Six members of the Footballguys Staff, along with six highly regarded writers in the fantasy football community, got together to complete a 12-team, 20-round, PPR mock where Touchdown passes are 6 points. The draft began on August 1st and ended August 17th. Before the draft, each of the participants answered questions regarding strategies, players they coveted and how they plan to attack the draft. To top it off, Footballguys' Devin Knotts will provide an evaluation of each team's roster strengths and weaknesses, chronicling the strategies and decisions that were made by each participant.
The goal of this article is to give you a look into the minds of fantasy experts throughout the entire draft process. This includes preparation, decision making, and execution. What was their plan? Did they follow it? Why did they make the decisions they made? Some drafters had similar strategies and players of interest, but how they executed their plan and built their roster, varied from person to person.
We hope you will uncover or discover a strategy that might work for you in your draft(s) this year. Learn what players the experts are targeting and why. At Footballguys, when you win, we win! If we can help give you the tools and know-how to build a winning team, we've done our job.
LEAGUE PARAMETERS
- 12 teams
- 20 roster spots
- Starting Lineup
- 1 quarterback
- 2 running backs
- 3 wide receivers
- 1 tight end
- 1 flex (either a running back, wide receiver, or tight end)
- 1 Defense
- 1 Kicker
LEAGUE SCORING
- Offensive Players Only
- 6 points - Passing Touchdown
- 6 points - Rushing/Receiving Touchdown
- 1 point - every 20 yards
- 1 point - every 10 Rushing/Receiving yard
- 1.0 point - Reception (QB, RB, WR, TE)
- 2 point - Two-Point Conversion (rush, pass or receive)
- 3 points - Field Goal 0-39 yards
- 4 points - Field Goal 40-49 yards
- 5 points - Field Goal 50-99 yards
- 1 point - Extra Point
- 6 - Offensive recovery for Touchdown
- 6 - Number of Defensive and Special Teams Touchdowns
- Defense scoring
- 2 points - fumble recovery
- 2 points - interception caught
- 1 point - sacked quarterback
- 2 points - safety
- 10 points - 0 points allowed
- 7 points - 1-6 points allowed
- 3 points - 7-10 points allowed
- 0 points - 11-20 points allowed
- -3 points - 21-99 points allowed
- 6 points - Defensive or Special Teams Touchdown
DRAFT PARTICIPANTS
- Jared Smola, Draftsharks
- Ari Ingel, Footballguys
- Pat Thorman, Pro Football Focus
- BJ Vanderwoude, Footballguys
- Chad Parsons, Footballguys
- Chris Raybon, The Action Network
- Scott Bischoff, Footballguys
- Justin Lonero, Football Diehards
- Jim Sannes, NumberFire
- Jason Wood, Footballguys
- Zach Greubel, Gridiron Experts
- Andy Hicks, Footballguys
DRAFT GRID
DRAFT SLOT 1
Jared Smola - DraftSharks
Jared has been with DraftSharks.com since 2007, helping the site capture numerous projections accuracy awards and expert league titles. Jared got his start in fantasy football at the tender age of 9, when his Barry Sanders-led championship squad had other owners dubbing the league the “Chuck E. Cheese League.
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
- QB: 2
- RB: 5-6
- WR: 7-8
- TE: 2-3
- K: 1
- DEF: 1
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
My overall QB strategy doesn’t change with 6-point passing scores. It obviously boosts QB scoring but doesn’t alter the depth at the position. The scoring system does change my rankings a bit, raising guys with big passing TD projections
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
There are 20 guys I’d feel comfortable with as my QB1, with Jimmy Garoppolo at the bottom of that list.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
Definitely RB. I’m trying to lock up 3 of my top-25 RBs. They’re usually all gone by Round 5. I’m fine waiting until the 7th or even 8th round to grab my WR3.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I’m not in love with the TE depth this season. I love getting Rob Gronkowski anywhere in Round 2 - although I’m not expecting him to make it to me at 2.12 in this draft. So I’m targeting Greg Olsen at the 4/5 turn or Delanie Walker at the 6/7.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I’ll take just 1 defense with 1 of my last 2 picks. There’s simply not a big enough gap between the top and middle-tier defenses to be worth a bigger investment.
7. Discuss drafting from the #1 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
With 22 picks between my turns, I need to make sure not to get caught out of runs, especially at QB and TE. I also won’t be afraid to reach ahead of ADP a bit and get my guys.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
I evaluate each situation independently. My rankings factor in projections for each player, plus “replacement points” for the games he’ll miss. Some folks make the mistake of valuing those missed games at 0 points when, in reality, you won’t be taking a 0 in that spot during the season.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
- QB: 1
- RB: 4
- WR: 4
- TE: 1
- K: 0
- DEF: 0
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
I’m looking for guys with job security on good offenses. As a bonus, I prefer guys whose home games are indoors or in warm weather climates.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
- Gio Bernard
- Cameron Meredith
- Kenny Golladay
- John Brown
- Vance McDonald
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
- Nyheim Hines: Drafted to be Colts HC Frank Reich’s new Danny Woodhead or Darren Sproles.
- Kenny Stills: Not really a “PPR guy,” but he’s wildly undervalued at his current ADP. Finished 26th among WRs in PPR points last year, and now there are 161 targets left behind by Jarvis Landry.
Draft selections
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.01
|
1
|
RB
|
LAR
|
|
2.12
|
24
|
WR
|
TBB
|
|
3.01
|
25
|
RB
|
CIN
|
|
4.12
|
48
|
WR
|
DEN
|
|
5.01
|
49
|
RB
|
Mark Ingram
|
NOS
|
6.12
|
72
|
WR
|
DEN
|
|
7.01
|
73
|
TE
|
WAS
|
|
8.12
|
96
|
QB
|
NOS
|
|
9.01
|
97
|
WR
|
DeVante Parker
|
MIA
|
10.12
|
120
|
WR
|
Nelson Agholor
|
PHI
|
11.01
|
121
|
RB
|
CIN
|
|
12.12
|
144
|
WR
|
NOS
|
|
13.01
|
145
|
WR
|
Mike Williams
|
LAC
|
14.12
|
168
|
TE
|
Austin Hooper
|
ATL
|
15.01
|
169
|
RB
|
PHI
|
|
16.12
|
192
|
QB
|
TBB
|
|
17.01
|
193
|
WR
|
TEN
|
|
18.12
|
216
|
PK
|
Dan Bailey
|
DAL
|
19.01
|
217
|
Def
|
Kansas City Chiefs
|
KCC
|
20.12
|
240
|
PK
|
Cairo Santos
|
NYJ
|
devin knotts' Evaluation
Strengths
Jared built a nice stable of running backs in this draft with Todd Gurley, Joe Mixon and once Mark Ingram gets back from suspension. Jared also paid up to get premium players at the tight end and quarterback position in Jordan Reed and Drew Brees while not sacrificing his overall depth as can be the trend when not waiting on one of the two positions.
Weaknesses
At the wide receiver position, Jared has a lot of belief in Case Keenum as he selected both Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. This is a risky proposition to select both wide receivers from the same team as while it increases his potential floor, does limit his upside on a week to week basis. If you’re going to take two receivers from the same team, you might as well take the quarterback especially if it is a late round type player such as Keenum.
How He’ll Win It All
If Case Keenum can repeat even 80% of 2017, Jared is going to be dangerous, as that means Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are having big years. It will also help if Jordan Reed can stay healthy as he will be a top-five tight end if he can overcome his past health issues.
DRAFT SLOT 2
Ari Ingel, Footballguys - Bio
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
2 QB’s, 5 RB’s, 7 WR’s & 2 TEs, 2 Def, 2 Kickers (b/c its been played out with no help)
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
It doesn’t change much for me and is more about supply and demand. Watch the flow of the draft and make sure I get a quarterback I’m comfortable with.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
Someone like Matt Ryan
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
Running back this year because the elite options go very quickly. There is much more depth available at wide receiver.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I will target Delanie Walker in the 7th, if he’s not there, I usually wait for a combination of Kittle, Burton or Reed.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I’m not usually taking a defense until at least round 13 or 14. That said, if I don’t think there is any value on the board, I am okay drafting an elite option earlier.
