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Dave Richard

Draft prep: Our 12-team keeper mock draft

By | Senior Fantasy Writer


As Fantasy Football grows, so does our hunger for more exciting ways to play. People who are just picking up the game this season may be pumped about drafting players and getting behind the wheel of their own Fantasy roster, but grizzled veterans need something with more kick.

Enter the keeper league!

Like a regular Fantasy league, a keeper league drafts and plays out the regular season like a seasonal format. However, when the ensuing year comes, players can be held back on every owners' rosters, thinning the talent pool and ensuring that an owner's best players stay with him or her for the following year.

CBSSports.com Mock Drafts
New for Fantasy Football this year, test your draft strategy in a mock draft so you'll be prepared when your real draft arrives. Mock drafts are absolutely free and available to everyone, no matter where you play.
Join a mock draft now!

Earlier this summer, we gave you tips on how to start a keeper league and set keeper parameters, and we also ranked the prominent players at each position based on a standard keeper league. Now, it's time to draft.

We're keeping it easy: Our mock draft will go on the assumption that we're starting a keeper league from scratch. We're also setting the keeper rules as follows:

If an owner keeps one player next season, he loses his first-round pick.

If an owner keeps two players next season, he loses his first- and second-round picks.

If an owner keeps three players next season, he loses his first-, second- and third-round picks.

No owner can keep more than three players from year to year.

We hope this provides a decent look at what a keeper-league draft might look like this summer.

We're starting ...

1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex RB/WR/TE, 1 PK, 1 DST
Six 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

Here is our draft order:

1. Larry Rubio, Product Manager, CBSSports Mobile
2. Jeff Lippman, CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer
3. Sergio Gonzalez, CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer
4. Eric Mack, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer
5. Dave Richard, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer
6. Michael Hurcomb, CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer
7. Corey Guerrera, CBSSports.com Product Manager, Fantasy Sports
8. Jamey Eisenberg, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer
9. Peter Madden, Managing Editor, CBSSports.com Fantasy Sports
10. Fazal Imam, CBSSports.com Producer, Fantasy Sports
11. Scott White, CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer
12. Ross Devonport, CBSSports.com Senior Fantasy Writer

The fun about doing these mock drafts is for you, our users, to follow along and let us know your thoughts on our picks. Who's drafting well? Who's dropping the ball? Send us an e-mail at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com and put "Mock Draft" in the subject line. Let us know if you like or dislike any of the picks we made in certain rounds.

