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Subject: RIFC 2020: Draft rationale collection thread
Posted by: Guru
- [330592710] Fri, Aug 28, 2020, 21:43
We'll use the same process for collecting rationales as last year.
You have a choice. You may either post your rationale in the comment area next to the associated pick on the MFL draft page,
- or -
you may post each rationale in this thread. Anything posted here will take precedence over anything posted on MFL.
Regardless, each rationale is due no later than two rounds in arrears. I understand that, especially when queues are used, staying within two rounds will be difficult. However, please try to stay relatively current.
I will set up a master thread for all Rationales that will be organized in the proper draft sequence. So don't worry about the sequence here. |
| Only the 50 most recent replies are currently shown. Click on this text to display hidden posts as well. |
| 65 | Philly Busters
ID: 311122313
Fri, Sep 04, 2020, 22:04
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10.05 Smith, Roquan CHI LB
Time for a LB and there were several I would have been happy with. Smith should be very productive with steady tackle numbers in a stout Bear defense. He's young, talented, and, hopefully, improving. Just missing the cut were Deion Jones and Devin Bush.
11.10 Breida, Matt MIA RB
Building RB depth with this pick and Breida enters as my RB4. I've always liked his style of running and he's slated for passing down work in Miami. He gets banged up but plays through it. Good speed and elusiveness. He was held down by the revolving door method of deploying RBs in SF. He could see usable volume in shootouts and catch up mode.
12.05 Barrett, Shaq TBB LB
While my LB1 should provide consistent production, this pick is shooting for big weeks with multiple sacks. He might even find himself in games where his team has a nice lead and the opponent has to throw a bunch to catch up. While he probably doesn't know what that's like, I'm banking on him enjoying it! And me too.
13.10 Miller, Anthony CHI WR
Looking for roster depth as my WR4. No matter who starts at QB, counting on improved play leading to better overall production from the Bears passing game. It can't be worse, can it? He's the Bear's WR2 behind Robinson and should see plenty of targets. If my other receivers stay healthy, he's a bye week flex.
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| 66 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 09:28
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11.12 Sony Michel, RB, NEP
I was sorely tempted to take the top 2 RB handcuffs in the league, often described as potential league-winners, with these next 2 picks. My own (see next pick) and Alexander Mattison. In the end I went with Michel here. Michel may get added carries early because of injuries in his backfield and, who knows, might improve on his so-far disappointing performance. I decided that it might be wise to have an RB who carried the ball a bit if Mixon goes down early.
Mattison ended up going to Dalvin Cook's owner. How dull.
12.03 Chase Edmonds, RB, Ari
Kenyan Drake's handcuff.
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| 67 | loki
ID: 36753115
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 11:03
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12.14 Calais Campbell, DE-At this point in the draft I only had 2 defensive players, so it was time to fill out my defense. Campbell should produce good numbers.
13.01 Antoine Winfield, DB-Same reasoning as with Campbell
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| 68 | Philly Busters
ID: 311122313
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 11:47
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14.05 Ngakoue, Yannick MIN DE
Needed a DL2 starter and I'm excited about the upside offered with this pick. I was a little concerned about the late move to Minn and the impact of limited reps (and no pre-season games) on him fitting in on the new team. However his role as a pass rusher is less impacted by these concerns than other roles and positions. On the plus side, he's playing on a 1 year deal and will be highly motivated to display his dominance. It doesn't hurt to have Hunter on the other side of the D Line making it tough to justify double teaming him. Love my D Line of Garrett and Ngakoue.
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| 69 | Philly Busters
ID: 311122313
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 12:02
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15.10 Minshew, Gardner JAC QB
Yes! Fu Minshew is mine! I wasn't planning to pick my backup QB here but I saw a couple of teams pick backups earlier in the round and shifted him to the top of my queue. Had to have him. He's in a great spot to put up monster garbage time, come-from-behind, passing stats. In a less than full time debut last year he put up 21 TDs and only 6 INTs. Plus he displayed some scrambling chops that will help his floor if/when I need to throw him in the lineup. Things are shaping up nicely.
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| 70 | Valkyrie
ID: 597143014
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 13:59
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12.13 Kirksey- LB, GB
Successor to Martinez high scoring job at MLB
13.02 Vander Esch- MLB- Dallas
Move to MLB for Cowboys- will rack up tackles if stay healthy.
Probably waited a little too long to get LB's- We will see how much it hurts me.
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| 71 | Valkyrie
ID: 597143014
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 14:05
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14-10 Harrison Smith - S- Minn
I have had Harrison for years. Not spectacular but steady and reliable fantasy player
15.02 Isaiah Simmons- LB- Arizona
I love this guy buy have no idea how well he will score in fantasy. Not even sure how they will use him but he is my high risk guy. I passed over higher rated LB's for him.
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| 72 | Doug
ID: 77541115
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 18:45
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11.03 Dallas Goedert, TE PHI
Seems like Philly is going to try and incorporate him even more this year in 2TE sets, making him a reliable option to fill into my lineup if needed at either the TE or flex spots... and his upside if Ertz gets hurt goes through the ceiling. I don't normally go for a 2nd TE this early but felt he provided great value and could even be my starter.
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| 73 | loki
ID: 36753115
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 19:11
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14.14 Justin Simmons, DB, DEN-Again working to fill out my defense, and I liked Simmons for DB
15.01 Chris Thompson, RB, JAX-I drafted Thompson because I wanted another RB who would produce good numbers.
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| 74 | Doug
ID: 77541115
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 19:16
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12.12 Fred Warner, SF LB
It was beyond time to get a quality LB1, and I think he may have slipped a couple rounds due to Covid designation. Most other players who've had it through training camp have come back within a week or so, and I'm obviously hoping the same holds true here. A minor gamble, but hopefully one that pays off.
