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
Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones – WR
The Falcons gave up a lot to land Jones, and are clearly in a “win now” mentality after trading two 1st round picks and a 2nd, 3rd and 4th to move up to the number 6 spot to select him. Jones looks to be a work in progress at receiver. Although he has all the physical attributes you look for in a wideout, Jones made far too many drops in college to be considered a sure thing in the NFL. For fantasy purposes, his presence gives a boost to 2010's catch leader Roddy White, who should experience less double coverages with Jones on the field. Jones does offer an upgrade over Michael Jenkins, but shouldn’t really be considered for anything more than a WR3 in your fantasy lineup.
Jacquizz Rodgers – RB
A fifth round pick out of Oregon State, Rodgers could contribute on passing downs as a rookie. However with Michael Turner and Jason Snelling firmly entrenched above him on the depth chart, he's unlikely to see much other action.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Adrian Clayborn – DE
Clayborn is versatile and can play at defensive end and tackle. He should find himself as a starter in a position of need for the Bucs, but doesn’t profile as a player who will post double-digit sacks.
Da'Quan Bowers – DE
A persistent pass-rusher with medical issues, that shouldn’t overly concern fantasy owners as we don’t pay his wages or worry about career longevity. Bowers should be a spot starter for your fantasy team that you take a flyer on and hope for better.
Mason Foster – OLB
Barrett Ruud (-13.3) leaves as expected in free agency. He also showed versatility in college, playing all three linebacker positions. He could well be one of the fantasy stars in this year’s draft.
Luke Stocker – TE
Stocker is unlikely to usurp Kellen Winslow on the Bucs depth chart anytime soon, but could see action as the teams blocking TE, although this won’t make him relevant in fantasy terms.
Ahmad Black – S
An under-sized, character player, Black profiles as a scrappy back-up who could battle his way into a starting role. Keep an eye on him pre-season and if he can hold down the top spot before considering him for your fantasy team.
Allen Bradford – RB
Although he lacks the speed to contribute regularly as a feature back in the NFL, Bradford will see some carries in relief, but this will likely only add to LeGarrette Blount’s value as the Bucs attempt to keep him fresh.
Daniel Hardy – TE
More of a receiving TE than fellow rookie Stocker, Hardy is unlikely to see the field much with Kellen Winslow around. If Winslow gets injured Hardy could be one to watch as he can produce in the middle of the field.
New Orleans Saints
Cameron Jordan – DE
Jordan fits into a defense with Will Smith (+4.5 & 6 sacks) and an aging Alex Brown (+3.3), so will probably be used in rotation. He’s another player who isn’t likely to record huge sack totals, but will be productive in his limited role.
Mark Ingram – RB
A Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama, Ingram could well be the pick of the rookies on offense in 2011. He has great vision and elusiveness, and will pick up a lot of yards after contact. Although he enters into a seemingly crowded backfield mix with Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory and Reggie Bush, none of the others look capable of carrying the ball 20 times a game throughout a whole season. Ingram could well end up being the feature back, although the presence of Thomas and Ivory (and Bush if he remains a Saint) will eat into his carries.
Martez Wilson – ILB
One of the top middle linebackers in the class, Wilson’s size and speed means he could play OLB for the Saints, who are in need of some pass rush from the position. With Jonathon Vilma (-14.0) entrenched inside, despite chronic under-performing, expect Gregg Williams to use Wilson in a hybrid role. He holds back-up LB value, but if watch this space and see if Vilma can retain his job.
Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton – QB
Despite question marks over his ability to succeed in the NFL, Newton could be a borderline fantasy starter in 2011. Although he lacks the accuracy to make plays regularly from the pocket, Newton’s athleticism could result in a lot of rushing yards and more importantly rushing TD’s, which could make him a steal on draft day.
Terrell McClain – DT
An under-achiever as far as college production goes, McClain should start for the Panthers who not only had poor play at the position last year, especially as their #1, Derek Landri, is a UFA. He isn’t a fantasy starter though.
Sione Fua – DT
More of a run-stuffer than McClain, he’ll also see time on the field in 2011, but he is also not a fantasy starter. He’ll have more of an effect on freeing up Panther linebackers to make plays.
Brandon Hogan – CB
Has potential to feature in 2011 with UFA Richard Marshall (-13.2) likely to leave and highly-paid Chris Gamble (-1.2) also vulnerable due to poor play. If they make Hogan a starter, he could be a sleeper.
Kealoha Pilares – WR
Could feature from the slot in 2011, but with the Panthers relying heavily on the running game, and until Newton shows he can make plays with his arm as well as his legs, you can definitely find a better fantasy option elsewhere.
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