2006 K rankings

Here are the 2006 keeper league K rankings as of the end of March... rookies are not included in the rankings until after the NFL draft. The number after the player's name indicates his age for a majority of the 2006 season. There will be updates as the offseason continues...

1. Shayne Graham -- 28 -- the injury to Carson Palmer could help Graham, because the Bengals might stall more drives in the red zone... look for another season of 120+ points. He's the best bet to lead the league in points.
2. Neil Rackers -- 30 -- Rackers always had a booming leg, and he finally put it all together last season, setting an NFL record with 40 field goals. Don't expect a repeat, but 120 points should be within reach.
3. Jay Feely -- 30 -- missed three FG in a November game against Seattle, but otherwise had a strong season... with the Giants offense improving under Eli Manning, look for more XP, but less FG.
4. Adam Vinatieri -- 33 -- The Colts will give him enough opportunities to get 120 points, but almost half of those will come on XP. Vinatieri hasn't made a FG from 50+ since 2002, but kicking in a dome for half of his games won't hurt at all.
5. Nate Kaeding -- 24 -- almost identical numbers to 2004... Kaeding is ready to take a moderate step up, probably to 120 points. His accuracy will remain around 84-86% and if the Chargers lean on him, he'll produce.
6. Jeff Reed -- 27 -- he's only missed six out of 69 career kicks under 40 yards, but you won't see a lot of long boots... Reed will be drafted too high because of his playoff publicity, but he won't hurt you no matter where he's drafted.
7. John Kasay -- 36 -- the accuracy slipped a little, but Kasay still offers two or more kicks from 50+ and great accuracy under 40. Carolina will score points, so Kasay will hit enough XP to clear 110 points.
8. David Akers -- 31 -- injuries made his numbers look sub-par, but he wasn't 100% after he returned... With the Eagle offense a little less exciting with the departure of TO, look for his totals to take a slight hit. Ask for 110 points and don't expect more.
9. Lawrence Tynes -- 28 -- it all depends on the KC offense... with Larry Johnson scoring more than Wilt Chamberlain, Tynes has 102 XP in two seasons. Look for 45 more, coupled with 25 FG, and hope the Chiefs can't find the end zone as much.
10. Jeff Wilkins -- 34 -- Wilkins was 4-4 from 50+ in December, adding to an already solid season. The injury to Marc Bulger didn't hurt Wilkins any, and he's probably got three more productive seasons in his leg.
11. Mike Vanderjagt -- 36 -- the days of long bombs are over, but Vandy could convert 30 FG if the Cowboy offense sputters. With Terrell Owens on board, Vandy is a lock to score 100+ points for the ninth consecutive season.
12. Olindo Mare -- 33 -- with Culpepper in town, Mare should have more chances to score... Mare has always been a consistent kicker with one explosion in 1999. He'll score 110+ points again, and could surprise.
13. Josh Brown -- 27 -- he's the only major free agent kicker right now, and some team would be smart to pay Seattle the compensatory 7th round pick to acquire him... Brown showed a good leg last year, booting five FG of 50+, but his overall numbers were down. Watch to see where he lands...
14. Robbie Gould -- 23 -- was brutal from beyond 40 yards, but now that he's been through one season, his numbers should improve... Chicago can't get in the end zone, so it's a matter of getting Gould inside the 25 before stalling the drive.
15. Jason Elam -- 36 -- accuracy is declining and he doesn't hit as many long kicks, but I'd still take a chance on Elam... As long as Denver produces, he will get opportunities. He's kicked 39 or more XP in 10 of his 13 seasons with the Broncos, so we expect that again. If there are younger options available, grab them.
16. Rian Lindell -- 29 -- the touchdowns vanished in Buffalo, but Lindell's numbers didn't... Even if the Bills score 45 touchdowns next year, Lindell's numbers will be nearly the same. 100-110 points is safe.
17. Jason Hanson -- 36 -- suffered through a terrible 2005 by the Detroit offense... Hanson is entering his 15th season ni Detroit, and with a new QB and rising stars at RB and WR, Hanson could pop into the top-10... or he could end up with 85 points again.
18. Sebastian Janikowski -- 28 -- always a mystery... Seabass was awful last year, converting only 7-15 FG of 40 yards or more. This comes after two excellent seasons in 2003-04 when he made 20-25 from the same distance. If you like rollercoasters, this ride is for you.
19. Matt Stover -- 38 -- an oldie, but a goodie... If the Ravens keep him and can't find the end zone again, Stover will continue to impress. He hasn't missed an XP since 1996, so you won't get stupid penalties in your league from Stover. Look for 100 points again.
20. Joe Nedney -- 33 -- had a great season for a 49er... That being said, his 97 points in 2005 didn't help you much. He was 10-10 from 40-49 yards, so if he gets more chances, Nedney could score 120 points... but he won't get more chances.
21. Rob Bironas -- 28 -- nice rookie season saw him hit almost 80% of his FG... With the Titans offense looking sour, Bironas won't be a top-tier fantasy kicker anytime soon. He has the accuracy and distance to perform well if the team starts winning.
22. Matt Bryant -- 31 -- not a good longball guy, but was 18-19 between 30-49 yards... It was the kicks under 30 or over 50 that was a problem. Doesn't make a lot of sense, but then your strategy didn't either if Bryant was your main guy.
23. Ryan Longwell -- 32 -- had a great nine year run in Green Bay, and should benefit from kicking half his games in a dome... Longwell suddenly found his stroke from 50+, but he won't have many chances this season with a below average Vikings offense.
24. Kris Brown -- 29 -- this could be too low for Brown, but I'll wait to see what the Texans do with the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft... Brown is a career 76% kicker, so he isn't a stud even with a good offense. He's hit a FG from 50+ in all seven years of his career.
25. Josh Scobee -- 24 -- Scobee is on the same career path as Kris Brown, which probably isn't a good thing. More touchdowns by the Jaguars was the only reason for his bump in points. Until he shows that he can hit 85% of his attempts, find someone else.
26. John Hall -- 32 -- Hall can't seem to stay healthy, and it might have something to do with the 250 pounds he runs at the ball on every kick. If he plays 16 games, he'll get his usual 105 points, but why would you draft an injury risk at kicker?
27. Ryan Rossner -- 24 -- huge leg in the Neil Rackers mold... If he gets the starting job, he could be a nice sleeper. Rossner was worked out by a few teams, and landed in Atlanta. He scored a perfect 1600 on his SAT, but you don't care.
28. Phil Dawson -- 31 -- becoming one of the league's most accurate kickers... Dawson doesn't score a lot because Cleveland has been bad for many years. His mental lapses have resulted in six missed XP in his career.
29. Mike Nugent -- 24 -- Nugent had a disappointing rookie year, but it's mostly the fault of the terrible Jets offense. The bad news is that the Jets haven't made any moves to make you think they will be any better. Expect more of the same... about 90 points.
30. Billy Cundiff -- 26 -- Cundiff is right on the cusp of being unemployed. He has a career 73.2% mark, and doesn't bring anything special to the table. If the Packers stay healthy, he could break into the top-20 just on opportunities.