2008 No-Hassle June Mock Analysis

[Fumbleweed 547]

ICEMAN

 

1.01 - RB LaDainian Tomlinson, SD

2.12 - WR Marques Colston, NO

3.01 - RB Reggie Bush, NO

4.12 - RB Rudi Johnson, Cin.

5.01 - WR Greg Jennings, GB

6.12 - QB Derek Anderson, Cle.

7.01 - TE Chris Cooley, Was.

8.12 - QB Donovan McNabb, Phi.

9.01 - WR Javon Walker, Oak.

10.12 - WR Isaac Bruce, SF

11.01 - RB Chris Johnson, Ten.

12.12 - D/ST San Diego Chargers

13.01 - K Robbie Gould, Chi.

14.12 - WR Jabar Gaffney, NE

15.01 - TE Randy McMichael, Stl.

 

Analysis: Any team that begins with LaDainian Tomlinson as its anchor is going to be a team to watch out for. That being said, I think ICE's team has potential to go either way in the No-Hassle race because there are some questions about some of the other players...for example: Will Reggie Bush find a role that suits his talents this year and makes him more productive fantasy-wise? Does Rudi Johnson have anything left? Was Derek Anderson a one-year wonder? Will Greg Jennings still be effective without Favre throwing him the ball? Can Javon Walker stay healthy and out of trouble? Does McNabb have a healthy year left in him? See what I mean. If 75% of those things go in ICE's favor, he's got the makings of a really solid No-Hassle lineup here...but the question marks do linger. I think this draft was a bit risky after two safe picks to start things out, but the upside is pretty tremendous. Solid job overall.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: I think it's Reggie Bush. I don't trust Rudi Johnson to rebound and Chris Johnson is an unknown commodity, so Bushs' consistent production is needed to supplement the rest of the team's make-up.

 

Favorite pick: McNabb. He is a risk to some degree, but ICE got him late and he could pay off big-time. Liked the choice there.

 

Least Favorite pick: Rudi Johnson. I don't think he'll be of much help to you this year.

 

Overall outlook: I think ICE took some gambles here, but with Tomlinson as the anchor, a guy can afford to do that. Some things have to fall in place for this team to be a title contender, but it's certainly within the realm of possibility and as I mentioned earlier, this team is loaded with upside.

 

 

Vikings4Ever

 

1.02 - RB Adrian Peterson, Min.

2.11 - WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cin.

3.02 - WR Steve Smith, Car.

4.11 - RB Thomas Jones, NYJ

5.02 - QB Drew Brees, NO

6.11 - WR Hines Ward, Pit.

7.02 - TE Dallas Clark, Ind.

8.11 - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Pit.

9.02 - RB Carnell Williams, TB

10.11 - WR Sidney Rice, Min.

11.02 - QB Aaron Rodgers, GB

12.11 - TE Ben Watson, NE

13.02 - WR Limas Sweed, Pit.

14.11 - K Shayne Graham, Cin.

15.02 - D/ST Tennessee Titans

 

Analysis: There's a lot to love about this team and a few things to be concerned about as well. First of all, the wide receiver group looks fantastic. Two certified studs at the #1 and #2 spot followed by an ideal #3 and a couple of later picks with upside (Rice, Sweed). Plus, if for some reason, Ward loses a step this year, Sweed is the most likely beneficiary. This group ought to produce some big point totals this year when paired with the explosive potential of Adrian Peterson and Drew Brees. The tight end combo chosen here also fits in well with the No-Hassle concept. Watson is terribly inconsistent, but should produce some weeks, which complements the steadiness of Clark. As for what would concern me, it's not a big thing, but Thomas Jones needs to find a way to score touchdowns. If he doesn't, he could be a pretty weak #2 RB with a rookie and a guy likely starting out on the PUP list behind him. That's about it...well constructed team overall.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Everything is in place here for success, but Thomas Jones needs to live up to his draft position. If Jones can be a top twenty back somehow, this team could really take off.

 

Favorite pick: Brees and Steve Smith. Brees went ridiculously late and Smith is set for a bounce back year, I believe.

 

Least Favorite pick: Carnell Williams...there were better options available after rolling the dice on a #3 RB who is a rookie.

 

Overall outlook: Solid contender. An experienced drafter here who fully understands construction of a No-Hassle juggernaut.

 

 

Clash of the Titans

 

1.03 - RB Steven Jackson, Stl.

