Mike Wallace Interview

This past weekend I had the opportunity to talk to the Steelers new rookie receiver Mike Wallace. The Steelers took Wallace in the 3rd round with the 84th pick. If you read my pre draft receiver rankings, you may remember that I had Wallace at number eight on the list. Along with being one of the fastest receivers in his draft class with a 4.33 forty yard dash, Wallace is also the first player interview on my blog. I would again like to thank Mike for taking the time out of his busy schedule and I wish him the best in his NFL career.

Fbkid: What was the whole draft process like for you?
Mike Wallace: It was nerve racking but it was a really good experience
FB: What was it like to be called on draft day?
MW: It was the best feeling in the world just to know that all of the hard work paid off.
FB: What is it like being reunited with your childhood friend Keenan Lewis?
MW: It’s good since it makes the transition easier knowing that you will go through the experience with somebody you know.
FB: What do you think you can bring to the Steelers?
MW: Competiveness, speed, whatever Coach Tomlin needs me to bring.
FB: What do you feel is your greatest strength as a player and what do you need to work on?
MW: My greatest strength is my speed but I need to work on my whole game as I can always get better.
FB: What current wide receiver do you think you compare most favorably to?
MW: DeSean Jackson but I’m a little bigger.
FB: What is your greatest football moment to date?
MW: Beating Florida in the Swamp.
FB: When did you realize you had a future in football beyond college?
MW: I always felt that if I stayed focused that I could make it since all of my coaches were really confident in me.
FB: Who was your favorite pro team growing up?
MW: The 49ers I really liked watching Jerry Rice, John Taylor and T.O.
Question: What player are you most looking forward to go against?
MW: Champ Bailey
FB: Who is the best player you played against in your college career?
MW: Percy Harvin.
FB: What do you want to do when your career is over?
MW: I want to own businesses and provide for my family.

Fbkid's Fantasy Football Top Ten Rookies

Last year was a very good year for rookies in fantasy football. Running backs such as Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton and Jonathan Stewart all had big impacts on people’s teams last year. That's not even mentioning the receivers such as DeSean Jackson and Eddie Royal along with Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco at the quarterback position. While this rookie class isn't as deep, there are some players who could have big impacts on your fantasy teams this upcoming season. Here are my top ten fantasy football rookies who could help you win your league next year.


1. Knowshon Moreno RB Broncos: The Broncos had a very good passing attack last year but with the Jay Cutler trade, that will take a hit. Moreno is a very durable back which the Broncos desperately need considering they went through seven last year. Running backs usually have the biggest impact on fantasy football right out of the gate and Moreno should be no different as the Broncos focus on improving their running game this year. Expect around 1300 total yards and 10 touchdowns.

2. Mark Sanchez QB Jets: Other than last year, rookie quarterbacks don't usually put up very good fantasy numbers. Sanchez though has the potential to pick up where Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco left off. Most rookie quarterbacks are thrown into the fire right away with a poor offensive line and are sacked 60 times. That won't be the case for Sanchez as he is protected by one of the league's best offensive lines. Sanchez is already the toast of New York but it won't be long before fantasy owners feel the same way. Expect around 3200 yards 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

3. Michael Crabtree WR 49ers: After seeing the numbers he put up in the pass happy Texas Tech offense, fantasy owners were salivating at the chance to take Crabtree. Crabtree should be very effective in the NFL but rookie receivers don't usually put up big fantasy numbers. Plus, the quarterback situation in San Francisco isn't settled as Shaun Hill and Alex Smith are battling for the starting job. Crabtree should be effective this year but he should really start putting up numbers in year two. Expect around 800 yards and 5 touchdowns.

4. Chris Wells RB Cardinals: Wells has a combination of size and speed that can make him a very effective fantasy back. He has the speed to run away from defenders and the size to score on the goal line. The only problems are that he isn't very durable and the Cardinals offensive line has struggled in run blocking. Wells has all the potential to be a top fantasy back in the Cardinals offense but don't forget that four years ago everybody was expecting JJ Arrington to have a huge rookie season. Expect around 900 total yards and 7 touchdowns.

5. Donald Brown RB Colts: Brown may not be the starting back for the Colts, but he has the potential to have a big time fantasy football impact in his rookie season. Brown doesn't have any "wow" factors in his running style but he is a very good all around back who catches the ball out of the backfield well. Brown is an interesting player to watch in rookie leagues as he will start off as a compliment to Joseph Addai but later on could become an elite fantasy back. Expect around 800 total yards and 6 touchdowns.

