Monday, May 15, 2017

You think we need one more?


Alright, we'll get one more. But this is the last one. Happy drafting fellas!

(1.1) Above Average Joes
Christian McCaffrey
 The Joe's made a big splash to move up two spots and get their pick of the litter while also acquiring last year's 4th overall selection PLUS a 2018 second rounder for Carson Wentz... someone's looking like John Lynch and the other is looking like the Chicago Bears front office. Christian McCaffrey should be the pick. 

(1.2) Gold Standard
Joe Mixon
Nothing else to see here. Mixon landed in the best spot to contribute early and is on par with McCaffrey in the PPR category. 

(1.3) Size Does Matter
Corey Davis
Smarty has a healthy stable of RB's so he will go out and get the draft's top receiver after pulling the plug on Treadwell. I wonder if Davis will help sell Treadwell's house?... ok, bad joke. moving on.

(1.4) Garbage Emoji
Leonard Fournette
It seems like every 5 minutes Keegan makes a trade <checking messenger to make sure one hasn't been made while writing> He would have loved to get into the top 3 but will gladly take Fournette and hope he lives up to the once-in-a-generation billing.   

(1.5) I Vincitori
Mike Williams
I know there are a lot of mouths to feed in San Die.... Los Angeles, but you don't take a guy that high and not use him. Alex will probably kick the tires on Cook but ultimately go with a player who has the longer lifespan in today's NFL. Plus the Chargers tend to be trailing and throwing a LOT.


(1.6) Garbage Emoji
Dalvin Cook
Keegan will be all smiles if this happens. Two of the draft's top four RB's brought into the fold and he still has a string of 2nd rounders for lottery picks.  

(1.7) For Narnia
Kareem Hunt
Had Williams or Davis fallen here, there's a chance that they would have been the pick. AJ needs a ball-carrier and Kareem Hunt continues to be the rumored starter in KC or at least push Spencer Ware for the gig.  

(1.8) Above Average Joes
John Ross III
Joey is once again a winner. Even after trading to move up in the draft, he lands the fastest player in football. He could also consider grabbing another Tight End but Ross III has the upside for more production and trade value. 

(1.9) Tom-a-Hank
OJ Howard
With no real need, Brady takes this year's top Tight End. 

(1.10) Gold Standard
Samaje Perine
Jonathan is a wildcard who could easily pick any position, but I believe he continues his strategy of taking two RB's early. Perine will push for touches and goal line work on a still talented Redskins team. Watson or Engram would make sense too.  

(1.11) DaBert
Evan Engram
Brett needs Gronk insurance and while Njoku would make sense, I'd go with the better QB and that's currently Eli. Engram will dominate the middle of the field and with all the weapons in NY, he'll be a viable fantasy option for years. 

(1.12) DaBert
Zay Jones
Jones will benefit from defenses focusing on Sammy. Plus, with no 5th year option for Sammy means the WR1 role could be up for grabs.

Ok... that's it. Just a few more hours to go until the real thing. Good luck gentleman. 


Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Mock Draft 4.0: The Final Final Countdown

Well that was fun! A draft that finally lived up to the hype with trades galore and plenty of first round skill players. What makes this an even better draft is that many of those skill players landed in great spots to contribute early or have clear paths to future production. From a fantasy standpoint, that means those picking outside the first round will have the chance to find that individual whose worth lies far within... a diamond in the rough. Now before you get all bent out of shape because of the following mock, just realize that picking players is not always easy and is far from an exact science. Everyone has their own opinions about specific players and who they want or don't want on their team, so I'm doing my best to emulate Mr. Weaver with my own projection on who I feel is the best fit for that team.

(1.1) Size Does Matter
Christian McCaffrey - Panthers
Odds on favorite to lead rookies in all around touches. The Panthers brass know this team is carried by Cam Newton and they need to keep him upright and healthy. McCaffrey should be given ample opportunity to carry the rock or catch dump passes when the team make sit to the red zone. While we don't count return yards, McCaffrey is good for at least one return TD and those 6 points will be added to his impressive rookie totals.

