MOCK DRAFT: Pick 10 - Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson is a one-man wrecking crew. He bursts through tacklers with full commitment even when games are well out of reach. This guy has a bigger heart than Gaines Adams, and I want him on my football team. He's a constant flow of yardage on the ground, as well as valuable in the passing game: rushing for over 1,000 yards and catching roughly 40 balls and 300 receiving yards every year for the past 5 years (except for that year in 2006 where he hauled in 90 receptions and 806 yards).

He's been an elite back for the last five years and no runningback in the league is more respected by opposing teams. His touchdown totals dropped off last year, but that was more of a product of his offense's ineptitude than his decline.

At age 27, he is slowly approaching the termination age for a runningback, but one should worry more about his injury history. He rarely completes a full season and his carry totals are piling up. He currently sits at 1,548 carries and is in line for one or two more seasons playing at a high level. Make no mistake, the 2010 season may be the swan song for Steven Jackson as we know it, but he should make for a consistent every-down workhorse at the all-important runningback position for you this year.

Steven Jackson is a steal at pick number 10.

- Expect 1,200 Rushing Yards, 4-8 Rushing TDs, 50 Receptions, 400 Receiving Yards, with 1-2 Receiving TDs

FANTASY ANALYSIS: St. Louis Rams

Beyond perennial stud and workhorse, Steven Jackson, there is not much fantasy depth in St. Louis. Jackson himself is landing in the middle to late 1st round in most drafts. With the exception of Chris Johnson, there isn't a single offense in the NFL as one-man-reliant as St. Louis. Game in and game out, the Rams put the weight of the team on Jackson's shoulders. He is sure to get 25-30 carries per game with multiple receptions/targets as well. In single-season leagues, Jackson is a stud and should be drafted anywhere between picks 4 and 8. In keeper formats, it would be wise to stay clear. He'll likely wind up getting drafted higher than his value indicates. Comparing the production and carries to other high quality workhorse backs over the years, Steven Jackson is on par for his last productive season.

• Expect 1,200 Rushing Yards, 4-8 Rushing TDs, 50 Receptions, 400 Receiving Yards, with 1-2 Receiving TDs.

Their next best fantasy option is wide receiver Laurent Robinson. This is a guy you should be able to snag in the latest rounds of your draft. He has a solid skillset and large enough size to be effective in the redzone. In the first two games of the season last year, he pulled in 11 receptions for 151 yds and 1 TD. He was injured in the third game of the season after hauling in 2 receptions in that game. If Sam Bradford has success this season, Laurent Robinson will surely be a key part of it.

• Expect 58 Receptions, 800 Receiving Yards, 5-7 TDs

Donnie Avery will probably have a similar season to that of last year. Quarterback play will still be shaky while Bradford is learning the offense, so anticipate the same respectable numbers as the year prior. Should be able to get him fairly late and he is safe to put up respectable, albeit unimpressive numbers.

• Expect 47 Receptions, 670 Receiving Yards, 3-5 TDs

The last player of fantasy relevance is Sam Bradford. Shortly put, don't draft him unless you are doing so in a deep keeper format. Bradford likely won't be giving any fantasy related dividends at the quarterback position for two or three years. That being said, the man does have potential to be a star in this league, but there are still better options out there.

• Expect 2,500 Passing Yards, 16 TDs, 21 INTs
  

TEAM PREVIEW: St. Louis Rams

1-15 in 2009

In a league filled with parity every team seemingly starts the season off with a shot to make the playoffs, however that might be at least 2 or 3 seasons away for the Rams. Do they have things to be excited about? Absolutely they drafted Sam Bradford #1 overall in hopes that he can be their franchise quarterback for years to come. But he is a rookie and right now A.J. Feeley might be the starter come week 1, which isn't a bad thing. Rookie QBs on bad teams have alot of growing pains and he needs to learn an NFL system before he can have success. The line could be getting better, Saffold is a solid tackle and Hank Fraley could help out but it still needs alot of work.

The one bright spot on the Rams has always been Steven Jackson and he just had back surgery. Not looking good for this guy but he is a hard worker. After Jackson the talent pool is less than stellar. Drafting Mardy Gilyard was a step in the right direction. He is quick as hell and after seeing him play at Cincy he could emerge into a DeSean Jackson type of player with the right players around him. As far as the rest of the offensive weapons they are young, Brandon Gibson showed a few things and Donnie Avery has quietly put up some decent stats which could be a product of being the only WR to throw to. And Danny Amendola your white and I love what your doing keep it up son.

Trading for Bobby Carpenter is a good step for a young defense where Chris Long is still learning and in need of some help. O.J. Atogwe was a great re-singing and has been a solid part of the defense for some time. It still is a horrific defense with alot of work needed but who knows maybe a few guys step up and make some plays.

The Rams need to keep building their team mainly around Bradford, mainly offensive line help and another solid running back behind Jackson. It will be a few years for this team but they might steal a game or two from their opponents. They are in a bad division but the 49ers are improving and the vote is out on the Seahawks. I think it is safe to say we will see Bradford under center quite soon though.

My prediction for the season - a generous 4-12