Draft grades? Those matter little in the fantasy realm. We break down the fantasy impact of each team’s draft in this series.
IDP analysis written by Co-IDP Director Ross Miles
Chicago Bears
The Bears only had 5 picks this draft, but filled needs with those choices. Offensive and defensive lines were their biggest holes, and their first two picks were an offensive tackle and a defensive tackle. They only chose one offensive skill player.
Nathan Enderle – QB
Pick 160 for the Bears saw them draft a developmental quarterback who could challenge for the #2 spot initially. He needs a lot of mechanical and technique work, and isn’t worthy of any fantasy league consideration.
Stephen Paea – DT
Paea will replace Tommy Harris in the Bears front-4, but is more of a developmental prospect that a sure-fire hit. He’s a sleeper or dynasty league pick up who is strong against the run and improving with his pass-rush.
Christopher Conte – S
A converted linebacker who only excelled in his final college season, he’ll be behind UFA Daniel Manning on the depth chart. If Manning leaves in free agency, he’ll compete to start, but he shouldn’t be considered a fantasy option unless that happens.
Detroit Lions
Like the Bears, the Lions only had 5 picks. However, they drafted very well when concerned with perceived player value and filled a couple needs in the process.
Titus Young – WR
A competitive Boise State product, Young will ideally step into the #2 role opposite Calvin Johnson at some point during the 2011 season. He’s not a physical guy at all, but is good after the catch and could threaten from the slot as well. He’s worthy of a bench spot in a redraft as long as Matt Stafford is healthy.
Mikel Leshoure – RB
Detroit is not the ideal landing spot for his fantasy value since he’ll be competing with Jahvid Best, but he’ll definitely see his share of touches. He’ll likely get more goal line work than anything, and has potential to be a solid NFL player. However, don’t expect a ton of catches or yards initially unless Best is hurt. A handcuff for sure, but don’t overdraft him and expect huge rewards.
Nick Fairley – DT
Will slot into a scary front-4 for the Lions and will command attention. He’s the kind of DT you’d like to take a flyer on, but its likely someone else will get there first. He’ll most likely be used in rotation with Corey Williams (+3.6) and play the one-technique, which does erode some of his fantasy value.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers had plenty of picks to work with (10 in all), and picked up some nice depth pieces to work with, including a tackle who could start from day one in Derrek Sherrod.
Randall Cobb –WR
Though he has plenty of competition for targets, Cobb should fill a nice playmaker role for Green Bay initially as a returner. He’s a good route runner as well, which means he’ll likely see some time in various 3 or 4 WR sets in a variety of different WR positions – slot, X, Z, etc. He’s also capable of lining up at RB or even Wildcat. As of now, he’s much more valuable in a dynasty versus a redraft.
Alex Green – RB
A big back at 225 pounds, Green will likely see a complementary role initially, and could supplant Brandon Jackson as a 3rd down back if he improves his blocking a bit. He’s not a game breaker by any means, but will fill a role in an RB committee.
DJ Williams – TE
Williams is primarily a pass catching TE who will have stunted targets due to Jermichael Finley, Greg Jennings and company. He’s not a red zone threat, and isn’t someone you should be looking too much at come draft day.
Ryan Taylor – TE
I’d be surprised if he makes the team at all given the Packers’ current TE depth. He’s likely ticketed for the practice squad or a cut.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings had several needs and only 2 picks in the top 100 to fill them. However, they did have 8 picks from Rounds 4 through 7 and got some solid depth value who could contribute down the line.
Christian Ponder – QB
One of the most controversial picks of the entire draft, Ponder was drafted to play now. He has the tools to succeed, but needs to make better quick decisions and has a history of injuries. He’s definitely not someone I’m targeting in a redraft, and the jury is out on his dynasty value given Sidney Rice’s status and his questionable offensive line.
Kyle Rudolph – TE
The #1 rated tight end in this draft by almost every analyst, Rudolph is a nice weapon for Ponder at 6’6 and 260 pounds. He excels in the passing game and has great hands, but like Ponder, he has an injury history. Rudolph also needs to develop in the blocking game, and may be installed in more of an Aaron Hernandez-esque role versus a traditional in-line TE role. For fantasy purposes, the skills are there, but the Minnesota offense makes me a big hesitant. Worth a gamble if the value is there in all formats.
Stephen Burton – WR
A development prospect taken at pick 236, Burton has nice size and shows willingness to do what’s asked of him. However, like many late round WRs, his route running needs considerable work, and as a result, has questionable separation skills. He could make an interesting deep dynasty flier if he shows up well in training camp, but nothing more.
Christian Ballard – DT
With the Williams Wall not getting any younger, and Ray Edwards looking likely to be let go, Ballard will be in the mix for snaps this season. If he is getting into the rotation at defensive-end, but your league considers him a defensive tackle, pick him up as a sleeper.
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