ROOKIE RUNNING BACKS--5/4/2008

The second in a series of NFL Rookie Rankings, John Willette sums up the top fantasy rookie Running Backs.

It’s been a week since the 2008 NFL Draft and the dust has finally settled. NFL teams have just begun rookie minicamps and reports are starting to surface on how the rookies are performing and how the coaching staffs plan on using them this season.

Because you can never have enough fantasy football rankings lists, here’s another based on my thoughts on the 2008 rookie class.

RUNNING BACKS

Potential Starters: Forte, Smith, Stewart, McFadden, Torain

Rookie of the Year Candidates: Forte, Smith, Stewart, McFadden

1. Matt Forte, Chicago--Despite being drafted in the middle of the second round, Forte has the easiest path to a starting job. If Forte can master the Bears offense, Cedric Benson will become a distant memory.

2. Kevin Smith, Detroit--Other than Smith, the Lions really don't have anything resembling a running back. Both Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun have been injury plagued disappointments.

3. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina--The drafting of Stewart likely means that DeAngelo Williams will be relegated to third down duty. Stewart is a big and powerful back capable of carrying a full load in the NFL.

4. Darren McFadden, Oakland--The only reason McFadden falls this far is because of the inevitable committee that he'll be stuck in with Justin Fargas. I see Fargas holding on to the starting job in 2008, with less and less carries as the season progresses but in 2009, McFadden will run the show.

5. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh--As a first round pick, one must believe that the Steelers will be grooming Mendenhall for the eventual starting job. In 2008 however, it will be Willie Parker's job to lose.

6. Ryan Torain, Denver--It seems like every year the Broncos running back position is up for grabs and this season is no different. Travis Henry is an injury-prone elder and Selvin Young, who's coming off knee surgery, doesn't have the confidence of the coaching staff to carry the full load. Torain is a large back who has the praise of head coach Mike Shannan and that could be enough for him to win the job outright.

7. Chris Johnson, Tennessee--Johnson won't be a starter, but he will do everything else. The Titans coaching staff want to use Johnson all over the field ala Reggie Bush. Look for Johnson to return kicks, lineup as a receiver and be used at the running back position this season. He'll be assured playing time but his production will be inconsistent.

8. Felix Jones, Dallas--In an effort to replace Julius Jones, the Cowboys drafted another Jones. Felix will begin where Julius left off...relieving Marion Barber and playing on third-downs. Unless Barber gets injured Felix's performance this season will be plagued with inconsistency.

9. Ray Rice, Baltimore--The Ravens drafted Rice to be their backup runningback. Rice will see more playing time than most backups due to the work load that the inexperienced passing game will place on the Ravens running game.

10. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City--With the debacle that was the Chiefs running game last season, KC drafted Charles who should, at the very least, backup Larry Johnson. Charles' selection makes me wonder whether Johnson's injury woes are past him or not. Johnson's injury plagued 2007 season only increases Charles' value going into 2008.

11. Steve Slaton, Houston--Slaton actually landed in a very good position in Houston. Ahman Green is close to retirement and the other backs in the stable are mediocre. The only concern is whether or not Slaton has the durability to play in the NFL. Look for him to start out his career as a third-down back.

12. Jacob Hester, San Diego--Hester was drafted to take the place of the departed Michael Turner. Question is, can Hester be as productive as Turner when LaDainian Tomlinson needs time off? The opportunity will be there for Hester but it will be up to him to cash in on it.

13. Mike Hart, Indianapolis--Hart will be competing to be Joseph Addai's backup. As we saw last season, Addai lacks durability and if he can beat out Kenton Keith, Hart's value will skyrocket.

By John Willette of IPL Sports

ROOKIE QUARTERBACKS--5/3/2008

The first in a series of NFL Rookie Rankings, John Willette sums up the top fantasy rookie Quarterbacks.



It's been a week since the 2008 NFL Draft and the dust has finally settled. NFL teams have just begun rookie minicamps and reports are starting to surface on how the rookies are performing and how the coaching staffs plan on using them this season.

