Jan. 12, 2011

Our first mock draft for 2011

By Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
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It's going to take seven months until leagues around the world kick off their Fantasy Football drafts. Forgive us, but we can't wait that long.

In fact, we couldn't wait until the end of this year's postseason to start our first mock draft for the 2011 season. From where we sit, it's never too early to mock. By reading this, you obviously agree, and we like the way you think.

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A lot is going to change between now and this summer. For example, rookies will be drafted and free agents will be signed (this is all assuming the NFL doesn't have a work stoppage that would shipwreck our Fantasy seasons and put us through a fall and winter of boredom). Those changes will be reflected in future mock drafts; for now, we're focused on current NFL players, though we are taking potential free-agency movement into consideration.

Here's where you fit in: Not only can you check in with our mock draft daily, but you can correspond with the people drafting! If there's a draft pick you like or feel was too early, send us an e-mail at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com . Put "Mock Draft" in the subject line and share your thoughts on the draft.

All touchdowns are worth six points in this league, and we feature a starting lineup of QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, TE, 1 FLEX, K and DST. There will also be six reserve spots for a 15-round draft.

Our draft order:

1. Jamey Eisenberg, Senior Fantasy Writer
2. Kevin Goodwin, Fantasy Writer
3. John Garcia, Fantasy Writer
4. Peter Madden, Editorial Director, Fantasy Sports
5. Michael Hurcomb, Fantasy Writer
6. Dave Richard, Senior Fantasy Writer
7. Jeff Lippman, Fantasy Writer
8. Ross Devonport, Senior Fantasy Writer
9. Ed Gauna, Fantasy Writer
10. Sergio Gonzalez, Fantasy Writer
11. Bill Passonno, Fantasy Writer
12. Adam Moore, Fantasy Writer

