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2012 Draft Prep: 12-team, three WRs

Jamey Eisenberg
Senior Fantasy Writer
  •  

Stop me if you've heard this before: The NFL is a passing league. Of course you have. And it's true.

With that in mind, why not do a Fantasy league where passing is emphasized? There are plenty of ways to make that happen, including increasing the scoring for quarterbacks, two-quarterback leagues or a standard lineup with three receivers. The latter is what we have here, and this is a fun format because receiver is so deep this season.

Mike Tolbert
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I have no problem starting my team with Steve Smith and Demaryius Thomas as my top two receivers, and both are ranked in the Top 12 at their respective position. Based on Average Draft Position, I can get Smith in Round 4 and Thomas in Round 5, which is a steal. You're also able to get guys like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Vincent Jackson, Brandon Lloyd, Steve Johnson and Dwayne Bowe in Round 6 or later.

There's no need to reach for receivers, even in this format, unless you really want Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald or Julio Jones. There's a lack of talent at running back, so the suggestion here is to load up with rushers and then target receivers beginning in Round 3 or 4.

An example of going running back heavy is Nando Di Fino, who started his team with Darren McFadden, Steven Jackson and Jamaal Charles. He took his first receiver in Round 4, which was Smith, and still got Reggie Wayne and Bowe. His only flaw was passing on quarterback and settling for Andrew Luck in Round 11, but he started his team with solid players.

On the other hand, we had Mike Freeman, who ignored running back until Round 5 with BenJarvus Green-Ellis. His first four picks were Calvin Johnson, Greg Jennings, Wes Welker and Antonio Gates. His risk was taking Tony Romo in Round 5 instead of another running back like Isaac Redman, Jonathan Stewart or Peyton Hillis based on who was available.

I like the start for both teams, but I would prefer what Di Fino did because of the overall talent on his roster. You can see how the rest of the draft came out and judge for yourself. 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, 3 WR, TE, K, DST and a FLEX (RB/WR/TE). There will also be five reserve spots for a 15-round draft.

We also had a special guest join us for this draft as Luke Longmuir -- 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.

Check out our Fantasy Football podcast!
There is no offseason for our Fantasy writers. Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg and Adam Aizer will help you pass the time as you anticipate Draft Day 2013!
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Our draft order is as follows:

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

Round by Round
Round 1
Pick Owner Player
1 Dave Richard Arian Foster, RB, HOU
2 Nathan Zegura Ray Rice, RB, BAL
3 Mike Freeman Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
4 Jamey Eisenberg LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
5 Will Brinson Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
6 Luke Longmuir Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
7 Jeff Tobin Tom Brady, QB, NE
8 J. Darin Darst Drew Brees, QB, NO
9 Nando Di Fino Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
10 Aleese Kopf Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
11 Peter Madden DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
12 Adam Aizer Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
Round 2
Pick Owner Player
13 Adam Aizer Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
14 Peter Madden Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
15 Aleese Kopf Julio Jones, WR, ATL
16 Nando Di Fino Steven Jackson, RB, STL
17 J. Darin Darst Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
18 Jeff Tobin Matt Forte, RB, CHI
19 Luke Longmuir Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
20 Will Brinson A.J. Green, WR, CIN
21 Jamey Eisenberg Cam Newton, QB, CAR
22 Mike Freeman Greg Jennings, WR, GB
23 Nathan Zegura Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
24 Dave Richard Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
Round 3
Pick Owner Player
25 Dave Richard Michael Turner, RB, ATL
26 Nathan Zegura Roddy White, WR, ATL
27 Mike Freeman Wes Welker, WR, NE
28 Jamey Eisenberg Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
29 Will Brinson Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
30 Luke Longmuir Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
31 Jeff Tobin Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
32 J. Darin Darst Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
33 Nando Di Fino Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
34 Aleese Kopf Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
35 Peter Madden Brandon Marshall, WR, CHI
36 Adam Aizer Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
Round 4
Pick Owner Player
37 Adam Aizer Darren Sproles, RB, NO
38 Peter Madden Doug Martin, RB, TB
39 Aleese Kopf Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
40 Nando Di Fino Steve Smith, WR, CAR
41 J. Darin Darst Marques Colston, WR, NO
42 Jeff Tobin Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
43 Luke Longmuir Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
44 Will Brinson Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
45 Jamey Eisenberg Miles Austin, WR, DAL
46 Mike Freeman Antonio Gates, TE, SD
47 Nathan Zegura Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
48 Dave Richard Vincent Jackson, WR, TB
Round 5
Pick Owner Player
49 Dave Richard Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
50 Nathan Zegura Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
51 Mike Freeman BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, CIN
52 Jamey Eisenberg DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
53 Will Brinson Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
54 Luke Longmuir Willis McGahee, RB, DEN
55 Jeff Tobin Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
56 J. Darin Darst Frank Gore, RB, SF
57 Nando Di Fino Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
58 Aleese Kopf Stevan Ridley, RB, NE
59 Peter Madden Michael Vick, QB, PHI
60 Adam Aizer Eli Manning, QB, NYG
Round 6
Pick Owner Player
61 Adam Aizer Antonio Brown, WR, PIT
62 Peter Madden Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
63 Aleese Kopf Kevin Smith, RB, DET
64 Nando Di Fino Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
65 J. Darin Darst Eric Decker, WR, DEN
66 Jeff Tobin Torrey Smith, WR, BAL
67 Luke Longmuir Donald Brown, RB, IND
68 Will Brinson Vernon Davis, TE, SF
69 Jamey Eisenberg Robert Meachem, WR, SD
70 Mike Freeman Tony Romo, QB, DAL
71 Nathan Zegura Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
72 Dave Richard Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
Round 7
Pick Owner Player
73 Dave Richard Titus Young, WR, DET
74 Nathan Zegura Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
75 Mike Freeman Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
76 Jamey Eisenberg Peyton Hillis, RB, KC
77 Will Brinson Philip Rivers, QB, SD
78 Luke Longmuir Denarius Moore, WR, OAK
79 Jeff Tobin Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
80 J. Darin Darst Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
81 Nando Di Fino Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
82 Aleese Kopf Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
