The Rate My Draft Thread

[Sizzlebshu]

Brown is cooked.  But I agree about pairing up Bradshaw and Ballard.  If you do that, you're set in a good offense.  

 

I also agree about Eli.  I consider him my safety chute.  I prefer to get one of the 12 guys ahead of him and if all else fails, nab Eli and pair him up with a Bradford (or something).  

Wasn't sure which one was the handcuff so im just covering my bases. Eli isn't a bad qb, but there are some weeks when he will just freaking kill you which is the only thing IDL about him. 

[gabefergy]

Wasn't sure which one was the handcuff so im just covering my bases. Eli isn't a bad qb, but there are some weeks when he will just freaking kill you which is the only thing IDL about him. 

Yeah I missed Romo, by 1 pick. He was the guy I was going for, but Manning isnt too shabby in a 14 team league. I think his offense will be a bit more consistent with the emergence of Randle as a solid #3 and a better OL. 

 

As for the handcuff situation, I think Pierce has more value than Ballard and could potentially be a flex option in his own right even if Rice doesnt get hurt. If Rice goes down, Pierce is a top 10 RB, same isnt true for Ballard if Bradshaw gets hurt. The problem is Bradshaw is much more likely to get hurt, but even then I think Pierre Thomas will have upside as a flex option as well even if he isnt a handcuff.

[ravensdan]

I agree with how you assessed your own team. It is very good but in hindsight. Witten>Stevie. You made the right call with the kc d. Also the right call with pierce>Ballard. Although I like Ballard also. Brown is a non factor.

On the subject of handcuffs. I suggest not obsessing about who is the handcuff to your own backs. Take the most likely handcuffs to get playing time. If you don't need them there is nothing more valuable in a trade than another owners backup.

[Sizzlebshu]

Yeah I missed Romo, by 1 pick. He was the guy I was going for, but Manning isnt too shabby in a 14 team league. I think his offense will be a bit more consistent with the emergence of Randle as a solid #3 and a better OL. 

 

As for the handcuff situation, I think Pierce has more value than Ballard and could potentially be a flex option in his own right even if Rice doesnt get hurt. If Rice goes down, Pierce is a top 10 RB, same isnt true for Ballard if Bradshaw gets hurt. The problem is Bradshaw is much more likely to get hurt, but even then I think Pierre Thomas will have upside as a flex option as well even if he isnt a handcuff.

Well I don't have to tell you this but FF is a weekly game and you want to take the player that gives you the best odds of winning, which in this case would be Ballard as he is likely to have the best chance at a job. Pierce may steal some carries, but Rice is still gonna be the workhorse back and I doubt with how injured and depleted our offense is looking (2 TE's and 1 WR gone so far) that we will run up the score on anyone to give Pierce significant carries. On the other hand, Bradshaw is almost a shoe in to miss a game or two due to injury giving Ballard a substantial workload. 

 

Rice could get injured, so could Shady McCoy (who I'd argue is more at risk). In that case, Brown may turn out to be a top 10 runningback given the system and revitalized o line in philly (3 starters return to the o line and an upgrade was made). However, you didn't handcuff Brown altho a similar if not the same argument can be made from a fantasy perspective. Overall, I think you would have been better off playing the odds with Bradshaw injuries and should have taken Ballard. 

 

As for Thomas as a flex, not so sure. Very possible, but they really want Mark Ingram to take a step up this year so who knows. 

[Sizzlebshu]

I agree with how you assessed your own team. It is very good but in hindsight. Witten>Stevie. You made the right call with the kc d. Also the right call with pierce>Ballard. Although I like Ballard also. Brown is a non factor.

On the subject of handcuffs. I suggest not obsessing about who is the handcuff to your own backs. Take the most likely handcuffs to get playing time. If you don't need them there is nothing more valuable in a trade than another owners backup.

Disagree only because I feel Ballard is likely to see much more work than Pierce. Unless I have a proven backup I normally wouldnt handcuff my own back and would rather steal handcuffs for flex plays down the stretch. 

[gabefergy]

Well I don't have to tell you this but FF is a weekly game and you want to take thpe player that gives you the best odds of winning, which in this case would be Ballard as he is likely to have the best chance at a job. Pierce may steal some carries, but Rice is still gonna be the workhorse back and I doubt with how injured and depleted our offense is looking (2 TE's and 1 WR gone so far) that we will run up the score on anyone to give Pierce significant carries. On the other hand, Bradshaw is almost a shoe in to miss a game or two due to injury giving Ballard a substantial workload.