2.10 - RB Jamal Lewis, Cle.

3.03 - WR Chad Johnson, Cin.

4.10 - RB Darren McFadden, Oak.

5.03 - WR Calvin Johnson, Det.

6.10 - QB Jay Cutler, Den.

7.03 - WR Kevin Curtis, Phi.

8.10 - TE Todd Heap, Bal.

9.03 - QB Eli Manning, NYG

10.10 - RB Leon Washington, NYJ

11.03 - WR Ronald Curry, Oak.

12.10 - RB Ray Rice, Bal.

13.03 - QB Jamarcus Russell, Oak.

14.10 - K Adam Vinatieri, Ind.

15.03 - D/ST Baltimore Ravens

 

Analysis: Despite the fact that I sometimes get a little irritated by Clash's antics, no one can deny that the man knows how to put together a good team. And, his success in the No-Hassle formula is also well documented. As for what he accomplished this year, this is a powderkeg of potential. If Jamal Lewis can repeat his 2007 performance, he was a steal. If Chad Johnson can settle down and be content, he was a steal as well. McFadden and Calvin Johnson both have enormous upside and Kevin Curtis should be at least as good as last year having had another year to learn the West Coast Offense. In the end, only Clash's QBs have me concerned and even then, not so much. Oh, and making Todd Heap your only tight end carries some risks for obvious reasons. The guy can't stay on the field for long. In spite of those little blips, though, Clash has a high-upside, explosive team here and they look well suited for another No-Hassle title run.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Chad Johnson needs to remain stable and not pull a TO during the season. When you trust someone with a top 30 overall pick, they need to produce and Johnson's a bit of a risk. In a close race, having Heap stay healthy wouldn't hurt either.

 

Favorite pick: Kevin Curtis. Just a perfect pick for what was needed on the team at that time.

 

Least Favorite pick: Leon Washington. Seemed like a bit of a reach there to me. No big deal, though.

 

Overall outlook: Clash's teams always find themselves near the top of the standings. I don't see why/how this team would be any different.

 

 

Gratefulted

 

1.04 - RB Brian Westbrook, Phi.

2.09 - WR Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.

3.04 - WR Torry Holt, Stl.

4.09 - RB Earnest Graham, TB

5.04 - WR Santonio Holmes, Pit.

6.09 - RB Fred Taylor, Jax.

7.04 - TE Vernon Davis, SF

8.09 - QB Marc Bulger, Stl.

9.04 - WR Deion Branch, Sea.

10.09 - RB Ricky Williams, Mia.

11.04 - WR Reggie Williams, Jax.

12.09 - TE Alge Crumpler, Ten.

13.04 - QB Brodie Croyle, KC

14.09 - D/ST Indianapolis Colts

15.04 - K Matt Prater, Den.

 

Analysis: As far as teams I like alot vs. teams I don't like as much go, this team probably falls right in the middle in terms of a No-Hassle slanted analysis. The quarterbacks are a bit shaky and ted (much like myself) probably waited a bit long to grab a second QB with the oft-injured Bulger as his starter. Westbrook is a stud in any format, and he's linked him with other RBs that are steady (Graham, Taylor), but not spectacular. A lot of how his receiving corps is perceived is based upon one's perceptions of Torry Holt and whether or not he has begun a decline. Fitzgerald and Holmes should be great in the No-Hassle format and tight end combo is sufficient to be sure. In the end, I think this team is steady if Bulger and Holt have a good year and Bulger stays upright...if that doesn't happen, Brian Westbrook may have to carry the team some weeks to keep up....something he's capable of doing at times. Some 'ifs' here, but a good squad overall.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: I already said it. Bulger and Holt. If Bulger were to get hurt, it would affect the value of Holt and it would leave ted having to milk points out of Brodie Croyle. That could get tricky.

 

Favorite pick: It may sound stupid, but Brian Westbrook. Love what he brings to the table as a foundational pick.

 

Least Favorite pick: Torry Holt. Count me among those that think Holt is in decline. I hope for ted's sake he proves me wrong.

 

Overall outlook: This team has to overcome some hurdles in terms of guys staying healthy and such, but there's plenty of firepower here in the form of Westbrook, Fitzgerald, and Holmes to rely on for a run. A title is within reach, but I don't think this team is a favorite to get there necesarily.

 

Paulinstl.

 

1.05 - RB Joseph Addai, Ind.

2.08 - QB Peyton Manning, Ind.

