Now that the NFL Draft is in the books, we are standing on the cusp of the NFL preseason. During the coming weeks, rookie mini-camps will grind into gear and hard-core fantasy owners will start the process of evaluating this year’s draft picks potential for “instant impact” during 2008. In redraft fantasy football leagues, one key requirement for the kind of production that fantasy owners crave is opportunity. A player like TE Martellus Bennett (a 2nd-round selection by Dallas) may have all the talent in the world, but his chances for a meaningful 2008 season in fantasy terms are very slight due to being buried on the depth chart behind All-Pro TE Jason Witten.

The below is a preliminary list of the top rookie prospects for redraft fantasy leagues, given their new NFL homes.

Rookie Running Backs

The running back position is where the fantasy gems among the rookies are most likely to be found. While it is true that for every Adrian Peterson (Minnesota) or Joseph Addai one can point at, there are also players like J.J. Arrington or Chris Perry who serve as a counter-examples, it is also true that running backs tend to make the quickest transition to playing at the NFL level. A fantasy owner is most likely to find an “instant impact” player among the rookie running backs in any given calendar year.

Jonathan Stewart is probably the best bet at running back to generate fantasy impact during his rookie season. He is the sort of running back that the Panthers’ coaching staff prefers, and they have been retooling their offensive line for a power running attack - Stewart fits the mold that Carolina is built to utilize. DeAngelo Williams simply isn’t the player the coaching staff wants to rely on as their #1 RB - he is better suited to a change-of-pace, 3rd-down role in their scheme. Stewart figures to have plenty of touches on the ball with the Panthers this year.

Darren McFadden is a boom-or-bust type prospect. Yes, he has the type of speed and top gear that make him a threat to go to the house on every down, and he projects to be the starter with the Raiders (assuming his contract negotiations go well and he avoids a JaMarcus Russell-type holdout scenario). However, there is a crowded RB stable in Oakland, with Justin Fargas coming off a 1000+ yard season - if McFadden struggles with the pro game, he may not get many chances to redeem himself.

Kevin Smith lands with the Lions, who really like his game and seem to be indicating that the starting job is his to lose during 2008. We’ll see if their actions match their draft-day rhetoric - but Tatum Bell hasn’t looked like the answer since he arrived in Detroit, and as of today, he is the only other back of note on the team. If Smith impresses in training camp it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him starting for the Lions in September.

Matt Forte comes into a by-committee backfield situation, with both Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson grinding out 3.4 yards per carry last season. Peterson was far more productive than Benson in the passing game (51/420/0 receiving vs. 17/123/0) and actually led the team in total yardage and fantasy points at the RB position last year. Benson has greatly underperformed his draft slot (1st round -4th pick in 2005) and may find himself riding the pine if Forte proves that he outperform Benson during training camp.

Rashard Mendenhall is likely to be Willie Parker’s primary backup for this year, but given Parker’s difficulty at the goal-line last year (321/1316/2 rushing), Mendenhall could find a role as the Steelers’ goal-line back (Najeh Davenport gained 107/499/5 rushing and 18/184/2 as the Steelers’ big back/change of pace back last year). If Mendenhall seals the #2 job with Pittsburgh, he could have value in basic scoring leagues (any league where TD production is the primary scoring criteria).

Felix Jones joins fellow rookie Tashard Choice as the new backups to Marion Barber III. Barber looks set to carry the majority of the load for Dallas, but Jones’ outside speed will give him a shot to earn playing time as the 3rd down back/passing down back - depending on how quickly Jones picks up the Cowboys’ offense and learns to pick up the blitz.

