Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh----Fantasy Value: DOWN
Parker had to deal with an already shaky offensive line last season. Now with the departure of left guard Alan Faneca, Parker will lose the luxury of running behind one of the best guards in the NFL over the past decade. The Steelers have signed ex-Panther Justin Hartwig, who should be an upgrade at center, but they waited until the fourth round to add addition offensive line help—a converted tight end from Texas, OT Tony Hills, who won’t be able to contribute right away. Only making for a bigger drop in fantasy value was Pittsburgh’s first round selection of running back Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is a powerful runner that will compliment Parker’s speed. The rookie running back will cut into Parker’s workload, possibly even splitting carries with the speedy back. Mendenhall will give head coach Mike Tomlin a goal-line threat, which will most likely limit Parker’s touchdowns, again. Big back Najeh Davenport will still be in the mix as back-up.
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina----Fantasy Value: DOWN
It has been a long two seasons for Williams’ fantasy owners, and for those who drafted him in keeper leagues—things just got a little worse. Just when it seemed that John Fox may use Williams as his featured back, the Panthers went out and drafted Oregon running back Jonathon Stewart with the 13th pick. For his first two seasons, owners have drafted Williams in hopes that he would take the starter’s role from DeShaun Foster, but Williams has never gotten the touches it takes to be any better than RB3 for fantasy owners. This trend will most likely continue, since Stewart is a good platoon partner with Williams for the Panthers. Williams’ stock is substantially lower than it was after the Panthers released Foster in February. He will have his big games, but if you plan to draft him, be ready for the headaches that come along with it.
Matt Schaub, QB, Houston----Fantasy Value: UP
The Texans’ offense made a step in the right direction on draft day. With uncertainty surrounding Ahman Green’s status, the Texans picked up West Virginia running back Steve Slaton in the third round. Slaton might be the much-needed playmaker the Houston offense is looking for. If Green is healthy, Slaton may not see a ton of carries early on, but he is capable of making plays and will help spark the offense, and give the Texans a quality third-down back. Slaton brings speed and big-play ability to an offense that solely needs it. Offensive lineman Duane Brown will step in and help protect Schaub right away. The Texans’ line has been a problem for many years, and taking Brown with the 26th pick, will be a long-overdue improvement. Schaub should have more time to get the ball to Andre Johnson, which could mean for some big fantasy numbers this season.
Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo----Fantasy Value: UP
Going into the draft, the Bills desperately needed a big wide out capable of freeing up Evans, and they got their man in Indiana receiver James Hardy. Hardy stands at 6’6, and will help free up Evans, who saw his catch total drop from 82 to 55 in 2007. Evans is not a guy who is going to catch 100 passes—he still makes his money on big plays, but his fantasy value will go up as Hardy will keep opposing defenses honest. Hardy will especially draw attention in the red zone, and may allow Evans to steal a couple of touchdowns from inside the 20. Evans should bounce back this season and go for more than 1000 yards, with possibly an increase in touchdowns, as well.
