Round 3
1. Carson Palmer
2. Drew Brees
3. Ladell Betts
4. Marvin Harrison
5. Anquan Boldin
6. Andre Johnson
7. Marques Colston
8. Brandon Jacobs
9. Deuce McAllister
10. Marc Bulger
11. Lee Evans
12. Ahman Green
13. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
14. Michael Turner
15. Plaxico Burress
16. Terrell Owens

Round 3, in my opinion, is as early as you should even think about taking a quarterback. If you can get Manning in the middle to end of Round 2, and all of the good runners are taken, then go for it. If not, don’t even think quarterback until Round 3, and even then, you better be getting Carson Palmer. He went 1st overall in Round 3, and the only reason I condone this pick is because I think he’s the top quarterback in fantasy football.

Drew Brees went 2nd, as my buddy started to get worried about having a top signal caller. I think this is a small reach, despite his big numbers. While I think Brees will be good for a long time, he’s rarely going to have the stats he did last year. If he proves me wrong and has an ’06 repeat, he was a solid pick here.

Ladell Betts in the 3rd round? In a dynasty league, this pick isn’t as crazy as you think. Sure, he’s got Portis ahead of him, but he’s a dynamic runner, and even if he doesn’t start this year, he’ll get a chance soon, and I think he’ll succeed nicely.

Marvin Harrison, the old man that he is, went 36th overall, a year after leading many leagues in receiver scoring. He’s old for a dynasty league, but the guy never takes hits, and you can’t argue with his production year after year after year.

Anquan Boldin, whom I think is a better dynasty pick than Harrison, was taken immediately after the famous Colt. Boldin is a great pick because he’s just as talented as Larry Fitzgerald, and usually goes at least 10+ picks behind the popular youngster. When healthy, Boldin is a beast.

Andre Johnson made it 3 receivers in a row, and with Matt Schaub at the helm, this youngster is getting lots of love. He’s so talented, and I think he’ll have his best season in the pros. Plus, he’s young, and will be very good for a long, long time.

Colston, last years’ 7th round pick rookie wonder, made it 4 WR’s in a row. I love Colston, think he has “IT”, but I think this is too high, even in a keeper league, for the young Saint whom only has a year under his belt. With so many options in New Orleans, can he continue to be the beast he was through the first 8 games of last season? That’s what drafters who take him early are hoping.

At pick 40, Brandon Jacobs’ new owner has to be delighted. Jacobs has 20 touchdown potential, has a solid team in New York, and has Droughns behind him, which should give him some much needed snaps off. The only reason Jacobs fell was the run of receivers and quarterbacks in the last 10 picks. I was praying BJ would get to me.

Deuce followed Jacobs, and I think he’s a solid dynasty pick. He’s not as aged as many think, and while injuries have taken him out, the recent two back system in New Orleans will keep him healthy, and give him a chance if the Saints cut him loose, to start for the team of his choice. There will be takers if he’s a FA next season.

Marc Bulger went next, making him the 4th quarterback taken. Bulger will be healthier now that Martz isn’t dropping him back 7 steps every down, but still, a 3rd rounder on Bulger is too high for my liking. However, don’t be confused, over the last 3 seasons, only McNabb and Manning have scored more fantasy points per game started than Bulger – at least in my leagues.

Lee Evans, a kid that I absolutely love, and was oddly expecting to fall into my lap, went next. He’s got as much talent as anyone in the league. Him and Steve Smith are the biggest homerun threats in the game, plus he’s young, and his quarterback is learning how to get the rock to him downfield.

Ahman Green was a good value late in Round 3, especially with all the backs leaving so fast. Green will impress a lot of people while sliding through the cracks in Gary Kubiak’s zone system up there in Houston. His style is perfect for that offense. Don’t forget how fast he is. Even as he gets up there in age, he’s a nice bet for 2 years of nice fantasy points.

I took TJ Houshmandzadeh with my late 3rd round selection. He’s not the youngest guy, but he hasn’t been abused over his seasons. He’s just come on lately, and last season he had more fantasy points per contest than his highly rate teammate, Chad Johnson. Whether its Johnson’s double teams, or Palmer’s trust in Housh’s TD grabbing hands, the fact is, Mr. Championship himself gets looks. I think I got a steal here, but of course I do, that’s why I took him. All I’m saying is, at the end of the season, look at TJ’s numbers, compare them to the guys taken ahead of him, you’ll see why I’m happy getting him here.

Michael Turner was a stunner to many guys out there, especially since the Chargers promised he was going to be LT’s backup for yet another season. But is it a bad dynasty pick? Sure, this season, you’re basically missing your 3rd round pick, unless Tomlinson gets injured. But next season, you have one of the most promising young starters in the league. Turner has all the skills to be a Top 5 guy. Imagine if Seattle gets Turner to replace Shaun Alexander next season, he’d destroy things in that offense. Anyway, risky pick, but not a terrible one.

Plaxico Burress was taken with the 2nd to last pick in Round 3. I like Burress, in fact I’m one of the 10 that do, but I think there were better options out there, especially with Eli Manning’s troubles over the last few seasons. And Tom Coughlin’s situation makes me worried about most New Yorkers.

The bomb hit when TO finally heard his name selected at the very end of Round 3. The bottom line is, he’s the best player taken in this round, aside from maybe Carson Palmer. He’s dominant; One of the best receivers of all time, just look at the way he can take over games when his head’s in it. When his head is in it. TO’s struggle with that will haunt him forever. He’s old, but in better shape than 90% of the league. Dynasty pick, he’s risky, with age, and his personality problems, who knows what TO will do next. If he plays – you can’t go wrong, he’s a TD machine.

Lots of crazy stuff here, Michael Turner was gone before many thought he should go, TO was selected, and wide receivers started to hear their names called all throughout round 3. I only disagree with a couple picks, but take my advice, holdout on quarterbacks, set yourself up for a Championship!

Round 1’s Winners and Losers

Best Value – Brandon Jacobs 40th
Worst Value – Michael Turner 46th
Most Upside – Michael Turner 46th
Best Player – Terrell Owens 48th
Most Likely to Bust – Terrell Owens 48th
Sleeper – Lee Evans 43rd