You might think these rankings are about as useful as our last post on the kickers.

You can instead thank me for researching the total combined defensive and special teams touchdowns by each NFL team in 2011.

See, aren't you glad you're here?

On to our final set of rankings ...

Defense/ST (bye week): PPG, TD, Sacks, Turnovers (interceptions)

1. 49ers (9): 14.3, 3, 42, 38 (23) 

2. Steelers (4): 14.2, 2, 35, 15 (11)

3. Eagles (7): 20.5, 4, 50, 24 (15)

4. Bears (6): 21.3, 10, 33, 31 (20)

5. Packers (10): 22.4, 7, 29, 38 (31)

6. Ravens (8): 16.6, 5, 48, 26 (15)

7. Giants (11): 25.0, 1, 48, 31 (20)

8. Jets (9): 22.7, 5, 35, 31 (19)

9. Texans (8): 17.4, 3, 44, 27 (17)

10. Patriots (9): 21.4, 4, 40, 34 (23)

11. Lions (5): 24.2, 7, 41, 34 (21)

12. Bills (8): 27.1, 7, 29, 31 (20)

13. Cowboys (5): 21.7, 1, 42, 25 (15)

14. Broncos (7): 24.4, 5, 41, 18 (9)

15. Seahawks (11): 19.7, 5, 33, 31 (22)

16. Falcons (7): 21.9, 3, 33, 29 (19)

17. Bengals (8): 20.2, 4, 45, 22 (10)

18. Chiefs (7): 21.1, 2, 29, 26 (20)

19. Cardinals (10): 21.8, 4, 42, 19 (10)

20. Dolphins (7): 19.6, 2, 41, 19 (16)

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2011 season. ... PPG denotes points per game allowed. ... TD denotes total defensive and special teams touchdowns. ... Turnovers are total turnovers forced.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, kickers

These are our top 20 kickers.

I think that's all the introduction this piece deserves.

Rank, player, team (bye week): FG, 40-49, 50+, PAT, Pts

1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE (9): 28-33, 9-11, 1-2, 59-59, 143

2. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak (5): 31-35, 10-11, 7-10, 36-36, 129

3. David Akers, SF (9): 44-52, 6-11, 7-9, 34-34, 166

4. Mason Crosby, GB (10): 24-28, 3-5, 2-3, 68-69, 140

5. Dan Bailey, Dal (5): 32-37, 10-12, 2-4, 39-39, 135

6. Alex Henery, Phi (7): 24-27, 4-4, 1-2, 46-46, 118

7. Garrett Hartley, NO (6): Didn’t play

8. Matt Bryant, Atl (7): 27-29, 5-7, 2-2, 45-45, 126

9. Rob Bironas, Ten (11): 29-32, 9-10, 6-7, 34-34, 121

10. Robbie Gould, Chi (6): 28-32, 6-10, 6-6, 37-37, 131

11. Nate Kaeding, SD (7): Zero points in one game before injuring knee

12. Matt Prater, Den (7): 19-25, 3-7, 3-4, 30-30, 87

13. Neil Rackers, Was (10): 32-38, 4-8, 4-5, 39-40, 135

14. Jason Hanson, Det (5): 24-29, 2-4, 5-7, 54-54, 126

15. Dan Carpenter, Mia (7): 29-34, 11-12, 2-4, 26-26, 113

16. Randy Bullock, Hou (8): Rookie

17. Mike Nugent, Cin (8): 33-38, 14-16, 0-0, 33-34, 132

18. Billy Cundiff, Bal (8): 28-37, 7-9, 1-6, 38-38, 122

19. Olindo Mare, Car (6): 22-28, 8-9, 0-2, 44-45, 110

20. Connor Barth, TB (5): 26-28, 13-14, 2-3, 23-23, 101

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2011 season. ... FG denotes total field goals made and attempted. ... 40-49 denotes field goals made and attempted from 40 to 49 yards, and 50+ is for field goals of 50 yards or more.

QUICK SLANTS: Janikowski is 17-for-25 on field goals of 50 yards or more the last three seasons. ... The oft-injured Hartley was 20-for-25 on field goals in 2010. ... Bryant has made all but five of his 60 field-goal attempts the last two seasons. ... Since 2010, Bironas is 17-for-18 from 40 to 49 yards and 8-for-10 from 50 yards or more.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends

NEXT: Defenses and special teams

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had 17 receiving touchdowns last season -- more than any wide receiver, including Megatron himself, Calvin Johnson.

Gronkowski's 90 receptions trailed only four wideouts in 2011, and his 1,327 receiving yards ranked sixth in the league.

So where do you draft a tight end who will give you elite wide receiver numbers?

ESPN and Yahoo! have Gronkowski ranked 14th overall, and the CBS guys have him ranked Nos. 21, 26 and 30.

I would side with ESPN and Yahoo! on this and take Gronk early in Round 2.

Look at Larry Fitzgerald's numbers (80 receptions for 1,411 yards and eight TDs last season). Imagine getting an upgrade from Fitzgerald, and playing him at tight end.

In a 12-team league, Gronkowski is a no-brainer early in the second round -- especially in point-per-reception formats.

Aug. 16 update: We dropped Jason Witten from No. 4 to No. 7 because of concerns about his lacerated spleen.

On to the tight end rankings ...

Rank, player, team (bye week): GP, Receptions-Yards-Avg, TD

1. Rob Gronkowski, NE (9): 16, 90-1,327-14.7, 17

2. Jimmy Graham, NO (6): 16, 99-1,310-13.2, 11

3. Antonio Gates, SD (7): 13, 64-778-12.2, 7

4. Aaron Hernandez, NE (9): 14, 79-910-11.5, 7

5. Vernon Davis, SF (9): 16, 67-792-11.8, 6

6. Jermichael Finley, GB (10): 16, 55-767-13.9, 8

7. Jason Witten, Dal (5): 16, 79-942-11.9, 5

8. Tony Gonzalez, Atl (7): 16, 80-875-10.9, 7

9. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (5): 16, 83-777-9.4, 5

10. Fred Davis, Was (10): 12, 59-796-13.5, 3

11. Brent Celek, Phi (7): 16, 62-811-13.1, 5

12. Jacob Tamme, Den (11): 16, 19-177-9.3, 1

13. Jared Cook, Ten (11): 16, 49-759-15.5, 3

14. Jermaine Gresham, Cin (8): 14, 56-596-10.6, 6

15. Dustin Keller, NYJ (9): 16, 65-815-12.5, 5

16. Owen Daniels, Hou (8): 15, 54-677-12.5, 3

17. Kellen Winslow, Sea (11): 15, 75-763-10.2, 2

18. Coby Fleener, Ind (4): Rookie

19. Kyle Rudolph, Min (11): 15, 26-249-9.6, 3

20. Greg Olsen, Car (6): 16, 45-540-12.0, 5

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2011 season.

QUICK SLANTS: Once the no-doubt-about-it choice as the top tight end, Gates has been limited to 23 games the last two years. He played in all 16 games from 2006-09. … Witten has played in all but one game in his nine-year career. ...  Gonzalez has had at least 70 receptions each year since 2003, and he has had 867 yards or more in eight of the last nine years. … Pettigrew has 154 catches combined the last two seasons, but only nine TDs in that span. … In the last nine games of 2011, Celek had 42 catches for 602 yards and three TDs. … Former Colt Tamme had 67 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns with Peyton Manning in 2010. … Gresham has averaged 54 catches the last two seasons. ... Winslow has never had more than five TDs in a season.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers

NEXT: Kickers

Maybe you believe, and News-Herald Browns beat writer Jeff Schudel agrees with you, the Browns got the better of the Falcons in a blockbuster draft-day trade in 2011.

