2011 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Arian Foster and the Top 50 to Pick
For many NFL fans, the best part of the year is that first Sunday of the season, or maybe the day your home team clinches a playoff berth and, of course, Super Bowl Sunday, which will be here in just four days. But for others, the NFL season means one thing: it's time for fantasy football.
This season, there were a number of players that took fantasy football by storm and came out of nowhere to have exceptional years. On the other hand, there were also some players that were drafted in the first round that failed to put up the type of numbers people had excepted.
Either way, it is never too early to look ahead to next year's fantasy football season and began to map out where the top players should fall in 2011 drafts.
Let's jump ahead to next year's fantasy football season and take a look at the top 50 players available in 2011.
50. Vernon Davis, TE
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Vernon Davis finished the year as the No. 3 ranked tight end and that is exactly where he comes in on the 2011 fantasy football list.
Davis has been consistent and is now considered to be one of the top receiving tight ends in football. His 914 yards and seven receiving touchdowns in 2010 make him worth a middle-round draft pick in upcoming fantasy drafts.
If the San Francisco 49ers do make the move to go with a new quarterback in 2010, this should only benefit Davis in the long run.
49. Matt Ryan, QB
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Matt Ryan had a solid 2010 fantasy season and proved that he was worth being an everyday fantasy starting quarterback.
Ryan has improved his numbers every year since he has been in the NFL and with playmakers like Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez by his side, those numbers should only go up in 2011. He was the No. 8 rated quarterback in most leagues this season and very well could crack the top five next year.
Look for Ryan to be drafted somewhere around the fifth or sixth round next season. He isn't quite in the same class as Vick, Manning, Rivers, Brady and Brees, but he has cracked that tier two group and is a worthy starter.
48. Tony Romo, QB
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Tony Romo was a huge disappointment to anyone who spent a high draft pick on him last year, but it's one thing to just play downright awful and it's another thing when you get injured and are out for the year, which is what happened with Romo.
The Dallas Cowboys have to regroup this offseason and one would have to believe that they are going to come out and play more inspired football in 2011. Their offensive production starts and finishes with the play of Romo. If he comes back next season at full health, you have to believe that he is worthy of an early-to-middle-round draft pick.
With weapons like Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten surrounding you, it would be tough to imagine Romo not having a good year.
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47. Ryan Mathews, RB
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Ryan Mathews is a prime example of a guy who people got really hot on before the draft and took a chance on him with an early pick. The only problem is that Mathews never did get hot and had a dud of a rookie season.
After all the success that LaDainian Tomlinson had as a featured back in the Chargers backfield, people felt like Mathews could step in and fill in right where Tomlinson left off. Boy were they wrong.
Mathews finished the year as the 31st-ranked fantasy running back. He averaged 7.4 points per game and that number would have been lower had he not broken out for 120 yards and three touchdowns in the final game of the season. At that point, most fantasy leagues had already been well decided.
Despite his rookie struggles, Mathews will get every chance to be the Chargers starting running back in 2011, which makes him worthy of a fifth-round pick. He did show flashes of greatness in college, and who knows, maybe he will find his way and have a breakout 2011 season. It's always possible.
46. Sidney Rice, WR
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Sidney Rice is one of the biggest question marks heading into the 2011 fantasy football season.
After a breakout year in 2009, Rice was plagued with injuries last season, which forced him to miss the majority of the year. Now heading into 2011, Rice should return healthy and ready to go, but the question remains, will he still be a member of the Minnesota Vikings?
The Vikings do not have a clear answer at the quarterback position as of now, and it is anyone's guess if they will go for a young quarterback in the draft or try to make a deal and bring a veteran signal caller in. If Rice is playing with a good quarterback who throws a solid deep ball, then there are not many receivers in the league that can compete with Rice's talent. But where he will be catching passes next season is what will ultimately determine his fantasy value. We just have to wait and see how things shake out from here for Sidney Rice.
45. Jahvid Best, RB
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One of the most commonly asked questions among fantasy football owners midway through last season had to be, what happened to Jahvid Best?
Just two weeks into the season, Best was ranked in many leagues as the No. 1 running back and looked like he was on track to have a breakout fantasy football season. But then a nagging turf toe injury hit and his stats dropped off the planet.
