Sigmund Bloom - Rookie 100

(1) Reggie Bush, RB, NO - To the surprise of some (including me), Bush did not have a long hold out. Fans cheer when he touches the ball at Saints training camp. He had an electrifying 44 yard run in the first preseason game, reversing field and outrunning the entire Titans defense. Deuce McAllister is recovering from ACL surgery - any setback could enhance Bush's immediate value. Cost will dictate that McAllister moves on in the future, and Bush will become more of a traditional feature back. If you have Bush, enjoy the ride.

Dynasty Value: Steven Jackson, Ronnie Brown
(2) Laurence Maroney, RB, NE - Maroney has been a hit in training camp, displaying good football speed and better receiving ability than expected. His first preseason game was a success. Maroney had 9 carries for 66 yards and showed deceptive speed, good cutting ability, and a knack for breaking tackles - getting yards after contact.

Dynasty Value: Kevin Jones
(3) DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR - Williams has had a solid training camp, but he did not make a splash in his Panthers debut. One carry went for 20 yards, but seven others amounted to only one net yard. In his defense, there wasn't much room to run on those carries. DeShaun Foster is still the clear #1 in Carolina, but his injury history suggests that Williams could see a lot of action in 2006.

Dynasty Value: Cedric Benson
(6) LenDale White, RB, TEN - It's been a "good news, bad news" summer for White's dynasty value. The good news is that Chris Brown is disgruntled and talking about leaving camp if he doesn't get a trade or a contract extension. The bad news is that White was injured, and then suspended for the first preseason game. White will have to fight his way up from third on the depth chart (behind Brown and Travis Henry) to get some action this year, but he is almost guaranteed to get an audition as the feature back at some point in the next few years.

Dynasty Value: Deuce McAllister
(4) Vince Young, QB, TEN - Young's training camp is showing both his immense talent and how far he has to go before he is a polished NFL QB. His running and playmaking ability are unquestioned, but he has also struggled with turnovers, accuracy, and taking snaps under center. Young's performance vs. the Saints highlighted his flaws more than his assets. To add injury to insult, he tweaked his ankle late in the 4th quarter. Vince did have 28 yards rushing, showing off the running ability that gives him so much fantasy potential.

Dynasty Value: Philip Rivers
(5) Matt Leinart, QB, ARI - Matt Leinart has finally signed, missing only one preseason game. The good news for Leinart is that current backup John Navarre stunk it up in that game. He should take over no later than 2007 and inherit the best young WR tandem in the league.

Dynasty Value: Philip Rivers
(7) Vernon Davis, TE, SF - Davis may have to wait before he becomes a big part of the 49ers passing offense. His first preseason game was uneventful - with only one badly thrown target from Alex Smith. He did block well, but Davis' lack of involvement in the offense left some scratching their heads. Eric Johnson seems to be the more prominent receiving TE at this point. Davis' tools give him upside with any TE in the league, but his impact could be modest at first.

Dynasty Value: Tony Gonzalez, Jeremy Shockey
(8) Joseph Addai, RB, IND - There was nothing to get too excited about in Addai's performance this weekend, but then again, the whole Indy running game struggled. Dominic Rhodes is still the starter, but the Colts have been impressed with Addai - especially his speed, pass catching, and veteran approach to the game. Addai's blocking and receiving skills should get him on the field for more snaps than a typical rookie RB, but he is likely to be used in tandem with Dominic Rhodes.

Dynasty Value: Warrick Dunn, DeShaun Foster, Tatum Bell
(12) Jerious Norwood, RB, ATL - Norwood's game has been turning heads since minicamp, and he did not disappoint in his first preseason game. His considerable speed broke two long receptions vs. the Patriots. Norwood is on track to push T.J. Duckett out of Atlanta by next year, and Warrick Dunn is nearing the end of his underrated career. Norwood is lasting longer than he should in rookie drafts.

Dynasty Value: J.J. Arrington, Ricky Williams
(10) Chad Jackson, WR, NE - Jackson was having a great minicamp before hurting his hamstring, and the injury has lingered into training camp. He could be worth more than I anticipated when he was drafted if Deion Branch irrevocably damages his relationship with the Patriots. Jackson is the best of a weak class of WR.

