RAFFLE wrap-up, part I

Where else can you get objective fantasy draft coverage on a blog but right here?



A team-by team rundown of best pick, the what the 6 pick, and the "Guy who holds the key to your team's soul"

In drafting order...


1--DePorres Dirty Band-Aids (trevor & tommy)

Best pick--LT @ #1.

What the 6? pick--The hip pointer known as Shayne Graham to begin the 8th round. The next kicker was taken 2 1/2 rounds later (by Dave, so that barely even counts)

Pivotal player--Vince Young as their #1 QB, taken in the 5th round.

Overall--1 of 3 expansion teams, the boys began the draft with LT, and then followed up with some picks that were certainly not what many would have done. Will need another record-setting year out of LT in order to find themselves in the postseason



2--Nunica Eisenhower Seagulls (the commish)

Best pick--TJ Houshmanzadahdah in the 4th round, Wes Welker in the 11th

What the 6? pick--Actually a tough call for Helly...I would say Julius Jones in the 2nd, but he has TUP

Pivotal player--Unsure who Helly's flex dude is...let's say DeShaun Foster, who is his 3rd RB, just ahead of Najeh Davenport, who puts the #2 into his #4 RB slot, if you know what I mean, dude.

Overall--The Commish got high marks from many RAFFLE-ians for his draft. Solid picks, but will he regret not getting a 3rd RB earlier in the draft?

3--South Broton Snitches (justin)

Best Pick--I like the Darrell Jackson pick in the 8th round, a solid WR sleeper, along with getting Mike Furrey in the 11th.

What the 6? pick--Bears Defense in the 6th round. Yes, the best defense. Yes, it was too early.

Pivotal player--Carson Palmer. The 2nd QB taken in the draft, could be interesting to see his numbers compared to Brady/Brees/Bulger.

Overall--Defending Champ with a solid draft...will need one of the aforementioned WR's to come through because relying on Randy Moss as his 2nd WR could be dicey.

4--The Amazin Blazin Unicorns (Skot)

Best pick--I like the Marion Barber pick in the fourth round.

What the 6? pick--Jamal Lewis in the 3rd round..with poor QB play in Cleveland, he'll need to have a monster year.

Pivotal player--10-win man Jon Kitna, his 5th round pick.

Overall--I like Skot's draft strategy--took 4 consecutive RB's and then a QB. Will need another good year from Kitna along with another great season from LJ. Will likely scour the waiver wire for another WR...but has plenty of RB's for trading purposes.

5--Finnean's Freedom Fighters (Andy)

Best pick--Andy had a great top-5 of the draft..getting Ocho Cinco in round 3 was a steal.

What the 6? pick--Had a hard time with this one..I'd say Leon Washington in the 6th round.

Pivotal player(s)--slightly injury-prone RB's in first 2 rounds (Gore and McAllister) must stay healthy.

Overall--Our evening's host got some serious quality in the first 5 rounds. Will need to come up with a solid #3 RB option at some point, especially if his 1 or2 get injured...I'm sure he's hoping either Washington or Reuben Droughns steps up. I believe he had the best draft of the 3 newbies, and should challenge for a playoff spot.

6--Neverland Ranch Hands (nate)

Best pick--Cadillac in the 4th round & Vincent Jackson in the 9th round

What the 6? pick--Torry Holt in the 2nd round...our draft's FIRST WR.

Pivotal player--His RB spot

Natron reached a bit for Holt, but got some very good WR's late (Jackson, Greg Jennings) that could make up for the injured Holt. Will rely heavily on a big year from Addai, a comeback year from Cadillac, and a great rookie season from Marshawn Lynch. If 2 of those 3 things happen, he could be a division winner and challenge for the top regular season spot. If not....he may regret taking Holt that high.

2nd half of the draft and my perfect predictions to come...