After scoring four touchdowns in his first two NFL games, Best failed to visit the end zone once in the final 14 games of the season. In fact, he only rushed for over 40 yards in six of the Lions 16 games in 2010.
Chances are that Best was banged up and just not accustomed to the type of grind that a 16-game season has on a rookie tailback. He will have the entire offseason to rest and prepare to come back and show people that those first two games were not a fluke. Look for Best to be a solid No. 2 running back option in 2011.
44. Brandon Marshall, WR
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The common theme throughout our last couple of picks here have been guys who were drafted early on in last year's fantasy football drafts and just failed to pan out as owners would have hoped. Well, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall is another guy who fit that mold in 2010.
Marshall was taken in the second and third-rounds of most drafts last year, and after posting just 117 total points, an average of 7.4 fantasy points per game, he can certainly be labeled a 2010 fantasy football bust.
Marshall was one of the best receivers in the game during his years with Denver, but that did not transition well to Miami. Marshall only caught three touchdowns last season and only had four games where he surpassed the 100-yard mark.
This year should be a fresh start for Marshall as the Dolphins have made it clear that Chad Henne is not their answer at quarterback. Look for Miami to try and make a trade or pick up a quarterback via free agency, which in the long run, should help Marshall get back to his old form in 2011.
43. Vincent Jackson, WR
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Just like Sidney Rice, Vincent Jackson is another wild card heading into the 2011 season.
Jackson is one of the most electrifying receivers in the game today and he has shown that he can be a fantasy stud when he is on the field. But, after sitting out the majority of the season last year after a contract dispute, fantasy owners have to be wondering where Jackson's head is at and what type of production, if any, he is going to provide in 2011.
Signs point to Jackson being somewhere other than San Diego next season. Wherever it is, if he can remain healthy and happy, Jackson should be able to have a breakout year. His value is not as high just because of what a question mark he was last season, but if you get a chance to take him in the middle rounds and he is still available, scoop Jackson up immediately on potential alone.
42. Dez Bryant, WR
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Rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant showed flashes of greatness in his first NFL season. In return, Bryant should be a valued commodity in every fantasy football league in 2011.
Despite being sidelined for five of the final six games with an injury, Bryant put up promising numbers in the 11 games that he did play. He topped the 50-yard receiving mark in seven of those games and had touchdown receptions in five of them.
Keep in mind that Bryant did all this while playing without starting quarterback Tony Romo for the majority of the season. With a healthy Romo and a new slate to start next year with, Romo and Bryant could very well be one of the top connections in football next season.
41. Wes Welker, WR
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We might be getting a little receiver happy at this point in our rankings, but realistically, this is right about where these guys deserve to be and should be drafted. Wes Welker is another good one to add to that list.
Here's the thing about Welker—if you are in a fantasy football league where receptions count—he is a top 10 wideout, no questions asked. But if you are in a league where receptions do not make any difference, then Welker is a fourth-to-fifth-round value.
With the departure of Randy Moss, Welker should have a full season as Tom Brady's No. 1 target. In the final seven games of 2011, Welker topped the 80-yard mark on four separate occasions, including four touchdown receptions. He is a valuable No. 2 receiving option for any fantasy football squad next year.
40. Matt Schaub, QB
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Matt Schaub didn't have quite the year that people expected in 2010, but he still was a top 10 quarterback who put up good fantasy numbers.
Schaub averaged over 15 points per game in fantasy this season and had a couple of games in which he looked like the best quarterback in all of football, including passing for 497 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 2 game against Washington.
Whenever you have a guy like Andre Johnson to throw the ball to, you are going to be a valuable asset in a fantasy football league. It is very possible that Schaub could get back to his 2009 self and have another breakout year next season. But as of right now, he should be valued in the same class as guys such as Matt Ryan and Tony Romo. At least for now.
39. Miles Austin, WR
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After a breakout 2009 campaign, many expected Austin to be one of if not the best receiver in all of football last season. But with the injury to Tony Romo combined with the emergence of rookie Dez Bryant, Austin's numbers took a slight hit last year.
Nonetheless, Austin finished the year as the 12th-best receiver in fantasy football, averaging 10 points per game. He topped the 100-yard receiving mark on five separate occasions as well as hauling in seven touchdown passes.
