This is the "Hear me out" mock

What a difference a week makes! Has anyone else seen the magazine racks at Barnes and Noble? Two words: Adrian Peterson. Can Freddy really pass up on the huge upside when LT is coming off a banged up leg and running behind a new fullback? Looks like Drury has a decision to make...


1.01 Purple Jesus


The only downside besides his injury history is you have to grab Chester Taylor much earlier than you would probably like. Let's face it, with a cush run schedule like the Vikes this season, both these guys have value in our system so go ahead and grab Peterson, but know some of us like the the idea of throwing Talyor out there as a number 2 with a monster upside in the event your boy goes down hard!


1.02 Tom Brady


The more I look at this pick the more I like about it to be honest...there is virtually no reason why he doesn't explode again this year despite coming back to Earth alittle - remember, 40 tuddies is back down to Earth - but not back down to the rest of the pack. Too much edge with him under center - book him!


1.03 Reggie Wayne


Perhaps against my better judgement, but I'll take my chances rolling with Marshall, Colston, and Wayne (304 catches in 2007) rather than grab what appears to be a "bonafide stud back"...Crazy? Probably. A move to win? Yup!


1.04 Steven Jackson


No brainer actually - unless you reach for Moss here! Bold move with keepers like Campbell and Kevin Walters but you're not known for what the rest of us call, "conventional"


1.05 LT


Is this scenario possible? Well, you know better than most that curve balls happen - sometimes rightly but often wrongly. The question remains, though...Do you stick with a WR in the 1st or grab the most consistently, high-performing RB over the last 7 years? You're a believer in RBs leading to Championships despite WRs taking control in 2007...afterall, isn't LT like a WR in a PPR?


1.06 Westbrook


Yeah, yeah, yeah..."I'm lovin' Portis this year!" Well, when's the last time Portis caught 50+? Never. When's the last time BWB caught LESS THAN 50? 2003! Last I checked - we're in a PPR!


1.07 Barber


Addai is tempting but a bit too safe for the consummate gambler. You grab the double digit tuddies with lots of upside knowing that Felix Jones will split out on 3rd downs thus opening up the interior for MBIII. Solid pick!


1.08 Moss


You scoff but the likelihood of Randy falling this far can happen if someone goes TB and RW in the top 5. It's called the ripple effect my friend...the question is - are you a leader or a follower?


1.09 Addai


Dominic Rhodes doesn't scare you in the 9 spot.


1.10 LJ


Diapers or not - this crybaby can flatout tote the rock in the redzone! You're shocked he's here but laugh at those who cringe at Brodie Croyle...


2.01 Braylon


With TO still on the board? Why not? I'll tell you why...because you drafted Chris Chambers 14th a couple years ago!


2.02 TO


Come to Papa...


2.03 Fitz


Andre Johnson is tough to pass up here but that tricky knee isn't going away...take your chance on Fitzgerald despite the ominous presence of Boldin.


2.04 Portis


Portis in the 2nd???


2.05 Andre Johnson


He's ranked too high across the board...you hate to do it, but not even the great D&D is that stubborn!


2.06 Steven Smith


You're not buying Smith's numbers post Delhomme last season - you're expecting Smith circa September 07! It helps knowing anyone else you're looking at here, except Peyton, will be there in the 3rd...


2.07 Ocho Mucho Attitudo


In Spanish, this doesn't mean a damn thing - in FPT - you love a guy who thinks he's the greatest!


2.08 McGahee


He's going to catch 50+ under Cam Cameron this season - book it! He was close under Billick for crying out loud...


2.09 TJH


High targets. Healthy WR. Productive offense. Won't be there after Fred...


2.10 Manning


You know the value of stud QBs but also recognize that rarely does a #1 QB one season hold the top spot the next...gimme 2008s #1 at number 20!


3.01 Boldin


You gotta get a wideout who actually has a QB throwing the ball...unlike Mr. Bowe in KC!


3.02 Lynch


Either you're a fan of Tim Russert (who wasn't?) or you actually think the Bills hype is legit...I can tell you this though, Lynch doesn't catch nearly as many balls as you think (trust me - there's a reason I didn't take him earlier!).


3.03 Bush


Did I really just pass up Holt and Burress??? Maybe draft night I won't...


3.04 Burress


You need someone to balance out all the unproductive weeks Ocho'll give ya'


3.05 Holt


Old? Yup. High target on a healthier team in 2008? You bet...and I LOVE TO BET!


3.06 Jamal Lewis


Lots of choices here since you're forced to look RB cause the wideouts aren't worth it...Maroney, Ronnie, Forte, McFadden & co. You go with the vet and hope Anderson can continue to keep them honest!


