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Kirk Hollis | Archive | Email  
Staff Writer


June Mock Draft Analysis
6/17/15

Editor's Note: Recenlty members of the FFToday Board completed their annual June Mock draft. This mock will be played out in a best ball format, in a league with no transactions, no free agent pickups, no trades in season... properly named the "No-Hassle League." View the round-by-round results. Below is the commissioner's analysis of each team.

JScott: Pick No.1

1.01- QB Andrew Luck, IND
2.12- WR Alshon Jeffery, CHI
3.01- WR Mike Evans, TB
4.12- RB Jonathan Stewart, CAR
5.01- RB Andre Ellington, ARI
6.12- RB Giovani Bernard, CIN
7.01- RB Isaiah Crowell, CLE
8.12- TE Julius Thomas, JAX
9.01- WR Allen Robinson, JAX
10.12- WR Kendall Wright, TEN
11.01- WR Eric Decker, NYJ
12.12- TE Kyle Rudolph, MIN
13.01- QB Joe Flacco, BAL
14.12- D/ST, Philadelphia Eagles
15.01- K Connor Barth, DEN
16.12- WR Brian Quick, STL

Analysis: In all the years we've been doing this draft together, I can't remember a year in which a quarterback was taken with the first overall pick. Luck's selection, thus, made this entire draft fascinating to watch from that point forward. Even if the running backs on this team can remain healthy (there's a history of injury with a few of them), this team is probably going to do most of its scoring from the QB and WR positions. There's a lot of quality depth on this team, even if the overall roster lacks star power outside of Luck. The challenge for JScott is that he needs a lot of young quarterbacks to be good if he's going to excel. Drafting Mike Evans, Julius Thomas, Allen Robinson, Kendall Wright, and Eric Decker essentially means drafting their QBs as well and Winston, Bortles, Mariota, and Geno Smith are raw and either largely or completely unproven. That along with the oft-injured RB group makes this team about as high-risk as you'll find this year in the No-Hassle league. All the pieces could fall in place for this team certainly, but there are a lot of moving parts that need to settle.

Key to No-Hassle Success: I think I already stated it above. Can the young QBs who serve as the pitchers to JScott's catchers get those guys the ball? And, can this team stay healthy? I don't lack in faith in what Jonathan Stewart and Andre Ellington can do if they combine for 30+ healthy games...but if one or both were to miss significant time, the burden for scoring would fall to players on the wrong side of timeshares most likely. There really isn't one "key" to success for this team. It's going to take a combination of factors for them to be a contender. The good news is that Luck is in the absolute sweet spot of his career and is almost certain to meet expectations for the most part.

Favorite pick: I really like JScott's second half of the draft. He added good depth to his roster as insurance in case plan A were to go south. Joe Flacco and Kyle Rudolph were good value picks late to be sure.

Least Favorite pick: Andre Ellington. I thought the Luck pick ended up costing him all throughout the draft in terms of compiling talent, but Luck will be terrific, so hard to fault that pick entirely. I question Ellington's ability to handle a double-digit carry workload game in and game out.
Overall outlook: This team is not one of the "top" teams in terms of who I think will ultimately contend for a No-Hassle title. JScott may end up leading the league in points scored from a QB during the season, but with every other team getting their best ball result from two quarterbacks, I don't think the gap will be wide enough to justify the means. Still, there are a lot of players on this team in the prime of their careers, and that's never a bad thing. If Kevin White can take some coverage away from Jeffery in Chicago and Jameis Winston can develop a rapport with Mike Evans, JScott could have two top-ten WRs on his team. With Luck in the fold, that might be enough to remain competitive through December.

Fumbleweed: Pick No.2

1.02- RB Jamaal Charles, KC
2.11- WR Randall Cobb, GB
3.02- RB Carlos Hyde, SF
4.11- WR DeSean Jackson, WAS
5.02- QB Peyton Manning, DEN
6.11- RB Joique Bell, DET
7.02- RB Ameer Abdullah, DET
8.11- WR Mike Wallace, MIN
9.02- WR Brandon LaFell, NE
10.11- TE Dwayne Allen, IND
11.02- RB Knile Davis, KC
12.11- QB Teddy Bridgewater, MIN
13.02- TE Tyler Eifert, CIN
14.11- WR Donte Moncrief, IND
15.02- K Mason Crosby, GB
16.11- D/ST, Arizona Cardinals

Analysis: Most years, guys salivate over having a top-three pick in redrafts, but I'm not sure it's the place to be after watching things unfold. This team is a hearty mixture of young players and veterans and there's certainly an explosive element in play with respect to weekly scoring. But, the team is also a bit disjointed in the sense that there's really no strength you can point to as the foundation of the team. The selections of Knile Davis late and the two Lions’ RBs before him do insure that this team can withstand injury at the position. And, there is solid depth at the other positions as well. But, the WRs and TEs on this team are below average, meaning that the Peyton Manning of 2015 must resemble the Peyton Manning we saw during the first half of 2014 and not the last. Otherwise, a huge burden will be cast upon Jamaal Charles to be the best at his position and Randall Cobb to be one of the top half-dozen wideouts. All three positive outcomes are possible, but if only one of the three positive outcomes comes to pass, this ship will almost certainly sink. This team was built with the No-Hassle concept in mind. There are just questions about the assembly that bear watching.

