Here are this week’s great reads:

• RBBC is trying to take over the world … err … NFL. [PAFFL.com]
• Why Bills Parcells and Co. should keep Ronnie Brown off the field early next season. [Real Football 365]
• A collection of fantasy football goodness from our favorite librarian. [Fantasy Football Librarian]
• Willie Parker tops this list of veterans looking over their shoulders in 2008. [Fantasy Football Goat]
• Say it a’int so, Cedric Benson. I grew up down the street from Matt Forte, so you know who I am pulling for this season. [FanHouse]
• Of all the people to get in trouble with the law. [The Big Lead]
• Good idea or not: Trading down in the first-round of a fantasy draft. [The Fantasy Football Geek Blog]
• Some players did benefit nicely following their team’s 2008 NFL Draft. [Fantasy Football Fools]

I will be a guest on the Fantasy Football Goat’s podcast tonight (check out last week’s podcast). As soon as the show is published, I will be sure to link to it from here for your enjoyment!

For more great reads, check out my Google Reader Shared Items page.

So I realize the last two months or so have been all about the NFL Draft. And that is fine and all, but it is about time to get back to the good stuff: fantasy mock drafts.

Aaron Kadkhodai from The Microcosm joined me with the even-numbered picks in this mock draft. Take a second to head over to his blog for all kinds of content, mostly humorous. I even do a little side blogging over there with some Hell’s Kitchen recaps and other random goodies.

The last time I put out a mock, it felt a little rusty and off-the-mark. Now that free agency and the NFL Draft are behind us, I am feeling much better about this mock draft. See if you agree after the jump.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers: No Michael Turner = more playing time for Tomlinson? Maybe not with the multi-talented Darren Sproles and the newly-acquired everyman Jacob Hester on the depth chart behind LT2. But you know LT2 will get his, as long as he can avoid injury.
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: I see no reason for a sophomore slump. I think he may exceed his numbers from last year and the Vikings are only getting better. He’s a hoss.
3. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: Dude was supposed to challenge LT2’s numbers last year. Got hurt, missed a lot of time, but came back and finished strong. If the Rams’ can improve the offensive line somehow, SJax should be able to roam free.
4. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots: Even though in the past QBs have had stellar years and then tapered off, I don’t expect this from Brady. After losing the Super Bowl there should be the same intensity and fire in the Patriots’ eyes. I get the feeling they will maintain the same course as last year, with the exception of rather than trying to win them all, trying to perfect their team for postseason play. I think, though the numbers won’t be as great as last year, Brady will still be the top QB and I will make the rare QB first-round pick.
5. Joseph Addai, RB, Colts: Somebodies injury history and propensity still concerns me despite a strong 2007 season, so Addai is the pick here. Still an up-and-coming star, Addai has been more than lucrative as the starting runningback for the high-powered Colts’ offense. Hopefully, someone in the AFC South will challenge Indy this year, which would keep Addai on the field through the fantasy playoffs.
6. Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns: Last year, Jamal proved to me that he is back in the saddle again. He has finally shrugged off prison and is a quiet football star waiting for his moment. With the offensive talent that surrounds him at the receiver position, he should explode with a lot of stats. Nine TDs rushing last year, will become 12 + this year as defenses focus on the Browns’ significant passing game.
7. Brain Westbrook, RB, Eagles: Value, value, value. If Westy falls this far in the first round, consider yourself a lucky man/woman/being. Yes, he does have the ever-popular injury concerns. But he started and played in 15 games last year and was a fantasy stud. The reward greatly outweighs the risk here at No. 7.
8. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots: It looks like a winning combination. Although defenses try their best to stop Randy Dandy Moss, it just can’t happen against an offense with this kind of versatility. He will get at least 16 TDs and 1000 yards. That makes him a reliable starting receiver every week. It adds something special to a fantasy team to have a receiver that averages at least 80 yards a game with a TD (but I expect Moss’ numbers to be more like 100 yards with a TD).
9. Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs: So far, my picks have been pretty straight-forward and solid (Tomlinson, Jackson, Addai and Westbrook), but this may be my first risk. LJ was less than great after his lengthy hold-out on a bad football team. Did the Chiefs improve enough this offseason? That remains to be seen. High risk, high reward: It all hinges on that offensive line and Brodie Croyle.
10. Marion Barber, RB, Dallas: This pick should be solid. As a No. 10, I don’t feel I am taking too much of a risk. He has been a resilient, powerful runner for a while and without Julius Jones in the backfield he should be able to emerge from the shadows and take a spot in the limelight. Dallas is going to be potent and Barber scores TDs and racks up yards at nearly 5 a carry. Could be similar numbers to last year if taking a full time starting role backfires, but I expect a strong performance to compliment the passing game.
11. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts: Several good runners still are available at this point in the draft, and the person picking at No. 11 could scoop one up after the turn. So why not grab the guy who arguably is the best quarterback in the league year-after-year? Yes, Tom Brady did surpass him last year, but this Manning is the most consistent of all the quarterbacks available and will battle Brady et al for top dog again this season.
12. Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens: I expect that the Ravens are going to have a re-emergent year. Maybe not stellar, but playoff possibilities. I look for Willis to have his strongest year to date. He is nearing that period in most running backs careers in which they shine the brightest. That point where youth and experience meet to form the best two or three years in a RBs career. Barring an injury, I see McGahee posting some strong numbers.

