NFL Fantasy Football News 2009-2010

[HacheMan]

Top of the Class
As the Holiday season comes to an end, so does the fantasy season. Hopefully your team was able to reward you with a gift, and, if not, there is always next year. This season featured some truly remarkable fantasy performances, and Week 17 was no exception.

Even though most leagues were over heading into the final week of the season, that didn't stop Jamaal Charles (Chris Johnson's clone), Willis McGahee, Fred Jackson, and Jabar Gaffney from having monster games.

I hope everyone has a very safe and happy New Year, and hopefully 2010 shows us some exciting Playoff football. Without further adieu, here are the players who are taking home the hardware this season.

[SIZE=+1]Quarterbacks:[/SIZE]

Valedictorian: Peyton Manning – El Capitan was absolutely automatic all season long, although his 7-point performance in the fantasy championship is sure to leave a sour taste in the mouths of owners who took the risk and started him. Either way, Peyton is almost a lock to win the MVP award and, if he doesn't, I will personally send a copy of his "Cut that meat" commercial to the NFL headquarters until they change their minds. Oh, the horror.
Highlight Game: Week 3 vs. Arizona (379 Pass Yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT)

Salutatorian: Aaron Rodgers – A-Rod was right on Manning's heels with six appearances in the Top 5, and he actually ended up finishing the season as the number one fantasy quarterback. The Packers aren't shy about passing the ball, and Rodgers was the right man for the job, as he threw for multiple scores in ten games this season. He should be the first quarterback off the board on Draft Day, and he might even be worthy of a late first round pick, depending on your scoring format.
Highlight Game: Week 15 vs. Pittsburgh (383 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 22 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 1 two-point conversion)

Honorable Mention: Drew Brees, Matt Schaub, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger

[SIZE=+1]Running Backs:[/SIZE]

Valedictorian: Chris Johnson – CJ made six appearances in the Top 5 this season and, with 2,006 rushing yards, I think it's safe to say that owners got a bang for their buck on Draft Day. He will be the consensus number one pick heading into next season, and he has a chance to do some special things before it's all said and done. All he did to end the season was go out with eleven consecutive 100-yard games.
Highlight Game: Week 8 vs. Jacksonville (228 Rush Yds, 2 TDs, 11 Rec Yds)

Salutatorian: Maurice Jones-Drew – MJD may not have closed out the season the way many owners would have liked, but he had some monster games to make owners have a selective memory – he made four appearances in the Top 5. Mo-Jo is still a clear top three or four pick next season, and, while his heavy workload this year is some cause for concern, he is the Jags only realistic shot of winning. I know that, you know that, and one can only hope the Jaguars know that as well.
Highlight Game: Week 8 vs. Tennessee (177 Rush Yds on 8 carries, 2 TDs)

Honorable Mention: Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, DeAngelo Williams

[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers:[/SIZE]

Valedictorian: Vincent Jackson – He may not have been this season's top wideout, but he led all receivers with five appearances in the Top 5. V-Jax got in sync early and often with Philip Rivers in '09, and you have to figure that success will only increase heading into next season. Like MJD, he didn't end the season as well as expected, but you can't forget that there were a stretch of games to start the season when he scored in seven of his first nine games.
Highlight Game: Week 15 vs. Cincinnati (5 Rec, 108 Yds, 2 TDs)

Salutatorian: Andre Johnson – Unlike his fellow receiver above, AJ closed out the fantasy season scorching hot, leaving his owners smiling all the way to a championship. Back-to-back 190-yard games in Weeks 14 and 15 cemented Johnson's status as this season's top receiver, while also solidifying his status as next year's number one wideout off the board.
Highlight Game: Week 14 vs. Seattle (11 Rec, 193 Yds, 2 TDs)

Honorable Mention: Reggie Wayne, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, DeSean Jackson

[SIZE=+1]Tight Ends:[/SIZE]

Valedictorian: Dallas Clark – No surprise here, as Dallas Clark made a living in the Top 5, week-in and week-out. If you take Week 17 out of the equation, Clark nudged out Vernon Davis for top honors at tight end. Clark finished the season with 100 receptions for 1,106 yards and, to put that in perspective, that would have made him the tenth ranked wideout. Absolutely remarkable numbers for a guy who just keeps getting better.
Highlight Game: Week 2 vs. Miami (7 Rec, 183 Yds, 1 TD)

Salutatorian: Vernon Davis – Talk about a coming out party. Davis scored in all but six games this season, as he finally managed to live up to the hype that had many labeling him a bust. He finished the year with 13 scores, as he was absolutely lethal once the 49ers got into the red zone. Mr. Myoplex technically finished the season as the top tight end, and it will be interesting to see how high he goes in drafts come August.
Highlight Game: Week 7 vs. Houston (7 Rec, 93 Yds, 3 TDs)

Honorable Mention: Brent Celek, Antonio Gates, Heath Miller

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy Playoff Rankings

By the time the Bengals-Jets game started Sunday night, I didn't feel comfortable picking a favorite for any of the upcoming "Rematch Week" playoff games. After pouring over the columns of SI.com's Peter King and Don Banks and listening to Bill Simmons' mega playoff podcast and Tony Kornheiser's Monday radio show, I've finally achieved some much-needed clarity.

I hold the following playoff truths to be self-evident:

The four first-round AFC teams are thoroughly underwhelming, making the Colts and Chargers the easiest picks to reach the Super Bowl.

The entire NFC field is a crapshoot, from top to bottom. Any team can knock off any other team, and all six squads have what it takes to make it to Miami. Your draft philosophy will come down to a personal conviction about the strongest team in what amounts to a toss-up tournament.

The NFC boasts the greatest group of quarterbacks ever to play in the same post-season. Brett Favre is a first-ballot Hall of Famer; Kurt Warner and Donovan McNabb are at least borderline Hall of Famers still playing at a high level; Drew Brees is the most accurate passer in the league and a legit MVP candidate; Aaron Rodgers is a Pro Bowler who racked up the most fantasy points; and Tony Romo has been as hot as any passer in the league over the past month.

Quarterbacks, stud receivers, and the top six tight ends are incredibly strong from a fantasy point of view. Running backs are unbelievably weak, and the second tier tight ends are practically useless. Waiting a few rounds for a running back this year is a perfectly viable strategy.

Here's a quick rundown of each wild card round game:

Ravens at Patriots: The only game that isn't a rematch features a team that hasn't lost at home against a team that hasn't beaten a good quarterback on a quality team since Week 2. On the flip side, the Ravens top Football Outsiders' team efficiency rankings and have played quality opponents well enough to have finished 15-1 if the breaks had gone their way. Other factors include the loss of Wes Welker, the Ravens banged up secondary, and an unpredictable Joe Flacco. Ultimately, I'm siding with Bill Belichick's coaching acumen and a strong home field advantage.

Jets at Bengals: It was a dream matchup for the Jets last week, and it remains the best matchup for them again this week. Revis Island can shut down a gimpy Chad Ochocinco, and the ghost of Carson Palmer is being set up for failure against the league's most dominant pass defense. Meanwhile, the Jets can and will run on the Bengals. Though Cincy's Week 17 debacle dropped the run defense from second to seventh in the NFL rankings, they dropped from 17th to 20th in Football Outsiders rankings – which account for strength of schedule and game situation. Even with a rookie quarterback on the road, the Jets are set up for success in an obvious defense/running game matchup.