Key to No-Hassle Success: I mentioned Manning, but I also think Carlos Hyde is a big part of the success-fail mechanism of this team. Hyde looked good last season in limited action, but the changes to the 49ers this offseason were not flattering on either side of the ball, which makes Hyde's early selection a risky one to say the least. I don't think Hyde needs to exceed his draft position in terms of production for my team to contend, but I do think he must meet the expectations that go with his draft spot. Other than Manning and Hyde, you pretty much know what you're getting with this team...so they are the true variables in the overall equation.

Favorite pick: I was really pleased with the Knile Davis pick late as I initially thought I had waited too long to get him. To add Bridgewater in the next round was equally exciting for me as I like his prospects should Manning struggle.

Least Favorite pick: This would easily be DeSean Jackson. Not that I would go back and change it...I just thought the talent dropped off a cliff right before that pick and I was left with options that were far less than ideal, including Jackson.

Overall outlook: This team can compete for a No-Hassle title, I believe, but if I were given the option of trading it for one of a couple of other teams, I would make the trade. I think much of that stems from my discovery regarding redraft positioning this season. Jamaal Charles simply isn't much more valuable that any of the next 6-8 guys picked after him and the selections of Hyde and Jackson were reflections of being in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I do think the depth of this team will make it a quiet title contender, but finishing top-five would probably be considered a successful season when all is said and done.

The Football Guru: Pick No.3

1.03- RB Marshawn Lynch, SEA
2.10- WR A.J. Green, CIN
3.03- WR DeAndre Hopkins, HOU
4.10- RB T.J. Yeldon, JAX
5.03- RB Joseph Randle, DAL
6.10- TE Martellus Bennett, CHI
7.03- WR Vincent Jackson, TB
8.10- QB Philip Rivers, SD
9.03- TE Antonio Gates, SD
10.10- RB Shane Vereen, NYG
11.03- WR John Brown, ARI
12.10- RB Matt Jones, WAS
13.03- QB Carson Palmer, ARI
14.10- WR Steve Johnson, SD
15.03- K Adam Vinatieri, IND
16.10- D/ST, Denver Broncos

Analysis: Last year, I questioned whether or not it was a good idea to build a team around Marshawn Lynch. After all, there was plenty of mileage on the tires so to speak and a downturn in production was a near certainty at some point in the season. That "downturn" never happened and Lynch did indeed anchor several of my teams. So, do not count me among those who say Lynch is due to slow down this year. I'll believe it when I see it. The rest of this team is quite young at RB and WR and quite old at QB and TE. The fourth and fifth round picks of Yeldon and Randle are almost certain to define this team as will be noted in more detail below. Beyond that, it looked like a value-based draft in rounds 6-10 including players with fairly low ceilings followed by a couple of upside picks in John Brown and Matt Jones. While the overall mixture isn't exciting from my perspective, you would be hard pressed to criticize this draft beyond that point of contention. There is both stability and upside at the RB position. The top two WRs are the undisputed No.1 targets on their respective teams. And, the QBs and TEs are proven. For a guy thrown into this draft at the last minute, Guru did a pretty good job building a cohesive group.

Key to No-Hassle Success: It's not rocket science. Guru spent his fourth and fifth round picks on two RBs with little to no experience. If neither end up producing the way he hopes they will, his season will likely be sunk. If one produces with some vigor, this team finishes middle of the pack. But, if he's right about both guys, the success of this team could be more substantial. The stability of the later round picks insures that. Sure, injuries could de-rail this team just as it could any team, but aside from Carson Palmer, there's not much history of that sitting on the roster. So, it just comes down to two young running backs trying to find their way.

Favorite pick: DeAndre Hopkins was a solid choice. The force-feeding of Andre Johnson sometimes made Hopkins an afterthought in Houston the past two years. No more. I am expecting a true breakout season if the QB position doesn't hold things back.

Least Favorite pick: Martellus Bennett went too early. He's not a sixth-round level talent in a redraft. He's reliable and proved to be very productive last season in the red zone, but his yardage totals this year could sag, making his early selection a questionable one.

