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2012 Draft Prep: 12-team standard draft

Jamey Eisenberg
Senior Fantasy Writer
  •  

Every draft features difficult decisions for Fantasy owners to make. When do you draft a quarterback? Is this the right time to take a tight end? Did I get the right food for my draft party?

Our recent 12-team standard mock draft featured many tough decisions -- although none involved food. It started in Round 1 with the No. 6 overall pick. Five running backs were drafted in a row with Arian Foster, Ray Rice, LeSean McCoy, Ryan Mathews and Chris Johnson.

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Nathan Zegura decided to stop that run there, taking the first quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. He also passed on the No. 1 receiver in Calvin Johnson, but he was looking for the most consistent option, which in his view is Rodgers.

Two other quarterbacks (Tom Brady and Drew Brees) went in the first round, and Johnson wasn't drafted until No. 10 overall by Adam Aizer. He decided to go the unconventional route of drafting receiver-receiver with his first two picks, taking Larry Fitzgerald in Round 2.

Aizer didn't draft his first running back until Round 4 because for some reason, Cam Newton dropped into the third round, as did Matthew Stafford. You can't fault Aizer for his first three picks even if his running back corps started out a little thin with Doug Martin and Willis McGahee. He did say following the draft if he had to do it again, he might have taken Matt Forte ahead of Fitzgerald.

Dave Richard and I did something you might see a lot this year, going running back-running back with our first two picks at the end of the first round. Richard ended up with Darren McFadden and Michael Turner, and I took Trent Richardson and DeMarco Murray with the swing picks. I was extremely happy with those two selections based on their potential coming into the season.

Some other interesting decisions included Nando Di Fino drafting Michael Vick over Stafford and Newton to start Round 3. Di Fino said he likes Vick's upside based on his rushing ability, the return of a "happy" DeSean Jackson and he doesn't believe Newton will repeat his 2011 prowess.

Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham also fell to Round 3, which isn't crazy in a standard draft. What was interesting was Peter Madden drafting Gronkowski and then taking Jermichael Finley as his flex player in Round 8. There's no way Finley should have been on the board that late, and drafting two elite tight ends when you can use one as a flex -- in standard or PPR leagues -- is underrated, especially when they produce like standout receivers. Madden also took advantage of other great value picks by drafting Hakeem Nicks in Round 4 and Mike Wallace in Round 5. There's obvious risk involved if Nicks (foot) and Wallace (holdout) are out for an extended period of time, but if they are active and ready for Week 1 then his team should be tough to beat.

As always, we ask you to share your thoughts on this draft. 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.

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We also had a special guest join us for this draft as Kevin Leonard -- a randomly-selected reader -- was chosen on Twitter to mock with us. This is something we plan to do going forward, so be on the lookout for your chance to draft with us.

Our draft order is as follows ...

1. Nando Di Fino, Senior Fantasy Writer
2. J. Darin Darst, College Football Production Editor
3. Aleese Kopf, Social Media Coordinator
4. Jeff Tobin, Associate Managing Editor
5. Bill Passonno, Fantasy Writer
6. Nathan Zegura, Senior Fantasy Writer
7. Peter Madden, Editorial Director, Fantasy Sports
8. Will Brinson, Senior NFL Blogger
9. Kevin Leonard, Twitter follower
10. Adam Aizer, Podcast/Video Host
11. Dave Richard, Senior Fantasy Writer
12. Jamey Eisenberg, Senior Fantasy Writer

