2008 NFL Draft Winners and Losers

WINNERS
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers had a fantastic weekend. Ben Roethlisberger is the most relieved guy in the league. Not only did his team add depth at running back with Rashard Mendenhall in the first round, Pittsburgh also granted Roethlisberger’s wish for a big receiver with second-round selection Limas Sweed. Sweed has a chance to be a Roy Williams type of receiver and will prove to be the top receiver out of this draft. The Steelers also added some depth at linebacker with Bruce Davis and Mike Humpal and took on a quarterback project a la Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El in Oregon’s Dennis . With or without contributions from Dixon, the Steelers

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers made some great picks, but their status in 2008 is still dependent upon Jake Delhomme’s arm. Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart will compliment starter DeAngelo Williams well, and Pitt tackle Jeff Otah is among the best in a deep class of offensive linemen. But when Penn State linebacker Dan Connor slipped to the third round, the Panthers made their best pick by adding him with the 74th pick. Connor is a run stuffer that should play an important role right away and join Jets import Jonathan Vilma in a solid, young linebacking corps. It is do-or-die time for coach John Fox, and he made the right decisions in this draft.

Kansas City Chiefs: Glenn Dorsey was an outstanding addition with the fifth overall pick, but the Chiefs stockpiled talent in each of their positions of needs. Start with Dorsey on the defensive line, then move on to guard Branden Albert on the offensive line with the 15th overall pick, and Kansas City really beefed up at the point of attack. Virginia Tech corner Brandon Flowers was a first-round talent that the Chiefs snagged at the top of the second, and Texas running back Jamaal Charles highlighted the first of three excellent selections in the third round. Coach Herm Edwards wanted to land as many as six new starters in the draft, a lofty goal, but the franchise may actually do it between the 12 selections they made.

Miami Dolphins: New Dolphins VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells eliminated one potential problem by signing left tackle Jake Long to a five-year deal before draft day. He then added a big, physical defensive end in Clemson’s Phillip Merling with the first pick of the second round and picked up insurance for second-year quarterback John Beck in Michigan’s Chad Henne in the second. Parcells quickly put his stamp on his first draft and filled out the rest of Miami’s roster with quality help throughout the second day.

New York Giants: The Giants won the Super Bowl, but they also lost some key players, especially in linebackers Gibril Wilson and Kawika Mitchell. They selected playmakers safety Kenny Phillips, USC cornerback Terrell Thomas and wide receiver Mario Manningham with their first three picks, then focused their attention on the linebacker spots. BYU’s Bryan Kehl was selected in the fourth round, and Vanderbilt’s Jonathan Goff in the fifth. Phillips was one of the better athletes in the draft, so big upside is there. The Manningham pick could prove to be the best of them all if he can develop in the mold of aging Amani Toomer, who he would ideally replace in the offense.

LOSERS
Houston Texans: The Texans picked up great athletes, but did not address needs as effectively as they could have in the draft. Tackle Duane Brown filled a need in the first round, but is still inexperienced – he was a tight end, right tackle and left tackle at Virginia Tech – so he may not make an immediate difference as a rookie. Houston passed over a potential shutdown corner in a Mike Jenkins or Cason and elected to trade down to get Brown with the 26th pick. Impact runners were also passed over, and Steve Slaton was thrown into the running back mix rather than Rashard Mendenhall or Felix Jones in the first round or hometown guy Jamaal Charles in the second.

St. Louis Rams: Chris Long is likely a future Pro-Bowler, much like his father Howie for the Raiders in the 1980s, but, why Donnie Avery in the second round? Yes, he dominated Conference USA in a spread offense, but he’s certainly not better than the other receivers that were available in this draft. Thomas, DeSean Jackson, Limas Sweed and Malcolm Kelly were all still in the board. This is a win-lose for the Rams; Where Long is a potential star and compliments Adam Carriker upfront, Avery is the wrong solution for the receiving game. The Rams were surely preparing for at least one of the big boys to be off the board at pick No. 33, but failed to adjust their strategy on the fly.

