FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 7th, 2011, Monday

Monday Morning Huddle
(Late Evening Edition)


Super Bowl XLV Champions

Green Bay Packers

Packers 31 – Steelers 25

The 2010-2011 Season is a Wrap

It didn’t quite come down to the very last play, but the Packers and Steelers second-take was every bit as dramatic and exciting as their prolific matchup back in December of 2009. The Packers offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers stifled the Steelers top ranked defense much of the game and it was linebacker Clay Matthews Jr., with his golden locks that came up with probably the play of the game. With the momentum on the swing and the Steelers in position to maybe take their first lead of the game, Matthews delivered a hit on running back Rashard Mendenhall forcing a costly fumble and setting up the Packers offense to ice the game.

On queue Rodgers led the Packers downfield for the game deciding touchdown that would put the Packers up 28-17. It would be all the Packers would need to win. The Steelers fought the good fight showing no quit and coming right back with a quick score and two point conversion to make this one close, but ultimately this day belonged to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

In front of a packed stadium in the house that Jerry built Rodgers and the Packers captured their 13th NFL title and 4th Super Bowl. It was a spectacular moment in the Green & Yellow’s history, but a great leap in the future of young Mr. Rodgers.

Rodgers’ performance on the greatest stage of all was brilliant and unquestionably put him in the same breath of some of the other great performances we have seen in this era, but it was performance throughout the post season is where his greatness lies and his name was made. The Packers new gunslinger has yet to reach legendary status, but his memorable run through the playoffs has definitely launched him well on his way.

Aaron Rodgers has not just stepped out of the shadow of one legendary NFL Icon, but he has cast his own great shadow upon the sport that he dominated for the past two months, leading the Packers to six straight victories which included the last four away from the comforts of Lambeau. Rodgers was spectacular and dominate at times completing 68 percent of his passes and throwing 14 touchdowns with just three picks in his last six starts; he also added two rushing touchdowns in the playoffs.

After returning from his second concussion and faced with his greatest adversity he had seen since taking his first step out from the shadow of the great Brett Favre, Rodgers responded with true grit and the heart of a lion. Rodgers and the Packers were sitting at 8-6 and the only way they would ever reach this moment in time, sitting on top of the world as champions, re-writing NFL history, they would have to just win.

And win Rodgers and the Packers did.

In the ultimate team sport the Packers did like Al Davis used to say “just win baby.” They were led by their fiery quarterback who let his play lead the historic franchise (Packers). Needing two wins to reach the Playoffs Rodgers was great; needing three road wins to reach the Super Bowl, he was brilliant, needing the game of his life to hold the Lombardi trophy in his hands at the end of the game, Rodgers was legendary.

He’s not quite there (An NFL legend) yet, but buckle up folks, hold onto your seats, and get your popcorn ready, it looks like this ride is going to be a great one!

Just my take on things.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 2nd, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Who’s Hot

Mendenhall Carrying the Load
The Steelers running back has been enjoying plenty of fantasy success this post season with three rushing touchdowns in the two games. Mendenhall has been carrying quite the load for the team’s ground game averaging 25 touches per game in the playoffs. He has also added 167 yards on the ground and 45 yards receiving.

Jennings Too Hot to Stop
The Packers playmaker has been on a recent tear averaging eight catches and over 115 yards receiving in his last two games. With 17 total receptions and 239 yards receiving in the post season, Jennings leads all receivers, but he has yet to find the end-zone.

Rodgers Keeps on Rolling
Since the end of October Rodgers has been a hot fantasy commodity and fantastic on the field; he has 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions. In his three starts in the post season Rodgers has passed for 790 yards and thrown six touchdowns while completing 71 percent of his passes; his passer rating in the playoffs is 109.2.

Nelson is Making a Little Noise
After a quiet Wild Card weekend, the Packers number three receiver has become a steady contributor to the passing game. In his last two starts wide receiver Jordy Nelson is averaging six receptions and 73 yards receiving per game; he’ll be on player watch come Super Sunday.

Starks Keeps Churning Out the Yards
The Packers rookie running back has been steady throughout the playoffs averaging 23 carries and nearly 90 yards per game with one rushing touchdown. Running back James Starks leads all NFL ball carriers in the post season with 263 yards on the ground; he figures to play a big role on Super Sunday.

