ProFootball101's Blog

Fantasy Rankings: NFC South TEs in 2009

ProFootball101 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:02:57 GMT

After a few offseason trades, the NFC South is well represented at Tight End, with perhaps the best at the position now calling this division home.

1. Tony Gonzalez

Gonzalez's arrival in Atlanta instantly makes him the top fantasy TE in the division. Stuck in a horrible situation playing for a 2-14 team last year, Gonzo had one of his finest seasons, with 96 catches, 1,058 yards and 11 TDs.

And now Matt Ryan's throwing the ball to him. Look for Gonzalez to be heavily utilized in the passing game and have another 1,000 plus yard, double digit TD season.

2. Kellen Winslow

Acquiring Winslow was a very nice move by Tampa. The talented TE needed a change of scenery after an extremely disappointing beginning to his Cleveland career which consisted of his missing a few seasons from off-field injuries.

In 2008, playing in a troubled Browns' offense, he totaled just 428 yards and three TDs while playing in 10 game -- this coming after his breakout 2007 season.

This year, look for Winslow to rediscover his game and post at least 60 catches, for 800 yards and 7 TDs.

3. Jeremy Shockey

This is really a make or break year for Shockey, who has always ranked well in fantasy due to the hype he received from his rookie season. But in all truthfulness, back-up TE, Billy Miller, played better than he did last year.

In what was expected to be a move which he reignited his career, Shockey managed just 50 catches and zero TDs, even with Drew Brees as his QB.

We'll give him the benefit of the doubt one more time: Look for a 60-70 catch and 5 TDs.

4. Billy Miller

We'd normally feature a Panther is this slot, but since their leading TE, Dante Rosario, managed only 209 yards and one TD on just 18 catches, it's quite clear that the TE position has little to no role the Panthers' offense.

Miller on the other hand, playing in a very potent offense, hauled in 45 balls for nearly 600 yards.

Look for a similar stat line in 2009 as Brees likes to look for his TEs over the middle.

Draft Tip

Gonzalez should be one of, if not the top TE drafted, and hear his name called from the third round on.

Winslow is still a starting caliber fantasy TE and will be a nice pick after round six.

Shockey could actually end up as a strong fantasy sleeper as he's certain to be overlooked following last year's disappointing season while Miller would be a good back-up to add depth to your roster.

Fantasy Rankings: NFC West Quarterbacks in 2009

ProFootball101 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:55:37 GMT

The NFC West features one of the top fantasy QBs in the game, two others trying to atone for a poor 2008, and an excellent potential sleeper.

1. Kurt Warner

Warner had a tremendous season in 2008. Playing with a wealth of talent at the receiver position, and on a team which abandoned the run, the 37-year old vet threw for more than 4,500 yards and 30 TDs, much to fantasy owners' delight.

A repeat of those numbers in 2009 will be hard to duplicate however. First, there's always the Super Bowl hangover, and second, there have been some key losses to personnel. The selection of RB Beanie Wells in the first round also suggests that the team will be more committed to the run, so look for between 3,600-3,900 yards and 25-28 TDs.

2. Matt Hasselback

Hasselback suffered through a miserable 2008 season and missed a lot of time battling a lingering injury. He finished with just 1,200 yards and five TDs in seven games.

This year, he should be healthy once again, so now it's a matter of getting back in sync with his receivers and quickly developing a rapport with T.J. Houshmandezadeh.

Blessed with an extremely easy schedule, look for another 3,000-yard season and 20 TDs.

3. Marc Bulger

Bulger suffered through a miserable 2008 campaign as well, at one point being benched by then head coach, Scott Linehan. He finished with a little more than 2,700 yards and 11 TDs.

And this year, a familiar face will no longer be there: Torry Holt, who was a salary cap casualty.

While second-year receiver Donnie Avery does provide promise, look for the Rams to rely heavily on the running game and for Bulger's numbers to remain middle of the pack: 3,000 yards and 15-18 TDs.

4. Shaun Hill

In 2008, once the J.T. O'sullivan experiment came to an end, which also coincided with the firing of Mike Nolan, Hill came on and finished with more than 2,000 yards and 13 TDs in just eight games.