When the dust settled after the 2012 draft, the Browns had netted Phil Taylor, Greg Little and Brandon Weeden from the swap. And one of the picks they received from Atlanta, a fourth-rounder in 2012, was used in a trade with Minnesota in which Cleveland moved up to select Trent Richardson.

It's not difficult to see why that trade could be viewed as a good one for Tom Heckert.

The Falcons' haul in the deal: Wide receiver Julio Jones.

Jones, selected sixth overall by Atlanta in 2011, had 27 receptions for 457 yards and six touchdowns in the final five games of last season. If you project those numbers over a 16-game season, you get 86 catches for 1,462 yards and 19 TDs.

I wouldn't expect Jones to score 19 TDs this season, but 86 catches for more than 1,400 yards is certainly within reach.

This is a long way of saying I like Jones quite a bit this season. We have him ranked eighth at wide receiver, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was better than any wideout not named Calvin Johnson in fantasy this season.

If Weeden is the answer to the Browns' annual quarterback problem, they will have made out on the deal. For fantasy purposes, however, Atlanta has the best player -- and we know that's what really matters.

On to the wide receiver rankings ...

Rank, player, team (bye week): GP, Receptions-Yards-Avg, TD

1. Calvin Johnson,  Det (5): 16, 96-1,681-17.5, 16

2. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (10): 7, 80-1,411-17.6, 8

3. Roddy White, Atl (7): 16, 100-1,296-13.0, 8

4. Andre Johnson, Hou (8): 16, 33-492-14.9, 2

5. Greg Jennings, GB (10): 13, 67-949-14.2, 9

6. Wes Welker, NE (9): 16, 122-1,569-12.9, 9

7. A.J. Green, Cin (8): 15, 65-1,057-16.3, 7

8. Julio Jones, Atl (7): 13, 54-959-17.8, 8

9. Mike Wallace, Pit (4): 16, 72-1,193-16.6, 8

10. Victor Cruz, NYG (11): 16, 82-1,536-18.7, 9

11. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (11): 15, 76-1,192-15.7, 7

12. Jordy Nelson, GB (10): 16, 68-1,263-18.6, 15

13. Brandon Marshall, Chi (6): 16, 81-1,214-15.0, 6

14. Steve Smith, Car (6): 16, 79-1,394-17.6, 7

15. Marques Colston, NO (6): 14, 80-1,143-14.3, 8

16. Dez Bryant, Dal (5): 15, 63-928-14.7, 9

17. Miles Austin, Dal (5): 10, 43-579-13.5, 7

18. Demaryius Thomas, Den (7): 11, 32-551-17.2, 4

19. Vincent Jackson, TB (5): 16, 60-1,106-18.4, 9

20. Brandon Lloyd, NE (9): 11, 51-683-13.4, 5

21. Antonio Brown, Pit (4): 16, 69-1,108-16.1, 2

22. Dwayne Bowe, KC (7): 16, 81-1,159-14.3,  5

23. Steve Johnson, Buf (7): 16, 76-1,004-13.2, 7

24. Percy Harvin, Min (11): 16, 87-967-11.1, 6

25. DeSean Jackson, Phi (7): 15, 58-961-16.6, 4

26. Reggie Wayne, Ind (4): 16, 75-960-12.8, 4

27. Torrey Smith, Bal (8): 16, 50-841-16.8, 7

28. Jeremy Maclin, Phi (7): 13, 63-859-13.6, 5

29. Eric Decker, Den (7): 16, 44-612-13.9, 8

30. Pierre Garcon, Was (10): 16, 70-947-13.5, 6

31. Malcom Floyd, SD (7): 12, 43-856-19.9, 5

32. Anquan Boldin, Bal (8): 14, 57-887-15.6, 3

33. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (9): 16, 51-654-12.8, 8

34. Greg Little, Cle (10): 16, 61-709-11.6, 2

35. Robert Meachem, SD (7): 16, 40-620-15.5, 6

36. Titus Young, Det (5): 16, 48-607-12.6, 6

37. Denarius Moore, Oak (5): 13, 33-618-18.7, 5

38. Nate Washington, Ten (11): 16, 74-1,023-13.8, 7

39. Santana Moss, Was (10): 12, 46-584-12.7, 4

40. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oak (5): 15, 64-975-15.2, 4

41. Lance Moore, NO (6): 14, 52-627-12.1, 8

42. Mike Williams, TB (5): 16, 65-771-11.9, 3

43. Michael Crabtree, SF (9): 15, 72-874-12.1, 4

44. Mario Manningham, SF (9): 12, 39-523-13.4, 4

45. Nate Burleson, Det (5): 16, 73-757-10.4, 3

46. Jonathan Baldwin, KC (7): 11, 21-254-12.1, 1

47. Kenny Britt, Ten (11): 3, 17-289-17.0, 3

48. Sidney Rice, Sea (11): 9, 32-484-15.1, 2

49. Justin Blackmon, Jac (6): Rookie

50. Brandon LaFell, Car (6): 16, 36-613-17.0, 3

51. Laurent Robinson, Jac (6): 14, 54-858-15.9, 11

52. Randy Moss, SF (9): Didn’t play

53. Austin Collie, Ind (4): 16, 54-514-9.5, 1

54. Danny Amendola, StL (9): 1, 5-45-9.0, 0

55. Emmanuel Sanders, Pit (4): 11, 22-288-13.1, 2

56. Doug Baldwin, Sea (11): 16, 51-788-15.5, 4

57. Rueben Randle, NYG (11): Rookie

58. Leonard Hankerson, Was (10): 4, 13-163-12.5, 0

59. Davone Bess, Mia (7): 16, 51-537-10.5, 3

60. Kendall Wright, Ten (11): Rookie

NOTE: All statistics are from the 2011 season.

QUICK SLANTS: Calvin Johnson has averaged 87 receptions for 1,401 yards and 14 TDs the last two seasons. ... Fitzgerald has played all 16 games in each of the last four seasons and has missed only one contest since 2007. He averaged 12 TDs per season from 2007 to '09, but has a norm of "only" seven scores the last two years. ...Jones' Falcons teammate, Roddy White, has averaged 100 catches for 1,279 yards and 10 TDs the last three years. ... I'd be a little leery of Andre Johnson, who is already struggling with an injury in training camp (hamstring) and has missed a combined 12 games the last two seasons. ... Welker is a reception and yardage machine, but his nine TDs last season were a career high. ... The Steelers' Wallace is expected to end his contract holdout before the start of the regular season. He has averaged 1,232 yards and nine TDs since 2010. ... With Jay Cutler in Denver in 2007 and '08, Marshall had norms of 103 catches for 1,295 yards and seven TDs. ... The Broncos' Thomas could be the biggest beneficiary of Peyton Manning landing in Denver. He caught 10 passes for 297 yards and a TD in the Broncos' two playoff games last season, including a memorable four-catch, 204-yard, one-winning-TD performance in a wild-card win over the Steelers during the height of Tebowmania. ... In two seasons with the Jets, Holmes has averaged only 52 catches for 700 yards and seven TDs. In 2009 with the Steelers, he had 79 receptions for 1,248 yards and five scores.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Quarterbacks, running backs

NEXT: Tight ends

Once the unquestioned king of fantasy football positions, the 2012 crop of running backs has three hammers -- Arian Foster, Ray Rice and LeSean McCoy -- then a lot of questions.