(1.2) Gold Standard
Joe Mixon - Bengals
We can argue about morality and debate whether or not Mixon deserves to be in a jail cell rather than a football pads, but as a football player, the man is an extremely talented individual. I think a lot of folks where surprised he went as high as he did, but by landing in Cincinnati, Mixon leaps to the front of the rookie picks. First off, he will have an opportunity to contribute day one with Bernard rehabbing from injury and Hill being extremely ineffective in Bernard's absence. Second, the Bengals did a fantastic job in fielding a draft that will maximize the offensive potential. Ross III was selected with the team's first pick and his skill set will force the secondary to remain honest and choose between him and AJ Green. This means less men in the box and plenty more running room for the backfield. Hill could see a resurgence, but I believe Mixon will have the lead role.      

(1.3) Above Average Joes
Leonard Fournette - Jaguars
On opportunity alone, Forunette makes the absolute most sense at third overall. He won't contribute much in the passing game (especially with the soft-handed Yeldon contributing on 3rd downs) but when it comes to touchdowns, he should be near the top of the rookie leader-board. The Jaguars offense stalled way too often last season because they couldn't get any semblance of a running game going. That will change in 2017. As mentioned above, Fournette will rely solely on his rushing totals and TDs which will hurt his PPR value but a starting RB is a starting RB and too good for the Joe's to pass up.  

(1.4) Garbage Emoji
Dalvin Cook - Vikings
The only reason Cook falls to four is due to a slightly less than clear path to production. The three backs taken prior all slide into starting roles and won't have to share a piece of the production pie. the presence of Latavius Murray is not a huge barrier, but it is a stumbling block for Cook who talent-for-talent is leaps and bounds ahead of the aforementioned Murray. I believe Cook is a perfect fit for the Vikings offense and will turn into Sam Bradford's best friend and security blanket. McKinnon will also muddy this backfield as a 3rd down specialist but if Cook can improve his pass protection he'll get more opportunities to shine and showcase his homerun hitting ability.    

(1.5) I Vincitori
Corey Davis - Titans
Chalk this up as the "move that makes the most sense." After watching 4 straight running backs come off the board, grabbing the top pass-catcher is not only a huge value but offers this team the highest production possibility. Davis will step in and fill a huge need for an offense devoid of transcendent talent. This year's crop of wideouts is not the strongest compared top years past, but Davis is a polished route-runner who can play the slot and be flexed outside to maximize his production. This is very much a run-first team, but Davis will offer Mariota a pass-catching option beyond the Tight End. Davis should flirt with 80 catches and 1000 yards as a rookie.

(1.6) Garbage Emoji
Alvin Kamara - Saints
This is a tough one. As mentioned above, this year's pass-catching crop is weak with many of the top talent landing in spots that don't provide the best paths to production. With that in mind, Keegan makes a gamble on investing in future opportunity. The Saints already have Mark Ingram and future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson, but they both carry injury histories and the Saints did trade up to select Kamara in the third round so he will have a role in this offense that will score a lot of fantasy points. Kamara is expected to beat out Cadet for 3rd down touches and was flexed out to receiver on occasion while at Tennessee. AP signed a two year deal and Ingram is in his third year of a four year commitment. If all breaks right, Kamara could find himself in a very intriguing situation in 2018.

(1.7) For Narnia
Samaje Perine - Redskins
Coach Gruden hates Matt Jones, loves his injury-plagued third down back, and luckily found a capable grinder in "Fat Rob" Kelley last season. On pure running back talent, these three stooges are no where near the bruising back from Oklahoma (the other Sooner). This is another gamble selection, but makes sense for AJ who needs to find someone who will contribute as an RB2 at the very least. The Redskins offense is still potent with Cousins under center (for now) and Perine will get every opportunity to take the starting gig away from "Fat Rob." It may seem like a reach here, but Wide Receiver is a position of strength for the Narnians.

(1.8) DaBert
John Ross III - Bengals
The roster is stacked which means Brett can draft the best available player. I believe that is Ross III who finds himself opposite AJ Green and more than likely in single coverage. Drafting Ross III opens up the offense by keeping defenders out of the box (mentioned in Mixon selection) and will allow the talented players on the roster more chances to get open. That is a catch 22 for Ross III (or should I say, a catch 4.22!) with less sticky coverage Green and Eifert should see a bump in production along with the backfield. With so many mouths to feed it'll be hard to predict those explosion games, but the first round selection means Ross III is someone who can't be passed up.