7. Discuss drafting from the #2 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
I’m drafting from the 2 hole, which means I get an elite running back in the first, and then will have my second running back in the 2nd or 3rd, to pair with an elite wide receiver as well. From there on, it’s about the flow of the draft.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
I’m staying away from most injured players and rookies outside of Barkley and Guice this year.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
Usually 4 running backs, 4 wide receivers a tight end and a quarterback.
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
Look for kickers on good teams and playing indoors. I also look for offenses that are often very good, but not elite, those offenses that can stall in the red zone.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
John Brown, Taywan Taylor, Matt Breida, Seals-Jones, Chris Carson.
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.02
|
2
|
RB
|
ARI
|
|
2.11
|
23
|
WR
|
CIN
|
|
3.02
|
26
|
RB
|
Derrius Guice
|
WAS
|
4.11
|
47
|
WR
|
KCC
|
|
5.02
|
50
|
RB
|
NEP
|
|
6.11
|
71
|
TE
|
TEN
|
|
7.02
|
74
|
WR
|
CLE
|
|
8.11
|
95
|
WR
|
LAR
|
|
9.02
|
98
|
RB
|
SEA
|
|
10.11
|
119
|
QB
|
DET
|
|
11.02
|
122
|
QB
|
ATL
|
|
12.11
|
143
|
RB
|
NYJ
|
|
13.02
|
146
|
Def
|
Philadelphia Eagles
|
PHI
|
14.11
|
167
|
TE
|
Eric Ebron
|
IND
|
15.02
|
170
|
RB
|
MIA
|
|
16.11
|
191
|
WR
|
Mike Wallace
|
PHI
|
17.02
|
194
|
WR
|
Dede Westbrook
|
JAC
|
18.11
|
215
|
TE
|
Adam Shaheen
|
CHI
|
19.02
|
218
|
WR
|
Brandon Marshall
|
SEA
|
20.11
|
239
|
PK
|
Greg Zuerlein
|
LAR
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Ari built some nice depth at the wide receiver position balancing consistency with upside by taking Sammy Watkins and Josh Gordon who are two upside players while combining them with A.J. Green and Cooper Kupp who should provide some stability to the wide receiving group. Ari did a nice job getting a balanced approach at the quarterback and tight end positions as well as even though he did not pay up for a top-five player at either position, he balanced the position with nice depth.
Weaknesses
At the running back position, Ari got a little bit unlucky as he drafted Derius Guice before he tore his ACL and was lost for the season. This leaves a big hole on Ari’s team as outside of David Johnson, he will have to rely on Rex Burkhead to start most weeks. He does have some intriguing players such as Chris Carson and Bilal Powell that could take over their backfield, but as it stands now the running back group is a weakness for Ari.
How He’ll Win It All
If Ari can get enough out of the running back position he will be dangerous. He does not need it to be the best running back group in the league, he just needs to get enough out of it to be competitive as his wide receivers will carry him in this league.
DRAFT SLOT 3
Pat Thorman, Pro Football Focus
Pat Thorman is a Featured Writer with PFF Fantasy. He is an FSWA award-winning writer and has placed top-six in the FantasyPros in-season rankings contest twice in the last four seasons. Thorman joined PFF in 2013 and has over 25 years of experience playing fantasy football.
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
For this draft, I’ll probably go with 2 QB, 6 RB, 6 WR, 4 TE, 1 DST, and 1 PK. In a typical draft, I’d take only one defense, and wouldn’t draft a kicker if I could pick one up right before Week 1.
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
Six point touchdowns don’t change the quarterback math enough to change my strategy. I’ll take quarterbacks once I’m satisfied with my depth at RB, WR, and TE. I’m fine with getting a couple passers ranked in the QB14-QB20 range if their styles complement each other (a Philip Rivers with a Patrick Mahomes, or a Marcus Mariota with an Alex Smith).
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
I’d be happy with any of Mariota (I have him ranked 12th), Rivers (13th), or Andrew Luck (14th) as my starting quarterback.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
Running back, due to scarcity. I’m far more comfortable with the wide receivers in the Round 5 – Round 8 range than I am the available running backs.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I’ll take Rob Gronkowski if he calls to the end of the second round, or Travis Kelce in the fourth (I don’t have much Kelce). Usually I am grabbing whoever slides a round or so among Jimmy Graham, Delanie Walker, or Kyle Rudolph. I’d rather not count on the mid-round tight ends, other than perhaps George Kittle.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I’ll wait until the very end of the draft to take my DST. They are volatile enough that spending a valuable pick on them is not worth it. I’ll shoot for teams projected for winning records, who preferably play quickly to generate snap volume, resulting in more chances at sacks and turnovers.
7. Discuss drafting from the #3 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
Drafting from the three spot is pretty ideal. I land one of the top three PPR running backs, all of which I’ve got grouped fairly close together, and also get a jump on my second round pick relative to the top spot. There is a decent chance a quality PPR RB (like Christian McCaffrey or Jerick McKinnon) is available at 2.10, and the 3.03 should give me a choice of high-quality second-tier wideouts like T.Y. Hilton or Doug Baldwin.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
I’m almost completely injury agnostic and gladly take whatever discounts result from “injury prone” labels. Suspensions are a little different, in that we have something concrete to factor in – a specific number of games we know a player will miss. I don’t weight whether a player is a rookie very heavily, since it’s usually baked into ADP anyway. It matters more what his opportunity is. The key to managing all of these types of players is to buy some when the value is favorable, but not to go overboard on them in a single draft.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
4-5 RB, 4-5 WR, 1 TE
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
I want a kicker on a team who projects a winning record and with an offense that should be able to move the ball. Positive game scripts allow for more field goal attempts.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
After Round 10: George Kittle, Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Stills, Latavius Murray, Kenny Golladay. After Round 15: Ricky Seals-Jones, Andy Dalton, Tyrell Williams, Peyton Barber, Cole Beasley
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.03
|
3
|
RB
|
PIT
|
|
2.10
|
22
|
RB
|
Devonta Freeman
|
ATL
|
3.03
|
27
|
WR
|
SEA
|
|
4.10
|
46
|
RB
|
PHI
|
|
5.03
|
51
|
WR
|
PIT
|
|
6.10
|
70
|
WR
|
NEP
|
|
7.03
|
75
|
TE
|
MIN
|
|
8.10
|
94
|
QB
|
CAR
|
|
9.03
|
99
|
RB
|
C.J. Anderson
|
CAR
|
10.10
|
118
|
RB
|
Ty Montgomery
|
GBP
|
11.03
|
123
|
WR
|
OAK
|
|
12.10
|
142
|
WR
|
TEN
|
|
13.03
|
147
|
TE
|
CIN
|
|
14.10
|
166
|
QB
|
Mitchell Trubisky
|
CHI
|
15.03
|
171
|
RB
|
MIN
|
|
16.10
|
190
|
WR
|
Dez Bryant
|
FA*
|
17.03
|
195
|
WR
|
Geronimo Allison
|
GBP
|
18.10
|
214
|
RB
|
JAC
|
|
19.03
|
219
|
Def
|
New England Patriots
|
NEP
|
20.10
|
238
|
PK
|
Mason Crosby
|
GBP
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Pat built quite the stable of running backs in this draft as he took a running back in 5 out of the first 10 rounds. Starting with Le’Veon Bell and continuing with Devonte Freeman and Jay Ajayi as the starters each week. Pat was also able to get a tremendous value on Cam Newton in the eighth round which solidifies his quarterback position.
Weaknesses
At the wide receiver position Pat has some question marks outside of his top two in Doug Baldwin and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Pat is expecting big things out of Chris Hogan who is 30 years old and who is largely unproven. Players such as Jordy Nelson is an aging player who still has upside and Rishard Matthews is dealing with injuries this preseason.
How He’ll Win It All
Jordy Nelson is a big player for Pat’s team as if he can have a good year, Pat’s wide receiving group will elevate up to above average which with his running backs and quarterbacks is all he needs to win this league.
DRAFT SLOT 4
BJ Vanderwoude, Footballguys - Bio
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
I plan on taking two quarterbacks, six running backs, seven wide receivers, three tight ends, 1 defenses and 1 kicker.