Draft Results
Round 1
1 Rubio Adrian Peterson (RB MIN)
2 Lippman LaDainian Tomlinson (RB SD)
3 Gonzalez Steven Jackson (RB STL)
4 Mack Tom Brady (QB NE)
5 Richard Joseph Addai (RB IND)
6 Hurcomb Peyton Manning (QB IND)
7 Guerrera Brian Westbrook (RB PHI)
8 Eisenberg Marshawn Lynch (RB BUF)
9 Madden Marion Barber (RB DAL)
10 Imam Frank Gore (RB SF)
11 White Clinton Portis (RB WAS)
12 Devonport Tony Romo (QB DAL)
Round 2
13 Devonport Larry Johnson (RB KC)
14 White Ryan Grant (RB GB)
15 Imam Darren McFadden (RB OAK)
16 Madden Braylon Edwards (WR CLE)
17 Eisenberg Drew Brees (QB NO)
18 Guerrera Willis McGahee (RB BAL)
19 Hurcomb Larry Fitzgerald (WR ARI)
20 Richard Maurice Jones-Drew (RB JAC)
21 Mack Laurence Maroney (RB NE)
22 Gonzalez Reggie Wayne (WR IND)
23 Lippman Randy Moss (WR NE)
24 Rubio Jamal Lewis (RB CLE)
Round 3
25 Rubio Carson Palmer (QB CIN)
26 Lippman Reggie Bush (RB NO)
27 Gonzalez Julius Jones (RB SEA)
28 Mack Jonathan Stewart (RB CAR)
29 Richard Terrell Owens (WR DAL)
30 Hurcomb Brandon Jacobs (RB NYG)
31 Guerrera Andre Johnson (WR HOU)
32 Eisenberg Marques Colston (WR NO)
33 Madden Kevin Smith (RB DET)
34 Imam Willie Parker (RB PIT)
35 White Earnest Graham (RB TB)
36 Devonport T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR CIN)
Round 4
37 Devonport LenDale White (RB TEN)
38 White Chad Johnson (WR CIN)
39 Imam Wes Welker (WR NE)
40 Madden Matt Forte (RB CHI)
41 Eisenberg Ronnie Brown (RB MIA)
42 Guerrera Michael Turner (RB ATL)
43 Hurcomb Steve Smith (WR CAR)
44 Richard Jason Witten (TE DAL)
45 Mack Plaxico Burress (WR NYG)
46 Gonzalez Torry Holt (WR STL)
47 Lippman Selvin Young (RB DEN)
48 Rubio Roy Williams (WR DET)
Round 5
49 Rubio Anquan Boldin (WR ARI)
50 Lippman Santonio Holmes (WR PIT)
51 Gonzalez Thomas Jones (RB NYJ)
52 Mack Antonio Gates (TE SD)
53 Richard Derek Anderson (QB CLE)
54 Hurcomb Rudi Johnson (RB CIN)
55 Guerrera Brandon Marshall (WR DEN)
56 Eisenberg Calvin Johnson (WR DET)
57 Madden Greg Jennings (WR GB)
58 Imam Laveranues Coles (WR NYJ)
59 White Marvin Harrison (WR IND)
60 Devonport Kellen Winslow (TE CLE)
Round 6
61 Devonport Dwayne Bowe (WR KC)
62 White Edgerrin James (RB ARI)
63 Imam Chris Cooley (TE WAS)
64 Madden Ben Roethlisberger (QB PIT)
65 Eisenberg Chris Johnson (RB TEN)
66 Guerrera Marc Bulger (QB STL)
67 Hurcomb Lee Evans (WR BUF)
68 Richard Hines Ward (WR PIT)
69 Mack Jerricho Cotchery (WR NYJ)
70 Gonzalez Matt Hasselbeck (QB SEA)
71 Lippman Donovan McNabb (QB PHI)
72 Rubio Jeremy Shockey (TE NO)
Round 7
73 Rubio Bernard Berrian (WR MIN)
74 Lippman Tony Gonzalez (TE KC)
75 Gonzalez Vernon Davis (TE SF)
76 Mack DeAngelo Williams (RB CAR)
77 Richard Felix Jones (RB DAL)
78 Hurcomb Rashard Mendenhall (RB PIT)
79 Guerrera Donald Driver (WR GB)
80 Eisenberg Ricky Williams (RB MIA)
81 Madden Roddy White (WR ATL)
82 Imam Chris Chambers (WR SD)
83 White Fred Taylor (RB JAC)
84 Devonport Kevin Curtis (WR PHI)
Round 8
85 Devonport Patrick Crayton (WR DAL)
86 White Jay Cutler (QB DEN)
87 Imam Philip Rivers (QB SD)
88 Madden Dallas Clark (TE IND)
89 Eisenberg Anthony Gonzalez (WR IND)
90 Guerrera Joey Galloway (WR TB)
91 Hurcomb Santana Moss (WR WAS)
92 Richard DST Vikings (DST MIN)
93 Mack Jerious Norwood (RB ATL)
94 Gonzalez Donte' Stallworth (WR CLE)
95 Lippman Nate Burleson (WR SEA)
96 Rubio Chris Brown (RB HOU)
Round 9
97 Rubio DST Bears (DST CHI)
98 Lippman Chester Taylor (RB MIN)
99 Gonzalez Ray Rice (RB BAL)
100 Mack Reggie Brown (WR PHI)
101 Richard Ronald Curry (WR OAK)
102 Hurcomb Todd Heap (TE BAL)
103 Guerrera Heath Miller (TE PIT)
104 Eisenberg Brandon Jackson (RB GB)
105 Madden Justin Fargas (RB OAK)
106 Imam DST Chargers (DST SD)
107 White Ahman Green (RB HOU)
108 Devonport Sidney Rice (WR MIN)
Round 10
109 Devonport Dominic Rhodes (RB IND)
110 White Vincent Jackson (WR SD)
111 Imam Ted Ginn Jr. (WR MIA)
112 Madden Tatum Bell (RB DET)
113 Eisenberg Jabar Gaffney (WR NE)
114 Guerrera Matt Leinart (QB ARI)
115 Hurcomb Greg Olsen (TE CHI)
116 Richard Eli Manning (QB NYG)
