Here we go, then...
10. Curran
The biggest concern here is at RB, a position where the names on this list are generally being avoided in drafts around the country. Green-Ellis was strong last year but there are doubt about his ability to repeat those numbers while LT faded badly late last year and Benson goes from one orange uniform to another.
The strength of this team is depth at QB and with Brady the only name commanding major trade value it may hint at a potential mega-deal.
9. DFlam
DFlam was higher in my early rough draft but he came out of the Thursday opener worse off than anyone else in the league. Colston's injury will sideline him for four weeks while Grant looks like he might be in a 50-50 timeshare. Although Pierre Thomas could deputize nicely for Grant, the W/R options are less appealing with QB-weak Dallas Clark and the unreliable Robert Meachem.
Already dealing with depth issues at QB after the Garrard release, DFlam now has to worry about the flex positions before two NFL games have even kicked off. Perhaps, finally, DFlam will get off his rear and actually complete a trade.
8. Nemo
Question marks at WR push Nemo down to the bottom three but, like those below him, the 'wait-and-see' approach is vital. There are plenty of options here, including the electrifying Randall Cobb, so perhaps something will come out of it. If so, look for Nemo to angle up to the middle of the rankings by October.
7. Tighe
If Packers-Saints crushed DFlam, he would have found himself next to Mr. Tighe, already pushed down into the cellar via the Manning injury news. It is hard to punt $25 million and remain competitive but with his keeper class it more or less wipes out his savings, pegging him firmly back to square one.
That said, it is with no surprise that QB2 is the problem area. Campbell, in my mind, will likely emerge as a better option than Collins. At W/T, Tighe is currently going TE but at some point Steve Smith, Crabtree, or deep sleeper Demaryious Thomas should step forward.
6. Thompson
The defending champions clock in at mid-table, a solid but unspectacular lineup meriting such a ranking. The early play of Darren McFadden is vital as Addai is a shaky W/R but with depth across the bench and reliable QB play Thompson should be in position to battle for the playoffs in all but the most injury-riddled of scenarios.
5. Brett
Brett pushes on from the cellar, a trio of QBs in Schaub, Fitzpatrick, and Bradford sure to provide stability while he sorts out the fallout from the Manning injury. Indeed, two Colt WRs is a risky bet and could be an early damper but there is enough depth at WR for now to get through it in September. A critical question could develop at W/R where Ingram's first NFL game was less than inspiring.
4. Concannon
Nothing was learned on Thursday- Brees is great, Finley is a matchup nightmare- so the same questions remain. But with start power at WR and enough solid options at RB, this team has the look of a 4-2 or 5-3 squad, one firmly in the hunt without inspiring fear in other contenders.
3. Malinn
MJD, Rice, and Grant could all be top guys at their position (though not together, of course) and the WR talent is likeable enough to bump him above Concannon. QB2 looks like Kolb's to lose but McCoy should make it very interesting as we move forward.
2. TMac
TMac's only hole is at TE, an indicator of strength, but there are minor injury worries at RB. The lack of a clear #3 QB is also a potential isssue but Hill backs up Stafford nicely. The key, though, is WR depth, represented by Maclin- benched.
1. Lee
#1 Lee chugs into the top spot on the strength of a paper-thin draft strategy that netted a formidable roster that leaves South Koreans and ER doctors alike foaming at the mouth with the excitement of cash in the future.
Alex Smith? Worst backup QB in the league. Marion Barber? Same at RB. Mike Thomas? Yikes, Kerry Meier is unavailable?
But for now, it is Lee's title to lose. Good luck, all.
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