NFL Transactions for July

Transactions July 30
Atlanta Falcons signed LB Jamie Winborn(Broncos)
Green Bay Packers released WR Jamarko Simmons
Oakland Raiders released QB Andrew Walter

Transactions July 29
St.Louis Rams signed DT Hollis Thomas(Saints)
Minnesota Vikings DE Kenechi Udeze retired from the NFL.

Transactions July 28
Dallas Cowboys rookie G Robert Brewster will likely be placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.He will likely miss the 2009 season.
Detroit Lions waived CB Tra Battle and signed CB William James(Jaguars)
Kansas City Chiefs waived K Connor Barth
New England Patriots signed S Herana-Daze-Jones(Broncos)
Atlanta Falcons waived CB David Irons
Chicago Bears S Glenn Earl retired from the NFL.

Transactions July 27
New England Patriots rookie WR Brandon Tate (knee) has been placed on the non-football injury/illness list. He is not eligible to practice or play until after the conclusion of the sixth regular-season weekend.
Baltimore Ravens waived TE Quinn Sypniewski
Minnesota Vikings waived CB Charles Gordon

Transactions July 26
Baltimore Ravens WR Drew Bennett announced his retirement from the NFL

Transactions July 25
Buffalo Bills waived LB John DiGiorgio
Buffalo Bills WR James Hardy was placed on the active physically unable to perform list
Baltimore Ravens signed WR Drew Bennett(Rams)

Transactions July 24
Seattle Seahawks released LS Bryan Pittman
San Diego Chargers released LB Matt Wilhelm

Transactions July 22
St. Louis Rams traded DT Orien Harris to Detroit Lions for WR Ronald Curry.

Transactions July 21
Atlanta Falcons C Jeremy Newberry announced his retirement from the NFL.

Transactions July 15
Oakland Raiders waived LB Frantz Joseph

Transactions July 13
Tampa Bay Bucs released QB Brian Griese
New York Jets released TE Bubba Franks
Oakland Raiders released S Keith Davis
Baltimore Ravens WR Derrick Mason announced his retirement from the NFL.

Transactions July 9
Jacksonville Jaguars released S Calvin Lowry
Detroit Lions released LB Alex Lewis

Transactions July 7
New York Giants LB Michael Boley has been suspended without pay for the team's Week 1 game for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy. Boley's suspension will begin Saturday, Sept. 5. He is eligible to return to the team's active roster Monday, Sept. 14.

Transactions July 2
New York Jets LB Calvin Pace has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performing enhancing substances.

For August transactions and more visit http://www.johnnynfl.com

TOP 150 Fantasy Players for 2009 and links to my AFC East preview

JOHNNYNFL'S TOP 150 FANTASY PLAYERS FOR 2009

Before getting into the rankings, just a little tip on how you can use this to your advantage. Some players that I may have ranked higher than others, you may not need at the time they are ranked on this list. For instance, if you already have a starting QB,your not going to pass up on a RB or WR to strengthen your roster by picking another QB, even though I may have them ranked higher. Be sensible, and take the best player available for what you need when your pick comes up, and these rankings could easily have you winning your league this season. Good luck and here we go.

