Thursday January 12, 2012 - 11:26 AM

Offseason Extra: Our first mock draft of 2012

By Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
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Question: Is it ever too early to do a mock draft?

Answer: Never!

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With the playoffs in full swing and Super Bowl XLVI still several weeks away and free agency and the draft several months away, we can't help ourselves. We drafted our first 12-team standard mock league with the intent to get a first-hand look on what a draft might look like this summer.

As always, we ask you to share your thoughts. Take advantage of our Fantasy Football Twitter feed (@CBSFantasyFB) and post your comments there or share your thoughts on our Fantasy Football Facebook page.

In this league, all touchdowns are worth six points, and we award one point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving and one point for every 25 yards passing. We feature a starting lineup of QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, TE, K, DST and a FLEX (RB/WR/TE). There will also be five reserve spots for a 14-round draft. This lineup reflects our CBSSports.com free Fantasy Football game.

Our draft order is as follows:

Pick	Owner	Pick	Owner
1	Adam Moore, Fantasy Writer	7	Jamey Eisenberg, Senior Fantasy Writer
2	Michael Hurcomb, Editor	8	Dave Richard, Senior Fantasy Writer
3	Kevin Goodwin, Fantasy Writer	9	Ed Gauna, Fantasy Writer
4	Jeff Tobin, Associate Managing Editor	10	Al Melchior, Data Analyst
5	Jeff Lippman, Fantasy Writer	11	Scott White, Senior Fantasy Writer
6	Peter Madden, Editorial Director, Fantasy Sports	12	Bill Passonno, Fantasy Writer

Editor's Note: Our Dave Richard shares his take on every round and every team post draft.

