Don't waste those final-round picks in '09

Everyone knows what they're getting in the first few rounds of a draft. You take the top talent on the board and hope Tom Brady doesn't get injured and LaDainian Tomlinson isn't a bust.

While the top picks will usually lead you to the Fantasy playoffs, it's your late-round steals and players you add off the waiver wire that help you win championships. Just look at last year.

If you drafted or picked up players like quarterbacks Kurt Warner, Matt Ryan or Tyler Thigpen, running backs Steve Slaton, Derrick Ward or Pierre Thomas and wide receivers Steve Breaston, Lance Moore or Antonio Bryant, you were probably successful at the end of the season. They all finished as potential starters in every league.

Now it's time to point out some potential late-round steals for you this year. You should always use your last pick on a kicker no matter the format, but these are players worth drafting with one of your final-round selections.

If you have that extra roster spot to burn, these are players who could end up making the difference for your team in 2009 ...

Quarterbacks

Marc Bulger, St. Louis
Bulger might have lost Torry Holt this offseason, but he inherits a new West Coast offense, which should help him get the ball out quicker and make plays. He still plays in the defenseless NFC West, and his receiving corps might surprise you with Donnie Avery, Laurent Robinson and Keenan Burton (don't forget Steven Jackson out of the backfield as well). Bulger's not a starting Fantasy option anymore, but he's worth drafting as a No. 2 quarterback with the chance he could have a bounce-back year.
2008 stats: 2,727 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 41 rushing yards, four fumbles
2009 projected stats: 3,016 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 41 rushing yards, two fumbles

Trent Edwards, Buffalo
Edwards gains a tremendous asset in Terrell Owens, who has reached double digits in touchdowns in four of the past five seasons. Along with Lee Evans, that's as good a tandem as any team in the league aside from Arizona. The passing game should take off for the Bills this year, including the addition of rookie tight end Shawn Nelson. This is also Edwards' third year in the NFL, so he should be ready for the next step in his maturation as a starter. Remember, the past two years we've seen quarterbacks come out of nowhere to star for Fantasy owners, and Edwards could be that player this year.
2008 stats: 2,669 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 117 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, five fumbles
2009 projected stats: 2,993 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 67 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, two fumbles

David Garrard, Jacksonville
Every year Garrard is underrated, and every year he finishes among the best Fantasy quarterbacks. The stats aren't flashy, but they are productive. Garrard still doesn't have a quality receiving corps, but the addition of Torry Holt should help along with the improvement of Mike Walker. Having Maurice Jones-Drew on the field for every down will also help, as should the beefed up offensive line with rookies Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton and veteran Tra Thomas. Garrard also lost 20 pounds to improve his mobility, and he remains one of the best No. 2 Fantasy quarterbacks on the market.
2008 stats: 3,620 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 322 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, three fumbles
2009 projected stats: 2,866 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 188 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, three fumbles

Shaun Hill, San Francisco
Hill was one of our favorite sleepers before getting Michael Crabtree in the draft, and that just put him over the top. He's still a No. 2 Fantasy option, but he should be on the top of your list. Isaac Bruce remains a quality wide receiver, and hopefully Vernon Davis can show some signs of life. Hill also has some nice complementary receivers in Josh Morgan, Brandon Jones and Jason Hill. Last year, Shaun Hill proved to be a solid addition for Fantasy owners when he took over for the 49ers. With a full year, he could finish among the top quarterbacks in the league.
2008 stats: 2,046 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 115 rushing yards, two touchdowns, one fumble
2009 projected stats: 3,305 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, 87 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, four fumbles

Kyle Orton, Denver
Orton has a lot of things in his favor after being traded from Chicago to Denver. He inherits a tremendous receiving corps with Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal leading the way. He will play for a pass-happy coach in Josh McDaniels and he goes to a division with poor pass defenses in the AFC West. Jay Cutler put up tremendous stats for the Broncos last year, and while we're not suggesting Orton will play like Cutler, he has the same weapons at his disposal. There's no doubt you should draft Orton in every league.
2008 stats: 2,979 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 49 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, five fumbles
2009 projected stats: 3,336 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 41 rushing yards, three fumbles

