Players of the Week

Jay Bruce - OF – Cincinnati Reds  

Jay Bruce had a huge week for the Reds, leading all starting Major League hitters in Slugging Percentage for the 7 days. He ended the week with a Home Run in each of the last 4 games, one of them being the go-ahead homer in the 8^th inning Sunday against Houston. Bruce is a very streaky hitter, but at his current pace he’s looking at a 52 HR and 125 RBI season. Even though that may be a bit unrealistic, a 40 Homer season with 100 RBI’s is definitely not out of reach for this slugger.

Derek Lowe - SP – Cleveland Indians   

Derek Lowe had 2 starts this past week, both very good outings that led to wins. He’s now holds a 4-1 record for the season with a 2.27 ERA. He won’t get you many strikeouts, but so far he’s been very solid in everything else and might be worth taking a look at after such a great week. If he could finish with a mid-3 something ERA, he’d make many fantasy owners happy.

Player to Watch

Bryan LaHair - 1B, OF – Chicago Cubs

Bryan LaHair is not known by many people, but it’s about time he is. Currently hitting .382 with 4 HRs and 12 RBI’s, there’s no reason his power numbers should decline hitting in the heart of the Cubs lineup. Sure, his average may dip a little, but for a guy who is on pace for 29 HR and 88 RBI and is very capable of reaching that, you might want to take a look if he’s still available in your league.

1. Indianapolis Colts – QB Andrew Luck – Stanford

He will no longer have Pierre Garcon or Reggie Wayne so later in the draft they will have to look for a wide receiver.  But he is a sure fire pick and will be their franchise QB for 15 years.

2. Washington Redskins (From St. Louis) – Robert Griffin – Baylor

We now know who will be drafting Robert Griffin III with Washington trading three draft picks.  They also signed Pierre Garcon as a weapon for their new franchise quarterback.

3. Minnesota Vikings – CB Morris Claiborne – LSU

 Minnesota has many options with the 3rd overall pick.  They ultimately want to trade out of the position but if there are no takers then I believe they should go with Claiborn.  In a division where they play Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, and Jay Cutler a total of 6 times they will need to sure up the secondary.

4. Cleveland Browns – RB Trent Richardson – Alabama

 Behind the two top QB’s, I believe Richardson is the best prospect and may be the best football player in the 2012 NFL draft.  The Browns have to start putting players around the quarterback position whether that is Colt McCoy or someone else that they may draft this year.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - ILB Luke Kuechly – Boston College

Kuechley is a tough and physical linebacker who has risen up the draft boards.  Tampa Bay could go in many different directions here as well.  I think putting a playmaking defender in the middle of the defense for many years will be the best option

6. St. Louis Rams – WR Justin Blackman – Oklahoma State

Blackmon is the best wide receiver in this draft class.  He has great hands and tremendous body control.  Adding him with Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson will make the offense a lot more dynamic.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Fletcher Cox – Mississippi State

Fletcher Cox has been rising up the draft boards in the past week.  Jacksonville could take Michael Floyd to help out Blaine Gabbert who they drafted in the first round last year.  Either pick I think will benefit them but Cox is the best available player at this position so they will go with him.

8. Miami Dolphins – QB Ryan Tannehill – Texas A& M

This is a perfect fit for the Dolphins. They have their quarterback of the future and he won’t have to play right away.  Matt Moore performed very well last year and will give Tannehill the year to learn and mature so he will be ready for the 2013 NFL season.

9. Carolina Panthers - OT Matt Kalil – USC

If Matt Kalil falls down this far the Panthers will be quick to pick him.  This will sure up their offensive line for Cam Newton and their running game.  If Kalil isn’t taken here the Bills will be sure to pick him up so he will not fall out of the top 10 picks.

10. Buffalo Bills - S Mark Barron – Alabama

Barron is one of the best defensive football players in this draft.  It looked like for a while that he would be heading to Dallas but teams have been saying he wont make it out of the top ten.  Bills are in a perfect position to take him, Michael Floyd, or Stephen Gilmore.

Mock draft picks 11-20 >>>

Mock draft picks 20-32 >>>

>>> Richie’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft <<<

1. Indianapolis Colt – QB Andrew Luck – Stanford

With Peyton Manning out, it is clear the Colts are ready to move forward with a new QB. Griffin is no doubt a top QB prospect and more electrifying than Luck, but I don’t see how you pass up Luck. Even if he doesn’t live up to the ridiculous hype surrounding him, he should still be a very solid QB in the NFL.

