March 5, 2008

CBSSports.com post-free agency 2008 mock draft

Although free agency is never "over," the top-of-the-line players have either found new homes or got paid by their old teams. They're spoken for.

So, of course, that means it's time for a Fantasy draft to see where these newfound millionaires get picked.

We did one of these before, back in December, and many of our guys took into account the free agent class in that draft. Now that we know where studs like Randy Moss, Michael Turner and Bernard Berrian have wound up, there's not going to be as much guessing. But it sure is going to be interesting to see where they get picked.

And just like our previous mock, we're drafting 2008 rookies even though we can only take educated guesses on where they'll be drafted in April.

Here is our draft order:

1. Michael Hurcomb, CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer
2. Scott White, CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer
3. David Gonos, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer
4. Corey Guerrera, Product Manager, CBSSports.com Fantasy Sports
5. Eric Mack, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer
6. Dave Richard, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer
7. Michael Cercel, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer
8. Jamey Eisenberg, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer
9. Sergio Gonzalez, CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer
10. Ross Devonport, CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer
11. Peter Madden, Managing Editor, CBSSports.com Fantasy Sports
12. J. Darin Darst, CBSSports.com College Football Producer

We're starting ...

1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 PK, 1 DST
Seven reserve spots

We're scoring ...

6 pts. for all TDs
1 pt. for each 10 yards rushing/receiving
1 pt. for each 25 yards passing
-2 pts. for each interception or fumble
2 pts. for two-point conversions
1 pt. for each extra point
3 pts. for each field goal with large bonuses for long kicks made
2 pts. for each fumble, interception or safety by a DST
Standard bonuses for points allowed for DST

