Matt and Ole's Excellent Adventure: a NASCAR Dynasty League Mock Draft

      Hey everybody! Did you miss me? I know we're cutting it pretty close, but let's face it you don't read these articles for the commentary, you just skim through and save the article as ammo for when I'm wrong after the 5th pick. Whatever dudes, embrace your collective journeys. So with that, enjoy this ridiculous mock draft!  

1.1   – Josh Jacobs, RB Raiders (Ole)

1.2   – Kyler Murray, QB Cardinals (Matt)

1.3   – David Montgomery, RB Bears (Keegan)

1.4   – N’Keal Harry, WR Patriots (Jake)

1.5   – Miles Sanders, RB Eagles (Matt)

1.6   – DK Metcalf, WR Seahawks (Matt)

1.7   – Mecole Hardman, WR Chiefs (Matt)

1.8   – TJ Hockenson, TE Lions (Josiah)

1.9   – Deebo Samuel, WR 49ers (Ole)

1.10 - AJ Brown, WR Titans (Matt)

1.11 - Parris Campbell, WR Colts (Casey)

1.12 - Marquise Brown, WR Ravens (Joey)

2.1 – JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR Eagles (Ole)

2.2 – Dwayne Haskins, QB Redskins (Joey)

2.3 – Darrell Henderson, RB Rams (Keegan)

2.4 – Andy Isabella, WR Cardinals (Keegan)

2.5 – Tony Pollard, RB Cowboys (Keegan)

2.6 – Devin Singletary, RB Bills (Scott)

2.7 – Noah Fant, TE Broncos (Ole)

2.8 – Justice Hill, RB Ravens (Josiah)

2.9 – Damien Harris, RB Patriots (Josiah)

2.10 – Diontae Johnson, WR Steelers (Ole)

2.11 – Irv Smith Jr., TE Vikings (Josiah)

2.12 – Daniel Jones, QB Giants (Joey)

2.13 – Qadree Ollison, RB Falcons (Spencer)

3.1 – Drew Lock, QB Broncos (Ole)

3.2 – Alexander Mattison, RB Vikings (Brett)

3.3 – Hakeem Butler, WR Cardinals (Kyle)

3.4 – Benny Snell Jr., RB Steelers (Kyle)

3.5 – Jace Sternberger, TE Packers (Spencer)

3.6 – Darwin Thompson, RB Chiefs (Kyle)

3.7 – Miles Boykin, WR Ravens (Brady)

3.8 – Bryce Love, RB Redskins (Josiah)

3.9 – Jalen Hurd, WR 49ers (Kyle)

3.10 – Dexter Williams, RB Packers (Ole)

3.11 – Riley Ridley, WR Bears (Brady)

3.12 – Ryquell Armstead, RB Jaguars (Keegan)

Salary Cap Dynasty Mock Draft 1.0

      Oh boy. Here we go. It's been almost a calendar year since my last entry into the made-up world of fantasy football reporting, and before you say it... yes it's been too long. For those of you who are new to these reports, this is your glimpse behind the grey matter of Jake's mind. Thankfully for me, I'm writing this after watching two of the greatest fantasy sagas draw to their epic finales. So my mental state has been subsequently blown and overloaded on reboot several times over. Take what you will from my insight on the first two rounds of our yet to be scheduled rookie draft and most importantly, enjoy.  

1.1 – Josh Jacobs, Oakland

Tom-A-Hank

Beastmode has hung up the cleats again, leaving a chasm behind in Oakland. The Raiders made a big splash in Free Agency to bolster the offensive line as well as trading for explosive wideout Antonio Brown. Jacobs figures to be the primary recipient of touches and should help take pressure off of Derek Carr, whose stock should see a bump thanks to these weapons. Jacobs isn’t a generational talent but the opportunity alone makes him the best pick in this draft. He also addresses a potential need for Brady and that cheap rookie deal is an added bonus.    

