Team by Team Breakdown.. Part 1 AFC East

 

(by Steven Kolb, Contributor)
Buffalo Bills
Rookie Marshawn Lynch burst onto the scene in his rookie season rushing for 1,115 yards and 7 Td’s. He led all NFL RB’s with 21.5 carries per game last year, expect him to duplicate that and be more involved in the passing game. Continue to monitor his off-field incident to see what kind of impact it presents. After a breakout 2006 season Lee Evans was sub-par last season but began to show forms of his old self towards the end of the season. Look for Evans to return to form this season with the drafting of big WR James Hardy. Hardy should slip into the second WR spot in Buffalo and with his size will see plenty of red zone opportunities. QB Trent Edwards should begin the season as the starter, and with ten games under his belt should show some signs of productivity. Don’t expect huge numbers though from Edwards this season as he continues his learning curve in the NFL. Monitor JP Losman, if Edwards struggles Losman could fill in at some point, but like Edwards his fantasy value is minimal. TE Robert Royal has minimal value this season and should only be used as a bye week filler. Kicker Rian Lindell had a sub-par 07 season hitting two 50 yard field goals, he doesn’t get many opportunities though and is a bye week filler at best.
Miami Dolphins
Basically from a fantasy standpoint when you look at this 2008 Dolphins team you have to be concerned all across the board. The quarterback situation is a bit of a mystery as Josh McCown, John Beck and Chad Henne all can make there case to be the starting QB. For now my money is on McCown to become the starter but Henne is most likely the future in Miami and he will find himself starting as the season wears along. Were Beck fits into this situation is a mystery he could very well start the season or he could be pushed aside for Henne who the Dolphins view as the better long term option. On pace for his best season in the NFL Ronnie Brown tore his ACL which ended his 07 season. Brown is on pace to begin the season as the Dolphins starter but if you are looking into drafting him monitor his training camp to see if he comes back at full strength. Brown’s injury has opened the door once again for Ricky Williams to make an impact. At 31 he won’t carry a full workload but he will take carries away from Brown this season if he can prove he still has it. The Dolphins group of WR don’t feature a true number 1 WR but keep tabs on Ted Ginn. He showed some glimpses during his rookie season, but with the uncertainty at QB don’t set your expectations to high just yet. Former Jaguars WR Ernest Wilford has shown he could be a threat in the red zone and he should haul in 5 TD’s this season. At TE the Dolphins have two talented players in David Martin and Anthony Fasano. See which one gets the edge in training camp, whoever it is could become a solid number two TE. Because of the inability of the Dolphins offense it limits Kicker Jay Feely’s stats so leave Feely on the waiver wire unless need be.
New York Jets
The Jets spent this past off-season upgrading an offensive line which should pay huge dividends for running back Thomas Jones this season. Jones was expected to produce a big season in his first season in New York but he ended up rushing for only 2 Td’s and his receiving numbers were low at 217 yards. Expect Jones to have a semi-breakout year this season but don’t expect more then 7 rushing Td’s with Jesse Chatman and Musa Smith possibly taking goal line carries away from Jones. The quarterback battle should end up being a close battle as Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens look to be even on the depth chart. Pennington has shown in the past he can lead the Jets but Clemens has the bigger arm and better potential, both should be looked at as low number two Qb’s. What became evident last season was the solid duo at WR the Jets have developed in Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery. Coles has shown when healthy he can produce number two WR numbers, but it is a big “if” regarding his health. Cotchery on the other hand has emerged into a legitimate threat as he recorded 82 receptions for 1,130 yards last season. His TD’s were down last year but with the expected re-emergence of the Jets offensive expect those totals to increase. At TE the Jets drafted Dustin Keller who should immediately pay dividends. Keller is an athletic receiving TE who could end up recording between 400-500 receiving yards and potentially grab 3-4 TD’s. Chris Baker, last seasons starting TE will see his role diminish or be traded before training camp is over. Kicker Mike Nugent has a powerful leg and should get plenty of opportunities with the Jets this season.
New England Patriots
Well what can we say about the most explosive offense in the NFL last season, how about can we have an encore? The Patriots should once again post astounding fantasy points for you this season but the don’t expect Brady to repeat his 50 td performance or Moss to repeat his 23 td’s. Brady with all the weapons that continue to surround him is a sure bet to reach 40 td’s while his partner in crime Moss will catch 15 this year. I expect an emphasis on Laurence Maroney this season. The Patriots rarely relied on Maroney during the regular season last year but when the playoffs hit Maroney looked fresh and ran powerful. Look for Maroney to eclipse 1,000 yards this season with double digit Td’s and also watch for him in the receiving game were he excels as well. As long as Moss is looming in opposing teams secondaries Wes Welker will continue to feed off those short intermediate routes. While 112 catches again is a reach he certainly will pass the 1000 yard mark receiving. Don’t question whether you think Welker will repeat last season, he certainly will post big numbers once again. With Donte Stallworth gone, draft Jabar Gaffney in the later rounds as he will be a productive WR from time to time in this offense. If he can ever get over injuries that have hampered him throughout his career Benjamin Watson could emerge as a top five TE. With all the weapons surrounding him Watson could potentially grab 6-7 Td’s this season if healthy. With this potent offense kicker Stephen Gostkowski should continue to rack up plenty of points.
(Part 1 of a series)

