While at this stage of his career I’m not sure that he’s better, faster, or stronger, but former New England Patriots WR Wes Welker signed a 2-year $12 million contract today and is rising among fantasy football owners already anticipating the Manning-to-Welker combination.

Welkers’ deal is probably one of the most visible along with that of former New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush, who also signed this afternoon…the second day of the free agency period for the 2013 NFL season.

The Lions got Reggie for a relative bargain at 4 years and $16 million. The Lions reportedly are tempting him with being the team’s “featured” back in a previously precarious position. That part isn’t such big news, however, as RB Jahvid Best had to retire due to symptoms from multiple concussions and hasn’t played a meaningful down in nearly two years. Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell will back him up while Bush’s explosiveness makes the Detroit offense that much more scary with Megatron on the outside.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall signed with the Arizona Cardinals today as well. Mendenhall is probably one of the best signings of any team I think. He’s coming off injury but has low mileage overall, runs with power between the tackles and does have a little bit of speed to go with it as a hard-nosed running back – something that Beanie Wells was drafted for several years ago but never did become.

Mendenhall signed a one-year $2.5 million contract as I see the value of the position declining in general in recent years. Gone are the days of the high-dollar running back now that the passing game is the de facto play on any given down and the rules have become more and more friendly to receivers. He’ll be playing under HC Bruce Arians, who was the Steelers’ OC earlier in Mendenhall’s career there, so the two know each other well.

The scary thing? The day isn’t over yet and more people are being signed as time passes…stay tuned!

Jan 22, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) carries the ball against the New England Patriots during the third quarter in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

This week, we will take a look at 5 players, that I deem worthy of a first round pick.

I’m a member of a deep league, so first round talent for me, may be considered second or third round talent for you. That being said, let’s get this puppy rolling.

Ray Rice RB Baltimore Ravens

If I’ve learned anything over the past two years, it’s that Ray Rice is a sure thing. He’s an outstanding runner, and with his catching abilities, he’s a stud on any fantasy line-up. I took him 2nd overall last year, and could not have made a better decision. He’s 1-3 pick worthy in normal scoring, and could vie for the 1st pick in PPR leagues. If you are sitting at 2-7 and he’s on the board, YOU MUST PICK HIM.

Jamaal Charles RB Kansas City Chiefs

He’s coming off an ACL injury, but don’t let that hinder your judgement. Charles is still a freak of a runningback and will be a stud all season long if he can stay healthy. Mind you, he is a high risk/high reward pick. If you are willing to draft him, you will get a great player that will give you solid numbers every week. He may not be a Top 5 talent anymore, but he’s definitely a Top 15 talent.

Cam Newton QB Carolina Panthers

I normally stay away from a QB in the 1st round, but with the new style of football, they are moving up the ranks. Cam looks to be a contender for the top QB this season is he can avoid the Sophomore Slump. He’s biggest value comes from what he does on the ground. He will throw up 200 yards a game, but put another 50-100 on the ground. In most normal scoring leagues, that will give another 5-10 a week. Statistically, he’s a freak of nature and breaks into my Top 20.

LeSean McCoy RB Philadelphia Eagles

Like Rice, McCoy is a dual threat RB. He’s a monster on the sides and in between the tackles, and he’s an amazing receiver. McCoy’s greatest strength comes in the redzone. He had the highest number of rushin touchdowns last season, and from what I saw, he has no intentions of slowing down. McCoy can fight for a Top 3 pick easily if he can continue his production.

Calvin Johnson/Wes Welker WRs Detroit Lions/New England Patriots

In order to stop my imminent beheading from mentioning a guy that might be a victim of the Madden Curse, I’ve chosen both WRs here. Megatron needs no explanation for any normal football fan. His only downside is the lingering effects of the Madden Curse. If you don’t believe in said curse, take him in the first round, but if you do, look to Welker. Welker defies all odds with his height and level of production. Even when people believed his production would suffer after the acquisition of two stand-out Tight Ends, he came up with 122 catches and 1569 yards. If he doesn’t sign a deal before the season, he is in a contract year and could look to explode more-so than normal.

Well there you have it guys and gals. This is who I believe is FOR SURE 1st round talent. I’m not saying this is the Top 5, but if you are picking this season, and you don’t know who to draft, look at one of these players.

Thanks for reading, and come back next week when I look to rank the Top 5 defenses in the league.