2014 No-Hassle June Mock Analysis

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Will begin as soon as teams make their final pick...

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RicemanX:

1.01- RB Jamaal Charles, KC
2.12- RB Giovani Bernard, Cin.
3.01- WR Jordy Nelson, GB
4.12- WR Pierre Garcon, Was.
5.01- WR Torrey Smith, Bal.
6.12- QB Cam Newton, Car.
7.01- TE Jason Witten, Dal.
8.12- RB Lamar Miller, Mia.
9.01- WR Cecil Shorts, Jax.
10.12- RB Darren McFadden, Oak.
11.01- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Car.
12.12- TE Jared Cook, Stl.
13.01- QB Joe Flacco, Bal.
14.12- K Phil Dawson, SF
15.01- D/ST, Cincinnati Bengals
16.12- TE Jace Amaro, NYJ

 

Analysis: There is little doubt in my mind that this will be one of the strongest teams in the league this year based on composition alone. Riceman built a team that has every single starter (sans Witten) in the prime of their career. The team is also balanced in terms of strength from position to position and there is depth at every position- even tight end. I thought Rice did a really good job of understanding the ebb and flow of value throughout the draft- in other words, he seemed to choose the right positions to go after early, which allowed him to still nab a top-7 QB and TE from my perspective. Historically, teams that have picked in the top three have done well in the No-Hassle format given the talent they can assemble through the first 27 picks...three of which they own. No exception to that here. The only possible de-railment that I can see- as is the case with many teams- would be injury. Darren McFadden is hurt annually and Jordy Nelson has not been entirely durable in his career either. But, that's nit-picking a very solid effort.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Proven players in their primes don't normally fail to meet expectations unless there is a coaching change or nagging injury to contend with. Or, in the case of a WR or TE, a quarterback change. None of those things apply to Rice's team, so the key to success is probably just health and depth. Rookies like Benjamin and Amaro could be a huge boost to the team's scoring based on format, or they could be non-contributors, which would hurt. I think the trio of receivers that Rice has will be middle of the pack scoring-wise with respect to weekly output, but the RBs will be top-notch. Fantasy Football has generally moved away from the RB-RB strategy to open drafts over the past five years, but if you're still going to go there, might as well get a combo like Rice got. Solid.

 

Favorite pick: I really liked Bernard, obviously, as I think he should have been picked much sooner, but I also liked Cecil Shorts slipping to the ninth round. Often overlooked since he plays for a bad team, Shorts could be a big factor for Rice during the upcoming season.

 

Least Favorite pick: Lamar Miller. Thought he was picked too soon...but not a huge deal.

 

Overall outlook: I think I've already stated it, but I'll say it again. This team has No-Hassle title contender written all over it. From the balance of the scoring base to the dynamic potential of the Charles-Bernard combo to the underrated likely production of Newton and Flacco at QB, there is much to like about the assemblige here. If the depth holds up, I see no reason for this team to be anywhere outside of the top three in the league from the opening week on. But, the bye weeks could be an issue if the depth proves to be less than what it could be due to injuries or simply youthfulness of a couple of players. Still, you only have to worry about depth so much when you've probably got the best starting seven in the league. Very well done.

 

Vikings4Ever:

1.02- RB LeSean McCoy, Phi.
2.11- RB Alfred Morris, Was.
3.02- WR Alshon Jeffery, Chi.
4.11- TE Jordan Cameron, Cle.
5.02- WR Percy Harvin, Sea.
6.11- QB Robert Griffin III, Was.
7.02- WR Mike Wallace, Mia.
8.11- RB Terrance West, Cle.
9.02- WR DeAndre Hopkins, Hou.
10.11- WR Danny Amendola, NE
11.02- TE Zach Ertz, Phi.
12.11- QB Ryan Tannehill, Mia.
13.02- WR Markus Wheaton, Pit.
14.11- RB Chris Ivory, NYJ
15.02- K Nick Novak, SD
16.11- D/ST, Minnesota Vikings

 

Analysis: Vikes has had such a run of success in this league that I am very hesitant to criticize anything he does or has done. I would say his teams' excellence over the years speaks for itself. This year's team, however, simply doesn't contain many if any of the players I was personally targetting in my draft. McCoy is obviously all-world and gives the team a fantasy superstar to build around, but many of the other players on the roster concern me. What will Alfred Morris's role be with a new coach/system? Same for RG3 and Jordan Cameron. No one can deny the talent that Alshon Jeffery possesses, but are there enough balls to go around in Chicago for a second consecutive year to warrant such a high selection? Anyone who watched the Super Bowl saw what Percy Harvin can do on a weekly basis, but how will injuries cut into that potential? If it seems like I'm using a lot of question marks in this paragraph, I am. That's how I feel about this team. I have complete confidence in the man who picked the team...but less in the team itself if that makes sense. The depth is a bit suspect as well, but FULL of upside, which is a plus.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Ultimately, Vikes is banking on the Redskins being a much more consistently productive team offensively under Jay Gruden than they were in 2013. If Griffin truly "breaks out" this year, allowing for Alfred Morris to chew up yards on the ground, the ripple effect upon this team will be substantial. Add to that Percy Harvin playing 16 games and a Cleveland QB realizing how valuable Jordan Cameron can be and you've got the potential for a huge season, fantasy-wise. If the Redskins' offense struggles, however, the opposite ripple could take hold. That is, a team stuck in neutral with only the big weeks from McCoy to rely on in staying competitive. The depth at WR looks like a good fit for the No-Hassle scoring structure to me also, which is good.

 

Favorite pick: Like I said, none of these players were my targets, but I am anxious to see what the 10-11 round combo of Amendola and Ertz brings. I think both could end up being steals when all is said and done.

 

Least Favorite pick: Morris. I thought Gio Bernard would have really given this team a better, more explosive element had he been selected instead of Morris, whose role in 2014 is more uncertain.

 

Overall outlook: Last year, Vikes got virtually no points from the TE position and still finished middle of the pack in the No-Hassle league. His teams always perform better than I expect them to, no matter what the circumstance. As such, I have a feeling this team will do just fine...they just don't look as well constructed as Rice's team. Part of that has to do with the fact that I like Newton better than Griffin and Bernard better than Morris. But, if we're going to use players in their prime as a criteria for possible success, Vikes also possesses a team that consists of numerous "in prime" players. Expect this team to be very good if Griffin-Morris-Harvin meet Vikes' expectations. I think McCoy is in for a huge year as well.

 

Robb:

1.03- RB Adrian Peterson, Min.
2.10- QB Drew Brees, NO
3.03- WR Antonio Brown, Pit.
4.10- WR Andre Johnson, Hou.
5.03- RB Chris Johnson, NYJ
6.10- WR Kendall Wright, Ten.
7.03- TE Jordan Reed, Was.
8.10- RB Khiry Robinson, NO
9.03- WR Hakeem Nicks, Ind.
10.10- QB Eli Manning, NYG
11.03- RB Christine Michael, Sea.
12.10- TE Tyler Eifert, Cin.
13.03- WR James Jones, Oak.
14.10- K Steven Hauschka, Sea.
15.03- D/ST, Denver Broncos
16.10- RB Lance Dunbar, Dal.

 

Analysis: The proven track records of Adrian Peterson and Drew Brees make the first two picks of Robb's draft about as sensible as two picks can be. How do you find fault with that? Answer: You don't. The selections of Peterson and Brees should have allowed Robb to take some chances in the draft later on and in some cases, that is exactly what he did, particularly at RB. How much Chris Johnson has left in the tank and how much Khiry Robinson has in the tank in the first place are questions that made their selections somewhat risky, but certainly understandable given the freedom that the Peterson/Brees scoring base provides. If Andre Johnson is going to play this season and play happy, he's a steal at 4.10 certainly as well. And, Antonio Brown and Kendall Wright could combine for 200 receptions, making them the perfect complement to a healthy, somewhat happy Johnson. Beyond those three, though, I think are some red flags when you're talking about Hakeem Nicks and James Jones. I think both have bust potential written all over them. If I'm right, bye weeks might be a bit unpleasant for this team, but not such that it's not a top tier team overall.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Johnson & Johnson. Period. I think Brees and Peterson are elite, Hall of Fame players who, despite their ages, can and will still be dynamic more weeks than not. That leaves Andre and Chris Johnson to be the complements to them that Robb is trusting them to be. With both guys at the moment, I question their heart for the game. Andre just seems to have lost some of his passion after last year's debacle in Houston and Chris rarely appears willing to run between the tackles anymore and scored many of his points last year on screen passes and/or broken plays. Let's say both end up being top ten at their respective positions. This team may then win at all. We shall see.

