2009 Draft Review: Nads of Steel XI

Someone please tell Jason that this is 2009, not 2006. Indeed, the names on Nads' draft list would have formed a spectacular team a few years ago: Tomlinson, Portis, Owens, Wayne, Holt, McGahee, etc. Unfortunately for Nads, this is 2009, and all of the above (with the exception of Wayne) are on the downward slope of their career.

In the end, too many things have to break the right way for Jason to contend this season. He will need, at the very least, TO to be productive in Buffalo, LT to rediscover his form in San Diego, abd Portis to produce in a more limited role. Will all of these things happen? Maybe, but I'm not counting on it.

Key Player: Terrell Owens

Predicted Record: 4-6 wins

Potential Keeper: Ted Ginn Jr (round 10)

2009 Draft Review: Steel Curtain X

Although fates smiled upon Brian when Michael Turner fell to him at no. 3, Brian failed to take full advantage. He waited until round 4 to take his next RB - the oft-injured and underproductive Reggie Bush when Larry Johnson and Knowshon Moreno were still available. He then waited until round 7 to take Beanie Wells (shown leaving some UT defenders in the dust above), hoping he will one day overtake Tim Hightower. Nevertheless, even if Wells gets the carries, he will still be facing NFL defenses, rather than the UT cream puff shown in the picture.

Though the Curtain is filled with potential keepers, it is rather light on production this season. But, if all the question marks on the roster (Wells, Cutler, Hester) are answered affirmatively, the Steel Curtain could contend - but I don't see it.

Key Player: Chris Wells
Predicted Record: 5 to 7 wins
Potential Keeper: Chris Wells

2009 Draft Review: Tackle Me Elmo

Tackle Me Elmo gave everyone the first mild surprise of the draft, selecting MoJo over the Falcons' workhorse back Michael Turner, who most had projected at no. 2. The bowling ball from Jacksonville will be carrying the load for the 1st time in his career without Fred Taylor (and his groin) - and his ability to maintain his effectiveness and stay injury-free will be the key to Tackle Me Elmo's season.

Roy Williams is a high risk/reward selection. Although I'm not entirely sold on the Cowboys' offense this season, Jay apparently is, nabbing both Williams and Barber. But TME's biggest worry is the lack of RB depth behind MoJo, as both Barber and Thomas Jones are rumored to have lightened loads this season.

Key Player: Maurice Jones-Drew

Predicted Record: 5 to 7 wins

Potential Keeper: Darren Sproles (round 8)

2009 Draft Review: Aggies

The hit or miss owner of the Aggies (one wire to wire championship thanks to LT; two horrendous seasons) hit the draft lottery. Hitting the lottery, however, hasn't meant much in the last few seasons (Tomlinson in 07 and 08, Clinton Portis in 06, etc.)

Mark rolled the dice twice in his draft: 1st by nabbing Pierre Thomas, a rise in most mocks, in the second round, and then by waiting until the 8th round to nab his 1st QB, a Plaxico-less Eli Manning. If Thomas's MCL injury isn't serious and Mark can find some consistency from the Big Ben/Eli/Cassel trio, the Aggies could be a top contender. I, however, am not a huge fan of any of the Aggies' QBs, which could prove to be their downfall in a QB-heavy league.

Key Player: Pierre Thomas

Predicted Record: 6 to 8 wins

Potential Keeper: Jamaal Charles (round 11)