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
With the scoring format, I am paying attention more to touchdown passes and less to passing yards. This thins the middle tier down quite a bit, but it also gives a hard line where that tier starts to drop off.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
The absolute lowest-ranked quarterback I would want as my starter is Kirk Cousins.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
I would rather have three wide receivers on my roster first, as there quite a few options in the middle rounds that have the upside of a starting caliber running back.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I am generally opposed to taking a tight end early (Rob Gronkowski, Zach Ertz, Travis Kelce), so my strategy is to wait until value presents itself in rounds seven through ten. My two favorite targets are Trey Burton and Delanie Walker.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
My general strategy is to wait until at least the 14th round, however in this format, it does make sense to grab a top-tier defense before that run starts. Depending on how my team looks in round 14, I may be willing to start the run on defenses.
7. Discuss drafting from the #4 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
Drafting from the #4 hole gives you options in the 1st round, whether that be a wide receiver or running back. I would prefer to secure one of the top four running backs, as I like the wide receiver options that come back in the second and third rounds. I think the one thing you have to be willing to do is react to the runs that are being started at the end and beginning of each rounds. Those managers know they have to wait roughly two rounds in between picks, so in many cases they will prepare for that and start the run on a particular position.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
My approach to rookie running backs is that there is tremendous positional value this year, so you have to be willing to take a flier when the situation presents itself. All other rookie positions, I am much less hesitant about, as I think it takes a longer time for them to get settled and comfortable with the playbook, as well as outplay veterans in front of them. With that said, it is similar to injured/suspended players. You have to be able to set a projected number of games played, and then extrapolate their projections out for that number of games. When you start to see a drastic difference in projected points between injured/suspended players and other players at their position, you know the value is correct in drafting them.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
I expect to have four wide receivers, four running backs, one quarterback and one tight end.
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
The main thing I factor in is whether they are on an offense that is capable of putting up a lot of points. Maybe they are not the most accurate kicker in league, but if they have a lot of opportunities then they should project very well in this scoring format.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
Trey Burton, Bilal Powell, Kenny Golladay, Nyheim Hines, Martavis Bryant.
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
On obvious choice is Theo Riddick, who continues to be a great weekly fill in at running back. The Lions brought in competition, but that is more related to running the football, as Riddick will continue to see a steady volume of weekly targets, especially to justify his current ADP (152).
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.04
|
4
|
WR
|
PIT
|
|
2.09
|
21
|
TE
|
NEP
|
|
3.04
|
28
|
RB
|
Jordan Howard
|
CHI
|
4.09
|
45
|
WR
|
Brandin Cooks
|
LAR
|
5.04
|
52
|
WR
|
CLE
|
|
6.09
|
69
|
RB
|
NYJ
|
|
7.04
|
76
|
RB
|
WAS
|
|
8.09
|
93
|
QB
|
HOU
|
|
9.04
|
100
|
RB
|
James White
|
NEP
|
10.09
|
117
|
QB
|
LAC
|
|
11.04
|
124
|
WR
|
LAC
|
|
12.09
|
141
|
WR
|
Marqise Lee
|
JAC
|
13.04
|
148
|
RB
|
Rob Kelley
|
WAS
|
14.09
|
165
|
WR
|
TBB
|
|
15.04
|
172
|
RB
|
KCC
|
|
16.09
|
189
|
WR
|
Donte Moncrief
|
JAC
|
17.04
|
196
|
PK
|
NOS
|
|
18.09
|
213
|
Def
|
Denver Broncos
|
DEN
|
19.04
|
220
|
TE
|
BAL
|
|
20.09
|
237
|
TE
|
ARI
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
The quarterback position and tight end positions are the strength of BJ’s team as he decided to pay up early for Rob Gronkowski and took two of the top 12 quarterbacks taken in DeShaun Watson and Phillip Rivers.
Weaknesses
This is an inverse scenario for BJ as while his wide receiving group is top-heavy it is not very deep and while his running backs are not very strong at the top, he has a lot of depth. This creates an issue at the flex position for BJ each week as he will struggle to fill in that position. This was partly caused by taking two top-12 quarterbacks and three tight ends.
How He’ll Win It All
Strong in-season management is going to be needed from BJ to win this league as while he has strong quarterbacks, determining which one to play each week is going to be crucial to justify taking two top guys. Also, at the flex position having a player or two emerge as an every week starter will be big for BJ this season.
DRAFT SLOT 5
Chad Parsons, Footballguys - Bio
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
My rough outline is:
2 QB
6 RB
7 WR
3 TE
1 K
1 DST
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
I will be a little more aggressive than usual with full touchdown scoring for quarterbacks. However, I am typically one of the last to take their first quarterback in most drafts, including this one.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
I am comfortable with around 20 quarterbacks as my starter. The last subset for my target zone is Eli Manning, Dak Prescott, and Alex Smith.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
I definitely prefer running back here with three in the first three or four rounds. The lone exception would be going with Rob Gronkowski in Rounds 2-3 due to an unappealing running back draft board or a stud wide receiver like Mike Evans being available in Round 3.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
If I do not get a look at Rob Gronkowski in Round 2 or maybe Travis Kelce in Rounds 3-4, I will wait a while at tight end. I have some interest in Jimmy Graham in the mid-TE1 zone, but yet to draft him there this year due to wide receivers in the same range. Delanie Walker is another potential, but unlikely, mid-round checkpoint for the position. Most likely is drafting two tight ends beyond Rounds 10-12.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
More important than which defenses I target, is getting two of them and not doubling up on their bye week. After Round 12 is when my first defense will be in play.
7. Discuss drafting from the #5 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
At 1.05, this is an enviable position. I know I will get a look at a stud running back. Ideally, I would get David Johnson or Ezekiel Elliott, but settling for Alvin Kamara is not a situation to regret. An ideal start would be Christian McCaffrey or Melvin Gordon in Round 2, but I doubt they will be there at 2.08.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
I am open to rookies, specifically running backs, as they can emerge later in the year as difference-makers. In terms of suspended players, Julian Edelman is the one offhand who can be a value in the Round 5-6 range. However, I need to have at least one receiver before Edelman to build balance at the position and grab a more stable option or two after Edelman.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
0 QB
5 RB
5 WR
0 TE
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
With kickers, I gravitate towards established veterans not likely to lose their job, a preference towards dome teams, and better offenses (read: quarterbacks) whenever possible.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
- Eli Manning: Top-12 upside for a fraction of the price, his main weapons (Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham, Evan Engram) are all highly valued.
- Ben Watson: There was a black hole for New Orleans tight ends last season, but Watson had his career with the Saints his last stop.
- Frank Gore: I have no faith in Kenyan Drake to keep the job and Miami did not bring in Gore to be a player-coach.
- John Brown: There is a wide open No.2 receiver role in Baltimore and Brown fits the deep role best of the depth chart. The only thing holding Brown back is his health.
- Luke Willson: Plenty of tight end targets available in Detroit and Willson has flashed seam-stretching speed in an ancillary role with Seattle. This year is a golden opportunity for Willson to seize a lead role over second-year Michael Roberts.
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
Nyheim Hines is pretty intriguing in full PPR with an uncertain Colts depth chart. Hines has the most upside and with a thin wide receiver position, Hines can be the Tarik Cohen-like moveable chess piece, but with more overt explosion and speed for the Colts offense.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.05
|
5
|
RB
|
DAL
|
|
2.08
|
20
|
RB
|
CAR
|
|
3.05
|
29
|
TE
|
KCC
|
|
4.08
|
44
|
RB
|
LeSean McCoy
|
BUF
|
5.05
|
53
|
RB
|
TEN
|
|
6.08
|
68
|
WR
|
BAL
|
|
7.05
|
77
|
RB
|
Jamaal Williams
|
GBP
|
8.08
|
92
|
RB
|
CLE
|
|
9.05
|
101
|
WR
|
Kelvin Benjamin
|
BUF
|
10.08
|
116
|
WR
|
Allen Hurns
|
DAL
|
11.05
|
125
|
QB
|
IND
|
|
12.08
|
140
|
WR
|
BAL
|
|
13.05
|
149
|
WR
|
MIA
|
|
14.08
|
164
|
WR
|
Ted Ginn Jr
|
NOS
|
15.05
|
173
|
QB
|
DAL
|
|
16.08
|
188
|
TE
|
NOS
|
|
17.05
|
197
|
RB
|
Jeremy Hill
|
NEP
|
18.08
|
212
|
Def
|
Pittsburgh Steelers
|
PIT
|
19.05
|
221
|
PK
|
ATL
|
|
20.08
|
236
|
RB
|
Rod Smith
|
DAL
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Chad went with a running back heavy approach as he selected six running backs in the first eight rounds. This provides Chad with a ton of flexibility whether it is through the trade market or on a week to week basis if he needs to select which running backs to start. Chad was also able to get a to get Travis Kelce and get tremendous value out of Andrew Luck falling to the 14th quarterback off the board.
