2006 Early NFL Rankings

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Updated on May 4, 2011 9:40PM EST

Early NFL Rankings
By Mike Doria
RotoWire Editor

It's early and there are plenty of things that need to shake out this offseason, but for those readers still hungry for fantasy football content, we've compiled the early fantasy rankings of several NFL Staffers. We've tried to take all of the variables into account as best we can, but of course, these rankings will need plenty of updating as the offseason goes on. Note that these lists were submitted just before the NFL free agency period started.

Our four-man panel consists of:

Chris Liss - RotoWire Managing Editor
Mike Doria - RotoWire NFL Editor
Herbie Teope - RotoWire NFL Staff Writer
Derek VanRiper - RotoWire Assistant Editor

We've compiled each writer's overall top 24 list, as well as their top 12 at the major skill positions.

Derek VanRiper

Rank	Player	POS	Team	Skinny
1	Larry Johnson	RB	KC	No debate if Priest is no longer in the fold; Minimal debate if he is.
2	Shaun Alexander	RB	SEA	3-Year Avg: 19TD, 1670 Rush Yards. Enough Said.
3	LaDainian Tomlinson	RB	SD	Nagging rib/chest injuries slowed him down in '05 and he's here.
4	Tiki Barber	RB	NYG	Always a reliable yardage guy, but finding end zone more past two seasons.
5	Edgerrin James	RB	ARI	Depending on where he ends up, could fall a few spots from here.
6	Peyton Manning	QB	IND	Inability to win big playoff games doesn't affect fantasy value.
7	Rudi Johnson	RB	CIN	1,450+ yards and 12 TD in both full seasons as a starter.
8	Steve Smith	WR	CAR	Teams couldn't stop him when they knew he was getting the ball.
9	Clinton Portis	RB	WAS	Eliminated questions about the "Bronco Effect" in '05.
10	Steven Jackson	RB	STL	Even Scott Linehan will run the ball more than Mike Martz; Jackson will benefit.
11	LaMont Jordan	RB	OAK	Art Shell likes to run and Jordan's versality as a receiver helps if Raiders go young at QB.
12	Ronnie Brown	RB	MIA	Questionable status of Ricky Williams leapfrogs Brown just ahead of Cadillac, again.
13	Cadillac Williams	RB	TB	Should enter '06 better prepared to take punishment of NFL workload.
14	Larry Fitzgerald	WR	ARI	They say the third-year is the breakout year for receivers…easily the most upside at WR.
15	Willis McGahee	RB	BUF	Talent for improved production is there, supporting cast is not.
16	Chad Johnson	WR	CIN	With Housh, teams can't overcommit on him; absence of Palmer could hurt value.
17	Kevin Jones	RB	DET	Injuries and horrendous play calling were a ball and chain on his production in '05.
18	Randy Moss	WR	OAK	Battled groin/hip/pelvis injuries for two-plus months in '05; should be healthy in camp.
19	Torry Holt	WR	STL	Think back to Linehan's days with the Vikes; Holt has the ability to dominate much like Moss.
20	Marvin Harrison	WR	IND	Mr. Consistency will likely play opposite Reggie Wayne for the rest of his HOF career.
21	Terrell Owens	WR	?	Can't afford to miss any more time from off the field issues.
22	Thomas Jones	RB	CHI	Numbers like a top-10 back: 1,335 yards, 9TD, but Chicago didn't draft Benson to sit.
23	Tom Brady	QB	NE	Better value than Manning because of lower cost; historically available later in drafts.
24	Anquan Boldin	WR	ARI	Second half of best receiving duo in the league; won't see double teams like Chambers.

