Fantasy impact: NFL draft's first round
2008 NFL Draft
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- Czar: AFC draft grades | NFC
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- Marvez: Best, worst drafts since '03
- Whitlock: 10 NFL Draft truths
- Hench: We don't have to love draft
Sights and sounds
Some of the first-round running backs like Oakland's Darren McFadden and Carolina's Jonathan Stewart can make an immediate impact in the fantasy world.
While others like offensive lineman Jake Long of Miami and Branden Albert of Kansas City can indirectly help the fantasy values of veteran teammates like running backs Ronnie Brown and Larry Johnson.
Even picks at defensive positions can affect the D/ST fantasy position.
First, review the fantasy winners and losers from the draft, including the new rookies and veterans. Then check out the fantasy impact of every first-round pick.
Biggest fantasy winners
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina: He becomes Carolina's featured back by virtue of his excellent running skills, size and speed. DeAngelo Williams becomes a third-down back at best. The Panthers are gearing to be an effective running team after selecting Stewart and proficient run-blocking tackle Jeff Otah.
Thomas Jones, New York Jets: The additions of All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, fullback Tony Richardson and tight end Bubba Franks will bolster the Jets' running game. However, if the Jets had the chance to draft Darren McFadden, Jones' potential as a fantasy starter with the Jets would have ended.
Felix Jones, Dallas: Both Jones and Marion Barber are well versed in sharing carries in a dual back system and have shown great production in those roles. In addition, they complement each other well with Jones as the speed back to Barber's physical style.
Biggest fantasy losers
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh: Unless he ousts incumbent Willie Parker or becomes a starter because of an injury, Mendenhall will be mostly residing on Pittsburgh's bench for the duration of the season. If he shares carries with Parker, both backs will be hard-pressed to be top fantasy starters at the same time.
Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh: If he falters or becomes injured, Mendenhall is ready to replace him and keep the position. In addition, if Pittsburgh elects to have a dual back system, Parker's fantasy value would also decline with fewer carries and scoring chances.
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina: He's simply not the caliber of running back as Stewart who offers better ability to be a featured back. Williams is better suited as a pass receiver from the backfield.
Justin Fargas, RB, Oakland: Though he produced a 1,000-yard season last year, Fargas will defer to game-breaking Darren McFadden as the Raiders' featured back. McFadden is too talented with his great physical skills, speed, running ability and big-play capability to receive fewer touches than Fargas in a dual back system.
1. Jake Long, Michigan, OL, Michigan
Fantasy impact: Running back Ronnie Brown benefits from Miami's improved offensive line. As a centerpiece of Miami's woeful squad last year, Brown still managed to be one of fantasy's top running backs before he was injured in Week 7. Brown had run for 602 yards and four scores while catching 39 passes for 389 yards and one score. His 2007 stats project to 1,376 rushing yards, 89 receptions, 889 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns for a full season. The selection of Long helps ensure Brown will remain one of fantasy's better running backs.
2. Chris Long, DE, St. Louis
Fantasy impact: He upgrades the Rams' mediocre pass rush after the defensive unit produced the league's ninth-fewest sacks (31) last year. Still, St. Louis lacks playmakers at linebacker and secondary to make it a starting fantasy D/ST unit.
3. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta:
Fantasy impact: The Falcons have a group of young talented receivers with Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Laurent Robinson. This playmaking trio will help Ryan eventually become a starting fantasy quarterback. In addition, Ryan will be supported by a strong running game with the duo of newly signed Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. However, Atlanta's offensive line needs to be rebuilt after it allowed the league's sixth-most sacks last year. Of course, a rookie quarterback rarely makes a significant fantasy impact in his first year. Even Peyton Manning took time to develop. He passed for an impressive 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns, but threw 28 interceptions.
4. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland
Fantasy impact: Though he could share carries in a committee, McFadden becomes an immediate fantasy starter with his physical traits, superb running skills, big-play ability and proven college production in a tough conference. Oakland surprisingly ran for the sixth-most rushing yards and generated the 11th-best rushing average (4.1) last year. It has an imposing, physical line geared for run blocking. However, quarterback JaMarcus Russell flopped in his first season and has little experience. Without a legitimate passing threat to face, defenses will be focused on stopping McFadden. Early reports indicate that Oakland coach Lane Kiffin will use McFadden in the same way he employed Reggie Bush at USC.
5. Glenn Dorsey, DT, Kansas City
Fantasy impact: After losing last year's NFL sack leader and end Jared Allen, the Chiefs compensate by drafting a potent pass rusher on the defensive line. Dorsey will also upgrade Kansas City's dismal rushing defense that ranked as the league's fifth-worst last year. Still, the Chiefs remain waiver-wire fodder at fantasy D/ST.
6. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Fantasy impact: He upgrades one of the league's worst pass rushes last year. The Jets had the seventh-fewest sacks (29) and the fifth-fewest interceptions (15). Putting more pressure on the quarterback will also yield more interception opportunities for New York. Still, it needs more playmakers in the secondary to become a fantasy starting defense and remains a spot start at best.
7. Sedrick Ellis, DT, New Orleans
Fantasy impact: He upgrades New Orleans' mediocre pass rush and run defense. The Saints created the league's fourth-fewest turnovers (23) last year, hurt by the lack of big playmakers on defense. In addition, New Orleans ranked in the bottom quarter in allowing points. The acquisition of linebacker Jonathan Vilma and the drafting of Ellis will help create more turnovers and limit points. Still, New Orleans remains on the sidelines for fantasy D/ST until it shows proficiency at producing sacks and turnovers.
8. Derrick Harvey, DE, Jacksonville
Fantasy impact: The addition of Harvey makes Jacksonville's strong pass rush into one of the league's best. It already generated the league's ninth-most sacks (37) last year. Even though the team lost tackle Marcus Stroud, adding Harvey ensures that Jacksonville will remain a fantasy starter at D/ST with the ability to create many sacks and turnovers.
9. Keith Rivers, LB, Cincinnati
Fantasy impact:The addition of Rivers and the return of linebacker Odell Thurman from suspension will help improve the Bengals' poor defense. However, it will need to still show considerable improvement before becoming a candidate to start on D/ST.
10. Jerod Mayo, LB, New England
Fantasy impact: Mayo injects youth into New England's aging linebacking group, ensuring that the Patriots will remain one of fantasy's top defenses. It owns the ability to defend the pass and run superbly. This allows for many sacks and turnovers, along with the chance at shutouts against inferior offenses.
11. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Buffalo
Fantasy impact: After losing excellent cornerbacks Antoine Winfield and Nate Clements in recent seasons, Buffalo improves its cornerbacks with the selection of McKelvin. After having the league's fourth-fewest sacks (26), its ability to acquire sacks will improve with better coverage by giving more time for its pass rushers to reach the quarterback. Its young defense is progressing after generating the league's seventh-most turnovers (31) last year. The run defense was also bolstered by the addition of run-stuffer Stroud. Infusing its promising defense with recent high picks, Buffalo is a sleeper fantasy defense next season. Of note, McKelvin could improve Buffalo's D/ST scoring if he becomes a proficient returner.
12. Ryan Clady, OT, Denver
Fantasy impact: Denver's Jay Cutler lost his blindside protection with the retirement of Matt Lepsis, but the addition of Clady ensures Cutler will be protected well. Expect Cutler to keep progressing and be a solid fantasy starting quarterback with his talented receiving group of Brandon Marshall, Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokley and Tony Scheffler. In addition, Denver's running game should remain strong and whoever (Travis Henry, Selvin Young or another candidate) wins the starting job at running back will benefit greatly.
13. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina
Fantasy impact: This power back with excellent speed and running skills immediately becomes Carolina's featured running back. Carolina's offense is built around the running game, and its offensive line has the potential to produce an strong fantasy running back. Stewart becomes an immediate fantasy starter at running back, even with the presence of DeAngelo Williams. Expect Williams to be a third-down back at best rather than share time with Stewart in a committee.
14. Chris Williams, OT, Chicago
Fantasy impact: The Bears had a glaring hole at tackle with the departure of fading Fred Miller as it looks to rebuild its aging offensive line. Veteran John Tait will slide over to right tackle and help boost Chicago's anemic running game last year. It ranked last in rushing average with a paltry 3.1 average and had the league's third-fewest rushing yards. Whoever becomes Chicago's starting running back (Cedric Benson, Matt Forte or another candidate) will benefit with the upgrade at left tackle.
15. Branden Albert, OG, Kansas City
Fantasy impact: The addition of Albert helps compensate for recent significant losses like tackle Willie Roaf and guard Will Shields on the offensive line. Larry Johnson, who returns from a foot injury, benefits greatly from this draft pick as he'll find more openings than he did last year. Johnson remains a No. 1 fantasy running back and this pick helps maintain his status as a top-10 fantasy back.
16. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Arizona
Fantasy impact: The Cardinals' rising defense bolstered its weak cornerback position with the selection of Rodgers-Cromartie. Improved play and consistency and better playmakers from the secondary could help vault the Cardinals into a weekly starter at defense.
17. Gosder Cherilus, OT, Detroit
Fantasy impact: If Cherilus lives up to his draft standing, he'll improve Detroit's anemic rushing game. The Lions ran for the league's second-fewest yards last year as it had little confidence in establishing a ground attack.
18. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore
Fantasy impact: The Ravens upgraded at quarterback with the selection of Flacco. He has promise to provide a deep passing game that Baltimore has lacked in recent seasons. It's unlikely, though, that Flacco will develop into a fantasy starter in his rookie season. But, in terms of Baltimore's poor quarterbacking last year, he can improve the passing attack in his first season.
19. Jeff Otah, OT, Carolina
Fantasy impact: This excellent run blocker improves Carolina's offensive line and provides its earlier pick of Stewart with more running lanes. In addition to a healthy Jake Delhomme, both rookies will be cornerstones in improving Carolina's offense significantly from last year.
20. Agib Talib, CB, Tampa Bay
Fantasy impact: The selection of Talib compensates for the loss of Brian Kelly in free agency and adds youth at cornerback. The Bucs had the league's sixth-fewest interceptions last year, so adding another playmaker in the secondary will help boost that total. The Bucs are a promising fantasy defense and can return to being a fantasy starter with improved turnover capability.
21. Sam Baker, OT, USC
Fantasy impact: He upgrades Atlanta's woeful offensive line and provides fellow rookie Matt Ryan better protection. In addition, Baker will help increase the fantasy value of Michael Turner this season and future ones.
22. Felix Jones, RB, Dallas
Fantasy impact: Dallas finally receives its big-play threat at running back to complement Barber in a committee system. He's a significant upgrade over Julius Jones and has shown that he can snap long runs with his great college production. He's only one of four players in Division I history to average more than 7.0 yards per carry with at least 350 career rushing attempts when he averaged 7.7 yards at Arkansas. He's also a potent kickoff returner who will help the scoring potential of Dallas D/ST. While he may not receive enough carries to warrant a weekly start at running back, he can be an excellent No. 3 fantasy running back.
23. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh
Fantasy impact: He upgrades Pittsburgh's running back position as he'll likely be the backup to Parker. Mendenhall would have started if he was drafted by a team without a star running back. Still, Parker's fantasy value declines as well with the possibility that he could be unseated by Mendenhall.
24. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee
Fantasy impact: He makes Tennessee's running back spot a crowded one by joining Lendale White and Chris Henry. Johnson will have to oust White and Henry to be the featured running back, but he'll likely be a complement to one of them. If he wins and can handle the featured running back, Johnson will be a fantasy starter. Otherwise, he'll be a spot fantasy starter with the limited number of carries. White's fantasy value declines with the possibility that Johnson can unseat him. But it's likely White will still be an integral part of the offense with his bruising style to complement Johnson's speed.
25. Mike Jenkins, CB, Dallas
Fantasy impact: The scoring ability of the Cowboys D/ST improves significantly with the addition of Jenkins as the punt returner and Jones as the kickoff returner. In addition, the Cowboys struggled in pass coverage and depth last season, so Jenkins improves Dallas' potential for turnovers. The acquisition of cornerback/returner Pacman Jones also boosts Dallas' capability to score special teams and defensive touchdowns.
26. Duane Brown, OT, Houston
Fantasy impact: He improves the Texans' running game as the offensive line has been one of the team's weakest areas. Who will start for Houston at running back still remains in question with injury-prone Ahman Green, newly acquired Chris Brown or other potential runners on the roster.
27. Antoine Cason, CB, San Diego
Fantasy impact: The Chargers led the NFL in interceptions (30) by a significant margin of eight. Cason insures that San Diego's secondary will remain one of the league's best. As the result of its sack and turnover ability, San Diego's fantasy D/ST ranks first entering the 2008 season.
28. Lawrence Jackson, DE, Seattle
Fantasy impact: The Seahawks are one of the best fantasy defenses after generating the league's fourth-most sacks (45) and turnovers (34). He can be the bookend to Patrick Kerney or at least provide depth on the defensive line.
29. Kentwan Balmer, DE, San Francisco
Fantasy impact: The 49ers' fantasy D/ST disappointed last year by compiling the league's second-fewest interceptions (12) and ninth-least sacks (31). Pairing free-agent acquisition Justin Smith with Jackson will help bolster their weak pass rush and create more chances for interceptions. It still remains waiver-wire fodder until showing progress.
30. Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets
Fantasy impact: He immediately provides the Jets with a strong pass receiver at tight end. Bubba Franks is better used as a blocker, while Chris Baker lacks Keller's speed and athleticism. This pick provides inexperienced quarterback Kellen Clemens with a reliable target downfield and a safety valve when pressured quickly. Keller has the potential to be a starting fantasy tight end.
31. Kenny Phillips, S, New York Giants
Fantasy impact: He replaces the departed Gibril Wilson who left for Oakland. He'll help the Giants' fantasy D/ST remain one of the league's best. The Giants led the league in sacks (53) last year and Phillips could help New York bolster its interception total.
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