Weaknesses
Chad’s sacrificed his wide receiving group in this draft as it is by far the worst in the league. Having to rely on three starters each week is going to be a challenge for Chad’s team.
How He’ll Win It All
Chad is going to have to win this league through the trade market. There just is not enough talent at the critical wide receiver position in this league to overcome it. He has the depth at running back as he can only start three of his six that he drafted on a week to week basis, so he will have to look to move one or two of those guys for wide receiving options.
DRAFT SLOT 6
Chris Raybon, The Action Network
Chris Raybon is a Sr. Editor and analyst at The Action Network. He is also a Co-host of the ESPN+ show “I’ll Take That Bet.” He has seen every snap of every NFL game since 2010.
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
3 QB, 4-6 RB, 7-9 WR, 2-3 TE, 1 DST, 1 K
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
I want two QBs because they're probably the easiest to find a top-12 finish, so I'll be more aggressive than usual. The 6-point TDs equalize mobile QBs and pocket passers, so guys like Brees, Jimmy G, Goff, Ryan, Rivers, etc. become a bit more valuable.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
Matt Ryan or Patrick Mahomes depending on what rankings you're looking at.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
Running back, because it gets a lot harder to find bankable workloads the later in the draft it gets. At WR, I can find a lot of guys late who can give me top-36 finishes.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I'll probably stick to two because the position dries up quickly and it may be harder to find top-12 performances here than a top-12 finish at QB or a top-36 finish at WR. I'll use my normal strategy: Wait on the position and grab a few value picks after stocking up at RB/WR.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
In the last 2 rounds. I'm looking at the schedule and trying to find a defense that will be favored in a lot of games so I have the chance at maximizing the one pick.
7. Discuss drafting from the #6 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
A lot of times in the 6 hole, you have to choose between taking the RB6 and Antonio Brown. In a normal draft I might lean toward Brown for his predictability, but in this format I'm probably better-served building depth at RB because as I mentioned, the position thins out more quickly than WR. Also, I don't necessarily gain as much from AB outscoring almost everyone else over the course of a season; I can only get 1-2 points.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
I project ceiling and floor for each player, so best- and worst-case range of outcomes are taken into account in my rankings. Rookie RBs tend to be the best values of all the positions, and that's no different this year with eight RBs going in the first three rounds. After accounting for the ceiling and floor of Injured and suspended players based not only on performance, but potential workload, I usually come in lower on them than most, so I'm probably not getting Mark Ingram, Julian Edelman, Aaron Jones, Jameis Winston, etc.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
4-5 RBs, 4-5 WRs, maybe one QB or TE, but likely not one of each yet.
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
Opportunity and schedule: I want a kicker on an offense that can move the ball on a team that won't get into too much negative game script where they end up going for TDs instead of FGs. And since I have one pick, I want a kicker that's proven and not liable to lose a camp battle or his effectiveness.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
RB Matt Breida, WR Tyrell Williams, WR Chris Godwin, WR Cole Beasley, TE Hayden Hurst
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
You can usually find a good PPR RB on the cheap every year instead of paying up for those that did well in the prior season. Austin Ekeler is someone whose end-of-season numbers may not look too different than Chris Thompson's or Theo Riddick's, especially with Philip Rivers at QB and an offense that's missing some underneath targets with Hunter Henry out for the year.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.06
|
6
|
RB
|
NOS
|
|
2.07
|
19
|
RB
|
SFO
|
|
3.06
|
30
|
WR
|
IND
|
|
4.07
|
43
|
RB
|
Lamar Miller
|
HOU
|
5.06
|
54
|
RB
|
Sony Michel
|
NEP
|
6.07
|
67
|
TE
|
CAR
|
|
7.06
|
78
|
WR
|
Will Fuller
|
HOU
|
8.07
|
91
|
WR
|
SFO
|
|
9.06
|
102
|
QB
|
SFO
|
|
10.07
|
115
|
TE
|
CHI
|
|
11.06
|
126
|
WR
|
ATL
|
|
12.07
|
139
|
Def
|
Minnesota Vikings
|
MIN
|
13.06
|
150
|
PK
|
Justin Tucker
|
BAL
|
14.07
|
163
|
QB
|
Patrick Mahomes
|
KCC
|
15.06
|
174
|
WR
|
DAL
|
|
16.07
|
187
|
WR
|
J.J. Nelson
|
ARI
|
17.06
|
198
|
RB
|
Kalen Ballage
|
MIA
|
18.07
|
211
|
WR
|
James Washington
|
PIT
|
19.06
|
222
|
RB
|
D\'Onta Foreman
|
HOU
|
20.07
|
235
|
WR
|
OAK
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Chris had a nice strategy of getting four elite running backs and then waiting on running backs for the rest of the draft as he did not select another running back until round 17. By having four of the first 25 running backs off the board, Chris will have plenty of options on who he wants to start on a given week as he will only be able to start three of these players. Chris also got a tremendous value out of Trey Burton to pair with Greg Olsen.
Weaknesses
At the wide receiver position, Chris is forced to start three guys each week which at the current moment means he will be relying on two of Will Fuller, Pierre Garcon and Calvin Ridley. While it is a talented group, it is largely an unproven group outside of Garcon and the little sample size we saw with Fuller last season.
How He’ll Win It All
The biggest question for Chris will be which Will Fuller are we going to see as while he was tremendous during a stretch last season with DeShaun Watson, he disappeared once Watson went out with an injury. If he can produce the same results as he did with Watson last year, Fuller could be a major factor for Chris to win this league.
DRAFT SLOT 7
Scott Bischoff, Footballguys - Bio
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
This is not a best-ball format, but for draft purposes, it might as well be as there is no in-season management so I will be covering bye weeks. I will approach the draft with the desire to take two quarterbacks, six running backs, six receivers, two tight ends, two kickers and two defenses. That can change a touch if I find value elsewhere. For example, if I land an excellent third running back and feel very comfortable about that group, I may only draft backs. That means I’m likely to take seven receivers or another tight end.
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
I alter my thinking in the regard that six points for touchdown passes reduce the value of quarterbacks that run for touchdowns. Otherwise, the entire group of quarterbacks moves higher as scorers relative to each other. I’m targeting high upside passers that I can get later like Ben Roethlisberger, Matthew Stafford or Andrew Luck.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is always producing like a No. 1 fantasy quarterback, and his ADP is currently 111 overall. That puts him into Round 10, and if I knew I could get him in Round 10 I would lock it in right now and load up on the nine picks I’m making before I take him.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
I want to roster three running backs first as the pool of reliable producers dries up much quicker with the running backs than it does with wide receivers. I can find productive receivers later in the draft, but it is much more difficult to find steady producers at the running back position.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I see it both ways when it comes to the tight end position. While I’m likely to take a tight end like Delanie Walker or Kyle Rudolph in Round 7, I will swing for the fences and address the position in the second round with Rob Gronkowski. There is ground that can be made up with the depth of the wide receivers around the league and selecting a tight end early means you must hit on a player later in the draft that will outperform his draft position. I would think long and hard about selecting Gronkowski in Round 2 if he were to fall to that point.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
It is likely that I will wait until late in the draft to address the position unless the Los Angeles Rams or the Jacksonville Jaguars are available after Round 12. If I do not land one of those defenses, I am waiting until the last three rounds to address the position.
