Make it Rain

Here's a few players that I'm targeting in my fantasy drafts. Every year I like to make my short list of guys that I'll do absolutely anything within reason to get 'em on my team. If you draft auction style, then save some extra green for these players. And if you draft the old fashioned "serpentine" way, don't be shy about going after these guys a little earlier than you normally would.

Marc Bulger - QB (St. Louis): I'm very high on the Rams offense this year. Bulger put up points like gangbusters last year, and I expect even better production with an improved offensive line, a fully healthy Torry Holt, and new targets in the passing game (WR Drew Bennett, TE Randy McMichael). If you can get me excited about Randy McMichael, something good must be going on. We all know that Steven Jackson will be one of the top three guys drafted in your league because of the same offensive potential, so why not move his QB up your list a little bit? If he stays healthy (and that improved O-line should help him do it), I expect Bulger to finish the season with numbers only behind Manning and Palmer. Make it rain for Marc on draft day.

Tony Romo - QB (Dallas): Around Thanksgiving last year, no one would have thought that Romo wouldn't crack the top 10 at his position going into 2007. But that's exactly where this placekick-holder extraordinaire finds himself. Yeah, his numbers declined by the end of the season, but where's the love? Dallas has a well-balanced offense with a strong running game and good pass catchers in Owens, Glenn, and Witten. Romo will come back this season a little smarter and some good experience under his belt. Expect 5 or more 300 yard games, and 25ish TDs. With that supporting cast, Romo's definitely weekly starter material in a 10-team league, so don't be shy.

Joseph Addai - RB (Indy): We know how good the passing game is -- but we also know that it can't survive without the running threat to keep defenses off-guard. Last year, two players shared the load at RB -- Addai and D. Rhodes, and Rhodes left this offseason for crappier pastures in Oakland. In 2006, the two of them combined for 13 TDs, 1722 rush yards, and 576 receiving yards. Now, I don't expect Addai to get all of that this year, but even if he gets 80%... as the Fonz would say, "Ayyyyyyyy!"

Maurice Jones-Drew - RB (Jacksonville): What's that? Did you say something about Fred Taylor? Fear not, true believers. Taylor had a solid season last year, but that was mostly thanks to MJD spelling him in games and keeping him from getting hurt. If I was a gambling man (and obviously I am), I would not expect Taylor to last another full season like that. He's 31 years old, and he has more of an injury history than one of the Three Stooges. MJD touches the ball on kick returns, and in both the passing and running game. How do you pass on a guy who scored 15 TDs? Draft MJD as a #2 RB, and watch him finish the year with RB1 numbers once Fred is out of the picture.

Roy Williams - WR (Detroit): I'm not excited about too many WRs this year, but I wouldn't mind adding Roy to my crew. Those numbers he had last year? Over 1300 yards, and 6TDs? I'd say that's the minimum you can expect this year. I know Calvin Johnson will take away some looks, but remember -- rookie receivers are no sure thing, even if they are built like someone who was created in a scientific laboratory exclusively to play WR. If anything, Johnson will alleviate some of the double teams Roy saw last year. Playing for the Lions is never a sure thing, but our boy Roy is more of an intriguing #1 WR option to a Javon Walker or Donald Driver. Give him a chance; he shan't disappoint.

Reggie Brown - WR (Philly): I kinda had to talk myself into this one, but on paper, it all adds up. For some reason, most "experts" don't even have Brown in their top 20 WRs. Why not? He plays for Donovan McNabb in an offense so pass-happy that you would think you were watching Arena ball. Plus his QB doesn't have many other options. The old sheriff, Donte' Stallworth (725 yds, 5 TDs), put up good numbers even with an injury-plagued season, then he left town. Reggie Brown is ready to fill those shoes and then some. Oh, and did I mention that he's entering his third year, which is the year that many receivers tend to break out and put up monster numbers? Best of all, Brown should be had fairly cheap in most drafts. The stars are falling into alignment for Brown, so draft him as a #2 and watch him earn a spot in your weekly lineup.