TOP 150 OVERALL

1. RB Adrian Peterson-Vikings
2. RB Maurice Jones-Drew Jaguars
3. RB Ladainian Tomlinson-Chargers
4. RB Chris Johnson-Titans
5. RB Michael Turner-Falcons
6. RB Steven Jackson-Rams
7. RB Matt Forte-Bears
8. RB Steve Slaton-Texans
9. WR Larry Fitzgerald-Cards
10. QB Tom Brady-Patriots
11. RB DeAngelo Williams-Panthers
12. RB Frank Gore-49ers
13. WR Andre Johnson-Texans
14. WR Randy Moss-Patriots
15. RB Brandon Jacobs-Giants
16. RB Clinton Portis-Redskins
17. WR Calvin Johnson-Lions
18. QB Drew Brees-Saints
19. WR Steve Smith-Panthers
20. WR Greg Jennings-Packers
21. WR Roddy White-Falcons
22. QB Peyton Manning-Colts
23. RB Brina Westbrook-Eagles
24. RB Marion Barber-Cowboys
25. WR Reggie Wayne-Colts
26. RB Ronnie Brown-Dolphins
27. WR Terrell Owens-Bills
28. WR Anquan Boldin-Cards
29. RB Thomas Jones-Jets
30. QB Kurt Warner-Cards
31. WR Wes Welker-Patriots
32. RB Kevin Smith-Lions
33. WR Marques Colston-Saints
34. RB Darren McFadden-Raiders
35. QB Philip Rivers-Chargers
36. RB Ryan Grant-Packers
37. RB Derrick Ward-Bucs
38. QB Tony Romo-Cowboys
39. TE Tony Gonzalez-Falcons
40. RB Pierre Thomas-Saints
41. WR Brandon Marshall-Broncos
42. RB Jonathon Stewart-Panthers
43. WR T.J.Houshmandzadeh-Seahawks
44. WR Dwayne Bowe-Chiefs
45. RB Reggie Bush-Saints
46. RB Marshawn Lynch-Bills
47. RB Joseph Addai-Colts
48. QB Matt Ryan-Falcons
49. RB Jamal Lewis-Browns
50. RB Larry Johnson-Chiefs
51. TE Jason Witten-Cowboys
52. RB (R)Chris Wells-Cards
53. RB Willie Parker-Steelers
54. QB Aaron Rodgers-Packers
55. RB (R)Knowshon Moreno-Broncos
56. WR Vincent Jackson-Chargers
57. WR Antonio Bryant-Bucs
58. WR Chad Ochocinco-Bengals
59. WR Braylon Edwards-Browns
60. QB Donovan McNabb-Eagles
61. TE Dallas Clark-Colts
62. QB Jay Cutler-Bears
63. QB Matt Schaub-Texans
64. RB Cedric Benson-Bengals
65. WR Roy Williams-Cowboys
66. WR Santana Moss-Redskins
67. WR DeSean Jackson-Eagles
68. WR Hines Ward-Steelers
69. TE Antonio Gates-Chargers
70. WR Eddie Royal-Broncos
71. WR Bernard Berrian-Vikings
72. WR Santonio Holmes-Steelers
73. QB Carson Palmer-Bengals
74. QB Matt Hasselbeck-Seahawks
75. WR Donald Driver-Packers
76. QB Matt Cassell-Chiefs
77. RB Ernest Graham-Bucs
78. WR Lance Moore-Saints
79. RB Darren Sproles-Chargers
80. RB Julius Jones-Seahawks
81. QB David Garrard-Jaguars
82. QB Ben Roethlisberger-Steelers
83. QB Eli Manning-Giants
84. RB Ahmad Bradshaw-Giants
85. RB Willis McGahee-Ravens
86. WR Kevin Walter-Texans
87. WR Jerricho Cotchery-Jets
88. TE Greg Olsen-Bears
89. WR Lee Evans-Bills
90. TE Chris Cooley-Redskins
91. WR Anthony Gonzalez-Colts
92. WR Devin Hester-Bears
93. RB LeRon McClain-Ravens
94. RB Felix Jones-Cowboys
95. RB Lendale White-Titans
96. WR Laveranues Coles-Bengals
97. WR Domenik Hixon-Giants
98. RB (R)Donald Brown-Colts
99. WR (R)Michael Crabtree-49ers
100. WR Steve Breaston-Cards
101. WR Donnie Avery-Rams
102. TE John Carlson-Seahawks
103. RB (R)LeSean McCoy-Eagles
104. QB Jason Campbell-Redskins
105. RB Ray Rice-Ravens
106. TE Owen Daniels-Texans
107. TE Zach Miller-Raiders
108. WR Torry Holt-Jaguars
109. WR Ted Ginn-Dolphins
110. TE Kellen Winslow-Bucs
111. TE Dustin Keller-Jets
112. QB Shaun Hill-49ers
113. RB Chester Taylor-Vikings
114. RB Leon Washington-Jets
115. RB Fred Jackson-Bills
116. WR Muhsin Muhammad-Panthers
117. TE Tony Scheffler-Broncos
118. WR Michael Jenkins-Falcons
119. QB Chad Pennington-Dolphins
120. RB Jerrious Norwood-Falcons
121. WR (R)Brian Robiskie-Browns
122. WR (R)Jeremy Maclin-Eagles
123. WR(R)Hakeem Nicks-Giants
124. QB Kyle Orton-Broncos
125. RB Sammy Morris-Patriots
126. RB Tim Hightower-Cards
127. TE Heath Miller-Steelers
128. TE Visanthe Schiancoe-Vikings
129. TE Vernon Davis-49ers
130. QB Trent Edwards-Bills
131. RB Fred Taylor-Patriots
132. RB Kevin Faulk-Patriots
133. RB Jamaal Charles-Chiefs
134. WR (R) Juan Iglesias-Bears
135. WR(R)Kenny Britt-Titans
136. WR Antwan Randle-El-Redskins
137. QB Joe Flacco-Ravens
138. RB Ricky Williams-Dolphins
139. RB Justin Fargas-Raiders
140. RB Maurice Morris-Lions
141. WR Johnnie Lee Higgins-Raiders
142. QB Jake Delhomme-Panthers
143. RB Correll Buckhalter-Broncos
144. RB Tashard Choice-Cowboys
145. RB (R)Rashad Jennings-Jaguars
146. QB Byron Leftwich-Bucs
147. RB Chris Brown-Texans
148. RB Peyton Hillis-Broncos
149. QB Tarvaris Jackson-Vikings
150. RB Lamont Jordan-Broncos