Draft Results
Round 1
1	Michael Hurcomb	LaDainian Tomlinson (RB SD)
2	Scott White	Brian Westbrook (RB PHI)
3	David Gonos	Adrian Peterson (RB MIN)
4	Corey Guerrera	Steven Jackson (RB STL)
5	Eric Mack	Joseph Addai (RB IND)
6	Dave Richard	Frank Gore (RB SF)
7	Michael Cercel	Peyton Manning (QB IND)
8	Jamey Eisenberg	Larry Johnson (RB KC)
9	Sergio Gonzalez	Clinton Portis (RB WAS)
10	Ross Devonport	Tom Brady (QB NE)
11	Peter Madden	Willie Parker (RB PIT)
12	J. Darin Darst	Randy Moss (WR NE)
Round 2
13	J. Darin Darst	Marshawn Lynch (RB BUF)
14	Peter Madden	Marion Barber (RB DAL)
15	Ross Devonport	Ryan Grant (RB GB)
16	Sergio Gonzalez	Willis McGahee (RB BAL)
17	Jamey Eisenberg	Laurence Maroney (RB NE)
18	Michael Cercel	Maurice Jones-Drew (RB JAC)
19	Dave Richard	Earnest Graham (RB TB)
20	Eric Mack	Reggie Bush (RB NO)
21	Corey Guerrera	Brandon Jacobs (RB NYG)
22	David Gonos	Darren McFadden (RB Unaffiliated)
23	Scott White	Terrell Owens (WR DAL)
24	Michael Hurcomb	Michael Turner (RB ATL)
Round 3
25	Michael Hurcomb	Reggie Wayne (WR IND)
26	Scott White	Braylon Edwards (WR CLE)
27	David Gonos	Larry Fitzgerald (WR ARI)
28	Corey Guerrera	Chad Johnson (WR CIN)
29	Eric Mack	T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR CIN)
30	Dave Richard	Andre Johnson (WR HOU)
31	Michael Cercel	Marques Colston (WR NO)
32	Jamey Eisenberg	LenDale White (RB TEN)
33	Sergio Gonzalez	Tony Romo (QB DAL)
34	Ross Devonport	Ronnie Brown (RB MIA)
35	Peter Madden	Rudi Johnson (RB CIN)
36	J. Darin Darst	Torry Holt (WR STL)
Round 4
37	J. Darin Darst	Edgerrin James (RB ARI)
38	Peter Madden	Derek Anderson (QB CLE)
39	Ross Devonport	Thomas Jones (RB NYJ)
40	Sergio Gonzalez	Steve Smith (WR CAR)
41	Jamey Eisenberg	Brandon Marshall (WR DEN)
42	Michael Cercel	Travis Henry (RB DEN)
43	Dave Richard	Wes Welker (WR NE)
44	Eric Mack	DeAngelo Williams (RB CAR)
45	Corey Guerrera	Drew Brees (QB NO)
46	David Gonos	Jamal Lewis (RB CLE)
47	Scott White	Carson Palmer (QB CIN)
48	Michael Hurcomb	Marc Bulger (QB STL)
Round 5
49	Michael Hurcomb	Plaxico Burress (WR NYG)
50	Scott White	Antonio Gates (TE SD)
51	David Gonos	Roy Williams (WR DET)
52	Corey Guerrera	Anquan Boldin (WR ARI)
53	Eric Mack	Kellen Winslow (TE CLE)
54	Dave Richard	Greg Jennings (WR GB)
55	Michael Cercel	Marvin Harrison (WR IND)
56	Jamey Eisenberg	Santonio Holmes (WR PIT)
57	Sergio Gonzalez	Hines Ward (WR PIT)
58	Ross Devonport	Roddy White (WR ATL)
59	Peter Madden	Dwayne Bowe (WR KC)
60	J. Darin Darst	Julius Jones (RB DAL)
Round 6
61	J. Darin Darst	Donald Driver (WR GB)
62	Peter Madden	Donte' Stallworth (WR CLE)
63	Ross Devonport	Dallas Clark (TE IND)
64	Sergio Gonzalez	Chris Chambers (WR SD)
65	Jamey Eisenberg	Calvin Johnson (WR DET)
66	Michael Cercel	Rashard Mendenhall (RB Unaffiliated)
67	Dave Richard	Jason Witten (TE DAL)
68	Eric Mack	Lee Evans (WR BUF)
69	Corey Guerrera	Laveranues Coles (WR NYJ)
70	David Gonos	Ben Roethlisberger (QB PIT)
71	Scott White	Justin Fargas (RB OAK)
72	Michael Hurcomb	Shaun Alexander (RB SEA)
Round 7
73	Michael Hurcomb	Tony Gonzalez (TE KC)
74	Scott White	Fred Taylor (RB JAC)
75	David Gonos	Chester Taylor (RB MIN)
76	Corey Guerrera	Jonathan Stewart (RB Unaffiliated)
77	Eric Mack	Santana Moss (WR WAS)
78	Dave Richard	Cedric Benson (RB CHI)
79	Michael Cercel	Joey Galloway (WR TB)
80	Jamey Eisenberg	Donovan McNabb (QB PHI)
81	Sergio Gonzalez	Chris Cooley (TE WAS)
82	Ross Devonport	Javon Walker (WR OAK)
83	Peter Madden	Benjamin Watson (TE NE)
84	J. Darin Darst	Philip Rivers (QB SD)
Round 8
85	J. Darin Darst	Heath Miller (TE PIT)
86	Peter Madden	Vincent Jackson (WR SD)
87	Ross Devonport	Reggie Williams (WR JAC)
88	Sergio Gonzalez	Ahman Green (RB HOU)
89	Jamey Eisenberg	Bernard Berrian (WR MIN)
90	Michael Cercel	Todd Heap (TE BAL)
91	Dave Richard	Felix Jones (RB Unaffiliated)
92	Eric Mack	Eli Manning (QB NYG)
93	Corey Guerrera	Jerry Porter (WR JAC)
94	David Gonos	Anthony Gonzalez (WR IND)
95	Scott White	Deuce McAllister (RB NO)
96	Michael Hurcomb	Selvin Young (RB DEN)