1.2 – Kyler Murray, Cardinals

Name TBD

I think it’s safe to say the Cardinals will stick with this first round QB, but what do I know? Murray is reunited with his former college coach (who knows Sean McVay) and the comps to Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes are already running rampant. Murray fills a need on Greg’s squad and if he follows the same trajectory as the previous Oklahoma QB, he should start hitting his stride down the stretch. Murray finds himself on a more talented offense than Mayfield did (to start) but this is the NFL, not the Big XII, so anything is possible.

1.3   – N’Keal Harry, Patriots

Snob Hill FC

The Patriots seem to be playing chess while the rest of the league is stuck playing checkers. Once again, top talent falls to them in the draft in N’Keal Harry. Harry is a perfect fit for the Patriots and their quick pass/screen offense and should be the prime candidate to takeover for Julian Edelman when he starts slowing down (hopefully soon).  

1.4 – Hakeem Butler, Cardinals

Oles Team

It’s gonna be a whole new look in the desert this year. The addition of Kyler Murray bodes well for the prospects of David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald’s swan song, but the long term impact will be made with Butler. The Cardinals made sure to get Murray a weapon in this draft that he can develop a chemistry with. Ole has a plethora of picks so he could choose to draft from the shallower RB pool, but Butler has the look of a solid fantasy contributor and a player you can’t pass up.    

1.5 – David Montgomery, Bears

Average Joes

Matt Nagy acquired a talented roster when he took over as the Bears Head Coach, but he has quickly churned the roster to add players that fit his scheme. David Montgomery is the Kareem Hunt-type player that Nagy wants/needs to run his offense. DM has the size to holdup in the NFL and the pass catching prowess to spell Tarik Cohen on 3^rd downs. Mike Davis is no slouch, but Montgomery is a more complete player and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets the bulk of the goal line carries. Joe currently has a bare cupboard when it comes to ball-carriers, so this selection makes sense.

1.6 – Dwayne Haskins, Redskins

Ball Fondlers

After the gruesome injury to Alex Smith, the Redskins need a franchise QB, the same can be said of the Ball Fondlers who only have Philip Rivers currently under contract. But both hope to find their savior in Dwayne Haskins. The ideal situation would be for the Redskins to roll out the carcass of Colt McCoy or Case Keenum and allow the offensive line to gel and running game to coalesce before Haskins starts taking snaps. It’s a tough division but there are playmakers on offense and the Redskins for all their 2018 struggles just missed the playoffs. Haskins is raw, but if handled correctly could have a promising future in our Nation’s Capitol. Every ounce of me wants to pick the next guy on this list, but this pick is about future stability.

1.7 – DK Metcalf, Seahawks

Average Joes

DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf is an Adonis. He’s a physical freak and possibly the wide receiver that Pete Carroll has always dreamed about pairing with Russell Wilson. Seattle has continually brought in over-the-hill BIG wideouts only to have them flicker out. Braylon Edwards helped build the Wilson hype train in preseason 2012, Sidney Rice was Wilson’s favorite target as a rookie, Terrell Owens made a preseason visit, and of course last year there was Brandon Marshall. What separates DK is that this is a young man not an old soldier. Yes there are short area agility concerns and the neck issue that sidelined him last year, but if he can hit the playbook as hard as he hits the gym, this could be someone special.  

1.8 – Miles Sanders, Eagles

Oles Team

With Ole having back-to-back picks, these are pretty interchangeable. Then again, he has a history of trading away all of his draft picks just so he doesn’t have to be involved… so hopefully that doesn’t happen. Miles Sanders makes sense here even though he’s joining a crowded backfield in Philly. Howard figures to be the heavy favorite for carries, but has always had a hard time catching passes. Sanders did an admirable job filling the massive void in Happy Valley left by Saquon Barkley and should find 3^rd down work and possibly a larger role should Howard’s nagging injury history pop up again.  