Dynasty Value: Jerry Porter, Nate Burleson
(9). Jay Cutler, QB, DEN - Cutler did not look like a green rookie in his debut and should beat out Bradlee Van Pelt to be the Broncos backup QB soon .It may be a few years until Cutler starts, but he will eventually pay dividends on an investment of a late first round rookie pick. Jake Plummer may not go quietly, so be patient - Cutler could experience the same two year wait that Philip Rivers did.

Dynasty Value: Charlie Frye, Chris Simms
(14) Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAX - Lewis is establishing himself as a weapon for Byron Leftwich with his huge frame and dependable hands. Jimmy Smith has left a vacuum in the Jacksonville passing game and Lewis may end up being the preferred third down and red zone target. Lewis has the tools to be a top 10 fantasy TE and may develop faster than Vernon Davis. A high ankle sprain will probably keep Marcedes out for the remainder of the preseason, but it doesn't affect his long term value.

Dynasty Value: Jerramy Stevens, Kellen Winslow
(11) Santonio Holmes, WR, PIT - Holmes caught four passes in the preseason opener vs. Arizona. His training camp has ended up being more about his incidents off the field than his play on the field. Willie Reid might seize the opportunity and pass Holmes if he stumbles in his development - possibly being worth a 5th rounder if you take Holmes.

Dynasty Value: Joe Jurevicius, Eric Moulds
(15) A.J. Hawk, LB, GB - Hawk has not lived up to the billing of his #5 overall pick in training camp, and he once again failed to stand out next to fellow rookie Abdul Hodge in the first preseason game vs. the Chargers. His resume is still a notch above the other first tier LBs, but they are closing the gap.

Dynasty Value: Zach Thomas, Derrick Johnson
(16) Ernie Sims, LB, DET - Sims speed and explosive hitting have been apparent in training camp and in the preseason opener vs. Denver. His draftright as the WLB in a cover 2 defense gives him an upside equal to the MLB in a typical 4-3 scheme.

Dynasty Value: Karlos Dansby
(24) DeMeco Ryans, LB, HOU - Ryans' value continues to climb, as he has won the starting MLB job in Houston - a weak team that should spend a decent amount of time behind. Ryans is not a big playmaker, but neither is London Fletcher - and both share the hallmark of being sure tacklers. If you already have Ryans, you probably got him at a huge value.

Dynasty Value: Lemar Marshall, Kawika Mitchell
(13) Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAX - Jones-Drew's value has dropped behind the top LB trio's because he may have to contend with a resurgent Greg Jones being the chainmover to his scatback in the future. Jones-Drew's speed was on the display on a 55 yard TD catch and run in the preseason opener vs. Miami. He's worth targeting if you own Jones or Fred Taylor.

Dynasty Value: Mike Anderson, Kevan Barlow
(21) Brandon Marshall, WR, DEN - Brandon Marshall continues to impress and has the inside track for the #3 WR job in Denver. His combination of toughness, size, hands, and quickness suggests big things. His momentum has been slowed by a sprained knee in the preseason opener, but I am still a firm believer.

Dynasty Value: Vincent Jackson
(22) Greg Jennings, WR, GB - Jennings has hit the scene in Green Bay looking much more like a seasoned veteran than a rookie. He is soaring up the depth chart. Jennings was productive in the preseason opener but also made a few key mistakes. He's got a chance to be the most productive rookie WR in the league.

Dynasty Value: Vincent Jackson
(18) Brian Calhoun, RB, DET - Calhoun's receiving ability has Mike Martz excited, but he will have to claw his way past former Ram Arlen Harris to get playing time this year. Calhoun curiously got no offensive touches in the preseason opener. Kevin Jones has not got a stranglehold on the feature back job in Detroit, and that alone makes Calhoun worth a gamble in the mid 2nd.

Dynasty Value: Mewelde Moore
(19) D'Qwell Jackson, LB, CLE - Jackson started in his debut vs. Philadelphia. He's going to start beside Andra Davis sooner or later. Chaun Thompson is also new to the 3-4 ILB position, so it could be sooner.