Overall outlook: Hard to really pin down where this team is headed in terms of production and sustainability. I think there is a foundation in place for success, but bets have been placed on players that are entirely unproven at this point and that leaves one to ponder. A.J. Green has become pedestrian enough that he wasn't even mentioned in the analysis up until now. He'll likely finish top ten, but he's a solid tier below the half dozen guys before him who have far greater upside. If I had to predict this team's fate, I would suggest a middle-of-the-pack finish. But, if Randle and Yeldon excite, all bets are off.

RicemanX: Pick No.4

1.04- RB Adrian Peterson, MIN
2.09- WR Jordy Nelson, GB
3.04- WR T.Y. Hilton, IND
4.09- RB Latavius Murray, OAK
5.04- WR Julian Edelman, NE
6.09- QB Tom Brady, NE
7.04- WR Kevin White, CHI
8.09- RB Ryan Mathews, PHI
9.04- RB Devonta Freeman, ATL
10.09- TE Coby Fleener, IND
11.04- RB David Johnson, ARI
12.09- TE Jace Amaro, NYJ
13.04- D/ST, Seattle Seahawks
14.09- QB Josh McCown, CLE
15.04- WR Dwayne Bowe, CLE
16.09- K Phil Dawson, SF

Analysis: And now we come to the team compiled by our defending league champion. And, while there were some "safe" picks contained within the selections, there were plenty of high-risk, high-reward picks, too. Nothing represents that moniker better than Adrian Peterson, who could return in 2015 with a vengeance or find himself out of synch after a year away from the sport. The theme continues with the selections of rookies Kevin White and David Johnson in addition to second-year guys Devonta Freeman and Jace Amaro. And, while we're at it, let's throw Latavius Murray into that high risk/reward category as well. This is essentially what I call a "swing for the fences" team. Even the choice of Tom Brady represents risk as it could mean that Josh McCown is the only active rostered QB for the first month of the season. This isn't Riceman trying to defend his title in a safe, conservative, passive way. This is Rice trying to repeat as champion and knowing that the potential is also there for the whole thing to crash and burn. It's going to be a lot of fun tracking the status of this team.

Key to No-Hassle Success: The running backs on this team have a chance to be special. Peterson could be the best player in fantasy football again. DeMarco Murray could get hurt allowing Ryan Mathews to be a top-ten/elite level back. Latavius Murray could expand upon the potential we saw glimpses of last year. Because Riceman has picked low-risk/dependable WRs, he has allowed himself the opportunity to be truly great at another position: Running back. His season hinges on what his collection of thoroughbreds can do. Brady will likely come back and be Brady. The tight ends will be up and down. But again, the RBs could be something well beyond all of that. We shall see.

Favorite pick: When I see a WR get drafted, my first thought is always "and just who will be throwing them the ball?" Rice's first two WRs taken were Jordy Nelson and T.Y. Hilton. Who throws them the ball? Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck. Enough said.

Least Favorite pick: I really like this draft a lot, so any mention of a least favorite anything feels like nit-picking to me. I'm not bullish on either tight end (Coby Fleener, Jace Amaro), so I guess those picks didn't do as much for me.

Overall outlook: I said last year that I thought Rice had a great shot at winning our league and that belief was proven right over the course of the seventeen week season. Dare I say I see him contending big-time for the title again this season. Sure, I'll say it. This team is stable at every position that matters and again could put up huge points in a best ball format from the RB position. In a league where there are no bad teams as long as most of the roster stays healthy, this team really stands out to me. Definitely one of the favorites unless Peterson regresses significantly.

Vikings4Ever: Pick No.5

1.05- RB Eddie Lacy, GB
2.08- WR Calvin Johnson, DET
3.05- RB Melvin Gordon, SD
4.08- WR Brandon Marshall, NYJ
5.05- TE Travis Kelce, KC
6.08- WR Jarvis Landry, MIA
7.05- RB Tre Mason, STL
8.08- QB Ryan Tannehill, MIA
9.05- WR Nelson Agholor, PHI
10.08- TE Jordan Cameron, MIA
11.05- RB Chris Ivory, NYJ
12.08- QB Jay Cutler, CHI
13.05- WR Terrance Williams, DAL
14.08- RB Denard Robinson, JAX
15.05- K Cody Parkey, PHI
16.08- D/ST, Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis: This draft was Exhibit H (approximately) of what V4E likes to do when the calendar hits June and we do this draft. He ignores the QB position for as long as he can and stockpiles his talent everywhere else. In this case, the picks were a mixture of proven stars (some on the edge of remaining in their primes) and younger players with upside. The WR duo of Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall represent the former while players like Melvin Gordon, Travis Kelce, Jarvis Landry, Tre' Mason, and Nelson Agholor represent a heaping dose of the latter. In the end, it's an intriguing mix that can be classified as a bit risky, but with great potential. The second half of the draft was a little less exciting as it featured several players either on bad teams or coming off down seasons in 2014. Still, V4E doesn't draft with conventional wisdom seemingly at the forefront. He has strong opinions about individual players and has never been afraid to exercise those opinions to put together a team that can score big more weeks than not. This is a deep team even if I wasn't thrilled with some of the picks down the stretch.