(1.9) Tom-a-Hank
Marlon Mack - Colts
I'm sure some of you are pissed that this name ended up on this mock and there's no possibility of Mack slipping and becoming a later round steal. The keyword of this mock draft is opportunity. It's what fantasy points rely entirely upon and in Mack's case, a golden opportunity is only being blocked by the ageless wonder that is Frank Gore. Mack is extremely talented but had a knack for fumbling while at USF (the other one) but has the size and skills to be an every down contributor. Sooner or later Gore will succumb to Father Time and if that happens this season, Mack is in prime position to perform.

(1.10) Gold Standard
Mike Williams - Chargers
The rich get richer. A tight end or franchise quarterback makes sense here, but when you have a player of Williams talent fall to you, you make the pick. Jonathan has a loaded receiving corps but in this case the pick is more of a bargaining chip for future trade dealings. The "only draft running backs early" method has worked out for him, but again I go back to opportunity. Williams will line up opposite Keenan Allen (who has an ability for sustaining massive injuries) and should get his fair share of targets on a team that seems to always be playing catch-up with Rivers chucking sidearm shots 60 times a game. He'll get his.  

(1.11) Above Average Joes
Kareem Hunt - Chiefs
Spencer Ware is the productive leader of this backfield, but wore down as the season went on in 2016. Hunt is an experienced rusher who will surprise folks who didn't watch late night MACtion on ESPN the last couple seasons. Tyreek Hill and Charck West get their touches too, but if there's a true spell to Ware it will be Hunt who is the more prototypical workhorse. During his senior season he really developed as a pass catcher (41 Rec, 403 yards, 1 td) which backs in Andy Reid's (more like Alex "Checkdown" Smith's) system are required to do. Initial returns on this investment are modest but if injuries plague Ware again in 2017, Hunt could have a very respectable rookie campaign.

(1.12) Garbage Emoji
D'Onta Foreman - Texans
The Doak Walker Award winner only has a short 165 mile move to his new home in Houston where he slides in immediately as the spell back to Lamar Miller. Last year proved that Miller can't handle the rigors of a full NFL season which is good news for Foreman's future prospects. He also is a contrast to Miller's shifty, slippery skill set. Foreman is a big back who will be the short yard specialist and should find paydirt more than a handful of times this season. If all breaks right, this backfield could rival what the Giants had with Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs. If injury strikes Miller again, there's no one on the roster who would challenge Foreman for the starting back role.  




(2.1) Garbage Emoji
OJ Howard - Buccaneers 
The top tight end talent. Even Cameron Brate scored 8 times last year!

(2.2) Bad Hombres
Donnel Pumphrey - Eagles
Will his diminutive size prevent him from showcasing his skills? Risk/reward in Philly's offense.

(2.3) Milk Steak
Jamaal Williams - Packers
A true RB who should take some carries from Ty Montgomery, but Aaron Rodgers likes to throw or keep it himself when in the red zone.

(2.4) Garbage Emoji
JuJu Smith-Schuster - Steelers
Yes, Martavis Bryant is on the roster and starting some beef (see twitter) with fellow receivers, but we will see how long he can stay away from the weed and another suspension. Smith-Schuster has all the talent to be a solid WR2, he just needs an opportunity.

(2.5) I Vincitori
Jeremy McNichols - Buccaneers
Early draft buzz cooled off a bit allowing Alex to scoop up a player who could push for touches early and keep the job if he's successful.

(2.6) Garbage Emoji
Marshawn Lynch - Raiders
After investing in the future early (3 RBs, a WR, and a TE), Keegan makes a play for the title by bringing in Beastmode.

(2.7) Above Average Joes
David Njoku - Browns
The Barndog proved tight ends can find success in Cleveland. He also proved that if you don't perform you get the ax quick.

(2.8) Natty Bohs!
Zay Jones - Bills
There isn't a need that stands out above the others so this is a best available player selection. Jones slides in and will see opportunity as the guy who's always in single coverage opposite Sammy.

(2.9) Tom-a-Hank
James Conner - Steelers
DeAngelo Williams 2.0. Bell has either missed time with injury or suspension so at some point Conner will be a must start.

(2.10) DaBert
Evan Engram - Giants
Gronk is the surefire starter, but when week 11 rolls around and he's prepping for another back surgery Brett will need someone to pick up the pace (and that's not Allen).