3.07 Roy Williams


No contest here - probably the only legit WR available in mid-3rd...


3.08 Santonio


Lookin' to reach, are ya? You'll take a QB/TE on the otherside so grabbing an upside WR in a rising offense is too tempting to pass up.


3.09 Jonathan Stewart


Interesting...with Maroney, Forte, Rudi, Edge, Ronnie still out there. Richmond is a bit closer to Charlottte so maybe you know something we don't. Weren't we talking at Collusea (spelling?) about you being our inside guy for the Panthers?


3.10 Gates


Take your pick but does it pay to go conventional this year at TE...afterall, look at Winslow, Witten, Clark, and Gonzo in 2007!


4.01 Forte


F*ck Cedric.


4.02 Edge


No competition in Zona means oodles of opportunity for Mr. Goldteeth...if 2007 is any indication, there is ZERO upside with Edge, though. Hope Stewart works out for you!


That's all for now...stay tuned!

last day of school - FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!

1.01 Freddy - LT

Is it just me, or has San Diego fallen off the radar after an underachieving year in 2007? And if I'm not mistaken, Gates underperformed (particularly if you look at his draft position every year!), Chambers continued his atrocious reception %, and Vincent Jackson looks the part but hasn't played it...smells like LT will have as much of the pie as he wants with Turner gone!

1.02 SchoolGirls - Steven Jackson

The buzz is Jackson is a bit banged up in the groin region which is certainly cause for concern - but hesitation, not a chance. Way too much upside in a fantasy world with few dynamite fulltime backs in a weaker division. Plus, he can and will catch the heck out of the ball...

1.03 UCB - Thomas Brady

Never drafted a quality player in the 1st round so looks like Brady will fall victim to the UCB curse in 2008! But, how can you pass up on 40+ and a 300 ypg average?

1.04 Flava - AP

Welcome home, AP! Better grab Chester a bit earlier than you think...think how you snagged LJ a few years back to rain on the Juiceman's handcuff! Monster TD numbers but the consistent production will likely be lacking for a top #4 pick.

1.05 Juice - Reggie Wayne

Curve ball? Only if you haven't paid attention to who is already on his roster and the history of Jason Robert Senuta... Consider yourself warned.

1.06 D&D - Portis

The love affair of 2008, right Conley? You have been drooling over the positive pub he's getting on the East Coast for weeks now... You might be right, but I have 15.9 million reasons to question him here.

1.07 PE - Addai

Safe pick. Right spot. Defending champ decision.

1.08 Ninja - Moss

Infatuation with all things Patriot is an understatement. You hate Brady being off the board yet relish the opportunity to passive aggressively get UCB back - well, I'll take the younger guy who doesn't get hit anyday. Sorry.

1.09 DNice - Westbrook

Classic DNice. Like a vulture on the Savannah you swoop in to capture the latest prey... Kinda funny since Westbrook is always wounded anyway!

1.10 Brain - Barber

Like the pick but LOVE how the Cowboys are going to carry your roster for week one. Plus, there is nothing like the trade value they'll command in early September - like a Honda - Cowboys never lose value! Smart decision!

2.01 Brain - TO

Sexy pick but does he ever get kickers? Not as many as you'ld think being the 3rd WR off the board...

2.02 Dnice - Manning

Come to Papa, Peyton...Take me back to the Promise Land as all stud QBs do.

2.03 Ninja - Braylon

Same pick. Different year. You always draft someone based on hype so grabbing Braylon ahead of Fitz is dare I say, TOO EARLY! If you don't mind me asking, do MJD and Turner really make you comfortable?

2.04 PE - Fitzgerald

Look at what Big Dan found in the 2nd - a studly, consistent, young WR who has been paid yet working on his next monster contract. Thanks for making the strong - stronger, Ninja!

2.05 D&D - Andre Johnson

Somewhat negative press now but in August I'm sure everyone will forget his permanent spot on the sidelines...or, maybe the fact that his knee is still getting scoped 9 months later is a sign. A sign that there are healthier WRs out there for a 2nd round pick!

2.06 Juice - Houshmandzadeh

TJ is to 85 as Reggie is to Harrison. That's right - the #2 performs better than the "#1"

2.07 Flava - #85

Is it the gold teeth? The gold HOF jacket? Or is he just Fool's Gold...book him!

2.08 UCB - Burress

Plax in the 2nd? Actually, the 3rd if you consider Colston and Marshall are already off the board and on my roster! I can't wait to see the WR pool for the rest of you...

