Fantasy Football 2013: Team Power

In fantasy football you don't always take the best players.

Deciding which NFL players to draft for a fantasy football team is the first prerequisite for success. Many enthusiasts of the fantasy ball like to think this-or-that strategy is best, and follow it like a map to secret treasure, often guarding the strategy as they would such a map. Even some writers in this genre will hold back a trick or two, and deviate from their list they have rewritten 37 times since June, come draft time.

Few approaches to drafting are more popular than the theory which says you should select for your fantasy team those real-world NFL players who are the most talented. Rather than carry this out to a treatise laden with history and probabilities for proof, let me just say that no matter how talented any player is, that player must get chances for him to help your fantasy team. It is therefore opportunity, and not talent, that should be the first guide for your draft day selections.

This in mind, it may be beneficial to grade overall team abilities and strengths. Some teams pass well, and they usually boast three or even four pass catchers who are draftable in fantasy, because all of them get ample opportunities. Even the second string WR, however, on a run-first team, is a risky proposition. The same is true in the converse: the Packers running backs as a group have not been very successful since the team began passing most of the time, for example, and the same is true of the Saints. Here then is a list of each team with two grades. The first grade is overall offense rating. This is derived from speed of the offense, offensive efficiency, and amount of time it spends on the field, opening up opportunities for its fantasy players. The second grade is the passing offense, and the third is for the rushing offense. When choosing your players during your drafts this year, and you are undecided between two players when your choice comes, your best bet is to pick the one whose offense gives the most chances to players at his position.

The grades are based on projected starting rosters. Exceptions are noted below each division.

New England Patriots: Offense A; Rushing B Passing A 
Miami Dolphins: Offense C-; Rushing C Passing D 
New York Jets: Offense C; Rushing C Passing C 
Buffalo Bills: Offense C; Rushing B Passing C-
-Notes: Dolphins hope WR moves pay off but will they with Tannehill under center and the slow pace of that offense...Geno Smith can help raise both Jets grades by himself, if he is up to the task...I like Spiller and Jackson in Buffalo but they lose points as I'm not sure if Manuel is an upgrade over Fitzpatrick.

Houston Texans: Offense B+; Rushing A Passing B
Indianapolis Colts: Offense B; Rushing C Passing A
Tennessee Titans: Offense C; Rushing B Passing C
Jacksonville Jaguars: Offense D; Rushing B Passing D
-Notes: Assuming Colts offense stays the same...if Fitzpatrick wins the job in Tennessee the passing grade goes up one letter, same thing if Henne wins it in JAX.

Baltimore Ravens: Offense B; Rushing A Passing C 
Pittsburgh Steelers: Offense B; Rushing B Passing B
Cincinnati Bengals: Offense B; Rushing C Passing B+
Cleveland Browns: Offense C; Rushing B+ Passing C
-Notes: Assuming Bell wins the RB job in PIT, and Weeden improvement in CLE.

Denver Broncos: Offense A-; Rushing B+ Passing A  
Kansas City Chiefs: Offense C; Rushing B+ Passing C 
San Diego Chargers: Offense C-; Rushing D Passing B
Oakland Raiders: Offense D; Rushing D Passing D
-Notes: If Wilson wins the QB job in OAK, up the passing grade one letter.

Dallas Cowboys: Offense B; Rushing C Passing A
Washington Redskins: Offense B+; Rushing A Passing B 
New York Giants: Offense B; Rushing C Passing B+
Philadelphia Eagles: Offense C-; Rushing B- Passing D
-Notes: Assuming Griffin plays all year and Wilson starts in NY. If Brown gets more carries for the Giants, raise the grade 1/2 a letter...also assuming Vick wins the job in Philly...if Barkley takes over rather than Foles (eventually), raise the passing grade one letter...not sure yet about the tempo in Philly.

New Orleans Saints: Offense B+; Rushing C+ Passing A 
Atlanta Falcons: Offense B; Rushing B- Passing A-
Tampa Bay Bucs: Offense B; Rushing A Passing B-
Carolina Panthers: Offense D; Rushing C- Passing C-
-Notes: Counting Cam Newton in both categories, which is part of the low grades...it's not a matter of talent there, rather line play and execution, also SLOW SLOW SLOW.