Eagles at Cowboys: The NFC games are much harder to pick. The Cowboys are a more balanced team than the Eagles, and they clearly match up well. The Eagles have the better coach, the quarterback with more playoff success, and the most explosive player on the field. Dallas gets the slight edge with homefield advantage and a three-game roll featuring an upset over the Saints followed by two straight shutouts.

Packers at Cardinals: This is another game where one team appears to match up better than the other. The Packers have traveled to Arizona twice this season, whipping the Cardinals in Week 3 of the preseason and repeating again last week in a meaningless game. Arguably the hottest team in the NFC, Packers are 7-0-1 against the spread the past eight weeks while Arizona is dealing with key injuries to Anquan Boldin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Calais Campbell. It's a close call, but I can't pull the trigger on the home dogs.

On to the rankings. For a quick primer on playoff fantasy football, check out Evan Silva's how-to column from a few years ago. The rules are similar to regular fantasy football, except that total points are the key. Pick a starting team, possibly a bench, and let them go at it. Myfantasyleague.com is hosting Bonus Playoff leagues.

Editor's Note: Looking for another way to keep the fantasy season going? Try playing Snapdraft. We have it set up just for the playoffs. Draft a team before the playoffs start!

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<FONT+2>Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning
2. Philip Rivers

Two stud quarterbacks on explosive offenses, both likely to play at least two games in a weak AFC field. Elite quarterbacks should be among the earliest picks in the draft because they score the most.

3. Drew Brees
4. Aaron Rodgers
5. Brett Favre
6. Tony Romo
7. Tom Brady
8. Donovan McNabb
9. Kurt Warner

Here's where it gets hairy. There are seven legit quarterbacks in this tier and nine legit starters total. This choice simply comes down personal preference and predictive powers. I see the Vikes and Saints both winning their dome-field advantage games in the divisional round, so Rodgers and Romo aren't getting dramatic boosts.

10. Joe Flacco
11. Mark Sanchez
12. Carson Palmer
13. Kevin Kolb
14. Matt Leinart

The quarterback dregs. Palmer has been brutal over the past six weeks, with four games under 140 yards. Worse, he goes against a defense that flat-out shuts down passing games. Flacco could go either way, but his sophomore slump has led to a poor pocket presence and the feeling that he entered last season's playoffs on a higher note. Sanchez is a rookie quarterback on the road in a low-scoring cold weather game.

<FONT+2>Running Backs

1. Adrian Peterson
2. Joseph Addai

Peterson dwarfs the competition at his position this year as the lone stud running back on a team favored to win. Addai has been a touchdown machine this season, and owners should be able to count on at least two games.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson
4. Ryan Grant
5. Ray Rice
6. Pierre Thomas
7. Thomas Jones
8. Marion Barber
9. Brian Westbrook
10. Cedric Benson

Starters with question marks or shaky matchups. It's hard to overstate how lousy Tomlinson has been this season, but it's been swept under the rug with the Chargers handing him dozens of opportunities for short-yardage scores. The only thing keeping him at No. 3 is the weak AFC field. Rice is obviously the best back of the group, but he can't be counted on for more than one game – or goal-line work. Thomas is expected to play through fractured ribs in two weeks; he'd be higher if fully healthy. Barber and Westbrook will face off against each other, with the loser going home. Jones' matchup is better than it's billed to be against an over-rated Bengals run defense while Benson is likely to be one-and-out against the NFL's No. 1 defense.

11. Beanie Wells
12. Felix Jones
13. Reggie Bush
14. Darren Sproles
15. Sammy Morris
16. Fred Taylor
17. Laurence Maroney
18. Willis McGahee
19. Shonn Greene
20. Chester Taylor
21. Tim Hightower
22. Donald Brown
23. LeSean McCoy
24. Kevin Faulk

The best of the timeshare backs and pass-catchers. Still splitting time with Hightower, Wells draws the league's stingiest run defense. Jones, Bush, and Sproles are fine picks in the mid-rounds for owners who choose to address quarterback and wide receiver early. McGahee is the touchdown vulture with fresh legs. The Pats' backfield is anyone's guess until we see how it shakes out this weekend. Taylor, Greene, McCoy, and Brown will pick up the scraps left by the starters.

25. Mike Bell
26. Brandon Jackson
27. Tashard Choice
28. Leonard Weaver
29. Larry Johnson
30. Bernard Scott

The running back dregs. Bell hasn't run well in a over a month while Jackson doesn't see much playing time behind Grant. Choice and Weaver have seen their roles decrease of late. LJ and Scott will head back to the bench with Benson returning this week.

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</FONT+2>Wide Receivers<FONT size=+0>

1. Reggie Wayne
2. Vincent Jackson
3. Randy Moss
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Miles Austin
6. DeSean Jackson
7. Sidney Rice
8. Marques Colston

Grab a stud, any stud. This year's playoff crop consists of eight true No. 1 receivers, all eight of which finished in the Top-12 in fantasy points this season. Wayne and V-Jax top the list because they're the two most likely to be guaranteed two games. Moss will be targeted heavily with Wes Welker out, and Fitz's historic playoff run last season has to be respected. Austin is a physical monster and perhaps the best after-the-catch runner in the league right now. Jackson, Rice, and Colston are all playmakers in explosive offenses with ideal playing conditions.

9. Greg Jennings
10. Robert Meachem
11. Percy Harvin
12. Donald Driver
13. Julian Edelman
14. Pierre Garcon
15. Austin Collie
16. Derrick Mason
17. Jeremy Maclin
18. Chad Ochocinco
19. Malcom Floyd
20. Anquan Boldin

The high-upside second fiddles and limited go-to guys. Jennings is a borderline stud. Though he's outproduced Driver of late, the cagey veteran outscored him on the season. Welker clone Edelman gets a boost in PPR leagues. Meachem, Harvin, Maclin, Collie and Garcon all represent big-play potential. Ochocinco, possibly gimpy, draws shutdown corner Darrelle Revis while Mason could go one and out. Boldin is headed toward game-time decision status with yet another ankle injury.

21. Steve Breaston
22. Braylon Edwards
23. Jerricho Cotchery
24. Bernard Berrian
25. Devery Henderson
26. Patrick Crayton
27. Roy Williams
28. Jason Avant

Useful depth. Breaston is in line for a serious boost if Boldin can't go. Edwards and Cotchery are limited by their quarterback and the Bengals cornerback tandem of Hall and Joseph. Deep threat Berrian has fallen to the third option at wide receiver in his own offense. Henderson, Avant, Crayton are boom-or-bust while Roy Williams just plain stinks. Stinks!

29. Mark Clayton
30. Early Doucet
31. James Jones
32. Laveranues Coles
33. Jordy Nelson
34. Sam Aiken
35. Brad Smith
36. Demetrius Williams
37. Andre Caldwell
38. Lance Moore
39. Kevin Ogletree
40. Legedu Naanee

The wide receiver dregs. The Ravens' receivers behind Mason have become afterthoughts. Ditto the Bengals' receivers not named after a Spanish number. Doucet would move into Breaston's usual No. 3 role if Boldin sits out this week.

<FONT+2>Tight Ends

1. Dallas Clark
2. Antonio Gates

Similar to the quarterbacks, Clark and Gates are the two best tight ends in the playoffs while also enjoying the easiest path to the promised land.

3. Jason Witten
4. Jermichael Finley
5. Brent Celek
6. Visanthe Shiancoe

If you don't get one of the top two, you better get one of the next four. For all of the talk of Witten being a fantasy disappointment this year, he actually cleared 1,000 yards for the second time in his career. Finley and Celek are athletic red-zone weapons streaking into the post-season. Shiancoe is a touchdown machine.