This year, he has even more firepower at the skill positions. The Niners used the 10th overall pick on Michael Crabtree. Second-year receiver Josh Morgan is raring to go, and there's hope that Singletary will finally help Vernon Davis begin to realize his potential.

Look for Hill to throw for more than 2,750 yards and 18 TDs.

Draft Tip

Warner could be the fourth overall QB drafted, and gone by Round Four. Hasselback and Bulger are no longer considered quality fantasy starters and will fall past Round Eight. Hill, who could be a decent fantasy sleeper, will probably be around at the end, or as a waiver wire pick-up.

Fantasy Rankings: NFC North QBs in 2009

ProFootball101 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:39:37 GMT

The NFC North is one of the weaker divisions in football and has only one blue chip fantasy QB in 2009.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Any fears that Green Bay fans had last year of whether the franchise would survive the loss of Brett Favre, were erased by the stellar play of Rodgers.

While the team suffered through a horrendous 2008 campaign, it was NOT because of the play at the QB position. In his first year as a full-time starter, he finished the season with over 4,000 yards and 28 TDs.

Having already developed an excellent rapport with both Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, and with the expected maturation of the younger receivers, look for another 4,000 yard season and between 28-32 TDs.

Jay Cutler

Cutler certainly possesses the strongest arm in the division and had an excellent fantasy season in 2008, finishing with over 4,500 yards and 25 TDs. But that was Denver, and this is Chicago. The drop off from Marshall, Royal, and Scheffler to Hester, Davies, and Iglesias is substantial.

Another issue he'll now have to contend with is the weather of Soldier Field. Frigid temperatures and powerful winds aren't conducive to aerial assaults, and the Bears personnel isn't built for that either.

Look for a significant drop off yardage this season and for Cutler to notch 3,250 yards passing and 20-23 TDs.

Brett Favre*

The asterisk is only there because the move is not yet official. But we all know it???s only a matter of time. And that's music to Vikes fan's ears as the only gaping hole on the roster resides at the QB position. In 2008, Tavaris Jackson showed us he wasn't the answer and neither is career back-up, Sage Rosenfels.

But Favre, even at age 39, would be a big upgrade for the Vikes, who already have a lot of offensive firepower at the skill positions and added the wild card from this year's NFL Draft, Percy Harvin. Expect a 3,000 yard season with over 20 TDs.

Matt Stafford

In fantasy football, as in the NFL, it's never a good idea to bank on rookie QBs; especially ones drafted in Detroit. While Daunte Culpepper should get the nod early on, as the early season losses begin to mount, so will the pressure to get the top overall draft pick on the field.

The one bright spot he has going for him is number 81, Calvin Johnson, who makes anyone look good throwing the ball to him, but overall Stafford should be stayed away from. And anything over 10 TDs in his rookie season would be considered a success.

Draft Tip

Rodgers has worked his way into a top five to seven fantasy QB and should come off the board early, no later than round four. Cutler will fall a bit further as Chicago's not the most ideal home for a passer, and Favre, who could end up overlooked and turn into a solid fantasy sleeper, will go between round's eight and 10. Stafford will not be drafted, nor should he ever start for your team in 2009.

Fantasy Rankings: NFC East QBs in 2009

ProFootball101 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:58:51 GMT

The NFC East QBs already face an uphill battle because all four teams in the division possess top-10 defenses from last season, but two still rank in the top eight QBs in the league.

1. Donovan McNabb

McNabb saved his season -- and maybe his Philly career -- after his benching in Baltimore last season, which came on the heels of five picks over a two game stretch. From that point on, he tossed nine TDs and one INT and carried the Birds all the way to NFC Championship Game. Overall in 2008, he finished just under 4,000 yards and 23 TDs.

This year, he has even more weapons at his disposal. In addition to star RB Brian Westbrook and second year WR DeSean Jackson, the Eagles solidified their offensive line and moved up in the draft to select WR Jeremy Maclin, who should provide an immediate impact in the slot.

Look for a 4,000 yard season and between 25-30 TDs.