James Harrison Has Been a Terror
The Steelers bad man has not only been delivering big hits in the preseason, he has also been wrecking havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker James Harrison has three sacks to go along with 14 total tackles in just two playoff games.

The Wild Man Has Been Playing Like a Beast
Linebacker Clay Matthews has been on a rampage in the playoffs racking up three and a half sacks with 13 total tackles. Matthews finished the year with 13 and half sacks, he’ll likely be in Big Ben’s ear most of day on Super Sunday.

Who’s not

Wallace Has Yet to Breakout
The Steelers big play-making threat, wide receiver Mike Wallace has yet to make noise this post season. In two games he has just four catches and 26 yards receiving with no touchdowns; regardless he’ll certainly be under a watchful eye by the Packers secondary on Super Sunday.

Quarless A Non-factor Up to This Point
The Packers starting tight end Andrew Quarless, who was inserted into the lineup to replace the injured Jermichael Finley has yet to be a factor in the playoffs. Quarless has caught just four passes for 41 yards and he was held without a catch in the NFC Championship.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 1st, 2011, Tuesday

Monday Morning Huddle
(Tuesday Evening Edition)

Super Bowl Sunday steadily looms with less than a week away and from a fantasy football perspective it promises to be everything the fantasy faithful could hope for; plenty of explosive offense from both sides in the power running game and the long ball over the top. Although this matchup would seem to offer one big play after another, one thing it will not lack by any means is big hits and plenty of defense.

While the Packers boast a lethal passing attack (ranked 5th in the NFL) and one of the leagues top offenses (ranked 9th overall), like their counterparts on Sunday they will be bringing a formidable defense in its’ own right. The Packers defensive unit ranked 5th overall this season and their 24 interceptions ranked second in the NFL. The pass rush led by linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins totaled 47 this season, second only to the Steelers’ 48 sacks.

The Steeler’s offense will boast plenty of firepower of its’ own on Sunday with Big Ben, Mike Wallace and Hines Ward, but its’ the defense that many should take notice of; ranked 2nd overall, the Steelers’ defense allowed just five rushing touchdowns all season and ranked third in the league with 35 takeaways. Players like James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and Troy Polamalu anchor a stifling defense that can dominate its’ opponent.

Both the Packers and Steelers defense are as good as they get and while they may be over-shadowed a bit this week by their playmaking offenses, these two units will be making plenty of headlines come Super Bowl Sunday.

Top Stories

Brady Earns The Top Honors with AP POY

It came as no surprise that Tom Brady took down the AP Player of the Year honors after his prolific 2010 campaign. Brady finished his regular with 36 touchdowns and just four picks and led the Patriots to a 14-2 regular season record (best in the league). Brady was by far the best fantasy stud in 2010 completing near 66 percent of his passes and throwing for 3,900 yards. His passer rating of 111.0 was the second highest of his career. Brady produced astronomical numbers without the presence of an elite deep threat this past season. If the Patriots keep a lot of the same faces intact for 2011 there’s little doubt that “Terrific Tom” will top most fantasy charts come draft day next season.

Kevin Kolb Has the Talent to Start, But Where?

In limited action we have seen that Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb has the talent and ability to be a starter in the NFL, the only question is where will he be next season? The quarterback seems to be lobbying for his ticker out of Philly and if he gets his way he could easily draw plenty of interest from the fantasy world. Kolb didn’t produce admirable numbers this past season, but he has a career passer rating of 109.6 and has shown modest flashes of brilliance. If Kolb flees “the city of brotherly love” to start elsewhere he likely won’t rank in the top ten next season, but depending on where he lands will definitely impact his value as well as the players he’ll be throwing to.


Just my thoughts.

