At some point in your draft, you’re going to say, “DAMN! I totally forgot about him.”

Being prepared prior to going into your draft is key, but you all ready know that. You’re looking for something a little more. You want someone to point out clearly why you should take that key skilled position one round earlier than your competition so when you win it all, every thinks you’re a genius. Look no further than these key skilled players that are flying under the radar in many “Expert” mock drafts. 

I believe that at the end of the season, when you look at these players stats, they’ll be better than many “Experts” expected.

Here are you 2008 players that are “Flying Under The Radar”:

QB’S

Marc Bulger – St. Louis Rams : I see a turn around season for Bulger while many “Experts” don’t for some reason. Offensive tackle, Orlando Pace should be healthy for the ’08 season which makes Bulger’s backside happy. Also, the running game of Steven Jackson will return. No longer will we see seasons of 4,000+ yards from Bulger, but I think 3500+ is respectable. The loss of Isaac Bruce will hurt a little, but let’s be honest here, he was on the downside of his career and really wasn’t making plays for the Rams offense. Torry Holt is still the man, and we all know what he can do. If the Rams can incorporate Randy McMichael a little more into the offense it should open the field more, and allow Bulger to check down to Jackson. I like Bulger this year, I see a big comeback for him, and he’s my Comeback Player of the Year in ’08 for quarterbacks. My Projections : 3569 YDS – 23 TD’s – 13 INT

Philip Rivers – San Diego Chargers : This is another quarterback that doesn’t get the Fantasy Owners respect for some reason. After looking over some other “Experts” rankings, Rivers was as high as 20…20, are you kidding me? Here’s a guy who’s played in 32 consecutive regular season games, arguably has the best running back and tight end in the game as weapons, but still gets no love. Well Phillip Rivers, I love you man. You almost made it into my Top 10, and who knows, in a few weeks, you just might. I love what Rivers brings to the table, and the fact that he has AWESOME weapons around him, makes him that much more appealing to me. Rivers is a great pick in all formats of Fantasy Football. My Projections : 3515 YDS – 24 TD’s – 9 INT

Alex Smith – San Francisco 49ers : Alex Smith meet Mike Martz, you know, the guy who helped Jon Kitna exceed more than 4,000 yards the last two years. If you can’t succeed in this offense you should be working right next to Ryan Leaf at the local burger joint. This is a make or break year for Smith. With the additions of Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson to along with up and coming tight end Vernon Davis, the pieces are in place to make Smith succeed. The big question is can Smith beat out Shaun Hill who is knocking on the door? I think so. Like Jackson, Smith could be one of those nice sleepers you pick late in the draft as your second quarterback and reap the benefits of the “Martz System”. My Projections : 3079 YDS – 22 TD's – 12 INT

RB’S

Matt Forte – Chicago Bears : The former Tulane standout is quickly moving up the RB rankings. Not many Fantasy owners know much about him, so if your draft is early this is a guy you can sneak onto your team in the middle to late rounds.  At 6’2’, 220 pounds, Forte is a guy who can handle the rock for 20+ carries a game.  Over his last eight games at Tulane, the bruising back averaged 202.3 yds per game.  The kid can also catch the ball out of the backfield which should help Points Per Reception league owners.  If Forte holds off Adrian Peterson, which he should, Forte should enjoy an excellent rookie campaign. My Projection : 801 YDS – 6 RTD’

Rudi Johnson – Cincinnati Bengals : 2007 was an awful year for Rudi Johnson.  Thinking that losing weight would make him a better runner, Johnson suffered through his worst season as a pro.  Now, Johnson is back to his 2006 weight, and look for a dramatic improvement in his Fantasy numbers.  Although Johnson is a reliable running back, Kenny Watson and Chris Perry should see significant time in the backfield.  Johnson is still a decent RB2, and should be selected in the middle rounds. My Projection : 1011 YDS – 8 RTD’s

Kevin Smith – Detroit Lions : Smith's major competition in Detroit is Tatum Bell, which isn't saying much. Coming off an NCAA record for careers in a season (450), Smith has shown he's durable and take a beating. In your Points Per Reception (PPR) leagues, Smith has the highest selling for rookie running backs. With great hands out of the back field, if Smith doesn't win the job right away in Detroit, he'll be handling passing and third down situations. My Projection : 996 YDS – 6 RTD’s

WR’S

Laurent Robinson – Atlanta Falcons : Many of you reading this right now are probably like, “WHO”? Understandable.  After a great minicamp in April, Robinson has taken over the #2 wide receiver spot.  That may not mean much right now since the Falcons haven’t named a starting quarterback, but the fact of the matter is, this guy has the talent and could close in on 1,000 yds. A decent WR3 or flex player for your Fantasy team. My Projection : 936 YDS – 5 RTD’s

Drew Bennett – St. Louis Rams : Bye-bye Bruce, hello 6’5” Drew Bennett.  Torry Holt is the man in St. Louis, but Marc Bulger can’t throw his way every time.  Bennett will see plenty of balls thrown his way, especially in the red-zone.  With Tory Holt consistently drawing double teams, look for Drew to bust free, and slowly become a favorite target of Bulger :  My Projection : 786 YDS – 5 RTD’s

Sidney Rice – Minnesota Vikings : Fall in love with this guy and you won’t regret it.  Rice is going to be a great WR2/3 in your league.  With decent numbers a year ago (396 yds, 4 TD), I think Rice and Tavaris Jackson will form a bond, and will be a great tandem.  Bernard Berrian is listed as the Vikings #1 wide receiver, which is good news because he’ll draw the double teams, allowing Rice to have one-on-one coverage.  You should be able to get him in the later rounds, but Rice will produce 6th round number for your wide receiver position. My Projection : 756 YDS – 6 RTD’s