2. Washington Redskins (from St. Louis) – QB Robert Griffin III – Baylor

Well, I was right in my previous mock draft in predicting the Redskins would trade up to draft Griffin, I was just one draft slot off. By officially trading up to the 2^nd spot here, they have determined RG3 is worth all the picks they gave up for him and can be a franchise QB for years to come.

3. Minnesota Vikings – OT Matt Kalil – USC

Minnesota believes that Christian Ponder is their quarterback, and they know in order to provide him with the best opportunity to succeed, he needs a good offensive line. Kalil is by far the best offensive lineman in this draft, and could even be one of the best to come out in the last few years.

4. Cleveland Browns – RB Trent Richardson – Alabama

They missed out on Griffin, so now they’ll have to turn elsewhere to find offensive help. Peyton Hillis is gone to the Kansas City, so a new running back would help the offense tremendously, especially a guy like Richardson. Richardson is a complete all-around back and would be a great value and positional pick here.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Morris Claiborne – LSU

They could use an offensive tackle, but after a very disappointing season, I think they need to start by improving on the 30^th ranked defense. They have the offensive pieces in place, so why not improve the defense with the best corner in the draft. Even with the signing of corner Eric Wright, they could still use another corner to play on the other side of him.

6. St. Louis Rams (from Washington) – WR Justin Blackmon – Oklahoma State

By trading down, the Rams now have more picks and should be able to improve their team even more than if they stayed at number 2. Here, a wide receiver would make sense as they lost Lloyd to free agency, and Blackmon is just a beast for a WR.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Quinton Coples – North Carolina

Offense was the primary concern for Jacksonville heading into the draft, but signing WR Laurent Robinson takes reaching for a WR off the board here. Trading down is definitely a possibility, as they could get a WR later in the first round if they want. For now, I have them  improving their pass rush with Coples.

8. Miami Dolphins – OT Riley Reiff – Iowa

QB Ryan Tannehill is in play here for Miami, but I believe they will end up signing Matt Flynn in free agency. If that is the case, a tackle would be the right pick here to sure up the O-line.

 Picks 9-16 >>>

>>>Sports Guide 2012 Mock Draft <<<

If they don’t get Peyton, I think they’ll be fine sticking with Tebow despite how bad of a quarterback he is. Defensive tackle is a need for them though, and Cox is a huge plug and would solidify the Denver defense.

26. Houston Texans – WR Stephen Hill – Georgia Tech

After having one of the best combine performances possible by a WR, Hill’s stock definitely got a boost. With 3 of the top WRs already off the board, Houston will look next to Hill as he would definitely fill a need and be a nice compliment to Andre Johnson.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) – DE Whitney Mercilus – Illinois

New England is targeting a pass rusher, and that is exactly what Mercilus is. He’d also be a pretty good value here all the way at number 27.

28. Green Bay Packers – DE Andre Branch – Clemson

Green Bay’s defense was not great by any means, so they are definitely looking for that here. Branch would be a good fit and provide some more pass rushing ability.

29. Baltimore Ravens – C Peter Konz – Wisconsin

Very good defense already and they need a center, so Konz seems like the easy pick here being the best available one.

30. San Francisco 49ers – CB Stephon Gilmore – South Carolina

Great defense that finished as the 4^th best, and drafting Jenkins here would improve on that. Offense seems to be fine since they like Alex Smith or could even be in play for Peyton, so another CB would be ideal. Wide Receiver is also a major hole though, so they could try and trade up for one.

31. New England Patriots – G Kelechi Osemele – Iowa State

New England with another pick, and a guard would help them. I know they need defense as I said earlier, but they should get value with one of these picks.

32. New York Giants – DT Jerel Worthy – Michigan State

Signing Martellus Bennett allows them to move off tight end and look elsewhere. Worthy is more of a value pick here, as he is a very good player that could easily go higher than this somewhere.

<<< Picks 1-8

<<< Picks 17-24 

>>>Sports Guide 2012 Mock Draft <<<

With Andy Dalton and AJ Green jolting a sluggish offense, it may be time to look at defense. Kirkpatrick is a very talented corner and would be a good positional pick here for the Bengals. Could also go with Janoris Jenkins, but he has some major character questions. Cincinnati may also look for a RB, either here or by trading up.