3.05 - RB Edgerrin James, Ari.

4.08 - TE Antonio Gates, SD

5.05 - WR Dwayne Bowe, KC

6.08 - WR Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ

7.05 - WR Santana Moss, Was.

8.08 - WR Bobby Engram, Sea.

9.05 - RB Kenny Watson, Cin.

10.08 - RB Ladell Betts, Was.

11.05 - QB Matt Schaub, Hou.

12.08 - WR Drew Bennett, Stl.

13.05 - QB Sage Rosenfels, Hou.

14.08 - D/ST Houston Texans

15.05 - K Nate Kaeding, SD

 

Analysis: Have you ever liked an entire draft except for one pick...but that one pick kind of throws the team off stride a bit? A lot of guys have commented that my pick of Ronnie Brown was like that, and it's how I also feel about Edgerrin James here. I thought paul did a really good job putting some heavyweight hitters on his team in the form of Addai, Manning, and Gates and I also like how he made up for a lack of a big-time wide receiver with a bunch of solid choices...something that is generally rewarded in a best ball format like ours. I even liked paul's theory about grabbing both Texans QBs and the numbers back up his theory on that. I just don't like Edgerrin James and I think his lack of explosiveness will hold this team down a bit when there were still some dynamic RBs available for the pick there. Minus that, though, this team is nicely constructed and the depth at WR and QB is a big plus. It's a good team.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: You pretty much know what you're getting with every pick here sans Bowe. This was a "safe" draft with less upside than the others preceding it. Success will come, but the key to title contention may lie in Dwayne Bowe outliving his draft status. If he progresses in his second year, it would help out paul's chances a lot.

 

Favorite pick: Manning. Yawn. Coupled with Addai, you've latched onto the most consistent offense of the past decade. Nicely done.

 

Least Favorite pick: Edgerrin James. Paul and remote can offer up all the rebuttals they want to re: James. I'm not excited about him.

 

Overall outlook: Like I said, this team doesn't have much upside, but it's not going to crash either. It's a "safe" middle of the pack team...somebody probably needs to exceed expectations considerably to win a title.

 

Dan

 

1.06 - RB Clinton Portis, Was.

2.07 - WR Andre Johnson, Hou.

3.06 - RB Laurence Maroney, NEP

4.07 - TE Jason Witten, Dal.

5.06 - WR Chris Chambers, SD

6.07 - WR Joey Galloway, TB

7.06 - RB Justin Fargas, Oak.

8.07 - RB Deuce McAllister, NO

9.06 - QB Jon Kitna, Det.

10.07 - QB Matt Leinart, Ari.

11.06 - QB Kurt Warner, Ari.

12.07 - WR Bryant Johnson, SF

13.06 - K Rob Bironas, Ten.

14.07 - D/ST Philadelphia Eagles

15.06 - WR Chad Jackson, NE

 

Analysis: This team is a lot like ICE's team for me in terms of questions, but with Portis as the foundation as opposed to Tomlinson. Hmmm. Some of my questions include: Can Andre Johnson stay healthy? Will the Patriots remember that they have Laurence Maroney on the field? Is this the year Joey Galloway hits the wall? How much will Justin Fargas actually be used? Can Deuce return to some semblance of his old self? Do the Cardinals rotate QBs? Again, you get the picture. I personally like Maroney's chances at a major rebound, so I think that one will turn out o.k. I think it's the RB depth that would scare me some here as if Portis or Maroney were to go down, the depth behind them is fairly suspect. And, QB is a bit troublesome as well. That being said, if Dan gets 15-16 games out of Portis and Maroney, this team could be awfully good thanks to them and the big play abilities of Andre Johnson and Chambers. I'd be nervous with this team, but I do like it on close inspection.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: RB health (not sure if Fargas and McAllister will be a good fit for the system should a starter go down) and QB efficiency. The best thing for Dan might be for Leinart to get hurt again so Warner can lead the team.

 

Favorite pick: Jason Witten or Maroney. Haven't mentioned Witten yet, but Romo loves to throw to him. He was a good choice there.

 

Least Favorite pick: Maybe Kitna. He's got weapons, but if he struggles, they'll look to the future and insert another QB.

 

Overall outlook: If this roster stays healthy, this team could easily be a strong title contender...execpt for maybe if Leinart and Warner both stay healthy. Anyhow, this is as good a team to roll the dice with as any, so a good follow-up job by Dan in his second year in the league.

