Who Is Number One Now?
April 26, 2009 at 3:27 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
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While seasonal owners are considering guys like Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte as potential number one overall fantasy selections, dynasty owners have had a completely different answer to that question in mind. Since the end of January – even in spite of the stress fracture discovered in his foot during the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine – long term owners have considered Michael Crabtree to be far and away the number one overall rookie draft pick heading into the summer. But that all changed during the first day of the NFL Draft.
While the 6’1” receiver could still be at the top of many owners’ draft boards, the fact that he fell to the 49ers at 10th overall has contributed to a completely different picture. The way the cards fell, guys like Knowshon Moreno, Chris Wells and even Jeremy Maclin should now definitely be in high consideration for the top overall spot. This is no longer a no-brainer. As the number one dynasty rookie pick just got a lot harder to make – picks two, three, four and five just became that much more attractive.
Michael Crabtree, 49ers WR – First of all, Crabtree didn’t do himself any favors by admitting to ESPN The Magazine that he’s been sleeping in until 2 p.m., laying in bed all day ordering pizzas and watching movies for the last several months. That kind of draft prep obviously scared off Oakland – who made Darrius Heyward-Bey the first pass catcher chosen in this year’s draft. Also, teams like Cincy, Jacksonville and Green Bay all passed on him, and had he landed in any of those destinations, he would have had a much more stable and seasoned quarterback tossing him the rock. That being said, the freak of nature athlete still becomes the number one wide receiver on an up-and-coming young team. The Niners have a great running game and were in desperate need of a legit pass catching threat. Teaming up with Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan will be positive, and if either Shaun Hill or Alex Smith can develop into a reliable signal caller, Crabtree will have an immediate impact.
Jeremy Maclin, Eagles WR – Speaking of immediate impact, the speedster from Missouri may have the most after the Eagles traded up two spots in the first round to snag him. He’ll immediately start opposite last year’s rookie sensation DeSean Jackson, giving Donovan McNabb two of the fastest, sure-handed young weapons in the NFL today. Maclin is the real deal, and may be just as productive as Crabtree. Catching balls from an experienced, proven QB like McNabb, in an offense known to put up huge digits, could be much more attractive to many dynasty owners picking first overall.
Knowshon Moreno, Broncos RB – Despite signing veterans Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington and LaMont Jordan this off-season, Denver was still near the top of our “teams who need running backs” list. Taking Knowshon Moreno – who we’ve had ranked as the number one rookie running back since February – with the 12th overall pick, shows fantasy owners that Denver is serious about making him their clear cut starter. His skill set fits perfectly with what new head coach Josh McDaniels wants to to – dink and dunk the rock down the field. Moreno is a playmaker who will contribute as a receiver out of the backfield and make points per reception league owners extremely happy. In a world of fading featured backs, Moreno would make a ton of sense as the top overall rookie selection.
Chris Wells, Cardinals RB – Like the Broncos, the Cardinals definitely needed a running back heading into this draft. Edgerrin James won’t be back next year, and despite the presence of last year’s fifth round pick, this looks like Wells’ team. The Jamal Lewis clone will see gaping running holes on a team that features two of the game’s top wide receivers. If nagging injuries weren’t an issue, the speedy bruiser would probably be the front runner to go number one overall in dynasty rookie drafts this August. But even with the injuries, Wells’ newfound situation definitely makes him a candidate for the honor.
Now that the NFL Draft is over, start preparing for your 2009 drafts by checking out our updated Dynasty Rookie BIg Board, as well as updated 2009 fatnasy football player rankings on our Ultimate Strategist Package forums.
This article is also featured on Athlon/Grogan’s Fantasy Football, your spot for Cheat Sheets updated daily, and Fantasy tools to manage your team all year long.
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