(2.11) Bad Hombres
Joe Williams - 49ers
There have been whispers that Hyde is falling out of favor and needs a committee mate in Santa Clara. Williams has character concerns but was VERY productive after pulling a Brett Favre and un-retiring last season for the Utes.

(2.12) Bad Hombres
Curtis Samuel - Panthers
The biggest question is how will he be used? He figures to be the slot specialist but will more than likely have a few packages that feature him as a runner ala Tyreek Hill. Could be a better pro than fantasy contributor.

So... did I just give you the keys to the kingdom or better yet a glimpse at my overall draft board? Who knows. I thought about putting a certain Wahlberg gif at the end here, but for the sake of the children and less crass language, I leave you with this warning.


Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Mock Draft 3.0: The Final Countdown


We're almost there gentlemen. Draft night is upon us, so that means one last chance at truly uninhibited speculation. This time next week, the 253 selected draftees as well as the dozens of UDFA's will be settling in to their new homes. For us, the frantic overthinking will commence as we hypothesize on opportunity and which unknown will overcome his depth chart position. So until then, enjoy this last look as I try and predict who will have their name called in our Dynasty Draft's first round. To make this a quicker read, I will forgo in-depth analysis and instead pick the player and give a one sentence (or two) reason for the selection. Enjoy!    

(1.1) Size Does Matter
Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles where there is little competition on the roster and he will push 60+ receptions, will lead the team in rushing attempts, and also be a return specialist.  

(1.2) Gold Standard
Joe Mixon
YOU HEARD ME! Mixon is polarizing but is the optimal running back for the current NFL. He won't be a first rounder but I see the Bengals or Colts jumping on him early in 2nd round and he'll contribute day one like a true first round player. 

(1.3) Above Average Joes
Leonard Fournette
After tumbling due to being picked by Jacksonville, another talented Tiger falls to Joey. If this happens I wouldn't be surprised to hear him using, "laissez les bons temps rouler!" in more conversations.

<he's definitely googling that now to see what it actually means>

(1.4) Garbage Emoji
Dalvin Cook
Tampa Bay scoops up Cook who will be the better backfield committee member with Doug Martin (who's also suspended) and will ultimately take the job full-time. Keegan is ecstatic with this pick.     

(1.5) I Vincitori
Corey Davis
The Titans are unfazed by the injury woes that have plagued Davis this Draft Prep season and he becomes the mushroom that Mariota needs to become "Super" once again. 

(1.6) Garbage Emoji
John Ross III
The Ravens take a chance on Ross III. "Flash in the pan" Wallace and "Over-hyped Perriman" are on the roster but Ross is a much more polished route runner on top of being the fastest player in NFL history.  

(1.7) For Narnia
Alvin Kamara
As of this writing, Marshawn Lynch has not signed with the Raiders. With that in mind, the soon-to-be Sin City Raiders take an RB early, but not early enough for Mixon. They settle for Kamara and hope he lives up to the hype.   

(1.8) DaBert
Mike Williams 
This pick has been a "thing" ever since the season ended. Buffalo confirms the rumor and grabs another Clemson wideout to help spring Sammy Watkins free and open up the offense. 

(1.9) Tom-a-Hank
Kareem Hunt
After letting Gillislee walk to Foxboro, the Bills need a compliment and potential replacement to LeSean McCoy (who somehow will only turn 29 this season). Hunt is a sleeper from Toledo who checks all the boxes, but didn't get the publicity because the Rockets play in the MAC.  

(1.10) Gold Standard
DeShaun Watson
Jonathan doesn't pick again until 3.06 and that may be too late to snag a potential franchise QB. The Browns are more than likely going to draft the hometown kid Trubisky, but Watson carries the most fantasy intrigue and potential. I see the 49ers trading back from the second spot and grabbing Watson with an early 2nd or the late 1st they get in their haul.  

(1.11) Above Average Joes
OJ Howard
I'm not predicting trades so in this instance I believe Howard lands with the Giants and helps a leaky O-Line as well as provide Eli a safety blanket. Joe has youth at the TE spot, but until Antonio Gates retires Henry will have competition and Houston still needs a viable QB.     

(1.12) Garbage Emoji
D'Onta Foreman
Green Bay replaces their departed bruiser with another. Foreman could also see some early down carries and compliment Montgomery who was dinged up at times last season. 

