Sloppy Potatoes

NFL Draft 2008: Better and Worse

Contemplating topics for a fantasy baseball article, the only thing that came to mind was fantasy football and the NFL Draft.

Looking ahead to this Saturday’s draft I just cannot help thinking about the potential impact these players will have on the fantasy world. So, in that vein I have come up with a list of players that have the potential to be better or worse than the hype they are receiving.

Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansa

Wow, this guy is the sure fire top skill player after a dazzling 40 time and a great career at Arkansas. But, he also disappeared in some pretty big games for a player as hyped as he is. I’m not ready to label him a total bust yet, but the potential is there. He won’t be another Adrian Peterson.

Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

Brohm is a sure thing. The best quarterback in the draft who suffered with a pathetic team this year. Be happy if your team ends up with him on Saturday. He will make a serviceable pro.

Kevin Smith, RB, UCF

This guy is as big as McFadden, 6-1, 216, so durability should not be a concern. He didn’t match the blistering time in the 40, but his 4.47 is not bad. More importantly, he rushed for 2,567 yards this year with 29 TDs — insane numbers. I have the top pick in a dynasty league this year. I’ll be keeping my eye on this guy (1) and McFadden (2) wherever they go. Best running back in the draft? He was the best college back this year…

Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

Projected as a second- or third-rounder, Sweed is a 6-4 monster who has played on a very big stage with the Longhorns. His 40 time isn’t great, but I’ll take a Plaxico Burress clone

in the second or third round and wait for the touchdowns to start racking up. Speed isn’t everything for a receiver, just ask Devin Hester.

DeSean Jackson, WR, California

Speaking of Hester, Jackson is Devin Hester. Yes, Jerry Rice is in his corner, and he’s had a great career at Cal. I also hate the NFL’s reliance on Scouting Combine numbers and a player’s measurements, but at 5-9 and only 167 pounds, Jackson is going to get bounced around in the NFL. His best shot is as a returner, so his fantasy value isn’t nearly as good as his real football value.