Dynasty Value: Channing Crowder
(20) Joe Klopfenstein, TE, STL - Klopfenstein has separated from fellow rookie TE Dominique Byrd and could become the #1 TE for the Rams if his pass blocking is up to snuff. He doesn't have the upside of Lewis or Davis, but he should be excellent depth at worst, and targeted in all TE premium leagues. The TE will not be neglected in St. Louis now that Mike Martz has been replaced by Scott Linehan.

Dynasty Value: Marcus Pollard
(23) Sinorice Moss, WR, NYG - Moss's quickness and speed should make him a nice #2 WR, but he's stuck on a team with established young talents at WR and TE. He did not enjoy the productive college careers of most of the higher rated WRs and probably has a longer road to being relevant for fantasy, as Tim Carter is taking the #3 job while Moss is sidelined with a quad injury.

Dynasty Value: Roddy White, Mike Williams, Brandon Lloyd
(30) Tony Scheffler, TE, DEN - The quality of Scheffler's hands has made an impression on most watchers of Broncos training camp. If the first preseason game is any indication, Scheffler and Jay Cutler are on the same page. The other TEs on Denver's roster make it almost inevitable that Scheffler starts soon.

Dynasty Value: Marcus Pollard
(47) Tarvaris Jackson, QB, MIN - Jackson has garnered nothing but praise for his work in minicamp and training camp with the Vikings. He has taken to the west coast offense and will get his shot in 2007 or 2008. Jackson's debut was more than credible for a small school player - showing off better running ability outside of the pocket than I expected.

Dynasty Value: Kyle Orton
(33) Mario Williams, DE, HOU - Williams was held in check during his debut, facing double teams and lining up some at tackle. As the most credible threat on the defensive line, double teams could become a common assignment for Williams. He has stood out the way a #1 overall should in training camp so far.

Dynasty Value: Terrell Suggs
(17) Chad Greenway, LB, MIN - Greenway was facing stiff competition for a starting job at WLB from E.J. Henderson and then suffered a serious knee injury in his debut. You'll have to wait a year to get production from him.

Dynasty Value: Gary Brackett
(26) Kellen Clemens, QB, NYJ - Clemens showed poise leading a two minute drill in his NFL debut, and also impressed in minicamp. Chad Pennington has emerged as the starter, but you can hear the Jets hold their breath when he takes a hit on that shoulder. The team will struggle and eventually turn to Clemens to jump-start them, be it this year or next.

Dynasty Value: Jason Campbell
(28) Leonard Pope, TE, ARI -He can be no higher than 3rd in the pecking order of passing targets. This year could be rocky because pass blocking Pope has no stiff competition for the long term TE job, but it's hard to see him ever being higher is always important on a team with Kurt Warner as the starting QB. Pope will get every shot to become the starter if his blocking skills are ready.

Dynasty Value: Marcus Pollard
(100) Mike Bell, RB, DEN - Bell is going much higher than this in rookie drafts, and this ranking basically served as a "do not draft" rating. The exception to that is if you can sell high immediately, or if you happen to own Ron Dayne and Tatum Bell. At best, we're probably looking at one season for Bell as the feature back, and the bottom could drop out of his value overnight.

Dynasty Value: Ricky Williams, J.J. Arrington
(29) Demetrius Williams, WR, BAL - Baltimore may have found a #3 for this year in Williams, who had an impressive one handed catch in his debut. He has an edge on the race for the #3 job and future starter potential.

Dynasty Value: Travis Taylor
(39) Abdul Hodge, LB, GB - Hodge is causing Nick Barnett to demand an extension. Barnett fears that he'll be moved to the strong side, deflating his stature. This weekend saw Hodge with an active five tackle game vs. Chargers in his debut. He looked the part of a run stuffing MLB and has potential to jump up 10 spots if he secures the starting gig.

Dynasty Value: Edgerton Hartwell
(31) Maurice Stovall, WR, TB - Stovall caught three short passes, including a TD and earned kudos from his teammates in his debut as a Buc. He's been working hard in training camp and his size even got him some looks at TE.

Dynasty Value: Drew Carter
(25) Jerome Harrison, RB, CLE - Harrison has impressed the Browns with his quickness, cuts, and acceleration through the hole. He has dropped slightly because he is being cast as a third down back. Harrison can produce, but his slight frame could limit his long term upside. He has made Lee Suggs expendable.

