NOTE: Click on the players name to link to the latest news on them.
1. Cadillac Williams RB, TB VALUE RISING
Caddy is far and away the best rookie and is probably among the top 10 RBs to have for dynasty right now.
2. Ronnie Brown RB, MIA VALUE RISING - up from 2
Brown finally got off the schneid before the bye with a long run and good statistical day in a miami win. Overall, he hasn't look ALL that impressive and Ricky looms, so beware if you're counting on him for this season. Still, long term, he'll get every shot to be the fins feature back.
3. Cedric Benson RB, CHI VALUE FALLING - down from 2
Dont despair if youre a cedric owner, Benson will eventually get a look as the feature back in chicago, even if its not until next year. his signing bonus demands that they see what they have in him. I think this is a great buy low time for him in dynasty leagues.
4. Braylon Edwards WR, CLE VALUE RISING - up from 5
like many of the top WR propsects the last few years, edwards looks ready for prime time and should be nice bye week/injury depth this year and has #1 upside long term.
5. Mike Williams WR, DET VALUE RISING - up from 9
Charles Rogers suspension will give BMW the shot to contribute right now. QB situation in detroit is still a concern, but williams talent is strong enough to offset those concerns long term.
6. Troy Williamson WR, MIN VALUE RISING - UP FROM 12
Burleson's injury opens the door for Williamson to show what he can do earlier than expected. I still want to see an all around game to convince me that he's not lelie part II.
7. Matt Jones WR, JAX VALUE RISING - UP FROM 10
Living up to the hype on his limited touches. Looking more like the future featured WR for jax by the day.
8. JJ Arrington RB, ARI VALUE FALLING - down from 4
Is Arrington a bust? He has certainly looked the part so far. The possibility that shipp gets hurt again, or that arrington just needs some time to adjust is too great to drop him too far on this list. I cant figure out whether its time to buy arrington, or get out while the gettin is good.
9. Frank Gore RB, SF VALUE RISING - up from 11
Gore has looked decent in limited action until last week, and barlow is still barlow. Gore is going to get his shot eventually, and he could really make the most of it. He has showed a good burst and been very slippery going through the hole. I recommend buying Gore if you are looking for long term RB help as long as the price is reasonable.
10. Mark Clayton WR, BAL VALUE FALLING - down from 7
I still love the talent, but the QB woes in baltimore are an issue. It doesnt look like Clarence Moore will be any sort of threat to Clayton long term.
11. Alex D Smith QB, SF VALUE STEADY
Smith gets the keys to the franchise starting this weekend. Dont expect much this year, in fact, he could look horrendous - most rookie QBs do. The line is in bad shape and the D is a sieve - Smith will have one of the toughest assignments of any QB in the league keeping this team afloat.
12. Ryan Moats RB, PHI VALUE FALLING - down from 8
Moats has been inactive, struggling to learn the offense. still, westbrook's negotiations broke down and moats is being groomed to take his role. there's risk here than westbrook convinces the eagles to meet his demands with his excellent play, but I still see success in Moats's future because of his combination of vision, cutting ability, and toughness.
13. Eric Shelton RB, CAR VALUE FALLING - DOWN FROM 6
Things could not have gone much worse for Shelton this preseason. He looked bad, got hurt and put on the IR for an injury that wasnt season ending, and stephen davis is rumbling again. The carolina RB situation is still wide open next year, so Shelton, like Moats, has a lot of speculative value. Unlike Moats, Shelton has not shown anything in game action yet that would lead you to believe that he can cash in if given the opportunity. His value can not get much lower this year, so i would hold him for the time being.
14. Derrick Johnson OLB, KC VALUE RISING up from 21
15. Odell Thurman MLB, CIN VALUE RISING up from 20
Both of these guys look like top 25 LBs for years to come with top 10 upside.
16. Mark Bradley WR, CHI VALUE RISING - up from 19
Bradley has already outplayed his "project" status into the WR2 duties in chicago. in 2-3 years, he will be the primary target in the passing attack in chicago, we'll see how effective it is. Immense talent and upside not far off the WRs in the top 10.
17. Chris Henry WR, CIN VALUE RISING - up from 31
Henry has seen his value increase greatly, leapfrogging Walter and Washington to the #3 WR on the bengals. The passing offense there is robust and should support two starting quality fantasy WR. How long will it take for Henry to pass Housh on the depth chart?
18. Charlie Frye QB, CLE VALUE RISING - up from 25
Dilfer is a fine caretaker QB, but make no mistake, this team is Frye's as soon as he's ready. A decent line, Edwards, Bryant, and a possible return of KWII next year bodes well for this passing offense, and the team seems to be going in the right direction with crennel. buy with confidence.
19. Alvin Pearman RB, JAX VALUE RISING - up from 22
Has officially passed Toefield on the depth chart. Showing good burst and value in the passing game (PPR leagues take notice). A great stash and hold player.
20. Brandon Jacobs RB, NYG VALUE RISING - up from 24
Looks like he'll grow into a duckett-type role in NY. Barber is just so durable, its hard to see jacobs being able to contribute a lot until tiki's wheels fall off. Still an excellent stash and hold RB prospect, which is a premium in dynasty leagues.
21. Ciatrick Fason RB, MIN VALUE FALLING - down from 17
Bennett is out of the picture, but Moore is looking decent. Fason MAY have a shot to win the job next year, but if the vikes continue to struggle, a high draft pick on an RB is a strong possibility. Not enough to playing time to judge his talent yet, but the RB premium and chance Moore gets hurt, giving him playing time, preserves a lot of Fason's value.
22. Alex Smith (TE) TE, TB VALUE FALLING - Down from 15
Smith made a big splash with 2 TDs in his first game as a pro, but has been quiet since then. He's going to be a big part of the tampa passing offense sooner than later. He dropped more because of other players outlooks improving than his degrading.
23. Brandon Jones WR, TEN VALUE RISING - up from 43
Jones has passed Calico on the depth chart and could emerge as a 3rd option in the tenn passing game after the 3-headed TE and Bennett. Congrats if you snagged him based on the preseason hype, it was deserved.
24. Reggie Brown WR, PHI VALUE FALLING - down from 14
Well, TO is showing that he might be worth the aggravation after all, Greg Lewis has lived up to the #2 role he won, and LJ Smith has stepped up, as anticipated. Hard to see Brown being higher than the 3rd option in this passing offense any time soon. Still like him long term, but there's a wait for production, and he doesn't have the upside or opportunity of the WRs above him.
25. Jason Campbell QB, WAS VALUE RISING - up from 29
Ramsey is basically done in washington. Brunell will preside over this ugly, but winning team as long as they are contending, but campbell is a sure thing to have every chance to be the skins long term QB. Has the talent to be a decent fantasy option.
26. Kyle Orton QB, CHI VALUE RISING - UP from 33.
Still the starter, and really has a chance to be successful with the line, running game, defense, and horrendous division he plays in. I dont see fantasy stardom in his future, but he should provide very solid QB depth in large leagues and definitely has trade value.
27. Roddy White WR, ATL VALUE FALLING - down from 23.
Jenkins is certainly not locking down the #1 WR of the future job in atlanta. White may get a shot at it by default, but its really hard to see any Atlanta WR being better than a #3 fantasy option as long as Vick is there.
28. Aaron Rodgers QB, GB VALUE RISING - up from 30
Looking more like Favre's last year as the Pack is self-destructing. The main risk here is that the pack gets in the Leinart derby, but the Boller/Losman situations have shown us that GMs hate giving up on a first round QB.
29. Heath Miller TE, PIT VALUE FALLING - down from 18
Currently getting Bruenered in the steelers offense. Could be rookie growing pains, but its not encouraging that the steelers have not made an effort to call his number. The talent to be a good fantasy option is still intact, but watch out for the steelers slowly making him into a 6th Offensive lineman.
30. Lofa Tatupu MLB, SEA VALUE RISING - UP FROM 34
Basically the starter from day one and improving each week. Should be a stalwart IDP for a long time.
31. Vincent Jackson WR, SD VALUE FALLING - down from 26
Still a great long term prospect at WR, but you'll have to wait a while to see any production from him with McCardell still having some gas in the tank. Also, Gates is the #1 target in this offense, and that's not gonna change. He has been injured so its hard to know where his development is at right now.
32. Marion Barber RB, DAL VALUE FALLING - down from 31
As much as I liked Barber, his outlook is cloudy right now with the emergence of Tyson Thompson, Dallas's bigger version of Willie Parker. Barber has passed Atrain on the depth chart because of his special teams contributions. He's still a decent RB prospect, but he could get lost for a while in Dallas.