 

Favorite pick: Brees. In a league in which there is so much effort to put off picking a QB until the last possible moment, Brees gets overlooked too long. I'm also high on Kendall Wright.

 

Least Favorite pick: Christine Michael. Not because it was a bad pick. Because it messed with my own team/drafting plan.

 

Overall outlook: Favorable. If Andre and Chris Johnson bust, though, I don't think this team can or will finish in the top three or four teams at season's end. Peterson and Brees, if healthy all year long, almost insure that the team won't fall on its face and Robb has picked so many young players (Reed, Robinson, Michael, Eifert, Dunbar) that the upside of this team intrigues me as well. The WRs must stay healthy in addition to the Johnson/Johnson factor, but overall I just think teams with two All-World fantasy players usually remain competitive throughout the course of 17 weeks barring something catastrophic. Kudos to Robb for playing it safe early and then expanding his horizons with gutsy picks later on.

 

Dan:

1.04- RB Matt Forte, Chi.
2.09- TE Julius Thomas, Den.
3.04- WR Keenan Allen, SD
4.09- RB Toby Gerhart, Jax.
5.04- WR Michael Crabtree, SF
6.09- RB Knowshon Moreno, Mia.
7.04- WR Terrance Williams, Dal.
8.09- QB Philip Rivers, SD
9.04- RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Oak.
10.09- WR Brian Hartline, Mia.
11.04- WR Aaron Dobson, NE
12.09- QB Brian Hoyer, Cle.
13.04- WR Robert Woods, Buf.
14.09- QB Johnny Manziel. Cle.
15.04- D/ST, New England Patriots
16.09- K Alex Henery, Phi.

Analysis: And now we come to one of last season's co-champions and a guy whose drafting style is always unique to say the least. I can never figure out exactly what Dan is doing from pick to pick, but in the end, he's mixed in lots of youth with a few veterans in forming a team that has plenty of raw talent, but plenty of uncertainty as well. I thought Dan was wise to grab six WRs given that the roles of every receiver he selected are not set in stone at this point. That being said, Dan is also the only team in the league with only one TE, so Julius Thomas better hold up or he'll be in deep trouble at a position that means more than some might think. On a more positive note, every player Dan picked- even the veteran players- has upside. Allen, Williams, Dobson, and Woods could all be on their ways to great careers in the NFL and Dan is tapping into that potential with the formation of this team. Forte is a near lock to be top-5 at the RB position, so Dan will just need either Gerhart or Moreno to be top 15-20 in order to field a rushing attack that is top tier. And, by covering his late QB choice of Rivers with two more QBs, there is security to be found at that position as well.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Avoiding "sophomore slumps" if you will. Keenan Allen, Julius Thomas, Knowshon Moreno, and Terrance Williams are all examples of players who either broke out last year because it was their first year in the league or broke out in terms of finally producing at an elite level. Both Moreno and Gerhart have moved on to new teams- teams that are certain to give them carries, but also teams that don't run block nearly as well as the teams they left. As Dan spent half of his first six picks on RBs, one of the duo of Gerhart and Moreno must step up and do well. Without a dynamic QB and with some uncertainty at WR, RB must be the strength of this team. If both guys fail in their new roles, this team could ultimately fail right along with them.

 

Favorite pick: Crabtree. In the fifth round, why not select a guy who seems to have all the tools to be a superstar WR from a fantasy perspective. His upside makes this team dangerous.

 

Least Favorite pick: I thought the trio of Thomas, Williams, and Hartline were all reaches at the spots at which they were picked. All could turn out fine...just not sure their value was accurately assessed. As always, we shall see.

 

Overall outlook: For me, this team has the look and feel of a "middle of the pack" team if you will. There is plenty of room for optimism given that the WRs are young and growing and the RBs all appear to be featured in their respecitve backfields and thus not given to RBBC situations. Rivers will be hard pressed to duplicate last season's numbers, but he's a solid guy to build around at QB given his durability and consistency. Really, for me, it just comes down to whether or not Dan has a top-3 or 4 rushing attack on his hands. Anything short of that, and I think the talent of other teams will be too much to overcome. With that, maybe he creeps closer to "front of the pack".

 

Ray Lewis' Limo Driver:

1.05- WR Calvin Johnson, Det.
2.08- RB DeMarco Murray, Dal.
3.05- RB Zac Stacy, Stl.
4.08- WR Victor Cruz, NYG
5.05- RB Ray Rice, Bal.
6.08- QB Tom Brady, NE
7.05- TE Dennis Pitta, Bal.
8.08- WR Golden Tate, Det.
9.05- WR Riley Cooper, Phi.
10.08- RB Darren Sproles, Phi.
11.05- WR Anquan Boldin, SF
12.08- QB Carson Palmer, Ari.
13.05- TE Antonio Gates, SD
14.08- K Stephen Gostkowski, NE
15.05- D/ST, Carolina Panthers
16.08- RB Donald Brown, SD

Analysis: This team looks nasty good to me as long as it can remain healthy and as long as it doesn't prove to be a little long in the tooth in spots. Assuming Ray Rice is not suspended for many or even any games, the trio of Murray, Stacy, and Ray should create a fairly consistent if not dynamic scoring base from the RB position. I also love the Brady, Palmer combo as each tend to have some huge games along with some games where numbers are modest. If those trends were to work in a complementary fashion to one another this season, Ray's potential at the position is probably greater than some might assess it to be. One of my main questions on this team would be: What are we to make of Victor Cruz? Is he an elite WR or another guy whose numbers began fading the moment he signed a big contract? I'm not sold on Cruz as a reliable #2 WR which would place a burden on either Golden Tate to find success in Detroit or Riley Cooper to continue to build on what he accomplished last season. As was noted earlier, guys like Sproles, Palmer, Boldin, and Gates are pretty old. They need to hold up and produce as none of them have upside sans possibly Sproles in Chip Kelly's offense.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: A couple of things stand out. One, DeMarco Murray must stay healthy. Murray has proven to be a real fantasy asset when he's 100%, but he's been banged up quite a bit over the course of his first few years in the league. Ray needs a minimum of 14 healthy games out of Murray to compete with this team. Second, Ray Rice needs to avoid a suspension and if he doesn't, the "old guys" noted above will need to turn back time for one more year as depth will become very important. Brady, Johnson, and Stacy look safe and productive to me- it really just comes down to the rest of the rushing attack and Victor Cruz working out.

 

Favorite pick: I think the Ravens are eager to utilize the tight end ad nauseum this year and as such, I loved the value of Dennis Pitta in the seventh round. I also thought Zac Stacy was a steal mid-third. That guy runs hard.

 

Least Favorite pick: Hard to fault much here, but as I noted earlier, I am lukewarm on Victor Cruz at best. How motivated is he to be elite with his financial needs now met? Color me skeptical.

 

Overall outlook: Although I'm not as high on this team as say Riceman's group, I do think this team can win a No-Hassle title if things come together the way Ray intended when he put this group together. Calvin Johnson is a tremendous foundation to build upon and I think Murray and Stacy could average 20+ touches per game as the primary RBs on their respective teams, giving Ray an advantage over many there as well. Aside from a few players, this team is "old" though compared to some and that could factor into Ray losing some ground as the season wears on. At the very least, a good start to the year looks likely, though, as the talent of this team shines through.

