Experts Mock Draft Ongoing

[Gepetto 982]

Jerome Harrison

 

I like Cutler a lot too.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

The new forum looks pretty good from my iPhone.

[Kitsnow 0]

Fred Jackson RB Buffalo.... or Ricky Williams RB Miami. Your scoring has jackson higher by 10 points in ppr, but maybe you've mentally adjusted since you did your projections. Should be happy with either one though.

[remote controller 133]

HOLY CRAP!!! How did I miss the Chris Wells selection at 2.03??? WOW!!

[Mike MacGregor 20]

Okay boys, here is the update through the weekend. I took Cutler in the 7th expecting 3-4 QB to go between that pick and my 8th. My decision came down to Cutler and Kolb. What I didn't expect is that Kolb doesn't go in that range. He comes back to me! Of course I no longer needed a QB at that point. RapidDraft got a gift with the other teams passing on Kolb for Flacco, Eli and Ryan.

 

Still, it didn't really change anything for me. None of the players taken between my 7th and 8th were considerations for me, so I didn't lose anything by taking Cutler instead of waiting for Cutler/Kolb in the 8th.

 

Amazingly, Ricky Williams and Ahmad Bradshaw were both still available in the 8th. I took Ricky. I weigh them about the same, Ricky lower risk and lower reward vs. Bradshaw higher upside, but higher risk. The daiquiri I was holding at the time told me to go with Ricky.

 

Since then a handful of good value picks have come off the board - Kolb, Bradshaw, Santana Moss, Fred Jackson, Daniels if he's healthy. Some people like Forsett a lot too. It has thinned the choices considerably for my next pick.

 

Here is my commentary for Cutler:

 

7.08 QB Jay Cutler, CHI

 

When people are jockeying for different WRs from one team, not really knowing which one might breakout, and the RB duo are both good pass catchers, maybe, just maybe the right play is the QB from that team. Now we know exactly why the bullish fantasy expectations of the Chicago Bears offense - the addition of OC Mike Martz. And why not? Martz turned Jon Kitna, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan into useful plus fantasy players. What can he do with rocket arm Cutler? Plenty of pass attempts, yards, scores and... at least INTs are not negatively scored in this league... much.

 

Here is what I wrote for the Ricky pick at the time (still haven't written my actual commentary):

 

8.05 RB Ricky Williams, MIA

 

I'm at a street party. Commentary to come. This one is for the Geeks on the FFT board

[Mike MacGregor 20]

Jerome Harrison

 

I like Cutler a lot too.

 

Harrison still available with 3 picks to go before my 9.08. I would rather go WR but if none jump out there Harrison is definitely a consideration.

 

 

Fred Jackson RB Buffalo.... or Ricky Williams RB Miami. Your scoring has jackson higher by 10 points in ppr, but maybe you've mentally adjusted since you did your projections. Should be happy with either one though.

 

Fred Jackson went after I took Ricky, and he is an almost equally good pick. I give Ricky the nod since there is a little more certainty what his role will be compared to Jackson vs. Spiller, and of course being on a better team committed to running the ball and with enough talent passing defenses can't just shut down the run.

 

HOLY CRAP!!! How did I miss the Chris Wells selection at 2.03??? WOW!!

 

That one surprised me too r c. I like what I saw from Wells last year - remember the Giants game in particular where he bulldozed some defenders - but this is a little early/risky for my liking.

[Chronic Husker 85]

I like the upside of Cutler that late in the draft but I don't think I'd just pick Cutler and roll with it. The idea of getting the value for Ricky Williams where you did is nice but I'd be a lot more comfortable with this team if you would have grabbed Kolb instead.

 

JMO

[Mike MacGregor 20]

I like the upside of Cutler that late in the draft but I don't think I'd just pick Cutler and roll with it. The idea of getting the value for Ricky Williams where you did is nice but I'd be a lot more comfortable with this team if you would have grabbed Kolb instead.