-- Will Maurice Jones-Drew's holdout end before your draft?

-- Where do you draft former no-doubt-about-it No. 1 overall fantasy pick Adrian Peterson, who is recovering from a torn ACL?

-- Can you trust Chris Johnson after last year's holdout/four-TDs-in-16-games debacle?

-- Is the injury-prone Ryan Mathews going to be as good as everyone seems to think he will be now that goal-line vulture Mike Tolbert has left town?

-- Will Matt Forte be as good now that Michael Bush could serve as the Bears' goal-line vulture?

-- Can Darren McFadden stay healthy?

-- Should you be concerned that Trent Richardson is already banged up?

-- Can DeMarco Murray sustain his 2011 rookie success over a full season?

You get the idea.

On to our second set of rankings for 2012, which reflects updates we made Aug. 12:

Rank, player, team (bye week): GP, Rushing yards-Avg-TD, Receptions-Yards-TD
1. Arian Foster, Hou (8): 13, 1,224-4.4-10, 53-617-2

2. Ray Rice, Bal (8): 16, 1,364-4.7-12, 76-704-3

3. LeSean McCoy, Phi (7): 15, 1,309-4.8-17, 48-315-3

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac (6): 16, 1,606-4.7-8, 43-374-3

5. Chris Johnson, Ten (11): 16, 1,047-4.0-4, 57-418-0

6. Matt Forte, Chi (6): 12, 997-4.9-3, 52-490-1

7. Darren McFadden, Oak (5): 7, 614-5.4-4, 19-154-1

8. DeMarco Murray, Dal (5): 13, 897-5.5-2, 26-183-0

9. Steven Jackson, StL (9): 15, 1,145-4.4-5, 42-333-1

10. Ryan Mathews, SD (7): 14, 1,091-4.9-6, 50-455-0

11. Adrian Peterson, Min (11): 12, 970-4.7-12, 18-139-1

12. Marshawn Lynch, Sea (11): 15, 1,204-4.2-12, 28-212-1

13. Fred Jackson, Buf (8): 10, 934-5.5-6, 39-442-0

14. Michael Turner, Atl (7): 16, 1,340-4.5-11, 17-168-0

15. Frank Gore, SF (9): 16, 1,211-4.3-8, 17-114-0

16. Jamaal Charles, KC (7): 2, 83-6.9-0, 5-9-1

17. Trent Richardson, Cle (10): Rookie

18. Darren Sproles, NO (6): 16, 603-6.9-2, 86-710-7

19. Shonn Greene, NYJ (9): 16, 1,054-4.2-6, 30-211-0

20. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (11): 12, 659-3.9-9, 34-267-2

21. Reggie Bush, Mia (7): 15, 1,086-5.0-6, 43-296-1

22. Isaac Redman, Pit (4): 16, 479-4.4-3, 18-78-0

23. Willis McGahee, Den (7): 15, 1,199-4.8-4, 12-51-1

24. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cin (8): 16, 667-3.7-11, 9-159-0

25. Doug Martin, TB (5): Rookie

26. Stevan Ridley, NE (9): 16, 421-5.1-1, 3-13-0

27. Jonathan Stewart, Car (6): 16, 761-5.4-4, 47-413-1

28. Beanie Wells, Ari (10): 14, 1,047-4.3-10, 10-52-0

29. Roy Helu, Was (10): 15, 640-4.2-2, 49-379-1

30. DeAngelo Williams, Car (6): 16, 836-5.4-7, 16-135-0

31. Ben Tate, Hou (8): 15, 942-5.4-4, 13-98-0

32. Donald Brown, Ind (4): 16, 645-4.8-5, 16-86-0

33. Peyton Hillis, KC (7): 10, 587-3.6-3, 22-130-0

34. C.J. Spiller, Buf (8): 16, 561-5.2-4, 39-269-2

35. Toby Gerhart, Min (11): 16, 531-4.9-1, 23-190-3

36. Mark Ingram, NO (6): 10, 474-3.9-5, 11-46-0

37. James Starks, GB (10): 13, 578-4.3-1, 29-216-0

38. Kevin Smith, Det (5): 7, 356-4.9-4, 22-179-3

39. Felix Jones, Dal (5): 12, 575-4.5-1, 33-221-0

40. Michael Bush, Chi (6): 16, 997-3.8-7, 37-418-1

41. Evan Royster, Was (10): 6, 328-5.9-0, 9-68-0

42. Daniel Thomas, Mia (7): 13, 581-3.5-0, 12-72-1

43. LeGarrette Blount, TB (5): 14, 781-4.2-5, 15-148-0

44. Jahvid Best, Det (5): 6, 390-4.6-2, 27-287-1

45. David Wilson, NYG (11): Rookie

46. Ryan Williams, Ari (10): Didn't play
47. Ronnie Brown, SD (7): 16, 136-3.2-1, 0-0-0

48. Mike Goodson, Oak (5): 16, 452-4.4-3, 1-4-0

49. Shane Vereen, NE (9): 5, 57-3.8-1, 0-0-0

50. Bernard Scott, Cin (8): 16, 380-3.4-3, 13-38-0

NOTE: All statistics are from the 2011 season.

QUICK SLANTS: In the last two seasons, Foster has rushed for 2,840 rush yards, caught 119 passes for 1,221 yards and scored 30 total TDs in 29 games. … Rice’s 15 TDs in 2011 were one more than he had combined in otherwise productive 2010 and ’09 seasons. … McCoy’s TDs were way up (from nine in 2010 to 20 last season), and his receiving numbers were significantly down (from 78 catches for 592 yards in 2010). … Jones-Drew had 30 total TDs in 2008 and ’09, but has averaged nine TDs in the last two years. … In 2009 and ’10, Johnson had 28 total TDs. … The Rams' Jackson has 60 total TDs in 115 career games, and 16 were in 2006. … Lynch had 24 TDs in his first five NFL seasons. … McFadden has missed 19 games in four years. … Turner has 50 rushing TDs in 59 games in four seasons with the Falcons. … Gore had 13 TDs in 14 games in 2009. He has 39 total TDs in the other 86 contests in which he has played in his career. ... Reggie Bush had never run for more than 581 yards in his first five NFL seasons. … In the last two games of the Steelers' 2011 season, including a postseason loss at Denver, Redman had 213 yards rushing, one TD and five catches for 39 yards. … Green-Ellis has 24 TDs the last two years. … The Panthers' Stewart had 21 TDs in his first two seasons and has eight in the last two. … DeAngelo Williams had 20 TDs in 16 contests in 2008. He has 22 total TDs in the other 64 games in which he has played. … Hillis had 13 total TDs, 1,654 total yards and 61 catches with the Browns in 2010.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Quarterbacks

NEXT: Wide receivers

Peyton Manning turned 36 in March.

He is trying to recover from multiple neck surgeries that wiped out his 2011 season, and he admits his arm strength isn't completely back.