33. Vernand Morency RB, HOU VALUE FALLING - down from 27
The offense is stuck in the mud and Davis is still the main cog. If Houston ever gets ahead in a game, Morency could get some Change of Pace carries, and there is always Davis's propensity to get banged up, but Morency looks strictly a backup for a while.
34. Kirk Morrison LB, OAK VALUE RISING - up from 37
Already a viable IDP starter. Doesnt have the big play talent of DJ/Thurman or huge tackle # upside of tatupu, but is still a great #3 LB long term with some upside.
35. Barrett Ruud MLB, TB VALUE RISING - UP from 36
still a great IDP prospect, but Quarles resurgence means that youll have to wait until 06 to get production.
36. Cedric Houston RB, NYJ VALUE STEADY
Martin is banged up and looking old. He might have one year left in the tank. Like Fason, there's a risk that the Jets draft an RB in the first next year, but between his hidden upside with the thyroid condition going undiagnosed in college and Blaylock not being an ideal feature back, Houston has a shot and merits holding.
37. Dan Orlovsky QB, DET VALUE RISING - up from 45
I think its safe to say Harrington is probably not turning it around this year. The Lions not rushing out to get a vet QB when Garcia went down shows they have some confidence in Orlovsky. He will get this year to learn the WCO, and vie for the starting job next year. There is some risk that the Lions bring in a Brees/Rivers or other established QB, but Orlovsky's outlook gets better as Harrington's gets worse.
38. Terrence Murphy WR, GB VALUE RISING - up from 52
Fellow rookie Thomas Davis really derailed murphy's season with that huge hit on MNF, but the pack seems real excited about murphy and he should pass ferguson, who has been up and down since getting the starting gig, on the depth chart in 06.
39. Andrew Walter QB, OAK VALUE FALLING - down from 35
Still a real nice long term prospect, but Collins looks to have at least a few years left in the tank. stash and hold.
40. Thomas Davis OLB, CAR VALUE FALLING - dwon from 28
Davis's rookie year has been rocky to say the least. They cant decide where to put him, and he's hasnt been able to get a lot playing time despite injuries at his natural position. Still has tremendous playmaking ability, but looks like a project now, where he seemed like a guy with the ability to step in right away and contribute after the draft.
41. Channing Crowder LB, MIA VALUE FALLING - down from 38
Already getting a lot of playing time on the weak side, but Thomas is a tackle hog in that defense. A real nice LB to have for the future, but doesnt seem to have higher potential than a #3/#4 LB for deep leagues as long as Thomas is around.
42. Jerome Mathis WR/KR, HOU VALUE STEADY
Will start getting worked into the offense this week. #2 WR in houston is as wide open as ever.
43. Adrian McPherson QB, NO VALUE FALLING - down from 40
Brooks has been decent, not nearly as erratic as he was in some stretches last year. Still a nice stash and hold fantasy QB, but years away from contributing.
44. Stefan LeFors QB, CAR VALUE FALLING - down from 40
Still one of my favorite prospects, but like Walter and McPherson, buried for the foreseeable future.
45. Tyson Thompson RB, DAL VALUE RISING - UP FROM 92
Think of him as a bigger Willie Parker. If Julius wasnt a cowboy, he'd be a lot higher. Looks like the NFL scouts screwed up on this one. Thompson is already basically the #2 in dallas, and could displace Willie Parker as the most unlikely fantasy stud of the season if Julius were to go down. Will soar up this list if he holds the #2 job.
46. Alfred Fincher MLB, NO VALUE RISING - up from 46.
Courtney Watson's poor play means Fincher should get a shot to be the MLB in new orleans eventually. Great stash and hold IDP. Great buy low trade target right now.
47. Nick Collins S, GB VALUE RISING - UP FROM 48
Modest IDP numbers so far, but the pack seems committed to letting him grow into the darren sharper role. will only get better with valuable game experience as a rookie. Was thought of as a project, so his outlook has really improved since the draft to be starting this early, but some of that is the poor shape the GB secondary is in.
48. Roscoe Parrish WR, BUF VALUE RISING - up from 49
Parrish is close to being back from his wrist injury - the cast is off. None of the bills backup WRs have done much as the #3 in his absence, so that job looks to be all his. Dont forget, he was wowing observers before the wrist injury. Another sneaky buy low.
49. Courtney Roby WR, TEN VALUE FALLING - down from 42
Been banged up on kick return duty, and has been officially passed by brandon jones. I still like him as a prospect, but seems to be blocked from having any big role for a while by jones and the TEs.
50. Kerry Rhodes S, NYJ VALUE RISING - Up from 59
Already looking like a tackling machine at safety. Should be a firm part of the jets long term plans based on his play thus far.
**** FOLLOWING PLAYERS NOT YET UPDATED *****
44. Demarcus Ware OLB, DAL VALUE RISING - UP FROM 56
Great talent, but you have to temper fantasy expectations because of his position.
The Latest: 8/22 looks incredible, INT, SACK, FF/FR looks to have the playmaking ability to be a good fantasy LB from the dreaded 3-4 OLB slot. bump higher if your league heavily weights sacks.
47. Kevin Burnett LB, DAL VALUE RISING - up from 53
The Latest: 8/18 bradie james could get moved outside - burnett's value would be greatly enhanced by a move inside - out of the nickel package because parcells didnt want to overload him. 3 tackles in his first game.
50. Darren Sproles RB/KR, SD VALUE RISING - up from 52
Like a waterbug, he is dante hall with better hands and more toughness. Still, it's extremely unlikely that he'll be able to be a feature back in the NFL because he's just too small.
The Latest: 8/22 over 100 all purpose yards. worth a roster spot in PPR leagues for sure. 8/14 looked good on receptions, not so good on rushes.
51. Maurice Clarett RB, DEN VALUE FALLING - down from 35
Denver is a great situation, and this is about where the tremendous possible reward balances out the tremendous known risk. not to mention that no denver RB is safe from shanny's itchy trigger finger on RB draft picks. a ranking of 51 is basically a recommendation to not draft him because theres no way he lasts that far - someone will grab him because of name recognition. Buyer beware.
The latest: 8/26 may spend the season on IR
53. Antrel Rolle CB, ARI VALUE RISING - up from 65
Plays CB like a safety. I would rank him as the 3rd surest thing among IDPs in this draft, but CBs have to be truly standout statistically to have any value in dynasty leagues.
The Latest: 8/23 one tackle this weekend. consider him an entrenched starter. 8/17 already named a starter. stud CB in the making could keep rising. 4 tackles and a game saving play.
54. Lance Mitchell MLB, ARI VALUE RISING - UP FROM 59
Talent-wise was rated close to equal to Derrick Johnson before his knee injury. Dropped in the draft because he wasnt all the way back, but was constantly improving as the 04 season went on, and could be the #1 IDP from this draft if he gets all the way back - a true do-everything MLB.
The Latest: 8/23 had a tackle over the weekend. missing practice right now with knee issues.8/18 Green says Mitchell isnt physical enough to start yet - Hayes out for 2-3 months, darling is in his place, but this could give mitchell the chance to get his foot in the door.
55. Lionel Gates RB, BUF VALUE RISING - up from 70
Gates could be the primary backup to willis mcgahee. Gates is a bigger version of Pearman, a "do everything ok, but nothing great" RB - Played with Shelton and Michael Bush in Louisville, so has never carried the load, but seems to have the size and physical style to move the chains. must draft for mcgahee owners.
The Latest: 8/23 7 carries for 36 and a TD late. I think he ends up the backup when the dust settles because of his versatility and power/speed combo. mularkey does want him to run inside more.
56. Marlin Jackson CB, IND VALUE RISING - up from 66.
Like Pool and Rolle, a very solid player who has a low bust risk - and while he should put up good numbers as a cover 2 CB (or possibly FS), only the very best CBs have value in dynasty leagues, so its hard to recommend taking him before decent offensive prospects or quality LB prospects.
The Latest: 8/24 will miss this weekend's game with an injured hip. 8/23 two tackles and keeping up the physical play - held out of monday practice with a hip flexor injury 8/14 3 tackles and another strong physical game. wouldnt be surprised at all to see him start at some point this year.
57. Shawne Merriman OLB, SD VALUE STEADY
The Latest: 8/23 2 tackles and an assist in the 2nd half, including one for a loss and schottenheimer had good things to say about him - still phillips and leber are looking strong so i wouldnt expect much this year. 8/18 back in practice, but so is leber, and he's looking good.