13.03 Shaq Thompson, CAR LB
Since I'd waited a bit on LB I decided to grab a second one around the turn, and Shaq has all the opportunity in the world to rack up tackles after Kuechly's retirement. His skillset keeps him on the field all three downs and should make him a very reliable high-floor 2nd LB for met this year.
14.13 DeForest Buckner, IND DL
A position I often deprioritize, but Buckner was the last "potential difference makers" left at DL, so figured I should grab him while I could. He's the 18th DL off the board this draft, and would not be surprised if he puts up top 5-10 numbers at his position. Even if he doesn't shine as much as I'm hoping, I still won't have overpaid for him.
15.03 Bryce Love, WAS RB
Didn't necessarily need more depth at RB, but after 3 straight IDP picks I was looking for a change to his a home run. I loved watching him play in college, and training camp reports are that he's "getting back to his old self" and might get more opportunities as we get into the season (especially with AP getting cut) ifd he continues to make progress... so this is a "buy-and-hold" pick.
16.12 Jalen Reagor, PHI WR
Just like my prior pick, was looking for a high-upside gamble here. Reagor likely slipped a few rounds thanks to his shoulder injury which will keep him out a few weeks. Prior to that, camp reports were that he was looking like Philly's WR1... so I don't mind sitting on him for a few weeks to see if he can deliver some mid-to-late season upside... i.e., another "buy-and-hold" pick.
17.03 Logan Wilson, CIN LB
After two home-run swings at the skill positions it was time to fill another IDP slot before all the talent dries up. I think Wilson was a 3rd round steal for the Bengals, and a 17th round steal for me. Obviously as a rookie he has no track record, but projects as a starting 3-down middle LB which should mean solid and reliable value for my flex IDP spot.
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| 75 | SwinganaMiss
ID: 27546716
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 22:13
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10.08 TJ Hockenson, TE Det
Finally felt the need to get a TE. I wanted to avoid Higbee in this particular league, as I have him a few places already. Hockenson will fit the bill. With a healthy Stafford, and hopefully healthy self, he can be a big target and take a step forward.
11.07 Deion Jones, LB ATL
Wanted another LB. I remember the days that Deion was a top 5 LB. After a lackluster year, I am looking for a bounce back, top 10 LB year.
12.08 Tevin Coleman, RB SF
The release of presumed #1 WFT RB happened just a pick in front of me. Would’ve been nice to get Gibson here, but Coleman was the guy I expected to begin the morning, so I am OK with it. He can end up leading this backfield and it wouldn’t be a total shock. This is good upside in the 12th.
13.07 Khalis Mack, DE CHI
Much like my pick from two rounds ago, I am looking for the Mack from a couple of years ago to make a comeback. No guarantees, but the potential is certainly there. He can dominate. My projections have him scoring just as much as the available LBs, so seemed like an easy choice.
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| 76 | Valkyrie
ID: 597143014
Sat, Sep 05, 2020, 22:24
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16-13, Malcom Jenkins, S, NO
A safe safety to complete my secondary.
17.03, Tahir Whitehead, MLB, Car
The new Carolona MLB.
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| 77 | DT
ID: 5384968
Sun, Sep 06, 2020, 09:49
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8.10 Jordan, Cameron (DE, NOS)
Wanted to make sure I got a top tier DE before all went off the board, and Cameron Jordan fits the bill. Even at 31, he is a sure bet to deliver strong tackle numbers and throw in a good amount of sacks to boot – he had his career best sack performance in 2019, and here’s hoping he can best that in 2020.
9.05 Brady, Tom (QB, TBB)
Time to start filling out my gaps at skill positions. Hadn’t considered QB as a pick since passing on Russell Wilson in the 5th round. While I’m not expecting record production given age & transition to a new team, he is surrounded with the strongest weapons he’s had in a long time.
10.10 Higbee, Tyler (TE, LAR)
Filling the last empty skill position slot. A few of the options I was considering for here went before our pick came up (Gesicki, Hockenson). Decided on Higbee for the upside of his incredible 2019 end of season play. Even though [undrafted] is healthy and back in the picture, the team has been vocal about utilizing more two-TE sets, where Higbee has excelled. Definite risk here, but betting on the upside to outweigh it in this case.
11.05 Samuel, Deebo (WR, SFO)
He’s been falling on draft boards due to his injury, but recent news has been optimistic – he could be back on the field by week 1 or 2. He was just activated off the injury list, which makes it more hopeful he’s on the field early in the season. If that ends up being the case he is a steal here.
12.10 Henderson, Darrell (RB, LAR)
Don’t really love this pick in hindsight – more out of an abundance of caution than anything. Was otherwise considering either Fred Warner or Christian Kirksey here, who went nearly immediately following this pick (and started an unfortunate trend thereafter). His injury makes him much more questionably relevant in the depth chart than it did going into the season. Picked Cam Akers earlier on as I was betting he would usurp the lead role fairly early on in the season, but grabbed Henderson here back that up in case Akers falls short in his rookie season.