Round 9
97	Michael Hurcomb	Deion Branch (WR SEA)
98	Scott White	Jerricho Cotchery (WR NYJ)
99	David Gonos	Tony Scheffler (TE DEN)
100	Corey Guerrera	Alge Crumpler (TE TEN)
101	Eric Mack	Matt Hasselbeck (QB SEA)
102	Dave Richard	Jay Cutler (QB DEN)
103	Michael Cercel	Reggie Brown (WR PHI)
104	Jamey Eisenberg	Tatum Bell (RB DET)
105	Sergio Gonzalez	Kevin Curtis (WR PHI)
106	Ross Devonport	Matt Leinart (QB ARI)
107	Peter Madden	Matt Schaub (QB HOU)
108	J. Darin Darst	Jerious Norwood (RB ATL)
Round 10
109	J. Darin Darst	James Jones (WR GB)
110	Peter Madden	DST Bears (DST CHI)
111	Ross Devonport	Derrick Mason (WR BAL)
112	Sergio Gonzalez	DST Patriots (DST NE)
113	Jamey Eisenberg	Owen Daniels (TE HOU)
114	Michael Cercel	Patrick Crayton (WR DAL)
115	Dave Richard	Jamaal Charles (RB Unaffiliated)
116	Eric Mack	Jeremy Shockey (TE NYG)
117	Corey Guerrera	Jake Delhomme (QB CAR)
118	David Gonos	Bobby Engram (WR SEA)
119	Scott White	David Garrard (QB JAC)
120	Michael Hurcomb	Justin Gage (WR TEN)
Round 11
121	Michael Hurcomb	DST Steelers (DST PIT)
122	Scott White	Nate Burleson (WR SEA)
123	David Gonos	DST Chargers (DST SD)
124	Corey Guerrera	DST Cowboys (DST DAL)
125	Eric Mack	Chris Henry (WR CIN)
126	Dave Richard	Aaron Rodgers (QB GB)
127	Michael Cercel	Warrick Dunn (RB TB)
128	Jamey Eisenberg	Vince Young (QB TEN)
129	Sergio Gonzalez	Vernon Davis (TE SF)
130	Ross Devonport	Michael Bush (RB OAK)
131	Peter Madden	Terry Glenn (WR DAL)
132	J. Darin Darst	DST Jaguars (DST JAC)
Round 12
133	J. Darin Darst	Jason Campbell (QB WAS)
134	Peter Madden	Derrick Ward (RB NYG)
135	Ross Devonport	Sidney Rice (WR MIN)
136	Sergio Gonzalez	Amani Toomer (WR NYG)
137	Jamey Eisenberg	Jabar Gaffney (WR NE)
138	Michael Cercel	Adam Vinatieri (K IND)
139	Dave Richard	Mark Clayton (WR BAL)
140	Eric Mack	DST Ravens (DST BAL)
141	Corey Guerrera	Ahmad Bradshaw (RB NYG)
142	David Gonos	Chris Brown (RB HOU)
143	Scott White	Bryant Johnson (WR SF)
144	Michael Hurcomb	Ted Ginn Jr. (WR MIA)
Round 13
145	Michael Hurcomb	Greg Olsen (TE CHI)
146	Scott White	Kenton Keith (RB IND)
147	David Gonos	Jon Kitna (QB DET)
148	Corey Guerrera	Ladell Betts (RB WAS)
149	Eric Mack	Steve Smith (WR NYG)
150	Dave Richard	Chris Henry (RB TEN)
151	Michael Cercel	Chris Johnson (RB Unaffiliated)
152	Jamey Eisenberg	Kolby Smith (RB KC)
153	Sergio Gonzalez	Jeff Garcia (QB TB)
154	Ross Devonport	Antwaan Randle El (WR WAS)
155	Peter Madden	Ronald Curry (WR OAK)
156	J. Darin Darst	Neil Rackers (K ARI)
Round 14
157	J. Darin Darst	Matt Ryan (QB Unaffiliated)
158	Peter Madden	Ray Rice (RB Unaffiliated)
159	Ross Devonport	Stephen Gostkowski (K NE)
160	Sergio Gonzalez	DST Giants (DST NYG)
161	Jamey Eisenberg	Brandon Jackson (RB GB)
162	Michael Cercel	JaMarcus Russell (QB OAK)
163	Dave Richard	DeShaun Foster (RB SF)
164	Eric Mack	Brandon Stokley (WR DEN)
165	Corey Guerrera	Ernest Wilford (WR MIA)
166	David Gonos	Isaac Bruce (WR SF)
167	Scott White	D.J. Hackett (WR CAR)
168	Michael Hurcomb	Cadillac Williams (RB TB)
Round 15
169	Michael Hurcomb	Trent Edwards (QB BUF)
170	Scott White	DST Vikings (DST MIN)
171	David Gonos	L.J. Smith (TE PHI)
172	Corey Guerrera	T.J. Duckett (RB SEA)
173	Eric Mack	Nate Kaeding (K SD)
174	Dave Richard	DST Seahawks (DST SEA)
175	Michael Cercel	DST Panthers (DST CAR)
176	Jamey Eisenberg	DST Eagles (DST PHI)
177	Sergio Gonzalez	Adrian Peterson (RB CHI)
178	Ross Devonport	Kenny Watson (RB CIN)
179	Peter Madden	Najeh Davenport (RB PIT)
180	J. Darin Darst	Fred Jackson (RB BUF)
Round 16
181	J. Darin Darst	Drew Bennett (WR STL)
182	Peter Madden	Josh Brown (K STL)
183	Ross Devonport	DST 49ers (DST SF)
184	Sergio Gonzalez	Shayne Graham (K CIN)
185	Jamey Eisenberg	Nick Folk (K DAL)
186	Michael Cercel	J.P. Losman (QB BUF)
187	Dave Richard	Phil Dawson (K CLE)
188	Eric Mack	Ricky Williams (RB MIA)
189	Corey Guerrera	Jeff Reed (K PIT)
190	David Gonos	Mason Crosby (K GB)
191	Scott White	David Akers (K PHI)
192	Michael Hurcomb	Robbie Gould (K CHI)