Rice could get injured, so could Shady McCoy (who I'd argue is more at risk). In that case, Brown may turn out to be a top 10 runningback given the system and revitalized o line in philly (3 starters return to the o line and an upgrade was made). However, you didn't handcuff Brown altho a similar if not the same argument can be made from a fantasy perspective. Overall, I think you would have been better off playing the odds with Bradshaw injuries and should have taken Ballard.

As for Thomas as a flex, not so sure. Very possible, but they really want Mark Ingram to take a step up this year so who knows.

Bradshaw hasn't really missed that much time even though he carries the injury probe label. He is one those
Guys that is always questionable.

I disagree about Pierce. I think he will get at least 10+ touches a game just like the end of last year when Caldwell took over. He really was a sparkplug for our offense and I don't see that changing. That type of workload is easily worthy of the occassional flex play in a 14 team league. I also have decent WR/TE options that could be a flex in a pinch. The upside of Ballard really isn't that great compared to what Pierce brings weekly and he is a better handcuff.

[ravensdan]

Experimental mock draft taking Calvin Johnson at 5 overall. Results:

5. Calvin
20. David Wilson
29. Darren sproles
44. Chris ivory
53. Shane vereen
68. Cecil shorts
77. Russell Wilson
92. Deandre Hopkins
101. Lance Moore
116. Jared cook
125. Michael Vick
140. Pierre Thomas
149. Vincent brown
164. Carson Palmer
173. Kansas City defense
188. Lawrence tones

League was 12 team ppr.

First off I was amazed how deep wr was. Second I'm not sold on this strategy. Relying on Wilson and sproles even in ppr is somewhat dicey. This strategy relies on going wr, rbx4 in the hopes of landing the right capable group. Also thomas was a steal. Looks like r. Wilson's stock may be dropping with the harvin injury. Any thoughts?

[gabefergy]

Experimental mock draft taking Calvin Johnson at 5 overall. Results:

5. Calvin
20. David Wilson
29. Darren sproles
44. Chris ivory
53. Shane vereen
68. Cecil shorts
77. Russell Wilson
92. Deandre Hopkins
101. Lance Moore
116. Jared cook
125. Michael Vick
140. Pierre Thomas
149. Vincent brown
164. Carson Palmer
173. Kansas City defense
188. Lawrence tones

League was 12 team ppr.

First off I was amazed how deep wr was. Second I'm not sold on this strategy. Relying on Wilson and sproles even in ppr is somewhat dicey. This strategy relies on going wr, rbx4 in the hopes of landing the right capable group. Also thomas was a steal. Looks like r. Wilson's stock may be dropping with the harvin injury. Any thoughts?

I like it, but not in love. I think 5 overall in a PPR isn't that big of a stretch but I think you were lucky to get sproles where you did. The RB corps is decent. I don't like Wilson as a #1. Megatron is great, but I'm not too high on the rest of your WR corps although I do like Vincent Brown as a breakout player. I don't like the Hopkins pick but I could be wrong about him. I'd also like to see a TE #2 instead of 3rd QB.

[ravensdan]

I like it, but not in love. I think 5 overall in a PPR isn't that big of a stretch but I think you were lucky to get sproles where you did. The RB corps is decent. I don't like Wilson as a #1. Megatron is great, but I'm not too high on the rest of your WR corps although I do like Vincent Brown as a breakout player. I don't like the Hopkins pick but I could be wrong about him. I'd also like to see a TE #2 instead of 3rd QB.

You don't like shorts as a #2?
I'm not happy with Wilson as a one, I picked him before sproles based on what I thought the other drafters would do. I think b/w vereen, ivory and Thomas there is good enough depth. As for tight end. There really wAsnt anyone I liked enough to be better than a waiver pickup. There are not many tight ends I am in love with this year. I need to figure out my rankings there still. The 3 qbs is a strategy I really want to try this year. I want to hold 3 and see who really emerges.

