2011 NFL Draft: A Look at Day Two from a Fantasy Perspective

Ryan Williams, RB, Arizona

Looks like Beanie Wells has some competition. The Virginia Tech running back ran for 477 yards on 110 carries (4.3 ypc) with nine touchdowns. In 2009 he ran for 1655 yards and 21 touchdowns.

The Cardinals will look to run more in 2011, and Williams will certainly be in the mix. With Wells and possibly restricted free agent Tim Hightower in the mix, the Cardinals’ backfield looks like one to avoid in 2011.

Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore

The Maryland receiver slid to the second round but found a good home with Baltimore. The Ravens were desperate to get younger at the position and add a deep threat.

Smith accomplishes both. He’ll have limited value in redraft leagues, but is an intriguing option in dynasty leagues.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati

Dalton is a nice fit for the Bengals’ West Coast Offense. Looks like the Bengals are taking Carson Palmer’s threat seriously after all. With A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson, Dalton may be worth a look at the end of fantasy drafts.

Greg Little, WR, Cleveland

Little was forced to sit out last year due to an NCAA violation. He caught 62 passes for 724 yards in 2009. Remember the name, but he’s probably not somebody to worry about in redraft leagues.

DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas

He may get a chance down the road, but even if Marion Barber III doesn’t return, Murray won’t get enough touches to be a fantasy factor in 2011.

Titus Young, WR, Detroit Lions

Young gives the Lions a deep threat to stretch the field. He won’t be a fantasy asset early on, but he gives Matthew Stafford an additional weapon.

Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions

Jahvid Best is an electric back who has durability issues. Leshoure is a physical back who complements Best perfectly. The Illini back ran for 1697 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. The Lions are no longer a pushover.

Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers

Cobb will soften the blow if James Jones leaves and gives the Packers another wide receiver when Donald Driver has had enough.

His fantasy value is limited, but he should help keep the Packers’ offense humming.

Alexander Green, RB, Green Bay Packers

Green gives the Packers more versatility. He won’t get enough touches for fantasy purposes, but he should be the third-down back. His presence hinders James Starks’ and Ryan Grant’s fantasy value.

Daniel Thomas, RB, Miami Dolphins

Depending on what the Dolphins do with Ronnie Brown, Thomas has the potential to be the top of the rookie running back class next year, simply out of opportunity. He’s a big back who ran for 1585 yards and 19 touchdowns for Kansas State last year.

Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings

Rudolph will be Christian Ponder’s future safety valve. He’ll get plenty of work in two tight end sets, but will have minimal 2011 fantasy value.

Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots

Last year, the Pats went with two rookie tight ends. This year they added two running backs. Vereen is a lot like Danny Woodhead.

He’ll play on third downs and give the Patriots versatility. Ridley will share regular rushing duties with BenJarvus Green-Ellis. It looks like New England running backs won’t be fantasy friendly next year.

Ryan Mallett, QB, New England Patriots

He’s a guy to stash on your dynasty team, but doesn’t hold much fantasy value next year.

Jerrel Jerningan, WR, New York Giants

Look elsewhere for your fantasy team.

Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego

Look elsewhere for your fantasy team.

Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers

He’s very athletic, but he’s raw. He could have his moments if Alex Smith doesn’t return, but he’s probably not going to help your fantasy team in 2011.

Lance Kendricks, TE, St. Louis Rams

Kendricks probably won’t make much of an impact as a rookie, but he has the potential to develop a good rapport with Sam Bradford.

Austin Pettis, TE, St. Louis Rams

Pettis obviously isn’t Julio Jones, who the Rams were hoping for, but he does upgrade the position. I’ll probably look elsewhere for my fantasy teams, though.

Leonard Hankerson, WR, Washington

Hankerson should get a chance to produce early as the Redskins don’t have much to offer at wide receiver.

He caught 72 passes for 1156 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. He could be a decent WR4 or WR5 in 2011.

Also check out:

• 2011 NFL Draft First Round Quarterbacks
• 2011 NFL Draft First Round Running Back and Wide Receivers