Draft Results
Michael Hurcomb
48	QB	Marc Bulger (STL)
169	QB	Trent Edwards (BUF)
1	RB	LaDainian Tomlinson (SD)
24	RB	Michael Turner (ATL)
72	RB	Shaun Alexander (SEA)
96	RB	Selvin Young (DEN)
168	RB	Cadillac Williams (TB)
25	WR	Reggie Wayne (IND)
49	WR	Plaxico Burress (NYG)
97	WR	Deion Branch (SEA)
120	WR	Justin Gage (TEN)
144	WR	Ted Ginn Jr. (MIA)
73	TE	Tony Gonzalez (KC)
145	TE	Greg Olsen (CHI)
192	K	Robbie Gould (CHI)
121	DST	DST Steelers (PIT)
Scott White
47	QB	Carson Palmer (CIN)
119	QB	David Garrard (JAC)
2	RB	Brian Westbrook (PHI)
71	RB	Justin Fargas (OAK)
74	RB	Fred Taylor (JAC)
95	RB	Deuce McAllister (NO)
146	RB	Kenton Keith (IND)
23	WR	Terrell Owens (DAL)
26	WR	Braylon Edwards (CLE)
98	WR	Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ)
122	WR	Nate Burleson (SEA)
143	WR	Bryant Johnson (SF)
167	WR	D.J. Hackett (CAR)
50	TE	Antonio Gates (SD)
191	K	David Akers (PHI)
170	DST	DST Vikings (MIN)
David Gonos
70	QB	Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
147	QB	Jon Kitna (DET)
3	RB	Adrian Peterson (MIN)
46	RB	Jamal Lewis (CLE)
75	RB	Chester Taylor (MIN)
142	RB	Chris Brown (HOU)
27	WR	Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
51	WR	Roy Williams (DET)
94	WR	Anthony Gonzalez (IND)
118	WR	Bobby Engram (SEA)
166	WR	Isaac Bruce (SF)
99	TE	Tony Scheffler (DEN)
171	TE	L.J. Smith (PHI)
190	K	Mason Crosby (GB)
123	DST	DST Chargers (SD)
Corey Guerrera
45	QB	Drew Brees (NO)
117	QB	Jake Delhomme (CAR)
4	RB	Steven Jackson (STL)
21	RB	Brandon Jacobs (NYG)
141	RB	Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
148	RB	Ladell Betts (WAS)
172	RB	T.J. Duckett (SEA)
28	WR	Chad Johnson (CIN)
52	WR	Anquan Boldin (ARI)
69	WR	Laveranues Coles (NYJ)
93	WR	Jerry Porter (JAC)
165	WR	Ernest Wilford (MIA)
100	TE	Alge Crumpler (TEN)
189	K	Jeff Reed (PIT)
124	DST	DST Cowboys (DAL)
Eric Mack
92	QB	Eli Manning (NYG)
101	QB	Matt Hasselbeck (SEA)
5	RB	Joseph Addai (IND)
20	RB	Reggie Bush (NO)
44	RB	DeAngelo Williams (CAR)
188	RB	Ricky Williams (MIA)
29	WR	T.J. Houshmandzadeh (CIN)
68	WR	Lee Evans (BUF)
77	WR	Santana Moss (WAS)
125	WR	Chris Henry (CIN)
149	WR	Steve Smith (NYG)
164	WR	Brandon Stokley (DEN)
53	TE	Kellen Winslow (CLE)
116	TE	Jeremy Shockey (NYG)
173	K	Nate Kaeding (SD)
140	DST	DST Ravens (BAL)
Dave Richard
102	QB	Jay Cutler (DEN)
126	QB	Aaron Rodgers (GB)
6	RB	Frank Gore (SF)
19	RB	Earnest Graham (TB)
78	RB	Cedric Benson (CHI)
150	RB	Chris Henry (TEN)
163	RB	DeShaun Foster (SF)
30	WR	Andre Johnson (HOU)
43	WR	Wes Welker (NE)
54	WR	Greg Jennings (GB)
139	WR	Mark Clayton (BAL)
67	TE	Jason Witten (DAL)