Draft Status: Completed

Draft Results
Round 1
Pick	Team	Player
1	Jamey Eisenberg	Foster, Arian
2	Kevin Goodwin	Peterson, Adrian
3	John Garcia	Johnson, Chris
4	Peter Madden	Charles, Jamaal
5	Michael Hurcomb	Vick, Michael
6	Dave Richard	Jones-Drew, Maurice
7	Jeff Lippman	Turner, Michael
8	Ross Devonport	Rice, Ray
9	Ed Gauna	Rodgers, Aaron
10	Sergio Gonzalez	McFadden, Darren
11	Bill Passonno	Mendenhall, Rashard
12	Adam Moore	Jackson, Steven
Round 2
Pick	Team	Player
1	Adam Moore	Gore, Frank
2	Bill Passonno	Johnson, Andre
3	Sergio Gonzalez	McCoy, LeSean
4	Ed Gauna	White, Roddy
5	Ross Devonport	Forte, Matt
6	Jeff Lippman	Manning, Peyton
7	Dave Richard	Brees, Drew
8	Michael Hurcomb	Moreno, Knowshon
9	Peter Madden	Hillis, Peyton
10	John Garcia	Johnson, Calvin
11	Kevin Goodwin	Rivers, Philip
12	Jamey Eisenberg	Brady, Tom
Round 3
Pick	Team	Player
1	Jamey Eisenberg	Blount, LeGarrette
2	Kevin Goodwin	Bradshaw, Ahmad
3	John Garcia	Romo, Tony
4	Peter Madden	Jackson, DeSean
5	Michael Hurcomb	Mathews, Ryan
6	Dave Richard	Jennings, Greg
7	Jeff Lippman	Nicks, Hakeem
8	Ross Devonport	Wayne, Reggie
9	Ed Gauna	Green-Ellis, BenJarvus
10	Sergio Gonzalez	Schaub, Matt
11	Bill Passonno	Fitzgerald, Larry
12	Adam Moore	Ryan, Matt
Round 4
Pick	Team	Player
1	Adam Moore	Bowe, Dwayne
2	Bill Passonno	Freeman, Josh
3	Sergio Gonzalez	Colston, Marques
4	Ed Gauna	Williams, DeAngelo
5	Ross Devonport	Wallace, Mike
6	Jeff Lippman	Austin, Miles
7	Dave Richard	Marshall, Brandon
8	Michael Hurcomb	Williams, Mike
9	Peter Madden	Bryant, Dez
10	John Garcia	Gates, Antonio
11	Kevin Goodwin	Grant, Ryan
12	Jamey Eisenberg	Welker, Wes
Round 5
Pick	Team	Player
1	Jamey Eisenberg	Jackson, Vincent
2	Kevin Goodwin	Boldin, Anquan
3	John Garcia	Britt, Kenny
4	Peter Madden	Best, Jahvid
5	Michael Hurcomb	Witten, Jason
6	Dave Richard	Stewart, Jonathan
7	Jeff Lippman	Davis, Vernon
8	Ross Devonport	Finley, Jermichael
9	Ed Gauna	Maclin, Jeremy
10	Sergio Gonzalez	Lloyd, Brandon
11	Bill Passonno	Garcon, Pierre
12	Adam Moore	Crabtree, Michael
Round 6
Pick	Team	Player
1	Adam Moore	Clark, Dallas
2	Bill Passonno	Benson, Cedric
3	Sergio Gonzalez	Greene, Shonn
4	Ed Gauna	Torain, Ryan
5	Ross Devonport	Harvin, Percy
6	Jeff Lippman	Brown, Ronnie
7	Dave Richard	Jones, Felix
8	Michael Hurcomb	Manningham, Mario
9	Peter Madden	Gronkowski, Rob
10	John Garcia	Addai, Joseph
11	Kevin Goodwin	Holmes, Santonio
12	Jamey Eisenberg	Graham, Jimmy
Round 7
Pick	Team	Player
1	Jamey Eisenberg	Johnson, Steve
2	Kevin Goodwin	Branch, Deion
3	John Garcia	Thomas, Pierre
4	Peter Madden	Roethlisberger, Ben
5	Michael Hurcomb	Jackson, Fred
6	Dave Richard	Tolbert, Mike
7	Jeff Lippman	Brown, Donald
8	Ross Devonport	Rice, Sidney
9	Ed Gauna	Jacobs, Brandon
10	Sergio Gonzalez	Knox, Johnny
11	Bill Passonno	Spiller, C.J.
12	Adam Moore	Jones, James
Round 8
Pick	Team	Player
1	Adam Moore	Bush, Michael
2	Bill Passonno	Edwards, Braylon
3	Sergio Gonzalez	Gonzalez, Tony
4	Ed Gauna	Moss, Santana
5	Ross Devonport	Flacco, Joe
6	Jeff Lippman	Lynch, Marshawn
7	Dave Richard	Collie, Austin
8	Michael Hurcomb	Floyd, Malcom
9	Peter Madden	Tate, Ben
10	John Garcia	Tomlinson, LaDainian
11	Kevin Goodwin	Smith, Steve
12	Jamey Eisenberg	Wells, Beanie
Round 9
Pick	Team	Player
1	Jamey Eisenberg	Williams, Mike
2	Kevin Goodwin	Jones, Thomas
3	John Garcia	Starks, James
4	Peter Madden	Stafford, Matthew
5	Michael Hurcomb	Manning, Eli
6	Dave Richard	Woodhead, Danny
7	Jeff Lippman	Ward, Hines
8	Ross Devonport	Bush, Reggie
9	Ed Gauna	Celek, Brent
10	Sergio Gonzalez	Hightower, Tim
11	Bill Passonno	Miller, Zach
12	Adam Moore	Cutler, Jay
Round 10
Pick	Team	Player
1	Adam Moore	Choice, Tashard
2	Bill Passonno	Cassel, Matt
3	Sergio Gonzalez	Smith, Steve
4	Ed Gauna	Goodson, Mike
5	Ross Devonport	Owens, Terrell
6	Jeff Lippman	Simpson, Jerome
7	Dave Richard	Bess, Davone
8	Michael Hurcomb	Ivory, Chris
9	Peter Madden	McGahee, Willis
10	John Garcia	Pettigrew, Brandon
11	Kevin Goodwin	Bradford, Sam
12	Jamey Eisenberg	Tebow, Tim
Round 11
Pick	Team	Player
1	Jamey Eisenberg	Hardesty, Montario
2	Kevin Goodwin	Scott, Bernard
3	John Garcia	Moss, Randy
4	Peter Madden	Jets
5	Michael Hurcomb	Steelers
6	Dave Richard	Sproles, Darren
7	Jeff Lippman	Snelling, Jason
8	Ross Devonport	Taylor, Chester
9	Ed Gauna	Barber, Marion
10	Sergio Gonzalez	Packers
11	Bill Passonno	Jennings, Rashad
12	Adam Moore	Ochocinco, Chad
Round 12
Pick	Team	Player
1	Adam Moore	Sims-Walker, Mike
2	Bill Passonno	Meachem, Robert
3	Sergio Gonzalez	Sanchez, Mark
4	Ed Gauna	Mason, Derrick
5	Ross Devonport	Daniels, Owen
6	Jeff Lippman	Palmer, Carson
7	Dave Richard	Winslow, Kellen
8	Michael Hurcomb	Moore, Lance
9	Peter Madden	Gilyard, Mardy
10	John Garcia	Shipley, Jordan
11	Kevin Goodwin	Vikings
12	Jamey Eisenberg	Thomas, Demaryius
Round 13
Pick	Team	Player
1	Jamey Eisenberg	Williams, Ricky
2	Kevin Goodwin	Clayton, Mark
3	John Garcia	Ravens
4	Peter Madden	Nelson, Jordy
5	Michael Hurcomb	Cooley, Chris
6	Dave Richard	Ford, Jacoby
7	Jeff Lippman	Eagles
8	Ross Devonport	Breaston, Steve
9	Ed Gauna	Bears
10	Sergio Gonzalez	Redman, Isaac
11	Bill Passonno	Cowboys
12	Adam Moore	Patriots
Round 14
Pick	Team	Player
1	Adam Moore	Portis, Clinton
2	Bill Passonno	Williams, Cadillac
3	Sergio Gonzalez	Benn, Arrelious
4	Ed Gauna	Kolb, Kevin
5	Ross Devonport	Giants
6	Jeff Lippman	Williams, Roy
7	Dave Richard	Akers, David
8	Michael Hurcomb	Dixon, Anthony
9	Peter Madden	Amendola, Danny
10	John Garcia	Crosby, Mason
11	Kevin Goodwin	Kaeding, Nate
12	Jamey Eisenberg	Chargers
Round 15
Pick	Team	Player
1	Jamey Eisenberg	Hartley, Garrett
2	Kevin Goodwin	Olsen, Greg
3	John Garcia	Orton, Kyle
4	Peter Madden	Gostkowski, Stephen
5	Michael Hurcomb	Rackers, Neil
6	Dave Richard	Saints
7	Jeff Lippman	Janikowski, Sebastian
8	Ross Devonport	Brown, Josh
9	Ed Gauna	Bryant, Matt
10	Sergio Gonzalez	Tynes, Lawrence
11	Bill Passonno	Buehler, David
12	Adam Moore	Carpenter, Dan