18. San Diego Chargers – CB Janoris Jenkins – Northern Alabama

The Chargers filled many needs this off-season, getting WRs in Meachem and Royal, an OLB in Johnson, and OL with Gaither. Their secondary could still use some help, and I think they’ll take a shot on the talented Jenkins despite his character issues.

19. Chicago Bears – OT Mike Adams – Ohio State

Their biggest need was wide receiver, but that was taken care of by trading for Brandon Marshall. Now they should turn to offensive line, and they should have plenty of options available at this pick.

20. Tennessee Titans – DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw – Alabama

Could look to add to their defensive line, but I think Upshaw could be a nice linebacker for them and a better value pick. They no longer need a guard with the signing of Hutchinson.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – DT Michael Brockers – LSU

Decision here is to either go offensive line or defensive line after addressing their cornerback issue with their first pick. Brockers would not be a bad pick at all and would help out the Cincinnati defense.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta) – WR Kendall Wright – Baylor

It is not a secret Cleveland needs wide receiver help, and if they do indeed go with Richardson with their first pick instead of Blackmon, then getting Wright here would be a great pick. Wright didn’t have a great combine, but he’s still a top WR prospect in this draft.

23. Detroit Lions – OT/G Cordy Glenn – Georgia

Corner is a need for Detroit, but so is offensive line so either one would be a good positional pick. Glenn would help out their O-line and wouldn’t be bad value here either.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – ILB Donta’ Hightower – Alabama

Linebacker is a need along with O-line and corner, but Hightower is a very nice player who would definitely help out their linebacking core.

25. Denver Broncos – DT Fletcher Cox – Mississippi State

If they don’t get Peyton, I think they’ll be fine sticking with Tebow despite how bad of a quarterback he is. Defensive tackle is a need for them though, and Cox is a huge plug and would solidify the Denver defense.

<<< Picks 1-8

<<< Picks 9-16

Picks 25-32 >>>

>>>Sports Guide 2012 Mock Draft <<<

Offense really took off last season with Newton, so now it’s time to improve the defense. They do need a WR and a CB, but there don’t seem to be any worth taking here. Ingram is a very good pass rusher and would not be a bad pick at all for a team like Carolina.

10. Buffalo Bills – WR Michael Floyd – Notre Dame

Unlike the Bills of previous years, they actually completed two of their biggest off-season needs/goals. First, they re-sign WR Stevie Johnson and then they make a splash by signing the coveted DE Mario Williams. The signing of Williams opens up the draft again for the Bills, as getting a pass-rusher is no longer a priority. Even with Stevie back, they still need a 2^nd receiver and Floyd would be a great fit.

11. Kansas City Chiefs – DT Dontari Poe – Memphis

Definitely in need of an offensive tackle, but to me there’s none worth taking here. A solid defensive tackle would be a great pick for the Chiefs who might surprise some people next season with Charles and Berry returning. A linebacker is also a very realistic option here.

12. Seattle Seahawks – QB Ryan Tannehill – Texas A&M

Tavaris Jackson is not the answer at quarterback, but the question is whether there is one worth taking here. Re-signing RB Marshawn Lynch takes care of that need, but they are clearly looking for a franchise QB. They tried for Peyton, but after missing out its either Matt Flynn in free agency or draft one.

13. Arizona Cardinals – OT Jonathan Martin – Stanford

Offensive line a major need for Arizona, but so is a pass rusher. I think they’ll take the offensive lineman though, and Martin is a very nice tackle that would help out whoever Arizona has at quarterback.

14. Dallas Cowboys – G David DeCastro – Stanford

No question Dallas filled a huge hole in their secondary with the signing of corner Brandon Carr. They could easily draft Mark Barron, a safety, instead of him, but I think a guard would greatly improve their offensive line.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – ILB Luke Kuechly – Boston College

The Eagles’ defense was not as bad as people make it sound, as they were 8^th in opponent’s yards per game. That being said, linebacker was definitely an issue, and they definitely would be happy if Kuechly was still available here.

16. New York Jets – S Mark Barron – Alabama

Apparently they believe Sanchez is the man at quarterback, as they signed him to an extension this off-season. Safety is a need for the Jets, and Barron is the best one in the draft so why not take him here.

