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 .

Wallace would 'most definitely' consider new team
Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
2/22/2012

News: In an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday, wideout Mike Wallace spoke candidly about possibly signing with a new team if the Steelers do not give him the franchise tag this offseason. Wallace is scheduled to be a restricted free agent and will at least receive a first-round tender offer from the Steelers, which means a team willing to part with a first-round pick can sign him to an offer sheet. When asked if he would consider signing with the 49ers or Patriots, two teams with late first-round picks and a need at receiver, Wallace said: "Most definitely. Those are the two true playoff-caliber teams who I think that the right person and right piece to those guys will put them over the top. All they need is one more piece to any one of those puzzles on both sides of those teams. So most definitely, they're Super Bowl contenders. If I were to consider going somewhere else, those would definitely be two teams ... I wouldn't want to go anywhere and leave the situation where I'm at where I have a great quarterback and a great organization and go somewhere where I don't feel like I can succeed."

Analysis: Wallace went on to drive two points home: He feels as though he deserves a wealthy contract, and that he wants to play for a winner. The Niners and Patriots qualify, as do 2011 playoff teams like the Texans, Ravens and Bengals, all of whom have late first-round picks and an interest in improving their receiving corps while weakening the Steelers. Not many restricted free agents change teams, but the circumstances in Pittsburgh favor Wallace because the Steelers don't have a lot of cap room to allot to Wallace. Fantasy owners have come to rely on Wallace as a low-end No. 1 option but keep in mind that if he does sign a long-term deal, he will not be in a contract year in 2012, which is what he would be if he were franchised or signed to a one-year tender offer by the Steelers. It's going to get interesting starting around March 5.

No tag expected for Stevie
Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
2/22/2012

News: The Bills and wide receiver Steve Johnson are "far apart" on a contract extension and might be allowed to test free agency. The Buffalo News claims a league source told them that Johnson is not expected to receive the franchise tag. Meetings between Johnson's representatives and the Bills are scheduled for during the NFL Combine.

Analysis: Johnson just made it to 1,004 yards in 2011 with seven touchdowns, so he proved that his smashing 2010 campaign wasn't a fluke while also proving that he's not an elite NFL receiver. There could be some risk in drafting Johnson this summer in that he'll get a nice contract extension and might only be as good as he was this past season. Treat him like a No. 2 Fantasy wideout but not one worth reaching for in drafts this summer. Expect him to be taken between Rounds 5 and 7.

Finley gets two-year deal
Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
1:01 AM

News: Green Bay signed tight end Jermichael Finley to a two-year deal on Wednesday, reportedly worth around $15 million. Finley posted career-best numbers in 2011, catching 55 passes for 767 yards. He also caught eight touchdowns from Aaron Rodgers.

Analysis: Finley did have three scores in one game last year, but the fact he's one of Rodger's favorite targets is a good sign. Only four times in 2011 did he have 10 or more Fantasy points in a game. Finley is an attractive No. 1 tight end who can be had between Rounds 5 and 6 in drafts this summer.

Sounds like CedBen's done in Cincy
Cedric Benson, RB, CIN
2/22/2012

News: Cedric Benson appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio Tuesday night and expressed his unhappiness with where he stands with the Bengals. The running back is slated to be a free agent but told the station he has not heard from his team yet this offseason about returning. This comes on the heels of offensive coordinator Jay Gruden saying that he'd "like to have all our guys back." Benson is miffed not only with the team's silence but also with how their offense, under Gruden, worked in 2011. "I just think we didn't stick with what the offense was built on," Benson said. "Since I've been there the past four years we've ran the football to try and win games. Even when we had Carson (Palmer) and Chad (Ochocinco), we still kept a strong identity in the run game. I just feel we got away from it. We didn't let that part of the offense grow the way it could have."

Analysis: Someone should tell Benson that the reason why the offense changed gears in 2011 was because of great young talents A.J. Green and Andy Dalton, not to mention a decline in production from Benson himself. Benson's carries dipped under 300 for the first time in three seasons while his rushing yardage fell for the third consecutive season. He also caught just 15 passes for 82 yards over the course of the year, a notable drop-off from 2010. Benson scored six touchdowns but only once in the Bengals' final five regular-season games (he also scored once in the Bengals' first five regular-season games). We suspect Benson, who will turn 30, is done in Cincinnati, which means he might wind up elsewhere as a secondary back. Don't expect much from him in 2012; think middle- to late-round pick if that happens.