7. Jeremy Shockey
8. Todd Heap
9. Ben Watson
10. Dustin Keller
11. David Thomas

Shockey (toe) and Thomas (calf) are huge health question marks, and they may end up canceling each other out if they do play. Heap is a red-zone threat while Watson could be a surprising TE2 with Welker out. For whatever reason, the talented Keller just isn't producing with Sanchez under center.

12. Chris Baker
13. J.P. Foschi
14. Ben Patrick
15. Donald Lee

The tight end dregs. Just hope for a bunny at the goal-line.

<FONT+2>Defense/Special Teams

1. Chargers
2. Colts
3. Vikings
4. Jets
5. Packers
6. Cowboys
7. Eagles
8. Saints
9. Patriots
10. Cardinals
11. Ravens
12. Bengals

The Jets are a sneaky pick with the possibility of a monster first game against a one-dimensional Bengals offense. The Vikings, Chargers, and Eagles get a boost with Harvin, Sproles, and Jackson as explosive returners.

<FONT+2>Kickers

1. Nate Kaeding
2. Adam Vinatieri
3. Ryan Longwell
4. Garrett Hartley
5. Stephen Gostkowski
6. Shaun Suisham
7. Jay Feely
8. Mason Crosby
9. David Akers
10. Neil Rackers
11. Billy Cundiff
12. Shayne Graham

Again, the Colts and Chargers clearly have the best chance of making it to Miami. Vinatieri owners will have to monitor his knee this week and/or handcuff him with Stover. Longwell and Hartley have the dome-field advantage.

 

[HacheMan]

Wild Card Preview

[SIZE=+1]Bengals[/SIZE]

Carson Palmer - Palmer masked his erratic early-season passing with a streak of fourth-quarter comebacks. It's been all downhill since Week 12, however. Like a pitcher who isn't taking his best stuff to the mound, Palmer has lacked command, velocity and rhythm while being held under 140 yards in four of the past six games. With their ability to shut down No. 1 receivers, the Jets' forbidding secondary represents a worst-case scenario for the Bengals passing game.

Cedric Benson – Coming back from a hip injury, Benson averaged 98 rushing yards per game in Weeks 13 to 16 before resting in a meaningless Week 17 blowout. Since Benson's early-December return, the Bengals have morphed into a one-dimensional offense, overly reliant on grinding out tough yardage. If the Bengals are to move the chains this week, Benson has to control the clock against the machinations of Rex Ryan and his eighth-ranked run defense.

Chad Ochocinco – Since Palmer's Week 12 downturn, Ochocinco has accounted for 36 percent of the team's receiving yards and 63 percent of the touchdowns. The rest of the receiving corps has been a model of futility, failing to top 50 yards even once. Fresh from a twitter "war" with shutdown corner Darrelle Revis, Ochocinco tweaked his knee in Week 17 and left without a catch. Though he's practicing this week, another daunting matchup with Revis looms on Saturday.

Domata Peko - The Bengals' gap-plugging run stuffer, Peko is expected to return at 100 percent after missing five games with a knee scope. Peko will be welcomed back with open arms, as the run defense plummeted from 84 to 122 yards per game during his absence. With Pro Bowl interior linemen Nick Mangold and Alan Faneca across the line, Peko will be a key to the Bengals' fortunes.

[SIZE=+1]Jets[/SIZE]

Mark Sanchez – While bloviating head coach Rex Ryan claims that his rookie quarterback's confidence is at an all-time high this week, there is plenty of reason for concern with a rookie on the road in a cold weather playoff contest. On the shortest leash possible, Sanchez has managed the past two games well after struggling with interceptions all season. Expect him to be limited to 20 attempts with the Jets daring teams to stop the run.

Thomas Jones – Defying the laws of aging running backs, Jones' unmatched work ethic keeps him in peak physical form at age 31. A bastion of consistency, the AFC's second leading rusher topped 100 yards or scored a touchdown in all but one game since Week 3. Tag-teaming with rookie Shonn Greene, the Jets' ground game picked up steam late in the season, topping 175 yards in four of the final five games.

David Harris – A Pro Bowl snub along with fellow "Mad Backer" Bart Scott, Harris is a key cog in Rex Ryan's esoteric defense just as Ray Lewis was in Baltimore. The Jets' leading tackler and third-leading sacker sprained his ankle in last week's game, though he's expected to play at less than full strength in Saturday's rematch.

Darrelle Revis – The leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, the Jets' shutdown corner has put together one of the best seasons at his position in NFL history. "Revis Island" erases the opposing team's best receiver in one-on-one coverage, allowing his teammates to overplay the rest of the field. If Chad Ochocinco manages to top 35 yards against Revis Saturday, he'll be the first elite receiver to do so all season.

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[SIZE=+1]Patriots[/SIZE]

Tom Brady – While he couldn't match the heights of 2007, Brady earned another Pro Bowl bid in the second best statistical season of his career. Showing trademark toughness, he reportedly played through broken ribs and a fractured finger in December on his way to Comeback Player of the Year honors. Now as healthy as he's been since mid-season, Brady will have to find a way to navigate the playoffs without vital security blanket Wes Welker.

Randy Moss – Since making headlines with his controversial "dog" effort against the Panthers in Week 14, Moss has played the role of the good soldier. Highlighted by his playful antics with a fan sporting a Moss mask during this three-touchdown performance in Week 16, the Pats' most explosive weapon has his head back on just in time for the playoffs. His field-tipping ability becomes even more important with Wes Welker out.

Julian Edelman – A quarterback at Kent State, Edelman has been a quick study at wide receiver as a rookie. While he can't touch Wes Welker's route running and sure-handedness, Edelman boasts similar quickness and elusiveness. In the three games that Welker missed, his replacement in the slot has averaged seven catches for 74 yards. Edelman better be ready to shine because the spotlight will be bright this weekend.

Vince Wilfork – Arguably the best nose tackle in the NFL, Wilfork eats up defenders as the key to the Pats' run defense. Though he and defensive end Ty Warren sat out last week's game with ankle injuries, both players are expected to start against the Ravens this week. With Willis McGahee coming off his best game of the season to go along with the explosive Ray Rice, Wilfork's healthy return is crucial.

[SIZE=+1]Ravens[/SIZE]

Joe Flacco – Courtesy of a strong first-half, Flacco has bettered his impressive rookie season in all categories. So why did he engender more confidence throughout last year's playoffs? After a mid-season funk, Flacco's confidence has waned, leading to inconsistent mechanics and a pocket presence in disarray. There's no telling which Flacco will show up Sunday, the one who threw four touchdowns in Week 15 or the one who was held to 102 yards last week.

Ray Rice – Second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage, Rice has been a dynamo in the passing game, leading all backs in receptions and receiving yards. He's no slouch on the ground, either, averaging a stout 5.3 yards per carry while establishing himself as one of the best all-around players in the league at his position. After pushing Willis McGahee into a secondary role, Rice has taken over as the offensive focal point.

Ray Lewis - One of the best team leaders in all of professional sports, the 34-year-old is still an elite run defender and deserving of his 11th Pro Bowl bid. Unfortunately, he's also reached the point where he can no longer backpedal fast enough to cover opposing tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Matchup mastermind Bill Belichick will exploit Lewis' weakness with Kevin Faulk and Ben Watson this week.

