Let’s start this over

Stop living in the past, man. We don’t get any points for what our players did in the first half of the season — all that matters now is what they will do over the next eight weeks.

With that in mind, it’s important to take a step back and rethink player values at the midway point. If we could draft again, just for Weeks 9-16, who would we take? Glad you asked:  

Running backs rule

There aren’t too many healthy running backs left that are playing at an elite level and being used on three downs. The ones that are should be the first few picks.

Arian Foster is the focal point of an offense with the best run-blocking line in the league. He’s the No. 1 pick. Then comes Adrian Peterson, whose stock is on the rise thanks to Christian Ponder. LeSean McCoy and Ray Rice are next as the best pass-catching backs in the league. All four are also the goal-line backs for their respective teams.            
          
Unstoppable

Conventional wisdom suggests Calvin Johnson will regress to the mean in the second half. However, that wisdom doesn’t take into account that Johnson is a “once in a generation” kind of player. He’s the No. 5 pick.

Quarterbacks don’t yield much
value compared to other positions, but Aaron Rodgers is a freak. There’s no risk in him at No. 6. After that, we take an injury risk in the form of Darren McFadden. If he can get healthy, he’s a threat to lead the league in scoring in any given week.

Perhaps the two biggest surprises of the season have been Fred Jackson and Matt Forte. They won’t fall on their face, but aren’t elite enough to sustain the current pace. Picks eight and nine for them make sense.       

Vick is not a trick

Forget about Michael Vick’s substandard first half. It’s a fluke he hasn’t run for a touchdown, and his offensive line is finally giving him some time. The upside here is still limitless with the No. 10 pick.

Top NFL Picks

Brent Celek
TE, Eagles
The?Birds have realized that their outside speed leaves the middle of the field wide open. With the offensive line shaping up, Celek is no longer needed as a blocker.    

Jonathan Baldwin
WR,?Chiefs
The impressive rookie is playing in all three-wide sets and at least half of the two-wide sets. Matt Cassel is willing to throw him jump balls deep down the field.

Javon Ringer
RB, Titans
Yes, it’s gotten this bad for Chris Johnson. The Titans are planning on going with a “hot hand” at running back. And right now,?Ringer is more likely to get hot.