ESPN the Magazine ESPN


ESPNMAG.com
In This Issue
Backtalk
Message Board
Customer Service
SPORT SECTIONS







The Life


Draft the Playbook
ESPN The Magazine

How do the Broncos turn draft afterthoughts into 1,000-yard rushers? They stick them in Mike Shanahan's high-octane offense. And what does that teach us? Don't draft the player, draft the playbook -- meaning, any rookie lucky enough to land a gig with Shanahan, Steve Mariucci, Mike Holmgren or Tom Coughlin. Let Mel Kiper Jr. worry about the who, what and when. Just tell me where. Here are some offensive juggernauts with positions to fill.

San Francisco 49ers
The Niners' attack exploited the multidimensional Roger Craig, Ricky Watters and, wonder of wonders, Charlie Garner.
Perfect Fit: Not only does Deuce McAllister have size and speed, he's also the most talented receiver in this year's RB crop. Picture him in the West Coast offense-and your backfield.

Seattle Seahawks
Holmgren made 2000 third-rounder Darrell Jackson the league's hottest rookie receiver. In Green Bay, he made '95 third-rounder Antonio Freeman a Pro Bowler. Now, for the first time, he may spend a first-round pick on a pass catcher.
Perfect Fit: Wolverine David Terrell has the best hands in the class. If the Hawks get Terrell at No. 7 and pair him with QB Matt Hasselbeck, you'll want them both.

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags finished in the top 6 in rushing TDs in each of the past four seasons, even with Fred Taylor missing all those games. Guess what? They don't have a backup for Taylor anymore.
Perfect Fit: My late-round sleeper is Pittsburgh's Kevan Barlow, a power back with good speed and balance. If he lands in Alltel Stadium, pencil him in as your late-round sleeper. Then hit the snooze button until August.

E-mail The Gamer at GamerRules@go.com.



Latest Issue


Also See
ESPN.com's Fantasy Front Page
Visit the Gamer's home field

ESPN The Magazine: I'm Happy for Him
P.J. Carlesimo's first-person ...

ESPN The Magazine: Answer Guy
Why is it called soccer?

ESPN The Magazine: Shane's Long Shadow
Who's the heir to Battier's ...

ESPN The Magazine: Jordan in the Crosshairs
Will he? Won't he? Should he? ...

ESPN The Magazine: Big Hurt
Albert Means thought he ...

ESPN The Magazine: Role Call
Here are five guys who'll ...

The Pulse: Filet of Sole
Whether you're craving ...

ESPN The Magazine: Almost Famous
David Terrell is just ...

ESPN The Magazine: Spring Forward
The best way to get ready for ...

ESPN The Magazine: Stuart Scott's
Bump 'N Run, with Sylvester Stallone

Stu chats with one ...

SportsCenter with staples
Subscribe to ESPN The Magazine for just ...

ESPNMAG.com
Who's on the cover today?

ESPN The Magazine: Customer Service
Visit our Customer Care Center


 ESPN Tools
Email story
 
Most sent
 
Print story
 


Customer Service

SUBSCRIBE
GIFT SUBSCRIPTION
CHANGE OF ADDRESS

CONTACT US
CHECK YOUR ACCOUNT
BACK ISSUES

ESPN.com: Help | Media Kit | Contact Us | Tools | Site Map | PR
Copyright ©2002 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information are applicable to this site. For ESPN the Magazine customer service (including back issues) call 1-888-267-3684. Click here if you're having problems with this page.