83 Peter Madden Nate Washington, WR, TEN
84 Adam Aizer Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
Round 8
Pick Owner Player
85 Adam Aizer Lance Moore, WR, NO
86 Peter Madden Beanie Wells, RB, ARI
87 Aleese Kopf Greg Little, WR, CLE
88 Nando Di Fino Mark Ingram, RB, NO
89 J. Darin Darst Brandon LaFell, WR, CAR
90 Jeff Tobin Michael Bush, RB, CHI
91 Luke Longmuir Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
92 Will Brinson DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
93 Jamey Eisenberg Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
94 Mike Freeman Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
95 Nathan Zegura Jason Witten, TE, DAL
96 Dave Richard C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
Round 9
Pick Owner Player
97 Dave Richard Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
98 Nathan Zegura Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
99 Mike Freeman LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB
100 Jamey Eisenberg Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
101 Will Brinson Kendall Wright, WR, TEN
102 Luke Longmuir Roy Helu, RB, WAS
103 Jeff Tobin Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
104 J. Darin Darst Ben Tate, RB, HOU
105 Nando Di Fino Greg Olsen, TE, CAR
106 Aleese Kopf Evan Royster, RB, WAS
107 Peter Madden Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
108 Adam Aizer Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
Round 10
Pick Owner Player
109 Adam Aizer Ronnie Brown, RB, SD
110 Peter Madden Randy Moss, WR, SF
111 Aleese Kopf Laurent Robinson, WR, JAC
112 Nando Di Fino Jon Baldwin, WR, KC
113 J. Darin Darst Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
114 Jeff Tobin Justin Blackmon, WR, JAC
115 Luke Longmuir Rashad Jennings, RB, JAC
116 Will Brinson Cedric Benson, RB, GB
117 Jamey Eisenberg Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL
118 Mike Freeman Brandon Jacobs, RB, SF
119 Nathan Zegura Austin Collie, WR, IND
120 Dave Richard Mike Goodson, RB, OAK
Round 11
Pick Owner Player
121 Dave Richard Danny Amendola, WR, STL
122 Nathan Zegura David Wilson, RB, NYG
123 Mike Freeman Brent Celek, TE, PHI
124 Jamey Eisenberg Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
125 Will Brinson Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
126 Luke Longmuir Felix Jones, RB, DAL
127 Jeff Tobin Fred Davis, TE, WAS
128 J. Darin Darst Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
129 Nando Di Fino Andrew Luck, QB, IND
130 Aleese Kopf Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
131 Peter Madden Bernard Scott, RB, CIN
132 Adam Aizer Randall Cobb, WR, GB
Round 12
Pick Owner Player
133 Adam Aizer Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA
134 Peter Madden Robert Turbin, RB, SEA
135 Aleese Kopf Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
136 Nando Di Fino Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
137 J. Darin Darst Isaiah Pead, RB, STL
138 Jeff Tobin Steve Smith, WR, STL
139 Luke Longmuir Brian Quick, WR, STL
140 Will Brinson Leonard Hankerson, WR, WAS
141 Jamey Eisenberg Mike Williams, WR, TB
142 Mike Freeman Tim Hightower, RB, WAS
143 Nathan Zegura Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
144 Dave Richard Nate Burleson, WR, DET
Round 13
Pick Owner Player
145 Dave Richard Shane Vereen, RB, NE
146 Nathan Zegura Owen Daniels, TE, HOU
147 Mike Freeman Santana Moss, WR, WAS
148 Jamey Eisenberg 49ers DST
149 Will Brinson Eagles DST
150 Luke Longmuir James Starks, RB, GB
151 Jeff Tobin Mike Tolbert, RB, CAR
152 J. Darin Darst Chris Rainey, RB, PIT
153 Nando Di Fino Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
154 Aleese Kopf Alex Green, RB, GB
155 Peter Madden Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA
156 Adam Aizer David Nelson, WR, BUF
Round 14
Pick Owner Player
157 Adam Aizer Texans DST
158 Peter Madden Steelers DST
159 Aleese Kopf Ravens DST
160 Nando Di Fino Giants DST
161 J. Darin Darst Bears DST
162 Jeff Tobin Jets DST
163 Luke Longmuir David Akers, K, SF
164 Will Brinson Kendall Hunter, RB, SF
165 Jamey Eisenberg Josh Freeman, QB, TB
166 Mike Freeman Mason Crosby, K, GB
167 Nathan Zegura Patriots DST
168 Dave Richard Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
Round 15
Pick Owner Player
169 Dave Richard Packers DST
170 Nathan Zegura Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK
171 Mike Freeman Lions DST
172 Jamey Eisenberg Garrett Hartley, K, NO
173 Will Brinson Alex Henery, K, PHI
174 Luke Longmuir Bills DST
175 Jeff Tobin Randy Bullock, K, HOU
176 J. Darin Darst Dan Bailey, K, DAL
177 Nando Di Fino Jason Hanson, K, DET
178 Aleese Kopf Matt Bryant, K, ATL
179 Peter Madden Nate Kaeding, K, SD
180 Adam Aizer Matt Prater, K, DEN
 
