Last week, profootballfocus.com (better known here as PFF) released their latest projections for offensive personnel for the 2011 fantasy season. You know, if there is a real season to fantasize about. PFF is one of the leaders in the new wave of player evaluation metrics, so I thought it would be a good idea to check out how they envision the future performances. As most are aware, I am feverish when it comes to FF. There are many different strategies one can enlist to take themselves to championships. As the eventual season draws near, I hope to jump start some discussions with you all on the best ways to construct your team during the draft, and moves to make during the season.
One of the first things I want to discuss is something we all know, but probably need reminders of. I know I have to talk myself out of at least one pick every year. You have to properly value your favorite players. Now it's obviously more fun to have a team full of Cowboys, but that isn't always the best strategy even in our most prolific of seasons. Let's take a look at how PFF.com forecasts our quarterback and running backs, and what it could mean for you on FF draft day.
QB Tony Romo
Dropbacks Attempts Completions Yards TDs INT Sacks Carries Yards TD Total Points 594 558 382 4391 31 17 22 29 77 1 339
This puts Romo in the Round 4 range, which is tremendous value. If you want to have Romo on your team, you don't need to take him in the first two rounds, and probably not even the third. I'd say late third if you are at the end of your draft, but you can most likely hold out until your early 4th comes around. Romo's 2010 injury will be a good thing, and should keep him safe to wait on.
Follow the jump for the running backs.
RB Felix Jones
RB Tashard Choice
Player Carries Yards TDs Targets Receptions Rec Yards TDs Fumbles Total Points F. Jones 237 1064 6 58 54 483 1 3 247 T. Choice 163 654 5 27 20 163 0 2 132
It's only right that these two guys are grouped together, because they HAVE to be drafted that way. Here me again, there is no draft strategy where you pick Felix Jones and don't take Tashard Choice 3-4 rounds later. Without Choice, Jones is a wasted pick if you know anything about how the Dallas offense functions, play-calling and formation wise. In the two money leagues I was in last year, the 17th back was taken at the top of round 4 in each. That means that you have to take Choice by the eighth round. That's a tough sell to me because of my personal draft strategy which we will get into at a later date. In other strategies, this means carrying a fifth solid running back most likely, again a tough sell to me. This is despite the potential I see out the duo; I'll probably stay away from Cowboys running backs this year.