Round by Round
Round 1
Pick Owner Player
1 Di Fino Arian Foster, RB, HOU
2 Darst Ray Rice, RB, BAL
3 Kopf LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
4 Tobin Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
5 Passonno Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
6 Zegura Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
7 Madden Tom Brady, QB, NE
8 Brinson Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
9 Leonard Drew Brees, QB, NO
10 Aizer Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
11 Richard Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
12 Eisenberg Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
Round 2
Pick Owner Player
13 Eisenberg DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
14 Richard Michael Turner, RB, ATL
15 Aizer Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
16 Leonard Matt Forte, RB, CHI
17 Brinson Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
18 Madden Steven Jackson, RB, STL
19 Zegura Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
20 Passonno Roddy White, WR, ATL
21 Tobin Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
22 Kopf Greg Jennings, WR, GB
23 Darst Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
24 Di Fino Michael Vick, QB, PHI
Round 3
Pick Owner Player
25 Di Fino Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
26 Darst Wes Welker, WR, NE
27 Kopf Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
28 Tobin Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
29 Passonno A.J. Green, WR, CIN
30 Zegura Julio Jones, WR, ATL
31 Madden Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
32 Brinson Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
33 Leonard Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
34 Aizer Cam Newton, QB, CAR
35 Richard Brandon Marshall, WR, CHI
36 Eisenberg Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
Round 4
Pick Owner Player
37 Eisenberg Steve Smith, WR, CAR
38 Richard Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
39 Aizer Doug Martin, RB, TB
40 Leonard Darren Sproles, RB, NO
41 Brinson Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
42 Madden Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
43 Zegura Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
44 Passonno Miles Austin, WR, DAL
45 Tobin Tony Romo, QB, DAL
46 Kopf Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
47 Darst Frank Gore, RB, SF
48 Di Fino Marques Colston, WR, NO
Round 5
Pick Owner Player
49 Di Fino Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
50 Darst Eli Manning, QB, NYG
51 Kopf Vincent Jackson, WR, TB
52 Tobin Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
53 Passonno BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, CIN
54 Zegura Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
55 Madden Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
56 Brinson Philip Rivers, QB, SD
57 Leonard Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
58 Aizer Willis McGahee, RB, DEN
59 Richard Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
60 Eisenberg Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
Round 6
Pick Owner Player
61 Eisenberg Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
62 Richard Antonio Gates, TE, SD
63 Aizer Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
64 Leonard Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
65 Brinson Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
66 Madden Stevan Ridley, RB, NE
67 Zegura DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
68 Passonno Beanie Wells, RB, ARI
69 Tobin Torrey Smith, WR, BAL
70 Kopf Roy Helu, RB, WAS
71 Darst Donald Brown, RB, IND
72 Di Fino Eric Decker, WR, DEN
Round 7
Pick Owner Player
73 Di Fino DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
74 Darst Antonio Brown, WR, PIT
75 Kopf Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
76 Tobin Jason Witten, TE, DAL
