Dynasty Rookie Ranks
We've covered the draft fallout all week, handing out draft grades, breaking down the fantasy winners and losers, and looking at the top five rookie backs.
With rookie drafts coming up this weekend, it's time to turn our attention to Dynasty and keeper leagues. My first 12 picks are as follows:
1. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
2. Ryan Mathews, Chargers
3. Jahvid Best, Lions
4. C.J. Spiller, Bills
5. Ben Tate, Texans
6. Montario Hardesty, Browns
7. Sam Bradford, Rams
8. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
9. Golden Tate, Seahawks
10. Tim Tebow, Broncos
11. Jimmy Clausen, Panthers
12. Arrelious Benn, Buccaneers
In looking at several mock drafts across the internet, several trends have emerged:
The first five picks tend to be Ryan Mathews, Dez Bryant, C.J. Spiller, Jahvid Best, and Ben Tate.
The second five picks tend to be Sam Bradford, Monterio Hardesty, Demaryius Thomas, Golden Tate, and Arrelious Benn. While the players here are consistent, the order is all over the place.
The third tier of running backs and receivers are a crapshoot.
Available in the mid-to-late second round, Tim Tebow and Jimmy Clausen are falling much further than they should.
Non-special running backs and receivers that are slated to be buried on the depth chart are going far too high. Most of these players get released by their Dynasty owners before they ever get utilized. See 2009 draft for examples: Mike Goodson, Gartrell Johnson, Andre Brown, Aaron Brown, Cedric Peerman, Javon Ringer, Brian Robiskie, Derrick Williams, Patrick Turner, and Juaquin Iglesias.
C.J. Spiller and Dexter McCluster present a dilemma due to their hybrid roles. McCluster will spend the majority of his time in the slot, and Spiller might not be far behind. While both players are unquestionably dynamic, they can't be treated as traditional running backs. Much like Reggie Bush, their fantasy value is going to be highly dependent on staying a major part of the offensive game plan each week. On to the position lists.
[SIZE=+1]Quarterbacks[/SIZE]
1. Sam Bradford, Rams
Tier Two
2. Tim Tebow, Broncos
3. Jimmy Clausen, Panthers
Tier Three
4. Colt McCoy, Browns
5. John Skelton, Cardinals
Tier Four
6. Jonathan Crompton, Chargers
7. Mike Kafka, Eagles
8. Dan LeFevour, Bears
9. Tony Pike, Panthers
10. Levi Brown, Bills
11. Ryan Perriloux, Vikings
12. Jevan Snead, Buccaneers
13. Jarrett Brown, 49ers
14. Rusty Smith, Titans
15. Sean Canfield, Saints
16. Zac Robinson, Patriots
Bradford should start right out of the gate, though it remains to be seen whether he takes the Matt Ryan-Joe Flacco rookie path or the Matthew Stafford-Mark Sanchez route. … Like I said earlier this week, I'm keeping an open mind on Tebow. Josh McDaniels used quite a bit of Florida's spread offense in the record-breaking 2007 season, and Tebow has plenty of fantasy upside if he does stick as a quarterback. … I'm not convinced Clausen will bypass Matt Moore anytime soon. … Skelton and Crompton are my favorite late-round sleepers. … UFAs Perriloux, Snead, and Brown have more potential than some of the late draft picks.
[SIZE=+1]Running Backs[/SIZE]
1. Ryan Mathews, Chargers
2. Jahvid Best, Lions
3. C.J. Spiller
Tier Two
4. Ben Tate, Texans
5. Montario Hardesty, Browns
Tier Three
6. Toby Gerhart, Vikings
7. Jonathan Dwyer, Steelers
8. Dexter McCluster, Chiefs
Tier Four
9. James Starks, Packers
10. Deji Karim, Jaguars
11. Joe McKnight, Jets
12. Anthon Dixon, 49ers
13. Charles Scott, Eagles
14. LeGarrette Blount, Titans
Tier Five
15. Lonyae Miller, Cowboys
16. Joique Bell, Bills
17. Shawnbrey McNeal, Chargers
18. Keith Toston, Rams
19. Javarris James, Colts
20. Dmitri Nance, Falcons
Mathews isn't on the same talent level as Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, or Jonathan Stewart, but he's no slouch. He'll derive plenty of value from Norv Turner and the Bolts offense. … Best is the most dynamic talent in the group, and the Lions – believe it or not – are a perfect fit. Along with Dez Bryant, he's my favorite player in the draft. … Spiller isn't going to be a major fantasy asset outside of return leagues as a rookie, so the question is 'how will he be used down the road?' I'm not convinced he can run inside as a feature back. … Tate derives more value out of situation than talent, which will help in 2010 but still provides for little long-term stability. … Though Hardesty's situation isn't at Tate's level, my gut tells me he's a better talent.
