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Survivor I - GrandGouda Commentary NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24
Positives - Davis has two consecutive 1,000 yard rushing seasons in his first two years, and plays in an offense that likes to throw the ball to the Running Back, as he as amassed 115 receptions in that span. He is also in a contract year, so will be playing for the big payoff on a team that is going nowhere but up. Houston will also shorten their passing game this year, throwing less deep balls and concentrating on getting the ball out of QB David Carr’s hands faster. This could lead to more short passes to Davis, as well as more Red Zone opportunities as Houston will trade the quick strike for the deliberate attack. Negatives - Davis has yet to start all 16 games of a season in his young career, battling a multitude of injuries last year. He also must fend off competition from Jonathan Wells, Tony Hollings, and rookie RB Vernand Morency. Draft Strategy - This pick was dictated by two things: who was left at #8, and our scoring system. I was hoping Shaun Alexander would fall to this spot, but he went at #5. Other considerations at this pick were Brian Westbrook and Randy Moss. Westbrook will lose some of last year’s production to a healthy Correll Buckhalter, and their offense could struggle early due to the T.O. distraction. Moss has a big question mark due to switching teams and QBs. Kerry Collins is not Daunte Culpepper. I refuse to take a player with that much of an unknown in the first round. In a Basic Scoring league, or straight Yardage league, I think this pick is too high for Davis. However, we will receive 1 point per reception, and Davis should pull in 60 to 70 balls out of the backfield, giving him a significant advantage over other backs. Couple that with his consistent performance the last two years and willingness to play through injuries, and Davis is a solid pick in the middle of the first round.
Positives - Holt remains one of the premier receivers in the league. He has a knack for getting open in Coach Martz’ offense and can punish DBs with his explosive speed. Since taking over as the #1 target in St. Louis, Holt has lead the most prolific passing offense in the NFL. The picture of consistency with five straight 1300+ yard receiving seasons, he has added a knack for finding the end zone with consecutive double-digit touchdown years. Has a great rapport with both Marc Bulger and Jamie Martin. With all of the weapons on the Rams’ roster, defense can not key on any one player. As consistent as they come, and has not missed a game in six seasons and plays a weak strength of schedule for WRs this year. Combine that with an improved offensive line and re-invigorated rushing attack, and Holt will put up top three numbers again this year. Negatives - Even though Holt has tallied 22 TDs in the last two seasons, he only nabbed 23 in four years prior to that. The St. Louis offense does spread the ball around a lot, and Bruce, McDonald, Curtis, Faulk, and Jackson will all eat into Holt’s numbers. Draft Strategy - I was planning on taking another RB in this slot; however, my goal of snaring Corey Dillon evaporated before my eyes as Nugget picked my pocket. Also considered at this pick were Marvin Harrison and Curtis Martin. While the “top three” receivers are generally considered to be Moss, Owens, and Harrison, I had Holt rated higher than Harrison. As Manning has matured over the years, he has learned to spread the ball around more and not lock on to Harrison. This was no more clearly evident than last year, as Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley had as many big games as Harrison. Martin is as consistent as they come, but is getting long in the tooth, and will not catch a lot of balls out of the backfield. Bottom line, I refuse to “overpay” for a Running Back in the second round. Holt is a monster, and getting the #3 WR instead of the #13 RB in a format that must start three Wide Receivers presented the best value at this pick.