7. Discuss drafting from the 7-hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
I would love to land one of five running backs (Todd Gurley, LeVeon Bell, David Johnson, Ezekiel Elliott or Alvin Kamara), but that means that there need to be two receivers in the top six, or one receiver and someone reaching a bit for Barkley for that to happen. I’d say it is unlikely to happen. That means I’m looking at Barkley which makes me very uneasy or the upper tier of receivers. I consider Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown the No. 1 receiver and would take him in an instant if all the backs were gone. I see Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr and Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins as a step down from Brown, but both have fantastic upside and are very viable options at seven overall. If the five running backs I mentioned are gone along with Brown (this is what I am expecting to happen), then I’m deciding between a rookie running back, and Beckham Jr. or Hopkins. In that scenario, I am certain I am rolling with Beckham Jr. as my first round pick.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
Generally speaking, I am not eager to select first-year players early in the draft, so I tend to avoid that scenario unless there is a game-changer type like Ezekiel Elliott when he entered the NFL. There are some situations where I will deviate from that mentality. If a player is going to a strong offense and enters as the starter with very little competition,then I will consider him. Giants running back Saquon Barkley fits this mold as he is the clear starter, is an explosive weapon and will play in an offense that should be able to move the ball easily with weapons at all levels. Rookies must be rare players in phenomenal landing spots for me to reach for them early in drafts. I will draft injured/suspended players but they have to come at a reduced price, and they would have to enter the season as a backup on the roster.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
I would prefer to have one quarterback, four running backs, four wide receivers and one tight end through 10 rounds. There is always the possibility that I will deviate from that plan if a player of value falls (likely a running back) to a point in the draft where he represents too much value.
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
I always consider weather later in the season and that generally pushes me to select kickers that play the majority of his games indoors. Also, I will give kickers that are established a nod over younger and unproven kickers. Spending time on the waiver wire over the kicker position is not something I want to be doing.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
Tyrell Williams, Tyler Lockett, Kenny Golladay, Peyton Barber, Corey Coleman
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick is entrenched in the third-down role for the Lions. Riddick is a fantastic route runner coming out of the backfield, and he stays on the field in passing situations because he is excellent in pass protection. That combination will make it tough for anyone on the Lions roster to unseat him in this role, and he should be a steady performer while pushing for 50+ catches.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.07
|
7
|
WR
|
Odell Beckham Jr/div>
|
NYG
|
2.06
|
18
|
RB
|
Melvin Gordon
|
LAC
|
3.07
|
31
|
WR
|
Adam Thielen
|
MIN
|
4.06
|
42
|
RB
|
BAL
|
|
5.07
|
55
|
TE
|
GBP
|
|
6.06
|
66
|
RB
|
ATL
|
|
7.07
|
79
|
QB
|
NEP
|
|
8.06
|
90
|
WR
|
Robby Anderson
|
NYJ
|
9.07
|
103
|
RB
|
DET
|
|
10.06
|
114
|
WR
|
DET
|
|
11.07
|
127
|
WR
|
Paul Richardson
|
WAS
|
12.06
|
138
|
WR
|
SEA
|
|
13.07
|
151
|
Def
|
Los Angeles Chargers
|
LAC
|
14.06
|
162
|
RB
|
LAC
|
|
15.07
|
175
|
TE
|
Cameron Brate
|
TBB
|
16.06
|
186
|
QB
|
Derek Carr
|
OAK
|
17.07
|
199
|
RB
|
DET
|
|
18.06
|
210
|
PK
|
Matt Prater
|
DET
|
19.07
|
223
|
WR
|
NEP
|
|
20.06
|
234
|
WR
|
Chester Rogers
|
IND
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Scott’s wide receiving group is one of the deeper groups in the league which should provide him plenty of flexibility during this league as he will have plenty of options to choose from on who to start and at the flex position. Scott also got tremendous value on Tom Brady and was the first one to get in right before the run of quarterbacks happened just a few picks after him.
Weaknesses
The running back position is a little bit weak as while he has two solid starters in Melvin Gordon and Alex Collins, after that it becomes a little bit unclear and not deep. While Tevin Coleman is a fine bye week fill-in is not someone that Scott will want to rely on for a week to week starter unless Freeman were to go down. After that, Scott took specialists in Theo Riddick, Austin Ekeler and LeGarrette Blount none of which will be expected to produce unless there is a significant injury.
How He’ll Win It All
If Melvin Gordon and Alex Collins can stay healthy each week, Scott has a good chance in this league. As mentioned, the team is one of the best starting lineups, but it is going to come down to whether Scott has enough depth to win it all and avoiding injuries will go a long way for that.
DRAFT SLOT 8
Justin Lonero - Football Diehards
Senior Writer and Fantasy Football Analyst at Football Diehards.com. Host of the Football Diehards podcast with Bob Harris. We discuss Fantasy Football all season long with the most notable names in the industry. In season we are a DFS show sponsored by Draft Kings.
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
3-QB’s 7-8 RB’s 6-7 WR’s 2 TE’s 1 D/ST’s 1-Kicker
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
QB is such a deep position I’ll wait until at least round 8 to take One, permitting there is a crazy wave of other draftees pulling them off the board
3. Who is your lowest ranked quarterback that you want as your QB 1?
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have Three on your roster, First? Explain why.
I am always going to grab Three WR’s first. Running back is such a volatile position I believe value can be had late. My goal is to have Three “elite” WR’s before round Four, always.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
Typically I wait on TE’s. I’m not interested in paying a premium for Gronk or Kelce so I’ll be patient until at least round Eight and still draft a top Ten TE
6. What is your general strategy regarding Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I’m never drafting a defense until I’m content with my positional players. I’ll wait until round 15 to take my first Defense.
7. Discuss drafting from the # 8 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
I love drafting near the middle. I can almost be guaranteed Two Elite WR’s right off the bat and I’m never waiting long until my next pick
8. Whats your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full work load to start the season?
Rookies can find themselves getting a full work load early and drafting them based on role will always depend on their cost and my intrigue. Monitoring the type of injury a player has will dictate my desire for them. I ask myself “will the injury linger ?” Or “will this player lose his job ?” Based on missing games. Again, cost always is a factor. Suspended player can be tricky to gauge based on how long the suspension is and if I think the player will be eased in to get up to real-time speed. Suspended players can fall late because we yearn instant satisfaction. The reality is that players like Julian Edelman and Mark Ingram could carry us in the fantasy playoffs.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
1 QB, 4 WR’s, 4 RB’s, 1 TE
10. Aside from taking one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when taking a kicker?
I want a kicker on a good offense, always. Realistically it’s not something I put a ton of thought into but they are a requirement
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
Danny Amendola, Mohamed Sanu, Jordan Matthews, Giovani Bernard, TJ Yeldon.
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.08
|
8
|
WR
|
HOU
|
|
2.05
|
17
|
WR
|
Davante Adams
|
GBP
|
3.08
|
32
|
WR
|
Stefon Diggs
|
MIN
|
4.05
|
41
|
WR
|
Golden Tate
|
DET
|
5.08
|
56
|
RB
|
SEA
|
|
6.05
|
65
|
WR
|
TEN
|
|
7.08
|
80
|
RB
|
CHI
|
|
8.05
|
89
|
RB
|
OAK
|
|
9.08
|
104
|
QB
|
MIN
|
|
10.05
|
113
|
TE
|
SFO
|
|
11.08
|
128
|
RB
|
BAL
|
|
12.05
|
137
|
Def
|
Los Angeles Rams
|
LAR
|
13.08
|
152
|
QB
|
TEN
|
|
14.05
|
161
|
TE
|
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
|
JAC
|
15.08
|
176
|
WR
|
ATL
|
|
16.05
|
185
|
RB
|
T.J. Yeldon
|
JAC
|
17.08
|
200
|
PK
|
Harrison Butker
|
KCC
|
18.05
|
209
|
RB
|
Mark Walton
|
CIN
|
19.08
|
224
|
RB
|
Wayne Gallman
|
NYG
|
20.05
|
233
|
TE
|
DET
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Justin, as we have seen before, loves to go with a wide receiver heavy draft and this was no different. Five of his first six selections were at the wide receiver position. Justin got a nice balance of upside players with potential breakout players such as Corey Davis.
Weaknesses
The running back position each week is going to be a struggle for Justin as he is going to have to rely on two of Rashaad Penny, Tarik Cohen and Marshawn Lynch each week.
