Fantasy Football Matchmaker, Picks 2.17 – 2.24
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Landing the perfect prospect on the perfect team… a match made in Fantasy Heaven.
Rules for the Fantasy Football Matchmaker:
- Must have some basis in reality, i.e., the New York Giants are not drafting Trent Richardson.
- “Reality” includes the selection of Offensive Linemen, Defensive Tackles, and 3-4 Defensive Ends.
- Immediate fantasy appeal and opportunity.
- Long term success rate.
- Hitting the exact draft slot is a bonus, but not essential. If the Rams obtain my fantasy match at 2.07 instead of 2.01, fans will still rejoice.
- In many cases, team positional needs should be regarded higher than any particular player. If a team in need of a cornerback lands Alfonzo Dennard instead of Stephon Gilmore, we’ll still be happy.
April 26: 2012 NFL Draft: Round 1, 8pm ET
April 27: 2012 NFL Draft: Rounds 2-3, 7pm ET
April 28: 2012 NFL Draft: Rounds 4-7, 12pm ET
2.17 San Diego Chargers
Jayron Hosley, CB/PR
Virginia Tech
Another cornerback drafted by an AFC West team. He’ll have a chance at immediate success in San Diego.
2.18 Chicago Bears
Offensive Lineman
The Bears O-line is a mess, which is a major testament to Matt Forte’s skill. Every offensive player gets a bump in value.
2.19 Philadelphia Eagles (from ARI)
Offensive Lineman
The Eagles O-line is not that good either, and they just lost Jason Peters for the season. They are deep at most fantasy positions, so drafting a lineman keeps the rookies moving to a better team.
2.20 Tennessee Titans
Sean Spence, WLB
Miami
Colin McCarthy is entrenched in the middle, but the players on the outside are nothing special. The Titans are a 4-3 team and Spence would fit nicely at the weakside.
2.21 Cincinnati Bengals
Lamar Miller, RB
Miami
It would be a sweet surprise to see David Wilson or Doug Martin fall to the Bengals, but Lamar Miller is a more realistic option. The NFL draft will happen before your fantasy draft, so the only BenJarvus Green-Ellis owners that will be burned are those in Dynasty leagues. And really, how many excited BJGE owners are out there right now? The Bengals have the opportunity to let the underclassman learn behind BJGE and Bernard Scott for a little while, but those two veterans have very little upside compared to the rookie.
2.22 Detroit Lions
Offensive Lineman
The Lions’ run blocking was brutal last year. Losing Mikel LeShoure to injury in the pre-season and the running back carousel that followed was obviously a factor. A thumping strong safety would be a nice fantasy asset, but fixing the offensive line is the best fantasy fit in round two.
2.23 Atlanta Falcons
Dont’a Hightower, ILB
Alabama
Jackpot! The Falcons let Curtis Lofton go to New Orleans, and they resisted the urge to sign a free agent replacement. IDPers want Hightower going to a 4-3 team, but he is capable of playing inside in a 3-4 scheme. Atlanta is by far the best fit for Hightower, so let’s hope teams drafting ahead of them opt for edge rushers.
2.24 Pittsburgh Steelers
Alfonzo Dennard, CB
Nebraska
We don’t want the Steelers drafting a running back now. Plenty of value to be had later, plus Isaac Redman is a quality back. I had the Steelers addressing their offensive line in round one, so the next biggest void is their cornerbacks. Dennard would have a significant chance at starting in Week 1.
Coming soon: Fantasy Football Matchmaker, Picks 2.25 – 2.31
Fantasy Football Matchmaker, Picks 2.09 – 2.16
Fantasy Football Matchmaker, Picks 2.01 – 2.08
Fantasy Football Matchmaker, Picks 1.25 – 1.32
Fantasy Football Matchmaker, Picks 1.17 – 1.24
Fantasy Football Matchmaker, Picks 1.09 – 1.16
Fantasy Football Matchmaker, Picks 1.01 – 1.08