Positives - Dunn is a solid performer, and is the #1 RB on the #1 Rushing Team in the NFL. He is coming off his best season with the Falcons, posting 1100 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving, and 30 receptions, with nine TDs. Due to the constant threat of Vick in the backfield, defenses can not key on Dunn. He is undervalued in drafts everywhere, with and ADP of 50 (RB 28) this year. T.J. Duckett is usually drafted higher, and usually disappoints. Additionally, Vick has stated that he is going to try to continue his evolution into a pocket passer this year, which should increase Dunn’s role on the ground and out of the backfield. Negatives - Dunn may be the #1 RB on the #1 Rushing Team, but that team also includes Michael “Mike” Vick. Dunn will lose his share of yards and red zone touches to Vick, and possibly some goal line and short yardage carries to Duckett. A true RBBC situation, without injury to Duckett, Dunn will probably not crack the top 15 RBs. Draft Strategy - The Gouda was licking his chops as his third round pick approached and Rudi Johnson was still on the board. However, those dreams were shattered when Worm took what should be considered the steal of the draft two picks before me. I needed another RB before all the second-tier choices were gone, and took Dunn as the 21st RB selected. Dunn is consistently undervalued in drafts. Last year he would have finished around the #15 RB in this scoring system, but was still available with 20 RBs off the board. True, he must contend with the RBBC, but if Duckett gets injured, he could creep into the top 10.
Positives - Last year was an off year for Ward, and he still managed to put up his fourth straight 1,000 yard receiving season. Plaxico Burress has departed, cementing Ward as the go to man for Big Ben. This also means that Ward will be covered by the opposing team’s top DB, and could be doubled, but it’s not like that’s going to be anything new, Hines has always received this treatment. Ward had two consecutive double-digit TD seasons before last year’s disappointment. Roethlisberger will have another year of experience under his belt, with the same offensive coordinator, which should help to increase the Steelers passing game numbers. The elevation of Randle El, and the additions of Cedric Wilson, rookie WR Fred Gibson, and TE Heath Miller will offset the departure of Burress. Negatives - I drafted Hines Ward as the 10th WR taken in the draft, and a 1,000 yard 8 TD season will justify that selection. I had targeted Donovan McNabb for this pick, but, once again, Nipsey stole him two picks before me. I also considered Drew Bennett, Michael Clayton, Anquan Boldin, and Laveranues Coles at this pick. Bennett is in a tough situation, as he becomes the #1 WR on the Titans. He is not used to drawing double coverage and the top corner from opposing teams, and I think his numbers will reflect that. Clayton enters his second year with the Bucs after an amazing rookie season. It should be known that I’m a Bucs homer, and follow Tampa Bay with a rabid passion. Gruden has a lot of new toys this year: TE Alex Smith, a healthy Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and a shiny new Cadillac. I would be very surprised for Clayton to put up 7 TDs again this year. Over in Arizona, Larry Fitzgerald established himself as a reliable target in the Red Zone and Boldin returns from injury. I don’t expect a return to his 2003 numbers. Coles is also battling a chronic toe injury, and it is yet to be seen if he or Pennington can stay on the field for the entire season. Once again, I opted for consistency, as Ward is a lock for another 1,000 yard, 16-game season. Draft Strategy - Last year Ward burned a lot of fantasy owners with his four TD performance, and he has had similar years in the past. Also, Pittsburgh defines smash-mouthed football, and will be among the league leaders in rushing attempts, which could limit the number of balls thrown Ward’s way. I do not see Plaxico Burress’ departure as a negative. This is not a situation of a #2 becoming the #1 receiver on the team; Ward always was the #1.
Positives - Bulger is at the helm of the most prolific passing attack in the league, and enters his third year as the starter. Not only does he have all his old weapons back, Holt, Bruce, McDonald, Curtis, and Faulk, but this year Steven Jackson will make a greater impact, and the Offensive Line will be shored up with the addition of G Rex Tucker and having Orlando Pace, the premier left tackle in the league, in camp instead of holding out for the first time in recent memory. Bulger threw for nearly 4,000 yards last season, and has 7 Rushing TDs in the last two seasons. More that either Daunte Culpepper or Donovan McNabb can claim. Bulger also reduced his number of interceptions from 22 in 2003 to 14 last year. Negatives - Bulger takes a lot of hits. A lot. Mainly as a result of the time it takes for Coach Martz’ receiver patterns to develop. Due to this, he has yet to play a full 16 game season without injury. Due to this, if you draft Bulger, it is a must to handcuff him with Jamie Martin in a later round (maybe somewhere near Round 20). Draft Strategy - One strategy I love to employ is getting a QB and his #1 WR. Nothing brings more joy than racking up double the points for a TD pass. I made the mistake last year in one of my leagues of extending that to the RB from that team as well, and it was a huge mistake. There’s only one ball to go around, no matter how many points the team scores. Bulger can throw for 400 yards a game (he did twice last year), and has only had three games total over the last three years where he did not throw for at least one TD. It was time to take a starting QB, with Manning, Culpepper, and McNabb off the board. Bulger represented phenomenal value in the 5th round. With passing TDs worth only four points, far too high of a price was paid for Manning and Culpepper in Round 1.