[PuRock]

Experimental mock draft taking Calvin Johnson at 5 overall. Results:

5. Calvin
20. David Wilson
29. Darren sproles
44. Chris ivory
53. Shane vereen
68. Cecil shorts
77. Russell Wilson
92. Deandre Hopkins
101. Lance Moore
116. Jared cook
125. Michael Vick
140. Pierre Thomas
149. Vincent brown
164. Carson Palmer
173. Kansas City defense
188. Lawrence tones

League was 12 team ppr.

First off I was amazed how deep wr was. Second I'm not sold on this strategy. Relying on Wilson and sproles even in ppr is somewhat dicey. This strategy relies on going wr, rbx4 in the hopes of landing the right capable group. Also thomas was a steal. Looks like r. Wilson's stock may be dropping with the harvin injury. Any thoughts?

 

There had to be better backs in the 2nd.  Wilson is a reach in the 2nd at his current ADP.  The mock I just finished he went 41st overall but usually goes near the end of the 3rd.  

 

I can see Calvin going #5 in a ppr, but if you go that route, you have to be confident in your RB rankings as you're going to need to hit.  

 

Wilson finished very high without Harvin last year.  So it doesn't really bother me that much.  It could have elevated him higher though.  

[gabefergy]

You don't like shorts as a #2?
I'm not happy with Wilson as a one, I picked him before sproles based on what I thought the other drafters would do. I think b/w vereen, ivory and Thomas there is good enough depth. As for tight end. There really wAsnt anyone I liked enough to be better than a waiver pickup. There are not many tight ends I am in love with this year. I need to figure out my rankings there still. The 3 qbs is a strategy I really want to try this year. I want to hold 3 and see who really emerges.

I like Shorts as a WR3. As for TEs, I kind of think your QB approach works there. There are a lot of guys that could have big years, but Its kind of a crap shoot.

[PuRock]

You don't like shorts as a #2?
I'm not happy with Wilson as a one, I picked him before sproles based on what I thought the other drafters would do. I think b/w vereen, ivory and Thomas there is good enough depth. As for tight end. There really wAsnt anyone I liked enough to be better than a waiver pickup. There are not many tight ends I am in love with this year. I need to figure out my rankings there still. The 3 qbs is a strategy I really want to try this year. I want to hold 3 and see who really emerges.

 

I agree w/ Gabe about getting the 2nd TE instead of the 3rd QB.  The 3 QB startegy is fine if you get three of the deeper guys w/ a deep bench.  But grabbing Wilson is good enough,  I usually pair him w/ another deeper guy like Bradford/Cutler/etc. But you could even go commando there. 

 

There are some good sleepers at TE this year.  Housler, who's ADP is rising quickly.  Bennett, Myers (in a ppr league), Eifert (who I suspect will start rocketing up ADP), Dwayne Allen, Fred Davis.  These are all good #2 guys to pair w/ a Cook.

[gabefergy]

I agree w/ Gabe about getting the 2nd TE instead of the 3rd QB. The 3 QB startegy is fine if you get three of the deeper guys w/ a deep bench. But grabbing Wilson is good enough, I usually pair him w/ another deeper guy like Bradford/Cutler/etc. But you could even go commando there.

There are some good sleepers at TE this year. Housler, who's ADP is rising quickly. Bennett, Myers (in a ppr league), Eifert (who I suspect will start rocketing up ADP), Dwayne Allen, Fred Davis. These are all good #2 guys to pair w/ a Cook.

I like Fleener as a sleeper TE as well. Could be Lucks primary RZ target.

[PuRock]

I like Fleener as a sleeper TE as well. Could be Lucks primary RZ target.

 

Yep.  Though, I'm still lukewarm on Fleener.  I'm looking forward to the Colts preseason games to see how they'll be using their TEs.  

 

But as far as the #2 TE guy.  There are no ideal rankings (it's a mash).  Its best to find a guy you like and target him if you don't get a top tier TE.  Whether it be Fleener, Housler, etc.  Its really a personally gut feeling.  

[ravensdan]

Yep. Though, I'm still lukewarm on Fleener. I'm looking forward to the Colts preseason games to see how they'll be using their TEs.

But as far as the #2 TE guy. There are no ideal rankings (it's a mash). Its best to find a guy you like and target him if you don't get a top tier TE. Whether it be Fleener, Housler, etc. Its really a personally gut feeling.