Dynasty Value: Brandon Jacobs
(27) Travis Wilson, WR, CLE - Wilson made a nice diving catch on his only opportunity in his debut. He has built up some good momentum in training camp. He will have to beat out Josh Cribbs to crack the Browns four WR set while Braylon Edwards is out.

Dynasty Value: Travis Taylor
(41) Derek Hagan, WR, MIA - I'm giving Hagan a second chance after a quality minicamp. Hagan carried himself more like a veteran and could end up in the #3 or 4 WR role by default in a thin corps. He didn't do anything of note in his debut, but also did not disappoint the coaches according to Nick Saban.

Dynasty Value: Bryant Johnson
(42) Brodie Croyle, QB, KC - Croyle did not see action in the preseason opener, but Casey Printers did, and his rough performance probably did not give him a leg up in the battle to be the Chiefs QB of the future. Croyle is nursing a shoulder injury, but he did display a great arm in training camp. He's a good player to target if you own Trent Green.

Dynasty Value: Trent Dilfer
(32) Michael Huff, DB, OAK - Huff has been practicing at both corner positions in addition to his natural strong safety spot. Signs point to the Raiders using Huff the same way they used Charles Woodson - all over the formation. This could depress his tackle totals somewhat if he is in one-on-one coverage on a significant amount of snaps. The depth at safety in this rookie class means there's no reason to reach for Huff earlier than the late 3rd.

Dynasty Value: Kerry Rhodes
(34) Donte Whitner, SS, BUF - Matt Bowen's leg injury may accelerate Whitner's journey to the starting strong safety spot in Buffalo. He led the team with four solo tackles, but most of them were downfield after receptions. Whitner has just as much fantasy potential as Huff, with the slight drawback of playing in a cover 2 defense.

Dynasty Value: Kerry Rhodes
(73) Bernard Pollard, SS, KC - Sammy Knight is looking over his shoulder because of Pollard's excellent play thus far in camp. He's more of an "8th man in the box" type, which bodes well for his fantasy prospects. He could out-produce Huff and Whitner, but they are more well-rounded talents. You could have stolen him a few weeks ago, but word is getting out, and Pollard probably won't come cheaper than a 4th round pick now.

