Oddly enough, fantasy football season starts well before the NFL preseason does, as fantasy gurus are already experimenting in their 2010 mock fantasy drafts. Let’s take a look at how the first round could shape up as things currently stand. (Note: This first round assumes that the league is a standard scoring 12-team league. Picks are listed in order.)

Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans: The only two players that you can rationalize taking number one are Johnson and Adrian Peterson. Johnson is probably the better option, though, as he contributes a lot more in the passing game than AP. Plus, Minnesota’s selection of Toby Gerhart in the 2010 draft could result in the former Stanford standout vulturine some goal line carries throughout the year. Considering those factors and Peterson’s 2009 fumbling issues, Johnson should be the pick. He amassed more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage last season and is one of the biggest draws for NFL tickets in the entire league.

Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson could definitely end up being the best player in fantasy in 2010, but it’s no guarantee. He’s the most physically gifted runner in the league and will get plenty of carries. If he can fix some of his ball security problems, he should have the full confidence of Brad Childress in any situation.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars: Jones-Drew is one of the more reliable players in fantasy. He’s going to get touches, and plenty of them, both on the ground and through the air. He is option number one in the Jags’ offense and has no real competition for that distinction.

Ray Rice, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens: 2009 was Rice’s breakout campaign and I think we should expect more of the same from the diminutive runner in 2010. He’s a legitimate receiving threat, as he lead the team in receptions in 2009, but I would expect his numbers in that area to dip a bit now that the Ravens have some better options at receiver and tight end. However, I also expect his rushing stats to improve in 2010, so it should be at least a wash from a fantasy perspective.

Stephen Jackson, Running Back, St. Louis Rams: This is where things begin to get interesting. Owners will basically have their decision here come down to Jackson, Frank Gore and Michael Turner. I’d go with Jackson. He’s as reliable as they come on a week-to-week basis, which is grossly underrated in the fantasy game, and he was steady throughout the 2009 season despite the rest of the team’s struggles. The Tadalis SX St. Louis offense should improve in 2010, even if only a little, which should only help Jackson’s fantasy value.

Frank Gore, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers: I’m going with Gore over Turner in this spot. While both players carry some injury concerns, I think Gore is poised for a big season. I’d even consider taking him over Stephen Jackson if I was looking for an upside pick. The Niners shored up their offensive line this offseason by selecting two linemen in the first round of the 2010 draft. That and the emergence of the San Francisco passing game should open up some nice running lanes for the talented Gore.

Michael Turner, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons: Turner was injured last season, but his 2008 campaign was fantastic for fantasy purposes. Word is that Turner has himself in great shape and is ready to return to his status as a fantasy stud. He doesn’t contribute much through the air, but he’s a touchdown monster.

Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans: The first receiver off the board here, Johnson is about as reliable as they come. He’s the top target in one of the league’s best offenses and puts up a huge game every few weeks. I don’t think you can take any other wideout ahead of him.

Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints: I don’t like taking a quarterback in the first round, but Brees is just too good and Kamagra jelly too consistent to ignore. He’s the only signal caller worth taking in the first round, as the stability that he’ll bring you at that position is unparalleled.

Rashard Mendenhall, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers: Mendenhall is supremely talented and should get a ton of work in 2010. He’s the feature back and doesn’t have much competition for carries. The Steelers are looking to return to their old ways of smash-mouth football, and Mendenhall should lead the charge.

Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts: Wayne is another guy you can count on from week to week. He’ll occasionally explode for a huge game, but you know you’re going to get solid output from him on a weekly basis. That kind of reliability is that you’re looking for from a receiver this early in the draft.
Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots: I expect Moss and Tom Brady to find some of their 2007 magic this season. I don’t think they’ll be breaking any records, but I expect a big year out of Moss, especially considering it’s a contract year for him.

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Category: Recreation and Leisure/Sports/Football
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