Key to No-Hassle Success: Despite all the risky/upside picks, there is a sense of stability with this team. My concerns would be: Can the QB duo of Tannehill and Cutler stay within range of other duos whose scoring will likely exceed theirs? And, how will the two rookies (Gordon, Agholor) perform? If the answer to either question is positive, I think this team could really make some noise as Eddie Lacy and Calvin Johnson represent a proven, dynamic foundation to build upon from a scoring perspective. Gordon's potential is especially appealing given that teams can't stack the box against him with a veteran QB under center.

Favorite pick: I thought each of the first three picks (Lacy, Megatron, Gordon) stayed on the board too long, so I thought Vikes got each in an ideal spot. I would readily take his first three picks over mine in a heartbeat.

Least Favorite pick: I think the Rams are going to turn Todd Gurley loose once he proves that he is 100%, so I thought the Tre Mason pick was a little unwise in terms of when it took place.

Overall outlook: I would place V4E's team in the upper half of the league to begin proceedings for sure. I really think that if the QB experiment works out, he'll have the talent to contend for a league title. That is particularly true if the QB that works out ends up being Tannehill since he's hitched Jarvis Landry and Jordan Cameron to that wagon as well. I am also anxious to see what Brandon Marshall has left in the tank. A top-ten season from Marshall would almost insure a very high finish in the standings and that's certainly possible if he can develop a rapport with a QB, particularly when the Jets get into the red zone. There are no teams that I "dislike". But, there are teams that I "like". This is one of those teams.

Robb: Pick No.6

1.06- RB Le'Veon Bell, PIT
2.07- WR Julio Jones, ATL
3.06- RB Justin Forsett, BAL
4.07- WR Keenan Allen, SD
5.06- QB Russell Wilson, SEA
6.07- RB Tevin Coleman, ATL
7.06- WR Michael Floyd, ARI
8.07- QB Tony Romo, DAL
9.06- WR Torrey Smith, SF
10.07- TE Zach Ertz, PHI
11.06- WR Kenny Stills, MIA
12.07- RB Darren Sproles, PHI
13.06- D/ST, Buffalo Bills
14.07- RB Alfred Blue, HOU
15.06- K Justin Tucker, BAL
16.07- TE Larry Donnell, NYG

Analysis: There's a lot to like about this team and also a lot to be moderately concerned about. First, the good. When Le'Veon Bell returns from his suspension, he is the odds-on favorite to lead all RBs in points from that point forward. Mix in two strong, proven QBs and an ideal set of receivers from a No.1, 2, and 3 standpoint and you've got the horses to get far. But, what if Tevin Coleman doesn't get much playing time early? What if Torrey Smith and Kenny Stills struggle initially to adjust to their new roles in new environments? The first month of the season, thus, is critical for this team as they must stay within shouting distance of the leaders in order to contend. Once Bell is back, I do expect this team to be really good as I see a lot of players in the prime of their careers who seem to fit together well in a best ball format such as ours. I thought the risk of taking Bell, ultimately, was worth the possible reward, but I do foresee this team falling behind early on and having to play catch up.

Keys to No-Hassle Success: It's all about "weathering" the early storm. This team should get better and better as the season goes on and guys get comfortable in terms of matching talent with situation. I think Justin Forsett could also play a large role in the overall success of the team as he's being drafted here as if he is going to nearly duplicate what took place last season. If he does, it will be somewhat remarkable given his lack of pedigree prior to last year...if he doesn't (more likely from my perspective), it will force the others RBs to step up. Given that the remaining guys are composed of a rookie and a couple of guys whose touches are rare, that could pose a problem longer term.

Favorite pick: This was a clinic in how to get WRs at great value prices. There's no way Julio Jones should have taken so long to be picked. Ditto for Keenan Allen. And, I am looking for a big bounce-back from Michael Floyd in 2015. Loved that trio and the value that each represented.

Least Favorite pick: As much as I liked the WR picks, I thought the RB picks were questionable. Forsett went about where he should have, even though I'm skeptical about him, but Tevin Coleman in the sixth? That's early.