Because you can never have enough fantasy football rankings lists, here's another based on my thoughts on the 2008 rookie class.

QUARTERBACKS

Potential Starters: Ryan, Flacco, Henne

Rookie of the Year Candidates: Flacco

1. Joe Flacco, Baltimore--Despite being picked 18th overall, the Ravens are a talented team that offers Flacco a better shot to succeed than any other rookie quarterback drafted.

2. Matt Ryan, Atlanta--The Falcons burned the 3rd overall pick for Ryan. He'll be starting but the team around him will limit his ability to succeed.

3. Chad Henne, Miami--John Beck doesn't offer much competition for starting quarterback job.

4. Brian Brohm, Green Bay--Aaron Rodgers is the starter but less we forget he is injury prone. Brohm could see substantial playing time late in the season.

5. John David Booty, Minnesota--Tarvaris Jackson will be on a short leash, especially if he performs like he did in 2007. Booty is very familiar with top competition and the West Coast Offense that the Vikings run so his ascension to starter could be sooner than later.

6. Josh Johnson, Tampa Bay--Johnson will likely start the season third on the depth chart but with little talent competing with him and an aging Jeff Garcia in front of him it would surprise no one to see Johnson starting in 2009.

7. Erik Ainge, NY Jets--Like Johnson, the quarterbacks in front of him aren't as good as advertised. I expect to see Ainge starting near the end of the season if the Jets fall out of contention early.

8. Alex Brink, Houston--"When pigs fly" seems to be an appropriate phrase here. However, with only Matt Schaub and journeymen Sage Rosenfels and Quinn Gray ahead of him anything is possible.



By John Willette of IPL Sports

WIDE RECEIVERS--4/29/2008

1. Randy Moss, NE--There's no denying that Moss is the best receiver on the best team with the best quarterback.

2. Terrell Owens, DAL--Tony Romo's maturation is like the fountain of youth.

3. Braylon Edwards, CLE--His third season in the league was miraculous. He'll only get better!

4. Reggie Wayne, IND--What's not to like from a player catching balls from Peyton Manning.

5. Larry Fitzgerald, AZ--The only thing holding him back is the health of his quarterbacks.

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6. Marques Colston, NO--I expect big things in year three.

7. T. J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN--Last season he got the scores. This season he'll get the yards as well.

8. Andre Johnson, HOU--Johnson does most with the least talent around him. Expect another productive season regardless of who is quarterbacking.

9. Steve Smith, CAR--Jake Delhomme should be healthy and Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett will provide the much needed support to free Smith for long gains.

10. Torry Holt, STL--With the loss of Isaac Bruce, Holt will be the main attraction.

11. Plaxico Burress, NYG--If he has recovered fully from the injuries that slowed him down in 2007 he'll be a top 5 pick.

12. Greg Jennings, GB--Jennings proved to be a touchdown mogul but what will he be with out Brett Favre? At least a top 15 receiver.

13. Anquan Boldin, AZ--It's hard not to like a receiver in a pass-first offense.

14. Chad Johnson, CIN--Once considered a top 5 receiver, Johnson's tantrums about wanting traded and his insistance that he'll sit out the season drops him in the rankings.

15. Santonio Holmes, PIT--Holmes was on the verge of greatness in 2007. He'll surpass it in 2008.

16. Wes Welker, NE--Welker came out of no where last season. New England's lack of a third receiver may stifle Welker's numbers in 2008.

17. Calvin Johnson, DET--Call me overly optimistic but I see Johnson performing a lot better than where he is ranked here.

Bobby Engram, SEA--Deion Branch will miss the first half of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Engram will benefit heavily in his absence.

18. Roy Williams, DET--The Lions will do what they do best...pass the ball.

19. Brandon Marshall, DEN--If Marshall makes a full recovery from the McDonald's bag incident he'll be a top 15 pick for sure.

20. Dwayne Bowe, KC--If the Chiefs can assemble anything that looks like a passing game Bowe will be in for a big season.

22. Chris Chambers, SD--Chambers landed in San Diego midseason and never really had a grasp on the playbook. Expect Chambers to be a bigger part of the offense in 2008.

