Fantasy Football Draft Day: The Overlooked and Often Forgotten

We are now the heart of the fantasy football draft season. During this time of year fantasy players are making predictions about sleepers, busts and superstar’s.  Many heated discussions take place about specific players.  Draft day jokes are in full swing and PANIC PICKS are often made.  If you’re like me, you simply cannot get enough of this stuff.  It truly is a great time of year.

In this article we will look at some players who are overlooked, often forgotten or not even considered on draft day.  We believe that some of these players will pay big fantasy dividends for the owner who drafts them.  Not all of these players will strike fantasy gold.  If they did, I’d be writing for ESPN, hanging with Erin Andrews and playing golf with Chris Berman.

Ok, so my odds of hanging out with Erin Andrews are about as likely as Brian Bosworth starring the in sequel to Stone Cold.   It’s just not going to happen.  What I am saying, is that some of the players below can help your fantasy team make the playoffs or even more.  Without further adieu let’s get to the list.

Carnell Williams – RB (TB)

1040 combined yards, 7TD’s and his current ADP is around 88 (7^th-8^th rd).  If he can stay healthy (which is a big if), he’s set up to have a productive season.  He’s not the sexiest Cadillac on the lot, but he’s good value at his current price tag.

2009 stats – rush 821/4, rec 29/219/3

Laurence Maroney – RB (NE)

I like Maroney to win the starting job and lead the Pats rushing attack this season.  I’m feeling confident in 10 TD’s and close to 1000 yards.  His current ADP is a staggering 121.

2009 stats - 757/9, 14/99

Darren Sproles – RB (SD)

“Hefty Smurf” is currently behind rookie Ryan Mathews.  At the very least, he should stay active in the passing game.  He plays in a good offense and will get touches.  How many touches will depend on Ryan Mathews pass protection.  Rookies seem to always struggle with pass protection, which could be the case with Mathews this season.  Sproles should be on the field in passing situations and 3^rd downs.

2009 stats – rush 343/3, rec 45/497/4

Lee Evans – WR (BUF)

He is the clear #1 in Buffalo, which I realize is like being the skinniest kid at fat camp.  But someone has to catch the ball and Evans is the guy.  He’s no world beater, but he’s not Charles Rogers either.  His ADP is 116 (that’s behind Julian Edelman).   Spiller is also helping his value by having a good preseason.  Expect him to post better numbers than last season.

2009 stats - 44/612/7

Michael Bush – RB (OAK)

McFadden is already nursing injuries.  This is paving the way for Bush to be a top 20 RB this season (if not higher).  He catches it better than he gets credit for and Campbell loves throwing to RB’s.  He is currently being drafted in the 7^th – 8^th round.

2009 stats - rush 589/3, rec 17/105

Mohamed Massaquoi – WR (CLE)

It’s Virtual Insanity, that Massaquoi isn’t being drafted higher.  He got a big upgrade at QB in Delhomme.  He has another year under his belt and is the #1 WR in Cleveland.  He’ll see plenty of targets this season.  He could post top 20 WR numbers.  Take him in the 9^th or 10^th and you’ve got great value.

2009 stats – 34/624/3

Jabar Gaffney – WR (DEN)

Gaffney is currently starting in Denver.  He and Kyle Orton seem to have good chemistry and be on the same page.  Gaffney had 6/98 in his last preseason game, in one half!  He knows Josh McDaniel’s offense and has the size and speed to be rock solid.  His insane ADP is 134 (right behind Joshua Cribbs).  Think Steve Smith (NYG) last season when you draft him.

2009 stats - 54/732/2

LaDainian Tomlinson – RB (NYJ)

L.T. has looked good at times this preseason.  Shonn Greene will be the plow horse, but he caught exactly 0 passes last season.  L.T. should get his touches and be very active in the passing game.

