If our February fantasy mock draft left you with more questions than answers, perhaps a little discussion on the topic will ease some concerns.

Or perhaps not.

Either way, there are a number of players not in our first round that warrant at least some mention or consideration. And one of our writers — Blaine — made it known in very certain terms that DeAngelo Williams should be in the conversation.

What say you, readers? Is Williams a first-round lock in 2009 drafts? If so, is he worth it or do any of you worry that 2008 was a fluke? And how early would you take him?

Anybody else having trouble waiting for real fantasy drafts to start up again? The offseason is way too long, my friends.

Players on the cusp

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: Probably the most difficult player to project for next season because of the way he finished 2008. Williams was merely an afterthought after the first half of last season before exploding down the stretch. Which makes me wonder: Was it his coming out party or just a flash in the pan?

Leaning toward flash in the pan. Jonathan Stewart figures to be more involved — and healthier — in 2009 and who knows what the Panthers have in store for Jake Delhomme. It is likely that his 2008 numbers alone will propel him into the first round of most redraft leagues, but I would not touch him until the 2nd round.

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans: Houston jettisoned Ahman Green this week, which eradicates some competition for Slaton especially near the goal line. But that move just could be part of a larger plan to target a bigger back in free agency or the draft to use as a complement to Slaton.

And who knows if Slaton, a small-stature guy, can withstand the physical toll a workhorse-type running back takes during the course of an NFL season.

Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: Teammate LenDale White vows to come back slimmer next season with the idea of cutting into some of Johnson’s time. I hate to break it to you, LenDale, but that a’int happening.

I expect Johnson to be at least as involved as he was this season next year. And if that sentence makes any sense to you, join the club. Just come away from this knowing that Johnson is a borderline first-rounder who may sneak into the first round of some redrafts next summer.

Andre Johnson, WR, Texans: The other Johnson whose name will be thrown into first-round discussion next year. But that may be a stretch.

While he did have a fantastic year in 2008 and managed to remain healthy — thankfully — for once in his young career, it will be hard for AJ to find himself as a fantasy first rounder. Possibly in PPR or 14+ owner leagues, but not likely in standard and 12 or less owner leagues.

Former first-round talents

Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys: Injuries derailed his 2008 season and left a seed of doubt in his future value. Mostly because there were rumblings by many a fantasy expert last summer that Barber would wear down in ‘08 because he lacked the support given by former teammate Julius Jones.

Ironically, Barber getting injured could help resurrect his value in 2009. The emergence of both Felix Jones and Tashard Choice should lighten the load on the bruiser, keeping him healthy and relevant throughout the course of the season.

Joseph Addai, RB, Colts: Addai has fallen off the wagon. Fantasy owners rightfully have lost a little bit of faith in the former top-6 pick.

Addai likely will share carries with Dominic Rhodes again next year, but still could see a resurgence. If, and only if, he can stay on the field, however.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills: Lynch could be considered on the cusp as well as in this group. Perhaps a late first-rounder last year, his status for 2009 took a little bit of a hit with the emergence of some of the rookie runners of last season.

Still, Lynch has the ability — and gets most of the work in Buffalo — to be a top-end fantasy running back. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on this season as a great late-1st or early-2nd round value pick.

Peyton Manning, QB, Colts: Manning takes a back seat to Drew Brees a season after taking one to Tom Brady. And while that is great for the aforementioned Brees and Brady, Manning has been Mr. Consistent for fantasy owners all these years.

Despite possibly falling out of first-round favor, Manning — barring injury — will not disappoint fantasy owners next year.

Randy Moss, WR, Patriots: Moss with Tom Brady back in the fold could be a lock for first-round status in many leagues. But what about Moss with a hobbled Brady or even Matt Cassel?

Brady’s progression this summer will cause fantasy owners to hesitate on Moss, which could result in a slippage in value. Moss could have a nice price tag in fantasy drafts.

Steve Smith, WR, Panthers: Former first rounder with a huge question mark at quarterback. The Panthers are giving no indication that a change is imminent, but Jake Delhomme certainly did not enamor himself with the Panthers’ front office this season.

But he does love throwing the ball to Smith, so having Delhomme back behind center would be a great thing for one of the league’s best wide receivers.

Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts: Ranked as the No. 1 fantasy wide receiver heading into 2008 by many fantasy experts — yours truly included — Wayne struggled a little by his standards. Not to say he had a bad year, because 2008 was another good one for Wayne. But not quite what fantasy owners had in mind.

And that memory will stick with owners this summer, meaning Wayne likely will not see the first round in many redrafts.

Worth mentioning

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions: I do not see anyone taking MegaTron in the first round unless Detroit solidifies the quarterback position. Yes, Johnson played out of his mind without stability at quarterback in 2008. But fantasy owners want to see some stability in the supporting cast before going out on a limb to draft a guy in the first round, particularly a wide receiver on a bad team.

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