Overall outlook: If I sound critical of this team, I don't mean to because I really like how they project over the course of a season, particularly from Week Five on. There is stability at every position with Bell in the fold and I think Robb's bunch will benefit from getting three wide receivers in the scoring column every week with what he has assembled at that position. By season's end, it would not surprise me to see this team contending for a No-Hassle championship, although I wouldn't initially put them in my top three. So, as "middle of the pack" teams go, this team is probably at the front of that line for me.

White Wonder: Pick No.7

1.07- RB LeSean McCoy, BUF
2.06- WR Odell Beckham Jr., NYG
3.07- TE Jimmy Graham, SEA
4.06- RB Lamar Miller, MIA
5.07- RB LeGarrette Blount, NE
6.06- WR Roddy White, ATL
7.07- WR Jeremy Maclin, KC
8.06- QB Eli Manning, NYG
9.07- WR Charles Johnson, MIN
10.06- TE Josh Hill, NO
11.07- QB Colin Kaepernick, SF
12.06- RB Fred Jackson, BUF
13.07- RB Cameron Artis-Payne, CAR
14.06- WR Kenny Britt, STL
15.07- K Steve Hauschka, SEA
16.06- D/ST, Kansas City Chiefs

Analysis: This could be an interesting team when all is said and done, but there is uncertainty initially about some of the key players. For example, Jimmy Graham, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin are all in new situations and their roles in new offensive schemes are yet to be determined. McCoy is probably the safest bet of the three to receive heavy usage and was certainly a sensible foundation pick no matter what perspective you take to examine this team. And, on weeks that Eli Manning and Odell Beckham, Jr. make noise together, White Wonder's team will score big. I thought the first three picks for WW were solid, but I didn't like the next four picks nearly as much. It's hard to say if Miami and New England will stick with Miller and Blount for the duration of the season and Roddy White's health and status on his team continue to be in decline. Still, the coupling of the erratic Kaepernick with Eli Manning makes sense in the No-Hassle format as it gives the team some upside to go with what will likely be more consistent, predictable production from guys like Josh Hill and Charles Johnson. This team is anchored by three star players. Never underestimate the power of that.

Keys to No-Hassle Success: Hate to fall right into White's predictive web, but Jimmy Graham is probably the key to success. I think the production of most of the rostered players is fairly predictable. In the end, McCoy will probably get his and Maclin will achieve less than he did in Philadelphia given who his QB now is. But, Graham's overall impact on the Seattle offense is truly an unknown. If Graham can rival Gronkowski as the leagues’ top producing tight end, it would go a long way towards making this team a serious threat. But, if Graham is somewhere between the fourth and tenth most productive tight end, then White has picked him way too soon.

Favorite pick: Absolute no-brainer. Odell Beckham, Jr. has no business lasting that long in a draft. Everyone picking towards the middle of this draft came out with great RB-WR combos prior to the quality really diminishing late in the second round.

Least Favorite pick: It's a toss-up between LeGarrette Blount and Roddy White. I thought both went a round too early.

Overall outlook: I like this team for the most part. Sure, I'm not crazy about some of the supporting cast, but the foundation is a good one and in the end, I do think Graham produces like an elite tight end is supposed to. I also really do like WhiteWonder coupling Beckham Jr. with Manning. That is a strategy I have seen work time and time again in this league over the years. It will drive the team's scoring up on a number of weeks and while it may not create the most consistent scoring base in the league, it may be one of the more dynamic. This team may finish towards the middle of the standings, but I would bet they lead the league in weekly scoring 2-3 times over the course of the year. Title contender? Maybe.

ICEMAN: Pick No.8

1.08- RB Matt Forte, CHI
2.05- QB Aaron Rodgers, GB
3.08- WR Jordan Matthews, PHI
4.05- RB Frank Gore, IND
5.08- TE Greg Olsen, CAR
6.05- WR Martavis Bryant, PIT
7.08- WR Marques Colston, NO
8.05- RB Doug Martin, TB
9.08- RB Terrance West, CLE
10.05- WR Breshad Perriman, BAL
11.08- TE Vernon Davis, SF
12.05- WR Rueben Randle, NYG
13.08- K Stephen Gostkowski, NE
14.05- D/ST, St. Louis Rams
15.08- QB Robert Griffin III, WAS
16.05- RB Jonas Gray, NE

Analysis: ICE's track record in this league is one of consistent success. That being said, this isn't one of the teams I would trade for mine. Can't fault the Aaron Rodgers pick at all and it came at a great time, but picking a QB early forces a lot of prudent picks afterwards and I thought ICE reached for a lot of his choices. That left him with a collection of WRs that is probably the league's weakest unless Jordan Matthews and Martavis Bryant take major steps forward this season and/or Breshad Perriman ends up contributing big right off the bat. The running game is anchored by veterans Forte and Gore, but there are major question marks as the other three RBs on the roster aren't guaranteed many touches at all come September. This team ultimately looks a lot like is JScott's team: A superstar QB and a questionable supporting cast as a result of taking the superstar QB early. The receiving corps and the depth of this team just scare me. Still, having Rodgers is a luxury few can claim. Only Luck is in his same tier.