This is why I feel it's better to see who breaks out as a te2 because there will be plenty of these guys on the waivers.

[gabefergy]

This is why I feel it's better to see who breaks out as a te2 because there will be plenty of these guys on the waivers.

That's true, but I dont like to count on waivers to grab the guy that breaks out. If I have a good feeling about a player I want to draft him in the last round or there-abouts.

[ravensdan]

There had to be better backs in the 2nd. Wilson is a reach in the 2nd at his current ADP. The mock I just finished he went 41st overall but usually goes near the end of the 3rd.

I can see Calvin going #5 in a ppr, but if you go that route, you have to be confident in your RB rankings as you're going to need to hit.

Wilson finished very high without Harvin last year. So it doesn't really bother me that much. It could have elevated him higher though.

Other available rbs at pick 20:

Ridley
C. Johnson
Murray
McFadden
R. Bush

In hindsight I should have taken Johnson. I think I was more gun shy on McFadden and Murray because of their injury track record and this was my rb1 not rb2. Sproles I think is a sure thing In ppr.

[gabefergy]

Other available rbs at pick 20:

Ridley
C. Johnson
Murray
McFadden
R. Bush

In hindsight I should have taken Johnson. I think I was more gun shy on McFadden and Murray because of their injury track record and this was my rb1 not rb2. Sproles I think is a sure thing In ppr.

I would definitely rather have Johnson, probably Ridley as well even though he doesnt catch many balls. He will score a lot of TDs and push 1500 yds.

[PuRock]

This is why I feel it's better to see who breaks out as a te2 because there will be plenty of these guys on the waivers.

 

I have most of those guys ranked in the top 20 TEs besides one.  There will be a lot of teams taking 2 TEs this year.  Even Gronk owners will be taking a 2nd TE.  So depending on the size of the benches I expect most of those TEs to be drafted.  I just wouldn't feel safe banking on Cook's hype alone.  Even if someone is on the waiver wire, you'll have to fight for that TE.

 

Other available rbs at pick 20:

Ridley
C. Johnson
Murray
McFadden
R. Bush

In hindsight I should have taken Johnson. I think I was more gun shy on McFadden and Murray because of their injury track record and this was my rb1 not rb2. Sproles I think is a sure thing In ppr.

 

Its a tough proposition.  I too would have gone C Johnson or Ridley.   I actually have all of those guys ranked higher than Wilson.  Though for a #1 back I wouldn't go McFadden or Murray.  That's why I won't nab Calvin higher than 7, then you at least have a shot at S-Jax or Forte.

 

When I first started ranking I was really high on Wilson.  But the Giants do love their RBBCs.  Andre should get goal-line carries.  It would be great though if he were a true lead-back.  

[-Truth-]

Standard 12 Team League, 1st overall:

 

 

QB - Aaron Rodgers

 

RB - Adrian Peterson

RB - Maurice Jones-Drew

 

WR - Dwayne Bowe

WR - Reggie Wayne

WR - Steve Smith

 

TE - Jermichael Finley

 

K - Justin Tucker

Defense - Baltimore

 

 

Bench:

 

Eli Manning

Jonathan Stewart

Bilal Powell

DeSean Jackson

Percy Harvin

Fred Davis

 

 

My least favorite selections were Finley and Powell. But to their defense, both are having very good camps, and have the opportunity to be featured more than they were the year before, especially the latter with Chris Ivory's injury concerns and Mike Goodson's legal troubles. Ideally, I would've preferred to have more quality depth at RB, but the position was ransacked.

[gabefergy]

Wow, ARod at pick 24? That's a steal.

Like you said, not a huge fan of Finley. I think he will have to stay in and block more with Bulaga going down, and he is very inconsistent on top of that. Also RB depth is a concern.I wouldn't draft Percy Harvin at all personally. You will probably have to drop him at some point when byes/injuries happen. You have IMO 3 #2 WRs, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. One of them could have a top 10 season and worst case scenario they all produce like #2s which isn't that bad.

[-Truth-]

Wow, ARod at pick 24? That's a steal.

Like you said, not a huge fan of Finley. I think he will have to stay in and block more with Bulaga going down, and he is very inconsistent on top of that. Also RB depth is a concern.I wouldn't draft Percy Harvin at all personally. You will probably have to drop him at some point when byes/injuries happen. You have IMO 3 #2 WRs, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. One of them could have a top 10 season and worst case scenario they all produce like #2s which isn't that bad.