Gerhart is stuck behind Adrian Peterson, and Dwyer is stuck behind Mendenhall. ... McCluster's slight build scares me as a slot receiver. … Starks and Karim are interesting late-round sleepers while McKnight is a poor bet for more than flex value. … Scott should fill Mike Bell's short-yardage role in 2011. … If the Titans ever decide to resurrect the LenDale vulture role, Blount is a good candidate. … Tier Five is comprised of the best of the undrafted free agents.
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[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers[/SIZE]
1. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
Tier Two
2. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
3. Golden Tate, Seahawks
4. Arrelious Benn, Buccaneers
Tier Three
5. Damian Williams, Titans
6. Mike Williams, Buccaneers
7. Mardy Gilyard, Rams
8. Brandon LaFell, Panthers
Tier Four
9. Taylor Price, Patriots
10. Eric Decker, Broncos
11. Carlton Mitchell, Browns
12. Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers
13. Andre Roberts, Cardinals
14. Marcus Easley, Bills
15. Jacoby Ford, Raiders
16. Joe Webb, Vikings
17. Jordan Shipley, Bengals
18. Antonio Brown, Steelers
19. Armanti Edwards, Panthers
Tier Five
20. Dezmon Briscoe, Bengals
21. Dorin Dickerson, Texans
22. Riley Cooper, Eagles
23. David Reed, Ravens
24. Freddie Barnes, Bears
25. Kyle Williams, 49ers
26. Kerry Meier, Falcons
27. Jameson Konz, Seattle
28. David Gettis, Pathers
29. Blair White, Colts
30. Scott Long, 49ers
31. Seyi Ajirotutu, Chargers
32. Naaman Roosevelt, Bills
Bryant would be my choice at No. 1 overall for several reasons: a) He's a difference making talent. b) Wide receivers provide far more stability and long-term value than running backs. c) He landed in a great situation, with the Cowboys boasting what is possibly the most dynamic offense in the league. … Like Michael Lombardi, I'm not sold on Benn. Tampa is the land of opportunity for talented young receivers, though, so he and Mike Williams should contribute immediately.
Gilyard is a second-round talent, and Dwayne Jarrett is no impediment to LaFell. … Price, Mitchell, and Sanders could contribute sooner than expected. … Antonio Brown and quarterback-conversion prospects Webb and Edwards are intriguing late-round stashes. ... Tier Five is comprised of late-round projects and undrafted free agents.
[SIZE=+1]Tight Ends[/SIZE]
1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
2. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals
3. Jimmy Graham, Saints
4. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots
Tier Two
5. Dennis Pitta, Ravens
6. Ed Dickson, Ravens
7. Tony Moeaki, Chiefs
8. Anthony McCoy, Seahawks
Tier Three
9. Fendi Onobun, Rams
10. Garrett Graham, Texans
11. Andrew Quarless, Packers
12. Clay Harbor, Eagles
13. Mike Hoomanawanui, Rams
Gresham is a fine talent, but I just don't trust the Bengals to utilize the tight end enough to make him a fantasy star. … Full disclosure: I have no clue how the Pats will break in Gronkowski and Hernandez, but I do believe Gronk was a first-round talent as a three-down tight end. … With big-time upside as Jeremy Shockey's heir apparent in the Saints high-flying offense, the freakishly athletic Graham could easily be ranked No. 1 here. … Speaking of former basketball players, Onobun is an extremely raw workout warrior landing on a team with little in front of him on the depth chart. … Out of the two Ravens rookies, Pitta has the higher fantasy ceiling.