Positives - Duce is the #1 RB on the #1 rushing offense in the NFL. The Steelers will run the ball, and Staley will be the primary back. In the first eight weeks of 2004, Staley had four 100+ yard games and two 90+ yard games. Duce can also catch the ball out of the backfield, and with the departure of Plaxico Burress, should see far more passing targets this year. With Bettis in his last year as a pro, the Steelers should start working Staley into their Goal Line packages. Negatives - Staley killed a lot of fantasy owners last year due to his multitude of injuries and The Bus vulturing 13 rushing TDs last year, the majority of which were less than two yard runs after Staley got the ball inside the five. While Staley was healthy coming into camp this year, there is no guarantee that either or both of the crippling factors from last year will not arise again this year. Draft Strategy - At this point I was looking for another WR or my starting TE. Todd Heap was temping, but with the addition of Derrick Mason in Baltimore I felt his numbers could suffer, so I figured I’d wait a round and hope Heap, Alge Crumpler, or Dallas Clark were still available. Jimmy Smith was taken off the board a few picks before me, which was the last receiver on my short list. Duce is an incredible value in the 6th round of the draft. Even missing six games last year he put up almost 900 combined yards. Carnell Williams (rookie sharing backfield with Pittman and Alstott), Lamont Jordan (unproven as a starter), J.J. Arrington (rookie on a horrible team), Kevan Barlow (disappointment last year on a horrible team), Ronnie Brown (rookie on a horrible team), Thomas Jones (to be replaced by Cedric Benson), Chris Brown (RBBC), and Travis Henry (RBBC), were all drafted before Staley. If Staley stays healthy and gets a few goal line looks, he’ll outperform them all.
Positives - With the departure of Marcus Pollard from Indianapolis, Dallas Clark becomes the number one tight end on the highest powered passing attack in the league. Last year Clark posted over 400 yards and 5 TDs on just 25 receptions, and combined with Pollard for over 700 yards and 11 TDs. While it is naïve to think that Clark will pick up the entirety of the production vacated by Pollard, he was already the primary red zone target, and will pick up a significant proportion of the numbers. The former 1st round pick will have his chance to shine this year, and enters the 2nd tier of TEs behind the big two. Negatives - Clark has struggled with injuries his first two years, and that will continue to pose a question for the young tight end. It remains to be seen how Clark will respond to the transition to the #1 TE in Tom Moore’s 2TE sets, as opposed to the #2 TE. Draft Strategy - Still in need of a starting TE and a 3rd WR, I was hoping Clark, Heap, or Crumpler would fall to this spot, as all the WRs had little value at this point. Of the three, only Clark was left, which was okay by me. Behind Gonzo and Gates, I rank Clark, Crumpler, Heap, and Shockey as the four TEs in the 2nd tier. Even with injuries, Clark is likely to post 400 yards and 4 or 5 TDs. If he stays healthy, and Manning throws for another 40+ TDs this year, Clark could approach 650 yards and 8 TDs. A bargain in the 7th round, two rounds after the head case Shockey was selected.