Freeman: Ward might still retire
Hines Ward, WR, PIT
2/22/2012

News: Despite publicly stating that he has no plans to retire, Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is still considering the option according to CBSSports.com NFL Insider Mike Freeman. Ward, who pleaded guilty Wednesday to reckless driving and no contest to a charge of failing to maintain lane as part of a plea deal in Georgia, has said he's willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Steelers and has expressed an interest in continuing his career.

Analysis: The Steelers have yet to make a decision on Ward but if they cut him loose it might be hard for the veteran to find a new team much less a prominent role in an offense.

Battle ready for free agency
Jackie Battle, RB, KC
2/22/2012

News: Chiefs RB Jackie Battle becomes a free agent in March and he’s looking forward to testing the waters. "They (Chiefs) said they wanted me back, but I was going to just see what my options were before I made that decision," Battle said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "I don't know what their strategy is, but I'm going to go out there and look around a little bit."

Analysis: Battle had taken over as Kansas City's primary running back after All-Pro Jamaal Charles went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. Battle ran for 597 yards and two touchdowns this season but didn't make a good impression while doing it. He is likely to land a backup role to Charles next season if he remains with the Chiefs. Fantasy owners should bother with him.

Jennings: Flynn will be 'outstanding'
Matt Flynn, QB, GB
2/22/2012

News: Packers receiver Greg Jennings didn't catch many passes from Matt Flynn over their time together in Green Bay but knows he'll be a good quarterback when given the opportunity. Flynn is expected to sign with a new team this offseason and at least have the chance to compete for a starting job. "Matt's going to be an outstanding quarterback in this league," Jennings told USA Today. "He's gotten a lot of attention because of his output in the games he's had. It goes deeper than that. The way he's prepared himself. The way he's handled the situation of being the backup wasn't typical. He approached every game as I saw Aaron do: As a starter. As if Aaron was not going to play and he was going to lead us to a win. What everyone saw in that Detroit game was a guy who prepared himself physically and mentally as though he was a starter."

Analysis: Flynn hasn't played much while Aaron Rodgers has shined, but when he has played he's been nothing short of fantastic: In his last two starts vs. the Lions this year and at the Patriots in 2010 he totaled nine touchdowns, 731 passing yards and two interceptions. Smart money is on Flynn landing in Miami with former offensive coordinator Joe Philbin now serving as head coach; if that happens then he'll be worth drafting late as a No. 2 Fantasy QB.

Shurmur: We can win with Colt
Browns, TQB CLE,
2/22/2012

News: Browns coach Pat Shurmur told the News-Herald of Northern Ohio that he has not given up on quarterback Colt McCoy. "I think it's fair to say (McCoy) has some things he has to improve on," Shurmur said. "They're quantifiable, whether it's footwork, a better feel for the progressions, a better feel for the targets he's throwing to. I think all that is refined when you have an offseason (program) to help. ... I think he can be very good if he plays at a high level like I think he can and makes the improvements he can to help us put the ball in the end zone [to] win football games. I'm expecting that he will. The thing that's encouraging to me is he a guy you know is going to work at it."

Analysis: We don't buy it. McCoy was essentially handed the starting job with the Browns last year and completed 265 of 463 passes for 2733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 starts. With the Browns getting the chance to improve at quarterback this offseason, we think McCoy might wind up as the backup in Cleveland. If that happens, then it makes sense that Shurmur speaks glowingly about his passer. We'll see what happens, but McCoy shouldn't be on your Fantasy radar unless in deep leagues that start multiple quarterbacks.

Cowboys to part ways with two LBs?
Bradie James, ILB, DAL
2/22/2012

News: Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones hinted that linebackers Keith Brooking and Bradie James might be done with the team. "Bradie and Brooking are two of the best leaders, personalities I have ever had the pleasure of being around," he said Tuesday according to the Dallas Morning News. "They're great guys. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. That's what we've got to decide. But no one respects those guys more than we do, our family does, than the Cowboys do. Obviously when you make a decision to continue or discontinue, it is a big one."

Analysis: Both James and Brooking admitted before the end of last season that they figured their time with the Cowboys was up. Both had 50 or fewer total tackles last season and are likely going to get phased out because of their age and declining skills.

Clausen a cap casualty in Carolina?
Jimmy Clausen, QB, CAR
2/22/2012

News: The Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers might waive QB Jimmy Clausen to save just over $900,000 in salary cap space. Clausen has been replaced by Cam Newton as the starting quarterback in Carolina.

Analysis: Clausen didn't play at all in 2011 and has dim prospects for 2012.

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