Get your subscription to The Hazean for just $0 a month! You can subscribe to The Hazean by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get all the fantasy info you need fast and easy. But hurry because this offer may not last forever!*

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Lots of updates this morning as we turn the corner from the NFL Draft onto minicamps.

Before you know it gang, fantasy leagues will be opening for business. Yahoo! usually opens registration near the beginning of June, which only is a month away.

By the way, we saw Iron Man this weekend … friggin’ awesome! It was a good way to kick off the summer movie season. Next up: Indiana Jones on May 22.

And make sure to stay through the credits of Iron Man (we made the mistake of leaving).

Hit the jump for the MMR.

Deion Branch [WR, Seahawks]

From RotoWorld:

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren says Deion Branch’s recovery from a torn ACL is “going well,” but he does not expect Branch to be ready for Week 1.

No shocker here. Branch won’t be available for any of training camp and seems destined for PUP. Bobby Engram is the favorite to start at flanker on opening day. Logan Payne figures to push Nate Burleson at split end.

Like the quote said, no shocker here. Branch may have a hard time getting significant playing time this year, but the Seahawks could use his talent on the field.

Every player recovers differently from major knee injuries, and Branch’s was just that — major. He appears to be a slow healer.

Terry Glenn [WR, Cowboys]

From the Dallas Morning News:

The Cowboys like their young receivers and Jones said there’s a 50-50 chance that Terry Glenn will start in 2008. Without Glenn, the Cowboys had a very good offense last season, it was probably better than the one they had in 2006.

I just do not see Terry Glenn being much of anything in the NFL at this point. He had a decent career, but his days as an every-down wide receiver seem to be behind him.

Patrick Crayton did OK as a fill-in No. 2 last year, but should be more prepared for that role this year after being thrust into it last season.

Kevin Jones [RB, Free Agent]

From Pancake Blocks:

Jones’ agent said he got a few nibbles early in the process, but clearly no one is in a hurry to sign him. He may have to wait for an injury elsewhere, but I do expect him to go to training camp for a team. I’m trying to think of a great situation, and Cincinnati is the best one comes to mind. There has to be more, but it just shows how fast fantasy value can sink.

Kinda surprised me to hear that KJ still was available on the market. For one, I did not even realize he was a free agent.

Yes, he is injury-prone. He may be asking for too much money, otherwise I do not understand why he has not landed on a roster yet as a project.

Jake Delhomme [QB, Panthers]
Jonathan Stewart [RB, Panthers]

From the Gaston Gazette:

Some issues, like Jake Delhomme’s arm strength and what exactly first-round draft pick Jonathan Stewart brings to the table, will have wait. Neither will participate in practice given both are recovering from injuries, but both are expected to be ready in time for training camp.

Delhomme is coming off Tommy John elbow surgery, while Stewart recently had an operation to repair a turf toe problem. So we’ll have to wait to learn who’ll be the team’s featured back - Stewart or DeAngelo Williams.

