10 Players To Target In Fantasy Football Drafts

Added on Aug 12, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

It’s that time once again fantasy footballers. Time to prepare for your upcoming draft. Going in unprepared is like practicing without a helmet. Not very smart. Now, your mom could probably pick players in the first couple rounds, but anyone worth their fantasy salt knows championship teams are built in the middle to late rounds. To help you in this process, here are ten players to target in those all important rounds.

10. WR Anquan Boldin – Ravens

Boldin wanted out from under the shadow of Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona. Well, he got his wish and landed in Baltimore. The Cards’ loss will be Joe Flacco’s gain. Boldin hasn’t played a full season since 2006, but he’s racked 25 total touchdowns in the last three years. Expect 90 catches and around eight scores for the new arrival.

9. RB Ahmad Bradshaw – Giants

Despite starting only one game in 2009, Bradshaw still managed to total 985 yards and lead the G-Men in rushing touchdowns with seven. This August he’s running with the first team and by all accounts looks solid. He’s explosive, fast and catches the ball cleanly. 1400 total yards and 10+ touchdowns are within reach.

8. QB Matt Ryan – Falcons

Matty Ice suffered the dreaded sophomore slump last season. He wasn’t terrible, but he didn’t meet lofty expectations after a brilliant rookie campaign. I’m predicting a major bounce back in 2010. Tony Gonzalez is still a weapon, Roddy White has reached elite status and second-year wideout Harry Douglas is a dynamic playmaker. 3800 yards and 25 TD tosses will make Ryan a serviceable fantasy starter.

7. TE Brent Celek – Eagles

I’ve never been a fan of tight end leagues, but if I have to draft one in 2010, Celek will be the choice. In his two starts with Kevin Kolb under center last year, the fourth-year player snagged 16 balls for 208 yards and a score. He is a polished route runner, extremely athletic and tough to bring down in the open field. A 1000 yards and 8-10 trips for six is a realistic possibility.

6. WR Mike Wallace – Steelers

This guy was clutch in his rookie season. Even though Ben Roethlisberger will miss at least four games, Wallace shouldn’t suffer too much. Santonio Holmes was shipped out of town, Hines Ward isn’t getting any younger and Wallace has the size and speed to put up number one receiver stats. 1200 yards and 7-9 scores might be on the high side, but don’t be shocked if he gets there.

5. RB Felix Jones – Cowboys

It’s put up or shut up time for Felix. In his last three games in 2009, Jones averaged over seven yards per carry. He has the talent to be a featured back, but his durability remains a question mark. Even though he’s burned me in the past, I still believe he can be a fantasy stud. He’ll make a great flex runner in 2010 and could become a quality number two if he gets enough carries.

4. TE Chris Cooley – Redskins

Cooley and new signal caller Donovan McNabb should make sweet music on the field. With unreliable targets on the outside, Cooley immediately becomes the number one threat in Mike Shanahan’s passing attack. Donovan has a history of success with tight ends. Cooley, when healthy, is one of the best at his position. Rather than reach too early for Jermichael Finley, sit tight and grab CC in the later rounds.

3. WR Hakeem Nicks – Giants

The Giants have plenty of quality receivers to go around, but Nicks is the most talented of the bunch. He has big play ability and possesses the strength to fight for contested balls. 1000 yards and seven scores will make him an ideal number three receiver on fantasy rosters.

2. QB Kevin Kolb – Eagles

There’s a new kid in Philly. His name is Kevin Kolb. In an offense that loves to chuck it up, Kolb is the perfect quarterback. He’s smart, accurate and has a fierce desire to prove his detractors wrong. He’ll throw his share of interceptions, but 4000 yards and 25+ TD passes is more than doable.

1. RB Chris Wells – Cardinals

Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin are gone. Matt Leinart is the new starter. You do the math. Get used to Wells left, Wells right and Wells up the middle. His biggest issue is health. He’s already been dinged in training camp, but I love his upside. He’s probably not ready to be a number one stud. However, you could do much worse for a number two back.