JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
They're getting known for a good defensive front, though their defensive stats are not that great. And Leftwich has played well enough to still be considered an improving young QB. What is most interesting, though, is the offensive depth on the roster. The Jags could be fertile ground for a breakout star, or could spend the year spinning the wheels trying to spreak the ball around. We'll see.
Byron Leftwich is not a fantasy starter either. (Noticing a pattern? I think there are less good fantasy starters than spots in a league.) That's not to say his stats will be bad. It's just that he'll take you on a ride that might not be very enjoyable, particularly when the Jags get into defensive battles or when the statuesque Leftwich takes a hard shot that take him out of a game. When he plays he'll have his moments and could produce. But I'd pick him as a #2 in rounds 8-10.
Fred Taylor, I think, still has some kick in him. Unfortunately he no longer has the explosive burst that made him a stud early in his career. Now, he's got to follow blocks. That means he might be a #2 starter for you, but he's not a guy who'll have many huge games. Rank him accordingly, and consider his injury history and the fact that the roster has plenty of other capable backs. That's enough to drop him to the 5th-6th round in my book, but he will probably go sooner.
Matt jones might have a fantasy impact. He had a pretty good rookie year. I'd take a flyer on him as a 4th WR, but no higher. Even if he plays great he's still on a team that isn't known for offensive fireworks.
Ernest Wilford is a good backup as well. I think he's underrated too, as he will probably be the go-to guy in this offense.
Reggie Williams has some name recognition and will get drafted. I think he's strictly a guy you gamble on late in the draft.
Marcedes Lewis is a highly touted TE prospect. Draft as a backup and hope he takes the NFL by storm. I could forsee the Jags utilizing a great pass-catching TE, if that's what Lewis proves to be.
David Garrard played well for 6 weeks last year. If he ever started regularly he'd probably be a better pick than Leftwich because Garrard is more likely to pick up rushing points. As it stands, he's a questionable pick. And a certain waiver pickup when Leftwich goes down.
Maurice Drew is a fast rookie RB. He could do something. But I don't think there's enough playing time available for him to get enough carries. He could open some eyes on ESPN, but probably won't be a weekly fantasy play even in the best of possible scenarios.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans are rebuilding and expected to suck. They probably will. Moreover, the situation at RB is crowded. Not good for fantasy players.
Billy Volek stands a chance of putting up good numbers. QBs on marginal teams often do. Givens and Bennett are decent receivers too. Volek might be a good backup, and a good value pick. But if you are going the Volek-backup route, you should pick another backup who could conceivably play.
Chris Brown is good when he plays, but he's hurt always. He's a good value pick too, but you can't start a Titans RB until it's clear he starts and the Titans are better than expected. Draft very late.
Travis Henry is a good player on a bad team. He's no good enough to dominate. he's not good enough to be the clear-cut starter. he might be a decent bye-wekk player if the situation warrants. Otherwise, not worth the effort.
LenDale White is not gonna help you this year.
Vince Young might. He could get playing time in the second half, and I think he'll play pretty well. But I'd be afraid to trot him out in games that matter until he shows some pretty amazing abilities as a rookie.
David Givens thinks he's a #1 WR. We'll see. I would draft as a #3 WR, at best.
Drew Bennett is an okay spot start if the team doesn't suck. He could have some nice games here and there. That's it.
Ben Troupe is in the last year of the "maybe he'll be a good TE" stage. The odds seems a little long. He could be had for next to nothing, and is not a back pickup if you have some roster space. But his team and the depth chart conspire against him.
Erron Kinney will not be a sexy TE pick. But he actually gets the ball a lot and uses his size well to get open. He is not a bad guy to have around. If he was on a better team I think he could be quite a suprise.