Positives - When Peter Warrick went down last year Houshmandzadeh (who will be known as T.J. from here out) stepped in to the #2 WR spot on Cincinnati and posted a near 1,000 yard season with 4 TDs, and averaging near a 100 yard game each of the last five games of the season. T.J. is a combination of good hands, good route running, and good, but not blazing, speed. Negatives - T.J. has suffered from hamstring problems in the past, which can be an ugly recurring injury. While he does posses decent speed, he is not the breakaway threat of a true top-tier WR. With the return of Warrick and the possible emergence of Chris Henry, T.J.’s status as the #2 WR is not a lock. Draft Strategy - I’d be lying if I said I was targeting T.J. with this pick. I was still in need of another starting WR, and was ready to take one, practically drooling on my keyboard as my pick grew closer and closer and Eddie Kennison, the #1 WR on the highest scoring offense in the league was still on the board. Then Nugget ripped my fantasy football soul right out of my chest and stomped on it, snaring Kennison one pick before me. I was caught with my pants down and committed to taking a WR. T.J. has the chance for a great year, but not my most solid pick. Considered several others, but ruled them out for various reasons, including: Dante Stallworth (inconsistent and disappointing last year), David Givens (vanilla, one decent year), Lee Evans (J.P. Losman), and Santana Moss (Coles failed in Washington and is better than Moss). If I had this pick over again, I think I would have taken Brandon Stokley, selected by Mikey T at the end of the round.
Positives - Colbert was a fantasy surprise last year stepping in for the injured Steve Smith and putting up top-40 numbers with over 750 yards and 5 TDs playing opposite Muhsin Muhammad. With Muhammad now in Chicago, Colbert should easily reach 1,000 yards and has a shot at 10 TDs as the opposing defense will roll top coverage to Smith’s side. Jake Delhomme has established himself as a QB that can deliver. Negatives - Colbert is a second year receiver, and a strong rookie performance does not guarantee a strong sophomore showing. Carolina will try to win with defense and running, as their backfield will not be missing their top three RBs this year. The addition of Freddie Jones at TE may also cut into the WR’s numbers. Draft Strategy - All things considered, Colbert will most likely have improved numbers over last year. At this point I was in a “shore up the WR corps” mode, and Colbert represented great value with the potential for 1,300 yards and 10 TDs and a top 20 or 15 finish.
Positives - Randle El becomes the #2 WR in Pittsburgh with the departure of Plaxico Burress, which all but guarantees a significant increase in his production of 600 yards and 3 TDs a year ago. When Burress was out for five games with an injury last season Randle El put up 350 yards and 2 TDs opposite of Ward. Extrapolated over an entire season, one can realistically expect 1,100 yards and 6 TDs. With punt and kickoff return duties and trick plays with him at QB, Randle El has plenty of opportunities to score extra touchdowns. Negatives - Randle El will not pose the same threat that Burress did; however, he has proven he can fit into Pittsburgh’s offense as the #2 WR. Roethlisberger is still young, and Pittsburgh will always define smash-mouth football with their run-first approach. Randle El will also have to compete with Cedrick Wilson for the #2 spot. Draft Strategy - Another pick and another scramble. I had a short list of four players I wanted at this selection: Jerome Bettis (to handcuff Staley), T.J. Duckett (to handcuff Dunn), Amani Toomer (a solid and forgotten about receiver), and Justin McCareins (reunited with his former O.C. in New York). The four picks immediately preceding mine were: Jerome Bettis, T.J. Duckett, Amani Toomer, and Justin McCareins. Somebody must have hacked my cheatsheet. I was forced to go to my fifth option in Randle El. Not that I’m unhappy with this pick, just not what I was targeting.
