The second round is never a great place to gamble but once-in-a-while a rookie comes along that will hit the ground running in their first NFL season. The second round has one player that can live up to the hype. The San Diego Chargers are in turmoil at the wide receiver position with Vincent Jackson possibly leaving the team. This would create a huge opportunity for Ryan Mathews, the San Diego Chargers running back.
The Fantasy Football players included in the 11th -20th draft positions focus on leagues that concentrate on running backs as the best points players in the league. Remember to adjust quarterbacks higher in the draft for Fantasy Football leagues that include points for completions and receptions also.
First Pick 2nd Round 11th Overall Ryan Mathews San Diego Chargers RB
Ryan Mathews is a gamer that wants the ball. The running back out of Fresno State is reminiscent of LaDanian Tomlinson before he was banged up and lost his will to hit the hole with full force. Mathews is an upright runner that will not be afraid to carry the ball 25 times a game and he will see receptions out of the backfield also.
Second Pick 2nd Round 12th Overall Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts QB
Peyton Manning 12th overall might sound low but all fantasy football draft boards have him between 10th and 14th. Manning may have lost a step but more importantly his number one receiver, Reggie Wayne, also may be on the down turn. Pierre Garcon was strong last season and Anthony Gonzalez should be back and healthy this year. Don't be disappointed when drafting Manning he will help any Fantasy Football owner win.
Third Pick 2nd Round 13th Overall Larry Fitzgerald Arizona Cardinals WR
Many Fantasy Football owners are writing off Larry Fitzgerald this because no one has confidence in Matt Leinert. Something to consider is Fitzgerald's yards after the catch. Leinert can hit Fitzgerald on short out routes and Fizgerald can do the rest.
Fourth Pick 2nd Round 14th Overall Matt Forte Chicago Bears RB
Update: Matt Forte in the Mike Martz offense will do well. Martz loves to use a running back out of the backfield and Forte will pick up some great receptions out of the backfield. A PPR fantasy football league owner will benefit greatly from Forte.
Fifth Pick 2nd Round 15th Overall Rashard Mendenhall Pittsburgh Steelers RB
Rashard Mendenhall is a scary pick this early and he is downgraded in this spot, lower than most draft boards. If someone else is available like a solid quarterback, grab them.
Sixth Pick 2nd Round 16th Overall Randy Moss New England Patriots WR
Randy Moss has one or two good seasons in him and this could be the Randy and Tom (Brady) show this year. For those drafting Moss, keep an eye on him early and if someone else in the league has the hots for him make a big trade to dump him early if possible.
Seventh Pick 2nd Round 17th Overall Jamaal Charles Kansas City Chiefs RB
Jamaal Charles showed tremendous promise towards the end of the season and then Kansas City went added free agent running back Thomas Jones. Charles was a running back that thrived the more he carried the ball. A tandem situation with Jones may cramp Charles style.
Eighth Pick 2nd Round 18th Overall DeAngelo Williams Carolina Panthers RB
DeAngelo Williams could be a steal at the tail end of the second round of any Fantasy Football draft. Williams or the 19th pick Ryan Grant are interchangeable at this juncture, it is a matter of preference.
Ninth Pick 2nd Round 19th Overall Ryan Grant Green Bay Packers RB
Ryan Grant will play a major role in Green Bay's success this year but his running style may catch up with him eventually. Grant is definitely capable of being a top 10 running back and is a steal late in any Fantasy Football draft.
Tenth Pick 2nd Round 20th Overall Tom Brady New England Patriots QB
Tom Brady as the 20th best player available in a Fantasy Football draft. An interesting pick at the tail end of the second round but he could also be a steal if he and Randy Moss can capture their magic.
Final Tips Regarding 2nd Round Fantasy Football Strategy
Remember two things when drafting in the second round. Injuries and suspensions. If a player drops down five or more positions than he was ranked, search the internet for possible injuries and make a comment before choosing the player to if anyone will slip and say if he is hurt or suspended.
Todd Jacobs - Todd Jacobs is a freelance writer with publishing credits including USA Today, Orange County Register and Speed TV.
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