Fantasy Spotlight Watch

With Sunday fastly approaching there will undoubtedly be plenty of skill players showcasing their talents on the big stage. One such player that may step out from the shadows could be the Steelers’ wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. The rookie wideout has plenty of speed and play-making ability to make noise on the big stage. This season he caught just 28 balls, but six were for 20 yards or more. Lining up opposite Wallace and Ward, Sanders could see some favorable matchups downfield and become a factor in the passing game.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 27th, 2011 Thursday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Rashard Mendenhall: Could Be Key For Steelers
The Steelers running back led the team with 167 yards rushing in the post season and scored three touchdowns in the just two post season games. Mendenhall finished the 2010 season with nearly 1,300 yards rushing and had 13 rushing touchdowns; he also caught 23 passes for another 167 yards receiving.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers defense (allowing just 70 yards per game) will do their best to slow down Mendenhall and the Steelers ground game, but they may struggle to keep him out of the end-zone. Mendenhall already has three scores this post season and the Packers defense has allowed three.

Greg Jennings: Leads the Pack Air-Attack
The Packers wide receiver has been everything to the passing game in the post season leading the team with 17 receptions for 239 yards, but has yet to score. During the 201 season, Jennings finished with 76 receptions for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
Jennings have been unstoppable the last couple of games for the Packers. The Steelers just don’t have the personnel to matchup, it could be another big day for the Packers playmaker.

Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben Looking for Another Big Day
Big Ben has not been as efficient as he would like this post season only completing 57 percent of his passes with two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 75.5. During the 2010 season Roethlisberger finished the year with a 62 percent completion rate, 17 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a rating of 97.0.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers struggled a year ago against Big Ben allowing over 500 yards passing, even with five sacks. It could be more of the same on Sunday unless the defense can turn some of those hurries, hits, and sacks into turnovers.

James Harrison: Will Lead Blitz-Burgh into Dallas
The Steelers finished the 2010 season with one of the league’s most lethal pass rushes and linebacker James Harrison was a big part finishing the 2010 season with 10.5 sacks. Harrison is always imposing and has been making an impact this post season with three sacks with 14 total tackles (2nd on the team).
My Fantasy Read:
The Steel Curtain defense has been devastating at times, but they have also shown they can be vulnerable to the pass. Harrison and company will need to bring tremendous pressure if they hope to slow down Rodgers and the Packers aerial attack. This may not be all that easy; Rodgers has only been sacked five times with 93 passing attempts.

Clay Matthews Jr: The Wild Man is Ready to go Psycho
The Packers second year linebacker started the 2010 season with a bang and finished strong totaling 13.5 sacks with two forced fumbles. This post season Matthews has been on a tear with three and half sacks and 13 total tackles; he is a big part of the Packer’s “Pyscho” defense.

My Fantasy Read:
The Steelers have yet to rule out center Maurkice Pouncey, but if there’s any likelihood he can’t go the offensive line could be in trouble. Last season the Packers sacked Big Ben five times, with the Wild Man (Matthews) on the rampage the Steelers will have more than their hands full; Matthews figures to be in Big Ben’s ear all day.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

January 23rd, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Championship Day

Today’s injury notes

For this time of year, all four teams playing today are relatively healthy and wo’t have any significant injuries to be concerned with. The only two notable players this week with any injury concerns, Bears safety Chris Harris (torn muscle) will play with pain today and Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis (knee) is questionable, but expected to play.

A couple of notable differences for the Jets-Steelers matchup later this evening, in their first meeting the Steelers were without tight end Heath Miller and All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu; both are healthy today and will start.

The Bears will not have wide receiver Devin Aromashodu, he will be inactive making room for tight end Desmond Clark; the Bears will obviously be leaning on the run and adding more blockers to protect Cutler.

The Jets will have a healthy Brad Smith (groin) back on the field today. Smith was a full-participant in practice Friday and will be returning kicks today for the Jets. In their only meeting with Pittsburgh back in week 15 this season, Smith took the opening kickoff to the house; it was one of his two returns for touchdowns this season.

The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is battling a cold and had some voice issues, but according to ESPN earlier the Steelers coaching staff say Big Ben is feeling better and his voice should not be an issue. If Big Ben does struggle with making calls it could have an impact on their hurry-up offense.

Today’s Matchup (Player watch)

Both of today’s games offer plenty of defense and defensive specialists; in the Packers-Bears matchup both teams bode plenty of playmakers that can make a huge difference, but only a few can change the game.

