The Mock Draft

ROUND

NOAH & PIRATE

David SABINO

Staff Editor

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

CATCH 22

Mike BEACOM

Contributing Writer

SI.COM

SOUTHERN COMFORT

Paul FORRESTER

Fantasy Sports Editor

SI.COM

MACK ATTACK

Eric MACK

Writer

SI.COM

DILLON PANTHERS

Gene MENEZ

Associate Editor

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MAHRVELOUS

Chris MAHR

Special Contributor

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THE WRITE-OFFS

Jim TROTTER

Senior Writer

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TURF TOE

Will CARROLL

Writer

SI.COM

VAN BUREN BOYS

Gary GRAMLING

Fantasy Writer

SI.COM

HACK ATTACK

Damon HACK

Senior Writer

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DEBAUCHED SLOTHS

Mark MRAVIC

NFL Editor

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GO-GOS

Jim GORANT

Fantasy Sports Editor

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

1

RB Jamaal CHARLES

My No. 1 running back (page 62) had to be selected No. 1 overall.

RB Adrian PETERSON

No Brett Favre, no Sidney Rice, no limit to what AD can do in Minnesota in 2011.

RB Arian FOSTER

Like his supporting cast a bit more than Chris Johnson's in Tennessee.

RB Chris JOHNSON

Game-breaker just shouldn't slip past No. 1 or No. 2, but, hey, thanks guys.

RB Ray RICE

New blocking beast Vonta Leach will do for Rice what he did for Arian Foster.

RB LeSean MCCOY

Philly is intent on upping the 207 carries this rising star had in 2010.

RB Maurice JONES-DREW

The lockout gave him more time to heal from a knee injury. Back to business.

QB Aaron RODGERS

Might be early, but all the key RBs are gone. Can't go wrong with the No. 1 QB.

RB Rashard MENDENHALL

Should match his 2010 production in a more explosive Steelers offense.

WR Andre JOHNSON

I'm surprised the best wide receiver in football was available.

RB Frank GORE

New coach Jim Harbaugh's tough-minded offensive scheme will turn Gore into gold.

RB Michael TURNER

He's a workhorse in a high-octane offense who's done nothing but produce.

2

RB DeAngelo WILLIAMS

Got to pass on a quarterback to take another of the top nine running backs.

RB Matt FORTE

Forte is simply the lifeblood of Mike Martz's system in Chicago.

WR Larry FITZGERALD

Played well down the stretch last year and now has a real QB—I hope.

QB Tom BRADY

Not ranked as fantasy's No. 1 QB. He was last year, and his cast has improved.

WR Calvin JOHNSON

Just as good as Andre Johnson and Roddy White, at a much cheaper price.

QB Drew BREES

The NFL's most productive QB since 2006 is still in his prime at 32.

QB Michael VICK

Tremendous talent with a seemingly endless supply of weapons.

RB Ahmad BRADSHAW

A real sleeper with the upside to be a second-tier running back.

RB Ryan MATHEWS

He'll have the kind of season this year that everyone was expecting from him last year.

RB Darren MCFADDEN

I'm betting that his injuries are behind him. He is ready to become a star in Oakland.

WR Roddy WHITE

The arrival of rookie Julio Jones will occupy defenses and help, not hurt, White.

RB Steven JACKSON

He may see fewer carries this year, but the decreased work should keep him fresher.

3

RB Shonn GREENE

I can't allow 300 potential carries for a ground-based offense pass me by.

QB Peyton MANNING

He's a reach here, perhaps, but a player I don't mind reaching for.

WR Mike WALLACE

Had a great first year as the man in 2010. More seasoning can't hurt.

WR Reggie WAYNE

I may be the only one who likes him better than Greg Jennings.

WR Greg JENNINGS

Christmas in August! I have Jennings as the No. 4 WR and can't believe he fell.

WR Hakeem NICKS

Never mind his toe fracture. He'll be the Giants' leading receiver again.

RB Peyton HILLIS

The Browns will still rely on their ground game, and Hillis is the man at the goal line.

