Rookie fantasy and real life projections

2. Joe Flacco (Bal) – The Ravens were thrilled to get Flacco in the first round (highest they've ever taken a QB, 18th overall), but it's worth noting that Matt Ryan was definitely their first choice. That could have been because Ryan is much more NFL-ready than Flacco, so the Ravens may have to suck it up and endure another full season of Kyle Boller. Flacco, though, is considered to be in the mix to battle for the starting job in training camp, and he might have a chance to be the clear No. 2 ahead of second-year man Troy Smith. The first Division I-AA quarterback to be drafted in the 1st round since Steve McNair in 1995, Flacco would likely struggle if the Ravens felt the need to push him into the starting lineup this year. He was in the shotgun a lot in college, so he needs work with his progression reading and pre-snap recognition. You also have to be concerned with the level of competition he faced at Delaware and how he handles the speed of the game in the pros. The team's offensive line won't be very good at pass protection either, so the Ravens may be better off letting Boller handle most of the snaps this year. Still, unless a playoff birth is somehow within reach later in the season, it appears the team is intent on getting Flacco on the field at some point. And you really can't say for sure he'd struggle until he's put in the lineup. If all his offensive weapons are healthy, he'll have some solid support at RB with Willis McGahee and Ray Rice, as well as a very serviceable group of receivers, including veterans Todd Heap and Derrick Mason and (still) promising youngsters Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton. We're not expecting much in Year One, but Flacco could do better than anyone expects late in the season.

Keeper League Analysis: As mentioned in our pre-draft report, Flacco is definitely a play-to-win fantasy pick. His athleticism is only average and his pocket awareness and footwork in college weren't all that great. Plus, he has the issues outlined above to deal with. But if you're looking for a big, strong quarterback who has a rocket arm and who's not afraid to stare down the gun barrel as a long-term investment, then Flacco is your guy in 2008. He's very strong in the pocket, he throws with timing and anticipation, and he shows a willingness to make stick throws. And he's a confident guy when he throws. He's consistently accurate. He projects very well to the NFL. Comparing him to Ryan for the long-term is a tough call, but we will say this: Flacco is the upside choice. Ryan may be safer, but Flacco is the choice if you want to go for the gusto and if you can be patient.

8. Ray Rice (Bal) – The Ravens were very thin at RB behind starter Willis McGahee, so they made a great pick in the durable and consistent Rice. He's not that big, but he plays bigger than he is and he's productive; he's not that fast but he makes big plays; he carried the rock a ton, but he didn't have durability issues. He'll be a complementary back for the Ravens, yet he's not exactly an ideal change-of-pace because he's not a home run hitter. But he's got better speed than McGahee, and he can catch the ball well, plus he can start for a decent stretch if needed. Simply put, the scrappy Rice can get the job done. New offensive coordinator Cam Cameron loves to throw the ball to his backs, and Rice is probably a better receiver than McGahee, so you have to assume the rookie will catch some passes, if not emerge as their clear 3rd down back. That gives him value as a depth option along with his upside as the lead guy should something happen to McGahee.

Keeper League Analysis: The Ravens already have their franchise back in McGahee, so you cannot expect the world from Rice in a keeper league. He is on the small side, and he did handle a heavy workload in college, so unlike Mendenhall he's not exactly a guy who intrigues you as an ascending player whose best days are clearly ahead of him. He's also not exactly an ideal complementary back, so his value and production these next few years could be sporadic.