. He may not reach his former numbers, but as a fourth RB, he will do.

Round Fifteen Selection (145th overall): WR Terry Glenn, Dallas Cowboys --- Another risky pick, as Donte Stallworth was still on the board. I would have selected the latter, but you shouldn't put all of your eggs in one basket. I have since posted a waiver claim involving Glenn. I am attempting to get Seattle's Defence/Special Teams seeing as I didn't draft a second one. Glenn may make a return to my team once he re-signs with the Cowboys.

A huge trade has also been accepted already.
Torry Holt, Peyton Manning and Wille Parker for LaDainian Tomlinson and Braylon Edwards. Jeez, I think the guy getting Tomlinson wins this trade, seeing as he already has Tom Brady.

Phew...three posts in one day...I'll be back soon.