The NFL Draft has passed and it's time to start figuring out rankings and such for the upcoming fantasy football season. Talent is a major part of the equation in fantasy, but so is circumstance. For instance, DeMarco Murray may not be the single most talented running back in football, but running behind Dallas' offensive line he was able to produce like he was.
Here are five players whose fantasy stock will jump up because of where they've landed this offseason.
Darren McFadden, RB Dallas Cowboys
DeMarco Murray was the example used in the beginning to illustrate the magic that can happen when talent meets circumstance. Well Murray's gone, Joseph Randle is a head case, and McFadden certainly has talent in excess.
He's only rushed for more than 1,000 yards once-and it was in 2010-but he's battled injuries for his whole career. Injuries are bad, especially for running backs, but its also reduced the wear and tear on his 27-year-old (not that old!) body. Don't be surprised if McFadden gets past the 1,000-yard barrier this season behind Dallas' hogs, which just got even better with the signing of undrafted free agent La'el Collins.
C.J. Spiller, RB New Orleans Saints
Spiller has pretty much shown he's not built for feature back duties, but he remains a speedy, shifty, game-breaking talent. In New Orleans, the Saints know how to use guys like that-ask Darren Sproles. Spiller may just become Drew Brees' best friend next season now that Jimmy Graham is gone to Seattle, and there's not much elite talent to catch passes. He has the potential to be a more dynamic version of Sproles, and will be especially valuable in formats rewarding receptions.
Andre Johnson, WR Indianapolis Colts
Johnson's no spring chicken, but hold off on the epitaph. At 33 years old he should have a good deal of gas left in his tank, and now he'll be playing for not only the best quarterback of his career, but quite possibly the best quarterback in the league (Andrew Luck). This is a dream scenario for Johnson, who has put together a Hall of Fame worthy career catching passes from the likes of Matt Schaub, David Carr and T.J. Yates. It's been ugly under center, but he's remained reliable in a run-first scheme. There could be a final explosion coming.
Owen Daniels, TE Denver Broncos
Daniels has always been a nice pass-catching tight end, but he may become a Top 8, must-start guy this year with Peyton Manning at the helm. Daniels has spent most of his career dealing with the same quarterbacks Andre Johnson did, and then last year he upgraded to Joe Flacco in Baltimore. The thing is, Daniels isn't much of a deep threat and that's Flacco's specialty.
Manning has no specialty. He throws the rock everywhere, accurately, to anyone. Daniels isn't going to be Julius Thomas rampaging to lock 12-touchdown status, but he should approach double-digits.
Zac Stacy, RB New York Jets
Stacy went from borderline first-rounder to complete afterthought in the blink of an eye in St. Louis, where then-rookie Tre Mason took his place. Mason might be on the verge of being replaced now too after the Rams selected Todd Gurley 10th overall. Stacy, meanwhile, asked for a trade and got his wish.
Stacy is now with the Jets, and while Chris Ivory is probably the man for Todd Bowles, if he takes over the starting job full-time he'll definitely outperform his current ranking of 48th among running backs.
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