Rookie Wide Receivers

Second to the running backs, rookie WRs occasionally step into the NFL and make fantasy owners’ seasons. The most obvious example of this phenomenon would be Randy Moss’s first incredible season (69/1313/17) with Minnesota (he was the #1 fantasy WR as a rookie) - Larry Fitzgerald’s 58/780/8 as a rookie was also pretty outstanding for a rookie WR (30th best fantasy WR during 2004). However, it is far more often the case that rookie WRs bust (especially in their first season of NFL action). The last time I fell hard for a rookie WR’s potential, I ended up having Rashaun Woods among my preseason top 36 fantasy prospects - only to watch him fail miserably at the NFL level. Now-a-days, it is my rule of thumb that exactly zero rookie WRs land among my top 40 or so fantasy prospects until they have proven their skills extensively in training camp and preseason games - and even then I tend to be conservative about drafting them early - I would urge fantasy owners to be very leery of rookie wideouts.

James Hardy appears to have landed in the best situation among the draftees, with a legitimate shot at capturing the #2 wide receiver position on the Buffalo Bills. Other than Lee Evans, the Bills’ WRs generated 1 receiving TD last year (Josh Reed was #2 in yardage with 51/578/0) - not exactly what the coaching staff was looking for, to say the least. However, don’t go overboard with your enthusiasm for Hardy - the Bills were 30th in the NFL when it came to passing offense, so his ceiling as the #2 WR (if he gets that far) is relatively low compared to a player on a franchise like New England.

DeSean Jackson figures to be in the mix in Philadelphia, but the team spreads the ball around quite a bit - the 2nd best receiver on the Eagles over the past two years failed to get over 800 yards receiving or score more than 5 times, and the players at WR3 and below are non-factors in fantasy terms.

Devin Thomas may challenge for playing time in Washington, but with a developing young QB in Jason Campbell and an entrenched #1 WR in Santana Moss combined with a high-scoring TE hogging red-zone chances (Chris Cooley has 6 or more TDs in each of his first 4 seasons) - Thomas will have significant obstacles to overcome before he starts putting up the kind of statistics that make fantasy owners excited.

Malcolm Kelly - see Devin Thomas above.

Jerome Simpson landed with Cincinnati while the Bengals are searching for a replacement WR3 - if he can wow the coaching staff in training camp and sew up the WR3 spot, he could put up decent numbers now and then during 2008.

Rookie Quarterbacks

Excepting Peyton Manning , the exception who proves the rule, no rookie QB has been a fantasy standout during recent memory - even Dan Marino took one season to get up to speed before exploding during his second campaign way back in 1984. Unless you are convinced that Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco or any of the other draftees this year are of the caliber of a Peyton Manning or a Dan Marino, you should probably pass on them during your redraft league’s annual draft.

Matt Ryan will likely get his chance to start during 2008, perhaps early on in the season if Chris Redman falters during training camp. Ryan is sure to suffer typical rookie growing pains once he does get into the lineup, so he probably won’t have any games worth mentioning until very late in the season, if then.

Joe Flacco may be the heir apparent in Baltimore, but he’s currently buried behind Kyle Boller and Troy Smith (last year’s draft pick at the position). The Ravens got burned the last time they rushed a QB into the starting lineup (witness Boller’s checkered career with Baltimore) - they aren’t likely to make the same mistake with Flacco. He’ll likely carry the clipboard after preseason, with occasional spot duty in blow out wins or losses.

Rookie Tight Ends

Rookie tight ends are very seldom worth drafting - Tony Gonzalez scored 2 TDs in his rookie campaign (33/368/2), as did Antonio Gates (24/389/2), as did the ultra-hyped rookie TE of 2007, Greg Olsen (39/391/2). The three above examples are actually best-case scenarios for the vast majority of rookie TEs - the position is very demanding at the pro level and it simply takes more than 1 training camp and regular season to absorb all the duties that are asked of a pro TE. Among the 2008 draftees, expect 300+ and 1-2 TDs to be a ceiling when you are crafting your projections.

New Seahawk John Carlson will battle Jeb Putzier for playing time during 2008, and could end up starting for Seattle sooner rather than later. He is the TE prospect who landed in the best situation (such as it is) from the fantasy perspective.

