Patriots’ Stephen Gostkowski Bangs It Through In Good Sports Home Run Derby

New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski proved that kickers are athletes by winning the First Annual Good Sports Celebrity Home Run Derby yesterday at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Mass.

Gostkowski, the Patriots’ pro-bowl kicker, amazed the crowd of about 1,000 by smashing 20 long balls in the first round and another 13 in the final round over the slightly-drawn-in fence at LaLacheur.

Gostkowski, who aside from Lowell’s own “Irish” Mickey Ward, may have been the smallest contestant in the derby, smashed home runs on nine of his first 11 pitches, easily advancing into the final round.

“I was a pitcher in college,” explained Gostkowski, who actually attended Memphis State on a baseball scholarship. “I took my share of BP (batting practice).”

Other competitors in the contest included Patriots Tully Banta-Cain and Christian Furia, Bruins Lyndon Byers and Andy Brickley (NESN), Celtic Bill Walker, WEEI personality Mike Adams, NESN anchor desk personality Cole Wright, and the stars of the Biggest Loser reality series, Mark and Jay Kruger.

Furia and Wright advanced to the final round along with Gostkowski, with Furia setting the pace with 12 long balls. Gostkowski trailed Furia in the finals, 12-9, with only one more out remaining.

“The pressure got to me once they put my kids on the mic,” laughed Furia, who smashed 10 in round one to advance.

Just like he’s done so many times for the Patriots, Gostkowski stepped to the metaphorical scrimmage line and banged his next four pitches “through the uprights” for a last-second victory.

“I think we better bring in the testing truck,” quipped Lyndon Byers of the WAAF Hillman Morning Show, alluding to the fact that the kicker may be juiced.

The real winners at the event were the fans, the kids and Good Sports. Good Sports is a non-profit organization whose goal is to increase youth participation in sports, fitness and recreational programs by targeting one of the major obstacles in participation, access to sports equipment.

Since 2003, Good Sports has provided more than $3.8 worth of equipment, while impacting more than 180,000 kids in nearly 600 youth programs.

Good Sports CEO Melissa Tatro Harper, took the microhone at the end of the event and reminded fans, “Every home run hit was a home run to help kids.”

The event also featured an appearance by the Devil Dawg from the Lowell Devil Hockey team, as well as, numerous vendors, raffles and auctions of sports items and memorabilia.

After the event the crowd was treated to a cook out with the athletes and their families.

“This was really exciting,” exclaimed Billerica’s Derek Gardner, a youngster who attended the event with his family. “Gostkowski had a great swing. He was awesome.”

Gardner’s sister Brennah stopped chewing her hamburger long enough to tell me, “Yeah, it was cool to be here.”

Overall, the event was a home run for Gostkowski, Good Sports and all the fans of the event. 

Visit Good Sports Boston site for more information and to see all of the wonderful events on the Good Sports Calendar. 

Todd Civin is a freelance writer for the Bleacher Report. Feel free to contact him at toddcivin1@aim.com. He is also a supporter of the book A Glove of Their Own, the award winning children’s book that teachers children to pay it forward through baseball. Visit www.agloveoftheirown.com and purchase the book under donor code GSB 133 Good Sports Boston. AGOTO will donate $3.00 from each sale will go to Good Sports Boston.

PHOTO CREDIT: Holly Johnson

Fantasy Football Profile: Michael Turner

Michael Turner more than proved he was capable of stepping out of LaDainian Tomlinson’s shadow to be a feature back. Early in the season, he was inconsistent. He would dominate bad defenses such as Detroit, Kansas City, Green Bay, Oakland, and Denver and get bottled up by good ones such as Tampa Bay, Carolina, Chicago, and Philly. 

Something happened in Week 12 though as he destroyed Carolina for 117 yards and four touchdowns. He became a machine putting up solid games against everyone he faced, including TB and a tough Minnesota run defense. He had 100-plus yards and/or a TD in his last nine games. 

There is some cause for concern though despite the monster numbers (1699 yards, 17 TDs). He had 376 carries last year. That is a lot for a back even if he didn’t have much mileage prior to the season.

Historically, running backs with such a huge workload see a dip in production the following year. I’m already calling for his touchdowns to reduce because of the addition of Tony Gonzalez, who is great inside the 20-yard line.

