First Round Fantasy Impact: Picks 21-32
April 30, 2009 at 5:02 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
Print This Page
| 
The mocks are over - finally. We’re not messing around now. Straight up NFL Draft recaps - but not your typical ones. These all have a fantasy slant - here are picks 21-32.
21. Alex Mack, Browns C – The Browns traded down three times and selected Mack, who many believed was the best center in the draft. It may have been a little high, but the Browns obviously feel good about their moves. This should help RB James Davis, who they selected on day two out of Clemson. Davis is a solid back, who is believed to have a decent shot to challenge Jamal Lewis for the starting gig in 2009. Mack’s presence could also ultimately help Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson - whoever wins that job.
22. Percy Harvin, Vikings WR – There are many Harvin haters out there right now, but for the record - I’m not one of them. I jock this kid pretty hard. He played with a near broken foot last year, and was still explosive and a threat to score each time he touched the ball. The NFL is evolving into a league that values weapons over position players, and Harvin can play all WR spots, as well as running back. I expect him to end up being one of the most overlooked rookies from a fantasy perspective.
23. Michael Oher, Ravens OT – Trading up into the this pick to select Oher, the Ravens basically said - “we want to solidify things for Joe Flacco and Ray Rice from here on out. Yep, we like Rice the most out of all of Balitmore’s backs heading into 2009.
24. Peria Jerry, Falcons DT – A flat out darn good value for Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith here. No real fantasy impact, other than the fact that Atlanta’s overall defensive unit will be much stronger.
25. Vontae Davis, Dolphins CB – Vernon’s brother could be a stud in the making folks. If he gets his “attitude problems” straightened out, he could eventually be a solid IDP corner in deep leagues.
26. Clay Matthews, Packers LB – The Patriots traded out of this pick, after trading out of the 23rd pick, so for what it’s worth - they didn’t like Matthews. However, he’s a perfect fit for Dom Capers’ 3-4 defense at outside linebacker, as a played a “stand-up defensive end” spot at USC. Matthews does all the little things, but is a long shot to actually make it on the radar from an IDP perspective.
27. Donald Brown, Colts RB – The more we ponder this pick, the more we love Donald Brown’s potential dynasty value heading into 2009. He reminds us of Chris Johnson, without the elite speed. He’s a guy who could very easily end up being the most fantasy worthy rookie RB this year, as the Colts definitely have plans to phase out Joseph Addai. A solid player for a great offense who has a high statistical ceiling. Smart owners will keep a close eye on him.
28. Eric Wood, Bills C - We said all along that the Bills needed a center, and Wood’s stock was rising leading up to the draft. His presence will help every member of Buffalo’s offense.
29. Hakeem Nicks, Giants WR – The Giants ultimately decided they’d rather have Nicks than Braylon Edwards or Anquan Boldin - a player Nicks has been compared to due to his physical build. With Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer gone, we love Nicks as a dynasty prospect, although he’ll have to beat out fellow rookie Ramses Barden - a 6′6″ prospect out of Cal Poly. Early word is that Nicks will beat out Domenik Hixon easily, making him a very solid top 10 dynasty pick with high upside in all formats.
30. Kenny Britt, Titans WR (pictured) – Finally the Titans drafted a WR in Round 1. The 6′4″ Britt is a huge target for Kerry Collins, and definitely could step in and play right away. Dynasty owners will have to evaluate whether he, Nicks, Harvin or Darrius Heyward-Bey will have more of an impact as rookies. Britt is a guy that we see developing into a solid possession and red zone threat, meaning his value is likely to be highest in TD-only leagues, or PPR leagues that require three starters at WR. Overall, we like him and have him ranked favorably on our dynasty rookie big board.
31. Chris Wells, Cardinals RB – Wow, wow, wow. Wells couldn’t have landed in a better spot, honestly. The Cards released Edgerrin James and don’t believe Tim Hightower is more than a complimentary player. This means Wells - if healthy - will have a shot at starting every week in one of the most potent offenses in football. However, he’s a risk/reward pick, as he does have injury issues, and the Cards heavily favor the pass over the run. However, due to the fact that they move the ball consistently, Wells should see some solid TD opportunities early in his career.
32. Evander “Ziggy” Hood, Steelers DT – A great value for the Steelers, period. No fantasy impact though.
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 fantasy football player rankings on our Ultimate Strategist Package forums.
Related posts
Loading ...
