Forgot Log-in or  Password? |  Help  Not a member, Register Now!
Stream
Go to CBSSports.com
      
Fantasy Football Today
2011 Draft Prep Guide
Downloadable Draft Kit
Mock Drafts
Draft Analyzer
Player News
Stats
Players
Depth Charts
Roster Trends
Columns
Injury Report
Projections
Rankings
Red Zone Stats
Teams
Schedules
Scores
Standings
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Premium
Office Pool Manager
Playoff Challenge
Fantasy Baseball 360
2012 Draft Prep Guide
Downloadable Draft Kit
Mock Drafts
Player News
Stats
Players
Depth Charts
Roster Trends
Columns
Injury Report
Rankings
Projections
Teams
Schedules
Probable Pitchers
Scores
Standings
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Premium
Downloadable Draft Kit
Player News
Stats
Players
Columns
Injuries
Projections
Rankings
Teams
Schedules
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Downloadable Draft Kit
Player News
Stats
Players
Columns
Injury Report
Projections
Rankings
Teams
Schedules
Mock Drafts
Scores
Standings
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Premium
Downloadable Draft Kit
Player News
Stats
Players
Columns
Injury Report
Projections
Rankings
Teams
Schedules
Mock Drafts
Scores
Standings
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Premium
No Fantasy Teams Found
 
 

Jamey Eisenberg

Offseason Extra: 12-team, PPR mock draft

By | Senior Fantasy Writer


  •  

The NFL season is officially over now that the Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI. But since we're always looking ahead, we wanted to give you a mock draft to mull over heading into the offseason.

Follow us, Like us, Join us
Want more? Join the discussion on our Facebook page and Google+ and follow us on Twitter for additional insight while interacting with a community geared toward Fantasy Football.

We've already done a standard 12-team mock draft, so this time around we're looking at a 12-team, point-per-reception format. The idea is to focus on players who catch the ball since many Fantasy owners now prefer to play in PPR leagues because of the challenge and increased scoring.

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. Running backs, wide receivers and tight ends also earn one point for every reception. 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 Kevin Goodwin, Fantasy Writer 7 Peter Madden, Editorial Director, Fantasy Sports
2 J. Darin Darst, College Football Editor 8 Bill Passonno, Fantasy Writer
3 Al Melchior, Data Analyst 9 Jeff Tobin, Associate Managing Editor
4 Will Brinson, Senior NFL Blogger 10 Alex Riethmiller, VP, Communications
5 Jim Lanzone, President, CBS Interactive 11 Dave Richard, Senior Fantasy Writer
6 Adam Aizer, Podcast Host 12 Jamey Eisenberg, Senior Fantasy Writer

Editor's Note: Our Jamey Eisenberg shares his post-draft thoughts on each round and every roster.