58. Brodney Pool S, CLE VALUE STEADY
As a natural FS, he wont ever put up huge tackle numbers, but he should be entrenched as a starter for a long term, and is probably the safest bet among IDPs to hit his ceiling after Davis imp.
The Latest: 8/25 back in practice 8/19 crocker told he wont be traded, pool might not contribute much this year
60. Craphonso Thorpe WR, KC VALUE FALLING
If healthy and back to pre-injury form, he'll be the best WR on KC by 2007 - a possible top threat in a prolific passing offense - worth the risk as he has skills to be a true #1 WR.
The Latest: 8/23 didnt show up on the stat sheet over the weekend 8/14 caught 3 balls for 26 yards - two on 3rd down in the preseason game. Having a good camp, but a project who needs to fill out a bit and be able to handle physical play off the line and in his routes.
61. Robert McCune MLB, WAS VALUE STEADY
The future Jeremiah Trotter of the skins defense.
The Latest: 8/23 3 tackles and an assist in the 2nd half - looked solid. With Barrow cut, McCune has an outside shot at the MLB spot. If Arrington is hurt, Marshall could shift to WLB opening a spot for McCune to compete for.
62. Jordan Beck LB, ATL VALUE RISING - UP FROM 76
An incredible athletic talent who dominated at a lower level. Too bad he has Keith Brooking and Ed Hartwell blocking him.
The Latest: 8/26 another impressive performance with 4 tackles and an INT, but sprained his ankle on the return. 8/25 6 tackles and an assist. 8/18 will start in place of injured hartwell this weekend. 8/15 7 solo tackles and defensive player of the game honors vs. baltimore.
63. Goo Wallace ILB, PIT VALUE RISING - UP FROM 78
Fits the steelers ILB profile perfectly. The steelers are more than happy to part with high priced talent when the youngsters come along. If Goo develops well, he should be starting in pittsburgh in a few years.
The Latest: 8/25 two forced fumbles vs. miami
8/15 tackle and an assist in limited action. Wallace is impressing the steelers coaches.
64. Ryan Fitzpatrick QB, STL VALUE RISING - up from 66
Incredibly Smart QB with less than ideal athleticism - Something about Mike Martz and a Harvard QB together is intriguing enough for a 5th round developmental pick. Warner came from a grocery store and the AFL, so imagine what Martz could do with a harvard man.
The Latest: 8/23 one toss for a 78 yd TD. Martz said it was a "significant play in his career" 8/14 2 for 6 for 26 yds, but the main thing is that he didnt look overmatched - something no one would have predicted a few months ago. Challenging Jeff Smoker for the #3 job and still garnering praise from Martz.
65. David Greene QB, SEA VALUE FALLING - DOWN from 53
A Hardnosed winner who oozes intangibles and could get a shot in 2 or 3 years, either for seattle or in a free agency/trade situation. Not exciting, but should be a Dilfer/Fielder style game manager Qb at worst.
The Latest: 8/23 not very impressive in mop up duty - 5/14 for 56 yards. wallace has a stranglehold on the backup job.
66. David Pollack DE/OLB, CIN VALUE STEADY
SLB will not produce big tackle numbers, but with his motor and marvin lewis's defensive mind, I see Pollack producing a lot of big plays on D.
The Latest: 8/23 practicing with first and second team - will line up at SLB in first game this weekend.
67. Roydell Williams WR, TEN VALUE RISING - UP FROM 86
The most polished rookie WR on a team with no one set beyond WR3, Williams could contribute right away. He is a dependable possession WR, a role that neither of the starting WR in tennessee excels at. I see Roydell being a solid Bobby Engram type WR who could put up surprising numbers this year if Calico gets hurt again and Tenn doesnt bring in a vet.
The Latest: 8/23 3 catches for 22, but jones and roby look more likely to make an impact. missed practice on monday. 8/18 has tendonitis in his knee, not expected to be serious. 8/15 made his presence known with a 76 yd TD catch. practicing well - im only down on him because he's a possession WR and will have trouble moving ahead of roby and jones, but this situation could change quickly.
68. Erasmus James DE, MIN VALUE STEADY
Another ranking that people will be unhappy with. I am not sold on this guy's game outside of his pure pass rush moves. His injury history is very checkered. I do admit that he could be a solid DE if he stays healthy and rounds out his game because he will be part of one of the most talented D-lines in the NFL.
The Latest: 8/23 hit the rookie wall during the jets game. lining up some in nickel packages. 8/15 one tackle and one pass defended, played with 2nd team, still needs to get his legs in shape, but should be starting no later than next year.
69. Adam Bergen TE, ARI VALUE STEADY
Small school receiving stud TE (lehigh) who has speed, hands, and toughness and now has a chip on his shoulder from going undrafted. The Cardinals have nothing long term at TE, and are starting an undrafted FA at TE as of right now (eric edwards). dont count bergen out... if reports out of camp are good, ill bump him up as high as the late 30s.
The Latest: 8/5 warner said he likes what bergen has been doing. 8/19 looking like the #1 receiving TE in arizona. 8/14 caught an 18 yd pass vs. the cowboys. Eric Edwards out 2-3 weeks, Bergen practicing with first team.
70. Larry Brackins WR, TB VALUE STEADY
Ponder this: If Brackins had gone to college and played up to his talent level instead of going to the NFL, he likely would have been a very high draft pick next year. definitely worth a flier here.
The Latest: 8/25 2 catches for 19 yards and a holding penalty last week.
71. Jerome Collins TE, STL VALUE STEADY
size/speed/strength freak a la ben watson, but raw at the TE position. Guess what, he was a WR in high school... Antonio Gates, anyone? worth a flier here - "swing for the fences" pick.
The Latest: Roland Williams is actually the starter right now. Long term that TE spot is WIDE open.
72. Kevin Everett TE, BUF VALUE STEADY
A very talented receiving TE who does not have any stiff competition long term for the TE of the future slot in buffalo. Good value pick for patient owners - upside not far off of miller and smith, and ACL tear will make him a forgotten man in your draft. steal him in the 4th/5th.
The Latest:8/19 hanging around camp taking "mental reps" 8/10 Signed. Everett's ACL surgery went well. he's a great value pick in rookie drafts right now.
73. Chad Owens WR/KR, JAX VALUE RISING - UP From 85
The Latest: Continues to really impress in jags camp. could be in the 60s real soon if he keeps this up. Looks to be getting return duty in jacksonville and doing well in receiving drills. a little guy, but impressive thus far.
8/26 4 catches for 50 yards, but also fumbled a punt. 8/25 matt jones will play #3 this weekend, not owens.
74. Bo Scaife TE, TEN VALUE STEADY
Believe it or not, Scaife is close to, if not equal to the TEs above him in terms of receiving talent. He was Vince's Young security blanket at UT and can make tough catches in pressure situations. He also has a lot of trouble staying healthy and Ben Troupe to contend with. If Scaife can find a way to stay healthy, he could be a second day steal, the kind of TE that plays like a WR over the middle.
The Latest: 8/15 caught 2 for 12 in the first preseason game. should make the roster as the 3rd TE.
75. Fred Gibson WR, PIT VALUE FALLING- DOWN FROM 51
Honestly not that far off of Henry and White talent wise, Gibson is an intriguing big play talent who could become a stud WR if he works hard to learn the complete WR game. For now he will be used strictly to stretch the field and will have to work his way up through the ranks in Pittsburgh - Lots of upside, but wont be a factor soon, and could easily be another pinkston.
The Latest: 8/27 apparently the biggest bust of steeler camp.
76. Leroy Hill OLB, SEA VALUE STEADY
A smallish playmaking LB who could land the WLB job in seattle long term. keep an eye on him, he could produce at the same level as the elite IDP prospects in this draft down the line. Watch closely to see if DD Lewis stays healthy, if he doesnt hill could get a shot at the WLB shot this year.
The Latest: 8/15 looked good in the first preseason game with a sack and forced fumble but out of practice for 10 days or so with a knee injury, DD Lewis is hurting - Hill could get a shot - practicing with the first team.
77. Justin Tuck DE, NYG VALUE RISING - UP FROM 83
Will get to learn from strahan and have another up and coming DE, Umeniyora on the other side long term. I like his prospects to be a starting quality DE in start 2 DE leagues.