Dustin Keller arrives to the Jets via a first round pick, but he’ll have to earn his way into the starting lineup - solid-but-unspectacular Chris Baker has scored 4 TDs in 2 of the past 4 seasons, and posted 41/409/3 last year. Keller will have the opportunity to learn the position from Baker and another veteran TE, Bubba Franks, this season. Keller is a guy to watch as the year progresses - he might be worth a flyer in free agency late in the season (just before fantasy playoffs) if he manages to earn playing time during 2008.

The NFL Draft is an exciting time of year for football junkies, but it is just the beginning of a long process. Don’t let your draft weekend enthusiasm drown out your better judgement as you prepare your preliminary draft lists for 2008. We have yet to get an inkling who among the draftees will fulfill their promise, which ones will outperform expectations - and how many will go bust in their first season as a pro football players.

2.32: Phillip Merling, DE, Miami Dolphins

Pass rusher had some injury woes but was effective off the edge when healthy. Has the size (6′5″, 272 pounds) that Bill Parcells covets. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.33: Donnie Avery, WR, St. Louis Rams

Quite a surprise. The first WR off the board is a small, uber fast guy considered a mid round pick by most scouts. Hard to believe he can replace Isaac Bruce without a few years of seasoning. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.34: Devin Thomas, WR, Washington Redskins (via Oakland through Atlanta)

The Redskins draft the WR many expected to be first off the WR board. Devin Thomas only had one big year at Michigan but has great size (6′2″, 215 pounds) and can also help as a kickoff returner. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.35: Brandon Flowers, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

If Flowers ran a tenth of a second faster, he would’ve been a mid 1st rounder. Great choice for the rebuilding Chiefs. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.36: Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers (via New York Jets)

Another surprising WR selection. Was WR really a need for Green Bay with Driver, Jennings and Jones on the roster? Should help on special teams right away. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.37: Curtis Lofton, LB, Atlanta Falcons

Tackling machine, ideally suited for the inside where he can flow downfield to the ball. Not someone good in space and must be put in the right scheme to succeed. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.38: John Carlson, TE, Seattle Seahawks (via Baltimore)

Mike Holmgren called this a need, and the ‘hawks felt Carlson was a perfect fit for their West Coast offense. Carlson put up big numbers with Brady Quinn under center, as a reminder. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.39: Chilo Rachal, OG, San Francisco 49ers

Rachal gets knocked for not being a great athlete, but he’s technically sound and has a mean streak. As long as he plays inside and isn’t asked to pull and extend to the 2nd level much, he could be a starter immediately. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.40: Tracy Porter, CB, New Orleans Saints

Ironic that the Saints draft a cornerback with the 40th pick; considering there were rumors all week that the 40th pick would be part of a package to acquire Eagles CB Lito Sheppard. Porter is good at tracking the ball but isn’t a sure tackler or much help supporting the run.

2.41: James Hardy, WR, Buffalo Bills

The Bills landed the top corner in the draft last round and, in my opinion, the best receiver in the draft at 2.41. Hardy is a big guy who isn’t afraid of contact. He goes up for the ball and runs good routes; which helps offset a lack of breakaway speed.

2.42: Eddie Royal, WR, Denver Broncos

Royal is one of a handful of receivers who also project as solid returner at the next level. At only 5′8″, 184 pounds, Royal will need to prove he can hold up as a receiver over the course of the season. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.43: Tyrell Johnson, S, Minnesota Vikings (via Carolina through Philadelphia)

Kenny Phillips has the bigger name, but Johnson may have the bigger game. The Vikes continue to bolster their defense with another solid young, physical player. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.44: Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

I’m not crazy about Forte; I don’t believe he’s a special back nor was he the best back left on the board. However, Forte has his supporters and it’s not inconceivable he could earn the starting gig over Cedric Benson sooner rather than later.

