| 0 |
Subject: RIFC AAA - 1 Draft Rationales
Posted by: jseth333
- Dude [24100310] Fri, Aug 26, 2011, 11:58
Please begin posting your draft rationales in this thread. We will post in groups of 5 rounds. Rounds 1-5 can begin after the completion of Round 7. I cannot be held responsible for your future rotoguru status should you not participate. |
| 1 | Toral
ID: 5464267
Sat, Aug 27, 2011, 10:20
|
0.12 -- 12th Position
I wasn't particularly enamoured of anybody high on the lists this year; I considred it just as useful to get the best possible choice in the second round and take advantage of the Banzai 3rd round position so I decided to take the lowest pick possible with my 12th selection.
Holt and wiggs grabbed the last 2 positions early, and the lower positions were going first and I started to worry that I'd get stuck with position #5 or something but #12 was still available. #2 was still available and I briefly thought it might be nice to get either Foster or Peterson but I stuck to the plan. I've picked 12th 2 positions ahead of Holt on the turn before -- was it last year?
1.12 Andre Johnson, WR, Hou
I usually go with a combination of lower draft choices at QB, but thought I would take one of the top 6 this year if available. As we got right down to my pick wildly contradictory stories were circulating about Peyton Manning's injury prospects, so reduced this to 5. Only 2 had been taken by my pick so I knew somebody would still be available for me in the second round. I considered Mendenhall and McFadden (both taken by Holt on the turn) but, bolstered by a study showing that 1st round RBs underproduce on average while WRs overproduce, I was inclined otherwise. As Johnsons go, I would have slightly preferred Calvin (1.10) because of the possibility of youthful growth but Andre is still as reliable as anybody at 30 and despite the nagging ankle last year. He is after all the consensus #1 wide receiver. (RIFC 1.08)
2.03 Philip Rivers, QB, SD
It was down to Rivers and Brady. Rivers has led the league in YPA 3 years in a row and is only the third passer in history to have a 100+ rating three years in a row. As between Rivers and Brady, Rivers is younger, has been more consistent, throws a better deep ball, will profit by having Vincent Jackson around all year while the Patriot WR situation is scrambled, is not a jerk and does not play for my most hated team (as a Bill fan). (RIFC 2.07 -- Judy copies my pick again....)
3.03 Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
Greene was 4th on my list of running backs I hoped would last here, behind Forte (2.08), Bradshaw (2.09), and Hillis (2.12). Just behind Greene was Blount, who was chosen right after him. Blount was great last year but I’m suspicious of undrafted players with character problems off one big year.
Greene has thousand-yard ability, improved his pass catching greatly in the second half of the season and played well in the playoffs, and Rex Ryan says that Shonn will be his “bellcow”, a word which has emerged as the running back metaphor of the year. His undrafted competition in the backfield is a year older and there’s no reason to expect him to be any better. Fantasy Football Index says he could score 12 TDs this year. Rotowire’s projection that he will run for 1200 yards at 5.4 YPC is somewhat ludicrous, but encouraging to his owners nonetheless. (RIFC 3.11)
4.03 Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
Looking for another running back this year. Players I had listed (but not specifically ranked) picked in the previous round include Best, Williams, Moreno, and Jones, who was getting big writeups at about this time.
Someone seems to be running a disinformation campaign against Ryan, as it’s being suggested that he can’t play on 3rd downs because he can’t block, isn’t tough enough to handle goal-line carries, etc. Norv says he’s doing great in all these areas, but that sounds more like coach BS than anything else.
I think he’s a 1000-yard rusher and has a good chance to reclaim his goal line carries. (RIFC 4.07 – another Judy pick).
-------------------------------------------------
I will postpone discussing my 5th round pick until the next set of rationales.
|
| 2 | Farn
Leader
ID: 451044109
Sat, Aug 27, 2011, 12:39
|
1.13 Drew Brees, QB, NO
Obviously I would have preferred to be up higher in the 1st round and get the safety of a RB we all expect to put up the big #s with no risk. But wiggs had selected the 13th pick so it fell in to a bit of a risky spot. I strongly considered Johnson (selected right before me), Brees, Gore, Mendenhall, and Rivers as the pick approached.
With Johnson gone I settled on Brees as my least risky play. NO has been slinging the ball consistently for years and I projected him to finish slightly above Rivers in TDs (bit ironic considering my 3rd pick). I liked Gore but obviously with his injury history there's always a little doubt. Mendenhall doesn't put up big #s and doesn't usually see a lot of 3rd downs. So I rolled the dice and took Brees and hope NO keeps slinging.
2.02 Frank Gore, RB, SF
I saw Mendenhall go to holt on the turn which left Gore for me to take. As mentioned above, his injury history does worry me, as does a suspect offense. But there's no doubt if he's healthy he can put up big #s. A RB was almost a given here because the dropoff would have been very steep by round 3 so at that point I knew Gore was the best option. If he stays healthy and Smith can throw with some consistentcy then Gore should be able to have a great season.
3.02 Vincent Jackson, WR, SD
Well I passed on Jackson's QB in Round 1 but I knew Jackson has the best ability left for a WR in Round 3. Rivers looks for Jackson on every play so he'll see plenty of targets. I really considered Blount but knowing I'd likely have 3 starting WRs I wanted to get moving on that category now. I projected Jackson to put up more points than Blount so I decided to lock down my 1st WR now.
4.02 Benjarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE
With Reggie Wayne gone shortly before this pick, I went back to RB to make sure wiggs had 2 viable options. I looked at Matthews and and Grant, but I'm expecting huge numbers out of the Patriots this year and thought Green-Ellis would get a lot of short, goalline opportunities to put up big #s. He'll run for a thousand and really may get some easy runs from inside the 5 for an offense that always produces.
