Well, our final exams are here. After months of preparation, it all comes down to the next few weeks. I’ll be participating in up to 10 drafts between now and Sept. 8 — some of the expert variety, some of the fun variety and some of the high stakes variety.
Based on current average draft position (ADP), these are the guys I’ll be targeting in the first half of my drafts. I’ll be back tomorrow with guys I’m targeting in the second half of drafts.
1. Michael Vick: ADP 12.7
I’d rather have him than Aaron Rodgers. In fact, I’d take Vick No. 6 overall in almost all formats. Too many potentially dominant days to ignore. I’ll also pair him with Vince Young with my last pick.
2. Calvin Johnson: ADP 13.6
Set for an epic season with Matthew Stafford healthy and extra muscle packed onto his legs. With Mikel Leshoure out for the season, the Lions will throw even more.
3. Vincent Jackson: ADP 30.1
One of the most underrated receivers in football playing with the best vertical thrower in the game. Unstoppable combo.
4. Shonn Greene: ADP 40.8
Set for ALL the early-down work in New York’s run-first scheme. Good bet for 300 carries and double-digit touchdowns.
5. Dez Bryant: ADP 46.6
With Roy Williams gone, Bryant is going to rack up heaps of targets. The Cowboys figure to be in a ton of shootouts again this year.
6. Felix Jones: ADP 51.5
Now running between the tackles with authority, getting all the third-down work and being used in the red zone, Jones is an explosion waiting to happen. Think Darren McFadden from last year.
7. Austin Collie: ADP 71.1
If it wasn’t for the concussions last year, Collie would be a third-round pick. Unreal chemistry with Peyton Manning, I’ll gamble that Collie won’t suffer another concussion.
8. Kenny Britt: ADP 74.8
We know about his explosive playmaking ability and now he has a legit QB in Matt Hasselbeck. Similar to Hakeem Nicks’ breakout a year ago.
9. Mario Manningham: ADP 75.1
Stepping into the Steve Smith role, Manningham will rack up targets and single coverage opposite Nicks.
10. Beanie Wells: ADP 82.2
With Tim Hightower traded and Ryan Williams (knee) done for the year, Beanie has his chance. He’s the unquestioned feature back and first-round talent. It’s now or never.