23. Bernard Berrian, MIN--Despite the questions at quarterback, Berrian will be better than advertised.

23. Donald Driver, GB--Driver will likely post similar stats to 2007. Long on yards and short on touchdowns.

24. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ--Cotchery would be ranked much higher if it weren't for the questionable quarterback situation in New York.

25. Lee Evans, BUF--Some day, one season, Evans will finally live up to his potential.

26 . Donte' Stallworth, CLE--If he can avoid injuries Stallworth will enjoy a breakout season.

27. Patrick Crayton, DAL--I think Crayton secures the number 2 receiving job coming out of training camp. If this holds true he'll easily be in the top 15.

28. Javon Walker, OAK--Between his injuries and Oakland's offense, it's tough to rank Walker too high.

29. Roddy White, ATL--White should remain a productive receiver in 2008 despite the questions at quarterback.

30. Isaac Bruce, SF--With his move to San Francisco, Bruce also becomes the number one receiving option. He'll be good; not great.

31. Laveranues Coles, NYJ--Coles is a reliable receiver...when he's healthy.

32. Santana Moss, WAS--Like Bruce and Coles, Moss is an injury risk. When healthy however, they can all pay dividends.

33. Anthony Gonzalez, IND--Should Marvin Harrison not return Gonzalez will be a HOT commodity.

34. Kevin Curtis, PHI--Second year in the offense and someone has to catch the ball.

35. Hines Ward, PIT--Ward has turned into a possession receiver. He's a high touchdown, low yardage type of player now.

36. Jerry Porter, JAX--It's hard to say how well he'll do as a Jaguar.

37. Joey Galloway, TB--Something tells me that there will be a passing of the guard in Tampa this season.

38. Reggie Brown, PHI--Brown had a so-so year in 2007. This should be a breakout season for him as a fourth year receiver.

39. Derrick Mason, BAL--A possession receiver who will get the yardage.

40. Nate Burleson, SEA--Will be the number 2 receiver until Deion Branch returns from a torn ACL.

41. David Patten, PHI--Patten should be the number 2 receiver in a pass-happy offense.

42. D.J. Hackett, CAR--He has talent but he's also injury prone.

43. Drew Bennett, STL--Bennett flopped as a starter in 2007. No where to go but up.

44. Ronald Curry, OAK--With an improved offense, Curry has a chance to do something.

45. Vincent Jackson, SD--A huge disappointment last season. With Chambers, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates all vying for the ball, 2008 doesn't look much better.

46. Keary Colbert, DEN--He should be the Broncos' number 2 receiver but he has failed to impress when given the chance in the past.

47. Ted Ginn Jr., MIA--Ginn is primed for success this season. Watch and see.

48. Roydell Williams, TEN--As the primary receiver, he should see most of the yardage opportunities.

49. James Jones, GB--He might surprise but he is still a number 3 receiver with an inexperienced quarterback.

50. Muhsin Muhammad, CAR--Is there gas left in the tank? We will find out as he returns to the team that made him a star.