187	K	Phil Dawson (CLE)
174	DST	DST Seahawks (SEA)
Michael Cercel
7	QB	Peyton Manning (IND)
162	QB	JaMarcus Russell (OAK)
186	QB	J.P. Losman (BUF)
18	RB	Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC)
42	RB	Travis Henry (DEN)
127	RB	Warrick Dunn (TB)
31	WR	Marques Colston (NO)
55	WR	Marvin Harrison (IND)
79	WR	Joey Galloway (TB)
103	WR	Reggie Brown (PHI)
114	WR	Patrick Crayton (DAL)
90	TE	Todd Heap (BAL)
138	K	Adam Vinatieri (IND)
175	DST	DST Panthers (CAR)
Jamey Eisenberg
80	QB	Donovan McNabb (PHI)
128	QB	Vince Young (TEN)
8	RB	Larry Johnson (KC)
17	RB	Laurence Maroney (NE)
32	RB	LenDale White (TEN)
104	RB	Tatum Bell (DET)
152	RB	Kolby Smith (KC)
161	RB	Brandon Jackson (GB)
41	WR	Brandon Marshall (DEN)
56	WR	Santonio Holmes (PIT)
65	WR	Calvin Johnson (DET)
89	WR	Bernard Berrian (MIN)
137	WR	Jabar Gaffney (NE)
113	TE	Owen Daniels (HOU)
185	K	Nick Folk (DAL)
176	DST	DST Eagles (PHI)
Sergio Gonzalez
33	QB	Tony Romo (DAL)
153	QB	Jeff Garcia (TB)
9	RB	Clinton Portis (WAS)
16	RB	Willis McGahee (BAL)
88	RB	Ahman Green (HOU)
177	RB	Adrian Peterson (CHI)
40	WR	Steve Smith (CAR)
57	WR	Hines Ward (PIT)
64	WR	Chris Chambers (SD)
105	WR	Kevin Curtis (PHI)
136	WR	Amani Toomer (NYG)
81	TE	Chris Cooley (WAS)
129	TE	Vernon Davis (SF)
184	K	Shayne Graham (CIN)
112	DST	DST Patriots (NE)
160	DST	DST Giants (NYG)
Ross Devonport
10	QB	Tom Brady (NE)
106	QB	Matt Leinart (ARI)
15	RB	Ryan Grant (GB)
34	RB	Ronnie Brown (MIA)
39	RB	Thomas Jones (NYJ)
130	RB	Michael Bush (OAK)
178	RB	Kenny Watson (CIN)
58	WR	Roddy White (ATL)
82	WR	Javon Walker (OAK)
87	WR	Reggie Williams (JAC)
111	WR	Derrick Mason (BAL)
135	WR	Sidney Rice (MIN)
154	WR	Antwaan Randle El (WAS)
63	TE	Dallas Clark (IND)
159	K	Stephen Gostkowski (NE)
183	DST	DST 49ers (SF)
Peter Madden
38	QB	Derek Anderson (CLE)
107	QB	Matt Schaub (HOU)
11	RB	Willie Parker (PIT)
14	RB	Marion Barber (DAL)
35	RB	Rudi Johnson (CIN)
134	RB	Derrick Ward (NYG)
179	RB	Najeh Davenport (PIT)
59	WR	Dwayne Bowe (KC)
62	WR	Donte' Stallworth (CLE)
86	WR	Vincent Jackson (SD)
131	WR	Terry Glenn (DAL)
155	WR	Ronald Curry (OAK)
83	TE	Benjamin Watson (NE)
182	K	Josh Brown (STL)
110	DST	DST Bears (CHI)
J. Darin Darst
84	QB	Philip Rivers (SD)
133	QB	Jason Campbell (WAS)
13	RB	Marshawn Lynch (BUF)
37	RB	Edgerrin James (ARI)
60	RB	Julius Jones (DAL)
108	RB	Jerious Norwood (ATL)
180	RB	Fred Jackson (BUF)
12	WR	Randy Moss (NE)
36	WR	Torry Holt (STL)
61	WR	Donald Driver (GB)
109	WR	James Jones (GB)
181	WR	Drew Bennett (STL)
85	TE	Heath Miller (PIT)
156	K	Neil Rackers (ARI)
132	DST	DST Jaguars (JAC)

