The Heffa Nine draft is unofficially open here .

Post your draft comments in this thread.

1.03 RB Westbrook, PHI - 7
Westy puts up points via land and air. Some potential hair pulling with the questionable status each week, but he usually plays. He has the potential to get the most points. SJackson is holding out at this moment in the draft and holdouts seem to get injured while out of game shape. Week 7 bye seemed like a fair one. Didn't want Addai due to the week 4 bye week (lots of good teams/players off that week that I could use at other positions).

2.16 QB Roethlisberger, PIT - 6
With all TDs worth 6 points, a QB that throws for high 20s or more TDs is a smart investment. Big Ben could fit the need if he performs close to last year's standards. Not many top 25 QBs have a week 6 bye, so I can probably avoid a bye week conflict. The league's Steeler fan drafts a few spots later, so not sure he would have lasted to my next pick.

3.03 RB White, TEN - 6
Tennessee will run the ball a lot. Hoping Lendale can get 1,000 yards again. He doesn't have the same bye week as Westy. When comparing whether I should go WR or RB at this pick, I saw very few RBs that would be available at the next pick. Plenty of WRs still available and the injured / suspended guys should be off the board, which saves me from taking them.

4.16 WR Cotchery, NYJ - 5
Has played well for the last few years. He catches plenty of passes. Hoping to find Favre's latest version of Driver/Jennings/Walker/Sharpe/Brooks/etc. He seems to be building a rapport with the old guy. Fair gamble. No bye week conflict with my 2 RBs.

5.03 QB Shaub, HOU - 8
When healthy, this guy puts up lots of points. Hoping for decent output at the QB position this year. Different bye week than Big Ben was a must. Some squad in this 18 team league is going to have an awesome QB duo of Orton and Croyle. Glad it won't be mine. Next couple of rounds is where the guys that already have good QBs take a 2nd decent one to thin the herd, err field of contenders.

6.16 RB Brown, MIA - 4
He was flying down the charts, but worth the gamble for me at this spot. Ricky is looking good, but is still 32 years old. Ronnie won't play this week, but at least he was practicing yesterday. Different bye week than my other guys helps.

Side QB note: 18 teams in the league X 2 QBs per team = 36 QBs. Only 32 NFL teams. 4 league owners will be drafting back-ups or going without. 11 league owners do not have their back-up as of this pick. Will be fun to watch who waits too long.

7.03 WR Gonzalez, IND - 4
My first bye week conflict, but it's week 4 when other squads will have major players on a bye. Peyton is hurt and Harrison is playing. I still think Gonzalez will get some good playing time. We'll see how long Harrison stays healthy.

8.16 WR Bruce, STL - 9
Primary WR in a Mike Martz offense. Bruce knows the offense. Hoping the QB can play well this year.

9.03 WR Morgan, SF - 9
Hedging my bets, cornering the market, taking a flier. Whatever the phrase, I got (hopefully) the starting duo in SF. Hope he's as good as he's looked thus far.

10.16 PK Rackers, ARI - 7
Should score well enough as long as Warner is throwing the rock. Week 7 bye is kind of late, but it only coincides with 1 of my other players.

QB Big Ben and Shaub
RB Westy, White, and Ronnie B
WR Cotchery, A Gonzo, Bruce, and Morgan
PK Rackers

Not a good looking squad. Worse than most years for me. Probably should have gotten a primetime WR.

1.05 RB Marshawn Lynch

Skipped Steven Jackson for same reason mentioned above -- holdouts missing TC seemed to get nicked and can't finish season. See: LJohnson, 2007. Skipped CPortis -- don't like late bye weeks with my 'studs'. MLynch is younger, easier schedule, and came on strong at the end of last season, not hitting the rookie wall. TEdwards should help that offense some.

2.14

So in choosing my draft spot... I was 4th to choose, and 1, 2, 3 were already gone. I chose 7th because I really didn't see a lot of separation between RBs 4-7.

Then I had to predraft 3 spots before my pick, so I was forced to pick an order.

I picked:
1. Jackson
2. Marshawn
3. Portis

And... I got Portis. So, I guess I'm glad I didn't see a lot of separation, because I got my bottom choice at 7 after all. Hopefully that pays off when we swing around. We'll see.

My plan is taking shape........Eveyone I pick will get hurt week 1 and I will f'in domskinate my big $$ local........

1.15 - Jamal Lewis, RB, CLE (5)
Looks like the last of the serviceable RBs on the board. Considered a top WR like Owens but next time around RBs will be real slim pickings.

1.18 / Brandon Jacobs / RB / NYG / 4

Jacobs is a beast. When he plays. Hopefully he gets 16 games of utter domination in in 2008.

2.01 / Michael Turner / RB / Atl / 7

Here's hoping Michael Turner can be that most elusive of creatures: the RB that steps out from the shadow of the superstar and thrives.

3.18 / Brandon Marshall / WR / Den / 8

Billion dollar talent; 10 cent head. Yeah, I know he'll likely miss a few for suspension (barring a change of heart from Goodell - unlikely). But the 14 I'll get him for should more than make up for it. I hope he drops the appeal and serves the 1st two weeks.

