Survivor I - Daunte Culpepper Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	CMP	ATT	PYD	PTD	INT	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	FPT	RANK
2002	334	551	3859	18	23	105	603	10	362.2	1
2003	295	454	3479	25	11	72	422	4	329.1	1
2004	379	548	4717	39	11	89	406	2	433.4	1

Positives - The biggest positive is that, in this scoring system, Daunte Culpepper led all players in fantasy points, including Peyton Manning and his miraculous record-breaking season. Culpepper 421 points Manning 409 points What's he going to do without Randy Moss in 2005? Even if we erased Randy Moss' statistics from 2004, Culpepper still had 3950 yards passing with 26 touchdown passes, not to mention his 406 yards rushing and 2 rushing touchdowns. We all know that if Randy isn't there, some of those touchdown passes will go to someone else. That "someone else" is a strong WR corps of Nate Burleson, Travis Taylor, Marcus Robinson and 1st round pick Troy Williamson, plus tight ends Jermaine Wiggins and Jim Kleinsasser. The change may be just what the Vikings need. That offense doesn't look damaged at all. I'll give you another positive - the Minnesota defense has improved over the off-season, which could lead to better field position from turnovers, thus giving a greater chance for red zone scores. One more positive: How many bad passing games do you see? (TB, @CIN, NO, @ATL, BYE, @CHI, GB, @CAR, DET, @NYG, @GB, CLE, @DET, STL, PIT, @BAL, CHI)

Negatives - Some think the Vikings offense will sputter without Randy Moss and his effortless 40-yard catches downfield. I'll be honest; I think Culpepper's numbers will decrease because of the Moss departure. The question is - How much will his numbers decrease and will it even affect his fantasy production on a weekly basis? I think his touchdown numbers and yardage numbers will be slightly lower, but nothing drastic. Another negative is that the Vikings lost their offensive coordinator Scott Linehan to the Dolphins. Replacing Linehan is offensive line coach, Steve Loney. So does this mean more of an emphasis on the running game? That is yet to be determined, but a possibility nonetheless.

Draft Strategy - With the 11th pick in the draft I wanted to get a player with the best value, but I also didn’t want to handcuff myself without a RB. In the end, value won out. I chose Culpepper thinking I had the best player at the QB position for this particular scoring format. There is a big bonus to having a strong, consistent QB putting up big points every week. Not many owners have that luxury and if I’m one of the few, it greatly benefits me.