CULPEPPER TAKES MOSS WITH TOP PICK

By: B

In a bold move Saturday, Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper selected teammate Randy Moss in the first round of his fantasy football draft. Playing in a league with hometown friends, Culpepper chose Moss with the third overall pick in the draft over such highly-regarded fantasy picks as Ahman Green, Clinton Portis and Deuce McAllister.

“I feel a big year coming on for Randy,” said Culpepper of his top receiver. “Our offensive line is crazy good, and he’s looked awesome in practice.”

This is the first year Culpepper has engaged in the illegal, yet highly enjoyable hobby of fantasy football.

“This is also going to help me keep an eye on who else is doing good in the NFL,” said Culpepper. “Usually I don’t really care how everyone else is doing, but this year you can be sure I’ll be rooting for my teammates. And my real teammates, of course.”

In round two, Culpepper just missed the opportunity to select himself when his friend Steve took Culpepper with the 17th overall pick. Culpepper reluctantly selected oft-injured running back Marshall Faulk, mentioning that he saw Faulk over the summer and he “looked totally healthy.” Still, it was obvious Culpepper was perturbed about dropping to the 17th pick.

“To be honest with you, I’m really not happy about being chosen after Donovan [McNabb],” said Culpepper, referring to his friend Dave’s selection of McNabb with the 13th overall selection. “I had much better stats than him last season, and even this fantasy football magazine I’m reading had me ranked above him.”

Culpepper also solidified his case by pointing out he is the top ranked quarterback in his Madden 2005 season.

Moss is the only fellow Viking Culpepper was able to select. He nearly took Minnesota backup running back Onterrio Smith in round 11, but decided against it after a phone call to starter Michael Bennett.

“Michael assured me he’d be back soon,” said a confident Culpepper. “He made it clear that Smith isn’t going to get all that many carries. He suggested Moe Williams, but Moe was already off the board.” Culpepper instead chose Miami backup and close friend Travis Minor.

With his final pick Culpepper chose Philadelphia’s defense, but was required to pinky-swear the commissioner of the league that he would try his hardest when his Vikings play the Eagles in week 2.

“My job with the Vikings will always by my top priority,” said Culpepper. “My fantasy football squad, named Daunte’s Dream Team, is a distant second.”

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