The bottom line here is that Austin is the No. 1 wideout on the Cowboys, which should be an improved football team heading into the 2011 season. Having Romo back will help, and with the lack of a running game, Dallas should air the ball out more than ever this season, which certainly benefits Mr. Austin.
38. Marques Colston, WR
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The New Orleans Saints do have a lot of guys involved in their offensive system, but Marques Colston continues to hold his position as Drew Brees' go-to receiver.
Colston had another good year in 2009, posting at least five catches for 50 yards or more in 11 of the 15 games he played in. Colston finished the year with seven touchdown passes and scored more than 10 fantasy points on six separate occasions.
With the majority of their roster set to return in 2011, Colston should be in for another big year. He is always consistent and will continue to make a solid No. 2 receiving option in any 2011 fantasy football league.
37. Dallas Clark, TE
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There not might be a single player in all of football that was missed by their team more than Dallas Clark was missed by the Indianapolis Colts. In fact, the same can be said about his fantasy owners.
Clark had a brilliant start to the 2010 NFL season. He hauled in 37 catches for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns in the six games he played before going down with a season-ending wrist injury. Despite being sidelined for the majority of the season, Clark still ranked in the top 30 in the NFL of all tight ends.
When Clark is in the lineup, Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in football. With a healthy Clark expected to be back next season, Clark should continue to put up monster numbers in 2011 and help lead the Colts back to the top of the league standings.
36. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB
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When talking about players who had breakout years in 2010, New England running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has to be on top of the list.
After serving as a backup throughout his career, Green-Ellis took on the starting tailback role and became the first Patriots back to break the 1,000-yard mark since Cory Dillon did it back in back in 2004. He also added 13 touchdowns on his way to being the 15th-ranked fantasy football running back.
The fact that New England dedicated itself to being more of a balanced offense this past season is promising for Green-Ellis in the future. As of right now, the job is his and his only, which means that there should be plenty more big rushing statistics to come in 2011.
35. Kenny Britt, WR
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Kenny Britt put up monstrous numbers in 2010, despite being sidelined for six games with an injury. In the 10 games that he did play, Britt passed the 80-yard mark on five separate occasions, including a 225-yard, three-touchdown performance against Philadelphia in Week 7.
With Vince Young all but done in Tennessee, the Titans are now dedicated to bringing in the new quarterback of the future. With a top-10 draft pick in April, Tennessee very well could snag their quarterback of the future right there. This will be good for Kenny Britt who showed signs of greatness, but could be even better with a quarterback that can throw an accurate deep ball.
If Britt totaled nine touchdowns in 10 games this season, just imagine what he could do with a full, healthy season under his belt.
34. LeGarrette Blount, RB
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This undrafted free agent was best known for the punch he threw during Oregon's 2009 season-opening college football game against Boise State. Now, one year later, Blount is considered one of the top-rated fantasy football running backs after putting together a brilliant season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010.
After playing sparingly or not at all in the first six weeks of the season, Blount came on and had a huge second half of the season for the Bucs. He rushed for over 70 yards on seven separate occasions and added six touchdowns for the season. He finished the year as the 27th-ranked fantasy running back, a number that could have been elevated had the Bucs discovered his talents earlier in the season.
Look for Blount to be selected somewhere around the fourth round in 2011 fantasy football drafts. The running back position is always valuable and Blount is a special talent.
33. Knowshon Moreno, RB
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The one knock on Knowshon Moreno as a fantasy football player is that he can be incredibly inconsistent at times. But the reward here is that when he's on, he's really on.
Moreno only cracked the 80-yard mark three times this season, but when he did, he posted fantasy scores of 22, 18, and 17 points in standard scoring leagues. If you do play in a league where receptions count for points, Moreno is one of the top receiving backs in the NFL today.
The deal with Moreno is that he is not going to be a No. 1 fantasy running back. With the inconsistency of his play and of Denver's offense as a whole, Moreno's best value is as a No. 2 back or maybe at the RB/WR flex position. Look for him to be targeted in the fourth-to-fifth round in 2011 fantasy football drafts.
32. Antonio Gates, TE
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Antonio Gates has been a mainstay atop the best tight ends in the NFL and 2011 should be no different.
Many times, owners wait on taking a tight end because they feel that their value is not as great as that of a quarterback, running back or receiver. But with Gates, you are getting a tight end that is putting up No. 1 receiver type numbers on a consistent basis.
