Jene Bramel
Footballguy
Now out of the can.
Have at it
POST DRAFT ROOKIE 100
By Sigmund Bloom
Well, it’s time for the “real” rookie 100. The first few were just
warm-ups, mere speculation. We know the destinations of the 2006 rookie
class, and rookie drafts are in full swing. There is so much talent at the
skill positions in the late rounds and even among the undrafted free
agent pool. These rankings are sure to change dramatically once we see
how rookie minicamps and training camps sort the roster battles out,
especially in the 50-100 range. Previous rank in parenthesis.
**The Top 3 could be entrenched top producers as feature backs, the
rarest commodity in fantasy football**
1(1) Reggie Bush, RB, NO – I don’t see any different between Houston
and New Orleans for his long term outlook. He’s a supreme talent with a
chance to settle into the top 5 fantasy RBs and overall players for a
long time. Invest with confidence. If you own him, you may have to ride
out a protacted holdout. Don’t panic. He did experience some adversity
leading up to the draft, but New Orleans is excited to have him and that
will be forgotten once he signs his contract.
2(4) Laurence Maroney, RB, NE – You can’t ask for a better destination.
Maroney gets to tote the rock for a perennial winning team and only has
an aging, overpaid Corey Dillon in his way. New England is high rent
real estate for a running back and Maroney is a natural talent at RB.
Remember, Corey Dillon got 12 rushing TDs in this offense last year
despite being a shadow of his former self. He rushed for over 1600 yards in
2004. Maroney could take over this year if Dillon’s 2005 is like his
2004, and put up those kind of numbers in a best case scenario.
3(2) DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR – The Panthers got their draft card to
the podium in about one minute to take Williams. He should be the focal
point of their running attack, although the Panthers have shown a
propensity to go with bigger backs at the goal line, so I am interested to
see if Eric Shelton grabs that role. DeShaun Foster signed a contract in
the offseason with Carolina and should split carries with Williams for
at least this year, but Williams projects to be better than Foster and
outright take his job down the line. With Carolina’s commitment to the
run, Williams has a high upside.
**The next four are very close and you should adjust accordingly for
your scoring system/lineup**
4(5) Vince Young, QB, TEN – Im probably in the minority here, but I
prefer Young to Leinart in typical scoring leagues. Look at how anemic
Michael Vick’s running stats are, and he’s still a viable fantasy QB. If
Young is just an average passer at best, he could surpass Vick. A
quality passer and he should be top 5, with the potential to be #1 for
stretch. Young is for those who prefer upside in the way of athletic ability
and dual threat running QBs. If your league penalizes turnovers
heavily, it might be a rough ride at first with Young.
5(9) Matt Leinart, QB, ARI – Leinart landed in the plum situation for a
quarterback statistically. For this very valid reason, many have
Leinart ahead of Young. Another plus for Leinart is that he’ll be playing
indoors at least nine games a season. Leinart could definitely be a top 5,
Matt Hasselbeck level QB, but I don’t see him cracking the top 3 unless
the Cardinals stay as ridiculously pass heavy as they were in 2005.
This seems unlikely in the short term with the signing of Edgerrin James.
An aside: I am just getting an odd feeling from Leinart (Nervous,
Unhappy on draft day, Paris Hilton?) right now and I’m left wondering a
little bit about his makeup. It slightly registered on my bust-o-meter.
6(3) LenDale White, RB, TEN – Speaking on registering on the
bust-o-meter, LenDale White had a tailspin leading into the draft, culminating in
reports of a positive drug test on draft day - reports that Jeff Fisher
has since denied. Fisher seems elated to have White and will give him
the chance to be their lead sled dog a la Eddie George. If your league
has deflated QB scoring, or is only a 12 teamer, you might consider
bumping White up to 4. He’s a boom/bust pick.
7(8) Vernon Davis, TE, SF – Vernon Davis went astoundingly high for a
TE and has the rare chance to be a #1 target out of the TE position. If
your league is a TE premium scoring league, you should slot Davis at
least 4th, and possibly as high as 2nd. I wouldn’t argue with him at 4th
in PPR TE required formats. He seems like one of the safest investments
of the single digit picks.
**The beginning of the Second tier**
8(10) Joseph Addai, RB, IND – Addai will go a lot higher than this is
most leagues. If he really hits he’ll justify a pick as high as 2 or 3.
As it stands now, I just don’t see Addai as more than a solid RBBC RB
because of his lack of elusiveness. His track record as a feature back
is only a half season long. I think each of the seven players listed
above Addai have the chance be pro bowl talents. I don’t see that in Addai
and therefore I just can’t slot him above them in leagues where you
draft entire careers.
9(16) Jay Cutler, QB, DEN – Cutler takes a big leap going to Denver and
Mike Shanahan’s offense. He’ll always have a solid running game to fall
back on and he’s got some young weapons to develop with in this draft
class. If he doesn’t bust, he should at least put up Plummer’s numbers,
but he doesn’t have the elite fantasy upside of Young and Leinart.
10(7) Chad Jackson, WR, NE – I was looking for Jackson to land
somewhere where he would be groomed to be a #1. New England is notorious for
spreading the ball around and should re-sign Deion Branch. New England
lacks a #2 WR and Jackson does have the short and long game to be a #1,
so he’s worth a late first.
11(6) Santonio Holmes, WR, PIT – Almost no team throws less than the
Steelers. Hines Ward and Heath Miller already have their pieces of the
pie. I really like Holmes talent, but this is not a good place for a
fantasy WR. The Steelers are happy to have him, and he should flourish, but
it’s tough to see him cracking the top 20 in the long term.
12(17) Jerious Norwood, RB, ATL – Norwood should get an opportunity
eventually to take over Warrick Dunn’s role in the offense. Like Addai,
his late rise on my board is based mostly on opportunity, but I am not as
sold on his talent as I am the non-RB in this tier. The RB premium
bumps them both up a tier.
13(13) Maurice Drew, RB, JAX – Drew has the biggest boom/bust span of
the 2nd tier of rookies. He’s trying to beat the under 5’8” RB curse.
Jacksonville does present a nice opportunity, and Drew just might have
that “it” quality to overcome his shortcoming. There’s no denying that he
was as electrifying as any college RB except Reggie Bush in his best
moments last year.
14(15) Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAX – I felt vindicated to see Lewis go in
the first after all. He just has a special knack for receiving that is
rare in a guy with his long and tall of a frame and should be a heavily
used short, intermediate, and red zone target.
15(14) A.J. Hawk, LB, GB – Hawk went to Green Bay as expected, but took
a slight hit when they drafted a stud run stopping ILB in Abdul Hodge
later on the first day. He’ll still be a three down LB and he’s got
special playmaking instincts and intangibles. If your league heavily
weights IDPs, I could see drafting him as high as 8th or 9th.
16(24) Ernie Sims, LB, DET – WLB in a cover two is one of the highest
yielding roles in an IDP league and Sims will occupy that spot from day
one. Derrick Brooks production is possible.
