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*2016 No-Hassle June Mock Analysis*

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Ray Lewis' Limo Driver:

 

1.01- WR Antonio Brown, Pit.

2.12- RB Doug Martin, TB

3.01- RB LeSean McCoy, Buf.

4.12- TE Jordan Reed, Was.

5.01- RB Jeremy Langford, Chi.

6.12- WR Emmanuel Sanders, Den.

7.01- WR Steve Smith, Bal.

8.12- QB Derek Carr, Oak.

9.01- WR Stefon Diggs, Min.

10.12- RB DeAngelo Williams, Pit.

11.01- QB Andy Dalton, Cin.

12.12- RB Darren McFadden, Dal.

13.01- K Stephen Gostkowski, NE

14.12- RB Bilal Powell, NYJ

15.01- WR Davante Adams, GB

16.12- D/ST, Baltimore Ravens

 

Analysis: Gone are the days where picking a RB with the first pick in a redraft is a foregone conclusion. That being said, once Ray spent that first pick on a wide receiver (Brown), he turned his attention to running back early and often. The result is a team that is actually built on a potentially dynamic rushing attack to go along with arguably the best WR in fantasy football and one of the top 2-3 tight ends. Ray's quarterbacks aren't particularly strong, but could function well as a combination within the best ball format. The running game would be especially formidable if injuries were to strike Ezekiel Elliott and/or Le'Veon Bell as both Williams and McFadden proved last year that they can be successful and then some behind top tier offensive lines. The receivers behind Brown have upside, but also plenty of question marks. Will Emmanuel Sanders still be a major part of an offense now guided by Mark Sanchez? How much gas does Steve Smith have left in the tank? And, can Stefon Diggs take the next step forward on a team that prefers to run the ball? As with most of these teams, June can answer only so much of questions like those.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: The first two picks were rock solid in terms of putting forth the scoring base of the team. The next two picks, however, are probably key with respect to how far this team goes. LeSean McCoy could spend much of the season in the trainer's room given his history...or he could be a tremendous third round steal. Jordan Reed, meanwhile, MUST stay healthy for Ray to have title aspirations as there is no other TE on the roster to gain points from in the best ball format should he become injured. Finally, one of the WRs not named Antonio Brown needs to come up big. That along with the running game should be sufficient for title contention assuming Reed stays upright.

Favorite pick: When Ray picked Antonio Brown in the first, I really thought his RB choices on the 2/3 turn would be far, far less than ideal. Getting Doug Martin where he did and then following that up with McCoy gave his team strength at both primary scoring positions.

 

Least Favorite pick: I would have said Steve Smith at the time, but Breshad Perriman's continued struggles with health should make Smith a valuable asset for at least another year. I liked almost everything else Ray did sans backing up Reed with another tight end.

 

Overall outlook: I view this team as a strong, viable contender given the depth at RB and WR and the potential for some monster games at QB from time to time. Carr and Dalton will disappear some weeks, but it isn't likely that will take place on the same week all that often. Fantasy football has moved firmly into a new era as evidenced by so many WRs going in the first round of a redraft- and a non-PPR redraft at that. And yet, even having waited until 23 other picks had been made to grab his first running back, Ray put together a very solid rushing team with Langford serving as nice insurance to go along with the veterans who anchor the squad. Again, if Jordan Reed stays upright, this team will, too.

 

Remote Controller:

 

1.02- RB Todd Gurley, LA

2.11- WR Amari Cooper, Oak.

3.02- QB Cam Newton, Car.

4.11- WR Golden Tate, Det.

5.02- RB Melvin Gordon, SD

6.11- WR Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.

7.02- RB Danny Woodhead, SD

8.11- RB Chris Ivory, Jax.

9.02- TE Julius Thomas, Jax.

10.11- WR Sterling Shepard, NYG

11.02- TE Dwayne Allen, Ind.

12.11- WR Devin Funchess, Car.

13.02- QB Ryan Tannehill, Mia.

14.11- WR Terrance Williams, Dal.

15.02- K Chandler Catanzaro, Ari.

16.11- D/ST, Los Angeles Rams

 

Analysis: The "triplet" approach of getting a top tier QB, RB, and WR is a longstanding tradition in the June Mock amongst those who don't wait an eternity to grab their first QB. Remote was willing to pull the trigger here on the first quarterback taken overall and getting Newton's multi-faceted production on the roster while also securing the best rookie RB and WR from last season should reap dividends. There might be some disagreement as to whether or not Cooper was worthy of a second round pick after he disappeared in several games last season, but he exhibited enough talent to know that better things could be ahead. Beyond the triplets of Newton, Gurley, and Cooper, this team branches off in a diverse fashion. Remote went young with the picks of Shepard and Funchess at WR, but preceded that by taking one of the oldest wideouts available in Larry Fitzgerald. The double-dip picks at TE of Thomas and Allen looks like a really solid No-Hassle/best ball combo to me. In short, it's hard to argue with a draft in which so many good pieces are in place. I only wish Remote hadn't stolen so many of my picks right before it was my turn to grab them.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: I think Cooper has to emerge as a top 6-8 wide receiver in order for this team to reach its full potential. Tate and Fitzgerald are solid complementary pieces at WR and the younger guys will have their occasional moments of output, but if Cooper doesn't take the next step, this team could be fairly pedestrian at WR. And, while that won't cause the team to tank by any means, it may prevent them from being in the top three when all is said and done. Further, there are no guarantees that Newton won't regress some as he's done in the past after a monster season. All in all, though, there's plenty of talent on this team and success is a more likely outcome than failure.

 

Favorite pick: Newton. I know what I said about him in the previous paragraph, but he is a dynamic player, both in terms of real-world value and fantasy production. Kudos to Remote for having the guts to grab him when he did.

 

Least Favorite pick: I thought the Melvin Gordon pick was horrible given how little he showed he could/would do last season. But then, Remote saved the day by acquiring Woodhead two rounds later. Smart move that was.

