The Patriots' Wes Welker finished the 2007 season tied for the league lead in receptions with T.J. Houshmandzadeh as he caught 112 balls.  With him in the slot and Randy Moss on the outside, Tom Brady and New England's passing game had an epic season that led to the team setting all kinds of records and finishing just one game short of perfection.

The question fantasy owners must ask themselves entering the '08 campaign is, "where does Welker fall in to receiver rankings for '08?"

In addition to his 112 receptions in '07, Welker also set career highs with 1175 yards and 8 TD's.

There's no doubt that the Patriots will be airing out again in '08, but it may be foolish for fantasy owners to expect the same output the offense as a whole. Look for  Welker to continue to be a big part of the action. It's not going to be too much of stretch thinking he could 100 receptions again, but the eight scores may be a bit of a stretch (consider that both Jabar Gaffney and Ben Watson had more red-zone targets).

In point-per-reception leagues, Welker could still turn out to be a top 10 wideout, but in most formats he'll likely be overpriced or taken too early. He is somewhere between No. 15 and No. 20 on my board at this point, but someone I will likely not target on draft day as owners will be quicker to pull to the trigger than I will be.

OK, I know that kickers don't excite many fantasy owners but they are still part of the game. With the GSI Preseason Cheat Sheet coming in mid-July we continue to give you a sneak peak and open up debate with our kicker rankings.

SNEAK PEAK: QB Rankings | TE Rankings | DEF/ST Rankings

1. Nick Folk - DAL
2. Stephen Gostkowski - NE
3. Nate Kaeding - SD
4. Shayne Graham - CIN
5. Josh Brown - STL
6. Adam Vinatieri - IND
7. Mason Crosby - GB
8. Ryan Longwell - MIN
9. Rob Bironas - TEN
10. Josh Scobee - JCK
11. Phil Dawson - CLE
12. Neil Rackers - ARI
13. John Kasay - CAR
14. Jason Hanson - DET
15. Matt Bryant - TB
16. Joe Nedney - SF
17. Jeff Reed - PIT
18. Kris Brown - HOU
19. Lawrence Tynes - NYG
20. Jason Elam - ATL
21. Robbie Gould - CHI
22. Mike Nugent - NYJ
23. Matt Stover - BAL
24. Olindo Mare - SEA
25. Sebastian Janikowski - OAK

With the release of the first edition of the GetSportsInfo.com Cheat Sheet due in early July, it's time to start talking about what I am thinking. I already looked at QB's and TE's now it's time to move on to team defense/special team units:

1. Vikings
2. Chargers
3. Patriots
4. Bears
5. Cowboys
6. Giants
7. Steelers
8. Jaguars
9. Packers
10. Ravens
11. Eagles
12. Cardinals
13. Titans
14. Bills
15. Bucs
16. Seahawks
17. Raiders
18. Colts
19. Broncos
20. Saints
21. Redskins
22. Texans
23. Panthers
24. Lions
25. 49ers
26. Jets
27. Chiefs
28. Rams
29. Dolphins
30. Browns
31. Bengals
32. Falcons

This is your chance to COMMENT and offer your take!!! 

The Cincinnati Bengals had a dismal 2007 season, but no aspect of the team was more disappointing than its running game. In a year in which no team outside of the top 20 in the league in rushing made the playoffs, the Bengals finished 24th in the NFL with 97.2 yards per game.

The problems started up front for Cincinnati as the injuries coupled with the free-agent departure of guard Eric Steinbach and the retirement of long-time center Rich Braham, left the offensive line in shambles. 

Injuries also played a part in starting running back Rudi Johnson's decline. The team finished 28th in yards per carry, with Johnson in the middle of the mess. He had his worst year as a pro, averaging 2.9 yards per try, producing 497 yards and scoring four times.  Johnson hurt his hamstring early one and was sidelined five games.  When the Bengals made the playoffs in 2005, Johnson was a key cog as he ran for 1,458 yards. 

