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The perfect fantasy football draft

By Ladd Biro, Special to the Rocky

Published August 26, 2008 at 10:26 a.m.

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As much as you and I would love to field a fantasy team piloted by Tom Brady, anchored by LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson in the backfield, with Randy Moss, Terrell Owens and Braylon Edwards on the outside, that’s about as likely as Chris Henry being named NFL Man of the Year.

Since our competitors would frown on us taking every pick in the first round, our challenge is to secure the best value with every selection, methodically assembling a team that will dominate from Week 1, withstand an injury to one or two key players, and peak during the fantasy playoffs.

With that lofty goal in mind, I’ve again done the research for you – analyzing the average draft position (ADP) of each player from several mock draft sites to determine the best pick in each round – resulting in the oft-imitated, always-controversial, yet magically delicious 2008 Perfect Draft.

As always, we start with a few key assumptions. First, we’re in a 10-team, non-keeper league using a standard scoring system that starts one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker and one team defense. Second, we are drafting from the middle (fifth) position in a zig-zag format, meaning LT and AP are long gone by the time we pick. Third, since all drafts play out differently, we’ll need a little luck along the way. And finally, our goal is nothing short of total domination and the abject humiliation of our opponents.

Now, with the fifth pick of the 2008 Fantasy Draft, we select . . .

Round 1. Joseph Addai, RB, Colts. If Brian Westbrook slides, jump all over him (especially in point-per-reception leagues). And if the Colts’ workhorse is gone, Steven Jackson should get the nod. Most important, if you can select an elite tailback with your first pick (see who qualifies in my RB rankings here), do it.

Round 2. Tony Romo, WR, Cowboys. Quarterbacks are going markedly higher this year, following 2007’s historic aerial surge. Only Tom Brady outperformed Romo last season – his first full year as the starter – and he’s the No. 1 passer on my board in ’08. His ADP is currently around 17, so count your lucky stars if he’s still there. If not, take the best receiver available (see rankings here) and cross your fingers that Drew Brees slides to you in Round 3.

Round 3. Torry Holt, WR, Rams. If you’re set at QB, it’s time to get him someone to throw to. Holt had a disappointing 2007, along with the rest of his teammates, yet he was still a Top 15 fantasy wideout. Look for a rebound to elite status with a healthy Marc Bulger and improved running game. Prefer Braylon Edwards and Drew Brees to Romo and Holt? You’ll get no argument here.

Round 4. Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers. You may yawn when you call his name, but the man nearly cracked the Top 10 among fantasy RBs last season after starting just 10 games. He is a decidedly unsexy pick, but you’ll love him as your RB2.

Round 5. Santonio Holmes, WR, Steelers. Last year I predicted he would overtake Hines Ward in the team’s pecking order. This year, I’m telling you he’ll join Fantasyland’s elite. Bank on it.

Round 6. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs. He was a Top 25 fantasy receiver as a rookie despite playing second fiddle to Tony Gonzalez and catching passes from Abbott & Costello. Though he’ll face similar challenges in his second year, Bowe’s upside is through the roof. There are safer options with this pick, but why not swing for the fences?

Round 7. Jeremy Shockey, TE, Saints. We resisted the temptation of taking Jason Witten three rounds earlier and still landed an elite tight end. Teaming with Brees in the Saints’ high-powered offense, Shockey is poised for a career year.

Round 8. Fred Taylor, RB, Jaguars. I say this every year: Fred Taylor is great trade bait. Simply wait until he strings together a couple of good games, then deal him for a better player who’s gotten off to a slow start. Trust me, it works.

Round 9. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans. Johnson said his goal is to be the 2008 Rookie of the Year, and I wouldn’t be surprised. He is simply too talented to be held back for long by the Pillsbury doughboy of NFL running backs, LenDale White. By October, you’ll have trouble keeping him on your bench.

Round 10. Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers. We won’t need him till Romo’s Week 10 bye, but we’ll be getting trade offers for him well before that. Word is spreading that Delhomme looks as good as ever, and he’s armed with a terrific trio of receivers and two tailbacks with excellent hands.

Round 11. Cowboys defense/special teams. Waiting out the initial run on defenses allowed us to shore up other positions while still nabbing what may be the best overall unit on the board. Adam “Pacman” Jones amps up the special teams, while tackle machine Zach Thomas upgrades an already-elite linebacking corps.

Round 12. Ted Ginn, WR, Dolphins. Snicker if you want. Someone has to catch passes in Miami, and Ginn is far and away the most gifted receiver on the squad. He might even return a kick or two for you.

Round 13. Alge Crumpler, TE, Titans. He should be to Vince Young what he was to another erratic, mobile passer, Michael Vick: the most reliable receiver on the field.

Round 14. Reggie Williams, WR, Jaguars. He’s quickly rising up draft boards now that he appears to be fully recovered from knee surgery. In his second season teaming with David Garrard, Williams will be a terrific bye-week sub.