4.01 / DeAngelo Williams / RB / Car / 9

I'm not convinced Stewart is healthy enough to play yet. Add in Fox's propensity to favor the veteran, and the fact that DeAngelo seems to have finally "gotten it" and I think this is a pretty good pick.

5.18 / Aaron Rodgers / QB / GB / 8

Meh. I would have rather had Favre (or, God give me strength, Campbell) due to bye weeks, but what the hell, Rodgers could work out. The Pack's averaging about 7 points a game in the preseason, so he's got that going for him, right? Right?

6.01 / Patrick Crayton / WR / Dal / 10

Sure, he's not the lead dog, but its a high powered offense. Glenn's gone, so he's what, 3rd option? 6th round, getting thin ...

7.18 / Javon Walker / WR / Oak / 5

Wait a minute, you're telling me that a guy that got his ass kicked in Vegas and was recently talking about retirement is still available late in the 7th round? Seriously? I'm all over that!

8.01 / Justin Gage / WR / Ten / 6

Someone's got to catch those Vince Young passes, right? He's gonna complete at least 9 or 10 a game, with the odd (emphasis on odd) one going for a TD now and again.

9.18 / Troy Smith / QB / Bal / 10

Sigh

Really scraping the bottom of the barrel here. I guess there's a shot that Smith opens the season as starter with Boller's issues. How long he holds off Flacco is the question. Hopefully the Ravens - with a 1st year coach that can maybe afford to be patient - let Smith play the entire season. I considered going with only 1 QB, but that didn't work out so well a few years back (actually took the starter/backup combo for the Titans. ).

10.01 / Phil Dawson / PK / Cle / 5

Well, I needed one so I took one. Who knows how the Brownies will fare in 08.



I thought about taking a QB in the 7th or 8th round and then I looked at what was left. It's entirely possible I could be missing a gem, but I don't think so. Figured why reach for someone that might not see the field. At least Gage and Walker should play (well, at least if Walker doesn't retire).

Just shoot me. I might as well pick two kickers at this point.

Prediction: Eliminated within the 1st 4 weeks.

I know the Browns looked like Ass last night, but I just felt that a top flight receiver was worth it. I can only hope I took the right one.

I STRONGLY considered both Tony Romo and Braylon Edwards, almost pulled the trigger on Tony.

I don't want to rub your noses in it, but I'm pretty sure I'm drafting circles around the lot of you.

Championship.

Sure-you guys that have two players think you're soooo good!

You could have two players too if you'd quit sitting in here and go to the website and draft!

Sorry about that

I saw you had preselects in, figured they'd all been taken. That or...I know how you old guys can be and thought maybe you'd fallen asleep down there.

All of the above!

Right now there is no one that can compare to me. (I have three players)

1.1 LT - I am not sold on him being the number one back this year at the end of the year but there is no way that you don't draft him first. Barring injury he is the safest pick and a pretty darn great safe pick at that.

2.18 - Santanio Holmes - This guy is going to be a beast this year. He is now in his third year and he and Big Ben have that magic thing going. There is no doubt that Ben loves to hit this guy long. Holmes did lead the league in YPC last year and I just don't see anything changing this year. The Steelers play brutal schedule this year and to me that means they are going to be in dire need to score points. On top of that this homer thinks that the defense has looked kind of shaky in the pre-season so even more points are going to be needed. (Great pick on Big Ben, oh btw, Riff.)

3.1 Maroney - He is not the best RB on the board right now, IMHO, but he is the best for me. He will make the perfect two punch to go with LT as the Pats won't be on the quest to throw 3 million TD's to Moss this year. A little more balance and ball control means a little better numbers for Maroney.

NOTE: No team that was the consensus top team drafted has EVER won HEFFA.

I'm pretty sure there is no consensus.

I hope HoP picks soon, I've changed my preselects of 2 players 10 times in the last 20 minutes.

Wow! I definitely need to get used to this league.


1.16 - Reggie Wayne - I knew sitting in the back of the 1st round I would be taking a top 4 WR. I did think Wayne would be gone already so I was glad to grab him. I thought about TO as well here but opted for the younger stud. I have a sinking feeling TO gets hurt this year. Wayne on a high powered offense is just what I wanted.

2.03 - Maurice Jones-Drew - Not exactly the type of RB I'd want in a PPR league but after grabbing Wayne and knowing I would likely grab another WR with my next pick I could deal with grabbing Maurice. If Taylor can go down than I love this pick. Otherwise I think he will be a productive RB for me this year.

3.16 - Anquan Boldin - Even though he is disgruntled I believe he is going to have a good year. This is the guy that gets alot of receptions (averaging over 80 receptions per year in his career). I would like to see and expect him to pick up on his TD total combined with those receptions. All in all I like this start.

4.03 - Dwayne Bowe - I probably should have gone QB here and this was likely my first mistake of the draft. I didn't realize how important the QB was as it seemed as if last year QB's didn't go off the board as quickly. Bowe can be a stud receiver. He has size, speed and skill. If only he had a QB to throw to him. Regardless I see Bowe as a 950 yrd, 8 TD guy with the possibility of more. I like the core 4 players I have and believe I can compete against the other teams.