Mike Doria

Rank	Player	POS	Team	Skinny
1	Shaun Alexander	RB	SEA	Gets the money and stays in a system behind a line that lets him do his thing…score TDs.
2	LaDainian Tomlinson	RB	SD	Can do it all, just needs to avoid nagging injuries.
3	Larry Johnson	RB	KC	Shoots up to #1 if Holmes calls it quits.
4	Tiki Barber	RB	NYG	Racks up the yards, but loses some short yardage opportunities.
5	Clinton Portis	RB	WAS	Numbers early in career were inflated by Denver system, but he'll be undervalued by many this year.
6	Cadillac Williams	RB	TB	If he stays healthy, Chucky will be in love.
7	Rudi Johnson	RB	CIN	A safe pick without much downside, but numbers aren't eye-popping.
8	Lamont Jordan	RB	OAK	Has the job to himself and tools to run with it.
9	Ronnie Brown	RB	MIA	Assuming Ricky Williams is out of the picture, last year's #2 pick overall will carry the load.
10	Peyton Manning	QB	IND	Safe pick if you insist on drafting a QB early, but the possible loss of James may upset the balance on offence.
11	Willis McGahee	RB	BUF	A return to 2004 form hinges on the Bills' offense clicking.
12	Edgerrin James	RB	ARI	If the Colts re-sign him, move him up seven spots. In another offense, behind another line, he could disappoint.
13	Steven Jackson	RB	STL	Would be a beast if the Rams could commit to the running game.
14	Steve Smith	RB	CAR	Running back drop-off here makes taking last year's most productive wideout an option.
15	Torry Holt	WR	STL	A safer pick than last year's big three of Moss, TO and Harrison.
16	Larry Fitzgerald	WR	ARI	Nice one-two punch with Boldin, but may be asked to do less if Cards figure out how to run.
17	Kevin Jones	RB	DET	If Lions commit to him, he will erase last year's bust label in a hurry.
18	Corey Dillon	RB	NE	Pats could go RB in April -- if not, they'll ride a healthier Dillon for at least another year.
19	Chad Johnson	WR	CIN	Needs a healthy Carson Palmer to play catch with.
20	Randy Moss	WR	OAK	Could be ready to reclaim elite status, but who is the QB?
21	Willie Parker	RB	PIT	Will drop if the Steelers acquire a big back to replace The Bus.
22	Marvin Harrison	WR	IND	You can count on him for solid production, but Wayne cuts into his value.
23	Deuce McAllister	RB	NO	Contingent on his knee holding up in camp.
24	Reggie Bush	RB	TBA	Not a bad slot to grab the rookie RB in the best situation.
	DeAngelo Williams	RB	TBA
	Laurence Maroney	RB	TBA

Herbie Teope

Rank	Player	POS	Team	Skinny
1	LaDainian Tomlinson	RB	SD	Disregard horrible finish to 2005. He's still the man. .
2	Shaun Alexander	RB	SEA	Consistency, consistency.
3	Larry Johnson	RB	KC	Many will rank him No. 1, but Johnson may have offensive line issues with Will Shields and Willie Roaf contemplating retirement.
4	Edgerrin James	RB	ARI	50/50 chance he'll be back in Indianapolis. Good enough for me.
5	Tiki Barber	RB	NYG	Give the man some respect.
6	Clinton Portis	RB	WAS	Al Saunders is the new offensive coordinator. 'Nuff said.
7	Peyton Manning	QB	IND	Not saying I'd take a quarterback before a running back, but he's a close call.
8	Rudi Johnson	RB	CIN	Nothing spectacular here, but he gets it done.
9	LaMont Jordan	RB	OAK	Al Davis has been talking about the running game. Think new head coach Art Shell was listening?
10	Cadillac Williams	RB	TB	Health is a concern, but he may have the backfield all to himself with Michael Pittman and Mike Alstott potentially gone.
11	Donovan McNabb	QB	PHI	Look for a rebound.
12	Willis McGahee	RB	BUF	Ditto.
13	Ronnie Brown	RB	MIA	He should be gold with the problems surrounding Ricky Williams.
14	Steven Jackson	RB	STL	Will the Rams please commit to the run? If so, take him here.
15	Torry Holt	WR	STL	Some will say Steve Smith, but give me Holt, who is consistent as can be.
16	Steve Smith	WR	CAR	Get him after Holt.
17	Julius Jones	RB	DAL	There's that Marion Barber thing to worry about.
18	Brian Westbrook	RB	PHI	A machine for the reception leagues when healthy.
19	Chad Johnson	WR	CIN	Simply a stud.
20	Deuce McAllister	RB	NO	Despite returning from an ACL injury, don't forget about him.
21	Randy Moss	WR	OAK	Art Shell better figure out a way to get Moss the ball.
22	DeShaun Foster	RB	CAR	Should be the man in Carolina, but needs to stay healthy.
23	Marvin Harrison	WR	IND	Still getting it done.
24	Larry Fitzgerald	WR	ARI	A rising star.