WR Mike WILLIAMS (TB)

With Peyton Hillis off the board, I went down to get a nice second-tier WR.

WR Dez BRYANT

The Dallas offense is his now; as long as he's healthy, he's a top five receiver.

RB Knowshon MORENO

Coach John Fox's love of the ground game makes this Bronco a steal.

RB LeGarrette BLOUNT

He's a rare feature back on an offense that's maturing quickly. I'll gladly take him.

QB Philip RIVERS

The guy put up video-game numbers last year, and he had no one to throw to.

4

QB Ben ROETHLISBERGER

Big Ben had a full season of statistics in just 12 games in 2010.

WR Santonio HOLMES

The most dangerous weapon in the Jets' emerging passing offense.

RB Cedric BENSON

There's not much in Cincy except for Benson. That counts for something.

WR Jeremy MACLIN

Third-year wideout is ready to take a huge step into the elite at the position.

QB Tony ROMO

I hope Damon Hack is right when he says that Romo will throw for 40 TDs.

RB Jahvid BEST

He'll rack up points in PPR leagues in Detroit's pass-first system.

WR Miles AUSTIN

The return of Tony Romo should mean a return to 2009's big numbers.

WR Dwayne BOWE

Don't think he'll repeat TD numbers of 2010, but he's a nice 1A option at WR.

WR Brandon LLOYD

Not thrilled with him, but a nice value if Kyle Orton stays in Denver.

TE Antonio GATES

Defensive coordinators still can't stop the Chargers' touchdown machine.

WR DeSean JACKSON

He had 1,000-plus receiving yards and six TDs last year despite playing hurt.

WR Vincent JACKSON

He's a true stud, and he'll be highly motivated by his pending free-agent status.

5

WR Kenny BRITT

The Titan is explosive both on and (unfortunately) off the field.

WR Percy HARVIN

I expect Harvin's value to soar in Bill Musgrave's scheme in Minnesota.

QB Matt RYAN

Threw 28 touchdowns in 2010 and has more weapons this season.

RB BenJarvus GREEN-ELLIS

Coming off 1,000 yards and 13 TDs. Only Arian Foster had more TDs at RB.

RB Felix JONES

RB2 is my weakest link. If Jones can finally have a breakout season, I'm set.

RB Jonathan STEWART

He's finally healthy but will split carries with DeAngelo Williams.

RB Mark INGRAM

My pick for offensive rookie of the year. A complement to the Saints' passing game.

RB Joseph ADDAI

Not exciting, but he's the only RB1 in Indy. He'll get his touches and touchdowns.

TE Dallas CLARK

He'll outproduce any of the running backs or receivers available at this spot.

QB Matt SCHAUB

I'm loving my Schaub--Andre Johnson connection. It is beastly.

TE Jason WITTEN

He was the No. 1 fantasy tight end last year, and now he gets Tony Romo back.

WR Marques COLSTON

Colston is a big target who should stand out in the red zone now that Jeremy Shockey is gone.

6

WR Chad OCHOCINCO

Nobody's better at salvaging a receiver's career than Tom Brady.

WR Pierre GARÇON

I would have preferred Vernon Davis. Instead I picked a Colts WR with upside.

TE Vernon DAVIS

Was waiting for Ryan Grant but ended up with best available tight end.

RB Ryan GRANT

A healthy Grant, in that Packers offense, has third-round value.

RB Fred JACKSON

Buffalo's O-line woes concern me, but I need a solid back if Jones crashes out.

TE Jermichael FINLEY

If his knee holds up, the slimmed down Finley could lead the Pack in catches.

WR Wes WELKER

The man is a robot. Pencil him in for at least 100 catches.

RB Mikel LESHOURE

Days after I picked him, he went down with what appears to be a major injury. Doh.

QB Kevin KOLB

Banging my head against the wall for thinking Matt Schaub would last this far.

WR Brandon MARSHALL

The rare receiver who can get double-digit receptions in any given week.

RB Daniel THOMAS

A big rookie RB on a Florida team that will run the ball: this year's version of Blount.

WR Steve JOHNSON

He was a surprise star last year, but he'll once again be the big-play, go-to guy in Buffalo.