Green Bay Packers: Offense B+; Rushing C Passing A
Minnesota Vikings: Offense B-; Rushing A Passing D
Detroit Lions: Offense B; Rushing B Passing A-
Chicago Bears: Offense C; Rushing B Passing D
Notes: Love Brandon Marshall but he can't save Cutler and the passing game himself for this grade. Being gratuitous with DET RB grade because I like their depth and pace of play.

San Francisco 49ers: Offense B; Rushing B Passing B
Seattle Seahawks: Offense A-; Rushing A- Passing A-
St. Louis Rams: Offense C; Rushing C Passing C
Arizona Cardinals: Offense C; Passing B+ Rushing C
-Notes: If Stepfan Taylor gets the feature back role in ARI, raise their rushing grade to a B+...raise the Rams RB grade to a B if its Zac Stacy there.

2013 NFL Draft Team Grades and Notes: AFC South

AFC South

Houston Texans: A strong team got even stronger through a pretty good draft. As a team, though, you have to question what it will take to make the next step, a leap forward many have predicted the last three years. They need to go from contender to Super Bowl. This draft was so good you could make the argument that they now have all the pieces and this is the year. Doubts still linger, though. Can Matt Schaub win the big ones, under pressure? Is the back end of that defense shored up enough to prevent late comebacks by Texan opponents? Can they find somebody to take at least some pressure off of Andre Johnson?

DeAndre Hopkins, the team's first pick, has the attitude and second gear (both during a play and through a game) to be a difference maker, and is a perfect downfield threat as Andre Johnson now  becomes more of a possession receiver, albeit a dandy one. With Owen Daniels in the middle this offense is now locked and loaded. Can Schaub deliver the football, and is Kubiak aggressive enough to speed up the tempo? DJ Swearinger, I swear (as does he), will be an impact player at the NFL level. Both these first picks reflect aggressive attitudes, which is exactly what this team needs, more JJ Wattishness. But again, will the head coach unleash the fury that this team could be? This may be his last chance so he should come out swinging. Third selection Brennan Williams will help the OL. Sam Montogomery was a steal at pick #95, if he can stay focused that Texans DL could be monstrously disruptive. Trevardo Williams ensures depth on the edge. I liked this draft except for the Round 6 picks, as I believe there was better value to be had from a talent perspective, which is what you're looking for in late round fliers. Grade: A-

Fantasy Implications: Hopkins should win the Houston #2 WR job. Historically, that status has not been a very lucrative fantasy goldmine, however, it is arguable that the Texans have never had anyone of the caliber of The Cannibal at WR #2. This, coupled with the attention still given Johnson, makes Hopkins someone very draftable, but proceed with caution. Remember he still has to beat out last year's draftees. In the best case scenario for Hopkins, he becomes the next Andre Johnson.

Indianapolis Colts: Coming into this draft, up-and-coming Colts had a few problem spots to address, especially on the interior of the offensive line. They also needed an upgrade over departed Dwight Freeney, to put some more pressure on the passer and help out in run situations. The secondary is also a work in progress. It should be noted that the Colts had been active in free agency in the months prior to the draft, signing journeymen center Samson Satele, guard Donald Thomas, and tackle Gosder Cherilus, among others, to try and fortify that line for Andrew Luck. On defense, the offseason brought Aubrayo Franklin, Vontae Davis, and LaRon Landry. To say that the Colts defense will have a different look in 2013 is an understatement. All of these defenders, and probably all the linemen too, will start for the team. In a way, the Colts used free agency as a draft, especially considering the players they picked up.

