8 Most Overrated Fantasy Football Players for 2012

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Before any draft it would be a wise idea to start putting some lists together to target players you like while also taking note of players to avoid.

Managing to avoid busts is one way to a successful draft. Sometime the warning signs for busts are obvious, but many times there are underlying factors to consider.

In this slideshow, I will go over eight overrated players to stay clear of in your fantasy football draft.

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

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Vick has been a tantalizing figure in fantasy for years, but aside from his tremendous 2010 season, Vick has been more ordinary than extraordinary.

You've got to credit Vick for playing the game with the vigor he does, but by being so aggressive when he takes off and runs, he is setting himself up for injury.

With his propensity for injuries and his overall lack of consistency, Vick is a player you should try to avoid despite how tempting he is to draft.

Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

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Call it a hunch, but I think we have seen the best of Turner.

Father Time is catching up to Turner, now 30, and between the fact that the Falcons want to incorporate Jacquizz Rodgers more into the game plan and the Falcons morphing into more of a passing team, Turner will not be his old workmanlike self.

Turner is still a solid pick, but he should be passed over in the first couple of rounds in your drafts.

Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Wallace is no doubt a gifted and talented receiver. It’s just the circumstances heading into this year that could lead to Wallace having a disappointing season.

First, Wallace will no longer overshadow other receiving threats on the Steelers, namely Antonio Brown, as Brown has the look of a breakout performer.

Secondly, and most importantly, Wallace has not reported to camp yet, and the longer he holds out, the longer it will take for him to get acquainted with Todd Haley’s new offensive scheme.

The longer he holds out, the longer his value diminishes.

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

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Don’t get me wrong, I love the talent that RGIII possesses, but a lot of people are overrating him and expecting the second coming of Cam Newton.

It may take some time (as it does for most rookie quarterbacks) for Griffin to get used the intricacies of the game, and it’s not like the Redskins’ offense is a juggernaut.

Griffin is worth drafting, but only as a backup with upside. Don’t reach for RGIII to be your starter.

Shonn Greene, New York Jets

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Greene is entering his fourth year in the NFL, and in his two years as the most appealing running back in the Jets’ offense, Greene has done nothing to standout.

For the past two years, Greene has been drafted as a No.2 running back, but he has frustrated his owners both times. And now with Tim Tebow expected to get carries (especially at the goal line), Greene could become an afterthought.

Greene should be drafted as a flex play at best.

Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Jackson would be a part of this list even if he was still with the Chargers, but now that the mercurial wide receiver is part of the bland Buccaneers’ offense, expect his value to take a major hit.

You may argue that Jackson will be the No. 1 option for Josh Freeman and the Bucs’ offense, but as a result, he’ll get a lot more double and triple-team coverage.

With Phil Rivers as his quarterback while also playing alongside Antonio Gates, Jackson had it as good as it gets. Jackson will have a tough time adapting in Tampa Bay.

Fred Davis, Washington Redskins

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Davis had somewhat of a breakthrough season last year (59 receptions for 796 yards), but in the process he only scored three touchdowns.

Now that the Redskins have added more weapons in the passing game (i.e. Pierre Garcon) and with a rookie QB (RG III) adapting to the NFL, it is reasonable to expect a regression.

Besides, after failing a drug test last year, how much can you trust his character? I’d avoid Davis as a starting tight end.

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

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Bradshaw is another player with a past history of injuries (he only played in 12 games last year) and with the Giants using mostly a running back-by-committee approach, Bradshaw has never really separated himself from the pack in fantasy football.

For years, Bradshaw had to share the carries with Brandon Jacobs, and with the Giants selecting David Wilson in the first round of this year’s NFL draft, that theme will continue,

Bradshaw is a classic example of his real football value outweighing his fantasy appeal.

Although Bradshaw will likely be selected as a No. 2 running back, he’s better suited as a flex or a reserve.

 

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