We’re chugging our way toward 100, with ESPN’s rankings followed by my analysis.
81. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh, QB
Legal matters aside, Ben should have an otherwise solid season for Pittsburgh. He has good weapons in Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Limas Sweed and Heath Miller, and is capable of scoring a few TDs running the ball as well. Pittsburgh is still a run-first team, but Ben should finish near the top 15 (he was 17th last season) once again.
82. Darren Sproles, San Diego, RB
I’m not sure what to expect from Sproles this season. He won’t get the goal-line carries and probably won’t play a whole lot outside third down. Even last year, when LaDanian Tomlinson battled injuries for most of the season, Sproles was unable to crack the top 30 RBs (he finished 41st). With that in mind, I’d say Sproles is a bit overrated, unless you’re drafting him in a dynasty league with eyes on next year.
83. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis, WR
Gonzalez supposedly spent a lot of time with Peyton Manning in the offseason and some of that might be showing already, as Gonzo caught a preseason TD last week. He’s a great pick in dynasty leagues and a pretty solid pick overall, considering he’s going to see a lot of single coverage opposite Reggie Wayne. I’d gladly take him as my second wideout, perhaps as high as round five.
84. Jerrico Cotchery, New York Jets, WR
I’m not crazy about Cotchery this season, especially with Mark Sanchez throwing him the ball. Sanchez will probably struggle early in the season and that will hurt Cotchery’s numbers. Plus, new coach Rex Ryan figures to employ a run-heavy offense. Things don’t look good for Cotchery this year. He’s probably best kept for a WR3 or lower.
85. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay, RB
New coach Raheem Morris is starting Cadillac Williams at RB in the Bucs’ third preseason game and that should be enough to scare fantasy players away from Tampa Bay. The Bucs’ offense won’t be very potent given the quarterbacks and receivers in Tampa and a running back platoon will only make matters worse. I’m not touching any of the Bucs’ running backs and would advise you to place them all pretty low on your board.
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