Dynasty Value: Eugene Wilson
(43) Thomas Howard, LB, OAK - Howard just might be handed the WLB job in Oakland. Art Shell made him the starter at the beginning of camp, it's up to Howard to hold on to it.
(35) Rocky McIntosh, LB, WAS - McIntosh has potential as the WLB in Washington, but his durability is not a given. McIntosh should push Warrick Holdman sometime during the season, if not during camp.
(44) Kamerion Wimbley, LB, CLE - Shawne Merriman and Demarcus Ware proved that young 3-4 OLBs can make an impact in their rookie year, and Wimbley should be no different. He five total tackles in pursuit and disrupted a play that forced the Eagles to kick a field goal in his debut. Wimbley may have a lower upside than some LBs below him on this list, but he's much more likely to reach it.
(38) Manny Lawson, LB, SF - Lawson's aggressive play in his debut was praised by coach Mike Nolan. Like Wimbley, he has the athletic attributes to be a startable fantasy LB despite the limitations of the 3-4 OLB position.
(93) Wali Lundy, RB, HOU - I am eating my words on Lundy - he looks more decisive than he did in San Antonio at the Shrine Game practices and could be a good fit in the zone blocking running scheme in Houston. He had a smashing debut (9 carries for 59 yards at a TD), although it should be pointed out that he had huge holes to run through. Lundy is a must draft if you own Domanick Davis.
(53) Bruce Gradkowski, QB, TB - Don't look now, but Gruden could have a new pet QB in Tampa. Gradkowski let the team on two scoring drives in his debut. He is looking to give Tim Rattay a run for the backup job, and his mobility gives him more fantasy upside than a typical QB prospect.
(79) Hank Baskett, WR, PHI - Baskett is back to the same tier he was in on my board predraft. Philadelphia made the rare move of trading for him as an undrafted free agent, and he has been playing with the first team. The #2 WR slot is wide open and Baskett's aggressive style has won him fans, including Ron Jaworski.
(46) Jason Allen, FS, MIA - Allen was the most recent first round pick to sign a contract. He still played in the preseason opener because he was ahead of the curve and in good shape. Allen showed no ill effects from a catastrophic hip injury he suffered last fall. He's a solid consolation prize if you miss out on the top 3 safeties.
(45) Bobby Carpenter, LB, DAL - Carpenter has been shifted back to ILB, which could delay his arrival as a starter. The move does increase Carpenter's tackle potential, but he could face competition from Kevin Burnett when a starting job opens
(NL) Ahmad Brooks, LB, CIN - The Bengals used yet another draft pick on a character risk - this time a 2007 3rd on Brooks. Ahmad was thought of as an elite talent after the 2004 season, but he crashed and burned in 2005 before getting kicked off the team this year. Brooks has dropped the extra weight that plagued him in 05 and seems to be in line to get an ILB spot if the Bengals complete the switch to the 3-4 defense in 2007. He's got as much upside as any LB on this list.
(48) Leon Washington, RB, NYJ - The RB situation in New York is a mess, and Washington may get a shot by default. Curtis Martin is mulling retirement, Derrick Blaylock has been unimpressive, and Cedric Houston let a blitzer get to Chad Pennington in the preseason opener. Eric Mangini said Washington had a good debut, and he could get more work in the next preseason game vs. the Redskins. I wouldn't get too excited about him long term, as he doesn't have the profile of a feature back. The Jets also tried to get Lee Suggs from the Browns (deal cancelled when Suggs failed his physical).
(60) Brad Smith, WR, NYJ - Brad Smith seems like the most likely candidate to continue the string of successful QB to WR converts out of this year's class. He is taking well to his new position and could eventually become the big play threat the Jets lack at WR.
(36) Mike Hass, WR, NO - My view of Hass has not diminished, but the WR situation on his team has gotten very crowded. There is one, maybe two slots at WR on the Saints up for grabs (barring any surprise cuts or trades), but five or six capable candidates with varied tools. Hass made a highlight reel catch in his debut, but I'm getting worried that he will be in a dogfight just catch on a roster this summer.
(80) James Anderson, LB, CAR - The Panthers are excited about Anderson and are already comparing him to Will Witherspoon. He could get in on the dime package as a rookie, and he only has to overcome Na'il Diggs and Keith Adams to start. Anderson got in on a sack in his debut this weekend.
(54) Brandon Williams, WR, SF - Williams should stick on the roster, no problem because of his return ability. Bryan Gilmore is currently in the lead for the #3, and the #2, Arnaz Battle, has an ailing knee, so opportunity could knock early for Williams. He doesn't project as a top target in the 49ers passing offense, but he may get in the mix for playing time very early.