2. Tony Romo

Coming into last year's fantasy draft, Romo was the second rated QB on the draft board after a stellar 2007 campaign. After a tumultuous year, one that included a broken pinkie finger and dissent amongst the receiving corps, mainly T.O., the Cowboys finished off 9-and-7 and missed the post season.In 13 games he finished with 3,448 yards and 26 TDs.

This year, T.O. is gone, which while good for team chemistry, is probably not for fantasy. WR Roy Williams will have to prove he's capable of being the number one in Big D, otherwise team's will focus on Witten, which will affect Romo.

Look for another 3,500 yard season, and between 22-25 TDs.

3. Eli Manning

The Manning you want in fantasy football resides in Indianapolis, as the Colts offense is built around the passing game. In New York, the offense begins with the running game, and that will be emphasized to an even greater extent with the release of Plaxico Burress in the off season. In 2008, Manning finished with over 3,200 yards and 21 TDs.

This year, look for a similar stat line: 3,200 yards and between 20-25 TDs.

Although most will point to his drop off in play when Plax was suspended, the offensive game plan didn't adjust. With an entire off season to adjust according to their personnel, the Giants' passing game will now focus on its receivers strengths: quickness and speed as opposed to height.

4. Jason Campbell

Does anyone come into the season feeling more slighted than Jason Campbell? The Skins first tried to deal for Jay Cutler, and then attempted to move up in the draft for Mark Sanchez. In the end, none of those deals worked out. In his first year running Zorn's offense, he amassed 3,245 yards and 13 TDs.

If he can get some more productivity out of last year's top receivers, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, to go along with Santana Moss, look for Campbell to once again break the 3,000 yard mark and throw between 15-18 TDs in 2009.

Draft Tip

McNabb will be the first QB off the board from the division, most likely between round's three and five. Romo will also be picked around that time frame, while Manning will last past round 10. Campbell will go towards the end of the draft and be used solely as a fill-in when your starter is out.

Fantasy Rankings: AFC East WRs in 2009

ProFootball101 — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:08:52 GMT

The best four receivers in the AFC East reside on two of the teams, while the other two offer late round value and potential sleeper picks.

1. Randy Moss

No one, outside of Bill Belichick, is happier about the return of Tom Brady. In their only season together, Moss set the all-time TD receiving mark (23) while Brady set the passing (50). Last year, after the loss of Brady in Week one, Moss still managed to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark and put 11 balls across the goal line.

This year, look for a return to the fantasy elite: 1,500 yards and at least 15 TDs.

2. Terrell Owens

If you're a fan of T.O., make sure you grab him in 2009. He rarely does any damage to both his team or QB in year one, so now is the time to capitalize on what should be a productive season in Buffalo.

While Edwards is not as talented as Romo, he's not as erratic either; so while we don't expect the stellar fantasy numbers Owens has put up throughout his career, 1,200 yards and 10 TDs are certainly within reach.

3. Wes Welker

There's not a more difficult man to cover underneath in the NFL than Welker. The guy gets in and out of breaks so quickly that he's often in the soft spot of the defense before the corner back has time to react.

And in 2007, he quickly became Brady's best friend in third down situations. After amassing another 100 catch season in 2008, look for a repeat of those numbers this season with 1,200 yards and six TDs.

4. Lee Evans

Evans should benefit tremendously from having T.O. on his other side. The extra attention that must be paid to Owens will allow Evans to streak down the sidelines and he's extremely dangerous on deep routes in one on one situations.

After hauling in just over a thousand yards and three TDs in 2008, look for another thousand yard season in 2009, but over double the amount of TDs with seven.

5. Ted Ginn Jr.

In 2008, Ginn finally began to show some of the promise that made him the ninth overall pick in 2007, by reeling in 56 catches, for 790 yards and two TDs. And throughout the year,while learning Sparano's system, you began to see him become more confident in his route running and the result was some long gainers.

Look for another step forward this season with a thousand yards and at least five TDs.

6. Jerricho Cotchery

Cotchery is now the man in New York but will surely see his production drop if they go with Sanchez. It's rarely a wise move, sans Matt Ryan, to expect any fantasy value from a receiver with a rookie QB, and it certainly appears as if that's what is going to happen.