Positives - Mike Heimerdinger joins the Jets from Tennessee, taking over at the new offensive coordinator. After transforming the Titan’s offense from a grind-it-out run game to an air-it-out vertical passing attack, Herman Edwards hopes he will do the same for the Jets. Pennington’s all-time favorite target, Laveranues Coles rejoins his former QB, and Justin McCareins is reunited with the O.C. he formerly excelled under. Pennington could realistically put up 3,500 yards and 25 TDs. Curtis Martin is also getting long in the tooth, which could result in more passing attempts now that Lamont Jordan is not there to spell him. Negatives - Pennington has been in the league five years and is yet to play a full season. This year he is coming off offseason rotator cuff surgery, and it is unknown if he will be ready to go when training camp starts. Even if he is ready to go, his history dictates that his chances of starting over 14 games aren’t the best. While Martin is approaching the NFL’s senior citizen club, he is still the epitome of consistency, and the Jets will rely on him for a good part of their offense. Draft Strategy - Heimerdinger’s teams average 3,800 yards and 24 passing TDs over his 10 years as an O.C. Those kinds of numbers from Pennington in the 11th round would represent great value, and he will serve as a more than capable #2 QB. I don’t need Pennington to put up big numbers every week, just to cover Bulger’s bye and maybe contribute one or two other weeks when the Jets are trailing and need to air it out. Had originally targeted the Steelers Defense with this pick, but with them off the board, I got a great QB2 in the middle of the QB2 run.
Positives - Derrick Brooks. Simeon Rice. Booger McFarland. Ronde Barber. Brian Kelly. With a pair of shutdown corners, an end always in the running for the sack title, and a perennial pro-bowler at linebacker, the Bucs defense is as solid as they come. Recent departures of aging stars have hurt the unit, but the return of Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson at safety, the maturation of Dewayne White, Ryan Nece, and Jeff Gooch, and the addition of Chris Hovan will help shore up the unit. Monty Kiffen is still one of the premier Defensive Coordinators in the league. However, the biggest improvement in the Bucs defense might be the Bucs offense. Gruden’s shiny new Cadillac will give the Bucs ground game an instant shot in the arm, allowing the offense to control the ball more, which will keep the defense off the field and rested. It doesn’t hurt that Tampa Bay will face one of the easiest opposing schedules in the league next year. Negatives - In the past two years the defense has gone straight downhill, with their hallmark becoming fourth quarter collapses. This is mainly due to the combination of the Buccaneers defense strength, which is speed, and their Achilles heel, not being able to get off the field. When you pursue as aggressively as the Tampa defense does, you tire fast. Coupled with the offense’s lack of a running game, this lead to the defense getting tired in the fourth quarter and collapsing. Draft Strategy - Last year the Bucs had a league best 161.2 passing yards allowed per game, held opponents to under 20 points allowed per game, and tied for the league lead with 45 sacks. The addition of a credible ground game will help the offense chew up more clock and keep the defense fresh, which should help them repeat their under 20 points allowed per game performance of last year. With Simon Rice still rushing from the end, a healthy Anthony McFarland plugging up the middle, and the best blitzing corner in the league, Ronde Barber, the sacks will also come. In a league where defensive scoring is more than an accessory, a solid defense is essential. The Steelers were off the board, and I’m a Bucs homer, so they got the nod over the Panthers.
Positives - Vinatieri hit 31 of 33 field goals last year and lead the league with 141 points and averages 82% and 117 points a year for his career. The Patriots offense is like clockwork and they will score their fair share of points this year. Negatives - The Patriots will have to overcome the loss of both Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel as the Evil Genius’ lieutenants. This could result in the defense struggling to give the offense good field position and the offense struggling to move the ball, two things that could spell disappointment for Vinatieri. Draft Strategy - It was time to round out my starting lineup by adding a kicker. There are two premier kickers in fantasy football Mike Vanderjagt and Adam Vinatieri. With the Patriot’s franchise tag, his starting job is more than secure, and he will consistently put up points regardless of the weather conditions. I took Vinatieri as the second kicker off the board, with all other starting positions already filled, in a round where such studs as Justin Gage, Chester Taylor, and Marcel Shipp went off the board.