The Latest: 8/26 may get a chance to start in strahan's absence this weekend. 2 tackles as part of the first team and an INT dropping back into coverage last week. 8/ 15 Struggling and looking like a project. Learning that what worked in college doesnt work in the pros. Dont expect big contributions this year.
78. Carlos Rogers CB, WAS VALUE RISING - UP FROM 94
Very solid CB prospects Still I just dont see CBs outside of the very best holding value in dynasty leagues, so I would pass on him for all but the most speculative offensive prospects - the long longshots.
The Latest: 8/26 had an INT early, but also some lapses last week. should get picked on unmercifully this year and provide good tackle #s. 8/19 may play tonight 8/16 off the PUP list
79. Pac Man Jones CB/KR, TEN VALUE STEADY
Career off to a horrible start, but should get picked on and put up good tackle #s.
The Latest: 8/26 will make his debut this weekend.
80. Mike Nugent K, NYJ VALUE STEADY
A kicker?!?! Nuge kicks for a conservative coach that loves to settle for FGs and you should bump him up if your league has a penalty for misses or bonus for 50+ yarders because he's accurate even from long distance.
The Latest: 8/15 made his first FG attempt as a jet from 40.
81. Matt Cassel QB, NE VALUE STEADY
Go ahead, laugh. You might have laughed if someone said Brady, not Henson was the future star QB at michigan. The Pats brass didnt - they saw something in Brady, and now they see something in Cassel - all picks at this point are guesswork, so ill defer to the pats judgment with this developmental pick.. Cassel was a talented enough athlete to play some TE, so there's some upside here with good coaching.
The Latest: 8/25 7/11 for 69 yds also lost a fumble last weekend 8/15 showed lots of promise, leading 4 scoring drives in the first preseason game. Cassel's arm strength and accuracy has been impressive.
82. OJ Atogwe S, STL VALUE RISING - UP FROM 84
the only safety on st louis's roster that can cover. should be starting soon. a very solid player, but archuleta and the cover 2 defense will keep his tackle numbers modest.
The Latest: 8/25 fighting for the starting FS job 8/15 made a game ending INT and 4 tackles in archuleta's place at FS. Jerome Carter has moved ahead of him on the depth chart.
83. Sean Considine S, PHI VALUE STEADY
Very solid prospect at S who should inherit dawkins job down the line.
The Latest: 8/25 will not play this weekend 8/18 still out with shoulder injury 8/15 missed preseason game. missing practice with a shoulder injury.
84. Josh Bullocks S, SEA VALUE STEADY
Should be in the mix to start at FS for new orleans down the line, but bullocks is more of a ballhawk than a hitter, i dont see much in his fantasy future.
The Latest: 8/26 two tackles and an assist in garbage time last week. 8/19 looks like a backup for this year. 8/15 made some nice stuffs, but also missed some tackles. got time at both safety positions.
85. Donte Nicholson S, TB VALUE FALLING - PREV 73
The best SS in the draft after Thomas Davis. May have to wait a bit for a starting gig if jermaine phillips hits his stride as a player, but nicholson's profile as the classic big hitter SS merits a pick at this point.
The Latest: 8/26 still trying to land the 4th safety spot in a battle with hamza abdullah and kalvin pearson 8/14 limited action in the preseason game, competing for 4th safety spot.
86. Jerome Carter S, STL VALUE FALLING -down from 80
Hard-hitting SS prospect who is currently #1 on the depth chart. will move up a lot if he stays there. I still dont think archuleta will work out at FS, but carter may be good enough to become the SS eventually anyway.
8/25 archuleta back at FS. 8/15 - one tackle and 3 assists in his first preseason game. missed a tackle badly against adrian peterson.
87. Matt Roth OLB/DE, MIA VALUE STEADY
The Latest: 8/26 got a sack in his last game and some PT in the first half. more talk about him as a DE down the line, which would increase his value imo.
88. JR Russell WR, TB NEW ADDITION
Size/Speed combo who presents a big downfield target
The Latest: 8/30 gained a lot of praise from gruden for his good play this weekend.
89. Michael Boley OLB, ATL, NEW ADDITION, VALUE RISING
Fast playmaking OLB who will have to wait for brooking to step aside, but still looks like a good prospect.
8/26 4 tackles, a sack, and a FF and recovery. like beck, blocked, but looks like a good future prospect.
90. Daryl Blackstock OLB, ARI VALUE STEADY
The Latest: Blackstock indicated a willingness to move to WLB if necessary.
Blackstock is blocked by a guy very similar to him in Dansby - its hard to see him landing a long term starting job in arizona. dont get me wrong, i love the talent of these guys, but i just dont see great things in their fantasy future.
8/26 one tackle in 2nd half action last week. 8/15 did not show up on the stat sheet- checking to see if he played vs. the cowboys.
91. Rasheed Marshall WR, SF VALUE STEADY
Worth a look as he has great open field running ability, and SF had enough faith in his ability to develop to use a 5th on him. He'll have jerry sullivan, one of the best WR coaches in the business working with him
The Latest: 8/26 returned a few kicks and a punt last week, and caught a 21 yard pass, but still a long term project . word is that marshall is not ready to contribute at all this year - probably expected. marshall has had some rough spots, but nolan and sullivan are optimistic and QB convert arnaz battle is helping him. good stash and hold guy.
93. Noah Herron RB, PIT VALUE RISING
With Staley and Bettis both having questions, and parker being unproven, herron, who has been practicing exclusively at tailback, could get a shot, goings/droughns style.
8/26 13/36 last week - likely practice squad material. 8/15 13 for 39, 1 catch for -4. didnt look all that great, but neither did parker or haynes for the most part.
94. Damien Nash RB, TEN VALUE FALLING down from 57
The Latest: 8/25 having a horrible camp with injuries and fumble issues. payton has passed him on the depth chart. 8/18 missed practice with back and groin injuries 8/14 jarrett payton looked good. nash's value is in free fall. Looks like Nash will compete with Walter Reyes, Joe Smith, and Jarrett Payton for the #3 RB job. Showing some potential - one to watch in preseason games.
95. Kay Jay Harris RB, MIA VALUE FALLING
A size/speed freak of an RB who is really not inferior to Jacobs talent wise, but went undrafted, and may have contend with ricky williams's return making it hard for him to make the active roster.
The Latest: 8/26 seems to be lost in shuffle in miami, but still a guy to keep on your radar long term 8/15 trying to make the roster, no action in the 2nd preseason game. looked ok catching passes out of the backfield on monday, made a good special teams tackle.
96. Marcus Maxwell WR, SF VALUE STEADY
The Latest: 8/26 practice performance didnt translate to game performance last week. still his tools make him worth watching. 8/15 back in practice. 8/10 missed practice with a heel injury, on crutches. Intriguing size/speed combo player. Playing way better than his draft slot in camp. long term the WR picture in SF is wide open, so he bears watching.
97. Josh Cribbs WR/KR, CLE NEW ADDITION
already looking like an electrifying return man, yet another in the line of QB to WR converts. he ran for 1000 yards as a QB, so you know he can get the job done in the open field.
98. Gerald Sensabuagh S, JAX NEW ADDITION
word is that jacksonville likes what they have in sensabaugh for the future - not as heralded as the safety prospects above him on this list, but look for him to get a shot to start in the next year or two. a good candidate to be this year's Ecoleman/Gwilson if injuries strikesthe jags safeties.
99. Anthony Davis RB, IND VALUE FALLING
extremely productive but short - quentin griffin got a shot, so davis could too, but he's still a longshot and not worth consideration until the late rounds of your draft.
The Latest: 8/26 probably behind carthon and im not sure he'll make the roster. 8/15 the whole RB corps struggled for the colts.
100. Justin Miller CB, NYJ VALUE FALLING - down from 81
8/26 his star is falling - lost his return job and consideration for the nickel back job.
1. Cadillac Williams RB, TB VALUE RISING
Caddy is far and away the best rookie and is probably among the top 10 RBs to have for dynasty right now.
2. Ronnie Brown RB, MIA VALUE RISING - up from 2
Brown finally got off the schneid before the bye with a long run and good statistical day in a miami win. Overall, he hasn't look ALL that impressive and Ricky looms, so beware if you're counting on him for this season. Still, long term, he'll get every shot to be the fins feature back.
3. Cedric Benson RB, CHI VALUE FALLING - down from 2
Dont despair if youre a cedric owner, Benson will eventually get a look as the feature back in chicago, even if its not until next year. his signing bonus demands that they see what they have in him. I think this is a great buy low time for him in dynasty leagues.