Ed Reed – Nursing groin, hip and ankle injuries, Reed returned at an estimated 85 percent last week after sitting out a month. With the hip ailment still bothering him, the six-time Pro Bowler is expected to split time with Tom Zbikowski on Sunday. The Ravens' secondary has been leaky with two starting corners lost for the season, so it's imperative that Reed plays at a high level.

Editor's Note: Looking for another way to keep the fantasy season going? Try playing Snapdraft. We have it set up just for the playoffs. Draft a team before the playoffs start!

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[SIZE=+1]Packers[/SIZE]

Jermichael Finley - No Packers pass catcher was thrown to as often as Finley in the team's final six regular season games, nor as productive. Finley, a 6'5/247-pound athletic freak with 4.6 wheels, has added an entirely different dimension to Green Bay's already high-octane passing attack. Still just 22 years old after leaving Texas early, Finley will match up primarily with Cardinals safeties Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle on Sunday. Both are coverage liabilities.

Ryan Grant - Grant is averaging 4.7 yards per carry with eight touchdowns since Week 9. The unsung hero of Green Bay's on-fire stretch run also hit big contract incentives during Week 17 by going over 1,250 yards and finishing as one of the NFC's top-five rushers. Arizona's run defense is wildly inconsistent, having even surrendered 161 yards and a touchdown to replacement-level Lions backup Maurice Morris in Week 15. Grant's in store for a big Sunday.

Clay Matthews - In the popular 3-4 defense, a right outside linebacker is essentially asked to do one job, and one job only. Rush the passer. Perhaps no ROLB has played the position as well as Matthews in the second half of 2009. The USC alum began the year as a backup, but has generated seven sacks and countless quarterback hurries since Week 10. He'll face off with Cardinals journeyman left tackle Jeremy Bridges for most of Sunday.

Tramon Williams - Pressed to start after Al Harris tore his ACL in Week 11, Williams has capitalized with three interceptions, a sack, and seven pass breakups since. The contract-year cornerback gets boatloads of action because opponents are afraid to throw at bookend CB Charles Woodson. Whle Williams is not a true "shutdown" presence, he'll have a target on his back Sunday and plenty of opportunities for a game-altering play.

[SIZE=+1]Cardinals[/SIZE]

Steve Breaston - A year after breaking out for 1,006 receiving yards, Breaston's numbers are way down. He wasn't overly impressive when asked to fill in during Anquan Boldin's early-season injuries, and hasn't topped four catches in a game since Week 9. Boldin is now battling a left high ankle sprain and sprained left MCL, so Breaston may get the opportunity to break out of his season-long funk with a starting job.

Larry Fitzgerald - The Cards rested their front-line players at halftime of last week's loss, but All-Pro receiver Larry Fitzgerald was still playing deep into the fourth quarter. Why? Coach Ken Whisenhunt revealed this week that Fitz wanted to pad his stats, which doesn't reflect especially strongly on this supposed "character guy." The situation has sparked controversy. Time will tell whether Fitzgerald's actions affected the locker room.

Calais Campbell - The Cardinals' co-leader in sacks fractured his thumb in the team's star-crossed, 33-7 loss to Green Bay in Week 17. Requiring surgery and sporting a sling this week, Campbell will essentially play with one arm if he's active on Sunday. 3-4 ends like Campbell need their hands to occupy offensive linemen or shove them aside. The breakout second-year defender's effectiveness is at risk, let alone his availability.

Adrian Wilson - Arizona's back-end intimidator became just the 10th player in league history to record 20 career sacks and 20 career interceptions earlier this season, but coverage has never been Wilson's strength. Prone to biting on play-action fakes, the Pro Bowler now must deal with the NFC's No. 3 passing attack and red-hot Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. Wilson won't be able to "cheat" into the box as often as usual, which threatens to limit his impact on the game.

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[SIZE=+1]Cowboys[/SIZE]

Jason Witten - When Witten scored one touchdown and topped 53 yards just twice in the Cowboys' first ten games, rumors circulated that he'd lost a step. His finish proved he hasn't. Witten, still just 27 even though it feels like he's been around forever, has rolled out an average of seven catches for 92 yards per game since Week 11, mixing in a 14-reception, 156-yard domination of the Giants for good measure. The Eagles will have their hands full.

Marion Barber - Barber's uninspired play has caused Dallas play-caller Jason Garrett to employ a running back committee. Felix Jones received just 13 fewer carries than "The Barbarian" in the past month. Barber was decidedly mediocre down the stretch, averaging 3.88 yards per attempt with just one game over 63 yards rushing since Week 12. On the bright side, he gashed this same Eagles team for 105 total yards on 15 touches in Week 17.

Anthony Spencer - Lacking consistent pass rush, the Cowboys' defense was one of the league's most up-and-down units in the season's first half. Spencer's incredible stretch run arguably turned Dallas into the NFL's most dangerous team. The former Purdue defensive end piled up six sacks, two forced fumbles, and an average of seven tackles per game in the final six weeks. Spencer's emergence has fellow OLB DeMarcus Ware seeing fewer double teams.

Mike Jenkins - Jenkins struggled as a rookie after being drafted in the 2008 first round, and opened 2009 in a rotation with Orlando Scandrick. By midseason, Jenkins emerged as the Cowboys' top corner with opponents suddenly more willing to throw to bookend Terence Newman's side. Jenkins will draw Eagles split end Jeremy Maclin in primary coverage in the wild-card round and has cover skills to take the rookie out of the game.

[SIZE=+1]Eagles[/SIZE]

Brian Westbrook - Limited to 455 all-purpose yards in just eight 2009 appearances, Westbrook hit the 30-year-old running back wall with a thud. He battled ankle and knee woes before back-to-back concussions knocked him out for seven games. Westbrook also appeared a step slower when 100 percent. He's since been medically cleared, but after seeing just 14 carries in the last two games it's unclear what sort of impact Westbrook will have on Saturday.

DeSean Jackson - The Cowboys minimized Jackson's impact during the teams' two regular season meetings, holding him to a combined 76 yards and no touchdowns on five receptions. Unfazed, the cocky second-year wideout wrote on Twitter this week that the Eagles are "gonna sting they a**...lil buddy." Jackson is a likely All-Pro, but he'd better come to play. His team lost both of its regular season meetings with the Cowboys.

Akeem Jordan - The Eagles have had a hole at middle linebacker since losing Stewart Bradley to a torn ACL in training camp, forcing defensive coordinator Sean McDermott to play musical chairs at the position. Jordan is his latest trial. A natural weak-side 'backer, Jordan struggled at the new spot down the stretch and made no big plays. Philadelphia asks its inside 'backer to cover tight ends, so Jordan will be on Jason Witten quite a bit Saturday.

Asante Samuel - Philadelphia's high-profile defensive back awaits a difficult matchup with Dallas top receiver Miles Austin, who over the last month and a half is averaging eight catches for 107 yards per game. Samuel has played at a high level statistically, tying for the league lead in interceptions, but is a gambler as opposed to a shutdown corner and isn't a proficient tackler. He now squares off with the NFC's toughest receiver to bring down.

 

[HacheMan]

Signs of the future
Digesting the 2009 season is going to be a process. Shonn Greene and Felix Jones are reminding us that our food has barely made it through the esophagus.

Greene is an interesting case. Before the season, we projected 210 carries for Thomas Jones, 119 for Leon Washington and 110 for Greene. The final numbers were 331 for Jones, 108 for Greene and 72 for Washington. Leon, of course, played in just seven games before breaking his leg.