With the defection of Coles to the Bengals, look for a repeat, or slight drop off, from his 2008's numbers: 800 yards and five TDs.

Sleeper - Greg Camarillo

Camarillo came on strong last year before suffering a season ending knee injury in Week 12. He became Brady's (Wes) Welker for Pennington. If he can pick up where he left off before the injury, 55 catches for over 600 yards, this will be a great fantasy sleeper pick in the later rounds.

Draft Tip

Moss and Owens are both second round picks in this year's draft. Welker will be gone by round four, while Evans will slip due to his poor production last season. Ginn, Cotchery and Camarillo will all be fill-ins, i.e. second and most likely third receivers for your teams and can be had later in the draft.

Fantasy Rankings: AFC South WRs in 2009

ProFootball101 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:09:34 GMT

The AFC South have some serious firepower at the top before thinning out, but there are plenty of quality receivers from this division that can help impact your fantasy lineup.

1. Andre Johnson

Otherwise known as the man the Lions regret not drafting. Johnson has developed into one of the top two or three best receivers in the NFL and has done so while playing mostly with sub-par QBs. With his overall size, speed and strength, he's virtually impossible to cover one-on-one, and last year, playing with the combo of Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels, managed 115 catches for 1,575 yards and eight TDs.

We think he takes an even bigger step this year. Look for another 100-catch season, with at least 1,500 yards and over 12 TDs.

2. Reggie Wayne

Long before Marvin Harrison first injured his knee in 2007, Wayne had already supplanted him as Peyton's go-to guy. And in 2007, he delivered with over 1,500 yards and 10 TDs. Last year however, playing on a team ravished by injury, his production fell and he only netted 1,145 yards and six TDs.

Not horrible numbers, but not what we've come to expect from the former Hurricane. This year, look for a bounce back and over 1,200 yards and 10 TDs for this fantasy star.

3. Torry Holt

Jacksonville is actually an intriguing spot for Holt. After suffering through a horrendous season in 2008, one which saw the Rams "throw in the towel" en route to a two-win season, Holt now finds himself on another team that is also reeling from a sub-par year. And he slides right in as the No. 1 guy.

It's hard for us to envision him putting up Rams-type numbers in this offense, but he'll still get a majority of Garrard's passes and we see him finishing off with a 1,000 yard season and nine TDs.

4. Anthony Gonzalez

With Harrison no longer in Indy, Gonzalez will become the full-time starter opposite Wayne. And last year, playing as the third wideout and fourth receiving option after Wayne, Harrison, and Clark, he had a few outstanding showings such as his 138 yard, nine catch game in Minnesota. Overall, he totaled 664 yards and four TDs.

Look for Gonzalez to break the thousand yard mark this season and double his TD total with eight.

5. Nate Washington

One thing that was noticeably missing in Tennessee last season was the threat of a vertical passing game. So they went out and signed Steelers wideout Nate Washington in free agency. As the Steelers' No. 3 receiver in 2008, Washington finished with 631 yards and three TDs, but an impressive 15.8 yard average per catch.

With more looks now will come more catches, yards, and TDs, and we expect Washington and Collins to hook up on a few bombs. Expect 900 yards and between six and eight TDs.

Sleeper -- Kevin Walter

This guy rarely gets noticed, but he's pretty good. In fact, he's a very solid late round/waiver wire type fantasy sleeper. Starting opposite Andre Johnson, who obviously commanded a lot of double coverage, Walter totaled 899 receiving yards and eight TDs.

He should approach those totals once again in 2009.

Draft Tip

Johnson could come off the board as early as the end of the first round. If not, because there's a run on running backs, he'll surely be taken atop round two. Wayne will go in round two as well. After that, Holt will be a good choice in rounds three and four, while Gonzalez shouldn't last beyond round six. Washington can be had in round eight and Walter will probably still be there at the end.

Fantasy Rankings: AFC North WRs in 2009

ProFootball101 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:09:41 GMT

The AFC North receivers might be the most difficult group to rate. While the overall talent is there, the production of late has not been, so any fantasy projections are speculative at best.