4. Braylon Edwards WR, CLE VALUE RISING - up from 5
like many of the top WR propsects the last few years, edwards looks ready for prime time and should be nice bye week/injury depth this year and has #1 upside long term.
5. Mike Williams WR, DET VALUE RISING - up from 9
Charles Rogers suspension will give BMW the shot to contribute right now. QB situation in detroit is still a concern, but williams talent is strong enough to offset those concerns long term.
6. Troy Williamson WR, MIN VALUE RISING - UP FROM 12
Burleson's injury opens the door for Williamson to show what he can do earlier than expected. I still want to see an all around game to convince me that he's not lelie part II.
7. Matt Jones WR, JAX VALUE RISING - UP FROM 10
Living up to the hype on his limited touches. Looking more like the future featured WR for jax by the day.
8. JJ Arrington RB, ARI VALUE FALLING - down from 4
Is Arrington a bust? He has certainly looked the part so far. The possibility that shipp gets hurt again, or that arrington just needs some time to adjust is too great to drop him too far on this list. I cant figure out whether its time to buy arrington, or get out while the gettin is good.
9. Frank Gore RB, SF VALUE RISING - up from 11
Gore has looked decent in limited action until last week, and barlow is still barlow. Gore is going to get his shot eventually, and he could really make the most of it. He has showed a good burst and been very slippery going through the hole. I recommend buying Gore if you are looking for long term RB help as long as the price is reasonable.
10. Mark Clayton WR, BAL VALUE FALLING - down from 7
I still love the talent, but the QB woes in baltimore are an issue. It doesnt look like Clarence Moore will be any sort of threat to Clayton long term.
11. Alex D Smith QB, SF VALUE STEADY
Smith gets the keys to the franchise starting this weekend. Dont expect much this year, in fact, he could look horrendous - most rookie QBs do. The line is in bad shape and the D is a sieve - Smith will have one of the toughest assignments of any QB in the league keeping this team afloat.
12. Ryan Moats RB, PHI VALUE FALLING - down from 8
Moats has been inactive, struggling to learn the offense. still, westbrook's negotiations broke down and moats is being groomed to take his role. there's risk here than westbrook convinces the eagles to meet his demands with his excellent play, but I still see success in Moats's future because of his combination of vision, cutting ability, and toughness.
13. Eric Shelton RB, CAR VALUE FALLING - DOWN FROM 6
Things could not have gone much worse for Shelton this preseason. He looked bad, got hurt and put on the IR for an injury that wasnt season ending, and stephen davis is rumbling again. The carolina RB situation is still wide open next year, so Shelton, like Moats, has a lot of speculative value. Unlike Moats, Shelton has not shown anything in game action yet that would lead you to believe that he can cash in if given the opportunity. His value can not get much lower this year, so i would hold him for the time being.
14. Derrick Johnson OLB, KC VALUE RISING up from 21
15. Odell Thurman MLB, CIN VALUE RISING up from 20
Both of these guys look like top 25 LBs for years to come with top 10 upside.
16. Mark Bradley WR, CHI VALUE RISING - up from 19
Bradley has already outplayed his "project" status into the WR2 duties in chicago. in 2-3 years, he will be the primary target in the passing attack in chicago, we'll see how effective it is. Immense talent and upside not far off the WRs in the top 10.
17. Chris Henry WR, CIN VALUE RISING - up from 31
Henry has seen his value increase greatly, leapfrogging Walter and Washington to the #3 WR on the bengals. The passing offense there is robust and should support two starting quality fantasy WR. How long will it take for Henry to pass Housh on the depth chart?
18. Charlie Frye QB, CLE VALUE RISING - up from 25
Dilfer is a fine caretaker QB, but make no mistake, this team is Frye's as soon as he's ready. A decent line, Edwards, Bryant, and a possible return of KWII next year bodes well for this passing offense, and the team seems to be going in the right direction with crennel. buy with confidence.
19. Alvin Pearman RB, JAX VALUE RISING - up from 22
Has officially passed Toefield on the depth chart. Showing good burst and value in the passing game (PPR leagues take notice). A great stash and hold player.
20. Brandon Jacobs RB, NYG VALUE RISING - up from 24
Looks like he'll grow into a duckett-type role in NY. Barber is just so durable, its hard to see jacobs being able to contribute a lot until tiki's wheels fall off. Still an excellent stash and hold RB prospect, which is a premium in dynasty leagues.
21. Ciatrick Fason RB, MIN VALUE FALLING - down from 17
Bennett is out of the picture, but Moore is looking decent. Fason MAY have a shot to win the job next year, but if the vikes continue to struggle, a high draft pick on an RB is a strong possibility. Not enough to playing time to judge his talent yet, but the RB premium and chance Moore gets hurt, giving him playing time, preserves a lot of Fason's value.
22. Alex Smith (TE) TE, TB VALUE FALLING - Down from 15
Smith made a big splash with 2 TDs in his first game as a pro, but has been quiet since then. He's going to be a big part of the tampa passing offense sooner than later. He dropped more because of other players outlooks improving than his degrading.
23. Brandon Jones WR, TEN VALUE RISING - up from 43
Jones has passed Calico on the depth chart and could emerge as a 3rd option in the tenn passing game after the 3-headed TE and Bennett. Congrats if you snagged him based on the preseason hype, it was deserved.
24. Reggie Brown WR, PHI VALUE FALLING - down from 14
Well, TO is showing that he might be worth the aggravation after all, Greg Lewis has lived up to the #2 role he won, and LJ Smith has stepped up, as anticipated. Hard to see Brown being higher than the 3rd option in this passing offense any time soon. Still like him long term, but there's a wait for production, and he doesn't have the upside or opportunity of the WRs above him.
25. Jason Campbell QB, WAS VALUE RISING - up from 29
Ramsey is basically done in washington. Brunell will preside over this ugly, but winning team as long as they are contending, but campbell is a sure thing to have every chance to be the skins long term QB. Has the talent to be a decent fantasy option.
26. Kyle Orton QB, CHI VALUE RISING - UP from 33.
Still the starter, and really has a chance to be successful with the line, running game, defense, and horrendous division he plays in. I dont see fantasy stardom in his future, but he should provide very solid QB depth in large leagues and definitely has trade value.
27. Roddy White WR, ATL VALUE FALLING - down from 23.
Jenkins is certainly not locking down the #1 WR of the future job in atlanta. White may get a shot at it by default, but its really hard to see any Atlanta WR being better than a #3 fantasy option as long as Vick is there.
28. Aaron Rodgers QB, GB VALUE RISING - up from 30
Looking more like Favre's last year as the Pack is self-destructing. The main risk here is that the pack gets in the Leinart derby, but the Boller/Losman situations have shown us that GMs hate giving up on a first round QB.
29. Heath Miller TE, PIT VALUE FALLING - down from 18
Currently getting Bruenered in the steelers offense. Could be rookie growing pains, but its not encouraging that the steelers have not made an effort to call his number. The talent to be a good fantasy option is still intact, but watch out for the steelers slowly making him into a 6th Offensive lineman.
30. Lofa Tatupu MLB, SEA VALUE RISING - UP FROM 34
Basically the starter from day one and improving each week. Should be a stalwart IDP for a long time.
31. Vincent Jackson WR, SD VALUE FALLING - down from 26
Still a great long term prospect at WR, but you'll have to wait a while to see any production from him with McCardell still having some gas in the tank. Also, Gates is the #1 target in this offense, and that's not gonna change. He has been injured so its hard to know where his development is at right now.
32. Marion Barber RB, DAL VALUE FALLING - down from 31
As much as I liked Barber, his outlook is cloudy right now with the emergence of Tyson Thompson, Dallas's bigger version of Willie Parker. Barber has passed Atrain on the depth chart because of his special teams contributions. He's still a decent RB prospect, but he could get lost for a while in Dallas.
33. Vernand Morency RB, HOU VALUE FALLING - down from 27
The offense is stuck in the mud and Davis is still the main cog. If Houston ever gets ahead in a game, Morency could get some Change of Pace carries, and there is always Davis's propensity to get banged up, but Morency looks strictly a backup for a while.
34. Kirk Morrison LB, OAK VALUE RISING - up from 37
Already a viable IDP starter. Doesnt have the big play talent of DJ/Thurman or huge tackle # upside of tatupu, but is still a great #3 LB long term with some upside.