17(25) Chad Greenway, LB, MIN – Like Sims, Greenway should occupy the
WLB position in the cover 2 as soon as he steps on the field. He won’t
be as explosive as Sims, but he’s definitely a 2nd tier player if you
are in need of an impact LB.
18(11) Brian Calhoun, RB, DET – Calhoun is blocked by Kevin Jones in
Detroit, but it’s not as bad as it might seem at first. Everyone has to
prove themselves to coach Marinelli anew and Jones is coming off a
disappointing year. Calhoun could jump back to the top 12 if the reports
this summer are promising.
19(33) D’Qwell Jackson, LB, CLE – Jackson was a coveted player on draft
day. Cleveland traded up for him in the early second and he should fit
well on the inside of Romeo Crennel’s defense. If you miss out on the
top three LBs because you don’t have a pick in the teens, you may very
well land Jackson in the mid to late 20s, so don’t despair.
**Third tier – talent level drops, less scarce postions, bigger
questions loom**
20(59) Joel Klopfenstein, TE, STL – Klopfenstein’s value took a huge
jump when he was selected by St. Louis in the second round. He really
broke away from the rest of the second tier TEs by landing in Scott
Linehan’s offense. They did draft another TE, but Klopfenstein was clearly
the one they were targeting. He’s not a threat to be a top five TE, but
should be starting quality unless he busts.
21(19) Brandon Marshall, WR, DEN – Marshall did not land in the best
situation in Denver as Javon Walker was added and is likely to get signed
long term. Marshall can certainly vie for the other starting slot
eventually as Rod Smith is getting closer to retirement, and Ashley Lelie is
out of favor. He’s got upside to match any WR in this class, but also
has a bigger bust risk.
22(30) Greg Jennings, WR, GB – Jennings is a nice well-rounded receiver
that may never be a force but should still be a useful fantasy WR. I am
really stuck on the Derrick Mason comparison, and he really has no
competition for the #2 WR slot in Green Bay. Donald Driver was making some
waves earlier and his departure could follow Favre’s. Jennings is a
solid 2nd rounder if you want to build WR depth.
23(18) Sinorice Moss, WR, NYG – Moss ended up being a mid-second
rounder and going to a team where I don’t see him being higher than the third
option in the passing offense in the long term. Plaxico Burress and
Jeremy Shockey are entrenched in the Giants passing offense. Moss is also
one of the least accomplished of the first day WRs and may need more
time to develop.
24(32) DeMeco Ryans, LB, HOU – Ryans landed in a nice spot, a Houston
defense that has switched to the 4-3 and is rebuilding. He could well be
the best LB on the defense within one of two years and he’s got a good
veteran down there in Sam Cowart to show him the ropes. Not penciled
already in a big time role in the defense like the LBs who make the
overall 2nd tier, Ryans also lacks the elite talent, although he is an
extremely dependable tackler, which bodes well for an IDP.
25(12) Jerome Harrison, RB, CLE – Harrison took a big tumble in value
on draft day when he lasted til the 5th round, but he should displace
Lee Suggs, and Reuben Droughns, while solid, is more of an average talent
at RB, so don’t totally count Harrison out. He was extremely productive
in college and could surprise.
26(65) Kellen Clemens, QB, NYJ – Clemens cruised up rookie draft boards
as fast as he did on NFL boards this month. He should have an open shot
the Jets job at some point and is a nice stash and hold player in the
late 2nd.
27(29) Travis Wilson, WR, CLE – Wilson’s talent kept him in the first
day mix in a tough draft for wide receivers. Joe Jurevicius is on the
wrong side of 30 and Wilson could have opportunity right around the time
he’s hitting his prime.
28(31) Leonard Pope, TE, ARI – Leonard Pope fell farther than a lot of
people expected on draft day and will be no higher that the #3 option
in Arizona no matter how well he does. I think he will be nice depth at
TE, but possibly on the fringe of starting quality unless he catches a
lot of TDs.
29(20) Demetrius Williams, WR, BAL – Demetrius fell to the 2nd day in a
bit of surprise, but he’s got an open path the WR3 role soon and has
more upside than your usual 4th round WR.
30(98) Tony Scheffler, TE, DEN – One of the biggest surprises of the
first day, Scheffler has clearly been tagged for a starting role by
Denver in the future. His risk as a project keeps him lower on this list,
but I’ll be quick to bump him up if he has a good training camp.
31(27) Maurice Stovall, WR, TB – Stovall is middling talent for
fantasy, but he is in a position to inherit a starting role when Joey Galloway
eventually moves on. He’s a solid investment of a third round pick.
32(51) Michael Huff, S, OAK – Huff was drafted in the top ten and Im
projecting him as a Ed Reed like presence in the secondary. He’s got a
knack for taking the ball to the house on turnovers and should be an
elite fantasy safety.
33(38) Mario Williams, DE, HOU – Bump him up even more in your leagues
that weight sacks. Williams is a solid pick in the third, especially if
you prefer to minimize risk in your rookie drafts.
34(45) Donte Whitner, S, BUF – Buffalo got their guy even if he was a
reach. He’s not quite the gamebreaker that Huff is, but Whitner should
definitely settle into the top 20 safeties and provide a solid return on
a 3rd round pick.
35(75) Rocky McIntosh, LB, WAS – Rocky is going to be asked to compete
for Lavar Arrington’s old job at WLB. He won’t be a three down LB at
first, but has the talent to develop into one if he can stay healthy.
36(28) Mike Hass, WR, NO – Some may see this as a reach, but I am still
sold on Hass and I think he can emerge in New Orleans down the line
because they only have Joe Horn and a WR they are somewhat disenchanted
with, Donte Stallworth, as starters right now.
37(21) Dominique Byrd, TE, STL – Byrd has the unfortunate luck of
landing on the same time as an earlier member of the 100, Joel Klopfenstein.
He is a talented receiver at TE and he could break out eventually –
maybe even surpass Klop, but he’ll need to solve dedication and motivation
issues to do it.
38(43) Manny Lawson, OLB, SF – Lawson can help offset the deflated
tackle numbers for a 3-4 OLB with his ferocious pass rush ability.
39(34) Abdul Hodge, LB, GB – Hodge was hurt for fantasy on draft day by
ending up on a team with two excellent young LBs, rookie 100 #15 A.J.
Hawk, and Nick Barnett. He’s still a prototype two down run stuffer and
will be a useful LB in IDP leagues.
**Fourth tier - Good opportunity or promising talent, but the beginning
of the long shots**
40(37) Jason Avant, WR, PHI – Avant landed in a decent situation in
Philly, with no real #2 WR on the roster, but I don’t see him as more than
a possession WR.
41(40) Derek Hagan, WR, MIA – Like Avant, Hagan landed in a situation
where he may have an opportunity to be the #2 WR eventually. I still
don’t trust his hands and think won’t live up to his college production.
42(61) Brodie Croyle, QB, KC – I don’t particularly like Croyle out of
the 2nd tier QBs, but he’s got the chance to be the heir to Trent Green
in Kansas City, and that is worth a mid 4th in just about any league.
43(44) Thomas Howard, LB, OAK – Howard has a chance to stick at OLB
with Oakland if he sharpens his instincts. He’s more of a project than the
other LBs on this list, so he falls to the 4th.