1. Braylon Edwards

This pick is sure to be scrutinized. While there's no denying Edwards' talent -- in 2007 he caught 16 TDs for nearly 1,300 yards -- last year a severe case of butterfingers saw his production decrease immensely, to less than 900 yards and three TDs.

A lot of that can also be attributed to the horrific year offensively in Cleveland. This year, which also happens to be a contract year, usually great incentive for the player, look for Braylon to rebound and reach the 1,200 yard mark with at least 10 TDs.

2. Chad Ocho Cinco

It appears that enough is enough, even for Chad. Ocho Cinco's antics in an attempt to get out of Cincinnati have proved futile and his overall production has taken a huge hit to the dismay of fantasy owners. The one time top five NFL receiver produced only 540 yards and four TDs in 2008.

And this has a lot of media questioning his desire for the game. A recent showing at a non mandatory mini camp however, leads us to believe that Ocho Cinco is ready to put the past behind him and once again post solid numbers; look for No. 85 to reach the 1,000 yard mark with 10TDs.

3. Santonio Holmes

The Super Bowl MVP had the game of his life in Tampa, catching nine balls for 131 yards and the game winning TD. That type of ending to a season usually propels a player to great things the following.

Now firmly entrenched as Big Ben's go-to-guy, look for Holmes to step up and hit the thousand yard mark with between eight to 10 TDs.

4. Hines Ward

Ward had the better season of the two (Holmes), finishing with over a thousand yards and seven TDs, but age and injuries are beginning to catch up and his numbers are on the decline.

Still, in Pittsburgh's finesse offense -- three wideout formations, etc. -- he'll have his opportunities and look for Ward to match his seven TD total from last season as the short to medium range target.

5. Derrick Mason

Even at age 35, Mason still ranks among the better receivers in the game. And he's still proving he can impact a fantasy roster with over a thousand yards and five TDs in 2008. Look for him to post solid numbers once again as the Ravens offense should take another step forward in year two of Joe Flacco's development.

Sleeper - Limas Sweed

While he only caught six balls in the 2008 regular season, he'll now be called upon to replace Nate Washington as Pittsburgh's deep threat as the number three wideout. At 6'4", 220 pounds and with good speed, look for between 40-50 catches and at least five TDs.

Draft Tip

None of the AFC North Receivers should go in the top two rounds of your fantasy draft. Edwads and Ocho Cinco should come off the board in round three, while Holmes will be a fourth round pick. Ward should last past round six and Mason will be a good number two receiver from seven on. Sweed, our projected fantasy sleeper from this division, will provide great value late in the draft.

Fantasy Rankings: AFC West WRs in 2009

ProFootball101 — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:32:34 GMT

Though the division is devoid of any superstars, Marshall has too many issues, a few of the young receivers are on the door step of announcing their entrance to the upper echelon of fantasy football.

1. Dwayne Bowe

In just his second year in the NFL, and playing for a horrendous 2-14 Chiefs team, Bowe took a big step forward and grabbed 86 balls, for over 1,000 yards, and seven TDs.

This year, playing under new offensive-minded coach Todd Haley, and with the upgrade at the QB position to Matt Cassel, look for Bowe to become an elite fantasy receiver with 90 plus catches, for over 1,200 yards and double digit TDs.

2.Vincent Jackson

Back when Tomlinson was the league's premier running back, and Gates was the team's top receiving option, the Chargers' receiving corps was barely heard of.

But with Tomlinson now slowed by injury and age, and injuries taking its toll on Gates' body, they've now stepped to the forefront and at the head of that charge is Vincent Jackson.

The 6'5" third year receiver caught 59 balls for 1,098 yards and seven TDs last year and became Rivers go-to guy late in the season.

This year, in his fifth year in the league, look for Jackson to hit the 1,200-yard mark with double digit TDs.

3. Brandon Marshall

Based on talent alone, this guy tops the list. He has developed into one of the top receivers in the game since 2006 and notched over 1,200 yards and six TDs in 2008. However immaturity, legal issues, and now the loss of Jay Cutler, will all keep him from ranking higher on the fantasy draft charts in 2009.