5.13 Marques Colston, WR, NO
Well, as I said above, I expect the Saints to throw a lot as usual and if you've already tied your wagon to a QB that may make or break your season, you may as well take his #1 WR and go all or nothing. His knee concerns me but he's always produced in the past. I was hoping Boldin would fall (taken one pick earlier) but when he was gone Colston was the best option left and if he stays healthy he'll produce almost by default in that offense.
|
| 3 | TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Sat, Aug 27, 2011, 12:48
|
I got first choice on draft pick and it was tempting to go first, where I would have picked Adrian Peterson or to pick 14th and capitalize on the banzai format. It was on me to make a choice quickly so everyone else could also select their draft spot so I decided to pick near the top of the draft and start off with a solid #1 RB. I figured with the 5th pick I would likely get Jamaal Charles or Ray Rice and would be extremely happy with either one of those two.
1.05 Ray Rice, RB, Bal
Only four running backs have finished in the top ten in our league scoring format in the previous two seasons. Peterson, Johnson, Charles, and Rice. I can only hope that Rice makes it three years in a row.
2.10 Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
Wanted to pair my RB1 with a WR1. Projected that I would draft Mike Wallace here and had him next in my queue had Nicks been taken.
3.10 Tony Romo, QB, Dal
When I was figuring out what draft position to take, I did a mini-mock of the first 6 rounds from each position I was thinking about and projected I would get Romo, my 5th rated QB in this spot. I had Romo and DeAngelo Williams in my 2-man queue ready to go. I had flip-flopped back and forth 5-6 times during the 6 hour wait for Pancho to time out. Hope the Romo decision turns out well.
4.10 Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
Staring off with a QB, RB, and WR I had some flexibility on where I wanted to go with this pick. I didn't expect Gates to still be sitting there and had him at the top of my queue for a while. Then I started getting worried that he couldn't stay healthy all season and there are so many TE options I like this year that I could ignore that position for quite a while. So I narrowed it down to the top rated RB (Ingram) and WR (Holmes) on my board. Holmes could easily put up top ten WR numbers this year while Ingram could do the same for RB or deal with rookie issues along with the RBBC in New Orleans.
5.05 Fred Jackson, RB, BUF
Fred wasn't on my radar and he isn't a sexy pick, but I need another starting RB and he is a legit starting RB. I am not concerned with Spiller eating into his yards or TD's. I did think about Boldin and Colston here, but already had two WR. Thought about Vernon Davis as well, but again trying not to draft a TE too early.
* All players mentioned in my rationales have already been drafted by the time I am posting this.
|
| 4 | Nerfherders
ID: 310111515
Sat, Aug 27, 2011, 13:43
|
With the Banzai draft it's not as obvious which spot to take, but I had a plan going in. I wanted Rodgers in the 1st and a top WR in the second, because I forsee the NFL turning into a passing league, and frankly almost every RB Ive taken in the first round has disappointed to some degree (except Johnson in 2009).
So I went with the 10th pick thinking Rodgers would never go before that slot. Well yes, he went in the 9th slot! So I had to quickly find a plan B. I honestly didnt have one.
1.10 Calvin Johnson, WR DET The quick plan B was to reverse the order and take the WR now. But the question was - who was the #1 WR? Andre is generally regarded as such, but I had Calvin on my mind for the 2nd round anyways, so I took him here. Obviously, he has everything you want out of a WR, especially if Stafford stays healthy. The only question is his health - he's had shoulder problems in camp.
2.05 Tom Brady, QB NE I preface this by saying I hate Tom Brady. Not personally mind you, but as a player, because I am tired of him. Brady goes in the same category in my mind as Derek Jeter. I usually let others draft him, but after a few more QB's went off the board on the turn, there he was, the third highest scorer in the league last year with a bunch of scrubs to throw to. I had to take him. I will just grin and bear it.
3.05 Jahvid Best, RB DET Now it's back to my original plan of catching up on RB. I was kind of looking at a few RB's here but most of them went off the board right before my pick. Best has the upside, and even though most of his points last year came from one game, I suspect he will improve this year. One worry I have is putting all my eggs in the Lions basket.
4.05 Ryan Grant, RB GB I have no idea what Grant is going to do this year. He could run for 1200 and 7+ TD, or he could be the second man in a committee. But I had to take the risk because Grant does have 1st round talent. It all depends how things shake out in the first few weeks of the season. I do know I will need another good RB just in case.
5.10 Jeremy Maclin, WR PHI Continuing the risk/reward trend, I needed my second WR here and had to go with Maclin. I probably would have taken Welker here if he had lasted. My guess is that Maclin will be slow the first couple weeks, and then he will be back to his usual self, being the goto WR in the most dynamic offense in the NFL. I think this is a great value pick.
|
| 5 | Pancho Villa
ID: 597172916
Sat, Aug 27, 2011, 21:47
|
1.06 Michael Turner, RB, Atl
One of the few backs not constrained by committee, Turner also has the advantage of a solid passing game to balance the act. He's also been pretty durable. Negative is that he isn't much of a receiver.
2.09 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants 1235 rush yds and 47 receptions last year. Nice for a #2 RB, even with Jacobs taking the short yardage TD glory.
3.09 Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins I don't know what happened here, as I timed out even with a que set. Marshall has the talent, but lacks discipline personally and professionally. But then, so did TO.
4.09 Tim Hightower, RB, Wash Underrated back because of some fumbling issues in Zona, it's possible the change in scenery will lift him to a higher level. Good receiver, durable and could be solid #3 RB.
5.06 Austin Collie, WR, Indy Collie was 4th in my que, with Manningham, Williams(TB) and Welker all going just prior. I've been watching Collie since his days at BYU, about 10 miles from my house, and he has great hands and an ability to find the open space. Two concussions are reason for concern, as is Manning's health.
|
| 6 | jseth333
Dude
ID: 24100310
Sat, Aug 27, 2011, 23:23
|
1.09 Aaron Rodgers, QB GB - Wanted a lower pick with the Banzai style though I failed to rig things properly as commish and had a late choice of spots. Came down to Vick and Rodgers and just went with the gut that Vick may struggle a little more this season as teams gear for him better...we shall see if I made the right choice...
2.06 Roddy White, WR Atl -Almost went with Mike Wallace but ended up choosing White here...clear #1 WR who should put up big numbers -
3.06 Felix Jones, RB, Dallas - Was hoping Blount was going to come back around to me but he was picked 2 prior - Felix can be explosive but also historically can't stay healthy. Maybe this is the year...