(40) Jason Avant, WR, PHI - Avant's solid camp has been overshadowed by Hank Baskett, but the cracks in the receiving corps should assure him of a roster spot. Avant is a dependable, if unexciting WR - he's at a disadvantage against the more dynamic Baskett. Avant has also battled a knee injury during training camp.
(37) Dominique Byrd, TE, STL - Byrd has been unable to pass Aaron Walker on the depth chart - forget about contending with Joe Klopfenstein to start. His receiving potential is considerable, but his camp has gotten off on the wrong foot - not a good start for a player with perceived dedication issues.
(50) Cedric Humes, RB, PIT - Humes showed good vision on a long screen pass, but fumbled in his goal line opportunity, which is where his most optimistic fans expect him to make his impact.
(78) Stephen Tulloch, LB, TEN- Peter Sirmon could be in his last year with the Titans if Tulloch continues on the positive path he starting in training camp. The fourth round pick has looked good enough to push for playing time during his rookie year. Tulloch looks to be only a 2 down MLB in the future with Keith Bulluck and David Thornton around for the long haul.
(81) Clint Ingram, LB, JAX - The Jaguars maneuvered to get Ingram in the 3rd round because they felt he was the last LB on their board that could start at the empty WLB spot this year. He has not lost any intensity in training camp and should end up being a backup LB at worst.
(74) Michael Robinson, RB, SF - Robinson is an intriguing RB prospect as a QB convert, but he is mired at 4th on the depth chart and will have to beat out Maurice Hicks to get any playing time. He got some tough yards late in his debut vs. Bears and scored a 2 pt conversion with a run up the gut.
(NL) Roman Harper, S, NO - Harper is currently a backup safety in New Orleans, but it's only a matter of time before he's lining up in the defensive backfield with Josh Bullocks. He's converting from free to strong safety, but he's already been making big plays in training camp.
(82) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, NYG - Kiwi impressed with 1.5 sacks in his preseason debut. He was able to get constant pressure and show a nice array of pass rush moves. Mathias was playing in Osi Umenyiora's spot, which could indicate that Justin Tuck is still the heir to Michael Strahan's spot.
(76) Anthony Smith, S, PIT - Things could not be going much better for Smith. He followed a strong start to training camp with a two interception performance vs. the Cardinals. The Steelers are not ruling him out to start as soon as this year. Smith's status as a future starter next to Troy Polamalu is getting more set by the day.
(NL) Tim Dobbins, LB, SD - Dobbins made an impact in his debut, with an impressive sack on a bull rush and two stuffs on run defense. The long term ILB positions are there for the taking on the Chargers defense. Dobbins is at least as talented as Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm and should reward patient owners who hold him until 2007.
(96) Tamba Hali, DE, KC - Hali has already had extensive reps with the first team because returning starter Eric Hicks has been recovering from shoulder surgery. He's not a beast of a pass rusher, but his motor will give him some extra tackles in pursuit and make him a rosterable fantasy DE.
(59) Garrett Mills, TE/FB, NE - Like David Thomas, Mills has been put in a tough fantasy situation for a TE. Mills is the more talented pass catcher, but he is also being converted to fullback. He did go off for 5 catches and 75 yards in his preseason debut. Mills has the talent to be productive if given the opportunity, but for now it looks like that chance is not coming in New England.
(NL) Danieal Manning, S, CHI - Manning was originally expected to push Chris Harris at free safety, but an Achilles injury to Mike Brown has him lining up with the first team defense at strong safety. He has not had any problems adjusting to the NFL from tiny school Abilene Christian, being praised as one of the stars of training camp so far for the Bears. His edge over Harris is in coverage, and all of his tackles were made downfield on receptions. He could also add value as a return man in leagues that count return yardage.
(NL) Omar Gaither, LB, PHI - The news out of training camp about Gaither has been overwhelmingly positive. Omar has gotten kudos for his playmaking ability, leadership, and ability to pick up the Eagles complex defensive scheme. He has also stood out in preseason action, leading team in tackles in the hall of fame game and recording an interception this past weekend. The only problem is when Gaither's opportunity will come, sitting behind Jeremiah Trotter at MLB. He could get a shot at WLB if Matt McCoy disappoints.
(83) Marques Colston, WR, NO - Early reports of Colston moving to TE were premature. The Saints like what Colston did in his debut. He seems to have good ability to get open out wide for such a big WR. Marques will have trouble earning a roster spot in such a crowded group of WR in New Orleans, but keep an eye on him as long as he ends up on a roster in September.
