Whether your draft is around the corner, or even if you’ve already drafted, these are players that fantasy owners should consider targeting right now before their values start to climb.

Grab Them Now

RB Clinton Portis

The veteran’s value is only going to rise as people start realizing that he still holds top 10 upside (especially if paired with Ladell Betts). If you haven’t drafted yet, he is a fine pick in that late second round, just grab Ladell Betts no matter what. If you have already drafted, no worries… his value is still low (for the moment), so use some second-round talent and attack Portis via trade before it’s too late. I’ve seen fantasy owners turn Cadillac Williams and a 7th-round WR into PortisBetts. That is how you win leagues!

RB Adrian Peterson

While I don’t advise that you take the rookie in the second (because you can get him later), I’m starting to think that the kid will play like a second rounder right from the start. AD is far too explosive to keep off the field and he should be used early and often starting in week one. If he stays healthy, his value is sure to climb from here on out, so if you’ve already drafted… act now if you want him at the cost of a late-third to early 4th… he won’t get any cheaper than this!

WR Marques Colston

This kid is not the next Mark Clayton! Drew Brees and that insane offensive attack are going to be playing in some extremely high scoring games in ‘07, as their defense is sure to give up a lot of points. This is great news for anyone that owns Brees, Bush, McAllister, Colston and Henderson. The great thing about having so many talented athletes on the Saints roster is that teams CAN’T focus on Colston very often. He won’t get the kind of attention a breakout WR would normally get heading into his second breakout season. If you want one of the league’s most underrated #1 WRs, Colston is your guy. Probably the best strategy in fantasy football right now is to go RB, RB with your first two picks, then follow that up with two WRs like Colston, Boldin or Walker.

WR Javon Walker

Another year recovered from ACL surgery, Javon Walker should be ready to rumble in 2007. He has the skill-set of a top 5WR and may reach those kind of fantasy stats as early as this year. If Cutler can stay healthy, I see no reason Walker can’t reach double-digit touchdowns in ‘07. Like Colston, Walker is one of fantasy football’s most underrated low-end WR1-types entering the ‘07 season.

QB Vince Young

Vince Young is in our Top 6 For Fantasy Quarterbacks heading into the season, but the nice thing about Young right now is that you can grab him in the 6-8 round-range. That is what you call value. Just make sure you grab a solid back-up quarterback if you roll with Young as your ‘07 fantasy starter. No, not because he is on the Madden cover, but because he is a rushing quarterback. Young may just rush for 700+ yards and score 10TDs on the ground in 2007. He is going to be an absolute monster this year and he will be one of the most fun fantasy players to own come Sundays.

Other Players On The Rise

• WR Vincent Jackson
• QB Tony Romo
• WR Santonio Holmes
• WR Wes Welker
• RB Marion Barber
• QB Matt Schaub