7

WR Mike THOMAS

The top Jags receiver is the most anonymous great wideout in the league.

WR Anquan BOLDIN

He's no longer an elite receiver, but the Raven is still steady.

RB Ryan WILLIAMS

Does anyone really think Beanie Wells will stay healthy all season?

WR Mario MANNINGHAM

The 25-year-old keeps improving, and he enters 2011 as the Giants' No. 2 WR.

TE Owen DANIELS

Daniels says his knee wasn't healed last year. I'm betting it will be this year.

WR Austin COLLIE

I'm gambling that he'll overtake Reggie Wayne as Indianapolis's No. 1 wideout.

TE Kellen WINSLOW

Josh Freeman's security blanket and a great red zone threat as well.

WR Julio JONES

The decision was between Jones and Austin Collie, who went a couple of picks before.

WR Jordy NELSON

Overtaking Donald Driver, and big upside as the Packers' No. 2 receiver.

RB James STARKS

Don't be surprised to see Green Bay call his number a lot in 2011.

QB Josh FREEMAN

I missed out on the top six QBs, so I waited to take this up-and-comer on a young offense.

WR Sidney RICE

He'll be the focus of Seattle's passing game and a good matchup in a weak division.

8

RB Thomas JONES

I'm now covered in case there's any trouble with Charles.

TE Brandon PETTIGREW

Missed out on the top tight ends. I liked this Lion best of who was left.

WR Santana MOSS

Better than many think, but I'm taking a leap of faith on Skins QB John Beck.

QB Eli MANNING

Had no plans to pick a second QB here, but 4,000 yards and 30 TDs in round 8?

WR Mike SIMS-WALKER

A deep sleeper. He'll be the No. 1 WR in a Rams offense that will sling it around.

RB Beanie WELLS

If he stays healthy, his place as Arizona's top back will pay dividends.

RB Marshawn LYNCH

A full season with the Seahawks should mean major carries.

TE Tony GONZALEZ

Still big in the red zone. He may never see double coverage all year.

QB Ryan FITZPATRICK

Pass-first offense, underrated weapons. People were sleeping on Fitz.

WR A.J. GREEN

At 6' 4" he will remind fans of another AJ: Andre Johnson. (Can you tell I like him yet?)

WR Lance MOORE

If Marques Colston's knee doesn't hold up, Moore will produce like a No. 1 WR.

WR Michael CRABTREE

New teammate Braylon Edwards will draw attention away and free him up.

9

TE Rob GRONKOWSKI

I can't count on seeing 10 touchdowns again, but it's not impossible.

RB Pierre THOMAS

Boom or bust. Not a high-quality third running back, but the pickings were slim.

RB Ryan TORAIN

Simply a bet that the Redskins' RB roulette wheel will land on him.

RB Brandon JACOBS

TD vulture. Needed another RB and didn't like any others on the board here.

TE Jimmy GRAHAM

Given Daniels's injury history, I needed a good TE2. Graham will have a huge year.

WR Johnny KNOX

Roy Williams will cut into his targets; he needs a consistent Jay Cutler.

WR Roy WILLIAMS

Reunion with Mike Martz could mean a return to his glory days.

DST New York JETS

Someone was bound to draft them a round early. This time it was me.

RB Reggie BUSH

The Dolphins will be forced to use him; he's arguably their most explosive weapon.

RB Mike TOLBERT

Sturdy runner will get carries in the red zone and elsewhere.

QB Matthew STAFFORD

Just in case Josh Freeman doesn't pan out, I have another young QB with huge upside.

WR Braylon EDWARDS

The Jets' snub and the one-year deal in San Fran will motivate this megatalent.

10

RB Delone CARTER

The powerful rookie will carve a niche as a short-yardage option.

RB Willis MCGAHEE

He could surprise in Denver. If nothing else, he should be a TD producer.

DST Pittsburgh STEELERS

There aren't many defenses worth a pick this high. This is one of them.

TE Marcedes LEWIS

Tied for TE-leading 10 TDs. He's the Jags' primary threat in the passing game.

