Brent started as every draft starts:  with LT.  He grabbed his RB2 with his 2nd rounder and a top WR in Holt with his 3rd.  Some think that if you’re fortunate enough to have LT that you can actually wait on your RB2 and grab WRs with your 2nd/3rd rounders, but Brent opted to play it safe and go with Benson (how safe is that, though?) and Holt.  Not a bad start.  He grabbed his QB – McNabb – in the 4th and WR2 – Burress – in the 5th.  Risky picks, perhaps.  The rest of the draft went alright, with some RB depth in Jordan and Turner; the WRs have some upside but few proven.  He did manage to grab the #1 DEF and a solid TE in Chicago and Heap.  Not a terrible draft but how would have this team looked with Holt and Roy Williams at WR and an Ahman Green or Jerious Norwood at RB2?

For the most part, Darin let the draft come to him. He didn?t reach for any players and the risks he took were very calculated.

After snagging Steven Jackson with the second overall pick, Darin was fortunate to net Maurice Jones-Drew toward the bottom of the second round. That fact that Mo-Jo is part of a running-back-by-committee system might?ve caused him to slip. He could be a bit more inconsistent than workhorse Cedric Benson, who was still on the board.
But it?s a chance Darin could take with Jackson already in the stable.

With his starting backfield set, Darin turned his attention to WR (Roy Williams at 3.02) and QB (Marc Bulger at 4.11). Bulger was the last of what many consider to be the top-tier QBs, so kudos to Darin for knowing when to pull the trigger. With his fifth-round pick Darin made perhaps his most questionable selection, Hines Ward. Ward is on the downside of his career and there were younger WRs with more upside on the board (including Ward?s counterpart Santonio Holmes).

Darin rounded out his team with some good value picks getting Kellen Winslow at 6.11, Devery Henderson at 7.02 and Terry Glenn at 9.02. His kicker (Wilkins) and defense (Patriots) will be assets rather than liabilities.

The glaring weaknesses for Darin will be a poor WR2 and what might be the league?s worst running back depth.

Stud RB Theory? We don't need no stinking Stud RB Theory!

After taking the obvious Gore pick at #3 Paul turned his attention to WR and QB for the next FOUR rounds. If this wasn't a PPR league I'd be tempted to criticize.  But that added point per catch can work to your advantage if you gain an advantage with your three starting WR’s.  Only time will tell, but Wayne and Johnson will score consistently for this team and if Alex Smith to Darrell Jackson lives up to its pre-season billing this team could be in the hunt.  Tagging a potential top-3 QB in the fourth round won’t hurt either.

Running back #2 is where this team will struggle all season.  Jones will produce, but the quartet of nice backups (Bell, Foster, White and Rhodes) could limit production.  To Paul’s credit he did pick backups with some of the highest probability of gaining serious playing time.

McMichael is a nice value pick if the Rams actually work the TE into their passing schemes this season and the Pariahs utilized one of my favorite drafting strategies.  Kicker in the last round.

The Express resisted the temptation to take a chance on unsigned Chiefs RB Larry Johnson with the fourth overall pick and instead opted for Colts back Joseph Addai, a great choice.  Mr. Walters better hope the Arizona Cardinals offense ends up as good as advertised, however, because he tabbed wideout Larry Fitzgerald and running back Edgerrin James with his next two selections.

Collecting Jeremy Shockey to be the starting tight end was a solid call, but the Express’ chosen one at quarterback is a little iffy.  Jon Kitna is a riskier pick than many, but there’s no denying the upside with the impressive cast of receivers Kitna will choose from at Detroit and with Mike Martz as the offensive coordinator.  Laveranues Colts as the No. 2 wide receiver and Fred Taylor as the third back are decent picks.  Mark Clayton as the likely third starting wide receiver has good potential as well, and the Express’ receiver depth is solid with Matt Jones and Kevin Curtis also in tow.

If there’s anything to knock about the Express, it’s that the squad possesses no one truly special outside of Addai.  I don’t see this team as having enough other impact players to make a serious run.  But of course, I’ve never finished higher than ninth in this league, I believe.  So the truth is that my credibility at this point is nil.