(56) Daniel Bullocks, S, DET - Like many of the rookie safeties in this tier, Bullocks was drafted with the expectation of taking over a starting spot. Bullocks hasn't pushed Terrence Holt to the second team yet, but he did lead the team with 7 tackles and a fumble recovery in his debut vs. the Broncos. However four of those tackles were downfield after tight end receptions Kenoy Kennedy's playing style means Bullocks will likely be a deep coverage free safety when his time comes, so his role is less desirable than some of the other 2nd tier safeties.
(NL) Darryl Tapp, DE, SEA - Grant Wistrom is not going be a starter for much longer, so Tapp's current assignment on the first team while Wistrom recovers from surgery is a picture of the future. His debut was uneventful.
(77) Gerris Wilkinson, LB, NYG - Wilkinson forced a fumble in his debut and should eventually settle in as the backup to WLB Carlos Emmons. Emmons is old and suffered a season ending injury last year, making Wilkinson a player to watch if ends up on the waiver wire. He won't have the immediate opportunity of the LBs above him on this list, but could easily have the same value in 2007 or 2008.
(87) Antonio Cromartie, CB, SD - Charger fans hoping for improved corner play have to be encouraged with Cromartie's spectacular interception in his preseason debut. He made some rookie mistakes, but Antonio's immense talent was undeniable. He has a chance to be a top fantasy corner, but you'll have to carry him on your roster for a year before you can play him.
(66) Ko Simpson, S, BUF - Yet another rookie safety slated to start next year, Simpson is facing the problem of being in the weak fantasy position of free safety in a cover 2 defense. Simpson has had a good camp and he had a fumble recovery in his preseason debut.
(84) David Thomas, TE, NE - Thomas really impressed the Patriots in minicamp with his sure hands, but he is probably the 4th most talented TE on the roster and is unlikely to become a top target in the Patriots offense. His fantasy prospects would be a lot brighter on another team.
(67) P.J. Daniels, RB, BAL - This weekend was full of bad news for anyone that drafted P.J. Daniels. Not only has Musa Smith resurrected his career with a strong return from a broken leg (strong enough to push Mike Anderson for the backup job), but Daniels fumbled twice and was mostly feeble on his carries. He's in trouble unless the Ravens decide to carry four RBs.
(63) Charlie Whitehurst, QB, SD - Whitehurst's long term fantasy fortunes took a slight hit this weekend, but by none of his doing. Philip Rivers looked ready for prime time (yes, its only preseason), so anyone drafting Whitehurst because they thought Rivers would flop may be disappointed. On the other hand, A.J. Feeley looked as mediocre as ever, so Whitehurst could be on the fast track to the backup job if he plays well.
(64) Jeff Webb, WR, KC - Webb caught one pass in his debut and has yet to get any glowing reports from training camp. The weakness of the depth Chiefs WR corps makes any young WR on the roster worth watching - giving Webb an edge over some more talented WRs on this list that have tougher roads to gaining a roster spot.
(49) Ingle Martin, QB, GB - Ingle only saw one series of action late in the first preseason game. He's not going to push Aaron Rodgers any time soon, and is only an end of the roster QB in deep leagues at this point.
(52) Omar Jacobs, QB, PIT - Jacobs has found himself in a battle to be the Steelers 3rd string QB with Shaun Boyd. He looked poised and accurate on a late TD drive in the preseason opener. He's got great upside if he ever gets an opening, but that is a long way off in his current situation.
(70) Willie Reid, WR, PIT - Willie Reid's fantasy future may be dim if Santonio Holmes stops getting arrested. The speedster caught 4 passes in the preseason opener, but he is doomed to be behind the more talented Holmes on his current path. Reid will likely be used as a return specialist for now.
(NL) Leon Williams, LB, CLE - Williams would be 20-30 spots higher on this list if it wasn't for his situation. He has been singled out by his teammates for smart, quality play and looked like a future starter so far. The problem is that he's behind Andra Davis and D'Qwell Jackson on the depth chart. Williams is a name to remember for the future, but if you pick him up now, you'll be holding him indefinitely.
(62) Jon Alston, LB, STL - Alston was mostly quiet in his debut for the Rams. He is staying at LB after going into the draft as a LB/S tweener. He's an impressive athlete, but too many other LBs have made an impression to make him anything but a late round flier in rookie drafts.
(55) Martin Nance, WR, BUF - Nance has had a few noteworthy plays in training camp, but has not made the impression that you would hope a once highly touted prospect would on a team with a shortage of quality WRs.
(NL) Jamar Williams, LB, CHI - Williams has shown versatility in training camp and could give the Bears an option if Lance Briggs decides to leave in free agency. Don't let him sit on the waiver wire if relations between Briggs and the Bears break down.