Well, that's all I got. As you've probably seen in the prior mocks, there are a handful of players that have appeared (and disappeared) with each release. My plan for our "Post-NFL Draft" mock draft is to include at least two full rounds so keep an eye out for that! In the meantime, enjoy the Draft and...

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Mock Draft 2.0



Well, the combine came and went. Some records were broken, islands were not won, and now we are left to wait... again. The NFL Draft is still over a month away but to help quell the insatiable appetite that is Dynasty Fantasy Football, I offer you another morsel in the form of an updated Mock Draft. Enjoy you greedy buzzards.

(1.1) Size Does Matter
Leonard Fournette - LSU

No change here. If anything Fournette's stock has actually bumped up a bit due to his positive showing at the combine. Was he the fastest or most agile guy out there? No. But a guy his size shouldn't be that quick! Most mocks have him going to Jacksonville early which may give Smarty some heartburn when making the pick but honestly, I think the Jags are due for a rebound. They have top notch receivers and Fournette is the perfect guy to balance out the offense and give them a true identity. Fournette is a once in a generation type player who is too good to pass up. Jags are a good fit, Carolina would be even better though.

(1.2) Gold Standard
Dalvin Cook - FSU
My eyes show me an explosive athlete. What about you?
What do you trust most? Your eyes and the game film of a player who was an absolute wrecking ball against all levels of competition and on the highest stage OR the results of the underwear olympics? According to SPARQ (a metric that measures athleticism) Cook's athletic prowess was rated in the 9th percentile. That's not good. Even if you argue that he just had a bad day, that is a dock on his preparation or lack there of. I personally am not worried at all, I've seen enough of FSU these past seasons and the talent shines through. If anything it could get him in a position to be drafted by a more established team and make him a fantasy contributor on day one.

(1.3) Above Average Joes
Christian McCaffrey - Stanford
Run/Catch combo make McCaffrey a nightmare for DC's 

Speaking of SPARQ, here's a guy that excelled in that department. McCaffrey actually came in as the 4th highest rated athlete among the crop of ball-carriers in Indianapolis (coincidentally, a city he very well could return to in a little over a month). In the last mock, I had the Joe's selecting a WR to bolster that core as there were question marks after Cook and Fournette. After the combine, those question marks have shifted over to pass-catchers while McCaffrey's stock is on the rise again. He'll be in play for teams like the Colts, Eagles, and Bucs and if any of them select Run-CMC, he could leap frog ahead of Cook on many draft boards.

(1.4) Garbage Emoji
Joe Mixon - Oklahoma
We all make mistakes, but man that's tough to watch
He didn't run at the combine. he wasn't even invited. Still, there is so much buzz surrounding Joe Mixon. He crushed his pro day and will have several suitors come draft day. The only concern is the history of off the field issues and really, just one slip up could end his NFL career. Keegan has a history of taking chances on troubled players (or maybe he just has a propensity to find the troubled players) and given the recent trade to bring Nuke Hopkins into the fold, he needs that homerun threat in the RB position. If the video of Mixon beating a young women hadn't surfaced, he easily would be in the discussion of being drafted in the first round and possibly ahead of Fournette. Yes, he is that talented.

(1.5) I Vincitori
Corey Davis - Western Michigan
Nothing changes here. Mike Williams showed scouts that he is actually vertically challenged in his leaping ability (a shock for a jump-ball specialist) and his overall athleticism was severely lacking. This should allow Corey Davis, the more polished, prototypical wide receiver to be the first selected in the draft. Free Agency may have hurt some of the rookie value this year with Tampa Bay and Philadelphia solidifying their squads with established pass-catchers so this pick really depends on where the players land. Buffalo is a logical spot but how much action is the wideout opposite Sammy Watkins going to get? Davis has the chops to catch 6+ balls a game and has the route running and YAC ability to be a very solid fantasy option, hopefully he doesn't find himself buried.

(1.6) Garbage Emoji
John Ross III - Washington

4.22 (drops mic).


Just kidding. But seriously, what else needs to be said? Other than health concerns Ross III will be scooped up as a vertical threat, but his smarts and surprising ups will give him a great opportunity to contend for OROY honors. Keegan could go the RB route again (especially if the next guy lands in a good spot to contribute) but he is not one to pass up on top talent; which he'll then ship off for another bevy of draft picks... I'm a huge Ross III & Husky homer, but this guy is the real deal.