Last season, Gates topped the 70-yard receiving mark in six of the 10 games he played. He added an eye-popping 10 touchdown receptions, which is exceptional for a tight end. Gates was Phillip Rivers' No. 1 target in every game he played last season, especially with the absence of former No. 1 wideout Vincent Jackson.
Whether Jackson returns to the Chargers in 2011 or not, Gates will be sure to have another big season as long as he stays healthy. He is the best tight end in the game and should be seriously considered in the third-to-fourth-round range in most fantasy drafts.
31. Dwayne Bowe, WR
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This is the type of year that fans were hoping to see from Dwayne Bowe since he arrived in the NFL as a rookie.
Bowe was an absolute force with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010, topping 80 yards and a touchdown in six separate games this season. In a three-week span midway through the season, Bowe combined for 465 yards and seven touchdowns in games against Denver, Arizona and Seattle. Now, if he could begin putting up those type of numbers on a consistent basis, he could develop into a Tier 1 fantasy wideout.
Look for Bowe to be selected somewhere around the third or fourth round, but if a team is looking for a top receiver and wants to take a leap for Bowe in the second round, I don't think too many people would be shocked by the move. With the constant improvement of Matt Cassel, one would assume that Bowe's numbers are only going to get better in 2011.
30. Larry Fitzgerald, WR
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You can't tell me that certain people didn't see this one coming. With the retirement of Kurt Warner and the likes of Matt Leinart and Derek Anderson as his replacement, Larry Fitzgerald was just not going to have a big year in 2010.
Fitzgerald still is hands-down one of the top receivers in the NFL. He has the height, hands and pure athleticism that stands out among the best. But until the Cardinals find an answer at the quarterback position, Fitzgerald's numbers are not going to be what they once were.
In 2010, he ranked as the No. 16 wide receiver, while averaging less than 10 points per fantasy game. He only topped the 100-yard mark on three separate occasions and hauled in just six touchdown passes on the year.
If the Cardinals make the decision to draft a good quarterback with that top five pick or sign one through free agency or a trade, then Fitzgerald's stock should rise by the time drafts begin to happen. But until then, he is looking like a third or fourth-round pick in the upcoming year.
29. Drew Brees, QB
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Drew Brees did not put up the type of numbers that fantasy owners had hoped for when they selected him late in the first round. But at the end of the day, Brees was still one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL this season and will continue to be as long as he stays healthy.
Brees ranked sixth overall in fantasy quarterback ratings this season with an average of just under 17 points per contest. He passed for more than 300 yards on seven different occasions and scored more than 15 points in 11 of the Saints 16 games.
There is an elite class of fantasy quarterbacks in the NFL and, as of now, Brees is still very much considered to be in that class. If you enter the third round and are still in need of a quarterback, then look no further: Brees is your guy.
28. Mike Wallace, WR
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Very few receivers can say that they had the type of breakout season like Mike Wallace did for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the aging of Hines Ward and the trade of Santonio Holmes, you can't say that you didn't see this one coming.
Wallace very well could be the fastest player in all of football, something that Ben Roethlisberger has certainly taken a liking too. He is a constant deep threat that has the ability to beat any corner downfield if you leave him with one-on-one coverage.
This past season, Wallace scored 10 or more fantasy points on nine separate occasions. He added 10 touchdowns, which is a huge number considering where he was selected in most drafts last year. And, keep in mind that he put up those type of numbers without playing with his starting quarterback for the first quarter of the season.
Given a full season with Roethlisberger, Wallace should have an even better year in 2010. It wouldn't be surprising to see him finish in the top- five receivers in all of football next season.
27. Matt Forte, RB
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Matt Forte is a guy who started the 2010 season off looking like the best fantasy running back in all of football. But just like Detroit's Jahvid Best, Forte took a tumble midway through the year and finished the season as an average running back option.
Forte finished the year as the No. 11 fantasy running back while averaging just about 13 points per week in standard scoring leagues. He catches a lot of passes out of the backfield and also tends to put up his bigger numbers against weaker opponents, hence his 166-yard, two touchdown performance against Carolina in Week 5.