Running Backs

Andre Brown, New York Giants
The Giants have a huge void with Derrick Ward now in Tampa Bay. Ahmad Bradshaw will likely assume the No. 2 role behind Brandon Jacobs, but don't be surprised if Brown steals the job from Bradshaw. Brown played well at North Carolina State, and the Giants drafted him in the fourth round. With Jacobs' injury history, it's not a stretch to see Brown and Bradshaw splitting time for several games this season. Remember, Ward rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, so there's plenty of production to go around, and Brown could be the one assuming that role.
2008 stats (college): 767 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, 29 catches, 309 receiving yards, two touchdowns
2009 projected stats: 262 rushing yards, one touchdown, 18 catches, 132 receiving yards

If given an opportunity, Michael Bush could emerge as a very valuable running back in Fantasy. (US Presswire)

Michael Bush, Oakland
On any other team, we could be talking about Bush as a No. 2 rusher and potential goal-line back. With the Raiders, you never know what could happen, and they already have Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas. But Bush has the talent to explode for big stats if given an opportunity. That could happen with McFadden and Fargas being injury prone, and the Raiders just added arguably the best blocking fullback in the NFL with Lorenzo Neal. In last year's season-finale against Tampa Bay, Bush showed his ability with 27 carries for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He is worth a late-round flier in case the Raiders wake up and realize Bush deserves carries on a weekly basis.
2008 stats: 419 rushing yards, three touchdowns, 19 catches, 162 receiving yards, one fumble
2009 projected stats: 449 rushing yards, three touchdowns, 26 catches, 211 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, three fumbles

Tashard Choice, Dallas
Choice waited patiently for an opportunity last year behind Marion Barber and Felix Jones, and he finally got a chance when both got hurt. Choice ran well against Pittsburgh, the Giants, Baltimore and Philadelphia and proved he deserves carries this season. Choice will be third-string again, but he should get on the field sooner this year, especially with the Cowboys lacking playmakers at wide receiver. Choice might have a better outlook as a runner between the tackles than Jones, and the Cowboys could always take some carries away from Barber to keep him fresh toward the end of the season.
2008 stats: 472 rushing yards, two touchdowns, 21 catches, 185 receiving yards
2009 projected stats: 442 rushing yards, two touchdowns, 12 catches, 93 receiving yards, one fumble

Shonn Greene, New York Jets
The Jets traded up to draft Greene in the third round from Iowa, and for obvious reasons. When you score 20 touchdowns in the Big Ten, people take notice. Greene is having a good offseason without even touching the ball with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington skipping workouts with contract issues. That will allow Greene to impress the coaching staff and earn more carries during the year. Don't be surprised if he's the goal-line back right away, and he's clearly the Jets choice to be the running back of the future. He's going to be a hot commodity in rookie drafts, but he's definitely worth a late-round pick in all seasonal leagues because he has plenty of upside.
2008 stats (college): 1,850 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns, eight catches, 49 yards
2009 projected stats: 425 rushing yards, three touchdowns, six catches, 38 receiving yards

Edgerrin James, free agent
James was released by the Cardinals this offseason after they drafted Beanie Wells. He is looking for a new job, and so far New Orleans has shown interest. If he signs with the Saints or another team, he could be a great addition at the end of your bench. Remember, James was a catalyst for the Cardinals running game at the end of last season and the playoffs. And even though his career is near the end, James keeps himself in great shape and has done well avoiding injuries. For a couple of games this year, he could end up in your lineup if he lands with the right team.
2008 stats: 514 rushing yards, three touchdowns, 12 catches 85 yards, two fumbles
2009 projected stats: None