Seymour gets bonus from Raiders
Richard Seymour, DT, OAK
2/12/2012

News: The Oakland Raiders have paid DL Richard Seymour his $7.5 million roster bonus, ensuring he'll stay with the Raiders next season. The Raiders could have released Seymour and his massive contract, but chose instead to keep him and not make wholesale changes to the roster.

Analysis: The 32-year-old Seymour played in all 16 games for the Raiders in 2011 as he recorded 29 tackles and six sacks. His six sacks were his highest total since notching eight in 2008 for New England. Seymour is just a low-end option when it comes to IDP formats in Fantasy play.

Maualuga charged by police
Rey Maualuga, MLB, CIN
2/11/2012

News: Bengals LB Rey Maualuga has officially been charged by Cincinnati police with misdemeanor assault stemming from a bar fight last weekend. This report comes from The Associated Press. The Bengals had no comment.

Analysis: Maualuga is likely to be at least fined for this incident, especially after his 2010 DUI arrest cost him two game checks. He won't miss any playing time, though. Maualuga is just a low-end option in IDP formats heading into next season.

Report: Steelers to cut ties with Ward
Hines Ward, WR, PIT
2/11/2012

News: NFL.com reports that the Steelers are not expected to bring back receiver Hines Ward for 2012. This news comes according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. "He has one year left on his deal worth $4 million," said La Canfora. "According to my sources, he won't be back there. So that's $4 million off the books."

Analysis: Ward has said he'd be open to taking a pay cut, but it sounds like Pittsburgh is ready to just cut ties with him. Ward would be a No. 4 WR and that means he'd likely have to play on special teams, which he likely would not want. Ward will have little Fantasy value entering 2012, that is for sure.