 

Remote Controller:

1.06- RB Eddie Lacy, GB
2.07- RB Arian Foster, Hou.
3.06- WR Randall Cobb, GB
4.07- WR Vincent Jackson, TB
5.06- WR Wes Welker, Den.
6.07- QB Nick Foles, Phi.
7.06- TE Greg Olsen, Car.
8.07- RB Fred Jackson, Buf.
9.06- WR Dwayne Bowe, KC
10.07- RB Danny Woodhead, SD
11.06- QB Alex Smith, KC
12.07- TE Delanie Walker, Ten.
13.06- WR Kenny Stills, NO
14.07- RB Andre Brown, Hou.
15.06- K Dan Bailey, Dal.
16.07- D/ST, Kansas City Chiefs

Analysis: Remote's draft this year for me resembled what is sometimes called in sports the "tale of two halves". I found myself loving what he did for the first eight rounds and shaking my head a bit at picks 9-16. No one can question that the presumed starters on this team should be very good. Lacy and Foster represent two potentially elite RBs who will get plenty of carries and goal line opportunities (assuming Houston can get to the goal line). And, while Remote may not have a true #1 fantasy WR, it is quite possible he has THREE of the best #2 fantasy WRs in the game with Cobb, Jackson, and Welker all being picked in succession. Add in the upside of Foles and the fact that Olsen is the only experienced pass-catcher on the Panthers roster and I think the starting seven on this team has few if any equals league-wide. I just don't see a lot of production coming in the form of Woodhead (three-headed RBBC), Alex Smith/Dwayne Bowe (no downfield passing game) and Kenny Stills (crowded WR corps). Andre Brown was at least a solid handcuff, but the depth on this team has me worried. The starters have me pumped, though.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Foles needs to take another step forward as many think the league's defensive coodinators will contain his production better this season and that of the Eagles in general. Aside from that, it just comes down to health and depth as again, I love Remote's first five picks more than anyone else's first five draft-wide. I think this team was really well put-together in terms of its projected starters and would expect thus a very good scoring chemistry to develop. As noted in the previous paragraph, I do worry a little about Foster's TD totals. Yards-wise, though, he should be great and will combine with Lacy to give this team elite rushing points.

 

Favorite pick: Absolutely love the picks in rounds 3,4, and 5. If you told me that I wouldn't be picking a WR until Round Three and could still nab Cobb, Jackson, and Welker, I'd have suggested that I must be picking against idiots. Three picks...three steals.

 

Least Favorite pick: Rounds 8-11, I think, will prove to be a setback for this team. I don't see any of those picks (Jackson, Bowe, Woodhead, Smith) really contributing to the overall success of the team.

 

Overall outlook: I've spoken about what I don't like about this team enough to the point that you might think I'm not high on the team as a whole. That's not the case. The truth for me is that if this team can remain healthy, I think it's going to be easily top five, likely top three, and maybe...just maybe...the best in the league. When you look at Randall Cobb and Wes Welker, you have to also consider who is throwing them the ball. That is, you have to look at Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning. Those guys are going to get theirs. And to keep up in the NFC South, Olsen and Vincent Jackson also stand to get lots of targets. From the waist up, this team has few rivals. Overall, I like its composition very much.

 

JScott:

1.07- WR A.J. Green, Cin.
2.06- QB Aaron Rodgers, GB
3.07- TE Rob Gronkowski, NE
4.06- WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Min.
5.07- RB Trent Richardson, Ind.
6.06- RB Shane Vereen, NE
7.07- WR Sammy Watkins, Buf.
8.06- RB Joique Bell, Det.
9.07- RB Pierre Thomas, NO
10.06- QB Russell Wilson, Sea.
11.07- WR Justin Hunter, Ten.
12.06- TE Dwayne Allen, Ind.
13.07- RB Carlos Hyde, SF
14.06- WR Kenny Britt, Stl.
15.07- K Mason Crosby, GB
16.06- D/ST, Arizona Cardinals

 

Analysis: If I remember correctly, someone used the word "uncomfortable" to describe their feelings about a few of these teams. That would be my word for JScott's team for reasons I have already discussed some, but will reiterate here. First though, I would like to pay attention to the upside of the team. This team could potentially have the league's #1 QB, #1 WR, and #1 TE and if that happened, it would come as a surprise to no one. Rodgers, Green, and Gronkowski give this team a potentially lethal scoring base. Add in the upside of young, explosive WRs like Patterson and Watkins and it's easy to see how this team could excel. Depth at RB and WR is a bit suspect from my perspective, but Russell Wilson is a fabulous choice to back up Aaron Rodgers just as Dwayne Allen perfectly backs up Gronk with Andrew Luck looking to get him the ball frequently. So, where's the discomfort if you will? Running back, running back, running back. By selecting four RBs in rounds 5-9, JScott attempted to address the position adequately, but Trent Richardson as a #1 and the combo of Vereen/Thomas/Bell in supportive roles would scare me to death. I fear it could be the team's huge achilles heel. But, there is health and prosperity elsewhere as was noted.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Gronkowski's health first and foremost. For JScott, that is a familiar theme given that he had to wait for Gronk to come around last season as well. Not choosing a RB in the third round will be fatal to this team's success if Gronk ends up repeating what took place in 2013. There's no two ways about that. I also think an injury or two needs to thrust Vereen, Thomas, Bell, or Hyde into stardom to give the team something unexpected at the RB position. Should Reggie Bush, Frank Gore, Steven Ridley, or one of the Saints' RBs get hurt longer term, JScott's curious foursome could produce an unexpected diamond in the rough.

 

Favorite pick: I think the selection of Joique Bell could (and I'm only saying could) save this team. When/if Reggie Bush breaks down, Bell has the capacity to produce #1 RB-type numbers. It was a timely pick.

 

Least Favorite pick: Patterson. It will be fascinating to see if a team that doesn't pick a RB until the second half of Round Five can realistically compete for a No-Hassle title. Would have gone RB for sure in Round Four if it were me.

 

Overall outlook: As stated previously, I would have almost zero comfort going into a season with this team given its deficiencies at RB. But, I admire JScott for thinking way out of the box and assembling a team that is unbalanced, but potentially explosive and dynamic in spots. If the #1 QB, #1 WR, and #1 TE scenario were to play out, it would mean JScott would only need to hit on one of his five running backs to be in the mix for a No-Hassle championship. That's certainly within the realm of reason. Whatever happens, it will be fun tracking this unorthodox team.

 

White Wonder:

1.08- RB Montee Ball, Den.
2.05- WR Brandon Marshall, Chi.
3.08- RB Bishop Sankey, Ten.
4.05- WR Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.
5.08- WR Roddy White, Atl.
6.05- RB Steven Jackson, Atl.
7.08- TE Kyle Rudolph, Min.
8.05- QB Jay Cutler, Chi.
9.08- QB Tony Romo, Dal.
10.05- WR Reggie Wayne, Ind.
11.08- WR Brandin Cooks, NO
12.05- RB C.J. Anderson, Den.
13.08- RB Jonathan Stewart, Car.
14.05- TE Mychal Rivera, Oak.
15.08- D/ST, St. Louis Rams
16.05- K Blair Walsh, Min.

Analysis: I call this the "extreme" team coming into the 2014 No-Hassle season. You have either extreme youth or considerable age within the roster and very little in between. The top two projected RBs enter the 2014 season with one year of combined experience between them. Meanwhile, the projected starting WRs have about 30 years of experince amongst them. Reggie Wayne and Steven Jackson are on their last legs. Brandin Cooks hasn't played a down yet in the NFL. Need I continue? In the end, it is a formula that makes this team impossible to predict as no one really knows how productive Ball and Sankey will be and no one is quite sure whether or not guys like Fitzgerald and White should still be classified as elite fantasy WRs or not. I do like the QB duo that WW has here and if Romo and Cutler score as they typically do, he'll get some very productive weeks out of them in tandem. Not sure the TEs will do much, but again, with new coaching staffs in place, who really knows? What is known is that when Cutler and Marshall are working well together, this team stands to prosper.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: When you spend two of your first three picks on RBs who have never started a game in the NFL at that position, you've taken a tremendous leap of faith. And so it is with the starting duo of Ball and Sankey. No team has a greater risk for falling flat and finishing dead last than this team given that neither Ball nor Sankey may be cut out for the job. And, the emergence of Michael Floyd and Julio Jones may relegate Fitz and White to second banana statuses on their own teams. In the end, with depth not deemed as good as some teams, Ball and Sankey must be good. The WRs will ultimately produce at some level. The RBs must join in or else.

