With the fantasy football season lurking upon us, we gathered all of our writers here at Fantasy Football Sportal to give you (our readers) an early look at what is going on in the fantasy football world.

The format we used is for a standard 12-team fantasy football league with each standard category in use. This should provide a good outlook as to where players are going and who we think will be breakout/standout players.

It’s never too early to start researching an investment, and after all, don’t we play fantasy sports to gain respect and win some cash? Read on for our collective expert mock results:

Round 1

1. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

4. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens

5. Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons

6. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans

7. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

8. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams

9. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

10. Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers

11. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers

12. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

As most would assume, Chris Johnson went with the first pick and Adrian Peterson soon followed. Rookie Ryan Mathews was taken in the top-10 before even taking a snap in a pre-season game, although we could see him actually earning that spot come season’s end.

Andre Johnson going six may be seen as a bit of a reach, but there is still a fairly obvious drop-off in talent at the running back position after the top four backs. Zero quarterbacks in the first round was interesting.

Round 2

1. Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets

2. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

3. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts

4. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

5. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

6. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons

7. Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys

8. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

9. Brandon Marshall, WR, Miami Dolphins

10. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

11. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers

12. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

There were several picks in this round that made me shake my head, but the one that stands out the most is Miles Austin. It’s not that I think he won’t produce, but he was taken ahead of fantasy superstar Larry Fitzgerald. I don’t care if Matt Leinart or Matt Barkley is his quarterback, Fitz’ should be picked in the top-three of fantasy wide receivers.

Round 3

1. Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota Vikings

2. Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys

3. Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay Packers

4. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

5. Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

6. Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints

7. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

8. Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

9. Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints

10. Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit Lions

11. Matt Schaub, QB, Houstan Texans

12. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

This was a good value round, meaning the players that were taken could easily out-produce some of the players drafted in the rounds before. LeSean McCoy is a player who could really impress this year. We don’t see Andy Reid changing his offense too much without Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, which means McCoy could be the next Westbrook (of five years ago).

Round 4

1. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers

2. Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore Ravens

3. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts

4. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers

5. Steve Smith, WR, New York Giants

6. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers

7. Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

8. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers

9. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

10. Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

11. Santana Moss, WR, Washington Redskins

12. Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay Packers

Round 4 is the round of the tight end as you can see. Dallas Clark was the first one taken and we would have no problem if he went in the third round instead. Santana Moss seems like a bit of a reach but with McNabb in town, who knows?

Round 5

1. Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants

2. Ricky Williams, RB, Miami Dolphins

3. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers

4. Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

5. Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers

6. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys

7. Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings

8. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

9. Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

10. Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings

11. Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans

12. Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

This was a very iffy round to say the least. With questions about Ricky Williams (playing time), Vincent Jackson (will he play at all), Hines Ward (who is the QB for first part of season) and Owen Daniels (will he be 100% healthy), it seems like people may have pressing a little this round.

Hakeem Nicks going ahead of Michael Crabtree, Vincent Jackson, Dwayne Bowe and so many others was a huge reach here.

Round 6

1. Jay Cutler, QB, Denver Broncos

2. Joseph Addai, RB, Indianapolis Colts

3. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

4. Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay Packers

5. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons

6. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens

7. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

8. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

9. Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis Colts

10. Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans Saints

11. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots

12. Kevin Kolb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Possibly the steal of the fantasy draft, Kevin Kolb goes at the end of the sixth round. We would actually prefer to have Kolb over Jay Cutler considering each QB’s weapons. If the price is right, of course.

Round 7

1. Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

2. Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins

3. Kellen Winslow, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

4. Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys

5. Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore Ravens

6. Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys

7. Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Minnesota Vikings

8. Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins

9. T.J. Houshmanzadeh, WR, Seattle Seahawks

10. C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills

11. Braylon Edwards, WR, New York Jets

12. John Carlson, TE, Seattle Seahawks

The theme of this round is potential. With young players like Wallace, Bryant, Jones and Spiller, we really don’t know exactly how they will be used. We saw Mike Wallace be brilliant at times last year for fantasy owners, and without Holmes in the mix this year he should be even better.

Round 8

1. New York Jets, DEF/ST

2. Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants

3. Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears

4. Minnesota Vikings, DEF/ST

5. Green Bay Packers DEF/ST

6. Devin Aromashodu, WR, Chicago Bears

7. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

8. Justin Forsett, RB, Seattle Seahawks

9. Marion Barber, RB, Dallas Cowboys

10. Pittsburgh Steelers, DEF/ST

11. Baltimore Ravens, DEF/ST

12. Philadelphia Eagles, DEF/ST

One of the most anticipated times of fantasy football drafts is when the first team defense comes off the board, because when it does several more usually follow soon thereafter. The only team we would argue didn’t deserve to come off this soon would be the Philadelphia Eagles. There are just too many question marks.