Without a ground game the Bengals became too one-dimensional last year and there was no greater evidence of this than Carson Palmer's career-high 20 interceptions.

Can Johnson turn it around in 2008?

That remains to be seen. There is no doubt that Johnson's game took a hit when he dropped 20 pounds in an effort to get faster, but instead it made it difficult for him to break the tackles that he had early on. 

The franchise has invested a first round and second round pick on running backs in recent years to serve as insurance and to provide depth to the backfield, but have to get a return on their investment as both Chris Perry and Kenny Irons have been hit by injuries.

The Bengals' coaching staff is thrilled with the health and progress of Perry, who practiced in full during a recent minicamp. Perry hasn't played since 2006 when he fractured and dislocated his ankle.  

 "Chris Perry has had a good spring and worked very hard to get back and overcome the injuries he's had," Marvin Lewis recently told CBSSports.com. "So I think we're going into training camp with the four guys we have; we'll let them compete; and then we'll see what happens." 

Perry could be the x-factor for the team's success this year, but he has only managed to play in 22 games in four-year career, so to say that durability is a concern is a huge understatement. When healthy, Perry is nice change-of-pace back and a weapon as a receiver out of the backfield.  Unlike Johnson, Perry has the ability to make the big plays too.

Irons is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp in July. He tore an anterior cruciate ligament last August and missed the 2007 season. It's too early to tell, but Irons may not be much of factor again this season. 

Journeyman Kenny Watson was the team's leading rusher last season as he finished with 178 carries for 763 yards and seven touchdowns, all career-highs. He also added 52 catches for 374 yards, which are career marks. Watson did most of his damage because Rudi Johnson (hamstring) missed five games during the season. It will be interesting to see how Watson fits into the picture in 2008 with the other running backs healthy.

DeDe Dorsey was electrifying in his limited action too. He landed in Cincinnati after being cut loose by the Colts and quickly caught the attention of fans by averaging 8.7 yards per carry. 

The team did not draft a running back as expected, but they did take a look at free-agent Shaun Alexander, but opted to stick with what they have. Don't be surprised though if Alexander gets another look if the Bengals are not happy with what they see early on in camp and the former NFL MVP remains unsigned. 

If the Bengals are going to have any chance at a winning season and the playoffs in 2008, they must do better on the ground. 

With the release of the first edition of the GetSportsInfo.com Cheat Sheet due in early July, it's time to start talking about what I am thinking. I already looked at QB's, now it's time to move on to tight ends:

1. Jason Witten - DAL
2. Antonio Gates - SD
3. Kellen Winslow - CLE
4. Chris Cooley - WAS
5. Tony Gonzalez - KC
6. Dallas Clark - IND
7. Vernon Davis - ARI
8. Todd Heap - BAL
9. Heath Miller - PIT
10. Jeremy Shockey - NYG
11. Owen Daniels - HOU
12. Greg Olsen - CHI
13. Benjamin Watson - NE
14. Tony Scheffler - DEN
15. Alge Crumpler - TEN
16. Ben Utecht - CIN
17. LJ Smith - PHI
18. Zach Miller - OAK
19. Donald Lee - GB
20. Leonard Pope - ARI
21. Marcedes Lewis - JCK
22. Randy McMichael - STL
23. Eric Johnson - NO
24. Desmond Clark - CHI
25. John Carlson - SEA

There will be many names that leave fantasy owners scratching their heads this summer as they prepare for their fantasy drafts and fantasy auctions. However, there aren't many more players that leave me puzzled entering 2008 in fantasy football than Larry Johnson.

Johnson played in just eight games last season due to a foot injury, but he did participate in team workouts in late-May though and appears to be near 100%. The foot though isn't the primary concern though, it's the fact he plays for the Chiefs that should alarm you. Without Johnson in the line-up the team lost nine straight games to finish the season and finish 4-12.

Once again this season it appears as if Kansas City will have arguably the league's worst quarterack production along with its weakest corps of receivers. Couple that with an O-line that is a shell of its former self and having a coach that knows how to ruin running backs and the cards are stacked against Johnson returning to his elite fantasy status.