 

Favorite pick: Fitzgerald. While I am certain that Roddy White is now the second banana in Atlanta, I'm not sure Fitz is ready to concede in Arizona just yet. If he ends up top ten at the WR spot, it will really benefit this team. I liked the selection of Cutler and Romo in rounds 8 & 9 a lot, too.

 

Least Favorite pick: I thought Ball went too early given what little we know about him. Yes, his situation is ideal, but is he ideal for his situation? Steven Jackson was also a questionable pick given what he did in 2013.

 

Overall outlook: Anything I would try to suggest about this team's fate would be purely a stab in the dark. With so many variables to consider, WW's group could finish anywhere from first to last and it honestly wouldn't shock me all that much. Guys like Cutler, Marshall, Romo, Fitzgerald, and White do have a history of great fantasy production, but with the exception of Marshall, all of their best days may very well be behind them. What that leaves is two young RBs on an island seeking to lead a team beyond the expectations of some. It's a foundation...but it's a bit of a shaky one to begin the 2014 campaign.

 

ICEMAN:

1.09- QB Peyton Manning, Den.
2.04- RB Le'Veon Bell, Pit.
3.09- RB Andre Ellington, Ari.
4.04- TE Vernon Davis, SF
5.09- RB Frank Gore, SF
6.04- WR Marques Colston, NO
7.09- WR Julian Edelman, NE
8.04- RB Stevan Ridley, NE
9.09- RB LeGarrette Blount, Pit.
10.04- QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit.
11.09- TE Heath Miller, Pit.
12.04- WR Josh Gordon, Cle.
13.09- WR Reuben Randle, NYG
14.04- WR Jarrett Boykin, GB
15.09- K Adam Vinatieri, Ind.
16.04- D/ST, Chicago Bears

 

Analysis: I spoke about co-champions earlier in the analysis and ICE represents the other half of that distinction after a stellar 2013 campaign. Essentially, he's built the exact flip side of JScott with this team as he waited until round SIX to pick his first wide receiver. At QB, he has the best. The best there ever was from a fantasy football perspective. That's good. Then, he added four likely starters for their respective teams at RB with both youth and experience blended in. And, certainly, Vernon Davis gives the team an elite tight end just for kicks. So, consider that: Best QB (Manning), deep and talented RB corps led by second year hopefuls Bell and Ellington, and great production likely from the TE position. All would appear to be well. Until you consider just how inferior this WR corps is. Marques Colston is no longer a #1 fantasy WR. Heck, he may not even be a #3 at this point. Julian Edelman's role will diminish if Gronk gets healthy...Josh Gordon was probably a wasted pick and Randle and Boykin have competition for playing time all around them. This receiving corps is the league's worst bar none and do place a tremendous burden on the strengths of the team in order for success to develop. Proceed with caution.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: I like what ICE did at RB. Those five guys are going to produce in pretty good harmony from my estimation. Manning should have another incredible year and VD is solid and dependable at the TE position. It really does just come down to getting something out of Colston, Edelman, Randle, and Boykin. When you take a QB in the first round, you always run the risk of one position being deeply deficient and that's what happened here. If ICE could just rank 8-10 in points for the year at the WR position, he could compete for another league title. That's all it would take with such talent elsewhere.

 

Favorite pick: It takes guts to take a QB in the first round of this draft, but ICE did the right thing. Manning was the best pick on the board at that time. Thought Ridley was a great pick-up in the eighth round as well.

 

Least Favorite pick: Gore has too many guys nipping at his heels for carries for my liking and Ellington is smallish. I thought ICE should have grabbed at WR instead of taking one of those guys (or both).

 

Overall outlook: Manning, barring an injury, is NEVER going to let you down in fantasy football. Le'Veon Bell looks like the real deal to me, and I can't help but think that the combination of Ellington, Gore, and Ridley while not ideal, could yield good results based upon their scoring patterns from last year. Can a team with such deficiencies at WR compete in a pass-happy era? Conventional wisdom says no- at least in terms of winning a title. But, don't ever underestimate Manning's ability to carry a team. No greater assurance exists in Fantasy Football than with what he brings to the table.

 

Fumbleweed:

1.10- RB Marshawn Lynch, Sea.
2.03- WR Dez Bryant, Dal.
3.10- QB Matthew Stafford, Det.
4.03- RB C.J. Spiller, Buf.
5.10- WR T.Y. Hilton, Ind.
6.03- RB Rashad Jennings, NYG
7.10- WR Eric Decker, NYJ
8.03- QB Matt Ryan, Atl.
9.10- TE Martellus Bennett, Chi.
10.03- WR Tavon Austin, Stl.
11.10- TE Charles Clay, Mia.
12.03- RB Bernard Pierce, Bal.
13.10- WR Steve Smith, Bal.
14.03- K Matt Prater, Den.
15.10- RB David Wilson, NYG
16.03- D/ST, San Francisco 49ers

 

Analysis: The power base of this team is rooted in its "triplet" formation as Stafford, Lynch, and Bryant form the scoring base. There is enough depth to secure additional scoring, but ultimately this team's rise and fall will depend on all three top picks remaining healthy as all are proven scorers. Of the three, Lynch has the most red flags as he is nearing the end of his career as a top-shelf RB. As always, the question is: Does the drop-off begin this year? It could, and if it did, the burden would fall to high-potential guys like Spiller and Jennings to pick up the slack. As with so many RBs this upcoming season, though, neither of those guys is a sure thing either. In the end, this is a team of value picks that looks good on paper, but may or may not be cohesive from a No-Hassle standpoint. There is a lot of potential there with the mix of veteran and younger players in the fold, but three of the picks are playing with new teams this season including Eric Decker, whose value is very uncertain without Peyton Manning throwing him the ball. I like this team a lot, but in some ways, they're operating without a net.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: I really feel like Stafford and Bryant are established fantasy threats in their primes and as such expect nothing less than production from them. Hilton, likewise, is certain to produce with stability in place at the QB position. And so it comes back to Lynch and the two guys on new teams in New York. Either Decker or Jennings one will need to have some success or else I will have wasted two critical picks on guys that didn't fit with their new systems. My failure to secure Chrstine Michael also insures if Lynch busts, this team probably isn't going to contend for a No-Hassle title. I think the depth on this team is solid, though, and should be a perfect complement to the scoring base should everything unfold as hoped.

 

Favorite pick: Was quite happy to land Dez Bryant in the second round and also pleased with the acquisition of Tavon Austin late. The Rams seemed to finally figure out how to use him as last season was concluding.

 

Least Favorite pick: Bernard Pierce/David Wilson. Not because I'm down on those guys...but because Christine Michael needed to be on this team to provide a fallback for Lynch.

 

Overall outlook: Obviously, one should like their team coming out of a draft in most instances, and for the most part, I do like what I've put together here. In choosing Stafford, I weakened my #2 RB and WR some and that wil certainly haunt me if Stafford fares no better than the half dozen or so QBs chosen after him in this year's June Mock. Bryant and Stafford are capable of big weeks from time to time and I think I'll be in the top-3 in scoring on the weeks that one or both go off. The question is: How far does this team fall when that's not the case with no other "sure thing" RBs or WRs on the roster? I think this team is a contender, but realistically, I like a few teams better given how well they executed a plan out of their respective draft spots.