Greg Jones, Jacksonville
Jones is worth drafting in every league this year because he will benefit with Fred Taylor now in New England. Before Maurice Jones-Drew emerged for the Jaguars, Jones was expected to be the scoring machine in Jacksonville. He was limited by knee injuries, but now Jones should see a boost in carries and production. He should be great in touchdown-only leagues, and he is a capable receiver out of the backfield. The Jaguars need playmakers, and Jones could fill the role if given the right amount of touches in the offense.
2008 stats: 13 rushing yards, two touchdowns, 13 catches, 116 receiving yards, one touchdown
2009 projected stats: 240 rushing yards, three touchdowns, 18 catches, 161 receiving yards, one touchdown, one fumble

LaMont Jordan, Denver
Jordan is part of a crowded backfield with rookie Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, Ryan Torain and Peyton Hillis. But Jordan has potential even with Moreno expected to be the starter since new coach Josh McDaniels is going to lean on players familiar with his system. Make no mistake -- the Broncos are going to be running back by committee. McDaniels was New England's offensive coordinator last year when Jordan shared time with Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. By the end of the season, Jordan might not even see the field, but early in the season is when Jordan, 30, should do most of his damage.
2008 stats: 363 rushing yards, four touchdowns
2009 projected stats: 231 rushing yards, four touchdowns, five catches, 40 yards

Jerome Harrison, Cleveland
Coach Eric Mangini said Harrison could get carries on first and second down to help spell Jamal Lewis. Translation: There's a tandem now in Cleveland, and also don't count out rookie James Davis. Lewis will be 30 this year and is starting to show a decline in production. He's still the focal point of the running game, but Mangini had success with the Jets last season when he used Leon Washington in tandem with Thomas Jones. Harrison has shown flashes of potential, and he gets the added bonus of being in a contract year. We wouldn't be surprised if Harrison started a few games as well.
2008 stats: 246 rushing yards, one touchdown, 12 catches, 116 receiving yards, one touchdown
2009 projected stats: 299 rushing yards, two touchdowns, 16 catches, 144 receiving yards, one touchdown

Laurence Maroney, New England
Maroney doesn't have a great outlook this year. He was bad last year before a shoulder injury ruined his season, and the Patriots brought in Fred Taylor to replace the departed LaMont Jordan instead of just relying on Maroney. It also appears that coach Bill Belichick isn't fond of Maroney, but he has too much talent to ignore. You can't go wrong with Maroney as a late-round pick in case he gets involved in the offense again like the end of 2007, but there's also Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and Taylor to share carries with, which will limit his production.
2008 stats: 93 rushing yards
2009 projected stats: 321 rushing yards, three touchdowns, four catches, 46 receiving yards

Ray Rice, Baltimore
The news of LeRon McClain moving to fullback allows the Ravens to give Rice more carries along with Willis McGahee. Rice was someone we liked a lot last year before McClain emerged and Rice was limited with injuries. Rice is a quality receiver out of the backfield, and he should do well in tandem with McGahee. He won't see many goal-line touches, but he has the ability to break long plays for touchdowns. And with McGahee's injury history, Rice could get plenty of carries this season as long as McClain remains in the fullback role.
2008 stats: 454 rushing yards, 33 catches, 272 receiving yards
2009 projected stats: 378 rushing yards, two touchdowns, 27 catches, 254 receiving yards, two touchdowns

Wide Receivers

Miles Austin, Dallas
The Cowboys are going to be looking for playmakers with Terrell Owens gone, and Austin should be the No. 3 wide receiver behind Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton. You can bet Tony Romo will depend on players he feels comfortable with, and there seemed to be chemistry with Austin last year when he had two touchdowns in his first three games. He's a better deep threat than a possession receiver, but we expect Austin to fill either role. He should see a boost in production this season.
2008 stats: 13 catches, 278 receiving yards, three touchdowns, one fumble
2009 projected stats: 32 catches, 501 receiving yards, four touchdowns

Deion Branch, Seattle
Branch has to overcome his injury woes, and last year he was limited to eight games with knee and heel issues. But the Seahawks have a need for a wide receiver in the slot position with Bobby Engram now in Kansas City. Branch has the potential to reach his projected totals, which would make him a low-end No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver. He's also capable of reaching his totals in 2005 with New England when he caught 78 passes for 998 yards and five touchdowns. Branch is never going to be an elite Fantasy option, and his injuries push him down the draft board, but he's worth a late-round pick.
2008 stats: 30 catches, 412 receiving yards, four touchdowns
2009 projected stats: 58 catches, 787 receiving yards, five touchdowns, 46 rushing yards