2009 stats – rush 730/12, rec 20/154

Jacoby Jones – WR (HOU)

I’m still a fan of Kevin Walter, but I’m moving Jones ahead of him.  He averaged a TD every 4.5 catches last season.  We all know Andre will get the double coverage and still “Beat It!” like Michael Jackson.  Whoever is opposite of Johnson will see single coverage on one of the best offenses in the NFL.  Draft Jones in the late rounds and hope he locks down the #2 spot.

2009 stats - 27/437/6

Donald Brown – RB (IND)

Addai is still the guy in Indy.  He’s still what the NFL calls a JAG (Just Another Guy).  There is nothing special about Addai.  He’s averaged only 3.65 yards per rush over the last 2 seasons. Brown’s skill set fits Indy perfectly.  At some point this season the door will open for Brown.  He could walk through it and ever look back.

2009 stats – rush 281/3, rec 11/169

Leon Washington – RB (SEA)

Coming back from a gruesome leg injury isn’t easy.  However, Leon “Stanky Leg” Washington seems to be on course to be back healthy for week 1.  Pete Carroll has a history of using slightly undersized backs (Reggie Bush).  I suspect that we’re looking at a RBBC in Seattle, but Washington could get 10-12 touches a game and be involved in the passing game.

2009 stats – rush 331, rec 15/131

Steve Slaton – RB (HOU)

With Ben Tate out for the season, Slaton at worst is the #2 RB in Houston.  Even at #2, he still has fantasy value, because he plays for one of the best offenses in the league.  He is currently behind Arian Foster, who seems to have locked down the starting gig.  Slaton will still be involved, especially if he can prove his fumbling issues are over (which he hasn’t yet).  Expect 10 touches a game.  If you draft Foster, target Slaton as a handcuff.

2009 stats – rush 437/3, rec 44/417/4

Louis Murphy – WR (OAK)

His name might sound like your tax guy, but Louis will be more than a pencil pusher this season.  He’ll be Jason Campbell’s new Santana Moss!  Shocker – Chaz Schilens is already hurt.  Don’t waste a pick on AlcaChaz.  Murphy is the WR to target in Oaktown.  Campbell is a huge step up at QB and Murphy should see plenty of targets.  He could post numbers similar to VJax last season.  Yeah, I just put that on record.

2009 stats - 34/521/4

Mike Thomas – WR (JAC)

Thomas quietly had a solid rookie season.  Some reports out of Jags camp say that Thomas is outplaying the oft injured Sims-Walker.  Thomas is on the shorter side, but Garrard did look to him in the red zone and he caught a TD last preseason game.  I look for the Jags to be better in the air in 2010 and Thomas should benefit.

2009 stats - 48/453/1

Legedu Naanee – WR (SD)

He is currently starting in San Diego, in a pass happy offense.  Many owners are saying “Na” and “Nay” to Naane in their leagues draft.  We think that’s just crazy.  All the hype is on Malcolm Floyd, who is still a bit unproven.  He only had one game with more than 5 catches last season.  While we think Floyd is the #1, nothing is stopping Naanee from sticking his “leg” in the door this season!

2009 stats - 24/242/2

Brian Hartline & Davone Bess – WR (MIA)

One of these guys will step up and be a solid WR3 or Flex option in 2010.  Which one it might be, still seems to be a tossup.   Both can be taken late in the draft or even picked up on waivers after.  Someone has to catch passes opposite Brandon Marshall.  The trading of Camarillo should also allow them both to be on the field at the same time. Keep an eye out on these two and whichever one wins the #2 spot, draft him!

Hartline 2009 stats - 31/506/3, Bess 2009 stats - 76/758/2

Jason Snelling – RB (ATL)

He posted 872 combined yards last season and only had 15 or more carries in 5 games.  He also caught it well out of the backfield.  We all know Michael Turner is the guy.  What we don’t know, is if Turner is injury prone or just had a bad last season.  Either way, you’re paying a high price for Turner and should handcuff him with Snelling later in the draft.

2009 stats – rush 613/4, rec 30/259/1