 

Overall outlook: There isn't much downside for this team aside from things already noted, so I would expect them to be a factor in the title chase from Day One assuming health does not become a problem. Gurley and Cooper taking two steps forward from last year might make this team the favorite to win it all in fact. Derek Carr seems to have a knack for spreading the ball around, however, and that makes me hesitant to predict any sort of breakout for Cooper. As such, can guys like Chris Ivory and Terrance Williams give you an occasional big week? Perhaps. This team, I believe, will go as far as a somewhat average WR corps takes them. They are formidable in every other lineup slot.

 

Fumbleweed:

 

1.03- RB Le'Veon Bell, Pit.

2.10- WR Mike Evans, TB

3.03- WR Brandin Cooks, NO

4.10- RB Ryan Mathews, Phi.

5.03- QB Andrew Luck, Ind.

6.10- TE Delanie Walker, Ten.

7.03- WR Donte' Moncrief, Ind.

8.10- RB T.J. Yeldon, Jax.

9.03- WR Travis Benjamin, SD

10.10- RB Kenneth Dixon, Bal.

11.03- WR Corey Coleman, Cle.

12.10- TE Eric Ebron, Det.

13.03- QB Joe Flacco, Bal.

14.10- RB James Starks, GB

15.03- K Justin Tucker, Bal.

16.10- D/ST, Houston Texans

 

Analysis: What a difference a year makes. Last year, Andrew Luck was the first overall pick in our annual June Mock and this year, he lasted until the fifth round. It was a pick I was very happy to make, particularly after just putting my rushing attack in the hands of two guys who have struggled to stay healthy during their careers thus far. At wide receiver, this team is built upon two things. First, the idea that third-year wide receivers who have already shown that they can be elite are worth picking up. And, second, that 2014's WR class is a special one and should be tapped into as often as possible given what emerged in that class. The problem with this team is that I kept missing out on handcuffs to my oft-injured RBs by being greedy and trying to get everyone at a bargain price. Typically, you don't get many bargains in a draft in which the other guys are really good and everyone knows everyone's tendencies really well. As such, there are some regrets about how this team was put together, but plenty of optimism, too, with youth having been served not only at WR, but at RB (Dixon, Yeldon) as well. If Luck and Bell bounce back strong, this team could soar.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Luck and Bell are unique/special talents and I think both are going to propel this team forward in big ways. I do think, however, that there is concern at RB beyond Bell as Ryan Mathews is in a good situation, but has a history of missing time. In addition, T.J. Yeldon would have been a much more attractive pick if I had also acquired Chris Ivory. Ivory is probably the better runner of the two and could make Yeldon something of a wasted selection. Since I love my receiving corps and feel pretty good about my tight ends, Mathews very simply stands out to me as the key to this team reaching its potential. If he's a bust and Yeldon does little, the weight on Luck and Bell may be too great.

 

Favorite pick: Was very happy to land Andrew Luck in the fifth. I also liked the later round back-to-back selections of Kenneth Dixon and Corey Coleman. I think both could have a role to play as the season progresses.

 

Least Favorite pick: Probably Mathews, although I do like his production when he's healthy and given opportunities. I also wish I had secured a better second quarterback than Joe Flacco.

 

Overall outlook: This is easily one of my favorite teams in terms of the past few years we've done this draft. I really like Evans and Cooks as my primary WRs as both have the potential to really put up monster numbers on any given week. With the exception of Delanie Walker, this is a fairly young team and I have found that my younger teams generally do better than when I try to mix in too many veterans. I think Luck and Bell returning to form should make this team one of the favorites given the balance that I have surrounded them with, but RB depth is a question mark and could hold the team back. Not to mention Luck's "bounce back" is not a sure thing, which is why he lasted so long. Finally, please stay healthy, Le'Veon. Please.

 

White Wonder:

 

1.04- RB Adrian Peterson, Min.

2.09- WR Keenan Allen, SD

3.04- WR Brandon Marshall, NYJ

4.09- RB Matt Jones, Was.

5.04- WR Jeremy Maclin, KC

6.09- TE Coby Fleener, NO

7.04- WR Michael Crabtree, Oak.

8.09- QB Eli Manning, NYG

9.04- RB Rashad Jennings, NYG

10.09- WR Laquon Treadwell, Min.

11.04- RB LeGarrette Blount, NE

12.09- QB Marcus Mariota, Ten.

13.04- TE Jason Witten, Dal.

14.09- RB Jerrick McKinnon, Min.

15.04- K Josh Brown, NYG

16.09- D/ST, Seattle Seahawks

 

Analysis: It appeared that White's primary objective in this draft was to wait on selecting a QB while acquiring mostly proven talent at the other primary positions. Peterson certainly fits into the category of proven as does Brandon Marshall, so you've got two longstanding studs anchoring things here. The question is: How much longer will each guy continue to produce at a level that is truly elite for their respective positions? White has to hope that it is at least another year for each. Beyond that, Keenan Allen and Jeremy Maclin represent their teams' top targets and that should lead to consistent production at WR while rookie Laquon Treadwell looks to carve out a similar role on his new team. The QB duo that WW selected represents the up and down nature of that position at times and he will have to hope that Manning's "quiet" weeks don't coincide with Mariota staying conservative in his role as the signal caller on a really bad team. All in all, this team is older than what many would prefer with a number of players clearly past the prime of their careers. But, while that limits upside, it also may prove to be a strategy well worth emulating as there should be few negative surprises.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: I think two players are key to this team doing really, really well. One is Matt Jones who will be given an opportunity to become a top-ten RB this season with little competition seemingly for carries. Jones is the one gamble that White was willing to take and he and Ryan Mathews (who was taken a pick later) both represent a sort of boom-or-bust quality that exists with respect to many ball carriers this year. The other key player could be Coby Fleener. If Brees can turn Ben Watson into a fantasy star, what can he do with the younger Fleener? A lot perhaps. If Jones and Fleener emerge as top tier options at their positions, this could be a team to watch.