The 28-year old running back is starting to rack up mileage as well. Despite only carrying the ball 158 times in '07, he led the league in rushing attempts with 416 in '06 and ran the ball 336 times  a season earlier (303 attempts per year over last three seasons). 

Don't forget that this guy scored 51 TDs and compiled 4621 total yards in a 42-game span to enter last season. Johnson held out last summer and the Chiefs caved in and rewarded him by making him the highest paid player in franchise history (six-year, $45.05 million deal).

There's no doubt that LJ is one of the most talented backs in the league when healthy, but with Brodie Croyle at the helm and the fact I think the Chiefs will be playing from behind in games way too much, it's hard to imagine Johnson sniffing anything close to the '06 numbers this season. Another factor to consider is Kolby Smith. He filled in well last year for Johnson at times and if the team is going to want to protect Johnson and that could mean Smith eating into his carries on a regular basis.

Assuming he's healthy though, I still consider somewhere near the back end of my top 10 running backs.

The Denver Broncos cut ties with veteran running back Travis Henry on Monday, leaving the backfield duties in the hands of second-year running back Selvin Young.  It's hard fall for Henry, who was taken in the first round of some fantasy drafts last year.

Henry has limited by injuries in recent years and the Broncos' have had enough off his off-the-field baggage. He was supposed to start practicing Monday, but never got the chance. Shanahan said he did not meet with Henry when he gave him his release. Instead, he had a front-office executive notify one of Henry's agents of the move.

"The release speaks volumes," head coach Mike Shanahan said. "You've got the little things, and if you don't do the little things, obviously you can't count on somebody."  

Denver has always been a goldmine for fantasy running backs and after the first four weeks of the season last year, Henry was the NFL's leading rusher. Whichever back emerges is going to be a worthwhile fantasy starter. If it is indeed Young and he performs well over the summer, he could show up as top 12 running back on the board.

The Travis Henry of yesteryear would have been hard to replace, but the Broncos have a number of backs who could probably come up with the 691 yards Henry had last season. Broncos reporter Mike Klis of the Denver Post breaks it down:

1. Selvin Young
6-feet, 210 pounds
Key 2007 stat: 5.2 yds per carry.
Comment: Ideal for 12 carries per game but wants to prove he's a 20-carry back.

2. Michael Pittman
6-0, 228
Key 2007 stat: 90 yds. in win at Carolina.
Comment: A power, complementary back the past three seasons with Tampa Bay.

3. Ryan Torain
6-1, 213
Key 2007 stat: 553 yards in six games as Arizona State senior.
Comment: Fifth-round pick runs with power, quickness.

4. Andre Hall
5-10, 212
Key 2007 stat: 167 yards rushing/receiving at Chicago.
Comment: If a running back is injured this season, it can't be him. 

The Lions parted way with another first-round pick by cutting ties with Kevin Jones earlier this off-season. Jones' short career has been overshadowed by a series of injuries and new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto wanted to change directions.

"I know the NFL will be shocked,'' Dr. D.S. Ping, who is spearheading Jones' rehab work, told MLive.com. "He can go into (training) camp right now. All he needs is football conditioning. They told him it'd be a year and he's ready now.''

Just five months removed from reconstruction surgery on his right knee, former Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones turned in an amazing workout before a couple of reporters on Thursday. Check out the video below to watch is amazing workouts.

Kevin Jones talks rehab and life after the Lions

The Titans and Patriots have both expressed interest. Where ever Jones winds up, he will only be able to share carries at best. However, he could be worth a late-round flyer that could pan out big for fantasy owners given the right situation. He has a workout scheduled for June 28 and at that point we could see him with a new home. Keep your eyes on this as the summer progresses.

Though everything is subject to change when it comes to Bengals receiver Chad Johnson, ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that Johnson’s current plan is to avoid breaching his contract (and owing daily fines and possibly a chunk of previously-paid bonus money) by reporting for a mandatory minicamp that opens on June 12.