What we failed to realize is that Jones is an absolute beast. He strikes me as a guy that eats hard boiled eggs for breakfast before pounding protein shakes and winning arm wrestling contests in the afternoon. He hasn't missed a game 2005 and was remarkably effective this season at age 31.

But when given a chance, Greene showed that he has animal characteristics as well. He had his coming out party in the Wild Card win over the Bengals (21 carries, 135 yards, TD), but don't forget that he carried the ball 29 times for 157 yards in Weeks 16 and 17.

So what should we think about Greene going forward? Well, Jones is under contract for one more season and will be back. Leon Washington is reportedly two months ahead of schedule in his rehab. If that's true, he'll be a full go for training camp. In other words, we're starting at a true three-headed committee.

It's hard to doubt him, but Jones will be 32 next season and will likely have 370+ carries by the time the playoffs are over. Washington ideally fits in a third-down role and is coming off a major injury. As he's proving in the playoffs, Greene looks like the best bet for fantasy production in 2010. By 2011, he should be excelling as the feature back. The rookie has the skills and offensive line that are built for success.

Speaking of feature backs, part of the digestion process is examining league-wide trends. Here are how many running backs have carried the ball at least 300 times in each of the last nine seasons. As you can see, the recent committee trend is not going anywhere:

2009: 6
2008: 5
2007: 6
2006: 10
2005: 10
2004: 9
2003: 12
2002: 9
2001: 10

Felix Jones is another young back that came on toward the end of the season and is breaking out in the playoffs. With Marion Barber nursing a minor knee injury, Jones has double-digit carries in each of his last five games and is averaging 6.24 yards per carry over that span. That includes his 148-shredding of the Eagles last week.

Jones is in the process of proving he is durable enough to be relied upon in an even timeshare. In the past, every time he touched the ball I waited to see if he actually got up. I don't have that feeling anymore. If he can sustain that, look for a relatively even timeshare with Barber next season. Just know that Barber will still get all the goal-line carries.

DIVISIONAL ROUND NOTES
Here's some news for those in playoff leagues or playing SnapDraft this week:

Todd Heap's back is acting up again, but we're tentatively expecting him to play. … Vincent Jackson (Achilles) is good to go, but he's expected to be shadowed by Darrelle Revis. It's a big opportunity for Malcom Floyd. … Marion Barber (knee) sat out Wednesday's practice as a precaution but should play against the Vikings. Still, Felix Jones is a better bet for production because he's healthy and his speed threatens the Minnesota's big front seven more. … Pierre Thomas (ribs) put in a full practice Wednesday and appears on track for a full load against the Cardinals. … Anquan Boldin (knee, ankle) is optimistic he will play, but we're probably looking at another game-time decision. … The way that Early Doucet and Steve Breaston played last week is going to make it a lot easier for the Cards to trade Boldin this offseason. … Tashard Choice (concussion) has been cleared to play this week.

LOOKING AHEAD: DEPTH CHART NEWS
Here are some interesting nuggets that have come our way in the last week or so:

The Houston Chronicle fully expects the Texans to use a first- or second-round pick on a running back. Chris Brown is gone. … Laurent Robinson (leg) is expected to be ready for training camp and will probably enter camp as the starter across from Donnie Avery. Brandon Gibson will be the third receiver but push Robinson. … The Lions are making it a priority to upgrade at the No. 2 receiver spot. The move they make will be huge for Calvin Johnson. … All signs point toward Matt Moore entering training camp as the Panthers' starter. … Antonio Bryant's friend and position coach Richard Mann is likely gone, leading to speculation that Bryant will leave right along with him. … The Lions are on the hunt for a running back with Kevin Smith (ACL, shoulder) unlikely to be ready for Week 1. … Andy Reid says Donovan McNabb will be his quarterback next season, but rumors will persist all offseason. Michael Vick is expected to be traded. … Brian Westbrook will have to take a pay cut just to remain a part of a committee with LeSean McCoy next season. … Clinton Portis needs to get his act together or he could be cut. … LenDale White is likely to be back with the Titans on a one-year tender next season, which won't make him happy. … Wes Welker's recovery is going to be more complicated because he tore both his ACL and MCL. He's a strong bet to start next season on the PUP list, meaning he'll be out until Week 7. ... If they're comfortable with Jacoby Jones as the No. 2 receiver, the Texans may let Kevin Walter walk as an unrestricted free agent.

 

[HacheMan]

The Sims: Jets, Ravens have best chance to snare playoff upsets



On the field, football is called a game of inches. In a room with computers and stat fans, it's a game of numbers. SportSims.net ran simulations of this weekend's NFL divisional playoffs projecting both winners and individual statistics:
New York Jets vs. San Diego Chargers
In 10,000 simulations, SportSims.net predicts that the Jets will win 51.8% of the time. With a final score of 24-20, the key to the game is the Jets' No. 1-ranked defense:
Jets
QB Mark Sanchez: 14 of 24 (58.3%), 176 yards, 1 INT, 1 TD
RB Thomas Jones: 20 carries, 93 yards, 4.7 avg., 1 TD
RB Shonn Greene: 18 carries, 77 yards, 4.3 avg., 1 TD
Team defense: 1 INT, 3 sacks
Chargers
QB Philip Rivers: 19 of 33 (57.6%), 216 yards, 1 INT, 2 TDs
RB LaDanian Tomlinson: 15 carries, 54 yards, 3.6 avg.
RB Darren Sproles: 10 carries, 42 yards, 4.2 avg.
Team defense: 1 INT, 2 sacks
Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Ravens won 53.8% of the time by a final score of 27-20 in 10,000 simulations.
Ravens
QB Joe Flacco: 19 of 29 (65.5%), 222 yards, 1 INT, 1 TD
RB Ray Rice: 19 carries for 109 yards, 5.7 avg., 1 TD
RB Willis McGahee: 10 carries for 29 yards, 2.9 avg.
Team defense: 1 INT, 2 sacks
Colts
QB Peyton Manning: 24 of 38 (63.2%), 267 yards, 1 INT, 2 TDs
RB Joseph Addai: 15 carries for 61 yards, 4.1 avg.
Team defense: 1 INT, 2 sacks
Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings
Dallas won 50.9% of 10,000 simulations, one of the closest simulations SportSims.net has seen. With a score of 21-20, this will be the weekend's nail-biter.
Cowboys
QB Tony Romo: 21 of 34 (61.8%), 299 yards, 2 TDs
RB Marion Barber: 13 carries, 54 yards, 4.2 avg., 1 TD
RB Felix Jones: 11 carries, 85 yards, 7.7 avg., 1 TD
Team defense: 3 sacks
Vikings
QB Brett Favre: 21 of 35 (60.0%), 230 yards, 1 TD
RB Adrian Peterson: 19 carries, 82 yards, 4.3 avg., 1 TD
RB Chester Taylor: 8 carries, 36 yards, 4.5 avg.
Team defense: 3 sacks
Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints
In 10,000 simulated matchups, SportSims.net determined that the Saints won 59.3% of the time by a final score of 31-21.
Cardinals
QB Kurt Warner: 23 of 38 (60.5%), 257 yards, 2 INTs, 3 TDs
RB Beanie Wells: 14 carries, 63 yards, 4.5 avg.
RB Tim Hightower: 7 carries, 33 yards, 4.7 avg.
Team defense: 1 INT, 2 sacks
Saints
QB Drew Brees: 23 of 33 (69.7%), 298 yards, 1 INT, 3 TDs
RB Mike Bell: 13 carries, 53 yards, 4.1 avg.
RB Pierre Thomas: 13 carries, 65 yards, 5 avg., 1 TD
Team defense: 2 INTs, 3 sacks

 

[HacheMan]

The Martz Factor
It's not very often that a simple offensive coordinator hire can change the entire fantasy outlook of a team. Mike Martz is just that special.