 

Favorite pick: I thought the fifth and sixth round picks of Maclin and Fleener were as good as any back-to-back picks in the draft by any team. I was initially lukewarm on this team at best, but those two picks brightened my outlook on the team as a whole.

 

Least Favorite pick: The trio of Keenan Allen, Michael Crabtree, and Rashad Jennings all seemed to be taken a bit early for my liking. They weren't bad picks obviously, but I question their ability to contribute at levels warranting their selection spots.

 

Overall outlook: If Matt Jones ends up being a significant fantasy force this season, this could be a great team. Manning, Peterson, and Marshall represent known, consistent commodities and I like the way the pieces of this team fit together from a best ball standpoint. Can the veterans maintain without any regression? That certainly is a question mark as is the return of Keenan Allen from injury. Allen's role should remain the same even with Travis Benjamin onboard, though, so really this team has fewer question marks than most. Likely contender.

 

Shovelheadt:

 

1.05- WR DeAndre Hopkins, Hou.

2.08- RB Thomas Rawls, Sea.

3.05- RB Jeremy Hill, Cin.

4.08- QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit.

5.05- WR Allen Hurns, Jax.

6.08- RB Ameer Abdullah, Det.

7.05- RB Frank Gore, Ind.

8.08- WR Markus Wheaton, Pit.

9.05- TE Tyler Eifert, Cin.

10.08- WR Mohamed Sanu, Atl.

11.05- QB Matt Ryan, Atl.

12.08- WR Vincent Jackson, TB

13.05- RB Theo Riddick, Det.

14.08- WR Pierre Garcon, Was.

15.05- K Blair Walsh, Min.

16.08- D/ST, Cincinnati Bengals

 

Analysis: In a similar fashion to what Ray did, Shovel tried to acquire a strong running game in the draft after taking a wide receiver with his very first pick. He took RB with 4 of his next 6 picks including the selections of three younger guys with something to prove and an ancient guy with something to prove as well. What that did, however, was give him one of the weakest WR corps in the league from my perspective as Allen Hurns and Markus Wheaton are better suited to be #4 and #5 WRs than the #2 and #3 slots that Shovel currently has them in. All in all, Shovel did pick six wide-outs, so in the best ball format, he's just looking primarily to get some solid production out of a guy or two to score alongside Hopkins. Something that has already been noted by some in this draft is that an injured Tyler Eifert has no backup at tight end and that also could prove disastrous coming out of the blocks for this team. All that said, there are some good elements in place. The QB duo of Roethlisberger and Ryan looks about as solid as any duo in the draft/league and Rawls could be a stud on a team that would rather establish the run than the pass more often than not. Shovel will need that to happen most likely to stay competitive.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: In my opinion, a lot needs to break Shovel's way for this team to excel. It starts with guys like Rawls and Abdullah stepping up to the plate and being what both appear to at least be capable of. It then continues with Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, and Allen Robinson drawing so much attention away from Wheaton, Sanu, and Hurns that they actually produce top 20-25 numbers at WR when all is said and done. Jeremy Hill didn't look like the same player in 2015 that he was in 2014. Which guy will emerge this year? There are a lot of questions surrounding this team, so the "keys" to success seem numerous to me.

 

Favorite pick: I would have said Eifert if Shovel had backed him up with someone else later on. He was a good value there, injury or no. Gore could also be a sneaky good pick in the seventh.

 

Least Favorite pick: Hill, Hurns, and Wheaton all seemed early, but the pick that I thought Shovel should have made and didn't was picking Doug Martin instead of Thomas Rawls. Maybe it will turn out o.k. in the end.

 

Overall outlook: Probably obvious by now, but I think this team could struggle to contend this season is what is always a competitive league. Shovel admitted to having to deal with numerous personal distractions throughout the draft and that showed up some here, particularly in later rounds. I do think Rawls could be a path into respectability, though. Assuming Seattle doesn't sign Arian Foster, he could have a large role to play on that team just as Abdullah or Riddick might become something more this season in Detroit. I just don't know if the WRs on this team are good enough to keep the ship afloat. We shall see...

 

RicemanX:

 

1.06- WR Odell Beckham, Jr., NYG

2.07- RB Jamaal Charles, KC

3.06- RB Carlos Hyde, SF

4.07- WR Julian Edelman, NE

5.06- TE Greg Olsen, Car.

6.07- WR Eric Decker, NYJ

7.06- WR John Brown, Ari.

8.07- WR Marvin Jones, Det.

9.06- RB Justin Forsett, Bal.

10.07- QB Tony Romo, Dal.

11.06- RB C.J. Prosise, Sea.

12.07- QB Tyrod Taylor, Buf.

13.06- RB Charcandrick West, KC

14.07- TE Jared Cook, GB

15.06- K Brandon McManus, Den.

16.07- D/ST, Carolina Panthers

 

Analysis: Another team that was able to build a pretty good nucleus of talent by waiting a long time to grab a quarterback. But, did Rice wait too long? If the question to that ends up being "No, he didn't", this team could be a beast. The WR corps is loaded and the handcuff of West with Charles insures that the formidable Chiefs running game has a major role to play on this team as well. If you include Greg Olsen into the category of "receivers", this team may be the very best at that position this draft had to offer. As with nearly all of the teams, there are questions about how well the running backs will contribute as roles are so unclear at that position right now everywhere you look. Going back to the original premise, the QBs on this team are Tony Romo and Tyrod Taylor. There's little doubt that's a solid step or two less than what most other teams in the league will put forward. Both the Cowboys and Bills would prefer a more run-dominant game plan, so upside with both is a bit capped. Still, and has been stated before, the stockpile of talent at other positions is impressive. Especially at the wide receiver position.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Sometimes, it feels like we're all just guessing with respect to our #2 RBs. That certainly fits with Carlos Hyde who could flourish in Chip Kelly's offense or find himself on the bench a few games into the season. New coaches, new systems...it makes prognostication so very difficult. If Hyde is a hit, he and Charles would be a mighty 1-2 punch to go along with stars with Beckham and Olsen. If not, it means that Romo and Taylor must be the needed supplement. Not sure how that would turn out. In the end, Rice would no doubt simply prefer that Hyde be the player he was at the onset of the 2015 season. It's certainly a possibility.

