Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

So the long-awaited 2010 NFL Draft is now over, and it’s time to figure out where the 2010 rookies factor into their respective teams. Besides how the particular rookies will do, it’s also important to see how their additions will impact the veterans. In this article, I’ll take a look at the major impact draft picks on each team and give an assessment on how it will affect that team from a fantasy football standpoint.

AFC East

New England Patriots

The pick that really stands out to me that the New England Patriots made was tight end Rob Gronkowski in the second round. Ben Watson has never really been up to snuff as a suitable weapon for Tom Brady. With Gronkowski in the picture now, I see him having fantasy relevance as a TE2 right off the bat. With Wes Welker out until possibly Thanksgiving, the door is wide open for Gronkowski to be a steady receiving option for Brady. Selecting three defenders in the first four rounds, including first-round pick cornerback Devin McCourty, could eventually propel the Patriots’ defense back to a level it was once at in the future years. The 2010 season might be a little too soon, though, to see this defense back at that level.

New York Jets

Despite having only four picks in the draft, the New York Jets made some interesting moves. To compliment Darrelle Revis, they went out and acquired cornerback Kyle Wilson in the first round. Already viewed as the top fantasy football defense in a lot of early mock drafts, the addition of Wilson could make this squad even stronger. The Jets also picked up two running backs, one of them being Joe McKnight in the third round. There won’t be much room for McKnight to shine playing behind Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson; however, he’s somebody to keep an eye on if something were to happen to either Greene or Tomlinson during the season. In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked if we saw McKnight get some carries as the season wore on.

Miami Dolphins

Besides taking an offensive tackle in the third round, the Miami Dolphins decided to beef up their defense for 2010. With the draft picks they made, I think it keeps the Miami defense as solid fantasy squad overall, despite losing some big names from a year ago. Defensive tackle Jared Odrick and defensive end Koa Misi should be able to step in right away with the departures of Jason Taylor and Joey Porter. The draft didn’t do a whole lot to impact the offensive players on Miami, but you should take note of their defense when selecting one for your fantasy football team.

Buffalo Bills

You can’t talk about what the Buffalo Bills did in the draft without starting with running back C.J. Spiller. He’s definitely a big playmaker who will be given an early opportunity to help the Bills and your fantasy team. He’ll have to contend with Fred Jackson for carries. I’m not worried about Marshawn Lynch getting in the way of hurting Spiller’s fantasy football value, as I see Lynch’s time in Buffalo fading fast. If you draft Spiller, you should be aware that Jackson will still definitely be in the mix. On the flip side, those of you who were excited to hear about the Lynch trade rumors to skyrocket Jackson’s fantasy value better think again now. The Bills also selected wide receiver Marcus Easley in the fourth round. It perks my interest a bit just because Buffalo is thin at WR with Terrell Owens now gone, but I don’t see Easley making a real difference, at least in 2010. Lee Evans’ job is safe…for the time being.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts

The most significant draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts was in the first round – defensive end Jerry Hughes. Everybody knows about the injury trouble Dwight Freeney had last season, and although they still have Robert Mathis, as well, bringing in Hughes as another pass rusher should help spell Freeney and Mathis over the course of next season. Another interesting draft pick was tight end Brody Eldridge in the fifth round. No, Dallas Clark has no fear of losing his job; however, Eldridge has been regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft. This pick could help give Joseph Addai and Donald Brown a little fantasy football boost.

Houston Texans

Anybody else still kicking themselves for taking Steve Slaton in their fantasy drafts so early last year? Well, there’s another Houston Texans running back that, while you wouldn’t take him as high as Slaton went last season, is definitely worth keeping on your radar. Ben Tate has an opportunity to step right in and be a feature back on the Texans and in the world of fantasy football. At this point, who knows what Gary Kubiak will do with his backfield, but Tate has just as good of a shot as anybody else towards being No. 1 on the depth chart. Houston also made an attempt to improve on its defense by selecting cornerback Kareem Jackson in the first round. The Texans’ defense had its moments last season and could be more fantasy football relevant in 2010. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Nobody got more defensive in this year’s draft than the Jacksonville Jaguars. The most controversial pick of the draft goes to the Jaguars and their first round pick, defensive end Tyson Alualu. A lot of people said they took him too high, although, he was recently praised for being the best player at the start of camp. Alualu was one of three defensive ends the Jaguars took in the first four rounds, and throw in second-round pick and defensive tackle D’Anthony Smith, and you’ve got a defensive unit that’s trying to make your fantasy football team. It’s hard to say at this point in time if they’re worth drafting, but it should be interesting to see how they look throughout summer camp and the exhibition season.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are all about the running game with Chris Johnson, but they may have taken a step towards being more balanced with drafting wide receiver Damian Williams in the second round. I’m not crazy about Nate Washington or Justin Gage, and I like the idea of putting Williams out there with Kenny Britt. I like the chances of Williams getting ample playing time and fantasy football points over Washington and Gage this season. Once an excellent defense just two years ago, the Titans slipped big time last year, and defensive end Derrick Morgan should help bringing them back up. I think the Titans’ defense is worth taking a gamble on in 2010, and I’m basing that off picks like Morgan, linebacker Rennie Curran and cornerback Alterruan Verner stepping in on a defense that wasn’t that bad to begin with on paper.