Keys to No-Hassle Success: A lot of things have to go right in order for this team to contend, but I would probably start with the three young WRs needing to produce. Frank Gore is not immortal and at some point, his decline will likely be sharp. In order for ICE to overcome his WR deficiency with a strong running game, Gore's decline simply cannot happen this season. If Gore is not a top-15 RB, ICE would then need Terrance West to emerge or Doug Martin to re-invent himself. Both of those scenarios seem unlikely. So, in summary, it's about Gore and two of the three young WRs meeting the expectations that ICE has clearly established for them.
Favorite pick: Greg Olsen was a good pick late in the fifth and gives this team an edge on most others from that position. I also thought the Perriman pick was well worth the risk given his overall potential.

Least Favorite pick: I think Marques Colston and Vernon Davis were drafted as if they are the same players now that they were two years ago. They're not.

Overall outlook: If you're going to try to produce a meaningful analysis that doesn't just praise every team equally; you've got to have a team or two that you feel is an underdog coming into the season. Enter ICEMAN. As I stated before, ICE has found his way to or near the top of the No-Hassle standings so many times that I've lost count. So, is it possible that his master plan, despite being difficult to decipher for us mere mortals, will once again produce success? Sure it is. But, the team will have to exceed my expectations significantly to reach that point. I think the lack of prowess at WR is really going to hurt this team, but Frank Gore turning into what Corey Dillon did late in his career in New England could change all of that. Rodgers will insure that this team has its good weeks, but will he get enough help? That's the question.

Dan: Pick No.9

1.09- TE Rob Gronkowski, NE
2.04- RB Arian Foster, HOU
3.09- WR Emmanuel Sanders, DEN
4.04- WR Sammy Watkins, BUF
5.09- QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
6.04- RB C.J. Spiller, NO
7.09- WR Steve Smith, BAL
8.04- RB Darren McFadden, DAL
9.09- WR Pierre Garcon, WAS
10.04- RB Duke Johnson, CLE
11.09- WR Cody Latimer, DEN
12.04- TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TB
13.09- WR Michael Crabtree, OAK
14.04- D/ST, New York Jets
15.09- K Blair Walsh, MIN
16.04- QB Jameis Winston, TB

Analysis: Wanna keep a draft really interesting? Try grabbing a TE and QB in two of the first five rounds and see what the rest of your team looks like. That's what Dan did here and the result was fascinating. On one hand, Dan doesn't have much reliability at RB behind Arian Foster. On the other hand, he's got a tight end that is in a tier all his own and a QB that was huge in the No-Hassle format last year thanks to his propensity for having games with huge amounts of statistical output. Wide receiver is a question mark for this team as well, but if you're only going to pick two in the first six rounds, the wise thing to do is end up with six on the team overall. That's exactly what Dan did. So, WR is a position of depth...tight end is a position of extreme strength...and QB is in good hands with a starter that never misses time. Sounds like a formula for success to me unless you consider what's there/not there at running back. Dan could be sweating that one out all season as netting six WRs left him with only four running backs. Quite the risk.

Keys to No-Hassle Success: The health of the running backs. Do I even need to remind anyone how fragile the trio of Arian Foster, Darren McFadden, and C.J. Spiller could potentially be? I could easily see all three backs missing time this season and/or missing time all together. That would spell disaster for any team no matter who your tight end happens to be. On the flip side, relatively good health for all three running backs might allow this team to really take flight. Once Brady returns from his suspension, Gronkowski will most likely go on a huge tear and with all three primary backs healthy, that could mean some big, big scoring weeks. So, the answer here is quite simple: The RBs on this team MUST avoid injury.

Favorite pick: Gronk. I know it defied conventional wisdom to grab a TE this early in a non-PPR league, but this guy is a game-changer. If he plays 14-16 games this season, no one else will touch his production. Well worth a first round pick from my vantage point.

Least Favorite pick: Garcon. I think he was overvalued as a ninth rounder. Overall, though, I didn't have a problem with any of the other picks sans maybe McFadden due to his chronic health status.

Overall outlook: I hate to beat a dead horse, but health really is the key to this team. Healthy and utilized properly, this team could make some noise in this league. They could even win the whole thing. But, the lack of depth at RB and the history of the RBs on the roster make me extremely nervous. As the guy who tracks the scoring in this league, I know what happens when multiple running backs go down on teams that only have four to begin with. It's game over. As I said in the beginning, you draft a TE and QB both fairly early...and you get a roster that looks like this.

