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The 2013 NFL draft is in the books, and while all of the rookies are being analyzed and and questioned on whether or not they will be relevant in Fantasy Football, what about the proven guys?
Many fantasy stars will have a positive impact on their fantasy value after their team’s drafts this past week. Who are they and what can we expect from them?
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: Believing in CJ2K is entirely up to you, but his stock sure is rising this offseason. After finishing the 2012 season strongly, the Titans went out and provided their centerpiece with some protection. They brought in guard Andy Levitre during free agency, a proven guy who is durable (64 of 64 games). However, they weren’t done there. Tennessee then went ahead and drafted Alabama product Chance Warmack at guard, a big body that can help open up some running lanes for Johnson. With these two acquisitions, Johnson should have plenty of holes to run through, it’ll be his job, however, to find them.
LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles: There is no doubt that McCoy is one of the best backs in the league, but a 2012 that consisted of injury and an imploding offensive line hurt his value tremendously. The Eagles addressed that very issue, drafting offensive tackle Lane Johnson with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft. Johnson, a former quarterback and tight end back in the day, has the speed and mobility to get out on the edge, something that a Chip Kelly-oriented offense will need, likely throwing tons of screens and pitches to their electric running back. Don’t forget, McCoy also gets his number one lineman back in Jason Peters, who missed every game in 2012. The combination of these two giants, plus the play calling of Kelly will make McCoy a highly coveted fantasy runner this season.
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Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams: Look, after never really putting all the tools together like a former number one overall pick should, you obviously aren’t looking to land Bradford as your starting fantasy quarterback. However, the Rams are trying to give their signal caller some help, drafting talented wideout Tavon Austin after trading up to the number eight spot. Austin, who has been compared to versatile guys such as Percy Harvin and Randall Cobb, is a guy that can immediately change the game in one play. He can make people miss, has the ability to get open (despite being 5’8″) and is lethal in the open field. But the receiver upside doesn’t stop there. Guys such as Chris Givens, a straight speedster and newly acquired free agent tight end Jared Cook, a freak of nature with boatloads of potential, could be poised for breakout 2013 campaigns. Oh, not to mention the team also brought in top free agent offensive lineman Jake Long, who will try and keep Bradford upright. The 25-year old quarterback has been sacked over 70 times over the past two seasons. I’m not saying Bradford will resemble the gold on his jersey, but don’t be surprised if 2013 is his best season as a pro.
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals: Already playing catch with a superstar like A.J. Green for a living, Dalton gets a few new shiny toys this season, compliments of the draft. In the first round, the team selected talented former Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert. Standing at a towering 6’6″, 251 pounds, Eifert will immediately become a monstrous red zone presence when out on the field. He has a strong set of hands and is a very solid blocker as well. I mean, he wasn’t the number one tight end for a reason. Pairing Eifert with talented Jermaine Gresham will provide Dalton with a handful of weapons at his arsenal, particularly in the red zone. This draft pick will allow the Bengals to operate in two-tight end formations, a very successful one (see Patriots, New England). Of course, Dalton is no Tom Brady, but he has a great arm, tremendous upside and weapons to thrive. The Bengals also drafted the first running back of the event, bringing in agile runner Giovani Bernard. Yeah, more weapons.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
