Rather than trot out a mock first round, with the predictable parade of six running backs at the top, this column is dedicated to fantasy football bargain hunters. Scroll down your overall list and mark these 10 with an asterisk, an up arrow, whatever you use to remind yourself to grab these guys:
1. CHRIS BROWN, RB, TITANS: Don't let the signing of Antowain Smith discourage you. Brown showed the Titans enough that they discarded Eddie George. Tennessee is a potent team that will get ahead often and salt away wins on the ground, giving Brown the same kind of heavy load he handled well at Colorado two years ago.
2. CARSON PALMER, QB, BENGALS: Most fantasy players overlooked Jon Kitna last year, and he had an astounding 26 touchdowns and 3,591 yards passing. Palmer gets the keys to the same offense. If Palmer struggles, Kitna could be back in charge. But Palmer's status as a former No. 1 overall pick should give him a long leash. If a No. 1 pick can be a surprise success, Palmer has the talent around him to be that in 2004.
3. ANDRE JOHNSON, WR, TEXANS: Sure, he was on fantasy rosters last year, as the third overall pick should be. He's a legit No. 1 receiver, and will connect better with third-year QB David Carr. So don't be surprised if he doubles or triples his touchdown total (4) from last year. He's that much better than the rest of Carr's options.
4. DALLAS CLARK, TE, COLTS: You'll see veteran Marcus Pollard ranked among the league's top five fantasy tight ends. But look for Clark to chip away at Pollard's catches and become a regular end zone target for Peyton Manning. Think of him as Indy's No. 3 receiver, which makes him good for 6-8 touchdowns, plenty for a tight end.
5. JOSH MCCOWN, QB, CARDINALS: If your starting QB is a top-tier guy, take a risk with your backup. McCown has three career starts, and Arizona has been a fantasy wasteland. But new coach Dennis Green and rookie WR Larry Fitzgerald will help change that. Losing WR Anquan Boldin for much of the year hurts, but McCown could still put up 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns on a team that will throw the ball often.
6. NATE BURLESON, WR, VIKINGS: His biggest game was 71 yards as a rookie last year, and he finished with only two touchdowns. But he'll start opposite Randy Moss and will compete with third-year WR Kelly Campbell as Daunte Culpepper's next-best downfield option. If you value Culpepper as a top-five quarterback, his No. 2 receiver is a worthy gamble.
7. DOUG GABRIEL, WR, RAIDERS: He managed one catch as a fifth-rounder out of Central Florida last year, but he stands to benefit most from Tim Brown's move to Tampa Bay. Being a No. 3 receiver in a Norv Turner offense can translate to a 40-catch, five-touchdown season, and he'll be available when you're looking for a jaw-dropping name to toss out in Round 14.
8. JUSTIN FARGAS, RB, RAIDERS: Charlie Garner came to Tampa Bay, the Troy Hambrick experiment was shipped to Arizona, leaving only Tyrone Wheatley to block Fargas from being Oakland's primary ball carrier. Injuries have been a concern, dating to his USC days. But if he's healthy, he'll be a better fantasy option than Wheatley.
9. BRANDON LLOYD, WR, 49ERS: He had one catch in the first half of his rookie season, but showed enough in November to be anointed as Terrell Owens' replacement. Fourth-year WR Cedrick Wilson might catch more passes, but Lloyd's sideline acrobatics and great hands make him the best touchdown threat in San Francisco. Don't forget QB Tim Rattay here, either.
10. ANTONIO GATES, TE, CHARGERS: RB LaDainian Tomlinson could get 60 percent of San Diego's touchdowns this year. But Gates is the Chargers' best receiver, measured against the likes of Kevin Dyson, Eric Parker and Tim Dwight. He'll finish with more touchdowns than Jeremy Shockey and will end up being a top-five tight end by the end of the year.
If you have a fantasy question, e-mail staff writer Greg Auman at auman@sptimes.com This column will run each Tuesday, beginning each week. Do not, under any circumstances, draft a backup kicker.
