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If you were lucky enough to draft Steve Slaton, Matt Forte, or Chris Johnson last year, my friend, you were lucky enough to get a steal.

Ah, yes, the wonderful word that shows your luck and intelligence are, at least for a moment, dancing the night away. Together.

It’s one thing to pick up a potential “steal” mid-way through the season, but grabbing the right guy at the right time could make you look, well, awesome.

Take a look at ten guys who many people are over-looking, or under-hyping, despite having situations much better than advertised.

The rankings were configured by projected stats, prior stats, and fantasy potential versus fantasy ADP (average draft position).

10. , RB,

I know he won’t be considered a “true” steal, but for where I’ve seen him drop to, he might be.

He still doesn’t leave the first round, but I’ve seen on several occasions, MJD dropping below LT, Steven Jackson, DeAngelo Williams, and Brian Westbrook.

The guy has done nothing but put up numbers in a three-year timeshare with former Jaguar, Fred Taylor.

Despite splitting the rock, MJD has been able to put up at least 1,100 total yards and nine scores in each of his three seasons.

Now as the feature back, Jones-Drew will be used for about 70-100 more carries, and should be used in the passing game even more than usual.

Projected Stats: 1,244 yards, 15 TD, 71 rec, 590 yards, 3 TD

Draft Guide: Yes, he’s only available in the first round, and yes, you likely will need a top five pick, at the minimum, to land him.

Still, he could easily out-perform all backs in total production in 2009, which could end up having him be a steal.

Even if you don’t consider him a “steal” candidate, take him above Michael Turner, anyways.

He’s going to be that good.

9. , RB,

While Lynch may have a three-game suspension and could also be one of the ugliest people in the world, he’s still worth drafting.

Don’t allow the same fear everyone believes to creep up into your soul. No, sir, you must fight it.

Don’t buy the hype that Fred Jackson or Dominic Rhodes could perform so well that they keep the starting job.

No, regardless of recent popular opinion, Lynch IS Buffalo’s franchise back, and he’s still as good as advertised.

Lynch has put in two seasons of at least 1,000 yards, a yards per carry average above 4.0, and at least seven rushing touchdowns.

He’s also only fumbled twice in his career, and has developed into a consistent receiver.
Lynch has the potential to be an elite fantasy back.

Don’t let a little suspension and some friendly running back depth scare you away.

Projected Stats: 1,255 rushing yards, 8 TD, 53 rec, 466 yards, 1 TD

Draft Guide: Lynch has gone about two rounds below his standard ranking suggests he should be drafted.

That means you can draft wide receiver heavy, landing Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson,
and Marques Colston (oh, it’s possible), and STILL be able to land a back like Lynch.

Hell, throw in Willie Parker, , and Larry Johnson in there for the next three rounds, and you’ve got the depth of a champion.

But really, draft the guy.

8. Reggie Bush, RB,

Let’s get one thing straight: Reggie Bush is not a running back.

That’s just his NFL label.

It’s not that he can’t run the ball effectively, because he can.

It’s when he’s depended on to move the chains or run up the middle when he isn’t up to par.

Bush is only elite when he’s in the open and can dance around defenders.

He’s a finesse player that can kill teams by catching the ball out of the backfield or by lining up as a receiver.

Bush is also dynamite on returns, and can give your team a serious boost if your league allows return yards and scores.

Projected Stats: 633 rushing yards, 5 TD, 77 rec, 622 yards, 5 TD

Draft Guide: Drafters often get too worked up about Bush being under the “RB” slot, and not actually being that great of a running back.

That’s true, and that’s fine. But don’t damn him to hell for not being an elite rusher. He’s still an all-around piece of heaven to watch, and blows things up in other aspects of his game.

Draft Bush because he can get you points in three ways, and regardless of what way he scores, he’s sure to get you some scores.

Oh, that’s right, I almost forgot. None of this matters unless he can get and stay healthy.
Still, Bush can be had for a cheap price, making his value and potential well worth the risk.

7. , TE,

Don’t believe the trash talk that Jay Cutler can’t make his weapons better.
Believe that he can.

Greg Olsen was recently appointed as the starting tight end, which means he’ll be in on every passing play, and could see a huge rise in targets.

After registering 54 receptions for 574 yards and five scores last year as the number two tight end, it’s only natural that he could explode into fantasy stardom as the full-fledged starter.

Buy into Greg Olsen like you’re starting to buy into Jay Cutler.

Projected Stats: 76 rec, 804 yards, 9 TD

Draft Guide: Let’s be honest. Olsen was already going fairly high for a tight end in a lot of drafts, so his rise to the top tight end spot makes him even more intriguing.

Olsen and Cutler have reportedly had great chemistry and hook up often in practice, which should translate into an exciting 2009.

Grab Olsen before considering Vernon Davis, Jeremy Shockey, or Kevin Boss.

6. , WR,

Walter has made solid strides in consecutive years as Houston’s second in command to Andre Johnson.

With Johnson as the main target (switch that to only) of quarterback Matt Schaub, Walter had to fight for his looks, and put up quality production with what he got.

Despite his undying love for AJ, Schaub will start going to Walter and Owen Daniels more as he starts to spread the ball more and keep the Texans’ already potent attack unpredictable.

After already reaching 899 yards and eight scores last year, more consistent out-put is expected.

Projected Stats: 80 rec, 947 yards, 7 TD

Draft Guide: People aren’t as scared of Walter in fantasy drafts as they were this time last year.

Walter has proven to be a big-play guy with the ability to get in the endzone, giving his owners random big games.

He definitely needs to be more consistent, but part of that rests on Schaub’s health, play, and a constant comfort level holding the offense together.