Stay in touch with the most passionate Fantasy staff in the business by following us via Twitter . You can also follow Dave at @daverichard . Do you have a question or a comment for our Fantasy staff? Drop us a line at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com .

Winslow a 'rotational player?'
Kellen Winslow, TE, SEA
5/25/2012

News: Kellen Winslow became a Seahawk recently, and he's spoken highly of his new team. But it remains how they'll use him and how often they'll use him. According to SiriusXM NFL Radio, a league personnel executive believes that Winslow's best days are behind him. "We talked to the Bucs before the draft and talked about (Winslow) further internally," said the source. "We just didn't think he could be more than a rotational player at this point (in his career) after examining his tape and performance."

Analysis: Winslow had 75 receptions for 763 yards and two TDs in 2011 and has caught at least 66 passes in each of his last three years while not missing a game. There is definitely a perception that he's old and over the hill, which his receiving average (10.2 yards per catch last year) supports. And he joins a crowded tight end corps in Seattle, but should be a fairly regular player in the offense. Problem is, he hasn't been productive enough to be considered reliable for Fantasy use week after week. He's fine as a No. 2 Fantasy TE worth a late pick, but don't expect him to put up huge numbers.

Charles to rest until camp
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
5/25/2012

News: The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will rest running back Jamaal Charles until training camp in late July. He is not expected to participate in their minicamp as he continues to rehab and work his way back from a torn ACL suffered last September. Head coach Romeo Crennel hopes Charles will be cleared in time for camp.

