The House of Crouse 7.19.08

Posted by Mark Crouse on 07.19.2008

The House of Crouse is back! This week, Mark unveils his first mock fantasy football draft, as well as address a topic concerning a certain huge-headed former home run champ.

Welcome back to the House of Crouse. After a vacation and work induced hiatus, I'm back to spit the truth about the worlds of sports and fantasy sports. In my time away, the wife and I visited Ireland and Monaco, where we stayed at a hotel that sat on the hairpin turn of the Monaco auto race (don't worry, we don't have that kind of cash, we were there for the wife's company's sales conference).

While in Europe, I developed a brief sports fling with international soccer since the only sporting event that was followed while I was there was the UEFA European Championship. While I've never played soccer, I do enjoy watching the World Cup, and even watched some of the Euro Championship matches when I returned home. The Italy-Spain semifinal was the best scoreless game in any sport I've ever watched.

This week, I'll unveil my first mock draft of the 2008 fantasy football season by breaking down how I'd draft the first two rounds, with explanations of each selection. I'll be helping you prepare for your fantasy draft from now until the start of the season.


Before we get into sports, I'd like to commend the WWE on shaking things up as significantly as I can remember with the draft and subsequent crowning of C.M. Punk champion. Making Punk the centerpiece of plotlines on their flagship show, and moving Triple H to Smackdown are gutsy ways to create buzz after the product had gotten completely stale. If the writing staff can make good on these plot twists and create stories that will keep fan interest up, the sports entertainment giant can rejuvenate its product. One request, though: bring this McMahon angle to an end quickly. The inane "Million Dollar Mania" idea bored me to tears, and having Mr. McMahon be close to death for about the fifth time in recent memory is lazy storytelling.

In my opinion, these characters have to be used as central figures in their various levels of the storylines. As a consistent, but not rabid fan, I think I fit the WWE's target demographic, since they clearly and deliberately skew away from plot elements that internet "marks" would prefer to see.

1.C.M. Punk-Don't let this guy be a transitional champion. He has charisma, can operate on the mic, as evidenced by his work with Vicki Guerrero and company on this week's Raw, and he actually has an appealing finisher that has realistic potential to hurt his opponents. The G2S is an original maneuver that doesn't look like moves like the FU, or as my friend Jimmy calls it, "The Gentle Lift-and-Place."

2.Santino Marella-I know this guy is rough around the edges in the ring, but the WWE needs to do whatever they need to in order for Santino to be onscreen. My idea: make him the manager of the second-generation tandem of Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes by revealing that Santino is the son of Salvatore Sincere. Molto bene!

3.Batista-The Animal is in need of a return to dominance, and his role in dethroning Edge got the ball rolling. The only problem is that he can't take the title off Punk and have Punk stay at the top of the card, since Punk lost a bunch of matches before winning the title. I know he's popular, but returning Batista to the role of a bruising heel may be a good move.

4.Edge-I know Edge is at the center of everything that happens of Smackdown, but he needs to be pushed as a better wrestler, and less of a chicken-shit heel. By having him absorb countless finishers before losing to the Undertaker at WM, Edge was painted as more than a guy who had to rely on La Familia to win the big one. While I know the whole marriage plotline is being run currently, Edge needs to be able to stand on his own and make his way as a wrestler who can win without shenanigans.

5.Mr. Kennedy-They moved him back to Smackdown to open up some matchups we haven't seen yet and to give him an opportunity to hold some gold. He can't beat Trips at this point, but he can take the U.S. Title from Matt Hardy and have a dominant reign over guys like Shelton Benjamin, Jimmy Wang Yang, Carlito, etc. Now is the time for Kennedy to reach the next level, or the fans may always regard him as just a loud-mouthed heel that could never make the leap.