13.05 Evans, Rashaan (LB, TEN)
Was definitely going IDP here. One of the reasons I immediately started regretting my 12th round pick (Henderson) was that I was planning on taking a LB here and had a tier of 4-5 I was betting would make it back around to me in the 13th. I was wrong. Warner, Kirksey, Vander Esch, and Shaq Thompson all went in the eight picks before I picked again. Still stuck with going LB here, despite that unfortunate development. I have been a fan of the TEN LBs for a bit now, and like the situation even better this year since Woodyard has moved out of the picture. While Brown is likely the #1 guy, Evans has demonstrated impressive numbers on his own, and is due to inherit some of the volume Woodyard had to boot.
14.10 Maxx Crosby (DE, LVR)
Debated between taking DL2 or my first safety here. Names at safety I considered are Harrison Smith (veteran with big-play upside), Minkah Fitzpatrick (IDP-relevant free safety with big-play upside) and Justin Simmons (mostly because he’s a Bronco). (All three went before my next pick) Ultimately, felt the depth was strong enough at safety that I could afford to splurge on a second lineman. Crosby quickly proved himself a starter in his rookie season. He finished as a top 12 D lineman (ahead of Nick Bosa & Josh Allen) last year despite not starting until week 4. Don’t think that statline last year was a fluke, and am excited enough to see what he can do this year that it even merited drafting a Raider.
15.05 Tannehill, Ryan (QB, TEN)
Considered going QB2 and safety here. At safety, the name we were considering was Tracy Walker, who went with the next pick off the board. Since my QB1 was largely an upside bet (aging QB in a new team / system etc) wanted to opt for a more stable QB as my backup. While not a thrilling option helming a run-based offense, he is in a very stable position and can deliver consistent, fantasy-relevant numbers. Tannehill performed well enough off the bench last season to be the QB3 overall during the time he was active. I’m not expecting that level of production, but that was enough to convince me he’d be a solid choice to fill this role.
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| 78 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Sun, Sep 06, 2020, 17:20
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10.03 T. J. Watt, LB, Pit
Not long after I talked about how I was going to avoid having any of my top IDP the same bye week, I break the rule by selecting Watt here. I thought that his big-play ability warranted the exception.
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| 80 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Sun, Sep 06, 2020, 17:28
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13.12 Devine Ozigbo, RB, Jax
Do I have that spelled right? First time this year that "breaking news" warranting a pick happens while I am on the clock in a slow draft.
This team is acting so screwy I'm not sure that mush will come of this. But at this point in the draft, any RB expected to start out with a majority of touches seems worth a flyer.
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| 81 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Sun, Sep 06, 2020, 17:29
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14.03 Eric Kendricks, LB, Min
Veteran who gives always solid, never spectacular production.
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| 82 | Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Sun, Sep 06, 2020, 18:25
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12.11 Cam Newton, QB, NEP
When backup QBs are being selected, it's about that time to get my starter. Cam has put up top tier QB numbers when healthy, and he is healthy, and offers the kind of upside I was looking for when putting off QB to this point. I can't necessarily expect a top tier QB performance so I will look to get my QB2 sooner than later and hope one of them outplays their draft position. I've been spoiled in recent years by employing this strategy after taking Dak in 2019 and Mahomes in 2018, both in the 11th round.
13.04 Jabril Peppers, S, NYG
A main piece of the Odell Beckham trade, Peppers was 5th in DB ppg last season and is entering his 2nd year in the NYG system.
14.11 Kenneth Murray, LB, LAC
Another reason why I waited on my defense is that I had several targets in mind to take later on. After a few were selected it was time to go back to the well. The Chargers traded up to take Murray 23rd overall and reports say he should be a 3 down middle linebacker.
15.04 Joe Burrow, QB, CIN
I was deciding between Burrow and Tannehill for my QB2. Tannehill was surprisingly a top 5 QB after he took over the starting job last year, but his incredible efficiency will be tough to repeat. I figured to take the more exciting option in Burrow who is coming off perhaps the greatest college QB season performance ever, and Cincinnati was 6th in the league in pass attempts last year.
16.11 Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, TB
Pierre-Paul has been a consistent top 10-ish fantasy DE when healthy over his career.
17.04 Jadeveon Clowney, DE, TEN
Clowney battled through injuries last year in Seattle, but has put up top 10 DE numbers when healthy, and had just signed with Tennessee where he reunites with former Texans coach Vrabel.
18.11 Vonn Bell, S, CIN
Last year Bell was 6th in DB ppg. Now he moves to Cincinnati after signing a 3 year contract where Shawn Williams has had success in this role, and this addition seemingly pushes Williams to play more of a hybrid position when he's on the field.
19.04 Darrel Williams, RB, KC
Having emerged as the Chiefs top backup, there was a report that Williams and CEH may even split carries Week 1, and Williams has been the best pass-block option in camp to go along with a history of short yardage work. It is not out of the realm of possibilities that a rookie RB can struggle out of the gate leaving a lot of work for the next man up in this high powered offense.
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| 83 | Philly Busters
ID: 311122313
Sun, Sep 06, 2020, 22:41
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16.05 Fitzpatrick, Minkah PIT S
First DB and I think I waited a bit too long to address this position. Picked him up last year after the trade to Pittsburgh and he had a nice string of weeks in the middle of the season. Tailed off at the end. He's part of a defense loaded with playmakers and disruptive forces. Fitz has shown a knack for pouncing on offensive team mistakes and I expect the ferocious pass rush to force some errant throws. Usually prefer my DBs to have high tackle numbers but I'm starting to think my IDPs will include a lot more boom-or-bust types than usual.