 

Matt's Eagles:

1.11- TE Jimmy Graham, NO
2.02- WR Julio Jones, Atl.
3.11- RB Ben Tate, Cle.
4.02- RB Reggie Bush, Det.
5.11- WR Michael Floyd, Ari.
6.02- WR Mike Evans, TB
7.11- WR Emmanuel Sanders, Den.
8.02- QB Colin Kaepernick, SF
9.11- RB DeAngelo Williams, Car.
10.02- RB Devonta Freeman, Atl.
11.11- WR Jordan Matthews, Phi.
12.02- TE Eric Ebron, Det.
13.11- QB Sam Bradford, Stl.
14.02- WR Odell Beckham, Jr., NYG
15.11- K Greg Zuerlein, Stl.
16.02- D/ST, Philadelphia Eagles

 

Analysis: You would think a team that contains a TE selected in the first round would look pretty odd in other spots, but that is simply not the case with Matt's Eagles as he waited longer to grab a QB and in the process ended up with pretty good depth at WR and a couple of RBs who could pay large dividends if they can stay healthy (both have a history of not doing so). And, If you're wondering why rookie skill position players haven't been mentioned a lot in the overall analysis up until now, it's because so many of them reside on this team. Evans, Freeman, Ebron, Beckham, Matthews...all rookies and all now a part of Matt's squad. What is there to be made of all this? I'm not sure exactly. My initial instinct is that Matt got a little rookie-crazy with his selections and may be one of the weakest teams in the league at QB as well. But, on a positive note, Graham is a beast at TE and Julio Jones was headed for a monster season last year before getting hurt. Can they carry this team if most of the rookie selections don't pan out? Very hard to say. It will probably depend mostly on the factors noted below in "No-Hassle Keys".

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Goodness...where to start? Yes, the rookies must produce and yes, Kaepernick needs to improve his yardage totals through the air...but ultimately, this team's success resides with one question and one question only: Can Ben Tate and Reggie Bush stay healthy? DeAngelo Williams and DeVonta Freeman will take this team nowhere if neither Tate nor Bush can stay on the field. A combined 28 out of 32 games played by both Tate and Bush gives this team a chance to excel. Anything short of that and it's up to the rookies and the dynamic duo of Graham & Jones to find a way. It's a cross-your-fingers sort of proposition.

 

Favorite pick: Emmanuel Sanders could end up being a sneaky good pick, particularly if Wes Welker's game begins to decline and if the rookie Denver drafted is slow to develop. A duplication of Eric Decker's numbers from last year would make Sanders a super steal.

 

Least Favorite pick: No one particular pick as I thought Matt made good, high-upside selections overall. At some point, though, you've got to realize that your team is nearly half-full of rookies and maybe lay off one or two of them in making later round selections.

 

Overall outlook: The future is bright if Tate and Bush stay healthy and productive. Some of the young guys should pan out and Kapernick, Jones, and particularly Graham are all capable of big, big weeks when the matchups are right. In the end, I think this team is more "middle of the pack" than anything else as its only true star is a tight end and one that is in the middle of an interesting contract debate to boot. It will certainly be an interesting team to follow with so many players being thrust into new situations to consider. Fun stuff.

 

Shovelheadt:

1.12- WR Demaryius Thomas, Den.
2.01- RB Doug Martin, TB
3.12- QB Andrew Luck, Ind.
4.01- RB Ryan Mathews, SD
5.12- WR DeSean Jackson, Was.
6.01- WR Jeremy Maclin, Phi.
7.12- QB Andy Dalton, Cin.
8.01- WR Marvin Jones, Cin.
9.12- D/ST, Seattle Seahawks
10.01- RB Jeremy Hill, Cin.
11.12- RB Roy Helu, Was.
12.01- TE LaDarius Green, SD
13.12- WR Greg Jennings, Min.
14.01- K Justin Tucker, Bal.
15.12- TE Brandon Pettigrew, Det.
16.01- TE Coby Fleener, Ind.

 

Analysis: With the first six picks accounting for a QB, 2 RBs, and 3 WRs, Shovel sought to "balance" out his team knowing that the final pick in the first round would fail to grant him a superstar player. That certainly has to be considered a reasonable strategy. The question becomes: Did he balance his team with the right guys? Nearly every player enters an NFL season with question marks of some sort, but Shovel's bunch probably has more than most of the other teams in the league starting out. Two starters are coming off season-ending injuries in 2013 and two others are fairly injury prone. Add to that suspect depth at RB and a threesome of b-listers at TE and there's plenty to be concerned about heading into this No-Hassle season. On the flip side, however, DeMaryius Thomas and Andrew Luck are two guys clearly in their prime who could both finish top-3 at their positions for the year, which would go a long way in insuring overall success. The early D/ST pick left Shovel with some lesser talent than some in later rounds, but the pick would be a solid one in any other format.

Key to No-Hassle success: Well, with Luck and Thomas providing a dependable foundation, the key to this team is easily Doug Martin. With a new coaching staff in place and the uncertainly of his recovery from a knee injury to ponder, Shovel needs the Doug Martin of 2012 to re-emerge and not the Doug Martin of 2013. Maclin is in a similar situation, although his success is less crucial than Martin's in terms of framing Shovel's overall shot at league glory. Finally, what role will DeSean Jackson play on a new team and with a new coach? And, will Roy Helu have some sort of role on that same team? I think Shovel was smart getting three TEs after waiting so long to select his first, so I think that will work out just fine.

Favorite pick: DeMaryius Thomas. Thomas could easily emerge as fantasy's #1 WR this year. There was no better pick to be made from the #12 spot.

 

Least Favorite pick: Doug Martin. It could pan out and make Shovel look like a genius, but the risk was too great for me given Martin's struggles last year prior to the injury and then the injury itself. Risky, risky, risky.

 

Overall outlook: I don't think this team will fall flat due to what Thomas and Luck bring to the table, but I'm not in love with the overall roster certainly as I don't see many explosive scorers there to supplement the foundational players. Ryan Mathews could turn out to be a steal if he is utilized in a fashion similar to last year, but the acquisition of Donald Brown this offseason by the Chargers has me thinking three-headed RBBC in San Diego. Then again, if Andy Dalton connects with Marvin Jones for 10+ TDs this season, all bets are off. The #12 spot is a hard place to build a championship contender from and it's hard to fault Shovel's efforts overall. We'll just have to wait and see...

[Fumbleweed 419]

Check back tomorrow PM. Hoping to have the analysis done by then.

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

cool stuff fumble. always love reading your analysis.

 

i did a very small analysis (few sentences each) on each team.. I'll post it in this thread after youre all done..

[RicemanX 20]

1.01- RB Jamaal Charles, KC

2.12- RB Giovani Bernard, Cin.

3.01- WR Jordy Nelson, GB

4.12- WR Pierre Garcon, Was.

5.01- WR Torrey Smith, Bal.

6.12- QB Cam Newton, Car.

7.01- TE Jason Witten, Dal.

8.12- RB Lamar Miller, Mia.

9.01- WR Cecil Shorts, Jax.

10.12- RB Darren McFadden, Oak.

11.01- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Car.

12.12- TE Jared Cook, Stl.

13.01- QB Joe Flacco, Bal.

14.12- K Phil Dawson, SF

15.01- D/ST, Cincinnati Bengals

16.12- TE Jace Amaro, NYJ

 

Thank you for the kind words fumble. I am pretty happy with the result of my draft.

Like most drafts, I always try to fill out my top 4 RB/WR before anything else. The first 4-6 rounds are usually best RB/WR available, unless a QB or TE has really really good value, but that is rare for me.

 

I love my starting 7, I think this starting 7, if healthy, can keep me in the top half of the league every single week.

I love my wide receiver core. I think all 5 WRs will be able to contribute and make an impact.

 

I struggled with my picks after the 7th round. I feel like managing backup value is still something I need to work on. Instead of picking the best player available or picking a player because of value, I need to try to visualize who I will be able to get in future rounds and understand who I need to pick now to prevent trouble in the future rounds. I do no like my McFadden, Flacco, or Jared Cook picks, but those all came out of necessity and lack of planning.

 

Hindsight 20/20, I would have picked a backup RB like Ray Rice or Frank Gore instead of Torrey Smith, and just went with the WR starters of Nelson, Garcon, and Shorts. With that RB backup chosen early, I would have had the opportunity to choose a backup QB and TE earlier.

[Dan 59]

Great job, Fumble. Love your analysis. As I said in the commentary threads, I'm not totally comfortable myself with my draft. In the final analysis, it was something I wanted to try, going with so much youth. Frankly, my biggest issue with myself is the kick in the pants after the fact over Julius Thomas. I believe he's #2, and will be drafted that way more and more, but the gaffe was taking him in the second. I don't think he falls to my pick in the 4th, but I would have felt better overall taking Antonio Brown in the 2nd (he went 2.10) and then taking Julius in the 3rd. If Brown outperforms Allen (and I expect him to), then I blew it. And that one I knew almost as soon as I had made the pick. So there is a lot of pressure on Thomas and Allen. Julius Thomas needs to duplicate last year . .. period. If he does, missing a tight end for a week won't hurt really bad. If he doesn't, well . . . at least he won't be in jail.