Then there's this: In his first 13 years in the NFL, Manning averaged 4,218 yards passing and 32 total touchdowns.

And this: In 2009 and 2010, he had norms of 4,600 yards and 33 TDs.

And this: Has there been a better fantasy quarterback in your lifetime? (Remember, Kurt Warner only had three huge years -- 1999, 2001 and 2008. Here, look.)

So where would you place Manning -- once as safe of a pick as you could make on draft day -- in the quarterback pecking order entering this season? I ranked him 10th, one behind another risky injury selection, Michael Vick, and one ahead of a safe choice, Matt Ryan.

The reasoning: If Manning plays the entire season, he could be better than any fantasy QB not named Rodgers, Brees, Brady and Newton.

Granted, he could also take a brutal hit that puts his career in jeopardy. But I would be willing to take that risk after the top nine QBs were off the board, knowing that I need to make sure I select another quarterback soon after.

Without further delay, our early rankings:

Rank, player, team (bye week): GP, Passing yards-TD-Int, Rushing yards-TD
1. Aaron Rodgers, GB (10): 15, 4,643-45-6, 257-3
2. Drew Brees, NO (6): 16, 5,476-46-14, 86-1
3. Tom Brady, NE (9): 16, 5,235-39-12, 109-3

4. Cam Newton, Car (6): 16, 4,051-21-17, 706-14

5. Matthew Stafford, Det (5): 16, 5,038-41-16, 78-0

6. Eli Manning, NYG (11): 16, 4,933-29-16, 15-1

7. Philip Rivers, SD (7): 16, 4,624-27-20, 36-1

8. Tony Romo, Dal (5): 16, 4,184-31-10, 46-1

9. Michael Vick, Phi (7): 13, 3,303-18-14, 589-1

10. Peyton Manning, Den (7): Did not play

11. Matt Ryan, Atl (7): 16, 4,177-29-12, 84-2

12. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit (4): 15, 4,077-21-14, 70-0

13. Matt Schaub, Hou (8): 10, 2,479-15-6, 9-2

14. Jay Cutler, Chi (6): 10, 2,319-13-7, 55-1

15. Robert Griffin III, Was (10): Rookie

16. Joe Flacco, Bal (8): 16, 3,610-20-12, 88-1

17. Josh Freeman, TB (5): 15, 3,592-16-22, 238-4

18. Andy Dalton, Cin (8): 16, 3,398-20-13, 152-1

19. Carson Palmer, Oak (5): 10, 2,753-13-16, 20-1

20. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buf (8): 16, 3,832-24-23, 56-0

21. Alex Smith, SF (9): 16, 3,144-17-5, 179-2

22. Andrew Luck, Ind (4): Rookie

23. Sam Bradford, StL (9): 10, 2,164-6-6, 26-0

24. Matt Cassel, KC (7): 9, 1,713-10-9, 99-0

25. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (9): 16, 3,474-26-18, 103-6

NOTE: All statistics are from the 2011 season.

QUICK SLANTS: In the last four seasons, Rodgers has 147 combined passing and rushing touchdowns and has averaged 4,259 yards passing. ... In that same span, Brees has thrown for at least 4,388 yards and 33 TDs each year. ... Brady has a combined 79 TD tosses the last two years. ... Prior to playing a full season in 2011, Stafford appeared in 13 games in his first two NFL campaigns. ... Eli Manning has had three consecutive 4,000-yard seasons, and he has a norm of 29 TD passes in that stretch. ... Rivers, possibly because of the departure of Vincent Jackson in free agency, is underrated by some sites, despite averaging 4,399 yards and 30 TDs the last four seasons. ... Romo, who played six games in 2010, averaged 4,334 yards and 30 total TDs in 2009 and '11, when he appeared in all 16 contests each year. ... Ryan has norms of 3,941 yards and 30 total TDs since 2010. ... In 2009 and '10, Schaub averaged 16 games, 4,570 yards and 27 TDs. He could be a great value pick in the middle rounds. .. Flacco's yards passing the last three years: 3,613, 3,622 and 3,610. ... Freeman was terrible for much of last season, but was productive in 2010 (3,451 yards, 25 TDs, six interceptions). ... If Sanchez holds off the legend of Tim Tebow and starts all season, he is better than many fantasy backups. He had 32 combined passing and rushing TDs in 2011.

NEXT: Running backs

If you are a fan of the quick slants we've done at the end of the first three sets of rankings this week, we've got bad news for you: The kickers, defenses and special teams don't get quick slants.

Jim Tressel isn't here anymore. We don't treat special teams as if it's the most important aspect of football.

If we've disappointed you, hopefully this will cheer you up: Links to the rankings for the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers and tight ends.

Enjoy. And now the final two starting spots in your fantasy lineup you fill on draft day ...

Rank, player, team FG, 40+, PAT, Pts
1. Nate Kaeding, SD 23-28, 10-14, 40-40, 109
2. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak 33-41, 12-19, 43-43, 142
3. Neil Rackers, Hou 27-30, 8-11, 43-43, 124
4. Stephen Gostkowski, NE 10-13, 2-4, 26-26, 56
5. Matt Bryant, Atl 28-31, 9-11, 44-44, 128
6. Mason Crosby, GB 22-28, 10-14, 46-46, 112
7. Josh Brown, StL 33-39, 10-13, 26-27, 125
8. Rob Bironas, Ten 24-26, 10-11, 38-38, 110
9. Alex Henery, Phi ROOKIE
10. Billy Cundiff, Bal 26-29, 7-9, 39-39, 117
11. Adam Vinatieri, Ind 26-28, 9-10, 51-51, 129
12. Jay Feely, Ari 24-27, 10-13, 29-29, 101
13. Robbie Gould, Chi 25-30, 7-11, 35-35, 110
14. Nick Folk, NYJ 30-39, 5-11, 37-37, 127
15. David Akers, SF 32-38, 10-14, 47-47, 143
16. Garrett Hartley, NO 20-25, 8-9, 40-40, 100
17. David Buehler, Dal 24-32, 12-17, 42-44, 114
18. Dan Carpenter, Mia 30-41, 15-26, 25-25, 115
19. Ryan Longwell, Min 17-18, 2-2, 30-31, 81
20. Lawrence Tynes, NYG 19-23, 5-7, 43-43, 100

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS
Rank, team Pts-TD-Sacks-TO
1. Steelers 14.5-4-48-35
2. Packers 15.0-4-47-32
3. Jets 19.0-5-40-30
4. Eagles 23.6-3-39-34
5. Ravens 16.9-4-27-27
6. Patriots 19.6-9-36-38
7. Bears 17.9-4-34-35
8. Saints 19.2-2-33-25
9. Chargers 20.1-3-47-22
10. Giants 21.7-0-46-39
11. Lions 23.1-4-44-29
12. Chiefs 20.4-4-39-23
13. Falcons 18.0-5-31-31
14. Cowboys 27.2-7-35-30
15. Dolphins 20.8-1-39-19
16. Raiders 23.2-7-47-24
17. Vikings 21.8-3-31-25
18. Rams 20.5-0-43-26
19. 49ers 21.6-5-36-22
20. Cardinals 27.1-12-33-30

Note: For kickers, 40+ are the kicker’s makes and attempts from 40 yards or more. ... For defenses and special teams, points allowed are per-game averages. TD totals are defensive and special-team touchdowns. TO is turnovers forced. ... Statistics are from the 2010 season.