 

Favorite pick: Beckham. What a spot to get the game's most dynamic WR. I also though Olsen lasted an awfully long time. Sure, Benjamin will cut into his looks some, but he and Newton have a terrific chemistry. The WR picks in rounds 6-8 were also stellar.

 

Lease Favorite pick: Romo as a #1 QB scares me a little and Taylor as a #2 scares me a lot. This would not be the duo I would choose to chase a No-Hassle title with.

 

Overall outlook: Beckham and Charles are elite players. So much so that no one had a better first two rounds of putting a team together this year than Rice. The fact that he added so much quality depth just makes the outlook for this team get better and better. You can win with the QBs he has, certainly, but that will be the one thing to watch in terms of how this team ultimately turns out. Barring injuries, I just don't ultimately believe that is going to stop Rice from being one of the league's very best squads. I see no teams out there that I think are better.

 

Matt's Eagles:

 

1.07- WR Julio Jones, Atl.

2.06- WR Alshon Jeffery, Chi.

3.07- RB C.J. Anderson, Den.

4.06- WR Randall Cobb, GB

5.07- RB Jay Ajayi, Mia.

6.06- TE Zach Ertz, Phi.

7.07- WR Josh Doctson, Was.

8.06- RB Tevin Coleman, Atl.

9.07- WR Tavon Austin, LA

10.06- QB Matthew Stafford, Det.

11.07- RB Paul Perkins, NYG

12.06- RB DeAndre Washington, Oak.

13.07- TE Jordan Cameron, Mia.

14.06- QB Brock Osweiler, Hou.

15.07- D/ST, Jacksonville Jaguars

16.06- K Greg Zuerlein, LA

 

Analysis: Ironically, this team doesn't look a whole lot different from the one I just analyzed (Riceman). A super strong receiving corps is once again the foundation for the team, while QB is a big question mark with Stafford and Brock Osweiler holding down that fort. The difference between Rice and Matt is that Matt's first and second running backs aren't as good as Rice's and Zach Ertz is also a step below Greg Olsen. Granted, this team is full of young, talented players who could break out this season and make this team truly great. Among those are Ajayi, Doctson, Perkins, Washington, and Tevin Coleman. Then again, if most of them are a year or two away from being heavy contributors, the burden for success will fall back upon the veteran WR trio of Jones, Jeffery, and Cobb. That trio certainly ranks among this league's very best and there is virtually no downside with them keeping this team in the contender conversation. After C.J. Anderson, this team is all about youth at RB. That fact makes it pretty easy to guess what the keys to success just might be going forward...

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: This team appears to be so set and so safe at WR that it simply comes down to the QB and RB positions. Stafford and Osweiler make for a strange pairing, but they definitely have two of the strongest arms in the league, so there could be some big games coming from each of them when/if their team is playing from behind. Then, Matt has to hope that one young RB (Devontae Booker) does not emerge while a couple of others (Ajayi, Perkins, Washington, Coleman) do. It will be fascinating to see how that plays out as Matt truly has no safety net at the position in terms of a reliable veteran to fall back on. This wasn't a conservative draft. Matt swung for some fences to be sure.

 

Favorite pick: It was an obvious one. Julio Jones is a bona fide stud at WR and there was no reason for Matt to go any other direction when he fell to him at 1.07. Sometimes what's obvious is what's best.

 

Least Favorite pick: I thought Matt went after Ertz pretty early. He probably could have used that pick to get a really solid QB or a veteran RB. Instead, he got Ertz, who has potential, but has yet to really do anything worthy of being selected so high.

 

Overall outlook: It's hard not to like some of the things Matt did with this draft. He made sure that his first four picks were proven commodities before going after youth and upside in a relentless fashion. The parallels between he and Rice are obvious to me, but until his youthful players mature, he's more of a poor man's version of that team at best. A poor man's version, however, with enormous upside. This team could go either way when all is said and done, but I think it will be one of the most interesting teams to track throughout the fall. if for some crazy reason, Osweiler ends up being much better than most think he will be, bigger and better things would also be possible.

 

JScott:

 

1.08- RB David Johnson, Ari.

2.05- RB Eddie Lacy, GB

3.08- WR Demaryius Thomas, Den.

4.05- WR Sammy Watkins, Buf.

5.08- QB Russell Wilson, Sea.

6.05- TE Travis Kelce, KC

7.08- RB Isaiah Crowell, Cle.

8.05- WR Kevin White, Chi.

9.08- TE Jimmy Graham, Sea.

10.05- WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Ten.

11.08- RB Chris Johnson, Ari.

12.05- QB Kirk Cousins, Was.

13.08- WR Kenny Britt, LA

14.05- K Steven Hauschka, Sea.

15.08- D/ST, Denver Broncos

16.05- RB Devontae Booker, Den.