6. Jeremy Maclin WR Eagles: Maclin could end up being a bigger impact in fantasy football then Crabtree due to the fact that the Eagles have stability at the quarterback position. Maclin has excellent speed and he and DeSean Jackson will form one of the fastest receiver tandems in the league. If you get extra points in your league for return yards and special team’s touchdowns, Maclin could end up being a very good value in the middle rounds. Expect around 1500 total yards and 5 touchdowns.

7. Percy Harvin WR Vikings: There isn't really a true position for Harvin as he is more of a receiver/running back hybrid. But with all of that being said, he was a threat to score every time he touched the ball at Florida. He is a very raw receiver but the Vikings already said they will use him in similar ways that Urban Meyer did at Florida. He won't ever be a number one fantasy receiver but he could put up very similar numbers to what Reggie Bush put up his rookie season. Expect around 1300 total yards and 6 touchdowns.

8. Shonn Greene RB Jets: With both Thomas Jones and Leon Washington wanting new contracts, Greene could have a very big role in the Jets offense this year. He isn't a threat to score every time he touches the ball but has good size and could be a touchdown vulture around the goal line. He is worth keeping an eye on in keeper league as he could very well be the Jets feature running back next year. Expect around 800 total yards and 5 touchdowns.

9. LeSean McCoy RB Eagles: Since Brian Westbrook isn't very durable, McCoy could have a bigger impact on fantasy leagues then you would expect. Like Westbrook, McCoy is a very good receiver and he is also a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Look for McCoy to have a big impact as a complimentary back this year. Expect around 900 total yards and 4 touchdowns.

10. Rashad Jennings RB Jaguars: Jennings was the top small school running back in the draft this year and it was a shock to many that he fell to the Jaguars in the 7th round. Like Maurice Jones-Drew did three years ago, Jennings has the potential to burst on the fantasy scene right away. The Jaguars are looking to run the ball again and Jones-Drew who is now the feature back started to breakdown towards the end of the year as he was getting the ball almost 40 times a game. Keep an eye on Jennings in the preseason and the first few weeks of the season before it's too late. Expect around 800 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Fbkid's Week 3 Rookie Power Rankings

Last week I introduced my first ever rookie power rankings. Many rookies made an even bigger impact this week. Here are my rookie power rankings heading into week 3.

1. Eddie Royal WR Broncos: After playing huge roles in defeating the Chargers and Raiders, Royal will never have to worry about buying a drink in Denver again. Royal is one of the biggest surprises of the season so far and if he keeps playing at this level and the Broncos continue to win, look for Royal to be the front runner for the Rookie of the year award. Last Week:2

2. Matt Forte RB Bears: Forte had another solid effort in week 2 with 92 rushing yards and leads all rookies in rushing. Kyle Orton has done a solid job of managing games and that is all he has to do for Forte to continue having a big impact. Last Week:1

3. Darren McFadden RB Raiders: McFadden showed why he was a top 5 pick last week as he ran for over 165 yards and a touchdown. He is averaging a remarkable 7 yards a carry but when Tiki Barber says you have fumbling problems, that is a concern. Last Week:10

4. Chris Johnson RB Titans: Johnson has been the most consistent rookie so far running for 93 and 109 yards in his first two NFL games. He showed off his speed last week as he had a 51 yard run against the Bengals. Look for Johnson to be in the hunt for Rookie of the Year honors throughout the season. Last Week:3

5. DeSean Jackson WR Eagles: Even though most people are talking about what Jackson didn't do on Monday Night, he still had a very good game. Jackson had 110 yards on 6 catches and unlike Royal has over 100 yards in both games. Fantasy owners may be mad at Jackson but as long as he keeps making big plays, the Eagles will be very happy. Last Week:4

6. Felix Jones RB Cowboys: It would be hard for anyone to top McFadden's performance last week but his college teammate Jones came pretty close. Jones took a kick return 98 yards for a touchdown and showed everyone around the country that the Cowboys have found a special player. Look for Jones to start getting more carries as the year goes on as well. Last Week:6

7. Jonathan Stewart RB Panthers: Stewart had a very big game in week 2 as he had 77 yards and 2 touchdowns. So far the duo of Stewart and DeAngelo Williams has looked very good and with the return of Steve Smith to the passing game, it should be even more effective. Last Week: NR