Apparently, Jake Delhomme did throw and threw really well at minicamp last weekend. That is good news for Panthers fans and Steve Smith owners.

The value of all Panthers’ offensive players hinges on the health of Delhomme. Hard to trust Delhomme at this point, but if Smith is available at the right price you cannot pass him up.

LaDainian Tomlinson [RB, Chargers]
Phillip Rivers [QB, Chargers]
Antonio Gates [TE, Chargers]

From Chargers.com:

All Chargers players are expected to be present for the mandatory camp. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who suffered a knee injury in the AFC Championship Game, will be on the field working, and Turner said that quarterback Philip Rivers will participate in limited activities. Rivers had surgery to repair a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament in February.

“Philip has been working a lot out on the field,” Turner said. “He’ll go out and do the things that don’t involve the defense. And LT will be right in the middle of it.”

Defensive tackle Jamal Williams (knees), center Nick Hardwick (foot), tight end Antonio Gates (foot) and fullback Andrew Pinnock (knee) will not participate this weekend.

Rivers participate fully in practice, which would be a surprise except that we learned how tough he was during the AFC playoffs last season.

No news on how Tomlinson’s weekend went, but no news could be good news. He was expected to practice.

Matt Leinart [QB, Cardinals]

From Hashmarks:

Matt Leinart’s surgically repaired throwing shoulder did not appear to limit him. The Cardinals unveiled a new (to them) practice tool featuring a net backstop with three staggered pockets, each large enough to accommodate a football with several inches to spare. Leinart and Kurt Warner were more accurate than the other quarterbacks in camp, delivering a few direct strikes into the pockets from about 20 yards. Leinart is becoming more precise in his dropbacks. Whisenhunt was pleased with that aspect of Leinart’s game, which is easy to evaluate. Last season, there were times Leinart compromised protections by setting up at the wrong depths.

Leinart is battling Kurt Warner for the starting job in Arizona, and needs to show more maturity. He also needs to show continued progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

He did both of those things at minicamp, but it would be in his best interest to maintain that intensity through the start of the regular season. That includes avoiding negative press.

Jay Cutler [QB, Broncos]

From the Rocky Mountain News:

Cutler’s current plan is to wear an insulin pump during practices and pregame warm-ups to regulate his blood-sugar level, once he gets back to his 238-pound playing weight and his condition fully stabilizes.

Then he’ll take the device off for the three hours he plays in games, keeping a close eye on his glucose levels - either between quarters or at halftime - and drinking Gatorade to give his body a boost rather than letting the machine do the work for him.

I am not going to let this news bother me as a fantasy owner. Cutler is young, strong and intelligent, and he should be able to juggle his battle with diabetes with his professional football career.

Get your subscription to The Hazean for just $0 a month! You can subscribe to The Hazean by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get all the fantasy info you need fast and easy. But hurry because this offer may not last forever!*

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Today, May 1, is RSS Awarness Day.

Not familiar with RSS? Basically, it is your — the reader’s — way of receiving our — the blogger’s — content without having to directly visit the website. Everytime we upload a new post, it comes directly to your feed reader. This allows you, the reader, to keep up with multiple websites or blogs without having to surf the web endlessly for updates. And this way you never miss a story!

By now, most of you have seen our fancy little signature at the bottom of some of our posts. Here it is again:

Get your subscription to The Hazean for just $0 a month! You can subscribe to The Hazean by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get all the fantasy info you need fast and easy. But hurry because this offer may not last forever!*

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Check out the links if you get a chance. There is some valuable information within the signature regarding RSS and learning how to subscribe. Then subscribe to The Hazean so you can get all of our content delivered to you!

If you are going to use an RSS feed reader, I suggest Google Reader. I use the Google suite, including Gmail and iGoogle, so it makes a lot of sense for me to use Google Reader. But it is for anyone, even if you do not use any of Google’s other products. Very user friendly, I highly recommend GReader.