Round 15. Pierre Thomas, RB, or Robert Meacham, WR, Saints. One or both of these guys should be key cogs in the New Orleans offensive arsenal by midseason. You probably can’t take both, so go with your gut.

Round 16. Nate Kaeding, K, Chargers. Face it; kickers are always a crapshoot. Nick Folk seems like a sure thing, but he’s probably gone. Kaeding will do you fine.

Round 17. Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos. He has already zoomed past Darrell Jackson into the starting lineup and will have at least two weeks to develop rapport with Jay Culter while Brandon Marshall is suspended. He’s my pick for top rookie receiver, for what that’s worth.

There you have it. Several great players and some others with huge upside. We may be a bit short-handed at running back in Week 10, but we’ll just have to lean on the rest of the roster to see us through.

Now go forth, and make your own draft perfect.

Ladd Biro's draft rankings

Quarterback: 1. Tony Romo, 2. Drew Brees. 3. Tom Brady, 4. Peyton Manning, 5. Ben Roethlisberger, 6. Carson Palmer, 7. Jake Delhomme, 8. Jay Cutler, 9. Donovan McNabb, 10. Derek Anderson, 11. Matt Hasselbeck, 12. Marc Bulger, 13. Kurt Warner, 14. Philip Rivers, 15. David Garrard, 16. Brett Favre, 17. Eli Manning, 18. Matt Schaub, 19. Jason Campbell, 20. Chad Pennington, 21. Aaron Rodgers, 22. Jon Kitna, 23. Jeff Garcia, 24. Tavaris Jackson, 25. Trent Edwards, 26. Kyle Orton, 27. Vince Young, 28. JaMarcus Russell, 29. Matt Ryan, 30. J.T. O'Sullivan.

Running backs: 1. LaDainian Tomlinson, 2. Brian Westbrook, 3. Adrian Peterson, 4. Joseph Addai, 5. Steve Jackson, 6. Clinton Portis, 7. Marion Barber III, 8. Larry Johnson, 9. Marshawn Lynch, 10. Maurice Jones-Drew, 11. Frank Gore, 12. Ryan Grant, 13. Brandon Jacobs, 14. Jamal Lewis, 15. Thomas Jones, 16. Earnest Graham, 17. Willie Parker, 18. Reggie Bush, 19. Michael Turner, 20. Willis McGahee, 21. Laurence Maroney, 22. Darren McFadden, 23. Edgerrin James, 24. Selvin Young, 25. DeAngelo Williams, 26. Rudi Johnson, 27. Fred Taylor, 28. Ronnie Brown, 29. Chris Johnson, 30. Kevin Smith, 31. LenDale White, 32. Ricky Wiliams, 33. Julius Jones, 34. Chester Taylor, 35. Jonathan Stewart, 36. Matt Forte, 37. Justin Fargas, 38. Chris Perry, 39. Pierre Thomas, 40. Steve Slaton, 41. Jerious Norwood, 42. Ray Rice, 43. Felix Jones, 44. Ahmad Bradshaw, 45. Deuce McAllister, 46. Lorenzo Booker, 47. Jacob Hester, 48. Ahman Green, 49. Rashard Mendenhall, 50. Sammy Morris.

Wide receivers: 1. Randy Moss, 2. Reggie Wayne, 3. Larry Fitzgerald, 4. Terrell Owens, 5. T.J. Houshmadzadeh, 6. Braylon Edwards, 7. Marques Colston, 8. Santonio Holmes, 9. Torry Holt, 10. Chad Johnson, 11. Andre Johnson, 12. Plaxico Burress, 13. Roy Williams, 14. Steve Smith, 15. Wes Walker, 16. Brandon Marshall, 17. Chris Chambers, 18. Greg Jennings, 19. Anquan Boldin, 20. Calvin Johnson, 21. Dwayne Bowe, 22. Donald Driver, 23. Lee Evans, 24. Marvin Harrison, 25. Santana Moss, 26. Ted Ginn Jr., 27. Nate Burleson, 28. Jericho Cotchery, 29. Roddy White, 30. Joey Galloway, 31. Hines Ward, 32. Derrick Mason, 33. Patrick Crayton, 34. Reggie Williams, 35. Bernard Berrian, 36. Laveranues Coles, 37. Jerry Porter, 38. Reggie Brown, 39. Anthony Gonzalez, 40. Robert Meacham, 41. Drew Bennett, 42. Vincent Jackson, 43. Bobby Engram, 44. Javon Walker, 45. Eddie Royal, 46. Kevin Walter, 47. Isaac Bruce, 48. Jabar Gaffney, 49. Bryant Johnson, 50. Devin Hester, 51. Donte Stallworth, 52. Deion Branch, 53. Kevin Curtis, 54. Antwaan Randle El, 55. Muhsin Muhammad, 56. Mark Clayton, 57. D.J. Hackett, 58. Justin Gage, 59. Ronald Curry, 60. DeSean Jackson.