117 Mack Mark Clayton (WR BAL)
118 Gonzalez David Garrard (QB JAC)
119 Lippman Deuce McAllister (RB NO)
120 Rubio Javon Walker (WR OAK)
Round 11
121 Rubio Aaron Rodgers (QB GB)
122 Lippman Jake Delhomme (QB CAR)
123 Gonzalez Bryant Johnson (WR SF)
124 Mack Vince Young (QB TEN)
125 Richard Leon Washington (RB NYJ)
126 Hurcomb James Hardy (WR BUF)
127 Guerrera Steve Slaton (RB HOU)
128 Eisenberg Matt Schaub (QB HOU)
129 Madden Isaac Bruce (WR SF)
130 Imam Adrian Peterson (RB CHI)
131 White Robert Meachem (WR NO)
132 Devonport Derrick Mason (WR BAL)
Round 12
133 Devonport Darrell Jackson (WR DEN)
134 White Ladell Betts (RB WAS)
135 Imam Jason Campbell (QB WAS)
136 Madden Kevin Jones (RB CHI)
137 Eisenberg Owen Daniels (TE HOU)
138 Guerrera LaMont Jordan (RB NE)
139 Hurcomb Maurice Morris (RB SEA)
140 Richard Derrick Ward (RB NYG)
141 Mack Ahmad Bradshaw (RB NYG)
142 Gonzalez Patriots (DST NE)
143 Lippman D.J. Hackett (WR CAR)
144 Rubio Jamaal Charles (RB KC)
Round 13
145 Rubio Muhsin Muhammad (WR CAR)
146 Lippman Darren Sproles (RB SD)
147 Gonzalez DeShaun Foster (RB SF)
148 Mack James Jones (WR GB)
149 Richard Jerry Porter (WR JAC)
150 Hurcomb Michael Bush (RB OAK)
151 Guerrera Colts (DST IND)
152 Eisenberg Fred Jackson (RB BUF)
153 Madden Jon Kitna (QB DET)
154 Imam Marty Booker (WR CHI)
155 White Brett Favre (QB NYJ)
156 Devonport Ernest Wilford (WR MIA)
Round 14
157 Devonport Correll Buckhalter (RB PHI)
158 White Tony Scheffler (TE DEN)
159 Imam Devin Hester (WR CHI)
160 Madden Ryan Torain (RB DEN)
161 Eisenberg Justin Gage (WR TEN)
162 Guerrera Lorenzo Booker (RB PHI)
163 Hurcomb JaMarcus Russell (QB OAK)
164 Richard Tim Hightower (RB ARI)
165 Mack Andre Hall (RB DEN)
166 Gonzalez Steve Smith (WR NYG)
167 Lippman Cowboys (DST DAL)
168 Rubio Drew Bennett (WR STL)
Round 15
169 Rubio Stephen Gostkowski (K NE)
170 Lippman Nick Folk (K DAL)
171 Gonzalez Steelers (DST PIT)
172 Mack Jaguars (DST JAC)
173 Richard Antwaan Randle El (WR WAS)
174 Hurcomb Seahawks (DST SEA)
175 Guerrera Adam Vinatieri (K IND)
176 Eisenberg Packers (DST GB)
177 Madden Redskins (DST WAS)
178 Imam Warrick Dunn (RB TB)
179 White Giants (DST NYG)
180 Devonport Phil Dawson (K CLE)
Round 16
181 Devonport Buccaneers (DST TB)
182 White Eagles (DST PHI)
183 Imam Dan Carpenter (K MIA)
184 Madden Shayne Graham (K CIN)
185 Eisenberg Josh Brown (K STL)
186 Guerrera Aaron Stecker (RB NO)
187 Hurcomb Nate Kaeding (K SD)
188 Richard Ryan Longwell (K MIN)
189 Mack Rob Bironas (K TEN)
190 Gonzalez Mason Crosby (K GB)
191 Lippman Brandon Stokley (WR DEN)
192 Rubio Malcolm Kelly (WR WAS)
Draft Results
Rubio
25 QB Carson Palmer (CIN)
121 QB Aaron Rodgers (GB)
1 RB Adrian Peterson (MIN)
24 RB Jamal Lewis (CLE)
96 RB Chris Brown (HOU)
144 RB Jamaal Charles (KC)
48 WR Roy Williams (DET)
49 WR Anquan Boldin (ARI)
73 WR Bernard Berrian (MIN)
120 WR Javon Walker (OAK)
145 WR Muhsin Muhammad (CAR)
168 WR Drew Bennett (STL)
192 WR Malcolm Kelly (WAS)
72 TE Jeremy Shockey (NO)
169 K Stephen Gostkowski (NE)
97 DST DST Bears (CHI)
Lippman
71 QB Donovan McNabb (PHI)
122 QB Jake Delhomme (CAR)
2 RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD)
26 RB Reggie Bush (NO)
47 RB Selvin Young (DEN)
98 RB Chester Taylor (MIN)
119 RB Deuce McAllister (NO)
146 RB Darren Sproles (SD)
23 WR Randy Moss (NE)
50 WR Santonio Holmes (PIT)
95 WR Nate Burleson (SEA)
143 WR D.J. Hackett (CAR)
191 WR Brandon Stokley (DEN)
74 TE Tony Gonzalez (KC)
170 K Nick Folk (DAL)
167 DST Cowboys (DAL)
Gonzalez
70 QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA)
118 QB David Garrard (JAC)
3 RB Steven Jackson (STL)
27 RB Julius Jones (SEA)
51 RB Thomas Jones (NYJ)
99 RB Ray Rice (BAL)
147 RB DeShaun Foster (SF)
22 WR Reggie Wayne (IND)
46 WR Torry Holt (STL)
94 WR Donte' Stallworth (CLE)
123 WR Bryant Johnson (SF)
166 WR Steve Smith (NYG)
75 TE Vernon Davis (SF)
190 K Mason Crosby (GB)
142 DST Patriots (NE)
171 DST Steelers (PIT)
Mack
4 QB Tom Brady (NE)
124 QB Vince Young (TEN)
21 RB Laurence Maroney (NE)