He’ll face a tougher schedule this year with games against Miami, New England, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants, Philadelphia and the Jets, along with two games against Carolina and Tampa Bay. His fantasy playoff schedule consists of matchups with New Orleans, the Jets and Buffalo, which isn’t terrible.

Despite the likely dip in production, I still think Turner will be a top four ‘back. I’m expecting 1,700 total yards and 13 touchdowns.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

Fantasy Football Profile: Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson gave the Sophomore Slump a vicious stiff arm as he won the NFL Rushing Title in 2008. 

He ran for 1760 yards on 363 carries (4.8) with 10 TDs. He added 21 receptions for 125 yards, topped the 100-yard mark 10 times, and was held to fewer than 76 yards just once.

Talk about steady production. 

Despite having two monster games as a rookie (224 and 296 yards), he topped 75 yards just seven times. His consistency improved dramatically.

What I like about AP is how he holds himself accountable. He really takes his “shortcomings” seriously and works hard to improve. I fully expect him to be an even more complete back in 2009, which should be scary for opposing defenses. 

The Vikings face Cincinnati, Carolina, and Chicago in the fantasy playoffs. Cincy has a much-improved defense (on paper), but he should still be able to have his way with them.

Carolina could prove to be tough. Chicago isn’t the same defense as it’s been in the past, but the Bears should present a challenge, especially at home. Peterson should get off to a fast start facing Cleveland and Detroit in Weeks One and Two, and St. Louis in Week Five.  

He should dominate Detroit in Week 10 and Arizona in Week 13.

Peterson will go first or second in most leagues. Standard scoring, he’ll probably be No. 11 while PPR leagues could push him to No. 2. 

I think he’s even better in 2009, rushing for 1,800 yards and 14 TDs.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

The Chicago Bears’ Defense: Can They Apply Any Pressure?

Many people blame the Chicago Bears woes on Kyle Orton’s anemic arm.  Whereas they have a reasonable argument, I would argue in his defense that he wasn’t the one calling the plays to run the ball on every 2nd-and-10, and to throw a pass in the flat on 3rd-and-7 or longer. 

But that argument is for another day.

The biggest issue that the Bears face, in my opinion, is the pressure they can’t seem to apply on the opposing teams quarterback.  And, the fact that the secondary couldn’t seem to stop any teams passing offense.

But first, we will deal with the front seven on defense.

Last year, they averaged less than two sacks per game, totaling only 28 on the season.  That was good enough for 24th in the NFL.

This year, they are going to have to do better.  They aren’t the same Monsters of the Midway they used to be, and they are going to need as much help as they can get to stop teams from throwing the ball all over the field on them.

With the addition of Rod Marinelli, the Bears are hoping to turn back the clocks, at least to 2006, when they had 40 sacks, and were constantly hounding the opposing teams quarterback.  But that season was more about the turnovers the Bears caused than the pressure the line got on the quarterback.  But, I digress. 

With Marinelli’s track record of building attacks that net outstanding sack numbers (during his six seasons with Tampa Bay, the Bucs led the NFL in sacks), Bears fans can expect to see a much higher number than 28 this season.  And the Bears are going to need to put up a higher number than that to be successful.

I do not believe the Bears need to lead the league in sacks to get back to the Super Bowl, but they just need to put pressure on the offense, and force them into more turnovers, which was the staple of the Bears defense in the past, under Lovie Smith. 

Most people believe turnovers are more luck than anything, which can be true, but you aren’t near or at the top every year by dumb luck.

The one thing the Bears did so well in 2006 was force fumbles on the quarterback.  They had 20 fumble recoveries that season, compared to only 10 last season. 

Now, I understand that all of that difference can’t be put on the pressure the line gets, but anyone that watched that 2006 season can attest to what seemed like one quarterback strip per game.  And 10 extra possessions in a season can turn into an extra win or two.

In this day and age of statistics, it is easy to overanalyze.  But Bears fans do not need to see the numbers to understand that the defensive line and linebackers were, simply, not getting the job done last season.

An interesting statistic I saw was the one for total QB hits per pass.  That is how many times a Bears defender hit the QB on a passing play.  In 2006, the Bears’ percentage was 14.8 percent.  Last year, it was 12.4 percent.  That is a big difference when you are talking some 300-400 plays. 

If the Bears can creep back up to that 14 percent marker, I think that they will work their way back into causing more turnovers, and also causing more three and outs, and help them win the field position battle, which was another factor in some of the games they lost last season. 

