NFL Fantasy Draft - Analysis and Suggestions - Georgia Tech Alums

In An Effort to be "Fair and Balanced":
Today, I'll list my favorite fantasy football picks from among the Yellow Jacket alums. While this group may not be as deep as theUGA pool, the quality at the top of the list more than makes up for the quanity.

Calvin Johnson - Wide Receiver Detroit Lions. Don't be misled by, what some consider, Johnson's disappointing numbers in 2009. He struggled with some injuries, playing in only 14 games and leaving another very early. Johnson has finally been rewarded with a QB who can get the ball to him (even though they only played together for 9 games in 2009). In the games he played with Stafford at QB, Johnson had 46 catches for 728 yards and three TD's. The addition of Nate Burleson should take some of the double and triple team pressure off Johnson. Stafford's added experience and Jahvid Best's running skills could add to Johnson's potential. The key is the health of Johnson and Stafford. In most drafts Calvin Johnson will be a late first or early second round pick. On my board, he was my number four wide receiver pick and my number six overall.

Demaryius Thomas - Wide Receiver Denver Broncos. I know, rookie receiver don't usually put up big numbers, but last season may have marked a trend. It is a tribute to the unbelievable natural skills that Demaryius possesses that he was drafted at number 22, considering that he has been in John Paul Johnson's option offense for the last two years. He will have to learn more advanced route-running techniques, but the blocking skills honed in the run oriented attack should help him crack the starting line-up. Brandon Marshall, Denver's 2009 slot receiver, is now in Miami - opening the door for Thomas. If he is fully recovered from a February foot injury, Thomas could be a great sleeper pick. I believe he is worth taking a flier on as a no. 2 receiver, but he is definitely a strong no. 3.

Jonathan Dwyer - Running Back Pittsburgh Steelers. Ben Rothleisberger's early season suspension should mean Pittsburgh will put an emphasis on the running game. Rashard Mendenhall is firmly established as the number 1 back, but I believe Dwyer will break camp firmly entrenched as the backup. Dwyer is a big back who exhibits both power and speed. I cannot grasp his slide to a sixth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, but it may be a plus for fantasy owners - as Dwyer may be undervalued. Unless Mendenhall goes down with an injury, Dwyer is nothing more than a late round flier in most leagues. If you are in a deeper league, a dynasty/keeper league, or a rookie only draft, Dwyer is an excellent choice. Personally, I have Dwyer on my "watch" list and would not hesitate to pick him up should the injury bug bite Mendenhall.

Tashard Choice - Running Back Dallas Cowboys. Choice is talented enough to be a quality backup on most NFL rosters. In Dallas, though, he is stuck behind Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Unless both Barber and Jones go down, or Tashard is traded, he is relegated to Scout Team status.

I'll have to check with my friend John Bradley, but I believe this Bulldog fan has given you a "fair and balanced" analysis of these former Tech greats who will make their mark on the 2010 Fantasy Football season.