My AFC EAST PREVIEW IS READY...Just click on the links to check out your team. All other divisions will be ready shortly, so keep your eyes peeled!

Buffalo Bills

Miami Dolphins

New York Jets

New England Patriots


John Bishop
johnnynfl.com

Johnnynfl TOP 60 FANTASY RB'S

MY TOP 60 RB'S FOR 2009

Of course this list will continuously be updated throughout the season, so be sure to go to my website and subscribe if you would like to keep up with my rankings for the 2009 season.

Johnnynfl 2009 Fantasy RB Rankings

TOP 60 RB's
1. Adrian Peterson-Vikings
2. Matt Forte-Bears
3. Ladainian Tomlinson-Chargers
4. Michael Turner-Falcons
5. Steve Slaton-Texans
6. DeAngelo Williams-Panthers
7. Clinton Portis-Redskins
8. Chris Johnson-Titans
9. Steven Jackson-Rams
10. Maurice Jones-Drew-Jaguars
11. Frank Gore-49ers
12. Brian Westbrook-Eagles
13. Brandon Jacobs-Giants
14. Marion Barber-Cowboys
15. Thomas Jones-Jets
16. Derrick Ward-Bucs
17. Jamal Lewis-Browns
18. Ryan Grant-Packers
19. Jonathon Stewart-Panthers
20. Pierre Thomas-Saints
21. Joseph Addai-Colts
22. Reggie Bush-Saints
23. Ronnie Brown-Dolphins
24. Larry Johnson-Chiefs
25. Marshawn Lynch-Bills
26. Kevin Smith-Lions
27. Darren McFadden-Raiders
28. Willie Parker-Steelers
29. Leon Washington-Jets
30. Darren Sproles-Chargers
31. (R)Chris Wells-Cardinals
32. Ernest Graham-Bucs
33. (R)Donald Brown-Colts
34. Jerrious Norwood-Falcons
35. Chester Taylor-Vikings
36. Ahmad Bradshaw-Giants
37. Julius Jones-Seahawks
38. Willis McGahee-Ravens
39. (R)Knowshon Moreno-Broncos
40. Cedric Benson-Bengals
41. Kevin Faulk-Patriots
42. Corell Buckhalter-Broncos
43. Lendale White-Titans
44. Felix Jones-Cowboys
45. Fred Taylor-Patriots
46. Sammy Morris-Patriots
47. Tim Hightower-Cardinals
48. (R)LeSean McCoy-Eagles
49. (R)Rashad Jennings-Jaguars
50. Chris Brown-Texans
51. Ricky Williams-Dolphins
52. Jamaal Charles-Chiefs
53. Justin Fargas-Raiders
54. LeRon McClain-Ravens
55. Fred Jackson-Bills
56. Peyton Hillis-Broncos
57. Maurice Morris-Lions
58. Lamont Jordan-Broncos
59. Mewelde Moore-Steelers
60. Tashard Choice-Cowboys

Let me know what you think and be back soon with the WR's.

And for more rankings and news check out my websiteJohnnynfl

NFL DRAFT-"Best player available"?