2.45: Jordon Dizon, OLB, Detroit Lions

Dizon lacks ideal size and speed; but like many solid NFL linebackers before him, he just makes plays. He’s instinctive and a sound tackler; exactly the kind of guy Rod Marinelli can build around. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.46: Jerome Simpson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Further proof that beauty is in the eye of the beholder at WR this year. Simpson wasn’t close to the best WR prospect on the board, but clearly the Bengals felt otherwise. At least, this pick fills a need given the release of Chris Henry and concerns about Chad Johnson’s status.

2.47: Trevor Laws, DT, Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota)

The Eagles finally make a pick, and it’s clearly a “best player available” selection. Defensive tackle was hardly a major need, but Laws is a high character, high motor guy who will add depth to an already young tackle rotation.

2.48: Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins (via Houston through Atlanta)

The Redskins are committed to getting QB Jason Campbell weapons. First Devin Thomas and now a pass-receiving tight end a few picks later. Davis doesn’t project into an elite tight end, but the Redskins don’t need him to be given the presence of Chris Cooley.

2.49: DeSean Jackson, WR/KR, Philadelphia Eagles

Many Birds fans wouldn’t have complained if Jackson was the pick in the 1st round. So to trade down, grab a 2009 1st rounder as compensation and get DeSean anyway was a coup. He’s tiny (169 pounds) but is blazing fast and unstoppable in the open field. He instantly gives the Eagles the best returner they’ve had in 5 years.

2.50: Calais Campbell, DE, Arizona Cardinals

You don’t find many 6′8″, 280 pound ends; yet Campbell fell into the 2nd round because of an uneven 2007 season. He was a stud in 2006 and, as long as the Cards play him at the right position, should combine with free agent Clark Haggans to improve the Cards pass rush.

2.51: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Washington Redskins

Sure, he’s slower than you would like. But have teams watched this kid play? He’s a polished route runner, has great hands and excellent body control. Very reminiscent of the year Chad Johnson fell because of his slow 40-time; the Skins got a steal.

2.52: Quentin Groves, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars (via Tampa Bay)

The Jags have a stifling defense already, but they aren’t great at putting pressure on opposing QBs. Adding Quentin Groves in the 2nd after taking Derrick Harvey 8th overall goes a long way to changing the Jags pass rush. Groves character issues aside, this was a solid pick.

2.53: Limas Sweed, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Some scouts love Sweed, some see him as a bust. At 53rd overall, the Steelers aren’t risking a lot financially to find out if he’s the next Plaxico Burress. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.54: Jason Jones, DE, Tennessee Titans

Jones could replace Antwan Odom right away, but he’s a bit raw to expect that. Eventually the Titans see Jones as a capable 2-way end in their 4-3 defense. His skill set is more suited to defensive tackle, but his size projects him as an end.

2.55: Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens (via Seattle)

Ray Rice is a local product who was wildly productive as the main ball carrier for Rutgers. While he lacks prototypical size, his low center of gravity and style make him more than capable of being an every down back if needed.

2.56: Brian Brohm, QB, Green Bay Packers (via Cleveland)

Now that’s kind of surprising. Or is it? The Pack took Aaron Rodgers in the 1st when Brett Favre was under center, so why wouldn’t they take the most accurate QB prospect in the 2nd round given Rodgers inexperience? Worst case, he’s a backup for a few years. Best case, he outplays Rodgers and ends up starting in a year or two.

2.57: Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins (via San Diego)

How about that? It looks like Jake Long may be blocking for Chad Henne for a few more years. Another smart pick. He could easily outplay Beck and McCown to win the job; at the very lesaet he’s a big armed, young backup for a good price.

2.58: Dexter Jackson, WR/KR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Jacksonville)

This was a reach pick. While Jackson is another potentially dangerous return man; he needs a lot of maturing as a route runner before he can reasonably play WR on a regular basis. Blistering speed (4.33) though and dangerous in the open field.

