Now that the draft season is rocking and rolling and what not, we asked our panel of FFToolbox writers for their official take on various fantasy topics including...
1) At No. 2 overall in a PPR and assuming Adrian Peterson is gone, you're drafting…?
Ben Standig: There are several viable options here, so if you're jonesing for C.J. Spiller, Doug Martin or Ray Rice, go for it. For me, I'm going for it with Jamaal Charles, who racked up 1,745 yards from scrimmage (many of which came via explosively long runs). Having Andy Reid and Alex Smith around should help the dual threat's weekly consistency.
Matt DeLima: Jamaal Charles. New quarterback, improved offensive scheme and an improved offensive line have him set up for a career year.
Brian Murphy: Doug Martin. There are many reasons. He's just 24 years old, and the mileage is still low. He has already proven that he can handle a huge workload, and he is an asset on every down and at any distance. He completely owns Tampa Bay's backfield, splitting carries with no one, and he's the clear focus of that offense.
2) Top RB sleeper:
Murphy: Ben Tate is a known name, but he's a sleeper due to what's happening to Houston's lead running back. Arian Foster's summer of pain may very well be an ominous portent for his 2013 season. Tate is healthy after he hobbled through 2012, and the Texans are going to pound the rock no matter who lines up behind Matt Schaub. Tate is a steal as he currently sits as the 37th running back taken in drafts on average.
De Lima: Outside of the Top 30, I'll go with Pierre Thomas, who is typically viewed behind Mark Ingram in most drafts. The PT Bruiser is simply a more gifted runner than the plodding, underwhelming Ingram.
Standig: Let's go for an upside play in Ronnie Hillman, who could land the main RB gig in the Broncos' potent offense if Montee Ball doesn't improve his pass protection. That's kind of important for this team in particular. By the way, looking at those limited options outside the top-30 reinforces my RB-heavy plan early in drafts.
3) Luck, RGIII, Kaep, Wilson. Who ya got, assuming you want at least one of them?
De Lima: Kaepernick. He will have to carry the offense at times and put the team on his back. I expect at least 10 rushing TDs to go along with 25 to 30 passing TDs and 3,750 passing yards. Top 6 QB this year. Luck, RG3 and Wilson won't finish in the Top 8.
Standig: Mention you're touting Andrew Luck and the doubters talk of statistical regression due to a better Indy team throwing less in games and the presence of Ahmad Bradshaw. The retort is simple: Luck is awesome and only getting better. The offensive line is not (awesome that is), so don't count on a revitalized running attack. Finally, lots of winning teams throw early and often in this modern NFL. Not rushing to take a QB at all in drafts, but when the time comes, I'd be lucky to get the Colts' starter.
Murphy: Here's a cop-out answer: I like them all. I'll pick the one who falls the furthest in drafts. The moral of this short story is that you should wait on QBs, my friends. Who do I think will be the most productive? Griffin.
