The Fantasy Football Blog

I took part in the first of three drafts for leagues I'll be in this year. It's a 10-team keeper league I've been in with friends for a few years now.

Just a few things worth noting. Hopefully, they'll assist you on your draft day:

*Travis Henry's move to Tennessee dropped Chris Brown's stock down below virtually every other starting running back. In fact, Henry was chosen a round or so before Brown.

*Two team defenses everyone seemed high on were the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. Former Patriot defensive back Ty Law signed with the Jets during the draft and, from the reaction from the fantasy owners, made the Jets a top-5 defense.

*Muhsin Muhammad (CHI-WR) and Drew Brees (SD-QB) were taken far too early in my opinion. Muhammad was a leading scorer last year with a fantastic second half with the Carolina Panthers, but his move to Chicago hurts his value, while Brees had three fantastic games pad his overall stats last season. Assuming someone in your league will look at last year's stats and see fourth or fifth round pick, be happy they'll be someone else's to deal with.

RETIREMENT/HOLDOUT UPDATES

Freddie Jones (CAR-TE) retired this weekend. Carolina doesn't throw to its tight ends much, but Kris Mangum is now the likely No. 1 on the Panthers' depth chart.

Brian Westbrook (PHI-RB) finally ended his holdout and practiced with the Eagles Monday. Westbrook is a strong late first or early second round pick.

Rookie Mark Clayton (BAL-WR) ended his holdout by signing a five-year deal with the Ravens. With a few exceptions, receivers tend to struggle in their first years and I especially suggest staying away from the ones that report to camp late.

With Clayton (the No. 22 overall pick) signing, there are eight first round picks left unsigned. Three are offensive skill position players eligible for fantasy football -- No. 2 Ronnie Brown (MIA-RB), No. 3 Braylon Edwards (CLE-WR), No. 4 Cedric Benson (CHI-RB).

SUGGESTED READING

I never miss Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback.

FINALLY

We'll get our first look at Ricky Williams (MIA-RB) on tonight's Hall of Fame Game (ABC, 8)since his return from a year away from the game. Williams, the NFL's leading rusher in 2002 shocked the Dolphins and football fans everywhere last year when he retired just before training camp opened last season. Williams returned with much fanfare and will have to compete with Brown (if he ever signs) for touches in the backfield.

Will Ricky go back to being the star runner of old? We'll start to find out tonight.