Analysis: Charles has been vocal about being ready for the season, calling himself hungry and passionate to return to form. But the fact remains that he's coming off of a major injury and isn't promised to have any of the explosiveness he had before he got hurt. Tack on the Chiefs' addition of Peyton Hillis (Charles thinks Hillis will get the tough yards and goal-line work like Thomas Jones was supposed to previously), and there's a limit to Charles' 2012 expectations. So long as Charles proves that he's ready to roll, Fantasy owners should be optimistic. Assuming he's fine, Charles will be worth taking in the early rounds on Draft Day, but more as a No. 2 Fantasy RB. Plan on drafting Charles between 25th and 35th overall in all leagues.

Source: Nicks could return before camp
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5/25/2012

News: ESPN reports that a source familiar with the broken bone in Hakeem Nicks' foot says the receiver might miss four-to-six weeks recovering from the injury and not the 12-week timeframe the Giants said on Thursday. Nicks fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during an OTA practice. The team is hoping to have him back at some point during training camp and the preseason.

Analysis: Unless the diagnosis on Nicks' foot changes, we're not believers that he'll be ready in six weeks and thus long before the start of training camp. Nicks' teammate, Prince Amukamara, took 15 weeks before he was comfortable practicing last year according to the Newark Star-Ledger and he had the same injury. Nicks has had all sorts of issues with hamstrings, knees and his feet over the years. So long as he is healthy for the start of the season and gets some work in camp and a preseason game or two, the injury is more of a reminder that he's injury prone and less of a factor on his 2012 season. We'll see if this lasts into late August and the regular season; for now expect his stock to slip in drafts. He'll be a Round 3-4 choice as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver.

Roethlisberger admits to issues with new playbook
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
5/25/2012

News: Ben Roethlisberger's transition to new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook is not going as smoothly as Steelers fans had hoped. Roethlisberger said Thursday that so far it's been "frustrating at times" but that he's going to put in "extra work" to understand what Haley wants him to do. "I think coach (Haley) really wants to challenge us," Big Ben said on a radio interview, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Me, maybe, in particular, I think he felt like I was real comfortable with the old offense, which ... I don't know why that's a bad thing. But I'm not the head coach."

Analysis: There's all sorts of talk that Haley wants Roethlisberger to stay in the pocket to avoid excess hits and that Haley wants to run the ball more. We're not sure how this is going to play out, but we do think there's a chance Roethlisberger could attempt a ton of passes given that Rashard Mendenhall is out and Isaac Redman, while talented, might not be a 20-touch back from week to week. Much of the offense might fall on Roethlisberger's shoulders. We consider Big Ben a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues well worth a mid-round pick.

Bradford's ankle 'getting there'
Sam Bradford, QB, STL
5/25/2012

News: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said his left ankle, injured in October at Green Bay, is nearly 100 percent. "It's getting there," he said. "It feels better every week -- less soreness, more things I can do. It's definitely on the right track."

Analysis: There's no questioning his arm as several Rams receivers, including their rookies, have been in awe over his passing skills. Bradford is continuing to learn the Rams' new offense and says it's close to the West Coast offense he ran two season ago. But with a so-so offensive line and an unproven receiving corps, now's not the time to call Bradford a breakout candidate. He should have some good games, but no one should consider him either a Fantasy starter or a blue chip prospect. For now we're resigned to calling him a late-round pick as a good, not great, No. 2 quarterback.

Titans' Palmer breaks down QB battle
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, TEN
5/25/2012

News: It's no secret that the Titans will have a competition for the starting quarterback job between veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year gunslinger Jake Locker. What remains to be seen is when they'll name a starter. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer told the media Thursday that the job is up for grabs, that no preseason starts have been promised and that the coaching staff will pick a winner based on who can lead the team to wins, starting in Week 1 against the Patriots. Palmer said that while Locker's mobility is very appealing, Hasselbeck's experience and body of work from last season also gives him a chance to remain the starter. "Jake may not give all the other guys the opportunity to make plays like Matt does, but Jake can make plays with his legs," Palmer concluded. "When you add up how many plays Matt can make with the team and how many plays Jake can make with the team then you kind of have an idea who's going to give us the best chance to win."

