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Drafting a draft
Drafting a draft  | | The second RB taken in our post-NFL Draft mock? A.P. (US Presswire) | |
| Now that we know what all 32 teams will probably look like when training camp rolls around, we figured it would be a good time to start another mock draft. Right out of the gate the results are very interesting. Full story | |
NFL Scores
| Our Top 20 Running Backs for 2008 |
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1.
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LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
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11.
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Willis McGahee, Ravens
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2.
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Brian Westbrook, Eagles
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12.
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Marion Barber, Cowboys
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3.
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Steven Jackson, Rams
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13.
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Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
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4.
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Adrian Peterson, Vikings
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14.
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Earnest Graham, Buccaneers
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5.
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Joseph Addai, Colts
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15.
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Jamal Lewis, Browns
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6.
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Clinton Portis, Redskins
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16.
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Laurence Maroney, Patriots
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7.
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Frank Gore, 49ers
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17.
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Julius Jones, Seahawks
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8.
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Marshawn Lynch, Bills
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18.
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Brandon Jacobs, Giants
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9.
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Larry Johnson, Chiefs
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19.
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Rudi Johnson, Bengals
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10.
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Ryan Grant, Packers
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20.
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Edgerrin James, Cardinals
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| Complete 2008 Player Rankings | Top 200 |
Exclusive Features
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Graham not at workouts
Earnest Graham, RB TB
News: Bucs RB Earnest Graham did not attend Tuesday's voluntary workout, reports the Tampa Tribune. Graham, who is also embroiled in contract negotiations, has yet to show for a voluntary workout this offseason. He told the Tribune last month that he missed the first round of workouts because of family commitments and planned on attending the second round of workouts. His absence on Tuesday, however, could be a sign that he is unhappy with the state of contract talks.
Analysis: Graham had a breakthrough year last season when he ran for 898 yards on 222 carries (4.0 avg.) with 10 touchdowns in 10 starts. He also showed off an impressive receiving skill set, catching 49 balls for 324 yards. Hopefully he will show up to training camp and build off last season's success. Keep an eye on what happens because Graham should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option in 2008.
Profile
Garcia could be a holdout
Jeff Garcia, QB TB
News: According to the Tampa Tribune, Bucs QB Jeff Garcia might hold out for a new contract. Still unhappy with the progress - or lack thereof - of contract negotiations, Garcia suggested Tuesday that a holdout may be coming if the Bucs don't meet his demands for an extension. "There might come a time when I might have to stand up," Garcia said. "I hate to do that to jeopardize my teammates because they're out here, and I don't want to let them down in any sort of way. But at some point you just want to see the respect from up top." Garcia first made it clear he was unhappy with the status of contract negotiations last month. He is entering the final year of a two-year deal worth $7 million and is believed to be seeking an extension that will bring his total payout to the league average for starters, which is roughly $7 million.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens, but don't expect the Bucs to budge too much. As valuable as Garcia was last year, Tampa Bay's future is not with Garcia, who will be 38 this year. The Bucs have a handful of quarterbacks on the roster, including Brian Griese, who could start. Look for Garcia to show up for training camp and consider him a No. 2 Fantasy option in 2008.
Profile
 Patriots look at Jones
Kevin Jones, RB DET
News: Last week, New England had a visit with former Lions RB Kevin Jones, whom Detroit released in March, according to NFL.com. Jones appears to be a couple of months away from recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered late last season, but he is far enough along that the Patriots brought him in for a look. Some teams think Jones will be able to contribute in training camp, others wonder if he will miss the start of the season due to his knee injury. Jones is said to be further along from his knee injury than he was at this time last year from his foot injury. Still, with teams allowed to bring only 80 players to camp, and with each team struggling to find roster space, teams such as the Patriots could wait to sign a player such as Jones.
Analysis: Last year, Jones had 10 starts in 13 games, running 153 times for 581 yards (3.8 avg.) and eight touchdowns with 33 catches for 199 yards (6.0 avg.) with one fumble, but had eight games with 11 or fewer carries. He is not expected to make an impact early in 2008, but he might be worth spending a late-round pick on in all leagues, especially if he signs with a team where he has a chance to get carries.