First of all, let's note that Martz wasn't anywhere near the Bears' first choice. Will that affect how much power he has over the offense? I doubt it.

Head coach Lovie Smith used to say the Bears "get off the bus running." That's not going to fly with Martz, known as one of the most strong-minded coaches in the game. While Martz will adjust to the weather and the shoddy grass at Soldier Field, he will remain a pass-first kind of play caller. It's in his blood.

Here's a look at what is on Martz's resume:

* Rams 1999 (offensive coordinator): The year before Martz arrived in St. Louis (1998), the Rams ranked 27th in total offense at 279.5 yards per game. In 1999, they ranked first in total offense at 400.8 yards per game. Kurt Warner was the No. 1 fantasy QB that year. Marshall Faulk was the No. 2 fantasy RB, Isaac Bruce was the No. 6 fantasy WR and Roland Williams was the No. 13 fantasy TE.

* Rams 2003 (head coach): In his first full season without Warner as his starter, Martz showed that his system works with other quarterbacks. The Rams ranked ninth in total offense at 341.1 yards per game. Marc Bulger was the No. 7 fantasy QB. Marshall Faulk was the No. 16 fantasy RB even though he only played in 11 games. Torry Holt was the No. 2 fantasy WR and Isaac Bruce was the No. 18 fantasy WR.

* Lions 2006 (offensive coordinator): In a stunt of David Copperfield proportions, Martz turned Jon Kitna into a fantasy stud. In his first year under Martz, Kitna broke the 4,000 yard mark for the first time in his career and finished up as the No. 6 fantasy QB. Roy Williams, now exposed as a below average receiver in Dallas, was the No. 10 fantasy WR.

I could keep listing examples of Martz turning water into wine, but you get the point. The guy makes good players elite fantasy options and mediocre players solid in fantasy.

OK, so here's the bottom line on Martz's impact on the Bears:

Jay Cutler -- Before Martz, Cutler was a guy I'd let someone else take a chance on next season. Now, I'm targeting him. He'll take a lot of hits and throw a lot of picks (again), but he'll throw the ball downfield more and his attempts numbers will be huge.

Matt Forte -- In PPR leagues, Forte will be an animal. As a Lion, Kevin Jones (who happens to be a Bear now), had 61 catches in 12 games under Martz. Forte is a better receiver than Jones.

Greg Olsen -- Martz is notorious for not using his tight ends. Vernon Davis had just 31 catches in 2008 with Martz as his offensive coordinator. But with Olsen, Martz says it will be different:

"In the past, we've always had these big, physical tight ends who really we tried to utilize in the running game and as pass blockers and then as wide receivers," Martz said. "Greg is different. This is more of back in the Ernie Zampese era with the Kellen Winslows and those guys that the Chargers moved around and used him as a blocker. But when you can get … him matched up on linebackers and safeties, it's going to be a mismatch. And then his ability to still stand in there and slug it out, he's a complete player from every respect at that position.''

Don't buy that. It's not worth the risk and Olsen's 2010 outlook has taken a major hit.

Devin Hester, Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett -- Let's wait and see how the depth chart shakes out. If Bennett ends up in the slot and Aromashodu gets a full complement on the outside, it's party time. I'd target them both as value picks.

SUPER BOWL NOTES
Dwight Freeney (ankle) says he's getting better, but at this point it looks like he'll only play in pass-rushing situations. Raheem Brock is his backup. … Jerraud Powers (foot) didn't practice Wednesday but says he'll be ready. We'll see. Jacob Lacey is his backup, but the real issue is with Tim Jennings. The Colts can't be comfortable with Jennings out there vs. Drew Brees' receivers. … Jeremy Shockey (knee) practiced Wednesday but his exact role for the Super Bowl is unclear. David Thomas will be a factor. … Robert Meacham (ankle) is practicing in full.

RANDOM THOUGHTS
Plaxico Burress says he's been doing push-ups and sit-ups four days a week in prison to stay in shape. Why not seven? … New Browns GM Tom Heckert questioned whether Jerome Harrison can carry a full load for an entire season. Here we go again. … Don't believe that report that the Eagles are keeping Michael Vick for a second. If the Eagles told everyone they were dumping him, then how could they have any leverage in trade talks? … Wes Welker had successful knee surgery to repair his blown up knee and says his goal is to be ready for Week 1. Even if he doesn't start the season on PUP, I'm staying away. … Everyone seems really down on Matt Leinart. If his ADP bears that out, I'll gladly take a gamble as a QB2.

 

[HacheMan]

Small School Prospects
Prospects coming from the small Division-I school and sub-FBS ranks are always at a disadvantage because the competition they've faced doesn't remotely resemble what they'll go against in the National Football League. On a good day, a right defensive end like Larry Hart from Central Arkansas squared off with a left tackle that might make it to an NFL camp, only to be cut in September and wind up selling insurance.

The No. 1 requirement when scouring lower levels for NFL talent is domination. These players must stand out on virtually every snap of every game. It must be clear that a small-school prospect is better than the rest of the players on the field.

Here are 25 players that met that requirement.

Appalachian State QB Armanti Edwards

Edwards' legend took effect with the Mountaineers' upset of No. 5-ranked Michigan during the '07 season opener, but the first ever two-time Walter Payton Award (D-IAA's Heisman) winner was far from a one-game wonder. A four-year starter, Edwards finished his career with 139 all-purpose TDs, a 45-9 record, and with virtually every QB record in Southern Conference history. Edwards was injury prone throughout his four seasons, goes 6'0/194 in high heels, and is probably a better runner than passer. He isn't going to play quarterback in the pros. But Antwaan Randle El is a viable comparison, and Edwards will be well worth a third-day flier with gadget-play potential, if not the ability to develop into a full-time wide receiver down the road.

Draft Projection: Late-fifth to sixth round

Arkansas State DE Alex Carrington

"BCS team" tackles and guards received a rude awakening at the Senior Bowl when an unknown, if hulking 6'5/284-pound end with the last name of Carrington lined up opposite them. Observers called Carrington the best defensive player in Mobile, which wouldn't have surprised anyone in the Sun Belt. Carrington, a four-year starter, was the conference's player of the year in 2008, closing out his final two seasons with a whopping 33.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. Despite abnormally short arms (31"), Carrington is a true bull rusher with plenty of quicks. A likely NFL starter, he could play left end or under tackle in a 4-3. He's a five-technique prospect for the 3-4.

Draft Projection: Mid-second to early-third round

Buffalo RB James Starks

Starks' trajectory entering 2009 pointed toward a monster finish to his college career before a torn left labrum and subsequent year-ending surgery ended it. There's still plenty to like here. Built ala [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=2491"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] at 6'2/217, Starks made the successful conversion from high school quarterback to workhorse college tailback as a redshirt freshman. A second-team All-MAC pick in his first and second seasons, Starks exploded for 1,333 yards on 272 carries, 16 rushing scores, and a highly impressive 52 catches in 2008. The cousin of Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Johnny Flynn, Starks should be 100% by next week's Scouting Combine. With versatility and size already on his side, Starks' stock will resume soaring if he's able to run his forty in the high-4.4 range.

