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I know I know. What happened to the part two of the “Reffy Awards?” In due time, my friends. We have a good two months to analyze, overanalyze and rip apart last weekend’s draft. But what I wanted to do this week was start breaking down the value of rookies going into 2009. If you are in a dynasty league, or a keeper league, where you can keep some of these guys past this year, this is for you. Many drafts like these will be taking place in the near future, so I know this information is crucial. So without further adieu, let’s see what FantasyFootball.com’s own Ryan Brooks thinks about this year’s crop of rookie quarterbacks going into the summer.
1. Mark Sanchez, NY Jets — Sanchez comes in with a legit chance to start if he can beat out Kellen Clemens, which I think could easily happen. Sanchez has talent around him on both sides of the ball and he could play much like Joe Flacco did last season. He is my top QB for a dynasty league because he will likely play sooner and have more talent around him for his career.
2. Matthew Stafford, Detroit — Stafford may see playing time this season, but it will be, at best, a split with Daunte Culpepper. The Lions don’t have the talent the Jets have, so Stafford isn’t my top QB even though he was drafted first. Stafford definitely has the tools to succeed, but I have no confidence in the Lions, therefore, I don’t have as much confidence in Stafford being of significant help to fantasy teams.
3. Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay — Freeman probably has the best tools of any QB in this draft. He can run, he is huge, and he has a rocket arm. His problem was he didn’t play with any consistency, and there were times that you thought “What are you doing?” I wouldn’t be surprised to see him end up being the best of this group when we look back in 10 years. However, he isn’t ready yet and won’t do much this season, but he is worthy of an early draft pick in dynasty leagues.
4. Pat White, Miami — White is the perfect fit for the “Wildcat” offense since he can run and throw (somewhat accurately). I believe he will be in the mix for playing time with a fancy offense in Miami that will leave defensive coordinators scratching their heads. The problem is White is not a true NFL QB and will only see spot playing time. Proceed with caution, because he probably won’t be a long term helper to your fantasy squad.
5. Nate Davis, San Francisco — It seems San Fran is always looking for a QB, and they may have just drafted their future QB in the fifth round. Davis has the tools and put up some big numbers at Ball State. He also worked under the same coordinator that was at Michigan with Tom Brady, Drew Henson and Brian Griese. Davis won’t see many snaps in ’09, but I think he has the upside and is on the correct team to be a fantasy player down the line.
6. Tom Brandstater, Denver — We know that Josh McDaniels can develop a QB, so you have to like the chances of Brandstater. He is big with a strong arm and played in a good system at Fresno State. If Kyle Orton starts to fall on his face in Denver, the Brandstater talk will increase. He is worth a pick in dynasty leagues.
7. Rhett Bomar, NY Giants — I still have a sour taste in my mouth after Bomar let down my Sooners, so I’m not too high on his integrity. He also has Eli Manning, David Carr and Andre Woodson to deal with, so Bomar will likely not be on the field much unless it is mop-up time. Temper your expectations on this kid, because he isn’t in the best place to play. Actually, he would be better off to get cut and sign with a team that needs a QB.
8. Stephen McGee, Dallas — As a Cowboys fan, I hated this pick. McGee was not an accurate passer in college, and last I checked, passing is important in the NFL. McGee will follow up Tony Romo, Jon Kitna and Brooks Bollinger, so don’t expect him to do anything this year, and my bet is he doesn’t ever do anything.
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