A few quick notes before the rankings:

-- We updated our running back rankings with the news Wednesday night that Arian Foster's hamstring injury might be more serious than we originally thought. The first round -- after Adrian Peterson -- is as dicey as ever.

-- We'll break down three of the biggest issues owners will face early in the draft -- Foster's injury, Chris Johnson's holdout and Peyton Manning trying to recover from neck surgery -- in a column this weekend in the print editions of The News-Herald and at www.news-herald.com.

-- For the quarterback rankings, click here. For the running backs, go here.

On to the wideouts and tight ends:

WIDE RECEIVERS
Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-TD
1. Andre Johnson, Hou 13-86-1,216-8
2. Roddy White, Atl 16-115-1,389-10
3. Calvin Johnson, Det 15-77-1,120-12
4. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 16-90-1,137-6
5. Greg Jennings, GB 16-76-1,265-12
6. Hakeem Nicks, NYG 13-79-1,052-11
7. Reggie Wayne, Ind 16-111-1,355-6
8. Mike Wallace, Pit 16-60-1,257-10
9. Miles Austin, Dal 16-69-1,041-7
10. Vincent Jackson, SD 5-14-248-3
11. DeSean Jackson, Phi 14-47-1,056-6
12. Dez Bryant, Dal 12-45-561-6
13. Dwayne Bowe, KC 16-72-1,162-15
14. Brandon Lloyd, Den 16-77-1,448-11
15. Mike Williams, TB 16-65-964-11
16. Brandon Marshall, Mia 14-86-1,014-3
17. Wes Welker, NE 15-86-848-7
18. Marques Colston, NO 15-84-1,023-7
19. Steve Johnson, Buf 16-82-1,073-10
20. Santonio Holmes, NYJ 12-52-746-6
21. Anquan Boldin, Bal 16-64-837-7
22. Jeremy Maclin, Phi 16-70-964-10
23. Percy Harvin, Min 14-71-868-5
24. Mario Manningham, NYG 16-60-944-9
25. Santana Moss, Was 16-93-1,115-6
26. Chad Ochocinco, NE 14-67-831-4
27. Austin Collie, Ind 9-58-649-8
28. Sidney Rice, Sea 6-17-280-2
29. Pierre Garcon, Ind 14-67-784-6
30. Steve Smith, Car 14-46-554-2
31. Kenny Britt, Ten 12-42-775-9
32. Mike Thomas, Jac 16-66-820-4
33. Julio Jones, Atl ROOKIE
34. Malcom Floyd, SD 11-37-717-6
35. Lance Moore, NO 16-66-763-8
36. Braylon Edwards, SF 16-53-904-7
37. Johnny Knox, Chi 16-51-960-5
38. Hines Ward, Pit 16-59-755-5
39. A.J. Green, Cin ROOKIE
40. Danny Amendola, StL 16-85-689-3
41. Mike Sims-Walker, StL 14-43-562-7
42. Davone Bess, Mia 16-79-820-5
43. Michael Crabtree, SF 16-55-741-6
44. Plaxico Burress, NYJ DID NOT PLAY
45. Jordy Nelson, GB 16-45-582-2
46. Jacoby Ford, Oak 16-25-470-2
47. Jerome Simpson, Cin 5-20-277-3
48. Mike Williams, Sea 14-65-751-2
49. Nate Burleson, Det 14-55-625-6
50. Steve Breaston, KC 13-47-718-1
51. James Jones, GB 16-50-679-5
52. Deion Branch, NE 15-61-818-6
53. Roy Williams, Chi 15-37-530-5
54. Lee Evans, Bal 13-37-578-4
55. Robert Meachem, NO 16-44-638-5
56. Donald Driver, GB 15-51-565-4
57. Emmanuel Sanders, Pit 13-28-376-2
58. Derrick Mason, NYJ 16-61-802-7
59. Danario Alexander, StL 8-20-306-1
60. Antonio Brown, Pit 9-16-167-0

Note: Statistics are from the 2010 season.

Quick slants: Andre Johnson had a "down" 2010 after averaging 108 receptions for 1,572 yards and eight TDs in 2008 and '09. ... White has had at least 83 receptions for 1,153 yards or more in each of the last four years. ... Jennings had a big season after totaling only 13 TDs in '08 and '09. ... Calvin Johnson had big 2008 and '10 seasons, but had a combined nine TDs in '07 and '09. Hopefully, it's not an odd-year thing. ... Prior to last year, Fitzgerald had three consecutive seasons with at least 96 receptions and 10 TDs. ... The Colts' Wayne seems underrated, if that's possible, on some websites. He has had 100 catches or more in three straight seasons, and he has seven consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. ... In 2009, the Chargers' Jackson had 68 receptions for 1,167 yards and nine TDs. ... The Dolphins' Marshall could provide huge value as a No. 2 fantasy receiver if he returns to his form from 2007-09, in which he had 101 catches or more and 1,120 yards or more each year. He had 23 combined TDs in that span.

TIGHT ENDS
Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-TD
1. Antonio Gates, SD 10-50-782-10
2. Dallas Clark, Ind 6-37-347-3
3. Jason Witten, Dal 16-94-1,002-9
4. Vernon Davis, SF 16-56-914-7
5. Jermichael Finley, GB 5-21-301-1
6. Owen Daniels, Hou 11-38-471-2
7. Kellen Winslow, TB 16-66-730-5
8. Jimmy Graham, NO 15-31-356-5
9. Tony Gonzalez, Atl 16-70-656-6
10. Brandon Pettigrew, Det 16-71-722-4
11. Marcedes Lewis, Jac 16-58-700-10
12. Zach Miller, Sea 15-60-685-5
13. Rob Gronkowski, NE 16-42-546-10
14. Dustin Keller, NYJ 16-55-687-5
15. Chris Cooley, Was 16-77-849-3
16. Greg Olsen, Car 16-41-404-5
17. Tony Moeaki, KC 15-47-556-3
18. Brent Celek, Phi 16-42-511-4
19. Aaron Hernandez, NE 14-45-563-6
20. Todd Heap, Ari 13-40-599-5

Quick slants: Gates played all 64 games between 2006 and '09, and had ridiculous numbers in 2010, considering he played 10 games. ... Clark, the No. 2 tight end, is also coming off an injury-plagued year. He had a monster 2009 (100 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 TDs). ... You shouldn't have to worry about injury if you take Witten, who has played in all 64 games the last four years and posted at least 81 receptions and 952 yards each season. The drawback: He has averaged 5.5 TDs per season in that span. ... The Packers' Finley is an injury risk (18 games played since 2009), but he is very good when healthy (76 receptions for 977 yards and six TDs in that span). ... The 49ers' Davis had 78 catches for 965 yards and 13 TDs in 2009. ... After Davis, there is a pretty big drop. The Texans' Daniels -- the consensus No. 6 tight end in fantasy -- has all of 17 TDs in five years. ... The Falcons' Gonzalez could provide late-round value at age 35. He's ranked as a backup tight end on some sites, but he's much better than the likes of Greg Olsen. Though Gonzo had his lowest yardage total since 1998, his second NFL season, he still had 70 catches and six TDs. ... Don't overrate the Jaguars' Lewis, who, prior to his breakout 2010, had seven TDs in four years and had never had more than 41 receptions or 518 yards.