USA Today
We've covered the draft fallout all week, handing out draft grades, breaking down the fantasy winners and losers, and looking at the top five rookie backs.
With rookie drafts coming up this weekend, it's time to turn our attention to Dynasty and keeper leagues. My first 12 picks are as follows:
1. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
2. Ryan Mathews, Chargers
3. Jahvid Best, Lions
4. C.J. Spiller, Bills
5. Ben Tate, Texans
6. Montario Hardesty, Browns
7. Sam Bradford, Rams
8. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
9. Golden Tate, Seahawks
10. Tim Tebow, Broncos
11. Jimmy Clausen, Panthers
12. Arrelious Benn, Buccaneers
In looking at several mock drafts across the internet, several trends have emerged:
The first five picks tend to be Ryan Mathews, Dez Bryant, C.J. Spiller, Jahvid Best, and Ben Tate.
The second five picks tend to be Sam Bradford, Monterio Hardesty, Demaryius Thomas, Golden Tate, and Arrelious Benn. While the players here are consistent, the order is all over the place.
The third tier of running backs and receivers are a crapshoot.
Available in the mid-to-late second round, Tim Tebow and Jimmy Clausen are falling much further than they should.
Non-special running backs and receivers that are slated to be buried on the depth chart are going far too high. Most of these players get released by their Dynasty owners before they ever get utilized. See 2009 draft for examples: Mike Goodson, Gartrell Johnson, Andre Brown, Aaron Brown, Cedric Peerman, Javon Ringer, Brian Robiskie, Derrick Williams, Patrick Turner, and Juaquin Iglesias.
C.J. Spiller and Dexter McCluster present a dilemma due to their hybrid roles. McCluster will spend the majority of his time in the slot, and Spiller might not be far behind. While both players are unquestionably dynamic, they can't be treated as traditional running backs. Much like Reggie Bush, their fantasy value is going to be highly dependent on staying a major part of the offensive game plan each week. On to the position lists.
[SIZE=+1]Quarterbacks[/SIZE]
1. Sam Bradford, Rams
Tier Two
2. Tim Tebow, Broncos
3. Jimmy Clausen, Panthers
Tier Three
4. Colt McCoy, Browns
5. John Skelton, Cardinals
Tier Four
6. Jonathan Crompton, Chargers
7. Mike Kafka, Eagles
8. Dan LeFevour, Bears
9. Tony Pike, Panthers
10. Levi Brown, Bills
11. Ryan Perriloux, Vikings
12. Jevan Snead, Buccaneers
13. Jarrett Brown, 49ers
14. Rusty Smith, Titans
15. Sean Canfield, Saints
16. Zac Robinson, Patriots
Bradford should start right out of the gate, though it remains to be seen whether he takes the Matt Ryan-Joe Flacco rookie path or the Matthew Stafford-Mark Sanchez route. … Like I said earlier this week, I'm keeping an open mind on Tebow. Josh McDaniels used quite a bit of Florida's spread offense in the record-breaking 2007 season, and Tebow has plenty of fantasy upside if he does stick as a quarterback. … I'm not convinced Clausen will bypass Matt Moore anytime soon. … Skelton and Crompton are my favorite late-round sleepers. … UFAs Perriloux, Snead, and Brown have more potential than some of the late draft picks.
[SIZE=+1]Running Backs[/SIZE]
1. Ryan Mathews, Chargers
2. Jahvid Best, Lions
3. C.J. Spiller
Tier Two
4. Ben Tate, Texans
5. Montario Hardesty, Browns
Tier Three
6. Toby Gerhart, Vikings
7. Jonathan Dwyer, Steelers
8. Dexter McCluster, Chiefs
Tier Four
9. James Starks, Packers
10. Deji Karim, Jaguars
11. Joe McKnight, Jets
12. Anthon Dixon, 49ers
13. Charles Scott, Eagles
14. LeGarrette Blount, Titans
Tier Five
15. Lonyae Miller, Cowboys
16. Joique Bell, Bills
17. Shawnbrey McNeal, Chargers
18. Keith Toston, Rams
19. Javarris James, Colts
20. Dmitri Nance, Falcons
Mathews isn't on the same talent level as Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, or Jonathan Stewart, but he's no slouch. He'll derive plenty of value from Norv Turner and the Bolts offense. … Best is the most dynamic talent in the group, and the Lions – believe it or not – are a perfect fit. Along with Dez Bryant, he's my favorite player in the draft. … Spiller isn't going to be a major fantasy asset outside of return leagues as a rookie, so the question is 'how will he be used down the road?' I'm not convinced he can run inside as a feature back. … Tate derives more value out of situation than talent, which will help in 2010 but still provides for little long-term stability. … Though Hardesty's situation isn't at Tate's level, my gut tells me he's a better talent.