With the NFL season only two months away, sites like Yahoo and ESPN.com have began their fantasy football coverage and hosting. It's very early to prepare for your fantasy football draft, but I've put together my first look at the first two rounds of the draft would look at this point. I've constructed this draft as if I were running all twelve teams, meaning that the second picks aren't just the next twelve best players, they complement each team's first picks. So, without further ado, let the 2008 fantasy football season begin with...

The House of Crouse Mock Draft 1.0

Round One

1.Adrian Peterson-RB-MIN-Put a gun to my head, and I'll take AP with the top pick, particularly in keeper leagues. His ceiling is unlimited, he can break a big run at any time, and his team will give him all the carries he can handle, while still keeping him fresh by utilizing Chester Taylor when Peterson needs a blow. Sure, he missed a few games with injury last year, but Tomlinson had a more severe injury that supposedly healed in the offseason. The sad reality is that if '08 is like most years, half of the first round will be injured at some point anyway, so why not take the guy with the most potential?

2.LaDanian Tomlinson-RB-SD-The former fantasy dominator is coming off a knee injury that he didn't get surgery on. His track record justifies this pick, but be aware of his recovery status as the season draws closer. If he's 100%, LDT will likely return to form with around 1,800 total yards and somewhere near 15 total TD. This mock is for a non-keeper league, but Tomlinson's ranking drops a few slots in keeper leagues since he is nearing thirty and has been a workhorse for years.

3.Brian Westbrook-RB-PHI-Westbrook is a consistent option whose team relies on him, and who puts up points as a receiver as well as a ball-carrier. If Donovan McNabb stays healthy (yeah, right), Westbrook's value is even higher. I couldn't fault anyone for rearranging picks 3-5, since they have similar profiles and ceilings. He's never had more than seven rushing scores, so his yardage potential is very much needed. If your league discounts yardage, downgrade Westbrook considerably.

4.Joseph Addai-RB-IND-Addai has blossomed into a top fantasy performer, with home-run ability and the backing of a world-class offense. That offense is the only limitation to the former LSU Tiger's fantasy prospects. With Peyton Manning slinging the ball all over the field, Addai isn't the focal point of the Colt offense. No matter, though. If Addai is your top pick you shouldn't be too bummed.

5.Steven Jackson-RB-STL-Sure, Jackson was injured for a big chunk of '07, but when he was healthy he produced like the #2 overall pick he was hyped as going into the campaign. With Bulger, Holt, and Jackson, the Rams can still put up points, and Jackson is the biggest cog in that machine. 1,500 total yards and a dozen scores are worthy expectations.

6.Tom Brady-QB-NE-Last season, I wrote that Brady would change how quarterbacks would be perceived in fantasy for '08, and even predicted that he could go #1 or #2. While that may have been a bit overstated, Brady should be taken no later than here, since he is far better than the rest of the running backs on the board. If you believe he can get close to his '07 numbers, taking him as high as #3 is justifiable depending on your scoring system. Personally, I think Brady will come back to earth a bit, with 37-40 TD passes and over 4,000 yards. That still makes him the #1 QB and a fantasy difference maker.

7.Marshawn Lynch-RB-BUF-Lynch is a good candidate to break out in '08. He is the Bills' undisputed top offensive weapon, will get all goal line carries, and has the ability to carry the load over the season. The Bills are an up-and-coming team, and it is a safe bet that Lynch's numbers can only improve over his excellent rookie season.

8.Randy Moss-WR-NE-How valuable is the guy who posted the greatest fantasy season by a wide receiver? He's the first receiver I can remember who is worth a top-ten selection. It is risky to assume Moss will match last season's explosive numbers, but he should still average double-digit points every week, with some games that will carry your squad. The question you have to ask yourself, based on scoring system and level of savvy of he rest of your owners is, "Can I put together a decent collection of running backs and take Moss?" The decision to be made is to take the top receiver who could outscore most running backs, or try to pick the best option from about six backs to overachieve in '08. At #8 the backs left are not top-level picks. The emergence of the Patriot offense makes Moss and Brady more valuable than the running backs available at #6 and #8.