(57) De'Arrius Howard, RB, KC - I'm afraid I have completely come down from the high I was on after watching Howard shred defenses at the Shrine Game this winter. The Chiefs went out and got Michael Bennett, giving Howard little chance to make the roster. I will keep an eye on him if he makes a practice squad, but it looks like he is an afterthought at this point.
(58) Jonathan Orr, WR, TEN - Orr is the other player I am most guilty of getting too high on back at the Shrine Game. His tools are impressive, but he is in an uphill battle just to claim a roster spot on the Titans because of the emergence of Bobby Wade and presence of three WRs drafted in 2005.
(51) Domenik Hixon, WR, DEN - Hixon was a great hedge for a Brandon Marshall pick back in May (like Holmes and Reid in Pittsburgh, one seemed likely to hit), but now that Marshall has broken out, Hixon looks left out. It doesn't help that he is still coming back from a broken foot. Like most of the skill players at the bottom of this list, I'll be keeping tabs on Hixon, but I doubt I'll be carrying him on any of my teams.
(NL) Anthony Schlegel, LB, NYJ - Schlegel has had a good camp, but I don't see him breaking into the lineup over Eric Barton any time soon. He could be a quality fantasy LB as a 3-4 ILB in the future, but for now I'd rather carry an LB that is getting more buzz in training camp, or one that has more immediate opportunity.
(NL) Freddy Keiaho, LB, IND - Keiaho had an active debut with 7 tackles, but he's stuck at backup SLB behind Gilbert Gardner for now. He's got the ability to play any of the cover 2 LB positions, but I won't bump him higher until he's gunning for one of the big tackle positions.
(61) Darnell Bing, LB, OAK - Bing lived up to his hard hitting reputation in the Raiders second preseason game vs. the Vikings. He leveled fellow rookie Tarvaris Jackson with an elbow that caused him to miss a few plays. Bing has the potential to be relevant for fantasy as an LB with the cover skills to stay on the field on all three downs, but his conversion means you'd likely have to hold him longer than advised for an LB prospect to get anything from him.
(75) Reggie McNeal, WR, CIN - McNeal has all kinds of upside with his size/speed combo, but he is as raw as they come at WR. Reggie accepted that he had no future at QB in the NFL late in the pre draft period, and he's behind some of the QB converts who were willing to take reps elsewhere in the predraft. evaluation activities. He's likely to spend 2006 on the practice squad.
(92) Brodrick Bunkley, DT, PHI - Bunkley missed 16 days of training camp and still isn't in playing shape, but his possible impact was still visible this weekend vs. Cleveland, getting pressure on the QB from his defensive tackle position. I don't recommend carrying more than one DT, but if you like developing DT's Brodrick should be a target.
(95) Jimmy Williams, CB, ATL - Jason Webster has already been pushed from the first team by Williams - which could make Jimmy startable in his rookie year. Williams does not have the fantasy potential of Antonio Cromartie, but defenses are likely to pick on him in his rookie campaign.
(90) Tye Hill, CB, STL - Rams fans had to be happy to see Hill's ability to recover when he is beaten on display in the preseason opener vs. the Colts. Unfortunately, his hands of stone were also apparent on two dropped interceptions, a killer for a corner's fantasy prospects unless they are a physical presence in run support, which Hill is not (although he is willing). Hill will be a solid fantasy option while he goes through the rookie meat grinder, but his long term prospects for IDP leagues are dim.
(NL) Eric Smith, S, NYJ - Don't let the low ranking fool you, Smith has as much upside as the safeties in the 60's and 70's. The problem is that unlike those safeties, he is not assured a job in the next few years, with two young players in front of him. Be ready to pick Smith up if Erik Coleman continues to have lapses in coverage, but until then just keep him on your watch list.
(NL) Claude Wroten, DT, STL - The first round talent who fell to the 3rd because of character issues is playing like a first rounder so far. Like Bunkley, he's worth a late pick or FA pickup if you want to carry a second DT to develop.
(NL) Delanie Walker, TE, SF - You probably missed Walker's debut, but it was one of most impressive of any rookie this weekend. The former WR caught 5 passes for 54 yards and added a 16 yard run on a few impressive late drives. He's also dynamic enough to return kicks and physical enough to hand out stiff arms while doing it. If Walker was not on a team with two quality receiving TEs, he'd be a lot higher on this list.
(65) Cory Rodgers, WR, GB - The only thing keeping Rodgers on this list is the poor state of the WR corps in Green Bay. He has been struggling with securing the ball in training camp and surprised many observers by cleanly fielding both punts he took in his preseason debut.