17.10 Herndon, Chris NYJ TE
Went into the draft with the intention of drafting Herndon as my TE2 and this seemed like a good spot to make the move. Word seems to be that the primary pass catchers for the Jets will be Crowder, Herndon, and Bell. If he gets the usage, I'm hoping I have a tough choice each week deciding which TE to start.
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| 84 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 10:38
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15.12 Jamie Collins, LB, Det
Supposedly is going to line up all over the field, inside linebacker, edge rusher, who knows what. I'm hoping that the Lions have been scheming with nobody watching and will make good use of him. If not -- he's my flex IDP and when he leaves for his week 5 bye I'll find somebody else.
Also considered: Germaine Pratt (16.06).
16.03 Philip Rivers, QB, Ind
I talked up Rivers in my T. Y. Hilton comment. Time to put my money where my mouth is. Comeback Player Of The Year.
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| 85 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 10:44
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17.12 Sammy Watkins, WR, KC
Would like to have a better WR4. I have more faith in his offence than in him personally.
18.03 Johnathan Abran, DB, LV
Said to be in tremendous shape and a good chance of leading the Raiders in tackles; that should suffice for my DB2.
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| 86 | Philly Busters
ID: 311122313
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 11:28
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18.05 Williams, Shawn CIN S
This is my DB2. Based on last year, this seems like a bargain. Good tackle numbers for a defense that was on the field a lot. This year could be very different. The offense should be better which could mean less time on the filed for the defense. But the improved offense could mean the opposing offense has to do more than just run out the clock in the 4th quarter. However, the biggest potential impact to his production is the addition of Vonn Bell to the Bengal secondary. Will they deploy 3 safeties in nickel and dime packages? Who will be the odd man out for snaps between Williams, Bell, and Bates? I'm sure all will play but they might all have limited fantasy production. We'll see.
19.10 Harris, Damien NEP RB
Wanted to get one more RB and everyone remaining has question marks or needs a break or 2 to get usable playing time. While there are a lot of options in NE, only White seems to have a known role. Early down work could remain with Michel but he was awful last year and Harris could be an improvement if given the chance. Also, his bye week fits well since no one else on my roster so far has a week 6 bye. Sometimes, it's the little things that tip the scale.
20.05 Smith, Za'Darius GBP LB
This is my LB3 and likely flex play each week. I had another Packer defender last year and every time I watched them play it seemed like this guy was harassing the QB on almost every pass play. Like many of my IDPs, he'll be a boom or bust candidate each week. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
21.10 Valdes-Scantling, Marquez GBP WR
Was looking for a lottery ticket to fill my WR5 position. There have been positive reports out of training camp and a stack with Rodgers as my QB was appealing. Someone besides Adams will have to get targets and MVS is expected to be the primary slot receiver. Like most of the picks in this range, could be early season waiver wire fodder or could be a gold mine.
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| 87 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 12:06
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21.12 Ian Thomas, TE, Car
The tight end position has changed a lot. I remember drafts where I didn't bother to pick a TE, just as one may go without a C in baseball. Now you pretty well have to have unless you've spent for a top tier #1.
Thomas is banged up right now, which is OK, because I hope not to need him for a while. He has the best combination of sure playing time and upside left here.
22.03 Randall Cobb, WR, Hou
The possession receiver in this offence, he might end up bearing more of the load than expected if the high flyers don't pan out as expected.
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| 88 | Valkyrie
ID: 597143014
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 12:20
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18.13 Alan Lazard, WR, Green Bay
Rogers #2 target in 18th round.
19.02 Will Lutz, K, NO
A little early but 3rd K to be picked, worth a point or so a game I hope
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| 89 | Valkyrie
ID: 597143014
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 12:26
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20.13 Malcomb Brown, RB, LA Rams
Supposed to start first game Sunday. I really need any knid of RB depth I can get.
21.02 Everson Griffen, DE Dallas
Late signee by the hated Cowboys but used to be one of the best pass rushers in the business. Does he have anything left?
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| 90 | Valkyrie
ID: 597143014
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 12:30
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23.02 Chris Conley, WR, Jville
No one to pass to him but they will be behind a lot so he'll get a few opportunities. Always liked this guy as a possesion receiver but just deep depth
22.13 Alston Jeffrey, WR, Phila
Much upside if he can ever get on and stay on the field. A shot in the dark.
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| 91 | loki
ID: 36753115
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 12:58
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16.14 Robby Anderson, WR, CAR- WR who has the potential to put up #1 WR numbers
17.01 Sam Darnold, QB, NYJ-A very good QB whose only downside is playing for the NYJs.
18.14 Darian Thompson, DB, DAL-Picked to fill in defense. Looks like he can still play.
19.01 Nyheim Hines, RB, IND-Needed another RB, but Hines was a poor choice. Jonathan Taylor will back up Mack, and Hines may not play much.
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| 92 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 13:21
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23.12 Mike Davis, RB, Car
Would appear likely to become the #1 back if the top RB in fantasy football goes down.
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| 93 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 14:56
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24.03 Giovani Bernard, RB, Cin
I had a surprise pick lined up here -- someone who I think could be near the top at his position for the first few weeks of the season -- but someone snapped him up first.
So I ended with the dull choice of someone who will get touches if my #1 RB goes down.
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| 94 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:33
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11.08 Jamal Adams, S, SEA
Continuing on the strategy of trying to get (at least) one "elite" player at each IDP slot, I took Jamal Adams with this pick. While I'd have liked him a bit better on the Jets (bad team/defense i.e. lots of tackle opportunities), the Seahawks clearly love him given the package they gave up. Given the players around him on defense I'll expect a few less tackles, but hopefully a few more big plays. Adams was the #1 DB in RIFC scoring on a pts per game basis, and even if that comes down slightly he should still help to carry me at the position.