Jacksonville Jaguars: If the Jaguars had made a push for Jason Taylor, most experts would be calling them a Super Bowl contender. Instead, they traded away picks and settled for Florida’s Derrick Harvey with the No. 8 overall pick and Auburn’s Quentin Groves midway through the second round. If the Jaguars had not picked Groves, he would have fallen to a team that plays a 3-4-defensive scheme. He can switch out from end to linebacker in that defense, but is extremely one-dimensional. The Jaguars also failed to get another weapon for David Garrard, drafting just one offensive player, USC running back Chauncey Washington in the seventh round.

Tennessee Titans: This marked the second straight draft the Titans failed to address the lack of playmakers surrounding Vince Young. The receivers were there in the first and second rounds, where they opted for quick running back Chris Johnson from East Carolina and defensive end Jason Jones from Eastern Michigan. Wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins was the lone skill position player the Titans selected as they focused on building depth on their defense. They may have overstated the impact of acquiring tight end Alge Crumpler this offseason and did not address their lack of a playmaker on the outside.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks were another team that passed on two areas of need – a wide receiver or tight end – in the early going. And the selections they made, defensive end Lawrence Jackson in the first round and tight end John Carlson in the second, were surprise picks that could very well not pan out. Owen Schmitt was a worthwhile flyer in the fourth round as an intensity guy that could clear the way for new backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett. Georgia kicker Brandon Coutu was a good pick in the seventh to put pressure on new kicker Olindo Mare.

2008 Free Agent Signings

An abundance of players changed uniforms this offseason, a fair number of which can impact fantasy teams from the outset. The reshuffling changed the fortunes of many, both directly and indirectly, making it most important for fantasy owners to bring themselves current with information.

Michael Turner is a headliner because he leaves a backup role in San Diego and takes over starting duties for the rebuilding Falcons. Such a move can also have a trickledown effect on new Falcons backup Jerious Norwood, who many figured would be a starter by now, and the likes of Darrien Sproles, who gets an increased role in San Diego.

