It’s August and for most people it’s “Draft Month” for fantasy football. So far this off season and first part of pre season has shaken up the fantasy football world. Analysts and fellow fantasy football players have already started creating their draft boards. August is also the month for over-hype and under appreciated players for the upcoming season. Being too high on a player and reaching for him in your draft can cost you big time. Here’s a “Quick Fix” look at my three most over-hyped players.
#1 RB Trent Richardson (Cleveland Browns)
Richardson has been labeled has a first round pick this year but using your valuable first round pick on this second-year running back could be fatal. His injury problems alone scare me away from drafting him, no one wants an injury prone first round pick. Richardson had a productive first year in the league; he ended tied for 10th as far as fantasy points for running backs. Although that sounds good, he ranked tied for 37th in fantasy points for all players. Also he only post three 100+ yard games. As far as fantasy value he should not be a first round pick. If he falls to the second round however, I’d jump all over him.
#2 QB Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)
Second year Wilson has been surrounded by buzz this off season; he’s been climbing draft boards all over the Nation. Seattle signed Wide Receiver Percy Harvin to take this offense to the next level. Unfortunately, Harvin will undergo hip surgery and this offense now looks the same as it did last year. Most analysts are putting Wilson in the Top 10 for QB’s…and I just don’t see it. His name is more valuable then his fantasy worth. Wilson was ranked 11th among QB’s in fantasy last season. He posted four games with nine points or less and looked very inconsistent. Seattle is a run-first team and as long as Marshawn Lynch is running the rock Wilson and Seattle’s pass offense is second in line. Wilson should end up in the Top 15, but thats it. Wilson wont be a terrible pick as long as you wait. Any round before the 5th is way too early. Don’t let the name, or your Hawks elegance blind you.
#3 RB Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs)
Jamaal Charles 5.8 yards per carry could lure into burning a top 5 pick on him. Charles is even more injury prone than Trent Richardson. Charles was recently carted off the field in practice, X-rays were negative but this still worries me. In 2011 Charles tore his ACL and played in only two games. When you think of your first round pick you want consistency, and Charles falls far short. Last year Charles posted seven, yes seven games with under 10 points. He has the ability to post big numbers; he had three games with 20+ points, but with the injury problems he’s hit or miss. Charles is mush too risky for your first round…he’s the ultimate boom or bust type draft pick.