28 RB Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
76 RB DeAngelo Williams (CAR)
93 RB Jerious Norwood (ATL)
141 RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
165 RB Andre Hall (DEN)
45 WR Plaxico Burress (NYG)
69 WR Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ)
100 WR Reggie Brown (PHI)
117 WR Mark Clayton (BAL)
148 WR James Jones (GB)
52 TE Antonio Gates (SD)
189 K Rob Bironas (TEN)
172 DST Jaguars (JAC)
Richard
53 QB Derek Anderson (CLE)
116 QB Eli Manning (NYG)
5 RB Joseph Addai (IND)
20 RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC)
77 RB Felix Jones (DAL)
125 RB Leon Washington (NYJ)
140 RB Derrick Ward (NYG)
164 RB Tim Hightower (ARI)
29 WR Terrell Owens (DAL)
68 WR Hines Ward (PIT)
101 WR Ronald Curry (OAK)
149 WR Jerry Porter (JAC)
173 WR Antwaan Randle El (WAS)
44 TE Jason Witten (DAL)
188 K Ryan Longwell (MIN)
92 DST DST Vikings (MIN)
Hurcomb
6 QB Peyton Manning (IND)
163 QB JaMarcus Russell (OAK)
30 RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG)
54 RB Rudi Johnson (CIN)
78 RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
139 RB Maurice Morris (SEA)
150 RB Michael Bush (OAK)
19 WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
43 WR Steve Smith (CAR)
67 WR Lee Evans (BUF)
91 WR Santana Moss (WAS)
126 WR James Hardy (BUF)
102 TE Todd Heap (BAL)
115 TE Greg Olsen (CHI)
187 K Nate Kaeding (SD)
174 DST Seahawks (SEA)
Guerrera
66 QB Marc Bulger (STL)
114 QB Matt Leinart (ARI)
7 RB Brian Westbrook (PHI)
18 RB Willis McGahee (BAL)
42 RB Michael Turner (ATL)
127 RB Steve Slaton (HOU)
138 RB LaMont Jordan (NE)
162 RB Lorenzo Booker (PHI)
186 RB Aaron Stecker (NO)
31 WR Andre Johnson (HOU)
55 WR Brandon Marshall (DEN)
79 WR Donald Driver (GB)
90 WR Joey Galloway (TB)
103 TE Heath Miller (PIT)
175 K Adam Vinatieri (IND)
151 DST Colts (IND)
Eisenberg
17 QB Drew Brees (NO)
128 QB Matt Schaub (HOU)
8 RB Marshawn Lynch (BUF)
41 RB Ronnie Brown (MIA)
65 RB Chris Johnson (TEN)
80 RB Ricky Williams (MIA)
104 RB Brandon Jackson (GB)
152 RB Fred Jackson (BUF)
32 WR Marques Colston (NO)
56 WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
89 WR Anthony Gonzalez (IND)
113 WR Jabar Gaffney (NE)
161 WR Justin Gage (TEN)
137 TE Owen Daniels (HOU)
185 K Josh Brown (STL)
176 DST Packers (GB)
Madden
64 QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
153 QB Jon Kitna (DET)
9 RB Marion Barber (DAL)
33 RB Kevin Smith (DET)
40 RB Matt Forte (CHI)
105 RB Justin Fargas (OAK)
112 RB Tatum Bell (DET)
136 RB Kevin Jones (CHI)
160 RB Ryan Torain (DEN)
16 WR Braylon Edwards (CLE)
57 WR Greg Jennings (GB)
81 WR Roddy White (ATL)
129 WR Isaac Bruce (SF)
88 TE Dallas Clark (IND)
184 K Shayne Graham (CIN)
177 DST Redskins (WAS)
Imam
87 QB Philip Rivers (SD)
135 QB Jason Campbell (WAS)
10 RB Frank Gore (SF)
15 RB Darren McFadden (OAK)
34 RB Willie Parker (PIT)
130 RB Adrian Peterson (CHI)
178 RB Warrick Dunn (TB)
39 WR Wes Welker (NE)
58 WR Laveranues Coles (NYJ)
82 WR Chris Chambers (SD)
111 WR Ted Ginn Jr. (MIA)
154 WR Marty Booker (CHI)
159 WR Devin Hester (CHI)
63 TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
183 K Dan Carpenter (MIA)
106 DST DST Chargers (SD)
White
86 QB Jay Cutler (DEN)
155 QB Brett Favre (NYJ)
11 RB Clinton Portis (WAS)
14 RB Ryan Grant (GB)
35 RB Earnest Graham (TB)
62 RB Edgerrin James (ARI)
83 RB Fred Taylor (JAC)
107 RB Ahman Green (HOU)
134 RB Ladell Betts (WAS)
38 WR Chad Johnson (CIN)
59 WR Marvin Harrison (IND)
110 WR Vincent Jackson (SD)
131 WR Robert Meachem (NO)
158 TE Tony Scheffler (DEN)
179 DST Giants (NYG)
182 DST Eagles (PHI)
Devonport
12 QB Tony Romo (DAL)
13 RB Larry Johnson (KC)
37 RB LenDale White (TEN)
109 RB Dominic Rhodes (IND)
157 RB Correll Buckhalter (PHI)
36 WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (CIN)
61 WR Dwayne Bowe (KC)
84 WR Kevin Curtis (PHI)
85 WR Patrick Crayton (DAL)
108 WR Sidney Rice (MIN)
132 WR Derrick Mason (BAL)
133 WR Darrell Jackson (DEN)
156 WR Ernest Wilford (MIA)
60 TE Kellen Winslow (CLE)
180 K Phil Dawson (CLE)
181 DST Buccaneers (TB)
 
