Fantasy Football - Quarterback Busts

Quarterbacks

Eli Manning | New York Giants | ADP: 8th round

He's no Peyton

No doubt Eli has grown as a quarterback: In '09, career bests in completion percentage (62.3), passing yards (4,021), yards per attempt (7.9) and touchdown throws (27) highlighted his best statistical season. Steve E. Smith became his BFF, and Hakeem Nicks posted an optimistic rookie campaign.

What's the problem, then? The G-men will probably look to bring the focus back to Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw; both encountered injuries and ineptitude last year, and the Giants suffered for it. When all is right, Manning works off the ground game, not the other way around, so there probably isn't much upward movement for his statistical output. If they don't have to go downfield as much and his yards per attempt go down, the 4,000-yard plateau will probably elude him.

Fantasy value: We probably saw Eli's statistical best last year, and the Giants' typically run-first philosophy means you shouldn't bank on this line again. Maybe he can pass as a low-end No. 1, but you'll need to grab a backup soon after if you're forced to draft Manning in that role. He remains a top-flight No. 2, but don't overpay in fantasy for his real-life maturation.

Matt Leinart | Arizona Cardinals | ADP: 18th round

It's hard to call someone a bust when they're not being drafted in standard formats, but this is for the small contingent of people that still believe Leinart will develop into an NFL-caliber quarterback: Wake up!

At one point, I was a Leinart proponent. I've seen enough in his limited play at the pro level to realize that I was wrong. His arm is not strong enough, and Leinart's decision-making skills are not at a suitable level. His utter lack of mobility nearly reaches the statuesque depths of Drew Bledsoe. The former USC Trojan star has shown to have major flaws with his off-the-field maturity, as well. His career completion percentage is 55.7. Someone will inevitably point out Leinart's career-best 66.2 percent rate last year, but he chucked three picks and didn't find the end zone in 77 attempts.

Having arguably the best receiver in the NFL on his side can't hurt, but Arizona will likely make transition into a power-running team this year. Their offensive line is built for the ground game, and behind Fitzgerald there isn't a lot to be excited about after the departure of Anquan Boldin (Baltimore Ravens) this offseason. Derek Anderson is better suited for this offense, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if head coach Ken Whisenhunt made the switch at some point in the year.

Fantasy value: I understand I'm not going out on a limb here, but you can safely avoid Leinart on draft day. Definitely don't snag him as a No. 2; it's even hard to recommend him as a third quarterback even in the deepest of leagues.