Check back for more sections.

 

2008 Mock Draft

2008 Pro Bono Fantasy NFL Mock Draft
	1	Jake Long, OT, Michigan: Sources state the Fins are in talks with Chris Long, Pro Bono Fantasy however still feel that Miami should grab the Tackle from UM.
	2	Chris Long, DE, Virginia: Would drastically help the Rams Defense with his intense style of play.
	3	Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College: Good arm and NFL smarts, he should help the Falcons move pass the “Mike Vick Era”. Will be the new face of the franchise.
	4	Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas: Much like Adrian Peterson last year, “Run DMC” will make the Raiders run attack legit real quick in addition to “real quick”!.
	5	Vernon Gholston, OLB, Ohio State: Great edge rusher whose solid play over the last couple seasons make him a legit Top 5 pick.
	6	Glenn Dorsey, DT, Louisiana State: Sub-par Pro Day work outs caused this one time No.1 to slide down 5 slots. (Might shock everyone and pick Rashard Mendenhall).
	7	Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy: The Pats get back to rebuilding a recently depleted defense, especially the defensive backfield. Must make this pick count.
	8	Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida: This Julius Peppers-type DE will give the once mighty Ravens D a pass rusher the league will fear, something their missing.
	9	Sedrick Ellis, DT, Southern California: Bengals are another depleted defense that will add bodies just on principle. WR woes make force a change of plan.
	10	Keith Rivers, OLB, Southern California: With Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan already on the roster expect Rivers to gain experience and great knowledge.
	11	Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida: Content with Evans, Reed, and Parrish its too early to consider receiver here. The Bills will add Jenkins unreal speed.
	12	Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma: Bills need a big WR but pass on Kelly. The Bronc’s are banged up at wideout. Denver will send the Bills a Thank You note.
	13	Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State: Someone has to protect Matt Moore or Jake Delhomme. We can’t have another Vinny Testaverde experiment in 2009.
	14	Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh: Personally would love to see this guy fall to Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears about to become a ground machine with this guy on the line.
	15	Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois: Scared off by Jonathan Stewart’s injury history the Lions actually make the right choice with this Big Ten product.
	16	Philip Merling, DE, Clemson: Cards DE Depth Chart/ Darnell Dockett, Antonio Smith , Joe Tafoya, Bo Schobel…Yes Merling may step right in as a starter.
	17	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State: Vikes should grab the best OL available for AP. Instead they add a DB to their crowded D backfield.
	18	Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas: Ahman Green is not the solution to the Texans rushing problem. Jones played 2nd fiddle throughout college, now he’s the man.
	19	Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon: Brian Westbrook is secure in his spot, but Ryan Moats and Correll Buckhalter as backups make Stewart a steal here.
	20	DeSean Jackson, WR, California: Will make immediate impact as a return specialist, but will benefit from study under Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard.
	21	Kenny Phillips, S, Miami: You can never replace a player like Sean Taylor overnight, bt this is a step in the right direction.
	22	Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas: Cowboys get shutout of the stud RB sweepstakes so they add Talib a Jayhawk standout to blossoming defense.
	23	Justin King, CB, Penn State: Steelers eventually must address their weak corner situation. King has speed and is a good cover corner.
	24	Limas Sweed, WR, Texas: Possessing a group of rag-tag wideouts, Sweed teams up with former Longhorn Vince Young to validate the crew.
	25	Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State: The RB’s was upgraded via Free Agency. The Seahawks upgrade the WR’s via draft, taking a chance on Thomas.
	26	Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern California: WR Mario Manningham slides out the 1st when the Jags pass on him. Shoud go safety but Kenny Philips is gone
	27	Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College: As if LT need a reason to go up in value in regards to his fantasy stock. Cherilus will make a great addition.
	28	Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina: Desperate for a running back the Boy’s pass on Virginia Tackle Brenden Albert and Michigan WR Mario Manningham
	29	Brenden Albert, G/T, Virginia: Frank Gore will send Cowboys owner Jerry Jones a Thank You note for giving the 49ers their tackle for the next 8-10 years.
	30	James Hardy, WR, Indiana: Hardy is a freak of nature is just what Aaron Rodgers need in debut as the Packers signal caller.
	31	Pick forfeited. Would have more likely addressed their aging defense, the LB’s in particular or added a WR for depth.
	32	Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee: The Giants due to free agency enter the draft 2 LB’s short. Mayo is a necessity pick.