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| 95 | Philly Busters
ID: 311122313
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:34
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22.05 Allen, Jonathan WAS DT
Adding D-Line depth. Former 1st round draft pick, still young and capable of being a force on a defense that projects to spend a lot of time on the field.
23.10 Phillips, Adrian NEP S
DB3 who will be a starting safety for the Pats with Chung opting out. He was an All Pro in 2018 with the Chargers before injury derailed his 2019 season. Signed as a FA by the Pats and could surprise with his productivity on a perenially strong defense.
24.05 Prater, Matt DET PK
Final round, time for a kicker. He's good, the offense will be OK as long as Stafford is healthy and his home games are indoors.
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| 96 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:36
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12.07 Antonio Gibson, RB, WAS
This pick was due to timing more than anything else. I woke up that morning with every intention of taking Kirksey or Shaq Thompson at LB, but while reading the morning news saw that Adrian Peterson had been released, giving Gibson a likely starting role heading into the season. While reading up on Gibson (a player I knew little about), it seemed that Gibson had a decent chance to not just start, but be a 3 down difference maker. While RB was not a position I had planned on targeting for a while, there was no way I could pass up on that kind of upside in the 12th round. This pick definitely leaves my LB group much thinner than I'm comfortable with, but if Gibson produces I'll have a nice piece on my hands that gives me a lot of flexibility on my bench.
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| 97 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:40
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13.08 Patrick Queen, LB, BAL
When I took Gibson in round 12, I was hoping Shaq Thompson would have made it back to me for this pick, but Doug squashed that for me. I usually try to avoid rookie IDP's, preferring to draft those with a track record of fantasy production, but Queen seemed like the best bet on the board. Given where Baltimore drafted him, he should be a three down player, and on a defense that has trended downwards the last few years there should be plenty of tackle opportunities. Defensive talent does not always equal fantasy production, hence why I like to draft players that provide some statistical data to work off of, but no other LB jumped out at me here, so decided to go with the rookie.
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| 98 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:45
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14.07 Darius Slayton, WR, NYG
Looking at my roster, WR was the position I felt least comfortable with. My WR2 was a player I didn't love (Gallup) and my WR3 was a rookie. Slayton was the #29 WR overall last year, and #22 in the second half of the season. I expect the Giants offense to be better overall, with a few other weapons healthy, and Daniel Jones as a 2nd year QB. Jones and Slayton had a nice connection last year, that hopefully continues. I've seen Slayton consistently ranked in the top 40, and FantasyPros ECR had him at #42, so getting him at WR54 seemed like a great value, and a good fit. Slayton will probably be my week 1 starter while I see how Ruggs pans out, it wouldn't shock me if he surpasses Gallup as my WR2.
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| 99 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:49
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15.08 Carlos Dunlap, DE, CIN
I REALLY wanted AJ Johnson with this pick. After Todd Davis was cut by the Broncos, Johnson's three down status was really intriguing, but alas he was taken by swingadamiss right from under me. I was having trouble finding another LB that I liked, so decided on Dunlap as my 2nd DL. Dunlap is getting a bit long in the tooth, but has continued to put up consistent production for the Bengals. The emergence of Sam Hubbard seems to have freed up some opportunity for Dunlap, finishing as the DL#7 last year. In the second half of the season he was the top producing DL, outproducing the #2 DL by 1.5pts on a per game basis. Even if he comes back to earth a little bit, he will hopefully be a stable DL2 that I can rely on most of the season.
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| 100 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:53
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16.07 Matt Milano, LB, BUF
I had been very close to taking my LB3 for the last few rounds, but at each round I just missed out on my targets (Kirksey, Thompson, Johnson, etc...) and felt that my next choice would last a few more rounds. Unwilling to wait any longer, I decided to grab Milano here. He's not the most exciting player, but should have plenty of tackle opportunities playing an every down role with Buffalo. His LB mate Edmunds is no doubt a more dynamic player, but Milano only trailed him by 12 pts total last season, so hoping he will provide be a stable source of tackles as my LB3.
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| 101 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:57
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17.08 Jeremy Chinn, S, CAR
As w/ my Queen pick, I normally avoid rookie IDP's, but Chinn was a player I had flagged as a sleeper coming into the draft. Last season, Carolina picked up Eric Reid off of the scrap heap, and he turned that into the third highest producing DB in the RIFC scoring format. Showing that IDP scoring is as much about opportunity as it is talent, Reid is now a FA looking for a job, with Chinn as his replacement. Chinn was a 2nd round pick, that slides into Eric Reids position, on a a defense now without Luke Keuchly. The opportunity is there for Chinn to be a top 10, if not better DB.
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| 102 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 15:59
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18.07 Blake Jarwin, TE, DAL
Having drafted Kelce in the 2nd round, I certainly didn't have a need for a backup TE, but felt that Jarwin was one of the best players on the board and grabbed him here. I've seen a lot of pundits talking him up this season, and a lot of rankings have him in the TE 10-15 range. He will give me some insurance against a Kelce injury, and also may be one of the offensive benefactors should my WR2 Gallup not produce WR2 type numbers.