 
 
Player News
Rashard Mendenhall
PUP list in Mendenhall's future
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT
2/13/2012
News: Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said Monday that there's a good chance RB Rashard Mendenhall will start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. If so, he'd be forced to miss at least the first six games of the regular season. Moreover, Colbert is not convinced that Mendenhall will be able to contribute at all in 2012. "I never feel good about an ACL for a year," Colbert said according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Mendenhall tore his right ACL in Week 17 of last season; recovery time for such injuries is anywhere from nine months to a year.
Analysis: With Mendenhall iffy, it's time to start giving some legit consideration to Isaac Redman as the primary rusher for the Steelers in 2012. Redman started the Steelers' playoff game at Denver and had 121 yards on 17 carries and 21 yards on two catches. He'll likely get the first crack at starting in place of Mendenhall. There's still a lot of time between now and the regular season, but for now it's probably safe to expect Mendenhall to not be at even close to 100 percent to start the year, which will absolutely impact his Fantasy value. By August, you might be drafting Mendenhall as a middle- to late-round sleeper you'll have to sit on for a while. We'll keep you posted on Mendenhall as best as we can.

Randy Moss
Moss: I'm coming back
Randy Moss, WR, TEN
2/13/2012
News: Randy Moss took to UStream on Monday morning to announce that he plans to return to football in 2012. Moss didn't play last season after fizzling out with the Titans during a tumultuous 2010. Moss answered fan questions on the live video site and made it clear at the end of his web stream that he intends to play again after stepping away for personal reasons. "Your boy will be back for the upcoming season," he said. "Hopefully I can get on a team and finish this thing the way I want to." NFL Network reports that teams have already been calling his agent following the news.
Analysis: Most people remember Moss for his incredible big plays and ridiculous stats, such as the 17 touchdowns he scored as a rookie, or the record-breaking 23 touchdowns he caught in 2007, or the 14,465 yards he gained from 1998 to 2009. But some will remember him for a very counterproductive 2010 in which he caught just five touchdowns on 28 grabs with three different teams. If he does indeed return to football, where he plays and how quick he is will ultimately determine whether he's worth a late-round flier or something far more substantial.