Gerhart is stuck behind Adrian Peterson, and Dwyer is stuck behind Mendenhall. ... McCluster's slight build scares me as a slot receiver. … Starks and Karim are interesting late-round sleepers while McKnight is a poor bet for more than flex value. … Scott should fill Mike Bell's short-yardage role in 2011. … If the Titans ever decide to resurrect the LenDale vulture role, Blount is a good candidate. … Tier Five is comprised of the best of the undrafted free agents.
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[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers[/SIZE]
1. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
Tier Two
2. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
3. Golden Tate, Seahawks
4. Arrelious Benn, Buccaneers
Tier Three
5. Damian Williams, Titans
6. Mike Williams, Buccaneers
7. Mardy Gilyard, Rams
8. Brandon LaFell, Panthers
Tier Four
9. Taylor Price, Patriots
10. Eric Decker, Broncos
11. Carlton Mitchell, Browns
12. Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers
13. Andre Roberts, Cardinals
14. Marcus Easley, Bills
15. Jacoby Ford, Raiders
16. Joe Webb, Vikings
17. Jordan Shipley, Bengals
18. Antonio Brown, Steelers
19. Armanti Edwards, Panthers
Tier Five
20. Dezmon Briscoe, Bengals
21. Dorin Dickerson, Texans
22. Riley Cooper, Eagles
23. David Reed, Ravens
24. Freddie Barnes, Bears
25. Kyle Williams, 49ers
26. Kerry Meier, Falcons
27. Jameson Konz, Seattle
28. David Gettis, Pathers
29. Blair White, Colts
30. Scott Long, 49ers
31. Seyi Ajirotutu, Chargers
32. Naaman Roosevelt, Bills
Bryant would be my choice at No. 1 overall for several reasons: a) He's a difference making talent. b) Wide receivers provide far more stability and long-term value than running backs. c) He landed in a great situation, with the Cowboys boasting what is possibly the most dynamic offense in the league. … Like Michael Lombardi, I'm not sold on Benn. Tampa is the land of opportunity for talented young receivers, though, so he and Mike Williams should contribute immediately.
Gilyard is a second-round talent, and Dwayne Jarrett is no impediment to LaFell. … Price, Mitchell, and Sanders could contribute sooner than expected. … Antonio Brown and quarterback-conversion prospects Webb and Edwards are intriguing late-round stashes. ... Tier Five is comprised of late-round projects and undrafted free agents.
[SIZE=+1]Tight Ends[/SIZE]
1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
2. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals
3. Jimmy Graham, Saints
4. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots
Tier Two
5. Dennis Pitta, Ravens
6. Ed Dickson, Ravens
7. Tony Moeaki, Chiefs
8. Anthony McCoy, Seahawks
Tier Three
9. Fendi Onobun, Rams
10. Garrett Graham, Texans
11. Andrew Quarless, Packers
12. Clay Harbor, Eagles
13. Mike Hoomanawanui, Rams
Gresham is a fine talent, but I just don't trust the Bengals to utilize the tight end enough to make him a fantasy star. … Full disclosure: I have no clue how the Pats will break in Gronkowski and Hernandez, but I do believe Gronk was a first-round talent as a three-down tight end. … With big-time upside as Jeremy Shockey's heir apparent in the Saints high-flying offense, the freakishly athletic Graham could easily be ranked No. 1 here. … Speaking of former basketball players, Onobun is an extremely raw workout warrior landing on a team with little in front of him on the depth chart. … Out of the two Ravens rookies, Pitta has the higher fantasy ceiling.
USA Today