Bob had Larry Johnson fall into his lap in the first round. He's still in the middle of a contract dispute but he's still among the very best at his position and should have been drafted a couple of picks sooner. Drafting a QB in the second round may raise a few eyebrows but he found it hard to pass on Peyton Manning. I expected Bob to come back in the third and take a RB, but he surprised me and went with WR Marques Colston. Colston is coming off a big season but if he was going to take a WR with this pick he probably should have gone with T.J. Houshmandzadeh. By passing on a RB in the 2nd and 3rd round it forced him to go with DeAngelo Williams in the 4th who will probably be sharing carries with DeShaun Foster. Chris Chambers in the 5th baffles me. Chambers is a classic underchiever on a team that will struggle this season to protect the quarterback and score points. Jerious Norwood in the 6th could end up being his best pick. Norwood will start the year spliting carries with Warrick Dunn but he could end up being the featured back, especially if Dunn doesn't stay healthy. I don't care how good the Ravens defense is Bob definitely took them too early. Considering he was still in need of another starting WR and a starting TE taking the Ravens defense, or any defense for that matter, in the 7th round hurts his squad. Drew Bennet and Brandon Jones in the 9th and 10th rounds were decent selections. Jones could end up being Vince Young's favorite target and Drew Bennett should get plenty of looks with the decline of Isaac Bruce. I like the selection of Priest Holmes in the 13th. Holmes may never play in a single game this season, but if he does and he produces Bob has made sure that his first round pick has a bit of insurance. Bob finished things off by taking several players who are long shots to produce. Bob did some good things in the draft, but his team lacks depth and if either L.J. or Manning underperforms he could find it difficult to stay out of the league basement.

PTB cruised on two RB auto pilot through the first two rounds, having Shaun Alexander drop to him at number six overall, a fortuitous break for Phil as Alexander will be laser-focused on saving face this year after a disastrous 2006.  Thomas Jones was a sensible, substance over sizzle selection in the second round, providing a stable two running back foundation.  Going for a third straight RB with his third round choice of Clinton Portis could come back to haunt him as there are no extra players slots in the Top Gun weekly lineup so one of his first three picks will be sitting on the bench each week, and this move left his receiving corps without an established first tier player.  As a result of the Portis selection, several serviceable No.1 receivers, including Lee Evans, Javon Walker, Randy Moss and Donald Driver all went off the board before Towel Boyz had to settle for Anquan Boldin as his WR anchor in the fourth round.

Deion Branch in the fifth made sense, especially with Darrell Jackson's departure to San Francisco.  Santana Moss came next in the sixth to ramp up the receiver depth, an explosive but inconsistent playmaker that could prove critical to Phil's team's fortunes, if he can build a productive chemistry with inexperienced Redskins QB Jason Campbell. Good value in the form of Matt Hasselbeck arrived in the seventh round gives PTB a productive starter as the draft entered the middle rounds.  But the Portis selection continued to have a ripple effect when PTB went the handcuff route, picking reliable Portis' understudy Ladell Betts, which hurt his ninth round pick, the first receiver off his bench, the venerable, but fossil-like Isaac Bruce, who starts the year in an uphill battle for looks after the Rams imported younger, faster and bigger Drew Bennett and upgraded the tight end position with Randy McMichael (Dolphins).  Joe Horn (10th round), Michael Clayton (15th) and Craig Davis (17th), a rookie wide receiver buried on the Chargers depth chart, round out the rest of PTB's pass-catching depth, and it would not surprise me to see all three of these guys on the waiver wire once the first month of the season ends.

The tight end position was addressed in the 12th and 13th rounds, with Ben Watson (NE) and LJ Smith (PHI) respectively.  Both as supremely injury-prone as they are talented.  The two picks are good value late in the draft, should they stay consistently healthy, which probably won't happen.  PTB smartly acquired his Shaun Alexander insurance in the 14th with Maurice Morris, although since SA is freed from the Madden Curse, it probably won't be necessary. Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding was a great value in the 16th round and Jake Delhomme (11th) should serve as a suitable backup to Hasselbeck, especially with the home game against Peyton Manning's Colts during the Seahawks week eight bye. Nicely done.