<<< Picks 1-8

Picks 17-24 >>>

>>>Sports Guide 2012 Mock Draft <<<

12. Seattle Seahawks – DE Melvin Ingram – South Carolina

13. Arizona Cardinals – G David DeCastro – Stanford

There may be a quarterback controversy going into the 2012 NFL season between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton.  It will probably be Kolb due to what they gave up for him as well as the money they paid him.  Whoever becomes Arizona’s starting quarterback they will need protection up front and David DeCastro has been protecting Andrew Luck all season long.  He would be a good addition to the Cardinals offense.

14. Dallas Cowboys – CB Stephon Gilmore – South Carolina

15. Philadelphia Eagles - DT Dontari Poe – Memphis

The Eagles could trade up to get DT Fletcher Cox or LB Luke Kuechly, two positions that they desperately need to fill.  If they don’t find any suitable trade partners then they will have to settle with the best available player.  Poe wasn’t a huge performer at Memphis but jumped up in the mock drafts due to his combine numbers.

16. New York Jets – DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw – Alabama

The Jets really regressed this year as did Mark Sanchez but I believe that they will stick with him and have to add younger weapons around him.  This position might be a good spot for Alshon Jeffery but Rex Ryan is a defensive coach who will want a playmaker in the linebacking core.  Bart Scott is getting old and barely plays on passing downs so they need someone who can play all over the field.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (Oakland) - DE Chandler Jones – Syracuse

18. San Diego Chargers – WR Michael Floyd – Notre Dame

19. Chicago Bears – OT Jonathan Martin – Stanford

20. Tennessee Titans – CB Dre Kirkpatrick – Alabama

<<< Draft Picks 1-10

Draft Picks 21-32 >>>

>>> Richie’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft <<<

22. Cleveland Browns (Atlanta) – WR Stephen Hill – Georgia Tech

23. Detroit Lions - CB Janoris Jenkins – North Alabama

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – LB Dont’a Hightower – Alabama

25. Denver Broncos – DT Michael Brockers – LSU

26. Houston Texans – WR Kendall Wright – Baylor

27. New England Patriots (New Orleans) – DE Quinton Coples – UNC

28. Green Bay Packers – DE Nick Perry – USC

29. Baltimore Ravens – DE Whitney Mercilus – Illinois

30. San Francisco 49ers – OG Amini Silatolu – Midwestern State

31. New England Patriots – OT Mike Adams – Ohio State

32. New York Giants – TE Coby Fleener – Stanford

<<< NFL Draft Picks 1-10

Written by Richie Graffeo

1. Calvin Johnson – Lions

2. Andre Johnson – Texans

3. Roddy White – Falcons

4. Larry Fitzgerald – Cardinals

5. Hakeem Nicks – Giants

6. Greg Jennings – Packers

7. Mike Wallace – Steelers

8. Vincent Jackson – Chargers

9. Miles Austin – Cowboys

10. Brandon Lloyd – Broncos

Notes on the Top 10:

Calvin Johnson mans the top spot, edging out Andre Johnson. Calvin had 1120 yards and 12 TDs last season with Drew Stanton and Shaun Hill at quarterback for most of the season. With Stafford, I think Johnson could have a ridiculous year, with 1300 yards and 15 TDs a realistic possibility. Some might argue Julio Jones will steal some targets from Roddy White, which is true, but it can then be argued White will no longer be the focus point and be double-teamed by opposing defenses. With Kevin Kolb in town, Larry Fitzgerald should be able to easily improve off his mediocre 1137 yard and 6 TD season. Expect Vincent Jackson to rebound and have a solid season coming off his trouble-filled 2010 campaign, and Miles Austin should be good once again with Tony Romo healthy and starting. Brandon Lloyd, the top fantasy WR of 2010 comes in at number 10. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be able to put up great numbers once again, and he could be a steal if you get him this late as a WR.