44(50) Kamerion Wimbley, OLB, CLE – Like Lawson, Wimbley can help
overcome the limited tackle opportunities of a 3-4 OLB by getting to the
passer consistently. I think he’s a less freakish talent than Lawson, but
worth roughly the same, a la Ware and Merriman at this time last year.
45(49) Bobby Carpenter, OLB, DAL – I envision him stuck with the same
fantasy limits as Wimbley and Lawson but with slightly less innate pass
rush talent. He should at least be good LB depth for fantasy right
away.
46(58) Jason Allen, S, MIA – The ups and downs of the last year ended
on a high note for Allen as he went in the mid 1st. He’s got the talent
to make a similar impact as Michael Huff, but his hip could limit his
longevity.
47(NL) Tarvaris Jackson, QB, MIN – Minnesota reached terribly for this
complete product at QB, but he will be very good if he is developed
well. You’ll just need to wait at least two years to see what happens.
More of a flier to me despite what Minnesota thought.
48(41) Leon Washington, RB, NYJ – I’m sticking to my guns that Leon is
really just a 3rd down back, but he does have nice speed and is on a
team without a true feature back, so he could always get that surprise
opportunity and make good. Worth a flier at the end of the 4th.
49(86) Ingle Martin, QB, GB – Props to Chaos Commish, who called Martin
as a sleeper months ago. Martin’s stock has only gone up since the pre
draft activities started. Aaron Rodgers is his main competition for the
QB of the future slot, and we’ve all heard the murmurs about Rodgers.
50(56) Cedric Humes, RB, PIT – Don’t let the 7th round position fool
you, Humes landed in an ideal situation. Teams like the Steelers that
emphasize power running can turn backs like Humes into RBs with some value
in dynasty leagues. If Duce Staley and Verron Haynes can’t cut it this
year, Humes could get a look.
51(69) Domenik Hixon, WR, DEN – Hixon will compete with Brandon
Marshall to be the #2 of the future opposite Javon Walker. Like Marshall, he’s
got a high upside and is a good flier later on if you like to draft raw
ability in your rookie drafts.
52(23) Omar Jacobs, QB, PIT – Omar takes a big tumble because he was
not drafted to be the QB of the future somewhere. Still, he could turn
into Matt Schaub in 2-3 years, the backup most teams look at as starting
material. Another good pick late if raw talent is what you value.
53(54) Bruce Gradkowski, QB, TB – I’m excited about Gradkowski with Jon
Gruden. His football IQ is valuable in Gruden’s complex offense. Chris
Simms looks good now, but the QBs can be on a carousel through with
Gruden at the helm. A must pick for Simms owners.
54(53) Brandon Williams, WR, SF – Williams is like a Moss brother
without the blazing speed, but he could break out as the WR3 in San
Francisco down the line. There’s no entrenched starter on the roster now and
Williams could break away from the pack of interesting project/question
WRs competing for the #3 spot this year.
55(22) Martin Nance, WR, BUF – Nance had one of the most puzzling drops
on draft day. Big WRs as productive as he was at Miami-Ohio just don’t
go undrafted. Apparently, a pulled hamstring hurt his stock. He still
has opportunity on a team without a true WR2. Watch early reports about
him closely and bump him up at least 10 spots if he is impressing the
Bills staff and looking like he will stick.
56(66). Daniel Bullocks, S, DET – The elite safeties went right in
front of Detroit in the first round, but they got Bullocks in the 2nd.
Paired with Kenoy Kennedy, he should be responsible for deep coverage,
limiting tackle opportunities, but he should still be good depth to start
out with upside to be more.
57(35) De’Arrius Howard, RB, KC – My main man from the Shrine game went
undrafted, as a paltry number of RBs went at the draft this year.
Combine him with sleeper power RB Derrick Ross and you might land Larry
Johnson’s backup. I saw NFL potential in Howard and still like him as much
as any late round RB flier.
58(26) Jonathan Orr, WR, TEN – Another one of my Shrine game favorites
that fell dramatically on this list because of his draft fate, Orr is
in a crowded WR situation in Tennessee. Still, I believe he has the
natural athletic ability to be a starting NFL WR if he develops
consistency.
59(46) Garrett Mills, FB/TE, NE – I was hoping Mills would land
somewhere that would use him as much as a #1 TE in the passing game, but the
Patriots already have their TE in Ben Watson and they also drafted David
Thomas. I can’t knock Mills down too far because of how natural he is
as a receiver, and the chance that he plays himself into a bigger role.
60(52) Brad Smith, UTIL/WR, NYJ – Smith has a long way to go on his
conversion to WR, but his open field running ability is excellent and he
is an athlete. I like using a late pick on at least one of the QB to WR
converts as they have been hitting with good frequency lately.
61(57) Darnell Bing, LB, OAK – Oakland seems to want him to convert to
LB, but they also drafted Thomas Howard to play opposite Kirk Morrison.
Bing still has big play skills and is not a bad flier late if you miss
out on the early LB crop.
62(91) Jon Alston, S/LB, STL – St. Louis has a long term opening at
both WLB and SS, productive fantasy positions. Alston has the skills to be
tried out at either, and is a saavy late round flier pick in IDP
leagues.
63(62) Charlie Whitehurst, QB, SD – Whitehurst landed in a possibly
good situation, depending on how well Philip Rivers plays in the next year
or two. I do not believe Whitehurst will be a starting quality QB, but
he is a good later pick for Rivers owners.
64(100) Jeff Webb, WR, KC – Webb went very late for a guy with his
size/speed combo, but his value was enhanced his destination, a team with
an uncertain long term situation at WR.
65(81) Cory Rodgers, WR, GB – Rodgers did not impress me at the
combine, and should have stayed at TCU for his senior year. He did land on a
team with a bare cupboard at WR, so Cory does merit extra consideration
now as a long term hold in deep leagues.
66(59) Ko Simpson, S, BUF – Ko should be able to beat out Troy Vincent
eventually, but Whitner is the going to be the more active safety.
Simpson still projects to be decent depth and he was a turnover machine in
college.
67(NL) P.J. Daniels, RB, BAL – Daniels looks to take over the RB3 role
from Musa Smith if Smith’s leg continues to give him problems. Jamal
Lewis’s situation could change on a dime and Daniels is a decent pick and
long hold for Lewis owners in deep leagues. I still see him as only a
battering ram role player RB.
68(36) Andre Hall, RB, TB – Hall’s absence from the 255 players drafted
was extremely surprising to me because of how fast and accomplished he
is. Tampa is not a great situation, but he is worth holding in deep
leagues if he makes their roster.
69(42) Taurean Henderson, RB, MIN – Henderson was another casualty of
the NFL’s disinterest in drafting late round RBs this year. He’s still
one of the five best receiving backs in this draft class and there is
not an established starter in Minnesota. Like most of the talents that
went undrafted, he could be a viable stash and hold player in deep
leagues if he makes a roster.
