I’ve been in a number of drafts already – some mocks and some genuine – and it has been interesting to observe what the reaction has been to several players that have question marks over their heads. Some drafters have been very strategic in how they’ve viewed these players. One, who was aced out of the top fantasy quarterbacks, sat back and went for Brett Favre in the late rounds. Nice move. There’s little risk with a pick like this – you can bet Favre will join the Vikes if he gets the go-ahead following recent shoulder surgery. Here’s the early draft scoop on a few others.

Plaxico Burress – Has definitely been a sneaky pick in the early drafts typically being taken as a WR4 or WR5. However, his situation may have taken an even more uncertain turn. While his lawyer might be successful in getting Plaxico’s gun possession hearing/trial pushed out until after this season, NFL commish Roger Goodell in not too pleased. He’d like to see some legal clarification and might suspend Burress “indefinitely” until the justice system makes a move.  The leading candidate to sign Burress is the New York Jets. They desperately need receiving help and, conveniently, Burress wouldn’t have to move from his New York area home. However, putting him on a team that will be deciding between rookie Matt Sanchez and unproven Kellen Clemens at quarterback doesn’t sound very fantasy appetizing.

Marvin Harrison – The soon to be 37-year old (August) still wants to play, but his 10.6 yards per catch average last season was the lowest of his career and may have been a hint that he’s not much more than a possession receiver anymore. Nevertheless, there are several teams that could use him (Jets, Bears) and we think he’ll sign with someone. The early drafters don’t seem too enamored with him though. They’re letting him slide until the very late rounds.

Leon Washington – Washington joined the ranks of the “uncertainties” after he held out of the Jets’ OTAs and continues to threaten to sit out of training camp unless he gets a new deal. He’s a good RB3 pick up in PPR leagues (47 catches last year) and word has it that New York wants to get him a few more rushes per game this year. I’d still take the chance with him in an early draft.

Brandon Marshall – As you probably know, Marshall has made a formal request to be traded since Denver doesn’t seem inclined to give him a pay raise. While it’s true that he’s one of the most underpaid receivers in the NFL, Marshall has had so many off-the-field problems that he’s an honorary member of the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s probably one more infraction away from a lengthy suspension and that’s what Denver is noodling too. The early drafters have been bearish on Marshall and was a late 3^rd round pick in a draft I was in last night. That’s probably partially attributed to the major QB shakeup in Denver too though. Personally, I think Marshall is over-rated at least going into this season. I think the QB change is a huge factor in his assessment and think he’s better suited as a WR2. Baltimore was rumored to have interest in Marshall recently. Do you think Denver would trade him to Chicago and let him pair up with Cutler again? Neither do I.

Anquan Boldin – Boldin also wants a new contract and is much more deserving than Marshall is. However, Arizona might not have deep enough pockets to accommodate him who reportedly wants in the neighborhood of $10 million per year. He skipped the team’s OTAs in early June, but word has it that he intends to report to camp. Remember he is under contract and has two years left on his current deal. Boldin’s fantasy value is optimal if he stays with Arizona, but he’s still a strong WR2 should he end up elsewhere (Chicago and Philly have been rumored).

Brian Westbrook – I include Westbrook on this list because of his off-season surgeries (ankle and knee). There’s no question that his stock has been slipping. He was a top 5 pick when we did the Athlon magazine draft in early May, but has been more of a later round grab of late. In fact, he was the 11^th pick of a 12-team draft last night. I suspect he’ll remain as a late first rounder even into early August. Westbrook is not expected to be ready when camp opens and may not take the field until later in the summer. No question, he’s a dilemma at this time. Both the risks and rewards are high.