4.06 Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona - Clear starter - maybe he can put things together again...feel the excitement...
5.09 Reggie Bush, RB, Miami - Between him and Felix, should have a very strong injured list...supposedly working hard to show that he is an every down back...maybe he can be productive before he joins Felix on the injury reports...
|
| 7 | Donkey Hunter
ID: 53751821
Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 11:27
|
2nd pick - By the time I got to choose it was between the 2nd and I believe 7th pick. I love getting one of the first 3-4 picks so I can get a stud RB early so this was an easy choice for me even with the 3rd round reversed.
1.02 Adrian Peterson, RB - Another pretty easy selection. I thought briefly about Jamaal Charles here but realistically Peterson is who I wanted even if I had picked first. Had him on a team for the first time last season and loved the production.
2.13 DeSean Jackson, WR - I like Jackson as the home run threat, especially with Maclin possibly injured. Even though he is not slated to return as much as last year I am hoping he sneaks in some occasional punt return points. Had him ranked just ahead of Miles Austin and I didn't like any of the RB/QB choices sitting at this pick.
3.13 Reggie Wayne, WR - I think he is dropping a tiny bit due to Peyton's status but I am confident Manning will be around most of the season and Wayne will continue to produce. I wanted to wait through another tier of QB (would have taken Romo if available) and once again didn't like the RBs available at this point. Chose Wayne over Lloyd and Dez who went in the next two picks.
4.13 Wes Welker, WR - Actually was planning on going with Gates here but he went 2 picks in front of me. I thought it was a little early to grab one of the next group of TEs but then saw a run in the fifth round. I planned to take a RB with either this selection or the next one and decided to grab Welker here in case he gets a little bosst from any return yardage this year.
5.02 Marshawn Lynch, RB - I am choosing to remember his game against the Saints in the playoffs instead of his game against the Bears in the playoffs. I am not a big fan but he is a starter and getting a majority of carries for his team so thats not too shabby after waiting this long for my 2nd RB. I was actually between Lynch, Ingram, and Daniel Thomas for this pick. Ingram went right ahead of me and Daniel Thomas fell to me two rounds from now so I am happy with this selection.
|
| 8 | Nerfherders
ID: 417531814
Mon, Aug 29, 2011, 16:19
|
6.05 Cedric Benson, RB CIN The risk/reward trend continues as I get a backup early for my two RB's. Benson seemed to be the most sure thing among the remaining RB's, even though Cincy's offense is in turmoil, and Benson might be suspended for a game or two. I think this is a great value pick at this spot.
7.10 James Harrison, LB PIT The new scoring format for IDP opens up a whole new set of players who have always been great in real football but never as much in fantasy. Harrison is one of the best defensive players ever, but never got the fantasy credit because his greatness is causing havoc behind the line of scrimmage.
8.05 Santana Moss, WR WAS The second time I had a player stolen out from under me in the draft, as I had Amendola pegged for this slot and he went in the spot before. At this point I was scrambling because hadn't considered another player. I took Moss because he's the #1 in WAS, even though that's not saying much. As a WR3, he should be passable though.
9.10 Stephen Tulloch, LB DET With WR3 now out of the way, it's time to focus on IDP's. Tulloch was one of several LB's I considered here but seemed to have a bit more upside than others.
10.05 Ndamokong Suh, DL, DET What's with all the Lions players? I don't know - just the way things happened. Suh was a beast in his rookie year and the scoring changes favor him even more this season. He could reasonably reach top LB levels of scoring. I like this pick alot.
|
| 9 | Toral
ID: 5464267
Mon, Aug 29, 2011, 16:45
|
5.03 Anquin Boldin, WR, Bal
I didn't want to publish this rationale with the first set because it's really about Lee Evans, who was then undrafted. (Pancho Villa drafted Evans at 8.09 but I hoped to steal him in round 9 or 10, despite the bye duplication with Boldin.) As a Bill fan I'm convinced that Evans is a much better receiver than he has appeared the last two years. Why? Very simple. Evans' best play is the bomb and [undrafted] and [undrafted] haven't had the arm to get him the ball there. And Stevie Johnson, despite his surprise year, isn't the kind of receiver who takes some attention away from his partner.
Now look at it from Boldin's point of view. Last year he played with receivers [undrafted] and [undrafted], who are both even more of the short pattern, possession receiver than Boldin is. He was miscast as the deep threat. Now suddenly the safety will be keeping an eye on Evans to go long, giving Boldin room for his underneath routes. Flacco and Boldin worked out together during the lockout. I expect him to play closer to his '08 and '09 showings, than to '10, and to be a #1 quality WR. (RIFC 5.07)
6.03 Jered Mayo, LB, NE
I usually select my IDPs late. Most years it hasn't mattered. last year I looked at my team and for the first time my IDPs were hurting me. I've vowed a few times to start picking IDPs earlier, to grab at least one undisputed stud while they're available, before we get down into the mass of indistinguishable players.
This year I finally did it. Mayo is a consensus top-3 linebacker. He led the league in tackles with 175. He will not match that this year, but sacks and interceptions come and go, and tackles are the bread-and-butter of IDP points. (RIFC 5.08 -- Judy again)
7.12 C. J. Spiller, RB, Buf
Time to add to my collection of young RBs with disappointing '10 seasons. The Bills brass will be doing everything they can to get the ball to Spiller, whether as a runner, a pass catcher, or a returner, because they know that although they haven't been there that long, the clock is ticking on them, and a final failure of their #1 draft choice last year advances the clock seriously on them. Fred Jackson may think that he's entitled to be the Bills' undisputed #1 back, but Gailey won't look at it that way if Spiller shows anything. Don't know what the problem has been with him so far, but he's sometimes talked of as if he had a single-digit Wonderlic. (RIFC 8.08)
Was hoping for Jonathan Stewart or Brandon Jacobs here, but Stewart went at 7.04 and Jacobs was the first player snatched right out of my grasp this year, at 7.11.