Profile
Redman ready to fight for job
Chris Redman, QB ATL
News: When the Falcons selected QB Matt Ryan with the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft it signaled that Chris Redman's days as the starter are numbered. He had just made the long climb back up the NFL ladder from being out of the league to becoming a starter again. Now he's likely headed back to a reserve role. While the Falcons staff doesn't plan to just give Ryan the starting job, No. 3 picks don't sit for very long. Redman understands his plight. "I kind of like being the underdog," he said. "It's been like that my whole career." With the Falcons scrambling to replace Michael Vick last season, Redman eventually rose to the No. 1 position. He finished the season with a dazzling four-touchdown passing performance in a win over Seattle.
Analysis: Look for Redman to remain the starter, at least for the beginning of the season. Keep an eye on what happens during training camp, but consider Redman the best Fantasy option for 2008.
Profile
Owens said contract not a distraction
Terrell Owens, WR DAL
News: Past contract disputes involving WR Terrell Owens have led to holdouts, public disputes and sidewalk sit-ups. Going into the final year of a three-year, $25 million deal, Owens hopes his days in Dallas aren't dwindling. But even if they are, he says the unrest created as he shot his way out of San Francisco and Philadelphia should not be expected this time around, reports the Dallas Morning News. "For sure, I definitely want to end my career with the Dallas Cowboys, and go into the Hall of Fame as a Dallas Cowboy," said Owens. "There was a situation where the contract didn't work out in Philly. With this, I'm going to let it play out and not try to be a distraction." Owens said he's got plenty of time left in the game. "I think probably another three to five years, if I'm playing at a high level still," Owens said.
Analysis: It sounds like Owens will be a good soldier, which is great for Fantasy owners. Let him make his contract demands on the field, which would only increase his Fantasy value. Consider Owens a No. 1 option in all leagues and hope he's motivated in 2008 to get paid.
Profile
Winslow's knee not an issue
Kellen Winslow, TE CLE
News: Browns coach Romeo Crennel told the Canton Repository on Monday that TE Kellen Winslow's knee should be fine. "I've been concerned about his health ever since 'some motorcycle accident.' I'm no more concerned than normal now. Kellen will play. You put Kellen out there on Sunday, he gives you everything he's got. He's a competitor and he wants to win." Winslow had minor knee surgery in February. The procedure was to clean out scar tissue from his right knee, the same knee that had microfracture surgery performed on it.
Analysis: Winslow should be fine for the start of training camp and is in line for another big year. Last year, Winslow led the Browns with 82 catches and had 1,106 yards and five touchdowns. He comes into 2008 as one of the top tight ends in the NFL and should be one of the first players taken at the position along with Antonio Gates and Jason Witten.
Profile
Baker a no-show for workouts
Chris Baker, TE NYJ
News: As expected, disgruntled Jets TE Chris Baker didn't participate Monday in the team's first voluntary practice, reports the New York Daily News. Baker is boycotting the offseason program because he feels the Jets reneged on a promise to renegotiate his contract. Baker, coming off his best season, is entering the third year of a four-year, $6.6 million contract. He's upset because recently signed backup Bubba Franks is making the same amount on a one-year deal. Baker also will make less than rookie tight end Dustin Keller, a first-round pick. Keller hasn't signed yet but figures to receive a five-year deal for about $2.3 million per. Baker, who has asked to be traded, can't be fined by the Jets unless he misses the mandatory minicamp next month.
Analysis: This could get messy for Baker and the Jets. Unfortunately for Baker, the Jets don't have a pressing need for his services with Franks and more importantly Keller on the roster. Keep an eye on what develops, but Baker has minimal Fantasy value heading into 2008 even if he was at all the workouts this offseason. At best he's a No. 2 TE worthy of use when injuries or the bye weeks occur.
Profile
Tatupu arrested for drunken driving
Lofa Tatupu, MLB SEA
News: Seattle Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu was arrested during the weekend for investigation of drunken driving. The three-time Pro Bowler was stopped early Saturday, Kirkland police said. An arrest report said Tatupu had breath tests of .155 and .158 - the legal limit is .08. The arresting officer wrote he saw a car driven by Tatupu speeding and changing lanes without signaling. The officer said he smelled alcohol, and Tatupu said he had not been drinking. Tatupu's car was impounded and he was taken to the police station for a breath test. The Seahawks signed Tatupu to a $42 million contract extension in March.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what develops to see if Tatupu will face some sort of legal or disciplinary action.
Profile
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