Here are this week’s great reads:

• Some fantasy football thoughts following the NFL Draft. [Fantasy Football Goat]
• Winner and losers of the 2008 draft. [Every Morning Quarterback]
• Matt Forte, who lived down the street from me growing up, is No. 4 in these dynasty rookie rankings. [RotoWorld]
• While the draft did hurt a few guys (FWP, Benson), some veterans caught a break. [Pancake Blocks]
• Here are some of those guys hurt by last weekend’s NFL Draft. [Fantasy Football Fools]
• Peyton Manning getting mad. [FanHouse]
• Chad Johnson continues to piss me off … and everyone else, too. [ProFootballTalk]
• Too early to call a Super Bowl winner? [The Big Lead]
• With the arrival of Run DMC, the Raiders showed Dominic Rhodes the door. Next stop Indianapolis? [The NFL Guru]

For more great reads, check out my Google Reader Shared Items page.

Mock drafts and the real draft are over for the year after the conclusion of the 2008 NFL Draft this weekend.

There are fewer storylines on the injury front this week as the draft took center stage last week, but a few notable names came across the wire. Funny thing is, all three of the players in the MMR had their fantasy stock negatively affected by the draft this weekend, too.

Hit the jump to visit the MMR.

Willie Parker [RB, Steelers]

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

On the first offensive huddle of the first practice of the Steelers’ new season, No. 39 lined up at tailback behind quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Willie Parker did nothing spectacular yesterday, unless you count the fact he was back on the field, running and cutting with the rest of his teammates.

“Right now I’m a little shaky,” Parker said, “but I’m at full speed, cutting and all that stuff. If not 100 percent, I’m real close to it.”

The sooner he gets back on the field, the better. FWP will see some fierce competition this summer at runningback after the Steelers added Rashard Mendenhall to the roster in the first round of this weekend’s draft.

Mendenhall should see plenty of action in his first year. Pittsburgh likely will use him to spell Parker, but may give him more opportunities given that he is a workhorse-type back.

Clearly, Pittsburgh sees Mendenhall as FWP’s future replacement.

Cedric Benson [RB, Bears]

From KnowHuddle:

Bears GM Jerry Angelo said that RB Cedric Benson and S Mike Brown will both be “up and going with no restrictions” by the end of May. Benson is recovering from surgery on a broken ankle, and Brown is recovering from a torn ACL. The team has continued to be very optimistic about both of their recoveries, but there are serious concerns about how Benson will perform following his injury.

Injury or no injury, Benson’s job is in jeopardy. Not that he will be cut, because the Bears have too much invested in him to do that just yet.

But after Chicago drafted Tulane’s Matt Forte, Benson again finds himself in a split backfield. Forte’s versatility will guarantee him time on the field, especially in 3rd-down situations.

The Bears said they see Forte as an everydown back, which might be their way of trying to light a fire under Benson’s backside. Or not.

Kellen Winslow [TE, Browns]

From The Plain Dealer:

Longevity issues with Kellen Winslow and a potential contract dispute factored into the Browns making a surprise trade in the fourth round of the draft Sunday.

They gave up their 2009 third-round pick to select pass-catching tight end Martin Rucker of Missouri.

It has been amazing to see Winslow recover from his gruesome knee injury. But the Browns are thinking about the future, and the possibility exists that Winslow only has so much left in the tank.

Now, we know Winslow would never admit that because he is a solider. But Cleveland may as well be prepared for life after Winslow.

Get your subscription to The Hazean for just $0 a month! You can subscribe to The Hazean by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get all the fantasy info you need fast and easy. But hurry because this offer may not last forever!*

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Well, we did not completely reach the end of the first round … yet. We are going to try and have the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants drafters enter their first-round selections via the comments to this post, so keep an eye out for that if you are around today.

Otherwise, picks 26 - 29 in the first round are after the jump.

I will be afk the rest of the day, so enjoy the real thing later today on ESPN!

1.26
The Jacksonville Jaguars [The Microcosm] select Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan.

I’ve decided to do it my way. Jacksonville lacks that special WR that makes a great team an exceptional team. Though they lost Stroud on D, they will hold their own with most teams with their current roster and later round picks, but they have yet to find a reliable playmaking wideout. With a star receiver Garrard can take his franchise to the Super Bowl. Mario Manningham is the choice. He’s young, lightning fast and makes catches most receivers dream about. He will have to get stronger, but for now his speed will compensate. Even if Manningham isn’t a star in his first season or two, his speed as a deep threat will open the field up to the rest of Jacksonville’s bigger, slower receivers. Look for him to be a return specialist as well.