8. Matt Ryan QB Falcons: Ryan's second NFL start wasn't nearly as good as his first but that's part of the experience. Ryan threw 2 interceptions and didn't even complete 40 percent of his passes last week against the Bucs. Look for Ryan to bounce back though as he has the potential to be an elite quarterback in the league. Last Week:5

9. Keith Rivers LB Bengals: Rivers continues to be one of the few Bengals bright spots this season as he has 18 tackles through 2 games. Look for him to continue making a huge impact on a Bengals defense that has struggled so far this year. Last Week:8

10. John Carlson TE Seahawks: Like Rivers, Carlson has been one of his teams few bright spots. He should continue to make a big impact while the receiving corps are banged up. Carlson could end up being one of the darkhorses to win the award. Last Week:NR


On the bubble: Rashard Mendenhall RB Steelers, Sedrick Ellis DT Saints, Jerod Mayo LB Patriots, Ray Rice RB Ravens, Tim Hightower RB Cardinals, Jamaal Charles RB Chiefs, Kenny Phillips S Giants, Steve Slaton RB Texans, Joe Flacco QB Ravens, Kevin Smith RB Lions, Lawrence Jackson DE Seahawks

Fbkid's Rookie Power Rankings

With the impact rookies had last week on week one, I thought it would be a good idea to put together my rookie power rankings. This will be updated each week until the Rookies of the year are decided.


1. Matt Forte RB Bears: Many people thought Forte would have an early impact, but nobody thought he would play like he did against the Colts. Forte ran for 123 yards on 23 carries including a 50 yard touchdown. Look for Forte to have another big game against the Panthers this week.

2. Eddie Royal WR Broncos: Royal had the most surprising performance out of any rookie in week one. Royal shined on the national stage torching the Raiders for 146 yards on 9 receptions along with a touchdown. Look for Royal to continue playing well but don't expect those kind of stats each week.

3. Chris Johnson RB Titans: When the Titans selected Johnson in the first round in April's draft, many people were criticizing the Titans for not drafting a receiver. Well so far Johnson is doing a good job of proving them wrong. Johnson had 93 rushing yards in his NFL debut along with 34 receiving yards and a touchdown. Look for Johnson to have another huge week against the Bengals in week two.

4. DeSean Jackson WR Eagles: This offseason, Donovan McNabb wanted the Eagles to bring in some more playmakers. From the looks of things, they found one in Jackson. Jackson had 6 catches for 106 yards in his NFL debut and also had 97 return yards including a 60 yard punt return. Look for Jackson to continue having a big impact on the Eagles offense.

5. Matt Ryan QB Falcons: Even though it was against the Lions defense, Ryan looked very sharp in his NFL debut going 9 of 13 for 161 yards and a touchdown. Ryan was very sharp and looked poised in the pocket. If the Falcons continue winning, look for Ryan to be in serious contention for Rookie of the year.

6. Felix Jones RB Cowboys: From watching "Hard Knocks" this season, it looked like Felix Jones would be a star in the making. After seeing his NFL debut, it doesn't seem that far fetched. On 9 carries Jones ran for 62 yards and a touchdown. Look for Jones to continue making a big impact by complimenting Marion Barber as they make up one of the best 1-2 punches in the league.

7. Joe Flacco QB Ravens: Don't turn the ball over:check, Beat a division rival at home in your NFL debut: check. For those two reasons, Ravens fans are now wacko for Flacco. Flacco was solid throwing for 129 yards and 15 completions including a 38 yard touchdown run that will be shown on highlight reels throughout the season. If Flacco continues to not turn the ball over, the Ravens could become a darkhorse in the AFC.

8. Keith Rivers LB Bengals: Even though he missed most of training camp, Rivers put up big numbers in his NFL debut. He led the team with 10 tackles and showed the ability and instincts that should make him a leader of the Bengals defense for years to come.

9. Kevin Smith RB Lions: Smith didn't have Matt Forte like numbers in his NFL debut, but he showed why he could have a big impact as a rookie this season. Smith ran for 48 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut and also added 4 receptions for 32 yards. With the lack of competition in the backfield, Smith should be getting the majority of the carries this season.

10. Darren McFadden RB Raiders: McFadden was expected right away to come in and have a huge impact. He was solid though as he ran for 46 yards on 9 carries. With the way the Raiders offense struggled last week, look for them to get McFadden the ball early and often this week. He has nowhere to go but up on the list.