There are a ton of factors that go into winning a football game, and putting pressure on the quarterback to make a hurried pass, or to throw the ball away can be the start of it all.

Going into this season, the Bears have added more depth to their defense, with the draft picks of Jarron Gilbert and Henry Melton, and the free agent signing of Pisa Tinoisamoa. 

The play of the line is most important, seeing as how it was the line that allowed the linebacking corps to play more free and open in previous seasons, which allowed them to make more plays on the ball.

Last season, Alex Brown led the team with six sacks.  Adewale Ogunleye and Tommie Harris both had five, and Mark Anderson was disappointing with only one.  In hurries, Ogunleye led the team with 16, Brown had 11, Harris had 7, and Anderson had 6.  Those numbers aren’t going to cut it. 

If Marinelli can get the line to get more hurries on the quarterback, the sack numbers will come along with them. 

But more than just the sacks, the turnovers will come, as well.  Not only will the line be able to get their hands on more balls, but they will force the quarterbacks into making rushed decisions, and allow the linebackers and secondary to intercept passes.

It all sounds so easy when you say it out loud, or write it on paper, but it really is as simple as the Bears lineman getting to the quarterback before he throws the ball.  And I believe that Rod Marinelli will rework his Tampa Bay magic on the Bears line, and the Bears will be a better defensive team than they were last season. 

And they proved that they didn’t need a standout offense to make it to the Super Bowl.  As long as they can stop teams from scoring, they can win.

Manhattan D.A.: Plaxico Will Do Time

Outgoing D.A. Morgenthau Holding the Line On Jail Time; Pierce Still On Hook

One day after we reported on a rumor that the New York Giants were considering bringing back embattled WR Plaxico Burress, the man who holds Burress’ fate in his hands spoke out.

Manhattan D.A. Robert Morgenthau, who is in his final months in the big office in Foley Square after 34 years, apparently has not softened his stance in the gun-possession case against Burress.

It was not what Burress’ attorney, Ben Brafman (pictured) wanted to hear, saying he was “bitterly disappointed” but vowed to fight in court if forced.

Morgenthau, who will turn 90 this week, told the New York Post that “We’ve always taken the position that he’s going to have to go to jail, whether by trial or by plea,” and would not comment on how his office would treat LB Antonio Pierce, who attended to Burress after Burress shot himself in the leg with an illegal handgun last November. 

Pierce is apparently still very much in the soup in this case. Morgenthau would not elaborate on what role Pierce would play in the case. It is very possible that he may end up testifying against Burress to evade prosecution himself.

Morganthau intimated that his office had never backed off jail time for Burress and never officially cleared Pierce, who possessed the illegal gun himself after the shooting.

His office wants Burress to plea to a lesser gun charge and do at least two years in state prison. Burress’ lawyer has suggested no jail time since he was also the victim of the shooting.  The results of the grand jury’s vote will be made public in late August, which may not bode well for Burress or Pierce.

This should end any and all speculation about Plaxico’s return to the NFL and/or the Giants. The Giants can go about their business, now.

Morgenthau was the model for the old D.A. Adam Schiff (played by Steven Hill) in the early days of the television drama Law and Order. He has always been tough, but fair.  In the final months of his illustrious law career, you can expect “Morgy” to stick to his guns.

The Detroit Lions’ All Watch-Your-Back-in-Training-Camp Team

Training camp has begun.

The Buffalo Bills, the first team to begin the weeks-long tradition of pre-preseason OTAs this season, have reported to camp. The Detroit Lions report on Friday.

In other words, we’re only a few weeks away from the first round of cuts, and on a winless team under completely new management, few players are safe.

The following are the most well-known Lions worrying about not seeing the end of training camp, by position.

For the non-slideshow version, and past work, visit http://www.nfltouchdown.com/category/detroit-lions/

Denver Broncos Secondary Improves Greatly with Alphonso Smith’s Signing

Today it was reported by ESPN NFL insider John Clayton that CB Alphonso Smith, the second-round draft pick from Wake Forest, was signed. Also, Darcel McBath, David Bruton, and Tom Brandstater penned deals, leaving Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers as the only two of Denver’s 10 picks unsigned.

Smith, who was projected by many to go in the first round, slipped to 37th to the Broncos. Smith showed he has great ball-hawking skills, collecting 21 interceptions in his time at Wake, making him the all time ACC leader in picks. He was also an all ACC selection in both 2007 and 2008.