1.27
The San Diego Chargers [Justin Vogt] select Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma.

The Chargers have drafted well the last few years, leaving them with a good collection of talent. Because of this, they look to add another electric player. They have Shawne Merriman and Shaun Philips as their inside linebackers, but lack a star in the middle. They need someone to stop the run, as Merriman and Philips are as good as they coming rushing the QB. Because of that the pick is Curtis Lofton, ILB Oklahoma.

1.28
The Dallas Cowboys [Cowboys 4 Life from the Fantasy Football Cafe] select Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas.

The Cowboys biggest needs are at CB, RB, WR and it would help if one of them was a good kick returner. The cornerback position was addressed with Talib who slipped past where he will go in my opinion. The Cowboys currently have Marion Barber who is closer to a deal but still unsigned. The only other guy you haven’t heard of. They really need a RB that can act as a change of pace guy and Felix Jones fits the mold.

Strengths:
Excellent speed and quickness…Explosive with a terrific burst…Elusive in the open field…Good feet…Nice balance and change of direction skills…Great vision…Terrific hands as a receiver and runs good routes…A legit big play threat who can take it the distance…Good production…Team player with good intangibles…There isn’t a lot of wear and tear on his body….Versatile and also an outstanding kick returner.

Weaknesses:
Never carried the load in college…Size and bulk are just average…Not very strong or powerful…Doesn’t break a lot of tackles or pick up many yards after contact…A sub par blocker…Needs to show more patience…Won’t do much damage between the tackles…His upside could be limited to a change of pace role at the next level.

I feel Marion Barber will be signed at some point. Jones is from Ark and has the same last name as Jerry. If you know the Cowboys as well as me then you know that these are intangibles that Jerry likes :). He can play as a 3rd down - change of pace role and also help on kick returns. I feel the roles he would play are perfect for his strengths.

1.29
The San Francisco 49ers [Marc from the Bruno Boys] select Desean Jackson, WR, California.

I believe at #29 the 49ers should take the gamble on Jackson. He is a local kid (Oakland), from a local college (Cal) and very well could be that lightening in a bottle that the 49ers offense is looking for. To quote NFL great Jerry Rice, he said that Jackson has the game breaking speed and explosiveness that Devin Hester has, but he is a better route runner and receiver. Despite Jackson’s lack of size, his ability to make defenders miss, combined with his world class speed could be what the 49ers need to get back to the top of the NFC West.

1.30
The Green Bay Packers [The NFL Minute] select ???

1.31
The New York Giants [The Arena] select ???

Here is the first of two parts coming your way today. Picks 1 - 20 of our second-annual mock draft are in the books with the final eleven selections still up in the air.

To make up for my very poor math skills, all eleven of the remaining picks will be posted sometime today. We still are trying to finish up the bottom of the first round, so bear with us today as we try to get things finished.

The Washington Redskins are on the clock after the jump.

1.21
The Washington Redskins [Justin Vogt] select Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson.

The Redskins experienced a season that won’t soon be forgotten in 2008. Coming out of the gate 4-2, dropping to 5-7, then winning four straight including an emotional win over Dallas got them into the playoffs. Add to that the tragic loss of Superstar Sean Taylor and retirement of Joe Gibbs and Redskins’ fans were emotionally worn out at the end of 2007.

There is optimism with what can happen this year but also a lot of questions. With legendary coach Joe Gibbs no longer coaching the team, new coach Jim Zorn has a lot possibilities in the first round. There are plenty of needs: a true #1 threat WR, replacements in the secondary, help on the aging OL, and a DL that underperformed to say the least.

With a sharp drop-off in OL after what has already been taken the Skins won’t go there. They want a WR and Malcom Kelly could be amazing. With a former quarterback coach now at the helm the pick of Kelly will be tempting, but without dominating speed he may lack game-breaking ability. Looking at the secondary this draft is deep in talent at CB, leading the Redskins to wait a round before fixing that need.

