2008 NFL Draft Fantasy Winners

I guess if I am going to cover the fantasy losers of the NFL draft, I might as well comment on the winners. These guys saw their fantasy value get a boost with the 2008 rookie class.

Jay Cutler: Denver Broncos

New blocker in Ryan Clady and a new receiver in Eddie Royal. If you count that Cutler will also be in better health after learning he has Type 1 diabetes and how to manage it during the season, Cutler should improve in 2008, with Clady protecting him.

Royal could be a factor later in the season, but the receivers are already strong as long as Brandon Marshall recovers well from his TV punching.

Jason Campbell: Washington Redskins

Even though his two starting receivers may now be in danger of losing their fantasy value, it’s only because Campbell got a whole new tribe of offensive weapons.

With Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, and Fred Davis coming in, Jim Zorn (a former QB coach) taking the helm, the powerhouse Chris Cooley, and the addition of Brandon Albert for protection, Campbell will be able to spread the ball more effectively.  He could be a fantasy sleeper at QB for 2008.

Marion Barber: Dallas Cowboys

Barber’s a winner because he got a great running mate in Felix Jones.

As he is currently working out a long-term deal, Rashard Mendenhall may have been seen as a sign that the Cowboys could do without Barber. With Jones and Tashard Choice added to the mix, Barber can feel secure in his role as the starting RB, while also getting some relief.

The good news for fantasy owners is that these rookies will still make an impact and make a threatening backfield in Dallas. Choice will eventually push and spell Barber while Jones is a perfect compliment who will compete for time.

Barber can’t rest easy just yet, but these are the picks that he would want to run with if he had the choice.

Ben Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh Steelers

There’s no way to know how the Steelers will choose to put the ball in the end zone this season. Big Ben got his big, tall end zone target in Limas Sweed and now has a powerful runner in Rashard Mendenhall.

Needless to say, the offense will be firing on all cylinders this year, and Big Ben won’t hesitate to throw TD passes with Sweed and Heath Miller making some big targets.

Lee Evans: Buffalo Bills

In James Hardy, Evans might finally find the perfect partner to create a dangerous dual threat in Buffalo.

While Lee Evans is a deep threat, Hardy can develop into a big, possession receiver who will pull coverage from Evans. If Trent Edwards learns to get Evans the ball this season, Evans could return to form as an elite fantasy WR.

Rex Grossman: Chicago Bears

He gets better protection with Chris Williams, a receiver in Earl Bennett, and new talent at RB with Matt Forte. The offense is restocked enough that Grossman might have a legitimate shot to redeem himself in 2008.

Ronnie Brown (and Ricky Williams): Miami Dolphins

Jake Long will move some people around in front of Brown this year, and he didn’t need the help last year to put up big numbers. With Bill Parcells revamping the offense and surrounding Brown with improved talent, Brown should bounce back from his injury better than expected.

Ricky Williams could also be big depending upon how much size he can get back before the season starts and whether or not he keeps “grounded”—if you catch my drift.

Related Articles:

• 2008 NFL Mock Draft with Fantasy Impact [Final Take]
• Fantasy Losers of the 2008 NFL Draft
• 2008 NFL Mock Drafts Revisited
• Fantasy Football Fools Mock NFL Draft 2008: Part 4 of 4 (First Take)
• And the “Brady Quinn” Award Goes to Matt Ryan

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