Just got finished writing my NFL Draft Guide (now for sale on my website—nudge,nudge) and it still amazes me how some of the people responsible for their team's drafts, such as GMs, owners, coaches, etc., don't seem to have a clue about what to do when it comes to drafting.

All this talk about we'll take the "best player available" always seems like a joke to me, and it's no wonder some of these teams continue to suck while others remain at the top of the heap!

Let's look at the Lions for instance.

With the No. 1 pick in the draft this year, it is speculated by many that QB Matthew Stafford from Georgia or LB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest are looking more and more to be the favorites over T Jason Smith of Baylor.

Why? Ok, Daunte Culpepper isn't what he used to be, but he has slimmed down again and could definitely help improve this team if he can stay healthy and if he has some blocking.

Another factor here is that there will be other QB's still on the board later in the draft that could come in and challenge for a starting role, as well as the fact that they could draft another QB next year if things don't work out for Culpepper this season.

So, sorry folks, but for me, QB Matt Stafford is not the smart choice here.

LB Aaron Curry is the No. 1 rated player in the draft, but again I have some questions about this pick.

LB Ernie Sims is one of the best LB's in the league, and they also acquired Julian Peterson from the Seahawks. Again, there will be linebackers available later in the draft they could select to battle it out with Alex Lewis and Jordan Dizon for the third LB spot, so I can't see the sense in drafting Curry either.

Now look at the offensive line.

Jeff Backus in one of the best tackles in the league, but ex-Titan Daniel Loper or T George Foster at the other tackle could immediately be upgraded, and probably for a lot of years to come, with the addition of Jason Smith.

Ok, so you could make an argument that the T position has some fine prospects as well this year, but Jason Smith and T Eugene Monroe of Virginia seem to be in a class all their own.

Any of these players will help a horrible team, but you need to make your picks count, and hey, it is just my opinion (although I do end up being right a lot of the time when it comes to the NFL), but if they don't select Smith it could haunt them for years to come.

Why do you think teams like the Steelers, Giants, Cowboys, and many of the other consistently good teams in the league don't have more than a couple of down years in a row?

They are experts at looking at their roster, knowing what holes they have to fill, and getting players that will help the team become more solid no matter where they pick in the draft.

Another scenario that I find perplexing is the Saint Louis Rams with the second pick.

There has been much talk about T's Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe, LB Aaron Curry, and even the possibility of Stafford if the Lions don't sign him.

I have to ask; What about WR Michael Crabtreee?

Ok, I understand T Orlando Pace is gone (Ravens), but there are a lot of teams that are worse off than Alex Barron and Adam Goldberg as their starting tackles.

Curry would be a nice fit to go with Will Witherspoon and Pisa Tinoisamoa at LB, but LB's Chris Draft and Quinton Culberson are not horrible, and as I said before, there will be other LB's available later on that can also help.

QB Marc Bulger doesn't look as good as he used to, but this could be more because their inside blocking needs help (especially the guard position now that they have C Jason Brown from the Ravens), and the fact that without Torry Holt (Jaguars), who is the QB going to throw the ball to?

Donnie Avery should only get better, but with their second WR being either the often injured second year WR Keenan Burton, or ex-Falcon Laurent Robinson, how can you pass up on a talent like Crabtree? Again, just my opinion, but looking at the whole picture, it makes more sense to me.

Look what the Lions have done recently as well as teams like the Marvin Lewis led Bengals and the Herm Edwards led Chiefs, and you can see how poor draft choices have taken these teams into the crapper.

"Best player available," how do you know?

These guys haven't even played an NFL game yet!

Tom Brady was a seventh round draft choice for pete's sake, so I guess there were over 200 "best players available" before him huh?

The teams that thrive are the teams that take the "best player available" for their team.

Do you think the Colts, with Peyton Manning, are going to take QBs Mark Sanchez or Josh Freeman because they are the "best player available" when their pick comes up? Of course not.

Do you think the Steelers will take a LB in the first round because it is the "best player available?" Never gonna happen!

Fill in your weaknesses, make your depth stronger, and pick the best player for your team. Those are the teams that thrive and survive in the NFL.

For anyone who is interested I have all the free agent and trade activity for every team posted on my website at www.johnnynfl.com, and my 2009 NFL draft guide, complete with my seven round mock draft, is now available for purchase as well, so check it out and hope your team has a draft to be proud of!