Round by Round
Round 1
Pick Owner Player
1 Goodwin Arian Foster, RB, HOU
2 Darst Ray Rice, RB, BAL
3 Melchior LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
4 Brinson Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
5 Lanzone Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
6 Aizer Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
7 Madden Matt Forte, RB, CHI
8 Passonno Roddy White, WR, ATL
9 Tobin Drew Brees, QB, NO
10 Riethmiller Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
11 Richard Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
12 Eisenberg Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
The first round of a PPR draft is always interesting to see when the first receiver and quarterback will be drafted. Johnson at No. 5 is a solid choice after the Top 4 running backs, and Rodgers at No. 6 is safe, especially with passing touchdowns still six points. The riskiest selection might be Andre Johnson at No. 12 instead of a running back like Chris Johnson or Jamaal Charles.
Round 2
Pick Owner Player
1 Eisenberg Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
2 Richard Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
3 Riethmiller Wes Welker, WR, NE
4 Tobin Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5 Passonno Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
6 Madden Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
7 Aizer Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
8 Lanzone Cam Newton, QB, CAR
9 Brinson Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
10 Melchior Greg Jennings, WR, GB
11 Darst Tom Brady, QB, NE
12 Goodwin Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
The tight end run was expected here, but this might be a little early. But if you want to lock up Gronkowski and Graham, especially in this format, you have to take them in Round 2. Seeing Newton taken ahead of Brady is a little surprising, and this is too early for Peterson coming off his knee injury in Week 16.
Round 3
Pick Owner Player
1 Goodwin Frank Gore, RB, SF
2 Darst Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
3 Melchior Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
4 Brinson Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
5 Lanzone DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
6 Aizer Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
7 Madden Michael Vick, QB, PHI
8 Passonno Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA
9 Tobin A.J. Green, WR, CIN
10 Riethmiller Steven Jackson, RB, STL
11 Richard Darren Sproles, RB, NO
12 Eisenberg Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
Johnson should be a steal here, especially going after Gore. Murray could also prove to be tremendous value and Sproles was an excellent selection since he should remain productive in 2012. This is the round where you will likely see owners draft Nelson and Cruz with the hope they replicate their performances from this year in 2012.
Round 4
Pick Owner Player
1 Eisenberg Michael Turner, RB, ATL
2 Richard Miles Austin, WR, DAL
3 Riethmiller Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
4 Tobin Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
5 Passonno Marques Colston, WR, NO
6 Madden Julio Jones, WR, ATL
7 Aizer Roy Helu, RB, WAS
8 Lanzone Antonio Gates, TE, SD
9 Brinson Steve Smith, WR, CAR
10 Melchior Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
11 Darst Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
12 Goodwin Vincent Jackson, WR, SD
The running back drop-off started here with Turner, who is on the decline and not a good selection in PPR leagues. Jackson and Bush could also struggle and Helu has plenty of question marks even if he presents the most upside. Gates is selected ahead of Aaron Hernandez, which could be risky, and the run on No. 2 receivers started here.
Round 5
Pick Owner Player
1 Goodwin Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
2 Darst Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
3 Melchior Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
4 Brinson Vernon Davis, TE, SF
5 Lanzone Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
6 Aizer C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