9.Marion Barber-RB-DAL-I'm not going to lie. Marion Barber is one of my favorite players to watch live in the NFL. The guy runs with purpose, and last season proved he can handle the load of a starting running back. Sure the Cowboys drafted Felix Jones out of Arkansas, but I don't expect him to take carries that Barber doesn't want to give up. Most owners won't have him ranked this high, but I'm not sure why. One thing we do know about the former Minnesota standout: he scores touchdowns, and that is the primary attribute I look for in a fantasy back.

10.Clinton Portis-RB-WAS-Portis has gone from being one of the league's rising stars to a consistent but somewhat stale fantasy option. He will get the majority of carries for the Skins, but Ladell Betts is still there to take some carries away. If you take Portis you are somewhat committed to follow the two running back rule to find him a suitable complement, preferably a young back with upside. Taking a quarterback or receiver second will leave you exposed at #10, since any back you would take third will be a reach as a starter.

11.Frank Gore-RB-SF-I've never really understood the fascination with Gore. Sure, he had a huge 2006, with over 2,000 total yards. But even at his peak, he only had nine total scores. He's never had double-digit touchdowns in a single year. The buzz in San Francisco about Mike Martz's offense bumping up Gore's prospects is dubious as well. The fact is that the Niners don't have enough talent at quarterback and receiver to think Gore will be the central figure in a top offense. And if the team doesn't score, neither will Gore.

12.Larry Johnson-RB-KC-So you are sitting at the end of the first round, and you need a couple of running backs to start your roster. If you have a chance to land Johnson with one of those picks, you could do a lot worse than a guy who was a fantasy juggernaut just one year ago. If the reports that his injury is 100% are true, I'll be bumping him up a few spots. I just tend to not believe anything regarding injuries until training camp starts. Johnson is a huge boom or bust candidate, but could pay off huge for the owner that drafts him along with...

13.Willis McGahee-RB-BAL-A backfield of Johnson and McGahee could mean a combined 25 scores if both stay healthy. The Steve McNair Experiment ending in Baltimore will benefit McGahee, even if Kyle Boller isn't exactly a Manning. With McNair and Jonathan Ogden retiring, the Ravens' younger offensive linemen can operate in some consistency. McGahee was the Ravens' best offensive weapon, and will get the vast majority of carries in a ball-control offense.

14.Terrell Owens-WR-DAL-The malcontent has managed to stay in one city for more than one year, and has found a home in Big D. Owens is big, fast, and has a top quarterback and offense to keep the ball in his hands. TO will win some games by himself, and provides consistent production. The only other option here is Peyton Manning, but the gap between Manning and the quarterback you can get in round three is not as wide as the gap between Owens and the receivers available in round three.

15.Peyton Manning-QB-IND-Manning is too good to pass up at #15. The only slight concern about his '08 is the strange saga of his running mate Marvin Harrison. If the unlikely happens, and Harrison is limited, Anthony Gonzalez is poised to step up and complement Reggie Wayne. If you get Manning in the second round, don't worry about having two running backs, take him with gusto.

16.Ryan Grant-RB-GB-Grant came out of nowhere to give the Packer offense a big boost on their way to the NFC Campionship Game. He's young, has talent, and has a good offensive line blocking for him. If Aaron Rodgers (or Favre again for that matter) can produce, the Green Bay deep threats on the outside will keep defenses from focusing on Grant. He's one of the few backs in the second round that has legit upside.

17.Willie Parker-RB-PIT-I wanted to take Braylon Edwards here, but this owner already has Moss, and while the possibility of having almost 40 scores in my receiving corps, I don't have the guts to eschew running backs for the first two rounds. Parker's '07 makes me wary, since he had no nose for the end zone, finishing with only three rushing scores. Pittsburgh's drafting of Illinois back Rashard Mendenhall makes me even less confident in Parker, but he does have talent. Hopefully "Fast Willie" returns to form, hitting the double-digit touchdown mark to go along with his great yardage output.