11. Mike Williams – Buccaneers

12. Reggie Wayne – Colts

13. DeSean Jackson – Eagles

14. Dwayne Bowe – Chiefs

15. Dez Bryant – Cowboys

16. Chad Ochocinco – Patriots

17. Stevie Johnson – Bills

18. Percy Harvin – Vikings

19. Marques Colston – Saints

20. Mario Manningham – Giants

21. Anquan Boldin – Ravens

22. Brandon Marshall – Dolphins

23. Santonio Holmes – Jets

24. Kenny Britt – Titans

25. Jeremy Maclin – Eagles

Notes on 11 – 25:

Mike Williams had a stellar rookie year with 964 yards and 11 TDs, and he should produce once again this year with even more experience. Dwayne Bowe had 15 touchdowns last season, and even though I don’t expect him to reach that total again this year, at least 10 TDs is more realistic, but that is till great for a WR. I think Brady will be looking to get Ochocinco some catches this season, which is why I have him at 16. Stevie Johnson and Brandon Marshall are in similar situations, both talented number 1 WRs with questionable quarterbacks and mediocre teams. Same could be said about Kenny Britt, but he’s not quite at their level yet. Manningham managed 944 yards with 9 TDs in Hakeem Nicks’ breakout season, and he could even put up Nicks like numbers this season.

26. Sidney Rice – Seahawks

27. Wes Welker – Patriots

28. Mike Thomas – Jaguars

29. Austin Collie – Colts

30. Julio Jones – Falcons

31. Mike Sims-Walker – Rams

32. Malcom Floyd – Chargers

33. Santana Moss – Redskins

34. Roy Williams – Bears

35. Michael Crabtree – 49ers

36. Plaxico Burress – Jets

37. A.J. Green – Bengals

38. Danny Amendola – Rams

39. Braylon Edwards – 49ers

40. Jerome Simpson – Bengals

41. Pierre Garcon – Colts

42. Lance Moore – Saints

43. Jordy Nelson – Packers

44. Johnny Knox – Bears

45. Lee Evans – Ravens

Notes on 26 – 45:

Sidney Rice is clearly your best in this group, only concern is how good can a WR be with Tavaris Jackson as your quarterback. Mike Thomas in Jacksonville could become a very useful fantasy WR, same goes for Mike Sims-Walker down in St. Louis. I’m afraid to go near those injury-prone Colts WRs, which is why Collie and Garcon are ranked this low. Santana Moss and AJ Green will only be able to do so much with the team they have, and the same goes for Crabtree and Edwards in San Francisco. Some solid number 2 receivers could end up being decent fantasy plays, examples being Julio Jones, Malcom Floyd, and Jordy Nelson.

46. James Jones – Packers

47. Robert Meachem – Saints

48. Steve Smith – Panthers

49. Nate Burleson – Lions

50. Emmanuel Sanders – Steelers

51. Jacoby Jones – Texans

52. Jacoby Ford – Raiders

53. Mike Williams – Seahawks

54. Davone Bess – Dolphins

55. Steve Breaston – Chiefs

56. Jason Hill – Jaguars

57. Mohamed Massaquoi – Browns

58. Hines Ward – Steelers

59. Deion Branch – Patriots

60. Denarius Moore – Raiders

61. Greg Little – Browns

62. Earl Bennett – Bears

63. Steve Smith – Eagles

64. Andre Roberts – Cardinals

65. Eddie Royal – Broncos

66. Joshua Cribbs – Browns

67. Early Doucet – Cardinals

68. Danario Alexander – Rams

69. Terrell Owens – Free Agent

70. Devin Hester – Bears

71. Donald Jones – Bills

72. Titus Young – Lions

73. Arrelious Benn – Buccaneers

74. Anthony Armstrong – Redskins

75. David Nelson – Bills

Notes on 46 – 75:

Last year Steve Smith of Carolina was a complete joke, racking up a total of 57 fantasy points for the entire season. This year, expect the same. Nothing much has changed in Carolina, as Newton is still a few years away from doing anything throwing the ball. A few sleepers I like in this group are Emmanuel Sanders of Pittsburgh, Jacoby Jones in Houston, Mohamed Massaquoi in Cleveland, Jason Hill in Jacksonville, Donald Jones of Buffalo, and yes, Terrell Owens. I believe T.O. still has something left and can help a team make a playoff run. Even if he doesn’t get signed until a few weeks into the season, it’ll probably be by a team that’s had a WR injury or desperately needs one, and I think he’ll be able to make an immediate impact for that team. To me, he’s worth drafting as your 5^th WR and seeing where he ends up signing.

Quarterback Rankings >>>

Running Back Rankings >>>