Round by Round
Round 1
Pick	Owner	Player
1	Moore	Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
2	Hurcomb	Arian Foster, RB, HOU
3	Goodwin	Ray Rice, RB, BAL
4	Tobin	Drew Brees, QB, NO
5	Lippman	LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
6	Madden	Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
7	Eisenberg	Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
8	Richard	Matt Forte, RB, CHI
9	Gauna	Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
10	Melchior	Michael Turner, RB, ATL
11	White	Tom Brady, QB, NE
12	Passonno	Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
The debate over which position should be taken in Round 1 will go on all summer long and ultimately vary from league to league and owner to owner. Some leagues it will be Rodgers, others it will be a running back. As for the back of Round 1, seeing Chris Johnson taken in spite of his awful 2011 campaign is something that might not last come August.
Round 2
Pick	Owner	Player
13	Passonno	Roddy White, WR, ATL
14	White	Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
15	Melchior	Wes Welker, WR, NE
16	Gauna	Cam Newton, QB, CAR
17	Richard	Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
18	Eisenberg	Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
19	Madden	Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
20	Lippman	Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
21	Tobin	Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
22	Goodwin	Greg Jennings, WR, GB
23	Hurcomb	Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
24	Moore	Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
We have never seen a Round 2 with this much diversity. Gronkowski taken this early might be an overreaction to his record-setting 2011, but when you consider his production over two seasons, he's a huge asset given the options at tight end. Peterson and Charles are locks to be reached for between 20th and 30th overall in every draft as owners hope they come back from their torn ACLs without issue.
Round 3
Pick	Owner	Player
25	Moore	Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
26	Hurcomb	DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
27	Goodwin	Steven Jackson, RB, STL
28	Tobin	Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
29	Lippman	Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
30	Madden	Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
31	Eisenberg	Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
32	Richard	Michael Bush, RB, OAK
33	Gauna	Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
34	Melchior	Frank Gore, RB, SF
35	White	A.J. Green, WR, CIN
36	Passonno	Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
This was fascinating -- no quarterbacks were taken and there was an even split between receivers/tight ends and running backs. The decision most owners made here was to take either the best available running back or land a stud wide receiver. This could clinch the argument for taking running backs early as you can still land at least one stud receiver after the initial (and only) run on reliable running backs. Don't count on quarterbacks getting skipped in Round 3 regularly.
Round 4
Pick	Owner	Player
37	Passonno	Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA
38	White	Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
39	Melchior	Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
40	Gauna	Darren Sproles, RB, NO
41	Richard	Marques Colston, WR, NO
42	Eisenberg	Roy Helu, RB, WAS
43	Madden	Beanie Wells, RB, ARI
44	Lippman	Michael Vick, QB, PHI
45	Tobin	LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB
46	Goodwin	Peyton Manning, QB, IND
47	Hurcomb	Julio Jones, WR, ATL
48	Moore	Vincent Jackson, WR, SD
Can't argue with some of the picks here -- Bush, Sproles and pretty much every wide receiver taken can be viewed as a "safe" choice, which is typical of Round 4. Some risky picks here: Helu, Wells, Blount and both quarterbacks including Peyton Manning. Obviously it's early in the offseason and we don't know if or where he'll be playing, but for now it's probably safe to expect Manning to land between 40th and 50th overall in drafts. Running backs started to get ugly here.
Round 5
Pick	Owner	Player
49	Moore	Willis McGahee, RB, DEN
50	Hurcomb	Eli Manning, QB, NYG
51	Goodwin	Miles Austin, WR, DAL
52	Tobin	Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
