Ultimate Fantasy Source: football

Sporting News, The, August 18, 2003

PLAY ACTION

by ROB HURTT

Here's a typical reader e-mail in August: I pick (fill in the blank). Will (blank) be there, or should I gamble on (blank)? What about the second round? Will you just draft for me?

No, I won't draft for you, but I will spell out which players should be available at each spot.

Picks 1-3: Select Ricky Williams, LaDainian Tomlinson or Clinton Portis so you own a stud running back. Now what? When the draft snakes back in the second round, all of the top running backs could be gone. There's no reason to reach for a mediocre player. Instead, target an elite quarterback or a top receiver such as Hines Ward or Joe Horn.

Picks 4-6: All of these picks may be running backs (although Donovan McNabb and Marvin Harrison deserve consideration). With picks 19-21, a top five quarterback could be an option, but there's probably a borderline No. 1 back begging to be your No. 2 pick. The top three receivers will be gone, and there's no reason to rush after the No. 4 guy. A quality receiver such as Eric Moulds or Plaxico Burress will be there in the third round.

Picks 7-9: There's no better location in the draft if you like stud receivers. Some owners might even try doubling down on these studs if there's nothing tempting at running back. But remember: There's no such thing as having too many backs.

Picks 10-12: Most owners will get at least one back here because pickings will he slim. This spot is paradise for the folks who like to use the first two picks on backs. Even if the first round turns into a back attack, there still will be a decent back available with the 15th pick. Of course, if that happens, the No. 1 receiver is a better choice.

M@IL BONDING

JASON LANGERDORF ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

I'm trying to defend my title in a 12-team league and need to choose up to three keepers among Priest Holmes, Marvin Harrison, Fred Taylor and Peyton Manning. I'm pretty set on Holmes and Harrison, but I'm not sure whether I should keep Manning or Taylor, or drop both and try to get something better with the last pick in the third round. Any thoughts?--Larry Henry, Herndon, Va.

Larry: Here's my first thought: I should be asking you for advice. Anyone who hustles himself the potential No. 1 quarterback, running back and receiver before his draft gets my vote for guru. Read between the lines there, and here's my tip: Keep Manning. He is a borderline first-rounder in most leagues, and you'd essentially be holding him for a third-round pick. Grab the best available running back with your first pick (in the fourth), and be sure to send me a postcard from Disney World in January.

Scouting Report

Daunte Culpepper QB, VIKINGS

At 6-4, 260, Culpepper is bigger than most linebackers. What makes him special is that he also is fast and has a rocket arm. For a quarterback, be has exceptional quickness, balance and vision on the run. Don't be surprised if Culpepper leads all quarterbacks--yes, even Mike Vick--in rushing touchdowns for the next six to eight seasons. As a passer, Culpepper is accurate and can make all the throws. He has relatively small hands, which have been a factor in his fumbling problems. But, in general, his turnovers occur when he tries to do too much. Culpepper has had a year to digest coach Mike Tice's scheme, and he no longer should feel pressure during his progressions to focus on Randy Moss. The injury to running back Michael Bennett hurts Culpepper's fantasy prospects, but he has mountainous potential in touchdown leagues and ranks among the top five quarterbacks in any format.--J.L.

STATS SPLIT

Seahawks offensive tackle Walter Jones is holding out again, which
could mean trouble for Shaun Alexander. He was a completely different
runner after Jones returned from a two-game holdout last year.

                    Without Jones   With Jones

Attempts                 30             265
Yards                    73            1,102
TDs                      0               16
Attempts per game       15.0            19.0
Yards per carry         2.4             4.2
TDs per game            0.0             1.1

--J.L.

TIGHT ENDS

 1 Tony Gonzalez
   Chiefs
 2 Jeremy Shockey
   Giants
 3 Todd Heap
   Ravens
 4 Bubba Franks
   Packers
 5 Shannon Sharpe
   Broncos
 6 Marcus Pollard
   Colls
 7 Alge Crumpler
   Falcons
 8 Billy Miller
   Texans
 9 Stephen Alexander
   Chargers
10 Randy McMichael
   Dolphins
11 Kyle Brady
   Jaguars
12 Jerramy Stevens
   Seahawks
13 Doug Jolley
   Raiders
14 Mikhael Ricks
   Lions
15 Eric Johnson
   49ers
16 Frank Wycheck
   Titans
17 Ernie Conwell
   Saints
18 Christian Fauria
   Patriots
19 Chad Lewis
   Eagles
20 Freddie Jones
   Cardinals
21 Anthony Becht
   Jets
22 Itula Mili
   Seahawks
23 Desmond Clark
   Bears
24 Brandon Manumaleuna
   Rams
25 John Davis
   Bears
26 Jason Witten
   Cowboys
27 Kris Mangum
   Panthers
28 Daniel Graham
   Patriots
29 Jim Kleinsasser
   Vikings
30 Dallas Clark
   Colts

Complete rankings at
http://fantasy.sportingnews.com/nfl.

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