How He’ll Win It All
Justin is going to win this league through is wide receivers being that much better than everyone else’s receiving group while having to figure out the running back position as the season progresses. Trading is also an option to a running back heavy team to balance this out, but Justin will first need the receivers to live up to their draft picks.
DRAFT SLOT 9
Jim Sannes, NumberFire
Jim Sannes is a senior writer and analyst for numberFire. He is the co-host of The Heat Check Fantasy Podcast with Brandon Gdula, covering daily fantasy football, golf, and NASCAR, and the host of The Solo Shot, a daily fantasy baseball podcast. Sannes won the 2017 Fantasy Sports Writers Association award for the best online baseball article.
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
Because this draft is taking place in August, I want to get as many wide receivers and running backs as possible. Things are more set at quarterback and tight end, meaning I can stick to just one player at each of those spots while trying to scoop up players who could wind up in bigger roles at both running back and wide receiver. The same will be true with drafting just one defense and one kicker.
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
It is the same for me as it would be if they were four points per touchdown. My strategy at quarterback is to target efficient throwers, and efficient throwers generate touchdowns. Additionally, late-round quarterbacks get as many points for their touchdown passes as the early-round guys, so there's no true incentive for me to deviate from my general strategy of waiting at the position.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
In a one-quarterback league, I can happily live with Dak Prescott as my QB1, and he is essentially free in these formats. Prescott was solid last year prior to left tackle Tyron Smith's injury, even though his pass-catching core wasn't great then, either. With Prescott's rushing upside being a factor, I'm still comfortable starting the league with him as my lone quarterback.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
I would prefer to have three running backs before having three wide receivers because the falloff at the position is so drastic after the first several rounds. I become highly uncomfortable with running backs starting in the middle of the third round, meaning I want to dabble in the position a minimum of one time prior to that. The falloff at wide receiver is less steep, meaning I can afford to ignore the position a tad bit longer.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
At tight end, I just want a player who will be on an efficient offense. This year, you can get that late, meaning I plan on holding off at the position until the double-digit rounds unless I can get good value on someone like Rob Gronkowski. But George Kittle, Jack Doyle, Tyler Eifert, and Vance McDonald have enough upside where I can tolerate them despite the risk they carry.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I plan to wait as long as humanly possible. My strategy here is similar to quarterback and tight end where I just want to target good teams. Good teams put opposing teams in negative game script, generating chances for sacks, interceptions, and touchdowns. That's what I want from my defense. There are defenses that should be in these situations -- Green Bay, New England, Atlanta, Tennessee -- available at the end of drafts, helping me feel good about waiting.
7. Discuss drafting from the #9 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
Drafting from the 9-hole likely means that I will be drafting a running back in the first round. I can safely assume that a top-end wide receiver (someone in the Michael Thomas or A.J. Green tier) will be available in the second, allowing me to plug in a running back in the first. But if someone like Dalvin Cook is available in the second, it will be very tempting to double up at the position.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
I don't like to waste a roster spot on someone unless they have upside. So if the suspended player will go into a big role later in the season, I'm okay dealing with that. But if it's a rookie who isn't projected to play until later and is on a middling team, it's hard for me to stomach waiting that long for them to be usable.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
It is very possible I could have exclusively wide receivers and running backs at that point, likely splitting them down the middle with five apiece. My favorite quarterback value is Ben Roethlisberger, who is often available in the double-digit rounds, and the same is true for George Kittle at tight end. I want as many wide receivers and running backs as I can get early before we start dipping into players with limited roles or upside.
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
Kicker for me is all about finding players on good offenses that will be leading more often than not. If a team is trailing by seven points late, they're not settling for a field goal. If you can draft a kicker on a great team, you safeguard yourself from that. I will also look at early-season schedules because I am likely to stream the position in-season.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
For the most part, I'm looking to target players who are in situations where there is at least some ambiguity. This makes John Brown an ideal player with all the changeover Baltimore has had to its core of pass-catchers. Both Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins figure to get volume in what could be a solid Indianapolis offense if Andrew Luck is healthy. The Buccaneers have given every indication that Peyton Barber will get a shot early in the season, and his efficiency metrics last year compared favorably to those of his teammates. And at wide receiver, Quincy Enunwa is returning to a Jets receiver group that lacks anyone who should run away with volume while Taywan Taylor figures to fill the void of Eric Decker in the Titans' offense, which should take steps forward with Marcus Mariota being healthy.
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
I'm going back to Taywan Taylor for this section. Taylor popped in college at Western Kentucky, and with Decker gone and Rishard Matthews banged up early in camp, there are targets to be had in Tennessee. Mariota has shown in the past that he can be efficient, and it's possible Matt LaFleur's offense can get Mariota back to his 2016 form, positioning Taylor well if he can earn a spot.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.09
|
9
|
RB
|
NYG
|
|
2.04
|
16
|
RB
|
JAC
|
|
3.09
|
33
|
WR
|
Amari Cooper
|
OAK
|
4.04
|
40
|
WR
|
Alshon Jeffery
|
PHI
|
5.09
|
57
|
WR
|
Marvin Jones
|
DET
|
6.04
|
64
|
WR
|
Robert Woods
|
LAR
|
7.09
|
81
|
RB
|
GBP
|
|
8.04
|
88
|
RB
|
IND
|
|
9.09
|
105
|
WR
|
MIA
|
|
10.04
|
112
|
QB
|
PIT
|
|
11.09
|
129
|
TE
|
IND
|
|
12.04
|
136
|
RB
|
Devontae Booker
|
DEN
|
13.09
|
153
|
WR
|
John Ross
|
CIN
|
14.04
|
160
|
RB
|
IND
|
|
15.09
|
177
|
WR
|
Anthony Miller
|
CHI
|
16.04
|
184
|
TE
|
PIT
|
|
17.09
|
201
|
QB
|
CIN
|
|
18.04
|
208
|
WR
|
Tre\'Quan Smith
|
NOS
|
19.09
|
225
|
Def
|
Cleveland Browns
|
CLE
|
20.04
|
232
|
PK
|
Robbie Gould
|
SFO
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Jim built one of the better all-around balanced drafts and got tremendous value out of Leonard Fournette in the second round which was an absolute gift. After Jim locked up his two elite running backs, he went wide receiver heavy getting a nice balance of upside and safe players at the position. This was a near flawless start to the draft from Jim.
Weaknesses
It’s hard to find holes in this team, but if there is one it is the lack of upside at the tight end position. While Jack Doyle is not going to be a negative on your team, he is also likely not to be a positive either.
How He’ll Win It All
Health. If Jim’s team can stay healthy particularly if Saquon Barkley and Leonard Fournette stay healthy, Jim will be a very difficult team to beat.
DRAFT SLOT 10
Jason Wood, Footballguys - Bio
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
Unlike Best Ball leagues, I don't have a rigid structure in seasonal leagues. This league has 20 roster spots, so I'll come away with two quarterbacks, two tight ends, one kicker, one defense, and at least six receivers and running backs. The final two spots will probably also be running backs or receivers, but that will come down to how the draft plays out and where I think there's late value combined with which position I need more depth.
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
It's not just the six points that impacts strategy, there's also no negative points for turnovers. That significantly flattens out the quarterback position and makes it far more feasible to wait. Since every industry person seems to abide by the late-round quarterback strategy these days, it's never been more compelling to select one of the top-3 quarterbacks early. I'll follow my draft board but will almost certainly only have one quarterback through the first nine or ten rounds.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
Is this format, there are thirteen quarterbacks I'm comfortable drafting as my primary starter. The last quarterback on that list is currently Andrew Luck (QB13) but early preseason practice reports have likely vaulted Luck back into the top-10 in most drafts.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
I am completely indifferent as to how my early picks shake out. I build detailed projections and generate custom rankings, and trust myself and my tiers. The answer to your question solely comes down to who's the best value on my draft board.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
This year I'm Rob Gronkowski or bust. If Gronkowski isn't available in the third round (I pick 10th so I won't want to draft Gronkowski at 2.03), I'll probably wait until the tail end of the draft and be the last team owner to draft my starter. Sometimes that requires me to draft three tight ends because I want another lottery ticket since they'll all be non-consensus longshots. However, I'll look to quickly drop at least one of the three for a priority waiver pickup at another position.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft a defense?