Forte is not a No. 1 quality back, but he certainly has No. 2 value and should be a starter on any team he is drafted to. Forte will be selected sometime around the third round in most leagues, maybe even the second in those bigger leagues where running backs are needed early on.
26. Reggie Wayne, WR
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Reggie Wayne didn't put up the type of numbers that fantasy owners had hoped for when they made him a high draft pick, but he still put up good numbers nonetheless.
The Colts No. 1 receiver ranked in the top 10 in all receivers in fantasy football, he just failed to get it done on a consistent basis. Wayne had five games in which he topped the 100-yard receiving mark, but he also had five games in which he failed to get over 50 yards and totaled only one touchdown during those games.
Peyton Manning and the Colts experienced all kinds of injuries this past season, which allowed opposing teams to focus more on shutting down Wayne in the passing game. With guys like Dallas Clark, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon expected to return to full health in 2011, Wayne should get back to his old self and continue to thrive in one of the best passing systems in all of football.
25. Hakeem Nicks, WR
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It might be fair to say that Eli Manning and the New York Giants have found their new go-to guy in wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.
Nicks was a fantasy stud in 2010, scoring 15 points or more in five separate weeks. His 11 touchdowns were up there with the best receivers in all of fantasy football. He finished as the No. 7 rated wideout in standard scoring leagues.
Nicks isn't quite a Tier 1 receiver yet, but that could very well change after this season. If you do draft Hakeem Nicks as your No. 2 wideout behind a guy like Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson or Roddy White, then you very well should have the best receiving tandem in your fantasy football season.
24. DeSean Jackson, WR
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There aren't many receivers in football as explosive as the Eagles' DeSean Jackson.
With great hands, breakout speed and big-play ability, Jackson is a perfect fit in the Eagles new look offense that features All-Pro Michael Vick. Jackson had a great year in 2010, totaling six games in which he scored over 16 fantasy points.
This coming year should be another big one for Jackson and the Eagles. He is the top wide receiver in one of the most explosive offenses in football, now that the Eagles have said that they are committed to keeping Vick as their quarterback. Giving him one full year to work with Jackson and the first team offense can only mean big things in 2011.
23. Peyton Hillis, RB
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On a list of unexpected players who rose to stardom in 2010, Peyton Hillis has to be near the top.
After coming over in a trade to the Cleveland Browns, Hillis rushed for over 1,000 yards and added 11 touchdowns in the 2010 season. He finished the fantasy season ranked as the No. 4 running back while averaging over 14 points per game in standard scoring leagues.
Based on numbers alone, one would have to believe that Hillis should be a top 10 pick in next year's fantasy draft. While it could be possible, it just seems like people are not quite sold on the fact that he can put up those type of numbers two seasons in a row while playing for such a bad football team.
But then again, who knew that he would ever have this type of year. If Hillis is around in Round 3, make sure to scoop him up. The reward could certainly be worth the risk
22. Phillip Rivers, QB
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Phillip Rivers looked like the hottest quarterback on the planet in the first half of the 2010 season. The most amazing thing is that he put up such incredible numbers while throwing to a cast of no-names.
With Vincent Jackson out for the majority of the season and Antonio Gates missing a large chunk as well, Rivers managed to pass for 4,710 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2010. He finished the season ranked as the No. 5 quarterback, averaging just under 18 points per week.
With a healthy Antonio Gates back in 2011, Rivers should be in for another outstanding season. He is not quite on the same level as Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers, but should be considered right around that level with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. That's not bad company to be in.
21. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB
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Ahmad Bradshaw had a very solid season in his first year as the Giants starting running back. Now with New York expected to part ways with backup Brandon Jacobs, look for Bradshaw's production to continue to rise in 2011.
Like many of these running backs on this list, Bradshaw's issue throughout the 2010 season was his inability to put up big numbers on a consistent basis. He had seven games when he topped the 80-yard mark, but also had four games in which he failed to rush for more than 50 yards and no touchdowns.
The idea here is that Bradshaw will have the backfield to himself in 2011. He put up some big games down the stretch of the season, including a 103-yard, one-touchdown game against Minnesota when most teams were already in their fantasy playoffs.
20. Peyton Manning, QB
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Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks of all-time and will continue to thrive in the NFL for as long as he chooses to play.
Manning had another standout fantasy season in 2010, averaging just under 18 points per game in standard scoring leagues and finishing out the season as the No. 4-ranked quarterback, which is where we have him ranked here as well.
