updated keeper rankings -- QB

QB
1. Peyton Manning -- 30 -- he's still the best, even with a shaky RB situation
2. Tom Brady -- 29 -- I'm worried about his WR situation, but he'll find a way
3. Eli Manning -- 25 -- if he gets his completion percentage up to 60%, he could be a superstar
4. Carson Palmer -- 26 -- he's moving well after a horrible knee injury
5. Matt Hasselback -- 31 -- he could be the #2 QB in 2006
6. Michael Vick -- 26 -- he's still 26, and he still runs
7. Donovan McNabb -- 29 -- needs a #1 WR to emerge from the pack
8. Ben Roethlisberger -- 24 -- stay off those bikes, kid
9. Daunte Culpepper -- 29 -- he has a great supporting cast, but he needs good health
10. Marc Bulger -- 29 -- risk or reward... can he stay on the field?
11. Jake Delhomme -- 31 -- watch the camp injury to Steve Smith carefully
12. Kurt Warner -- 35 -- if he can stay behind the wheel, he'll succeed
13. Byron Leftwich -- 26 -- Matt Jones is emerging as a star, and that can't hurt
14. Drew Brees -- 27 -- numbers slipped in 2005, and he doesn't have a stud WR
15. Aaron Brooks -- 30 -- he's worth a chance this year
16. Jake Plummer -- 31 -- Cutler won't push him until 2007
17. Drew Bledsoe -- 34 -- not a great keeper pick, but you'll love him this year
18. David Carr -- 27 -- I can't see him improving until the line does
19. Matt Leinart -- 23 -- he's in a great situation... now needs the keys to the Vette
20. Trent Green -- 36 -- 4000+ yards in the last three years... it won't be four
21. Alex Smith -- 22 -- if the 49ers retool, he'll be a stud in three years
22. Brett Favre -- 37 -- only playing to catch Marino now

23. Jay Cutler -- 23 -- he has a chance to be a superstar soon

24. Vince Young -- 23 -- 2007 starter for sure, maybe more

25. J.P. Losman -- 25 -- I still like his long term potential, but he might not have a job soon
26. Chad Pennington -- 30 -- If he's your starter, you are in trouble
27. Jon Kitna -- 34 -- Mike Martz might turn Kitna into a magician
28. Philip Rivers -- 24 -- has the tools and the toys
29. Rex Grossman -- 26 -- he could be a good QB2 in 2006
30. Charlie Frye -- 25 -- just lost Bentley and won't get Edwards back until week 7
31. Chris Simms -- 26 -- Gruden likes to run, and Simms is a QB
32. Mark Brunell -- 36 -- horrible keeper pick who might do well in 2006
33. Steve McNair -- 33 -- has been questionable or worse in 28 of his last 48 games
34. Brad Johnson -- 38 -- too old for keeper and not good enough for this year
35. Billy Volek -- 30 -- he could be a stud before Young takes over
36. Josh McCown -- 27 -- he puts up numbers when called upon
37. David Garrard -- 28 -- his running numbers pad his stats

38. Matt Schaub -- 25 -- will the Falcons give up on Vick?

39. Kyle Boller -- 25 -- will get a chance when McNair goes down
40. Brodie Croyle -- 23 -- might push Trent Green in 2007
41. Brian Griese -- 31 -- could be productive in an anemic Bears offense
42. Patrick Ramsey -- 27 -- backup to Pennington, which means he'll find the field
43. Kelly Holcomb -- 33 -- could be starting, but the Bills are awful
44. Joey Harrington -- 28 -- change of scenery good for him?
45. Jeff Garcia -- 36 -- he can still produce in spurts
46. Gus Frerotte -- 35 -- pass
47. Aaron Rodgers -- 22 -- has to wait another year
48. Tony Romo -- 26 -- Romo has a good arm and is waiting for a Bledsoe injury
49. Anthony Wright -- 30 -- watch him closely if Carson Palmer isn't ready
50. Jim Sorgi -- 25 -- best week 17 quarterback every year

Reggie Arrives

The New Orleans Saints and Reggie Bush have agreed to a six-year deal that will pay the rookie RB nearly $27 million in guaranteed cash, and could be worth as much as $60 million over the life of the contract.

This squashes rumors that Bush was going to sit out the 2006 season and enter the 2007 NFL draft with hopes of being drafted by a team that would agree to his monetary needs. Bush never spoke about this rumor, but most people figured that he'd sign soon enough as not to miss any time.

It will be interesting to see what kind of playing time Bush receives. The knee of Deuce McAllister will be the main determining factor. If Deuce is healthy, the two could split carries this season, and Bush would take the role in '07. I'd have to believe that Deuce would play enough to show he still has some gas in the tank... the Saints would want to exhibit his trade potential.

Either way, Bush is in camp... stay tuned to that position battle.

LeCharles Bentley injured

The first major injury has come over the camp wire, and it has more fantasy effect than you think.

Browns starting center LeCharles Bentley tore his patellar tendon during the team's first 11-on-11 drill at camp, potentially ending his season. Bentley signed with Cleveland in the offseason, and was excited about playing in his hometown.

The fantasy value of Reuben Droughns is thrown into question. He had a good 2005 season on the ground, racking up 1262 yards and catching 39 passes. The Browns worked hard to get him a better line to improve upon his 2005 total of two touchdowns. By trading Jeff Faine on draft day, the Browns are left with a large hole in the center of the line. They will be trying to pick up a center from free agency to fill the void.

Droughns isn't a top-20 RB this season, but his value might have slipped even farther down the list. If the Browns can keep their offense healthy, Droughns has a chance at 1200 yards again, but it isn't likely. He's a good RB2 in a deep league, but otherwise is not worth too much.

Brown asks for trade

Titans RB Chris Brown requested a trade in a letter written to the team on July 17. Heading into the final year of his contract, Brown believes that he'd be better served with another team. "We feel there are a number of other places that would provide a significantly better fit as Chris heads into this contract year," said his agent, Ryan Morgan.

Since there are very few teams looking to acquire a starting RB, Brown's options might be thin. One possibility is the Jets, who have an ancient Curtis Martin and second-year back Cedric Houston listed as their #1 and #2.

I'm tired of players demanding trades without doing a little homework. Where could Brown go right now and become a starter? There are only a handful of teams, none of which offer the offensive potential of the Titans. With Billy Volek and Vince Young throwing to a good receiving corps, Tennessee could be a surprise team this year. While the backfield seems crowded, if Brown was so good, why couldn't he hold off LenDale White?

I say shut up and honor your contract.