2.59: Mike Pollak, OG/C, Indianapolis Colts

A classic Colts pick. Their only 1st day pick and it’s a fundamentally sound center that they project as a starting offensive guard for now and possibly a replacement for Jeff Saturday later. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.60: Patrick Lee, DB, Green Bay Packers

A hard worker, Lee may someday start at corner but not for a few seasons. In the meantime, he can be a force on special teams and perhaps play nickel back particularly in run support situations. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.61: Martellus Bennett, TE, Dallas Cowboys

I like this pick more than most. For my money, Bennett was the top TE in this draft. He’s huge, is a good blocker who can become great, and should be a key red zone target given his height and willingness to go up for the ball. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2.62: Terrence Wheatley, CB, New England Patriots

The Pats always seem to find value and this was no exception. Wheatley is a legitimate shutdown cover corner who, were it not for myriad injuries in college, would’ve been in the hunt for a top 15 selection. Either way, he’ll help the Pats on defense and special teams.

2.63: Terrell Thomas, CB, New York Giants

Thomas is the 217th USC Trojan to be drafted in the first two rounds (not really, just feels that way). If the Giants view him as a corner, I don’t like this pick. But if they’re going to try to convert him to safety; where his deficiencies can be obfuscated somewhat, the choice makes more sense.

Giants fans waited a long time to hear their team’s first pick; but I’m most would agree it was worth the wait. The defending Super Bowl champs biggest need was at safety because Gibril Wilson left for Oakland in free agency. As it turned out, the Giants landed the top safety on the board in Miami’s Kenny Phillips. Phillips has all the tools: size, speed, tackling ability, reaction time. The only issue is that he’s too aggressive at times and that lead to defensive breakdowns. Expect coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to work on that in training camp.

Fantasy Impact: Minimal for now, but in IDP leagues safeties can rack up the points.

What is it with the Jets and 1st round tight ends? Inexplicably, the Jets gave up a boatload to move back into the 1st round and select TE Dustin Keller, the tight end from Purdue. Sure, Keller was among the top rated TEs on many draft boards, but this was considered a weak draft for the position and no one would’ve blinked twice if Keller went in the 3rd round. If the Jets view him as an H-back type, he could prove worthy but as a conventional tight end, he shows neither the blocking ability or the strength to outmuscle defenders in space to warrant a 1st round pick.

Fantasy Impact: Tough to say. Chris Baker is no fantasy stud and the Jets could use weapons. If Keller is used as an H-back and put into receiving routes quite a bit, he could be a surprise. But rookie tight ends are rarely worth the trouble.

The 49ers wanted to beef up the middle and they found the best 3-4 tackle prospect on the board in UNC’s Kentwan Balmer. Balmer is 308 pounds and a space eater; exactly the kind of player the 49ers want to have in their DT rotation. He failed to make a major impact in his early college years, but came on strong in 2007. His status as a potential “one year wonder” is what led to his fall toward the late 1st round; but he has significant potential.

Fantasy Impact: The 49ers defense was terrible last year, any quality defender can’t hurt.

The Seahawks struck gold a few years ago when they drafted an underappreciated USC defender (Lofa Tatupu). Today, they hope to have done the same, drafting DE Lawrence Jackson at the end of the 1st round; about a round earlier than most expected. Jackson has good size and credentials, but really struggled against double teams and lacks top end speed; which may make it difficult for him to generate a pass rush at the NFL level.

Fantasy Impact: The Seahawks already have a studly fantasy defense; Jackson is more about maintaining the existing level of performance than increasing the ‘hawks pass rush.

The Chargers needed help in the defensive backfield and didn’t hesitate to select CB Antoine Cason. Cason probably went a little earlier than some expected, but this was right about the level considering the other defensive backs that were already selected. Cason projects as a zone corner, he hasn’t shown the one-on-one coverage ability that some of the other 1st round CBs have in their collegiate careers.