2.09 SchoolGirls - Steve Smith

I hope Matt Moore can get it done...

2.10 Freddy - Boldin

This feels about right - after the true studs and before the occassional studs. Kinda like his contract, right Anquan?

3.01 Freddy - Holt

Big game and bigger desire to get out of St. Louis...potential motivation or source of frustration?

3.02 SchoolGirls - Roy Williams

Wrong Lion, Drury...

3.03 UCB - Marshawn "The HitMan" Lynch

Hits holes like they're innocent bystanders in the wee hours of the morning...not to mention he takes it to the house!

3.04 Flava - McGahee

You've always had a soft spot for Willis. Which back-up you gonna draft first, now?

3.05 Juice - Larry Johnson

Justified slip? Well, running behind a line like that can't be good for a cry baby... There's a lot to be said for upside with a high floor but LJ's been livin' in the basement!

3.06 D&D - Ronnie Brown

Back for his second tour only this time, he's coming off serious injury and contending with Ricky. Smart pick - only if you pass! Your name says it all though...

3.07 PE - Hines Ward

You sense this passing offense is going from good to great in 2008. But one has to wonder, do you grab the guy everyone thinks is the #1 or make a move for the guy who actually is the #1? You're too safe to gamble in the 3rd...Puss!

3.08 Ninja - Maroney

Every bone in your body suggests this isn't the right pick but these bones are also telling you that your backfield is made up of flex guys right now...time to reach!

3.09 DNice - Coles

Welcome home! Since you left, I got your brother from another mother - meet Mr. Welker!

3.10 Brain - Bush

You can't believe THE REGGIE BUSH is here! He's a fine pick if your running back doesn't need to run...

4.01 Brain - Matt Forte

Pounding the KoolAid in ChiTown. Let's face it - Benson was never going to be successful after the ugly hold-out. Unfortunately, the line is that much older and the QB continues to be in flux... Is this a good situation for a rookie? Well, at least the other Adrian Peterson is there to take some heat (and valuable carries and targets!)

4.02 DNice - Fast Willie Parker

Who doesn't love a guaranteed 1,000 yard back...anyone who knows who Mendanhall is.

4.03 Ninja - Santonio Holmes

You had him two years ago and have felt empty ever since... well, he's back and is actually worthy of a roster spot this time , unlike a past reach - Lamont Jordan!

4.04 PE - Jamal Lewis

Nothing like a fulltime back behind an outstanding line. Let's hope the wheels don't fall off in 2008 but getting him in the 4th is a low risk/high reward play...

4.05 D&D - Calvin Johnson

Likely not here in August but you need a break looking at this mock!

4.06 Juice - Winslow

First TE off the board in the 4th?! Surprising fall? Nope. Before Gates? Brilliant! Nice job, Commish...

4.07 Flava - Antonio Gates

He's gone at your next pick and you know Cooley is only in your mind because you're in Skin's Country. Check yourself before you wreck yourself, Richard!

4.08 UCB - Jonathan Stewart

There's a reason Freddy didn't keep DeAngelo...allow me to introduce him.

4.09 SchoolGirls - McFadden

Reaching for a big name rookie, are ya...how often do rookie running backs produce? Not often. However, when they are competing with the incumbent starter (Fargas) and an afterthought 2nd year beast (Bush) this situation doesn't fit the bill. This night is shaping up to be earlier than mine in Philly!

4.10 Freddy - Thomas Jones

Savvy play but is it smart? Faneca is good and will make this line much better...but this is a committee if I've ever seen one.

5.01 Freddy - Chambers

I suppose this due to a lack of options at this point...

5.02 SchoolGirls - Carson Palmer

In a desperate effort to regain your footing, you grab the most hyped QB of 2007...newsflash, it's 2008, Michael. Shoulda waited another 5 rounds!

5.03 UCB - LenDale The Hut

I have a fondness for big eaters - that's why I've known Ricky since Kindergarten. Well, do they get any bigger than LenDale? Butterbean. But he's not available...

5.04 Flava - Santana Moss

Sneaky pick but I wonder if the rest of us might actually be missing something with this Moss...it wouldn't surprise me if Santana isn't here come draft night.

5.05 Juice - Marvin Harrison

My how the mighty have fallen...thanks for making the pick nobody wanted to make! I hate to tell you but you missed your shot at a sliding WR last year..Marvin is more like a plummet!

5.06 D&D - Rudi Johnson

Rudi in the first one year - the fifth the next. Two words: not good. Shoulda waited and grabbed Kenny Watson much later... At least he catches the ball!

5.07 PE - Vincent Jackson

Big target. Bigger letdown. Enjoy!