Some say Smith, at 5’9″ and 190 pounds is too small to start in the NFL, but Smith has also been said to be a good tackler, and runstopper when needed. If not this year, since it seems Renaldo Hill will start opposite Champ Bailey, then possibly in 2010 or ’11.

But that isn’t to say Smith won’t see playing time, as he was also a great returner in college, and looks to be the No. 1 returner on the team at this point.

Smith wasn’t the only bolstering done to the secondary on Sunday either, as McBath and Bruton are both free safeties.

McBath, who went in the second round as well, could eventually be a starter one day too. He averaged over 70 tackles a season from 2006-08, and was also all Big 12 his sophomore and junior seasons, while playing for Texas Tech. 

Bruton has a slimmer chance to one day start, but at 6’2″ 220 pounds, and with ability that led to 91 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles, he will be a great special teams player at the very least.

Overall, as the secondary has seen a complete overhaul this year, and with an aging Champ, it’s a welcome sight to see all this young talent walk into Dove Valley for Monday’s first day Rookies are required to be in camp.

Now, as far as his size and potential, we will see if Smith can be more like ex-Broncos youngsters Dominique Foxworth or Darrent Williams. Both were 5’9″, but Williams was far superior as a player, until his untimely death in 2007. Foxworth is still a solid corner, and a starter currently, but lacks the flash and athletic ability of an explosive corner.

Not to mention, Williams was special as a returner, as Smith hopes to be as well.

If I had to call it now, I would say Smith will end up reminding many Broncos fans of Williams with his flashy, athletic play.

What Hasn’t Been Talked About This San Diego Chargers Offseason

The return of Shawne Merriman’s from knee surgery and whether LaDainian Tomlinson’s groin will hold up have garnered all the San Diego Chargers headlines this off-season. While both are important, they’ve also been beaten to death.

The emergence of Darren Sproles and the drafting of Larry English make those storylines less interesting after the hundredth time. With training camp opening, it’s time to look beyond the obviously sexy stories and focus on what’s not being talked about.

Will a start receiver be suspended? Can a slow start be avoided facing AFC contenders in the opening weeks? How will the offensive line gel with some new faces? 

These are the things I see being obstacles for the Chargers season early on. Fortunately, they play in a stupid weak AFC West and will have plenty of chances to overcome whatever happens.

I mean who knows, Matt Cassel could reinvent Larry Johnson in Kansas City or Kyle Orton could be the mountain man in Denver that Jake Plummer never wanted to be. But let’s be real, the Chargers are hands down, forget about it, division shoo in’s. That said, there might be a few things that could slow them down.

It all starts with Vincent Jackson’s DUI arrest on Jan. 6, of this year. It was kind of off the radar until a ruling in a June 11, evidence hearing went against him. A judge denied the request to throw out a blood test result.

This was not good for Mr. Jackson. The results showed a blood alcohol content of .17, more than double legal limit. Already on five-years probation for a 2006 DUI conviction, he could actually be in some trouble.

Additionally, Jackson was described by the police as being “recalcitrant” throughout the arrest. I’m sure it’s a word the commissioner Goodell is familiar with and would be none too pleased.

Having you’re arms handcuffed behind a chair can’t be a fun way to have blood drawn. That was after a breathalyzer test was requested by Jackson but wasn’t able to register a result. That, and him supposedly being a jackass in custody, is why the blood was drawn that way. 

Jamal Williams already got off on a DUI charge earlier this year. Jackson was allowed to play in the post-season after his arrest. But now it’s clear he was bombed behind the wheel. Again.

No surprise the Chargers haven’t offered a contract extension yet. 

With Donte’ Stallworth’s recent conviction Goodell’s going to have a hard time doing nothing. I would guess a four game suspension would be in the offing if he’s convicted of anything.

For now, until the legal system deals with it, at a glacial pace in most NFL circumstances, I doubt Goodell wants it on his plate.

And you never know, Jackson could get off scot-free. It’s been known to happen, but I think that’s unlikely given the climate.

Make no doubt about it though, losing his deep threat will have a ripple effect across the offense disrupting the continuity. He ranked second in the NFL with seven receptions over 40 yards and had nearly 12 percent of his 59 catches go for touchdowns. This is big-time production. 

