Who should be the #1 pick in your fantasy draft? Just about every season in fantasy, there are several viable potential number one overall players. I know it's still early, but two players have distanced themselves from the pack as the clear top two prospects with potential to have monster years in 2006: perennial fantasy stud RB LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers and 2005 breakout star Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Why you should draft LaDainian Tomlinson at #1: Tomlinson has become as safe a pick as any player at any position in fantasy. He has finished within the top 3 running backs in fantasy points four consecutive years (2002-2005). LT is a complete running back who can do anything from burning DBs in the open field, to running good routes, to picking up blitzes, and everything in between. The Chargers have sured up their offensive line in order to put even more emphasis on Marty-ball, that is, depending on the running game to control the clock and utimately the game. If you're looking for a runningback who is consistently excellent, and is the focal point for his offense every week, LaDainian Tomlinson is a no-brainer at #1.
-MC
I think LT probably won't go #1 in most drafts, but, by season's end, the owners who passed on him may be regretting it. I think the subtraction of Drew Brees might do wonders for LT's value. While Brees and Gates stole a lot of TD's from LT, that won't be the case this year. Look for the Chargers to rely heavily on LT, increasing his carries, touches, and TD's. This could be a banner year for him.
-JNR
Why you shouldn't draft LaDainian Tomlinson at #1:
While Tomlinson is definitely a stud, there is one problem that I see that is very worrisome for this year, the quarterback change in San Diego. Drew Brees kept defenses from truly keying on LT even though he didn't have the greatest arm in the world. With Brees' departure to New Orleans, Philip Rivers, who has a total of zero starts in the NFL, will be thrown into the fire. Tomlinson may have to go through some growing pains along with his young signal-caller.
-MC
I agree with MC. Although Brees's defection will mean more chances for LT, it could backfire if Rivers can't keep defenses honest. Rivers will be asked very little of--but if he can't make a few good throws here and there and teams can stack the box, it might be a long season for both LT and the Chargers.
-JNR
Why you should draft Larry Johnson at #1:
When the Chiefs first drafted Larry Johnson in 2003, most experts questioned the pick. With Priest Holmes running in his prime, why would they pick another RB? Well fantasy experts now know what the Chiefs scouts knew then: he is going to be a star. Flash forward to 2005, where Larry Johnson set the team record for rushing yards, but started only nine games. He also had nine straight 100 yard rushing contests to end the season. Johnson is running behind the best rush blocking line in football and with Priest on the mend (and seriously considering retirement), will be asked to carry the full load. LJ is a bruising back who doesn't wear down at the end of games and, like Priest Holmes before him, has a nose for the end zone. He is the more risky pick, but has more upside than even King Tomlinson.
-MC
If I had the number 1 overall, LJ would be my pick. He's spectacular and very little has changed from the Chiefs' offense from last year, where LJ exploded. Who knows where Priest Holmes's health stands--but regardless, Holmes won't be good enough to keep LJ from getting 20+ TD's.
-JNR
if you're looking for an all around back, LJ is not your guy. He isn't a very good receiver at this point in his career, and he lacks the shiftiness to wiggle through holes in the line at times. Johnson's upright style causes him to take more punishment than he probably should, and let's not forget he hasn't yet been through a whole NFL season.
-MC
If Priest comes back to 100% and LJ ends up getting dinged up, I can see Priest re-taking his position as the go-to guy. Herm Edwards, like Vermeil, loves veterans--and probably wouldn't hesitate to go to the proven vet. Still, even under this unlikely scenario, the Chiefs would have to be crazy not to give LJ 20-30 touches per game.
-JNR
If you happen to find yourself in the lucky position of drafting number one overall, it's a nice problem to have. Both LT and LJ figure to have huge seasons, and depending on your draft and overall team strategy, both players have their upsides. My advice is to research all you can, and select the player of whose style you're most comfortable. Good luck!
posted by MC @ 5:37 AM
1 comments