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| 103 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 16:01
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19.08 Drew Lock, QB, DEN
With Russ Wilson as my QB1, I didn't feel it overly necessary to reach on a backup QB, but with the options starting to get REALLY thin, I decided to take Lock here. Lock didn't look great in his rookie season last year, but the Broncos did add some weapons to his arsenal, and I've seen some expects predict a modest breakout for him. I'm hoping he never plays for me, other than during Trusty Rusty's bye week, but he gives me an upside option should Wilson get dinged up.
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| 104 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 16:04
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20.07 Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN
Having all of my starting slots filled, I decided that my WR corps continues to be the position I feel most iffy on. Looking at the available options, I decided to roll the dice on another rookie, Jefferson. He should go into the season as the WR#3 for MIN, with a WR#2 that doesn't garner much respect. The target tree should be pretty shallow in MN, with hopefully most of the action going to Thielen, with Jefferson given the opportunity to become the second choice. I've generally not had much luck with rookie WR's, and I now have two of them (Ruggs and Jefferson), hopefully at least one of the two becomes useful.
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| 105 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 16:08
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21.08 Logan Ryan, CB, NYG
Logan Ryan was the #2 scoring DB in the RIFC scoring system last year. Despite that, there were 27 defensive backs drafted before him in this years draft. I think there are likely two reasons for that. The first is that most DB production tends to trend towards safeties, and I'm guessing that when a lot of drafters (myself included) go to search/filter for players, they usually choose S over CB. The second reason is that until a week or so ago, he was a free agent looking for a job. Not only did he find himself one with the Giants, he's landed on a defense pretty void of talent that should get thrown on a lot. VERY excited to have Ryan as my DB3, as he gives me some insurance if Chinn doesn't pan out as planned, and I could see a situation where Ryan ends up starting over one of my LB's.
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| 106 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 16:10
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22.07 Thomas Davis, LB, WAS
If you go by opportunity alone, Davis would no doubt have been drafted by now. He's a likely three down linebacker, on a bad team, with a defense that should be on the field a lot. The primary reason he's still available at this point in the draft is that he's 37 years old. If his opportunity ends up overcoming his age, I'll be happy to have him as a 4th LB, filling in for bye's and injuries, but if it appears that age has caught up with him early in the season, he'll be an easy player to drop.
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| 107 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 16:15
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23.08 Zane Gonzalez, K, ARI
I had thought about picking up a kicker for a few rounds now, but found other players I liked better and decided at each turn to continue waiting. In my other fantasy league, one where Kyler Murray is my starting QB, I decided to pair him with Gonzalez. Last year, the Murray led Cardinals offense rarely had trouble moving the ball down the field, but consistently strugged in the red zone, leading Gonzalez to the 3rd most FGA in the NFL, and the 5th highest scoring for a kicker in fantasy. In that other league, I felt that having Gonzalez combined with Murray was a nice hedge, and figured that if it worked in one league I'll try it in another. If Arizona struggles to punch the ball into the end zone this year, he may have even more FG attempts given that the offense has added Hopkins to it, and even if Arizona scores more TD's, Gonzalez will still benefit. I normally try not to overthink my kicker selection, and here I am writing a dissertation on why I chose Gonzalez, but it makes sense to me at least :)
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| 108 | jaydog
ID: 18328613
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 16:19
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24.07 Laviska Shenault, WR, JAC
Looking at my roster, and not seeing any glaring holes, I decided to take a complete hail mary with my last pick. Shenault is a player that Jacksonville took as a 2nd round pick, and is apparently looking to use him in a lot of different ways on offense this season. He's a WR officially, but given the uncertainty of the RB position on the Jags, he may line up there for some hand offs, run some reverses, catch a few balls, and may even end up returning kicks. Wouldn't surprise me in the least if he's the first guy on my roster to get cut when I need a waiver addition, but he felt like the kind of dart throw to make with my last pick, especially given some of the other less then stable options I have in my WR corps. Before the draft started, I'd have told you that one of my strategies is to avoid rookies at WR, and IDP, and here I now sit with three rookie WR's, and two rookie IDP's... will have to see how that works out!
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| 109 | Valkyrie
ID: 597143014
Mon, Sep 07, 2020, 19:44
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23.13 Akiem Hicks, DE, Chicago
Mr. almost irrelevant- just depth at DL, has had some big years. I used auto extensively this year and this is the first time it didn't cost me someone I wanted because circumstances changed.
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| 110 | Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Tue, Sep 08, 2020, 00:49
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20.11 Younghoe Koo, K, ATL
Koo was the highest scoring kicker last year after he took over in Week 10. The Falcons also happen to play at home in their dome Week 1 with a high expected point total.
21.04 James Robinson, RB, JAC
Robinson currently sits at the top of the Jaguars depth chart. Their GM said his training camp played a role in their decision to release Fournette, and Devonta Freeman failed to reach an agreement after visiting. There are worse rolls of the dice than the supposed starting RB in the 21st round.
22.11 B.J. Goodson, LB, CLE
Goodson is supposed to start in the middle for Cleveland, a position that has been fruitful for Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey.
23.04 Brian Hill, RB, ATL
Second in line should anything happen Gurley.
24.11 Rashaad Penny, RB, SEA
An IR stash as Penny will miss at least the first 6 games after being placed on reserve/ PUP. Worth a shot to see how Seattle's landscape looks if Penny is able to return at some point.
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| 111 | Toral
ID: 9541311
Tue, Sep 08, 2020, 09:18
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Apparently I didn't post these two:
19.12 Aric Armstead, DE, SF
Justin Houston (19.14) a better choise for DE2, but 3 IDPs with the same week is more than I want to handle.
