Booms and Busts

Although the season is barely half over, I think it would be interesting to take a look at some excellent value obtained in the draft and on the waiver wire.  The busts have really not had a super large effect, and all, save Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley, still have a chance of redemption.  I can't classify anyone a bust that was drafted later than the first 50 picks. Without further ado:

The Busts (in draft order):

Ryan Mathews (31 pts)
Maurice Jones-Drew (58 pts)
DeAngelo Williams (39 pts) 'bye'
Ryant Grant (4 pts) 
Shonn Greene (35 pts)
Randy Moss (48 pts)
Michael Turner (58 pts)
Marques Colston (31 pts)
Beanie Wells (11 pts) 'bye'
Pierre Thomas (32 pts)
Larry Fitzgerald (40 pts) 'bye'
Ronnie Brown (36 pts) 'bye'
Jonathan Stewart (27 pts) 'bye'
Knowshon Moreno (31 pts)
Jermichael Finley (38 pts)
Steve Smith/CAR (28 pts) 'bye'
Clinton Portis (33 pts)
Steve Smith/NYG (43 pts)
C.J. Spiller (21 pts) 'bye'


Keep in mind that some of these guys have played one less game than others as indicated by 'bye'. I have factored this in for both lists seen here.


Amazing Value (by points scored):
Philip Rivers (139 pts/5th rd)
Peyton Manning (139 pts/3rd rd)
Arian Foster (130 pts/4th rd)
Kyle Orton (126 pts/undrafted)
Tony Romo (112 pts/4th rd) 'bye'
Matt Forte (97 pts/5th rd)
LeSean McCoy (94 pts/5th rd)
Antonio Gates (92 pts/5th rd)
Brandon Lloyd (92 pts/undrafted)
Austin Collie (91 pts/undrafted)
LaDanian Tomlinson (87 pts/8th rd)
Rashard Mendenhall (83 pts/3rd rd) 'bye'
Peyton Hillis (82 pts/undrafted)
Jeremy Maclin (80 pts/6th rd)
Hakeem Nicks (79 pts/8th rd)
Ahmad Bradshaw (78 pts/8th rd)
Pittsburgh D (75 pts/15th rd) 'bye'
Terrell Owens (70 pts/9th rd)
Darren McFadden (67 pts/8th rd)

As reference, I will list the player projected pre-draft to be the number one player at that position:
RB: Chris Johnson (108 pts/1st rd)
WR: Andre Johnson (65 pts/1st rd)
QB: Aaron Rodgers (124 pts/2nd rd)
TE: Antonio Gates (92 pts/5th rd)
DEF: NY Jets (57/8th rd) [Note: 49ers were project #1 by Yahoo (38 pts\11th rd) 

Aha! Now I see my problem. I have one player on the good list and three on the bad one.  At least Jason has to answer for Turner from now on.  I'm sure he'll be the highest scoring RB over the last half of the season now.