Faulk contemplating retirement
Kevin Faulk, RB, NE
2/11/2012

News: New England RB Kevin Faulk is contemplating retirement after being a healthy inactive for the Super Bowl loss to the Giants, reports the Boston Globe. "That morning, when I got the word that I wasn’t going to dress . . . wow," Faulk said. “I went in the room, cried a little bit, because 75 percent of me knew that this could be my last game playing, not playing, just dressing. If I dress, there could be that chance that I could play. So that really crushed me a whole lot. Went into my room, read my Bible, read so many different Scriptures, so many different chapters in the Bible, until it was time to go to the stadium. [I took] my exit physical after the game and the trainers give me a big hug and that’s when I knew, like ‘Wow, that might be it'."

Analysis: Faulk was drafted in 1999 and the 35-year-old RB is a member of New England's 50th anniversary team. He didn't actually declare himself retired, leaving the door slightly ajar on his 14th NFL season. Faulk might finish his career with 31 total touchdowns, 15 receiving and 16 rushing. He had a solid career, but isn't a recommended Fantasy option if he does return next year.

Gronkowski has ankle surgery
Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
2/10/2012

News: The Boston Herald reports that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski underwent successful surgery Friday to fix his ailing ankle. The surgery was an arthroscopic procedure to clean out the ankle. Gronkowski played on a high-ankle sprain in Super Bowl XLVI, battling ligament damage to make two catches for 26 yards. The estimate is that it’s a 10-week recovery. That should allow him to be ready by mid-April, possibly for mini-camp.

Analysis: Continue to monitor what happens with Gronkowski this offseason, but he should be fine for the start of the 2012 season. Consider Gronkowski the No. 1 TE heading into the season. We can see Gronkowski being drafted as a Top 15 pick in all leagues, but it's a safer option to take him toward the end of Round 2 or beginning of Round 3 in all formats.

Wayne unsure of future
Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
2/10/2012

News: Reggie Wayne told ESPN that while he'd like to stay with the Colts, he's just not sure if they want him. Wayne is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason and understands that his time might be over in Indy after 11 years. "I have been there 11 years and I would prefer to end my career a Colt. However, in due time those feelings could subside," he said. "I haven't heard anything from them yet, so maybe I am not as important on the chain of command as I should be. But either way, I'm cool. I have nothing bad to say about the Colts. ... My phone hasn't rung yet. It's only fair I worry about number 87 first. When I'm signed, then I can weigh in more."

Analysis: Wayne had a mostly horrible season thanks in big part to Peyton Manning being on the sideline. He caught 75 passes for 960 yards and four touchdowns, three coming in the final six weeks of the year. We don't think his 2011 is indicative of a slow-down in his game, but uncertainty about who he'll catch passes from and what his role will be keeps him from being a receiver we can get excited about. For now consider him a No. 3 Fantasy WR worth a mid-round pick.

Differing views on Peyton
Peyton Manning, QB, IND
2/10/2012

News: There are two differing reports on Colts QB Peyton Manning as the saga continues early this offseason in his recovery from missing this past season from neck surgery. CBSSports.com NFL Insider Mike Freeman reports that there remain a handful of team personnel men who have serious doubts he will ever play again or at the very least will miss most of next season. But, according to NFL.com, former Colts vice chairman Bill Polian, who was fired in early January, said he believes Manning will be fine in 2012 after he last saw Manning throw in late December. "It's marked (improvement) from where he was back in September," Polian said. "He threw it accurately, he threw it with a good, tight spiral, and he threw it with velocity. Generally, he looked like a pretty confident quarterback out there." Polian also indicated that Manning was able to make a variety of throws and throw across his body, which differs from a report on NFL Network earlier this week. Polian said that Manning's recovery is "coming, but coming slowly. But, nonetheless, its making progress."

Analysis: The bottom line with Manning is until the public sees him throw or work in practice we won't know where he's at in his recovery. The Colts also have to make a decision on his contract or else he can sign with a new team, with Arizona, Miami and Washington the likely suitors. If healthy, Manning will remain a No. 1 Fantasy QB no matter where he plays, but he has to prove that his neck is 100 percent. Continue to monitor what happens with Manning, and hopefully he can resume his career without any problems.

