AP and LT are gone. Whos Next?

by Sean Dutra- Senior Writer

All the talk in Fantasy Football draft guides seems to be focused on who to take first in your upcoming draft. But really, whoever you take with the first and second pick is going to be absolutely lights out and will probably only be separated from each other by a few points, tops. The rest of the first round – including picks three through seven – are up in the air. Everyone is looking for that breakout running back who will give you team a huge week every week, but after these fist two picks many questions arise.

Take them at number three?

Steven Jackson- 1002 rush yds, 5 rush tds, 271 rec yds, 1 rec td.

One of the biggest disappointments of last season is surprisingly still being said to be the front runner for the third best back title. His extremely slow start last season had owners scratching their heads after taking him with the second overall pick.  After the first eight weeks of last season, half in part to missing four games with injury, he only amassed 274 yds and only one touchdown. No surprise, his St. Louis Rams didn’t win any of those eight games.

Despite the dismal start to the season Jackson showed life in the second half of the season. He managed to salvage a horrible season but did not live up to any expectations. Including his own prediction that he would tally over 2,500 yds on the season.

This year however Jackson should be back on track with his production from 2006 with tackle Orlando Pace back in the trenches. Be very careful about taking him at number three however because even though he is the focal point of the offense it should be another horrid season in St. Louis and with fragile Marc Bulger at the helm defenses may stack the line every chance they get.

Brian Westbrook- 1333 rush yds, 7 rush tds, 771 rec yds, 5 rec tds.

Finally this guy is getting the recognition he deserves. He has been a prime time duel threat his entire career. He absolutely exploded with a career year last season. One of the most consistent backs in the game you know what you are gonna get. Close to 100 yds a game on the ground along with a definite 60 yards receiving out of the back field. The best receiving back is in line this year to possibly even out produce the “sacred two” in  AP and LT.  I’m not sure how you can say no to Westbrook who has quietly produced consistently for the up and down Eagles.  The only  thing to watch out for here is his supporting cast once again. Philly’s offensive line has always be a question but still has held its ground the past couple of years. The biggest question mark in Westbrook’s success is his health. Last year was the first year he played all 16 games for Philly. If he can stay on the field however Westbrook is for real, and you can expect another breakout season.

Joseph Addai- 1072 rush yds, 12 tds,  363 rec yds,  3 rec tds.

Addai has been solid from day one making Indianapolis fans say Edge who? He is only in his third pro season and hasn’t shied away from the attention of playing next to Peyton Manning. With a very talented passing threats surrounding him you would think this young back would get covered up but he always finds a way to shine. He is a pick that i would love to have on my team but im not sure if you can pick him over a guy like Westbrook. If you are lucky enough to have the 4th or 5th pick in the draft this man is a steal. A back with the most potential outside of Peterson. This could be his absolute breakout year and if he continues to get better than the sky is the limit.

Tom Brady-  4806 pass yds, 50 pass tds.

Some say its a stretch to pick a quarterback with the third overall pick. WHY??? Tom Brady was super human last year racking up i think close to a million fantasy points each week. I know it is a cardinal sin in Fantasy Football leagues to even think of picking a quarterback with the third over all pick but hey if you are feeling lucky this is the guy to shoot for. Randy, Wes, and Jabaar are back along with trusty tight end Ben Watson the targets are still there.  I’m not saying to pass up any of these backs to pick Brady is the best idea but if you wanna make a splash in the first round and you think you can fill the roster with a steal in the later rounds why not take the quarterback who broke every record imaginable last season.