7 Madden DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
8 Passonno Jason Witten, TE, DAL
9 Tobin Michael Bush, RB, OAK
10 Riethmiller Philip Rivers, QB, SD
11 Richard Eli Manning, QB, NYG
12 Eisenberg Beanie Wells, RB, ARI
Spiller was drafted too early here since he will split time with Jackson next season, and Bush could be a steal in this round if he leaves the Raiders as a free agent. The run on quarterbacks started with Rivers, Manning and then Romo in Round 6, and this will be when owners lock up their starter with the second-tier of passers.
Round 6
Pick Owner Player
1 Eisenberg Tony Romo, QB, DAL
2 Richard Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
3 Riethmiller LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB
4 Tobin Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
5 Passonno DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
6 Madden Mario Manningham, WR, NYG
7 Aizer Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
8 Lanzone Willis McGahee, RB, DEN
9 Brinson Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
10 Melchior Brandon Lloyd, WR, STL
11 Darst Antonio Brown, WR, PIT
12 Goodwin Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
Three receivers drafted here -- Manningham, Wayne and Lloyd -- are free agents this offseason, and where they land will determine their value. If all three stay with their current teams then Lloyd has the most upside unless Peyton Manning returns at 100 percent, which would help Wayne. We would not like Wayne much if Andrew Luck is his starting quarterback.
Round 7
Pick Owner Player
1 Goodwin Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
2 Darst Fred Davis, TE, WAS
3 Melchior Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
4 Brinson Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
5 Lanzone Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT
6 Aizer Brent Celek, TE, PHI
7 Madden Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
8 Passonno Jahvid Best, RB, DET
9 Tobin Torrey Smith, WR, BAL
10 Riethmiller Dallas Clark, TE, IND
11 Richard Laurent Robinson, WR, DAL
12 Eisenberg Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
Britt could prove to be the best player selected in this round if he returns at 100 percent following his torn ACL early this season. Mendenhall is a good value pick here, but he also has to prove his health following a torn ACL in Week 17. Two of my favorite sleepers were drafted in this round in Smith and Leshoure, who should be Detroit's starting running back in 2012.
Round 8
Pick Owner Player
1 Eisenberg Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
2 Richard Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
3 Riethmiller Mike Williams, WR, TB
4 Tobin Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE
5 Passonno Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
6 Madden Mike Tolbert, RB, SD
7 Aizer Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
8 Lanzone Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
9 Brinson Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
10 Melchior Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
11 Darst Denarius Moore, WR, OAK
12 Goodwin Ben Tate, RB, HOU
More sleepers went off the board in this round with Redman, Gerhart and Moore. Redman and Gerhart should open the season as starters in Pittsburgh and Minnesota, respectively, with Mendenhall and Peterson coming off injuries. And Moore should be the No. 1 option in Oakland's passing game. Stewart could also be a steal here, and Rice should rebound in 2012.
Round 9
Pick Owner Player
1 Goodwin Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
2 Darst Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA
3 Melchior Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
4 Brinson Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
5 Lanzone Tim Tebow, QB, DEN
6 Aizer Santana Moss, WR, WAS
7 Madden Mark Ingram, RB, NO
8 Passonno Cedric Benson, RB, CIN
9 Tobin Titus Young, WR, DET
10 Riethmiller Peyton Manning, QB, IND
11 Richard Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
12 Eisenberg Lance Moore, WR, NO