 

 

Fantasy King

 

1.07 - RB Frank Gore, SF

2.06 - RB Ryan Grant, GB

3.07 - QB Tony Romo, Dal.

4.06 - WR Wes Welker, NEP

5.07 - RB Julius Jones, Sea.

6.06 - RB Matt Forte, Chi.

7.07 - WR Donald Driver, GB

8.06 - WR Bernard Berrian, Min.

9.07 - WR Donte' Stallworth, Cle.

10.06 - WR Patrick Crayton, Dal.

11.07 - QB Jake Delhomme, Car.

12.06 - RB Adrian Peterson, Chi.

13.07 - TE Greg Olsen, Chi.

14.06 - D/ST Pittsburgh Steelers

15.07 - K Matt Stover, Bal.

 

Analysis: This is one of my favorite teams as I think FK took advantage of where the value was in this draft. In the first six rounds, there was value to be found at running back and the King ended up going with 4 RBs during that time frame. Gore, Grant, Jones, and Forte are all ideal for spots 1-4 at the running back position and working in combination with one another in the No-Hassle format should work out quite well. Romo is a stud and Delhomme was a bit of a steal that late, so I think the QB position is also well accounted for. As is the case with any team that is strong is two major categories, the third major category (wide receivers) is a little bit weaker here, but FK concentrated every pick between rounds 7-10 on acquiring a stockpile of field horses that again working in combination with one another should produce points consistently. I think this team was constructed very well....TE is a bit weak, but no huge deal there.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: The QB and RB positions should pan out fine, so it comes down to whether or not the inconsistencies that are sure to come with that group of receivers fall on the same week or not. In other words, FK needs his WRs to score well together...and there's no way to predict that. It will be THE key for this team.

 

Favorite pick: Forte. Wonderful value there. I also liked where you got Romo.

 

Least Favorite pick: Don't really have one. I thought you should have looked at TEs a little sooner......

 

Overall outlook: I think this team is going to contend and is a major threat to win the whole thing. I just like how they're put together and unless the receivers don't mix well, this should be a top three team in my estimation easily.

 

 

JScott

 

1.08 - QB Tom Brady, NEP

2.05 - WR Braylon Edwards, Cle.

3.08 - RB Willie Parker, Pit.

4.05 - WR Roy Williams, Det.

5.08 - RB Lendale White, Ten.

6.05 - WR Roddy White, Atl.

7.08 - RB DeAngelo Williams, Car.

8.05 - TE Owen Daniels, Hou.

9.08 - RB Ahman Green, Hou.

10.05 - RB Michael Pittman, Den.

11.08 - QB Jason Campbell, Was.

12.05 - WR Ernest Wilford, Jax.

13.08 - K Nick Folk, Dal.

14.05 - D/ST New England Patriots

15.08 - TE Marcedes Lewis, Jax.

 

Analysis: When you pick a QB this early, it does tend to leave you with some holes, but I've got to hand it to JScott...he filled in many of the gaps really well and he chose wisely in the second round when panic could have dictated that he grab a third tier running back over a top flight wide receiver. In the end, this running back group doesn't overwhelm, though, and as such this team needs Brady and Braylon Edwards to produce at least 75-80% of what they accomplished last year to be an elite squad. The receivers all need to stay healthy as well since Ernest Wilford is the only reserve. So, is there talent and explosiveness on this team? Yes. Is the depth a little suspect in places? Again, yes and that may be what eventually brings this team down as Williams and Wilford step into starting roles during the bye weeks even with no injuries. Can a team that takes a QB in the first round win this leauge? Good question. In six months, we'll know.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Health. The starters here are very solid even with the lack of explosiveness at RB. The depth, though, is probably not sufficient enough to handle disruption via injury.

 

Favorite pick: Braylon Edwards for reasons mentioned previously. Don't take a RB in the first two rounds just because. Do it or avoid it for the right reasons.

 

Least Favorite pick: Roy Williams. Nothing personal...I'm just not a fan and think his attitude and desire are highly questionable

 

Overall outlook: Hard to gauge. It's a team that put all its marbles in Tom Brady's basket, so to speak. If he throws for 36 TDs or more, this team is going to hang in there til' the end in terms of the title chase.

 

 

Ray Lewis' Limo Driver

 

1.09 - RB Willis McGahee, Bal.

2.04 - RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jax.

3.09 - WR Brandon Marshall, Den.