WR Emmanuel SANDERS

His foot issues bother me, but he's ready to take over as the Steelers' No. 2 WR.

QB Joe FLACCO

His touchdown total has grown each season. That trend will continue.

WR Robert MEACHEM

Can never go wrong with Sean Payton as the play-caller and Drew Brees as the QB.

RB Marion BARBER

I like big backs, and I cannot lie. He'll steal some touchdowns from Matt Forte.

WR Steve SMITH (CAR)

His skills haven't diminished. Maybe Cam Newton revives his stat line.

WR Jerome SIMPSON

Had 18 receptions over the final two weeks of 2010. More fun ahead.

RB Tim HIGHTOWER

I couldn't get Skins starter Ryan Torain, but I'll settle for his productive backup.

RB C.J. SPILLER

Marshawn Lynch is gone and no one will benefit more than this dual-threat speedster.

11

WR Mike WILLIAMS (SEA)

I'd rather have Tampa Bay's Mike Williams, but Seattle's will do this late.

DST Green Bay PACKERS

Arguably the No. 1 DST, the Pack has so many players who can make big plays.

WR James JONES

Catching passes from Aaron Rodgers all year has its benefits.

DST Philadelphia EAGLES

Great cover corners like Nnamdi Asomugha means blitz, blitz, blitz.

QB Sam BRADFORD

With Josh McDaniels calling plays, expect a big jump in Bradford's numbers.

TE Chris COOLEY

A weak Skins receiving corps should help Cooley pile up catches, if not TDs.

RB Rashad JENNINGS

Will once again be a nice change-of-pace complement to Jones-Drew.

WR Hines WARD

He slid way, way too much after his thumb surgery. I'm dancing after this pick.

TE Zach MILLER (SEA)

With the money the Seahawks are giving him, Miller has got to get the ball.

TE Greg OLSEN

New team, same great hands. Happy to have his veteran savvy.

WR Plaxico BURRESS

I'm betting that nearly two years in prison won't affect his ability to catch the fade.

RB Michael BUSH

He has returned to Oakland and will resume his role as an inside runner and red zone grinder.

12

QB Donovan MCNABB

Minnesota is a better fit for him than Washington ever was.

RB DeMarco MURRAY

Health aside, Dallas's uncertain backfield makes this rookie an exciting prospect.

QB Jay CUTLER

Not an every-week fantasy starter, but he may thrive this year under Mike Martz.

WR Deion BRANCH

Unable to land Chad Ochocinco, I'll take Branch, who is a Tom Brady favorite.

RB Tashard CHOICE

Already the goal line back, he'll be the man if the fragile Jones goes down.

DST Baltimore RAVENS

First-round CB Jimmy Smith helps the secondary for this stingy unit.

QB Matt CASSEL

Finally has some weapons on the perimeter. Should be able to use them.

TE Visanthe SHIANCOE

Donovan McNabb loves throwing to TEs. Shiancoe is the real top "WR" in Minnesota.

WR Malcom FLOYD

Re-signed by the Chargers, who will take advantage of his red zone skills.

RB Ronnie BROWN

Another toy in Andy Reid's offense. He will get his touches for the Eagles.

RB Montario HARDESTY

If he's healthy, Hardesty will get some of the carries that made Peyton Hillis a star last fall.

RB LaDainian TOMLINSON

LT is slowing, but he should still have value as a pass catcher and situational runner.

13

RB Darren SPROLES

The slippery third-down back will excel in Reggie Bush's old role.

QB Mark SANCHEZ

I would have liked a better backup quarterback. Sanchez is just O.K.

RB Shane VEREEN

The Patriots like to play RB carousel, and Vereen will get a long look.

RB Roy HELU

Needed another running back, and this young one has considerable upside.

WR Danario ALEXANDER

Can you tell I like the Rams? Someone has to catch the ball in St. Louis this year.

RB Danny WOODHEAD

The Pats' back-by-committee approach makes him only a solid fantasy sub.

DST New England PATRIOTS

Albert Haynesworth and Vince Wilfork up front. Need I say more?