 

The rest of the draft was a deliberate attempt to draw myself out of my own "safe zone," wherein there is more Brian Hartline than Keenan Allen in me. I love the upside of my squad, and if this were dynasty, I would really love my team.

 

Woods is my key pick, because I think he's going to be the focal point of that passing game. If he blows up, I'm going to look like a genius. If he doesn't, I need someone in that receiving corps to step up.

 

Rivers and Hartline . . . are underrated. Rivers in 2012 was the anomaly, not 2013. He's consistent. Oddly, I theoretically worked with less last year in Tony Romo. Hartline has shown what he is - 1000 yards and several TDs a year. I'll take that to settle down the youth of this squad. Williams? Meh. I wasn't fond of much at that point of the draft.

 

The pick that interests me is Jones-Drew. I'm kinda watching him like I watched Moreno last year. Lots of skepticism, no expectations, and I think he's going to have a really good year. We'll see, but there is still a ton of talent in Pocket Hercules.

 

I think you were kind. This is a boom-or-bust team, and I could very easily finish 12th, and make you all feel good. But the upside . . . I'll just keep thinking positive.

[Fumbleweed 419]

Analysis is done. Thanks for your patience.

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

thanks fumble

 

can't argue with anything you said regarding my team. I view my WR's as a strength more so than a potential weakness as some of the younger guys still have much to prove. White is 2nd fiddle for sure but its a fairly well tuned fiddle.

 

the Ball pick admittedly was a bit of a reaction to my draft slot and me thinking "well, if im going to just miss out on the top 5 backs AND Calvin and be stuck in the middle, fock it.... im going to swing for the fences". I could have selected a WR there, probably Dem Thomas but I really like a lot of the WR's in round 2 and did not want to go WR-WR. I suppose an alternate strategy would have been Dem Thomas followed up by Demarco Murray, possibly a better duo in hindsight to Ball and Marshall.

[Vikings4ever 496]

 

I know I've said it before, but in this league, I'll go more high risk/high reward than normal with the best ball format. In another league, I probably would have taken Crabtree over Harvin, but that's really the only pick I can really say "I probably wouldn't do this in a regular league".

 

Also, as I posted in the mange forum:

 

I also like my starters, I probably grabbed a TE2 a little earlier than needed, but after getting a zero from my TEs last year cost me the league...

I do wish I'd grabbed a 5th RB (and a better third), but I felt I got better players at WR than I would have going RB. I'm also second guessing Alfred Morris, wondering if I should have gone with the more explosive Gio, especially considering I grabbed RG3 later.

[robb 71]

 

 

Least Favorite pick: Christine Michael. Not because it was a bad pick. Because it messed with my own team/drafting plan.

Awh..................... I am sorry Fumble.

 

LOL, great comment!

[Fumbleweed 419]

Other feedback and commentary would certainly be welcome as time permits...

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

RicemanX:
1.01- RB Jamaal Charles, KC

2.12- RB Giovani Bernard, Cin.
3.01- WR Jordy Nelson, GB
4.12- WR Pierre Garcon, Was.
5.01- WR Torrey Smith, Bal.
6.12- QB Cam Newton, Car.
7.01- TE Jason Witten, Dal.
8.12- RB Lamar Miller, Mia.
9.01- WR Cecil Shorts, Jax.
10.12- RB Darren McFadden, Oak.
11.01- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Car.
12.12- TE Jared Cook, Stl.
13.01- QB Joe Flacco, Bal.
14.12- K Phil Dawson, SF
15.01- D/ST, Cincinnati Bengals
16.12- TE Jace Amaro, NYJ

I admittedly wasn't paying much attention to Riceman's team during the draft but I think he did a really solid job. Having the #1 overall pick can sometimes be looked at as "easy" but I think the true test of a good draft from the #1 spot is doing a good job in the middle rounds and not getting "cute". I really like the combination of Charles and Bernard. Probably would like it better in a PPR format but even here it should be deadly. While his WR's are not my personal favorites, I recognize their talent and believe he has a nice starting trio. Cam was a target of mine at QB so I like that selection.

The key will be how well Rice selected his depth. Shorts has a down season last year and Benjamin is not someone I was high on coming out of college. He landed in a good situation for targets but can he handle having to be THE guy this early? McFadden may be #2 in Oakland but I thought the Lamar Miller pick was a heady selection.

I think 3 TE's is a waste for this format. He would have been better served taking a 5th RB or even a 6th WR.

Overall - I think this team can and will compete for a no hassle crown. Not my personal favorite post draft but definitely in the upper half of the league and solidly built the way I like, addressing RB and WR early, while waiting until the middle rounds to look at QB and TE.

Vikings4Ever:
1.02- RB LeSean McCoy, Phi.
2.11- RB Alfred Morris, Was.
3.02- WR Alshon Jeffery, Chi.
4.11- TE Jordan Cameron, Cle.
5.02- WR Percy Harvin, Sea.
6.11- QB Robert Griffin III, Was.
7.02- WR Mike Wallace, Mia.
8.11- RB Terrance West, Cle.
9.02- WR DeAndre Hopkins, Hou.
10.11- WR Danny Amendola, NE
11.02- TE Zach Ertz, Phi.
12.11- QB Ryan Tannehill, Mia.
13.02- WR Markus Wheaton, Pit.
14.11- RB Chris Ivory, NYJ
15.02- K Nick Novak, SD
16.11- D/ST, Minnesota Vikings

Well, after last years tight end debacle, Vikings certainly addressed the position with Cameron and Ertz. More on this later. I like the McCoy and Jeffery picks. Explosive players that are perfect for this format. I like that he waited on a QB and I like the balance on the team in terms of positional depth.

Usually, I really like teams that Vikes puts together, but in the interest of not being overly positive about everyones teams, my issues are as follows...... Once the big three tight ends are off the board, I would much rather wait than spend a 4th round pick on a guy like Cameron. Nothing personal against Cameron per say but i'm not sure there is much distinction between him and the next 4-5 names with all the coaching changes and last year being the 1st year he actually did anything. On the other hand, the pending Gordon suspension could be very good for Mr. Cameron. I'm also not big on the RB depth here. The 3rd and 4th options on this team are currently the #2's on their respective NFL teams. Though that can change very easily. Finally, i'm not sure about the WR depth either. Wallace, Hopkins and Amendola don't excite me and I would have liked to see a bit more solid depth with Harvin as a #2.

Overall - As i said, I usually loves Vikes teams. This year seems to be the exception. I'm sure Vikes will prove me wrong and be in contention for a No Hassle crown but right now, and unless a few things break his way (RB situations in Cleveland and NY as well as health for Harvin and Amendola), Im not seeing it.

 

Robb:
1.03- RB Adrian Peterson, Min.
2.10- QB Drew Brees, NO
3.03- WR Antonio Brown, Pit.
4.10- WR Andre Johnson, Hou.
5.03- RB Chris Johnson, NYJ
6.10- WR Kendall Wright, Ten.
7.03- TE Jordan Reed, Was.
8.10- RB Khiry Robinson, NO
9.03- WR Hakeem Nicks, Ind.
10.10- QB Eli Manning, NYG
11.03- RB Christine Michael, Sea.
12.10- TE Tyler Eifert, Cin.
13.03- WR James Jones, Oak.
14.10- K Steven Hauschka, Sea.
15.03- D/ST, Denver Broncos
16.10- RB Lance Dunbar, Dal.

It has to be nice to draw the #3 pick and get Adrian Peterson. then to follow it up with Drew Brees, Im vocal about waiting on QB but I think if you're going to grab one early, Brees may offer the best 'value'. Antonio Brown is one of my favorite players and a guy I was really hoping would slide in round 3. I think he was a great pick and I think he is currently being overlooked right now. After picking Brees in the 2nd, holding off on tight end was the thing to do. I'm not sure I trust Jordan Reed with his concussion history but the upside is certainly there.