I think it's lazy analysis to simply "wait until the last two rounds for your kicker and defense." We act like predicting defenses is impossible, yet we all predict individual offensive players. It's inherently easier to handicap an entire unit than individual components of a unit, and I absolutely want to come away with a defense from my top tier. There are currently seven defenses I believe warrant DST1 status, and I'll keep an eye on the position and grab one as soon as I see defenses coming off the board.
7. Discuss drafting from the 10 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
There are fifteen or sixteen players that warrant first-round consideration, so picking 10th is fine. I'll come away with the 10th and 15th players. As I mentioned earlier, picking toward the tail of round one means I likely won't draft Rob Gronkowski, which sets me up to wait for bargain tight ends. And this scoring system also makes me less focused on drafting one of the first few quarterbacks. So I'll continue to hammer running back and wide receiver until the value at the other positions is too intriguing to ignore.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
That's a case-by-case basis. Suspended players are often great values because fantasy owners weigh the early missed games too heavily. For example, Julian Edelman should still be an 8- to 10-catch player when he returns, and having that kind of production in a PPR format for the final 12 weeks is worth a boatload. Whereas someone like Aaron Jones is riskier because his suspension could mean he loses key snaps in a three-way battle for the starting position. I have no aversion to drafting rookies, but I'll only do so if they're the top-projected players left on my board.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
Assuming I don't land Gronkowski in the 3rd round, I expect to have one quarterback, and some combination of wide receivers and running backs (nine in total) through ten rounds. Those next few rounds will be at least one tight end, my second quarterback and quite possibly a defense if I need to go that early to lock up one of the seven DST1s on my board.
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
I just want a kicker that plays for one of the top-12 offenses and has a later bye week. But I'm not picky. There are always kickers on waivers.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
John Brown belongs on the list. He signed with Baltimore and is battling Willie Snead for the starting role opposite Michael Crabtree. Brown is off to a great start in camp, and if he can actually stay healthy, there's no one else available at the end of a draft with as much upside. I'm also drafting Dante Pettis or Keke Coutee at the end of most PPR drafts. They're two rookie receivers talented enough to earn major roles sooner than later. Since I'm likely to wait on tight end, I'll end up with the likes of Jake Butt in most leagues. Butt would have been a much higher draft pick last year had he not torn his ACL at the end of his final college season. He redshirted last year but is healthy and running with the first team in Denver. The late-round running back I most often target is Jordan Wilkins. Both Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines are drafted much earlier, yet Wilkins has the build and the violent running style more suited for a workhorse role.
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
D.J. Moore in the 10th or 11th round is highway robbery. He should overtake Devin Funchess within the next week or two, and lead the Panthers in targets and receptions.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.10
|
10
|
RB
|
KCC
|
|
2.03
|
15
|
RB
|
MIN
|
|
3.10
|
34
|
WR
|
KCC
|
|
4.03
|
39
|
TE
|
PHI
|
|
5.10
|
58
|
WR
|
NEP
|
|
6.03
|
63
|
RB
|
Kerryon Johnson
|
DET
|
7.10
|
82
|
WR
|
WAS
|
|
8.03
|
87
|
WR
|
SFO
|
|
9.10
|
106
|
QB
|
PHI
|
|
10.03
|
111
|
Def
|
Jacksonville Jaguars
|
JAC
|
11.10
|
130
|
TE
|
CLE
|
|
12.03
|
135
|
RB
|
TBB
|
|
13.10
|
154
|
QB
|
WAS
|
|
14.03
|
159
|
RB
|
SFO
|
|
15.10
|
178
|
WR
|
Keelan Cole
|
JAC
|
16.03
|
183
|
PK
|
Jake Elliott
|
PHI
|
17.10
|
202
|
WR
|
Christian Kirk
|
ARI
|
18.03
|
207
|
TE
|
DEN
|
|
19.10
|
226
|
WR
|
SFO
|
|
20.03
|
231
|
RB
|
Chase Edmonds
|
ARI
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Jason with another strong draft after getting tremendous value in the first two rounds with Kareem Hunt and Dalvin Cook. Jason also added value to his team adding a Carson Wentz and Zach Ertz stack while getting the Jaguars as the first overall defense off the board. This was a tremendous draft from Jason.
Weaknesses
While it is crazy to say that this unit is a weakness, Jason’s wide receiving group made up of Tyreek Hill, Julian Edelman, Jamison Crowder and Marquise Goodwin are the weakness of his team. While this would be one of the best Best Ball wide receiving groups you could build, getting week to week consistency amongst these four is going to be a difficult thing to do.
How He’ll Win It All
Getting enough upside out of his wide receiving group will bring Jason to victory this season. The tough part about having all volatile receivers is ensuring that they do not all have the huge weeks the same week and the duds the same week. This is a playoff roster and if these guys can put together solid performances in the playoffs, Jason can win it all.
DRAFT SLOT 11
Zach Greubel, Gridiron Experts
Zach hails from Cheyenne, Wyoming -- home of Miami Heat forward James Johnson and New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo. He enjoys soft-serve ice cream, Lord of the Rings and vacationing in Vail, CO. He does not enjoy kale, mushrooms or lofty heights. Zach is a life-long Broncos fan, writes for Gridiron Experts and has been a contributing expert to FantasyPros.com since 2012.
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
There are 20 roster spots, so I'll try to construct my team with a maximum of two QBs (one will suffice), six running backs, seven wide receivers, two tight ends, one kicker and one defense. I'll use the extra spot or two on a running back, receiver or tight end.
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
I almost always try to wait on a quarterback unless it's a Super-flex league. I'll probably wait on one for this draft unless Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson is available in the fifth round.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
Alex Smith – currently the QB18 in FantasyPros' expert rankings.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
If I pick earlier in the first round the answer is probably running back; if I pick later in the first round the answer is probably wide receiver. I usually shoot for a WR-WR start at the turn of the first and second rounds. Since it looks like I have the 11th pick my perfect start would be Odell Beckham Jr or Julio Jones followed by Michael Thomas, Keenan Allen or A.J. Green. That can all change when the clock starts, though.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
As is the case with quarterbacks, I generally prefer to wait on tight ends unless there is a top-five guy at a good value spot. Waiting until a double-digit round for someone like George Kittle or David Njoku is fine with me.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
Again, I always wait on a D/ST. Ideally, I won't be drafting one until the last couple rounds.
7. Discuss drafting from the #11 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot
I discussed this in question four, but I like to start WR-WR later in the first round. However, if a Melvin Gordon or Kareem Hunt or Leonard Fournette is available, I'll be tempted to disregard that strategy. I'm a big Gordon fan; he's underrated in my opinion. My top two options at pick 11, as stated earlier, are Beckham or Jones.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
I wait for these guys to fall. Two big names that fit this category are Mark Ingram and Julian Edelman – both suspended for the first quarter of the season. They're both more valuable in PPR formats, too. If they fall far enough I'm willing to take Ingram as a low-end RB2 to high-end RB3 and Edelman as a low-end WR2 to high-end WR3. With players with an extensive injury history, like Jordan Reed, I'll wait until at least the 10th round. In his case, the risk outweighs the reward.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
QB- 0, RB-5, WR-5, TE-0, D/ST-0, K-0
10. Aside from taking one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
If they're not Justin Kicker or Stephen Gostkowski I like to take a kicker that's on a high-scoring offense, i.e. Wil Lutz, Chris Boswell, Matt Bryant, etc. Their field-goal attempts and extra-point attempts will both be high.