 

Analysis: For me, this team is all about risk-reward. You've got guys that are barely proven (David Johnson, Green-Beckham) that JScott is banking on for success. Then, you've got guys like Eddie Lacy and Demaryius Thomas that are coming off down seasons as compared to seasons prior. Sprinkle in Kevin White and Jimmy Graham and you kind of get the picture I am painting. This wasn't a safe draft. It was always about maximizing the potential, whether that be redemptive potential like Lacy and Thomas or potential that is still surging forward such as David Johnson. What I do like about JScott's team is that he didn't sacrifice the QB or TE position in pursuit of stockpiling at other positions as many others did. Wilson and Kelce represent top-five options at their respective positions and give the team balance and security amidst all the other risk. The depth at WR is the only thing about this team that seems a little frightening, but at least JScott chose WRs with some upside as opposed to guys whose careers are fading out. If Graham can return to anything remotely close to what he once was, the tight end duo here could be league's best. Ditto for Lacy in relation to his pairing with David Johnson.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Oh my. Where do you start? This team has so much potential. From David Johnson picking up where he left off to Eddie Lacy and Demaryius Thomas being the players they were prior to 2015, there are keys aplenty. Forced to pick between those two, though, give me Lacy and Thomas as the ultimate keys to success. JScott has gambled somewhat on both picks, especially with the reins in Denver being turned over to a guy who wasn't even drafted in the June Mock. Some of JScott's risks will surely pay off, particularly the WRs he picked late. But, no one can be certain that Lacy and Thomas will. They represent the heart and soul of this particular draft strategy.

 

Favorite pick: I liked just about everything JScott did, but I thought Sammy Watkins and Kirk Cousins were taken in particularly nice spots.

 

Least Favorite pick: Having been burned by Lacy before, I would have passed on him at 2.05. It was picks like Lacy and Rawls that allowed Ray to steal Doug Martin.

 

Overall outlook: I mentioned earlier that bargains are hard to come by in this draft, but JScott seemed to find a way to get a few throughout the course of this draft. There is less certainty about his team than there is with other top teams coming out, but again, the upside is quite palatable. If Lacy and Thomas both turn out to be elite once again, this team could absolutely soar with so many other good things already nailed down. If one booms and one busts, there is still potential for title contention. But, if both produce similar numbers to last year or continue the regression, others will have to step up. I like the chances of at least one guy re-emerging and as such, I really, really like this team.

 

Vikings4Ever:

 

1.09- TE Rob Gronkowski, NE

2.04- RB Devonta Freeman, Atl.

3.09- RB Mark Ingram, NO

4.04- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Car.

5.09- WR Michael Floyd, Ari.

6.04- WR Jordan Matthews, Phi.

7.09- WR Tyler Lockett, Sea.

8.04- QB Carson Palmer, Ari.

9.09- RB Karlos Williams, Buf.

10.04- QB Philip Rivers, SD

11.09- WR Mike Wallace, Bal.

12.04- RB Javorius Allen, Bal.

13.09- WR Jeff Janis, GB

14.04- TE Charles Clay, Buf.

15.09 K Robbie Gould, Chi.

16.04- D/ST, Philadelphia Eagles

 

Analysis: The original crown prince of waiting to grab a QB, Vikes didn't disappoint this year, but did end up with an amazingly competent duo of signal callers in spite of the strategy. He also waited until the 40th overall pick in the draft to take his first WR, but did take four in a row at that point to try to cover up what was almost certainly going to be a weakness given that strategy. The reason for that unorthodox approach was simple: Anyone who picks a QB or TE in the first round of a draft is always going to be scrambling to fill the other positions that comprise the majority of picks in a fantasy redraft. Rob Gronkowski is in a league all to himself when it comes to tight end, but as is the case every year lately, the question is: Is he worth it? He is when you're able to grab so much other talent at RB and WR AND not neglect the QB position in spite of it all. Mark Ingram is the ideal RB #2 in fantasy football this year, so that worked out well. Are the WRs good enough? And, what are we to make of Devonta Freeman's 2015. After the first month, he produced more like a third or fourth round pick than an early second. This teams looks formidable, but there are a few deficiencies potentially...

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Look no further than two guys from the NFC's South division. I've already mentioned one in the form of Devonta Freeman. I'm not sure if any "top" player this year has more uncertainty surrounding them in terms of legitimacy. Freeman is a tough player to rank. So is the other NFC South skill position guy, Kelvin Benjamin. Benjamin could be a top ten player if he can build on what we saw from him in 2014. The problem is, we saw nothing in 2015. Not a huge deal, except for the fact that he's Vikings's #1 WR. The depth of this WR corps is good. But, the cumulative product is shaky at best if Benjamin doesn't do well.

 

Favorite pick: Mark Ingram and Karlos Williams were steals where they were taken, but that doesn't compare to how fortunate Vikes was to get Palmer and Rivers in rounds 8 and 10. They'll be top-five in the best ball format and he didn't have to even address the position until halfway through the draft.

 

Least Favorite pick: Not to beat a dead horse, but Freeman is a risky choice. And, I wasn't super fond of the Jordan Matthews pick, either, although neither pick fell outside the parameters of normalcy.

 

Overall outlook: Barring a rash of injuries, Vikes's teams typically contend for top-three status in our league more often than not. This team should be no different, although WR woes could de-rail things, particularly if the RB group is merely average as I would expect it to be. The bottom line is that when you take Gronk in the first round, the rest of the positions on your team will almost certainly only be average at best. Can V4E live with that? Sure he can. Can he thrive with that reality? Remains to be seen. I think this team is middle of the pack unless Freeman and Benjamin both end up being top ten at their positions. And, to Vikes's credit, that is a distinct possibility indeed.

 

Robb:

 

1.10- RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dal.

2.03- WR A.J. Green, Cin.

3.10- RB Matt Forte, NYJ

4.03- QB Aaron Rodgers, GB

5.10- RB Dion Lewis, NE

6.03- WR DeVante Parker, Mia.

7.10- TE Ladarius Green, Pit.

8.03- WR DeSean Jackson, Was.

9.10- WR Torrey Smith, SF

10.03- RB Arian Foster, FA

11.10- TE Clive Walford, Oak.

12.03- QB Jameis Winston, TB

13.10- WR Josh Gordon, Cle.