53	Lippman	Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
54	Madden	Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA
55	Eisenberg	Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
56	Richard	Steve Smith, WR, CAR
57	Gauna	Antonio Gates, TE, SD
58	Melchior	Tony Romo, QB, DAL
59	White	Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
60	Passonno	Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT
Plenty of safe picks with lots of value, but one pick shines above them all: Romo at 58th overall. With an offense consistently in position to throw 500-plus times a season and plenty of targets surrounding him, the pick by Melchior was among the best in the draft, especially considering that a guy who didn't throw a pass at all in 2011 went 12 picks earlier. Save for a quick recovery, expect Mendenhall to settle around late Round 5/early Round 6 this summer.
Round 6
Pick	Owner	Player
61	Passonno	Philip Rivers, QB, SD
62	White	Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
63	Melchior	DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
64	Gauna	Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
65	Richard	Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
66	Eisenberg	Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
67	Madden	Brandon Lloyd, WR, STL
68	Lippman	DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
69	Tobin	Jason Witten, TE, DAL
70	Goodwin	Jahvid Best, RB, DET
71	Hurcomb	Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
72	Moore	C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
If the pick of Romo in Round 5 was excellent, then Rivers in Round 6 is better, underscoring the depth at quarterback in 2012. A lot of interesting names otherwise: Hernandez could be a gem if he can stay healthy; the same goes for Britt. Lloyd is expected to find greener pastures; Best says he'll play and would be a higher pick if he didn't have the concussion issues. Floyd -- entering a contract year -- might be the Chargers best receiver if Vincent Jackson leaves.
Round 7
Pick	Owner	Player
73	Moore	Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
74	Hurcomb	Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
75	Goodwin	Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
76	Tobin	Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
77	Lippman	Mark Ingram, RB, NO
78	Madden	Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
79	Eisenberg	Ben Tate, RB, HOU
80	Richard	Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
81	Gauna	Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
82	Melchior	Vernon Davis, TE, SF
83	White	Antonio Brown, WR, PIT
84	Passonno	Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
How about three players who totaled over 1,000 yards each available between 75th and 85th overall? Johnson and Brown are tremendous values while Tate is an obvious high-upside pick. Schaub and Big Ben continue the parade of value-choice quarterbacks while our owners began taking some risks with Thomas, Ingram, Redman and Hardesty.
Round 8
Pick	Owner	Player
85	Passonno	Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
86	White	Stevan Ridley, RB, NE
87	Melchior	Cedric Benson, RB, CIN
88	Gauna	Santana Moss, WR, WAS
89	Richard	Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
90	Eisenberg	Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
91	Madden	Tim Tebow, QB, DEN
92	Lippman	Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
93	Tobin	Mike Tolbert, RB, SD
94	Goodwin	Mario Manningham, WR, NYG
95	Hurcomb	Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG
96	Moore	Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE
Round 8 was Tebow Time, and it's a safe bet that he'll be taken as a high-end No. 2 quarterback in every single draft. Round 8 is the right place for him. Several veterans settled into this round -- not too soon to be considered risky but not too late to be considered steals. This might be the only mock draft this offseason where Crabtree (72 catches, 874 yards, four touchdowns) lasts this long. Benson's slide is related to speculation that he's lost a step and won't be a 20-touch running back in 2012.
Round 9
Pick	Owner	Player
97	Moore	Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
98	Hurcomb	Brent Celek, TE, PHI
99	Goodwin	Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
100	Tobin	Mike Williams, WR, TB
101	Lippman	Tim Hightower, RB, WAS