5.08 Ninja - Big Ben

Reach Alert! If you make a move for a QB grab someone who actually gets kickers...

5.09 DNice - Greg Jennings

Another vet to the old DNice roster - but this pick only makes sense if one legendary, injury free vet comes out of retirement...

5.10 Brain - Donald Driver

At least his name conjures up Double D's...and that's not tuddies, Brain!

Speaking of historic...

Has anybody given a look to see if early round drafting strategies has had any impact on the eventual champion? Probably not... Never fear my friends - time is on my side these days!

2005 Season:

DNice rolled to his first championship by drafting RB/WR/WR/RB/RB...

Memorable not for his 3 RBs bookending 2 WRs, it is more for the vintage Moss - TO loop picks by the always under-the-radar (only in his own mind...) guy who grabbed Rackers hours later after watching him clear the uprights on a kick-off! But even a stud Kicker isn't why DNice is engraved on the hardware - it's the guy under center...Brady (7th rounder).

2006 Season:

DNice rolled (again) to his second championship by drafting RB/WR/RB/WR/QB...

RB/WR heavy as usual but who's that in the 5th - Brady.

2007 Season:

Performance Enhancers rolled through the ENTIRE season by drafting RB/RB/QB/WR/RB...

Not only did Dan grab Manning in the mid-3rd, but he effectively ended all of our seasons by grabbing Randy Moss in the 6th! Why is that important? Because Randy only came out his 3 year hibernation because of Tom Brady (stud).

***Didn't Brady put Ninja Mafia on the map in 2007?

In the end it's pretty obvious - Brady is justified as early as anyone wants. He's young, proven, and is surrounded by guys who catch the ball, protect the pocket, and go for the juggular all 16 weeks! Nothing has really change in 2008 except the chip became a boulder after the Super Bowl debacle and the Patriot passing schedule is cush...

However, not only was Brady tied to Big Dan's run - he grabbed steady, efficient, kicker-friendly Peyton to guide his team.

The ONLY way you can take this historic information is that drafting a top QB in a "known" friendly situation is the first point on the map to immortality... Fred, you're on the clock!

Mental Note #1: LT has NEVER hoisted the FPT hardware.

Mental Note #2: No champ has ever drafted a TE in the first 5 rounds (and no, Keith Bulluck and Adrian Wilson didn't get it done either, right Juice?).

A Historic Day DESERVES a Historic Mock!!!

1.01 - Fred ..... L.T.

Does anyone really think LT isn't going #1??? Whether Fred keeps the pick or not LT is going #1 b/c he is the only guy guaranteed to finish in the Top 5.....AGAIN!!!

1.02 - Drury ...... S-Jax

Brady is tempting as is All-Day but when push comes to shove...Drury wants a full time back who's in a contract year - Oh yeah, did I mention he plays in the NFC West??? Nice decision Drury....nice decision!

1.03 - Vogel ..... Addai

With the former Beaver off the board you are simply beside yourself and do the only thing a man of you prowess does ... go reliable. Only question is ... Is Addai more reliable than Brady? You won't take the bait .... way to stay true my friend!

1.04 - Flava ...... All-Day

Seriously....di you really think it'd be anybody else????

1.05 - Senuta ...... Brady

No way I can pass on a guy that gives me consistent points week in and week out....also, I think he has a chip on his shoulder....that my friends is a SCARY thought!!!

1.06 - D&D ..... Marion the Barbarion

Just b/c Conley wants to say this throughout the season b/c it sounds cool. The pick may also have something to do with the fact he's smart enough to know which '07 Cowboy back is going to have a monster year as the bonafide #1 back!!!

1.07 - PE ..... Westbrook

Dan is a man who believes things happen for a reason and feels he can't go wrong either way here....Moss or Westbrook have a championship with him in '07 and he wants that type of leadership and understanding of expectations back....screw the injury concerns...with a WR and TE kept he'll get his back now!

1.08 - Ninja ..... Manning

Feeling confident about Turner and MJD, Skertich can't fight off the urge to grab a Manning. The thing he's learned in his two years in the league is a dominant QB can score enough points to win you weeks....isn't that right, Patrick??? Manning may be in for another run at the record and Skertich wants a QB who is consistent!!!

1.09 - DNice ..... Portis

Brady would have been a "No-Brainer" here with Welker and Selvin being kept" but even still Mark Understands Brain could go RB/RB ... no way Marky Mark doesn't grab the back he wants first! Can't be forced to take and under=performing LJ again - can you? You'll get your WR in just a second!