18.Braylon Edwards-WR-CLE-Edwards' 2007 was the story of a guy with huge physical tools finally getting it all together and realizing his potential, and that potential was an average of a score per game, most of which were made on huge plays. He reminds me of a less refined Terrell Owens, and with another year under his belt, Edwards may ascend to the top of the receiver ranks if he posts similar stats. In this draft, Lynch-Edwards is one heck of a 1-2 punch.

19.Maurice Jones-Drew-RB-JAX-The spark plug of the Jaguars' offense had a wildly uneven second season, never topping 19 carries in any game. He did score nine times, however, and with Fred Taylor being another year older it is safe to assume MJD will have a season that lies somewhere between '08 and his sensational '07. His inconsistency is mitigated by Brady's unmatched reliability for this owner.

20.Reggie Wayne-WR-IND-Wayne is now the unquestioned top receiver for one of the top three offenses in the NFL. There isn't much else to say, other than he has delivered four straight 1,000 yard seasons and hasn't missed a game in six seasons. Sounds like a #1 fantasy wideout to me.

21.Andre Johnson-WR-HOU-Johnson was a little bit forgotten about in '07, since he was injured for much of the middle of the season. He had his knee scoped in mid-May, so his knee injury from last year lingers as a concern, but if he's healthy, he and Matt Schaub should make some noise based on the four games they started the season with once the quarterback arrived from Atlanta-23 catches, 419 yards, and four scores. Taking Johnson here is a leap of faith to some extent, but he has limitless potential. Pairing him with Addai in this draft makes a potent combo, as long as this owner can get lucky with a #2 back who will have some questions. But hey, the backs available still on the board here have questions. Case in point is #22...

22.Michael Turner-RB-ATL-The Falcons are a team in transition after suffering through a nightmare season after the Michael Vick debacle. The signing of Turner, who everyone considered to be the next top running back after getting out from under LDT in San Diego, was the bright spot of the offseason for Atlanta. If the team improves, Turner could be a great complement to Westbrook for owner #3 in this draft.

23.Tony Romo-QB-DAL-Who cares if he tanks in the playoffs, your fantasy campaign will be long over by then. He plays in a great offense, with a legit running attack, and one of the most dominant receivers to throw to. He also plays in what is debatably the toughest division in football, so he likely will be in close games that will require him to stay at his peak. Enjoy the numbers, and get ready to take a chance on a running back in round three.

24.Steve Smith-WR-CAR-I'll take a chance on this last pick, hoping for a rebound year from the diminutive Panther receiving star. All the factors are in his favor-healthy Jake Delhomme, improved complementary receivers in Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett, and most of all, he's healthy. At this spot, Smith can pair with Peterson and potentially give this owner a real shot at the title.


Finally, let's talk about something I heard on sports talk radio this week (I know, that was my first mistake). The idea of Barry Bonds playing on the USA baseball team in next month's Olympic games has been bandied about, and callers were giving their take on the topic. Not one of them supported the addition of the best hitter of all time to our country's struggling team, because he "doesn't represent what America is all about," to quote one rocket scientist.

Let me make this perfectly clear: If he will play, GET BARRY BONDS! Are you crazy? This topic is a perfect example of how sports fans, particularly baseball fans, have been exposed to so much steroids coverage that they forget what the point of sports is. This just in, the point of playing the game is to win within the rules, and if Bonds passes whatever testing is required by the Olympic committee, why not use him?

Not that it is relevant, but Bonds stands for exactly what America is all about, at least American sports: plausible deniability and success at all costs. Imagine the intimidation factor when Bonds steps to the plate against some middle reliever from Uruguay. USA Baseball, pull the trigger, heck pay him under the table. Get Bonds, and while you're at it, talk Roger Clemens into pitching for us as well.


Well, that's all for this week. It's good to be back, and I'll be posting an edition of the House every week for at least the rest of 2008. Feel free to send any feedback to [e-mail]. Godspeed!