David Akers, Eagles: If the Birds offense is going to sputter in the red zone, might as well have the guy who is going to take advantage of it.
Rob Bironas, Titans: Tennessee's entire roster woke up when Vince Young came in at quarterback last year including Bironas, who regularly got multiple field goal tries.
Kris Brown, Texans: After missing some huge field goals last year, Brown is battling for his job with Neil Rackers. Avoid this, obviously, until Houston makes up its mind.
David Buehler, Cowboys: The Cowboys are hoping to convert last year's best kickoff specialist into an accurate field goal kicker.
Dan Carpenter, Dolphins: A steady kicker with an early bye (Week 5), which helps those who like to simply plug in a kicker and not worry about the position.
Mason Crosby, Packers: If playing kickers in cold weather scares you, please note that Green Bay's final three games are at the Patriots and home against the Giants and Bears.
Billy Cundiff, Ravens: Another guy in a training camp battle (with Shayne Graham).
Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots: An example of how unpredictable kickers can be is that the best year of Gostkowski's career was 2008 when Tom Brady got hurt in Week 1. Go figure.
Jason Hanson, Lions: His first extra point came after a Bobby Layne touchdown pass in 1951. Kidding. But Hanson is old and has a bum knee. There are better options.
Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders: After a career year in which he banged home an outstanding six of eight field goal attempts from beyond 50 yards, Oakland gave Janikowski a $16 million contract. Ever get the feeling that if Al Davis was in a fantasy league, his first-round pick would be a tight end?
Nate Kaeding, Chargers: Had the best season of his career last year . . . except for missing those three field goals in that three-point playoff loss to the Jets. He should be fine for fantasy purposes, unless still-angry Chargers fans unnerve him.
Jeff Reed, Steelers: Accused Pittsburgh's front office of lying about giving him a long-term deal. A kicker with a chip on his shoulder. Tremendous.
Ryan Succop, Chiefs: It's impossible to maintain any dignity when announcing this guy's name on draft day. Like him to challenge as an every-week fantasy starter, though.
QUICK TAKE
On the way up: Dan Carpenter, Dolphins
On the way down: Jay Feely, Cardinals
Riskiest pick: David Buehler, Cowboys
Sleeper: Matt Bryant, Falcons
Please avoid: Rian Lindell, Bills
Top rookie: None worth considering.
THE DRAFT BOARD: The Top 20 (bye week next to team name)
1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots 5
2. Rob Bironas, Titans 9
3. Ryan Longwell, Vikings 4
4. Mason Crosby, Packers 10
5. Dan Carpenter, Dolphins 5
6. Garrett Hartley, Saints 10
7. David Akers, Eagles 8
8. Nate Kaeding, Chargers 10
9. Matt Bryant, Falcons 8
10. Lawrence Tynes, Giants 8
11. Ryan Succop, Chiefs 4
12. Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders 10
13. Robbie Gould, Bears 8
14. Jeff Reed, Steelers 5
15. Matt Prater, Broncos 9
16. Kris Brown, Texans 7
17. Jay Feely, Cardinals 6
18. Olindo Mare, Seahawks 5
19. Adam Vinatieri, Colts 7
20. David Buehler, Cowboys 4