With the prospects of receiving balls from either Kyle Orton or Chris Simms, look for Marshall's numbers to take a significant step although he'll still eclipse the 1,000-yard mark and score nine TDs.

4. Eddie Royal

Marshall's counterpart, Royal, had an excellent rookie season in 2008. The former second round pick out of Virginia Tech burst onto the season and torched the Raiders for 146 yards and a TD on opening day. Overall, he finished with 91 catches, for 980 yards, and five TDs.

This year, expect McDaniels to utilize Royal in the team's short passing game as New England used Welker, and for Royal to catch between 75-85 balls for a thousand yards and five to seven TDs.

Sleeper

Johnnie Lee Higgins

For those of you expecting to hear Darrius Heyward-Bey's name called here, think again. Rookie wide receivers rarely make a significant fantasy impact in year one and certainly not a guy playing on the Raiders.

Higgins on the other hand, began to step up late last season and finished with 22 catches for four TDs. This year, he could double both.

Draft Tip

Bowe, Jackson and Marshall should all go between round's three and four. Royal will be a nice second receiver in round six and beyond, while Higgins, our fantasy sleeper for this division, will be ripe for the taking towards the latter rounds of the draft.

Who Will Be the Top Rookie Fantasy Receiver in 2009?

ProFootball101 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:43:58 GMT

With the NFL Draft having come and gone, it's now time to see which rookie receiver will have the greatest fantasy impact in 2009.

To quickly recap the receivers taken, at the top we had the reach of the decade, WR Darrius Hayward-Bey, to Oakland, followed by who many considered to be the best receiver prospect in the Draft, WR Michael Crabtree to San Francisco.

After that went WR Jeremy Maclin to Philadelphia, then WR Percy Harvin to Minnesota, WR Hakeem Nicks to the New York (Giants) and WR Kenny Britt to the Tennessee.

Heyward-Bey and Crabtree can already be disqualified based on their current offensive situations; Britt's not going to a pass oriented offense and while Nicks will have a chance to be productive, the 2009 Giants will place a heavy emphasis on running the football.

So that leaves us with two: Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin.

While Maclin will certainly be in the more ideal situation Philly passes the ball over 60% of the time and McNabb's an established, Pro Bowl QB's he'll start out as the third receiver at best (fourth passing option after Westbrook) and that's why in the end, I see Harvin being the top fantasy producer.

Coach Childress will utilize his versatility and game breaking ability similar to how Urban Meyer did at Florida, by lining him up all over the field.

And since, unlike in Florida, where he was the number one focus of opposing defenses, he???ll be number two in Minnesota after the great RB Adrian Peterson. There will be many one-on-one match-ups that even Sage Rosenfels will be able to capitalize on.

While I expect Harvin to run his fair share of deep routes, that'll mostly be Bernard Berrian's job.

Instead, I think his real impact will come from short passes and slant patterns which will allow him to use his open field running ability and blazing speed to compile a lot of yards plus a few TDs.

He'll also have additional opportunities to make things happen out of the backfield and on end-arounds. And don't be surprised to see a pitch to Peterson who runs lateral and tosses it down field to a streaking Harvin, who got behind the defense after they were fooled into thinking it was a run.

The learning curve for rookie wide receivers is usually steep, outside of Randy Moss, who was a player that comes along once in a generation anyway, and for that reason, relying on one to impact your fantasy team is usually not wise.

But Harvin's versatility should provide him ample opportunities from both the running back and receiver position, and that type of double threat makes him always worthy of consideration at your flex position.

Now we all know the reason he dropped in the NFL Draft -- the failed drug test at the combine and concerns over his ability to stay out of trouble-- and from all reports coming out from his high school and college days, that's a big concern. But should he be able to remain focused on football and keep clean, he will be your top fantasy producer of all the round one receivers taken in the 2009 NFL Draft.

NFL Mock Draft: 21-32

ProFootball101 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:15:11 GMT

21. Philadelphia Eagles: RB Knowshon Moreno

The Eagles already addressed their line with the acquisition of LT Jason Peters, now they look to fortify their backfield. And they're extremely happy to find Moreno on the board here.