Even if the suspension is only four games, it would take room away from Antonio Gates over the middle and would keep safeties more focused on what’s coming out of the backfield. With Jackson, the offense is able to stretch the defense which creates space for explosive plays. 

Also, no other Chargers receiver has Vincent’s ability to muscle out defenders and go up and get the ball down field. Chris Chambers simply isn’t a deep threat and neither Malcolm Floyd or Buster Davis have the size or strength, not to mention durability, to make up for the loss of Jackson.

Jackson’s started every game the last two season while Davis and Floyd have four starts between them. Now, it’s not like if he gets suspended the Chargers are in the tank for the season, but they won’t be the same offense. 

And the offense is going to need to be on point from the get go. 

After opening in Oakland, the Ravens and Dolphins come to San Diego before the Chargers head to Pittsburgh. Three playoff teams, including the Superbowl champs, and the Raiders. Ouch.

At least the Bolts’ get their bye the following week and don’t play another AFC playoff team until a Week 16 trip to Tennessee. 

Going at least .500 or better the first quarter of the season would set them up nicely headed into the middle portion of the schedule where the Chargers can get fat on the rest of the AFC West.

The Chargers started 1-3 last season and had to go to the last day of regular season to make the playoffs. Not opening the season strong has been the main reason why the Chargers have had to go to New England and Pittsburgh in January with a Super Bowl berth is on the line.

I haven’t heard much about the Chargers offensive line but Marcus McNeill’s healthy return to the left tackle spot can’t be understated with the o-line seeing a lot of new faces. Everything seems fine to now, and maybe that’s why nobody is talking about it, but a neck is nothing to mess with.

Add that to guard Mike Goff’s K.C. departure and the room for error up front gets even smaller. Veteran guard Kynan Forney was signed from Atlanta and Louis Vasquez was drafted to help compensate for the loss but you just don’t replace Pro-Bowlers. 

McNeill has a history of neck problems going back to college but it hasn’t affected his durability to now as he’s only missed two games in three seasons at the offensive lines most important position. 

Held out of the OTA’s, big Marcus will give the offseason neck surgery it’s first real test at training camp. I’m sure he’ll be looked after closely by the coaching staff as they all know how costly a set-back could be; especially since there is little depth behind him. 

Now this isn’t exactly a under-reported story but I just marvel at the fact Norv Turner is now the longest tenured coach in the AFC West. For as long as I can remember Norv has been a head coaching pinata.

From Washington to Oakland, he’s just been railed on in the press and in the stands. Hopefully he lets some of the new guys in the AFC West take the shots this season. 

Lastly, next year’s issues could be a distraction and no one wants to talk about that either. I guess there’s no need to get ahead of ourselves but the stadium situation and cap concerns if the collective bargaining agreement isn’t taken care of couple put the Chargers in a tough spot when their Super Bowl window should be wide open. In A.J. Smith we trust I suppose.

And how about training camp being closed to the public due to a sinkhole created by a burst water pipe the City of San Diego didn’t fix? Omen? I doubt it, but I do think the Chargers should find a way to involve all the fans who planned to attend training camp.

As for me, I’ve been on the road for past couple weeks in D.C. and S.F. with a 24-hour S.D. stint sandwiched in there. Summer vacation I guess. It’s been fun but it’ll sure be nice to get back to San Diego and wild ass Mission Beach. My first NFL season in San Diego is underway.

Diner Morning News: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Young Coach

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Sholty’s Love and Hate for the 2009 Fantasy Football Season

It’s draft day. You are wearing your Unitas jersey, you have your six pack of beer and you are waiting for everyone to get settled in the draft room. Who are you going to pick? What happens if your sleepers get picked before you get a chance to grab them? What happens when you are stuck with Thomas Jones as your second running back?

Every drafter needs to keep a list of players that they will go all out to try and get, and a list of players who they will stay away from like the plague. Here is my list of players I Love and Hate going into the 2009 Fantasy Football Season. I’m going to try to defend each case to make my point to you also.

Love

Steve Slaton—This guy came from nowhere last season to shock the entire fantasy community with 1600-plus all-purpose yards and 10 TDs (9 rushing, 1 receiving). If you are the type of guy who likes upside, Slaton is filled with it. First of all, I love the fact that he will get the bulk of the carries for Houston and their monster offense. Secondly, there aren’t a lot of running backs these days who can say they get around 80 percent of the workload but Slaton is one of them. He also caught 50 receptions which is a lot for a running back if you think about it. He’s got young legs and only looks to improve this year. I’m expecting 1400 rushing yards with 12 TDs from the young gun.