On the bubble: Jonathan Stewart RB Panthers, Rashard Mendenhall RB Steelers, Sedrick Ellis DT Saints, Jerod Mayo LB Patriots, Ray Rice RB Ravens, Tim Hightower RB Cardinals, Jamaal Charles RB Chiefs, Kenny Phillips S Giants, Steve Slaton RB Texans

Fbkid's fantasy football top ten rookies

Football season is around the corner which means that fantasy drafts are almost here. Every year a couple rookies have big years. Last year Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson and Dwayne Bowe all had great rookie seasons. Lynch and Peterson were both drafted in all leagues. But Bowe unlike them wasn't and ended up starting on most fantasy teams by the end of the season. Here are my top 10 fantasy rookies which could help win you your league if you draft one of these guys or steal them off the waiver wire.


1.Jonathan Stewart RB Panthers: Running backs are always among the highest scoring players in fantasy football. That is the case on this list as Stewart has a great chance to start right away. DeAngelo Williams has been productive the last two years for the Panthers but he isn't the every down back that Stewart is. If he recovers from his toe injury soon Stewart could be starting by week one and could become a very good number two back. Expect around 1200 total yards and 9 touchdowns.

2.Kevin Smith RB Lions: Smith like Stewart has a very good chance of starting week one for the Lions. Tatum Bell hasn't done anything yet in Detroit and Smith brings a bruising style that would help out the passing game. Be careful drafting Smith in dynasty leagues though as he had 450 carries last year at UCF and his body could start breaking down in a few years. But this year expect around 1300 total yards and 8 touchdowns.

3.Darren McFadden RB Raiders: I know people won't like that McFadden is this low on the list but until the Raiders show they have a passing game it will be hard for McFadden to run this year. You make an arguement saying the Vikings don't have a passing game either and how Adrian Peterson did but the Raiders don't have Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson on the offensive line. McFadden should make an impact right away though as early on he could be used as a decoy and start getting lots of carries around the middle of the season. To start the year off he would be a good option as a number three back. Expect around 1000 total yards and 7 touchdowns.

4.Matt Forte RB Bears: This is my sleeper of the group as even though Lovie Smith says the job is Cedric Benson's to lose, he hasn't done anything yet. Forte brings a bruising running style to the Bears and could be a very good option around the goal line. Forte could be a very good late round pick that could pay off in a big way. Expect around 900 total yards and 7 touchdowns.

5.James Hardy WR Bills: Hardy should start opposite Lee Evans right away for the Bills this year. Hardy needs to work on his route running but is a great red zone threat for the Bills and that is where he will make fantasy football owners love him. Expect around 700 yards and 8 touchdowns.

6.Malcolm Kelly WR Redskins: Kelly has a great chance of starting right away for the Redskins as he is a red zone threat that they didn't have last year. Kelly could have the most immediate impact out of all the rookie receivers and would be a good nunber four receiver until he proves himself. Expect around 800 yards and 5 touchdowns.

7.Felix Jones RB Cowboys: Jones should make a great tandem with Marion Barber as they compliment each others styles as running backs. Jones now brings an element to the Cowboys as he can score anytime he touches the ball. He might be best off trying to acquire on the waiver wire but that could be dangerous. If he has one big game, everyone will be rushing to get him. Expect around 700 total yards and 5 touchdowns.

8.Rashard Mendenhall RB Steelers: Many people would have expected to see Mendenhall higher on the list but with Willie Parker and the Steelers throwing the ball more, he won't get as many carries as people would think. Mendenhall should get around 100 to 150 carries so don't expect all world numbers. He is a great 1st round pick in a rookie league. Expect around 700 total yards and 4 touchdowns.

9.Mario Manningham WR Giants: Manningham could have an immediate impact on the Giants this year as a slot receiver but he should be starting in the next few years. Sinorice Moss hasn't done much yet so it's Manningham's job to lose. With teammates in Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress he won't have to worry about much pressure from defenses. He would be a very good 2nd round pick in rookie leagues. Expect around 600 yards and 3 touchdowns.

10.Steve Slaton RB Texans: This is my 2nd big sleeper as Slaton has a very good chance of getting immediate playing time for the Texans. Ahman Green is injury prone and didn't do much last year and Chris Brown is injury prone as well. Slaton could also make a big impact in the return game as well. Expect around 900 total yards and 3 touchdowns.