Unless you've been living under a rock for the last week, you probably already know the names Ryan Mathews, Jahvid Best and C.J. Spiller. That trio will be among the most coveted rookies in fantasy football next season, and their arrival to the league will affect the value of certain other individuals. Trades and player moves have created opportunities for some veterans to shine, while other additions spawn collateral damage to the value of others. Here's a look at the veteran winners and losers from an historic 2010 draft.
Winners
Jason Campbell, QB, Raiders
Campbell went from having no fantasy value as the backup in Washington to being a viable No. 2 fantasy quarterback with the Silver & Black. In leagues with 12-plus teams, he'll even be a matchup-based starter against weaker opponents. Campbell isn't the lone member of the Raiders to see his value increase, either. With an upgrade at quarterback, Darren McFadden, Chaz Schilens and Zach Miller are also more attractive.
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals
I expect the Bengals to continue to run the football next season, so Palmer isn't going to suddenly return to his 2006 form. However, the veteran quarterback will have a few more weapons at his disposal with rookies Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham in the mix. Add those first-year players to a pass attack that already included Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant, and Palmer now has far more options than he had just one season ago.
Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys
Remember when everyone was worried about Romo's fantasy value after the release of Terrell Owens? Since then, Miles Austin emerged into a legitimate playmaker and the Cowboys added a potential star in Dez Bryant. With a solid three-headed backfield monster behind him and sure-handed tight end Jason Witten also at his disposal, Romo should put up great fantasy numbers. He's now even more attractive as a No. 1 quarterback.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
Stafford's value was already on the rise as a result of the offseason additions of Nate Burleson and Tony Scheffler, and now he'll have rookie playmaker Best in the backfield to help keep defenses honest. Stafford showed flashes of potential as a rookie, and now he'll have even more legitimate options to work with in the pass attack. Look for Stafford to have some real sleeper value in the middle to late rounds on draft day.
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
Not only did the Niners fail to draft a running back who'll compete for significant carries, but they also bolstered their offensive line with the addition of Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. With one of the most favorable schedules among running backs based on our FPA ratings, Gore could be on the verge of one of his best statistical seasons. The improvement to the offensive line is also good news for the value of Alex Smith.
Steven Jackson, RB, Rams
The Rams are clearly looking to improve the weapons around Jackson, taking Sam Bradford with the top pick and Mardy Gilyard in Round 4 to help the pass attack. The team also improved its offensive line with the addition of Rodger Saffold, who can play either guard or tackle. These rookies will need time to develop, but their presence is a positive for Jackson. He's a first-round lock in all leagues next season.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
It's hard to increase the value of someone the caliber of Peterson, but he's going to be even more attractive for owners in leagues that reward points for receptions. The Vikings did add Toby Gerhart in the draft, but he's not a pass-catching back and won't ease the loss of the versatile Chester Taylor. That task will now be placed on Peterson, who should catch 50 passes and has a chance to surpass 2,000 yards from scrimmage.
LenDale White, RB, Seahawks
As a result of the trade that sent him to Seattle, White went from being a fantasy afterthought to a potential flex starter. Now expected to top the depth chart for his former collegiate coach, Pete Carroll, he should see 200-plus carries and be utilized in that ever-important goal-line role. White, who rushed for better than 1,110 yards as a starter for the Titans, is now worth a middle-round pick in leagues with standard scoring systems.
Losers
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks
Forsett came out of nowhere to become a viable fantasy starter at times last season, but the acquisitions of White and Leon Washington significantly decrease his value. Though he could see a third-down role early if Washington's isn't 100 percent back from a broken leg, Forsett has virtually no chance to see enough touches to remain relevant in fantasy leagues. He won't be worth more than a late-round flier in larger formats.
Jerome Harrison, RB, Browns
The addition of Montario Hardesty put a major dent in Harrison's fantasy appeal. A hero for countless owners at the end of last season, Harrison now finds himself in a clear-cut committee and could be completely out of the mix when it comes to goal-line carries. That makes him worth no more than a low-end No. 2 fantasy back or flex starter in most leagues. In fact, Hardesty could even be taken ahead of Harrison in certain formats.
Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
Jackson was one of the most underrated running backs in fantasy football last season, and his outlook for 2010 looked bright until the Bills decided to take C.J. Spiller with their first pick. With Spiller and Marshawn Lynch both in the mix for carries, Jackson's statistical upside took an enormous hit. He's now more of a flex option in most leagues, assuming he can hold on to the top spot on the depth chart heading into Week 1.
Steve Slaton, RB, Texans
Slaton's value had already taken a hit after what was a forgettable sophomore season, and now it drops even further with the addition of Ben Tate. The big, talented running back has a chance to start for coach Gary Kubiak right out of the gate, leaving Slaton to serve in a change-of-pace and third-down role. Coming off neck surgery and with Arian Foster still in the mix, Slaton is now little more than a fantasy reserve.
Kevin Smith, RB, Lions
The addition of Best could be the beginning of the end for Smith's tenure in Detroit. The Central Florida product is coming back from reconstructuve knee surgery, and there's no guarantee that he'll even be available for the start of next season. That should allow Best, a more talented back with great upside, to put a strangle hold on the starting role during training camp. Smith now has little more than late-round value.
Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos
When the Broncos dealt Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins, it immediately put Royal back on the fantasy radar. He's still worth a middle- to late-round look, but his stock has fallen a bit after the addition of Demaryius Thomas. The rookie should start right away, taking targets from both Royal and Jabar Gaffney. In an offense that doesn't look like it will have an explosive pass attack, Royal isn't more than a No. 3 fantasy option.
Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys
Williams was a disaster last season, both for the Cowboys and fantasy owners alike. While he will be back with the team in 2010, Williams now has competition for targets in the form of the rookie Bryant. The Oklahoma State product was considered by many to be the most talented wideout in the entire 2010 draft class, so he'll have a chance to earn a big role in the offense during camp. That makes Williams a fantasy reserve at best.
Todd Heap, TE, Ravens
Once considered a top-notch fantasy tight end, Heap's stock has fallen in recent seasons. While he did post decent numbers (53 receptions, 593 yards, six touchdowns) in 2009, Heap will be hard pressed to replicate them after the Ravens added Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta in the draft. So if you thought Heap might be ready to re-establish himself as a viable fantasy starter, well, you might want to think again.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com**!