 

Thank you. I typically wait on QBs but there's no way that I could pass him up.

 

You and me both. It was a regrettable selection. That's a solid point, and one that flew right over my head, especially since Finley was a formidable pass blocker. For his sake, I hope that D.J. Williams is used as the in-line blocker, considering that he was arguably their best pass blocking TE. I have more confidence in Fred Davis at this point. The only point I would disagree with is regarding Harvin. Given that he was a last round selection, I see him as a solid stash candidate. His surgery reportedly went off without a hitch, and there's optimism that he will play this season. If returns by his current time table of December, he could be certainly a solid contributor come Fantasy Playoffs. Powell would likely be the most often dropped and added. Agreed on the WRs.

[PuRock]

Wow, ARod at pick 24? That's a steal.
 

 

Well he could have picked him at 25, then he could say he got A-Rod in the 3rd 

 

You and me both. It was a regrettable selection. That's a solid point, and one that flew right over my head, especially since Finley was a formidable pass blocker. For his sake, I hope that D.J. Williams is used as the in-line blocker, considering that he was arguably their best pass blocking TE. I have more confidence in Fred Davis at this point. The only point I would disagree with is regarding Harvin. Given that he was a last round selection, I see him as a solid stash candidate. His surgery reportedly went off without a hitch, and there's optimism that he will play this season. If returns by his current time table of December, he could be certainly a solid contributor come Fantasy Playoffs. Powell would likely be the most often dropped and added. Agreed on the WRs.

 

I like your draft.  You did very well.  The WRs are pretty great considering you got the #1 QB & RB.  

 

About Harvin.  I understand wanting to stash him  But your league doesn't really have deep benches.  And your bench is already getting bogged down with a backup QB&TE..  Like Gabe said when bye weeks and injuries occur, its going to be tough.  

 

The only thing I personally would have done differently is not pick up a backup QB.  How often are you going to bench Rodgers for Eli?  Just the bye week?  There were probably some decent RBs for depth when you picked up Eli.  When I draft Rodgers or Brees, I'm done w/ QB, unless its a real deep bench.  Eli is pricey insurance. 

[-Truth-]

Well he could have picked him at 25, then he could say he got A-Rod in the 3rd 

 

 

I like your draft.  You did very well.  The WRs are pretty great considering you got the #1 QB & RB.  

 

About Harvin.  I can see the point of some people wanting to stash him.  But its not like your league has a deep bench.  You are already bogging down your bench with a backup QB&TE..  Like Gabe said when bye weeks and injuries occur its going to be tough.  The only thing I probably would have done different is not pick up a backup QB.  How often are you going to bench Rodgers for Eli?  Just the bye week?  There were probably some decent RBs for depth when you picked up Eli.

 

Thank you. lol Good point. Oh, sweet technicalities.

 

I'm not a fan of keeping another QB on the roster with a surefire option in front of him, so Manning would very likely be a trade candidate. It may seem strange to account for the future to such a degree in a Mock, but I can't resist the opportunity of a trade, even if hypothetical. I would've probably coupled him with a reserve RB or WR for an upgrade either of the latter positions. I selected Manning in the beginning of the 10th and the RBs that went after him were Joseph Randle, Zac Stacy, LaMichael James, Marcel Reece, Robert Turbin and Michael Bush. Can't argue with your point about the bench.

[PuRock]

Thank you. lol Good point. Oh, sweet technicalities.

 

I'm not a fan of keeping another QB on the roster with a surefire option in front of him, so Manning would very likely be a trade candidate. It may seem strange to account for the future to such a degree in a Mock, but I can't resist the opportunity of a trade, even if hypothetical. I would've probably coupled him with a reserve RB or WR for an upgrade either of the latter positions. I selected Manning in the beginning of the 10th and the RBs that went after him were Joseph Randle, Zac Stacy, LaMichael James, Marcel Reece, Robert Turbin and Michael Bush. Can't argue with your point about the bench.

 

 

Eh.  None of those names excite me either.  There must have been a crazy run on RBs in your draft.  You also got Eli pretty late too.  Usually around Eli I'm looking at guys like Daryl Richardson, Ben Tate, Bryce Brown, Pierce, etc..  At least you got excellent value for Eli.

