2009 Expert Mock Drafts: 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0
We were invited to participate in an early 2009 Expert Fantasy Football Mock Draft. The scoring is relatively standard and this is not a PPR format. The line-up requirements are: 1QB, 2RBs, 3WRs, 1TE, 1K, 1DST.
Through five rounds of this 2009 Expert Fantasy Mock Draft, we have: Maurice Jones-Drew, Marshawn Lynch, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne and Marques Colston. To view all rosters, click here. A special thanks to WestSportsReport.com for the invite!
Draft Date: 6/3/09
1.01 |
JunkyardJake.com |
Peterson, Adrian MIN RB |
Site Commentary: Peterson seems to be the clear choice at #1 in 2009. More receiving yards (only 125 in 2008) and TDs (10 last year) would be nice, but that is really just nitpicking if can come close to a repeat of 1,760 rush yards and 4.8 YPC. |
1.02 |
FantasyFootballXtreme.com |
Jones-Drew, Maurice JAC RB |
Site Commentary: MJD at No. 2 overall might seem a slot or two too high for some, but the little guy is going to explode in 2009. |
1.03 |
FantasyDraftEdge.com |
Turner, Michael ATL RB |
Site Commentary: We’d have felt better with MJD and although we feel he won’t match last year’s numbers it’s tough not to take Turner here. LT is getting old, Jackson can’t stay healthy and Forte isn’t on this level. |
1.04 |
SportsBank.net (2) |
Forte, Matt CHI RB |
Site Commentary: Matt Forte is a great pick as he will benefit from actually having a quarterback. A little concerned with the workload he got last year though. |
1.05 |
LestersLegends.com |
Fitzgerald, Larry ARI WR |
Site Commentary: The RBs on the board have too many question markes for a top five pick. Two RB systems are becoming the norm. With Fitz you can pretty much pencil in 1400 yards and 10 TDs. Plus, Arizona has a cakewalk in the fantasy playoffs. |
1.06 |
FantasyDraftTools.com |
Westbrook, Brian PHI RB |
Site Commentary: Even with the drafting of McCoy and its almost guaranteed he won’t play a full season, he can single handily carry a fantasy team from week to week. |
1.07 |
DraftZoo.com |
Johnson, Chris TEN RB |
Site Commentary: The Titans have already stated that they’re looking to get Johnson even more involved this year. If you ask me, I’d say Jeff Fisher’s been getting Johnsons involved for a while. Can’t beat experience like that. I think he’s better than the seventh-best player in the draft, so I like getting him here. |
1.08 |
WalterFootball.com |
Tomlinson, LaDainian SDC RB |
Site Commentary: So, let’s see… LaDainian Tomlinson just had his worst season ever. For the record, he rushed for 1,110 yards, caught 52 passes for 426 receiving yards, and scored 12 touchdowns. Oh the horror. Tomlinson was coming off a torn MCL and suffered a toe injury. Now he’s healthy again. |
1.09 |
FootballFanSpot.com |
Slaton, Steve HOU RB |
Site Commentary: Houston’s offense really took off last season after Slaton was given more work. The Texans don’t have another running back to cut into Slaton’s carries so you have to believe that the 20+ carries per game he was getting towards the end of last season will continue. He had 4 100 rushing yard games in his last 7 games last season and he’ll only get better with experience. He also had 50 catches for 377 yards last season which is a very nice added bonus. |
1.10 |
WestSportsReport.com |
Jackson, Steven STL RB |
Site Commentary: Steven Jackson could be very good if he can somehow stay healthy. The Rams are going to run the ball alot this year and upgraded some at their offensive line. Jackson will also dominate PPR leagues. |
1.11 |
KFFL.com |
Williams, DeAngelo CAR RB |
Site Commentary: The Panthers won’t be going away from the run anytime soon, so the talented Williams should see plenty of touches in Carolina’s two-headed attack. He was the best running back left on the board. |
1.12 |
TheSportsBank.net |
Johnson, Andre HOU WR |
Site Commentary: Johnson absolutely crushes in PPR leagues but even in a standard league he is a lock for 1200 yards receiving. I’m hoping he can find the end zone more than the 8 times he scored last season. |
2.01 |
TheSportsBank.net |
Jacobs, Brandon NYG RB |