Team by Team
Adam Aizer
Rd.Pk Player
1.12 Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
2.1 Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
3.12 Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
4.1 Darren Sproles, RB, NO
5.12 Eli Manning, QB, NYG
6.1 Antonio Brown, WR, PIT
7.12 Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
8.1 Lance Moore, WR, NO
9.12 Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
10.1 Ronnie Brown, RB, SD
11.12 Randall Cobb, WR, GB
12.1 Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA
13.12 David Nelson, WR, BUF
14.1 Texans DST
15.12 Matt Prater, K, DEN
Aleese Kopf
Rd.Pk Player
1.10 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
2.3 Julio Jones, WR, ATL
3.10 Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
4.3 Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
5.10 Stevan Ridley, RB, NE
6.3 Kevin Smith, RB, DET
7.10 Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
8.3 Greg Little, WR, CLE
9.10 Evan Royster, RB, WAS
10.3 Laurent Robinson, WR, JAC
11.10 Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
12.3 Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
13.10 Alex Green, RB, GB
14.3 Ravens DST
15.10 Matt Bryant, K, ATL
Dave Richard
Rd.Pk Player
1.1 Arian Foster, RB, HOU
2.12 Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
3.1 Michael Turner, RB, ATL
4.12 Vincent Jackson, WR, TB
5.1 Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
6.12 Isaac Redman, RB, PIT
7.1 Titus Young, WR, DET
8.12 C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
9.1 Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
10.12 Mike Goodson, RB, OAK
11.1 Danny Amendola, WR, STL
12.12 Nate Burleson, WR, DET
13.1 Shane Vereen, RB, NE
14.12 Stephen Gostkowski, K, NE
15.1 Packers DST
J. Darin Darst
Rd.Pk Player
1.8 Drew Brees, QB, NO
2.5 Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA
3.8 Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
4.5 Marques Colston, WR, NO
5.8 Frank Gore, RB, SF
6.5 Eric Decker, WR, DEN
7.8 Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
8.5 Brandon LaFell, WR, CAR
9.8 Ben Tate, RB, HOU
10.5 Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
11.8 Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
12.5 Isaiah Pead, RB, STL
13.8 Chris Rainey, RB, PIT
14.5 Bears DST
15.8 Dan Bailey, K, DAL
Jamey Eisenberg
Rd.Pk Player
1.4 LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
2.9 Cam Newton, QB, CAR
3.4 Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
4.9 Miles Austin, WR, DAL
5.4 DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
6.9 Robert Meachem, WR, SD
7.4 Peyton Hillis, RB, KC
8.9 Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
9.4 Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
10.9 Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL
11.4 Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
12.9 Mike Williams, WR, TB
13.4 49ers DST
14.9 Josh Freeman, QB, TB
15.4 Garrett Hartley, K, NO
Jeff Tobin
Rd.Pk Player
1.7 Tom Brady, QB, NE
2.6 Matt Forte, RB, CHI
3.7 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
4.6 Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
5.7 Steve Johnson, WR, BUF
6.6 Torrey Smith, WR, BAL
7.7 Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
8.6 Michael Bush, RB, CHI
9.7 Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
10.6 Justin Blackmon, WR, JAC
11.7 Fred Davis, TE, WAS
12.6 Steve Smith, WR, STL
13.7 Mike Tolbert, RB, CAR
14.6 Jets DST
15.7 Randy Bullock, K, HOU
Luke Longmuir
Rd.Pk Player
1.6 Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
2.7 Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
3.6 Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
4.7 Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
5.6 Willis McGahee, RB, DEN
6.7 Donald Brown, RB, IND
7.6 Denarius Moore, WR, OAK
8.7 Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
9.6 Roy Helu, RB, WAS
10.7 Rashad Jennings, RB, JAC
11.6 Felix Jones, RB, DAL
12.7 Brian Quick, WR, STL
13.6 James Starks, RB, GB
14.7 David Akers, K, SF
15.6 Bills DST
Mike Freeman
Rd.Pk Player
1.3 Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
2.10 Greg Jennings, WR, GB
3.3 Wes Welker, WR, NE
4.10 Antonio Gates, TE, SD
5.3 BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, CIN
6.10 Tony Romo, QB, DAL
7.3 Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
8.10 Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
9.3 LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB
10.10 Brandon Jacobs, RB, SF
11.3 Brent Celek, TE, PHI
12.10 Tim Hightower, RB, WAS
13.3 Santana Moss, WR, WAS
14.10 Mason Crosby, K, GB
15.3 Lions DST
Nando Di Fino
Rd.Pk Player
1.9 Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
2.4 Steven Jackson, RB, STL
3.9 Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
4.4 Steve Smith, WR, CAR
5.9 Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
6.4 Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
7.9 Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
8.4 Mark Ingram, RB, NO
9.9 Greg Olsen, TE, CAR
10.4 Jon Baldwin, WR, KC
11.9 Andrew Luck, QB, IND
12.4 Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
13.9 Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
14.4 Giants DST
15.9 Jason Hanson, K, DET
Nathan Zegura
Rd.Pk Player
1.2 Ray Rice, RB, BAL
2.11 Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
3.2 Roddy White, WR, ATL
4.11 Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
5.2 Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
6.11 Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
7.2 Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
8.11 Jason Witten, TE, DAL
9.2 Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
10.11 Austin Collie, WR, IND
11.2 David Wilson, RB, NYG
12.11 Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
13.2 Owen Daniels, TE, HOU
14.11 Patriots DST
15.2 Sebastian Janikowski, K, OAK
Peter Madden
Rd.Pk Player
1.11 DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
2.2 Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI
3.11 Brandon Marshall, WR, CHI
4.2 Doug Martin, RB, TB
5.11 Michael Vick, QB, PHI
6.2 Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
7.11 Nate Washington, WR, TEN
8.2 Beanie Wells, RB, ARI
9.11 Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
10.2 Randy Moss, WR, SF
11.11 Bernard Scott, RB, CIN
12.2 Robert Turbin, RB, SEA
13.11 Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA
14.2 Steelers DST
15.11 Nate Kaeding, K, SD
Will Brinson
Rd.Pk Player
1.5 Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
2.8 A.J. Green, WR, CIN
3.5 Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
4.8 Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
5.5 Reggie Bush, RB, MIA
6.8 Vernon Davis, TE, SF
7.5 Philip Rivers, QB, SD
8.8 DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
9.5 Kendall Wright, WR, TEN
10.8 Cedric Benson, RB, GB
11.5 Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
12.8 Leonard Hankerson, WR, WAS
13.5 Eagles DST
14.8 Kendall Hunter, RB, SF
15.5 Alex Henery, K, PHI
  •  
 