Keep in mind that Manning put together an outstanding season, despite being without some of his favorite targets for the majority of the 2010 season. Next year, he should have all of his usual suspects back on the field and a full arsenal of options to work with. It's scary to think that he could be getting better with age, but it might be the truth.
19. Steven Jackson, RB
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Steven Jackson has been a mainstay at the top of fantasy football draft boards, but he has never had the type of season that makes him a standout first-round pick.
Jackson was the 13th-ranked running back this year in fantasy football, averaging about 12.5 points per game in standard scoring leagues. Jackson topped the 1,000-yard mark for the sixth consecutive year and will continue to be a solid NFL running back for years to come.
He isn't quite in the elite running back class, but he is a low No. 1 or top No. 2 running back option. The Rams are an improved football team and the balance that Sam Bradford brings to the team should stop opponents from stacking the box like they have done in the past against St. Louis.
18. Frank Gore, RB
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Frank Gore was a first-round draft pick in most fantasy drafts last year, and while he didn't quite live up to expectations, he still had a good year.
In 11 games, Gore rushed for 853 yards, but only three touchdowns. While his rushing numbers were not up to par, he did catch 46 balls for 452 yards and two touchdowns as well. Gore did have some huge games in the middle of the 2010 season, but he was forced to miss the final five games of the year with an injury.
Gore should return to full health next year and will make a solid second-round draft pick in most drafts. With a new and improved quarterback in the mix as well, this could help Gore put up even bigger numbers in 2011.
17. Greg Jennings, WR
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Not many receivers have as impressive as a resume as Greg Jennings does. He has passed the 1,000- yard receiving mark in three straight seasons and tied a career best with12 touchdowns last season.
Jennings scored 10 or more points on eight seperate occasions last year. During the Packers' Super Bowl run, Jennings has been outstanding and is making a lasting impression that should have people targeting him come draft day.
Jennings is a top-tier receiver and has moved his way up on the list to be considered with the likes of Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson and Roddy White.
16. Tom Brady, QB
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After a questionable 2009 season, Tom Brady came out and had an outstanding season in 2010, especially in the second half of the year.
Brady finished last year as the third-ranked quarterback in most fantasy football leagues. He threw for 3,900 yards, but the most impressive number was 36—the number of touchdown passes he threw compared to just four interceptions. That right there is what makes Brady such a valuable option in fantasy football leagues.
The Patriots are excepted to add another receiving weapon for Brady next season, whether it be through the draft, trade or free agency. With another weapon to compliment the likes of Wes Welker, Deion Branch and a duo of solid, young tight ends, Brady should be his usual self and put up huge numbers again in 2011.
15. Darren McFadden, RB
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The old saying of "the third time's a charm" held true in the case of Darren McFadden.
After two below-average seasons in the NFL, McFadden burst on the fantasy football scene in 2010, making all of his owners very happy. He rushed for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns while showing flashes of why the Oakland Raiders were so high on the tailback when he came out of Arkansas in 2008.
McFadden finished the 2010 season as the sixth-ranked running back in fantasy league, averaging just under 14 points per week. His 200-yard, four-touchdown game against Denver in Week 7 was one of the most memorable fantasy performances of the season.
Now that McFadden is comfortable in this offense, he is worth a high second-round draft pick. Chances are, he won't let you down.
14. Calvin Johnson, WR
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Calvin Johnson is hands-down one of the best receivers in the NFL. It might be scary to think of what type of numbers he could put up if he had a quarterback that could actually stay healthy through a full season.
For the second time in his four-year career, Johnson posted over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2010. He finished the season as the sixth-ranked wide receiver, which is right around where he was projected heading into the season.
The Lions showed some good signs toward the end of the season, finishing the year out on a nice winning streak. If Matthew Stafford can come back and remain healthy in 2011, Johnson could very well be the best fantasy wide receiver in all of football. That is a big "if" though. Nonetheless, if you have the chance to grab Johnson in the second round, do it.
13. Ray Rice, RB
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After a slow start to the year, Ray Rice had a strong finish and ended up paying off well for those fantasy owners who selected him with a high draft pick.