77 Passonno Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
78 Zegura James Starks, RB, GB
79 Madden Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
80 Brinson Vernon Davis, TE, SF
81 Leonard Denarius Moore, WR, OAK
82 Aizer Robert Meachem, WR, SD
83 Richard Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
84 Eisenberg Peyton Hillis, RB, KC
Round 8
Pick Owner Player
85 Eisenberg Titus Young, WR, DET
86 Richard Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
87 Aizer C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
88 Leonard Ben Tate, RB, HOU
89 Brinson Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
90 Madden Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
91 Zegura Fred Davis, TE, WAS
92 Passonno Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
93 Tobin Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
94 Kopf Michael Bush, RB, CHI
95 Darst Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA
96 Di Fino Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
Round 9
Pick Owner Player
97 Di Fino LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB
98 Darst Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
99 Kopf Brent Celek, TE, PHI
100 Tobin Mark Ingram, RB, NO
101 Passonno Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
102 Zegura David Wilson, RB, NYG
103 Madden Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
104 Brinson Nate Washington, WR, TEN
105 Leonard Lance Moore, WR, NO
106 Aizer Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
107 Richard Randy Moss, WR, SF
108 Eisenberg Greg Little, WR, CLE
Round 10
Pick Owner Player
109 Eisenberg Kevin Smith, RB, DET
110 Richard Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
111 Aizer Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
112 Leonard 49ers DST
113 Brinson Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
114 Madden Jahvid Best, RB, DET
115 Zegura Evan Royster, RB, WAS
116 Passonno Joe Flacco, QB, BAL
117 Tobin Justin Blackmon, WR, JAC
118 Kopf Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
119 Darst Brandon LaFell, WR, CAR
120 Di Fino Brandon Jacobs, RB, SF
Round 11
Pick Owner Player
121 Di Fino Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
122 Darst Carson Palmer, QB, OAK
123 Kopf Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
124 Tobin Mike Williams, WR, TB
125 Passonno Felix Jones, RB, DAL
126 Zegura Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
127 Madden Kendall Wright, WR, TEN
128 Brinson Randall Cobb, WR, GB
129 Leonard Shane Vereen, RB, NE
130 Aizer Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
131 Richard Mike Goodson, RB, OAK
132 Eisenberg Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL
Round 12
Pick Owner Player
133 Eisenberg Josh Freeman, QB, TB
134 Richard Jon Baldwin, WR, KC
135 Aizer Andrew Luck, QB, IND
136 Leonard Coby Fleener, TE, IND
137 Brinson Rashad Jennings, RB, JAC
138 Madden Isaiah Pead, RB, STL
139 Zegura Laurent Robinson, WR, JAC
140 Passonno Tim Hightower, RB, WAS
141 Tobin Andy Dalton, QB, CIN
142 Kopf Bernard Scott, RB, CIN
143 Darst Delone Carter, RB, IND
144 Di Fino Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
Round 13
Pick Owner Player
145 Di Fino Ravens DST
146 Darst Giants DST
147 Kopf Eagles DST
148 Tobin Patriots DST
149 Passonno Packers DST
150 Zegura Steelers DST
151 Madden Texans DST
152 Brinson Seahawks DST
153 Leonard Lamar Miller, RB, MIA
154 Aizer Bears DST
155 Richard David Akers, K, SF
156 Eisenberg Jets DST
Round 14
Pick Owner Player
157 Eisenberg Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK
158 Richard Bills DST
159 Aizer Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
160 Leonard Mason Crosby, K, GB
161 Brinson Dan Bailey, K, DAL
162 Madden Alex Henery, K, PHI
163 Zegura Garrett Hartley, K, NO
164 Passonno Jason Hanson, K, DET
165 Tobin Robbie Gould, K, CHI
166 Kopf Rob Bironas, K, TEN
167 Darst Nate Kaeding, K, SD
168 Di Fino Matt Bryant, K, ATL
 
