Gridiron Experts

8 MAN MOCK DRAFT; BEST PICKS RDs 3-8

A little while back the writers from Gridiron Experts decided to do a mock draft.  I was recently looking over the round by round selections of my fellow writers and decided to do an evaluation of these rounds by selecting which writer made the best pick in each round.  I will look at the value of the round the player was selected in along with the player’s potential upside.  I decided to exclude the first two rounds from this analysis as these rounds seem to usually go as planned.  This article will contain rounds 3 through 8 and a subsequent article will follow with rounds 9 through 15.

Round 3 – Shonn Greene (NYJ) – Greene provides great value in this round as he is being projected by some to be a possible first round pick or at the very least a second rounder.  Now that Thomas Jones is out of town Greene is the RB that is going to benefit from Jones’ departure.  Although the aging Tomlinson could factor in with some goal line carries, Greene is the Jets running back to own and should provide a positive season for his owners.

Round 4- Ryan Grant (GNB) – Much like Greene, Grant has a lot of upside.  Especially, since he is the featured back in a high scoring offense.  With the Packers having a pass happy system it should only open up more holes for Grant to run through.

Round 5 –Steve Smith (NYG) – Smith was very productive last season as Eli Manning’s top target.  I expect Smith to once again get plenty of looks from his quarterback and to have another solid season.  In most drafts that I have seen Steve Smith of the Giants is being taken as early as the third round …Continue reading 8 Man Mock Draft; Best Picks RDs 3-8

Gridiron Experts continues to showcase our top ten lists, this time with the wide receivers. While there were more opinions with the Top 10 Fantasy Quarterback Rankings we do see the same handful of names in everyone’s receiver lists, but the interesting part is where they were ranked.

Mike Rodriguez: Calvin Johnson- Number two on my board will shock and awe a few readers, but it really shouldn’t. I looked at the most talented players, and then listed them based on their current age and surrounding talent. Sure Calvin Johnson’s on the Lions, but that’s a good thing in my opinion. Detroit has a very young, yet talented core on offense. The Lions will never be in a comfortable lead in 2010, so offense will be their best defense. I expect a return of his 2008 season’s worth in fantasy numbers.

DC: Anquan Boldin- I have a good feeling about Boldin in Baltimore. The Ravens have been desperate for a number one receiver, and Boldin has been wanting out of Arizona for some time now. Together the combination will be monstrous for the Ravens offense. With a powerful run game, opponents can no longer cheat up into the box to stuff the run. The play-action-pass or a straight up go-route will now be in heavy rotation in the play calling, so expect a different looking formula each week for the Ravens. Boldin is fearless across the middle and a magnet in the redzone. Flacco is very underrated and has a great arm, the transition should be wicked.

Diesel: Reggie Wayne- The Colts are always going to be putting up points. Wayne could be the safest pick on anybodies board, and Peyton …Continue reading Top 10 Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings

[Updated: He did it again, Favre says he'll play if healthy, denies texting Vikings otherwise]

Third times a charm?

We have heard this one before. Brett Favre says he’s done, and while neither Favre nor the Vikings has confirmed the news just yet, a statement is expected later Tuesday, sources say. Rumors were floating around that the old-timer was going to retire the rocket arm but even Brad Childress said Tuesday after talking to Favre in the past 24 hours, he was unaware of the reports of Favre’s apparent decision to hang it up.

I know this is a story we have all grown tired of, but Favre is a player that we just have to have in the game. I don’t care about the indecisive decision making of number 4, I hope this retirement attempt matches his jersey number.

NFL Training Camp News
The Packers Offense Struggles In Training Camp
This morning’s practice was marked by blown blitz pick-ups, failed sight adjustments between quarterback and receiver, and a bevy of lost one-on-ones in the trenches. CheeseHeadTV.com

Michael Turner Catches On
There’s been a lot of interesting storylines to emerge early on in the Falcons’ 2010 training camp, but this one caught me considerably off guard. It’s not a position battle involving Kerry “Sunshine” Meier (make this catch on!) and it’s not a question of starters, something you’ll see extensively discussed when Adam pops up the new Courage and Fight podcast. It’s just…Michael Turner, catching more passes? The Falcoholic

Finally, Cowboys WR Roy Williams Starting To Catch On
Through 14 training camp practices, Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams has yet to make one memorable leaping, twisting, diving and sprawling catch. His plays are met with yawns. Williams and quarterback Tony Romo have lived that way for one-plus seasons together. In 25 regular-season games, Williams caught only 57 of the 128 throws from Romo. SportsDayDFW.com

Seahawks Training Camp Update
Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck continues to look impressive in the first days of training camp. The team has been giving Hasselbeck, who turns 35 in September, regular days off to keep his arm fresh. SeaHawksFans.com

Coach says Vikings CB Griffin will miss 1st game
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier says cornerback Cedric Griffin definitely will miss the season opener YahooSports

Mike Tice wants Bears offensive line to be aggressive
Bears offensive line coach Mike Tice discussed Chris Williams’ progress, whether Olin Kreutz can revert to Pro Bowl form and other issues with reporters Sunday at training camp Chicago Bears.com

Ridiculously Early Saints’ Studs and Duds of Training Camp
“Oh, this guy is really going to contribute this year, might be a year away from a 1,000 yard season”. “I bet this guy starts by week 4″. Slow down, …Continue reading NFL Training Camp News