Rice topped the 1,200-yard mark for the second straight season, but he only added five touchdowns. If Rice can find a way to be more consistent on a regular basis, then he can be a top tier running back year in and year out in fantasy football.
The Ravens are a playoff-quality team and Rice is their go-to-guy on offense. If the Ravens are going to continue to improve, Rice will have to post some big numbers in 2011. He might not be a top five pick again, but anywhere near the end of the first round or early in the second should be a good bargain.
12. Rashard Mendenhall, RB
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Just like Rice, the main thing about Rashard Mendenhall is that he has to find a way to be more consistent. He was a breakout star in 2009 and then put up even bigger numbers in 2010.
Mendenhall was the eighth-rated running back this year in fantasy football, but he put up big numbers in bunches and then had some games here and there in which he was nonexistent. In the seven games that Mendenhall topped the 80-yard mark, he also scored a touchdown in those games. But on the other hand, Mendenhall also had five games in which he ran for less than 60 yards.
Mendenhall has established himself as one of the top fantasy football running backs in the game. Anybody that is able to scoop him late in the first round or early on in the second round will be happy with their investment.
11. Andre Johnson, WR
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When you catch 86 balls for over 1,200 yards and don't have one of your better seasons, you know that we must be talking about a true fantasy stud. The guy is Andre Johnson, and he has consistently been one of the best receivers in fantasy football throughout his NFL career.
Johnson finished the season as the sixth-ranked receiver in fantasy football, despite playing for a team that went backwards in the standings. He surpassed the 100-yard mark in six games this season and caught a touchdown pass in all but one of them.
If you are looking to make a statement early on in your draft and take a big play receiver with big rewards, then look no further than Johnson. He has had more than 850 yards in seven of his eight NFL seasons and is the model of consistency as far as fantasy wide receivers go.
10. Michael Turner, RB
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Michael Turner quietly had one of the best seasons of any running back in all of fantasy football in 2010.
The Falcons star back rushed for 1,371 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2010, answering any questions that people had about his off year in 2009. Turner only had one touchdown after six games and owners began to get concerned, but then he broke out for 11 scores in the Falcons final 10 games of the season. He became the focal point for every opposing defense Atlanta faced.
Turner and the Falcons were the best team in the NFC in 2010 and there are no signs that point to them slowing down anytime soon. Look for Turner to continue to be an offensive force not only next season, but for many more to come.
9. Roddy White, WR
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Roddy White had been a good receiver throughout his career in Atlanta, but in 2010, White went from being good to being the best.
White hauled in a career-best 115 catches for 1,389 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010. He finished the year as the third-ranked fantasy wideout, but held that No. 1 spot for the majority of the fantasy season. He was a strong reason why Atlanta had such an outstanding season.
With Matt Ryan only getting better, Roddy White's numbers should continue to rise in 2011. He is the best receiver in the NFL right now and should be the top-rated receiver on everyone's fantasy draft boards. If you decide to go the route of drafting a receiver in the first round, this is the guy to target.
8. Aaron Rodgers, QB
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When you have a guy that passed for 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, but isn't the top-ranked quarterback in the draft, there must be a darn good fantasy quarterback class.
Rodgers finished the year as the second-ranked fantasy quarterback and would have been No. 1 if it wasn't for a guy by the name of Michael Vick. In 2010, Rodgers topped the 300-yard mark on six different occasions.
Many people make the decision to go with a top tier running back in the first round. But, if you are one of those owners who have a late first-round pick, it might be tough to pass up a guy as valuable as Rodgers. He is as consistent as they come and barring any type of injury, should have another standout season in 2011.
7. LeSean McCoy, RB
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In just his second year in the NFL, LeSean McCoy had a breakout 2010 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The second-year tailback out of Pittsburgh rushed for 1,080 yards and seven touchdowns. But while his yards were greater in the rushing game, McCoy is valued so high on this list because of what he can do in the receiving game. He caught 78 balls for 598 yards and two scores this past season, which are outstanding numbers for a running back.
With the decision to re-sign Michael Vick, the Eagles retain one of the most explosive offenses in all of football. They are extremely balanced and McCoy is the guy who brings them together. He was the seventh-ranked running back in 2010, but all signs point to him improving that number in next year's fantasy football season.
6. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB
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Make that two years in a row now that Maurice Jones-Drew has eclipsed the 1,300-yard mark. Those numbers are well worth a first-round selection in any fantasy football draft.