8.03 Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jax
Was really looking for a WR here, but as I looked everything over, Lewis seemed like a value here. I don't expect quite the burst in big plays he had last year, and can tolerate a little reversion to his previous level. But there's not all that much wide receiver talent here and I expect that Lewis will continue to be looked to. A switch to [undrafted quarterback] is not especially worrying because QBs in such positions often look to their TEs a lot while acclimating. (RIFC 6.09)
9.12 Braylon Edwards, WR, SF
Guess it's about time for a WR3. I would have liked it if A. J. Green made it here, but Yokel had long since taken him. Here I was looking at Braylon and Mike Sims-Walker, but Braylon's bye fit better. He did have his best year in a while last year with 900 yards and 7 TDs. He has the talent, the size, the speed, the athleticism. If he'd just hold onto the damn ball. I like him at least as much as Crabtree (8.13), who is hurt. His undrafted QB has this one last chance to perform to his talent. (RIFC 8.06)
I also seriously considered changing plans and drafting Sam Bradford as a QB2 because he was such good value, but thought that could probably wait till next pick.
10.03 Jay Cutler, QB, Chi
Holt stripped the top two off my queue -- Bradford and Sims-Walker -- very neatly and I went back to look at who else I had been considering. Johnny Knox (10.06) was my next choice, but thinking about the loss of Bradford, I decided to take a good luck at the ranks of backup QBs. It doesn't seem intuitive that someone drafting a top QB should also use a (relatively) high pick on a backup; if the big man goes down, then your season is over. But among the next 13 QBs available, I had a strong preference for Cutler. To me, he represented the end of a tier. He's the one QB left who could really propel a team if he were put at the helm. That's not to say that he would, or even that it's likely he would, but that he could. And I thought the pick might set off a scramble for 2nd QBs among the rest that might leave a desirable pick or two open the next time I'm up. (RIFC 10.13)
|
| 10 | Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Mon, Aug 29, 2011, 17:18
|
1.01 Arian Foster, RB, Hou
AP seemed to be the popular #1 in Gurupie land, but I decided to pay for a potential repeat of last year. AP is the safer pick, but Foster was significantly better last year so I see him having the higher ceiling. I’d have passed if I heard about his injury when I drafted him, but he and reports now say he will be ready to roll for Week 1.
2.14 Peyton Manning, QB, Ind
Injury scares cause players to fall a lot, and I may have jumped the gun here, but I decided to take the risk. For most players it’s not worth it, but for some special ones I think it is. Peyton is one of the best and most consistent QBs there is. If he misses a couple games, so be it. Anything more and this was a bad pick. But there is a very good chance he doesn’t miss a snap.
3.14 Brandon Lloyd, WR, Den
Lloyd had a huge year last year pacing all WR in fantasy points. He’s developed a great chemistry with Orton and it’s comforting knowing that Denver seems to have no intention of replacing Orton anytime soon. I expect another big year, but not quite as big, from Lloyd.
4.14 Mike Williams, WR, TB
Josh Freeman’s favorite target had an impressive rookie year racking up 11 TDs. Still room for improvement as he develops even better chemistry with his QB.
5.01 Mark Ingram, RB, NO
Couldn’t wait any longer to get my 2nd RB. Will probably share carries to begin the season, but I can see him getting more and more as the year progresses. Also acting as the goal line back so he should be a solid contributor from Week 1 on.
|
| 11 | Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Mon, Aug 29, 2011, 19:48
|
6.14 Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
Handcuffs can be quite valuable in a deep league like this. It also didn't hurt that Pierre might've been the best RB on the board anyway, handcuff or not.
7.01 Chad Ochocinco, WR, NE
Like many others, I'm expecting an improvement over last year's numbers with pretty boy Brady throwing him the ball. Maybe I should temper my expectations though, as according to CSN New England's Tom Curran, he has "sucked" this preaseason. Hopefully they develop some chemistry before the season starts as he has the potential to be their best fantasy receiver.
8.14 Trent Cole, DL, Phi,
Unlike LB and DB, there seems to be a clear 1st class of DE/DT and then a decent dropoff. Cole is in that first class of linemen and I feel good about getting one of them.
9.01 Kellen Winslow, TE, TB
Nothing really stood out to me here so I decided to fill my TE hole. A couple TEs drafted after Winslow may have a better year, but I think Winslow is a safe pick and I can expect what to get from him, injuries notwithstanding.
10.14 Davone Bess, WR, Mia
With Bess, my 4 Wideouts now have byes in Weeks 5,6,7,8. That's nice. Bess became a focal point in the Miami system last year out of the slot position and was a pretty consistent performer, something I like as my (now) bye week replacement. The QB situation doesn't scare me as it was bad last year and Bess did just fine.
|
| 12 | s R
ID: 43647261
Tue, Aug 30, 2011, 04:53
|
1.04 Chris Johnson, RB, Ten
Johnson, who is aiming to be the highest paid player in the NFL, leads the NFL in yards rushing over the past three seasons. I'm not getting nervous about Johnson due to this holdout.
2.11 Mike Wallace, WR, Pit
Simply I needed a top-notch WR.
3.11 DeAngelo Williams, RB, Car
He should come back as a solid option as long as he's 100 percent. I like Williams as a solid No. 2 RB.
4.11 Antonio Gates, TE, SD
Gates appears to be ready for the start of the season, and I hope he can stay 100 percent healthy this year. He should be the No. 1 TE coming into the season.