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Player News
Robert Griffin III
Griffin to be ready by camp?
Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
11:54 AM
News: Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan suggested Thursday that quarterback Robert Griffin III has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp. "We're hoping," he said. "He's working extremely hard." Shanahan also said he wouldn't be comfortable starting Griffin without some offseason or preseason work. Griffin was spotted by NFL Network dropping back on passes to receivers while wearing a helmet along with a brace on his right knee on Thursday.
Analysis: It would be incredible for RG3 to be ready to go by late July, less than seven months after getting hurt. If the Redskins approach the injury with the long-term picture in mind then they might not rush him back unless they were convinced he was totally healthy. That seems risky, but for now any positive progress is great for prospective Fantasy owners. Here's a gameplan: Draft Griffin with a pick in Round 7 or 8 and pair him with Carson Palmer in the final rounds. Palmer has a great early-season schedule and the Cardinals take on the Panthers in Week 5 when the Redskins are on bye. We'll keep you posted on RG3.

Pierre Garcon
Shanahan: Garcon had surgery
Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
1:41 PM
News: Mike Shanahan disclosed Thursday that wide receiver Pierre Garcon had chest surgery this offseason, but the Washington Times clarified it as a minor procedure on his labrum, which is in the shoulder . It appears Garcon is not a candidate to miss any serious playing time, however. "I think he's really unbelievable. He's come back so fast ..." Shanahan said of his receiver. "lifting weights he shouldn't be able to lift."
Analysis: Garcon is also still battling a toe injury that capsized much of his first year in D.C. As long as he's healthy for the start of the season he's got plenty of upside to offer Fantasy owners. Garcon finished last year averaging 14.4 yards per catch, the second-highest average in his career, but he had a four-year-low 44 receptions with a three-year-worst four scores. Staying healthy is obviously the most important thing he can do to keep him relevant in Fantasy Football but one recurrence of the toe injury could wipe out several games. If he can stay upright -- and assuming quarterback Robert Griffin III is healthy with his knee -- Garcon can be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a mid-round pick.