Plaxico Burress, free agent
There are a lot of hurdles for Burress to get over before he can be considered a viable Fantasy option. But if he signs with a team, avoids a prison sentence and doesn't have to serve a lengthy suspension, there will be value here. Here's a scenario for you: Depending on his trial, Burress signs with the Jets and is guaranteed to play eight games following a suspension. He would immediately become a hot commodity off the waiver wire because of his talent. So if you have an extra roster spot and draft four quality receivers then take Burress as your No. 5 option and hope for the best.
2008 stats: 35 catches, 454 receiving yards, four touchdowns
2009 projected stats: None

Austin Collie, Indianapolis
The Colts are looking for someone to replace the departed Marvin Harrison, and Collie could be that guy. He was drafted in the fourth round out of BYU, and the Colts are already comparing him to former standout receiver Brandon Stokley. Collie has low expectations with the Colts prepared to rely on Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez. If Peyton Manning starts to trust Collie early then you can expect him to make plays during the year. Collie is an underrated rookie with plenty of upside.
2008 stats (college): 106 catches, 1,538 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns
2009 projected stats: five catches, 71 receiving yards

David Clowney, New York Jets
This could be Clowney or Chansi Stuckey, as both will try to replace the departed Laveranues Coles. Both are third-year wide receivers this year, and both got off to great starts last year (Clowney in training camp, Stuckey early in the season). Brad Smith will be a factor as well, but Clowney and Stuckey are worth a look depending on what happens in the preseason. The Jets could still add a wide receiver to start opposite Jerricho Cotchery, but someone from this group will become Fantasy relevant depending on how quickly Mark Sanchez develops as a rookie quarterback.
2008 stats: one catch, 26 receiving yards
2009 projected stats: 12 catches, 167 receiving yards, one touchdown

Johnnie Lee Higgins, Oakland
Higgins came on strong at the end of last season with 12 catches for 174 yards and three touchdowns in his final three games. He looks like the Raiders best wide receiver this year with Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy never having played a game and Javon Walker (knee) still trying to get healthy. Zach Miller and Darren McFadden are the best weapons in Oakland, but Higgins could be the third option. He's also entering his third year in the NFL, which is typically the year when wide receivers have a breakout season.
2008 stats: 22 catches, 366 receiving yards, four touchdowns, 34 rushing yards
2009 projected stats: 21 catches, 310 receiving yards, two touchdowns, 45 rushing yards

James Jones, Green Bay
Jones took a step back last year after a productive rookie season when he caught 47 passes for 676 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers are also loaded at wide receiver with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson. Still, Jones has plenty of talent, and the Packers will throw the ball often. Nelson is also worth a look here as the Packers are hoping one of these receivers will eventually replace Driver. We're not giving up on Jones just yet, and he's entering his third year in the NFL, so he could be ready for a breakout season.
2008 stats: 20 catches, 274 receiving yards, one touchdown
2009 projected stats: 28 catches, 370 receiving yards, three touchdowns

Sidney Rice, Minnesota
Rice may never be anything more than a red-zone threat, but he has averaged a touchdown (eight) for every 5.6 catches (46) in his career. He's a big target at 6-foot-4, and he should get plenty of single coverage with Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin and the presence of Adrian Peterson in the backfield. Rice is a great addition in touchdown-only leagues, but he should struggle in leagues where receptions count. Still, this third-year wide receiver has the chance to play well and could reach double digits in touchdowns.
2008 stats: 15 catches, 141 receiving yards, four touchdowns
2009 projected stats: 33 catches, 438 receiving yards, three touchdowns