PTB will need a monster year from Alexander coupled with an elite level emergence from Santana Moss and/or Deion Branch and a trade of Clinton Portis for a big-time playmaker at receiver in order to contend for the overall points title in this year's Top Gun competition.

Mike’s team has three things going for it: Carson Palmer, Terrell Owens and Tony Gonzalez.  The problem is, there isn’t much more to like.  While I’m a big Vincent Jackson fan, he’s not going to be a stud.  The running game will suffer as he’ll have to decide whom to start with Bush every week.  Lewis is a huge question mark and Lynch is a rookie, so tough call.  Edwards is solid I guess, but the QB situation there might hurt him, and even at full strength he’s not yet a stud, oh yes, did I mention he plays for Cleveland?  Gonzo’s not the force he once was, but will be serviceable.  It could be a long year unless some guys really outperform expectations.  If this were a dynasty or even a keeper league I’d love this team, as youth is definitely at a premium.  However, it’s a redraft league and not built for the now.  The flip side is if Jackson and Lynch really step up and have great season and Palmer and Owens perform at the top of their game, this could pick the team up and bring in some extra points. Finishing in the middle of the pack would be a nice year for the squad.  One note, I do like the late pick of Adrian Peterson from Chicago, as Benson could struggle and Peterson’s been known to have some good games.

Tim started his team out with the tried and true stud RB theory.  Less than half the teams in this league did likewise, and he ended up with two RB's that figure to get the lions share of carries for their respective teams with Parker and McGahee.  Opted to take Gates with the 3rd pick, and should dominate the TE position.
 
While I am in total disagreement with the stud RB theory in a large PPR league, this drafter made a nice recovery picking up the terminally undervalued Driver in the 4th, and Cotchery in the 5th.  Got Berrian and Stallworth in the 7th and 8th rounds and some combination of those two should provide an adequate 3rd WR.  Smartly waited on a QB until the 9th round and was still able to get Rivers.  This team may struggle with the WR position, having passed on the big name stud WR's but Gates should make up most of the difference between him and squads that took receivers earlier in the draft.  To me, this team's ability to compete in this league will come down to his first two picks.  If Parker and McGahee exceed expectations, this team definitely has a chance to compete.  But he needs both of his stud RB's to have a big year to make it happen.

I really like the job Kevin did this year.  It’s amazing how many good fantasy players don’t understand their league’s rules.  Thehuddle.com Top Gun competition is a season long, team with the highest points total wins league.  This format, not my favorite by any means, puts a lot of emphasis on drafting your starting team and hitting a homerun with a player you find late in the draft.  If your team suffers a major injury to a key starter, there’s no opportunity to limp into the playoffs, you’re pretty much screwed. 

I like what Kevin did at quarterback with TEN Vince Young.  Young is certainly capable of putting up a monster season, and if Young does light the league on fire, drafting him in the eighth round is going to be a steal.  The same goes with NYG RB Brandon Jacobs and TBB RB Carnell Williams.  Jacobs replaces Tiki Barber and if he puts up Barber kinds of numbers this season, the Exterminator’s are looking good.  Williams had a monster rookie season and then circled the drain last year.  Obviously, Williams has shown he has the ability to perform like a number one runningback.  If he does, the Exterminators will be tough to beat.  At WR, Kevin has solid numbers one and two with IND Marvin Harrison and BUF Lee Evans.  Neither of these guys have a lot of upside, so Kevin spent two later picks on GB Greg Jennings and MIN Troy Williamson.  Both are very talented pass-catchers, but need polishing.  TE Vernon Davis is capable of a monster season, if he stays healthy. 

If the Exterminator’s have a weakness, it’s on team defense and kicker (Hey, but you can’t have everything, right?).  In this format, your starters are so valuable that taking a good kicker and a good defense that are going to produce 16 games for you as a starter is mathematically better than taking a fifth or six receiver that you hope (pray for no injuries or prison sentences) will start one or two games. 