70(NL) Willie Reid, WR/KR, PIT – Now the second fast Willie on the
Steelers roster, Reid will be #3 at best for a while with the addition of
Santonio Holmes, but his speed is elite and he could have some upside at
WR. Opportunity is minimal for now, but the raw tools are intriguing.
71(39) Greg Lee, WR, ARI – I was very disappointed to see Lee go
undrafted, but one ray of hope is that he ended up with former teammate Larry
Fitzgerald in Arizona. He’s been a go-to WR in the past and could be
someone to watch for on another team a few years from now if he can stick
on a roster.
72(47) Todd Watkins, WR, ARI – Watkins was one of the WRs gored by a
lower than expected draft slot, lasting until the seventh round and
ending up on a team with two strongly established starters. His size/speed
combo makes him worth a late flier in deep leagues.
73(74) Bernard Pollard, S, KC – Pollard is a good tackler and has IDP
potential if he can settle in as an in the box safety or possible OLB in
the future for the Chiefs.
74(87) Michael Robinson, UTIL/RB, SF – Robinson will find a way to help
the 49ers win, and may emerge as a weapon on offense in the future.
Again, I’ll say, I like QB to WR converts.
75(71) Reggie McNeal, WR/QB, CIN – McNeal is probably another in the
group of athletic QBs that will be tried out at other positions. His
speed is top end, but I’m not sure he has the makeup to make a successful
switch.
76(NL) Anthony Smith, S, PIT – Smith was targeted by the Steelers on
the first day to compete long term with Ryan Clark for the spot vacated
by Chris Hope. It’s not an elite fantasy slot, but it would make Smith a
decent DB2/3 if he could land it. He’s a solid two way safety and fits
the needs of a stay at home DB opposite Troy Polamalu in the Steelers
defense.
77(85) Gerris Wilkinson, LB, NYG – Wilkinson should get to compete
early on to be the outside LB opposite Levar Arrington in New York.
78(NL) Stephen Tulloch, LB, TEN – Tulloch is on the slow side for an
LB, but he has a possible shot at working out in the middle for
Tennessee. He’s definitely a deep sleeper LB to watch
79(48) Hank Baskett, WR, MIN – I was down on Baskett during pre-draft
activities, but never did I dream the big WR would go undrafted. There
are just too many other late round/UDFA WRs I like more than Hank to
recommend him higher than this.
80(94) James Anderson, LB, CAR – Anderson could compete for one of OLB
positions in the Panthers defense. He’s athletic and could be decent
depth down the line.
81(99) Clint Ingram, LB, JAX – Ingram was drafted by the Jaguars, a
team with an opening at OLB opposite Daryl Smith. He’s been a playmaker,
and he’s got good athletic ability. He’s a good LB to draft and hold
while waiting for reports from training camp if you’re looking for LB
depth.
82(79) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, NYG – All of the sudden, Justin Tuck has
competition in the battle to be the heir apparent to Michael Strahan.
Kiwanuka will have to diversify his game, but he’ll be studying under one
of the all time greats. He’s one to take a look at in leagues that
heavily weight sacks.
83(60) Marques Colston, WR, NO – Colston barely got drafted by New
Orleans, but he’s still one of my favorite deep sleepers WRs in this draft.
I like the idea of taking both him and Mike Hass later on in your draft
and seeing who sticks, because the long term WR picture is cloudy
there.
84(73) David Thomas, TE, NE – Thomas will likely become a Jim
Kleinsasser type dependable target in New England behind more talented targets
Ben Watson and Garrett Mills. He’s still worth a late round flier based
on his production at UT with Vince Young.
85(90) Skyler Green, WR, DAL – Green looks like a slot receiver type to
me and I don’t expect him to be a relevant WR for fantasy, but he is a
guy to watch if he can impress the coaching staff and maybe get in the
long term mix at WR in Dallas.
86(70) Tim Day, TE, CHI – Rarely would I list an undrafted free agent
TE, but Day has a big frame, soft hands, and he’s on a TE needy team in
Chicago. He could soar up this list with a strong camp.
87(NL) Antonio Cromartie, CB, SD – Cromartie is intriguing for a CB
prospect because he has a high ceiling and great playmaking ability.
88(68) Devon Aromashadu, WR, MIA – I always saw Devon as an athlete
that was not a natural receiver, so his late draft grade did not surprise
me as much as some others. He could beat out Derek Hagan for a future
role, but he seems like a one trick pony to me, with only deep threat
skills.
89(NL) Pat Watkins, S, DAL – Watkins should end up being a starting
safety, but his main role will be patrolling the deep middle, a wasteland
for the bread and butter of IDP stats - tackles.
90(NL) Tye Hill, CB, STL – Hill is another CB on the list, a position
that I avoid in rookie drafts because of how easy it is to cherry pick
CBs off the waiver wire in just about every league. Still, he will be
solid as he gets tested a lot early. He doesn’t have great hands, so
don’t expect a ton of INTs.
91(NL) Chris Gocong, LB/DE, PHI – Gocong may get a look at SLB, and he
could be a three down LB by staying in as an edge pass rusher. He’s my
favorite small school sleeper on the defensive side of the ball.
92(NL) Brodrick Bunkley, DT, PHI – Bunkley should be in attack mode in
Philly’s defense and he’s surrounded by a solid defensive line. I don’t
advocate spending picks on DTs, but if you’re so inclined, Bunkley is
the guy to go for.
93(NL) Wali Lundy, RB, HOU – Wali might appear to be a good RB flier to
some, but I am way down on him and only listed him because he was
drafted. He does have a strong lower body, but lacks suddenness. I don’t
expect him to pass Vernand Morency on the depth chart any time soon.
94(NL) Owen Daniels, TE, HOU – Daniels is not nearly as talented as
Garrett Mills, who want a few picks later to New England, but he’s worth a
late flier in TE required leagues.
95(78) Jimmy Williams, CB, ATL – Williams unexpectedly fell out of the
first round, but his physical style and hitting ability makes him a CB
worth drafting if you are looking for immediate help at the position
late in your rookie draft.
96(NL) Tamba Hali, DE, KC – Hali is a hustle DE who is very solid, but
is not likely to end up being an elite option at the position. Still a
solid late pick in sack weighted leagues or if you are really hurting
for DE depth.
97(NL) Marques Hagans, WR, STL – Normally, I really like the QB to WR
converts, but Hagans seems more like a return specialist to me who would
top out as a slot receiver in the best scenario,
98(67) DonTrell Moore, RB, NYJ – Moore did not find himself in the
meager class of RBs drafted in 2006, but the Jets RB situation presents
more opportunity than most. Be ready to pounce on Moore on your waiver
wire if there are reports that he is faster than he was in 2005.
99(64) Paul Pinegar, QB, JAX – Pinegar is a pure flier, as the Jags
have a solid backup in David Garrard. I still would keep an eye on the
sturdy pocket passer if he beats out Quinn Gray to be the #3 QB.
100(82) Mike Bell, RB, DEN – I was never impressed with Bell at
Arizona, but landing the Broncos organization always causes me to pay extra
attention to RBs.
BTW, Bloom is the man. That is all.