Analysis: Hasselbeck started every game for the Titans in 2011 and threw for 3,571 yards with 18 scores and 14 interceptions. But when Locker did play, he did well, passing for four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushing for 56 yards on eight carries with a touchdowns run. Locker's completion percentage continued to be an eyesore (34 of 66 passing for 51.5 pct.), but the stats speak for themselves. Unless Locker can really prove that he's progressed as a passer, Hasselbeck is likely to take this job -- though there's no promise he'll start every game. Neither Titans QB should be drafted with anything more than a late-round pick. We'll keep you posted on the battle.

Lloyd already up to speed with Pats
Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
5/25/2012

News: New Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd has been impressive during the team's OTAs, but many people expected that. After all, Lloyd is on his third stop with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and knows the playbook and play calls like the back of his hand. Lloyd has been so impressive that the Boston Globe reports that Patriots quarterbacks have been looking for him all week because he's been exactly where he needs to be on every play. Lloyd was coy when it came to his role and his goals for this season but gave a pretty simple explanation on why he wanted to follow McDaniels to New England. "You find something good, you stick with it," he said. "I think that's the case for everybody, with everything in life."

Analysis: Lloyd had 51 catches for 683 yards and five scores last year in 11 games in St. Louis when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator, and that came on the heels of a 77-catch, 1,448-yard, 11-touchdown season with McDaniels in Denver. He'll probably see a dip in opportunities because he'll share the field with so many other great weapons there. But he should still be about as productive as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver and should be drafted as such with a mid-round pick.

Tamme: Hillman looks good
Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme gave an encouraging scouting report on rookie rusher Ronnie Hillman. "He seems to have a lot of quickness," Tamme said. "I've got to see him carry a few and catch some passes, he seems like a guy who can really move and sort of be a threat from the scatback-type position."

Analysis: Yep, that sounds like Hillman, who averaged over 130 total yards per game in 2011 with 20 total touchdowns while breaking some of Marshall Faulk's records at San Diego State. Hillman isn't a big back (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) but definitely plays bigger than he is. He's done good work between the tackles but is better known for his lateral agility and breakaway speed. Landing in Denver is nice since he won't be stuck behind a young back for long -- Willis McGahee will turn 31 in October and Knowshon Moreno is coming off of a torn ACL. We could see Hillman contribute this season, especially if he can perfect his pass blocking and receiving skills. Expect him to be taken late in all seasonal drafts as well as with a mid-to-late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a second-round pick in rookie-only formats.

Tamme talks offense, role
Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme sounded very excited to follow quarterback Peyton Manning to Denver from Indy, adding that he "looks great." Tamme's also excited about the direction of the new offense, calling it a mix of what he did with Manning with the Colts and what offensive coordinator Mike McCoy wants to do. On the topic of his specific role with the Broncos, Tamme didn't want to give away much but did offer what he thinks is great about being a tight end. "I'm comfortable in slot and love that, but I would say I lined up on the line of scrimmage more than everywhere else [with the Colts]," Tamme said. " ... We should be able to move around and what we're going to do offensively, hopefully, we'll be able to move around some. I think that's what's great about playing tight end these days, you get to do everything. It's what makes the position a lot of fun."

Analysis: If we're reading between the lines, the Broncos could use Tamme as a tight end, slot receiver and H-back this season, all roles he's capable of playing as evidenced by his time in Indianapolis. Being comfortable with Manning is also built-in thanks to their relationship back in Indiana. Tamme had just 177 yards on 19 catches in 2011 with one score, but he worked behind starter Dallas Clark in a Manning-less Colts offense. In 10 games without Dallas Clark in 2010, Tamme caught 67 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns. Expect him to have some Clark-like potential and thus get swiped with a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer as a borderline No. 1/No. 2 TE.

Hill lines up as starter in OTAs
Stephen Hill, WR, NYJ
5/25/2012

News: Jets rookie receiver Stephen Hill lined up opposite Santonio Holmes with the first-team offense during their recent OTAs. He caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez, burning cornerback Kyle Wilson in the process, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Analysis: The Jets aren't going to have a dominant pass attack, so that could limit Hill's production. But he does have the chance for plenty of playing time, which is a plus. He's worth a late-round pick in seasonal formats, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a Top 20 pick in rookie-only drafts.

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, DEN, 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, WAS, 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