Fantasy Impact: The Chargers are good about adding value where they see it, and in Cason they added depth to the defensive backfield. Don’t expect much from Cason in 2008, either as a fantasy contributor or as someone who improves the overall productivity of the defensive unit.

Huh. OK, well OL Duane Brown is a tackle prospect from Virginia Tech. The Texans moved down in the draft hoping a player they coveted would fall; but very few thought THIS was the prospect. Duane Brown was, by most accounts, projected as a mid-2nd rounder or 3rd rounder. Although the Texans see him as a tackle, some talent evaluators believe his future is as a guard. He’s tough, but his footwork isn’t consistent nor does he have great lateral movement.

Fantasy Impact: A reach for sure. The Texans were clearly higher on this guy than most.

The Cowboys are getting aggressive. The Boys moved back into the 1st round just a few picks after selecting Felix Jones to focus on defensive this time around. South Florida CB Mike Jenkins was the pick; which certainly makes sense relative to who was left on the defensive back pre-draft rankings. Jenkins was inconsistent on film, sometimes looking like a potential Pro Bowl shutdown corner, at other times he’s looked bad enough to not be taken on the first day. Not surprisingly, coaches will focus on the good film and tell themselves they can teach him to stop making the mistakes that show up on the bad film.

Fantasy Impact: Not much. The Cowboys already had their corner position solidified with the acquisition of Pacman Jones. This probably means Anthony Henry will move to center in training camp; and it also gives the Cowboys leverage when Terence Newman’s contract comes up next year.

The first real shocker of the draft. The Titans, with plenty of needs, take a running back that was projected as a 2nd rounder by almost everyone. RB Chris Johnson is a home run hitter; but for as special as his breakaway speed may be, he’s got lots of limitations which make him hard to project as a full-time starter down the road. The Titans got good productivity from Lendale White last year and drafted Chris Henry a season ago. Perhaps the Titans view Johnson’s kickoff ability as something notable.

Fantasy Impact: It just makes a muddy situation muddier. Lendale White is still probably the bellcow here, but now he’s got not one but two other young backs who can earn playing time.

RB Rashard Mendenhall was having a tough Day One; having been one of the obvious players to drop today. Thought to be the 2nd RB off the board by many, he comes off the board after McFadden, Stewart and Jones. Making matters worse for him, he’s joining a team that has a young franchise runner in place in Willie Parker. However, Parker isn’t the biggest guy and the Steelers have use for a backup of Mendenhall’s caliber.

Fantasy Impact: Parker got hurt last year and the Steelers didn’t really have an answer. This solves that worry and, also gives them a potential 20-carry back in a year or two depending on whether they want to commit financially to Parker a few years down the line. Given his size and running style, Mendenhall could play a key role in short yardage and at the goal line, which would somewhat diminish Willie Parker’s fantasy value.

Jerry Jones is a noted Arkansas alum and, because of that, most mock drafts had him taking RB Felix Jones with the 22nd pick. As it turns out, the mocks got it exactly right. Jones averaged more than 8 yards per carry playing as a key backup to Darren McFadden and has elite speed. The Cowboys will look for Jones to spell Marion Barber.

Fantasy Impact: As long as Marion Barber is healthy, Felix Jones won’t be a major fantasy force. But he is talented, has fresh legs and has an extra gear that Barber does not. In redrafts, Jones is no more than a late round pick; however dynasty owners may want to consider him particularly as a handcuff to Barber.

The Falcons moved back into the 1st round as many expected (given their plethora of later round picks); and used the 21st overall selection to select OT Sam Baker, from USC. Baker is an interesting selection because he projected as high as a top 10 selection before a somewhat uneven end to his season and postseason workouts. Baker has a soft body but played at USC and is technically proficient.

Fantasy Impact: The Falcons didn’t draft Matt Ryan 3rd overall without the plan to surround him with good pass protectors. Sam Baker fits that bill, and should contend for a spot along the starting line as a rookie.