2007 Final Player Rankings

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego: Closed the season with a bang, scoring 8 TDs in final 5 games.
2. Tom Brady, QB, New England: Pursuit of perfection had Brady slinging the rock until final whistle blew.
3. Randy Moss, WR, New England: Caught an NFL record 23 of Brady’s 50 TD passes.
4. Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia: Eagles took it easy on him after playoffs became out of reach.
5. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota: Offensive ROY averaged just 36 ypg in Vikes’ final 4 games.
6. Joseph Addai, RB, Indianapolis: Colts protected a lot of nicked up players, none moreso than Addai.
7. Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas: Sprained ankle forced him to leave Week 16 early and miss Week 17.
8. Clinton Portis, RB, Washington: Put ‘Skins on his back with 306 rushing yards and 4 TDs over last 3 weeks.
9. Tony Romo, QB, Dallas: Tom Brady Lite struggled late with 1 TD/5 INTs in last 3 games.
10. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis: Only healthy for half the year and still eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing.
11. Willis McGahee, RB, Baltimore: Missed most of final 2 games with broken ribs, was held scoreless over his last 4.
12. Edgerrin James, RB, Arizona: Closed strong (24-102, TD) after 5 straight scoreless games.
13. Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh: Pursued NFL rushing title, but managed just 2 TDs before landing on IR (broken leg).
14. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis: As supporting cast got healthier, so did passing numbers (15 TDs last 5 full games).
15. Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland: Maintained high level of play all season, finished as No. 3 fantasy WR.
16. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh: Was NFL’s 2nd most efficient QB, despite taking 2nd most sacks.
17. Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland: Had best pro season (1,304 yards, 9 TDs) since 2,066-yard campaign in ‘03.
18. Marion Barber III, RB, Dallas: Success of Cowboys passing game led to inconsistent work load.
19. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis: Led NFL in receiving (1,510 yards), went over 1,000 yard mark for 4th straight year.
20. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Cincinnati: Had 10 TD catches in first 8 games, 2 TD catches in final 8.
21. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona: Had monster second half (9 TDs in final 8 games) to finish as No. 5 fantasy WR.
22. Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants: Only AP and LT averaged more yards per game than Jacobs’ 91.7.
23. Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans: Caught at least 8 passes on 8 occasions, ranked 2nd in NFC with 98 catches.
24. Wes Welker, WR, New England: Tied for NFL lead with 112 catches, but had just 1 TD in final 7 games.
25. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco: Was decent late in the year, but not good enough to shed “Bust” tag.
26. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo: Was same old self late in season after missing 3 games with sprained ankle.
27. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville: Taylor’s career year kept MJD in second fiddle role all season.
28. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans: Huge number of pass attempts (74 more than next closest QB) saved his season.
29. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego: His four games with just one catch were largely a product of Philip Rivers’ inconsistency.
30. Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati: Didn’t show up as Bengals fell out of playoff race, but got usual numbers – 1,440 yards, 8 TDs.
31. Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans: Looking like a bust in both fantasy and real NFL drafts.
32. Plaxico Burress, WR, New York Giants: Bum ankle made for lots of peaks and valleys in his production.
33. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas: Had 1,145 yards, 7 TDs to edge out Tony Gonzalez for top TE honors.
34. Derek Anderson, QB, Cleveland: Poor second half: had 12 TDs and 4 sub-200 yard passing efforts in last 8 games.
35. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Kansas City: Led all TEs with 98 catches – imagine his production with a decent QB.
36. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle: Set new career-highs in completions, attempts, yardage and TD passes.
37. Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver: Preseason sleeper woke up in a big way with 102 catches, 1,325 yards, 7 TDs.
38. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati: Colossal disappointment: had three games with 0 TDs and just three with 3 or more.
39. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston: Consistently dominant, had at least one TD catch in 7 of his 9 games played.
40. LenDale White, RB, Tennessee: Big man wore down by midseason, but came through with a good finish.
41. Kellen Winslow, TE, Cleveland: WR in a TE’s body — led all TEs with 13.5 ypc average.
42. Torry Holt, WR, St. Louis: Season numbers nothing short of miraculous with sore knee and Rams’ offensive struggles.
43. Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay: Free Agent Pick-up of the Year scored in 6 straight to close season.
44. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay: Injuries hampered production, but protected his 2008 sleeper status.
45. Earnest Graham, RB, Tampa Bay: Was a dynamo with 10 TDs until Bucs secured a playoff berth.
46. Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona: Battled through hip injury to score career-high 10 TDs in just 12 games.
47. Justin Fargas, RB, Oakland: Sprained MCL brought an end to surprising 1,000-yard season in Week 15.
48. Laurence Maroney, RB, New England: Most productive 3 weeks of the season came in Pats’ last 3 games (306 yards, 4 TDs).
49. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina: Rallied late, but couldn’t find paydirt in the absence of QB Jake Delhomme.
50. Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City: Chiefs misled for 8 weeks about the severity of his foot injury.
51. Joey Galloway, WR, Tampa Bay: Had highest yards per catch average (17.8 ypg) of any receiver with 1,000+ yards.
52. Jay Cutler, QB, Denver: Combines poise, confidence and big arm as game’s most promising young QB.
53. Chargers D/ST, D/ST, San Diego: Explosive, yet inconsistent unit was fantasy’s highest scoring defense.
54. Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville: Earned much deserved first Pro Bowl bid; finished season with 6 straight 100-yard games.
55. Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona: Nearly led Cards to playoffs, yet enters 2008 as team’s No. 2 QB.
56. Roy Williams, WR, Detroit: Departure of Mike Martz not likely to have big effect on him next season.
57. Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia: Interesting offseason coming up – he either gets more help or finds a new home.
58. Patriots D/ST, D/ST, New England: Disciplined D lacked playmakers, but tied for 2nd-most defensive TDs (6).
59. David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville: Got to air it out late with 12 TDs, 3 INTs in his last 6 games.
60. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants: May be turning over a new leaf as Giants perform into the playoffs.
61. Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh: Had 732 yds, 7 TDs despite injuries and lowest career receiving average (10.3 ypc).
62. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis: Peyton’s favorite red zone option led all tight ends with 11 TDs.
63. Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore: Incredible season (103 rec., 1,087 yards, 5 TDs) considering Ravens’ QB woes.
64. Chris Cooley, TE, Washington: ‘Skins most reliable pass catcher set career-bests with 786 yards, 8 TDs.
65. Jon Kitna, QB, Detroit: Mike Martz first got the axe after disappointing finish; Kitna could be next.
66. Thomas Jones, RB, New York Jets: A year he and the Jets would like to forget – averaged 3.6 ypc and scored 1 TD.
67. Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh: Big season could have been bigger had he not been hobbled by bum ankle.
68. Vince Young, QB, Tennessee: Edged Cleo Lemon out as the NFL’s 26th-highest rated passer.
69. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, New York Jets: Improved production rates across board, just couldn’t find paydirt (2 TDs).
70. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta: Who saw career season coming with QBs Joey Harrington and Chris Redman?
71. Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle: Hard fall for former MVP and 1st round fantasy pick – shared carries by season’s end.
72. Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay: Did dirty work while others scored the TDs (0 TDs after Week 3).
73. Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit: Most dangerous opposition each week was Mike Martz’s game plan.
74. Rudi Johnson, RB, Cincinnati: Hamstring issues limited him to 170 carries and 2.9 ypc.
75. Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo: Annual 2nd half surge was halted by inconsistent QB play.
76. Laveranues Coles, WR, New York Jets: Perhaps would have played through injuries if Jets were playoff contender.
77. Santana Moss, WR, Washington: Hot dog act was on full display as ‘Skins got bumped from playoffs.
78. Selvin Young, RB, Denver: Latest in a long line of no-names to lead Denver in rushing (729 yards, 5.2 ypc).
79. Bears D/ST, D/ST, Chicago: Hester’s return TDs and league-high 8 blocked kicks made up for flaws.
80. Bobby Engram, WR, Seattle: Possession WR had career year at tender age of 34.
81. Kevin Curtis, WR, Philadelphia: Fact he was Philly’s best wideout doesn’t say much.
82. Travis Henry, RB, Denver: 5-year deal he signed in Denver got off to turbulent, injury-plagued start.
83. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit: Showed flashes of brilliance (756 yards, 4 TDs), despite lingering back troubles.
84. DeShaun Foster, RB, Carolina: Averaged just 3.5 ypc and lost touches to DeAngelo Williams as the season wore on.
85. Minnesota Vikings D/ST, D/ST, Seattle: Showed flashes of brilliance (756 yards, 4 TDs), despite lingering back troubles.
86. Chris Chambers, WR, San Diego: Was solid after midseason trade — had 35 catches, 555 yards, 4 TDs as a Charger.
87. Warrick Dunn, RB, Atlanta: With new coach and old age, not likely he starts over Norwood in ‘08.
88. Kenny Watson, RB, Cincinnati: Ultimate sub, scoring 7 TDs and catching 52 passes in limited time.
89. Nate Burleson, WR, Seattle: Hit or miss, but scored 6 TDs in Seahawks’ last 7 games.
90. Chester Taylor, RB, Minnesota: Season boosted by 4-week push (412 yds, 6 TDs) while AP was hurt.
91. Ron Dayne, RB, Houston: Reliable and productive when given the chance to play.
92. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego: Eliminated some ups and downs late – had 10 TDs, 3 INTs in final 6 games.
93. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina: Averaging 5.0 ypc is a good way to shove Foster out the door.
94. Bernard Berrian, WR, Carolina: Bright spot in Bears offense stayed productive with rotating QBs.
95. Maurice Morris, RB, Seattle: Provided much needed shot in the arm to struggling Seahawks run game.
96. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City: Top rookie WR performed without legitimate NFL QB.
97. Adrian Peterson, RB, Chicago: One of top receiving RBs performed admirably in Cedric Benson’s absence.
98. Shaun McDonald, WR, Detroit: An underrated pass catcher among Lions’ high-profile wideouts.
99. Jeff Garcia, QB, Tampa Bay: Not the sexiest pick of QBs each week, but you knew what you were getting.
100. Seattle Seahawks, D/ST, Seattle: Enigmatic defense had back-to-back double digit fantasy performances just once during the year.
101. Reggie Brown, WR, Philadelphia: Considerably better after Eagles’ Week 5 bye – averaged 58 ypg, scored 4 TDs in last 12.