 

I always find trading away QBs the toughest.   That's why I like to load up on RB, they are easier to trade and you can charge a premium (since the waiver wire is usually RB dry).  But then I go all "My Precious" w/ my RBs.

[-Truth-]

Eh.  None of those names excite me either.  There must have been a crazy run on RBs in your draft.  You also got Eli pretty late too.  Usually around Eli I'm looking at guys like Daryl Richardson, Ben Tate, Bryce Brown, Pierce, etc..  At least you got excellent value for Eli.

 

I always find trading away QBs the toughest.   That's why I like to load up on RB, they are easier to trade and you can charge a premium (since the waiver wire is usually RB dry).

 

My thinking as well. I would've taken several of those ahead of him. Thank you.

 

Another good point. I've had some fortunes in trading them away in the past, but it typically takes an injury or a massive let down. Very dry, indeed.

[ravensdan]

Thank you. lol Good point. Oh, sweet technicalities.

I'm not a fan of keeping another QB on the roster with a surefire option in front of him, so Manning would very likely be a trade candidate. It may seem strange to account for the future to such a degree in a Mock, but I can't resist the opportunity of a trade, even if hypothetical. I would've probably coupled him with a reserve RB or WR for an upgrade either of the latter positions. I selected Manning in the beginning of the 10th and the RBs that went after him were Joseph Randle, Zac Stacy, LaMichael James, Marcel Reece, Robert Turbin and Michael Bush. Can't argue with your point about the bench.

I agree with your premise here. I believe fantasy seasons are won and lost with trades in my experience. I do have a concern in this case however. The qb position has unprecedented depth this year. It may be harder to deal Eli for a fair price. With the backs you listed as available though you should be able to come up with someone better.

I am a proponent of drafting harvin, certainly in the final round. Possibly earlier if the bench is deep enough. In this case however you are leaving yourself dangerously thin at both rb and wr. A risky proposition.

[ravensdan]

Thank you. lol Good point. Oh, sweet technicalities.

I'm not a fan of keeping another QB on the roster with a surefire option in front of him, so Manning would very likely be a trade candidate. It may seem strange to account for the future to such a degree in a Mock, but I can't resist the opportunity of a trade, even if hypothetical. I would've probably coupled him with a reserve RB or WR for an upgrade either of the latter positions. I selected Manning in the beginning of the 10th and the RBs that went after him were Joseph Randle, Zac Stacy, LaMichael James, Marcel Reece, Robert Turbin and Michael Bush. Can't argue with your point about the bench.

I agree with your premise here. I believe fantasy seasons are won and lost with trades in my experience. I do have a concern in this case however. The qb position has unprecedented depth this year. It may be harder to deal Eli for a fair price. With the backs you listed as available though you should be able to come up with someone better.

I am a proponent of drafting harvin, certainly in the final round. Possibly earlier if the bench is deep enough. In this case however you are leaving yourself dangerously thin at both rb and wr. A risky proposition.

[-Truth-]

I agree with your premise here. I believe fantasy seasons are won and lost with trades in my experience. I do have a concern in this case however. The qb position has unprecedented depth this year. It may be harder to deal Eli for a fair price. With the backs you listed as available though you should be able to come up with someone better.

I am a proponent of drafting harvin, certainly in the final round. Possibly earlier if the bench is deep enough. In this case however you are leaving yourself dangerously thin at both rb and wr. A risky proposition.

 

That's a very solid point. It's an incredibly deep position, which will make trading at this position more difficult than it ever has been. I would hope so.

 

Glad that you are. I am a bit thin, especially at WR. No argument there.

[gabefergy]

I did another 14 team mock, and really liked the team I ended up with drafting position 11.

 

QB: Drew Brees 

RB: Ray Rice

RB: Frank Gore

WR: Reggie Wayne

WR: Miles Austin

WR: Josh Gordon

TE: Jason Witten

Flex: Giovani Bernard

Def: Miami

K:

 

Bench:

 

Bernard Pierce

Pierre Thomas

Malcom Floyd

Rueben Randle

Jeremy Kerley

Dwayne Allen

 

I am slightly lacking at WR in terms of qulaity, but I like the upside of the WRs I drafted later.