NEXT: Kickers and defenses/special teams

If you missed the first position rankings of the season, click here for a breakdown of the quarterbacks.

On to the players most of us can't live without in the first round of our draft: the running backs.

FRIDAY UPDATE: Chris Johnson ending his holdout, combined with concerns over Arian Foster's hamstring injury, have resulted in a shakeup of our original top six running backs.

Now that Johnson is no longer a threat to miss any games, and Foster is, we have Johnson at No. 2, followed by Ray Rice and Jamaal Charles. We dropped Foster to No. 5, one spot ahead of Maurice Jones-Drew.

If the injury is a threat to keep Foster out of the regular-season opener, it's a threat to bother him all year, which is a huge concern, obviously, for a player we considered No. 1 overall a few weeks ago. We'll have more on the values of Foster and Johnson on Saturday in a column in the print editions and at www.news-herald.com.

Rank, player, team GP-Yds-TD-Rec
1. Adrian Peterson, Min 15-1,298-13-36
2. Chris Johnson, Ten 16-1,364-12-44
3. Ray Rice, Bal 16-1,220-6-63
4. Jamaal Charles, KC 16-1,467-8-45
5. Arian Foster, Hou 16-1,616-18-66
6. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac 14-1,324-7-34
7. LeSean McCoy, Phi 15-1,080-9-78
8. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit 16-1,273-13-23
9. Frank Gore, SF 11-853-5-46
10. Michael Turner, Atl 16-1,371-12-12
11. Steven Jackson, StL 16-1,241-6-46
12. Matt Forte, Chi 16-1,069-9-51
13. Darren McFadden, Oak 13-1,157-10-47
14. Peyton Hillis, Cle 16-1,177-13-61
15. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG 16-1,235-8-47
16. LeGarrette Blount, TB 13-1,007-6-5
17. DeAngelo Williams, Car 6-361-1-11
18. Felix Jones, Dal 16-800-2-48
19. Ryan Mathews, SD 12-678-7-22
20. Jahvid Best, Det 16-555-6-58
21. Knowshon Moreno, Den 13-779-8-37
22. Ryan Grant, GB 1-45-0-0
23. Shonn Greene, NYJ 15-766-2-16
24. Beanie Wells, Ari 13-397-2-5
25. Cedric Benson, Cin 16-1,111-8-28
26. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE 16-1,008-13-12
27. Joseph Addai, Ind 8-495-4-19
28. Tim Hightower, Was 16-736-5-21
29. Daniel Thomas, Mia ROOKIE
30. Marshawn Lynch, Sea 16-737-6-22
31. Mark Ingram, NO ROOKIE
32. Fred Jackson, Buf 16-927-7-31
33. Jonathan Stewart, Car 14-770-3-8
34. Pierre Thomas, NO 6-269-2-29
35. James Starks, GB 3-101-0-2
36. Mike Tolbert, SD 15-735-11-25
37. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYG 15-914-6-52
38. C.J. Spiller, Buf 14-283-1-24
39. Michael Bush, Oak 14-655-8-18
40. Brandon Jacobs, NYG 16-823-9-7
41. Ryan Torain, Was 10-742-6-18
42. Willis McGahee, Den 15-380-6-14
43. Ricky Williams, Bal 16-673-3-19
44. Reggie Bush, Mia 8-150-1-34
45. Thomas Jones, KC 16-896-6-14
46. Danny Woodhead, NE 14-547-6-34
47. Ben Tate, Hou DID NOT PLAY
48. Javon Ringer, Ten 16-239-2-7
49. Donald Brown, Ind 13-497-2-20
50. Jerome Harrison, Det 12-330-1-12

Note: Yds are rushing yards only, TD are the back’s combined rushing and receiving touchdowns, and Rec stands for receptions. ... Statistics are from the 2010 season.

Quick slants: The electric Charles has totaled 2,587 yards rushing, 85 receptions, 765 yards receiving and 16 TDs the last two seasons. He has averaged 6.2 yards per carry in that span. ... Gore has missed a total of nine games the last three years. ... In three years with the Falcons, Turner has a combined 39 TDs, but only 23 receptions. ... The Rams' Jackson, who really has only had one big season, has a combined 10 TDs the last two years. ... The Panthers' Williams had a huge 2008, but has eight TDs in 19 games since. ... The Lions' Best had five of his six TDs in his first two games as a rookie. ... A possible sleeper is the Packers' Starks, who rushed for 315 yards in four playoff games last season. He could take over for Ryan Grant as the featured back at some point this season.

NEXT: Wide receivers

A quick note before we get to our first set of fantasy football rankings this preseason: The fact the Colts activated Peyton Manning from the physically unable to perform list Monday is enough for me to place the Colts quarterback in the top six at his position.

Yes, it might be a bit of a risk to take Manning in the third round of a 12-team league, but if you're hesitant to draft the player who has started 208 consecutive games, ask yourself the following questions:

Would you rather have Manning coming off neck surgery than Tony Romo, who played six games last year?

Would you rather have Matt Schaub, who threw for 4,370 yards in 2010 but finished nine TDs shy of Manning's 33?

Do you prefer Ben Roethlisberger, who averaged 250 yards passing per game last season, but only 1.4 TD tosses per contest?

I'd rather select Manning, even if there is a slight chance he will miss a game or two. He's 35, but still ranked in the top two of the league in yards passing (a career-high 4,700) and TD passes (33) last year.

Rank, player, team GP-Yds-TD-Int
1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 15-3,922-28-11
2. Michael Vick, Phi 12-3,018-21-6
3. Drew Brees, NO 16-4,620-33-22
4. Philip Rivers, SD 16-4,710-30-13
5. Tom Brady, NE 16-3,900-36-4
6. Peyton Manning, Ind 16-4,700-33-17
7. Tony Romo, Dal 6-1,605-11-7
8. Matt Schaub, Hou 16-4,370-24-12
9. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit 12-3,200-17-5
10. Matt Ryan, Atl 16-3,705-28-9
11. Josh Freeman, TB 16-3,451-25-6
12. Eli Manning, NYG 16-4,002-31-25
13. Joe Flacco, Bal 16-3,622-25-10
14. Kyle Orton, Den 13-3,653-20-9
15. Matt Cassel, KC 15-3,116-27-7
16. Sam Bradford, StL 16-3,512-18-15
17. Matthew Stafford, Det 3-535-6-1
18. Jay Cutler, Chi 15-3,274-23-16
19. Kevin Kolb, Ari 7-1,197-7-7
20. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buf 13-3,000-23-15
21. Mark Sanchez, NYJ 16-3,291-17-13
22. David Garrard, Jac 14-2,734-23-15
23. Jason Campbell, Oak 13-2,387-13-8
24. Donovan McNabb, Min 13-3,377-14-15
25. Colt McCoy, Cle 8-1,576-6-9

Note: Statistics are from the 2010 season.