20.03 Jake Elliott, PK, Philadelphia
A mistake pick, also motivalted by bye-week concerns. Had been vacillating between him and Eric Ebron (20.06), and should have gone with Ebron.
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| 112 | SwinganaMiss
ID: 27546716
Tue, Sep 08, 2020, 09:40
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14.08 John Brown, WR BUF
Was thinking that I needed another WR at this point. I only had the 3 minimum, and John Brown really stood out. Diggs won’t completely take over in this offense. JB is more than capable to be my bye week filler.
15.07 A.J. Johnson, LB DEN
Having been bitten by the T$#% D$#$ release in another league, I was keenly aware of AJ’s outlook pointing up compared to most ranking sites. Can be a top 20 LB, and fill my flex IDP spot. Had been thinking also about QB and DB in this spot. I am a Tracy Walker fan, but he went just before. Still a few QB I am comfortable with as my backup. I decided I could wait.
16.08 Jimmy Garoppolo, QB SF
A few QBs went since my last pick. I decided I better get a guy I wanted. JimmyG has a nice early schedule(and Wentz has been limited in practice), and decent matchup during Wentz’s bye. It was really him slightly over Cousins based on these factors.
17.07 Tyrann Mathieu, DB KC
I don’t normally like the big play types, but HB can get work done here. Hopefully he makes enough of those splash plays to warrant my DB1 spot. I’ve seen him very high in some ranks, and just OK in others. Anything could happen here. Byard is the other guy I was debating here. Chinn sounded good too, but I am not 100% convinced of his role.
18.08 Josh Kelley, RB SDC
Well I happen to have Ekeler in this league, and Kelley is probably my highest owned rookie across all leagues this year, so why not grab another share? I like his chances to get a decent amount of work, including goal-line. Otherwise, I considered Doyle as a TE. I missed out on Herndon, who I was hoping to get (once I passed on him in 17).
19.07 Bryan Edwards, WR LV
I wanted to grab one of the rookie WRs. I had been eyeing Edwards for a round or two. He is one I haven’t gotten anywhere else, but his buzz has been growing extensively. TW is gone for the year, Edwards will play a lot and I’m hoping for a hot start to his NFL career. Will be interesting to see how the WR pecking order shakes out in LV.
20.08 Irv Smith Jr, TE MIN
I finally snagged a backup TE. TE has me nervous this year. Hock oozes potential, but he is young and hasn’t proven himself quite yet. Irv is the next-best available in my book. Would’ve been more pleased with Ebron here I think, but he was just taken. Hoping the aging of *** and trade of &&&& will give Irv more opportunities to shine.
21.07 Chuck Clark, DB BAL
Since my last pick, I picked up my fam for a last minute Labor Day overnight trip to the hills of western PA. Did the rest of the draft from my phone, not knowing when I would have a signal. Needed a DB, so I stuck a few into queue. Amos was #1, but Clark was #2. He can be solid-if-unspectacular.
22.08 Kaimi Fairbairn, PK HOU
Another position of need, easy for a queue. Threw a bunch of names in there and was pleased to get the #1 guy from my queue here. HOU should still score well this year, and Fairbairn has done well in the past.
23.07 Tyrod Taylor, QB SD
This pick I made while on a hike, literally standing at the bottom of a water fall. Didn’t expect the pace to pickup quite so fast on Monday morning. Decided hours earlier that I would take Taylor if he was still around at this point. Signs suggest he will start a large portion of the season. He has the legs to make a difference, even if the passing won’t be prolific.
24.08 TreQuan Smith, WR NO
Totally threw a dart on this one. Wanted one more upside pick at the end of the draft. There were a few others I considered. Can’t name them—mostly they are still on the WW.
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| 113 | loki
ID: 12820722
Tue, Sep 08, 2020, 09:40
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20.14 Trey Flowers, DE, DET-Filling out my defense with a decent DL.
21.01 Greg Olsen, TE, SEA-Good pick for this late in the draft. Olsen could put up TE1 numbers.
22.14 Josh Lambo, PK, JAX-This was towards the end of the draft, and all that was left for me was to fill in a few subs and a PK. I felt that any number of the PKs remaining were equivalent, and I went with Lambo.
23.01 Josh Reynolds, WR, LAR-I wanted another WR, and Reynolds was as good as any remaining.
24.14 Pick #24.14 is always important as it is “The Mr. Irrelevant” of our draft. With much pressure and with no fanfare, The Mr. Irrelevant of RIFC 2020 is…DeVondre Campbell,LB, AZ
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| 115 | Doug
ID: 77541115
Tue, Sep 08, 2020, 16:29
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18.12 Parris Campbell, IND WR
Was a bit thin at WR still... he should get some WR3 looks regardless of how things shake out with Hilton and Pittman... and is a playmaker with upside should Hilton get hurt or Pittman struggles to pick things up (as a rookie in a year with limited preseason training).
19.03 Justin Reid, HOU DB
Solid tackle numbers with a good bye-week fit, doesn't need to be more complicated than that!
20.12 Grady Jarrett, ATL DL
There are flashier DL who might rack up more sacks, but Jarrett gives solid tackle numbers from the interior and was another good bye-week fit with my other IDPs. I try to set up my IDPs so that I only need to have one floater, at most 2, on the bench to cover byes... would rather spend my bench spots on offense.
21.03 Adrian Amos, GB DB
Not to beat a dead horse, but shores up my final IDP spot with solid numbers and a good bye-week fit.
