Fantasy Draft Preview: Top 5 Draft Picks (7/13/2008)

Dave Zoll, Co-Contributor

 

 

 

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Your draft is right around the corner and we're here to help figure out how the first 5 picks should go down.  Experienced fantasy GM's might not be surprised with the majority of these moves, but a little reassurance never hurt.  This is the first of many articles to come in our 2008 fantasy draft series.

 

1. LaDainian Tomlinson (SD)

LT is still the most consistently dominant fantasy player out there and clear no-brainer for number 1 overall pick in all fantasy drafts.  Since entering the league in 2001, LT has never rushed for less than 1,200 yards or scored less than 10 TD's in a single season.  He's also averaging about 2,000 yards from scrimmage per year which, in most leagues, translates to about 200 fantasy points in yardage alone.  Couple this with a cakewalk of a 2008 schedule and you’ve got the formula for the best option in the draft.

 

2. Adrian Peterson (MIN)

Peterson and LT are the only two players that should even be considered for the first two picks in this year’s draft.  In only 14 games last year Peterson rushed for 1,341 yards, caught 19 balls for 268 receiving yards and cashed in with 13 total TD's. Peterson drops to number 2 due to concerns about durability and the departure of veteran FB Tony Richardson.  While it’s hard to dismiss the durability issues, the Vikings addition of Thomas Tapeh should provide a suitable option at fullback this year.

 

3. Brian Westbrook (PHI)

Tagged as the most versatile back in the NFL, Westbrook turned in 1,200-plus rushing yards and over 10 total TD's for the second straight year.  While it’s true that two years hardly make a streak, Fantasy GM’s should not dismiss this trend.  With more questions surrounding McNabb's health this year, Westbrook will again be asked to shoulder the load for the Eagles.  The last two years should show us that he's up for the challenge.

 

4. Steven Jackson (STL)

Despite only playing 12 games in 2007, Jackson managed to rush for his third-straight 1,000-plus yard season.  Jackson owners had to be a little disappointed with last year's TD total (6), but expect that number to at least double this season with the improved health of Marc Bulger and Orlando Pace, as well as the Rams addition of guard Jacob Bell.  It’s highly unlikely that he’ll see the 346 rushing attempts and 90 receptions that he had in 2006, but his upside is better than any remaining RB option in the field. 

 

5. Joseph Addai (IND)

Since becoming a Colt, there was never any question that Addai would be the club's every-down starter.  In his second year in the NFL, Addai posted his second-straight 1,000-plus yard rushing season and saw his TD total jump to 15 in 2007 from only 8 in 2006.  You might assume this was due to the injury of WR Marvin Harrison, but (with the exception of 2 additional receiving TD’s in 2007) Addai’s receiving stats in 2007 were almost identical to his 2006 numbers.  Addai should have no problem reaching his third-straight 1,000 yard/10-plus TD season again in the explosive Indianapolis offense.

 

Analysis for this article is based on standard league settings of 1 point per 25 passing yards, 1 point per 10 receiving/rushing yards, 6 points per touchdown (passing, rushing and receiving) and league positions of QB, WR, WR, RB, RB, TE, WR/RB, K, DEF.