Boldin is going to fall in drafts in 2012 and he should be drafted behind Smith. But he's still a steal in this round, and his value is higher in PPR formats. Young is another sleeper, and he should emerge as the starter opposite Calvin Johnson. The steal of this round could be Peyton Manning if he returns at 100 percent.
Round 10
Pick Owner Player
1 Eisenberg Stevan Ridley, RB, NE
2 Richard BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE
3 Riethmiller James Starks, RB, GB
4 Tobin Jabar Gaffney, WR, WAS
5 Passonno Greg Little, WR, CLE
6 Madden Felix Jones, RB, DAL
7 Aizer Evan Royster, RB, WAS
8 Lanzone DST 49ers
9 Brinson Sam Bradford, QB, STL
10 Melchior Andy Dalton, QB, CIN
11 Darst Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
12 Goodwin Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG
Ridley was drafted ahead of Green-Ellis, which is the right move to make even if Green-Ellis returns to New England as a free agent. Green-Ellis is a step above a goal-line back, and Ridley has much more upside. Hardesty was an excellent pick in this round since he could open as Cleveland's starter with Peyton Hillis a free agent.
Round 11
Pick Owner Player
1 Goodwin Pierre Garcon, WR, IND
2 Darst Carson Palmer, QB, OAK
3 Melchior Danny Amendola, WR, STL
4 Brinson Nate Washington, WR, TEN
5 Lanzone Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA
6 Aizer Nate Burleson, WR, DET
7 Madden Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
8 Passonno Preston Parker, WR, TB
9 Tobin Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
10 Riethmiller DST Steelers
11 Richard Donald Brown, RB, IND
12 Eisenberg Jon Baldwin, WR, KC
There were great value picks in this round with Amendola, who should be a standout PPR option if he returns at 100 percent following an elbow injury, and Brown, who could open the season as the starter for the Colts. Gresham is also a potential Top 12 tight end, and Washington was the best receiver for the Titans this season with Britt out.
Round 12
Pick Owner Player
1 Eisenberg Vincent Brown, WR, SD
2 Richard Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
3 Riethmiller Mike Thomas, WR, JAC
4 Tobin Ryan Grant, RB, GB
5 Passonno Kendall Hunter, RB, SF
6 Madden Joe Flacco, QB, BAL
7 Aizer Leonard Hankerson, WR, WAS
8 Lanzone David Akers, K, SF
9 Brinson Davone Bess, WR, MIA
10 Melchior DST Ravens
11 Darst DST Jets
12 Goodwin DST Giants
Brown and Jon Baldwin are two receivers to put on your radar. Brown could emerge as a go-to target for Rivers with Vincent Jackson possibly gone as a free agent, and Baldwin should start for the Chiefs. If Dwayne Bowe leaves as a free agent then Baldwin's value will rise dramatically. Mike Thomas should not be drafted in any leagues.
Round 13
Pick Owner Player
1 Goodwin Alex Smith, QB, SF
2 Darst Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL
3 Melchior Joseph Addai, RB, IND
4 Brinson DST Lions
5 Lanzone David Nelson, WR, BUF
6 Aizer DST Texans
7 Madden DST Packers
8 Passonno DST Eagles
9 Tobin DST Seahawks
10 Riethmiller Matt Cassel, QB, KC
11 Richard Garrett Hartley, K, NO
12 Eisenberg Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK
Rodgers is a sneaky pick in a PPR league because Turner could be headed for a down year, and he already is a terrible receiver. If Turner doesn't score double digits in touchdowns then he will kill owners in this format, and Rodgers could see an increase in playing time. Addai's Fantasy value is on the decline, but he is still worth drafting this late in all leagues.
Round 14
Pick Owner Player
1 Eisenberg DST Bears
2 Richard DST Patriots
3 Riethmiller Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
4 Tobin Mason Crosby, K, GB
5 Passonno Rob Bironas, K, TEN
6 Madden Dan Bailey, K, DAL
7 Aizer Matt Bryant, K, ATL
8 Lanzone Eric Decker, WR, DEN
9 Brinson Neil Rackers, K, HOU
10 Melchior Nate Kaeding, K, SD
11 Darst Alex Henery, K, PHI
12 Goodwin Jason Hanson, K, DET
This is the round in all leagues when kickers should be drafted. Decker was taken in this round, and he is another receiver worth taking a flier on late in drafts because he should remain a starter for the Broncos. Even though he struggled to close the season and Demaryius Thomas blew up, Decker will still have his moments as a potential starter for Fantasy owners.
 