I like the depth at WR but the RBs after Peterson scare me. As a Jet fan, I'm hoping for the best from CJ1K. Khiry Robinson is trending but very much unproven and with Christine Michael, you're counting on a Lynch injury.... or retirement. With Lance Dunbar you are again counting on injury but I do think a 5th RB was wise. Hopefully one of them hits to pair with Peterson for every week production.

Overall - The Peterson/Brees duo can probably win you a lot of weeks so to speak and when you add in Antonio Brown and Andre Johnson (Im assuming he will be playing at his normal level), this team has the guns to compete. I think the biggest issue will be needing a few of the depth guys to step up and contribute, mainly at RB. If that happens, this team will be right there down the stretch.

Dan:
1.04- RB Matt Forte, Chi.
2.09- TE Julius Thomas, Den.
3.04- WR Keenan Allen, SD
4.09- RB Toby Gerhart, Jax.
5.04- WR Michael Crabtree, SF
6.09- RB Knowshon Moreno, Mia.
7.04- WR Terrance Williams, Dal.
8.09- QB Philip Rivers, SD
9.04- RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Oak.
10.09- WR Brian Hartline, Mia.
11.04- WR Aaron Dobson, NE
12.09- QB Brian Hoyer, Cle.
13.04- WR Robert Woods, Buf.
14.09- QB Johnny Manziel. Cle.
15.04- D/ST, New England Patriots
16.09- K Alex Henery, Phi.

I like that Dan stuck with RB in round 1. Forte can easily be right on par with the 3 backs taken before him. Dan also seems to be a man after my own heart with his refusal to draft a QB until round 8. I would have drafted Romo personally (oh wait, I did!) but Rivers is a solid option. Not sure he will repeat last year though.

Crabtree and Williams make for a fine #2 and #3. Hartline is another one of those overlooked and undervalued players. Sure, he won't score a bunch of touchdowns but he has quietly had back to back thousand yard seasons and should be a nice bench option. I like Gerhart as a solid #2 this year in the 4th round. Hopefully Moreno gets in shape and regains #1 back duties in Miami. That may prove to be key for this team.

What I disliked about Dans draft was taking Julius in round 2. Dan has already admitted he likely should have taken WR in round 2 and Thomas in round 3. No guarantee Thomas wouldn't have been sniped but I personally would have rather had Antonio Brown or Alshon. Nothing against Keenan Allen but a Brown/Thomas pairing would have been a sexier duo in my own opinion. I also really dislike the 3 QB route that Dan took here. Essentially it is 3 picks used to take 2 quarterbacks. I wouldn't ever advocate handcuffing a QB. Would have much rather seen a 5th RB there.

Overall - All in all I think Dan drafted a pretty solid team but i'm not sure it excites me enough to proclaim it will be contending when the final few weeks roll around. As I said before, Knowshon will be key with only he and MJD backing up Forte and Gerhart. Dan also needs some production out there in the Cleveland passing game sans Gordon.

Ray Lewis' Limo Driver:
1.05- WR Calvin Johnson, Det.
2.08- RB DeMarco Murray, Dal.
3.05- RB Zac Stacy, Stl.
4.08- WR Victor Cruz, NYG
5.05- RB Ray Rice, Bal.
6.08- QB Tom Brady, NE
7.05- TE Dennis Pitta, Bal.
8.08- WR Golden Tate, Det.
9.05- WR Riley Cooper, Phi.
10.08- RB Darren Sproles, Phi.
11.05- WR Anquan Boldin, SF
12.08- QB Carson Palmer, Ari.
13.05- TE Antonio Gates, SD
14.08- K Stephen Gostkowski, NE
15.05- D/ST, Carolina Panthers
16.08- RB Donald Brown, SD

In 2012, RLLD had the 5th overall pick. That year, he drafted......... Calvin Johnson. While I certainly have no issue with Calvin, I no longer view him as head and shoulders above the rest of the WRs. I almost see little difference in Calvin, Dem Thomas, AJ Green and Dez Bryant. I also honestly only see a small difference between him and Julio (when healthy) and Brandon Marshall. So I'm by no means faulting the pick but my preference would have been to grab an Eddie Lacy and then turn around and take an Antonio Brown or Alshon in round 2.

That said, I really love Demarco Murray. what a great value he was at 2.8. I would have loved to take him myself but really wanted Marshall. So I have zero issue with the tandem of Calvin and Murray. So despite what I said in the opening few sentences, I really like what Ray was able to do here.

Furthermore, Im not high on Stacy but this was undeniable good value. The length of Ray Rice's suspension will be key for RLLD, as will a bounce back season for Victor Cruz. Brady should be solid. I don't love the Golden Tate, Riley Cooper and Carson Palmer picks. not sure they act as great depth but I do like the Brady and Pitta picks. Right about where they should go and I think both will have very good years.

Overall - Picks 2 through 5 are going to determine Rays success. Murray has an injury history with his violent style. Stacy needs to avoid a sophomore slump. Cruz and the entire giants offense needs a bounce back and I already covered the wife beater. If all those picks break right I see Ray as a top 5 team. If not, it could be a long season.

Remote Controller:
1.06- RB Eddie Lacy, GB
2.07- RB Arian Foster, Hou.
3.06- WR Randall Cobb, GB
4.07- WR Vincent Jackson, TB
5.06- WR Wes Welker, Den.
6.07- QB Nick Foles, Phi.
7.06- TE Greg Olsen, Car.
8.07- RB Fred Jackson, Buf.
9.06- WR Dwayne Bowe, KC
10.07- RB Danny Woodhead, SD
11.06- QB Alex Smith, KC
12.07- TE Delanie Walker, Ten.
13.06- WR Kenny Stills, NO
14.07- RB Andre Brown, Hou.
15.06- K Dan Bailey, Dal.
16.07- D/ST, Kansas City Chiefs

One of my early favorites right here. Much like riceman, Remote built this team the way I like. RB and WR early with solid QB and TE in the mid rounds. The result was a RB duo that has the potential to be the best duo in this draft and a WR trio that should be relied on heavily. I'm a big Cobb fan. Not so much a VJax fan but that stems from PPR and I admit he is a very good pick in our scoring format. Olsen and Foles should be solid values although I am still a bit lukewarm on Foles and would probably rather wait 2 more rounds for Romo. I prefer Cam to Foles as well.

I also really liked what RC did in the later rounds. With the exception of Bowe, who I don't care for at all, I think the late picks were used smartly. Fred Jackson is not the best of #3's but a team can't have it all can they? Considering Andre Brown was added late as Foster insurance, the Jackson thing doesn't really bother me and I think he will provide some weeks with starters numbers. Woodhead doesn't do much for me in standard scoring but not a bad #4. Alex Smith is underrated.

Overall - I think this team is my early favorite for the No Hassle crown. Seems to be a good mix of safety and upside at all positions. I suppose the biggest keys to winning or at least remaining in the chase all year will be Arian Fosters health and the continued development of Nick Foles.

JScott:
1.07- WR A.J. Green, Cin.
2.06- QB Aaron Rodgers, GB
3.07- TE Rob Gronkowski, NE
4.06- WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Min.
5.07- RB Trent Richardson, Ind.
6.06- RB Shane Vereen, NE
7.07- WR Sammy Watkins, Buf.
8.06- RB Joique Bell, Det.
9.07- RB Pierre Thomas, NO
10.06- QB Russell Wilson, Sea.
11.07- WR Justin Hunter, Ten.
12.06- TE Dwayne Allen, Ind.
13.07- RB Carlos Hyde, SF
14.06- WR Kenny Britt, Stl.
15.07- K Mason Crosby, GB
16.06- D/ST, Arizona Cardinals

It's just so so tough, in my opinion, to build a team when you go both QB and TE early. The result ends up being a rookie at WR3, a still slightly unknown at WR2 and a slew of PPR backs needing to produce at standard levels. Oh, and a reliance on 3 yards and a cloud of dust Trent Richardson.