The Bears will need a huge effort from defensive end Julius Pepper. The versatile Peppers will need to bring a whole lot of pressure on the edge if the Bears have any hopes of slowing down the Packers passing attack. Peppers’ is also an extremely gifted athlete and will need to make plays today against the run.

Linebacker Brian Urlacher will also be essential for the success of the Bears defense. He also needs a big game against the run today if the defense is going to force quarterback Aaron Rodgers into predictable 3rd and long passing downs.

On the other side of the coin, the Packers have a couple of defensive players that need to play very well this afternoon. The key to slowing down the Bears attack will be shutting down the run and pressuring quarterback Jay Cutler. Linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and cornerback Charles Woodson need to get there when the Pack bring the heat, if they don’t Cutler could have a big passing day for Chicago.

The Packers defensive linemen B.J. Raji and Cullen Jenkins need to clog the middle and make sure running back Matt Forte does not have a big game on the ground. In their last meeting Forte scampered his way for 91 yards.

The Steelers will need to secure the ball today against the Jets defense and will need Big Ben to make a few plays if they hope to have great success running the ball. In their last meeting Ben passed for 264 yards completing 23 passes, while running back Rashard Mendenhall was successful running the ball for 99 yards; they will need more of the same.

Against the Steelers offense today, the Jets defense needs a much better push against the run. Defensive lineman Shaun Ellis is expected to play and along with him linebacker Bart Scott will need to be big against the run. The Steelers managed 146 yards last go around, if the Jets are to win, they can’t allow the Steelers as many yards.

…of course there will be plenty of offense to watch;

Aaron Rodgers is geared up to have a big day against the Bears. Starks will see some carries, but his effectiveness should come in short yardage near the goal line. You can pick and choose any of Rodgers weapons, but one that may go overlooked today is Jordy Nelson; effective last week against the Falcons and could be big today.

Running back Matt Forte should see plenty of action in the run and pass games today, with quarterback Jay Cutler throwing the ball quite a bit today against the Packers aggressive 5th ranked pass defense. Tight end Greg Olsen came up big last week and could be utilized more today in shorter routes in hopes of slowing down the Pack sack attack.

The Steelers had success in the air and on the ground in their last meeting with the Jets; wide receiver Mike Wallace could be in for another terrific outing today matched up against Cromartie and Mendenhall will get plenty of carries inside and could find paydirt.

The Jets may struggle a little today, but where they may find success is with their big receiver Braylon Edwards (8 catches in the last meeting) and if this game moves to the pass for New York, running back LaDanian Tomlinson is still an effective weapon.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY WATCH

January 7th, 2011, Friday

Friday Fantasy Watch

Marques Colston: Practices and Will Be Ready To Go

The Saints will have their best receiver in action on Saturday against the Seahawks in the NFC’s first Wild-Card Weekend matchup. Colston (knee) has been practicing this week and is fully expected to start against the Seahawks 27th ranked passing defense.

Colston is the Saints big threat in the passing game leading the team this season with 131 targets, 84 receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving. With tight end Jimmy Graham looking doubtful, the Saints big play receiver (Colston) will likely become more of the focal point in the passing game in the red-zone. Colston scored seven times during the 2010 regular season and with his size and ability he's a good threat to score Saturday.

Saturday’s projections against the Seahawks.
(6 catches, 85 yards receiving, two touchdowns)

Peyton Manning: The Sheriff Will Have His Guns Blazing

The Jets will be in town on Saturday to face the Colts and even with Revis Island open for business, don’t expect the Sheriff to stay grounded. Quarterback Peyton Manning has had his struggles this season, but that appears to be in the past. In his last four starts Manning has played very well committing only two turnovers.

With the post season set to start, the only way the Colts are going deep this year will be riding the arm of Peyton Manning. Manning will be looking for a repeat performance of a year ago against these same Jets; Peyton completed 26 of 39 passes for more than 370 yards with three scores. He may not have all of his weapons, but he will still have plenty of bullets to fire Saturday night.

Saturday’s projections against the Jets.
(27 of 42 passing, 325 yards passing, two touchdowns, one interception)

Ray Rice: The Ravens runner Will Lead The Charge

The Ravens will rely on their defense to slow down the Chiefs ground charge while running back Ray Rice will be expected to lead theirs. The Ravens will need a big game from Rice early to keep the Chiefs off balanced and allow the passing game to open up.