51. Marty Booker, CHI--Another receiver who returns to his old stomping grounds. Don't expect the Booker of 2001.

52. Shaun McDonald, DET--Don't expect anything close to what McDonald has achieved the last two seasons.

53. Brandon Stokley, DEN--Stokley moves up the rankings if Marshall can't play.

54. Mark Clayton, BAL--Remember when he was good?

TIGHT ENDS--4/26/2008

1. Kellen Winslow, CLE--Winslow had a break out season last season and he has the genes to become the best in 2008.

2. Antonio Gates, SD--Gates had a down year in 2007 but he was still good enough to be a top tight end.

3. Jason Witten, DAL--Under the new coaching regimen, he is a big part of the passing game.

4. Tony Gonzalez, KC--Despite his age, he's still the Chiefs go-to receiver.

5. Dallas Clark, IND--Will continue to be Peyton Manning's go-to-guy in the redzone.

6. Vernon Davis, SF--This will be his 3rd year in the league...Ching-ching!

7. Chris Cooley, WAS--Another redzone threat and short-yardage fiend.

8. Heath Miller, PIT--Should become more involved in the Steelers' passing game.

9. Todd Heap, BAL--He'll likely be the first option in the passing game for the Ravens' inexperienced quarterbacks.

10. Tony Scheffler, DEN--Another third-year player who will makes strides toward the elite.

11. Jeremy Shockey, NYG--If Shockey and the Giants can put their differences behind them he could break the top 10.

12. Donald Lee, GB--After Brett Favre's retirement, the Packers will need Lee now more than ever.

13. L.J. Smith, PHI--2008 was marred with injuries for Smith. If he can put those behind him he could be in the top 10.

14. Ben Utecht, CIN--In his first starting gig, he should see plenty of passes as the third receiving option.

15. Benjamin Watson, NE--If it weren't for Randy Moss and injuries he could be in the top eight.

16. Alge Crumpler, TEN--If he can stay healthy, Vince Young will have a reliable target.

17. Owen Daniels, HOU--He gained the yards in 2008. All he needs now is for the Texans to pass more in the redzone.

18. Greg Olsen, CHI--The only thing hurting his ascension in the rankings is the Bears' putrid offense.

19. Zach Miller, OAK--The Raiders' offense appears to be taking shape. Miller should be a big part of it.

20. Marcedes Lewis, JAX--Nothing flashy here.

21. Leonard Pope, AZ--It will be interesting to see if he contributes more to the offense this season.

RUNNING BACKS--4/20/2008

1. Adrian Peterson, MIN--His durability won't be a concern.
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, SD--Age and injuries are becoming a concern.
3. Steven Jackson, STL--If he can stay healthy he'll be a top back.
4. Marshawn Lynch, BUF--I expect big things this year.
5. Marion Barber, DAL--Should excel in his new starting role
6. Joseph Addai, IND--Injuries are a concern.
7. Clinton Portis, WAS--Starting the season without injury concerns.
8. Brian Westbrook, PHI--A real guessing game trying to figure out if he's going to play.
9. Frank Gore, SF--With a better passing game Gore should have more room to run.
10. Willis McGahee, BAL--Inexperienced quarterbacks puts offense in McGahee's hands.

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11. Earnest Graham, TB--Graham surprised everyone with 10 touchdowns last season.
12. Ryan Grant, GB--Undoubtedly will finish the season ranked higher than this.
13. Jamal Lewis, CLE--The cornerstone to a young Browns team.
14. LenDale White, TEN--Fits perfectly in the Titans run-first offense.
15. Willie Parker, PIT--Lack of touchdowns is disturbing.
16. Larry Johnson, KC--It hurts to rank him this low.
17. Laurence Maroney, NE--Doesn't see the endzone much with Randy Moss around.
18. Edgerrin James, AZ--Winding down on a productive career.
19. Brandon Jacobs, NYG--Proving to be an injury-risk.
20. Michael Turner, ATL--A good running back on a bad offense. Let's see what happens.

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21. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX--Will earn more playing time as Fred Taylor gets phased out.
22. Reggie Bush, NO--After two years he appears to be a third down back. One more year to prove he isn't.
23. Julius Jones, SEA--I'm hesitant to rank him to high due to Seattle's offensive line and Alexander's presence.
24. DeAngelo Williams, CAR--Should see the majority of snaps with Foster gone.
25. Thomas Jones, NYJ--His age and his lone rushing touchdown is cause for concern.
26. Ahman Green, HOU--Here's assuming he get's his starting job back.
27. Fred Taylor, JAX--Said he wants to pass Jim Brown on the rushing list. Won't happen says I.
28. Justin Fargas, OAK--Ranked this low due to the Raider's opportunity to grab a top running back in the draft.
29. Rudi Johnson, CIN--Will he or won't he be what he used to be?
30. Travis Henry, DEN--Will likely lose job to a rookie.

