(April 16, 2007) -- The NFL offseason has been rampant with monster trades and free-agent movement, and those transactions have caused the value of several players to experience a significant rise. In the first of our two-part series, we've ranked the top 20 players who have seen the greatest increases in value as we close in on the NFL Draft (April 28-29). Later in the week, we'll also examine the 20 players who have experienced the greatest decreases in value as a result of offseason movement.1. Joseph Addai, RB, Indianapolis: The departure of Dominic Rhodes to Oakland will no doubt mean more carries and looks as a receiver out of the backfield for Addai, who should be closer to a featured back in his second pro season. A versatile athlete who will run behind an effective and veteran offensive line, Addai will be well worth a first- or second-round selection in all formats.2. Laurence Maroney, RB, New England: When the Patriots decided not to retain the services of Corey Dillon, the value of Maroney experienced a serious increase across the board. He will now receive the lion's share of the workload out of the backfield for head coach Bill Belichick and faces the eighth easiest run schedule, so Maroney will be a surefire first or second rounder.3. Travis Henry, RB, Denver: Henry is a perfect fit for the Broncos' zone-blocking scheme and should join Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis and Reuben Droughns on the list of backs to find success under head coach Mike Shanahan. In fact, it wouldn't be a shock if Henry produced 1,500-plus all-purpose yards and eight to 10 total touchdowns next season.4. Willis McGahee, RB, Baltimore: The Ravens run line does need improvement, but the fact that McGahee will see 300-350 carries in the offense of head coach Brian Billick should mean an increase in numbers. Another positive is the fact that McGahee will face the seventh easiest run schedule, which includes porous run defenses like Indianapolis, St. Louis, Cleveland and Buffalo.5. Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago: There has never been a doubt that Benson is a talented back, and now he'll be allowed a chance to prove it at the NFL level after the trade of Thomas Jones. While injuries have been somewhat of an issue -- he has endured knee and shoulder ailments over the past two seasons -- Benson's newfound role will make him a more viable No. 2 fantasy back.6. Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis: The presence of Steven Jackson, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce and the addition of Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael allows Bulger an immense offensive arsenal. Another reason to love Bulger for next season is the Rams' schedule, which has the NFL's easiest pass slate with contests versus Cincinnati, Atlanta, San Francisco (2), Dallas and Arizona (2).7. Tom Brady, QB, New England: The entire offseason was like Christmas for Brady, who will now have access to Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelley Washington in what should be an improved pass attack. The schedule won't be in his favor -- the Patriots face what is the third most difficult pass slate -- but Brady has a solid line ahead of him and should produce nice numbers.8. Ahman Green, RB, Houston: Green, 30, still has what it takes to be a viable No. 2 fantasy back, and the Texans will utilize him as their unquestioned starter out of the backfield. While the offensive line is mediocre at best as run blockers, Green does have a favorable schedule next season with contests against Indianapolis (2), Tennessee (2), Cleveland and New Orleans.9. Brandon Jacobs, RB, N.Y. Giants: When Tiki Barber choose a career in television over another season with the Giants, it caused the value of Jacobs to rise to new heights. Even with Droughns now in the mix, Jacobs remains the favorite to start and will see most of the goal-line work for head coach Tom Coughlin. He'll be worth as much as a third-round choice in all drafts.10. Reggie Brown, WR, Philadelphia: Brown exhibited some serious potential for the Eagles last season, and the departure of Stallworth makes him the featured wide receiver in an offense that will throw the football often. Brown, who will enter his third NFL season, should record 1,000-plus yards with six to eight touchdowns and become an attractive No. 2 fantasy wideout.11. LenDale White, RB, Tennessee: The Titans showed great faith in White's abilities when the team allowed Henry to leave as a free agent in the offseason. His work ethic seems to be an issue, but the Southern California product is still the favorite to start for head coach Jeff Fisher at this point in time. Of course, the addition of a back like Michael Turner would hurt White's stock.12. Vernand Morency, RB, Green Bay: Much like White, Morency is the current favorite to start for his team but will face certain competition in the near future. Head coach Mike McCarthy feels that Morency can be an every-down back, but the Packers should still land another option in the draft. If he does remain the main man, Morency could become a viable No. 3 fantasy back.13. Anthony Thomas, RB, Buffalo: Its seems like forever since Thomas rushed for 1,183 yards and won rookie of the year honors, but the Michigan product is back atop an NFL depth chart (at least for now) after the trade of McGahee. The Bills will no doubt look to add another back in the draft or free-agent market, but at this time it's Thomas who is the favorite to start in the backfield.14. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco: The Niners let Eric Johnson (Saints) and Antonio Bryant (free agent) leave in the offseason, and the addition of the inconsistent Ashley Lelie won't excite most in the world of fantasy football. Unless the team adds a veteran wideout -- there have been rumors about Darrell Jackson -- Davis will be the top option for Alex Smith in the pass attack.15. Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego: Jackson will be one of the popular sleeper candidates at the wide receiver position next season, and the release of Keenan McCardell should make him a more prominent option for Philip Rivers in the pass attack. A physical specimen at 6-foot-5 and 241 pounds, Jackson has the size and skills to record around 900 yards and four to six scores.16. Matt Schaub, QB, Houston: It seems like owners everywhere wanted to see Schaub in a prominent role at the NFL level, and the trade that sent him to the Texans does that. He is now a realistic No. 2 fantasy quarterback and worth a late-round choice, but Schaub will have to deal with the same issues as David Carr -- a porous pass line and limited talent at wide receiver.17. Devery Henderson, WR, New Orleans: The departure of Joe Horn (Falcons) opens the door for the explosive Henderson to start opposite Marques Colston for head coach Sean Payton. The quick wideout has shown flashes of potential -- he recorded 100-plus yards three times last season -- and the fact that he'll be in one of the NFL's premier offenses makes Henderson a nice choice.18. Damon Huard, QB, Kansas City: Reports indicate the trade of Trent Green to Miami is now imminent -- it could happen as soon as this week -- so Huard will be the favorite to replace him as the Chiefs' starter. Huard was solid in Green's absence last season with 1,878 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 contests (eight starts), so he could become a viable No. 2 fantasy quarterback.19. Troy Williamson, WR, Minnesota: A former first-round selection, Williamson has been a real disappointment for the Vikes after two seasons. However, offseason tests showed that poor eyesight could be part of the reason for his high number of drops at the NFL level. With Marcus Robinson and Travis Taylor out of the mix, Williamson should have a chance to start in 2007.20. Olindo Mare, K, New Orleans: Mare's value has fallen across the board since his 144-point season with Miami in 1999, but a trade to the Saints will increase his value in all formats. Now behind a prolific offensive attack and in a dome for more than 50 percent of his starts, Mare is a much more viable borderline No. 1 or 2 fantasy kicker and is well worth a late-round selection.