The Ravens will rely on Rice for their ground game, but even when quarterback Joe Flacco drops back in the pocket, Rice still figures to play a big part of the offense. Rice was second on the club with 63 receptions and finished the season with 556 yards receiving; he totaled nearly 1,800 yards of offense this season. If the Ravens are going to get past the Wild-Card round and defeat the Chiefs, it will take a whole lot of Rice.

Sunday’s projections against the Chiefs.
(20 carries, 95 yards, 6 catches, 40 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Green Bay Defense: The Return of the Sack Pack

After their dismantling of the Bears’ offense in week 17, it looks very clear for Green Bay; if they are to stop Vick the defense must play well. The Packers defense looked smothering bringing a ton of pressure a week ago against Jay Cutler and the Bears on their way to six sacks and two turnovers.

The defense will more than have its’ hands full on Sunday with Mike Vick running around. In order for the defense to have any kind of success against Vick they will have to bring constant pressure; back in week one the Packers sacked Vick three times. Pressure on the edge will be huge Sunday; players like Clay Matthews Jr and Charles Woodson will be the key to the Packers success.

Sunday’s projections against the Eagles.
(5 sacks, three turnovers)

Just my take.

By David Ortega

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 4th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….


LB DEMECO RYANS FANTASY STOCK ON THE RISE
My Fantasy Read: With training camp open it looks like the new aggressive Texans defense will afford Ryans more pass rushing opportunities. Usually a solid tackling machine for defense Ryans will be much more desired in fantasy if he can add a few sacks to his resume.

LB BRIAN ORAKPO FANTASY STOCK ON THE RISE
My Fantasy Read: The Redskin’s rookie linebacker has been looking like a solid during camp applying plenty of pressure off the edge. Orakpo is expected to contribute right away and could make a huge impact. Likely to be a rising star in the league and a playmaker on the outside he could easily become an early grab in some fantasy drafts.

LB CLAY MATTHEWS FANTASY STOCK IS RISING FAST
My Fantasy Read: Only a few days into camp and the rookie linebacker has been named a starter. Matthews, a high draft selection was expected to compete for time, but he’ll not only play, he will start. Matthew will play outside linebacker and should be a solid against the run and may be utilized as a pass rusher adding to his fantasy value. With more time on the field for the former SC Trojan owners can only expect big things from Clay.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411…..

FSH: IDP NOTES

June 23rd, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB CLAY MATTHEWS HEALTHY AND READY TO COMPETE
My Fantasy Read: The Packers top draft pick this past April says he feels fully recovered from a pulled hamstring that had slowed him earlier during the team’s OTAs. Now healthy Matthews appears to be a sure bet to crack a starting spot this season. He’s expected to play outside linebacker in Dom Caper’s 3-4 defense and should be a solid IDP play for fantasy this season.

LB BRIAN CUSHING EXPECTED TO START FOR TEXANS
My Fantasy Read: The SC standout drafted 15th overall in the 2009 draft will start at strong-side for the Texans. Recent reports on the former Trojan indicate he’ll need to improve his footwork and pass defending skills this summer. Its’ likely Cushing could be relegated to two-down duty. If he struggles against the pass, his fantasy stock could take a slight dip if he has to leave the field on third down.

DL JEVON KEARSE HAS BEGUN INDIVIDUAL DRILLS
My Fantasy Read: The Titan’s pass-rusher is recovering from knee surgery and doesn’t figure to be full strength until training camp. Since his early days in Tennessee, the Freak has not been the same with injuries slowing him down from 2002 to 2007. Last season Kearse was able to start all 16 games, but recorded only three and a half sacks. This season he’s expected to play in more a limited role, which will diminish his fantasy value. He’s likely not worth drafting in IDP leagues, but could be a consider later in the season.

LB TED BRUSCHI UNDECIDED ABOUT FUTURE AFTER 09
My Fantasy Read: The Patriot’s aging veteran linebacker has slowly but surely seen a decline in his production over the past few seasons. Whether or not he plays beyond the 2009 schedule won’t change his value this coming season. Bruschi has lost a lot of stock with his numbers taking a nose dive since 2006, he’ll likely be an IDP casualty in fantasy drafts this summer.