I think Kevin did a great job with his draft.  With a little luck, the Exterminator’s will challenge for the title this season.

I was definitely kicking myself when I realized I had totally overlooked the San Diego defense and took Denver instead, so kudos to Fritz for seizing that opportunity. I’m usually not a fan of relying too much on one team, but I can’t argue with Fritz’ choices of Jay Cutler, Travis Henry and Javon Walker. I have a feeling Henry is going to be huge this season. Kudos also on the choices of Cooley at the TE slot and Vinatieri. He was a strong choice with the 11th pick. His Maroney/Henry backfield tandem looks very impressive, but depth is a serious issue. He had the chance of taking Marion Barber but chose Ahman Green instead. He may rue the day he made that move.

While his draft definitely had its high points, overall it doesn’t have a lot of “wow” factor other than at the running back slot. WRs Galloway, Houshmandzadeh and Walker won’t scare anyone in this league. Cutler has some upside, and Garcia is a potential sleeper, but again, they’re just “OK.” Culpepper will probably be a waste of a pick. But then again, he was Fritz’ last choice, so there wasn’t really any risk attached.

I don’t have any major criticisms of this draft, but at this early date I’ll put mine up against this any day. I’ll take Romo over Cutler, and Chad Johnson/Calvin Johnson/Randy Moss against his receiving corps. But I’ll give his running tandem the edge over my Rudi Johnson/Adrian Peterson duo.

It’s hard to hit a lot of home runs when you pick 10th in a 12-team league. But if he connects with his starting running backs, he’ll be in the mix all season.

Interesting start by taking two players from the Bengals though a very nice duo indeed. That forced him to get a RB with the 3.11 pick and went for the upside pick with Adrian Peterson (the rookie one that is). This draft came together very well for Boyter since he reached Randy Moss at the 4.02 and then, right before I was going to pick Calvin Johnson with the 5.12 he scooped me and took him. Tony Romo was still there for him at the 6.02 because I already had my QB so savvy move in stealing Calvin and still getting Romo.

Rounded out the team well with Witten, DEN defense and PK Stover but this team started ultra safe with Rudi Johnson and Chad Johnson and then took some big risk/big upside picks with Peterson, Moss, Johnson and Romo. Granted - it could all fall flat and not one would be completely shocked but by the same token there is some potential firepower here that could really make some noise in the league if at least most of it hits as well as it could. This would be an exciting team to follow and I think in the thick of the championship hunt. I personally didn't like many of the depth picks but there's no arguing what the starters might do this year.

Starting in the 12 hole is always challenging, but Mr. Dorey began with a bang. Ronnie Brown looks like great already, and Steve Smith should be the top scoring WR in the game. Deuce in round 3 was a bit of a reach, but at pick 36, probably wasn't that bad. Brady in round 4 was a solid pick, and gives Team Deguello a quality start to his draft. Picks 5-7 are all risk - reward type of players. Reggie Brown has yet to do much at this level. Is this his break out year? Santonio Holmes has the potential to be the Steelers #1 wide out, but will he take over that spot from Hines Ward this yr? Kevin Jones isn't 100%, and could be placed on the PUP list and miss the first 6 games of the season. But if he was healthy, he would have gone about the same spot Deuce went in round 3. DJ Hackett has break out player written all over him. This was a great value pick, at 8.1. Picks 9 and 10 are upside players in WR Jerry Porter, and RB Vernand Morency.

David waited until round 12 to finally secure a TE, but he came away with Heath Miller, not bad. The Dolphins D in round 13, should be better with the addition of Joey Porter rushing the edge, opposite Jason Taylor. Neil Rackers was the top scoring PK in 2005, and should have the opportunities to duplicate that feat again. David Martin could be the steal of the draft in round 17. Cam Cameron the new Dolphins coach loves to throw to the TE, and he hand picked David Martin to be the Dolphins version of Antonio Gates.

Overall this is a solid squad, but will need to catch lightning in a bottle with some of those high upside picks in the middle rounds, to walk away with this title.