Team by Team
Adam Aizer
Rd.Pk Player
1.10 Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
2.3 Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
3.10 Cam Newton, QB, CAR
4.3 Doug Martin, RB, TB
5.10 Willis McGahee, RB, DEN
6.3 Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
7.10 Robert Meachem, WR, SD
8.3 C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
9.10 Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
10.3 Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
11.10 Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
12.3 Andrew Luck, QB, IND
13.10 Bears DST
14.3 Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
Aleese Kopf
Rd.Pk Player
1.3 LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
2.10 Greg Jennings, WR, GB
3.3 Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
4.10 Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
5.3 Vincent Jackson, WR, TB
6.10 Roy Helu, RB, WAS
7.3 Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
8.10 Michael Bush, RB, CHI
9.3 Brent Celek, TE, PHI
10.10 Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
11.3 Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
12.10 Bernard Scott, RB, CIN
13.3 Eagles DST
14.10 Rob Bironas, K, TEN
Bill Passonno
Rd.Pk Player
1.5 Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
2.8 Roddy White, WR, ATL
3.5 A.J. Green, WR, CIN
4.8 Miles Austin, WR, DAL
5.5 BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, CIN
6.8 Beanie Wells, RB, ARI
7.5 Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
8.8 Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
9.5 Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
10.8 Joe Flacco, QB, BAL
11.5 Felix Jones, RB, DAL
12.8 Tim Hightower, RB, WAS
13.5 Packers DST
14.8 Jason Hanson, K, DET
Dave Richard
Rd.Pk Player
1.11 Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
2.2 Michael Turner, RB, ATL
3.11 Brandon Marshall, WR, CHI
4.2 Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
5.11 Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
6.2 Antonio Gates, TE, SD
7.11 Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
8.2 Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
9.11 Randy Moss, WR, SF
10.2 Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
11.11 Mike Goodson, RB, OAK
12.2 Jon Baldwin, WR, KC
13.11 David Akers, K, SF
14.2 Bills DST
J. Darin Darst
Rd.Pk Player
1.2 Ray Rice, RB, BAL
2.11 Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
3.2 Wes Welker, WR, NE
4.11 Frank Gore, RB, SF
5.2 Eli Manning, QB, NYG
6.11 Donald Brown, RB, IND
7.2 Antonio Brown, WR, PIT
8.11 Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA
9.2 Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
10.11 Brandon LaFell, WR, CAR
11.2 Carson Palmer, QB, OAK
12.11 Delone Carter, RB, IND
13.2 Giants DST
14.11 Nate Kaeding, K, SD
Jamey Eisenberg
Rd.Pk Player
1.12 Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
2.1 DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
3.12 Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
4.1 Steve Smith, WR, CAR
5.12 Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
6.1 Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
7.12 Peyton Hillis, RB, KC
8.1 Titus Young, WR, DET
9.12 Greg Little, WR, CLE
10.1 Kevin Smith, RB, DET
11.12 Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL
12.1 Josh Freeman, QB, TB
13.12 Jets DST
14.1 Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK
Jeff Tobin
Rd.Pk Player
1.4 Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
2.9 Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
3.4 Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
4.9 Tony Romo, QB, DAL
5.4 Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
6.9 Torrey Smith, WR, BAL
7.4 Jason Witten, TE, DAL
8.9 Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
9.4 Mark Ingram, RB, NO
10.9 Justin Blackmon, WR, JAC
11.4 Mike Williams, WR, TB
12.9 Andy Dalton, QB, CIN
13.4 Patriots DST
14.9 Robbie Gould, K, CHI
Kevin Leonard
Rd.Pk Player
1.9 Drew Brees, QB, NO
2.4 Matt Forte, RB, CHI
3.9 Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
4.4 Darren Sproles, RB, NO
5.9 Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
6.4 Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
7.9 Denarius Moore, WR, OAK
8.4 Ben Tate, RB, HOU
9.9 Lance Moore, WR, NO
10.4 49ers DST
11.9 Shane Vereen, RB, NE
12.4 Coby Fleener, TE, IND
13.9 Lamar Miller, RB, MIA
14.4 Mason Crosby, K, GB
Nando Di Fino
Rd.Pk Player
1.1 Arian Foster, RB, HOU
2.12 Michael Vick, QB, PHI
3.1 Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
4.12 Marques Colston, WR, NO
5.1 Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
6.12 Eric Decker, WR, DEN
7.1 DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
8.12 Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
9.1 LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB
10.12 Brandon Jacobs, RB, SF
11.1 Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
12.12 Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
13.1 Ravens DST
14.12 Matt Bryant, K, ATL
Nathan Zegura
Rd.Pk Player
1.6 Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
2.7 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
3.6 Julio Jones, WR, ATL
4.7 Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
5.6 Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
6.7 DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
7.6 James Starks, RB, GB
8.7 Fred Davis, TE, WAS
9.6 David Wilson, RB, NYG
10.7 Evan Royster, RB, WAS
11.6 Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
12.7 Laurent Robinson, WR, JAC
13.6 Steelers DST
14.7 Garrett Hartley, K, NO
Peter Madden
Rd.Pk Player
1.7 Tom Brady, QB, NE
2.6 Steven Jackson, RB, STL
3.7 Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
4.6 Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5.7 Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
6.6 Stevan Ridley, RB, NE
7.7 Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
8.6 Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
9.7 Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
10.6 Jahvid Best, RB, DET
11.7 Kendall Wright, WR, TEN
12.6 Isaiah Pead, RB, STL
13.7 Texans DST
14.6 Alex Henery, K, PHI
Will Brinson
Rd.Pk Player
1.8 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
2.5 Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
3.8 Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
4.5 Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
5.8 Philip Rivers, QB, SD
6.5 Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
7.8 Vernon Davis, TE, SF
8.5 Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
9.8 Nate Washington, WR, TEN
10.5 Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
11.8 Randall Cobb, WR, GB
12.5 Rashad Jennings, RB, JAC
13.8 Seahawks DST
14.5 Dan Bailey, K, DAL
  •  
 
