Keepers for next year
 

We get $200 to build a team, and get to protect 8 players from year-to-year (at the cost we paid for them). I sold assets this year, building toward the future (although I got hot and missed the playoffs by a couple points too).

Anyways, here's what I'm looking at for next year for sure:
RB - D. Martin - $28
RB - A. Morris - $5
RB - D. Sproles - $16
WR - H. Nicks - $27
WR - D. Jackson - $16
WR - D. Alexander - $5
WR - TY Hilton - $1

That leaves me with $98 spent and one more to protect. Obviously, I'm in great shape money-wise, and will need to spend on a top QB (but I think Brady, Stafford, and Brees could all be released).

Last keeper spot:
Josh Gordon at $4
or
Vick Ballard at $5
or
Joique Bell at $7

I was leaning toward Gordon, but have lately been leaning Ballard -- he's been pretty darn good. I also have more WRs.

We start: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, Flex (WR/RB/TE), K, Def

Is Ballard the choice here?
Are my other 7 the right choices?
I've got loads of time to decide, and there's still a chance somebody will get released and I'll buy a final keeper, but figured I'd ask anyways.

I'd probably opt for Ballard -- barely -- over Josh Gordon. I think Ballard is in a better situation to succeed on the Colts, and he's proving himself worthy of receiving 15-20 touches per game. Gordon is talented, but his upside and potential for consistent production is hurt by Cleveland's offense and quarterback situation. I think Ballard goes into next year as the team's No. 1 back. As a $5 RB, that's great value.

I like Ballard as your last keeper. For the same resons mentioned above. But I might consider keeping Gordon over DJax. In my eyes, they are the same player but Gordon is cheaper. Add to the fact that Weeden and Gordon seem to have a chemistry, he may just end up outperforming DJax next year. SOmething to consider

DeSean Jackson has been a tough one. Obviously he's the more established player, but a lot will depend on what they seem to be doing in the preseason -- it'd been nice to have him play a bit under the new QB down the stretch.

I'm guessing DJax will be more highly touted next year, so he might be worth the money (and I can target Gordon at the auction). Time will tell on that one.

Thanks for the responses -- REP comin'!

I think DJax at $16 is too much. I'd rather keep both Gordon and Ballard for less than the cost of DJax. Gordon is basically the same player as DJax right now (deep ball spe******t) but Gordon as shown signs of developing the rest of his game. As strange as it may sound i like Weeden quite a bit better than Foles going into next year too.

go with the youngsters.

Very well said, I agree.