1.10 - Brain ..... Moss

Well, Brain isn't called Brain for nothing, he knows Roddy-Roddy isn't a #1 Wideout and Moss is the #1 of all #1's. Nice pick Brain....I'll call you later!!!!

ROUND 2

2.01 - Brain ..... LJ

Brain loves Willis McGahee but can't pass on a name like LJ who figures to run behind a much improved line. Hope they can pass protect too b/c with the QB options in KC right now....Brain may be taking snaps by mid-October!

2.02 - DNice ..... TO

Mark loves Mark some Mark and can't ignore ther love affair he has with TO. Eerily similar to that girl you just can't seem to simply say hello to without asking her if she'd like to come back to your place at the end of the evening.......Welcome Home T.O. - Welcome Home!!

2.03 - Ninja ..... Wayne

Not sure he should have taken Manning he can't possibly take his new #1.....can he????... Thing is, he also knows deep down in places he doesn't talk about at parties he can't feel 100% confident with his backs. Lynch and McGahee were the last of the elite RB's .... unless you count Reggie Bush ... we know where Skertich stands with Bush. He passes and sticks with the INDY connection!

2.04 - PE ..... Fitz

Knowing Lee Evans isn't the most consistent of WR's in the league Dan has to grab a guy who can do just that...thinks about Braylon b/c of his Wolverine ties but when push comes to shove he'll pick the guy with the same Bye Week as Westbrook......Won't He????

2.05 - D&D ..... Edwards

Conley loves Coles but knows it's a little too early to get the family back together...he'll grab Braylon and soon realize this pick is doomed for the very reason he didn't look to trade for Anderson........hope you follow me here young Conley!

2.06 - Senuta ...... Smith

In all seriousness, I can't dance with AJ for a 3rd year and now way I'm touching Cincy until I see how it plays out. Steve Smith will produce and that's good enough for me...love a QB who force feeds a favorite wideout!

2.07 - Flava ..... Andre J.

Quite an upgrade over Jacoby Jones, eh Ricky B??? The guy may be the most talented WR in the NFL and hopefully he shows you that b/c god knows I have only caught a quick peak!

2.08 - Vogel ..... Burress

For the same reason Vog stays clear of the "bungled" situation and grabs a performer. Sure McGahee is tempting as are Bush and Lynch but 1 of the three will be there in the 3rd so he'll take his pick of the remaining wideouts!

2.09 - Drury ..... Housh

Drury loves the "Gateway" but not enough to justify both S-Jax and Holt so he'll go with a high target WR who is the more consistent of the 2 in cincy.

2.10 - Freddy ...... Holt

Either way he's going 1 and 1 here with a WR and a RB. Holt is safer than Boldin or CJ and I think even Fred is smart enough to stay clear of el Presidente....eh????

ROUND 3

3.01 - Fred ..... Lynch

If I remember correctly Fred is actually a pretty savvy draft guy who can find value....doesn't a guy like Lynch fit the bill. He is the main guy who is due to break out....at least that's what I am hearing!

3.02 - Drury .... McGahee

Can't pass on a guy who is the BWB for the new regime in Baltimore...Vogel is wishing you would but only Reggie can be justified here so take your pick but I like my guess....YOU????

3.03 - Vog ..... Boldin

Simply because you are a boldin guy....always have been! Also I'm not sure you'll dance with Bush since you have Colston.....Bush+Colston do not equal Brees!!!

3.04 - Flava ..... Bush

You mean I can have Peterson and Reggie Bush??? Where do I sign? Well Ricky B. - Sign up right here!!

3.05 - Juice ..... Jennings

He shouldn't make it back and I like him a lot so I grab him over Ocho --- at this point!

3.06 - D&D .... Rudi

The guy is still the #1 back in a good offense and Conly needs a back.

3.07 - PE .... Jamal

Why not add another guy with FPT championship experience! Although Ronnie and jacobs are tempting I think Lewis is a guy who can go for 100 and 2 any week!

3.08 - Ninja ..... Graham

Skertich needs another back to feel good about the backfield situation. The WR's are a muddled mix and he can grab someone after the loop. Still too early for Palmer...even though Manning is still stinging!!!

3.09 - DNice ..... Calvin

In a shocker DNice goes with the so-called #2 receiver in Detroit....we'll see though. I have a sneaky feeling a healthy CJ means much bigger production in the new offense! Mark can grab his other RB after Brain takes his wide-out and running back.

3.10 - Brain ..... Jacobs

Giddy, Brain takes the man-child and declares he has the best backfield in the league plus Tony Romo and Randy Moss.

ROUNDS 4 and 5 should be coming.......i'll try!!!!