The Morning After

My Fantasy League held their draft last night, and, as usual, it has left me a bit apprehensive. I never feel great about my team, it could always be better. We have a 10-team league and I had the 9th pick, so I knew the players I really wanted would be gone before I picked.

Manning, Culpepper and McNabb went in the top 7, and 5 RBs were also taken in front of me. I don't like T.O., so I picked up Steven Jackson at #9, then followed 3 picks later with Julius Jones. These guys would usually be mid-2 to 3rd round picks, but in my position I couldn't afford to wait. These were the best 2 RBs available, and the best at other positions could wait.

There was a small run on QBs in the 3rd round, so I figured it was safe to wait. Our league uses a flex player, so I went after another RB, Mike Anderson, followed in the 4th round by Nate Burleson. Burleson is a 3rd-year receiver and Moss is gone, so getting him here was excellent.

In round 5 Jake Delhomme was still on the board and I knew he wouldn't last much longer, so I nabbed him. In the 6th I made my first big reach, taking Larry Johnson. I am not hoping Priest Holmes gets hurt or anything (ok, maybe just a high ankle sprain), but if he does, I could have some stud RBs and great trade bait.

The 7th round saw some Defenses starting to go. I was hoping to get Baltimore here, but the Ravens and Bills both went before me. I took the Panthers. I then followed up with Deion Branch, a very good pick up this late.

From there on out it was speculation, as usual. I grabbed Tatum Bell for insurance, and Houshmandzadeh and Donte Stallworth. I also grabbed Stephen Davis in the 13th round. If he's healthy, this was a huge steal.

Overall, I would say I drafted a lot of potential. My lineup won't be scaring anyone early in the season, but if my RBs produce as I think they will, my team will be scaring people by midseason. I am not a proponent of taking 2 RBs with the first picks, but with Manning, Culpepper, and McNabb all gone, I had little choice.

Feel free to comment on my lineup, everyone in my league did!