As for the draft itself, they got a raw but possible difference maker at DE by picking Bjorn Woerner. Scouts were all over the place on this kid, but he is relatively new to the game, yet is aware of many of its nuances. It also helps that he has played with some of the best players in the country, and against some of the best in all the land. He will start right away, soon getting more playing time than Ricky Jean-Francois, and definitely part of any rotation. They simply need him to play, don't be surprised if they move him, or someone else around, to keep him on the field all three downs. Hugh Thornton plays with heart and motor but was a bit of a reach with the team's 3rd Round pick. Khaled Holmes, selected in Round 4, is a much better pick, but both these linemen are versatile and should settle in somewhere in short order. Montori Hughes was an excellent value pick in Round 5. Yes, the team went directly for needs, ignoring more talented players at other spots, and apparently confident that Davis and  Landry have fixed the leaky secondary. But they were solid picks in any case, showing an attempt to fortify the toughest spots to fill. If you don't value DBs very highly....Grade: B-

Fantasy Implications: Andrew Luck's value goes up. He was awful good last year. Considering he had no time to throw the ball on too many occasions, usually due to unacceptable pressure directly up the middle (the hole still left behind by Jeff Saturday), if these draft picks, and free agents, can help seal those seams just a second longer, Luck becomes one of the top five fantasy QBs in 2013, regardless of how many games the Colts win or lose, bet on it. Other than that, Kerwynn Williams has some talent, but he is raw and still learning the position, it will take a lot for him to unseat Donald Brown as Vick Ballard's backup. Williams might make Delone Carter and Deji Karim expendable, though.

Tennessee Titans: Another team with many positions of need is the Tennessee Titans. It is true, as many have already said, that problems up front on the line, lack of pressure on the QB, bad tackling, the lack of leadership on both sides of the ball, and many similar problems exist on this team, and it will indeed take more than this draft to deal with all of them and make the Titans a contender. Yet, I like the fact that this team is taking its lumps while building from the inside-out, that is, by trying to strengthen the trenches first. In fact this is the Titans' really main deficiency. Their offense is decent even with Locker or Fitzpatrick behind center, and their skill position players are pretty darned good. The defense needs a linebacker or two and some DB help, but all in all it caused quite a few turnovers last year, and had its moments.

The Tennessee draft, with the exception of the choice of WR Justin Hunter in Round 2, tried to directly address the team's starting lineup needs. Hunter was a luxury pick, perhaps Kenny Britt insurance. I like the potential, but not with other more pressing needs. Chance Warmack will start in short time and try and help give Fitzpatrick more than 2.4 seconds to throw. He was a solid pick at #10, slightly higher than he should have been selected, but the Titans needed him, and Munchak, perhaps justifiably, will always defer to linemen in a push. Bidi Wreh-Wilson will get playing time also, there is no telling yet how much. He, too, was selected slightly higher that he should have been, again because of need, but also because of the run on DBs. Their second Round 3 pick, and their picks in Rounds 4 and 5, are where the Titans flexed their draft acumen. Zaviar Gooden will make a veteran expendable at LB, as will Brian Schwenke on the OL. Lavar Edwards, a DE/LB tweener, is a poor man's Dion Jordan, a steal in the 5th Round, and a starter by season's end. Grade: B, would be a solid A had they grabbed a pass rusher instead of Hunter.

Fantasy Implications: Hunter, who will be at least a WR #3 on this team.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars will be new-look in more ways than one in 2013. One thing is for certain. The draft has come and gone and still the starting QB job will come down Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert, as the Jags didn't even point in the general direction of a signal caller. Interesting facts about Blaine Gabbert have recently come to light, such as which mostly say that his sub-par play so far has been more due to the inefficiency of his offensive line than his accuracy and decision-making. But time to throw is not all about the line. Little sidesteps and movements while in the pocket, which actually open up the pocket and give the blockers time, were absent from Gabbert's game. When he got thrown off his reads, his movements and decisions were routinely the wrong ones. His peripheral vision is Kevin Kolb-like, and very minimal. He locks in on his intended receivers, leading not only to incompletions and interceptions, but also to clues picked up on by all the defenders. This, in turn, makes it difficult to sustain a block. All this to say the Jags will struggle again under Gabbert, and I am not even sure his teammates are on board. I fully expect to see Henne play before the halfway point of the season, for the simple reason that he has better pocket presence and awareness.