QB Cam NEWTON

I love this kind of upside play this low. I have until Aaron Rodgers's bye (Week 8) to decide.

RB Jacquizz RODGERS

Michael Turner is done; plus Quizz is an old college fantasy football favorite.

WR Josh MORGAN

Has been on the verge for a while. This season he finally breaks out.

WR Jacoby FORD

Another year of seasoning should allow Ford to emerge as the team's No. 1 WR.

RB Mike GOODSON

The Panthers have to run, and he showed the goods when he got a chance last year.

14

DST Detroit LIONS

Nick Fairley may be hurt, but Ndamukong Suh's still there.

K Garrett HARTLEY

Hey, every team starts a kicker. Why not get one you believe in?

K Nate KAEDING

He's reliable, and he'll be helped by a good San Diego offense.

TE Aaron HERNANDEZ

Hip surgery knocked him down this far, but this is a WR in a TE's body.

RB Toby GERHART

In his second season Gerhart will have a bigger role in the Vikings' offense.

K Stephen GOSTKOWSKI

His quad is healed, and he'll get lots of chances in the Pats' potent offense.

TE Jared COOK

Matt Hasselbeck loves his tight ends, and Cook has the skill set to put up numbers.

RB Ben TATE

If the Houston system works, Tate is an injury-risk upside play on Arian Foster.

WR Roscoe PARRISH

Love him. Parrish was breaking out before breaking his wrist in the middle of 2010.

WR Vincent BROWN

An excellent route runner, Brown will become a big-play target for Philip Rivers.

TE Tony MOEAKI

Coming off a sneaky-good rookie year in 2010, Moeaki should see more touches.

DST Chicago BEARS

Loaded with playmakers at every level, they're stingy and a threat to score. Plus Devin Hester.

15

K Sebastian JANIKOWSKI

The choice was made to grab the best kicker in the draft, not the worst.

TE Jermaine GRESHAM

Considered Todd Heap and Dustin Keller, but this Bengal's upside won out.

WR Davone BESS

Time to fill out the roster with sleepers no matter how deep they slumber.

WR Steve BREASTON

Bust last year with bad QB; Chiefs need him to be a No. 2 after Dwayne Bowe.

DST New Orleans SAINTS

Gregg Williams will dial up the pressure even more with the additions on D.

WR Derrick MASON

Signed by the Jets, Mason will step into the slot role immediately.

WR Donald DRIVER

His role figures to diminish, but that's relative in Green Bay's offense.

K Matt BRYANT

I drafted a kicker one round earlier than normal to get a big leg in a good offense.

DST Atlanta FALCONS

DE Ray Edwards was the complementary pass rusher they needed.

DST San Diego CHARGERS

Gave up the fewest yards in the NFL last season while making 47 sacks.

DST New York GIANTS

I'm not big on DSTs. I prefer to play weekly matchups, so the Giants will soon be gone.

K Neil RACKERS

He's got length, and Houston's offense moves the ball. He'll get plenty of opportunities.

16

QB Kyle ORTON

He's an insurance policy for my fragile top two signal-callers.

WR Greg LITTLE

He's a little bit rusty after a year off but still could be the Browns' best receiver.

WR Danny AMENDOLA

Sam Bradford liked him last year. Maybe this year it will be love.

K Nick FOLK

The Jets' great D, plus good running game, plus so-so QB equal field goals.

K Adam VINATIERI

Peyton & Co. consistently put this future Hall of Famer in position to score.

RB Jason SNELLING

The Falcons re-signed him to be a valuable, multipurpose backup.

K Rob BIRONAS

My guess is he'll get a number of chances while the offense adjusts to changes.

WR Arrelious BENN

I'll take a chance on his comeback from ACL surgery--and on Josh Freeman.

K Josh BROWN

Scoring chances will be there as Josh McDaniels opens up the offense.

K Alex HENERY

The Philadelphia offense will keep his leg busy all season long.

K Mason CROSBY

Wow. I waited until the last round to draft a kicker and got our No. 2--ranked guy. Score.

TE Dustin KELLER

With Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith gone, that opens up catches for Keller.