James Casey
Casey has knee surgery
James Casey, TE, PHI
11:42 AM
News: USA Today reports that Eagles tight end James Casey will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his right knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring. A team spokesman said Casey should be ready to go by the start of training camp. Casey signed a three-year deal with $14.5 million as one of the first additions for the Eagles in a busy opening few days in free agency. The former Texans fullback/tight end is expected to play a key role in coach Chip Kelly's offense.
Analysis: Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns last year, numbers that could spike with the Eagles because of the expected design of the offense and the up-tempo style that will result in more snaps. Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from more reps through the rest of organized team activities and minicamp, so being sidelined for the next month isn't ideal. Still, if all goes as well as planned, Casey should get plenty of time on the field in July and August as long as he's healthy. He's not worth drafting in most leagues, but Casey is someone to monitor as a potential waiver wire addition if he's fine as expected following this procedure.

Peyton Manning
Manning to CBS: My arm is stronger
Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
11:34 AM
News: In an exclusive Q&A with CBSSports.com NFL Columnist Pete Prisco, Peyton Manning admitted to being nervous about his arm as far back as June 2011 when he had a hard time throwing at all, then again last season when he forced some things in a road game at Atlanta. But a year removed from rehabbing his arm, Manning sounds confident in his skills. "I feel much more comfortable than I was last year. I am stronger than I was last year. I am throwing the ball better now in May of 2013 than I did in May of 2012 -- significantly better," he said. "I got better throughout the season. I am not doing the monthly update reports anymore. I am past that."
Analysis: The Broncos will attempt to move into a more up-tempo approach this season and added Wes Welker to an already stacked receiving corps. Manning should be in for a very good season, perhaps even better than the one he had last year. Manning is a candidate for 300 yards and at least two scores every week. He should be considered an elite passer worth a pick between the middle of Round 2 and the end of Round 3, depending on your league's size and scoring system.

Trent Richardson
Richardson misses practice
Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
10:57 AM
News: Browns coach Rob Chudzinski comfirmed running back Trent Richardson missed practice Thursday with a lower leg muscle pull. "It's precautionary," Chudzinski said. "We are holding him out. He may miss minicamp in a week and a half. I'm not sure, we'll just take it day-by-day."
Analysis: The Browns can't take chances with their prized running back, particularly since he'll be featured in an offense that will lean heavily on him. Richardson established himself as one of the top young running backs in the league last season with 267 carries for 950 yards with 11 touchdowns and another 51 catches for 367 yards and a score. He should be able to better those stats this season as long as he's healthy. You're taking him with a Top 5 pick.

Wes Welker
Welker expects catches to drop
Wes Welker, WR, DEN
10:55 AM
News: The Denver Post reports that new Broncos receiver Wes Welker doesn't expect to reach his average for receptions, which was 112 over the past six seasons with the Patriots. "If I have to catch 112 balls, that probably means we're in trouble," Welker said. "(The catches) are not the goal," Welker said. "The goal is to go out there and help your team win games. However many catches that is, however many blocks that takes, however many routes I've got to run, whatever. I think we all feel the same way about that." The report says that in New England, the Patriots don't feature their outside receivers. In recent years, they have become a tight end-slot attack. Not so the Broncos. For all the questions about Peyton Manning's arm strength last year, he threw enough outside the numbers to help Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker develop into one of the NFL's top receiver tandems. "I mean, we have two really good guys. We can't ignore them," Welker said. "If one guy is catching 112 balls, the defense is focusing in on that guy. We want defenses focusing on everybody and having to worry about everybody. That was one of the main reasons I came here."
Analysis: Now, before you downgrade Welker, keep in mind it's not like the plan calls for him to go from 112 catches to 50. Manning won't forget his friends, but he won't ignore the new guy, either. Welker's Fantasy value definitely takes a hit going from New England to Denver, but he remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a pick in Round 4 or 5 in standard leagues. In PPR formats, look for Welker to be drafted as early as Round 3 since he should still be around 85-plus catches despite the drop-off with the Broncos.