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31. Tatum Bell, DET--Starting position is as good as gone after the draft.
32. Cedric Benson, CHI--Another player who's job is only temporary.
33. Ronnie Brown, MIA--If he recovers from injury he'll be in the top 20.
34. Shaun Alexander, SEA--If he starts anywhere he'll move up to 23.
35. Kenny Irons, CIN--Excellent opportunity to become the starter in Cincy.
36. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG--Could gain the starting job in New York.



By John Willette, IPL Sports

To be continued...

QUARTERBACKS--4/20/2008

1. Tom Brady, NE--Brady to Moss has a nice ring to it.
2. Tony Romo, DAL--Could be number 1 with another receiver.
3. Peyton Manning, IND--Lack of receivers hurt his value.
4. Carson Palmer, CIN--No running game helps. If C. Johnson is traded Palmer's value will plummet.
5. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA--Will become a passing team. The loss of D. Branch and D. Hackett will hurt.
6. Drew Brees, NO--Brees stumbled out of the gates last season. Colston needs a partner.
7. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT--A rising star.
8. Marc Bulger, STL--If he stays healthy he'll produce.
9. Derek Anderson, CLE--Was last season a fluke or is he the real deal?
10. Eli Manning, NYG--Don't be surprised if he finishes the season in the top 5.

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11. Matt Leinart, AZ--Position here is depended on his health.
12. Jay Cutler, DEN--Marshall should be good to go and Scheffler is a good bail out option.
13. Donovan McNabb, PHI--Hard to see him improve.
14. David Garrard, JAX--Jerry Porter should help his ascent.
15. Aaron Rodgers, GB--Inherits a good team.
16. JaMarcus Russell, OAK--He'll be better than most people give him credit for.
17. Jake Delhomme, CAR--Could be in the top 10 with Steve Smith and D.J. Hackett.
18. Kellen Clemens, NYJ--Cotchery and Coles will quicken his learning curve.
19. Phillip Rivers, SD--Still a running team.
20. John Kitna, DET--One last hurrah before the "quarterback of the future" takes over.

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21. Jason Campbell, WAS--About a year away from being in the top 10.
22. Vince Young, TEN--Another player hurt by his teams propensity to run.
23. Jeff Garcia, TB--Older than dirt but still has Galloway.
24. Trent Edwards, BUF--One good receiver from being inside the top 20.
25. Matt Schaub, HOU--This is a team destined to struggle.
26. Chris Redman, ATL--No where to go but up.
27. Alex Smith, SF--Isaac Bruce can only help this passing game.
28. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN--Bernard Berrian will add some stability but he's still raw.
29. Brodie Croyle, KC--The Chiefs desperately need another receiver.
30. John Beck, MIA--He could surprise this season.

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31. Kyle Orton/Rex Grossman, CHI--Whether it's Orton or Grossman, without receivers it won't really matter.
32. Kyle Boller/Troy Smith, BAL--The starter will likely be rookie Matt Ryan but either way they all will struggle.

By John Willette, IPL Sports

2008 IMPACT ROOKIES

After countless rookie drafts and adding the likes of J.J. Arrington, Chad Jackson and Matt Jones to my long list of draft blunders, I have decided to throw conventional wisdom out of the window. No more shall the so-called experts influence my drafting decisions by their irrelevant statistics and hours of studying game film. This fantasy season I am going to delegate to my wife, who knows absolutely nothing about football and even less about sports to pick this season’s impact rookies. So without further ado, here are some rookies that may make an impact in 2008...according to the wife.

QB-- Matt Ryan, Boston College; Joe Flacco, Delaware; Andre Woodson, Kentucky; Brian Brohm, Louisville

RB-- Darren McFadden, Arkansas; Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois; Felix Jones, Arkansas; Steve Slaton, W. Virginia; Ray Rice, Rutgers; Kevin Smith, Cent. Florida

TE-- Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M; Dustin Keller, Purdue; Kellen Davis, Michigan St.

WR-- James Hardy, Indiana; DeSean Jackson, Cal-Berkeley; Mario Manningham, Michigan; Early Doucet, Louisiana St.; Limas Sweed, Texas; Devin Thomas, Michigan St.; D.J. Hall, Alabama; Darnell Jenkins, Miami