That leaves the final major void in the Redskins team, the defensive line. The Redskins were okay, at best, against the run last year but horrible in rushing the passer. Help on the edge getting to the passer can make a good team, great. Seeing the NFL is a league of copycats, the Redskins see what the Giants used to win it all last year and will take a dominating defensive end. The options are DE Phillip Merling from Clemson or DE/LB Quentin Groves of Auburn. Merling is simply a physical marvel and will be too much to pass up.

1.22
The Dallas Cowboys [MWC Football] select Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas.

This is the first of two picks that the Dallas Cowboys have in round one. The 22nd pick comes from last year’s trade with Cleveland.

The Cowboys have two positions they will be looking at with these picks. One will be to look for some more secondary help which is an obvious weakness. The players they have can not cover or tackle well, even though they have made pro bowl appearances with Roy Williams and Terence Newman.

The other position is to look for a good complementary back for Marion Barber since Julius Jones left town to sign with Seattle.

Looking at the greater need and also the teams that pick after the Cowboys, the Dallas Cowboys will select Cornerback Aqib Talib from Kansas to help improve the secondary that was suspect all of last year. Talib should be able to step in right away and play significant minutes and possibly could see some starting time near the end of the season. Talib has failed three drug tests and this is why he will fall to this point in the draft, but Jerry Jones usually does not care about players’ off-the-field issues. Talib also looks to be the last player at CB to be considered first-round talent, and fills a big need for Dallas.

1.23
The Pittsburgh Steelers [NFL NewsBreak] select Kenny Phillips, S, Miami.

The Steelers have one of the best set of offensive skill players in the league. What they need is help with the offensive line but with so many offensive linemen gone already and there being depth in this year’s draft, I think the Steelers take a player maker on defense.

The Steelers got beat deep all year long and with Troy Polamalu playing up in the box they could use another strong hitting safety. Kenny Phillips is a rare defensive back; he has the speed and instinct to cover any receiver and the strength and power to deal with running backs and tight ends. He made many plays against top-ranked competition while at Miami.

At 6-2 and 210 pounds, Phillips has great size and will not need to work on anything from a physical standpoint to be a big contributor in the NFL. He is extremely aggressive and quick and will use those skills in pass coverage and covering the run.

In this day and age of big hitting safeties, Phillips certainly takes the cake, but he did have seven interceptions during his three year career in Miami and his coverage ability is often overlooked in favor of his big hits. Of all the defensive players on this draft, Phillips is the one that projects as a regular Pro Bowler. He is in the same class of the late Sean Taylor. A true difference maker on what is an already scary defense.

1.24
The Tennessee Titans [[The Microcosm] select Limas Sweed, WR, Texas.

The Titans realize, finally, that for Vince Young to succeed and thrive he will need a great wide receiver so that he can become versatile again. Limas Sweed of the Texas Longhorns will be the perfect match. Not only has he played with Vince before, but he’s tall, strong and smooth. He isn’t as fast as some of the other wideouts around, but as we have come to learn in the NFL, being the fastest rarely means being the best. It’s the package that matters. T.O. would agree. He is an excellent jumper, can catch in the rough stuff in the middle of the field and is totally a clutch player (like his game winning catch against Ohio State the year the Longhorns won the championship). Chemistry matters and this could be huge for both Sweed and the Titans.

1.25
The Seattle Seahawks [The Seahakws Blog] select Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon.

The Seahawks could go a few different ways with this pick. They have a massive need for depth on the offensive and defensive lines, and a receiving TE that will be so vital to their west coast offense. However, all the linemen with first round grades have already been selected, and there is not a single TE in this draft with a definitive first round grade.

In the end, this scenario is a dream come true for every Seahawks’ fan who has been drooling over Jonathan Stewart for the last two years, myself included. Even with the signings of TJ Duckett and Julius Jones crowding the backfield, Stewart is simply too good of a talent to pass up. He is a bulldozer with 4.45 speed, a great receiver out of the backfield, and is even a local Washington product. It’s almost too perfect. With the Shaun Alexander era officially over, it’s time to start a new page in the history book.

Get your subscription to The Hazean for just $0 a month! You can subscribe to The Hazean by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get all the fantasy info you need fast and easy. But hurry because this offer may not last forever!*

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Sorry Minnesota fans.