102	Madden	Laurent Robinson, WR, DAL
103	Eisenberg	Torrey Smith, WR, BAL
104	Richard	Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
105	Gauna	Felix Jones, RB, DAL
106	Melchior	Pierre Garcon, WR, IND
107	White	Kevin Smith, RB, DET
108	Passonno	Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
I absolutely love the value choices in this round compared to last round. In fact, you might be better served taking most of these guys a round sooner and players from the previous group one round later. Obvious upside picks in Robinson, Torrey Smith and Leshoure. Solid value choices in Rice, Celek, Gonzalez (wow!) and Jones. Hightower is another back coming off of a torn ACL who could find himself in a position to put up some stats, though his upside is limited because he himself might be limited.
Round 10
Pick	Owner	Player
109	Passonno	Kendall Hunter, RB, SF
110	White	Fred Davis, TE, WAS
111	Melchior	Joe Flacco, QB, BAL
112	Gauna	Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN
113	Richard	Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
114	Eisenberg	Denarius Moore, WR, OAK
115	Madden	Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
116	Lippman	Nate Washington, WR, TEN
117	Tobin	Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
118	Goodwin	BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE
119	Hurcomb	Titus Young, WR, DET
120	Moore	Lance Moore, WR, NO
Five guys stand out here as potential movers by this summer: Ryan Williams (yet another rusher coming back from injury), Titus Young, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and both Raiders receivers. If anything, all five of these guys could prove to be ridiculous steals. Fred Davis is an excellent value pick up, especially considering that he could be the main tight end in Washington.
Round 11
Pick	Owner	Player
121	Moore	Owen Daniels, TE, HOU
122	Hurcomb	Ravens, DST
123	Goodwin	Dallas Clark, TE, IND
124	Tobin	Jabar Gaffney, WR, WAS
125	Lippman	Carson Palmer, QB, OAK
126	Madden	Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
127	Eisenberg	Evan Royster, RB, WAS
128	Richard	Jared Cook, TE, TEN
129	Gauna	Austin Collie, WR, IND
130	Melchior	Kellen Winslow, TE, TB
131	White	Donald Brown, RB, IND
132	Passonno	James Starks, RB, GB
More value choices as teams continue to add quality depth. The first DST, Baltimore, was taken here, which is about right for an elite DST. Note that five tight ends were selected as teams that didn't reach for one early settled on one, and that they all have potential to be capable starters. Palmer's selection signals the run on backup quarterbacks which continues into the next round.
Round 12
Pick	Owner	Player
133	Passonno	Steelers, DST
134	White	49ers, DST
135	Melchior	Bears, DST
136	Gauna	Packers, DST
137	Richard	Matt Flynn, QB, GB
138	Eisenberg	Bernard Scott, RB, CIN
139	Madden	Danny Amendola, WR, STL
140	Lippman	Cowboys, DST
141	Tobin	Andy Dalton, QB, CIN
142	Goodwin	Jets, DST
143	Hurcomb	Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
144	Moore	Josh Freeman, QB, TB
In this draft, Round 12 was when the backup quarterbacks flew off the board, and it's no surprise that it happened before the final two rounds when owners typically pick up their kickers and DSTs. Count on this being the case in your drafts as the quarterback position is valuable and any owner who strikes gold with two passers can swing a hot deal fairly early on in their Fantasy seasons. Flynn, Dalton and Cutler are locks to be in every single backup quarterback run.
Round 13
Pick	Owner	Player
145	Moore	Eagles, DST
146	Hurcomb	Dustin Keller, TE, NYJ
147	Goodwin	Giants, DST
148	Tobin	Dolphins, DST
149	Lippman	Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK
150	Madden	Texans, DST
151	Eisenberg	Broncos, DST
152	Richard	Patriots, DST
153	Gauna	Mark Sanchez, QB, NYJ
154	Melchior	Danny Woodhead, RB, NE
155	White	Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, BUF
156	Passonno	Kevin Kolb, QB, ARI
Round 14
Pick	Owner	Player
157	Passonno	Mason Crosby, K, GB
158	White	Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
159	Melchior	Neil Rackers, K, HOU
160	Gauna	David Akers, K, SF
161	Richard	Garrett Hartley, K, NO
162	Eisenberg	Nate Kaeding, K, SD
163	Madden	Shaun Suisham, K, PIT
164	Lippman	Chris Cooley, TE, WAS
165	Tobin	Robbie Gould, K, CHI
166	Goodwin	Rob Bironas, K, TEN
167	Hurcomb	Dan Bailey, K, DAL
168	Moore	Matt Bryant, K, ATL