Team by Team
Adam Aizer
Rd.Pk Player
1.6 Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
2.7 Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
3.6 Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
4.7 Roy Helu, RB, WAS
5.6 C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
6.7 Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
7.6 Brent Celek, TE, PHI
8.7 Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
9.6 Santana Moss, WR, WAS
10.7 Evan Royster, RB, WAS
11.6 Nate Burleson, WR, DET
12.7 Leonard Hankerson, WR, WAS
13.6 DST Texans
14.7 Matt Bryant, K, ATL
This team will be watching the Redskins closely with Helu, Royster, Hankerson and Moss. Running back will be a concern for this team, especially if Helu doesn't pan out, but Redman could prove to be his best selection in Round 8. If Wayne lands with a stud quarterback then this team has the best receiving corps in the league, which is nice to have in a PPR format.
Will Brinson
Rd.Pk Player
1.4 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
2.9 Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
3.4 Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
4.9 Steve Smith, WR, CAR
5.4 Vernon Davis, TE, SF
6.9 Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
7.4 Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
8.9 Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
9.4 Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
10.9 Sam Bradford, QB, STL
11.4 Nate Washington, WR, TEN
12.9 Davone Bess, WR, MIA
13.4 DST Lions
14.9 Neil Rackers, K, HOU
This owner did a nice job at running back with Jones-Drew, Johnson and the Vikings tandem. Even if Peterson is slow in his recovery he still has Gerhart as a potential flex option. Britt could be the difference maker for this team, which has stars at every position. Waiting on a quarterback paid off since he got Roethlisberger in Round 6.
J. Darin Darst
Rd.Pk Player
1.2 Ray Rice, RB, BAL
2.11 Tom Brady, QB, NE
3.2 Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
4.11 Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
5.2 Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
6.11 Antonio Brown, WR, PIT
7.2 Fred Davis, TE, WAS
8.11 Denarius Moore, WR, OAK
9.2 Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA
10.11 Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
11.2 Carson Palmer, QB, OAK
12.11 DST Jets
13.2 Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL
14.11 Alex Henery, K, PHI
This team has some risky players with plenty of upside in Davis, Hardesty and Thomas. If any of them pan out to be stars then this owner will have a slew of options at the flex position. He also could trade Palmer if he turns out to be a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback since he won't need him with Brady as his starter.
Jamey Eisenberg
Rd.Pk Player
1.12 Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
2.1 Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
3.12 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
4.1 Michael Turner, RB, ATL
5.12 Beanie Wells, RB, ARI
6.1 Tony Romo, QB, DAL
7.12 Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
8.1 Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
9.12 Lance Moore, WR, NO
10.1 Stevan Ridley, RB, NE
11.12 Jon Baldwin, WR, KC
12.1 Vincent Brown, WR, SD
13.12 Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK
14.1 DST Bears
I wanted to see what my team would look like taking Gronkowski early in Round 2, and I'm not thrilled. My running back corps is good but not great, especially in a PPR format, and I have to hope Rice pans out as a rebound candidate. I love my reserves in Leshoure, Ridley, Baldwin and Brown because they have plenty of potential, but if they all falter my team will struggle.
Kevin Goodwin
Rd.Pk Player
1.1 Arian Foster, RB, HOU
2.12 Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
3.1 Frank Gore, RB, SF
4.12 Vincent Jackson, WR, SD
5.1 Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
6.12 Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
7.1 Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
8.12 Ben Tate, RB, HOU
9.1 Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
10.12 Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG
11.1 Pierre Garcon, WR, IND
12.12 DST Giants
13.1 Alex Smith, QB, SF
14.12 Jason Hanson, K, DET
This team has a great starting lineup with Ryan, Foster and Gore, Jackson and Wallace and Bowe as a flex. If Gonzalez struggles at tight end -- which could happen at this point in his career -- he also has Pettigrew as a replacement or even as a flex option. Garcon also has plenty of upside depending on where he plays, and this team should be competitive in 2012.
Jim Lanzone
Rd.Pk Player
1.5 Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
2.8 Cam Newton, QB, CAR
3.5 DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
4.8 Antonio Gates, TE, SD
5.5 Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
6.8 Willis McGahee, RB, DEN
7.5 Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT
8.8 Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
9.5 Tim Tebow, QB, DEN
10.8 DST 49ers
11.5 Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA
12.8 David Akers, K, SF
13.5 David Nelson, WR, BUF
14.8 Eric Decker, WR, DEN
Running back is the biggest hole with Murray, McGahee and Mendenhall the only ones on the roster. And with Mendenhall's status uncertain, this owner could be forced to trade a stud like Newton, Johnson, Maclin or Gates for running back help. Maclin would make the most sense since he has Crabtree on the bench and receivers with upside in Baldwin and Decker.
Peter Madden
Rd.Pk Player
1.7 Matt Forte, RB, CHI
2.6 Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
3.7 Michael Vick, QB, PHI
4.6 Julio Jones, WR, ATL
5.7 DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
6.6 Mario Manningham, WR, NYG
7.7 Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
8.6 Mike Tolbert, RB, SD
9.7 Mark Ingram, RB, NO
10.6 Felix Jones, RB, DAL
11.7 Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
12.6 Joe Flacco, QB, BAL
13.7 DST Packers