4.04 - WR Anquan Boldin, Ari.

5.09 - RB Selvin Young, Den.

6.04 - WR Marvin Harrison, Ind.

7.09 - D/ST Minnesota Vikings

8.04 - QB Philip Rivers, SD

9.09 - WR Vincent Jackson, SD

10.04 - RB Chris Brown, Hou.

11.09 - QB Tavaris Jackson, Min.

12.04 - TE Zach Miller, Oak.

13.09 - QB Trent Edwards, Buf.

14.04 - K Mason Crosby, GB

15.09 - TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, Min.

 

Analysis: This is kind of a strange team and it would scare me to run with it, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't constructed well. Just using different rules than the ones that govern my drafts. And, the recent news about Brandon Marshall really came down after that pick was made, so there's no need to criticize that selection per se. Marvin Harrison is such a wild card for this team. His re-emergence to top 10-15 status would solidify this team so much and there's just no way to know in June what he's capable of doing/not doing. Jones-Drew was taken early in my estimation. but I do like Selvin Young as an ideal #3 RB, so the depth there is good. In fact, Ray did a pretty good job covering a somewhat non-inspiring group of starters with good depth at several positions. The QB spot is pretty soft...no way around that, but Rivers showed some grit last year playing hurt and he may be in for major gains this year. This isn't one of my favorite teams, but it's an intriguing group and Ray did some good things.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Plenty. Harrison being productive is the biggest. Brandon Marshall avoiding a long-term suspension is another. Finally, Rivers needs to stay healthy. The backup QBs are pretty green.

 

Favorite pick: Loved the picks at the 5&6 corner. Couldn't have done it better than Selvin Young and Marvin Harrison.

 

Least Favorite pick: Not intending to beat a dead horse, but a defense/special teams in the seventh round? In this scoring system? Ugh.

 

Overall outlook: Too many variables to say right now. It's a high-risk team, particularly at WR where question marks surround all three "starters". Ray's track record in this league is pretty good, though, so I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being.

 

 

The Soloist

 

1.10 - RB Marion Barber III, Dal.

2.03 - WR Terrell Owens, Dal.

3.10 - RB Jonathan Stewart, Car.

4.03 - TE Kellen Winslow, Jr., Cle.

5.10 - WR Lee Evans, Buf.

6.03 - QB Matt Hasselbeck, Sea.

7.10 - WR Anthony Gonzalez, Ind.

8.03 - RB Felix Jones, Dal.

9.10 - QB David Garrard, Jax.

10.03 - WR Jerry Porter, Jax.

11.10 - RB Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG

12.03 - WR Ted Ginn, Jr., Mia.

13.10 - K Shaun Suisham, Was.

14.03 - D/ST Jacksonville Jaguars

15.10 - K David Akers, Phi.

 

Analysis: Talk about a guy that does things his own way. Jonathan Stewart in the third? Shaun Suisham at kicker? Solo is the most unpredictable guy to draft with year in and year out and it's impossible to try to say how his team will end up looking when it's all said and done. That being said, this team has got some young players in key positions and that could mean a slow start for this team, but a potentially solid finish. If Stewart and Felix Jones end up taking a back seat early on in the season, I honestly don't know if this team can survive. One thing's for sure: the Lee Evans of 2007 better be gone for good or else the receiving may have some holes in it as well. So, what do I like? I like the QB combo...very steady...not explosive necesarily. Loved the first two picks. Great offense...big-time touchdown producers. This team is just so young in terms of its depth....so there's upside and risk all wrapped into one package.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Jonathan Stewart. Talk about putting some faith in the rookie. Stewart needs to live up to this draft position for this team to excel.

 

Favorite pick: Garrard. I think he's got some real talent. He'll never lead the league in pass attempts in Jacksonville's run-first offense, but he'll put up good numbers nevertheless

 

Least Favorite pick: Lee Evans. I had him last year and it was torture.

 

Overall outlook: It's hard for me to imagine this team as a title contender given the youth of Stewart, Jones, Gonzalez, Ginn, and Bradshaw, but it will be a fun team to track. Solo definitely didn't go "safe" with this draft, nor did anyone expect him to.

 

 

Remote Controller

 

1.11 - WR Randy Moss, NEP

2.02 - RB Larry Johnson, KC

3.11 - WR Plaxico Burress, NYG

4.02 - RB Michael Turner, Atl.

5.11 - RB Kevin Smith, Det.