Have at it
POST DRAFT ROOKIE 100
By Sigmund Bloom
Well, it’s time for the “real” rookie 100. The first few were just
warm-ups, mere speculation. We know the destinations of the 2006 rookie
class, and rookie drafts are in full swing. There is so much talent at the
skill positions in the late rounds and even among the undrafted free
agent pool. These rankings are sure to change dramatically once we see
how rookie minicamps and training camps sort the roster battles out,
especially in the 50-100 range. Previous rank in parenthesis.
**The Top 3 could be entrenched top producers as feature backs, the
rarest commodity in fantasy football**
1(1) Reggie Bush, RB, NO – I don’t see any different between Houston
and New Orleans for his long term outlook. He’s a supreme talent with a
chance to settle into the top 5 fantasy RBs and overall players for a
long time. Invest with confidence. If you own him, you may have to ride
out a protacted holdout. Don’t panic. He did experience some adversity
leading up to the draft, but New Orleans is excited to have him and that
will be forgotten once he signs his contract.
2(4) Laurence Maroney, RB, NE – You can’t ask for a better destination.
Maroney gets to tote the rock for a perennial winning team and only has
an aging, overpaid Corey Dillon in his way. New England is high rent
real estate for a running back and Maroney is a natural talent at RB.
Remember, Corey Dillon got 12 rushing TDs in this offense last year
despite being a shadow of his former self. He rushed for over 1600 yards in
2004. Maroney could take over this year if Dillon’s 2005 is like his
2004, and put up those kind of numbers in a best case scenario.
3(2) DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR – The Panthers got their draft card to
the podium in about one minute to take Williams. He should be the focal
point of their running attack, although the Panthers have shown a
propensity to go with bigger backs at the goal line, so I am interested to
see if Eric Shelton grabs that role. DeShaun Foster signed a contract in
the offseason with Carolina and should split carries with Williams for
at least this year, but Williams projects to be better than Foster and
outright take his job down the line. With Carolina’s commitment to the
run, Williams has a high upside.
**The next four are very close and you should adjust accordingly for
your scoring system/lineup**
4(5) Vince Young, QB, TEN – Im probably in the minority here, but I
prefer Young to Leinart in typical scoring leagues. Look at how anemic
Michael Vick’s running stats are, and he’s still a viable fantasy QB. If
Young is just an average passer at best, he could surpass Vick. A
quality passer and he should be top 5, with the potential to be #1 for
stretch. Young is for those who prefer upside in the way of athletic ability
and dual threat running QBs. If your league penalizes turnovers
heavily, it might be a rough ride at first with Young.
5(9) Matt Leinart, QB, ARI – Leinart landed in the plum situation for a
quarterback statistically. For this very valid reason, many have
Leinart ahead of Young. Another plus for Leinart is that he’ll be playing
indoors at least nine games a season. Leinart could definitely be a top 5,
Matt Hasselbeck level QB, but I don’t see him cracking the top 3 unless
the Cardinals stay as ridiculously pass heavy as they were in 2005.
This seems unlikely in the short term with the signing of Edgerrin James.
An aside: I am just getting an odd feeling from Leinart (Nervous,
Unhappy on draft day, Paris Hilton?) right now and I’m left wondering a
little bit about his makeup. It slightly registered on my bust-o-meter.
6(3) LenDale White, RB, TEN – Speaking on registering on the
bust-o-meter, LenDale White had a tailspin leading into the draft, culminating in
reports of a positive drug test on draft day - reports that Jeff Fisher
has since denied. Fisher seems elated to have White and will give him
the chance to be their lead sled dog a la Eddie George. If your league
has deflated QB scoring, or is only a 12 teamer, you might consider
bumping White up to 4. He’s a boom/bust pick.
7(8) Vernon Davis, TE, SF – Vernon Davis went astoundingly high for a
TE and has the rare chance to be a #1 target out of the TE position. If
your league is a TE premium scoring league, you should slot Davis at
least 4th, and possibly as high as 2nd. I wouldn’t argue with him at 4th
in PPR TE required formats. He seems like one of the safest investments
of the single digit picks.
**The beginning of the Second tier**
8(10) Joseph Addai, RB, IND – Addai will go a lot higher than this is
most leagues. If he really hits he’ll justify a pick as high as 2 or 3.
As it stands now, I just don’t see Addai as more than a solid RBBC RB
because of his lack of elusiveness. His track record as a feature back
is only a half season long. I think each of the seven players listed
above Addai have the chance be pro bowl talents. I don’t see that in Addai
and therefore I just can’t slot him above them in leagues where you
draft entire careers.
9(16) Jay Cutler, QB, DEN – Cutler takes a big leap going to Denver and
Mike Shanahan’s offense. He’ll always have a solid running game to fall
back on and he’s got some young weapons to develop with in this draft
class. If he doesn’t bust, he should at least put up Plummer’s numbers,
but he doesn’t have the elite fantasy upside of Young and Leinart.
10(7) Chad Jackson, WR, NE – I was looking for Jackson to land
somewhere where he would be groomed to be a #1. New England is notorious for
spreading the ball around and should re-sign Deion Branch. New England
lacks a #2 WR and Jackson does have the short and long game to be a #1,
so he’s worth a late first.
11(6) Santonio Holmes, WR, PIT – Almost no team throws less than the
Steelers. Hines Ward and Heath Miller already have their pieces of the
pie. I really like Holmes talent, but this is not a good place for a
fantasy WR. The Steelers are happy to have him, and he should flourish, but
it’s tough to see him cracking the top 20 in the long term.
12(17) Jerious Norwood, RB, ATL – Norwood should get an opportunity
eventually to take over Warrick Dunn’s role in the offense. Like Addai,
his late rise on my board is based mostly on opportunity, but I am not as
sold on his talent as I am the non-RB in this tier. The RB premium
bumps them both up a tier.
13(13) Maurice Drew, RB, JAX – Drew has the biggest boom/bust span of
the 2nd tier of rookies. He’s trying to beat the under 5’8” RB curse.
Jacksonville does present a nice opportunity, and Drew just might have
that “it” quality to overcome his shortcoming. There’s no denying that he
was as electrifying as any college RB except Reggie Bush in his best
moments last year.
14(15) Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAX – I felt vindicated to see Lewis go in
the first after all. He just has a special knack for receiving that is
rare in a guy with his long and tall of a frame and should be a heavily
used short, intermediate, and red zone target.
15(14) A.J. Hawk, LB, GB – Hawk went to Green Bay as expected, but took
a slight hit when they drafted a stud run stopping ILB in Abdul Hodge
later on the first day. He’ll still be a three down LB and he’s got
special playmaking instincts and intangibles. If your league heavily
weights IDPs, I could see drafting him as high as 8th or 9th.
16(24) Ernie Sims, LB, DET – WLB in a cover two is one of the highest
yielding roles in an IDP league and Sims will occupy that spot from day
one. Derrick Brooks production is possible.
17(25) Chad Greenway, LB, MIN – Like Sims, Greenway should occupy the
WLB position in the cover 2 as soon as he steps on the field. He won’t
be as explosive as Sims, but he’s definitely a 2nd tier player if you
are in need of an impact LB.