Positives - Franks has caught 24 TDs in five years for the Packers, and is a consistent target in the Red Zone. Franks also has the trust of Bret Favre, and will continue to receive looks around the goal line. Three of the last four years, Franks caught at least seven TDs, including last year. He will catch another six or seven TDs and around 350 yards again this year. Negatives - The Packers lost two of their Offensive Guards in the offseason, which could negatively impact the Green Bay offense, and Frank’s numbers. While Franks does get a lot of Red Zone looks, he does not put up the yardage numbers to be a real threat on the caliber of Todd Heap or Tony Gonzalez in a yardage based league. Draft Strategy - At this point in the draft, it’s time to start filling in the backups. I was shocked to see Franks still available in Round 14, two rounds after Chris Cooley was taken. The timing was perfect, as three TEs were taken in the next round before I picked again, and the drop off in value was steep.
Positives - Last year Jonathan Wells saw action in all 16 games and scored 5 TDs. In his two full games as a starter, while Domanick Davis was injured, Wells put up 210 combined yards and 2 TDs. Wells showed that he can produce if Davis goes down, and is the top backup on the Texans roster. Negatives - Wells is not a starting RB, but if you’re drafting him as such, you’ve got bigger problems. He was unable to secure the starting roll in Houston, and must compete with Tony Hollings and Vernand Morency to keep the backup spot. Draft Strategy - This was a handcuff selection. With my #1 RB position filled by Dom Davis in Round 1, I needed his backup in case he went down with an extended injury. There is always the upside possibility that Wells could become a goalline back, but it is an outside shot.
Positives - When The Edge went down in 2001, Dominic Rhodes stepped in to put up over 1,300 combined yards and 9 TDs. Rhodes is the top backup in Indy and possibly the future, as James becomes a free agent after the season and Rhodes was just locked up for two years with a $4.75 million deal. There is a small chance James gets traded during the season, or goes down with an injury, in which case Rhodes is gold. Additionally, Tom Moore may start working Rhodes into the offense more in preparation for James’ departure next year. Negatives - No one is going to confuse Rhodes for James on the field, he’s definitely a step down in talent. However, he has proven that he can get the job done as a primary RB. If James stays healthy and with the Colts, Rhodes will see very limited action. Draft Strategy - This is a 100% “What If?” pick. What if James is dealt? What if James goes down with an injury again? If he either happens, I’ve got the steal of the draft in Round 16. If neither happens, I wasted a pick. When players like Jesse Chatman (cut), Marty Booker (no QB), and David Patten (see Marty Booker) are going off the board, it’s okay to take a shot on someone like Rhodes.
Positives - Jones had 3 TDs last season, two of which came in Week 15 and 17 and showed the potential of becoming a dreaded “Goal Line Back”. That role could be expanded this year as Jack Del Rio moved Jones to the Fullback position in the offseason. Jones could fill a role similar to the one Mike Alstott played in Tampa for many years as a short yardage and goalline specialist. Additionally, Fragile Fred is recovering very slowly from offseason MCL surgery. If Taylor isn’t ready to go or goes down during the season, Jones has a real opportunity to become the primary back over LaBrandon Toefield. Negatives - In his rookie season, Jones did not look like the dominant back he was in college, and may not have been fully recovered from knee surgery required before the draft. Jones will have to return to the form he showed at F$U if he hopes to see a significant role with the Jaguars. Draft Strategy - This is another “What If?” pick. If there’s a RB out there to “fade” staying healthy, it’s Fred Taylor. If Taylor does not recover from his offseason MCL surgery, or goes down again during the season, there is a good chance Greg Jones becomes an instant stud. Additionally, Jones could become the Goalline back in an effort to keep Taylor from getting banged up. Again, I think Jones represents better upside value than those drafted around him: Chris Perry, Michael Jenkins, and three defenses.