Team by Team
Moore
Rd.Pk	Player
1.1	Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
2.12	Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
3.1	Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
4.12	Vincent Jackson, WR, SD
5.1	Willis McGahee, RB, DEN
6.12	C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
7.1	Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
8.12	Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE
9.1	Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
10.12	Lance Moore, WR, NO
11.1	Owen Daniels, TE, HOU
12.12	Josh Freeman, QB, TB
13.1	Eagles DST
14.12	Matt Bryant, K, ATL
Check out the team formed by the owner who spent the top pick of the draft on Aaron Rodgers. There's no arguing Moore's receivers or tight ends but his running backs aren't as staunch as other teams. You'll have to decide if it's worth that price to draft the best quarterback in Fantasy. Then again, if draft averages suggest that two solid starting running backs can be taken in the swing picks at Rounds 2 and 3, then surely quality receivers can be found in Rounds 4 and 5 and a team's foundation can be built with confidence (example: Fred Jackson and Steven Jackson in 2/3, Vincent Jackson and Miles Austin in 4/5).
Melchior
Rd.Pk	Player
1.10	Michael Turner, RB, ATL
2.3	Wes Welker, WR, NE
3.10	Frank Gore, RB, SF
4.3	Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
5.10	Tony Romo, QB, DAL
6.3	DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
7.10	Vernon Davis, TE, SF
8.3	Cedric Benson, RB, CIN
9.10	Pierre Garcon, WR, IND
10.3	Joe Flacco, QB, BAL
11.10	Kellen Winslow, TE, TB
12.3	Bears DST
13.10	Danny Woodhead, RB, NE
14.3	Neil Rackers, K, HOU
Here's an example of a team that waited for a quarterback. In theory, the strategy was marvelous as Melchior was able to lock in two running backs and two stud receivers before getting his quarterback in Round 5. The picks he made at running back -- older players -- are suspect, but it doesn't change the successful results of his strategy. The catch: Will a stud passer like Romo be there in Round 5? Ultimately I think there's too much age on this team, but the receivers are pretty fantastic.
Passonno
Rd.Pk	Player
1.12	Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
2.1	Roddy White, WR, ATL
3.12	Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
4.1	Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA
5.12	Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT
6.1	Philip Rivers, QB, SD
7.12	Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
8.1	Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
9.12	Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
10.1	Kendall Hunter, RB, SF
11.12	James Starks, RB, GB
12.1	Steelers DST
13.12	Kevin Kolb, QB, ARI
14.1	Mason Crosby, K, GB
Passonno's team will hinge on his running backs, a common theme among several teams in our mock. Shonn Greene and Rashard Mendenhall seem like a great combination on paper but Greene's been a disappointment over the last two years and Mendenhall is no lock to start the season on time. The rest of the team is pretty good, and Passonno is yet another owner who corralled plenty of receivers for his cause. Rivers was a steal in Round 6 and Wayne could be one in Round 8.
Richard
Rd.Pk	Player
1.8	Matt Forte, RB, CHI
2.5	Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
3.8	Michael Bush, RB, OAK
4.5	Marques Colston, WR, NO
5.8	Steve Smith, WR, CAR
6.5	Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
7.8	Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
8.5	Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
9.8	Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
10.5	Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
11.8	Jared Cook, TE, TEN
12.5	Matt Flynn, QB, GB
13.8	Patriots DST
14.5	Garrett Hartley, K, NO
I went with Bush in Round 3 as I am banking on him landing a prominent role away from Oakland in 2012 (he's a free agent this offseason). Obviously if he stays with the Raiders then he doesn't belong anywhere near Round 3. As my usual M.O., I loaded up on running backs in an effort to cash in on them via trade. Hence my three receivers and one tight end, though I am fine with what I wound up with there. I also was forward-thinking on Flynn, who I expect to compete for a starting job somewhere other than Green Bay in 2012.
Gauna
Rd.Pk	Player
1.9	Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
2.4	Cam Newton, QB, CAR
3.9	Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
4.4	Darren Sproles, RB, NO
5.9	Antonio Gates, TE, SD
6.4	Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
7.9	Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
8.4	Santana Moss, WR, WAS
9.9	Felix Jones, RB, DAL
10.4	Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN
11.9	Austin Collie, WR, IND
12.4	Packers DST
13.9	Mark Sanchez, QB, NYJ
14.4	David Akers, K, SF
The first seven picks Gauna made have fantastic potential, but there's obviously some uncertainty. Can Lynch keep up his great play (and will he stay in Seattle)? Is Cam for real? What about Cruz? Will Britt and Moreno be healthy and can Hardesty, Jones and Collie stay healthy? There's risk with every pick you take in a draft but it seems like this team could fluctuate the most among all of the teams built in our mock.
Eisenberg
Rd.Pk	Player
1.7	Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
2.6	Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
3.7	Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
4.6	Roy Helu, RB, WAS
5.7	Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
6.6	Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
7.7	Ben Tate, RB, HOU
8.6	Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
9.7	Torrey Smith, WR, BAL
10.6	Denarius Moore, WR, OAK
11.7	Evan Royster, RB, WAS
12.6	Bernard Scott, RB, CIN
13.7	Broncos DST
14.6	Nate Kaeding, K, SD
Eisenberg's team followed the path of several others in that he built his starters at other positions before getting a quarterback. It worked well -- having Johnson, McFadden, Graham and Harvin along with Ryan makes for a dynamite roster. The running back depth has its perks; Gerhart might begin the season as the Vikings' primary back until Adrian Peterson gets healthy while Tate, Royster and Scott all could see their roles improve from backups. Eisenberg especially hit the gong with Smith and Moore in Rounds 9-10; chances are those receivers will drift higher as the season nears.