6.02 - QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit

7.11 - WR Nate Burleson, Sea.

8.02 - TE Heath Miller, Pit.

9.11 - RB Jerious Norwood, Atl.

10.02 - QB Vince Young, Ten.

11.11 - TE Tony Scheffler, Den.

12.02 - WR Justin Gage, Ten.

13.11 - D/ST Chicago Bears

14.02 - K Josh Scobee, Jax.

15.11 - WR Earl Bennett, Chi.

 

Analysis: This is a pretty solid team from top to bottom, although there were some curious picks throughout that left me a bit confused. I don't like Larry Johnson this year as much as some do, so I'm not big on him, but I thought remote did the right thing grabbing Moss and moving forward from there. I'm not sure if Kevin Smith will be the guy in Detroit or not and felt that pick may have been hasty, but I loved the next pick. Getting a 32-TD guy in the sixth round is a pretty cool deal. Vince Young is a nice fit for the No-Hassle system as a best ball format is the best place to roll the dice on his relative inconsistencies. The tight end combo is a good one and should allow for consistent support from that position. The Norwood pick was a solid one as it backs up the pick of Turner a few rounds earlier.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Pretty simple as far as I'm concerned: A solid #2 RB has to emerge. Whether that be Michael Turner or Kevin Smith, somebody has to produce at that #2 spot consistently...maybe the two will produce in combination with one another. The other pieces look good to me, but LJ isn't a stud presently and he's going to need plenty of help from these guys. Can Atlanta and Detroit run the ball well in '08? Dunno.

 

Favorite pick: Moss. It was the right thing to do given who was available there....I wish for my sake, remote would've passed Moss up, though. Darn you.

 

Least Favorite pick: Kevin Smith. I would say Larry Johnson, but you almost had to pick him where you did. Smith is pretty green.

 

Overall outlook: This is a good team and remote's got nowhere to go but up after last year's debacle. If I'm wrong about Larry Johnson...and he becomes a stud again somehow, this team could be great. Just depends.

 

 

Fumbleweed

 

1.12 - RB Marshawn Lynch, Buf.

2.01 - WR Reggie Wayne, Ind.

3.12 - RB Ronnie Brown, Mia.

4.01 - RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG

5.12 - TE Tony Gonzalez, KC

6.01 - QB Carson Palmer, Cin.

7.12 - WR Laveranues Coles, NYJ

8.01 - RB Chester Taylor, Min.

9.12 - WR Reggie Brown, Phi.

10.01 - WR Derrick Mason, Bal.

11.12 - WR D.J. Hackett, Car.

12.01 - TE Jeremy Shockey, NYG

13.12- QB Jeff Garcia, TB

14.01 - K Stephen Gostkowski, NE

15.12 - D/ST Dallas Cowboys

 

Analysis: I like the way a lot of things worked out for me in this draft, but there were also regrets/things I didn't like. First, the good: I like the three-headed RB monster that I've got with some young legs (albeit, one that has been re-constructed). I should get solid totals week in and week out with the best ball combination of those three guys, and if AP misses time in Minnesota, Taylor could/would also be a valuable asset. I'm also pleased with my TE combo and I feel that Palmer is going to have a better season than many others do. The Bad: I waited too long on a backup QB and Garcia was not the guy I envisioned for that role at all. I also think my receivers after Reggie Wayne are pretty pedestrian and somebody from that group needs to emerge and out-perform their draft status. I think I've got a good, competitive team here...but there are some risks......

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Lynch and Brown. I think I know what I've got at the other roster spots, but Lynch needs to avoid getting into trouble and Brown needs to bounce back with about 75-80% of what he was producing last year pre-injury. If this duo fails to launch, I could be in trouble.

 

Favorite pick: Ronnie Brown. It was not well received by all, but I think he's in for a better season than most think.

 

Least Favorite pick: Jeff Garcia. Waited too long for my second QB and got burnt.

 

Overall outlook: I like my chances to be a top six team, but some things are really going to have to bounce just right to keep up with some of the juggernauts in this league. The fun begins come September!

[ICEMAN 44]

Illuminating.

[Fumbleweed 547]

Illuminating.

 

Are you happy now?

[ICEMAN 44]

Are you happy now?

 

Yes.

[Fumbleweed 547]

All done. Your turn for feedback and such.....

[paulinstl 296]

Very well-thought out analysis Fumble. When I get some time, I'll give you some feedback on the team I drrafted. Thanks for running the draft and also for running the No Hassle part during the season.

