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Before dissecting these rankings, it is important to consider that many factors will alter these rankings between now and August, such as injuries, arrests, personnel changes, and most importantly transactions via free agency and trades.

Last season featured a significantly shallow assembly of running backs.  Although the class has slightly deepened this year, it is still the shallowest position and will remain a priority come draft-day, which explains their prevalence in the top 15. Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers are deeper than they have ever been, while Tight Ends, like last season, remain extremely top-heavy.

1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
2. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
3. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks
4. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
5. CJ Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills
6. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
7. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
8. Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns
9. Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
11. Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots
12. Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins
13. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
14. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
15. Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots
16. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
17. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
18. Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints
19. AJ Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
20. Brandon Marshall, WR, Chicago Bears
21. Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys
22. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons
23. Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings
24. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos
25. Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers
26. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
27. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
28. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
29. Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers
30. Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
31. DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys
32. Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos
33. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
34. Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants
35. Eric Decker, WR, Denver Broncos
36. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
37. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
38. Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers
39. Steven Jackson, RB, ???
40. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
41. Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
42. Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions
43. Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots
44. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons
45. Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins
46. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
47. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers
48. Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers
49. Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints
50. Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington Redskins
51. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
52. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
53. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Dolphins
54. Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
55. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
56. Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants
57. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
58. Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
59. David Wilson, RB, New York Giants
60. Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers
61. Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans Saints
62. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons
63. Jonathen Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
64. Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens
65. Greg Jennings, WR, Green bay Packers
66. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
67. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts
68. Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
69. Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis Rams
70. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys
71. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants
72. Willis McGahee, RB, Denver Broncos
73. Vick Ballard, RB, Indianapolis Colts
74. James Jones, WR, Green Bay Packers
75. Stevie Johnson, WR, Buffalo Bills
76. Reggie Bush, RB, ???
77. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens
78. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
79. Ryan Williams, RB, Arizona Cardinals
80. Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys
81. Danario Alexander, WR, San Diego Chargers
82. Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys
83. Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans
84. TY Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts
85. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Atlanta Falcons
86. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, ???
87. Brandon Lloyd, WR, New England Patriots
88. Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns
89. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, ???
90. Denarius Morre, WR, Oakland Raiders
91. Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints
92. Sidney Rice, WR, Seattle Seahawks
93. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
94. Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans
95. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
96. Michael Turner, RB, ???
97. Ben Roethlisburger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
98. Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore Ravens
99. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers
100. Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterbacks

Josh Freeman (QB), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Josh Freeman (QB), Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Last season, Freeman was predicted by many to have a breakout season, building on his impressive 2010 performance. Unfortunately, he was a bust. He finished last season with 22 interceptions and only 16 TDs. This upcoming season, he should bounce back with the personnel additions of Vincent Jackson to the passing attack and Doug Martin in the backfield. He will be a solid backup with potential as a low-end fantasy QB#1.

Running Backs

James Starks (RB), Green Bay Packers
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James Starks (RB), Green Bay Packers: Starks was put on fantasy football enthusiasts radar’s after his impressive performance during the playoffs in the Packers’ Super Bowl run of 2010. Starks in now no longer sharing carries with Ryan Grant, making him the featured back. Although he is part of a pass heavy offense, a featured back in round 7 and at 29th for his position is too good of a value to pass up. He wont blow up, but he can become a solid fantasy RB#3/flex.

Mikel Leshoure (RB), Detroit Lions: At first glance, Leshoure may not look like someone who can produce a fruitful fantasy season this coming year. He tore his Achilles’ tendon last offseason, was arrested for marijuana possession this offseason, is seemingly the #2 back behind Jahvid Best, and is on a pass-first Lions squad that was 4th overall passing and 29th overall rushing. Optimistically, Jahvid Best is a guy that just can’t stay healthy. If Best does manage to stay healthy, his role will be reduced to that of a Reggie Bush, Darren Sproles-type. Chris McCosky of the Detroit News recently called Leshoure “the primary back the Lions have been missing.” Well worth the 9th round pick considering his potential and probability as the Lions’ featured back.

Toby Gerhart (RB), Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson is hoping to be back on the field in time for week 1 of the NFL season. Despite these wishes, it is a reality that he will either start the season on the PUP list or, if he is physically ready for week 1, he will be eased into the offense with single digit carries for the first several weeks until he proves his health. Regardless of how it plays out, Gerhart will end up seeing a larger role in the offense, especially early in the season.