35. Barrett Ruud MLB, TB VALUE RISING - UP from 36
still a great IDP prospect, but Quarles resurgence means that youll have to wait until 06 to get production.
36. Cedric Houston RB, NYJ VALUE STEADY
Martin is banged up and looking old. He might have one year left in the tank. Like Fason, there's a risk that the Jets draft an RB in the first next year, but between his hidden upside with the thyroid condition going undiagnosed in college and Blaylock not being an ideal feature back, Houston has a shot and merits holding.
37. Dan Orlovsky QB, DET VALUE RISING - up from 45
I think its safe to say Harrington is probably not turning it around this year. The Lions not rushing out to get a vet QB when Garcia went down shows they have some confidence in Orlovsky. He will get this year to learn the WCO, and vie for the starting job next year. There is some risk that the Lions bring in a Brees/Rivers or other established QB, but Orlovsky's outlook gets better as Harrington's gets worse.
38. Terrence Murphy WR, GB VALUE RISING - up from 52
Fellow rookie Thomas Davis really derailed murphy's season with that huge hit on MNF, but the pack seems real excited about murphy and he should pass ferguson, who has been up and down since getting the starting gig, on the depth chart in 06.
39. Andrew Walter QB, OAK VALUE FALLING - down from 35
Still a real nice long term prospect, but Collins looks to have at least a few years left in the tank. stash and hold.
40. Thomas Davis OLB, CAR VALUE FALLING - dwon from 28
Davis's rookie year has been rocky to say the least. They cant decide where to put him, and he's hasnt been able to get a lot playing time despite injuries at his natural position. Still has tremendous playmaking ability, but looks like a project now, where he seemed like a guy with the ability to step in right away and contribute after the draft.
41. Channing Crowder LB, MIA VALUE FALLING - down from 38
Already getting a lot of playing time on the weak side, but Thomas is a tackle hog in that defense. A real nice LB to have for the future, but doesnt seem to have higher potential than a #3/#4 LB for deep leagues as long as Thomas is around.
42. Jerome Mathis WR/KR, HOU VALUE STEADY
Will start getting worked into the offense this week. #2 WR in houston is as wide open as ever.
43. Adrian McPherson QB, NO VALUE FALLING - down from 40
Brooks has been decent, not nearly as erratic as he was in some stretches last year. Still a nice stash and hold fantasy QB, but years away from contributing.
44. Stefan LeFors QB, CAR VALUE FALLING - down from 40
Still one of my favorite prospects, but like Walter and McPherson, buried for the foreseeable future.
45. Tyson Thompson RB, DAL VALUE RISING - UP FROM 92
Think of him as a bigger Willie Parker. If Julius wasnt a cowboy, he'd be a lot higher. Looks like the NFL scouts screwed up on this one. Thompson is already basically the #2 in dallas, and could displace Willie Parker as the most unlikely fantasy stud of the season if Julius were to go down. Will soar up this list if he holds the #2 job.
46. Alfred Fincher MLB, NO VALUE RISING - up from 46.
Courtney Watson's poor play means Fincher should get a shot to be the MLB in new orleans eventually. Great stash and hold IDP. Great buy low trade target right now.
47. Nick Collins S, GB VALUE RISING - UP FROM 48
Modest IDP numbers so far, but the pack seems committed to letting him grow into the darren sharper role. will only get better with valuable game experience as a rookie. Was thought of as a project, so his outlook has really improved since the draft to be starting this early, but some of that is the poor shape the GB secondary is in.
48. Roscoe Parrish WR, BUF VALUE RISING - up from 49
Parrish is close to being back from his wrist injury - the cast is off. None of the bills backup WRs have done much as the #3 in his absence, so that job looks to be all his. Dont forget, he was wowing observers before the wrist injury. Another sneaky buy low.
49. Courtney Roby WR, TEN VALUE FALLING - down from 42
Been banged up on kick return duty, and has been officially passed by brandon jones. I still like him as a prospect, but seems to be blocked from having any big role for a while by jones and the TEs.
50. Kerry Rhodes S, NYJ VALUE RISING - Up from 59
Already looking like a tackling machine at safety. Should be a firm part of the jets long term plans based on his play thus far.
**** FOLLOWING PLAYERS NOT YET UPDATED *****
44. Demarcus Ware OLB, DAL VALUE RISING - UP FROM 56
Great talent, but you have to temper fantasy expectations because of his position.
The Latest: 8/22 looks incredible, INT, SACK, FF/FR looks to have the playmaking ability to be a good fantasy LB from the dreaded 3-4 OLB slot. bump higher if your league heavily weights sacks.
47. Kevin Burnett LB, DAL VALUE RISING - up from 53
The Latest: 8/18 bradie james could get moved outside - burnett's value would be greatly enhanced by a move inside - out of the nickel package because parcells didnt want to overload him. 3 tackles in his first game.
50. Darren Sproles RB/KR, SD VALUE RISING - up from 52
Like a waterbug, he is dante hall with better hands and more toughness. Still, it's extremely unlikely that he'll be able to be a feature back in the NFL because he's just too small.
The Latest: 8/22 over 100 all purpose yards. worth a roster spot in PPR leagues for sure. 8/14 looked good on receptions, not so good on rushes.
51. Maurice Clarett RB, DEN VALUE FALLING - down from 35
Denver is a great situation, and this is about where the tremendous possible reward balances out the tremendous known risk. not to mention that no denver RB is safe from shanny's itchy trigger finger on RB draft picks. a ranking of 51 is basically a recommendation to not draft him because theres no way he lasts that far - someone will grab him because of name recognition. Buyer beware.
The latest: 8/26 may spend the season on IR
53. Antrel Rolle CB, ARI VALUE RISING - up from 65
Plays CB like a safety. I would rank him as the 3rd surest thing among IDPs in this draft, but CBs have to be truly standout statistically to have any value in dynasty leagues.
The Latest: 8/23 one tackle this weekend. consider him an entrenched starter. 8/17 already named a starter. stud CB in the making could keep rising. 4 tackles and a game saving play.
54. Lance Mitchell MLB, ARI VALUE RISING - UP FROM 59
Talent-wise was rated close to equal to Derrick Johnson before his knee injury. Dropped in the draft because he wasnt all the way back, but was constantly improving as the 04 season went on, and could be the #1 IDP from this draft if he gets all the way back - a true do-everything MLB.
The Latest: 8/23 had a tackle over the weekend. missing practice right now with knee issues.8/18 Green says Mitchell isnt physical enough to start yet - Hayes out for 2-3 months, darling is in his place, but this could give mitchell the chance to get his foot in the door.
55. Lionel Gates RB, BUF VALUE RISING - up from 70
Gates could be the primary backup to willis mcgahee. Gates is a bigger version of Pearman, a "do everything ok, but nothing great" RB - Played with Shelton and Michael Bush in Louisville, so has never carried the load, but seems to have the size and physical style to move the chains. must draft for mcgahee owners.
The Latest: 8/23 7 carries for 36 and a TD late. I think he ends up the backup when the dust settles because of his versatility and power/speed combo. mularkey does want him to run inside more.
56. Marlin Jackson CB, IND VALUE RISING - up from 66.
Like Pool and Rolle, a very solid player who has a low bust risk - and while he should put up good numbers as a cover 2 CB (or possibly FS), only the very best CBs have value in dynasty leagues, so its hard to recommend taking him before decent offensive prospects or quality LB prospects.
The Latest: 8/24 will miss this weekend's game with an injured hip. 8/23 two tackles and keeping up the physical play - held out of monday practice with a hip flexor injury 8/14 3 tackles and another strong physical game. wouldnt be surprised at all to see him start at some point this year.
57. Shawne Merriman OLB, SD VALUE STEADY
The Latest: 8/23 2 tackles and an assist in the 2nd half, including one for a loss and schottenheimer had good things to say about him - still phillips and leber are looking strong so i wouldnt expect much this year. 8/18 back in practice, but so is leber, and he's looking good.
58. Brodney Pool S, CLE VALUE STEADY
As a natural FS, he wont ever put up huge tackle numbers, but he should be entrenched as a starter for a long term, and is probably the safest bet among IDPs to hit his ceiling after Davis imp.
The Latest: 8/25 back in practice 8/19 crocker told he wont be traded, pool might not contribute much this year
60. Craphonso Thorpe WR, KC VALUE FALLING
If healthy and back to pre-injury form, he'll be the best WR on KC by 2007 - a possible top threat in a prolific passing offense - worth the risk as he has skills to be a true #1 WR.