 

JMO

 

The thought did cross my mind. It certainly would have put a dagger in that team that got Kolb, but I felt we'd take too much of a hit at what is still a starting position in the lineup. As we saw a handful of good players went between Ricky and back to me, and you can bet Ricky would have been drafted in there too.

 

It is an interesting proposition. Some of the decision can go back to the format you're in. If it is a single league, doubling up at QB for superior QB depth/matchups is probably a good way to go. If it is one of the high stakes formats where you need to win your league AND set yourself up against many advancing teams for the big money, you need to take a few more chances. You wouldn't want that hit to the last starter for the sake of better QB depth. Take your shot with the 1 QB (in my case, Cutler) and get the best damn starting lineup you can.

[Kitsnow 0]

Next pick, I see three options.

Eddie Royal or John Carlson. (third option I think will still be there after the turn.)

 

Both have a drop off in points for the next available position in mike's projections and have similar fantasy points value. I would like the Carlson pick better because you can start 2TE's and a team does not have a TE yet and it is denying them a starting spot instead of a backup.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

Haven't put these latest picks in yet to see all my options, but does anyone support that Aroma guy from da Bears?

[Kitsnow 0]

After losing his big battle to knox I think he's a little overrated in drafts, but actually drafting him as the 3rd Chicago WR is fine. Going here would be fine a risk reward situation.

[Gepetto 982]

Haven't put these latest picks in yet to see all my options, but does anyone support that Aroma guy from da Bears?

 

Yes, I like him a lot.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

That is who I went with. Commentary:

 

9.08 WR Devin Aromashodu, CHI

 

There were some nice players grabbed in that last turn - Kolb, Bradshaw, Moss, Miller, Jackson, Harrison, Shiancoe in particular in my opinion. It left the cupboard depleted in talent, but still with a lot of players in the "if things break right..." category. Aromashodu is one of those players. In an extremely small sample size at the end of last year, he was incredible. Jay Cutler sung his praises recently and new OC Mike Martz also singled him out (in a good way) back in May. He looks to be third on the depth chart, which highlights the risk but the potential upside makes him a decent 9th round gamble.

 

There are certainly some interesting facts to be taken from this draft at this point.

 

• no RB drafted from the Redskins
  
• only 1 RB (Tate) drafted for the Texans
  

 

Pretty weird that a Shanahan coached team and a Shanahan disciple aren't getting much fantasy following for their running games.

 

If I had back-to-back picks I'd be tempted to take Slaton and Foster together. If I can trust this ADP data I might make a play to grab Slaton soon and then Foster not too long after.

 

LT should also be a consideration for me as a handcuff to Greene, plus the PPR scoring and that team's offensive philosophy could give LT fantasy value in his own right.

 

I see Eddie Royal is the highest projected WR available for me per Draft Buddy. I just wonder if drafting any WR on the Broncos is going to be a waste. The theory goes that someone has to catch the ball, but there were definitely teams last year with bad coaching and QB play and receivers that rendered any receiver on the team pretty useless. Broncos might just be one of those teams this year as McDaniels isn't making hardly any decisions I agree with.

[Kitsnow 0]

Michael Bush RB- Oakland

[remote controller 133]

That is who I went with. Commentary:

 

9.08 WR Devin Aromashodu, CHI

 

There were some nice players grabbed in that last turn - Kolb, Bradshaw, Moss, Miller, Jackson, Harrison, Shiancoe in particular in my opinion. It left the cupboard depleted in talent, but still with a lot of players in the "if things break right..." category. Aromashodu is one of those players. In an extremely small sample size at the end of last year, he was incredible. Jay Cutler sung his praises recently and new OC Mike Martz also singled him out (in a good way) back in May. He looks to be third on the depth chart, which highlights the risk but the potential upside makes him a decent 9th round gamble.

 

There are certainly some interesting facts to be taken from this draft at this point.

 

• no RB drafted from the Redskins
  
• only 1 RB (Tate) drafted for the Texans
  

 

Pretty weird that a Shanahan coached team and a Shanahan disciple aren't getting much fantasy following for their running games.

