NFL Fantasy Football: Breaking Down the First Rounders

We've run through our individual rankings and talked a bit about who I think belongs in the first round and who doesn’t.  Now, let’s put it all together and begin ranking the league overall, starting with the Top 12 (the first round of your draft):

1. Chris Johnson - RB - Tennessee Titans

He’s the top running back on my board, with the concerns about his contract behind us.  It doesn’t matter if it is a PPR league or not, the Titans offense runs through Johnson and there is no reason to think that’s going to change.

2. Adrian Peterson - RB - Minnesota Vikings

If Brett Favre ultimately returns or not, it doesn’t really matter.  Peterson’s had at least 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in all three of his seasons in the NFL.  Fumble issues or not, there is nothing not too like.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew - RB - Jacksonville Jaguars

He finally got his opportunity to be the man in Jacksonville, after playing second fiddle to Fred Taylor his first three seasons.  Everyone always knew what was possible, but now he has the stats to back it up.  With 1,391 rushing yards and 374 receiving yards, plus 16 touchdowns, there’s a whole lot to like.  With David Garrard at QB, his big-time performances should continue.

4. Ray Rice - RB - Baltimore Ravens

He took a huge step forward in his second season, combining for over 2,000 yards between rushing and receiving.  The knock against him is his touchdowns, and with Willis McGahee still on the roster, he’s likely to continue losing touches on the goal line.  That’s the only reason he doesn’t push Jones-Drew for the No. 3 spot on the list.

5. Frank Gore - RB - San Francisco 49ers

The talent surrounding him continues to improve.  Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis are now making the passing game a threat, which is going to take significant pressure of Gore on the ground.  Defenses can no longer just key on Gore, which should give him plenty of room to run.

6. Andre Johnson - WR - Houston Texans

I discussed where I’d draft him previously, so I won’t go into much depth here.  With a new contract in place, however, continue looking for him to be the premier receiver in the league.

7. Steven Jackson - RB - St. Louis Rams

The question marks surrounding running backs really start to creep up at this point.  Jackson is the Rams offense, with Sam Bradford likely to struggle in his rookie year (assuming he not only wins, but keeps the QB job all year long). 

That means Jackson will get his touches, but defenses will also be able to focus their efforts on stopping him, daring the Rams to beat them through the air.  That’s going to make it difficult, but considering he’s rushed for at least 1,000 yards for the past five seasons, and that he's a receiving threat out of the backfield, he’s well worth this pick.

8. Michael Turner - RB - Atlanta Falcons

Injuries limited him to 11 games and 178 carries, yet he still managed 871 yards and 10 touchdowns.  In ‘08, when healthy, he rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns.  I wouldn’t expect him to get back to that level, but if he’s healthy he certainly should return to being one of the elite.

9. Aaron Rodgers - QB - Green Bay Packers

I recently discussed his spot in the first round.

10. Larry Fitzgerald - WR - Arizona Cardinals

I discussed why he’s the second receiver on my draft board, and with the running backs I truly love off the board, taking one of the elite receivers makes sense.

11. DeAngelo Williams - RB - Carolina Panthers

Things diverge from my rankings a bit here.  Knowshon Moreno is the next running back on my board, but even if he were healthy I wouldn’t draft him in the first round, simply because I don’t have to in order to get him.  While Williams will share carries with Jonathan Stewart, he’s still worth taking here.

12. Drew Brees - QB - New Orleans Saints

I’ve discussed his inclusion here, so make sure to check that out.

What are your thoughts on the first round?  Who did I omit?  Who wouldn’t you take?

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