1.9 – Marquise Brown, Ravens

Oles Team

I kind of feel bad for Marquise Brown. As if being related to Antonio Brown wasn’t bad enough, he now has to play against Pittsburgh twice a year. It’s true Baltimore doesn’t operate a high-flying offense, but Brown was brought in to be Lamar Jackson’s go-to guy. John Brown and Crabtree never got off the ground because the Ravens mishandling of their quarterback situation, but having a full offseason with Jackson running the offense, Brown looks to avoid that quagmire. Ole also has the benefit of multiple first round draft picks so if Brown takes longer to develop, he can handle having him out of the starting lineup.  

1.10 – Darrell Henderson

Cap’n Salary

It’s too soon to overreact, but I think it was very telling that the Rams selected a Running Back in the 3^rd round with their very limited stash of picks. Gurley will still get his touches, but if the offense maintains their output of 2018, Henderson will get ample opportunity. We saw it with CJ Anderson, and no slight to Anderson, but Henderson is a much more athletic individual and should flirt with flex appeal weekly. Scott will look to bolster the RB corps behind Saquon with (at this point) the most valuable handcuff out there.   

1.11 – Deebo Samuel, 49ers

Rugby With Pads

This is a pick that just makes sense. Both teams need to replace Marquise Goodwin, so why not have both select Deebo? Much like Pettis, the high draft investment hints at a decent role in the offense that should be leaps and bounds ahead of the one we saw last year. I also expect some regression from Kittle who was locked on by both Beathard and Mullins, with the return of Jimmy G. He’s a gifted WR but what makes Deebo so special is his rushing and return ability. I don’t want to say the name Tavon Austin, so I’ll say think TY Montgomery or Golden Tate.    

1.12 – TJ Hockenson, Lions

Snob Hill FC

Rarely do Tight Ends come into the league as rookies and set the world on fire, I mean unless your name is Will Dissly. All jokes aside, Hockenson is already being penciled in as the starting TE in Detroit Rock City which bodes well for Snob Hill FC, who also has a vacant starting position. Hockenson and fellow Hawkeye Noah Fant look as the surest bets to see meaningful snaps as rookies, the question is will that translate to targets? Iowa has quickly become TE University, but if you’re expecting George Kittle, maybe temper your expectations. Also, need we remind you about Brandon Pettigrew or Eric Ebron’s tenure in Motown? (sorry, this should have been a more glowing review)

Second Round – Quick Hits

2.1 – Forfeit

2.2 – Mecole Hardman, Chiefs

                Keg Stand: KC is a high-octane offense and needs a player who can KICK it into high gear and BREAK the will of their opponents.

2.3 – AJ Brown, Titans

Snob Hill FC: AJ Brown is probably more talented than Ole Miss team mate DK, but DK gets Wilson not Marcus Mariota.

2.4 – JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Eagles

Oles Team: One of my favorite big receivers, but unfortunately lands in a crowded superstar offense, which limits upside.

2.5 – Parris Campbell, Colts

Average Joes: Catching balls from Andrew Luck is every rookie wideout’s dream, just a question of if he’ll actually be on the field to do so.

2.6 – Damien Harris, Patriots

Keg Stand: He was drafted high for a reason. Maybe there are concerns about continued health of Sony and Rex.

2.7 – Drew Lock, Broncos

Bless Them Knees: There’s a need for QB and Lock has the upside to take over after 10 games or so if Flacco flames out. The offense is loaded with young talent to grow with.

2.8 – Benny Snell Jr., Steelers

Keg Stand: Nothing wrong with grabbing a handcuff to one of the most explosive halfbacks in the league on an explosive offense.

2.9 – Noah Fant, Broncos

Cap’n Salary: Just gotta hope that Fant doesn’t fall victim to the curse of the Bronco Tight End. Heuerman and Butt carried promise, yet injuries lingered.

2.10 – Andy Isabella, Cardinals

Name TBD: Shifty slot guy who was actually drafted higher than Butler but figures to be blocked by Fitzgerald to start his career.