So, the big story being the Jaguars NOT choosing a QB, what did they do with their eight picks? Luke Joeckel is a good pick no matter what, they almost had to take him. John Cyprien could turn out to be the top DB in this entire draft class, unheralded a bit being from a smaller school, but a machine in the defensive backfield and a playmaker as well, He might need a bit of help with learning coverage schemes, but he has the heart and the tools to pay big dividends for the Jaguars quickly. Dwayne Gratz will also contribute immediately, will struggle a bit, but will play anyway. Ace Sanders will probably play special teams or return kicks, but the WR chosen one pick later, Denard Robinson, could be opposite Cecil Shorts sooner than later, and was probably a better selection. Obviously Jacksonville didn't need two WRs, but rightfully they snagged an available Robinson. I like Josh Evans, too, and consider him a steal in Round 6. Grade: A, and probably wise to wait until 2014 to bring in a rookie QB.

Fantasy Implications: Sanders and Robinson could be factors, especially Robinson. He has Percy Harvin-like versatility. Considering Justin Blackmon's problems, Massaquoi's ineffectiveness, and Shipley's slowing down and aging, by necessity alone either one or the other could contribute quickly. Just remember who is throwing the ball. The fortunes of the Jaguars WRs will rise as soon as Henne gets the starting job.

2013 NFL Draft Team Grades and Notes: AFC North

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens wasted no time in replenishing their depleted defense. With the luxury of an adequately stocked offense, this team used their selections expertly to maximize their draft and take players who can help immediately. Matt Elam, with the possible exception of Kenny Vaccaro, was the best safety in the draft, and Arthur Brown, grabbed in Round 2, will start immediately at linebacker. Brandon Williams, who has gone from cleaning Port-O-Lets to nose tackle in the NFL, can be considered a steal at Pick #94 in the third round and, with Brown, can help ease the pain of losing Kruger. Even tackles Ricky Wagner and Ryan Jensen could be impact assets.

Ozzie Newsome knows talent and it's difficult to question someone with his track record. I liked this draft, with some caveats. Is second-year man and brother of QB Bruce, Gino Gradkowski, the answer at center, after the retirement of Matt Birk? Apparently the Ravens think so, choosing to avoid the position in the draft. Certainly one of the tackles they took would better have been an interior lineman or center? Also, Aaron Mellette is the only WR they selected. He is a Boldin-type player, without deep speed but with good hands and ability to separate with his body, and it is very possible the best GM in football has unearthed another small-school gem. However, given the departure of Anquin Boldin this puts a ton of faith on Jacoby Jones and Tandon Doss. I also think the Ravens could have traded out of Round 1 completely, and that Elam, while he should be a star, could have been had more towards the middle of Round 2, and the team might have gained a pick in the process. Grade: B

Fantasy Implications: The Ravens D should be different, but just as good, if not better, than they were in 2012. They still merit a top-10 defense/special teams pick, top 5 if Jacoby Jones continues to return kicks, not a given considering their WR situation. In my opinion, and looking at the roster, the Ravens will play quite a bit of two-TE sets in 2013, utilizing Pitta and sometimes Dickson as receivers. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (4th Round compensatory pick) could see the field in an H-back type role, and in passing situations, but is no fantasy factor and might not do anything other than work special teams. I have a strange feeling Baltimore drafted Mellette to replace Boldin, keep him on the radar. He has all the ability to beat out underachieving Tandon Doss for the #3 WR role, and could in fact be a better every down complement to Torrey Smith; Jacoby Jones is more suited as WR #3 and kick returner.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are on the rise, and things have been looking up mostly due to this team's strategy of taking the "best available player," usually regardless of position or need. Their 2013 draft was no different, but this time I think they should probably have deviated from their recent strategy. Don't get me wrong, most of their selections were good ones. Giovani Bernard was one of the best backs (#5) on my board, and addresses a need. With a little coaching up by the best, Margus Hunt (6'8", 280) is a monster of a man that will pay JJ Watt-like dividends in short order. Shawn Williams can, and should earn at least a nickel role in the Bengals' secondary. Sean Porter is under-rated and will start immediately, he needs to play with more of an edge, but is a textbook LB; even Reid Fragel, drafted in Round 7, will stick and see playing time. 