Gridiron Experts Power Rankings AUG. 2nd

32. Buffalo Bills
CJ Spiller has all the tools to be a playmaker in this league, well except for an offensive line in front of him, a quarterback to take the pressure off, and well you see where I’m going with this. The Bills are going to need a franchise quarterback before they move on this list.
31.St. Louis Rams
The Rams, in theory, should be a better team this year, but it’s still up in the air and truly depends on how NFL ready Sam Bradford is by the start of the season. Steven Jackson has always been the Rams workhorse, and that won’t change this year, expect another grand out of him in 2010.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are still rebuilding. This process can sometimes be long a frustrating, yet in the forseeable future they’ll find themselves on day on the outside looking in on any power rankings list. Every team must rebuild sooner or later but for this season ahead, the Buc’s will be leaning on too many young players and the inexperience will show.
29. Cleveland Browns
The Browns biggest flaw is their division, it’s just too hard to be competitive against perennial powerhouses like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. They did have a great draft and made some key off-season additions, with a revamped secondary expect them to move up this list in a year.
28. Detroit Lions
The Lions were the movers and shakers of the off-season, making some key additions. If only for the next few years, adding Jahvid Best to a backfield commandeered by Matt Stafford could be just what the Lions needed. Best will make plays and take some of the focus off of Calvin Johnson.
27. Oakland Raiders
For the first time in years, the Raiders impressed us all during the draft, adding a top-tier middle linebacker and shipping Kirk Morrison to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not to mention ditching JaMarcus Russell in favor of Jason Campbell, an automatic upgrade. Although for now, they’re still on the outside looking in.
26.Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have revamped their coaching staff and drafted (and paid) a play making safety in Eric Berry. Dexter McCluster will give add that x-factor to the offense and give Jamaal Charles some relief at the running back spot. Matt Cassell will get one more chance to show that he’s worth the money they’re paying him.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a team that can never seem to get it together when it truly counts, their first rounder is considered a huge reach by the entire NFL community and if he doesn’t pan out, Jags fans can happily say goodbye to Jack Del Rio. Maurice Jones-Drew will set the pace for the offense once more. …Continue reading NFL Power Rankings

Tuesday Training Camp Notes

• 2nd Round Pick Signs- Nate Allen is a much anticipated rookie to enter Philadelphia Eagles camp. Dave Spadaro broke the news that the Eagles have agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the rookie safety Allen and will report to Lehigh tomorrow. Allen was the player selected with the pick that the Eagles received for Donovan McNabb. Allen is also expected to step in and help the Dawkins-departed safety spot.
• Atari Bigby signs his tender- Packers safety Atari Bigby will arrive to training camp on time to try to defend his starting strong safety job.-Profootballtalk
• 2nd Round Pick Signs- Broncos offensive lineman Zane Beadles (a second round pick from Utah) has signed a 4 yr contact and will be at camp soon
• More Bronco News: The Denver Broncos on Tuesday announced several transactions, including the signing of wide receiver Eric Decker, whom they selected in the third round (87th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft from the University of Minnesota. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed…Milehighreport.com
• Add 2 rookies to Bengals big news day- Former Longhorns: WR Jordan Shipley and linebacker Roderick Muckelroy signed contacts on Tuesday.
• Pat’s Also Snag a 2- Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes has agreed to terms. (link)
• McNabb Texting Kolb- “I try to inspire young players, to just continue to keep their head up, write goals for yourself that are attainable and for them to just have confidence in themselves. For me, it could’ve been easier for me to walk out the door and not said anything to anyone. But that’s not the type of person I am. I’m a guy who cares. I’ve text-messaged Kevin and…several of my former offensive linemen and the list goes. The thing about 11 years is [it's] something you can’t just forget.” Link & video:Redskins Insider

Mixed reviews are not the case for Dez Bryant’s refusal yesterday in carrying Roy Williams pads. Many talk radio voices and NFL players have chimed in with their thoughts on the Rookies move to not involve himself in Cowboy type NFL rituals.

Personally I see a lot of maturity in Dex Byrant’s act’s of late, getting his contract squared away to be at camp on time, showing up 45 min. early on day one, these are all signs that this kid wants to be an NFL success. But, something as simple as carrying a teammates pads is the least you can do to earn the respect for a fellow teammate. I bet by the end of the week Bryant will have regret his actions. Read More: ESPN

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Last year’s gamble, this year’s keeper

In most Keeper leagues the name of the game, is value. Owners generally are allowed to keep a player, or players, but must sacrifice a draft pick in order to do so. Typically, an owner loses the corresponding pick that the selected keeper was chosen. If you spent a 2009 2nd rounder on Drew Brees, and want to keep him for 2010, you forgo your 2nd round pick in this season’s draft.

That’s why value is so important to Keeper league owners. If an owner uses his picks wisely, or can turn a late round gamble, or throw away pick into a fantasy stud, the value for the next season is outstanding. Often a player that would go in the top 10 in a standard draft can be “protected” for a nominal draft pick, allowing your early picks to be used on building great depth.

Let’s take a look at some players that were late round picks last year, that would make great keepers for the 2010 season. Using the 2009 ADP stats from Myfantasyleague.com these players make for outstanding keeper candidates.

• 10. Steve Smith (WR NYG)- ADP 134- Should still lead the Giants in catches. Actually got a team leading 23 redzone looks for 5 TD’s last year. Brings added value to PPR leagues. Early 2010 ADP has him going 38th.

• 9. Pierre Garcon (WR IND)- ADP 242- Though not a conventional keeper, Garcon could be a good choice in a PPR format simply based on the fact that it would only cost the average owner a 20th round pick. He will continue to get a lot of looks in Indianapolis.

• 8. Jermichael Finley (TE GB)ADP 175/ Vernon Davis (te SF)ADP 155- Most owners would never consider keeping a tight end, but the numbers dictate that there’s plenty of value in it. Tight ends get more and more numbers every year, and these low costs could allow a fantasy owner to concentrate on more valuable …Continue reading Last Year’s Fantasy Gamble, This Year’s Keeper