8-Ball will be held accountable for his prognostications.  The below tracker will be updated throughout the season and at the end of the season so that you can objectively critique his guidance based on facts...

8-Ball's Accountability Tracker

8/8  Do you remember the days when Rudy Johnson went at the end of the first round year in and year out?  Why was that?  It was because he had some skill, a terrific QB, no competition for carries and great receivers to open up the box.  Looking that the current running back situation in Cincy, it looks favorable for a productive year for Mr. Benson.  He has a chip on his shoulder as he looks to show da Bears they made a mistake.  He is once again surrounded by an accurate healthy QB, Ocho, Coles and Henry and a new talented tight end in Coffman.  And of course, no warm bodies behind him on the depth chart.  In addition, the defense in Cincy has improved!  I see 275 carries for him this year for 1,000 yards, 7 TD's and 35 catches.  Though clearly not a #1 back, he will definitely be serviceable as a solid #2 and can be had at the end of the 6th round.  Grab him and reap the rewards!

Did you know that Matt Jones caught 65 balls for 761 yards and 2 TD's last year?  Those are deent #4 WR numbers.  What do you think a hall-of-famer will do to replace him?  Torry Holt, though slowed by injuries and the Rams inept offense the past couple of years is still one of the best route runners in the league and will be the only option in Jax.  He goes for 75/950/6.  Draft him in the 7th round to be your solid 3rd WR.

Been thinking about the runing back situation in New Orleans.  Wednesday (Aug. 5th) it was reported that Bush had "tweaked" his surgically repaired knee.  Surprise right, almost as surprising that Big Papi's name came up on "the list."  I can't help but think that he will be hurt most of the season and should be moved down into the fourth round or later on your board.  On the other hand, Pierre Thomas has NO competition as the starting running back.  If you combine the production he had last year with that of Deuce McCallister, you would have 1050 yds, 14 td's, 50 catches for another 400 yards and 4 scores!  Though these numbers are astouding, I think you can expect 1,000 yards with 10 touches, 45 receptions another 400 yards and 3 scores.  For those of you drafting in the first 3 spots of the draft this year, take him in the early 3rd round with confidence.

8/3  Here is my take on Philly.  The arrival of Peters and the Andrews bro's is going to have a positive impact on Westy.  Philly has quickly retooled and established their O line as one of the best in the NFL.  With Maclin and maturation of Jackson, Westy will have more room to run and additional red zone opportunities.  If you are sitting at the end of the first round and he is there, take him with confidence.  Lots of sources have him around 11th rated running back but the 8-Ball says "it appears so" that he will perform in the top 5! 

So you have the first pick in the draft and the "books" say take "All Day" Peterson.  8-Ball says ask for your money back!  ADP is talented, no doubt, but I will be going to Vikings camp and competing for the QB job this weekend.  If I don't make it there, then perhaps I can join their O-Line.  Both positions are weaker this year.  Chester Taylor steals 6 td's and 40 catches a year from him.  Skip the hype and grab Forte and his 1,200 yds, 50 catches and 12 scores.  Thank me later.

How can Zona have 2 stud receivers rated in the top 8, yet have the 6th rated QB in Warner?  Is it injury risk?  The threat of Leinart (not even drafted in a lot of leagues)?  Emphasis on the running game?  Please!  I want my QB to throw 30 times a game and like them to throw to set up the run!  Enter Old Reliable Kurt!  With God on his side, I will take my chances with injuries.  With non conference games against Denver, Indy, Green Bay as well as playing the Niners, Hawks and Rams twice, draft Warner as the 4th overall QB.  You will be satisfied with the results.  As far as Leinart goes, you can grab him in the 17th round if you are worried about injury.

Take a Time Out on TO.  Many of you probably watched the VH-1 show and think that Terrell Owens is "misunderstood!"  He is really a great guy who wants to play for Buffalo and will have a career year, right?  Take a TO baby!  If you feel compelled to draft someone with such question marks (will he divide another team?) and who has a productive past, then take Brandon Marshall instead.  Although he has been linked to off the filed shananigans, Denver has perhaps the worst defense in the league.  He will outperform TO this year and will be much more consistent on a week-to-week basis.

Does Edwards rebound for 15 td's in 2009?  No, but he is much more productive than last year.  Expect 80 catches and 1,000 yards with 8 td's.  He will be the only option in the passing game.

Ahmad Bradshaw will outscore Derrick Ward.  I am a Ward fan.  I had him on my team 2 out of the last 3 years.  He is talented, but was helped greatly by the run schemes he had in New York.  Bradshaw will spell Jacobs for 4 games this year.  He will also get 30% of the carries when they are both in the line up.  Take Bradshaw later and pass on Jacobs!