Quick slants: Rodgers has averaged 4,131 yards passing and 33 total TDs (passing and rushing) the last three seasons. ... Vick reached 3,000 yards passing for the first time in 2010. ... In five years with the Saints, Brees has norms of 4,584 yards passing and 31 TD tosses. ... Rivers has norms of 4,324 yards and 31 TD passes since 2008. ... Brady has averaged 4,149 yards passing and 32 TDs since 2009. ... Peyton Manning has thrown for 4,000 or more yards in five consecutive seasons. His brother, Eli, has averaged 4,012 yards and 29 TD tosses the last two years. ... Prior to his injury-marred 2010, Romo averaged 4,047 yards and 29 TD tosses from 2007-09. ... Schaub has norms of 4,570 yards and 27 TD passes since 2009. ... Orton -- who has thrown for 7,455 yards and 41 TDs in 29 games since 2009 -- is underrated by many sites.

NEXT: Running backs

Sidney Rice's hip injury is a significant one for fantasy owners, since it damages the fantasy value of the indecisive one (Brett Favre), while increasing the statures of Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe. (As an aside: Was anyone else surprised ESPN didn't have a reporter speculate that Favre was wavering on his commitment to the Vikes after the Rice news broke?)

Rice said he aims to be back by midseason following surgery this week, but he also revealed the ailment could have been career-threatening.

What to do? I'd draft him as a No. 4 receiver, hope he plays by Week 9 or 10 and resembles anything close to the player who had 83 receptions for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

On to the final rankings of the preseason.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-Avg-TD
1. Andre Johnson, Hou 16-101-1,569-15.5-9
2. Randy Moss, NE 16-83-1,264-15.2-13
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 16-97-1,092-11.3-13
4. Reggie Wayne, Ind 16-100-1,264-12.6-10
5. Miles Austin, Dal 16-81-1,320-16.3-11
6. Roddy White, Atl 16-85-1,153-13.6-11
7. Brandon Marshall, Mia 15-101-1,120-11.1-10
8. DeSean Jackson, Phi 15-62-1,156-18.6-9
9. Steve Smith, Car 15-65-982-15.1-7
10. Calvin Johnson, Det 14-67-984-14.7-5
11. Steve Smith, NYG 16-107-1,220-11.4-7
12. Greg Jennings, GB 16-68-1,113-16.4-4
13. Marques Colston, NO 16-70-1,074-15.3-9
14. Anquan Boldin, Bal 15-84-1,024-12.2-4
15. Hines Ward, Pit 16-95-1,167-12.3-6
16. Chad Ochocinco, Cin 16-72-1,047-14.5-9
17. Michael Crabtree, SF 11-48-625-13.0-2
18. Mike Sims-Walker, Jac 15-63-869-13.8-7
19. Wes Welker, NE 14-123-1,348-11.0-4
20. Donald Driver, GB 16-70-1,061-15.2-6
21. Mike Wallace, Pit 16-39-756-19.4-6
22. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea 16-79-911-11.5-3
23. Dwayne Bowe, KC 11-47-589-12.5-4
24. Jeremy Maclin, Phi 15-56-773-13.8-4
25. Vincent Jackson, SD 15-68-1,167-17.2-9
26. Steve Breaston, Ari 15-55-712-12.9-3
27. Hakeem Nicks, NYG 14-47-790-16.8-6
28. Santana Moss, Was 16-70-902-12.9-3
29. Santonio Holmes, NYJ 16-79-1,248-15.8-5
30. Pierre Garcon, Ind 14-47-765-16.3-4
31. Percy Harvin, Min 15-60-790-13.2-6
32. Braylon Edwards, NYJ 16-45-680-15.1-4
33. Lee Evans, Buf 16-44-612-13.9-7
34. Bernard Berrian, Min 16-55-618-11.2-4
35. Robert Meachem, NO 16-45-722-16.0-9
36. Terrell Owens, Cin 16-55-829-15.1-5
37. Derrick Mason, Bal 16-73-1,028-14.1-7
38. Johnny Knox, Chi 15-45-527-11.7-5
39. Malcom Floyd, SD 16-45-776-17.2-1
40. Eddie Royal, Den 14-37-345-9.3-0
41. Mohamed Massaquoi, Cle 16-34-624-18.4-3
42. x-Anthony Gonzalez, Ind 16-57-664-11.6-4
43. Dez Bryant, Dal ROOKIE
44. Sidney Rice, Min 16-83-1,312-15.8-8
45. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 14-57-821-14.4-3
46. Kevin Walter, Hou 14-53-611-11.5-2
47. Nate Burleson, Det 13-63-812-12.9-3
48. Austin Collie, Ind 16-60-676-11.3-7
49. Chaz Schillens, Oak 8-29-365-12.6-2
50. Josh Morgan, SF 16-52-527-10.1-3
51. Chris Chambers, KC 16-45-730-16.2-5
52. Donnie Avery, StL 16-47-589-12.5-5
53. Early Doucet, Ari 9-17-214-12.6-1
54. Devin Aromashodu, Chi 10-24-298-12.4-4
55. Kenny Britt, Ten 16-42-701-16.7-3
56. Devery Henderson, NO 16-51-804-15.8-2
57. Mario Manningham, NYG 14-57-822-14.4-5
58. Devin Hester, Chi 13-57-757-13.3-3
59. Roy Williams, Dal 15-38-596-15.7-7
60. Legedu Naanee, SD 15-24-242-10.1-2
x-2008 statistics (injured in 2009).

QUICK SLANTS

In the last two seasons, the Texans' Johnson has averaged 108 catches for 1,572 yards and 8.5 touchdowns. ... Fitzgerald has a sprained MCL but plans to be ready for the season opener. ... In the last three seasons, Marshall has averaged 102 receptions for 1,237 yards and 7.7 TDs. ... The Falcons' White has posted at least 83 catches for 1,153 yards or more in each of the last three seasons. ... Last year, the Panthers' Smith recorded his lowest yardage total since 2004. ... The Packers' Jennings had a combined 21 TDs in 2007 and '08, but was held to four scores last season. ... The Packers' Driver has six consecutive seasons with at least 70 receptions for 1,012 yards. ... The Chargers' Jackson will be suspended for the first three games and is in a contract dispute. He's a risky pick. ... Welker, who seems to have made a remarkable recovery from a severe knee injury, has recorded 111 receptions or more and 1,165 yards or better in each of the last three seasons. ... The Jets' Holmes will be suspended for the first four games. ... A possible sleeper: The Bears' Aromashodu, who had 22 catches for 282 yards and four TDs in the final four games last season.

TIGHT ENDS

Rank, player, team GP-Rec-Yds-Avg-TD
1. Dallas Clark, Ind 16-100-1,106-11.1-10
2. Antonio Gates, SD 16-79-1,157-14.6-8
3. Brent Celek, Phi 16-76-971-12.8-8
4. Vernon Davis, SF 16-78-965-12.4-13
5. Jason Witten, Dal 16-94-1,030-11.0-2
6. Tony Gonzalez, Atl 16-83-867-10.4-6
7. Jermichael Finley, GB 13-55-676-12.3-5
8. Chris Cooley, Was 7-29-332-11.4-2
9. Kellen Winslow Jr., TB 16-77-884-11.5-5
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min 16-56-566-10.1-11
11. Owen Daniels, Hou 8-40-519-13.0-5
12. Heath Miller, Pit 16-76-789-10.4-6
13. Zach Miller, Oak 15-66-805-12.2-3
14. John Carlson, Sea 16-51-574-11.3-7
15. Greg Olsen, Chi 16-60-612-10.2-8
16. Jeremy Shockey, NO 13-48-569-11.9-3
17. Kevin Boss, NYG 15-42-567-13.5-5
18. Dustin Keller, NYJ 16-45-522-11.6-2
19. Marcedes Lewis, Jac 15-32-518-16.2-2
20. Todd Heap, Bal 16-53-593-11.2-6
21. Ben Watson, Cle 16-29-404-13.9-5
22. Bo Scaife, Ten 14-45-440-9.8-1
23. Anthony Fasano, Mia 14-31-339-10.9-2
24. Brandon Pettigrew, Det 11-30-346-11.5-2
Note: Statistics are from the 2009 season.