Calvin Johnson—I think you already know what you are getting with Megatron, but let me clarify it for you. This guy is a monster ready to unleash fury on the opponents. There is not a wide receiver in the league who can match his instinct, strength, and agility. When the ball goes in the air headed for this man, it will be caught. Some may argue that because the Lions have some uncertainty at the QB position, it will effect his numbers. I say that is a very big understatement to Calvin’s abilities. One could argue last year’s circumstances were the worst any wide receiver could face, but he continued to produce. After Roy Williams left, Johnson became even more consistent yardage-wise. This year he will be in his third year and he will take the league by storm…1500 receiving yards and 15 TDs.

Clinton Portis—Clinton “Tortoise” may not be a sexy pick anymore, but he is consistent. Consistency is what you want from your top picks. I’d rather not take my chances with “upside” with players who will determine my fantasy success, and grab upside later in the draft. Portis has played 16 games three out of his last four seasons. While he slowed down quite a bit last season, he still was one of the top RB with around 1700 yards and 9 TDs. If you are afraid of him slowing down later in the season (which is a valid argument) just trade him after week eight! Problem solved.

Marion Barber—Marion the Barbarian is a ferocious runner with a chip on his shoulder. He’d be the last guy I’d want to take a hit from, but one of the first guys I’d want on my fantasy team. His running style warrants concern for his health, but if the running back isn’t running hard then he’s not running well, right? Marion fights to the bitter end on every touch which maximizes his yards per carry. Do not pay attention to his 3.7 ypc from last year, he had a case of turf toe which can take down the mightiest runners (see LT). The only catch to drafting Barber and being successful is drafting his talented counterpart, Mr. Felix Jones. If/When Barber bites the dust in the middle of the season, Jones will be a great RB2 option for you. Drafting Barber gives you even more reason to draft Jones later as a handcuff.

Ronnie Brown—Brown has about as much upside as any running back in the league, and he is available to you much later than other comparable running backs. Take a look at his 2007-08 season before he tore his ACL. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry! He was on pace to be one of the top running backs in the league. He returned last year surprisingly, and he was effective but not the same. There is an old saying that I think rings true with every player: “It takes a full year to recover from ACL surgery.” It wasn’t a full year before Brown came back and he probably still felt the lingering effects of the surgery. Don’t worry about Sticky-Icky-Ricky Williams taking carries from Brown, all he needs is around 15 to carry your fantasy team to the promised land.

Pierre Thomas—Pierre Thomas isn’t a household name yet which is a shame. In the last three weeks of the fantasy football season (the most important weeks), the PT Cruiser slashed defenses for a combined 358 yards and 5 TDs. I’m very skeptical about whether Reggie Bush can stay healthy a full season and even play running back effectively. Reports say that Thomas has bulked up since last year, and I can see him being one of the top running backs for the year in the otherworldly Saints offense.

Vincent Jackson—V-Jax is one monster of an athlete (6’5″ and 230 lbs) which is something you cannot teach. With LT’s toe injury came a surge in San Diego’s passing game which featured Jackson as a prominent target. Rivers may not repeat his numbers last year but there is no doubt in my mind about Jackson being a premiere wide receiver. He reminds me of Roddy White from last year. Just coming off a successful season, people were still a bit skeptical and he was lower than normal on draft boards because of his situation. Don’t be one of those people this year and grab Jackson in the fifth or sixth round to reap the rewards. Oh, and keep in mind this is a contract year for Jackson, which is always a good thing in the fantasy world.

Eddie Royal—I don’t think we can classify this guy as a sleeper anymore. Last year was just his rookie season and he was one of the league leaders in receptions with 91. Orton is the type of QB to take what the defense gives him and that may be quick passing routes to Royal all day long. It’s almost pointless to remind you that the new coach for the Broncos is the former Patriot’s offensive coordinator, which had another popular possession receiver. I don’t really have to name him, though, do I?

Dallas Clark—If tight ends were awarded points based on great blocks, Dallas Clark would not be worth drafting. Good thing tight ends are measured in yards and touchdowns, though! This is where Clark comes in. He creates such a mismatch for the defense and he is one of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets. It’s not a bad thing receiving passes from Manning, ya know. With Harrison now gone, look for even more targets for the catch-happy tight end. If you pretend that Clark’s 2006-07 season was a full season, you could say his receptions per year increased by about 15 each year. Wouldn’t you want a guy getting 92 receptions from Peyton Manning on your team?

