April 27th, 2009 9:37pm PST
[Evening Edition]
The NFL Draft: A Fantasy Recap
At First Glance....
Okay football fans, now that you have digested plenty of post NFL Draft fodder “ who did well” and “who did not” it’s time to take a deeper look at this year’s picks and offer my take on their immediate fantasy impact or lack of.
Taking a look at some of the early picks…
The Lions new franchise quarterback of the future Matthew Stafford likely won’t earn his $72-million keep right away. There will be growing pains. In Dynasty leagues Stafford could offer hope for fantasy owners in a year or two, but in redraft he’s not going to offer much right away. He could be worth a look as a second half pickup with weapons like TE Brandon Pettigrew and Megatron to throw to.
There was little doubt when the Seattle Seahawks grabbed linebacker Aaron Curry, they were getting a dynamic player that will make an immediate impact in 2009. At Wake Forest Curry was a playmaker and in Seattle he’ll be utilized as a strong side blitzing linebacker that can make plays against the run or in coverage. IDP owners can expect the rookie to very productive.
The City that Never Sleeps may be up a little longer following the big move the Jets made on day one of the draft. With the selection of quarterback Mark Sanchez, the team clearly is putting a lot of their eggs in one basket, but one that could pay-off right away. Head Coach Rex Ryan understands how to bring along a rookie QB (ala Flacco). The big advantage Sanchez has is coming from one of the biggest collegiate schools that employs a pro-style system. His exposure to the big stage every Saturday will also aid his adjustment to playing on Sunday. Sanchez won’t have a breakout rookie season under center, but he could be effective and efficient much in the same manner as Matt Ryan was during his rookie stint.
Certainly a surprise pick at number seven in the draft, Darius Heyward-Bey could actually end up being a nice sleeper in the second half of the season (yes this is Raiders wishful thinking). For the record I am not a Raider fan, but the rookie has blazing speed (although he has raw receiving skills) and in time could be a great compliment to JaMarcus Russell’s huge arm.
One final look at the early picks in this year’s draft; the Niners took wide receiver Michael Crabtree, largely considered by many the best receiver in the draft. Crabtree is sure to be an instant star in this league, but in San Francisco his numbers may not reflect some of the best in the league. In dynasty leagues Crabtree is a first round grab, but won’t be valued as anything more than a mid-level WR3 this season. In redrafts his value won’t be much higher but he could be late season sleeper, as he and his QB get better together.
With more mini-camps ahead and still months away from summer training camps, I’ll continue to offer my take on this year’s draft. Check back again soon!
Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"
[Evening Edition]
The NFL Draft: A Fantasy Recap
At First Glance....
Okay football fans, now that you have digested plenty of post NFL Draft fodder “ who did well” and “who did not” it’s time to take a deeper look at this year’s picks and offer my take on their immediate fantasy impact or lack of.
Taking a look at some of the early picks…
The Lions new franchise quarterback of the future Matthew Stafford likely won’t earn his $72-million keep right away. There will be growing pains. In Dynasty leagues Stafford could offer hope for fantasy owners in a year or two, but in redraft he’s not going to offer much right away. He could be worth a look as a second half pickup with weapons like TE Brandon Pettigrew and Megatron to throw to.
There was little doubt when the Seattle Seahawks grabbed linebacker Aaron Curry, they were getting a dynamic player that will make an immediate impact in 2009. At Wake Forest Curry was a playmaker and in Seattle he’ll be utilized as a strong side blitzing linebacker that can make plays against the run or in coverage. IDP owners can expect the rookie to very productive.
The City that Never Sleeps may be up a little longer following the big move the Jets made on day one of the draft. With the selection of quarterback Mark Sanchez, the team clearly is putting a lot of their eggs in one basket, but one that could pay-off right away. Head Coach Rex Ryan understands how to bring along a rookie QB (ala Flacco). The big advantage Sanchez has is coming from one of the biggest collegiate schools that employs a pro-style system. His exposure to the big stage every Saturday will also aid his adjustment to playing on Sunday. Sanchez won’t have a breakout rookie season under center, but he could be effective and efficient much in the same manner as Matt Ryan was during his rookie stint.
Certainly a surprise pick at number seven in the draft, Darius Heyward-Bey could actually end up being a nice sleeper in the second half of the season (yes this is Raiders wishful thinking). For the record I am not a Raider fan, but the rookie has blazing speed (although he has raw receiving skills) and in time could be a great compliment to JaMarcus Russell’s huge arm.
One final look at the early picks in this year’s draft; the Niners took wide receiver Michael Crabtree, largely considered by many the best receiver in the draft. Crabtree is sure to be an instant star in this league, but in San Francisco his numbers may not reflect some of the best in the league. In dynasty leagues Crabtree is a first round grab, but won’t be valued as anything more than a mid-level WR3 this season. In redrafts his value won’t be much higher but he could be late season sleeper, as he and his QB get better together.
With more mini-camps ahead and still months away from summer training camps, I’ll continue to offer my take on this year’s draft. Check back again soon!
Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"
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