5.16 - Brett Favre - I had to get on my knees and pray that Favre made it to me as I don't see any other QB's that are worthwhile left. Favre is the ironman and although he is on a new team...he has the same cannon arm, a good group of WR's and a very athletic TE. To grab a QB that has 25 + TDs and 3,500 or more yards this late is a miracle. I may have to deal with 22 INT's but it's a price I am willing to pay. This helps solidify my team.

6.03 - Justin Fargas - The rookie will most certainly play alot but Fargas will have his fair share of opportunities. As a bye week fill in I could get lucky. Additionally Fargas may produce other weeks as well. It's not anything pretty but it could be a cog needed during 1 of the weeks.

Ok... so I didn't know Steve Smith was suspended for 2 weeks.

What are the odds I'll get eliminated in the first two weeks? Right? Hahahahah..

ha.

Let's just hope that high ankle sprain that made him iffy for about 8 games last year won't come back...

Very different drafting in a 16 team league ... this is my first time and I wish I could change a couple of things already
Very different drafting in a best ball league ... this is my first time and I wish I could change a couple of things already

I am hopeful I will at least get through 3 or 4 weeks.

I had targeted O'Sullivan with my last pick but some ass hole (a Big F'n one at that) got him before I did ... so with Warner's new status as the starter I'll take a shot with him. I'm nervous about his ability to stay healthy and I'm nervous about Arizona's committment to him with highly drafted Leinart on the bench.

Here's my take on my draft:

1.11 Frank Gore
Maybe a bit more injury prone than I'd like in this format but I thought he was clearly the best available player at the time. I'm second-guessing myself now wondering if Grant or MBIII was the better pick. We'll see.

2.08 Tony Romo
The player who I wanted fell to me. He has a Week 10 bye and hopefully will carry me deep in this league.

3.11 Wes Welker
Probably would've taken a different WR in a standard league, but in best ball Welker gives me consistency from the WR position.

4.08 Jason Witten
Probably my best pick of the draft so far. I think people overlooked him because TEs aren't required. He'll out-produce at least 4-5 of the WRs who were picked before him.

5.11 Lee Evans
With two consistent receiving threats on the roster, I opted for the streaky Evans. He's the kind of guy who can put up three TDs and help me single-handedly survive a week when I'd otherwise be vulnernable.

6.08 Trent Edwards
QBs were running thin. Grabbed the best guy I could. The coaching staff adores him so hopefully he can keep his job all year.

7.11 Jerious Norwood
Was overdue for a RB2. Norwood was the best available with a good bye week. He was overrated last year but underrated this year. Need him to catch a lot of passes.

8.08 Maurice Morris
Not hughly high on him this year but he's the starter on a good team and was the clear choice given my lack of RB depth.

Delhomme, Jake CAR QB - 9
Cuz Cajuns are kool
Johnson, Larry KCC RB - 6
Who doesn't like a big brown Johnson? ....right Blitz?!?!
Jones, Thomas NYJ RB - 5
Interesting reading
Berrian, Bernard MIN WR - 8
Many teams are going to be taken down with a BB in this league
Brown, Reggie PHI WR - 7
James' not-so-cracked-out-and-still-alive cousin
Burress, Plaxico NYG WR - 4
Still thinks he's a Steeler; so there's a chance
Meachem, Robert NOS WR - 9
I loved him in Night of the Hunter
Porter, Jerry JAC WR - 7
Dark Porters are my favorite

Well, I'm done... assuming preselecting 24 kickers will get me to the next pick.

I think this draft sucked... but was mildly better than last year. I give myself to week 6 if Portis starts the season hot. If not... week 1. Maybe 2.

I am pleased . . . enough.

Anderson, Derek CLE QB - 5
Campbell, Jason WAS QB - 10

Hightower, Tim ARI RB - 7
Johnson, Chris TEN RB - 6
Taylor, Fred JAC RB - 7

Curry, Ronald OAK WR - 5
Johnson, Andre HOU WR - 8
Owens, Terrell DAL WR - 10
Watson, Ben NEP TE - 4

Longwell, Ryan MIN PK - 8

If Fred & one of the rookie RBs step up, I should be competitive. Happy getting Fred after getting 2 stud WRs.

Hasselbeck, Matt SEA QB - 4
Warner, Kurt ARI QB - 7

Lewis, Jamal CLE RB - 5
McGahee, Willis BAL RB - 10
Perry, Chris CIN RB - 8

Jennings, Greg GBP WR - 8
Randle El, Antwaan WAS WR - 10
Williams, Reggie JAC WR - 7
Gonzalez, Tony KCC TE - 6

Reed, Jeff PIT PK - 6



Not sure how I feel. It was very different being in a 16 team draft (first for me). Also the "best ball" format is new.

I really don't know how this team will stand up. Kurt Warner being declared the starter pre-maturely may hurt. Week 8 looks to be my most worrisome week ... presuming I last that long.