The draft, on the whole, was awesome, enviable for many teams. My one problem is with choosing Tyler Eifert with Pick #21. Unless you envision surely you have the next Rob Gronkowski (hopefully, with better durability...) at TE available to you, you should NEVER draft a TE, in the NFL, in Round 1. The justification is this: since 1990, 23 TEs have been chosen in either Round 1 or Round 2 of the NFL draft; of these, Reggie Johnson, Derek Brown, Irv Smith, Lonnie Johnson, Cameron Cleeland, Rickey Dudley, Bubba Franks, and Reggie Kelly certainly did not live up to their draft positions. For Dustin Keller, Brandon Pettigrew, Kyle Rudolph, Jermaine Gresham, and Greg Olsen, the jury is still out. In 23 years, then, less than half of the TEs selected in Rounds 1 and 2 of an NFL draft could be said to have had any success worthy of their draft position. Vernon Davis, Heath Miller, Kellen Winslow Jr., Dallas Clark, and Tony Gonzalez were the only real hits. You could argue for the likes of the remaining guys - perhaps Eric Green, Kyle Brady, Jeremy Shockey, or Todd Heap - being successful, but remember they came at the expense of high draft picks, where you want a high success rate. Also note there is no mention of Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Aaron Hernandez, or Gronkowski, all of whom were later round selections. With all the hype, Eifert was destined to be a Round 1 pick. I just wouldn't have been the team to do it. Grade: B+

Fantasy Implications: Bernard has the talent to win a starting job away from Green-Ellis, but the law firm should still retain his short yardage and goal line duties in 2013, even given this best-case scenario for Giovani. Eifert will probably see the field in double TE sets and is worth a flier as a TE2, but no better, as long as Gresham is still around. It is possible he wrests the job away from Gresham, but not likely. An injury to Gresham, however, could open the door to Eifert's potential. He will be on the field in any case, how much is the question.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The black and gold always draft well, and this year was no exception, it is the key reason why Pittsburgh only rarely finds themselves out of contention come December. With more needs than usual, due not in the least to the losses of Mike Wallace and James Harrison, as well as declining play from Troy Polamalu, the Steelers had their work cut out for them, and came through with a very nice draft. 

With the selection of LeVeon Bell in Round 2 they grabbed the co-best RB on my board (with Monte Ball), and one with more breakaway ability. Jarvis Jones is an NFL-ready linebacker that fits into the types of things Pittsburgh has its LBs do. Markus Wheaton will attempt to replace Mike Wallace, and has the speed to do so. Shamarko Thomas is short but stout and a gamer that will start sooner than later. Even Landry Jones was a great pickup at QB, given their situation  with Big Ben. Overall a nice draft, I would have liked to see some more pizazz in the later rounds, and maybe some more trading of picks. Still, the top four picks are instant starters and fulfill needs. Jones could stick as Big Ben's successor. Terry Hawthorne has what it takes if he can refine his coverage skills. Grade: B+

Fantasy Implications: Markus Wheaton and LeVeon Bell will be well-known fantasy names by the end of this season. Bell only has to beat out the likes of Isaac Redman, and possibly Jonathan Dwyer, to win the starting Steelers RB job, historically and actually a lucrative fantasy goldmine. Helping his cause is the fact that head coach Mike Tomlin is no fan of the "backfield by committee" approach to running the football. Still, tread with a bit of caution, but be advised if you wait too long in your fantasy draft Bell will be gone, some time shortly after Chris Johnson goes. He bears watching very closely this preseason. Wheaton has just as large an opportunity. It's no secret that this young man was drafted to fill Wallace's shoes, and he will need to be successful soon. Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown do not scare anyone by themselves, they need that vertical threat and, barring any trade for a WR, Wheaton is now it. 