5.04 Steve Johnson, WR, Buf
While he might not score 10 touchdowns again this year, he should still remain a significant part of the passing game.
|
| 13 | jseth333
Dude
ID: 24100310
Tue, Aug 30, 2011, 20:51
|
6.06 James Starks, RB, GB - Sucked into the talk of Ryan Grant not looking to good but then again some say Starks is not looking that good. Breakdown of the use of the 2 still seems to be an open question at press time - maybe he will get enough red zone touches to be serviceable
7.09 Julio Jones, WR, ATL - First time I can remember ever having 2 WR from the same team - creates some bye week headaches and it remains to be seen if they will both score enough to be on the active roster
8.06 Owen Daniels, TE, Texans - Usually do not take a TE this early and then am always scrambling for someone useful - trying something different this year
9.09 Ben Tate, RB, Texans - Not sure where he is on the depth chart and not sure I should have taken him - rushed hail mary pick after Michael Bush was taken a few picks prior - wanted Michael and Reggie under the theory that one can't ever have enough bush
10.06 Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago - Being quite familiar with Roy Williams' hands of stone - go Johnny go!
|
| 14 | TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Aug 31, 2011, 00:37
|
6.10 Mike Tolbert, RB, SDC
Tolbert will remain the GL back for SD and I wouldn't be surprised to see him have the most rushing yards for the team as well. Freeman went the very next pick and I was close to clicking draft when I had his name highlighted, but getting more RB depth is what's best for my team at this point. I am probably going to draft my top rated WR next if he isn't snagged before I go again.
7.05 Mike Thomas, WR, JAX
I just missed him in another draft because I waited until he got closer to his ADP instead of jumping where I (and the other manager) valued him. He is WR1 in Jax and went 66-820-4 with 101 targets last season. I will be very surprised if we don't see a nice increase in both his yards and touchdowns this year. Even with similar numbers to last season, I end up with a solid third starter.
8.10 Ray Lewis, LB, BAL
Four picks to go while waiting for Ref to get to his average of 5 hours and 48 minutes before picking and I have 3 LB and 1 DL in the queue. The reality is we still don't start enough IDP in this format to draft them this early, but I already have all my offensive starters, minus TE, and it wouldn't hurt to fill out a few IDP slots before adding some additional offensive depth.
9.05 Michael Bush, RB, OAK
I hope Darren McFadden stays healthy and rushes for 200 yards and 3 TDs a game. I hope McFadden carries Holt's team to the AAA championship game. I hope this was just a depth pick when needed to fill for bye weeks. I avoid picking McFadden because I don't want to jinx him. Crazy? Yeah, straight crazy. The news from camp is that both Bush and McFadden look great, even better than last season and I expect both to be quality fantasy producers.
10.10 Denarious Moore, WR, OAK
This was my only real "sleeper" pick going into this draft and with the amount of information now available on the internet he wasn't really a sleeper anymore. I would have preferred holding off and drafting him much later, but I've seen some reaches already and I really wanted him on my roster. Some pals at a Raider forum have raved about him since we drafted him and all the press from camp has been outstanding. He will get plenty of field time and I can see him becoming the WR1 in Oakland. He will also be our punt returner and if Ford needs a break from kick returns, he is next in line (especially after XXX ends up getting cut). With the Raiders on national TV tonight, I had to pick him now. This kid can ball.
|
| 15 | TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Wed, Aug 31, 2011, 00:46
|
11.05 Darren Sproles, RB, NO
At this point I am just looking for value. Sproles, when healthy, is a consistant point scorer in our format with returns and 3rd down RB duties. I will probably fill some starting positions with my next couple picks.
12.10 Robert Meachem, WR, NO
I guess I was still going with depth. I had some IDP and TE in my queue, but when I started looking at my top players in every other position he just seemed to stand out. Then again, I just watched the Saints/Raiders game and notice I've taken four players from that game in a row. Glad I didn't watch a Broncos game.
13.05 Barrett Ruud, LB, TEN
Dude is going to be a beast in the middle of the Tennessee defense. I expect that defense to be spending plenty of time on the field.
14.10 Nick Barnett, LB, BUF
MLB position seems to get a lot of tackles in Buffalo defense. Nick had some great seasons in GB, when healthy.
15.05 Matt Shaughnessy, DE, OAK
I needed a starting DL and he was my highest rated DL remaining. Welcome to the team, Sho'Nasty.
|
| 16 | Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Wed, Aug 31, 2011, 11:37
|
11.01 Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buf
Wanted to get a good backup QB with Peyton's uncertainty and the Fitzman fits the bill. He was 14th in QB ppg last year, nestled right in betweeen Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub. He also runs more than the average QB which gives him the ability to pick up an extra couple points a game.
12.14 Demarcus Ware, LB, Dal
Had a very good year last year. Also somewhat surprisingly consitent for a guy who relies on his playmaking more than the average tackle.
13.01 Danny Woodhead, RB, NE
I like having some guys on my bench who may not have huge upside, but I can count on for steady production if/when needed. Woodhead replaced Kevin Faulk's role nicely in NE last year as the 3rd/passing down back. Also of note, he played the most snaps out of any RB in the Lions preseason game where the Pats got shallacked. I took from that he will be their main RB when the Pats are losing and are put in a position to pass a lot (rare as though that may be).
14.14 Cameron Wake, LB, Mia
Another playmaking LB? I didn't really want to pair him up with Ware, but Wake was over a full ppg better than any other remaining LB last year. Obviously there's some downside such as the possibility of a sophomore slump and defenses focusing more on him, but the potential was worth it for me.
15.01 Eric Weddle, DB, SD
Enough playmaking IDPs, time to get a boring tackler. If the Chargers think that he is worth being the richest safety ever, then he is good enough for me in the 15th round.
|
| 17 | holt
ID: 566231915
Wed, Aug 31, 2011, 12:28
|
14th pick - I've always preferred the convenience of having two picks at once and longer wait times between picks. Banzai!
1.14 McFadden, Darren OAK RB
and
2.01 Mendenhall, Rashard PIT RB
Lot of good QB's this year. Top wr's are nice but it's not a hard slot to fill. RB's who get a lot of carries and goal line touches are very hard to come by. Only 8 of the first 13 picks were RB's. These picks were pretty easy. I had to consider Gore but he was having contract issues and I've been burned by him before. 14 is really a great spot to pick from. I get the 1st pick in the next two rds so I get a shot at some good receivers.
3.01 Jennings, Greg GBP WR
I narrowed it down to V Jackson and Jennings. I think Jackson may have a higher ceiling but early in a draft I'm looking for safe picks more than anything. Jennings is Rodgers' #1 target, and they have other weapons to deflect attention from the defense.