22.12 Jason Myers, SEA PK
Getting towards the end here, nobody left I "had to have" so took a PK who I think should be a bit better on average than the other players remaining... AND whose bye week happens to align perfectly with my IDPs. I have one K or IDP on every bye week now, so barring injury or woeful performance I should just need my last bench spot to be a floater to cover all these byes. It almost never works out that way (usually there's some emergent IDP upgrade that I go after and which messes up my perfect bye week schedule, but hey, at least for now it looks pretty!
23.03 Derek Carr, LV QB
Nothing fancy here, basically just some insurance to make sure that I don't goose-egg if Dak has to miss any time.
24.12 Jimmy Graham, CHI TE
If ever there's a time to roll the dice on a 33yo TE it's in the last round. Training camp reports are that he looks more healthy/dynamic than recent years. Am I convinced? Nope. Do I think there's at least a slim chance he surprises as puts up TE1 numbers? Sure, far stranger things have happened. He's an easy drop if he doesn't get off to a good start and there's a hot waiver wire pickup I want to replace him with, or by week 5 I'll need the slot for my rotating bye-week filler at IDP/K. But in the meantime I figured he's a good dart throw just in case he goes off in week 1 and then I won't be competing to add him to my squad.
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| 116 | DT
ID: 5384968
Thu, Sep 10, 2020, 10:47
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16.10 Bates, Jessie (S, CIN)
Back to back top 10 DB finishes and an average of 11 fantasy points/game is a strong calling card for Bates. Vonn Bell coming in may snipe some of his tackles, but his position as starting free safety is clear. He is a young, strong player with a proven track record on the field and in fantasy performance – hard to argue him as a good start to my DB picks this draft. Also considered going second TE here, but felt that the value on the board at DB was too good to ignore.
17.05 Trevathan, Danny (LB, CHI)
After taking two young spritely guys for my first two LBs, figured it was safe to grab a reliable veteran here, albeit with injury risk. In his last healthy season in 2018, he topped 100 total tackles. Before he hurt his elbow in 2019, he had a team-leading 70 tackles + a sack & a forced fumble. With time to heal up his injury, he should be able to come out strong again in 2020 and fingers crossed will put in another healthy season and repeat his 2018 effectiveness. Again considered going TE2 here (Herndon, Smith, Jarwin were names here) but liked the opportunity of Trevathan here and didn’t think he’d make it back to me in the 18th.
18.10 Doyle, Jack (TE, IND)
Finally decided to go TE2 here, of course after a run of 3-4 took my initial options off the board. I had wanted Herndon here, but he went well before my pick. Ultimately, since my first TE pick was a bit of a boom or bust type, I wanted someone a bit more stable & defined in their role (even if the offense itself is unexciting). Doyle delivers in this – Eric Ebron moving on leaves the opportunity wide open for Doyle to be the primary TE in Indy, which he was last year even with Ebron on the squad. Adding a banged up Burton doesn’t threaten that too substantially. At this point in the draft, basically every position was on the table as a potential option – also considered upside RB / WR options and even leading the way on kickers here. Ultimately, I wanted to shore up TE2 to get more comfort at the position (horror stories of 2019 flashing before my eyes) and opted with that here before any more fell off the board.
19.05 Zuerlein, Greg (PK, DAL)
Didn’t have anyone else standing out as a must-have, so thought it’d make sense to get a higher tier kicker. View Zuerlein as in a tier just below the first three kickers that went (Tucker, Butker & Lutz) but still an excellent option kicking for what should be a solid offense with lots of opportunity this year.
20.10 Evans, Darrynton (RB, TEN)
Evans is most interesting as a high-value handcuff for Henry. While he likely will handle a lot of the kick and punt return duties and some change of pace carry duties (aka Dion Lewis 2.0), he’ll probably only become seriously valuable were Henry to miss time due to injury. Tennessee likes what they’ve seen from him so far, so I’m optimistic he’s the #2 on the depth chart at this point.
21.05 Burns, Brian (DE, CAR)
Transitioning from a 3-4 scheme edge rusher to a 4-3 end. Interesting upside pick if he can adapt well to the new scheme, with chance to put up LB numbers for the price of a DE. He’s bulked up substantially over the summer, so if he can work his way in on early-downs as well, he could be a useful pickup here.
22.10 Edmunds, Terrell (S, PIT)
A really exciting young player who isn’t necessarily a really exciting fantasy player, since he doesn’t always line up in the box. While he’s not typically picking up a lot of points from big plays, he gets a lot of tackle opportunity (100+ tackles & assists last season). Would’ve loved to have Fitzpatrick on my team, but I missed him earlier – Edmunds is a way to get a part of the Steelers safety line which should be productive as a whole this season.
23.05 Jewell, Josey (LB, DEN)
The obligatory Broncos pickup! Also, an upside pick if he can replace Todd Davis’ role. He’ll have competition for those snaps, but perhaps can capitalize on the opportunity better this year. The one thing that is clear is he’ll have the opportunity – at this point, he’s the starter on the depth chart. Time will tell from there.
24.10 Hamler, KJ (WR, DEN)
The obligatory Broncos pickup 2.0! Talented rookie nursing a soft tissue issue already… but positive news that he isn’t starting the season on IR and is back at practice. I had wanted Jeudy early but got sniped on him by Guru. Hamler allows me an upside rookie WR pick without an earlier round price. He’s an explosive slot target when he’s not injured and incredibly fast, with impressive ability to run after the catch. Whether or not he is successful this season, he’ll be fun to watch as a Broncos fan.
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