Westbrook is still one of the NFL's top game breakers, but he's aging, and he was banged up pretty good last year. So Moreno will give them some fresh legs and should make the Eagles even more dangerous out of the backfield.

22. Minnesota Vikings: WR Darrius Heyward Bey

The Vikings could look to beef up their offensive line with this pick, but none of the lineman still on the board seem worthy here. So look for them to address their receiver position by selecting the draft board climbing speedster Bey at No. 22. Many thought this might be the spot where Percy Harvin came off the board, but after a positive drug test, his stock is dropping like AIG's in 2008.

23. New England Patriots: LB Clay Mathews

It appears that Belichick has been targeting Mathews for a while now as he looks to re-stock the line backing position, and Clay is a good one. The son of former Titans great, Bruce Mathews, Clay has a non-stop motor and knack for making the big play. He, along with last year's 1st round pick, Jerod Mayo, should form a formidable tandem at the LB position for years to come.

24. Atlanta Falcons: TE Brandon Pettigrew

The Falcons will waste no time snatching up this talented TE out of Oklahoma State. As they look to add more toys for QB Matt Ryan to play with, look for Pettigrew to become a integral part of this offense and add another dimension to an offense which already features WR Roddy White and RB Michael Turner.

25. Miami Dolphins: WR Kenny Britt

The Dolphins turnaround last year was due mostly to impressive coaching, an opportunistic defense, and a short, safe passing game. Now they need to address the receiver position.

Britt???s how they will do it. The talented pass catcher will give the Fins another young receiver to play alongside WR Tedd Ginn Jr.

26. Baltimore Ravens: CB Vonta Davis

The Ravens threw a lot of money at CB Domonique Foxworth in free agency, but he???s not the long term solution. And after losing longtime standout CB Chris McAlister, look for the Ravens to snatch up Davis at this pick. Even with the defection of LB Bart Scott in free agency, this defense is still formidable; and revamping its secondary will keep it that way.

27. Indianapolis Colts: DT Evander Hood

The Colts have a few areas of need, but none more pressing then that of the interior of the defense. Running the football on Indianapolis was a relatively easy thing to do in 2008, and GM Polian will call Hood's name here to anchor the middle of that defense.

28. Buffalo Bills: OT Eben Britton

With the loss of OT Jason Peters last week to the Eagles, the Bills will snatch Britton at pick No. 28 as they retool their offensive line. The Bills employ a power running game and you need a stout offensive line in order to play this style of football; Britton's another big body that will enable them to do this.

He might develop into a mainstay along the line for years to come. Or until he gets good enough where owner Ralph Wilson will choose to deal him rather than pay him.

29. New York Giatns: LB James Laurinaitis

After dumping the malcontent known as Plaxico Burress earlier this month, many expect the Giants to go receiver with this pick. But the Giants never panic come draft time and have a few other areas they're looking to strengthen.

Linebacker being one of them. Laurinaitis brings the type of intensity and work ethic Tom Coughlin loves to the table and will compete for a starting position in 2009.

30. Tennessee Titans: WR Brian Robiskie

While the Titans have never placed much emphasis on the receiver position come draft time, it's quite apparent that they're lacking an outside threat to complement their strong running game. Robiskie is a player who has seen his stock on the rise as we close in on draft day and would be a wise choice for last year's No. 1 seed in the AFC.

31. Arizona Cardinals: RB Chris "Beanie" Wells

The Cardinals have a huge hole in their backfield and had all but abandoned the running game towards the end of last season before they decided to get Edge back involved. Wells provides a big body with speed who will fit in nicely in Arizona.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT William Beatty

The Steelers have always made its offensive line a top priority and built it though the draft. Early in 2008, the line was a mess, and Roethlisberger was constantly on his back.

After the midpoint in the season, it began to gel, and the Steelers rode its play all the way to a Super Bowl Championship. The top priority in Pittsburgh is keeping Big Ben in one piece and by selecting Beatty, they will have taken one step closer to doing so.