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411……

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STUFF

April 26th, 2009 11:07pm PST

Sunday Night Football Stuff

And That’s a Wrap!

The 2009 Draft is complete....
Now that the draft has concluded, there will be plenty written (if not already) about what teams did and how they all fared, but what will likely be written most are those that surprised. To say surprised could just be a nice way to put it.

Early in the first round….

Probably the first surprise came with the third pick, when the Chiefs chose LSU’s Tyson Jackson over Aaron Curry (Wake Forest). Jackson is considered a good pass rushing defensive end which clearly addresses a need, but many folks thought the Curry was the pick. At number four, the Seahawks were expected to be in the neighborhood looking for possibly a receiver or quarterback, but when Curry fell past three he became their first pick.

Shortly after, the next surprise of the day, but one that some may have seen coming with the activity that was being reported was the Jets move up to number five via a trade with Cleveland to select quarterback Mark Sanchez. There was a lot of talk back-and-forth over the wire and on the internet the past several days regarding the value of Sanchez. Despite what has been said, good and bad about the former Trojan, he was wanted and the Jets got their man.

The Bengals made a questionable call with Andre Smith at number six, only because with so many questions about his work ethic, there were clearly other options available at six.

The Raiders shook a few heads when they chose Darius Heyward-Bey with the seventh pick, but if you had talked to ESPN’s Chris Mortenson you may have seen it coming. Heyward-Bey was the fastest timed player at the combine, and this was something noted that has historically attracted the Raiders. Though it was a surprise, the pick does make sense with Heyward-Bey’s speed and Jamarcus Russell’s big arm, the two go together.

Perhaps the most intriguing move of the day came at number 12 with the Bronco’s first selection in the first round. Since his arrival, McDaniels has been criticized for his moves to reshape the offense, when the team’s biggest deficiencies are on defense. At 12, McDaniels and the Broncos selected running back Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), once again ignoring their most glaring needs.

Middle of the first round….

A couple of gifts in the first round came at number 10 and 13, when both wide receiver Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) and defensive end Brian Orakpo fell to their new homes of San Francisco and Washington respectively. With the Raiders making their surprise move, Crabtree was still available and fell into the laps of Singletary and the Niners. Orakpo’s journey down the board was similar, especially with Denver bypassing the Texas defensive playmaker.

A possible stretch pick I saw in the first round was the Vikings choice of wide receiver Percy Harvin. Some would suggest some questionable character flaws, enough that might discourage teams risking so much with a 1st round pick. There’s no question the Vikes got talent and great speed and they certainly addressed a specific need, but only if their pick pans out.

I’ve been seeing a lot of criticism focused on the Eagles camp leading up to the draft and while there is still work to do, I thought their move up to 19 to grab wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was a good move. The addition gives Donovan McNabb another possible playmaker to go along with wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis.

Late in the first round….

The Dolphins immediately addressed their needs in the defensive secondary with cornerback Vontae Davis (Illinois) at number 25. After losing a couple of players via free agency, Davis gives the team much needed help at the corner. A great value pick and one that should pay dividends immediately.

With their second pick in the first round the Packers followed up their earlier pick (DL-B.J. Raji) with another defensive player selection, linebacker Clay Matthews (Southern Cal). The selection gives the Pack two players that could easily be opening day starters in 2009.

One of the last picks in the first round came with the Cardinals pick at 31 when they chose running back Chris “Beanie” Wells (Ohio State). The selection addressed a strong need in the backfield with both James and Hightower not providing the type of production HC Whisenhunt needs at the position. Wells is a gifted runner with size and speed and will certainly be expected to compete for the starting position in camp. This move almost guarantees James departure from the team. It’s just a matter of time.

The two day event concluded on Sunday with a total of 256 players being chosen. With the draft complete it’s now time to take a look and evaluate the players that will be arriving to camp this summer and those that could make a splash in fantasy this season.....don't worry folks, there's plenty more to come.


Check back every day for more "Sunday Night Football Stuff!”