Draft Projection: Late-fifth to sixth round

Central Arkansas DE Larry Hart

Hart transferred into the D-IAA ranks after two years of community college and immediately made his presence felt. The 6'0/247-pound pass rusher rang up 21 tackles for loss and 12 sacks as a junior to take home Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2008. Hart's production (10.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks) tailed off some as a senior amid more offensive focus, but he was still named the conference's co-Defensive POY while leading the league in forced fumbles (4) and blocking two kicks. A right end in college, Hart projects as a situational blitzer and impact special teamer at the next level. He'll appeal mostly to teams that run the 3-4 defensive system.

Draft Projection: Mid-fifth to sixth round

Central Florida DT Torell Troup

A mainstay at the thankless nose tackle spot in George O'Leary's Golden Knights defense, Troup only flashed penetrating ability in college. His primary role was to occupy double teams in front of middle linebacker Cory Hogue (UCF's leading tackler) and alongside right end Jarvis Geathers (11 sacks in '09). Troup still managed five tackles for loss and a pair of sacks as a senior. A 39-game starter, Troup went on to impress by exhibiting natural power at the East-West Shrine all-star event. At 6'3/310, Troup could afford to add weight to his frame and offers starting potential as a two-down run stopper. Troup fits both the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, increasing his draft value.

Draft Projection: Mid-third to fourth round

Citadel WR Andre Roberts

It's unusual that a Citadel alum is invited to the Senior Bowl, but Roberts bucked the trend and capitalized. The recognition was deserved. A three-year starter at the military college, Roberts racked up 172 catches for 2,126 yards (12.4 YPC) and 22 TDs in his final two seasons. He made a similarly monster impact on special teams, finishing first nationally in D-IAA punt return average as a junior and sixth as a senior while bringing back three returns for touchdowns. Roberts, who ran on The Citadel's track team, proved he could excel against high-level competition by dropping nine catches for 153 yards and a score on Clemson in 2008. Exceptionally quick in a short area with plenty of long speed, Roberts projects as an NFL slot man with homerun-hitting return skills.

Draft Projection: Late-third to fourth round

Fordham QB John Skelton

I covered Skelton extensively in Draft 2010: The Quarterbacks. In a nutshell, Skelton has a chance to be this year's Joe Flacco. While he faced sub-par competition at non-scholarship D-IAA, Skelton's obliteration of the level is impressive, as are his physical characteristics. Skelton is built like Ben Roethlisberger at 6'5/244, has a howitzer for an arm, and was perhaps the most aggressive passer at any level of college football a year ago. In a class thin on quarterbacks with starting upside after Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen, Skelton won't have any trouble getting drafted.

Draft Projection: Late-third to mid-fourth round

Hampton RB LaMarcus Coker

Coker originally signed with Tennessee as the nation's No. 2 overall all-purpose tailback recruit. A state champion prep sprinter, Coker made first-team freshman All America in 2006 and won the Vols' starting job over Arian Foster in '07. Violating the university's drug policy, though, got Coker kicked out of school. He resurfaced at Hampton and ranked second in all-purpose yardage in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 2009. Explosive in the passing game, Coker averaged 15.5 yards per reception in the Pirates' decidedly run-heavy offense. He ran two sub-4.4 forties, timing as fast as 4.27 at November's East Coast Bowl, a sub-Division I all-star event. Coker carries lots of red flags, but can burn at 5'10/195 and has game-breaking potential as a pace-change back.

Draft Projection: Late-fifth to sixth round

Hillsdale OT Jared Veldheer

Division-II offensive linemen are always huge projects, but Veldheer's skill set is awesomely intriguing. At 6'9/321, he has been timed as fast as 4.8 in the forty-yard dash and can bench press 225 pounds 32 times. Obviously, we'll hear lots about Veldheer at next week's Combine. Also incredibly durable, Veldheer started every game (43) of his college career at left tackle, never sitting out due to injury. Veldheer most likely won't be ready to play anytime soon, but he appears to have enough athleticism to someday be an NFL starter, particularly in a zone-blocking scheme.

Draft Projection: Early-fourth to late-fourth round

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Indiana (PA) CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah

Owusu-Ansah has missed all postseason all-star events while coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Clearly, though, he offers many of the traits NFL teams look for in impact corners. Owusu-Ansah, whose first name fittingly means "Born on Sunday" in African, goes 6'1/197 and intercepted eight passes as a junior before rarely being tested as a senior. He also had nine career return touchdowns, including three on punts and two on kickoffs in 2009. Timed at 4.48 in the forty, Owusu-Ansah possesses an ideal size-speed combination for the next level. His stock could vault into the second-round range should he impress at his March Pro Day.

Draft Projection: Late-third to fourth round

Jacksonville State QB Ryan Perrilloux

Signed as the No. 1 overall QB recruit in 2005 by LSU, Perrilloux left college with more negatives than positives. He was suspended by Les Miles as a sophomore for trying to use his brother's I.D. to enter a casino, and again for getting into a bar fight. Perrilloux was finally kicked out of LSU for failing a drug test in May of 2008, and landed at JSU. Confirming his issues weren't behind him, Perrilloux sat out the Gamecocks' 2009 opener for an undisclosed violation of team rules. He wound up earning Ohio Valley Conference POY honors, completing 58.5% of his passes with a 23:2 TD-to-INT ratio. Off-field woes may keep Perrilloux out of the draft, but he'll get a chance somewhere because of his ability. Perrilloux has a cannon arm, quick release, and is highly athletic.

Draft Projection: Seventh round to free agent

James Madison DE Arthur Moats

Winner of the 2009 Buck Buchanan Award as D-IAA's premier defender, Moats lived in opposing backfields as a junior and senior. Also the Colonial Athletic Conference Defensive POY, Moats rang up 39 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his final two years, and blocked two kicks as a senior. Clearly a man among boys, Moats also led James Madison in tackles as a senior -- highly impressive for a lineman. Moats, though, goes 6'0/246 and will have to convert from low-level end into a 3-4 rush linebacker in the NFL. Next week's Combine will be crucial, as Moats must exhibit the ability to drop into coverage and rush with his hand up to solidify his stock.

Draft Projection: Early-fifth to sixth round

Louisiana-Monroe LB Cardia Jackson

The Sun Belt Conference's leading tackler and co-league player of the year in 2009, Jackson started all four seasons for the Warhawks and compiled 24 tackles for loss in his final three. Louisiana-Monroe plays a rare 4-2-5 defensive scheme, calling on Jackson to be the unit's playmaker and line up both inside and out. He isn't expected to time especially well in speed and agility drills, which is a concern at a relatively small build (6'2/230). But there's no doubting Jackson's production and ability to wreak havoc. He may wind up as a special teams maven.

Draft Projection: Late-sixth to seventh round

Louisiana Tech DT D'Anthony Smith

A Senior Bowl invitee, Smith projects as a "three-technique" tackle for a 4-3 system. He showed an explosive first step in Mobile, frequently winning one-on-ones when shooting the gap. Smith's college production wasn't off the charts, but he was a four-year starter and made first-team All-WAC as both a junior and senior, missing just one career game due to injury and recording 8.5 sacks in his final two seasons combined. Another example of this draft's depth at defensive tackle, Smith is likely to be an NFL contributor, even if it's only in a rotation on passing downs.