18(11) Brian Calhoun, RB, DET – Calhoun is blocked by Kevin Jones in
Detroit, but it’s not as bad as it might seem at first. Everyone has to
prove themselves to coach Marinelli anew and Jones is coming off a
disappointing year. Calhoun could jump back to the top 12 if the reports
this summer are promising.
19(33) D’Qwell Jackson, LB, CLE – Jackson was a coveted player on draft
day. Cleveland traded up for him in the early second and he should fit
well on the inside of Romeo Crennel’s defense. If you miss out on the
top three LBs because you don’t have a pick in the teens, you may very
well land Jackson in the mid to late 20s, so don’t despair.
**Third tier – talent level drops, less scarce postions, bigger
questions loom**
20(59) Joel Klopfenstein, TE, STL – Klopfenstein’s value took a huge
jump when he was selected by St. Louis in the second round. He really
broke away from the rest of the second tier TEs by landing in Scott
Linehan’s offense. They did draft another TE, but Klopfenstein was clearly
the one they were targeting. He’s not a threat to be a top five TE, but
should be starting quality unless he busts.
21(19) Brandon Marshall, WR, DEN – Marshall did not land in the best
situation in Denver as Javon Walker was added and is likely to get signed
long term. Marshall can certainly vie for the other starting slot
eventually as Rod Smith is getting closer to retirement, and Ashley Lelie is
out of favor. He’s got upside to match any WR in this class, but also
has a bigger bust risk.
22(30) Greg Jennings, WR, GB – Jennings is a nice well-rounded receiver
that may never be a force but should still be a useful fantasy WR. I am
really stuck on the Derrick Mason comparison, and he really has no
competition for the #2 WR slot in Green Bay. Donald Driver was making some
waves earlier and his departure could follow Favre’s. Jennings is a
solid 2nd rounder if you want to build WR depth.
23(18) Sinorice Moss, WR, NYG – Moss ended up being a mid-second
rounder and going to a team where I don’t see him being higher than the third
option in the passing offense in the long term. Plaxico Burress and
Jeremy Shockey are entrenched in the Giants passing offense. Moss is also
one of the least accomplished of the first day WRs and may need more
time to develop.
24(32) DeMeco Ryans, LB, HOU – Ryans landed in a nice spot, a Houston
defense that has switched to the 4-3 and is rebuilding. He could well be
the best LB on the defense within one of two years and he’s got a good
veteran down there in Sam Cowart to show him the ropes. Not penciled
already in a big time role in the defense like the LBs who make the
overall 2nd tier, Ryans also lacks the elite talent, although he is an
extremely dependable tackler, which bodes well for an IDP.
25(12) Jerome Harrison, RB, CLE – Harrison took a big tumble in value
on draft day when he lasted til the 5th round, but he should displace
Lee Suggs, and Reuben Droughns, while solid, is more of an average talent
at RB, so don’t totally count Harrison out. He was extremely productive
in college and could surprise.
26(65) Kellen Clemens, QB, NYJ – Clemens cruised up rookie draft boards
as fast as he did on NFL boards this month. He should have an open shot
the Jets job at some point and is a nice stash and hold player in the
late 2nd.
27(29) Travis Wilson, WR, CLE – Wilson’s talent kept him in the first
day mix in a tough draft for wide receivers. Joe Jurevicius is on the
wrong side of 30 and Wilson could have opportunity right around the time
he’s hitting his prime.
28(31) Leonard Pope, TE, ARI – Leonard Pope fell farther than a lot of
people expected on draft day and will be no higher that the #3 option
in Arizona no matter how well he does. I think he will be nice depth at
TE, but possibly on the fringe of starting quality unless he catches a
lot of TDs.
29(20) Demetrius Williams, WR, BAL – Demetrius fell to the 2nd day in a
bit of surprise, but he’s got an open path the WR3 role soon and has
more upside than your usual 4th round WR.
30(98) Tony Scheffler, TE, DEN – One of the biggest surprises of the
first day, Scheffler has clearly been tagged for a starting role by
Denver in the future. His risk as a project keeps him lower on this list,
but I’ll be quick to bump him up if he has a good training camp.
31(27) Maurice Stovall, WR, TB – Stovall is middling talent for
fantasy, but he is in a position to inherit a starting role when Joey Galloway
eventually moves on. He’s a solid investment of a third round pick.
32(51) Michael Huff, S, OAK – Huff was drafted in the top ten and Im
projecting him as a Ed Reed like presence in the secondary. He’s got a
knack for taking the ball to the house on turnovers and should be an
elite fantasy safety.
33(38) Mario Williams, DE, HOU – Bump him up even more in your leagues
that weight sacks. Williams is a solid pick in the third, especially if
you prefer to minimize risk in your rookie drafts.
34(45) Donte Whitner, S, BUF – Buffalo got their guy even if he was a
reach. He’s not quite the gamebreaker that Huff is, but Whitner should
definitely settle into the top 20 safeties and provide a solid return on
a 3rd round pick.
35(75) Rocky McIntosh, LB, WAS – Rocky is going to be asked to compete
for Lavar Arrington’s old job at WLB. He won’t be a three down LB at
first, but has the talent to develop into one if he can stay healthy.
36(28) Mike Hass, WR, NO – Some may see this as a reach, but I am still
sold on Hass and I think he can emerge in New Orleans down the line
because they only have Joe Horn and a WR they are somewhat disenchanted
with, Donte Stallworth, as starters right now.
37(21) Dominique Byrd, TE, STL – Byrd has the unfortunate luck of
landing on the same time as an earlier member of the 100, Joel Klopfenstein.
He is a talented receiver at TE and he could break out eventually –
maybe even surpass Klop, but he’ll need to solve dedication and motivation
issues to do it.
38(43) Manny Lawson, OLB, SF – Lawson can help offset the deflated
tackle numbers for a 3-4 OLB with his ferocious pass rush ability.
39(34) Abdul Hodge, LB, GB – Hodge was hurt for fantasy on draft day by
ending up on a team with two excellent young LBs, rookie 100 #15 A.J.
Hawk, and Nick Barnett. He’s still a prototype two down run stuffer and
will be a useful LB in IDP leagues.
**Fourth tier - Good opportunity or promising talent, but the beginning
of the long shots**
40(37) Jason Avant, WR, PHI – Avant landed in a decent situation in
Philly, with no real #2 WR on the roster, but I don’t see him as more than
a possession WR.
41(40) Derek Hagan, WR, MIA – Like Avant, Hagan landed in a situation
where he may have an opportunity to be the #2 WR eventually. I still
don’t trust his hands and think won’t live up to his college production.
42(61) Brodie Croyle, QB, KC – I don’t particularly like Croyle out of
the 2nd tier QBs, but he’s got the chance to be the heir to Trent Green
in Kansas City, and that is worth a mid 4th in just about any league.
43(44) Thomas Howard, LB, OAK – Howard has a chance to stick at OLB
with Oakland if he sharpens his instincts. He’s more of a project than the
other LBs on this list, so he falls to the 4th.