Shovelheadt: Pick No.10

1.10- WR Antonio Brown, PIT
2.03- RB Jeremy Hill, CIN
3.10- RB Alfred Morris, WAS
4.03- WR Andre Johnson, IND
5.10- WR Golden Tate, DET
6.03- QB Matt Ryan, ATL
7.10- RB Bishop Sankey, TEN
8.03- QB Matthew Stafford, DET
9.10- RB David Cobb, TEN
10.03- WR Marvin Jones, CIN
11.10- TE Maxx Williams, BAL
12.03- TE Jared Cook, STL
13.10- D/ST, Cincinnati Bengals
14.03- RB Roy Helu, Jr., OAK
15.10- WR Percy Harvin, BUF
16.03- K Mike Nugent, CIN

Analysis: With the exception of having the four customary Bengals on his team, I think this was a really good effort from what is typically a difficult drafting position. What I like most about this team is how balanced it is. Shovel didn't load up on any one position to make it great, but did put together seemingly equal talent at each of the main three positions that matter most in fantasy football. Starting at QB, he acquired a near perfect duo from a best-ball perspective in the form of Ryan and Stafford. Then, he paired together a couple of guys at RB whose value was underrated in this draft since the league is non-PPR. Finally, on top of having the most coveted WR in the draft, he created depth by grabbing a couple of WRs in good offensive schemes to back him up. Tight end is not a position of strength by any means. But, if you're going to come out of the June Mock with a weakness (everybody does and will), tight end is probably the place to go. Again, balanced rosters have always looked good to me. That's what we've got here first and foremost.

Keys to No-Hassle Success: I see a bunch of players whose chances of repeating what they did in 2014 or even bettering it in some cases look quite favorable. One key would be Matthew Stafford enjoying a bounce-back season as that would also enhance the value of Golden Tate. Another key would be getting something out of the tight end position. This team could be top-five with almost zero production there, but if they covet a championship, they probably need a little more than that. Finally, Tennessee needs to run the ball better. Coupling the Sankey pick with Cobb was a wise move, but only if the Titans can figure out a way to become viable running the football.

Favorite pick: Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford. It's the exact same combo of QBs that I had last year and even with Stafford failing to meet expectations, I never regretted the pairing. Solid choices there.

Least Favorite pick: I thought Shovel waited too long to address the TE position, so although I didn't mind his picks there per se, I thought he should have waited another round on David Cobb and Marvin Jones and taken a better tight end in the ninth round.

Overall outlook: This was the tale of two drafts for me. I loved the first eight rounds. I didn't care as much for what happened after that, but the more important half of the draft I thought Shovel nailed. This team may not lead the league in points scored for even one week this season. They simply aren't explosive enough for that distinction. But, what they will do is score very consistently from week-to-week and in the end, slow and steady can indeed win the race. I don't see much scoring volatility here which suggests middle of the pack is the worst Shovel could do (barring a rash of injuries) and top-three is the ceiling. Again, I think this team has the look and feel of a stable contender.

Ray Lewis' Limo Driver: Pick No.11

1.11- WR Dez Bryant, DAL
2.02- WR Demaryius Thomas, DEN
3.11- RB Mark Ingram, NO
4.02- RB Todd Gurley, STL
5.11- QB Drew Brees, NO
6.02- RB Rashad Jennings, NYG
7.11- WR Victor Cruz, NYG
8.02- TE Owen Daniels, DEN
9.11- WR Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
10.02- RB Jay Ajayi, MIA
11.11- RB Reggie Bush, SF
12.02- WR DeVante Parker, MIA
13.11- QB Andy Dalton, CIN
14.02- TE Eric Ebron, DET
15.11- D/ST, Houston Texans
16.02- K Shaun Suisham, PIT

Analysis: Picking two wide receivers to begin a draft used to be the edgy. Now, it's much more commonplace and can actually win you a title if the two picks end up being what you're expecting them to be. Enter Ray's 2015 drafting strategy. It's hard to argue with what Thomas and Bryant have done in recent years to make themselves the true elite at their position. Ray is banking on more of the same from them and has chosen to surround them with a blend of savvy veterans and rookies alike, including two of the latter at the RB position. If one of those two (Todd Gurley most likely) bursts onto the scene this year as a top-ten fantasy talent, it could make this team scary good. I'm not buying the fact that Drew Brees is no longer fantasy relevant, so if you team him with a talented, stable running game and the best WR combo in the No-Hassle league, you might just have fantasy gold on your hands. It just depends. Something both Dan and Ray will be interested in is the usage of Mark Ingram vs. C.J. Spiller. In a league so fiercely contested, the difference between those two teams could be as simple as ball distribution with respect to that pairing. Whatever the case, the upside here is remarkable.