2.11 – Troy Pollard, Cowboys

Rugby With Pads: Potential handcuff to Zeke Elliott and still has the strongest run blocking offensive line opening up holes in front of him.

2.12 – Devin Singletary, Bills

Name TBD: Gore, McCoy, and Murphy figure to block the path I year one, but the future implications here are pretty promising.

One Guy's Opinions That Are Probably Wrong 2.0

1.1   Keegan – Saquon Barkley

New York Giants

100% Locked in. Once in a generation talent just like Leonard Fournette… and Ezekiel Elliott… whatever, he’s REALLY good.

1.2   AJ – Derrius Guice

Washington Redskins

Guice is nice. AJ also hates the Seahawks so he won’t draft Penny.

1.3   Josiah – Rashaad Penny

Seattle Seahawks

As mentioned before, Penny joins Curt Warner and Shaun Alexander as the only running backs to ever be selected in the first round by the Seahawks. I think he'll enjoy similar success. 

1.4   Spencer – Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns

Chubb has started turning heads in rookie mini-camp showing more burst and wiggle that was noticeably absent after his injuries at Georgia. Maybe Hyde is the 3rd Down Back and Duke becomes a permanent slot receiver?   

1.5   Brett – Sony Michel

New England Patriots

The more I think about it, the more I like Michel. Call me crazy, but I wouldn't be surprised if he won OROY and flirted with 2K total yards. However, I also wouldn't be surprised if he fumbles his first carry and his locked in Belichick's dog house for the rest of the year. 

1.6   Brett – Baker Mayfield

Cleveland Browns

Of the teams that drafted franchise QBS, Cleveland has the best play makers on offense. That being said, the leash may be longer for Tyrod which would keep Mayfield on the bench. But you don't draft someone 1st overall and leave them on the bench.   

1.7   Keegan – Ronald Jones II

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

They have to hand the ball to someone right? Much like the Bucs, Keegs needs a bellcow... Jones is a risky pick for both. I really think this pick gets traded. 

1.8   Matt – Sam Darnold

New York Jets

Lots of holes, but a franchise quarterback is the most glaring need. Darnold may struggle his freshman year, but the Jets will retool and get talent around him.  

1.9   Brett – DJ Moore

Carolina Panthers

Wait... Brett again? Ok, why not grab the first wideout selected? He could also double down and grab Rosen to ensure that he's got another franchise QB to build around. Obviously, the rest of the league hopes that's not the case.  

1.10    Jake – Josh Rosen

Arizona Cardinals

If chaos doesn't happen then Rosen will be chosen. I'm pretty sure I just read that Bradford dislocated his wrist trying to unpeel a banana, so Rosen should see early action. 

1.11    Joe – Kerryon Johnson

Detroit Lions

Full disclosure: this is who Joe selected in another dynasty league so... I'm guessing he kinda likes him. 

1.12    Brady – Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens

Brady will jump on the quarterback surging wave and probably look to deal his subsequent pick for more draft capital. 

ROUND 2 - BONUS COVERAGE!

2.1   Brady – Calvin Ridley

Atlanta Falcons

2.2   Keegan - Royce Freeman

Denver Broncos

2.3   Matt – Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos

2.4   Ole – Nyheim Hines

Indianapolis Colts

2.5   Brett – Christian Kirk

Arizona Cardinals

2.6   Brett – Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles

2.7   Matt – Michael Gallup

Dallas Cowboys

2.8   Matt – Mike Gesicki

Miami Dolphins

2.9   Joe – Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills

2.10           Jake – Dante Pettis

San Francisco 49ers

2.11           Joe – Anthony Miller

Chicago Bears

2.12           Ole – James Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers

2.13           Brett – Antonio Callaway

Cleveland Browns

Is It A Bit Drafty In Here? SUPERFLEX EDITION

1.1 Saquon Barkley - Keegan
New York Giants

The easiest of all picks that could probably be made now to save us the 4 seconds it will take Keegan to type it into Mazey. I don’t know what else you want me to put here… move along.