Site Commentary: Brandon Jacobs is a beast when healthy and without Derrick Ward in the Giants backfield, more is going to be expected out of Jacobs. At pick 13, I’m extremely happy to get a guy who scored 15 times last year. |
2.02 |
KFFL.com |
Portis, Clinton WAS RB |
Site Commentary: Portis has consistently reached 1,200 yards and close to double digits in touchdowns. Nothing should change this year; he’s still the workhorse back in Washington. Selecting him gives me two solid No. 1 backs in my starting backfield. |
2.03 |
WestSportsReport.com |
Johnson, Calvin DET WR |
Site Commentary: Calvin Johnson will finally have a QB to throw him the ball and with the quarterbacks that through him the ball, he still performed very well. If I wait on a WR and take a running back, I won’t have a wide receiver able to produce the numbers that Calvin can. I think there is still plenty of depth at the RB position. |
2.04 |
FootballFanSpot.com |
Brady, Tom NEP QB |
Site Commentary: Last time I checked, he didn’t hurt his arm. If Matt Cassel can get 3693 yards passing with Welker and Moss, I find it very hard to believe that Brady won’t exceed 4000 yards by a lot now with Welker, Moss, Joey Galloway, a healthy Benjamin Watson, Brandon Tate, and Brad Smith. Cassel had 21 touchdowns with a very weak arm, Brady should have 30-35. Phillip Rivers wasn’t effected by knee surgery last year, neither was Peyton Manning. Brady shouldn’t be either. Getting him in the 2nd round could be a steal when its all said and done. |
2.05 |
WalterFootball.com |
Moss, Randy NEP WR |
Site Commentary: My No. 1 receiver. If Randy Moss was able to score 11 touchdowns with Cassel, I don’t think there’s any question that he’ll improve that total to the mid-teens, at the very least, with Tom Brady back at the helm. |
2.06 |
DraftZoo.com |
Gore, Frank SFO RB |
Site Commentary: Gore’s not the greatest running back in the world, but I think he’s a decent pick here. He’ll be the starter in San Fran, and while they won’t have the luxury of running the game out with the lead all too often, I do think he’ll be one Shaun Hills favorite targets, and he’ll get some good carries. Doesn’t hurt that he has seven games against teams that finished in the bottom ten in the league last year against the rush. Honestly, I just really wanted to go RB-RB and Gores the best RB left with a different bye week than Chris Johnson. |
2.07 |
FantasyDraftTools.com |
Brees, Drew NOS QB |
Site Commentary: This is a tough pick, take the 14th best RB, 5th best WR or the top QB (you never know the true health of Brady)…although I would rarely pick a QB so early, the "best available" option is Drew Brees |
2.08 |
LestersLegends.com |
Brown, Ronnie MIA RB |
Site Commentary: In 2007 he was the best back not named LT before blowing his knee out. Without a full year to recover he had 916 yards rushing, 254 receiving, and 11 TDs (10 rushing, 1 passing). Another year removed from the injury, and Ronnie should get his explosiveness back. |
2.09 |
SportsBank.net (2) |
Boldin, Anquan ARI WR |
Site Commentary: Before one of the most vicious (legal) hits in NFL history, Boldin was on his way to an NFL season for the record books, being on pace to get close to Randy Moss’ record season of 2007, with 27 catches for 366 yards and 5 TDs. With a full season of health, and hopefully a drama-less one at that, look for Bolden to tap back into that early ‘08 success. |
2.10 |
FantasyDraftEdge.com |
Barber, Marion DAL RB |
Site Commentary: They love to give Barber the ball at the goal line which of course is a great fantasy football formula. Very happy to get a 2nd strong RB late in the 2nd round with plenty of good WRs to get early in the next round. |
2.11 |
FantasyFootballXtreme.com |
Wayne, Reggie IND WR |
Site Commentary: Wayne has the ability to be the No. 1 fantasy receiver in 2009, so to land him at the bottom of the second is huge in my opinion. With MJD and Wayne on the roster, both top five locks in my book (if healthy in 2009), we can really head in any direction with our upcoming third-round pick. |
2.12 |
JunkyardJake.com |
Smith, Steve CAR WR |