(1.7) For Narnia
Alvin Kamara - Tennessee

SPARQ ALERT: Kamara was the top rated RB athlete at this year's combine! I think Matt Foley sums up my feelings perfectly (take a moment and do your best impersonation now. it's ok. I'll wait...) Like with Cook, I tend to side more with the film (the actual proof) of what a player can do, not what a metric says his potential is. That being said, NFL scouts LOVE Kamara and most mocks have him going in the late 1st or early 2nd rounds so the pick is warranted. Narnia desperately needs a running back at this spot. Kamara can't be relied on as a RB1 but in the right spot (like every other player) could be a solid contributor.

(1.8) DaBert
Jeremy McNichols - Boise State

Talk about a sibling rivalry. In trading away Nuke Hopkins, Brett was able to grab two 1st round drafted wideouts along and the opportunity to sneak into this year's 1st round. But what makes the trade even more awesome is that he slides in right before his twin brother. So what better way to ignite the fires of rivalry than by selecting the guy your brother is (probably) looking to draft. McNichols is probably going to fall a little bit in the draft but could be a sneaky draft pick as scouts discount his stats for playing in Boise. It's a risky pick, but with 5 RBs already taken and no need for WRs why not go with a high ceiling guy? Especially if he does pan out and you can hold it over your brother FOREVER.

(1.9) Tom-a-Hank
Mike Williams - Clemson
Plays like this are why Williams will be drafted early

Let's be honest, that last pick will probably prove to be hyperbole and a huge wish on my part. Regardless, Brady is probably looking to draft the best available player at this spot and Mike Williams (how many is this now?) would be a big value here. There are question marks stemming from the combine but the track record of Clemson WRs is very promising. He's a big receiver and specializes in contested catches so as long as he has a competent QB he should be able to be utilized as a WR3 or FLEX option. Brady has a lot of potential in his WR corps but none that scream superstar. Pryor and Benjamin have given us glimpses but are they ready to take the next step? Adding Williams would offer extra insurance in case they don't show up.  

(1.10) Gold Standard
D'Onta Foreman - Texas
Everyone looks great against Kansas don't they?

2,000 yards rushing is nothing to sneeze at. Yes, it was against the BIG XII but in the era of the air raid that many rushing yards is quite impressive. Foreman's not going to wow you with agility or top end speed but he's a freaking wrecking ball who will most likely fall into the end zone more than a handful of times this year. The Gold Standard could look to the Tight End position but it doesn't really make sense to overlook the lottery picks at Running Back who could yield more draft compensation in the future. I also would not be surprised to see a QB selected here to replace Eli and Romo in the very near future.  

(1.11) Above Average Joes
Chris Godwin - Penn State

If you watched the Rose Bowl (9-187, 2 tds against USC & Adoree' Jackson) you know why this pick was made. Honestly I was hoping he wouldn't get any buzz and potentially fall to me in the early 2nd round, but that won't (shouldn't) happen. He's big (6'1") fast (4.42) and has great separation skills. He is gaining ground among scouts due to injuries to Davis and Williams' poor combine performance, so don't be surprised if he sneaks into the late 1st round. The Joe's, outside of OBJ, could use some help in the WR room and Godwin could offer sneaky star potential.

(1.12) Garbage Emoji
Samaje Perine - Oklahoma
Just one big run from his 427 rushing yard outing
Initially, I would have said this pick is probably up for sale, but the Hopkins trade has freed up room on the roster for Keegan to take advantage of a loaded draft. Trade Recap: Coleman struggled in his rookie season and his value depends ENTIRELY on the passer. He also failed to surpass a converted QB for prime receiver duties, so is he really going to meet his lofty expectations? We shall see. Shepard had a few shining moments as a rookie but the Giants are gonna ride or die with OBJ and Brandon Marshall's arrival means even less targets going Shepard's way. Tough break for my favorite player in last year's draft. So long story short: Keegan's trade mean Keegan can actually make picks. He'll look to capitalize on the other Oklahoma RB who flashed brilliance when Mixon was off the field. Perine is a short yardage specialist but given the opportunity to could carve a role similar to Michael Turner or Brandon Jacobs. He's probably an early day three selection but I think he could find a home in a place like Green Bay or Houston where they have an established smaller back he can be paired with.