Keys to No-Hassle Success: The Ingram vs. Spiller dynamic was mentioned above, but it's really about Todd Gurley. Ray has based his entire team on the idea that Gurley is going to be a factor at some point before the mid-point of the season. If he is, everything else seems to be in place for a run at another No-Hassle championship. If Gurley busts, however, and/or cannot regain his health, the running game could sputter. There are also question marks, depth-wise, behind Thomas and Bryant at WR. This team's potential is great, but the WRs must stay healthy and Gurley needs to contribute in meaningful ways.

Favorite pick: Yeah, I know it's not 2012, but getting Drew Brees at 5.11 is still some kind of steal. Getting Larry Fitzgerald four rounds later wasn't too shabby, either.

Least Favorite pick: I liked all of Ray's picks in this draft sans one. I thought Victor Cruz got picked way too early given all the uncertainty about him. I think there were far better WRs available to him at that time in the draft.

Overall outlook: It seems I always like Ray's teams coming out of this draft. He likes to assemble teams with upside that have an intimidating look to them in terms of the talent and potential of the group as a whole. This team is going to be good if the running game turns out OK; Brees, Bryant, and Thomas make that a near certainty. If Ingram, Gurley, and Rashad Jennings can somehow outscore just half of the other teams in this league at that position, this is a bona fide title contender.

Remote Controller: Pick No.12

1.12- RB C.J. Anderson, DEN
2.01- RB DeMarco Murray, PHI
3.12- WR Kelvin Benjamin, CAR
4.01- WR Brandin Cooks, NO
5.12- WR Amari Cooper, OAK
6.01- QB Cam Newton, CAR
7.12- RB Charles Sims, TB
8.01- WR Anquan Boldin, SF
9.12- TE Jason Witten, DAL
10.01- TE Delanie Walker, TEN
11.12- WR Davante Adams, GB
12.01- RB Montee Ball, DEN
13.12- RB Javorius Allen, BAL
14.01- QB Derek Carr, OAK
15.12- K Dan Bailey, DAL
16.01- D/ST, Green Bay Packers

Analysis: Although Remote doesn't follow the same formula each year, this team does look similar to teams he’s drafted in the past. The similar part comes in the form of taking two workhorse running backs to begin the draft. If Remote could guarantee that Murray and Anderson would put up the same numbers as last season, we would probably go ahead and engrave his name on the trophy, figuratively speaking. Neither is assured of that, but both should get plenty of red zone opportunities, making their selections sensible as a foundation for this team. The different part has to do with the relative youth of all WRs not named Anquan Boldin. Remote is clearly banking that the two years' NFL experience amongst his top three wideouts COMBINED is not a problem, but instead an asset. Gone are the days, apparently, when Remote's team was fairly conservative and close to the vest, top to bottom. QB and TE appear to be in good hands, so it really does come down to a number of high upside, moderate risk guys at that one position.

Keys to No-Hassle Success: Murray and Anderson may not match what they did last year, but they're not going to crash and burn either. And even if they did, Remote wisely drafted Montee Ball as insurance for Anderson. So, the "keys" to this team, if you will, have been handed off to a trio to ultra-talented, but still green receivers. Make no mistake: This team will absolutely rise and/or fall based upon Kelvin Benjamin, Brandin Cooks, and Amari Cooper. Benjamin and Cooper are especially important also due to the fact that their QBs (Newton and Carr) are also on this team. If both end up being highly successful, they will take those QBs along for the ride making this a really, really good team. Something else to watch: Will Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb stay healthy? If they don't, Remote may end up with the steal of the draft in Davante Adams.

Favorite pick: Put me in the camp of people that think DeMarco Murray is actually being undervalued this season. I think his workload from last season is being over-emphasized. I think he's first-round good. Also loved the Davante Adams pick.

Least Favorite pick: I haven't seen any indication as of yet that Charles Sims can be an impact player at the pro level. I hope for Remote's sake that I'm wrong, but that might turn out to be a wasted selection.

Overall outlook: Impossible to say what the overall outlook of this team is. There are too many variables. What I do know is that there is a ton of upside and if nothing else, I would be excited to track a team like this if it were mine. Maybe picking last in the odd rounds made Remote come out of his comfort zone a bit- only he could tell you that. What I like is that he didn't settle for what was "safe" once those first two picks were made. Sure, he took Boldin and Witten in the middle of his draft, but beyond that, this was a bit of a swing for the fences draft much like what Riceman did. I see those two teams as equal starting out and that's a compliment to Remote to be sure.





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