Percy Harvin
Harvin to get time at running back
Percy Harvin, WR, SEA
10:46 AM
News: The Seattle Times reports that new Seattle receiver Percy Harvin is already making an impact. "His talent level is unbelievable, off the charts," said quarterback Russell Wilson. "He brings an explosive mentality to the game, which a lot of our guys already have. But to have him is truly tremendous. He's a guy that's been one of the best football players in the National Football League for the past several years." Harvin, 24, has averaged 1,800 total yards in four seasons and was on pace for 2,400 yards in 2012 — which would have led the NFL — before an ankle injury ended his season. In those nine games, he had 62 catches — 12 more than any Seahawk — for 677 yards. He also had 96 yards rushing and 574 yards on kickoff returns, including a 105-yard touchdown return. The Seahawks plan to use him similarly. He'll likely line up in the slot as his regular spot, but figures to get used outside, as well, and should see his share of handoffs and kickoff returns. "I'll be moving around — pretty much all around," said Harvin. "There'll be a little bit of running back coming up. But right now, we're just trying to get the foundation set, just running the base plays, and we'll see where it goes from there."
Analysis: We're excited about Harvin in Seattle because he should be able to remain highly involved on offense with better talent around him. Harvin remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy receiver, and he's worth drafting in Round 3 or 4 in the majority of leagues, especially if he continues to see time in the backfield.

Randall Cobb
Rodgers: Cobb could catch 100 passes
Randall Cobb, WR, GB
10:37 AM
News: ESPN reports that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has high expectations for third-year receiver Randall Cobb this season. Last year, Cobb made an enormous jump in his second NFL season. With Greg Jennings out with a torn abdominal muscle, Cobb played 733 snaps and caught a team-high 80 passes for 954 yards and added eight touchdowns. Rodgers thinks Cobb can do more. "I think Randall Cobb is a guy who could be a 100-plus catch guy every year," Rodgers said.
Analysis: We don't think Rodgers is far off with Cobb, who could take the next step in his career in his third season. The Packers as a team have high expectations for Cobb, and we like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option. Plan on drafting Cobb in Round 4 in the majority of leagues, with his value slightly higher in PPR formats.

Ryan Williams
Williams played 'scared' in '12
Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
10:08 AM
News: Cardinals running back Ryan Williams told the Arizona Republic that he was more concerned about his knee than his play last season, saying he played scared. Williams came back from a torn patella tendon suffered in 2011 and wasn't ready for the physical punishment that comes with playing running back. Per the story, he got nervous when then-quarterback Kevin Kolb would call '39 toss' because it exposed his right side and his injured knee. The lack of confidence left him "pretty much scared all last year to get the ball in my hands." He added hurting his shoulder was a "blessing" because it allowed him time to get his knee feeling good. Now he says he's not scared anymore. "This is the healthiest I've felt in the past two years," Williams said. "It feels good to be able to run like myself, instinctive and not having to think about what I’m doing, just going out and doing it. I've been working real hard, so things are looking good. My stars are aligned this year."
Analysis: In the story coach Bruce Arians noted that Williams has his mobility back and is someone to watch when the pads come on. Williams has to fight for playing time after the Cardinals drafted Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington and signed Rashard Mendenhall. For now he's no better than a late-round flier but if he looks good in camp and runs with confidence then we could see him getting a decent amount of work.

Michael Crabtree
Harbaugh: Crabtree will play in '13
Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
8:45 AM
News: 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Michael Crabtree's torn right Achilles will not cost him the entire season. With surgery already done, it is believed Crabtree will return within six months. Linebacker Patrick Willis said Crabtree went down after making a "simple, normal cut" after going in motion and before starting his route during 7 on 7 drills. "Crab is one of those tough guys. He can get hit hard, and he'll bounce right back up," Willis told the San Jose Mercury News. "Yesterday he stayed down a little longer than normal. You say a little prayer and hope it wasn't as bad as it looked. Unfortunately it is."
Analysis: Crabtree was expected to post ridiculous numbers in 2013 after becoming Colin Kaepernick's go-to receiver last year and his promise to dedicate himself to being the Niners' top receiver this year. Eventually he should return and contribute to the Niners but the earliest it seems he could be back is Week 12 at Washington. If you draft Crabtree with what would now be a 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, if at all. We'd rather spend the same late-round pick on Anquan Boldin or maybe even A.J. Jenkins knowing both will see a lot of work in San Francisco with Crabtree sidelined.

 
 
 
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