Round 9

1. Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants

2. Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills

3. Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints

4. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos

5. Donovon McNabb, QB, Washington Redskins

6. Steve Breaston, WR, Arizona Cardinals

7. Jerome Harrison, RB, Cleveland Browns

8. Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers

9. Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

10. Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston Texans

11. San Francisco 49ers, DEF/ST

12. Nate Kaeding, K, San Diego Chargers

I found it hard to believe McNabb lasted this long in the draft as he should give excellent value at this spot. I see a couple more value picks here in the 49ers DEF and Malcom Floyd. With the questions surrounding Vincent Jackson, Floyd could become a fantasy stud this year.

Mario Manningham going three rounds after teammate Hakeem Nicks is another interesting happening in this fantasy mock draft.

Round 10

1. Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders

2. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, New York Jets

3. New York Giants, DEF/ST

4. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

5. Antonio Bryant, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

6. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots

7. Thomas Jones, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

8. Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans

9. Dallas Cowboys, DEF/ST

10. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis Colts

11. Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins

12. Montario Hardesty, RB, Cleveland Indians

It is almost sad to see LT being drafted this late considering people used to jump for joy when they received the number one pick and essentially, his services. He still has a nose for the end zone, so don’t be surprised if he nears 10 touchdowns yet again this year.

Round 11

1. Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

2. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

3. Steve Slaton, RB, Houston Texans

4. Rob Bironas, K, Tennessee Titans

5. Devin Hester, WR, Chicago Bears

6. Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders

7. Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets

8. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

9. Eddie Royal, WR, Denver Broncos

10. Carnell Williams, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

11. Mohammed Massaquoi, WR, Cleveland Browns

12. Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers

I tell you what; I wish I thought of taking Ben Roethlisberger this round. If he comes back after suspension and produces like he is capable of, he can be used as serious trade bait. Another possible steal here is Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller. With Jason Campbell throwing the ball, Miller could have his best season yet.

Round 12

1. Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo Bills

2. Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts

3. Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

4. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, New York Jets

5. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders

6. Mason Crosby, K, Green Bay Packers

7. Darren Sproles, RB, San Diego Chargers

8. Tim Hightower, RB, Arizona Cardinals

9. Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans

10. New Orleans Saints, DEF/ST

11. Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

12. Terell Owens, WR, Free Agent

Will the “Sanchize” be ready to roll going into his sophomore season? If so, this can be a fantastic pick here in the 12^th round. He has a very good receiving corps and a good running game. The question is though, how much will Rex Ryan rely on his arm?

Round 13

1. Kevin Walter, WR, Houston Texans

2. Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals

3. Donnie Avery, WR, St. Louis Rams

4. Jason Campbell, QB, Oakland Raiders

5. Roy Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys

6. Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots

7. Miami Dolphins, DEF/ST

8. Chester Taylor, RB, Chicago Bears

9. Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins

10. Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans

11. Lawrence Tynes, K, New York Giants

12. Toby Gerhart, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Laurence Maroney has to produce this year, if not his fantasy football career could be over. One guy I find very interesting is Chester Taylor. With all of the issues Matt Forte had last year, his owners better grab Taylor as an insurance policy.

Round 14

1. Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions

2. Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Kansas City Chiefs

3. Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts

4. Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears

5. Joshua Cribbs, WR, Cleveland Browns

6. Kyle Orton, QB, Denver Broncos

7. Ryan Longwell, K, Minnesota Vikings

8. Rian Lindell, K, Buffalo Bills

9. Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

10. Early Doucet, WR, Arizona Cardinals

11. Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos

12. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Unlike the actual NFL draft, people weren’t mesmerized by Tim Tebow and his off the field credentials. Sure he is a leader but not on a fantasy team, or in my opinion, an NFL team.

Round 15

1. Josh Scobee, K, Jacksonville Jaguars

2. Brady Quinn, QB, Denver Broncos

3. Matt Prater, K, Denver Broncos

4. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions

5. Cincinnati Bengals, DEF/ST

6. Chicago Bears, DEF/ST

7. Sebastian Janikowski, K, Oakland Raiders

8. Robbie Gould, K, Chicago Bears

9. John Kasay, K, Carolina Panthers

10. Jeff Reed, K, Pittsburgh Steelers

11. Jeremy Shockey, TE, New Orleans Saints

12. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans

We have found that drafting a kicker before the last round doesn’t make a lot of sense, but as we know, everyone has their own draft strategy. When it comes to kickers, one of our philosophies is to play matchups each week. If you have a kicker playing in Chicago (the windy city) you could choose to dump him and pick up a kicker in a better situation, no matter how many points they have.

This concludes the results of our first expert fantasy mock draft. Stay tuned for an updated mock draft report before the 2010 NFL regular season kicks off!

By: Zac Fluewelling