Chris Liss

Rank	Player	POS	Team	Skinny
1	Larry Johnson	RB	KC	Started nine games, had 1351 yards rushing, 27 catches for 276 yards and 17 total TDs.
2	Shaun Alexander	RB	SEA	Probably won't be in Seattle, so this is subject to change. (Ed. Note -- Alexander since re-upped with the Seahawks)
3	LaDainian Tomlinson	RB	SD	Mileage is adding up, and Tomlinson has worn down late the last two years.
4	Tiki Barber	RB	NYG	Playing like Marshall Faulk in his prime minus the short TDs. Age is an issue.
5	Edgerrin James	RB	ARI	Worth less if he leaves Indy.
6	Rudi Johnson	RB	CIN	Value takes a hit if Carson Palmer isn't okay.
7	Cadillac Williams	RB	TB	Offense should improve as Simms gets more experience.
8	Peyton Manning	QB	IND	Safe play with upside.
9	Clinton Portis	RB	WAS	Came on down the stretch, still explosive if he gets the blocking.
10	Steve Smith	WR	CAR	Most consistent receiver in the league - has great speed and toughness.
11	Torry Holt	WR	STL	As steady as they come, but Bulger needs to stay healthy.
12	Antonio Gates	TE	SD	A monster from the TE position.
13	Ronnie Brown	RB	MIA	Assuming Ricky's in trouble and/or traded.
14	LaMont Jordan	RB	OAK	Has all the physical tools and the opportunity again.
15	Anquan Boldin	WR	ARI	Has always been big when healthy; averaged 100 yards per game.
16	Larry Fitzgerald	WR	ARI	Big red zone target on pass-happy team.
17	Chad Johnson	WR	CHI	Carson Palmer's health affects his status in a big way
18	Steven Jackson	RB	STL	Has the size and the speed, just needs to be used properly.
19	Marvin Harrison	WR	IND	Getting old, but still good for 1100 and 10 TDs.
20	Willis McGahee	RB	BUF	Looked like a plodder last year; should still be the guy, though.
21	Reggie Bush	RB	TBA	Should be the guy right off the bat.
22	Willie Parker	RB	PIT	With The Bus gone, Parker could see more carries from in close.
23	Domanick Davis	RB	HOU	Durability and awful team are issues.
24	Donovan McNabb	QB	PHI	Was a monster before he got hurt.

Top 12 by Position

QB	Teope	VanRiper	Liss	Doria
1	Peyton Manning	Peyton Manning	Peyton Manning	Peyton Manning
2	Donovan McNabb	Tom Brady	Donovan McNabb	Tom Brady
3	Carson Palmer	Carson Palmer	Tom Brady	Donovan McNabb
4	Marc Bulger	Donovan McNabb	Carson Palmer	Carson Palmer
5	Tom Brady	Marc Bulger	Daunte Culpepper	Marc Bulger
6	Matt Hasselbeck	Jake Delhomme	Eli Manning	Matt Hasselbeck
7	Daunte Culpepper	Matt Hasselbeck	Matt Hasselbeck	Daunte Culpepper
8	Trent Green	Trent Green	Jake Delhomme	Trent Green
9	Eli Manning	Brett Favre	Marc Bulger	Jake Delhomme
10	Michael Vick	Eli Manning	Jake Plummer	Michael Vick
11	Jake Delhomme	Ben Roethlisberger	Kurt Warner	Eli Manning
12	Brett Favre	Jake Delhomme	Ben Roethlisberger	Kurt Warner

