The NFL Guru

Tier 1 (RBs)- ELITE

1. Chris Johnson- When you’re given the first overall pick in your fantasy draft, pick this guy. The best part of of owning this fantasy star is his consistency; without a game under 100 yards in his last 10 games.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew- Without the aging Fred Taylor in the Jacksonville Depth chart, MJD gets all the carries to himself. Be disappointed if Jones-Drew does find the end zone once every week.

3. Adrian Peterson- AD has the ability to single-handedly carry your fantasy team to a win in your weekly matchup. Though there are weeks where Peterson is virtually a non-factor.

4. Ray Rice- Last season, Rice’s defining moment was his second carry of his playoff career where he brought it to house for an 83 yard TD, and then repeated that later in that game. Thats what I expect from him next season, although, I’m worried about his lack of TDs.

Tier 2 (RBs)- 1st Round Backs

5. Steven Jackson- The St. Louis offence is improving, while still building around Steven Jackson, which means more Touchdowns for Stevie. Being one of the most talented running backs in league, Jackson should find the end zone 8+ times rather than 4 in 2009.

6. Frank Gore- With a mediocre passing game and a decent offensive line, gore should be able to pull off a 10 TD, 1300 yd season. But I can’t see him having a breakout year.

7. Rashard Mendenhall- Until Ben Roethlisberger comes back from his suspension, the Steelers will run it up the gut all season, and his elite offensive line won’t disappoint.

8. Ryan Mathews- To be a top 10 fantasy back takes a few years of solid NFL statistics, Mathews has none. Drafting a rookie with health issues in the first round is beyond risky, but if he drops to the mid-second round, go for him. After all, Ladainian Tomlinson was in the same situation 8 years ago.

9. Cedric Benson- If Benson runs like he did last year, he could turn out to be a top 5 back. Unfortunately, I doubt that assumption. I have a feeling that Cedric Benson’s numbers will simply plateau this season (in other words, they won’t live up to last year, but they also won’t plummet).

Tier 3 (RBs)- Solid Starters

10. Michael Turner- Michael Turner is not a 3-dimenional back, nor is he a decent goal line back, so if your 1st round pick doesn’t get TDs or receptions, are he gives you is measly rushing yards.

11. DeAngelo Williams- The Carolina Panthers’ running attack is so strong that a player who shares his carries can still be a top 10 back. The tandem of Williams and Stewart is fierce, and with a decent QB to play with, DeAngelo can receive some more receptions.

12. Knowshon Moreno- Once Kyle Orton and the Denver defence cooled off last season, the Broncos’ offence became ineffective. If the Broncos continue their patterns this year, Knowshon is a no-show.

13. Jamaal Charles- being the undisputed starter will help Jamaal tremendously. Although he exhibits a mediocre rushing ability, somebody on the Chiefs has to score the small amount of Touchdowns the Chiefs score.

14. Ryan Grant- Watching Ryan Grant run is like watch a train go by. He doesn’t make any sudden cuts, nor does he even turn, but he’s fast and whoever is brave enough to get in his way deserves a medal.

15. Shonn Greene- Without a 100-yard rushing game that wasn’t against Oakland or a TD that wasn’t against Oakland, we are supposed to believe that Greene can win the starting spot over LT and then top it off with a few rushing TDs.

11. Buffalo Bills- The Bills, during last off-season acquired some important players that are now high on the depth chart. But their pass rush needed improvement (Bills sacks this season= 24 which is 4th last in NFL). On April 25th, 2009, that slightly changed. With the 11th overall pick, the Bills chose Aaron Maybin, right end from Penn State, weighing 249 and who bress pressed 22 times at the combine. A solid pick to shore up the pass rush which was formerly lacking.

GRADE= B+

12. Denver Broncos- Ever since 2004 when the Broncos traded Running Back Clinton Portis to the ‘Skins, Denver has had the most difficulty in the NFL finding a 16-week, full-time RB. So Denver drafted Knowshon Moreno, former SEC Rookie Of The Year and teammate of Matt Stafford. Knowshon is a great back and can help compensate for the loss of Jay Cutler. They targeted their man, and got him and how can you fault them for that.

GRADE= B+

13. Washington Redskins- Was the top defensive lineman in the game in Albert Haynesworth enough for the Redskins? Apparently not. After signing Haynesworth, they used their 13th pick on DE from Texas, Brian Orakpo. Not that Brian isn’t a threat to the opposing QB because he can really get off the ball and pressure the QB but I would not have gone there. My choice would have been middle linebacker, Brian Cushing due to their aging linebacking core.

GRADE= B-

14. New Orleans Saints- The Saints chose Cornerback from Ohio State, Malcolm Jenkins. Michael won the state title in the 400-meter dash as a junior. With this addition the Saints are a lot closer to fixing the gaping hole in their defensive backfield from last season. Good pick for both value and position.

GRADE= A-

15. Houston Texans- The Texans drafted Brian Cushing, the first of 4 USC linebackers chosen in the first two rounds. Cushing did incredibly at the combine, showing his amazing balance between speed (40 yard dash= 4.64) and strength (bench press score= 30). Brian is one of the most athletic players drafted this year. Cushing also was named the Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl Game. He helps an already solid Texans defense.

GRADE= A-

16. San Diego Chargers- The Chargers went with an unexpected choice in Outside Linebacker, Larry English who had 31.5 career sacks and won the Mid-American Conference MVP award, and fourth team All-American. San Diego’s first choice was Brian Cushing until Houston chose him one pick earlier. He will help rush the passer along with Shawn Merriman next season and into the future.

GRADE= C

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jeff Garcia isn’t getting any younger. And with an aging team, drafts are very important. The Bucs drafted Kansas State Quarterback Josh Freeman 17th overall as the third quarterback chosen. Josh is an amazing prospect and I believe that he will get his get his fair share of starts, but probably not immediately. After all, at 6’6, 250 and a career passer rating of 124.8, the sky is the limit. This is a heavy developmental pick though.

GRADE= B-

18. Denver Broncos- As the Bronco’s second pick in the 09’ draft, they selected the Tennessee defensive end and linebacker, Robert Ayers. Robert is solid in all aspects of his game with good speed, good strength, and good college body of work. Though a steady pick, may not have enormous upside of other similar players in his class like Orakpo and Maybin.

GRADE= B

19. Philadelphia Eagles- Coming out of College early, Jeremy Maclin is the perfect wideout for the Eagles. Maclin runs a 4.43 40yd dash and is 6’6. This provides the speed and the target the Eagles need opposite DeSean Jackson. I would much rather him than the comparable Percy Harvin. This was an incredible draft for them. Watch out NFC East.

GRADE= A+

20. Detroit Lions- This was a very productive draft for the Lions. They got a solid Quarterback in Stafford and Brandon Pettigrew, a Tight End to throw to. Brandon is an outstanding blocker too. Good value at 20 for a player with his ability and character.

GRADE= A-