Draft activity has been lighter than usual with the lockout lingering on toward the end of June, but recent developments are encouraging and it may not be long before the offseason player movement kicks into high gear with free agency. Still, for those who have been preparing for the 2011 season we have our first football Mock Market Report of the year.
Risers
Sam Bradford, QB, STL – (ADP: 128.35, +17.0|PERCENT|)
The first overall pick of the 2010 draft started all 16 games under center for the surprising Rams last season and the offense certainly didn't deter Bradford from putting the ball in the air as he attempted 590 passes – more than any rookie quarterback since 1990. While Bradford's 5.95 YPA mark leaves plenty to be desired, a lackluster cast of receivers and an emphasis on short passing ultimately hurt his efficiency. New offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made Kyle Orton a fantasy-friendly option in Denver and there's reason to believe that he can do the same for the former Oklahoma star in Year 2. Although the Rams missed out on A.J. Green and Julio Jones in April's draft, Bradford should have one of the league's best young tight ends in rookie Lance Kendricks to rely on in addition to any potential free-agent signings in the coming months.
Steven Jackson, RB, STL – (ADP: 27.04, +2.1|PERCENT|)
Since 2005, Jackson is second among running backs in yards from scrimmage (9,756) and as long as his body holds up while the odometer rolls over the 2,000-carry mark this season, he should be in position to handle a very large share of the workload again. His 2010 YPC mark was the lowest of his seven-year career (3.8), but a big part of that may have been the result of opposing teams loading the box in an effort to slow the Rams' running attack and force rookie Sam Bradford to beat them. Even an improved St. Louis pass-catching corps will leave plenty to be desired and Jackson should remain a consistent target out of the backfield in the passing game this season.
Fallers
Mike Goodson, RB, CAR – (ADP: 156.62, -16.3|PERCENT|)
This one should be going the other way – unless the Panthers bring in another back or re-sign DeAngelo Williams. Although Goodson had his share of issues hanging onto the ball (four fumbles over 143 touches), he's in position to move up the depth chart in Carolina if Williams departs as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Even in his limited role, Goodson caught 40 passes out of the Carolina backfield and a third-down role this season while the Panthers break in rookie Cam Newton under center should make him a nice late-round PPR commodity. Further, Goodson's chances of starting a few games are reasonably high when you consider that potential starter Jonathan Stewart has battled chronicle foot trouble throughout his NFL career.
Ricky Williams, RB, MIA – (ADP: 185.38, -12.9|PERCENT|)
Williams is one of many players in limbo with the league's labor situation, as both he and teammate Ronnie Brown are unrestricted free agents and it's unclear if either will return to the Dolphins after the team selected Daniel Thomas during April's draft. At 34, a part-time role is the best bet for Williams at this stage of his career and while his holistic off-field work may be helping to reduce the wear and tear of 2,323 NFL carries, there's no reason to believe that he's more than a depth option for fantasy owners in the twilight of his career.
Danny Woodhead, RB, NE – (ADP: 175.19, -10.9|PERCENT|)
From Week 3-16, Woodhead racked up seven games with at least 10.0 fantasy points (non-PPR scoring). Is there a more ideal role player for a team like the Patriots? The decision to add a couple of backs through the draft look to be a way of replenishing the aging veterans on the roster in Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk, and since Woodhead racked up nearly 60 percent of his yardage on the ground and the other 40 percent in the passing game, he should still be on the receiving end of 10-12 touches most weeks. As a stopgap when one of your regular backs or flex options are on the Sunday inactive list, you could certainly do worse.
This is the Mock Market Report for the week of Monday, June 27th.