RB	Teope	VanRiper	Liss	Doria
1	LaDainian Tomlinson	Larry Johnson	Larry Johnson	Shaun Alexander
2	Shaun Alexander	Shaun Alexander	Shaun Alexander	LaDainian Tomlinson
3	Larry Johnson	LaDainian Tomlinson	LaDainian Tomlinson	Larry Johnson
4	Edgerrin James	Tiki Barber	Tiki Barber	Tiki Barber
5	Tiki Barber	Edgerrin James	Edgerrin James	Clinton Portis
6	Clinton Portis	Rudi Johnson	Rudi Johnson	Cadillac Williams
7	Rudi Johnson	Clinton Portis	Cadillac Williams	Rudi Johnson
8	LaMont Jordan	LaMont Jordan	Clinton Portis	LaMont Jordan
9	Cadillac Williams	Steven Jackson	Ronnie Brown	Ronnie Brown
10	Willis McGahee	Ronnie Brown	LaMont Jordan	Willis McGahee
11	Ronnie Brown	Carnell Williams	Steven Jackson	Edgerrin James
12	Steven Jackson	Willis McGahee	Willis McGahee	Steven Jackson

WR	Teope	VanRiper	Liss	Doria
1	Torry Holt	Steve Smith	Steve Smith	Steve Smith
2	Steve Smith	Larry Fitzgerald	Torry Holt	Torry Holt
3	Chad Johnson	Chad Johnson	Anquan Boldin	Larry Fitzgerald
4	Randy Moss	Randy Moss	Larry Fitzgerald	Chad Johnson
5	Marvin Harrison	Torry Holt	Chad Johnson	Randy Moss
6	Larry Fitzgerald	Marvin Harrison	Marvin Harrison	Marvin Harrison
7	Anquan Boldin	Terrell Owens	Randy Moss	Anquan Boldin
8	Terrell Owens	Anquan Boldin	Terrell Owens	Terrell Owens
9	Reggie Wayne	Chris Chambers	Chris Chambers	Hines Ward
10	Javon Walker	Hines Ward	Hines Ward	Reggie Wayne
11	Santana Moss	Javon Walker	Reggie Wayne	Chris Chambers
12	Darrell Jackson	Santana Moss	Javon Walker	Santana Moss

TE	Teope	VanRiper	Liss	Doria
1	Antonio Gates	Antonio Gates	Antonio Gates	Antonio Gates
2	Jeremy Shockey	Jeremy Shockey	Jeremy Shockey	Jeremy Shockey
3	Todd Heap	Tony Gonzalez	Tony Gonzalez	Tony Gonzalez
4	Tony Gonzalez	Todd Heap	Todd Heap	Todd Heap
5	Alge Crumpler	Chris Cooley	Alge Crumpler	Alge Crumpler
6	Jason Witten	Alge Crumpler	Heath Miller	Heath Miller
7	Chris Cooley	Heath Miller	Chris Cooley	Chris Cooley
8	L.J. Smith	Jason Witten	Ben Troupe	Jason Witten
9	Randy McMichael	L.J. Smith	Jason Witten	Randy McMichael
10	Kellen Winslow	Kellen Winslow	L.J. Smith	L.J. Smith
11	Heath Miller	Randy McMichael	Randy McMichael	Kellen Winslow
12	Jerramy Stevens	Dallas Clark	Ben Watson	Jerramy Stevens

Article first appeared 03/12/2006