FantasyPros Preseason Probe
My pals at FantasyPros asked me to weight in on three important questions as we are in the full swing of fantasy drafts.
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Q1: These 12 RBs are being drafted as RB3s (ADP between #25 and #36 among RBs). Which ONE has the best chance of putting up top 12 RB numbers and why?
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Cedric Benson (CIN)
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE)
Beanie Wells (ARI)
Daniel Thomas (MIA)
Marshawn Lynch (SEA)
Fred Jackson (BUF)
Joseph Addai (IND)
Mike Tolbert (SD)
Tim Hightower (WAS)
Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
Reggie Bush (MIA)
Pierre Thomas (NO)
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My Answer: Honestly I’m not sure any of this cast of characters has the makings of an RB1, but the one that sticks out in my mind as having the most potential is Beanie Wells. We know what Benson, Lynch, and Addai can do. New England is too crowded for the Law Firm. Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush will share with each other. Fred Jackson, J-Stew, Tolbert and PT will also share. Hightower is the lead guy, but Shanahan is nearly impossible to rely on. That brings us to Beanie. The door is wide open following Ryan Williams injury. With an improved passing game, things could open up in the ground game. Beanie is one of the few players in this group with unreached potential and little competition for carries.
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Q2: These 12 WRs are being drafted as WR3s (ADP between #25 and #36 among WRs). Which ONE has the best chance of being a top 12 WR for the season and why?
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Mario Manningham (NYG)
Austin Collie (IND)
Kenny Britt (TEN)
Julio Jones (ATL)
Sidney Rice (SEA)
Pierre Garcon (IND)
Malcom Floyd (SD)
Plaxico Burress (NYJ)
Santana Moss (WAS)
A.J. Green (CIN)
Steve Smith (CAR)
Mike Sims-Walker (STL)
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My Answer: Good list. In PPR leagues I think Manningham stands a chance of picking up the slack for Steve Smith and putting up big numbers. Assuming Kenny Britt has a minimal suspension at best, he would be my choice. He has already shown that he can deliver the goods. The upgrade at quarteback (Matt Hasselbeck) should help. He has the ability to put up yardage and touchdowns. Plaxico could be an option as well, but I’m a little concerned with how he’ll hold up. Sure he looked good the other day, but it was only the preseason. Another nice option is MSW, who should put up big numbers with Sam Bradford slinging him the football.
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Q3: There are several of “up and coming” QBs being drafted in the mid to late rounds. Which ONE has the best chance of breaking through as a top 8 QB and why?
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Matthew Stafford (DET)
Sam Bradford (STL)
Kevin Kolb (ATL)
Colt McCoy (CLE)
Mark Sanchez (NYJ)
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My Answer: Assuming he can stay healthy it’s Matthew Stafford. He has a big arm and some nice weapons, including one of the most talented receivers in the league in Calvin Johnson. Any time you have a player the caliber of Megatron, you’re in great shape. I like Sam Bradford as well, but he does not have as good of weapons.
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Click here to see how the other panelists answered.