Calvin Johnson
Lions want to lock up Megatron
Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
2/13/2012
News: Lions president Tom Lewand, who controls Detroit’s salary cap compliance, says the team has had positive negotiations with WR Calvin Johnson over a contract extension. “(Johnson’s) got a good relationship with Matthew (Stafford),” Lewand told a local radio station in Detroit. “There’s a desire to keep that (relationship) together. When that desire exists, you can get deals done.” Johnson is entering a contract year in 2012 and is coming off a sensational season, finishing the regular season with 96 catches for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns with another 211 yards and two touchdowns in one playoff game against the Saints.
Analysis: Johnson is not going to leave the Lions if Detroit has anything to do with it, and we expect him to get a big deal soon. Regardless of if he's in a contract year or not in 2012, it's clear Johnson is the No. 1 WR in Fantasy, and he should be drafted in Round 1 in all formats.

DeSean Jackson
Eagles could franchise D-Jax
DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
2/13/2012
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Eagles are going to use the franchise tag on WR DeSean Jackson. The report says the Eagles will not let Jackson, whose contract is set to expire, walk without getting something in return. Feb. 20 is the first day NFL teams are permitted to franchise one player before he reaches free agency. March 5 is the deadline. At 4 p.m. on March 13 the league year starts and players with four or more years of service who are not under contract are eligible to become unrestricted free agents. Jackson, who signed a four-year, $3 million deal as a rookie in 2008, will not reach the open market because the Eagles are expected to franchise him. The receiver would stand to earn approximately $9.5 million - nearly $9 million more than he made in base salary last season - if he played next season under the tag. Jackson said immediately following the season finale that he would be fine with the franchise designation.
Analysis: Jackson's play slipped some last season, partly due to his distraction over his contract, but he still caught 58 passes for 961 yards and four touchdowns. His deep routes and ability to take multiple defenders often opened up the Eagles offense underneath. Keep an eye on what happens with Jackson and where he ends up in 2012. With the Eagles he would be considered a No. 2 Fantasy WR with upside, but if he leaves Philadelphia then his value will be determined by who his quarterback is and his contract. He will likely be drafted around Round 5 in most leagues.

Isaac Redman
Redman in line to start for Steelers?
Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
2/13/2012
News: Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said Monday that there's a good chance RB Rashard Mendenhall will start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. If so, he'd be forced to miss at least the first six games of the regular season. Moreover, Colbert is not convinced that Mendenhall will be able to contribute at all in 2012. "I never feel good about an ACL for a year," Colbert said according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. That would open the door for Isaac Redman to be the starting rusher entering training camp.
Analysis: With Mendenhall iffy, it's time to start giving some legit consideration to Isaac Redman as the primary rusher for the Steelers in 2012. Redman started the Steelers' playoff game at Denver and had 121 yards on 17 carries and 21 yards on two catches. He's also stepped up while working with Mendenhall and without him, though his one other start in 2011 was a flop (61 total yards, no touchdowns vs. Tennessee). By August we might recommend drafting Redman with a pick in Round 6 or 7 as a good early-season starting option with potential to be a quality Fantasy choice for the entire season. We'll see how the Steelers' run game shakes out.