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: QB’s

1.	Tom Brady QB, NE		– Question is “Is he worth a #1 overall”?
2.	Tony Romo QB, DAL		– Will expand on his growth in 2007..
3.	Peyton Manning QB, IND		– A healthy Harrison will help.
4.	Carson Palmer QB, CIN		– Might be falling from grace.
5.	Drew Brees QB, NO		– Becoming a young stud.
6.	Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT		– This guy is a different FREAK.
7.	Matt Hasselbeck QB, SEA		– Add a RB presence in ’08 and watch out.
8.	Jake Delhomme QB, CAR		– Jake is not to worried about Matt Moore taking his job.
9.	Derek Anderson QB, CLE		– Signed deal now out to prove 2007 was no fluke.
10.	Jay Cutler QB, DEN		– Broncos hope he continues to mature. Add a WR please!!!
11.	Eli Manning QB, NYG		– See above… This is Eli’s last shot to prove he’s a gamer.
12.	Marc Bulger QB, STL		– Likely a 7th or 8th round Pick in 2008.
13.	Jon Kitna QB, DET		– Lions need not add another WR. Offensive Linemen guys!
14.	Jason Campbell QB, WSH		– Just need the ‘Skins to believe in him. Potential is there.
15.	Philip Rivers QB, SD		– First of the make or break ’08 QB’s.
16.	Vince Young QB, TEN		– Job is little more secure than Eli, but he’s on the bubble.
17.	Donovan McNabb QB, PHI		–Health concerns may force the Eagle’s to add another QB.
18.	Jeff Garcia QB, TB		–2007 post season finish my push him up list.
19.	David Garrard QB, JAX		–2007 post season finish my push him up list. Sound familiar?
20.	Aaron Rodgers QB, GB		– Everyone knew this day would come, now is his time to lead.
	Rookie Watch
1.	Matt Ryan (Boston College)		If he lands in Atlanta he’s expected to make immediate an impact.
2.	Brian Brohm (Louisville)		Same prospect outlook as Matt Ryan. Also an Atlanta  option.
3.	Andre Woodson (Kentucky)		Ravens might give him a look but more likely heads to Chicago Bears.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on the message board also.

