NFL Fantasy Value Picks

Understanding value is an important part of the fantasy football draft process. You don't want to reach in the third round when you can get similar production in the fifth. Here's a list of guys who give you the best bang for the buck, and some who you can wait on...

Value Picks

LeGarrette Blount, RB

One of the most physical backs in football, Blount punishes defenders with his power and humiliates them with his shiftiness. He rushed for over 1000 yards and 6 touchdowns in only 13 games, 2 of which he had less than 6 carries. Now the featured back in Tampa Bay's offense, Blount will try to maintain his 5 yards per carry average while enduring a larger workload. The Bucs will bring in Pat Morris as their new offensive line coach, who owns an impressive track record in terms of improving his team's run blocking ability. Tampa Bay also gets Tennessee, Carolina, Jacksonville, Dallas and Carolina again in weeks 12-16, a crucial time period for a hopeful playoff run. Consider Blount a low-end RB1 or ideal RB2.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB

In a standard league that scores 1 point per 25 passing yards, 4 for passing TDs and -2 for interceptions, Roethlisberger averaged more fantasy points per game than Drew Brees and the same as Philip Rivers. So why is he going 2-3 rounds later? Maybe it's because of Pittsburgh's perceived image as a ground and pound attack. But with a deep threat in Mike Wallace, a mediocre offensive line and a running back coming off 400 plus carries, the air might be the route best traveled. Wallace's ability to stretch the field will open gaps for possession receivers like Hines Ward and newly acquired Jericho Cotchery, who will give Ben an extra life-line between the hash marks. If you grab him in the 5th, it shouldn't be considered a reach.

Mario Manningham, WR

Despite competing with Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith and Kevin Boss for targets, Manningham still managed to score 9 touchdowns last year off his dynamic playmaking ability. With Smith and Boss ditching town, Manningam should see plenty of extra balls thrown his direction. He finished last season with three consecutive 100 yard games and 4 total touchdowns during the span. He was also targeted 7 times by Eli this past week in one half of action against the Bears. Though we saw his patented look of disbelief all too often last season, Manning looks comfortable and confident throwing the ball Mario's way. The two should be in line for numerous long distance hookups throughout the year. Think of Manningham as a WR2 or elite WR3.

Marion Barber, RB

The fact that Matt Forte is getting the majority of the carries is a good thing for Marion Barber, whose physical style of running isn't made to last 16 games at an 18-touch rate. Right now he's dropping into the 10th and 11th rounds, which would be a great value pick for someone with his nose for the endzone. He may be "touchdown or bust" on a week to week basis, but for a reserve or fill-in player, the odds aren't bad.

Jared Cook, TE

Cook is going at the end of drafts, yet has the upside of a top 7 tight end. Cook's size and athleticism should create mismatch problems for opposing linebackers, who will be challenged to shadow the 6'5 moving target. Tennessee has stated they plan on splitting Cook out wide, which should increase his opportunities on 3rd down and red zone opportunities. Without a reliable number two guy behind Kenny Britt, Cook has tremendous value for his average draft position.

Overvalued

Brandon Marshall, WR

Marshall is being grouped in with guys like Wayne, Jennings and Vinny Jackson, however his situation isn't suited for elite receiver fantasy production. Without an intimidating ground game, an accurate quarterback or a complimentary receiver, Marshall will see plenty of double coverage as the team's lone threat. To make matters worse, he'll see Darrelle Revis twice, Devin McCourty twice, Nnamdi Asomugha, Champ Baily and Jonathan Joseph. Targets and receptions will come, but Marshall's big play potential will be limited once again.

Jahvid Best, RB

Best is getting early looks based off his "playmaker" label. The problem is, the 5'10 199 pound running back is awfully vulnerable to big hits and hospital visits. He left his college career on stretcher and played his rookie year with a limp, before suffering a mild concussion this preseason. His 3.3 yards per carry provide little reason for optimism in his ability to run between the tackles, which could limit his carries and goaline production. Best has value with a relatively high ceiling, but I'd rather grab an established receiver over an unproven Detroit running back.

Peyton Hillis, RB

If you were counting on Peyton Hillis in your fantasy playoffs last year, you probably lost. Hillis' battery drained down the stretch, where he recorded zero touchdowns over the final five games. Considering his style of running, there's just no way Hillis can be an effective long-term every-down back. 13 TDs and 61 receptions is likely the ceiling for Hillis, who finds himself surrounded by one of the least-threatening receiving cores in the NFL. Look for Hillis' touches to decrease, and the Madden coverboy curse to eventually take effect. If he slips, go for it- but don't find yourself reaching.

Ryan Grant, RB

Grant technically hasn't played since 2009, and should be ducking for cover with a James Starks cloud looming. Green Bay brings back a healthy Jermichael Finley, along with Jordy Nelson and James Jones to compliment Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Between all those weapons, plus Starks and the potential John Kuhn touchdown vulture, Grant is more of an RB3 than an RB2.