Steve Slaton
Slaton, Dolphins likely parting ways
Steve Slaton, RB, MIA
2/13/2012
News: The Palm Beach Post reports that RB Steve Slaton is not expected to return to the Dolphins in 2012. Slaton played in three games this season with zero starts after being picked up on waivers before Week 4. He had 17 carries for 64 yards (3.8 average) with one touchdown and a long of 28 and also returned three kickoffs for 85 yards. Slaton was signed as insurance early in the season when both Reggie Bush (groin) and Daniel Thomas (hamstring) battled injuries.
Analysis: Keep an eye on where Slaton plays in 2012, but he likely has minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.

Doug Baldwin
Baldwin already working hard
Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA
2/13/2012
News: The Tacoma News Tribune reports that Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin is already working out with the hope of building on an impressive rookie season. As an undrafted rookie free agent out of Stanford, he was a long shot to make the team last season, let alone lead Seattle in receiving. But that’s what Baldwin did. He finished with a team-high 51 receptions for 788 yards and four touchdowns, good enough for fourth in the league among rookies in receptions and yards. Baldwin also finished 11th in the league in percentage of receptions caught for first downs (78.4 percent), and fourth in the league with 23 catches on third down to move the chains. The hard-working Baldwin said he thinks he can do better. “I felt like the stats and everything (were) real average,” he said. “But you’ve got to have that sense of confidence about yourself when you step out on the field. To be honest with you, I didn’t think I’d have the opportunity to step out on the field that early. And with that, the transition wasn’t really that difficult because we have such a great coaching staff and they explain everything so well that it makes it easier for you to understand it and grasp the offense.”
Analysis: Baldwin’s production in 2011 secured his spot as Seattle’s slot receiver. But Baldwin wants to be considered a compete receiver. “They say that I’m the slot guy, but every year they’re bringing somebody in to try to take your job – that’s the upper management’s job,” he said. “So my job is to make sure that whoever they bring in doesn’t have a chance. That’s why I’m here, to be honest with you. “I want to be known as the greatest receiver who ever played the game, and it’s going to be hard to do that strictly out of the slot.” We like the way Baldwin is talking, and he has plenty of potential heading into 2012. Plan on drafting Baldwin as a sleeper with a late-round pick in all leagues.

Hines Ward
Ward hopes to remain with Steelers
Hines Ward, WR, PIT
2/13/2012
News: Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said Monday that no decision has been made on the future of Hines Ward. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported previously that if the Steelers did decide to release Ward, he was unaware of it. NFL Network reported that Ward won't be back with the Steelers in 2012 but a source close to Ward refuted the report. Ward's 2012 salary is high and he's expected to at least take a significant pay cut, if not get released altogether. Ward has said many times that he wants to end his career in Pittsburgh but he is determined to play somewhere in 2012, even if the Steelers do not want him. Ward, who turns 36 March 8, has played all 14 of his seasons in the NFL with the Steelers and holds nearly every team receiving record.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Ward and where he ends up in 2012. No matter where Ward plays, however, he would have minimal Fantasy value, and he is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues.

Josh Morgan
Morgan fine, looks at future
Josh Morgan, WR, SF
2/13/2012
News: The Sacramento Bee reports that 49ers WR Josh Morgan left the team facility after a workout Thursday as if there was nothing wrong with him. Morgan broke his lower right leg on Oct. 9 and was placed on injured reserve. He told the Associated Press that he's begun sprinting again, and he promises to be at full speed in the spring. Coach Jim Harbaugh has said the 49ers want to re-sign Morgan, who is a good fit for their power-based West Coast offense. Morgan, however, likely will test the market in free agency before agreeing to a new deal in San Francisco.
Analysis: Keep an eye on where Morgan ends up in 2012, but he has minimal Fantasy value in the majority of leagues. Morgan is the type of player who is more valuable to his team than Fantasy owners.

Jeremy Shockey
Panthers could bring back Shockey
Jeremy Shockey, TE, CAR
2/13/2012
News: The Charlotte Observer considers re-signing free agent TE Jeremy Shockey a "high priority" this offseason. Shockey was the No. 2 TE for the Panthers behind Greg Olsen, and he had a productive season when he caught 37 passes for 455 yards and four touchdowns and missed only one game to injury.
Analysis: Though not the same receiver he was a decade ago, Shockey still is a dependable target, particularly in the red zone. If his asking price is too high, Panthers could turn to Gary Barnidge, who was having a great 2011 camp before breaking his ankle. Keep an eye on what happens with Shockey, and if he returns to the Panthers as expected he would be a No. 2 Fantasy TE on Draft Day worth a late-round pick in deeper leagues.

 
 
 
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