Draft Projection: Early-fourth to fifth round

Marshall RB Darius Marshall

Ahmad Bradshaw's successor for the Thundering Herd and a spitting image of the Giants' change-of-pace back, Marshall declared for the pros after starting all three seasons. He made second-team All-C USA in both of his final two years. In 2009, Marshall averaged 5.0 yards per carry with 11 touchdowns despite missing three games, two with a late-season ankle sprain and one due to suspension. Marshall was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession last offseason. With a compact running style and 4.4 speed at 5'10/190, though, Marshall offers explosive, No. 2 back potential similar to Bradshaw. Marshall also returned kickoffs throughout his college career.

Draft Projection: Early-fifth to sixth round

Middle Tennessee State DE Chris McCoy

McCoy shared Sun Belt Defensive POY honors with the aforementioned Cardia Jackson following a breakout campaign. The 6'3/251-pound end racked up 20 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two fumble recoveries in 2009. A two-year starter, McCoy essentially came out of nowhere after replacing current Dolphins OLB Erik Walden in the Blue Raiders' lineup. Like Walden, McCoy is also destined to play linebacker in a 3-4 NFL system. McCoy will be viewed as a project coming from a low-level college and making a position switch, but clearly possesses disruptive ability.

Draft Projection: Mid-fourth to fifth round

Murray State DE Austen Lane

Blessed with a Julius Peppers-like build at 6'6/267 and a highly productive track record as a four-year starter, Lane was a big play waiting to happen in D-IAA. He totaled a whopping 41.5 tackles for loss and 25 sacks in his final two years, winning Ohio Valley Conference Defensive POY as a senior. Lane was also remarkably consistent, registering at least one TFL in every game last season. The former high school wideout returned a fumble for a touchdown in the North's 31-13 victory over the South at last month's Senior Bowl, proving he can play with the big boys. Lane needs to get stronger, but offers potential to be the ideal 4-3 left defensive end at the next level.

Draft Projection: Mid-second to mid-third round

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North Alabama WR Preston Parker

The nation's No. 12 overall receiver recruit in '06, Parker initially signed with Florida State only to get himself arrested out of Tallahassee. The 6'0/200-pound wideout/return ace was suspended two games in 2008 after being caught with a gun and marijuana in the offseason. Bobby Bowden kicked Parker off the team in '09 following a DUI arrest, during which he was found asleep behind the wheel of his car in a McDonald's drive-thru. Parker told police that he was drunk and had smoked marijuana. Resurfacing with Bowden's son Terry at North Alabama for his senior year, Parker caught 52 passes for 789 yards (15.2 YPC) and six TDs. Parker will struggle to get drafted because of his off-field problems, but has enough ability that someone will give him a shot.

Draft Projection: Seventh round to free agent

North Alabama SS Quinton Andrews

Another Terry Bowden reclamation project, Andrews looked to be one of the nation's top young safeties when he picked off five passes as a redshirt freshman at West Virginia. However, he would be suspended twice as a sophomore, once for obstructing an officer, and later kicked off the team by coach Bill Stewart following the Mountaineers' 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl win over North Carolina. Andrews ultimately clashed with two coaching staffs at WVU (also Rich Rodriguez's). At North Alabama, Andrews led the Gamecocks with six interceptions, had a pick six, finished second on the team in tackles, and forced three fumbles. With his head on straight, Andrews is a punishing hitter with serious big-play ability and a Louis Delmas-like skill set.

Draft Projection: Seventh round to free agent

Norfolk State FS Terrell Whitehead

A three-and-a-half-year starter, Whitehead was D-IAA's version of Ed Reed as the Spartans' ball-hawking centerfielder. He finished his career with a ridiculous 18 picks, including six apiece as a sophomore and senior. Whitehead entered college at a featherweight 160 pounds, which may explain why he was so lightly recruited. But he got up to 6'2/200 by his senior year and was the anchor of Norfolk State's outstanding pass defense, which ranked first in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Whitehead also garnered first-team All American honors in the FCS. Speed and physicality are question marks for Whitehead, but his dynamic playmaking ability is hard to find.

Draft Projection: Late-sixth to seventh round

North Dakota State RB Pat Paschall

D-IAA's leader in rushing yards per game last year, Paschall didn't realize his potential until being given NDSU's full-time backfield reins as a senior. Stuck in a committee during the '07 and '08 seasons, Paschall exploded for 1,397 yards on 207 carries (6.8 YPC) and 16 rushing touchdowns as well as a 15.5 yards-per-reception average in 2009. Paschall obviously doesn't have [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4743"]Chris Johnson[/URL]'s long speed, but resembles the Titans' 2,000-yard rusher with his dread-locked look, size (6'0/198), toughness between the tackles, and penchant for finishing runs. Paschall was also one of the stars at last month's East-West Shrine game and could pay off as a mid- to late-round pick with the ability to contribute as a No. 2 back and possible fill-in starter in the event of injury.

Draft Projection: Late-fifth to sixth round

Northern Iowa DE James Ruffin

Many small-school ends move to linebacker in the pros. Not Ruffin. At 6'3/266, the four-year starter possesses adequate size to stay on the line as a rotational nickel rusher. Ruffin, the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive POY as a junior, shared the honor as a senior with South Dakota State's Danny Batten after racking up 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Ruffin had 18 TFLs and 10 sacks as a junior, confirming his ability to consistently dominate FCS competition. Ruffin made first-team all-conference in each of his final three years. While he lacks elite burst and suddenness, Ruffin is a high-motor player with potential to make an impact on third downs.

Draft Projection: Late-sixth to seventh round

Southern Methodist WR Emmanuel Sanders

Sanders nearly declared for the NFL following a 67-catch, 958-yard, nine-score junior season, but new coach June Jones convinced him to stay for one more year. Sanders capitalized by breaking SMU's 41-year-old record for single-season receiving yards with 1,339. He also caught 98 passes and averaged 13.7 YPC in Jones' run-and-shoot. Devastatingly quick at 5'11/182, Sanders was a homerun punt-return threat and consistent red-zone force, scoring 34 career receiving TDs. The offense Sanders played in will be held against him and he'll definitely need to bulk up. But his athletic ability and speed can't be taught, and Sanders' versatility will help him on draft day.

Draft Projection: Late-fifth to sixth round

South Dakota State DE Danny Batten

The Missouri Valley's co-Defensive Player of the Year along with Ruffin in '09, Batten impressively ranked second on the Jackrabbits in tackles from his defensive end slot. He also chipped in a club-high 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks. A former first-team all-state rugby player in Arizona, Batten went on to start all four years at SDSU, finishing his career with 52.5 TFLs. The 6'2/250-pound rusher was successfully tried at both outside and inside linebacker during February's Texas vs. Nation all-star event. Also asked to drop into coverage frequently after slimming down to the 245-pound range in 2009, Batten will appeal to teams that value versatility, like the Patriots.

Draft Projection: Mid-sixth to seventh round

Stillman DE Junior Galette

Players usually transfer from the FBS ranks to D-IAA because of a lack of playing time. Galette, though, was a highly productive end at Temple before being suspended indefinitely for an off-field violation. Resurfacing at Stillman, an all-black college that produced Lions starting DT Sammie Lee Hill a year ago, Galette rang up conference highs in sacks (9.5), forced fumbles (3), and tackles for loss (17.5) in just eight games last year. A Haiti native, Galette should perform well at next week's Combine because he is an explosive athlete. Galette may be viewed as a future starting 3-4 OLB by NFL teams if he runs in the 4.5s and impresses with his 10-yard split.

Draft Projection: Early-fifth to sixth round