Cleveland Browns: With only five picks in the 2013 draft the Browns had to make them count. Heading in the right direction, the Browns' only real question mark, on paper, was at the QB position (Rams and Dolphins being in a similar state), but like Miami QB was not addressed through this draft at all. I actually prefer Weeden to Campbell, and to Tannehill, for that matter, and while the team declares the position open, the draft indicates it will be Weeden taking the snaps in Cleveland. 

Barkevious Mingo is expected to be the next Jason Pierre-Paul, so say the pundits, but his college track record is nothing special. To me, he is too risky to take with the 6th overall selection, especially in a draft that was rich with big defensive linemen. Regardless, he will get time on the edge, especially on passing downs. Leon McFadden is Round 3 was excellent value, and he should earn a starting job and succeed in the NFL. In fact, I predict his presence will help make Cleveland's one of the better defenses in 2013. Don't be surprised if it is late-rounder Armonty Bryant who provides the real power off the edge, he's not as fast as Mingo, but is heavier and is an excellent value grab late. All in all an average draft. Grade: C

Fantasy Implications: I like the defense in 2013, and they will be a top-15 squad if the offense helps out more than it did last year. Other than that, no fantasy possibilities came through this draft.

2013 NFL Draft Team Grades and Notes: AFC West

AFC West

Denver Broncos: The immediate contributions by the Broncos' first two picks will define this draft. Sylvester Williams was a good grab that should help ease the pain of realizing Elvis has left the building. They also, in my opinion, took the co-best RB (1A with LeVeon Bell) available in this draft by selecting Monte Ball. The fact that these picks were made late in both Rounds 1 and 2 makes them even better choices.

With the exception of Quanterus Smith, who might surprise everyone and be on the field as much as Sly Williams in 2013, the rest of the Broncos' draft is no better than average. They could have had Kayvon Webster in the 5th round, for example. Zac Dysert is an intriguing pickup, he is fully able to win the backup job to Manning, just don't expect Peyton to be a willing mentor. Grade: C

Fantasy Implications: Dysert, no matter what he does, will never see the field as long as Manning is upright. But keep an eye on him. The position to watch here is at RB, where Monte Ball has the skills to be a good full-time runner for this team. He is a natural workhorse back not unlike Knowshon Moreno was, only with better durability. That same Moreno, as well as (currently) Willis McGahee, and Ronnie Hillman, are all that stand in the way of Ball and a full-time job. I don't think the Broncos drafted Ball in Round 2 to play special teams, return kicks, or sit and learn. I believe they will play him, the question is, who else will get carries besides Ball? If I had to gamble now, I say they keep all four backs, unless they can trade one of the other three for a pick. Hillman is undraftable in fantasy in 2013 regardless of what happens, he is thought of by the team as at best a change-of-pace guy. Moreno is a good back, always has been, but has struggled to adjust to coming off the field in the pros; he is used to playing every down, and needs to get warmed up to be most effective, in fact I believe this going from full-time to part-time has contributed to his injury problems, and you see how much better he played when given the opportunity to be a three-down back last season. McGahee might have some left in the tank, but that remains to be seen, he was wearing down before last year's injuries and he could also be released. If I ran the team I trade or release McGahee OR Hillman, ride Moreno and groom Ball for the role. Definitely keep an eye on how this shakes out. Tavarres King is a decent WR, but there would have to be an injury for him to see much game time. He could return kicks, though.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs could have used their top position to acquire a few strategic pieces in the draft. This team's roster is talented and much better than last year's record would indicate. Drafting left tackle Eric Fisher number one overall is a case in point. They already had (and as of today still have) a good starting left tackle in Branden Albert, yet the team drafted as number one overall a starting left tackle anyway. Apparently owner and staff felt there were no positions of greater need, that's how talented is the roster.