Carson Palmer/Chad Ochocinco—I feel like this preseason is different for Chad. I’m not hearing “I want to be traded!” or “We’re going 16-0 baby!”…I see a focused and renewed Chad Johnson. For some reason, he has matured very quickly and football is now his biggest concern. We all know that Chad has the skills to be one of the best wideouts in the league, but his personality sometimes gets in the way of that. This year though, will be the year he sets the critics straight. As for Palmer, I’m hearing a lot of positive things from him. He’s claiming to be 100 percent and I believe him. With renewed focus on the offensive side of the ball, I see a prolific year from this duo. To make things even better, they have the Bengals defense there to make every game a high scoring one.

Other guys I love:

Dustin Keller—Call it my Purdue homer pick but I watched him in college and he is the real deal…I’d even go as far as to say the best hands on the team.

Chris Cooley—You can’t tell me he will only score 1 TD again this year.

DeSean Jackson—Please don’t drop the ball before you get into the end zone this season.

Lance Moore—For a last round flier, he isn’t a bad pick.

John Carlson—If you are looking for a TE later in the draft because you missed one of the elite, not a bad pick.

Knowshon Moreno/Donald Brown—Do not miss out on this year’s Matt Forte. You can grab Moreno in the fifth round and Brown even later. Don’t worry about Addai, his contract is almost up and Indy has a great past of drafting offensive talent (Manning, Addai, Wayne, Clark…not too shabby)

Jamaal Charles—This kid has unbelievable upside…mark my words…he will be the go-to guy by the end of the year. Grab him in the last round of your draft and then rub it in your league-mates’ faces ten weeks later.

Hate

DeAngelo Williams—I hate D-Will. You can blame it on the fact that I didn’t have him last year when he ripped off 20 TDs in my face, or you can blame it on the fact that I had a secret man crush on Jon Stewart and he was taking all his glory. In years past, Williams could not even land a starting gig against D. Foster and now you are tellin’ me he is one of the best players in the league? Pfft…yeah right. I will not waste my first round pick on a guy who has to share carries with a guy who was drafted to take over the running back position for that team anyway. Give me a break.

Steven Jackson/Frank Gore—Why are people willing to throw their fantasy season away on draft day? I’m under the impression people are willing to spend first round picks on guys like Steven Jackson and Frank Gore when there are guys sitting on the table with extreme upside like Slaton and Chris Johnson?? When was the last time Jackson and Gore gave you a fantasy season to remember? Jackson’s career 4.3 ypc doesn’t get my blood flowing too much and he’s as injury prone as my grandmother. Gore on the other hand is a slug who can’t find the end zone. The most TDs he has scored is nine in one season! He averages less than seven TDs a season for crying out loud! Don’t waste your first round picks on these guys who won’t be able to find the end zone and are going to give you headaches all year with their ticky-tack injuries.

Drew Brees/Peyton Manning/Tom Brady—Ok, I’d be lying a little bit if I said I wouldn’t want these studs on my team. I wouldn’t be lying to you though if I said they are a waste of a first/second round pick. What can we expect from these guys? Thirty TDs and 3800 passing yards? I can name a few more QBs who you can get later who have that kind of upside. Aaron Rodgers, Carson Palmer, Kurt Warner, Tony Romo, Phillip Rivers,  Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler…hell even Matt Schaub could give you great fantasy numbers. Oh wait, did I just mention more than 10 QBs? Are there 10 teams in your league? I rest my case.

Derrick Ward—He’s out of NYC and playing for the average Bucs? He’s sharing carries with Earnest Graham? I’ll let someone else draft him and the headaches that are bound to follow.

Cedric Benson—What is there to like about this guy? He is a bonehead, he is a huge risk given his past convictions and he didn’t even really have a good season last year. On 214 carries he only scored twice and had a 3.5 ypc. If you find yourself considering Benson later in the draft, just turn on your “autopicking”, exit the draft and buy a six pack of Bud Light. You will need it.

Any Old RB Not Named LT—Who am I talking about? Willie Parker, Brian Westbrook and Larry Johnson. We’ve seen the best days from these old horses, and it’s time to move on. Don’t let nostalgia suck you in.

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