 

[remote controller 143]

Remote Controller

 

1.11 - WR Randy Moss, NEP

2.02 - RB Larry Johnson, KC

3.11 - WR Plaxico Burress, NYG

4.02 - RB Michael Turner, Atl.

5.11 - RB Kevin Smith, Det.

6.02 - QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit

7.11 - WR Nate Burleson, Sea.

8.02 - TE Heath Miller, Pit.

9.11 - RB Jerious Norwood, Atl.

10.02 - QB Vince Young, Ten.

11.11 - TE Tony Scheffler, Den.

12.02 - WR Justin Gage, Ten.

13.11 - D/ST Chicago Bears

14.02 - K Josh Scobee, Jax.

15.11 - WR Earl Bennett, Chi.

 

Analysis: This is a pretty solid team from top to bottom, although there were some curious picks throughout that left me a bit confused. I don't like Larry Johnson this year as much as some do, so I'm not big on him, but I thought remote did the right thing grabbing Moss and moving forward from there. I'm not sure if Kevin Smith will be the guy in Detroit or not and felt that pick may have been hasty, but I loved the next pick. Getting a 32-TD guy in the sixth round is a pretty cool deal. Vince Young is a nice fit for the No-Hassle system as a best ball format is the best place to roll the dice on his relative inconsistencies. The tight end combo is a good one and should allow for consistent support from that position. The Norwood pick was a solid one as it backs up the pick of Turner a few rounds earlier.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Pretty simple as far as I'm concerned: A solid #2 RB has to emerge. Whether that be Michael Turner or Kevin Smith, somebody has to produce at that #2 spot consistently...maybe the two will produce in combination with one another. The other pieces look good to me, but LJ isn't a stud presently and he's going to need plenty of help from these guys. Can Atlanta and Detroit run the ball well in '08? Dunno.

 

Favorite pick: Moss. It was the right thing to do given who was available there....I wish for my sake, remote would've passed Moss up, though. Darn you.

 

Least Favorite pick: Kevin Smith. I would say Larry Johnson, but you almost had to pick him where you did. Smith is pretty green.

 

Overall outlook: This is a good team and remote's got nowhere to go but up after last year's debacle. If I'm wrong about Larry Johnson...and he becomes a stud again somehow, this team could be great. Just depends.

Thanks for the reminder of last years debacle . A few comments on your critiique. The toughest pick for me in this draft, and the first couple were real tough (This is not a draft slot I want this year), is the 3rd round selection of Turner. I was able to solidify it by grabbing Norwood later, but It was real tough to pull the trigger on an unknown quantity. I have no problem with the Smith pick and that is a done deal. He will be the #1 Rb in Detroit. Case in point: Did you see Bell selected??

My Favorite pick was landing Ben in the 6th, and Scheffler in the 11th. The "no hassle" key you mentioned of the #2 Rb doesn't bother me near as much as the real world Fantasy need for Turner to step up. Keep your eye on Bennett this season as he will lead the Bears in receptions, and tds by years end! That might only be 7, but so be it! Thanks Fumble, and good luck this year.

 

Particiapants should be applauded for the way we ripped throught his thing, but then slapped for the way we let it finish. Always a great draft and I enjoyed the challenge! Tlii next year!!

[FantasyKing 4]

This was awesome Fumble and not just cause you gave me glowing reviews. I think last year I just read your review of my team but this year I read the whole thing and it was really well written and thought out. Thanks for all your efforts during the mock and for the great read above. You da man Kirk.

[The Soloist 0]

Great Job Fumble! Good drafting with you guys again. Good luck this season to you all....

[Dan 66]

Great job, Fumble.

 

I'll add some thoughts some time today.

[paulinstl 296]

Analysis: Have you ever liked an entire draft except for one pick...but that one pick kind of throws the team off stride a bit? A lot of guys have commented that my pick of Ronnie Brown was like that, and it's how I also feel about Edgerrin James here. I thought paul did a really good job putting some heavyweight hitters on his team in the form of Addai, Manning, and Gates and I also like how he made up for a lack of a big-time wide receiver with a bunch of solid choices...something that is generally rewarded in a best ball format like ours. I even liked paul's theory about grabbing both Texans QBs and the numbers back up his theory on that. I just don't like Edgerrin James and I think his lack of explosiveness will hold this team down a bit when there were still some dynamic RBs available for the pick there. Minus that, though, this team is nicely constructed and the depth at WR and QB is a big plus. It's a good team.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: You pretty much know what you're getting with every pick here sans Bowe. This was a "safe" draft with less upside than the others preceding it. Success will come, but the key to title contention may lie in Dwayne Bowe outliving his draft status. If he progresses in his second year, it would help out paul's chances a lot.