 

If I had back-to-back picks I'd be tempted to take Slaton and Foster together. If I can trust this ADP data I might make a play to grab Slaton soon and then Foster not too long after.

 

LT should also be a consideration for me as a handcuff to Greene, plus the PPR scoring and that team's offensive philosophy could give LT fantasy value in his own right.

 

I see Eddie Royal is the highest projected WR available for me per Draft Buddy. I just wonder if drafting any WR on the Broncos is going to be a waste. The theory goes that someone has to catch the ball, but there were definitely teams last year with bad coaching and QB play and receivers that rendered any receiver on the team pretty useless. Broncos might just be one of those teams this year as McDaniels isn't making hardly any decisions I agree with.

My questions with Royal have nothing to do with his talent. The windows that Cutler was hitting him in are windows Orton can't hit. They are closed before the ball can make it there. This is why Hester and Knox are seemingly open now. Cutlers arm is instant. I see Orton needing to go over the top more, not necessarily deep but above the coverage, ala how he hit Marshall. The ex-pat receiver Gaffney is the receiver to have on this squad now.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

Just added the 9th and 10th round picks to date. Here is my commentary for the last pick, Steve Slaton at 10.05, plus Ricky who I missed previously:

 

8.05 RB Ricky Williams, MIA

 

Ricky Williams is 33 years old, which is a big red flag for a RB. Ricky Williams is not your typical RB. As fantasy football enthusiasts, we've been through the extreme highs, downright lows to outright bizarre of Ricky Williams through his career. While the days of 350+ carries are now well in the past, Ricky has carved out a great role for himself on an improving, competitive, run-oriented Miami Dolphins team. He does what is asked of him, and he does it well. Ricky amassed almost 1,400 yards and 13 TD last season. Some of that came as a result of Ronnie Brown going on IR in Week 11, but given Brown's inability to avoid getting dinged up, the 'Phins can't afford to not get Ricky involved in a decent timeshare, which is perfectly fine at age 33.

 

10.05 RB Steve Slaton, HOU

 

As a rookie, barely on people's fantasy radar... sure, I'll buy. Last year as a late 1st to 2nd round pick... no thanks. This year, back to low expectations and - health permitting - in line for a decent chunk of what we expect to be one of the more prolific offenses in the league... okay, I'm in. Slaton red-shirted for OTAs but with this pick I'm hopeful he's back to full contact for training camp. If he's on equal footing he can outplay the other Houston backs for carries, and there is little question Slaton is the best pass-catcher of the trio.

[Kitsnow 0]

If Carlson is still there, since he grades out higher than most WR available and KFFL has no TE maybe he shoudl be a consideration. I also think Keller has some potential too but he was such a disappointment last year. I'm just a big fan of denial.

[WhiteWonder 2,171]

If Carlson is still there, since he grades out higher than most WR available and KFFL has no TE maybe he shoudl be a consideration. I also think Keller has some potential too but he was such a disappointment last year. I'm just a big fan of denial.

 

keller was neither a disappointment last year nor should he be relied on this year.

 

jets are a run first offense on a defense oriented team who have added Edwards and now Holmes (after 4 weeks) and still have Cotchery. Keller may have a good game or 4 but i just dont see the opportunities being there in this offense.

 

i do like carlson.

[Kitsnow 0]

Let's see if the Carlson pick happens.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

Let's see if the Carlson pick happens.

 

Okay, majority wins. I'm taking Carlson right now. I do like turning the screws on a team drafting next that waited at the position, and really not too many of the remaining players are jumping out at me as must have guys. Think I can get you guys to start writing the official pick commentary too?

[Kitsnow 0]

Ok here is who I would select Next.

 

Jabar Gaffney - WR Denver.

 

The Veteran Receiver among the Bronco's corps had an impressive last two games of the season getting 2TD's week 16 then 14 receptions week 17 filling in for Brandon Marshall. People like the idea of them throwing Thomas to the wolves and him starting in Marshall's old place ala Massaquoi, but most likely Gaffney will be the recipient of the fantasy benefit of Marshall moving on for most of the season at least it will be his job to lose.

