Assemble 10 NFL Fantasy Football experts and there will ten different draft lists but the all-important first two rounds will almost always be close. The first two rounds is not the place to make a statement with an off the wall pick. It is very important to stick to the script in the first two rounds of any NFL Fantasy Football draft.
The 1st 5 Picks of an NFL Fantasy Football Draft Can Win or Lose a Season
Remember which position scores more points in the NFL Fantasy Football league that is being played. Most NFL Fantasy Football leagues feature running backs as the best scorers and this the formula that will be used in breaking down these top 10 NFL Fantasy Football Draft picks.
Top Pick: Adrian Peterson, Running Back Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre will have more time together at the beginning of the 2010 NFL season and both players will be in sync from the first game on. Look for Favre to use Peterson as a safety valve more than he did last year. Peterson's receiving yards will increase over the 2009 NFL season and his carries and yardage will grow, making him the best running back of the batch.
Second Pick: Chris Johnson, Running Back Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson may not be in training camp when most NFL Fantasy Football Drafts are held. It will be tough to pass on Chris Johnson but that may be what NFL Fantasy Football owners will have to do in this position. Johnson's production will be down in the 2010 NFL Season but he is still worthy of the number two pick overall.
Third Pick: Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back Jacksonville Jaguars
Maurice Jones-Drew could end up being the best NFL running back at the end of the 2010 NFL season. For NFL Fantasy Football owners drafting in the third spot Jones-Drew could be their bread and butter player all season. The 2010 NFL season could be a huge coming out party for Maurice Jones Drew.
Fourth Pick: Ray Rice, Running Back Baltimore Ravens
Ray Rice was beyond impressive in the 2009 NFL season and those NFL Fantasy Football owners lucky enough to have him may have won their league thanks to the big back. Joe Flacco will continue to use Rice as a target out of the backfield and Rice has a few more years as one of the best backs in the NFL.
Fifth Pick: Michael Turner, Running Back Atlanta Falcons
Michael Turner's season was below standards due to injury but if Turner stays healthy he should be at the top of the best backs in the NFL. Look for Turner to score about a touchdown a game and average 100 yards a game for NFL Fantasy Football owners.
Sixth Pick: Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is a potential monster for NFL Fantasy Football owners in 2010. Rodgers accuracy is incredible and he has the ability to spread the ball around the field. There is an argument for Drew Brees over Rodgers but look for Brees to have a down year in the 2010 NFL season.
Seventh Pick: Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver Houston Texans
Andre Johnson is the best wide receiver on the planet, bar none. Johnson is the best route runner in the NFL and he also has the best breakaway speed after the catch. Why take a wide receiver with the seventh overall pick? It's Andre Johnson, the best NFL Fantasy Football wide receiver.
Eighth Pick: Frank Gore, Running Back San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore has a few more good years in him. With a quarterback situation that has never been settled in San Francisco, Gore knows moving the football will fall to him. Look for Gore to be used as a stop gap receiver more in 2010 also.
Ninth Pick: Steven Jackson, Running Back St Louis Rams
Steven Jackson as suffered through the lean years in St Louis and by the time this team begins to win again he may be retired. Jackson can still deliver as a running back and Sam Bradford will rely on the punishing back to take some pressure off. Jackson will also deliver for the NFL Fantasy Football owners that make him their first pick.
Tenth Pick: Randy Moss Wide Receiver New England Patriots
Remember Randy Moss? Tom Brady is healthy and Randy Moss will be motivated to get back in sync with his favorite quarterback. Many will see this as a risky pick but it is tough to pass up on Moss while he is still in his prime.
Final Breakdown of the NFL Fantasy Football 1st Round
Looking at the first ten picks overall for the NFL Fantasy Football draft cheat sheet, it is obvious how important it is to have a productive running back. Once the first five are gone, look for the best wide receiver or quarterback available. This will be the first in a series of NFL Fantasy Football Draft cheat sheets.
Todd Jacobs - Todd Jacobs is a freelance writer with publishing credits including USA Today, Orange County Register and Speed TV.
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