The website suggests that Johnson intends to report but to “not do anything.”  Such an approach is similar to the strategy employed by receiver Terrell Owens three years ago in Philly, who reported for training camp with the goal of being such a pain in the butt that the team would either trade him or cut him.

Johnson's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has been down this road in the past with T.O., but it would be hard to imagine Johnson going to that extreme. Let's not forget that Owens lost four game checks from that bonehead move and it remains to be seen if Johnson is willing to do that. Especially when there has been many reports that Chad is broke and that is financial concerns are what prompted much of the trade demands to begin.

The Cincinnati Enquirer recently reported that he owes more than $13,000 in taxes on his Walnut Hills home. According to tax records at the Hamilton County Auditor’s Office, Johnson owes a total of $13,063.35. Of that, $12,780.30 is delinquent.

It's interesting that Johnson hasn't said a word publicly since before the draft and there are some websites that are speculating that he could be hoping the Bengals "forgot" his trade demands and how he threw the organization under the bus. 

Much has been made this off-season about the fact that four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Johnson wants out of Cincinnati. The uncertainity of Johnson is going to loom over the Bengals all summer long. However, head coach Marvin Lewis has made it clear that the team is not going to trade the star wideout, meaning he'll either play for the Bengals or not at all. Last year was another statistical success for Johnson as his 1440 receiving yards broke his own team season record (1432 in '05), and he became the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (559) and receiving yards (8365). 

With or without Johnson, the Bengals still have the luxury of having one of the league's best quarterbacks in Carson Palmer. The fifth-year pro played every offensive snap and re-set his own club records with 373 completions and 4131 passing yards.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is coming off his first Pro Bowl season as he topped Carl Pickens' Bengals record of 100 catches, set in 1996, by grabbing 112 balls and tying the Patriots' Wes Welker for the league lead in receptions.  Houshmandzadeh is physical receiver who no doubt has benefited playing opposite of his college teammate Johnson. It remains to be seen that if he could handle to being a legitimate #1 wideout, but the former seventh-round pick has emerged as top 15 wideout in the league.

Aside from Johnson's antics, Palmer's targets are changing as the team begins to turn the page.

The team finally said enough is enough and cut Chris Henry. Despite flashes of brilliance and amazing raw athletic ability, Henry could not stay out of trouble with the law. Henry was a clear cut No. 3 and his departure leads to one of this summer's most interesting position battles.

The front-runner for the job entering camp will be the team's second round pick Jerome Simpson. The Bengals surprised many by going after the Coastal Carolina star as early as they did, but at 6-foot-2 Simpson possesses the size and athleticism to make an immediate impact. 

Simpson will battle fellow rookie Andre Caldwell and veterans Glenn Holt, Antonio Chatman, and Marcus Maxwell, the third-year pro who's emergnce  allowed the team to part ways with Doug Gabriel, who signed this off-season as a free agent after not playing most of 2007. 

The biggest off-season improvement in the passing game came with the free agent signing of tight end Ben Utecht, formerly of the Colts. Utecht is a true "receiving tight end" and gives the Bengals a much needed over-the-middle option. He played in 14 games with 13 starts during the 2007 regular season for Indianapolis, finishing with 31 catches for 364 yards and one TD. Utecht joins Reggie Kelly, primarily a blocking tight end, to give Cincinnati nice balance at the position.

With the release of the first edition of the GetSportsInfo.com Cheat Sheet due in early July, it's time to start talking about what I am thinking. We start at quarterback:

1. Tom Brady - NE
2. Peyton Manning - IND
3. Tony Romo - DAL
4. Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
5. Drew Brees - NO
6. Carson Palmer - CIN
7. Derek Anderson - CLE
8. Matt Hasselbeck - SEA
9. Donovan McNabb - PHI
10. Jay Cutler - DEN
11. Eli Manning - NYG
12. David Garrard - JCK
13. Marc Bulger - STL
14. Matt Leinart - ARI
15. Jason Campbell - WAS
16. Matt Schaub - HOU
17. Phillip Rivers - SD
18. Jon Kitna - DET
19. Vince Young - TEN
20. Jake Delhomme - CAR
21. Aaron Rodgers - GB
22. Trent Edwards - BUF
23. Jeff Garcia - TB
24. Tavaris Jackson - MIN
25. Alex Smith - SF
26. Kellen Clemens - NYJ
27. Rex Grossman - CHI
28. Brodie Croyle - KC
29. Kyle Boller - BAL
30. JeMarcus Russell - OAK
31. Chris Redman - ATL
32. John Beck - MIA
33. Chad Pennington - NYJ
34. Kurt Warner - ARI
35. Matt Ryan - ATL

The Dolphins' Ronnie Brown was one of the biggest surprises of the season last year as he was playing at an elite level before suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Patriots. Despite only playing in seven games in 2007, Brown combined for 991 total yards and six touchdowns for the lowly Dolphins. If you factor in that during the team's first two games he only mustered 65 yards and 0 TD's, you get a better gage for the month he was having at the time of the injury.

Brown had his participation limited during team drills that featured limited contact, according to the Sun-Sentinel. However, Brown made sharp cuts on the surgically-repaired right knee he injured against the Patriots back in October. It generally takes nine to 12 months for an ACL injury to fully heal and he seems on schedule.

Where will Brown fall on fantasy cheat sheets heading into this season?

That's the million dollar question. There are so many factors to consider: Bill Parcells arrival, new head coach, Ricky Williams' role, Miami's shaky QB situation, and let's not forget about the ACL he had to have surgically repaired.  With all this in mind, the former No. 2 overall pick appears to be one of fantasy football's biggest enigmas this off-season.

It is a situation that you will want to monitor very closely during training camp and the preseason. If I had to draft today, I look at Brown as late Round 2 or early Round 3 pick and probably put him somewhere between 15 and 20 on my board at the position. Understand though that he comes with high risk and high reward. Brown could easily be a top five fantasy RB if he fully recovers and secures the bulk of the workload in Miami.

Unlike the position of running back and wide receiver, it is hard to expect too much from a quarterback during their rookie campaigns. They often sit on the sidelines longer than the other skill positions and usually seem to have a larger learning curve as they get familiar with not only the speed of the game, but mastering the playbook and the ability to read defenses as well. Still, there are a handful of rookie signal callers that you will want to keep your eyes on.

FOUR TO WATCH
1 (3). Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, Boston College
The Michael Vick scandal put a black eye on the Falcons' season and the team's image. Now, they finally close the book on the Vick Era by making Ryan the thrid overall selection in April's draft. Ryan is smart enough to learn the system quickly and his talent is good enough and the competition at the postion is bad enough that there is a real possibility that he could start in Week 1. Still, despite some talent on offense with Roddy White coming off a breakout campaign and the off-season of the highly coveted running back Michael Turner, Ryan is facing an uphill battle and should still be avoided in re-draft leagues.  The long-term outlook is a bit brighter and with him likely to be the first on the list to take over the reigns of the offense he should be the first QB taken in rookie drafts.

1 (18). Batlimore Ravens: Joe Flacco, Delaware
The 6-foot-7 Flacco has a great arm and decent speed for his size, but I still can't figure out why the Ravens traded all the way up to No. 18 overall to get him.  I guess when you have Kyle Boller and Troy Smith holding down the fort, you go after the guy you want because you are going to need him.  There's no doubt that Flacco could get involved early on this year, but with a whole new coaching system being put in place, a team that is getting older, and Kyle Boller standing is in way, I don't expect much from Flacco in 2008.  Like Ryan, he is appealing in dynasty and keeper leagues where you can afford to stash a guy away for a year or two.

2 (56). Green Bay Packers: Brian Brohm, Louisville
The pick of Brohm is nice value here as I think he could end of being the best of the class at the position, but I do find it interesting that the Packers went there. Aaron Rodgers will finally get his chance in Green Bay with Brett Favre having retired. However, this pick clearly signifies that Rodgers may be on the short leash. I still recommend playing the wait-and-see approach with Brohm though. His long-term outlook is cloudy at this point.