Jackson cleared, contract coming
Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
2/10/2012

News: Fred Jackson has been cleared to return to football activities for a couple of weeks following a broken fibula, but the good news for him doesn't stop there. The official team website reports that Jackson has been promised by team GM Buddy Nix that he will receive a contract extension, with the timeline set for before the 2012 season. Jackson is slated to be in a contract year as it stands now, but a new deal would change that. "Fred and I have talked," said Nix. "We want to extend Fred. I'd like for Fred to finish his career as a Bill. He's meant a lot to us. I've got great respect for him. We do want Fred back and we do intend to try to work out a deal with him. I've told him that. What we said is what we're going to do."

Analysis: Jackson told the site that he's ready to get started in 2012 after missing the last six games of the season with a broken leg. While he was sidelined, C.J. Spiller stepped up and put some good moves on the field, complicating the Buffalo running back situation heading into the new year. Chances are the Bills will lean on Jackson as they have been, but Spiller could take a bigger share of the run-game workload than in the past, and that could put a cap on what Jackson is capable of doing. He's also 31 years old but doesn't have the wear-and-tear that typically comes with rushers over 30. If the Bills extend Jackson then it will be clear that he's a part of their future and a potential 15-touch-per-game back. If not, he'll be in a contract year and could play well in hopes of cashing in after next season. Either way he represents a solid value as a No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick between late Round 3 and early Round 5.

Hawkins gets three-year deal
Lavelle Hawkins, WR, TEN
2/10/2012

News: The Tennessean reports Friday that the Titans have agreed to terms on a contract extension for WR Lavelle Hawkins, who had his best season in 2011. He had 47 catches for 470 yards and one touchdown.

Analysis: Hawkins has minimal Fantasy value heading into 2012, especially if Kenny Britt (knee) returns at 100 percent. Keep an eye on what happens with the Titans receiving corps, but ignore Hawkins on Draft Day in most leagues.

Britt 'working hard'
Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
2/10/2012

News: The Sports Xchange reports that new Titans GM Ruston Webster said WR Kenny Britt, who suffered a torn ACL in September and had surgery in early October, should return in time for training camp in 2012. He said Britt appears to be a fast healer and is ahead of schedule in his recovery. "Kenny has been working hard and he's coming fast, probably even a little faster than I thought he would. So I'm real happy about that," he said. "We expect to have him out there for training camp. The good thing about his injury, is there is a good thing, is it happened early, and he's a very strong young and bounces back very quickly. We're hoping and planning to have him back for training camp."

Analysis: Britt is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2012 season, and hopefully he can come into training camp in shape. We consider Britt a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy WR when healthy, and he is worth drafting with a mid-round pick if his knee proves to be 100 percent.

More Updates

1	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tom Brady, NE, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Matthew Stafford, DET, QB
6	Philip Rivers, SD, QB
7	Eli Manning, NYG, QB
8	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
9	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
10	Peyton Manning, IND, QB
All Rankings

1	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
2	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
3	Ray Rice, BAL, RB
4	Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC, RB
5	Matt Forte, CHI, RB
6	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
7	Ryan Mathews, SD, RB
8	Chris Johnson, TEN, RB
9	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
10	Steven Jackson, STL, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Wes Welker, NE, WR
3	Roddy White, ATL, WR
4	Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR
5	Hakeem Nicks, NYG, WR
6	Greg Jennings, GB, WR
7	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
8	A.J. Green, CIN, WR
9	Mike Wallace, PIT, WR
10	Miles Austin, DAL, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
5	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
6	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
7	Vernon Davis, SF, TE
8	Jermichael Finley, GB, TE
9	Brent Celek, PHI, TE
10	Fred Davis, WAS, TE
All Rankings

1	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
2	Mason Crosby, GB, K
3	Sebastian Janikowski, OAK, K
4	David Akers, SF, K
5	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
6	Dan Bailey, DAL, K
7	Jason Hanson, DET, K
8	Neil Rackers, HOU, K
9	Alex Henery, PHI, K
10	Nate Kaeding, SD, K
All Rankings

1	49ers, DST
2	Texans, DST
3	Ravens, DST
4	Giants, DST
5	Steelers, DST
6	Seahawks, DST
7	Eagles, DST
8	Packers, DST
9	Jets, DST
10	Patriots, DST
All Rankings