Site Commentary: Smith finished with 1,421 yards, including eight 100 yard games, in a season where he missed the first two games. An increase in his 6 TDs over 2008, and more consistent play from Jake Delhomme would be helpful this season, but he still represents a high-potential fantasy receiver, and a great value at the end of round 2. |
3.01 |
JunkyardJake.com |
Manning, Peyton IND QB |
Site Commentary: The retirement of Tom Moore, and the absence of Marvin Harrison this season raises some concerns, but in reality, Manning is essentially his own offensive coordinator on many plays, and Anthony Gonzalez should prove to be an upgrade over Harrison this season. |
3.02 |
FantasyFootballXtreme.com |
Colston, Marques NOS WR |
Site Commentary: We recently posted an article on Marques Colston’s microfracture surgery and we came to the conclusion that he has a strong shot at being close to 100 percent by Week 1. Colston’s microfracture procedure was not thought to be as serious as some microfracture surgeries, and given his youth and situation, he is well worth the risk at this point in a 2009 mock draft. Of course we will monitor his progress this off-season and adjust accordingly, but for now Colston still has fantasy WR1 talent and he will make a fine third player for our squad! |
3.03 |
FantasyDraftEdge.com |
Jennings, Greg GBP WR |
Site Commentary: Not Provided |
3.04 |
SportsBank.net (2) |
Gates, Antonio SDC TE |
Site Commentary: Not Provided |
3.05 |
LestersLegends.com |
Moreno, Knowshon DEN RB |
Site Commentary: With Cutler gone the Broncos will likely get back to running the football. Knowshon will easily beat out the Misfits that were brought in during the offseason. He is running behind a good offesive line and should produce immediately. Plus, with Shanahan gone, you don’t have to worry about mind games. |
3.06 |
FantasyDraftTools.com |
Bowe, Dwayne KCC WR |
Site Commentary: Couldn’t pass up Bowe here, in 2008, he had 86 catches for just over 1000 yards and 7 scores. He was sharing the targets with tony gonzalez and still managed to have the 3rd highest targets in the league for WRs (only behind Brandon Marshall & Andre Johnson)…Tony G is gone which may mean more coverage for Bowe, but Matt Cassel is an upgrade of Tyler Thigpen. Look for even more improved stats in 2009. Gladly take him with the 30th overall pick. |
3.07 |
DraftZoo.com |
Marshall, Brandon DEN WR |
Site Commentary: I’ll be honest, I really wanted Knowshon here. So nice pick, Lester. Anyway, now that Brandon Marshall won’t miss any time from a suspension, I think he’s one of the best receiving options left. If Randy Moss can grab 11 TDs with Cassel at the helm, then I think Marshall can put up similar or better numbers with Kyle Orton in the same system. |
3.08 |
WalterFootball.com |
Smith, Kevin DET RB |
Site Commentary: I really wanted Knowshon Moreno here, but apparently DraftZoo wasn’t going to let that happen. But Kevin Smith is a nice consolation prize. In the final seven weeks of his rookie season, Smith averaged 21 attempts and 83.9 rushing yards per contest. He was also a factor in the passing game, catching 39 balls for 286 yards in 2008. Now that he’s in his second year, Smith will be even more involved. |
3.09 |
FootballFanSpot.com |
White, Roddy ATL WR |
Site Commentary: Roddy White had 88 catches for 1382 yards last year, despite the fact that Matt Ryan only threw 434 times. The Falcons are giving Ryan more of a role in the offense this season, as Michael Turner was way overworked last year, and thus White’s targets will go up. I see no reason why Ryan won’t throw 500+ times this season and if that happens, White should get 1400+ yards and improve his touchdown total, 7, as well. White is also in a contract year, which means he’ll be motivated. |
3.10 |
WestSportsReport.com |
Thomas, Pierre NOS RB |
Site Commentary: Not Provided |
3.11 |
KFFL.com |
Owens, Terrell BUF WR |
Site Commentary: Needed a wide receiver at this point. Owens was the best available. Owens was great in his first year in Philly and Dallas; think that pattern continues in Buffalo, especially with motivation for a new contract after the season. Definitely some worries that he’s near the end of his line, but I think he has at least one more good season in him. |
3.12 |
TheSportsBank.net |
Rivers, Philip SDC QB |