2 (57). Miami Dolphins: Chad Henne, Michigan
Henne is going to have every opportunity to grab the starting job in Miami this summer. He was forced to battle through injuries during his senior season at Michigan, but his performance of the team's upset of Florida in the bowl game shows us that he is operating at 100%. I don't believe his style fits Parcells' philosophy, but he is major upgrade over last year's second round pick John Beck, who will also be in the mix. He gets the slight edge over Brohm on my board, but still should be No. 3 in the pecking order of fantasy rankings.

OTHER QUARTERBACKS DRAFTED
3 (94). New England Patriots: Kevin O'Connell, San Diego State
5 (137). Minnesota Vikings: John David Booty, USC
5 (156). Pittsburgh Steelers: Dennis Dixon, Oregon
5 (160). Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Johnson, San Diego
5 (162). Tennessee Titans: Eric Ainge, Tennessee
6 (186). Washington Redskins: Colt Brennan, Hawaii
6 (198). New York Giants: Andre Woodson, Kentucky
7 (209). Green Bay Packers: Matt Flynn, LSU
7 (223). Houston Texans: Alex Brink, Washington St.

MORE ANALYSIS
Rookie RB's
Rookie WR's
Podcast: Fantasy Playbook (mp3)

The start of the NFL season is still months away, but the smack talk has already began. Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson made headlines earlier this week when he announced his goals for the 2008 season, which include 2000 yards rushing, becoming a better receiver out of the backfield, and winning the MVP award.

"I definitely feel like I can do it," Peterson told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune when asked about being voted the league's top player. "Anything is possible. Especially with how my mindset is. I set my bar high. I expect a lot from myself. I'm surrounded by a great group of guys offensively and defensively on both sides, special teams, so it's possible for anything to happen."

Peterson was on pace for a 2,000-yard rushing season eight games into his rookie year, but a lateral collateral ligament tear in his right knee suffered Nov. 11 at Green Bay forced him to miss two games. Even after his return though, the knee was clearly an issue. Peterson said Thursday the knee feels "perfectly fine."

He looked good the last time we saw him on the field in February that Peterson rushed for 129 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns for the NFC en route to earning MVP honors at the Pro Bowl. Peterson said that week his goal was to rush for 2,000 yards -- an elite club that includes Eric Dickerson, Jamal Lewis, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis and O.J. Simpson.

Peterson has the talent to clearly make a run at these goals, but durability has always been a question. Another factor could be the success of the team's passing game, led by young quarterback Tavaris Jackson. If Jackson continues to develop and improves enough with the addition of Bernard Berrian to the passing attack, Peterson could have some pressure taken off of him. Another factor will be how much Chester Taylor eats into his carries. I would be surprised if Taylor sniffs last year's numbers, but he will still have a role.

I still consider LaDainian Tomlinson fantasy's No. 1 RB, but Peterson is right behind him and could overtake him as soon as this year if the cards fall right for him.

For the first time since 1990, there were no receivers taken in Round 1 of the draft. However, that doesn't mean there weren't some wideouts taken that will be fantasy worthy in 2008. Let's take a look at this year's crop of rookie wideouts and what their fantasy potential might be.

TOP PICKS
2 (33). St Louis Rams: Donnie Avery, Houston
With Isaac Bruce now in San Francisco, the Rams' receiving corps is in a bit of flux. Veterans Drew Bennett and Reche Caldwell are ahead of Avery on the depth chart, so don't expect him to get too many snaps without earning them. He is only 5'11, but has the capability of being a downfield threat for sure. Look for his biggest initial impact though to be on special teams.

2 (34). Washington Redskins: Devin Thomas, Michigan State
The Redskins desperately needed some size and get it with the 6'2" Thomas, who is coming off a senior season to remember at Michigan State where he led the Big Ten in receiving yards. His 4.4 forty turned heads at the combine and he'll fit nicely with Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. Expect him to fight fellow second-round pick Malcom Kelly to be the 'Skins No. 3 wideout from day one.