44(50) Kamerion Wimbley, OLB, CLE – Like Lawson, Wimbley can help
overcome the limited tackle opportunities of a 3-4 OLB by getting to the
passer consistently. I think he’s a less freakish talent than Lawson, but
worth roughly the same, a la Ware and Merriman at this time last year.
45(49) Bobby Carpenter, OLB, DAL – I envision him stuck with the same
fantasy limits as Wimbley and Lawson but with slightly less innate pass
rush talent. He should at least be good LB depth for fantasy right
away.
46(58) Jason Allen, S, MIA – The ups and downs of the last year ended
on a high note for Allen as he went in the mid 1st. He’s got the talent
to make a similar impact as Michael Huff, but his hip could limit his
longevity.
47(NL) Tarvaris Jackson, QB, MIN – Minnesota reached terribly for this
complete product at QB, but he will be very good if he is developed
well. You’ll just need to wait at least two years to see what happens.
More of a flier to me despite what Minnesota thought.
48(41) Leon Washington, RB, NYJ – I’m sticking to my guns that Leon is
really just a 3rd down back, but he does have nice speed and is on a
team without a true feature back, so he could always get that surprise
opportunity and make good. Worth a flier at the end of the 4th.
49(86) Ingle Martin, QB, GB – Props to Chaos Commish, who called Martin
as a sleeper months ago. Martin’s stock has only gone up since the pre
draft activities started. Aaron Rodgers is his main competition for the
QB of the future slot, and we’ve all heard the murmurs about Rodgers.
50(56) Cedric Humes, RB, PIT – Don’t let the 7th round position fool
you, Humes landed in an ideal situation. Teams like the Steelers that
emphasize power running can turn backs like Humes into RBs with some value
in dynasty leagues. If Duce Staley and Verron Haynes can’t cut it this
year, Humes could get a look.
51(69) Domenik Hixon, WR, DEN – Hixon will compete with Brandon
Marshall to be the #2 of the future opposite Javon Walker. Like Marshall, he’s
got a high upside and is a good flier later on if you like to draft raw
ability in your rookie drafts.
52(23) Omar Jacobs, QB, PIT – Omar takes a big tumble because he was
not drafted to be the QB of the future somewhere. Still, he could turn
into Matt Schaub in 2-3 years, the backup most teams look at as starting
material. Another good pick late if raw talent is what you value.
53(54) Bruce Gradkowski, QB, TB – I’m excited about Gradkowski with Jon
Gruden. His football IQ is valuable in Gruden’s complex offense. Chris
Simms looks good now, but the QBs can be on a carousel through with
Gruden at the helm. A must pick for Simms owners.
54(53) Brandon Williams, WR, SF – Williams is like a Moss brother
without the blazing speed, but he could break out as the WR3 in San
Francisco down the line. There’s no entrenched starter on the roster now and
Williams could break away from the pack of interesting project/question
WRs competing for the #3 spot this year.
55(22) Martin Nance, WR, BUF – Nance had one of the most puzzling drops
on draft day. Big WRs as productive as he was at Miami-Ohio just don’t
go undrafted. Apparently, a pulled hamstring hurt his stock. He still
has opportunity on a team without a true WR2. Watch early reports about
him closely and bump him up at least 10 spots if he is impressing the
Bills staff and looking like he will stick.
56(66). Daniel Bullocks, S, DET – The elite safeties went right in
front of Detroit in the first round, but they got Bullocks in the 2nd.
Paired with Kenoy Kennedy, he should be responsible for deep coverage,
limiting tackle opportunities, but he should still be good depth to start
out with upside to be more.
57(35) De’Arrius Howard, RB, KC – My main man from the Shrine game went
undrafted, as a paltry number of RBs went at the draft this year.
Combine him with sleeper power RB Derrick Ross and you might land Larry
Johnson’s backup. I saw NFL potential in Howard and still like him as much
as any late round RB flier.
58(26) Jonathan Orr, WR, TEN – Another one of my Shrine game favorites
that fell dramatically on this list because of his draft fate, Orr is
in a crowded WR situation in Tennessee. Still, I believe he has the
natural athletic ability to be a starting NFL WR if he develops
consistency.
59(46) Garrett Mills, FB/TE, NE – I was hoping Mills would land
somewhere that would use him as much as a #1 TE in the passing game, but the
Patriots already have their TE in Ben Watson and they also drafted David
Thomas. I can’t knock Mills down too far because of how natural he is
as a receiver, and the chance that he plays himself into a bigger role.
60(52) Brad Smith, UTIL/WR, NYJ – Smith has a long way to go on his
conversion to WR, but his open field running ability is excellent and he
is an athlete. I like using a late pick on at least one of the QB to WR
converts as they have been hitting with good frequency lately.
61(57) Darnell Bing, LB, OAK – Oakland seems to want him to convert to
LB, but they also drafted Thomas Howard to play opposite Kirk Morrison.
Bing still has big play skills and is not a bad flier late if you miss
out on the early LB crop.
62(91) Jon Alston, S/LB, STL – St. Louis has a long term opening at
both WLB and SS, productive fantasy positions. Alston has the skills to be
tried out at either, and is a saavy late round flier pick in IDP
leagues.
63(62) Charlie Whitehurst, QB, SD – Whitehurst landed in a possibly
good situation, depending on how well Philip Rivers plays in the next year
or two. I do not believe Whitehurst will be a starting quality QB, but
he is a good later pick for Rivers owners.
64(100) Jeff Webb, WR, KC – Webb went very late for a guy with his
size/speed combo, but his value was enhanced his destination, a team with
an uncertain long term situation at WR.
65(81) Cory Rodgers, WR, GB – Rodgers did not impress me at the
combine, and should have stayed at TCU for his senior year. He did land on a
team with a bare cupboard at WR, so Cory does merit extra consideration
now as a long term hold in deep leagues.
66(59) Ko Simpson, S, BUF – Ko should be able to beat out Troy Vincent
eventually, but Whitner is the going to be the more active safety.
Simpson still projects to be decent depth and he was a turnover machine in
college.
67(NL) P.J. Daniels, RB, BAL – Daniels looks to take over the RB3 role
from Musa Smith if Smith’s leg continues to give him problems. Jamal
Lewis’s situation could change on a dime and Daniels is a decent pick and
long hold for Lewis owners in deep leagues. I still see him as only a
battering ram role player RB.
68(36) Andre Hall, RB, TB – Hall’s absence from the 255 players drafted
was extremely surprising to me because of how fast and accomplished he
is. Tampa is not a great situation, but he is worth holding in deep
leagues if he makes their roster.
69(42) Taurean Henderson, RB, MIN – Henderson was another casualty of
the NFL’s disinterest in drafting late round RBs this year. He’s still
one of the five best receiving backs in this draft class and there is
not an established starter in Minnesota. Like most of the talents that
went undrafted, he could be a viable stash and hold player in deep
leagues if he makes a roster.
70(NL) Willie Reid, WR/KR, PIT – Now the second fast Willie on the
Steelers roster, Reid will be #3 at best for a while with the addition of
Santonio Holmes, but his speed is elite and he could have some upside at
WR. Opportunity is minimal for now, but the raw tools are intriguing.
