2007 NFL Fantasy Draft Round 8

Round 8
1. Chad Pennington
2. Wes Welker
3. Chargers Defense
4. Vernand Morency
5. Ben Watson
6. Arnaz Battle
7. Rex Grossman
8. Patriots Defense
9. Chris Brown
10. Corey Dillon
11. Joey Galloway
12. Randy McMichael
13. Brett Favre
14. LJ Smith
15. Maurice Stovall
16. Daniel Graham

Chad Pennington will never have elite fantasy numbers, but as a 2nd string guy, he’s not too shabby. And remember, he’s pretty young – and has a couple decent seasons under his belt. Still, there’s better options out there.

Wes Welker is obviously loved by the Patriots coaching staff, but will that translate into fantasy stats? With Stallworth, Moss, Watson, Maroney, and more – I don’t think so, not worth an 8th round pick.

The Chargers Defense has the most upside of the Top 3 defenses taken, but with a new coaching staff in place, will they be as good this season? They might be too risky to take high, but you’ve got to love their young nucleus of talent.

I didn’t need a running back, but in deep 16 team keeper leagues, they have value, believe me. So I took a chance; I like Morency’s running style, and a starting RB in Round 8 is thievery – I’ll get my TE’s and defenses later.

Ben Watson is an elite talent, but I have learned to hate watching him rot in my lineup, never gathering numbers like he should. He has dropped ball tendencies, but I love this kid’s game – he’s an all effort guy. All the tools in NE will hurt his numbers, though.

Arnaz had some very good games last season, and did himself solid in point per reception leagues; but will a real #1 threat take away from his numbers? I don’t think so. I like Battle, and as much as many think Lelie will steal catches from him – C’mon, how many times has Lelie stolen catches from anyone?

Rex Grossman went next, and if I hadn’t chosen Morency, I would have taken him. He’s not the bad fantasy quarterback many have him out to be. In fact, in his first full season as a starter, he has to be right at the top of touchdowns lists. He’s a good young prospect, one who will improve this season – regardless of all the criticism he gets.

The Patriots could have the best defense in all the land, this season. They did magic tricks in the off season, picking up the best guy on all the boards, plus they have a great set of guys already. They are old though, so be ware of injuries.

Chris Brown doesn’t have a team right now, but with LenDale White turning into a crispy crème spokesman, and Chris Henry being a rookie, many are expecting Brown to return to Tennessee. He’s had some big games, and he’s talented enough… This could be a steal.

Corey Dillon had a great career, but I’m a guy who thinks he’s played his last down in the NFL. Could he help some teams? Sure, but for the price they’re willing to pay, he’d just rather hang out at home with his family. He’ll pull a Keyshawn.

Joey Galloway was a great pick, even in a keeper league. He’s old, sure, but still one of the fastest receivers in the game. He didn’t have a “real” starting quarterback for much of last season, but he still had a solid year. Look for him to return to his 2005 numbers in ’07, both Chris Simms and Jeff Garcia will get him the ball more.

I think the 8th round is a bit of a reach for Randy. He’s got tons of talent, but I think he’s a little overrated. With Bruce, Holt, Bennett and Steven Jackson all catching passes, I just can’t see Randy being a Top 5 TE. That’s where he was picked.

Brett may not get the numbers he once did, but as a back-up, on a week to week basis, he’s not a bad selection. Brett will be decent this year, especially if his backfield works out, as I think it will. The line is older, and better, and Jennings is a year older. But this is a keeper league, and this is Brett’s last hoorah.

LJ Smith is a very solid tight end, and if McNabb can possibly be and or stay healthy this season, I expect a big year out of Smith. LJ is fast, his hands are solid, and he’s a big part of the Eagle offense. Still, I think there are guys out there who will outscore Smith at the TE spot.

I think Maurice Stovall was a bit of a reach, that’s for sure. I think Michael Clayton would have been a better selection, though still a bad one. Stovall maybe good, and maybe this owner knows something I don’t, but right now there’s 10 better options, at least.

Daniel Graham will be legit this season in Denver. He’s a very good, and underrated player. I know that most of the receiving threats that leave New England never do better elsewhere, but this will be that exception. I all but guarantee it.

Round 8’s Winners and Losers

Best Value – Vernand Morency 116th
Worst Value – Randy McMichael 124th
Most Upside – Rex Grossman 119th
Best Player – Brett Favre 127th
Most Likely to Bust – Corey Dillon 122nd
Sleeper – Daniel Graham 128th

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