2010’s Top15 Fantasy Rookies

2010's Top15 Fantasy Rookies by: Total Points per Games Played (Games Played in Paranthesis)

1. Sam Bradford 15.55 (16 games)
2. Mike Williams, TB 14.40 (16 games)
3. Colt McCoy 13.72 (8 games)
4. Tim Tebow 12.98 (9 games)
5. Jahvid Best 12.64 (16 games)
6. Ryan Mathews 12.36 (12 games)
7. LeGarrette Blount 12.32 (13 games)
8. Dez Bryant 11.76 (12 games)
9. Aaron Hernandez 10.16 (14 games)
10. Rob Gronkowski 10.04 (16 games)
11. Chris Ivory 8.94 (12 games)
12. Jimmy Graham 8.78 (11 games)
13. Jermaine Gresham 8.14 (15 games)
14. Tony Moeaki 8.04 (15 games)
15. Jimmy Clausen 7.50 (10 games)

Scoring System: 1 point per 25 yards passing, 6 points per passing touchdown, -1 point per interception, 1 point per 10 yards receiving/rushing, 1 point per reception, 6 points per touchdown rushing/receiving, -1 point per fumble lost, 5 bonus points per 300 yards passing or 100 yard receiving or rushing game.

The numbers prove that there was really only one rookie in 2010 who was worth drafting in order to fill a full-time starting position on your fantasy team. That would have been Tampa Bay WR Mike Williams. QB Sam Bradford, while enjoying a solid season, still had over 20 other QB's rank higher than him in fantasy points per game. RB's Jahvid Best, Ryan Mathews, and LeGarrette Blount would have served as ample back-ups on your fantasy roster, as would WR Dez Bryant and a full selection of middle-of-the-road tight ends, but the point clearly becomes: DON'T USE YOUR TOP DRAFT PICKS ON ROOKIES!

Those who were drafting Ryan Mathews in the 1st and 2nd rounds last year must have felt quite foolish as the season wore on. Every now and then a rookie does manage to post up big league numbers his 1st season in the league, but the proposition is always a risky one. Something else to note is the issue of durability, with only 4 of the top15 rookies listed playing in all 16 games of the season. Again, be hesitant to expect much fantasy-wise from NFL rookies...it can't be said enough.

Then again, kudos to those who drafted Mike Williams in the late rounds of their drafts last year...

Saints 2011 Draft Picks, Rounds 2-6:

Appropriately, the Saints picked 4 consecutive defensive players. CB Johnny Patrick may wind up being the steal of the bunch, although it will be crucial for the Saints that LB Martez Wilson contributes early and often. DE Greg Romeus and OLB Nathan Bussey could also prove to be nice additions.

Saints select Cameron Jordan & Mark Ingram

So, the Saints fared far better than I ever expected in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Picking at the 24th position, we knew we badly needed a defensive end or outside linebacker, but few expected Cal DE Cameron Jordan to still be avilable for us. So, not only did the Saints fill their most pressing need, but then they went ahead and made a trade so that they could select former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram at the 28th position. The formidable Alabama running back immediately bolsters an offensive backfield that has been plagued by injuries over the past season or so. The Saints had to give up their 2nd round pick in this year's draft and their 1st round pick in next year's draft in order to nab Ingram, but it should prove to be a wise move on the part of Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.

Albert Belle

When former major league baseball player Albert Belle was still known as Joey Belle, the Shreveport native hit 49 home runs with a .332 batting average playing for the LSU Tigers from 1985-1987. During his 12-year major league career playing outfield for the Clevelenad Indians, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles, Belle hit 381 home runs with 1,239 runs batted in. In 1995, Belle became the first player in major league history to hit 50 home runs and 50 doubles in the same season.



Unfortunately, Belle's history away from the batter's box has been as tumultuous as possible. He was suspended at LSU for going after a heckler in the stands, then he did it again as a pro in Cleveland, successfully chucking a ball at an outspoken fan at his home stadium. In '94, Belle was caught corking his bat and in '96, he was fined for knocking Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Fernando Vina into tomorrow for blocking his way on the basepath. I won't even bother to go into Belle's continuing off-the-field antics.

But nonetheless, Belle goes down as one of the most powerful hitters baseball has ever seen. Surely his negative temperment won't ever allow him to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, but Albert Belle's brute strength certainly deserves to be remembered.

Saints' 2011 Schedule

Week1: @ Packers, Thursday 9/8 7:30pm
Week2: vs Bears, Sunday 9/18 Noon
Week3: vs Texans, Sunday 9/25 Noon
Week4: @ Jaguars, Sunday 10/2 Noon
Week5: @ Panthers, Sunday 10/9 Noon
Week6: @ Bucs, Sunday 10/16 3:15pm
Week7: vs Colts, Sunday 10/23 7:20pm
Week8: @ Rams, Sunday 10/30 Noon
Week9: vs Bucs, Sunday 11/6 Noon
Week10: @ Falcons, Sunday 11/13 Noon
Week11: BYE
Week12: vs Giants, Monday 11/28 7:30pm
Week13: vs Lions, Sunday 12/4 Noon
Week14: @ Titans, Sunday 12/11 Noon
Week15: @ Vikings, Sunday 12/18 Noon
Week16: vs Falcons, Monday 12/26 7:30pm
Week17: vs Panthers, Sunday 1/1 Noon

Who Will Be the Saints' 1st Round Draft Choice?

Everyone seems to agree that the 2 biggest needs for the Saints going into the 2011 season are defensive end and outside linebacker. The past 2 seasons, the Saints drafted defensive backs, Malcolm Jenkins in '09 and Patrick Robinson in '10, with their first round picks. As Mel Kiper, Jr. has been pointing out on ESPN, this year is fine time for the Saints to use their top selection to help sure up their defensive front 7. The recent free agent addition of defensive tackle Shaun Rogers certainly helps matters, but the Saints still need help with their pass rush. So, here are the prime candidates who might be available for the Saints to take with the 24th pick of the first round:

Justin Houston, OLB/DE, Georgia:


Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple:


Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State:


Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa:

Patrick Peterson

Many experts are calling LSU's Patrick Peterson the most talented football player available in the upcoming NFL Draft. The 2010 Thorpe Award winner, Peterson is that shut down cornerback that every team needs and covets. The easiest comparison for Peterson's ability would be to that of Deion Sanders, punt return skills included, and it's far from a stretch. The only questions seem to be which team will be smart enough to nab Peterson and how early in the first round of the draft will that come.