In fact, over-estimating the talent of the players on this roster may have played a part in the Chiefs' very pedestrian draft. Kelce at TE is ignoring greater needs but is a decent pick in Round 3, Knile Davis is overrated at RB and probably could have been had two rounds later, Sanders Commings and Nico Johnson could find reserve spots, but nothing stands out as addressing needs. In fact, undrafted QB Tyler Bray could turn out to be the only gem, other than Fisher, in the long run. Moeaki and Fasano make the Travis Kelce selection even more of a head scratcher, it's quite possible they release Moeaki, unless Andy Reid intends to incorporate some two-TE offense. The Chiefs should have taken a WR early, in the spot they chose Kelce. Bowe and Avery are fine at WR, but behind them there is only unproven and so far unsuccessful depth, and nobody that scares you downfield. It was a position of greater need. A solid backup for Dontari Poe, a speedy edge rusher, all would have been better choices for this team. They got a great lineman, one they really didn't need, and that's about it. Grade: D

Fantasy Implications: Kelce is it. We know what Fasano and Moeaki can do. Kelce comes highly regarded, often compared to Rob Gronkowski in both playing style and off-field antics, and does show some skills. I bet he sees the field a lot and relegates Moeaki to strictly blocking duties. He's worth a late round grab as a TE2, even in a TE1 slot if he shows in preseason that he can take the job. Alex Smith and Reid both like throwing to the TE.

San Diego Chargers: Going into this draft the Bolts knew they had lots of holes to fill. The OL was a mess, LB and DB slots also needed upgrades, Matthews isn't getting the job done at RB and has aging Ronnie Brown behind him, Rivers is showing signs of decline, and there is still nobody at TE to give Gates' old legs a rest. The team took DJ Fluker with their first pick, essentially the best available tackle, with plenty of beef and motor but some character concerns. They took another chance on character by grabbing Te'o in Round 2, then snagged a good WR in Keenan Allen in Round 3. Their picks in Rounds 5 and 6, though, really make this draft better.

The Chargers should have traded up and landed one of the big two if they wanted a tackle. They also should be more aggressive in the free agent talks with available linemen. Non-aggressive would be a good way to describe this team's approach to this draft in general. Fluker will start right away, with all the goods and bads in place, and Te'o will play all three downs in San Diego because he is needed all three downs. Keenan Allen will compete with Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Brown for receptions after Danario Alexander and Gates get theirs. In the Williamses, though, Tourek and Steve, the Chargers found solid underrated value and both those players will not only make the 2013 San Diego squad, but also win starting roles. Steve Williams is small but reminds you of Brent Grimes with his tenacity and ball skills, and Tourek could very well be this year's Jason Pierre-Paul. Grade: B-

Fantasy Implications: Brad Sorensen, their last pick, could stick as Rivers' backup, but is no fantasy factor otherwise. Keenan Allen is the only other possibility. My guess is the team uses him to return kicks at first, then he eventually wins the 3rd receiver job.

Oakland Raiders: Arguably no team had more holes to fill coming into this draft than Da Raidas. Years of overpaying mediocre talent has taken its toll on this team. While the late Al Davis usually is cited as the cause, it must be remembered that Davis gave his coaches and GMs much respect and control over the team. He was in this way no more intrusive than Jerry Jones, or even Mr. Khan. It is, rather, the absence of talented leadership by players on the field that has promoted a losing, even giving-up attitude in Oakland the past few years. It seems this team has no leaders. Going into the draft, that should have been their priority. DJ Hayden, their first selection, could fill that role.  Menelik Watson is a nice pickup for the OL, but they did not do enough to grab value with their many late picks.

Watson will start on the line, and Hayden will start as well. Tyler Wilson could be the second Wilson to unseat a projected-to-start Matt Flynn, and Sio Moore should find his way into a starting LB role in this defense. But there are big question marks around all the other Raiders 2013 draft picks. They took two TEs in Kasa and Rivera, but they are both average propects on par with several current NFL free agents. They should have traded up to grab Kelce or Escobar if they wanted a TE, although they let a decent one go in Brandon Myers. Grade: C-

Fantasy Implications: Well it does get interesting from this perspective. As I have said, Tyler Wilson could show enough to sit Matt Flynn yet again and become the new staring Raiders QB. Latavius Murray is a RB selection to keep in your back pocket. He has a special skill set and has all the tools to win the lucrative backup job to Darren McFadden and, considering his competition, should do so easily. Keep an eye on the TE duo, too. David Ausberry should lose his starting job to one of them.