Positives - Matt Jones is a better pure athlete than Michael Vick. There, I said it. Check out the combine numbers if you don’t believe me. Faster 40-time than Vick posted. He’s got the agility, and he’s got the smarts. Jones will be an impact player in the NFL. If the Jaguars use him at TE or a 3rd WR, he will create matchup problems for linebackers, nickel backs and safeties that will not be able to stay with him down field. Combine this with Jacksonville’s new vertical passing attack, and you’ve got a recipe for potential. Negatives - Did I mention that Jones played QB in college? He’s going to have to make the transition to WR or TE to play in the majors, two positions he had no experience with prior to the Senior Bowl. His holdout from training camp will slow that transition, although he has now signed and should start to learn the offense. Draft Strategy - Jones could put up a goose egg all year, or he could be this year’s version of Antonio Gates or Anquan Boldin. In the 18th Round of a draft, it’s time to take chances on someone that could make it big, while everyone else is scraping up backup defenses.
Positives - The Chiefs are among the highest scoring offenses in the NFL the last three years, and Tynes will get his points kicking for them. Last year he was 17 of 23 on Field Goals, including 12 of 13 from under 40 yards. He added another 58 PATs. Tynes has a strong leg and secured his job with good range on kickoffs. Negatives - While very accurate from under 40 yards, Tynes was only 5 of 10 from over 40 yards. His leg strength seemed to wane as the year went on, and Tynes will need to address those issues to keep his job in the future. Because the Chiefs score so many TDs, their FG attempts are limited. Draft Strategy - It’s getting late in the draft, and I’m still in need of my backup kicker and backup defense. Looking at the kickers available, one stands out. Tynes will have tons of scoring opportunities, as KC finds themselves in the Red Zone often.
Positives - Plays backup QB for St. Louis, which runs the Mad Martz Passing Attack™. Martin’s only significant playing time under center for the Rams came in 2002, when he stepped in for an injured Bulger and threw for over 1,200 yards and 7 TDs in five games. Negatives - Martin will not leave the bench unless Bulger is hurt. Draft Strategy - This is another handcuff pick. Even though Pennington is a solid backup QB, with Bulger as my top QB, it is only prudent to grab Bulger in the case of injury.
Positives - The best thing going for the Cleveland Defense is off the field. New Head Coach Romeo Crennel comes to the Browns after establishing the Patriots suffocating defense for years. He adds Todd Granthem as his Defensive Coordinator, who comes over from the swarming defense of the Texans. The Browns will be thinking Defense first this year, and face a favorable schedule. Negatives - Wow, the Cleveland Defense was bad last year. Really bad. Despite all the changes off the field, and all the changes on the field, one fact remains. The Browns lack play makers on Defense. This unit will be improved, but don’t expect them to shut down Payton Manning just yet. Draft Strategy - I needed a backup Defense to compliment the Buccaneers. Using the Draft Dominator Strength of Schedule tool, I was able to look at the weeks where the Bucs had a tough matchup and look for a Defense that had an easy matchup that week. Of the Bucs three “Cold” weeks, the Browns have “Hot” matchups two of those weeks. They have an average matchup during the Bucs bye week, and that made them a good fit.
Positives - In 2003, Warrick put up over 800 yards and 7 TDs, following up a 600 yard 6 TD 2002. In 2004, Warrick saw limited action due to an injury that kept him out most of the year. Warrick is fast and a dangerous receiver. If he plays as a 3rd WR in the slot for Cincinnati, he will cause some damage. Negatives - A blown out knee in 2003 followed up by a broken leg in 2004 has crippled Warrick’s short career. It has yet to be seen if he will be able to come back from these injuries and play with any kind of effectiveness. Draft Strategy - Heavens to Murgatroyd! 22 Rounds? Really? 17½ hours after we started this marathon, of which some people thought the “Unlimited Time” per pick was to be taken literally, I came to my final selection. The fact that I was still awake was miracle enough. But you expect me to be cognizant enough to make a selection as well? Mercy. Peter Warrick was still on the board and seemed like as good a pick as anyone. He may wind up the Bengals #2 WR. He may wind up being cut and playing somewhere else. In the 22nd round of a draft, if you can draft someone with a name other people will recognize, you’re getting some value. Exit, stage left.
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