NFL Fantasy Football Draft Recommendations for Georgia Fans

Those of you who know me understand that I have a hard time between using my head and my heart when picking fantasy choices. You also know I am a big time UGA fan. With that it mind, here is my analysis of the top ex-Bulldogs and why you should pick them up (all emotion aside).

Knowshon Moreno - Running Back - Denver Broncos. I follow a kind of risky draft strategy in regards to running backs. Instead of scrambling for the top "game breakers" the experts all tout, I use my early picks to preempt the competition's run on top tier wide receivers and quarterbacks. I then look for high quality "budget backs" in rounds 3-6. The usual suspects are ranked 1-7 (rankings vary by "expert"), and the draft added some highly touted running backs who are creeping up the mock draft boards - Ryan Matthews, Jahvid Best, and Ben Tate. This pushes Knowshon into my "budget back zone".

While fantasy owners weren't too happy with Moreno's drop off late in the 2009 season, I believe that can be attributed to his training camp hold out...and Denver's zone-blocking scheme. I believe Knowshon (who UGA fans know has a great deal of pride) will show up in incredible shape...and have a chip on his shoulders. Take into account that Denver has 2 games each against the Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers, and Knowshon could well experience the breakout that everyone expected last year.

He should be available into the third round in most drafts. Fantasy owners are generally an unforgiving bunch and, if you are in a league with other SEC fans, you won't have to worry about any Gators or Tigers picking him off.

Matthew Stafford-Quarterback-Detroit Lions. If any quarterback is squarely in the cross hairs of defensive ends the league over, it's Stafford. Detroit's line is terrible and they are leaving Jeff Backus to guard Stafford's blind side. Stafford was up and down (mostly down) last year but moved way up on the learning curve as the season progressed.

The addition of Jhavid Best at RB and Nate Burleson at WR should give Stafford some additional weapons. If Burleson can draw some coverage away from ex-Jacket super freak Calvin Johnson, the Stafford to Johnson link-up could be huge. Playing in the defense-rich NFC North may have actually benefited Stafford, who is a fast learner. While this year's schedule doesn't offer too many breaks - they face the Jets, Cowboys, and Patriots in addition to division foes - there are a couple of soft spots - Rams and Redskins. If he can stay healthy and get on a little roll, Stafford is a great back-up to spot start.

Many fantasy owners will be turned off by the fact that Stafford plays in Detroit, but he is a 2nd level QB and may not be around long after round 2. I know this is going out on a limb, but I believe Stafford will have a better season (fantasy wise) than Brett Favre or Eli Manning. Remember, you heard it here first.

Mohamed Massaquoi-Wide Receiver-Cleveland Browns. Ouch! Another great ex-Bulldog on a crappy team. Most people forget that before AJ Green, Massaquoi was the go-to receiver at UGA. As a Brown, his yards per catch have been climbing. Massaquoi had 11 catches of 20+ yards in 2009 and continues to be a deep threat.

The Browns may not have a quarterback who can throw the deep ball, and the West Coast offense isn't about stretching the field. These factors, plus late season games in frigid Cleveland don't make Massaquoi a highly valued receiver. Cleveland does play Tampa Bay, KC, and Atlanta early - teams that have been known to give up the big throw - so he may be worth taking a flier on in late rounds.

I liked Massaquoi when he was at UGA, and I think that he could be an exceptional NFL wide receiver - just not in Cleveland. Personally, I will probably take a pass on him unless he is available in the late rounds and I am looking for a spot starter at receiver.

So there you go, Bulldog Nation, three of our own who are in the bigs - and possibly worth drafting in your fantasy league. I hope I've given you enough info to make a "head" decision over a "heart" decision.

UPDATE!
In my rush to publish this before one of my own NFL drafts, I excluded 4 additional Bullodog alums who are worthy of consideration. Mea culpa, mea culpa. I hope I won't have to wear a Gator jersey as punishment.

Hines Ward - Wide Receiver Pittsburgh Steelers. One of the toughest players in the NFL and an all-time favorite of mine (I know, what was I smoking, to leave him off this list?). Ward's hard work pays off in consistency - he is coming of a third consecutive 1,000+ yard season. He may be hindered in the early going, as Pittsburgh will play a lot of grind it out football until Ben Rothleisberger's return from suspension. But, with Santonio Holmes gone, Ward is the team's main go-to receiver. A lot of drafters will pass on Ward, thinking he is "old", but Hines is a solid no. 2 wide receiver and especially attractive as a starter once Big Ben returns.

Ben Watson - Tight End Cleveland Browns. Being picked up by the Cleveland Browns would be a curse for most players. For Ben Watson, it may just be a boost to the downside of a productive career. Last year Watson caught 29 balls for 404 yards (13.9 yards per catch) and five touchdowns. These are pretty solid TE numbers, and the kind of numbers Watson has consistently put up in his career. The Browns, as noted above, lack a QB with deep throw ability. This should mean more opportunities for Watson. . Taking everything into consideration, Watson is still a middle to low end No. 2 TE. Personally, I would pass on drafting Watson, but keep an eye on him for a waiver pickup if he starts strong.

John Kasay - Kicker Carolina Panthers. For most fantasy players, kickers are like seat belts - they are a mandated nuisance until you need them, then you want them to function well. John Kasay is a consistent, if not flashy NFL kicker. He ahs made over 80% of his FGA's for four straight campaigns and is excellent from inside 50 yards. Carolina's offensive ineptness could be a reason to draft him (thinking they will have to "settle" a lot), or it could be a good reason to let him pass. I would choose the latter and keep an eye on him for that bye week replacement we all love to make.

Leonard Pope - Tight End Kansas City Chiefs. Another of the string of TE's that seemed to flow from UGA for a while. Pope's limited blocking skills keep him off the field in most situations. He is in a contract year and has been reunited with head coach Todd Haley, but I don't believe it is enough to warrant a flier on Pope. It may be worthwile to monitor his early season stats, with using him as a bye week sub or late season addition.

I know I have left some other noteworthy Dawgs off the list, but most will not be a factor in their teams' season, and none will garner any Fantasy love.