1.2  Derrius Guice - AJ
Washington Redskins

There is a need on this roster for a running back that can come in and put up points starting week one. We aren’t drafting for maturity so, I think Derrius Guice gives AJ’s squad the best option to be a consistent scorer. What sets Guice apart is that he has zero competition for the early down bruiser role. Fat Rob and Perine have health issues and fumblitis that have put them in Jay Gruden’s dog house. Chris Thompson is a concern on 3^rd down but there’s no guarantee that he stays healthy even with an exclusive scat-back role. The Redskins will be good enough offensively and Guice should expect to flirt for double digit TDs.  

1.3  Rashaad Penny - Josiah
Seattle Seahawks

The previous pick was made on Guice simply because he has less competition. Rashaad Penny has been anointed the starter in Seattle, but this is a team that for some ungodly reason, failed to push a running back across the goaline while inside the redzone… in fact there was only one score made by someone other than Russell Wilson. Bonus Points if you knew it was JD McKissic. Pete Carroll says he envisions Penny as a 3 down back, but I believe he will be pushed by a healthy Chris Carson. Carroll’s mantra is “Always Compete” so the bulk carries will go to the one who earns it. The Seahawks have only used their first selection on two other RBs, first in 1983 and then in 2000. I think it worked out pretty well before and will work out again.  

1.4  Sony Michel - Spencer
New England Patriots

Because it’s the Patrios here, this pick is a lot riskier than it should be. We all saw what Sony could do the last couple of years at Georgia against elite competition. Yet it’s hard to be confident that a player will get enough snaps when there are multiple capable backs on the roster and a head coach that could care less about your fantasy squad. Like the Seahawks, I think it’s telling that this team selected a running back in the first round. No way they do that if they don’t plan to employ them as a game changing weapon. The optimistic me sees Michel as an upgraded Dion Lewis who will be the bellcow and stay on the field for all three downs. The pessimistic me sees Rex Burkhead vulturing TDs or Tom Brady going no huddle with James White catching 6 passes on a 73 yard drive. I know it’s specific but it’s what we all see happening. In conclusion: If I’m here, this is the pick I make and I’m very happy with it.

1.5  Ronald Jones II - Ole
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ole is in the same boat as AJ, he needs a player to step in and contribute on day one. The biggest need is probably RB, so Ronald Jones II makes the most sense here. Jones II lands in a great spot competition wise, but his draft stock is incredibly high given his second round selection. I have no idea why Dirk Koetter is praised as an offensive genius. He’s the football version of Mike Scioscia who’s been the manager of the Angels for 18 years, has a near .500 record, won a world series in 2002, but has done NOTHING for 16 years. Ok rant over. Basically what I’m getting at is, Todd Monken is taking over as OC in TB so there’s hope that the new ball carrier could actually find some success with a new man at the helm. Trust me, Barber and Sims are nothing special. Just like Fetch, stop trying to make Sims happen, Joe!   

1.6  Baker Mayfield - Brett
Cleveland Browns

Two Eagles and a busted Bronco are all that Brett has for field generals on his squad. This would be a perfect fit for the future of his franchise, especially if Mayfield is able to pull a Wilson and seize the job on day 1 or even a Wentz and takeover the starting gig early in the season. Mayfield has the tools to come in and light up the stat line like Deshaun Watson did last season before injury. Like Watson, Mayfield has a wealth of weapons and an above average offensive line to protect him. The only question is: when will he start? Unless Tyrod Taylor leads this team to a Super Bowl victory this season, he’s only a stop-gap. This is and always will be Mayfield’s team. His rushing ability will also mean a higher floor than the other QB options in this draft.  