Monday, February 27, 2017

2017 Dynasty Mock 1.0

Is it too late now to say sorry? I am well aware that many of you have, from time to time, checked in hoping for a new blog post only to be left with disappointment and a betrayal of trust. The fault was entirely mine as I chose to pursue other interests in my free time. That changes today. But before we get into why you're really here, I just want to say I'm sorry for leaving you and I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.

Ok, with that out of the way let's get mocking!  

(1.1) Size Does Matter
Leonard Fournette - LSU

He doesn't sit atop my big board (hint, it's the next guy taken) but that won't stop Smarty from grabbing Fournette with the first pick of the 2017 draft. Smarty does have a strong stable of Running Backs already on his roster but after the travesty that was Laquon Treadwell last year, he needs to take the best available player here. Forunette is already getting compared to the likes of Bo Jackson and Eric Dickerson. I believe if he ends up with Carolina he will live up to his billing as a "once in a generation player" in that offensive scheme.

(1.2) Gold Standard
Dalvin Cook - FSU
Cook is the perfect player for the style of football being played right now and I personally believe he has the highest potential (should he land on the right team). He's a complete 3-down back who is just as deadly catching the ball as pounding it. He's very much in the mold of another FSU RB who has carried fantasy football teams for the past two seasons. There are some character concerns, a domestic charge (not caught on video), and past shoulder injuries that will get triple checked at the combine but Cook still has a chance to be the first RB selected on draft day. If Carolina goes with Fournette, other ideal spots would be with the Bucs, Colts or Eagles.  

(1.3) Above Average Joes
Mike Williams - Clemson
This was a tough selection. There aren't any glaring holes on the roster that need to be addressed. You can never have too many RBs, but after Cook and Fournette, more questions are raised among the remaining ball carriers. An argument can be made for Christian McCaffrey here (a lot depends on where he lands) but I don't see the Joe's passing up a top pass-catcher. Williams possesses a unique size/speed skill-set and also has the stronger resume against top competition. If he lands with the Cardinals or Eagles he becomes a front-runner for OROY.      

(1.4) "Garbage Emoji"
Christian McCaffrey - Stanford
Keegan is probably hoping for WRs to blow up the combine and land in very enticing situations. That way there could be a slim (very slim) chance that either Fournette or Cook falls to him at 1.4. Now Keegan has several picks to address needs so he can do his best and try to manipulate the draft into his favor which is why I think he will select McCaffrey. One, he's a bigger need for his roster. Two, he's going to find multiple ways to contribute regardless of team. The easy comparison would be Danny Woodhead (... because he's white and catches a ton of passes) but I see him more along the lines of a better Gio Bernard. He's not just a pass catching 3rd down specialist, he can grind out yards between the tackles too... and very effectively. I've seen other analysts compare him to Tiki Barber, but no matter who you see him as, the guy will put up fantasy points. Like Cook, if he lands in Indy, Philly, or Tampa his stock will jump immensely.  

(1.5) I Vincitori
Corey Davis - Western Michigan
Just call Nine Four Zero, Fifty-Five Forty-Four!!! I've been waiting to write that for the last two years . The Running Back position should be serviceable for now, but Alex needs to find a true number one wideout. I love Doug Baldwin but until Seattle's offensive system changes, it's going to be impossible to predict the breakout 2+ touchdown games for the man with a boulder of disrespect on his shoulder. Davis is in that top tier for receivers in this draft and as long as his ankle repair doesn't linger into OTAs and training camp he should be able to produce right away. John Ross III could be a possibility (especially if he lands with Tampa or Philly) but you can't teach size, which makes Davis a little more intriguing as a prospect. The Eagles, Titans, or Cardinals would be good landing spots.

(1.6) "Garbage Emoji"
D'Onta Foreman - Texas
Keegan was probably hoping to see Corey Davis fall to this spot (which is a possiblity) but will go ahead and add another Running Back to the squad. Foreman was a 2000 yard rusher last year (yes, in the Big XII... I'm aware) and while he doesn't have the wiggle or top flight speed, he is a bruiser who rarely lost yardage and was a proven converter. He's going to score touchdowns and reminds me a lot of Michael Turner. The NFL has become an RBBC league and with his first two picks Keegan has formed a potentially potent committee.

