The first four picks in most 2010 fantasy football drafts are pretty much set. Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Ray Rice are likely to be the first four players selected, in some order, while owners with the fifth pick in their drafts will be left scratching their heads over which player to select. It’s not just two players that they’ll be deciding between, though, but up to six that are in play at the five spot. Let’s take a look at the options.

Frank Gore, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers: Gore has been a borderline first-round pick in years past, but he’s never quite lived up prescription cialis generic to the billing. The former track star has all the physical tools to have a huge statistical year, as he always has, but injuries and a shaky offensive line have hurt him in the past. Gore hasn’t played a full season since 2006, and it’s difficult to take an injury risk in the first round. However, Gore hasn’t missed huge chunks of time as a result of his past injuries, so the risk isn’t as large as one might assume. The Niners did a lot to beef up their offensive line this offseason, going as far as to draft two offensive linemen in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. This and the development of the San Fran passing game should open up more holes for Gore, who still managed to average 4.9 yards per carry in 2009 behind a shaky unit.

Steven Jackson, Running Back, St. Louis Rams: Jackson is kind of the forgotten man among elite running backs. He’s one of the most physically gifted runners in the National Football League and managed to have a very solid 2009 season despite the Rams’ struggles as a whole. Jackson amassed 1,324 yards on the ground and hauled in 51 passes in 2009, but only reached the end zone four times. If the Rams can improve at all offensively, I don’t see a reason that you can’t expect an even better fantasy season from Jackson in 2010.

Michael Turner, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons: Turner had his breakout fantasy season in 2008, but found himself injured for a good part of last season. He still managed to score 10 touchdowns and actually posted a better YPC average than his great 2008 season. If he stays healthy, he could be in for a big season in 2010.

Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans: There seems to be a growing sentiment among fantasy gurus that this is the year to go with a wide receiver early in your fantasy draft. The talent pool definitely starts to drop off early in 2010, so nabbing Johnson could be a good play at five. He’s the most dependable wideout in the fantasy game and a killer in PPR leagues.

Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots: The only other receiver I’d consider taking over Johnson is Moss. Moss is in a contract year and doesn’t seem to be planning on staying in New England, which could mean we’ll see the best out of Moss on a week-to-week basis. The last time we saw that, he broke Jerry Rice’s single season touchdown record. That’s not to say he’s going to post huge numbers again, but with Tom Brady now two years off his knee surgery, a really big fantasy year could be forthcoming in New England.

Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints: I’m not an advocate of taking a quarterback in the first round, but I’m seeing Brees being taken very high in mock drafts. Brees elevated himself to become one of the biggest sellers of NFL tickets last season with the Saints’ Super Bowl run and he’s an extremely reliable option for fantasy owners.

All in all, I still think one should opt for a running back with the fifth pick in fantasy drafts this season. Gore is probably the preferred option, as he has the highest upside, but Jackson could be the play in PPR leagues and Turner in touchdown-heavy ones. If you’re going to go receiver, I’d recommend Johnson. Stay away from quarterbacks this early; there’s always good value later in the draft.

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