Doug Martin (RB), Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Out of every RB on this list, I believe Doug Martin is in the best situation to potentially become a fantasy RB#1. Unlike Legarrette Blount, Martin has the prototype skill-set of a three-down back in the NFL, which means he should see the majority of the carries. This paired with the newly appointed, run-first head coach Greg Schiano, means that Martin is in prime position to emerge as a high-end RB#2.

Wide Receivers

Malcom Floyd (WR), San Diego Chargers: After Vincent Jackson departed San Diego for Tampa Bay, the Chargers filled the void created in the receiving corps with former Saint Robert Meachem. Due to Meachem lacking WR#1 talent paired with the steady decline in production from Antonio Gates, Floyd is given an opportunity to emerge as the Chargers’ top receiving threat. At 6′ 5″ and 225 lbs, Floyd also possesses the physical characteristics of a true WR#1. He can potentially become a solid fantasy WR#2 and would make a great value pick if you take him in the 8th round or later.

Antonio Brown (WR), Pittsburgh Steelers: Brown showed flashes of greatness last year. Although he is a WR#2 behind Mike Wallace, he was targeted a team-high 123 times and averaged 16.1 yds/catch. The Steelers also did little to repair their running back situation and are relying on Isaac Redman to carry the workload, expect Pittsburgh to become a pass-first team. Although he is unlikely to blow up into a fantasy stud, he can consistently produce as a WR#2. It also certainly does not hurt that this is a contract year for Brown. Take him in the 6th round or later.

Percy Harvin (WR), Minnesota Vikings
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Percy Harvin (WR), Minnesota Vikings: Harvin finished the 2011 season with career highs in receptions (87) and yards (967) with 6 TDs. He also took the ball out of the backfield 52 times last year, rushing for 345 yards and an additional 2 TDs. After Adrian Peterson got hurt, Harvin was given a much more substantial role in the offense. In the first half of the season, Harvin was ranked 42nd in fantasy points. In the second half, he was ranked 3rd. Adrian Peterson will be eased back into the offense, Making Harvin a primary and versatile component of the Vikings’ offensive attack. A great pick if you can snag him in the 5th round or later. Just be sure to pay attention to his contract situation.

Eric Decker (WR), Denver Broncos: Although Demaryius Thomas will be the first Denver WR taken in this year’s fantasy drafts, Decker will emerge as the better value. For no one knowing who Peyton’s favorite target is just yet, the difference in Thomas’ ADP (4.09) and Decker’s ADP (6.07) is substantial. Thomas will most likely be a deep threat, creating big plays, while Decker’s more precise route running and superior yards after the catch abilities can make him a great fantasy producer, especially in PPR leagues.

Jeremy Maclin (WR), Philadelphia Eagles: For a guy being drafted in the 5th round this season, Maclin has a solid shot at finishing in the top 10 of WRs. Last season he was plagues with illness and injuries and still managed 859 yards and 5 TDs. My only concern is that his production is dependent on Vick’s health, which is always a huge risk.

Reggie Wayne (WR), Indianapolis Colts: An aging receiver past his prime, Wayne was once a top 5 fantasy wideout that has seen better days. Although he’s been on a steady decline, he will be Luck’s primary target. Also, with such a porous defensive unit, the Colts will be down more often than not, relying on the passing game to close the scoring gaps. If he falls to the 7th round, take him. He can easily bounce back as a steady fantasy WR#2.

Tight Ends

Coby Fleener (TE), Indianapolis Colts: Fleener could not have asked for a better situation to be drafted into. Reunited with his collegiate QB, Andrew Luck, Fleener will most likely be a featured aspect of the Colts’ pass attack. He already has that rapport built with Luck that is necessary for a successful tandem, and with the departure of Dallas Clark, the job is his. He could quickly develop into a late round steal as a fantasy TE#1.

Kickers

Matt Prater (K), Denver Broncos
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Matt Prater (K), Denver Broncos:Like every season in fantasy drafts, there will be ‘that guy’ that reaches or overpays for a kicker. This year, Sebastian Janikowski and David Akers will be the ones taken way too early. When the last round comes and those two options are gone, Prater should be your primary target. Denver’s thin air is incredibly underrated in the kicking game. In fact, two out of the three 63yd field goal that hold the record for distance took place in Denver. Peyton Manning should also provide plenty of more opportunities than Tebow did last season.