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Player News
Michael Crabtree
Crabtree shelved with torn Achilles
Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
5/22/2013
News: USA Today reports 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles tendon on Tuesday. It is not known if he will try to play this season (like Terrell Suggs and Da'Quan Bowers did last year). ESPN reports that Crabtree had surgery Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined about six months. That timetable would put Crabtree out until at least some time in November.
Analysis: Crabtree came on very strong for the Niners last season once Colin Kaepernick went under center. In the seven starts Kaepernick made in 2012, Crabtree had 41 catches for 595 yards and five touchdowns. If you project that over 16 games, Crabtree would have finished with 94 catches for 1,360 yards and 11 touchdowns. That's out the window now. We expect the Niners to put Crabtree on the PUP list to begin the season and re-evaluate where he's at in his rehab come October or November. If you draft Crabtree with what would now be a middle- to late-round pick, you'd have to dedicate a bench spot to him for most of the regular season with no guarantee you'd get him in your lineup at 100 percent. The Niners will lean on Vernon Davis, Anquan Boldin and perhaps second-year receiver A.J. Jenkins to pick up the slack.

Montee Ball
Ball expected to make 'impact'
Montee Ball, RB, DEN
5/22/2013
News: Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase said Wednesday the team has high expectations for rookie running back Montee Ball. “He’s trying to pick up the offense," Gase said. "He’s a rookie. There are a lot of things going on, and he’s trying to pick it up as quick as possible. Obviously drafting him in the second round, we’re looking for him to make some kind of impact for us and be able to be on the field five, six plays and work together with that group of running backs.”
Analysis: Ball has the chance to start for the Broncos, especially if Willis McGahee and/or Knowshon Moreno are released prior to training camp. Keep an eye on what happens with Ball, who is likely to share playing time with Ronnie Hillman. We view Ball as a No. 2 Fantasy running back with upside. He's worth drafting in Round 5 in most standard leagues.

Mikel Leshoure
Leshoure 'battling some stuff'
Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
5/22/2013
News: The unlucky offseason for Lions running back Mikel Leshoure continued during OTA workouts Wednesday. First, the team signed running back Reggie Bush, which dropped Leshoure on the depth chart. Then on Wednesday, Leshoure was not participating in team drills because of an injury, according to the Detroit News. "He's battling some stuff," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He can do some individual stuff but he's not ready to do any team work."
Analysis: We hope Leshoure is OK, and it sounds like he should be fine for training camp. Keep in mind he had an Achilles injury as a rookie and battled some ankle problems in his comeback. As long as Leshoure is back for training camp he should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy running back, and he's worth drafting with a mid-round pick. Keep in mind that even though Bush is the new starter for the Lions, Leshoure should work at the goal line, which will keep his value sustainable in the majority of standard leagues.

Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick loses top receiver
Colin Kaepernick, QB, SF
5/22/2013
News: USA Today reports 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles tendon on Tuesday and will undergo surgery. It is not known if he will try to play this season. That's a tough blow for quarterback Colin Kaepernick since Crabtree was clearly his No. 1 receiver. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that in Kaepernick's 10 starts in 2012 he targeted Crabtree more than any other receiver. The target breakdown was Crabtree with 94, Vernon Davis with 39 and Randy Moss with 39.
Analysis: This injury hurts Kaepernick's value for this season. His receiving corps was upgraded with Anquan Boldin replacing Moss, and the 49ers drafted a rookie in Quinton Patton. But now he's without his No. 1 option in Crabtree, which lowers Kaepernick's value. He is still worth drafting as a No. 1 quarterback, but he should be considered toward the end of the Top 10 at best with a mid-round pick.