4.01 Bryant, Dez DAL WR
QB was tempting here. Roethlisberger would have been my choice. My next pick wasn't til 5.14 though, and with so many playable QB's I thought I get more points in the long run by getting another good WR here. My draft software is SCREAMING at me to take Harvin here, but I don't like McNabb throwing to him. Just my opinion, McNabb has no touch on the ball. He throws the thing hard all the time. Harvin is a run after the catch type receiver and I just don't think they are a good match. If I'm wrong then you can all point at me and laugh and call me names when the season is over. There were other receivers I liked, Manningham for example, but 4.01 is just too high. If Dez Bryant weren't available I'd have just taken Roethlisberger, I think. Dez Bryant is good. Real good. He just needs to stay on the field! I went with risk and upside on this one, so I guess I strayed from my early draft strategy a bit.
5.14 Davis, Vernon SFO TE
I originally planned to wait on a TE but I consider Davis to be tier 1 and he fell to this point, PLUS he owes me. I draft him every year and last season's performance was just a down payment. He still owes me one huge season. I didn't really see any wr's or rb's that I just had to have. Too early for Julio Jones here, but I wish I had him. He almost made it to me at 7.14.
|
| 18 | Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 6710121
Wed, Aug 31, 2011, 14:18
|
3rd pick - Initially, I jumped at the chance to get a top back. I also like picking towards one of the turns, as sometimes I can prioritize my pair of picks based on the gaps in the roster of the two guys after me. However, as the first few rounds progressed, I thought the penalty was not worth the reward - too long a wait between picks, and I really felt the teams in the lower half of the draft made out better.
1.03 Charles, Jamaal KCC RB
I don't really like Chris Johnson, so I probably wouldn't have picked him even if he wasn't holding out. Kind of hoping that either one Peterson or Foster would have slipped, but I felt comfortable going with Charles and his nearly 6.5 yard per carry from last year. Don't necessarily expect this again, but do expect him to see more of the workload this year.
2.12 Hillis, Peyton CLE RB
I got it boiled down to Peyton Hillis or a standout receiver. I'm really re-thinking my selection of the third pick in this bonzai draft, as there's absolutely no chance of me getting my second choice next round. Looking through who would be available in another 14 picks from a receiver and running back standpoint, I decided to load up on my backfield. Here's hoping that Hillis has another year like last one in him.. he's certainly not going to sneak up on anyone this year, but he should still have fresh legs consider his low mileage in previous seasons.
3.12 Bowe, Dwayne KCC WR
Was all set to get Romo here as what I saw as being the last of the higher tier qb's. But, he was snatched a few picks before. I then debated between Bowe and Wayne, but with Peyton's current uncertainty, I was reluctant to pick up Wayne. As a Colts season-ticket holder, I guess I'll get to see in person if I should have gone with the homer pick...
4.12 Finley, Jermichael GBP TE
In the past I've had success grabbing a top TE in the 4th or 5th round. Getting a top TE can result in huge-consistent points on a week-to-week basis. Right now I see Finley and Gates neck-and-neck, but this could be the year Finley really shines if he can remain healthy. I was actually hoping to get Roethlisberger here, and then getting the best available TE after the turn, but Big Ben went a few picks earlier.
5.03 Manningham, Mario NYG WR
At this point I have two stud RB, but only one WR in Dwayne Bowe. Looking for someone here that will be consistent. With Steve Smith gone, I'm looking for Manningham to build on the 960 yrds and 9 TD's he had a season ago.
|
| 19 | Slackjawed Yokel
ID: 6710121
Wed, Aug 31, 2011, 15:17
|
6.12 Stafford, Matthew DET QB
After missing out on another pair of quarterbacks I would have liked (Romo in the 3rd, and Roethlisberger in the 4th), I made sure to get Stafford here. I breathed a sigh of relief as Eli and Freeman went off the board before me, as going in to this pick I was hoping for Matt Ryan or Matt Stafford as the second tier (or is it the third?) of QB's was drying up. I had made a list of potential draftees going into this pick, and Addai, Benson, Britt all disappeared, but Stafford was left standing on top. I think he raises his game this year if he can stay healthy - given his recent history that's a big if...
7.03 Allen, Jared MIN DE
Historically, I've waited until very late in the draft to pick up a DL. However, with the rule change that we need two, I had decided to grab one very early and get one of the top two. With Tuck just off the board, I had Allen as the second best so picked him here. The differentiation between top DL's and those that will be available in 5 or 6 rounds is much greater than that at the strong LB position. So, I'll let others grab top LB's while I try to get a couple top DL.
8.12 Laurinaitis, James STL LB
Thinking about a wr or a lb. Looking at the two guys picking after me, they already have 2 wr,so I'll opt for the LB> This dude was ranked the highest - was planning on getting Ray Lewis but TB got him, but still want to stick with a starting LB that I won't have to think twice about lining up each week.
9.03 Green, A.J. CIN WR
Green has been showing some good chemistry with his fellow rookie at QB in Cincy in the preseason. Need to take some chances if you're going to compete in these RIFC leagues, and a rookie starting WR3 may just be that risk that I need.
10.12 McGahee, Willis DEN RB
10th round and I still only have 2 RB (of course, two solid RB's in Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis), but I want someone I can put in the lineup in case of injury that should get me points. It seems McGahee has the goal-line responsibility in Denver, so he fits the bill.
|
| 20 | Donkey Hunter
ID: 53751821
Fri, Sep 02, 2011, 08:42
|
6.13 Justin Tuck, DE - A few of the QBs I was targeting with this choice went before me. I was still targeting Daniel Thomas from my previous pick but thought he would fall around the bend to me at 7.2. A few of the top LBs went earlier in this round so I grabbed Tuck who I think is really valuable in this league. He seems to be in a tier by himeself and with 28 D-linemen starting every week he should give me decent return on the pick.
7.2 Daniel Thomas, RB - See the rationale from round 5. I need to try and round out my running backs. I am still very worried that he won't be a useful contributor until mid season as it seems Sporano does not think he can handle playing in the NFL quite yet.