Lippman
Rd.Pk	Player
1.5	LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
2.8	Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
3.5	Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
4.8	Michael Vick, QB, PHI
5.5	Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
6.8	DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
7.5	Mark Ingram, RB, NO
8.8	Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
9.5	Tim Hightower, RB, WAS
10.8	Nate Washington, WR, TEN
11.5	Carson Palmer, QB, OAK
12.8	Cowboys DST
13.5	Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK
14.8	Chris Cooley, TE, WAS
You could argue either way that Gronkowski was worth the second-round pick as Lippman's team has plenty of productive players but serious questions at running back. Maybe Lippman might have been better served waiting on his quarterback like other owners did since he splurged on Gronk; going for McGahee or Blount might have been a better way to go in Round 4 followed by Philip Rivers in Round 5 and a receiver in Round 6 (Dez might have been there).
Tobin
Rd.Pk	Player
1.4	Drew Brees, QB, NO
2.9	Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
3.4	Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
4.9	LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB
5.4	Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
6.9	Jason Witten, TE, DAL
7.4	Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
8.9	Mike Tolbert, RB, SD
9.4	Mike Williams, WR, TB
10.9	Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
11.4	Jabar Gaffney, WR, WAS
12.9	Andy Dalton, QB, CIN
13.4	Dolphins DST
14.9	Robbie Gould, K, CHI
Going with Charles and Blount as his top two running backs could backfire on Tobin, but you can't argue with any of his other picks. He got great value in Tolbert, Williams, Thomas and Gaffney, and if Dalton can take a big step in 2012 he can deal him off for a running back. If assurances were made that Charles would be fine and that both he and Blount would see at least 15 touches per week, this team would be the best in our mock.
Goodwin
Rd.Pk	Player
1.3	Ray Rice, RB, BAL
2.10	Greg Jennings, WR, GB
3.3	Steven Jackson, RB, STL
4.10	Peyton Manning, QB, IND
5.3	Miles Austin, WR, DAL
6.10	Jahvid Best, RB, DET
7.3	Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
8.10	Mario Manningham, WR, NYG
9.3	Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
10.10	BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE
11.3	Dallas Clark, TE, IND
12.10	Jets DST
13.3	Giants DST
14.10	Rob Bironas, K, TEN
The best way to describe Goodwin's team is prepared: If Manning isn't ready, he has Schaub. If Gonzalez shuts it down for whatever reason, he's got Clark. He's got two DSTs. Maybe that cost him some potential sleeper picks, but at least Goodwin's depth cannot be questioned. And save for Peyton his first five picks were all solid.
Hurcomb
Rd.Pk	Player
1.2	Arian Foster, RB, HOU
2.11	Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
3.2	DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
4.11	Julio Jones, WR, ATL
5.2	Eli Manning, QB, NYG
6.11	Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
7.2	Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
8.11	Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG
9.2	Brent Celek, TE, PHI
10.11	Titus Young, WR, DET
11.2	Ravens DST
12.11	Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
13.2	Dustin Keller, TE, NYJ
14.11	Dan Bailey, K, DAL
Anytime you can pair Foster and Peterson together you're looking good but obviously Peterson fell to Hurcomb because of his knee. If AP can come back strong then his selection will be golden no matter where he's taken. It would have been better if Gerhart had fallen to him in Round 8 to lock up the Vikings backfield, but the depth he has with Murray and Jacobs should suffice. The downside to loading up at running back with his first three picks: His receivers are high-risk, high-reward and could be a nightmare for him to deal with.
Madden
Rd.Pk	Player
1.6	Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
2.7	Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
3.6	Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
4.7	Beanie Wells, RB, ARI
5.6	Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA
6.7	Brandon Lloyd, WR, STL
7.6	Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
8.7	Tim Tebow, QB, DEN
9.6	Laurent Robinson, WR, DAL
10.7	Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
11.6	Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
12.7	Danny Amendola, WR, STL
13.6	Texans DST
14.7	Shaun Suisham, K, PIT
Looks like Madden followed our strategy from 2011 and waited a while to draft two quarterbacks with mid-round picks. If Big Ben can stay healthy and/or if Tebow can keep up his magic, it'll be great for him. You can't argue with the number of running backs he got early and sleeper receivers he picked up after his first four rushers.
White
Rd.Pk	Player
1.11	Tom Brady, QB, NE
2.2	Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
3.11	A.J. Green, WR, CIN
4.2	Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
5.11	Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
6.2	Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
7.11	Antonio Brown, WR, PIT
8.2	Stevan Ridley, RB, NE
9.11	Kevin Smith, RB, DET
10.2	Fred Davis, TE, WAS
11.11	Donald Brown, RB, IND
12.2	49ers DST
13.11	Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, BUF
14.2	Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
White's running back depth is nice; if Mathews and Bush can pick up where they left off then he'll be in phenomenal shape. Note that White didn't reach for a rusher or receiver in Round 1, he "settled" for Brady knowing he could get a good talent coming back in Round 2. Don't be shocked to see Green hit Round 3 in your drafts; Hernandez and Brown might end up going a round higher than where White got them here. The pick of Davis in Round 10 is icing on the cake.

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