Mo-Jo was phenomenal in 2010, but the only knock on him is that he started slow and his touchdown total was down from the past two seasons. Fantasy owners who took Jones-Drew with an early first-round pick were not happy to start the year, but then he came on in a big way in the second half of the season.
After reaching the 100-yard mark only once in the first seven games of the season, Jones-Drew surpassed the mark in six of the final seven games he played. In fact, it would be fair to say that Jones-Drew was the most dominant running back in all of football from Weeks 8-to-14 of the NFL season.
He might not be worthy of a top three pick, but if you have a middle first-round pick, going with Jones-Drew is a move that just seems to continue to pay out big rewards.
5. Jamal Charles, RB
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If Jamal Charles did not have to share carries with Thomas Jones and had the backfield all to himself, then he could very well be the top player in 2011 fantasy football drafts.
But even though Charles does not get all the carries, he still puts up some darn good numbers when he does get the ball in his hands.
In 2010, Charles shocked the NFL by rushing for 1,457 and five touchdowns. He was the third-rated running back in fantasy football, despite giving a lot of goal line carries up to Jones. Much like Jones-Drew, Charles did not get hot until the second half of the season. After failing to rush for more than 100 yards in his first six games of the season, Charles eclipsed that mark on four different occasions, including two games in which he rushed for more than 170 yards.
Charles is not the best running back in fantasy football, but he is certainly up there. If you have a middle first-round pick, look no further than Charles. He certainly is a joy to watch.
4. Chris Johnson, RB
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It wasn't quite the year that Chris Johnson was hoping for, but nonetheless, he did put up some darn good numbers despite playing for a bad football team.
After Johnson went over 2,000 yards in the 2009 season, he made it clear that he wanted to surpass the number again in 2010. While that didn't happen, 1,364 and 11 touchdowns isn't too bad. In fact, Johnson has run for more than 1,000 yards in all three of his years as an NFL starting running back. He is arguably the most electrifying player in all of football at any position.
Johnson lost his claim as the No. 1 fantasy player, but he should still be considered a top five talent. Who knows, maybe he will get back to his 2009 form? Wouldn't that be a joy to see.
3. Michael Vick, QB
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If there was an award given to the most valuable player in fantasy football this past year, it would have to go to Michael Vick.
Vick put together one of the most impressive seasons ever by a quarterback in fantasy football. The Eagles quarterback passed for over 3,000 yards and rushed for more than 600 yards in 2010. He added 21 touchdown strikes through the air and ran for nine more touchdowns. But the best of Michael Vick came down the fantasy stretch when it mattered most.
In weeks 12-15, which is when most playoffs got underway, Vick threw for more than 250 yards and at least one touchdown in every game. Vick also got it done on the ground, including a 130-yard rushing effort against the Giants in Week 15.
This very well could be the highest that a quarterback has appeared on a fantasy football draft board. But if you owned Vick in 2010, you know exactly how valuable he was last season and just why he is worthy of a top-three pick in 2011.
2. Adrian Peterson, RB
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If you were to look up every fantasy draft list over the past three seasons, Adrian Peterson would appear near the top of that list every time.
While he did not have his best season of his career, Peterson was brilliant at times and is the model of consistency as far as NFL fantasy football goes. Peterson rushed for more than 100 yards in five games this season, including scoring a touchdown in every one of those games. He finished the season as the second-ranked running back, averaging 15 points per week in standard scoring leagues.
If you are looking to make a first-round pick that will guarantee you at least 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns in a season, look no further than AP. He always knows how to get it done and has been the best fantasy player over the past four years. That should not change in 2011.
1. Arian Foster, RB
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Was there more of a surprising running back in 2010 than Arian Foster? No matter how hard you thought about that question, the answer simply has to be "no, there was not."
Foster had a breakout season, rushing for a league-leading 1,616 yards in just his second NFL season. Foster also added an eye-popping 16 touchdowns in 2010, which led all running backs.
If owners are going to follow the strategy of drafting the top running back with their first-round draft pick, then Foster has to be the guy. Foster finished the season as the No. 1 player in all of fantasy football last year, and there is no reason he should not top the list heading into 2011. Who knows, maybe he will be one to break the 2,000 mark.
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