FanProphet

Baltimore Ravens

This years offense is finally loaded with quality talent that the Baltimore Ravens are yet to experience. Last season when the Ravens acquired Steve McNair all I could think of was a major improvement on the offensive side of the ball. However, there were a few things that I took into consideration before making an impulsive decision to draft any Ravens’ players. (1) McNair had to learn a new system (2) they didn’t possess any great talent at the receiver position (3) Jamal Lewis was beginning to show signs of aging with the wear and tear his body has endured. This is no longer the case with the newly acquired Willis McGahee, McNair a full season under his belt, and a group of receivers (including Todd Heap) who are capable of controlling the ball and moving the chains.

Steve McNair: Never considered to be a great fantasy point producer, however, in McNair’s 12th season and plenty left in the tank, look for him to have a great NFL season. If the top 5 qb’s are taken, wait until the latter stages of the draft to acquire McNair who will put up the same type of numbers as the quarterbacks ranked from 6-12. Do not be surprised if McNair makes his way into your starting lineup.

Willis McGahee: Unhappy in Buffalo, sub-par season, and not quite sure if he has his head on correctly. Yeah right! Does anyone remember the amount of yards mediocre runningback Jamal Lewis put up with this franchise who couldn’t even move the ball? What’s great about this situation is nobody has McGahee ranked in the top 10 backs. Now, that’s a joke. There is no reason to believe that McGahee will not rack-up huge yards and score double digit touchdowns with this franchise. As a matter of fact, there’s no questions at all regarding this guys athleticism, character, or toughness. With this type of leadership around McGahee the sky is the limit for this 4th year back. He is not a first round pick in most people’s mock drafts (he should be) but if he goes any later than the early 2nd round, shame on you all.

I’ll give you all a no-brainer scenario regarding McGahee. In a ten-team league if I had the 2nd or 3rd pick I would trade it to the 8-9th pick in the first round. Why would I do that? In that trade I would request that owners 2nd round pick for my 2nd round pick. Of course, when round 3 resumes I am back in my same draft position.

The scenario looks like this; First round I traded for the 8th or 9th pick (where I choose McGahee). Round Two- I get the 2nd or 3rd pick, third round back to (2nd or 3rd). This gives me a quality back that will put up big numbers. With this scenario I get 3 players in the first 22 or 23 picks and with McGahee in a perfect situation on a Super Bowl contender, you can’t miss. Why would anyone make that trade? It’s simple; the reason why someone would make this trade is because they have a hard-on for players like Johnson, Alexander, Gore, etc. McGahee will have just as good or better season then any 1-7 pick in your draft. You receive 3 picks out of the first 22 and you don’t have to gamble on any of the players previously mentioned. You also get early 2nd and 3rd round draft picks. If you think this scenario all the way through and simulate your own mock draft, you will become well aware of the talent you can get at those positions.

Mason/Clayton: With the reliability of Todd Heap as a top-tiered TE, neither one of these receivers is worthy of their own separate column. Mason is experienced, tough, gritty and will get the tough yards. However, in fantasy football we need all the yards and Mason isn’t the player for that. Mason is a third receiver option in regards to fantasy points. Clayton has the speed and savvy to make the big play and will emerge in his third season as a top receiver in the NFL. With the addition of McGahee opening up the Ravens passsing game, I look for Clayton to improve in all aspects of the receiver position. You may be able to sleep on Clayton and acquire him in the 5-6th rounds of your draft.

TODD HEAP: The NFL only showcases about 7-8 great tight-ends and Heap is one of them. Depending on the type of scoring system your league has, the tight-end position can make or break you on a weekly basis. While everyone else’s tight-ends are consistently posting zeroes, you can gain valuable points that will make a difference in the win/loss column.

DEFENSE: I won’t say this defense has improved, but I will say they will remain as dominant as they’ve been in the past. This defense makes plays, creates turnovers, forces sacks, scores touchdowns, and that’s all that matters in the world of fantasy football. There is nothing greater than watching your defense dominate games and turn opportunities into points. You better be one of the owners who start the onslaught of defensive drafting or you will miss your opportunity to select this dominate “D”.