On the bright side, if there was ever a squad for me to love that went QB and TE early, this is the one! Why?.... UPSIDE! I think when you start a team like this, you can't make a bunch of safe picks, you need to grab a Sammy Watkins and hope for AJ Green type rookie numbers rather than Crabtree type rookie numbers. Probable? not sure but you have to roll the dice. You need to take huge upside guys like Patterson and you need to grab the falling "PPR" backs and hope they find the endzone enough to produce starters numbers. Maybe even hope that T Rich finally cracks that 4.0 YPC.

Overall - It would be too easy to say the key to success for this team is Gronk playing 16 games. An even bigger key, in my opinion, is Reggie Bush. If or when he goes down with injury, Joique Bell could prove to be the player that takes this team to the top. Despite being built in a way I usually dislike, JScott has certainly grabbed my attention here by making a ton of great moves. As long as a few of these high upside plays work out, I see no reason this team can't challenge.

White Wonder:
1.08- RB Montee Ball, Den.
2.05- WR Brandon Marshall, Chi.
3.08- RB Bishop Sankey, Ten.
4.05- WR Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.
5.08- WR Roddy White, Atl.
6.05- RB Steven Jackson, Atl.
7.08- TE Kyle Rudolph, Min.
8.05- QB Jay Cutler, Chi.
9.08- QB Tony Romo, Dal.
10.05- WR Reggie Wayne, Ind.
11.08- WR Brandin Cooks, NO
12.05- RB C.J. Anderson, Den.
13.08- RB Jonathan Stewart, Car.
14.05- TE Mychal Rivera, Oak.
15.08- D/ST, St. Louis Rams
16.05- K Blair Walsh, Min.

It's really tough to evaluate your own team objectively. for the most part, we should like our teams... we drafted them. I will say that while I like this team well enough, I'm not overly thrilled with it nor am I thrilled with the 8th spot this year (or 7th for that matter).

I was also really hoping to land some high upside players like Cordarelle Patterson but most of them got nabbed right before where I had them "valued". So I constantly felt like I was settling in this draft as opposed to scoring the guys I really wanted.

I'm very happy with my WR group, aside from missing Patterson. There is not a ton of upside but I happen to think Marshall, Fitzgerald and White make up the best starting trio. Wayne and Cooks are a good combo of steady vet and explosive upside for my backups. RB is meh. I swung for the fences with Ball and am happy to own his handcuff but Sankey is a complete unknown. I like SJax to have a rebound, swan song season and he was a target of mine but I would have preferred to have him backing up a more established pair of starters. I love my pair of QB's and I think Rudolph is a big time upside play at tight end this season.

Overall - I do think I can contend. The key will absolutely be Ball and Sankey. Im not worried about production from the WR and QB spots. so it really falls on the RBs. If Ball and Sankey are absolute busts, I should finish near the bottom. However, if Ball is even 80% of 2013 Knowshon Moreno and if Sankey ends up being this years Lacy or Stacy, there is no reason I can't win this thing.

ICEMAN:
1.09- QB Peyton Manning, Den.
2.04- RB Le'Veon Bell, Pit.
3.09- RB Andre Ellington, Ari.
4.04- TE Vernon Davis, SF
5.09- RB Frank Gore, SF
6.04- WR Marques Colston, NO
7.09- WR Julian Edelman, NE
8.04- RB Stevan Ridley, NE
9.09- RB LeGarrette Blount, Pit.
10.04- QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit.
11.09- TE Heath Miller, Pit.
12.04- WR Josh Gordon, Cle.
13.09- WR Reuben Randle, NYG
14.04- WR Jarrett Boykin, GB
15.09- K Adam Vinatieri, Ind.
16.04- D/ST, Chicago Bears

I've said this a few times but my trepidation with this team is a result of the QB/TE combination in the first 4 rounds. Yes, Peyton is the QB to grab first but i'm not sold on Vernon Davis as an early 4th round talent. Not with Crabtree back, Boldin still in town and the other pass game weapons they added. I would have just waited at TE. I think the result is a very shaky WR group. Josh Gordon is likely suspended for the year so Ice is counting on a repeat season from Edelman to pair with Colston and then having to start Randle or Boykin on a weekly basis and that is before we talk bye weeks. I think that position is going to hamstring this team.

Ont he bright side, Manning can win you some weeks single handedly and keep you with a fighting chance. The RB position is also solid with Bell/Ellington/Gore. I also like Ridley in this format if he can regain his old role. Handcuffing Bell with Blount was a solid move.

Overall - While this team is strong at QB and RB (and potentially TE as well) I just get the feeling that the WR group will keep Iceman from truly competing this season. One injury and you're looking at weeks of 2 player production from a position where we start three. Trust me, I know from experience. Last year I was living off 2 receivers most of the season in Dez and Antonio Brown.

Fumbleweed:
1.10- RB Marshawn Lynch, Sea.
2.03- WR Dez Bryant, Dal.
3.10- QB Matthew Stafford, Det.
4.03- RB C.J. Spiller, Buf.
5.10- WR T.Y. Hilton, Ind.
6.03- RB Rashad Jennings, NYG
7.10- WR Eric Decker, NYJ
8.03- QB Matt Ryan, Atl.
9.10- TE Martellus Bennett, Chi.
10.03- WR Tavon Austin, Stl.
11.10- TE Charles Clay, Mia.
12.03- RB Bernard Pierce, Bal.
13.10- WR Steve Smith, Bal.
14.03- K Matt Prater, Den.
15.10- RB David Wilson, NYG
16.03- D/ST, San Francisco 49ers

I think fumble put together a really solid squad here. Lynch is a solid first round pick and Dez is a stud WR in round 2. I think it was way too early for Stafford but on the bright side, Fumble waited to grab a tight end and was able to fill in his depth quite nicely.

One of my favorite picks was Rashad Jennings just before me in round 6. Excellent pick! I think he is in for a solid year in New York and should be a nice best ball RB3 behind the steady Lynch and inconsistent but explosive Spiller. The WRs behind Dez are not my personal favorites. I think Hilton is a tad overrated and I expect a BIG drop off in numbers for Decker on the Jets but the depth is there and as potentially Fumble's weakest position, the group is not all that bad.

The Pierce pick was a nice late grab at RB and could pay major dividends. The continued development of Tavon Austin could prove key. The QB duo here is probably the only duo I prefer to my own, though I still say it was too early for Stafford. Its hard to argue with a Stafford/Ryan combo. That should be big numbers every week.

Overall - I think this is one of the top teams and I expect Fumble to be right in the thick of the No Hassle crown when the last few weeks roll around.

Matt's Eagles:

1.11- TE Jimmy Graham, NO
2.02- WR Julio Jones, Atl.
3.11- RB Ben Tate, Cle.
4.02- RB Reggie Bush, Det.
5.11- WR Michael Floyd, Ari.
6.02- WR Mike Evans, TB
7.11- WR Emmanuel Sanders, Den.
8.02- QB Colin Kaepernick, SF
9.11- RB DeAngelo Williams, Car.
10.02- RB Devonta Freeman, Atl.
11.11- WR Jordan Matthews, Phi.
12.02- TE Eric Ebron, Det.
13.11- QB Sam Bradford, Stl.
14.02- WR Odell Beckham, Jr., NYG
15.11- K Greg Zuerlein, Stl.
16.02- D/ST, Philadelphia Eagles

Shovelheadt:

1.12- WR Demaryius Thomas, Den.
2.01- RB Doug Martin, TB
3.12- QB Andrew Luck, Ind.
4.01- RB Ryan Mathews, SD
5.12- WR DeSean Jackson, Was.
6.01- WR Jeremy Maclin, Phi.
7.12- QB Andy Dalton, Cin.
8.01- WR Marvin Jones, Cin.
9.12- D/ST, Seattle Seahawks
10.01- RB Jeremy Hill, Cin.
11.12- RB Roy Helu, Was.
12.01- TE LaDarius Green, SD
13.12- WR Greg Jennings, Min.
14.01- K Justin Tucker, Bal.
15.12- TE Brandon Pettigrew, Det.
16.01- TE Coby Fleener, Ind.

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

i'll finish up my comments tomorrow. enjoy