So many factors are taken into account when evaluating and handicapping fantasy value during draft season. Past performance, future potential, schedule, environment, surrounding cast, experience...it all plays a role. However, as I watched Adrian Peterson run roughshod over what once was an elite defense and observed Braylon Edwards shatter his career high in TD catches (in Week Six no less!), it occurred to me that far too often we overlook the most critical piece: talent.

Coming into this season, you heard much more about Peterson's job share with incumbent starter Chester Taylor and Edwards' troublesome QB situation than you did about their sheer ability to make plays. Does Taylor's presence matter when Peterson is capable of ripping off a 70-yard touchdown at any moment? Does it take Peyton Manning to recognize a weapon like Edwards and deliver a ball that this Mismatch can haul in? 

Role, climate, surrounding cast, schedule analysis...they are all critical components to projecting fantasy statistics. But I challenge you to limit them to secondary components that you employ merely to seperate players who are of equal ability and talent.

If you had, perhaps you wouldn't be hating yourself for passing on Peterson for Thomas Jones.