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Tom Brady has been one of the most consistent options at the quarterback position in fantasy football. Not counting his missed year in 2008, Brady has played in every game since becoming the starter in 2001. He’s been a top-five draftee, even made it to No. 1. Brady can throw anywhere between 3,500 and 4,800 yards, with the rare 5,200-yard season. He also throws 28 to 35 touchdowns and keeps the interception totals under 15.
If you had Brady on your fantasy team in years past, things were great. However, if you owned him in the 2013 season, it was a struggle. Despite throwing for 4,343 yards and 25 touchdowns, Brady finished as the 13th-best fantasy quarterback, seven points behind Ben Roethlisberger.
Throughout the season, the New England Patriots passing game was hit or miss. Danny Amendola was injured for multiple games (again), Rob Gronkowski missed nine games and the two rookies Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson were not the sensations other first-year receivers were. Brady had four single-digit games and only one 30-point game in the 2013 season. He also didn’t score a rushing touchdown, compared to the four he had last season.
Heading into the 2014 season, Brady’s stock has fallen greatly. No one knows when Gronk will be back, there are rumors that the Patriots will trade the injury-prone Amendola and the running game is slowly diminishing. LeGarrette Blount is a free agent and Stevan Ridley was in Bill Belichick’s doghouse all season.
The top-four quarterbacks that will be taken are Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton. Who is the No. 5 option? Nick Foles? Matthew Stafford? Andrew Luck? The quarterback position is very deep this year that all of these players could be the No. 1 guy at one point this season.
As of right now, Brady should be drafted as the No. 6 quarterback. He can still play as a top-10 quarterback. However, with the questions and struggles at the wide receiver position, it will be hard to trust him. All of the other players mentioned have consistently reliable options at wide out. Brady is no longer a quarterback to draft in the first three rounds.
When Brady falls to round six, jump on it. Just make sure you grab a backup for when Brady doesn’t throw for 300 yards and multiple scores.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