Switching from Schaub to Rosenfels and back to Schaub again hurt the team’s offensive flow a bit in 2008.

Bank on Walter benefiting from Houston’s high-powered attack.

5. Jr., WR,

It’s his third year.

He’s super fast.

He’s Miami’s No. 1 receiver.

Need further explanation?

If you do, know that Ginn will be off of return duties this year, killing his stock in leagues that reward return yards, but adding juice to his value as a star receiver.

Ginn had only one truly elite effort in 2008, but it was a big one, as he caught seven passes for 175 yards in week eight against the Buffalo Bills.

While many will look to Ginn’s mere nine catches over his final four games as a reason not to draft him, they’ll simply be ignoring his steady progress and amazing speed.

Ginn is destined for fantasy stardom, and should be able to break out in a big way, even with the tiny-armed Chad Pennington under center.

Projected Stats: 74 rec, 1,008 yards, 6 TD

Draft Guide: If you draft Ginn as your WR3, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll get disappointed. As long as he can just match last year’s totals, he will make a fine selection.

However, Ginn has only gotten better since last season, and his chemistry with Pennington will only be that much more steady.

Draft him before Donnie Avery, Michael Crabtree, and Patrick Crayton.

4. , RB,

Willis McGahee may be getting the cash, but injuries and a poor attitude put him behind Rice, and possibly even Le’Ron McClain.

While McGahee has been recently reported being on his best behavior, and “accepting” of John Harbaugh’s philosophy, Rice is still the listed as the number one running back and is expected to remain so.

Rice displayed his ability to run inside just as effectively as outside last year, while he churned his way to 454 rushing yards, while also performing effectively as a receiver, hauling in 33 passes for 273 yards.

His only knocks are his size and his zero touchdown total last year.

McGahee is a thing of the past as far as Baltimore is concerned, and Ray Rice’s exciting, flashy running ability has Baltimore’s offense looking a bit more explosive.

The Ravens are still expected to run a slight RBBC, but Rice is the lead head of that dragon, and should get plenty of opportunities to get you points.

Projected Stats: 1,006 rushing yards, 6 TD, 52 rec, 439 yards, 2 TD

Draft Guide: Rice has been going extremely late in many mocks, with many owners worried about the RBBC situation, or even worse, that Rice won’t be the “starter”.

However, running backs fly off the board quickly, so grabbing a quality player who no one knows about is a grand advantage.

3. , QB,

People love to compare Jay Cutler and Kyle Orton, and they also enjoy pondering what it’d be like if their roles were switched.

Oh my God, they ARE!

Yes, it’s going to be a joyous season, as we can finally end a summer of speculation as we can see if Orton really is just a “game-manager,” and if Cutler was also just a product of Denver’s system.

I’m going to go with neither.

Orton was solid in the Bears ho-hum passing game, as he threw for just under 3,000 yards, as well as 18 touchdowns, despite not having elite offensive weapons.

Just think of the possibilities in a New England-style offense, as well as what he could do with weapons like Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and Tony Scheffler.

Even Brandon Stokely’s presence causes reason for excitement. Very limited excitement, but excitement, nonetheless.

Regardless, Orton has the ability and smarts to learn Josh McDaniel’s offense, and it’s hard to imagine him doing any worse than in Chicago with such explosive offensive weapons.

Projected Stats: 3,749 yards, 22 TD, 16 INT

Draft Guide: Drafters tend to wait on Orton, grabbing Matt Hasselbeck (rightfully so), Matt Cassel, and David Garrard all before they even consider Orton.

I’m telling you now, don’t follow the trend.

Take Orton over all three of those quarterbacks, as he offers the most flat-out potential for 2009.

I like Cassel down the road, and even a little bit this year, but Orton has superior weapons and has the experience to get it done.

Even with the potential loss of Brandon Marshall and some sketchy pre-season play, Orton still has the smarts and potential to put up some nice numbers this season.

Hey, I never said the Broncos were going to the playoffs…

2. , WR,

Harvin is as electric as they come, with great speed and quickness and that extra gear that few players have.

He simply makes things happen in the open field, and is a lock to get 50+ touches in his first year, while also being tested as a potential return man.

The Vikings plan to run some Wildcat plays featuring Harvin, while also having him operate out of the slot as the third receiver in his first season.

He may not have elite hands or be polished, but as long as he gets the ball, he’ll do some damage with it.

Projected Stats: 45 rec, 667 yards, 5 TD, 12 rush, 106 yards, 1 TD

Draft Guide: Harvin is usually the first rookie receiver to get selected in most drafts, as Michael Crabtree is having contractual issues, Jeremy Maclin is still no better than Philly’s third receiver, and Darrius Heyward-Bey is still Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Grab a guy who does magical acts when he gets the ball, but even more so because he’ll be getting the rock a ton.

1. , QB,

Quinn has been a bit of a two-face since coming into the league two years ago.

He’s shown definite signs of being a franchise passer, while also having to deal with injury and some inconsistency.

Just like his teammate and competition, Derek Anderson, he has a strong arm and makes good reads, but is still far from polished.

Quinn will win the starting job, and while Braylon Edwards may be his only notable option, that is still a potential elite fantasy connection.

Projected Stats: 3,255 yards, 19 TD, 18 INT

Draft Guide: Quinn, as expected, is being drafted extremely late in drafts, and sometimes not at all.

That’s normal when the guy you’re putting your fantasy hopes in is 24, has no experience, and also isn’t even the official “starter”.

But those were probably knocks on Matt Ryan last year as a rookie, or the same line of thinking on Matt Cassel.

The trick is, to ignore everyone else’s taunts, and draft the kid who looks like he knows how to play some football.

And friends, that kid is Brady Quinn.

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