71(39) Greg Lee, WR, ARI – I was very disappointed to see Lee go
undrafted, but one ray of hope is that he ended up with former teammate Larry
Fitzgerald in Arizona. He’s been a go-to WR in the past and could be
someone to watch for on another team a few years from now if he can stick
on a roster.
72(47) Todd Watkins, WR, ARI – Watkins was one of the WRs gored by a
lower than expected draft slot, lasting until the seventh round and
ending up on a team with two strongly established starters. His size/speed
combo makes him worth a late flier in deep leagues.
73(74) Bernard Pollard, S, KC – Pollard is a good tackler and has IDP
potential if he can settle in as an in the box safety or possible OLB in
the future for the Chiefs.
74(87) Michael Robinson, UTIL/RB, SF – Robinson will find a way to help
the 49ers win, and may emerge as a weapon on offense in the future.
Again, I’ll say, I like QB to WR converts.
75(71) Reggie McNeal, WR/QB, CIN – McNeal is probably another in the
group of athletic QBs that will be tried out at other positions. His
speed is top end, but I’m not sure he has the makeup to make a successful
switch.
76(NL) Anthony Smith, S, PIT – Smith was targeted by the Steelers on
the first day to compete long term with Ryan Clark for the spot vacated
by Chris Hope. It’s not an elite fantasy slot, but it would make Smith a
decent DB2/3 if he could land it. He’s a solid two way safety and fits
the needs of a stay at home DB opposite Troy Polamalu in the Steelers
defense.
77(85) Gerris Wilkinson, LB, NYG – Wilkinson should get to compete
early on to be the outside LB opposite Levar Arrington in New York.
78(NL) Stephen Tulloch, LB, TEN – Tulloch is on the slow side for an
LB, but he has a possible shot at working out in the middle for
Tennessee. He’s definitely a deep sleeper LB to watch
79(48) Hank Baskett, WR, MIN – I was down on Baskett during pre-draft
activities, but never did I dream the big WR would go undrafted. There
are just too many other late round/UDFA WRs I like more than Hank to
recommend him higher than this.
80(94) James Anderson, LB, CAR – Anderson could compete for one of OLB
positions in the Panthers defense. He’s athletic and could be decent
depth down the line.
81(99) Clint Ingram, LB, JAX – Ingram was drafted by the Jaguars, a
team with an opening at OLB opposite Daryl Smith. He’s been a playmaker,
and he’s got good athletic ability. He’s a good LB to draft and hold
while waiting for reports from training camp if you’re looking for LB
depth.
82(79) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, NYG – All of the sudden, Justin Tuck has
competition in the battle to be the heir apparent to Michael Strahan.
Kiwanuka will have to diversify his game, but he’ll be studying under one
of the all time greats. He’s one to take a look at in leagues that
heavily weight sacks.
83(60) Marques Colston, WR, NO – Colston barely got drafted by New
Orleans, but he’s still one of my favorite deep sleepers WRs in this draft.
I like the idea of taking both him and Mike Hass later on in your draft
and seeing who sticks, because the long term WR picture is cloudy
there.
84(73) David Thomas, TE, NE – Thomas will likely become a Jim
Kleinsasser type dependable target in New England behind more talented targets
Ben Watson and Garrett Mills. He’s still worth a late round flier based
on his production at UT with Vince Young.
85(90) Skyler Green, WR, DAL – Green looks like a slot receiver type to
me and I don’t expect him to be a relevant WR for fantasy, but he is a
guy to watch if he can impress the coaching staff and maybe get in the
long term mix at WR in Dallas.
86(70) Tim Day, TE, CHI – Rarely would I list an undrafted free agent
TE, but Day has a big frame, soft hands, and he’s on a TE needy team in
Chicago. He could soar up this list with a strong camp.
87(NL) Antonio Cromartie, CB, SD – Cromartie is intriguing for a CB
prospect because he has a high ceiling and great playmaking ability.
88(68) Devon Aromashadu, WR, MIA – I always saw Devon as an athlete
that was not a natural receiver, so his late draft grade did not surprise
me as much as some others. He could beat out Derek Hagan for a future
role, but he seems like a one trick pony to me, with only deep threat
skills.
89(NL) Pat Watkins, S, DAL – Watkins should end up being a starting
safety, but his main role will be patrolling the deep middle, a wasteland
for the bread and butter of IDP stats - tackles.
90(NL) Tye Hill, CB, STL – Hill is another CB on the list, a position
that I avoid in rookie drafts because of how easy it is to cherry pick
CBs off the waiver wire in just about every league. Still, he will be
solid as he gets tested a lot early. He doesn’t have great hands, so
don’t expect a ton of INTs.
91(NL) Chris Gocong, LB/DE, PHI – Gocong may get a look at SLB, and he
could be a three down LB by staying in as an edge pass rusher. He’s my
favorite small school sleeper on the defensive side of the ball.
92(NL) Brodrick Bunkley, DT, PHI – Bunkley should be in attack mode in
Philly’s defense and he’s surrounded by a solid defensive line. I don’t
advocate spending picks on DTs, but if you’re so inclined, Bunkley is
the guy to go for.
93(NL) Wali Lundy, RB, HOU – Wali might appear to be a good RB flier to
some, but I am way down on him and only listed him because he was
drafted. He does have a strong lower body, but lacks suddenness. I don’t
expect him to pass Vernand Morency on the depth chart any time soon.
94(NL) Owen Daniels, TE, HOU – Daniels is not nearly as talented as
Garrett Mills, who want a few picks later to New England, but he’s worth a
late flier in TE required leagues.
95(78) Jimmy Williams, CB, ATL – Williams unexpectedly fell out of the
first round, but his physical style and hitting ability makes him a CB
worth drafting if you are looking for immediate help at the position
late in your rookie draft.
96(NL) Tamba Hali, DE, KC – Hali is a hustle DE who is very solid, but
is not likely to end up being an elite option at the position. Still a
solid late pick in sack weighted leagues or if you are really hurting
for DE depth.
97(NL) Marques Hagans, WR, STL – Normally, I really like the QB to WR
converts, but Hagans seems more like a return specialist to me who would
top out as a slot receiver in the best scenario,
98(67) DonTrell Moore, RB, NYJ – Moore did not find himself in the
meager class of RBs drafted in 2006, but the Jets RB situation presents
more opportunity than most. Be ready to pounce on Moore on your waiver
wire if there are reports that he is faster than he was in 2005.
99(64) Paul Pinegar, QB, JAX – Pinegar is a pure flier, as the Jags
have a solid backup in David Garrard. I still would keep an eye on the
sturdy pocket passer if he beats out Quinn Gray to be the #3 QB.
100(82) Mike Bell, RB, DEN – I was never impressed with Bell at
Arizona, but landing the Broncos organization always causes me to pay extra
attention to RBs.
BTW, Bloom is the man. That is all.
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BTW, I'm really pulling for WR Demetrius Williams. I knew him as a snot-faced little kid when his dad and I played tournament softball together. The guy was faster than the wind (turned routine singles to the outfield into doubles all the time) but had a girl's arm.