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: RB’s

1.	Joseph Addai RB, IND		– Slight edge over LT for now.
2.	LaDainian Tomlinson RB, SD		– Off year was still superb.
3.	Adrian Peterson RB, MIN		– Not ranked #1 simply because of his youth
4.	Brian Westbrook RB, PHI		– Simply a Fantasy Points magnet.
5.	Willie Parker RB, PIT		– Home run hitter that needs to hit more.
6.	Steven Jackson RB, STL		– SJax went #1 in many leagues in 2007, not ’08!!
7.	Ryan Grant RB, GB		– I just like the guy. No numbers to show why!!
8.	Ronnie Brown RB, MIA		– Still need to prove he can stay healthy.
9.	Clinton Portis RB, WSH		– Should be a definite Top 10 Fantasy back in ’08.
10.	Marshawn Lynch RB, BUF		– With a real QB he could be dangerous.
11.	Edgerrin James RB, ARI		– Will the Edge of old ever show up in the desert?
12.	Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAX		– Versatility make him Westbrook like.
13.	Frank Gore RB, SF		– Should rebound and have a banner 2008 outlook.
14.	Marion Barber III RB, DAL		– Will become the Cowboys main rush option.
15.	Larry Johnson RB, KC		– Durability in question. Handcuff Kolby Smith.
16.	Thomas Jones RB, NYJ		– Always overlooked. Could be a good #2 for you.
17.	Willis McGahee RB, BAL		– With Billick out, the  run game may improve.
18.	Jamal Lewis CLE, RB		– Resurrected his status in Cleveland. 1400 possible.
19.	Travis Henry RB, DEN		– Should emerge as the only Denver back option.
20.	Brandon Jacobs RB, NYG		– Just a mean runner. Should rank just under MB III.
21.	Rudi Johnson RB, CIN		– Has Kenny Watson breathing down his neck
22.	Laurence Maroney RB, NE		– Pats should re-establish the run game.
23.	Reggie Bush RB, NO		– In PPR Leagues he’s gold and ranked higher than value.
24.	Kevin Jones RB, DET		– With Martz out, the  run game may improve.
25.	LenDale White RB, TEN		– His presence helps Vince Young immensely.
26.	Cadillac Williams RB, TB		– May have to earn job back.
27.	Cedric Benson RB, CHI		– Will return as Bears RB1.
28.	Fred Taylor RB, JAX		– Great guy must give way to Maurice Jones-Drew.
29.	Justin Fargas RB, OAK		– Might have to share backfield with a Rookie!!!
30.	DeShaun Foster RB, CAR		– DeAngelo Williams pressing him for his gig.
31.	Shaun Alexander RB, SEA		– Wasn’t this guy consensus #1 2-3 seasons back?
32.	Julius Jones RB, DAL		– Will give total reigns over to Marion Barber III.
33.	Deuce McAllister RB, NO		– Better Saints option than Bush in my opinion.
34.	Adrian Peterson RB, CHI		– May get tired of being called “The Other” AP.
35.	Ahman Green RB, HOU		– Two words…Ron Dayne!
36.	Kolby Smith RB, KC		– Played well in in the absence of LJ.
37.	Kenny Watson RB, CIN		– Just waiting for another Rudi injury.
38.	Earnest Graham RB, TB		– Will have a shot to earn starters spot.
39.	Jerious Norwood RB, ATL		– Could catapult up list with Dunn’s decline.
40.	Chester Taylor RB, MIN		– A must handcuff for Adrain Peterson.
41.	Ahmad Bradshaw RB, NYG		– Will become Brandon Jacobs 3rd down back.
42.	Selvin Young RB, DEN		– A perfect compliment to Travis Henry.
	Rookie Watch:
1.	Darren McFadden (Arkansas)		Raiders at #4 only team that may need RB help.
2.	Ray Rice (Rutgers)		Size may hold him back. Possibly a 2nd Rd. (MIA)
3.	Chris Johnson (E. Carolina)		Possibly a 49er’s prospect. Gore should welcome him.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on our Message Board also.