1.7  Royce Freeman - Keegan
Denver Broncos

Barkley was a no-brainer pick. Freeman carries a little more risk but could help buoy a roster that is bereft of talented runners. CJ Anderson was able to scrape up 1000 yards rushing last year… somehow. Freeman is a more talented back but comes with a lot of tread of the tires from his tenure at Oregon. He has more wiggle and pass catching ability than Booker and should find fewer stacked boxes with Keenum slinging the ball around. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Keegan chooses to use this pick on a QB and squeeze future draft capital out of QB needy owners.

1.8  Sam Darnold - Matt
New York Jets

    Like I just mentioned, Matt has multiple picks in the 2^nd round and could use them to move up and secure his franchise QB. Because I’m not forecasting trades, Darnold is the pick here. Sam has to beat out veterans Josh McCown and the kneeless Theodore Bridgewater, but let’s face it, if this coaching staff wants to survive the inevitable purge that will come with another losing season, they’ll start their new toy on day one. Darnold does not have the weapons the other rookie gunslingers do but he has the talent to be a true franchise QB. Matt just has to hope the Jets front office will do what the Bears did for Trubisky in his sophomore campaign.   

1.9  DJ Moore - Brett
Carolina Panthers

    Because of the run on RBs, Brett sits in prime position to take the top WR in this draft. DJ Moore slide in as one of the top options for Cam Newton in 2018. Yes there are mouths to feed ahead of him (Olsen, McCaffrey, and Bad Checkers) but in forecasting future success, Moore should be in line for substantial targets. He isn’t just a burner down field like Ted Ginn Jr was or what Torrey Smith projects as, plus he has more wiggle and agility than Funchess brings to the table. In a weak draft class, Moore is the top option. 

1.10  Josh Rosen - Jake
Arizona Cardinals

You could make the argument that the wide receiving corps is aging quickly and the RB depth is very shallow, but this is a premiere QB draft and makes the most sense to fill the cupboard and prepare for life without Wilson or Big Ben. Rosen will probably be handled with care, much like Aaron Rodgers was in Green Bay (I am NOT comparing Rosen to Rodgers) but when he’s ready to take the reins he could find himself with a great supporting cast. He should establish a rapport with fellow rookie Christian Kirk and having David Johnson behind him is an added relief. What stood out to me was his reasoning for wanting to be the first QB selected, he said it was about the money (but not in the way you’re thinking). He has reached out to top athletes to understand their daily routines and the cost it takes to maintain that. He said he wants to hire the best nutritionists, the best personal trainers, the best life coaches, and surround himself with the best team of people in order to make himself the best possible version of himself. All that costs a LOT and he wants the financial stability to make that happen on day one. That’s probably way more than you wanted to know, but now you know something you didn’t before (and that’s the real reason you’re still reading this)  
     

1.11  Nick Chubb - Joe
Cleveland Browns

If it weren’t for Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson, Chubb would be a much higher selection. This guy was a beast at Georgia before his gruesome leg injury as a sophomore and then he lost work due to the emergence of Sony Michel. I think Chubb will have a decent amount of weekly touches in Cleveland and should fall into the endzone at least a half dozen times, but it’s Cleveland. The Land could very well be on the verge of a renaissance BUT they did just witness the second perfect season in reverse. There’s also a lot of new faces that need to prove that they can form a cohesive unit, but color me optimistic and Chubb could be a steal here if the Browns find a way to right the ship.    

1.12   Calvin Ridley - Brady
Atlanta Falcons

This pick could go a variety of ways because Brady also holds the first pick of the second round. I’m going with Calvin Ridley because of the proven QB who will be tossing him the ball. Ridley could be the heir apparent to Quintorris Lopez Jones (who turned 29 in February) and provide Matt Ryan with one of the best #2 options at wideout in the league. The knock on Ridley was his numbers at the combine, but game tape speaks louder to me than the underwear Olympics. Ridley is a cerebral receiver who can be lethal after the catch. Alabama QBs didn’t allow him to truly shine or pepper him with targets but when he got an opportunity, he made the most of it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores more TDs than Julio this season and pushes toward a 800+ yard receiving campaign.