The Latest: 8/23 didnt show up on the stat sheet over the weekend 8/14 caught 3 balls for 26 yards - two on 3rd down in the preseason game. Having a good camp, but a project who needs to fill out a bit and be able to handle physical play off the line and in his routes.
61. Robert McCune MLB, WAS VALUE STEADY
The future Jeremiah Trotter of the skins defense.
The Latest: 8/23 3 tackles and an assist in the 2nd half - looked solid. With Barrow cut, McCune has an outside shot at the MLB spot. If Arrington is hurt, Marshall could shift to WLB opening a spot for McCune to compete for.
62. Jordan Beck LB, ATL VALUE RISING - UP FROM 76
An incredible athletic talent who dominated at a lower level. Too bad he has Keith Brooking and Ed Hartwell blocking him.
The Latest: 8/26 another impressive performance with 4 tackles and an INT, but sprained his ankle on the return. 8/25 6 tackles and an assist. 8/18 will start in place of injured hartwell this weekend. 8/15 7 solo tackles and defensive player of the game honors vs. baltimore.
63. Goo Wallace ILB, PIT VALUE RISING - UP FROM 78
Fits the steelers ILB profile perfectly. The steelers are more than happy to part with high priced talent when the youngsters come along. If Goo develops well, he should be starting in pittsburgh in a few years.
The Latest: 8/25 two forced fumbles vs. miami
8/15 tackle and an assist in limited action. Wallace is impressing the steelers coaches.64. Ryan Fitzpatrick QB, STL VALUE RISING - up from 66
Incredibly Smart QB with less than ideal athleticism - Something about Mike Martz and a Harvard QB together is intriguing enough for a 5th round developmental pick. Warner came from a grocery store and the AFL, so imagine what Martz could do with a harvard man.
The Latest: 8/23 one toss for a 78 yd TD. Martz said it was a "significant play in his career" 8/14 2 for 6 for 26 yds, but the main thing is that he didnt look overmatched - something no one would have predicted a few months ago. Challenging Jeff Smoker for the #3 job and still garnering praise from Martz.
65. David Greene QB, SEA VALUE FALLING - DOWN from 53
A Hardnosed winner who oozes intangibles and could get a shot in 2 or 3 years, either for seattle or in a free agency/trade situation. Not exciting, but should be a Dilfer/Fielder style game manager Qb at worst.
The Latest: 8/23 not very impressive in mop up duty - 5/14 for 56 yards. wallace has a stranglehold on the backup job.
66. David Pollack DE/OLB, CIN VALUE STEADY
SLB will not produce big tackle numbers, but with his motor and marvin lewis's defensive mind, I see Pollack producing a lot of big plays on D.
The Latest: 8/23 practicing with first and second team - will line up at SLB in first game this weekend.
67. Roydell Williams WR, TEN VALUE RISING - UP FROM 86
The most polished rookie WR on a team with no one set beyond WR3, Williams could contribute right away. He is a dependable possession WR, a role that neither of the starting WR in tennessee excels at. I see Roydell being a solid Bobby Engram type WR who could put up surprising numbers this year if Calico gets hurt again and Tenn doesnt bring in a vet.
The Latest: 8/23 3 catches for 22, but jones and roby look more likely to make an impact. missed practice on monday. 8/18 has tendonitis in his knee, not expected to be serious. 8/15 made his presence known with a 76 yd TD catch. practicing well - im only down on him because he's a possession WR and will have trouble moving ahead of roby and jones, but this situation could change quickly.
68. Erasmus James DE, MIN VALUE STEADY
Another ranking that people will be unhappy with. I am not sold on this guy's game outside of his pure pass rush moves. His injury history is very checkered. I do admit that he could be a solid DE if he stays healthy and rounds out his game because he will be part of one of the most talented D-lines in the NFL.
The Latest: 8/23 hit the rookie wall during the jets game. lining up some in nickel packages. 8/15 one tackle and one pass defended, played with 2nd team, still needs to get his legs in shape, but should be starting no later than next year.
69. Adam Bergen TE, ARI VALUE STEADY
Small school receiving stud TE (lehigh) who has speed, hands, and toughness and now has a chip on his shoulder from going undrafted. The Cardinals have nothing long term at TE, and are starting an undrafted FA at TE as of right now (eric edwards). dont count bergen out... if reports out of camp are good, ill bump him up as high as the late 30s.
The Latest: 8/5 warner said he likes what bergen has been doing. 8/19 looking like the #1 receiving TE in arizona. 8/14 caught an 18 yd pass vs. the cowboys. Eric Edwards out 2-3 weeks, Bergen practicing with first team.
70. Larry Brackins WR, TB VALUE STEADY
Ponder this: If Brackins had gone to college and played up to his talent level instead of going to the NFL, he likely would have been a very high draft pick next year. definitely worth a flier here.
The Latest: 8/25 2 catches for 19 yards and a holding penalty last week.
71. Jerome Collins TE, STL VALUE STEADY
size/speed/strength freak a la ben watson, but raw at the TE position. Guess what, he was a WR in high school... Antonio Gates, anyone? worth a flier here - "swing for the fences" pick.
The Latest: Roland Williams is actually the starter right now. Long term that TE spot is WIDE open.
72. Kevin Everett TE, BUF VALUE STEADY
A very talented receiving TE who does not have any stiff competition long term for the TE of the future slot in buffalo. Good value pick for patient owners - upside not far off of miller and smith, and ACL tear will make him a forgotten man in your draft. steal him in the 4th/5th.
The Latest:8/19 hanging around camp taking "mental reps" 8/10 Signed. Everett's ACL surgery went well. he's a great value pick in rookie drafts right now.
73. Chad Owens WR/KR, JAX VALUE RISING - UP From 85
The Latest: Continues to really impress in jags camp. could be in the 60s real soon if he keeps this up. Looks to be getting return duty in jacksonville and doing well in receiving drills. a little guy, but impressive thus far.
8/26 4 catches for 50 yards, but also fumbled a punt. 8/25 matt jones will play #3 this weekend, not owens.
74. Bo Scaife TE, TEN VALUE STEADY
Believe it or not, Scaife is close to, if not equal to the TEs above him in terms of receiving talent. He was Vince's Young security blanket at UT and can make tough catches in pressure situations. He also has a lot of trouble staying healthy and Ben Troupe to contend with. If Scaife can find a way to stay healthy, he could be a second day steal, the kind of TE that plays like a WR over the middle.
The Latest: 8/15 caught 2 for 12 in the first preseason game. should make the roster as the 3rd TE.
75. Fred Gibson WR, PIT VALUE FALLING- DOWN FROM 51
Honestly not that far off of Henry and White talent wise, Gibson is an intriguing big play talent who could become a stud WR if he works hard to learn the complete WR game. For now he will be used strictly to stretch the field and will have to work his way up through the ranks in Pittsburgh - Lots of upside, but wont be a factor soon, and could easily be another pinkston.
The Latest: 8/27 apparently the biggest bust of steeler camp.
76. Leroy Hill OLB, SEA VALUE STEADY
A smallish playmaking LB who could land the WLB job in seattle long term. keep an eye on him, he could produce at the same level as the elite IDP prospects in this draft down the line. Watch closely to see if DD Lewis stays healthy, if he doesnt hill could get a shot at the WLB shot this year.
The Latest: 8/15 looked good in the first preseason game with a sack and forced fumble but out of practice for 10 days or so with a knee injury, DD Lewis is hurting - Hill could get a shot - practicing with the first team.
77. Justin Tuck DE, NYG VALUE RISING - UP FROM 83
Will get to learn from strahan and have another up and coming DE, Umeniyora on the other side long term. I like his prospects to be a starting quality DE in start 2 DE leagues.
The Latest: 8/26 may get a chance to start in strahan's absence this weekend. 2 tackles as part of the first team and an INT dropping back into coverage last week. 8/ 15 Struggling and looking like a project. Learning that what worked in college doesnt work in the pros. Dont expect big contributions this year.
78. Carlos Rogers CB, WAS VALUE RISING - UP FROM 94
Very solid CB prospects Still I just dont see CBs outside of the very best holding value in dynasty leagues, so I would pass on him for all but the most speculative offensive prospects - the long longshots.
The Latest: 8/26 had an INT early, but also some lapses last week. should get picked on unmercifully this year and provide good tackle #s. 8/19 may play tonight 8/16 off the PUP list
79. Pac Man Jones CB/KR, TEN VALUE STEADY
Career off to a horrible start, but should get picked on and put up good tackle #s.