Site Commentary: Rivers exploded last season to be the quarterback he was drafted to be. 4,000 yards and 34 TD’s were numbers that cannot be ignored. A healthy LT might bring those figures down a little bit, but not enough to the point that would allow a top quarterback like Rivers fall back to me with the 60th pick. |
4.01 |
TheSportsBank.net |
Welker, Wes NEP WR |
Site Commentary: Welker is a focal point of the Patriots offense no matter who is taking the snaps. I like taking guys who A)get targeted a lot and B)catch most of those targets (see:Andre Johnson) because it means they are going to give their fantasy owners plenty of chances to get points. With Brady back at the helm, I see Welker’s yardage in the same range as the last two seasons (1100+ yards) but his chances to get into the endzone should increase. |
4.02 |
KFFL.com |
Edwards, Braylon CLE WR |
Site Commentary: A new coaching staff should help the talented wideout. He has the ability to produce like a top No. 1 … when he’s focused. I think it’s good value on him at this stage, especially considering the remaining receivers. Definitely some risk involved, though. |
4.03 |
WestSportsReport.com |
Rodgers, Aaron GBP QB |
Site Commentary: I really thought about taking Ryan Grant here for insurance purposes at the RB position, but I figured I’d get one of the last top quarterbacks on the list. The Packers are going to throw the ball a lot, while Cutler, Romo, and Warner all might have down years because of different personnel. When I looked at other positions, not one certain player stuck out like Rodgers did. |
4.04 |
FootballFanSpot.com |
Wells, Chris ARI RB |
Site Commentary: Wells is going to get the vast majority of the carries for his team this season, which is more than you can say about most halfbacks at this point in the draft. The defense will be so concerned trying to slow down Kurt Warner, covering Boldin and Fitzgerald, that Wells should have 1000 yards rushing with ease. He didn’t catch a lot of balls at Ohio State, which means he won’t do a lot in that area for me, but my RB1 is Steve Slaton so that makes up for it. The only issue is his durability. Most rookies backs tend to break down by fantasy playoff time, but in weeks 14-17, Wells faces San Francisco, Detroit, St. Louis, and Green Bay, which will be a cakewalk for him, even if he has started to break down. |
4.05 |
WalterFootball.com |
Bryant, Antonio TBB WR |
Site Commentary: Two players I really wanted – Aaron Rodgers and Chris Wells – just went off the board, so I’ll take my WR2. If Antonio Bryant can garner 83 receptions, 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns with Jeff Garcia at the helm, I don’t see why he can’t duplicate those numbers with Luke McCown, who has a stronger arm than his predecessor. |
4.06 |
DraftZoo.com |
Ochocinco, Chad CIN WR |
Site Commentary: Chad Johnson should have a great year. He’s healthy, and more importantly Carson Palmer is healthy. With TJH gone, I think he’ll flourish again. He didn’t put up great numbers last year, but they weren’t too bad considering who was playing quarterback. Palmer will probably lean on his most familiar target this season, and I think the Bengal could be down enough times to need to air it out. Plus, I haven’t heard much from Ocho this offseason which hopefully means he’s been working and not bitching. |
4.07 |
FantasyDraftTools.com |
Grant, Ryan GBP RB |
Site Commentary: There is no contract hold out this summer, he’s going into the year healthy and he’s out to prove that he was no one-hit wonder in 2007. With a balanced air attack consisting of Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings, defenses will not be able to stack the box. Without no other legitimate competition in the backfield, he should get a majority of the carries. Look for him to return to 2007 rather than 2008. I thought about taking him at #30 so that fact that he was still there at #43 gets me both targeted players. |
4.08 |
LestersLegends.com |
Witten, Jason DAL TE |
Site Commentary: Jason Witten is the #1 WR for the Dallas Cowboys, although he is a TE, which makes him all the move valuable. |
4.09 |
SportsBank.net (2) |
Williams, Roy DAL WR |
