Round 9
17. Jeff Garcia
18. Broncos Defense
19. Steve McNair
20. Cowboys Defense
21. Trent Green
22. Jaguars Defense
23. Drew Bennett
24. Daunte Culpepper
25. Reggie Williams
26. Chris Perry
27. Panthers Defense
28. Matt Schaub
29. Byron Leftwich
30. Earnest Wilford
31. Eagles Defense
32. Isaac Bruce

Jeff Garcia could have a solid year in Tampa Bay. He also could have a bad year, and lost the starting gig to Chris Simms, but I wouldn’t bet on that. Regardless of what people think, Gruden isn’t Andy Reid, and the Bucs aren’t the Eagles. I would expect a very mediocre year for Garcia at best, but still much better than Tampa’s QBing last season.

The Broncos defense will be set with one of, if not the best secondary in the game. Now, if their linebacking corps and lineman can stop the run and cause pressure – they’re nice.

Steve McNair is as old as dirt, and he just can’t move like he used to. He’s never been a gun-slinger. I don’t know what people expect from him next year, but no way does he get 20+ touchdowns. As a stop gap at back-up, he’s still too old for a keeper format.

The Cowboys defense should be legit under Wade Phillips and company. IN fact, if the Cowgirls can somehow stop a pass or two, they’ll be a Top 5 unit. If Roy Williams continues to cover people, they’ll get beat deep often.

Trent Green will bomb out in Miami, Cleo Lemon will eventually start for the Dolphins, and hopefully, just hoping here, Daunte Culpepper catches on somewhere else and plays healthy for the first time in a couple years. I think Daunte would still be the best option in Miami.

The Jaguars have a very good defense. They don’t do anything spectacular, but limit point totals, and make plays. They rarely allow a 100 yard rusher, but special teams and scoring TD’s aren’t their strong suit, so as a Fantasy D, they’re just a little above average.

Drew Bennett is big, fast, and white. He has good hands, and should have a better season in ’07 than he did in ’06. He’s the big receiver the Rams never had, and should get a few red-zone tosses, but I don’t think he’ll be worth starting this season, unless he gets the #2 spot from Ike Bruce – don’t see it happening.

Daunte, Daunte, Daunte… Where has thou gone? Confused I am, for you are nowhere to be found… I hope that Pep catches on somewhere an throws 38 touchdowns, or at least gets healthy. This cat used to have so much promise – he’s worth a shot at the bottom half of drafts.

Reggie Williams will have his best season as a pro in 2007. The new Jaguar offense looks more passing friendly, and will allow Lefty and his big receivers to make plays downfield, where they thrive. Reggie isn’t a short rout, small space guy. I like this pick.

Chris Perry is the reason trainers have jobs. This cat is injured more than Ken Griffery Jr. If Perry can ever stay healthy, he might be worth this pick. But it looks like the Bengals are fixing to lose hope.

I think the Panthers have the makings of a Top 5 defense. Hell, I think, if they put it together, they could very well find themselves in the super bowl. Lets see what they do with what they got, but I think this is a good pick.

I really wanted Schaub to fall to me, because I’ve always liked him. I liked him prior to the Schaub press push, prior to the ESPN the Mag shoots, and prior to everyone else questioning if he was or wasn’t the best QB in Hotlanta. But I didn’t get him, yet I still think he’ll make some things happen in Houston.

So, I lose Matt, but am thankful to snag Lord Byron. It looks to me like he’s ready for a solid season in Jacksonville. His receivers are maturing, the offense suits him better, and he’s in the last year of his contract. I’ve always dug Byron’s style – now here’s to his health… Cheers!

Earnest Wilford catches touchdown passes, but I have a feeling he’ll never match his totals from two years ago. Reggie Williams is starting to get more looks, and Matt Jones is improving as we speak. Plus, Dennis Northcut is scheduled to be the small, quick threat on short passes. Wilford could be left out to dry.

The Eagles Defense really improved during the off season. There are linebacking options galore, and with Javon Kearse back, and ¾ of the Eagle secondary, I expect big things from Philly this season.

Good ol’ Ike Bruce. Isaac actually looked pretty good in the latter half of 2006. While I think taking him is a risk in a dynasty format; surely he has the numbers to be worth a spot. Longterm is not his strong-suit, but he could be a nice option this season. He’s always been good, I can’t argue with that.

Round 9’s Winners and Losers

Best Value – Byron Leftwich 141st
Worst Value – Chris Perry 138th
Most Upside – Matt Schaub 140th
Best Player – Cowboys Defense 132nd
Most Likely to Bust – Trent Green 133rd
Sleeper – Reggie Williams 137th