The Latest: 8/26 will make his debut this weekend.
80. Mike Nugent K, NYJ VALUE STEADY
A kicker?!?! Nuge kicks for a conservative coach that loves to settle for FGs and you should bump him up if your league has a penalty for misses or bonus for 50+ yarders because he's accurate even from long distance.
The Latest: 8/15 made his first FG attempt as a jet from 40.
81. Matt Cassel QB, NE VALUE STEADY
Go ahead, laugh. You might have laughed if someone said Brady, not Henson was the future star QB at michigan. The Pats brass didnt - they saw something in Brady, and now they see something in Cassel - all picks at this point are guesswork, so ill defer to the pats judgment with this developmental pick.. Cassel was a talented enough athlete to play some TE, so there's some upside here with good coaching.
The Latest: 8/25 7/11 for 69 yds also lost a fumble last weekend 8/15 showed lots of promise, leading 4 scoring drives in the first preseason game. Cassel's arm strength and accuracy has been impressive.
82. OJ Atogwe S, STL VALUE RISING - UP FROM 84
the only safety on st louis's roster that can cover. should be starting soon. a very solid player, but archuleta and the cover 2 defense will keep his tackle numbers modest.
The Latest: 8/25 fighting for the starting FS job 8/15 made a game ending INT and 4 tackles in archuleta's place at FS. Jerome Carter has moved ahead of him on the depth chart.
83. Sean Considine S, PHI VALUE STEADY
Very solid prospect at S who should inherit dawkins job down the line.
The Latest: 8/25 will not play this weekend 8/18 still out with shoulder injury 8/15 missed preseason game. missing practice with a shoulder injury.
84. Josh Bullocks S, SEA VALUE STEADY
Should be in the mix to start at FS for new orleans down the line, but bullocks is more of a ballhawk than a hitter, i dont see much in his fantasy future.
The Latest: 8/26 two tackles and an assist in garbage time last week. 8/19 looks like a backup for this year. 8/15 made some nice stuffs, but also missed some tackles. got time at both safety positions.
85. Donte Nicholson S, TB VALUE FALLING - PREV 73
The best SS in the draft after Thomas Davis. May have to wait a bit for a starting gig if jermaine phillips hits his stride as a player, but nicholson's profile as the classic big hitter SS merits a pick at this point.
The Latest: 8/26 still trying to land the 4th safety spot in a battle with hamza abdullah and kalvin pearson 8/14 limited action in the preseason game, competing for 4th safety spot.
86. Jerome Carter S, STL VALUE FALLING -down from 80
Hard-hitting SS prospect who is currently #1 on the depth chart. will move up a lot if he stays there. I still dont think archuleta will work out at FS, but carter may be good enough to become the SS eventually anyway.
8/25 archuleta back at FS. 8/15 - one tackle and 3 assists in his first preseason game. missed a tackle badly against adrian peterson.
87. Matt Roth OLB/DE, MIA VALUE STEADY
The Latest: 8/26 got a sack in his last game and some PT in the first half. more talk about him as a DE down the line, which would increase his value imo.
88. JR Russell WR, TB NEW ADDITION
Size/Speed combo who presents a big downfield target
The Latest: 8/30 gained a lot of praise from gruden for his good play this weekend.
89. Michael Boley OLB, ATL, NEW ADDITION, VALUE RISING
Fast playmaking OLB who will have to wait for brooking to step aside, but still looks like a good prospect.
8/26 4 tackles, a sack, and a FF and recovery. like beck, blocked, but looks like a good future prospect.
90. Daryl Blackstock OLB, ARI VALUE STEADY
The Latest: Blackstock indicated a willingness to move to WLB if necessary.
Blackstock is blocked by a guy very similar to him in Dansby - its hard to see him landing a long term starting job in arizona. dont get me wrong, i love the talent of these guys, but i just dont see great things in their fantasy future.
8/26 one tackle in 2nd half action last week. 8/15 did not show up on the stat sheet- checking to see if he played vs. the cowboys.
91. Rasheed Marshall WR, SF VALUE STEADY
Worth a look as he has great open field running ability, and SF had enough faith in his ability to develop to use a 5th on him. He'll have jerry sullivan, one of the best WR coaches in the business working with him
The Latest: 8/26 returned a few kicks and a punt last week, and caught a 21 yard pass, but still a long term project . word is that marshall is not ready to contribute at all this year - probably expected. marshall has had some rough spots, but nolan and sullivan are optimistic and QB convert arnaz battle is helping him. good stash and hold guy.
93. Noah Herron RB, PIT VALUE RISING
With Staley and Bettis both having questions, and parker being unproven, herron, who has been practicing exclusively at tailback, could get a shot, goings/droughns style.
8/26 13/36 last week - likely practice squad material. 8/15 13 for 39, 1 catch for -4. didnt look all that great, but neither did parker or haynes for the most part.
94. Damien Nash RB, TEN VALUE FALLING down from 57
The Latest: 8/25 having a horrible camp with injuries and fumble issues. payton has passed him on the depth chart. 8/18 missed practice with back and groin injuries 8/14 jarrett payton looked good. nash's value is in free fall. Looks like Nash will compete with Walter Reyes, Joe Smith, and Jarrett Payton for the #3 RB job. Showing some potential - one to watch in preseason games.
95. Kay Jay Harris RB, MIA VALUE FALLING
A size/speed freak of an RB who is really not inferior to Jacobs talent wise, but went undrafted, and may have contend with ricky williams's return making it hard for him to make the active roster.
The Latest: 8/26 seems to be lost in shuffle in miami, but still a guy to keep on your radar long term 8/15 trying to make the roster, no action in the 2nd preseason game. looked ok catching passes out of the backfield on monday, made a good special teams tackle.
96. Marcus Maxwell WR, SF VALUE STEADY
The Latest: 8/26 practice performance didnt translate to game performance last week. still his tools make him worth watching. 8/15 back in practice. 8/10 missed practice with a heel injury, on crutches. Intriguing size/speed combo player. Playing way better than his draft slot in camp. long term the WR picture in SF is wide open, so he bears watching.
97. Josh Cribbs WR/KR, CLE NEW ADDITION
already looking like an electrifying return man, yet another in the line of QB to WR converts. he ran for 1000 yards as a QB, so you know he can get the job done in the open field.
98. Gerald Sensabuagh S, JAX NEW ADDITION
word is that jacksonville likes what they have in sensabaugh for the future - not as heralded as the safety prospects above him on this list, but look for him to get a shot to start in the next year or two. a good candidate to be this year's Ecoleman/Gwilson if injuries strikesthe jags safeties.
99. Anthony Davis RB, IND VALUE FALLING
extremely productive but short - quentin griffin got a shot, so davis could too, but he's still a longshot and not worth consideration until the late rounds of your draft.
The Latest: 8/26 probably behind carthon and im not sure he'll make the roster. 8/15 the whole RB corps struggled for the colts.
100. Justin Miller CB, NYJ VALUE FALLING - down from 81
8/26 his star is falling - lost his return job and consideration for the nickel back job.
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J and Thomas Davis at 23 and 24 between miller and white.Ruud and Thurman at 32 and 33(includes DJ and Davis) between Alex Smith TE and Houstonall 4 of those LB should inherit high tackle positions in their defenses eventually, and Davis and DJ should see the field right away. I like Davis just fine as a SS too, but i am assuming he'll move to LB, and be a great one.Morrison, Tatupu, and Crowder deserve some consideration, but i like the bigger risk/reward of the offensive guys in the 30s, than the more modest risk/reward of these ILBs.of course, more IDPs than this will go in your top 40, i just think there are a lot intriguing prospects on the offensive side that i would take before anything except near sure things on the defensive side.
:Thesearentthedroidsyourelookingfor:
You can't do it...it can't be done...don't try it. <I'm waiting for a response referencing Lawrence Taylor>With that being said...if the Chargers switch to a 4-3 in the future, Merriman would immediately challenge (and maybe surpass) James for the #1 billing. I would say the same with both Ware and Pollack, but I truly do not think they'll ever have the size to play DE in the NFL. If the Ravens boot Weaver inside and make Cody a staple across from Suggs, he would leap-frog Castillo as the #3 horse.On a side note, rookie CB's like Pac Man Jones, Atrel Rolle, Carlos Rogers and maybe Justin Miller should post amazing numbers for '05. If you're in a "must win now" mode, take a gamble on these rookies...opposing QB's will surely do the same for a year or two.