14.6 Dan Bailey, K, DAL
If Forte and McFadden return to health as expected then this running back duo will be hard to compete with, but we know McFadden has trouble staying on the field. Similarly, if Jackson plays like the stud receiver he's capable of, this receiving corps should be legit, but we have to find out where Jackson is playing. The same goes for Manningham, who is also a free agent.
Al Melchior
Rd.Pk Player
1.3 LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
2.10 Greg Jennings, WR, GB
3.3 Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
4.10 Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
5.3 Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
6.10 Brandon Lloyd, WR, STL
7.3 Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
8.10 Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
9.3 Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
10.10 Andy Dalton, QB, CIN
11.3 Danny Amendola, WR, STL
12.10 DST Ravens
13.3 Joseph Addai, RB, IND
14.10 Nate Kaeding, K, SD
This team has the potential to be great depending on where Lloyd and Johnson end up as free agents, but this owner has quality reserves in Boldin and Amendola in case they falter. Bush also has to produce like he did this season, which will be tough, but it's nice to have studs like Stafford, McCoy and Hernandez to fall back on to help carry your team.
Bill Passonno
Rd.Pk Player
1.8 Roddy White, WR, ATL
2.5 Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
3.8 Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA
4.5 Marques Colston, WR, NO
5.8 Jason Witten, TE, DAL
6.5 DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
7.8 Jahvid Best, RB, DET
8.5 Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
9.8 Cedric Benson, RB, CIN
10.5 Greg Little, WR, CLE
11.8 Preston Parker, WR, TB
12.5 Kendall Hunter, RB, SF
13.8 DST Eagles
14.5 Rob Bironas, K, TEN
This is another squad with a tremendous receiving corps in White, Marshall, Colston and Witten, which should carry his team. If Schaub and Charles return at 100 percent and play at a high level then this could be the best team in the league. But there are plenty of question marks with Charles and Williams is more of a flex option then a starting running back. Benson could be a difference maker, but it will depend where he plays in 2012.
Dave Richard
Rd.Pk Player
1.11 Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
2.2 Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
3.11 Darren Sproles, RB, NO
4.2 Miles Austin, WR, DAL
5.11 Eli Manning, QB, NYG
6.2 Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
7.11 Laurent Robinson, WR, DAL
8.2 Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
9.11 Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
10.2 BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE
11.11 Donald Brown, RB, IND
12.2 Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
13.11 Garrett Hartley, K, NO
14.2 DST Patriots
This is another owner who took a tight end early in Round 2, and Graham could be a better PPR option than Gronkowski if the touchdowns are similar. Lynch, Sproles and Stewart are a stellar running back trio, and Williams has a lot of upside for the Cardinals. Robinson's Fantasy value will be determined where he plays since he is a long-shot to return to the Cowboys.
Alex Riethmiller
Rd.Pk Player
1.10 Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
2.3 Wes Welker, WR, NE
3.10 Steven Jackson, RB, STL
4.3 Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
5.10 Philip Rivers, QB, SD
6.3 LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB
7.10 Dallas Clark, TE, IND
8.3 Mike Williams, WR, TB
9.10 Peyton Manning, QB, IND
10.3 James Starks, RB, GB
11.10 DST Steelers
12.3 Mike Thomas, WR, JAC
13.10 Matt Cassel, QB, KC
14.3 Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
If Manning returns at 100 percent then this owner will be looking to make a trade, and he might need some help after looking at his reserves. Williams could prove to be a great value pick in Round 8, but after that his bench is thin. Cassel was a wasted pick after taking Rivers and Manning, but he has great starters in Mathews, Jackson, Welker and Harvin.
Jeff Tobin
Rd.Pk Player
1.9 Drew Brees, QB, NO
2.4 Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
3.9 A.J. Green, WR, CIN
4.4 Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
5.9 Michael Bush, RB, OAK
6.4 Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
7.9 Torrey Smith, WR, BAL
8.4 Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE
9.9 Titus Young, WR, DET
10.4 Jabar Gaffney, WR, WAS
11.9 Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
12.4 Ryan Grant, RB, GB
13.9 DST Seahawks
14.4 Mason Crosby, K, GB
Sophomore slumps would ruin this team if Green, Smith and Young all struggle, but the state of this team hinges on Bush getting a starting job, Jackson holding off Spiller and Hillis finding significant playing time. If those three things happen then this team could be a juggernaut, but we won't know for sure until the offseason is over and those questions are answered.

Stay in touch with the most passionate Fantasy staff in the business by following us via Twitter @CBSFantasyFB . You can also follow Jamey at @JameyEisenberg and on Facebook .

  •  
 
 
 
Player News
Kellen Winslow
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.
Jamaal Charles
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.
Hakeem Nicks
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.
Ben Roethlisberger
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.
Sam Bradford
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.
Matt Hasselbeck
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.
Brandon Lloyd
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.
Ronnie Hillman
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.
Jacob Tamme
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.
Stephen Hill
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.
 
 
 
Top Videos
FFB Today: Jamey and Dave's MVP
FFB Today: Top Waiver Wire Claims
FFB Today: 2012 Look Ahead
 
More Fantasy Football Videos
Rankings