14.03- WR Kendall Wright, Ten.

15.10- K Mason Crosby, GB

16.03- D/ST, Minnesota Vikings

 

Analysis: For the first four rounds of the draft, I thought Robb was putting together something very special. Sure, he grabbed a rookie RB in the first round, which is sort of unprecedented, but followed that pick up by grabbing three of the best players of the past decade at their positions in the form of Green, Forte, and Rodgers. At that point, I though to myself- "This could be a devastatingly good team". And, then it got a little weird for me. New England is a crapshoot every year at RB and as such, Dion Lewis is a high-risk pick with only a medium reward at best in non-PPR leagues. DeSean Jackson and Torrey Smith represent veterans past their prime whose values are too high based on name recognition. Josh Gordon may not even play a down this year and Arian Foster could be headed for that same fate as well. And Clive Walford? Didn't see that pick coming. Then again, Robb is one of the most intriguing guys in this draft year in and year out and as such, none of this should have come as a surprise. The first four picks were/are so good that maybe all the other pieces will just fall in place. Weird just might turn out great after all.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Elliott is the no-brainer choice as the answer here, but don't underestimate the importance of DeVante Parker to this team. With Jackson and Smith unlikely to return to any semblance of their best days gone by, Parker is being asked to become a top-20 WR in the here and now as evidenced by Robb grabbing him when he did. Parker will need to become just that and maybe even more for this team to round into form from my perspective. Certainly, Foster and Gordon getting on the field and contributing something is another key, but Elliott and Parker are the bigger impact stories here in June.

 

Favorite pick: Yeah, I know he's got miles on the tires, but getting Matt Forte late in the third had to feel good. I have no idea what to expect of Ladarius Green. That was a favorite pick as well as it was bold.

 

Least favorite pick: Dion Lewis was the beginning of a number of head-scratchers for me. I just don't see him as being worth it so soon given his tremendous uncertainty.

 

Overall outlook: This team has a fabulous nucleus. And pretty good potential, too, in terms of guys like Parker and Ladarius Green becoming semi-elite this year. But, the depth of this team scares the crap out of me. Over-the-hill veterans paired with a couple of guys who don't even have teams to play on at the moment places a lot of pressure on those first four picks to ALL turn out to be great. This team isn't deep enough for my blood, but there's no denying how good those first four picks were. Maybe that's all Robb will really need if only a couple other things here go his way.

 

Dan:

 

1.11- RB Lamar Miller, Hou.

2.02- WR Allen Robinson, Jax.

3.11- RB Latavius Murray, Oak.

4.02- WR Jarvis Landry, Mia.

5.11- WR Doug Baldwin, Sea.

6.02- QB Blake Bortles, Jax.

7.11- TE Gary Barnidge, Cle.

8.02- RB Duke Johnson, Cle.

9.11- WR Willie Snead, NO

10.02- WR Sammie Coates, Pit.

11.11- TE Martellus Bennett, NE

12.02- RB Jordan Howard, Chi.

13.11- WR Nelson Agholor, Phi.

14.02- D/ST, Arizona Cardinals

15.11- K Dan Bailey, Dal.

16.02- QB Alex Smith, KC

 

Analysis: Balance. For some, it's a must to put together a team that is fairly even across the board in terms of talent at each of the major positions. For others, it's not a big deal as unconventional works just as well. This team has balance. In the first seven picks, Dan chose his QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and a TE. That is typically a surefire way to a balanced lineup. Picking towards the end of the first round, the team of void of any true superstars, but guys like Miller, Robinson, Landry, and Baldwin all represent "under the radar" guys who are in the prime of their careers and whose values are still on the way up. With only a couple of exceptions, this is also a very young group with several rookies and/or second/third year players. Blake Bortles is included in that and Dan has put a great deal of faith in Bortles here by not selecting his backup until the very last round. I don't think this team will lead the league in scoring very many weeks, if at all, but this is also a team that will be consistent throughout the season and avoid to sort of lows that higher risk/reward teams encounter. Lots of upside. Plenty to feel good about.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Dan has ideal guys in ideal spots with Landry and Murray tailor made for the #2 RB and WR roles. What he's done in Round Five is assume that Doug Baldwin's explosion last November and December was not a complete fluke. Baldwin scored like a #1 WR during that stretch and if he picks up where he left off, Dan will have stolen him. It's hard to foresee anything but success for Lamar Miller in Houston, but until we actually see it, that assumption isn't worth much. If Miller does transition well into his new role and Baldwin follows up greatness with at least goodness, this team should sail smoothly. Gary Barnidge staying healthy could be a semi-big deal, too. Some would say he and Baldwin both had their "career" years last year. Maybe...maybe not.

 

Favorite pick: Every pick was solid. No real steals or bargains unless Baldwin becomes one (see above). I'll take the Duke Johnson pick as my favorite. He and Hue Jackson look like a pretty good fit.

 

Least Favorite pick: It's strictly nit-picking, but the trio of WRs rounding out this team (Coates, Snead, Agholor) don't excite me all that much.

 

Overall outlook: I think this is "safest" team in the draft. They may not win it all, but they're not going to finish in the bottom third of the league, either, barring a barrage of injuries. There simply isn't an area in which the team is truly weak if one assumes that Bortles will continue to ascend. Like I stated before, there isn't an explosive element to this team and few players stand out as being truly elite, but when the numbers get added up at the end of each week, I think many will be surprised just how effective this unit can/will be. Solid job. I'm not salivating over this team, but I do appreciate their strengths.

 

ICEMAN:

 

1.12- WR Dez Bryant, Dal.

2.01- WR Jordy Nelson, GB

3.12- RB DeMarco Murray, Ten.

4.01- WR T.Y. Hilton, Ind.

5.12- QB Drew Brees, NO

6.01- RB Jonathan Stewart, Car.

