Anyone can tell you whom to draft. You don’t need to be a fantasy football expert to know that. If you follow the NFL at all, you know enough to say, “Hey, that Aaron Rodgers, he’s pretty good.”
But let’s look at this backward. Ever go into a draft knowing whom you want but you come away with players you didn’t want? It happens. Time’s running out or league mates are chiding you to hurry up, and you panic.
Hopefully this will help prevent that. Here’s an All-Do Not Draft team that might include players with whom you’re painfully familiar. Just take them off your board, and they won’t accidentally come out of your mouth.
QB Cam Newton, Panthers
If you think the Bears’ wide receiver corps is in shambles, get a load of the Panthers without Kelvin Benjamin (knee): Rookie Devin Funchess, second-year pro Corey Brown and veterans Ted Ginn Jr. and Jerricho Cotchery. Not exactly the Four Horsemen. Throw in a shaky offensive line and questionable running game, and Newton’s supporting cast isn’t very supportive.
RB Andre Ellington, Cardinals
Remember that scene in “My Cousin Vinny” when Joe Pesci is plowing through witnesses and he says, “I’m finished with this guy”? My sentiments exactly about Ellington. He has tremendous speed and is great in the open field, but he won’t get there enough because he won’t touch the ball enough because he can’t carry the load enough. So enough.
Browns running backs
The Week 10 game last season against the Bengals typified the Browns’ running game: Isaiah Crowell, Ben Tate and Terrance West each had double-digit carries and ran for a touchdown. Tate is gone and heralded rookie Duke Johnson is in (at least when he’s over his concussion), keeping alive the three-headed monster that will continue to torment owners.
WR Roddy White, Falcons
The 33-year-old appears to be breaking down. Last year, he missed time with hamstring and ankle injuries. This year, he has missed time because of knee and elbow procedures. His yards per catch dropped to 11 the last two seasons. He’ll score his touchdowns because of his ability around the goal line, but he won’t be worth the aggravation of monitoring the injury report.
Seahawks wide receivers
The Seahawks have thrown the fewest passes in two of the last three seasons. In the other season, they threw the second-fewest. Even with tight end Jimmy Graham, this remains a run-based offense. Heck, running back Marshawn Lynch led the team with four touchdown catches last year. So don’t bother with Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Tyler Lockett or Chris Matthews.
TE Jordan Cameron, Dolphins
He has had a concussion in three consecutive seasons. Never mind the risk you take if you draft him. What about the risk Cameron is taking by playing? There are plenty of worthy tight ends who don’t carry such risk. Save yourself the headache and choose someone else.
Follow me on Twitter @JeffreyA22.
Email: jagrest@suntimes.com
POSITION RANKINGS
Quarterbacks
1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
2. Andrew Luck, Colts
3. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
4. Peyton Manning, Broncos
5. Matt Ryan, Falcons
6. Drew Brees, Saints
7. Tony Romo, Cowboys
8. Tom Brady, Patriots (won’t be suspended)
9. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
10. Eli Manning, Giants
Sleeper: Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings
Supersleeper: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets
Running backs
1. Eddie Lacy, Packers
2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
3. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
4. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
5. Le’Veon Bell, Steelers
6. Matt Forte, Bears
7. C.J. Anderson, Broncos
8. DeMarco Murray, Eagles
9. LeSean McCoy, Bills
10. Jeremy Hill, Bengals
Sleeper: Frank Gore, Colts
Supersleeper: Jay Ajayi, Dolphins
Wide receivers
1. Antonio Brown, Steelers
2. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
3. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
4. Julio Jones, Falcons
5. Odell Beckham Jr., Giants
6. Randall Cobb, Packers
7. A.J. Green, Bengals
8. Calvin Johnson, Lions
9. Alshon Jeffery, Bears
10. T.Y. Hilton, Colts
Sleeper: Brian Quick, Rams
Supersleeper: Ty Montgomery, Packers
Tight ends
1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
2. Jimmy Graham, Seahawks
3. Greg Olsen, Panthers
4. Martellus Bennett, Bears
5. Travis Kelce, Chiefs
6. Antonio Gates, Chargers
7. Delanie Walker, Titans
8. Jason Witten, Cowboys
9. Dwayne Allen, Colts
10. Zach Ertz, Eagles
Sleeper: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Buccaneers
Supersleeper: Virgil Green, Broncos