Pro Bono Fantasy Rankings: WR’s

1.	Randy Moss WR, NE		– Won’t break any records this year, but regain #1.
2.	Terrell Owens WR, DAL		– Get ‘cha popcorn ready!!
3.	Reggie Wayne WR, IND		– Emerging out of Harrison’s shadow.
4.	Braylon Edwards WR, CLE		– If CLE switch to Quinn where Braylon does he rank?
5.	Larry Fitzgerald WR, ARI		– Better when Matty is no throwing it to him.
6.	Plaxico Burress WR, NYG		– Potential to be Top 5 type guy.
7.	T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR, CIN		– Finally showing he’s better than Ocho Cinco.
8.	Marvin Harrison WR, IND		−On the downside of his HOF career.
9.	Chad Johnson WR, CIN		– Still Top 10, but I see him possibly falling below 15. The act is wearing thin.
10.	Marques Colston WR, NO		– Always undervalued.
11.	Torry Holt WR, STL		– Imagine if Bulger played semi-decent!!!
12.	Brandon Marshall WR, DEN		– Delivered almost weekly.
13.	Anquan Boldin WR, ARI		– Starting to have my doubts about this guy.
14.	Dwayne Bowe WR, KC		– OMG!!! Give him a QB and he will do damage.
15.	Steve Smith WR, CAR		– QB questions only reason for such a low ranking..
16.	Javon Walker WR, DEN		– When healthy he’s a top tier choice.
17.	Andre Johnson WR, HOU		– If he play more 75 % of the season he’ll shine.
18.	Greg Jennings WR, GB		– Brett Favre’s #1 option.
19.	Santonio Holmes WR, PIT		– Using his speed to become a top fantasy prospect.
20.	Roy Williams WR, DET		– Choice #1 of 3 top options for Jon Kitna.
21.	Joey Galloway WR, TB		– Old man just getting it done.
22.	Hines Ward, WR PIT		– Rank is not indicative of his tenacity.
23.	Calvin Johnson WR, DET		– Choice #2 of 3 top options for Kitna, in 2nd year.
24.	Wes Welker WR, NE		– Expect more coverage in ’08. Will not see 100 rec.
25.	Chris Chambers WR, SD		– Need Rivers to become more consistent.
26.	Derrick Mason WR, BAL		– Produced good FF numbers with erratic QB play.
27.	Roddy White ATL, WR		– Need the Falcons to acquire a veteran Quarterback.
28.	Laveranues Coles WR, NYJ		– Not the top tier option he once was becoming.
29.	Patrick Crayton WR, DAL		– Beneficiary of the TO double teams.
30.	Lee Evans WR, BUF		– This is the make or break season for Evans.
31.	Kevin Curtis WR, PHI		– Quietly becoming McNabb’s  No. 1.
32.	D.J. Hackett WR, SEA		– Great late pick for his potential.
33.	Ronald Curry WR , OAK		– Should help JamRu grow in the QB’s second season.
34.	Donald Driver WR, GB		– Officially give way to Greg Jennings.
35.	Reggie Brown WR, PHI		– Keep your fingers crossed when drafting him.
36.	Jerry Porter WR , OAK		– Should help JamRu grow in the QB’s second season.
37.	Reggie Williams WR, JAX		– Part of a decent core of WR’s.
38.	Justin Gage WR, TEN		– Could use his speed to become a weekly threat.
39.	Jericho Cotchery WR, NYJ		– Product of the resurgent Cleveland offense.
40.	Bernard Berrian WR, CHI		– Grossman, Orton, or Griese? Does it matter?
41.	Shaun McDonald WR, DET		– Detroit becoming a WR safe haven.
42.	Anthony Gonzalez WR, IND		– Played the Brandon Stokely role to perfection.
	Rookie Watch
1.	DeSean Jackson (Cal)		Could go to the Eagle’s if passed on by the Bears or Texans.
2.	Limas Sweed (Texas)		Also a Philly option. Eagles need a big go-to-type wide out.
3.	Mario Manningham (Mich)		Perfect replacement or understudy for Joey Galloway’s job in Tampa.

Comments on the Rankings are welcome on the Message Board also.

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