The million dollar question is whether or not Brady will ever be the same quarterback after his devastating injury. Reports have been scattered regarding the effectiveness of his rehab and it's unrealistic to expect him to simply pick up where he left off after so much time away. However, he'll still have Moss and Wes Welker to throw to and he's still one of the smartest quarterbacks playing today, so don't undervalue him too much (provided he is able to start the season, of course.).
('09 Proj: 3,500 yds, 26 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) ~Frank Mazzola
___
Perhaps one of the biggest questions heading into 2009 drafts is where to slot the returning Brady. While it’s not out of the realm for Brady to come back in 2009 and tear it up, much like Phillip Rivers did in 2008, I am hesitant to just prop Brady back up at the top of the draftboard. In his absence, there were some quarterbacks that propelled themselves to at least the same tier as Brady, such as the aforementioned Philip Rivers, Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers. At 32 years of age, I think Brady could struggle early as it takes him some time to shake off some of that rust, but to be fair, he could be a playoff terror. I’d take him if he fell towards the end of the second tier, but I’m thinking he’ll be gone before then, and that’s fine with me, as I’m sure there will be value to be found elsewhere at the QB position.
('09 Proj: 4,000 yds, 29 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
___
Nothing to say here that hasn’t been said a thousand times over. If he returns at full strength in time for the start of the 2009 season, he’s one of the top options at the position (with Drew Brees). If he’s not ready by the season opener, there will be some wild fluctuation in his draft position, and owners will need to determine whether they have the patience to hold a bench spot for him.
('09 Proj: 3,600 yards, 28 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) ~Stan Feldman
___
Prior to last season Brady was the top ranked fantasy QB and on many draft boards was taken as high as #3 overall in the first round! The Pats franchised Cassel as insurance in case Brady isn’t ready to start the season. Brady’s mobility will be worse but he could be undervalued in some leagues. The weapons are still in place for Brady, the arm is fine and the Pats don’t have to rush him back. Drafting Brady will be a lot safer than some may think. This stud will pick up where he left off but obviously this isn’t the year that he will be breaking any records. Still a #1 fantasy option.
('09 Proj: 3,900 yds, 27 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
___
After having arguably the greatest season in the history of the NFL in 07’ Brady broke the heart and bank of many a fantasy owner when he went down in week one last. From all that I have heard Brady is well behind schedule on his rehab, whether that’s true or not I don’t know but I’m just feeling that he doesn’t play again this season.
('09 Proj: No Statistics) ~Robb Perkins
___
Funny how we all asked the question of Brady's health and then, with the exception of Robb, went on to project him picking up where he left off, with a healthy 16 games played. If you're drafting with me this year and you want Tom Brady, you can have him. There's plenty of safer options for me to choose from. Ironically, the topper for me isn't even Brady's health. It's the fact that the Pats now know what they have in franchise tagged Matt Cassel. Let's say the best case scenario unfolds, Brady progresses - plays the preseason - enters week 1 appearing to be 100%. As his owner, I'm playing 2009 waiting for the other shoe to drop. The storyline will be there all year; that if Brady struggles they have the fully capable Cassel waiting in the wings. Brady will be drafted this year among fantasy stalewarts within the first four rounds. I save those picks for guys I can dial in as a perma-starter the entire year.
('09 Proj: 2,400 yds, 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) ~Rick Perkins