2 (36). Green Bay Packers: Jordy Nelson, Kansas State
This guy looks like a young Javon Walker and dominated the Big 12 during his senior season as he averaged 133 receiving yards per game and scored 11 TD's. With Brett Favre out of the picture, Green Bay's passing game has some question marks, but there is no doubt that Nelson possesses enough upside to be looked at in deeper leagues as a rookie. The primary concern will be the Packers' depth at the position and where Nelson will fit into it. Obviously the team thought highly enough of his talents to take him here.

2 (41). Buffalo Bills: James Hardy, Indiana
The Bills have few options at wideout and Hardy may finally provide the compliment that Lee Evans has so desperately need. Hardy's size and leaping ability are going to make him a red zone target for Trent Edwards right out of the gate.

2 (42). Denver Broncos: Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech
Royal doesn't appeal to me as much as the others taken in Round 2. The Broncos have some depth in the passing game and how quickly Brandon Marshall recovers from his injury will go a long way towards determing Royal's value.

BEST OF THE REST
2 (46). Cincinnati Bengals: Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina
With Chris Henry and maybe Chad Johnson out of the picture, Simpson will be a part of the mix in Cincy from Day 1. Many have said the Bengals reached for the small-school guy here, but that only strengthens his case for the team to use him and how they think he will fit into their system.

2 (49). Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson, Cal
The Eagles lack a true No. 1 wideout and Jackson should benefit from that. His 29 total TDs (receiving, returning) in three years at Cal show he has the playmaking ability fantasy owners covet. Definitely worth a late-round look in nearly any format.

2 (51). Washington Redskins: Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma
High risk, high reward. That phrase is a bit overused, but definitely fits in the case of Kelly. The 'Skins took two wideouts in Round 2 and one of them is going to be the No. 3 wideout right out of the gate. Durability has been a concern as well.

2 (53). Pittsburgh Steelers: Limas Sweed, Texas
Big Ben gets his big target in Sweed. This is type of player that the Steelers have missed since the departure of Plaxico Burress. Sweed, who is nearly 6'6", will be a force in the red zone and cause problems for defenses that focus on Santanio Holmes and Hines Ward too much.

OTHER RECEIVERS DRAFTED
2 (58). Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dexter M. Jackson, Appalachian State
3 (70). Chicago Bears: Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt
3 (81). Arizona Cardinals: Early Doucet, LSU
3 (84). Atlanta Falcons: Harry Douglas, Louisville
3 (95). New York Giants: Mario Manningham, Michigan
3 (97). Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Caldwell, Florida
4 (105). Kansas City Chiefs: Will Franklin, Missouri
4 (106). Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Smith, New Mexico
4 (125). Oakland Raiders: Arman Shields, Richmond
4 (126). Tennessee Titans: Lavelle Hawkins, Cal
4 (128). St. Louis Rams: Keenan Burton, Kentucky
5 (136). Detroit Lions: Kenneth Moore, Wake Forest
5 (153). New England Patriots: Matthew Slater, UCLA
6 (171). New York Jets: Marcus Henry, Kansas
6 (174). San Francisco 49ers: Josh Morgan, Virginia Tech
6 (182). Kansas City Chiefs: Kevin Robinson, Utah State
6 (191). Cleveland Browns: Paul Hubbard, Wisconsin
6 (193) Minnesota Vikings: Jaymar Johnson, Jackson State
6 (205). Indianapolis Colts: Pierre Garcon, Mount Union
7 (215). Baltimore Ravens: Justin Harper, Virginia Tech
7 (217). Green Bay Packers: Brett Swain, San Diego State
7 (224). Buffalo Bills: Steve Johnson, Kentucky
7 (226). Oakland Raiders: Chaz Schilens, San Diego State
7 (237). New Orleans Saints: Adrian Arrington, Michigan