Analysis:
It would be a bold endorsement for an inexperienced former basketball
player with the draft left to go, but could have major 2013 fantasy
implications because of Norv Turner and Rob Chudzinski's documented
history of highly productive tight end play. Cabot expects Cameron to
take a "big step this year" and "have plenty of production." We really
liked what we saw from Cameron last preseason. We're still skeptical
he'll be guaranteed the starting job.

The 2013 RB class poses a curious crowd. There are plenty of solid guys, but none flashes superstar potential.

Alabama's Eddie Lacy is considered the best of the bunch. But depending on who you ask, he's either the next Trent Richardson or an overrated product of a great O-line. Lacy has had lingering hamstring issues since the end of the year and looked out of shape for his pro day.

Will another RB jump ahead of Lacy? How about UCLA's Johnathan Franklin? Former Wisconsin Badger Montee Ball is another talented rusher, but concerns about his workload will likely make him a Friday pick. Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell has been referred to as a possible 3-down back in the NFL but isn't a hot name when it comes to Round 1.

There are a number of teams picking in the 2nd half of Round 1 that could use some help at the position (Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Denver). But the lingering questions about this RB group make it more likely that squads sit back and grab one in the later rounds. 

5. What wild trade will ruin everyone's mock draft?

It happens every year. A top name slips a bit, and a team jumps way up to snag him. It's a question of "when," not "if."

When will one of the teams at the back end of the round move way up? When 1 of the top offensive linemen get past pick 7 or 8? When the first CB is off the board?

Does a team like Minnesota package its 2 picks in the 20s to jump up and grab Tavon Austin? How about someone charging ahead to nab Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert?

Having one of these studs land in a top-notch offense would create the most fantasy football upside

In my opinion he's the most electric playmaker in the draft. Diminutive yet dominant, Austin is ready to make a major impact in the NFL after torching the collegiate circuit at West Virginia. The 5'8, 178-pounder can't wait to get his legs going on the pro stage. But who will grant him the honors?

Austin has been mocked up and down the first 20 picks and is a sure bet to be off the board by the final third of the round. He could go top 10 to a team like the Eagles, Cardinals, Bills or Jets. He could slip to the middle of the round and end up with Miami, Carolina, St. Louis or another team that jumps into the fray.

It's apparent that the 22-year-old is ready to be a force on the field from day 1. But what teams provide the best chance for him to do damage in the fantasy realm?

Eagles: Michael Vick gets another speedy, undersized WR to wreak havoc on the field. But sharing targets with Jeremy Maclin, Desean Jackson and LeSean McCoy doesn't leave Austin completely satiated. If the Eagles unload a receiver, he'd get an obvious bump in the rankings.

Cardinals: Austin takes some of that suffocating pressure off Larry Fitzgerald and becomes an electric slot option for new QB Carson Palmer. He'd be an instant factor in an upgraded passing offense that has questions at the RB spot.

Bills: The Bills haven't brought Austin in for a visit, which is surprising for a team in need of talent. But having him on the field at the same time as C.J. Spiller and Stevie Johnson gives opposing defenses major matchup dilemmas. Austin's fantasy upside is still capped here, due to limited rushing opportunities and a below-average QB.

New York Jets: Mark Sanchez gets some help on paper but can't do anything productive with it. Austin might struggle for WR3 value here.

Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill gets another mouth to feed but is already busy spreading the ball around to Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson, Brian Hartline and Dustin Keller. Austin's 2013 ceiling is limited.

Panthers: Austin becomes Cam Newton's slot man and enjoys a more productive season than he would with the previous 3 teams on the list. He may not break out in 2013 with Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. all vying for targets. Rushing opportunities are limited with Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and Newton in the backfield.

Rams: Here's where things could get fun. Sam Bradford needs instant starters to help replace Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson. Austin's ability to tear it up on the turf gives him even more production. Fantasy players revel in anticipation of what should be a perfect fit for the former Mountaineer. 

2. What's the upside of these QBs?

Don't count on any of them to carry you to immediate fantasy greatness. This 2013 crop may not even produce a single starter in Week 1. But that doesn't mean it's completely barren of long-term fantasy value.

Geno Smith is widely regarded as the top guy and offers the most fantasy upside due to his big-play ability. He would be the best QB on the roster for a few teams in the top 10, including the Jags, Browns, Bills and Jets. But that doesn't mean he would get the starting job right away. He's got a big arm and the fundamentals to do damage but doesn't always put it together. He's nowhere near Andrew Luck or RGIII. Smith's athleticism gives him a chance in the read-option offense, but it's going to be a while until he's an everyday QB1 in fantasy. He's worth a snag in dynasty leagues.

Matt Barkley is a more polished QB when compared to Smith. He's been a productive passer in a system known for producing NFL QBs (albeit mediocre ones). But his athleticism doesn't stack up, and the fact that Barkley doesn't "wow" in any particular category has hurt his draft status. There are certain to be some growing pains as he adjusts to the next level. Barkley may get a chance to start if picked up by the right team but is unlikely to approach fantasy-starter territory in 2013.

Ryan Nassib is a heady signal-caller with good intangibles. He's just not that exciting. He possesses an average arm and isn't going to fill up the stat sheet. His mobility doesn't offer much in terms of rushing potential. Nassib will be a solid team leader and has potential to develop into an average NFL QB. But we don't see much short- or long-term upside.

E.J. Manuel is an intriguing QB who has a chance to hear his name called Thursday night. The Florida State QB is a mammoth 6'5, 240 pounds but moves much better than expected for someone his size. Mike Mayock listed Manuel as his #2 QB after the NFL Combine. Manuel likely won't start in 2013, but he's got more long-term upside than a lot of the other QBs in his class because of his combination of arm and athleticism. He could be a dynasty stash that pays off down the road. 

3. How many WRs will leapfrog Cordarrelle Patterson?

Patterson was once projected as a possible top 10 pick but has fallen down draft boards since. It's not hard to see why people love the kid's upside. His YouTube highlight reel is downright ridiculous. But since his impressive single season at Tennessee, Patterson has done little to cement his place among the elite group of prospects.

Many teams now appear leery of rolling the dice on Patterson. After all, he played just 1 season of D-I football. There are definite concerns about his intelligence and willingness to learn the finer points of the game. He'll need lots of seasoning at the NFL level. Some analysts feel he could slip out of the 1st round entirely.

That shifts the focus to other WRs eager to take Patterson's place in Round 1. They might not have the sheer athleticism and jaw-dropping highlight plays, but they're ready to contribute early and often in 2013. Some of these include:

Keenan Allen, Cal – A 4.71 40 time didn't wow the masses, but Allen is a complete WR with the ability to start right away. He can catch the ball all over the field and is a better route-runner than Patterson. Allen had 98 grabs for 1,343 yards in 2011 before taking a step back this past year. Many blame that on lackluster QB play.

DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson – The experienced junior brings lots of athleticism to go with great ball skills and sustained production at the D-I level. His 1,405 receiving yards were an ACC-best this past year.

Justin Hunter, Tennessee – Patterson's teammate may produce with more weekly consistency at the next level. He boasts solid height at 6'4, which helped him haul in 73 balls for 1,083 yards last season. Unlike Patterson, Hunter is praised for his knowledge of the game. A 2011 knee injury is one of the only red flags here. 

So, the concerns for MJD's ability to get on the field and produce have been evident by the drop in his value and the amount of people that want nothing to do with him in FF. Does the confirmation that he indeed had a Lisfranc fracture scare you off or concern you any more than you already were, or is your feelings about MJD and his value still about the same?