Hakeem Nicks
Nicks skips OTAs
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5/22/2013
News: The New York Daily News reports Hakeem Nicks was absent from the team's first day of OTA workouts Wednesday, just hours after attending a charity event in New York the night before and telling reporters he felt good physically following knee surgery. He had attended offseason program. "He should be here," an irked coach Tom Coughlin said, ruling out injury for the reason he's absent.
Analysis: Sounds like this is a case of Nicks showing his unhappiness with his contract. He's slated to be a free agent after the season and wants an extension; the Giants are dragging their feet. Last season Nicks struggled through injuries including a broken foot suffered during OTAs a year ago, leaving him with unappealing Fantasy stats and a large red flag warning owners of injuries to come. Assuming he's eventually in camp on-time and ready for the start of the season he's a high-risk, high-reward No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a pick in Round 5 or 6. He went in Round 4 in our most recent mock draft, a bit too high in our opinion.

DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins works with starters
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU
5/22/2013
News: The Texans official team website reports that rookie receiver DeAndre Hopkins is making a good impression early on this offseason. “He’s such a dynamic player,” quarterback Matt Schaub said. “He’s just going to bring an added dimension to our offense.” Schaub cited Hopkins’ “great” attitude and work ethic, and is looking forward to what Hopkins will bring to the squad. Hopkins has practiced with the first-team offense, which meant he and Andre Johnson were the starting receivers. Johnson believes Hopkins is well on his way to contributing. “He’s picking up everything pretty well,” Johnson said. “He went and made some plays today and that’s a good thing. I think day-by-day, he’ll continue to get better and better.”
Analysis: Hopkins has the chance to be a solid contributor for the Texans as a rookie, and we would draft him as a key reserve with a mid-round pick. In rookie-only drafts, Hopkins is worth drafting with a first-round selection.

Jeremy Ebert
Ebert treks to Jacksonville
Jeremy Ebert, WR, NE
5/22/2013
News: The Jaguars have signed another Patriots castoff, this time receiver Jeremy Ebert.
Analysis: Ebert hurt his leg last season and didn't play. He's unlikely to make an impact for the Jaguars in 2013.

Demaryius Thomas
Thomas, Manning on same page
Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
5/22/2013
News: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas said Wednesday he feels as comfortable as ever in his rapport with quarterback Peyton Manning. "It’s sky-high right now," Thomas said of his chemistry with Manning. "I know what he wants. I know where to be on the field. I feel like the more we’re on the field, the better I get, just in seeing what he wants from me and seeing what he’s looking for.”
Analysis: Thomas had a true breakout year in 2012, turning into the Fantasy stud that many expected him to be, which happened in his third year in the NFL. Thomas finished eighth in the league in catches (94), fourth in yards (1,434) to go along with his 10 touchdowns. He enters this season as a No. 1 Fantasy receiver, and he should be drafted in all leagues by Round 3.

Vernon Davis
Davis gets boost in value
Vernon Davis, TE, SF
5/22/2013
News: USA Today reports 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles tendon on Tuesday and will undergo surgery. It is not known if he will try to play this season. While this injury hurts the 49ers, it should help tight end Vernon Davis, who could become the No. 1 option now for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Analysis: Davis had a down year in 2012 and struggled once Kaepernick took over for Alex Smith. He stepped up his performance in the playoffs, and hopefully he can pick up from there, especially with Crabtree out. Davis is a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in all leagues, especially after this injury, and he's worth drafting as early as Round 6.

Anquan Boldin
Boldin now No. 1 option?
Anquan Boldin, WR, SF
5/22/2013
News: USA Today reports 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles tendon on Tuesday and will undergo surgery. It is not known if he will try to play this season. The injury now elevates Anquan Boldin to No. 1 on the depth chart. Boldin was traded to the 49ers this offseason from the Ravens.
Analysis: Boldin, at this point in his career, was suited more for a No. 2 receiver role than a No. 1 option. Last year, as the No. 1 option for the Ravens, he caught 65 passes for 921 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season, but he stepped up in the playoffs with 22 catches for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Still, this injury helps his Fantasy value, and Boldin now has the potential to be a No. 3 Fantasy receiver worth a mid-round pick.

 
 
 
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