Fantasy FanHouse will be chiming in throughout the NFL draft with fantasy analysis of each fantasy relevant pick.Just as I did at the end of Day 1, I'm going to take you on a walk through the fantasy relevance of the guys that matter on day 2 of the NFL draft. This list, however, will not be all-inclusive. We all know that obscure third-string tight ends mean exactly squat in fantasyland.
There was one pick that was head and shoulders above the rest on day two for fantasy footballers ...
Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions, Central Florida
I'd rank his value second only to Darren McFadden as a fantasy impact player for 2008. He's going to get the reps in Detroit by default. With Kevin Jones out of the way his only competition consists of Tatum Bell, Brian Calhoun, and Aveion Cason. Bell obviously rates as his biggest threat, but he couldn't hold off an injured Jones last year. This is Smith's job to lose. The Lions are an improving franchise (which is weird, isn't it?), and he will be the feature back. I'd rank him as a solid RB2.
The best of the rest are listed after the jump.
Earl Bennett, WR, 3rd rounder, Chicago Bears, Vandy
The Bears receiving corps: Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, and Devin Hester. If I remove Hester would you laugh, or cry? Probably both. Add Bennett to the possession receiver mix. Taking any one of these guys is a gamble, and Bennett is probably the best one outside of Hester. WR6 as a late, late flier.
Jamaal Charles, RB, 3rd rounder, Kansas City Chiefs, Texas
He's a must-have handcuff to the increasingly-fragile LJ. Nothing more, nothing less.
Early Doucet, WR, 3rd rounder, Arizona Cards, LSU
He's in Bryant Johnson's role, and will have the exact same value as Johnson had in AZ (if either Fitz or Boldin are hurt, he's a starter ... if not, he's on the fringe of ownable).
Harry Douglas, WR, 3rd rounder, Atlanta Falcons, Louisville
Falcons receiving corps is not going to hard to crack. It's conceivable that he's the 2nd option after Roddy White by the end of the season. In the early going, though, he's not ownable.
Mario Manningham, WR, 3rd rounder, NY Giants, Michigan
Great late round value here in fantasy drafts. Amani Toomer isn't holding up forever, and Manningham should take his place opposite Plaxico Burress sooner than later. Take a flier on him as your 5th wideout.
Arman Shields, WR, 4th rounder, Oakland Raiders, Richmond
He's coming off an injury and no one knows about him. He may just end up being JaMarcus Russell's deep threat. Don't draft him, but watch his progress early.
John David Booty, QB, 5th rounder, Minnesota Vikings, USC
Mmmm ... I love it. Tarvaris Jackson is not a very good NFL QB. The Vikes need balance as they have the league's best running game and a damn solid defense. Add these up and you have the recipe for a QB change should a few losses pile up. This is where I would be watching Jackson closely. If he has a few bad games and the Vikings start to lose, try to pick up Booty before a week where Jackson should really suck. I used this move to perfection last year by picking up Brian Griese before Rex Grossman embarrassed himself against the Cowboys. It can work wonders in avoiding the waiver process.
Ryan Torain, RB, 5th rounder, Denver Broncos, Arizona State
Remember, Mike Shanahan always runs the football with success. Also remember, he hates you (fantasy football player) and you'll only get about five good games out of any of his backs.
Erik Ainge, QB, 5th rounder, NY Jets, Tennessee
Kellen Clemens isn't exactly proven, and there are weapons here. Use the plan I listed under Booty.
Taylor Mehlhaff, K, 6th rounder, NO Saints, Wisconsin
Martin Gramatica is now out of a job (thankfully). Again (thankfully). Mehlhaff will like kicking in the dome much better than in the cold, windy weather in Madison. And the Saints score points.
Colt Brennan, QB, 6th rounder, Washington Redskins, Hawaii
What? Hawaii inflates guys' numbers? Nevermind ...
Andre' Woodson, QB, 6th rounder, NY Giants, Kentucky
He is going to have to fight to make the team. Despite his once high draft status, ignore him.
Mike Hart, RB, 6th rounder, Indy Colts, Michigan
Here's your gem. As we've seen in the past from Kenton Keith, Dominic Rhodes, and James Mungro, you could plug in a trained monkey to put up stats at running back in this offense. With Hart, they get a guy who is used to winning and racking up yardage. He's a must-have handcuff for Joseph Addai. Expect a big day if Addai can't run.
Matt Flynn, QB, 7th rounder, Green Bay Packers, LSU
He's a winner, but that doesn't translate to fantasy. Neither does being the third option on a team that will shift focus to the running game after the departure of a legend. Avoid.
Adrian Arrington, WR, 7th rounder, NO Saints, Michigan
He was a very solid wideout in college, and the Saints picking a receiver in the last round has worked before ... why not try to catch lightning in a bottle again?
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