Site Commentary: The actual number one WR of the Cowboys. He had 1,300 receiving yards the last time his QB had a pulse. This is a guy who, if he gets as many passes thrown at him as T. O. did last season, will approach 100 receptions. He is that good. He has those skills. He’s proven he can catch the ball, and while he may not have the game-breaking burst of your top wideouts, he still can (and will) have double digit touchdowns. |
4.10 |
FantasyDraftEdge.com |
Houshmandzadeh, T.J. SEA WR |
Site Commentary: The Seahawks have been waiting for somebody to actually catch the ball and TJ has been waiting to be the go to option. Good match. |
4.11 |
FantasyFootballXtreme.com |
Addai, Joseph IND RB |
Site Commentary: Addai’s fantasy value will be debated all the way up to kickoff in 2009. Even though Donald Brown is on the roster, Addai is going to get his. All the guy needs is roughly 250 carries and he can crank out 1,000 yards and 10+ scores. He had 261 carries, 1,072 rushing yards, 41 receptions for 364 yards and 15 total scores in 2007, a season he was still sharing carries. In that Colts offense this season, Addai should easily get to that 250 carry mark if healthy. Donald Brown might just help Addai stay healthy. Like Marion Barber, Addai is the kind of running back that can get 12-14 total scores on 240-250 carry season, whereas a heavier workload will end up producing missed games, which ends up causing less produced yards and less touchdowns all together. Maurice Jones-Drew, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne and Marques Colston… we’re very pleased with that four. |
4.12 |
JunkyardJake.com |
McFadden, Darren OAK RB |
Site Commentary: McFadden was significantly hampered by turf toe last season, and still managed to finish with a respectable 4.4 YPC, compared to starter Justin Fargas’s 3.9 YPC. This season, with his turf toe problems reportedly behind him, the 2nd year back should surpass Fargas on the depth chart. Surely McFadden is still a risky pick, but with his speed, and receiving ability, he appears to have large untapped potential in 2009. |
5.01 |
JunkyardJake.com |
Jackson, Vincent SDC WR |
Site Commentary: There are a few great receivers to choose from at this point, but on the basis of his 1098 yard, 7 TD breakout season in 2008, Vincent Jackson is a solid choice to begin the 5th round. One other positive for Jackson is the continuity of the Chargers offense, where he reunites with emerging Phillip Rivers under the same coaching staff and offensive system in 2009. |
5.02 |
FantasyFootballXtreme.com |
Lynch, Marshawn BUF RB |
Site Commentary: This league only starts 2RBs and we already have MJD and Addai, but we can’t pass up the value here. Marshawn Lynch could get his three-game suspension reduced to 1-2, but even if he doesn’t, the stud is well worth the grab in the 5th. With Terrell Owens keeping defenses honest in 2009, I can see Lynch rushing for well over 1,000 yards and 10+ scores. |
5.03 |
FantasyDraftEdge.com |
Stewart, Jonathan CAR RB |
Site Commentary: Would have LOVED to see Lynch last one more pick but very happy to get an exceptionally talented back behind a very good offensive line. Obviously sharing carries is a concern but he’ll get plenty of chances and if DeAngelo gets hurt we have one of the best backs in the league. |
5.04 |
SportsBank.net (2) |
Jones, Thomas NYJ RB |
Site Commentary: By no means is this a sexy pick, but in the long run these are the types of picks that win you awards Safe picks that net value. Jones a is a proven back, a veteran of the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, and was actaully the top back left on my board for the last 20-25 picks or so. The normal arguments against him would be age (he’s a crazy workout guy, and hasn’t deteriorated like other backs his age) and that there’s a ton of competetion in New York. While the latter is true, Leon Washington siphoned off a ton of carries and 8 scores last season too, and with a new quarterback in camp in Matt Sanchez, the running game is going to be even more important for the Jets. |
5.05 |
LestersLegends.com |
Holmes, Santonio PIT WR |