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
Jamison Crowder, Randall Cobb, Sterling Shepard, Alex Smith (or Marcus Mariota), Tarik Cohen
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.11
|
11
|
WR
|
NOS
|
|
2.02
|
14
|
WR
|
LAC
|
|
3.11
|
35
|
WR
|
Allen Robinson
|
CHI
|
4.02
|
38
|
QB
|
SEA
|
|
5.11
|
59
|
RB
|
DEN
|
|
6.02
|
62
|
RB
|
TEN
|
|
7.11
|
83
|
RB
|
CLE
|
|
8.02
|
86
|
WR
|
GBP
|
|
9.11
|
107
|
WR
|
NYG
|
|
10.02
|
110
|
RB
|
IND
|
|
11.11
|
131
|
RB
|
Samaje Perine
|
WAS
|
12.02
|
134
|
TE
|
Jared Cook
|
OAK
|
13.11
|
155
|
WR
|
Michael Gallup
|
DAL
|
14.02
|
158
|
TE
|
O.J. Howard
|
TBB
|
15.11
|
179
|
QB
|
Blake Bortles
|
JAC
|
16.02
|
182
|
RB
|
Corey Clement
|
PHI
|
17.11
|
203
|
Def
|
Baltimore Ravens
|
BAL
|
18.02
|
206
|
WR
|
Courtland Sutton
|
DEN
|
19.11
|
227
|
PK
|
PIT
|
|
20.02
|
230
|
RB
|
James Conner
|
PIT
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Zach went with a wide receiver heavy approach which he will rely upon to be the strength of his team this season. He will look to Allen Robinson to repeat his 2015 season where he was a top 6 wide receiver in PPR scoring. Zach was also able to go out and get one of the top quarterbacks on the board in Russell Wilson.
Weaknesses
Zach has a lot of questions at running back heading into this season as rookie Royce Freeman leads the way as his number one running back followed by guys who will split time in Dion Lewis and Duke Johnson Jr. This is a lot of risk to take on for a rookie and two players who will be splitting the back field duties as third-down backs in their offenses.
How He’ll Win It All
An injury or lack of production for Derrick Henry would go a long way for Zach as it immediately vaults Dion Lewis into a high ceiling running back. The biggest thing for Zach is that the wide receivers need to produce to their expectation. Spending three picks on early wide receivers is always risky, but when you have two players in Keenan Allen and Allen Robinson who have tremendous upside but also have injury risk you need them to stay healthy to win the league.
DRAFT SLOT 12
Andy Hicks, Footballguys - Bio
PRE-DRAFT QUESTIONS
1. How many of each position do you plan to take?
The plan is for three quarterbacks, 1 D/ST, 1 kicker, two to three tight ends, five to six running backs and six to seven wide receivers.
2. What is your strategy regarding the QB position, where touchdown passes are 6 points each?
In the 12 slot, this is difficult. I am at the mercy of the other drafters for the first round. I don't know whether none or 11 will be taken before my pick. Worse is the gap from my second pick to my third. Will I be stuck with Mitchell Trubisky in the third or will there be quality options still available? The theory is to take the best players available for the first four picks, but if 15 of the first 35 picks are quarterbacks, it will be impossible not to get involved in the run.
3. Who is the lowest ranked quarterback that you would want as your QB1?
Ideally, I want one of my top four ranked players, but realistically as long as I can get two of my top 23 I will be happy in draft slot 12.
4. Which position, running back or wide receiver would you rather have three on your roster, first? Explain why.
I would prefer to have three wide receivers in a PPR format first. The spread of wide receivers who will get receptions is bigger than at running back, but the guys who get 60 plus will be important in this format. Last year 29 wide receivers recorded 60 receptions, while only 5 running backs did. Due to the injury toll on the running back position and the lack of guys who get more than 60 catches, I would sit on two top running backs and fill the roster with third-down backs.
5. What is your general strategy regarding the tight end position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
The crop of elite players at this position has declined in recent years and there will be a rush for the elite options. Once they are gone, you need to find the balance between players who will score consistently or those who could break out spectacularly or fail to contribute. Unless Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce or Zach Ertz fall into my lap, I am resigned to going with tight end by committee. Other positions are more important in this league and they will be prioritized.
6. What is your general strategy regarding the Defense/ST position? When are you planning to draft the first at this position?
I will start considering this position from about the 15th round. By that stage, I would expect the elite options to have gone, but when I jump depends on what other players are still available and what holes I am trying to plug.
7. Discuss drafting from the #12 hole. What will you do differently because of this draft slot?
The disadvantage of the 12 slot is that I will have little chance of getting the elite fantasy options. I am also more prone to be the victim of a run, especially at quarterback in this format. The advantage is that I will be the first player to have two, four, six, etc players. The gap of 23 players between picks means that I may have to reach for guys I want on my roster or to try and take the best player available each round.
8. What's your approach to rookies, injured players, and/or suspended players that may not have a full workload to start the season?
As usual, you need to draft for value. There will be some rookies, injured or suspended players that will be taken earlier if some drafters weight the final half of the season stronger than the first half. All of these question mark players have value, but you cannot have too many of them. We have seen on numerous occasions that injured or suspended players don't perform without the preparation that others have. They seem more prone to another injury or further issues.
9. At the mid-point of the draft (10 rounds), how many players at each position do you expect to have?
After 10 rounds, I would expect to have two quarterbacks, one tight end, three running backs and four wide receivers.
10. Aside from taking a one late in the draft, what factors do you consider when drafting a kicker?
How reliable they have been, is weather a factor, indoor kicker, a quarterback who can move the ball etc
11. Name five position players that you will target later in the draft.
Doug Martin, Josh Doctson, Desean Jackson, Spencer Ware and Jonnu Smith. I won't be shattered if none of these guys ends up on my roster though.
12. Name a sleeper (round 10 on) at RB or WR that should thrive in this PPR format.
I have three in mind. All are running backs who should be good for 50 receptions and if the breaks go there way maybe even more. Javorius Allen isn't special, but in Baltimore, he doesn't need to be. Giovani Bernard is a proven versatile player who averages about 45 catches a year through his first five and given how average Joe Mixon looked at times, he may see more time. The last one is Bilal Powell. He has survived with the Jets for seven years and over the last two has run the ball 300 times for an average per carry of 4.8 yards. Add in 80 receptions and despite the addition of Isaiah Crowell, Powell is a good late depth addition.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Pick
|
Overall
|
Position
|
Player
|
Team
|
1.12
|
12
|
WR
|
ATL
|
|
2.01
|
13
|
QB
|
GBP
|
|
3.12
|
36
|
WR
|
Larry Fitzgerald
|
ARI
|
4.01
|
37
|
RB
|
MIA
|
|
5.12
|
60
|
RB
|
Ronald Jones
|
TBB
|
6.01
|
61
|
TE
|
NYG
|
|
7.12
|
84
|
RB
|
CLE
|
|
8.01
|
85
|
WR
|
CAR
|
|
9.12
|
108
|
WR
|
WAS
|
|
10.01
|
109
|
WR
|
D.J. Moore
|
CAR
|
11.12
|
132
|
QB
|
Jared Goff
|
LAR
|
12.01
|
133
|
RB
|
OAK
|
|
13.12
|
156
|
WR
|
TBB
|
|
14.01
|
157
|
TE
|
Charles Clay
|
BUF
|
15.12
|
180
|
Def
|
Houston Texans
|
HOU
|
16.01
|
181
|
PK
|
NEP
|
|
17.12
|
204
|
RB
|
Chris Ivory
|
BUF
|
18.01
|
205
|
TE
|
TEN
|
|
19.12
|
228
|
RB
|
Kenneth Dixon
|
BAL
|
20.01
|
229
|
WR
|
Cordarrelle Patterson
|
NEP
|
devin knotts' EVALUATION
Strengths
Andy made one of the more surprising picks in the draft taking Aaron Rodgers 13th overall in this draft. While it was an early pick that could have likely been made at the next turn, it is still the strength of his team as he is going to rely on Rodgers to have a tremendous season this year.
Weaknesses
One of the issues of taking a quarterback as early as Andy did is you have to make sacrifices for the rest of your team. Where Andy’s weaknesses lie are at running back and depth of his wide receiver group. At the running back position, Andy will look for Kenyan Drake to have another solid year after a great 2017 season and will need both Carlos Hyde to hold off Nick Chubb and Ronald Jones to become the starter over Peyton Barber.
At the wide receiver position, the depth is a bit of an issue for Andy as he is going to have to rely on Josh Doctson or D.J. Moore to take a leap and become fantasy viable. While both are extremely talented, Moore is a rookie and Doctson has yet to have the year most expect him to have.
How He’ll Win It All
Andy is going to need an all-time season from Aaron Rodgers to justify taking him 13th overall. The rest of his team will have to perform, but Rodgers will have to be solidly above the next closest quarterback.
View Draft Grid
Questions, suggestions, and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com