8.13 Michael Crabtree, WR - I think the hate has gone a little too far for him. I was debating between getting a top tier defensive back and shoring up another offensive position and decided I was ok with either Landry or Eric Berry at my next pick as I have them in top tier there so I went offense now. I did create a bye week problem as 3 of my 4 receivers taken have off in round 7.
9.2 Laron Landry, S - Wanted a top tier defensive back since this position will be playing fairly deep this year also.
10.13 Kevin Kolb, QB - I waited long enough for a QB. Kolb has good upside so I am hoping I got a top 10 qb this late in drafte, but I know I better grab some depth here just in case I am playing matchups every week.
|
| 21 | TB
Sherpa
ID: 031811922
Fri, Sep 02, 2011, 09:14
|
16.10 Greg Olsen, TE, CAR
TE is one of those positions where you either grab one early and forget about it or you wait until late and try the TEBC approach all season orrrrrrr you get lucky and draft someone mid to late round and hope he turns out to have a good year. I am hoping for option 3, but always ready to deal with option 2. Olsen is a great pass-catcher. I'm surprised with his move to Carolina he isn't higher on most draft rankings. Maybe even more surprised how blindly so many people follow those rankings.
17.05 Jason Campbell, QB, OAK
I have a good starter and while I don't need a great back-up QB, I think Campbell is going to have a solid season. The Raider offense is going to be explosive this year. They have a lot of weapons (DMac, Bush, Jones, Reece, Boss, Ford, Shilens, Moore, DHB, Murphy, Hagan) with a lot of speed, and Campbell is coming into the new season with confidence. I started typing this just after my Olsen pick and didn't plan on posting it until after I already snagged a couple more Raiders later in the draft. That kinda fell apart as Ref drafted two that I had pegged for later rounds. Pissing down my back and telling me it's raining.
18.10 George Wilson, S, BUF
Will be a top 10 DB, taken in the 18th round. Yippee.
19.05 Kevin Boss, TE, OAK
Nobody loved Zach Miller in Oakland more than me, but Boss really is just as an accomplished pass-catcher as Miller and has similar career stats over the same period of time. His biggest problem is staying healthy, and I have to admit that his health is a concern. If healthy he can put up top #15 TE numbers.
20.10 Antoine Bethea, S, IND
I had Seabass penciled in here as my starting kicker. I planned on grabbing him a couple rounds early just so I could have the kicker from my team, but he was grabbed even earlier. Pretty soon we will see somebody drafting a kicker in the 14th round...lol. Beathea is one of a dozen DB I had rated highly. Get me lots of points, stay on my team.
21.05 Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, DET
Need a second starting DL so here he is. I've drafted him before and he's been terrible. Hoping for better numbers with the other three DL he plays with in Detroit. If he sucks, I will replace him with the flavor of the week from waivers.
22.10 Shaun Suisham, PK, PIT
Kicker, week 11 bye, decent offense, didn't grab in 14th round - check
23.05 Evan Moore, TE, CLE
Last two picks are for the dozen or so players that most of us still have as our dark horses for the year. Original plan was to draft Taiwan Jones and Derek Hagan to fill these slots and then smile at all the Raiders I own. Ref, once again, took my Raider player and must think this is a dynasty league or that McFadden will be injured. So anyway, I went with Moore, I'd read earlier that he was going to be used quite often in the slot and that he had great chemistry with McCoy. Would be pretty sweet to get WR production from the TE position.
24.10 Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL
I watched this kid run the other day and he looks pretty good. Kinda surprised the handcuff for Turner hasn't been drafted.
|
| 22 | jseth333
Dude
ID: 24100310
Fri, Sep 02, 2011, 09:34
|
11.09 Von Miller, LB, Denver - Crazy quickness who will get to the quarterback...and maybe occasionally tackle somebody...hopefully enough to make this pick worthwhile...
12.06 Rashard Jennings, RB, Jaguars - Put up some interesting numbers last year - playing time sketchy absent injury...and now he is injured...
13.09 Sanders, WR, Steelers - Foot problems but if healthy should be an important part of the passing game
14.06 Woodley, LB, Steelers - Productive linebacker getting better and better
15.09 Henne, QB, Miami - If I have to play him for than 1 week, then I will see some of you in AA
|
| 23 | wiggs
Leader
ID: 04991311
Sat, Sep 03, 2011, 11:03
|
The reason I chose to pick 13th was because I wanted to have the opportunity to pick early in round 2,3 and 4. Before the draft started I believed I would get 2 good rbs in the 1st 2 rounds. I thought I had a good shot at a combo of Turner, Gore, Mendenhall, McFadden. Then in round 3 and 4 I thought I would get a stud Wr and QB- Possibly Fitzgerald, Wayne, Austin, DJack, V JAck, and then Peyton Romo and or Schaub. The draft took forever to get the 1st round done and I was not able to make any of these picks and I wasnt able to talk to Farn because the cruise ship left before expected due to weather.
6.02 Kenny Britt WR Tenn-
Selected by Farn
7.13 Julius Pepper DL Chi
Selected by Farn
8.02 Terrell Suggs DL Balt
Selected by Farn
9.13 Jon Beason LB Car
I have always been a big fan of selecting top tackling LB- Beason is usually a top 5 lb and should be a good foundation to the lb crew. I also believe that carolina defense will be on the field alot giving him many opportunities to rack up the tackles.
10.02 Steve Smith WR Phi
Although Smith is coming off an injury I think he can still rack up some good numbers as a 3rd WR in the powerful Philly Offense.
|
| 24 | wiggs
Leader
ID: 04991311
Sat, Sep 03, 2011, 11:15
|
11.13 Tony Gonzalez TE Atl
I know Gonzalez has lost a step but I think Matty Ice will still look to his security blanket in the red zone. Gonzalez should get alot of single coverage with White and Jones drawing the attention.
12.02 Deion Branch WR NE
Branch is a down field threat with welker being the possession wr. I am expecting Brady to have a big season and Branch will be the beneficiary of that big season.
13.13 Rolando McClain LB Oak
Alittle bit of a homer pick. While I am not a Raiders fan I have been a McClain fan since he was in college. I was hoping he would have been a Cowboy. I think this guy has unlimited potential and could produce huge numbers this season. I had DWare queued up here, I seem to get him every season. Unfortunately, Da Bomb didnt get this message.