 

 

I know you don't have him rated high this year, but he's the kind of sleeper I like. Not a rookie filling in for a productive player who showed a spark near the end of the season.

[Kitsnow 0]

Denied, oh well.

 

WR- Mohamed Massaquoi - Cleveland Browns.

 

At this point you have to decide if you want a 3rd string WR on a good team or a 1st WR on a terrible team. Massaquoi may be a sophmore, but he got plenty of playing time as a rookie. He's probably the only WR that should be drafted on the Browns, It is a gamble to see if Cleveland has improved at all, there is always a chance to surprise.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

I was thinking about Lee Evans. I know, I know... barely startable, but I'm confident Lee has talent. Maybe Gailey can get him involved better than the previous Bills coaches.

[Kitsnow 0]

I've gone down the lee Evans road twice in the past, even when he has a good year it is because of random massive games and that is when the team was good. I've decided since then I'd rather ppr plodders for ppr leagues. I wish he had a real receiving threat next to him. If it was non ppr I'd be more inclined to consider him. It's your draft so you do get to choose. He's one of those been burned too many times players for me.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

12.05 WR Lee Evans, BUF

 

At this point I have to decide if I want a 3rd string WR on a good team or a 1st WR on a terrible team. Evans may be a burner, not ideal for PPR scoring, but I'm optimistic Chan Gailey can put him in a better position to succeed than the prior coaching staff. He's probably the only WR that should be drafted on the Bills. It is a gamble to see if Buffalo has improved at all. There is always a chance to surprise.

 

 

I do appreciate the consideration for Massaquoi. I hesitate with him because I know good buddy and Georgia alum and FF Today alum Matt Waldman does not think much of him. That isn't to say Massaquoi won't be better than Lee Evans. Heck, seems like every pick at this point we're throwing darts to an extent.

[remote controller 133]

I haven't been following along as close, but how about a guy like James jones. Driver just had procedures done on both knees, and this is a high powered offense. I feel it might be his time. I like him over Jordy.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

I haven't been following along as close, but how about a guy like James jones. Driver just had procedures done on both knees, and this is a high powered offense. I feel it might be his time. I like him over Jordy.

 

Hey r c. I like Jones quite a bit. He went in the late 10th round, which surprised me he went that high. Not sure he is worth the flier at that price. I suspect in most drafts he would not go that high.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

I updated the first post for the picks through nearly the end of the 15th round. I don't think I'll update the images any more from this point forward, as we wind down and a lot of teams will be addressing DEF and K picks.

 

Took Massaquoi with the last pick. I was at the Jays game and thanks to Kitsnow that was about the only guy I knew off the top of my head who was available. I tempted to throw back the very similar commentary used for the Evans pick!

 

In the 14th it looked like time to grab my backup QB and I added David Garrard. There are a couple still there that other teams could draft ahead of Garrard - Sanchez, Freeman, Campbell - but figured I might as well secure Garrard instead of waiting any longer. Garrard is okay as long as you know what you are getting. People were too high on him last season. He has a limited ceiling, but his floor is decent enough, and a good steady Eddie to pair with potentially eratic Cutler.

[Kitsnow 0]

Either Grab a defense/kicker you like or Toby Gerhart next, Their are no excitable RB's really left to pick, it's mostly backups but Gerhart was selected high enough it is hard not to imagine they will use him in the offense in some way.

 

Or Mike Bell because he may get the goal line work in Philly or usurp McCoy.

[Mike MacGregor 20]

I was thinking Gerhart. He has to get some carries. Surprised no one grabbed him yet.

[remote controller 133]

Hey r c. I like Jones quite a bit. He went in the late 10th round, which surprised me he went that high. Not sure he is worth the flier at that price. I suspect in most drafts he would not go that high.

I like him as a #5 Wr and he often times will be available at will at the end of a draft. The 10th round is shocking, and means they have been reading the reports on Driver, and maybe taking a bit too much stock in them.