Keeper Analysis - The Champeens

Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia EagIes

Redshirt: Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Brandon Lloyd, WR, New England Patriots

Mark enters his ninth CKL season as one of the premier coaches in the league. After a rough start to his CKL career, he showed steady improvement that has resulted in one of the greatest stretches of all time. He has made the playoffs the last five seasons, including two that ended with the Cup on his desk. Its pretty safe to conclude that Mark knows what the hell he is doing.

Michael Vick is the cornerstone of the Peens franchise. With a full offseason under his belt and all his Bad Newz firmly in the rear view mirror, Vick is poised to perform as a solid QB1 in 2012. He is currently projected at the 7th QB in ESPN.com’s rankings, but his upside is greater. His wheels are his greatest fantasy asset, but he also has a talented set of skill position players that should help his passing numbers improve. Mark should feel confident in his starting QB position.

Currently backing up Vick for The Champeens is second year pro Christian Ponder. Ponder had an up and down end of the year campaign for Minnesota last year, but he too should benefit from a full offseason as “the man”. Ponder isn’t seen as much of a fantasy option, though, ranking 29th on ESPN.com among all signal callers. Look for Mark to dump his 2011 redshirt for a better option the first chance he gets.

WR Mike Wallace has to be smarting from the perceived bitch slap he took from the Steeler organization, which recently signed Antonio Brown to a long-term contract extension. The extension was rumored to have been offered to Wallace, but he stupidly held out for more money. Wallace is still holding out and missing valuable time as Pittsburgh installs new offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s offense. Wallace isn’t going to win this standoff with the brass in Steel town. He needs to get into camp, learn the offense, and give himself the best possible chance to play well and earn his next payday. I’m afraid he may be too stupid and/or stubborn to do that, though. Mark probably hasn't started panicking about this situation yet, as Wallace is a fantastic talent that should be able to produce once he's on the field. But Mike is giving his owner unneeded heartburn with draft preparations fully underway.

Brandon Lloyd is one of the more hyped NFL players through the first week or so of training camps. He looks to be on the same page as all-universe Tom Brady, which makes sense given how successful Lloyd was in a similar offense in Denver under then head coach (now again Patriots’ offensive coordinator) Josh McDaniels. editors note: Josh McD is a doosh. Despite his early career goofs (see below), Lloyd is one of the premier wide receiver talents in the game. Mark is going to love having him and his weekly WR1 upside.

Overall, Mr. Fulton should feel solid about his QB and WR positions, but he’ll need to make up some ground at RB and TE to find the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year. I have no doubt he’ll find a way to get there, yet again.