7.12- RB Giovani Bernard, Cin.

8.01- QB Tom Brady, NE

9.12- RB Derrick Henry, Ten.

10.01- TE Antonio Gates, SD

11.12- RB Charles Sims, TB

12.01- TE Zach Miller, Chi.

13.12- WR Chris Hogan, NE

14.01- K Graham Gano, Car.

15.12- WR Michael Thomas, NO

16.01- D/ST, Kansas City Chiefs

 

Analysis: Originally an oversight on my part, ICE's team certainly has to be considered one of the top receiving teams in the league based on three of his first four picks being spent on lead receivers who get thrown to by elite QBs. After Hilton was selected, however, there were no other WRs picked until nine rounds later. That means the projected starting three are great, but depth is a bit thin. Picking WRs early and often also cut into the quality of the rushing attack as none of the guys at that position project by most to be top-15 in ranking. If anything, this will be a true "best ball" committee at the position and ICE just has to hope that when one RB is ineffective, another will pick up the slack. Grabbing a fifth player at the position makes that more possible certainly. With respect to the No-Hassle format, tight end is not a position of strength, but the QB situation is fantastic. Getting the best effort between Brees and Brady for most of the year should be a boost to the team's overall scoring. This just looks like a team that can score a ton of points when the WRs and QBs are working in harmony. And, despite the lack of prowess at RB and TE, good things should come from those positions, too, from time to time.

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Three significant players on this team are coming back from 2015 injuries: Bryant, Nelson, and Jonathan Stewart (in the Super Bowl). All three are capable of out-performing their draft positions, but I think the team will do very well if they simply perform AT the level they were drafted. Handcuffing DeMarco Murray made a great deal of sense and eliminated much of the concern about what he has left to give. And, the QBs will do great without question. So, this is simply a team that needs its sometimes health-struggling members to enjoy pain-free seasons. I don't see anything else keeping the team from at least moderate levels of success.

 

Favorite pick: Brady was a tremendous pick. Hilton and Bernard were pretty good, too. I thought ICE made a number of really solid picks, truth be told.

 

Least Favorite pick: I would have liked to see ICE take at least one more "proven" WR to go with either Hogan or Thomas. I am also not certain what to think of DeMarco Murray and wouldn't have touched him until at least the middle of the fourth round.

 

Overall outlook: There's a lot to like with this team. In an era where having that stud running back is no longer essential to success, ICE has really put together a team in which RB is indeed not the strengh. That's not to say that his "committee" won't prove to be effective, but on the weeks that T.Y. Hilton goes off (happens about once a month), this team should score very, very well given that the other explosive players on the team are a little more consistent than that. This team very much resembles Matt's team for me...but with much better quarterbacks. I am looking, therefore, to this team for title contention to be sure.

"Happiness begins when selfishness ends"- John Wooden

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Two teams do not have a defense. Was or was that not a rule that each team needed a defense?

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Yup....my bad. Last 2 picks weren't shown above.

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I think I won this mock. :doublethumbsup:

 

ICEMAN

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Getting started on this now. I will do one team at a time and post one team at a time in the above post until all teams are done.

 

As always, additional analysis from others in this thread is welcomed/encouraged.

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Sterling Shepard is my hunch of the year. The new head coach of the Giants, Ben McAdoo, has brought the Packer Offensive scheme to them. Shepard is much like Randall Cobb who McAdoo compares him to, and sees a specific role for him, in this high powered offense. The both are 5'10" tall and 192 pounds. They both are very precise route runners with great hands, and play very fast. Shepard brings a 41" vertical into play, and will offer a very nice compliment to Beckham on the other side. The McAdoo offense was in it's first, maybe second season last year, and it was very potent especially considering the lack of pieces it possessed. He is already penciled in as a starter, and I feel a shoe in for 80+ catches in this offense. As I mentioned in my first sentence.......he is my hunch of the year.

 

 

This just in........I know......preseason stuff

 

Giants | Sterling Shepard a lock to start? Tue Jun 14, 02:28 AM

New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard has drawn rave reviews with terrific speed and good hands, and he appears to be a lock to start, in the opinion of beat writer Ralph Vacchiano.

 

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Thanks for the analysis as always my man.

 

I will say that Allen went pretty near to his ADP.... and Crabtree was a weak plan B after you sniped Moncrief. :) Jennings also went past his ADP although thay doesn't make me feel great about him by any means but he played pretty well once the giants realized he was their best back last year and finally got away from that weird committee

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Thanks for the analysis Fumble.

 

yes, i agree that I probably have a top 3 WR core, along with matt's Eagles and ICEMAN. My success in this league will depend on their success.

 

I probably have a middle of the road RB crew, but I love Hyde's potential. He is only 24 and have shown a lot of bright spots. Just need to stay healthy. Also I wouldn't be surprised if CJ Prosise was teh Seattle starting RB for some of the season.

 

And if you are asking me if I waited too long for a QB, my answer woudl be an absolute yes. I thought I was playing it really well going into the 8th round with Brady and Palmer on the board, both were big targets by me, and they were both selected before my pick. And I wanted to pick a 3rd QB in the 13th because I didn't trust Romo or Tyrod, and of course Mariota, Flacco AND Tannehill were all picked before my pick.

 

I'll work with what I got, and with that WR Core, I really don't need too much QB production, maybe just a Starting QB who puts up points every week.

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Damn: hope D Mac can make it thru Spring Training

 

" ....as both Williams and McFadden proved last year that they can be successful and then some behind top tier offensive lines" as he couldn't thru OTAs!

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Vikings4Ever:

 

1.09- TE Rob Gronkowski, NE

2.04- RB Devonta Freeman, Atl.

3.09- RB Mark Ingram, NO

4.04- WR Kelvin Benjamin, Car.

5.09- WR Michael Floyd, Ari.

6.04- WR Jordan Matthews, Phi.

