Round 1 fantasy rankings
Well, that was an exciting first round of NFL drafting! For the first time in some time I found myself yelling at the TV screen at teams. As a personal aside, I think some teams made some major reaches (i.e., the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans), but it is what it is. Here are just how I rank the current offensive rookies drafted for you dynasty league owners heading into your rookie drafts (So we’re looking at long-term value as well as immediate impact).
Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons – Great situation where he’ll eventually take over as the no.1 for Roddy White (age 30). For now he’ll be the number two wide receiver in a very good offense.
A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – A better prospect than Jones, but he’s in a mess of a situation that may take some time to sort itself out. He could easily jump up to number one on this list if the Bengals get a quarterback, but for now Jordan Palmer does not inspire confidence.
Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints – It’s a messy situation on paper, but it should sort itself out. Even Reggie Bush expects to be gone when all is said and done. 1 He fits the system well and should be the lead runner in a duo with Pierre Thomas/Chris Ivory. I also expect teams to inquire about one or the other running back for trade.
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars – Perfect landing spot in many ways. Young receivers, great running back, decent offensive line, and can sit for a season to ease the transition from a spread offense. Stash him for the future.
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers – The number one overall pick will compete to start in 2011 with Jimmy Clausen and should win the job. Problem is, Steve Smith may not be around, leaving Brandon LaFell as the best option in the passing game. They need to give him more weapons, and ideally Newton needs a year to learn his craft.
Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs – Odd pick for the Chiefs, given he’s a near-clone of Dwayne Bowe. However, it makes sense if you look at Matt Cassel’s style of play. He likes to take shots down the field, and big targets like Bowe and Baldwin make that an easy proposition for him. The short passing game will utilize Dexter McCluster and Jamaal Charles.
Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans – I like Locker, but the Titans reached big-time at number eight overall for him. He has solid weapons around him and should compete to start right away. Has real moxie and throws well on the run. He’s a project though that will take a couple years to develop. Needs to improve his accuracy, but big targets at tight end and wide receiver will help.
Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings – Everyone is all about his intangibles, and he could do well in a West Coast system given his decent accuracy, average arm strength, and relatively quick release. But I still feel he’s a project destined to be a journeyman or excellent backup quarterback. He’s in for a rough time of it given the state of the Vikings’ offense, especially on the offensive line.