This mock was done before the Jared Allen-to-Minnesota trade happened this week. That pick at No. 17 means absolutely nothing now, but we shall post it anyway.

I guess I should send my apologies to the Kansas City Chiefs as well, who now are drafting in the 17 hole. We robbed you guys of a pick!

Nos. 1 - 15 of The Hazean’s second annual mock draft are in the books, hit the jump to see 16 - 20.

And since our math skills are sooooo fantastic, the last 11 picks of the first round will be coming your way tomorrow.

1.16
The Arizona Cardinals [Ryan from NFL NewsBreak] select Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois.

Edgerrin James rushed for 1,200+ yards last year, but he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and combine that with the 3.4 yards per carry he posted in his first year in Arizona it adds up to a troubling situation for a team that is otherwise loaded on offense. On the other hand the Cardinals desperately need a cornerback but there should be enough depth that they should be able to find one in round two.

Let’s face it: Rashard Mendenhall is simply too good to pass up at this point in our draft. Whisenhunt should be in the market for another running back to help execute his power rushing attack.

With that said corners like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie gone but Mike Jenkins and Aqib Talib still there I still think they will draw attention especially with Antrel Rolle moving to safety and that seems to be undoubtedly their most pressing need, but Mendenhall just looks too good here that they take him with this pick.

Mendenhall has continued to have his stock rise, and by the time late April comes around, he could easily end up going here. Ultimately it would come down to who the Cards feel would be the best fit for their team - Rashard Mendenhall, Felix Jones, or Jonathan Stewart if they do go for a running back.

1.17
The Minnesota Vikings [Marc from The Hazean] select Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida.

The Vikings have been trying all off-season missing out on free agents like Justin Smith. The Vikings weakness on defense is against the pass and an edge-rusher like Derrick Harvey from Florida will have an immediate impact. If the Vikings trade for Jared Allen they could look another direction.

1.18
The Houston Texans [Blaine from The Hazean] select Brandon Albert, OG, Virginia.

At the number 18 pick, the Houston Texans are looking to upgrade their offense. More specifically, they need to upgrade their running game.

So with that being said, do they draft a runningback or upgrade the offensive line?

Two names stand out as viable options for the Texans: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon and Branden Albert, G, Virginia. While Stewart is the sexy pick, the Texans cannot pass on Albert as he will bring stability to an offense line that just did not get it done last year.

1.19
The Philadelphia Eagles [Inside the Iggles] select James Hardy, WR, Indiana.

This would probably be a nightmare scenario for the Eagles. They are looking for an LT, and the 5 best prospects are all gone.

The Eagles would probably trade down if the draft unfolded like this, but if forced to choose they take James Hardy from Indiana.

James Hardy is a huge wide receiver that is a touch down machine. In 3 years at Indiana Hardy has scored 36 TDs, and racked up a lot of yards. He is terrific at moving the chains, and should become Donovan McNabb’s go to guy.

1.20
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers [Tampa Bay Sports Fanatic] select Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida.

With the way things fell I think this would be a no-brainer for the Bucs. The Bucs needed a CB, WR, and DL help. With Devin Thomas gone and Mike Jenkins still on the board the Bucs will take the CB here and grab a DL and WR later in the draft.

With the 20th Pick the Bucs Select Mike Jenkins CB USF.

Jenkins is a big tall corner with great speed. He is a home-town boy and the Bucs’ fans will go crazy when he is taken.

Washington Redskins are on the Clock!!!

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Here are this week’s great reads:

• The fantasy football season is right around the corner. Time to brush up on your commish skills. [Fantasy Football Goat]
• It looks like Michigan’s Jake Long will be the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. [Shot to Nothing]
• Good for you, Marvin. [FanHouse]
• Draft, draft and more draft. [Fantasy Football Librarian]
• Does this year’s NFL draft really suck that bad? [The Big Lead]
• As expected, Seattle said buh-bye to Shaun Alexander. Hello Detroit? [The NFL Guru]
• Anquan Boldin asks for a trade less annoyingly than Chad Johnson. [Shutdown Corner]
• A look at some of the players who may be on the move this weekend. [Football Jabber]

For more great reads, check out my Google Reader Shared Items page.