The analysis of the Fantasy Football Impact from 2009 Draft
2008 represents an extraordinary year for recruits in terms of fantasy football. I know because I drove 2 of them (Chris Johnson and Matt Forte) to a league championship. What will be the draft class of 2009 have in store for Fantasy owners coming this fall? Personally, I do not think this year's class is talented in recent years but time will tell. The following represents my preliminary take on the 2009 Draft Class:
- Matthew Stafford QB (DET)
What kind of QB Pro Stafford be? he look like Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco or will his destiny more like Tim Couch or Joey Harrington? Fantasy owners likely will not chance to discover the next season. While Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he would keep an open mind in the battle for first place on the depth map, the more likely that Daunte Culpepper will be the starting QB for Detroit when they open the season against the Saints at the Superdome in September, 13e. This scenario does not allow much of Stafford a chance to make an impact in fantasy circles. In addition, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where he goes out and has no value as a rookie. Ryan and Flacco were both fifth-year seniors coming out of college and had much more mature position in the NFL that Underclassman Stafford value. Stafford will be limited to Keeper and Dynasty leagues on Draft Day Fantasy.
- RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN)
Searching for 2009's Fantasy Top rookie? Well, look no further than Moreno. Moreno is by far the most talented running back class in 2009 and I expect him to come right and become the start for the Broncos. Although the Broncos adds veteran several of RB this past off-season, none of them have nearly as talented as Moreno. Moreno I see as a runner Fantasy No. 3 in 2009 with a potential for more. However, because the Broncos have depth at the position, the former Bulldog is more likely to be perceived as a viable flex starter in most drafts. Clearly, there is also a great option keeper and dynasty leagues.
- Chris "Beanie" RB Wells (AZ)
The Arizona Cardinals took over Ohio State back with their first round selection, the creation of a battle Depth Chart interesting this summer. Most experts believe that Wells is the 2nd best RB prospect in the draft behind Moreno. In addition, Wells is an updated some days about Tim Hightower and I expect Wells to emerge at the top table of team performance as a rookie Hightower leaving to serve third party in the back for the defending NFC champions. Whoever gets the goal line carries obviously have more fantasy value than the other, but now I see Wells as the best option in seasonal and keeper leagues. Both Wells and Moreno will have difficulty meeting the standards set by Johnson, Forte and Slaton ago one year.
- WR Michael Crabtree (SF)
The loss was the Raiders 49ers win. After the Raiders sent Crabtree you know him eat SF well and they did. Crabtree has been hailed as the top wide receiver in the draft, and he will no doubt a chance to start his rookie season with coach Mike Singletary. The Niners will be looking at a second first team this year, however, so Fantasy owners must keep this in mind the position in 2009. Yet he still has an average value for the end of round pick in fantasy draft season and is quite able to establish some Nice stats as a rookie.
- Percy Harvin WR / KR (MIN)
Percy Harvin still landed in the first round despite some "character" issues and become a serious playmaker for the Minnesota Vikings. Can you imagine the Vikings and aligning Harvin Peterson in the Wildcat? Harvin has the speed and great skills as a runner and receiver and I expect him to compete with Sidney Rice for the number 2 along with WR Bernard Berrian. Because of its immense potential and explosiveness, Harvin deserve an airman late rounds in most fantasy draft and certainly do some damage at some point for the Vikings. In addition, Harvin makes instantly Vikings DST even better than they were a year last.
- Jeremy Maclin WR (PHI)
Eagles Donovan McNabb finally given some weapons. Maclin has great speed and can stretch defenses pass vertical attack. In addition, it was a real case where the eagles have had. After watching an Eagle rookie WR impact last year there is nothing to say Maclin can not do the same thing. Look for Maclin to be chosen this cycle late summer and I fully expect him to make some big plays for McNabb and the Eagles this fall.
- Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton OT (JAX)
Certain, offensive linemen are not drafted in fantasy football, but this does not make them less important for success your team. Injuries absolutely decimated the Jaguars offensive line last season and was the main reason the team did not the playoffs after a very successful 2007 season. The Jags want to get back to Jag football if he was not surprised to see the country team as OT Eugene Monroe in round 1 and Eben Britton in Round 2. The acquisition of both Monroe and Britton will Maurice Jones Drew more attractive in fantasy projects. Look for JD to be a top 5 pick this summer.
- OT Jason Smith (STL)
Adding Smith is a real positive value of RB Steven Jackson. Now it's Jackson to stay healthy and produce numbers that fantasy owners have been longing to for years. With a new spirit defensive head coach of the Rams want to run the ball and Jackson have in their backfield and the presence of Smith will making considerable ground attack effectively. In addition, the Rams also added FB Mike Karney this offseason. As I mentioned, it is Jackson now fully realize its potential. It will surely go in the first round this year. Time will tell if it's worth.
- Marc Sanchez QB (NYJ)
Mark Sanchez was the hottest name in the 2009 class in the days before the draft and after a further Jets Brett Favre Last year, it is not surprising that the Jets traded two draft picks and three players to move and select it. Alth0ugh Sanchez launched a mere 16 games at the college level, it could very well up from the wind for the new coach Rex Ryan when the Jets open their season. In fact, Ryan told the media that Sanchez will actually compete for the top spot with Kellen Clemens. Personally, I do not see Sanchez making this noise year as a rookie and keep him on the day of the project, except in custody and dynasty leagues.
- Kenny Britt WR (TN)
The Titans were desperate for WR recent years and we hope they have found their No. 1 with Kenny Britt of Rutgers. Coach Jeff Fisher told the media he wants to get Britt on the ground as soon as possible, so do not be surprised to see from the opening day. The Titans also signed former Steeler Nate Washington this season off so it could be difficult for Britt to have a significant impact in fantasy what remains a race-based misconduct with Chris Johnson and White Blade. It is certainly a player to watch in training camp, but more than likely will not later than the round value in seasonal formats.
- Darius Heyward-Bey WR (OAK)
Being a big fan Raider I was upset but not at all shocked by this movement. It is clear here that Al Davis values of pure speed than any other attribute. Jerry Rice was quick? Larry Fitzgerald is a writer? The answer to both questions is no, but it was the best ever and is currently the best. Nevertheless, no clearcut No. 1 receiver wide on the file Raiders, Heyward-Bey warrant consideration in late round draft fantastic season and have plenty balls are has launched this fall. Time will tell how it all works and Heyward-Bey and Crabtree will be forever linked.
- Donald Brown, RB (IND)
Donald Brown will immediately be thrown into the mix with the Colts and that spells good news for fantasy owners who draft him this summer. I've never really been sold to Joseph Addai and I do not think the Colts are either. Although new head coach Jim Caldwell said Media that Addai will remain No. 1 team back, the owners should certainly expect a situation to evolve Committee at Indy. Addai should get more carries, but any kind of platoon hurts his value in seasonal and keeper leagues. Addai does not exceed a back No. 2 in the worlds of fantasy. As for Brown, it will be worth a mid to late round selection and is a must for anyone drafting Addai.
In summary, it will be interesting to see what kind of impact and all of the 2009 rookie class will have on the 2009 NFL season. They have big shoes to complete because of last year.
Cheers and Beers
About the Author
Chris Limburg is the fanatical purveyor of gothicfootball.com: A Oakland Raider/fantasy football blog that provides commentary on everything that is the NFL or fantasy football. Visit today at http://www.gothicfootball.com
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