Tight ends: 1. Jason Witten, 2. Kellen Winslow Jr., 3. Antonio Gates, 4. Jeremy Shockey, 5. Tony Gonzalez, 6. Chris Cooley, 7. Vernon Davis, 8. Alge Crumpler, 9. Dallas Clark, 10. Heath Miller, 11. Owen Daniels, 12. Todd Heap, 13. Greg Olsen, 14. Ben Watson, 15. Zach Miller, 16. Tony Scheffler, 17. L.J. Smith, 18. Donald Lee, 19. Kevin Boss, 20. Randy McMichael, 21. Mercedes Lewis, 22. Dustin Keller, 23. Visanthe Shiancoe, 24. Anthony Fasano, 24. Ben Utecht.

Kickers: 1. Nick Folk, 2. Nate Kaeding, 3. Adam Vinatieri, 4. Stephen Gostkowski, 5. Phil Dawson, 6. Rob Bironas, 7. Josh Scobee, 8. Shayne Graham, 9. Neil Rackers, 10. Jeff Reed, 11. Brandon Coutu, 12. David Akers, 13. Taylor Mehlhaff, 14. Kris Brown, 15. Lawrence Tynes, 16. Matt Bryant, 17. Josh Brown, 18. Mason Crosby, 19. Shaun Suisham, 20. Matt Prater, 21. John Kasay, 22. Ryan Longwell, 23. Robbie Gould, 24. Mike Nugent, 24. Sebastian Janikowski.

Team defenses: 1. Vikings, 2. Cowboys, 3. Bears, 4. Jaguars, 5. Patriots, 6. Chargers, 7. Packers, 8. Steelers, 9. Seahawks, 10. Bucaneers, 11. Giants, 12. Ravens, 13. Raiders, 14. Colts, 15. Eagles, 16. Bills, 17. Broncos, 18. Texans, 19. Panthers, 20. Titans, 21. Jets, 22. Redskins, 23. Saints, 24. Dolphins, 25. Browns, 26. Chiefs, 27. Rams, 28. 49ers, 29. Cardinals, 30. Bengals, 31. Lions, 32. Falcons.

Top 100: 1. LaDainian Tomlinson, 2. Brian Westbrook, 3. Adrian Peterson, 4. Joseph Addai, 5. Steve Jackson, 6. Tony Romo, 7. Clinton Portis, 8. Drew Brees, 9. Randy Moss, 10. Marion Barber III, 11. Tom Brady, 12. Larry Johnson, 13. Reggie Wayne, 14. Marshawn Lynch, 15. Peyton Manning, 16. Larry Fitzgerald, 17. Terrell Owens, 18. Maurice Jones-Drew, 19. T.J. Housmandzadeh, 20. Braylon Edwards, 21. Frank Gore, 22. Ryan Grant, 23. Marques Colston, 24. Ben Roethlisberger, 25. Brandon Jacobs, 26. Carson Palmer, 27. Santonio Holmes, 28. Jamal Lewis, 29. Torry Holt, 30. Chad Johnson, 31. Thomas Jones, 32. Jason Witten, 33. Jake Delhomme, 34. Earnest Graham, 35. Andrew Johnson, 36. Willie Parker, 37. Plaxico Burress, 38. Reggie Bush, 39. Kellen Winslow Jr., 40. Antonio Gates, 41. Roy Williams, 42. Michael Turner, 43. Willis McGahee, 44. Steve Smith, 45. Laurence Maroney, 46. Jay Cutler, 47. Darren McFadden, 48. Jeremy Schockey, 49. Donovan McNabb, 50. Edgerrin James, 51. Wes Walker, 52. Derek Anderson, 53. Selvin Young, 54. Tony Gonzalez, 55. Brandon Marshall, 56. Chris Cooley, 57. Matt Hasselbeck, 58. Chris Chambers, 59. DeAngelo Williams, 60. Greg Jennings, 61. Marc Bulger, 62. Anquan Boldin, 63. Vernon Davis, 64. Calvin Johnson, 65. Kurt Warner, 66. Dwayne Bowe, 67. Philip Rivers, 68. Alge Crumpler, 69. David Garrard, 70. Donald Driver, 71. Rudi Johnson, 72. Fred Taylor, 73. Lee Evans, 74. Marvin Harrison, 75. Ronnie Brown, 76. Brett Favre, 77. Vikings, 78. Chris Johnson, 79. Dallas Clark, 80. Eli Manning, 81. Santana Moss, 82. Kevin Smith, 83. Ted McGinn Jr., 84. Heath Miller, 85. Cowboys, 86. Nate Burleson, 87. LenDale White, 88. Owen Daniels, 89. Todd Heap, 90. Ricky Wiliams, 91. Jerricho Cotchery, 92. Roddy Whie, 93. Julius Jones, 94. Matt Schaub, 95. Joey Galloway, 96. Chester Taylor, 97. Jonathan Stewart, 98. Hines Ward, 99. Matt Forte, 100. Bears.

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