CB Aqib Talib isn’t an immediate need pick; so the Bucs clearly are taking someone they felt was the best player available. The Bucs already have Phil Buchanon, Ronde Barber and Eugene Wilson at corner, so Talib probably won’t see PT outside of nickel or dime situations for a year or two.

Fantasy Impact: Talib made some big plays for the surprising Kansas Jayhawks this season, but scouts were torn on whether he was an elite CB prospect. The Bucs Cover-2 requires a different skill set than many teams look for at corner, so maybe that explains why he went at 1.20 with so many talented CBs on the board.

Panthers get:

• 19th pick (used to select OT Jeff Otah)

Eagles get:

• 43rd pick (2nd round)
• 109th pick (4th round)
• 2009 1st round pick

The Panthers traded up with Philadelphia to acquire OT Jeff Otah. Clearly the Panthers want to re-establish themselves as a power, smash mouth running team. Jon Stewart is that kind of runner, and Otah is that kind of blocker. Otah is a massive, road grader with a mean streak.

Fantasy Impact: Otah is a road grader and, combined with Jon Stewart, makes a compelling case for Stewart to be the most productive fantasy RB in 2008.

The Ravens moved from 1.08 all the way down to 1.26 (along with three other picks) but then moved back up to 1.18 in order to acquire QB Joe Flacco. Flacco is 6′6″ and 236 pounds, and played at D1-AA Delaware. His level of competition wasn’t up to snuff and he’s a big risk at 1.18; but this is consistent with rumors over the last few weeks that Baltimore viewed him as the 2nd best QB in the class behind Matt Ryan.

Fantasy Impact: Eventually Flacco could become the starter in Baltimore and, in turn, be a viable fantasy option. But he’s a small school guy with limited mobility; and it’s hard to believe the Ravens will put him under center immediately. This is a risky pick; but Ozzie Newsome has the credentials to give him the benefit of the doubt. Flacco may be a good fantasy QB, but it almost certainly won’t be until 2009 or 2010 at the earliest.

When the Lions traded down two spots, many figured they would go ahead and select RB Rashard Mendenhall but instead they added an offensive tackle, OT Gosder Cherilus. Cherilus has long arms and protected QB Matt Ryan at B.C. the last few seasons. Detroit gave up a ton of sacks last year, but that was as much because of Mike Martz’ offensive schemes as it was deficiencies on the line. Either way, kudos to GM Matt Millen for finally adding someone to the trenches, and passing up a skill position player.

Fantasy Impact: As with any offensive lineman, Cherilus’ impact will only be felt in the context of whether the overall line play improves. The Lions want to run the ball early and often this year; and desperately want to protect QB Jon Kitna after leaving him exposed too much under Martz. Cherilus, if he proves worthy of his draft spot, should do just that.

The Cardinals top need was defensive back, and they added CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with the 16th pick. DRC, cousin to Pro Bowl Antonio Cromartie, played as small Tennessee State and wasn’t on the draft pundits radar until this season. He’s an exceptional athlete and, while raw and untested against top competition, was too physically dominant in postseason workouts to pass up apparently.

Fantasy Impact: Minimal; other than DRC may help strengthen the Cardinals pass defense and, in turn, slightly increase the defenses overall productivity.

OL Branden Albert was a high riser over the last few months, as teams began to look at him more as a potential NFL tackle instead of offensive guard. Albert played guard primarily at the University of Virginia, but flourished when put at LT for a few games in place of the regular starter. Al Groh, a former NFL coach, endorsed Albert as a tackle and, he went from a potential late first rounder to a mid first rounder. The Chiefs have to be giddy because many pundits projected Albert to them with the 5th overall pick; yet they got him with the 15th by moving up and trading picks with Detroit.

Fantasy Impact: The Chiefs needed a lot of help and, so far, it looks like they MAY have landed the best offensive and defensive lineman in this draft. Albert will start on the Chiefs line, it’s just a matter of whether he lines up inside at guard or immediately earns a shot at tackle.