Brian Robiskie, Cleveland
Robiskie might be one of the most polished rookies entering the league this year as a second-round pick from Ohio State, and he has a chance to play right away with Donte Stallworth's legal problems. Robiskie will compete with fellow rookie Mohamed Massaquoi for playing time, but we like Robiskie better. Once the Browns figure out their quarterback spot with Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson (we expect Quinn to win the job), the passing game for Cleveland could be a surprise. The Browns also have to replace departed tight end Kellen Winslow, and Robiskie can help fill that void as well.
2008 stats (college): 42 catches, 535 receiving yards, eight touchdowns
2009 projected stats: 43 catches, 568 receiving yards, four touchdowns

Steve Smith, New York Giants
The Giants are hoping Smith has a big year in his third season with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer both gone. Smith will likely see most of his time in the slot position with some combination of Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss and Hakeem Nicks on the outside. Smith will be tremendous in leagues where receptions count, and Eli Manning already has developed a comfort level with him. But Smith only has one touchdown in his career, and that's the only downside to his game entering this season.
2008 stats: 57 catches, 574 receiving yards, one touchdown, one fumble
2009 projected stats: 68 catches, 746 receiving yards, four touchdowns

Tight Ends

Martellus Bennett, Dallas
It's not often we'd recommend the No. 2 tight end on a team, but Bennett would be a starter for most clubs even though he's playing behind Jason Witten here. But with the Cowboys in need of help at wide receiver with Terrell Owens gone, don't be surprised if you see plenty of two tight end sets. Bennett is a solid red-zone target as evidenced by his four touchdowns last year, and Tony Romo is going to realize that Bennett has great hands and can make plays.
2008 stats: 20 catches, 283 receiving yards, four touchdowns
2009 projected stats: 27 catches, 325 receiving yards, five touchdowns

Brent Celek, Philadelphia
Celek was impressive in a limited role last year, but he will start this season and should shine. The Eagles like using the tight end, especially in the red zone, and Celek is a big target at 6-foot-4. Rookie Cornelius Ingram could steal some catches, but the Eagles let L.J. Smith leave as a free agent for a reason. In the playoffs, Celek had 19 catches for 151 yards and three touchdowns. You can count on Donovan McNabb continuing to look in Celek's direction often this year.
2008 stats: 27 catches, 318 receiving yards, one touchdown
2009 projected stats: 43 catches, 494 receiving yards, four touchdowns

Zach Miller, Oakland
The Raiders don't have much in terms of guaranteed production in their receiving game, but Miller was as close as it got to that last year. He had eight games with at least 50 yards receiving, and the only thing missing from his game is finding the end zone. That could change this year with an improved ground game and another year of development from quarterback JaMarcus Russell. The one thing Russell appears to know is if he needs a safe target, Miller will likely come up with the catch.
2008 stats: 56 catches, 778 receiving yards, one touchdown
2009 projected stats: 51 catches, 606 receiving yards, four touchdowns

Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota
If you missed the year Shiancoe had last year you missed quite a performance. He was among the league leaders in touchdowns at his position and should be poised for a breakout season. Along with Sidney Rice, Shiancoe will be a top target for the Vikings in the red zone. He should also see a boost in catches and receiving yards. The quarterback situation in Minnesota could determine how good Shiancoe will be this year, but he seems poised to take the next step in his career. He's also had a good offseason in terms of coming into camp in shape and ready to go.
2008 stats: 42 catches, 596 receiving yards, seven touchdowns
2009 projected stats: 51 catches, 621 receiving yards, five touchdowns

Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans
You remember Shockey? He used to be an elite tight end with the Giants before he was a bust in his first season with the Saints last year. Don't be afraid to draft Shockey this year because he should bounce back. Even though he failed to score a touchdown for the first time in his career, he still had 50 catches in an injury-plagued season. This year, he is spending the entire offseason with the team, and quarterback Drew Brees is hopeful that will help with their chemistry. Look for Shockey to turn things around, and he's worth a late-round pick.
2008 stats: 50 catches, 483 receiving yards, two fumbles
2009 projected stats: 42 catches, 449 receiving yards, four touchdowns

Are you ready for the 2009 Fantasy season? If not, we're here for you. Send us an e-mail at DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com. We'll respond to as many as we can.