Site Commentary: Santonio Holmes was supposed to break out last year, but he ran into some issues. He proved his worth in the Super Bowl though, and I expect that to carry over into the regular season. Look for him to finally crack the 1000 yard mark and approach double-digit TDs. |
5.06 |
FantasyDraftTools.com |
Bush, Reggie NOS RB |
Site Commentary: This is a huge risk/reward pick. After 8 weeks of 2008, Reggie was the best Fantasy RB in the league, especially in PPR leagues. Will he comeback 100% healthy in 2009…that’s the question, but being available in the middle of the 5th round, he’s clearly undervalued this year. He will share touches with Pierre Thomas, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be successful as there are plenty of RBBC’s where both guys are productive. |
5.07 |
DraftZoo.com |
Royal, Eddie DEN WR |
Site Commentary: I like Eddie Royal here. I know I’m putting a lot of eggs in the Denver passing offense basket, but I think it could pay off considering how often they’ll be down and in need of throwing 50 times a game. I think Josh McDaniels offense will run much smoother in Denver where the offensive line is better, the QB is better (Orton is better than Cassel), and the receivers are still pretty talented. Basically I’m hoping that Eddie Royal becomes Wes Welker, Jr with better TD numbers. |
5.08 |
WalterFootball.com |
Ward, Derrick TBB RB |
Site Commentary: Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham will split carries, but Luke "Captain Checkdown" McCown will turn to Ward often when he has to throw the ball. Ward should garner at least 1,300 total yards this season, making him a very good RB3. |
5.09 |
FootballFanSpot.com |
Gonzalez, Anthony IND WR |
Site Commentary: He’s the unquestioned #2 in the Indianapolis offense and he’s in the his 3rd year, the magical year when all high upside wide receivers break out. He was a first round pick in 2007, so the upside is there. Now that he has the opportunity and the experience, he could be ready to shine. He has 1240 yards and 93 receptions in his short career so if he gets 75-80 receptions this year, not unreasonable for the Indy #2, he could get 1000 yards. |
5.10 |
WestSportsReport.com |
Evans, Lee BUF WR |
Site Commentary: Lee Evans will do very well in Buffalo now that TO is there. He won’t get double teamed and Buffalo will probably air it out more. |
5.11 |
KFFL.com |
Johnson, Larry KCC RB |
Site Commentary: Wasn’t a need here but grabbing LJ gives me a No. 3 back that can produce like a No. 1, especially for when Clinton Portis and DeAngelo Williams get hurt. I think Johnson has at least one more good season in him, and we’ll hope that he can coexist with new head coach Todd Haley. |
5.12 |
TheSportsBank.net |
Gonzalez, Tony ATL TE |
Site Commentary: I really wanted LJ to fall to me here. I need a second running back and I’m not enthused with any of the remaining options. Gonzalez is the pick to ensure I get top production out of a spot that others won’t (especially if I’m going to be crossing my fingers at my 2nd running back spot). |
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Wouldn’t be a bad idea to start thinking about what round to get R.Jennings in.
Jennings should go relatively late. I’ll reach ahead of his ADP, but he should fall far. I do agree, Jennings is a great handcuff to have.
I’m very pleased with MJD and Wayne to start it off. Wayne is dropping for some reason in early 2009 drafts. Take full advantage!
Nice start Smitty! Colston in the 3rd to team with Wayne gives you two top weapons out wide. Predicting that you’re looking RB or QB with your next pick……..
Agree with Scorpion…. Jennings will seal that backfield up nicely.
Thanks Riskyjoky. Yea, my next picks might be Addai or Lynch and then maybe Romo.
So far we have:
Maurice Jones-Drew, Joseph Addai, Marshawn Lynch, Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston
I’ll take that all day!
Wow… can’t believe Lynch fell to the 5th. Surprised that you took Addai before him but it seems to have worked out for you anyway. Time for a QB now.
Can’t believe how far Addai/Lynch have fallen. I’m not much of a fan of either RB but 4th/5th rounds for them is good value
Yea Lynch and Addai as late 4th and early 5th round grabs is crazy. Waiting on RBs this year is advised thus far!