QUICK SLANTS

Gates has scored at least eight touchdowns in six consecutive seasons and has had 71 catches or more in five of the six years. ... The 34-year-old Gonzalez had his fewest yards since 2002, but still has seven straight seasons with at least 71 catches for 867 yards. ... Witten has only 13 TDs in the last three years, but he's averaged 90 catches for 1,042 yards in that span. ... The Texans' Daniels is coming off ACL surgery, but should play in Week 1. ... Winslow has 16 TDs in 60 career games. ... Shiancoe has 18 TDs in the last two years and will be counted on heavily with Sidney Rice out. ... The Steelers' Miller could be a late-round steal after posting career highs in receptions and yards last season. ... In the last three years, Shockey has six TDs in 39 games.

PAST PREVIEWS

-- Quarterbacks

-- Defenses and special teams

-- Kickers

-- Complete player rankings

Before we get to the rankings for what used to be the slam-dunk, no-doubt, Gus Johnson-emphatic position for your first-round pick, here are a few more leftover numbers from the analysis we did on the increased importance of quarterbacks and receivers in point-per-reception leagues:

-- There were 15 1,000-yard rushers last season, down only one from the year before, but eight below the total for 2006. From 2000 to '09, there were, on average, 18 1,000-yard backs.

-- More importantly, there were just three backs who ran for at least 1,400 yards in 2009, compared to six in 2006, eight in 2005, six in '04 and nine in '03. Last season's total marked the second-fewest 1,400-yard rushers of the decade.

On to the rankings ...

Rank, player, team GP-Yds-TD-Rec-Yds-TD
1. Chris Johnson, Ten 16-2,006-14-50-503-2
2. Adrian Peterson, Min 16-1,383-18-43-436-0
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac 16-1,391-15-53-374-1
4. Ray Rice, Bal 16-1,339-7-78-702-1
5. Frank Gore, SF 14-1,120-10-52-406-3
6. Steven Jackson, StL 14-1,120-10-52-406-3
7. DeAngelo Williams, Car 13-1,117-7-29-252-0
8. Michael Turner, Atl 11-871-10-5-35-0
9. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit 16-1,108-7-25-261-1
10. Ryan Grant, GB 16-1,253-11-25-197-0
11. Cedric Benson, Cin 13-1,251-6-17-111-0
12. Shonn Greene, NYJ 14-540-2-0-0-0
13. Ryan Mathews, SD ROOKIE
14. Knowshon Moreno, Den 16-947-7-28-213-2
15. Beanie Wells, Ari 16-793-7-12-143-0
16. LeSean McCoy, Phi 16-637-4-40-308-0
17. Jamaal Charles, KC 15-1,120-7-40-297-1
18. Pierre Thomas, NO 14-793-6-39-302-2
19. Jonathan Stewart, Car 16-1,133-10-18-139-1
20. Joseph Addai, Ind 15-828-10-51-336-3
21. Matt Forte, Chi 16-929-4-57-471-0
22. Ronnie Brown, Mia 9-648-8-14-98-0
23. Felix Jones, Dal 14-685-3-19-119-0
24. Ricky Williams, Mia 16-1,121-11-35-264-2
25. Jerome Harrison, Cle 14-862-5-34-220-2
26. Brandon Jacobs, NYG 15-835-5-18-184-1
27. Reggie Bush, NO 14-390-5-47-335-3
28. Marion Barber, Dal 15-932-7-26-221-0
29. Clinton Portis, Was 8-494-1-9-57-1
30. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG 15-778-7-21-207-0
31. Justin Forsett, Sea 16-619-4-41-350-1
32. Fred Jackson, Buf 16-1,062-2-46-371-2
33. Darren McFadden, Oak 12-357-1-21-245-0
34. Thomas Jones, KC 16-1,402-14-10-58-0
35. Steve Slaton, Hou 11-437-3-44-417-4
36. C.J. Spiller, Buf ROOKIE
37. Jahvid Best, Det ROOKIE
38. Cadillac Williams, TB 16-823-4-28-217-3
39. Arian Foster, Hou 6-257-3-8-93-0
40. Donald Brown, Ind 11-281-3-11-169-0
41. Michael Bush, Oak 16-589-3-17-105-0
42. Laurence Maroney, NE 15-757-9-14-99-0
43. Tim Hightower, Ari 16-598-8-63-428-0
44. Chester Taylor, Chi 16-338-1-44-389-1
45. Montario Hardesty, Cle ROOKIE
46. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ 14-730-12-20-154-0
47. Kevin Smith, Det 13-747-4-41-415-1
48. Julius Jones, Sea 14-663-2-35-232-2
49. Darren Sproles, SD 16-343-3-45-497-4
50. Correll Buckhalter, Den 14-642-1-31-240-0
51. Willis McGahee, Bal 16-544-12-15-85-2
52. Derrick Ward, TB 14-409-1-20-150-2
53. Brandon Jackson, GB 12-111-2-21-187-1
54. Marshawn Lynch, Buf 13-450-2-28-179-0
55. Bernard Scott, Cin 13-321-0-5-67-0
56. Mike Bell, Phi 13-654-5-4-12-0
57. Dexter McCluster, KC ROOKIE
58. Rashad Jennings, Jac 15-202-1-16-101-0
59. Jason Snelling, Atl 14-613-4-30-259-1
60. Leon Washington, Sea 7-331-0-15-131-0
Note: Statistics are from the 2009 season.

QUICK SLANTS

The Titans' Johnson has a combined 26 touchdowns and 93 receptions in his first two NFL seasons. ... Peterson set career highs in touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards last season. ... In the last two years, Jones-Drew has 115 catches, and he has averaged 13.5 TDs in his four-year career. ... Gore has a combined 209 catches the last four seasons. ... The Rams' Jackson isn't nearly as much of an asset in TD-heavy scoring formats. He has 18 the last three years. ... Turner isn't as much of an asset in PPR leagues. He has 22 receptions in six seasons. ... Benson has only 18 TDs in five years. ... The Broncos' Moreno has missed the preseason with a hamstring injury but hopes to be ready for Week 1. ... The Chiefs' Charles ran for 968 yards and seven TDs and caught 23 passes in his final eight games last year. His reward: Kansas City signed Thomas Jones to start. ... Addai has rushed for all of 1,372 yards the last two years. ... Forte was a bust last season after a huge rookie year (2008). ... In his two-year career, the Cowboys' Jones has averaged 6.5 yards per carry on 146 attempts. ... The Browns' Harrison ran for 561 yards and five TDs in the final three contests of 2009. ... Bush, who is entering his fifth season, has yet to hit the 2,000-yard mark for his career.

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Coming Wednesday: Wide receivers and tight ends