7.09- WR Tyler Lockett, Sea.

8.04- QB Carson Palmer, Ari.

9.09- RB Karlos Williams, Buf.

10.04- QB Philip Rivers, SD

11.09- WR Mike Wallace, Bal.

12.04- RB Javorius Allen, Bal.

13.09- WR Jeff Janis, GB

14.04- TE Charles Clay, Buf.

15.09 K Robbie Gould, Chi.

16.04- D/ST, Philadelphia Eagles

 

Analysis: The original crown prince of waiting to grab a QB, Vikes didn't disappoint this year, but did end up with an amazingly competent duo of signal callers in spite of the strategy. He also waited until the 40th overall pick in the draft to take his first WR, but did take four in a row at that point to try to cover up what was almost certainly going to be a weakness given that strategy. The reason for that unorthodox approach was simple: Anyone who picks a QB or TE in the first round of a draft is always going to be scrambling to fill the other positions that comprise the majority of picks in a fantasy redraft. Rob Gronkowski is in a league all to himself when it comes to tight end, but as is the case every year lately, the question is: Is he worth it? He is when you're able to grab so much other talent at RB and WR AND not neglect the QB position in spite of it all. Mark Ingram is the ideal RB #2 in fantasy football this year, so that worked out well. Are the WRs good enough? And, what are we to make of Devonta Freeman's 2015. After the first month, he produced more like a third or fourth round pick than an early second. This teams looks formidable, but there are a few deficiencies potentially...

 

Key to No-Hassle Success: Look no further than two guys from the NFC's South division. I've already mentioned one in the form of Devonta Freeman. I'm not sure if any "top" player this year has more uncertainty surrounding them in terms of legitimacy. Freeman is a tough player to rank. So is the other NFC South skill position guy, Kelvin Benjamin. Benjamin could be a top ten player if he can build on what we saw from him in 2014. The problem is, we saw nothing in 2015. Not a huge deal, except for the fact that he's Vikings's #1 WR. The depth of this WR corps is good. But, the cumulative product is shaky at best if Benjamin doesn't do well.

 

Favorite pick: Mark Ingram and Karlos Williams were steals where they were taken, but that doesn't compare to how fortunate Vikes was to get Palmer and Rivers in rounds 8 and 10. They'll be top-five in the best ball format and he didn't have to even address the position until halfway through the draft.

 

Least Favorite pick: Not to beat a dead horse, but Freeman is a risky choice. And, I wasn't super fond of the Jordan Matthews pick, either, although neither pick fell outside the parameters of normalcy.

 

Overall outlook: Barring a rash of injuries, Vikes's teams typically contend for top-three status in our league more often than not. This team should be no different, although WR woes could de-rail things, particularly if the RB group is merely average as I would expect it to be. The bottom line is that when you take Gronk in the first round, the rest of the positions on your team will almost certainly only be average at best. Can V4E live with that? Sure he can. Can he thrive with that reality? Remains to be seen. I think this team is middle of the pack unless Freeman and Benjamin both end up being top ten at their positions. And, to Vikes's credit, that is a distinct possibility indeed.

As always, thanks to Mike & Fumble for funning the draft, and Fumble (and everyone else) for doing analysis.

 

I don't disagree with Gronk presenting a problem to building a team (taking a TE early still goes against every instinct I have). Eifert falling as far as he did made me regret Gronk to some extent (although in a flex league, I would have grabbed Eifert). Though the issue is: who else do you take at 9? Elliot? If you like him, sure, but he scares the hell out of me. Miller, maybe. The next tier of WRs? Meh. As for Freeman, yes, he's risky, but I don't think he's that much more risky than the rest of the options at that point. Lacy has disappointed plenty. Charles is coming off another major knee injury. Rawls is hurting, and has a very limited resume. Martin is a prime candidate to disappoint after getting a big contract.

 

All in all, there were a few picks I was happy about (Ingram, Benjamin, Rivers), though too often I was sniped (Russell Wilson, DeVante Parker, then Tom Brady) and/or had "Eh, I guess..." picks (Gronk, Freeman, Matthews, Lockett) to really feel great about my team. Although, with this group of drafters, that's pretty much inevitable.

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funning the draft

 

 

I believe that you meant to say "dunning the fraft."

 

ICEMAN

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Will finish this in the morning with Dan and ICE left to go.

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Will finish this in the morning with Dan and ICE left to go.

 

Left out in the cold again...

 

ICEMAN

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Cold as ice

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As always, thanks to Mike & Fumble for funning the draft, and Fumble (and everyone else) for doing analysis.

 

I don't disagree with Gronk presenting a problem to building a team (taking a TE early still goes against every instinct I have). Eifert falling as far as he did made me regret Gronk to some extent (although in a flex league, I would have grabbed Eifert). Though the issue is: who else do you take at 9? Elliot? If you like him, sure, but he scares the hell out of me. Miller, maybe. The next tier of WRs? Meh. As for Freeman, yes, he's risky, but I don't think he's that much more risky than the rest of the options at that point. Lacy has disappointed plenty. Charles is coming off another major knee injury. Rawls is hurting, and has a very limited resume. Martin is a prime candidate to disappoint after getting a big contract.

 

All in all, there were a few picks I was happy about (Ingram, Benjamin, Rivers), though too often I was sniped (Russell Wilson, DeVante Parker, then Tom Brady) and/or had "Eh, I guess..." picks (Gronk, Freeman, Matthews, Lockett) to really feel great about my team. Although, with this group of drafters, that's pretty much inevitable.

 

That was the same attitude that I approached picking Gronk with last year. There's the feeling of, "How do I not?" Like you, it was way out of my comfort zone, against every instinct, to draft a TE early, even one of Gronk's caliber. But if healthy, he just plain merits the pick. Of course it's a challenge to put the rest of the team together, but you start with a huge advantage at a mandatory position. Nicely done.

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