14.02 Andy Dalton QB Cin
I didnt love this pick I actually had queued up a couple qbs here and this is the one I got. I had Cassel, McCoy and Sanchez and they all went before my Pick.
15.13 Ryan Torain RB Wash
Took a flyer. I am hoping Washington sucks and hightower loses that job. I am not counting on it, but I didnt see many options left at Rb and I need some depth.
|
| 25 | wiggs
Leader
ID: 04991311
Sat, Sep 03, 2011, 11:33
|
16.02 Aaron Curry LB Sea
I have always had high hopes for Curry and he hasnt produced yet. Maybe this will be the season. I believe he will be the anchor in the Seattle Defense.
17.13 Roy Williams WR Chi
Williams reunited with Mike Martz and the big arm of Jay Cutler. He is away from Dallas and can become the number 1 WR again. LEts go Roy.
18.02 Justin Forsett RB Sea
Forsett has been given a raw deal. Seems every season he will get that chance to be the starter and every season they bring in someone else to take the spot away from him. This year its Lynch- I believe if Lynch didnt have that run last season in the playoffs he wouldnt be starting. I am hoping he goes back to the old Lynch and gives the spot back to Forsett at some point.
19.13 Brady James LB Dallas
Total Homer pick. He is the man in the middle of my cowboys defense. Seems to be involved in most of the tackles and the occasional sack. Its always fun to rout for a player on your favorite team and fantasy team.
20.02 Champ Bailey DB Denver
I guess I got lucky here. I actually wanted Thomas from the Giants, but I didnt know he was on the IR. Bailey was the back up pick and it worked out. Bailey is still a top CB with the chance to get a pick 6 at any time.
|
| 26 | wiggs
Leader
ID: 04991311
Sat, Sep 03, 2011, 11:39
|
21.13 Jerome Harrison RB Det
I dont think Best will be able to handle the workload in Det. Harrison had a great end to the 09 season then Hillis came in and dominated that spot leaving him the odd man out. I think this guy still has potential. Hopefully he will show it.
22.02 Kendall Walker RB SF
Handcuff to Gore.
23.13 Steven Ridley RB NE
Handcuff to Green Ellis
24.02 David Buehler K Dallas
Needed a Kicker, why not pick a homer kicker. Guy can kick bombs, lets just hope he makes some.
|
| 27 | Nerfherders
ID: 310111515
Sun, Sep 11, 2011, 17:00
|
11.10 TJ Ward, DB CLE
At this point in the draft I was working on filling out my IDP spots. I took Ward here because he was one of the higher scoring DB's last year, though I don't believe I had ever heard of him. He is a second year player so has the upside and hoping for good things.
12.05 Jason Babin, DL PHI
With the two DL requirement now I needed to make sure I got two strong DL's, as there is a dropoff between the top ten or so and everyone else. Babin broke out last year and now has better personell around him. I am hoping for alot of sacks and big plays.
13.10 Matt Cassel, QB NE
Cassel backing up Brady? Say it isn't so! There weren't alot of starting QB's left to take as backups, and I also considered McNabb and Garrard here (glad I didnt take him). Cassel had a great year last year and has some nice targets to throw to, even though I dont think the Chiefs will have quite as good of a season this year. Brady's bye puts Cassel against the Raiders, which was also a consideration.
14.05 Hines Ward, WR PIT
I needed to start getting my backup players put together. Ward isnt quite the player he used to be, but he is still a strong target for R- and will be a decent bye fill-in.
15.10 Quentin Mikell, DB STL
Mikell had a good season last year with the Eagles despite not starting out as a starter. Now he moves to the Rams and becomes a veteran leader of the defense. He should have a great season and is a solid second DB.
|
| 28 | Nerfherders
ID: 310111515
Sun, Sep 11, 2011, 17:15
|
16.05 Thomas Jones, RB KC
Jones is the second half of a very good RB tandem in KC, and gets more carries as a backup than most do. I needed some depth at RB despite having 3 starters. If Charles goes down, Thomas is a strong RB on a weekly basis.
17.10 Brent Celek, TE PHI
Celek was the TE I had pegged for this season - it was just a matter of when to take him. I felt at 17 it was time to do it. Celek should be a bigger target for Vick this year, at least that is the hope.
18.05 Tony Moeaki, TE KC
This was a mistake pick. I was in the car traveling while I got Celek, and it turned around so fast I thought this pick was 17th and Celek must have been taken, so I took Moeaki, who was next on my queue. It was a mistake on my part and turns out a big mistake as Moeaki now is out for the season.
19.10 Tamba Hali, LB KC
I needed starting depth at IDP and knew it was going to be a LB. I had a choice of a few decent players, but I went with Hali because of his play making ability. I am continuing the trend of getting big play players who should do well in the new scoring format.
20.05 Javier Arenas, DB KC
Arenas is more of a kick return specialist, which will be consistent points as a backup. If he gets starts as a DB, all the better.
|
| 29 | Nerfherders
ID: 310111515
Sun, Sep 11, 2011, 17:24
|
21.10 James Jones, WR GB
I considered Jones when I took Ward, so I was pleased to see him here in the 21st. He is strictly a 3 WR in GB but he should still see enough passes thrown to him to be a decent bye fill.
22.05 Dwight Freeney, DL IND
Freeney has been doing his thing for a long time, and has always put up decent sack totals. He is one of the top 15 or so DL's and to get him as backup is very good.
23.10 David Akers, K SF
Akers has been a favorite of mine for a long time and had one of his better seasons in 2010. Now he is with the 49ers - not as good of an offense, but perhaps should get more kick tries. I considered Carpenter here too, who perhaps has a better leg but not as dependable.
24.05 Anthony Dixon, RB SF
You can never have enough RB's, and so I took another one here that is the backup in SF. I honestly didn't really have a plan for this last pick and just grabbed a RB that I thought was an injury away from starting.
|
|
|
|
Post a reply to this message:
|
|