(1.7) For Narnia
Joe Mixon - Oklahoma
Joe Mixon very well could go undrafted, but that doesn't mean he won't be picked up by a team and contribute. The video of him beating a young woman is disgusting and will hinder his draft capital but look at Tyreek Hill. When a player has an unparalleled skill-set, they get second chances. Mixon has homerun ability every time he touches the ball. He's similar to Le'Veon Bell in that he can dominate a stat sheet in receiving and rushing yards. The off the field issues put him on a short leash so any slip up and he'll be another Josh Gordon or Martavis Bryant: immensely talented, but can't get out of his own way. The Narnian's need to hit big on this pick and there 's few players who offer this much upside at this point in the draft.    

(1.8) "Garbage Emoji"
John Ross III - Washington
Think DeSean Jackson but Ross III actually knows how to run an effective route-tree. Ross III has been laser timed at running a 4.3 forty yard dash so he definitely plays the role of blowing the top off of defenses. He does have a small frame and a slight injury concern but when healthy was a true difference maker on offense and as a special teams phenom. His size makes you believe he'd be best utilized as a slot specialist but at UW he had success as both an outside and slot receiver. As a die hard Husky fan I'm incredibly biased here, but with the right QB, Ross III's smarts and hands could put up numbers that rival his NFL comp's rookie season (62 receptions, 912 rec yards 4 total tds or 10.7 ppw AVG)

(1.9) Tom-a-Hank
Jeremy McNichols - Boise State
This one was simple. If he's still there, Brady will select McNichols within 10 seconds of Keegan's pick. Boise State has developed a strong track record with RB's. Brady would know, he's got the last one already on his roster. Yes, Doug Martin has had only two season's of note (his stellar rookie campaign and 2015 resurgence) in a 5 year career of frustration, but when he has still shown what he can do when healthy and motivated. Back to McNichols. He's a scoring machine who can beat you between the tackles as well as in the screen game and by sneaking into the flat. The knock against him is that it's been against (perceived) zero-competition because of the league Boise plays in. That being said, Dougie and Ajayi also played in the MWC so I think we can expect the skills to translate into production.          

(1.10) Gold Standard
OJ Howard - Alabama
I'm not going to mock trades, but that's what's probably going to happen here. After grabbing Cook (or possibly Fournette) Gold Standard doesn't need to make this pick and will probably look to get another first round pick in 2018 (he's gotten used to have multiples after all...). However, if Jonathan decides to stay put he could look to grab the TE in the best situation. Kelce is a stud but has shown to be brittle and having a good fall back option wouldn't hurt. Howard was under utilized at Alabama but still managed to shine in two national championship performances. Njoku and Engram are right there but one hasn't played much football and the other is more of a move TE. Howard has the size to be an effective blocker and the speed to be a huge mismatch. The only issue with TE's is that they typically don't burst onto the scene and contribute day one. Gold Standard has the capital to be patient.

(1.11) Above Average Joes
Alvin Kamara - Tennessee
Kamara is this year's Kenneth Dixon. Someone who has gotten plenty of buzz and will probably find themselves in a decent position to either start in the backfield or push the incumbent for touches. His story is a lot like Isaiah Crowell, a top recruit who found himself in an FCS school and was given a second chance by an SEC contender. He has potential to be a 3-down RB and is an effective receiver to boot. People are going to point to the crazy stat of 23 touchdowns on only 284 touches as a Volunteer but he's never carried the ball more than 20 times in a game and has a history of knee injuries. Scouts still love his upside and given the right situation, he could jump up fantasy draft boards.  

(1.12) "Garbage Emoji"
Donnel Pumphrey - SDSU (the other one)
He was a Heisman darkhorse and finished the season as the NCAA's career rushing champion, but Donnel Pumphrey still can't get any respect. He's been told he's too small and will probably have to fight for a role on special teams and 3rd downs to actually break onto the 53 man roster. I don't buy that one bit. Darren Sproles, Russell Wilson, Wayne Chrebet... or maybe Steve Smith is a better reference. They were all discredited because of their size, not their talent and production. Pumphrey probably won't be given the bell-cow moniker on day one by any team, but like McCaffrey he's a very good fit for today's NFL and will find ways top contribute with the 10-15 touches he's given. I wouldn't be surprised either if the chip on his shoulder pushed him to perform and force out an already established RB. I think the upside is worth the selection. Also, let's not forget about the last great RB who came from SDSU, that would be Marshall Faulk.    




And there you go! Stay tuned for more updates and mocks as we get closer to draft day!