 

Favorite pick: Manning. Yawn. Coupled with Addai, you've latched onto the most consistent offense of the past decade. Nicely done.

 

Least Favorite pick: Edgerrin James. Paul and remote can offer up all the rebuttals they want to re: James. I'm not excited about him.

 

Overall outlook: Like I said, this team doesn't have much upside, but it's not going to crash either. It's a "safe" middle of the pack team...somebody probably needs to exceed expectations considerably to win a title.

 

Let me address the James pick. First of all., let me say that I wasn't wild about this pick either, but I had, what I believed, were some soid reasons for making it. Once I had drafted a QB and a TE in my first four picks, and facing a long serpentine wait until my next pick, I felt that I had to take a RB that in my mind posed the fewest question marks. Knowing that I had to address the WR position in the next few picks because the lineup requirements mandate three WRs in your starting lineup, I felt I needed a RB that I know would get the ball, period. I have my doubts about James' age and durability and effectivenss, but the one thing I know is that barring inury, he's getting the ball.

 

If you look at what other RBs were available at that time, every one of the next few all have some major question marks in my mind, right or wrong.

 

1. Lawrence Maroney, this is what it came down to me, James or Maroney. What I saw all year from Maroney is that he showed flashes of value, but was so completely underused and was removed at the goal line. For a second RB on ateam that is going to have draft WRs in the next few rounds, I couldn't afford to pulll the trigger on Maroney.

 

2. Willie Parker. I love FWP, but with the addition of Mendnhall as a high draft choice and his size, I think FWP's carries are going to cut into. Not to mention that the Steelers do not run the ball anymore inside the redzone, and when they do this year, I see Mendenhall getting it down there. As a second RB, I felt a 20-to-20 runner was risky. Once again, right or wrong.

 

3. Johnathan Stewart. Great upside, but once again the need for WRs precluded me from taking a flyer on my number two RB here. We have no idea how that situation will shake out, and If I had already had 2 RBs, taking a flyer here would not have been too risky.

 

4. Ronnie Brown. No need to get into much detail here. Great upside, way too much risk for my team in this spot of the draft.

 

5. Brandon Jacobs. Love Jacons, but I can easily a split backfield this year with Bradshaw. Couple that with all those little injuries Jacobs incurs, I got scared off him.

 

The overall picture about this team was that by drafting a QB and a TE in the first four rounds, I had to adjust to not having 2 solid RBs and a solid WR already. My gambling was done in round in rounds two and four with Manning and Gates. After those picks, I had little choice but to make what I perceived as solid choices. I think the combined value of Manning, Addai, and what will surely be some strong games from Gates and the WR collection, put me above a "middle of the pack" team. I see consistency as upside and I also see grabbing a QB and TE in the first rounds as anything but a "safe" draft. All picks after round four had to be conservative, IMO.

 

Like I said earlier, great analysis Fumble. Your input is always valuable and well-thought out.

[remote controller 143]

Let me address the James pick. First of all., let me say that I wasn't wild about this pick either, but I had, what I believed, were some soid reasons for making it. Once I had drafted a QB and a TE in my first four picks, and facing a long serpentine wait until my next pick, I felt that I had to take a RB that in my mind posed the fewest question marks. Knowing that I had to address the WR position in the next few picks because the lineup requirements mandate three WRs in your starting lineup, I felt I needed a RB that I know would get the ball, period. I have my doubts about James' age and durability and effectivenss, but the one thing I know is that barring inury, he's getting the ball.

 

If you look at what other RBs were available at that time, every one of the next few all have some major question marks in my mind, right or wrong.

 

1. Lawrence Maroney, this is what it came down to me, James or Maroney. What I saw all year from Maroney is that he showed flashes of value, but was so completely underused and was removed at the goal line. For a second RB on ateam that is going to have draft WRs in the next few rounds, I couldn't afford to pulll the trigger on Maroney.

 

2. Willie Parker. I love FWP, but with the addition of Mendnhall as a high draft choice and his size, I think FWP's carries are going to cut into. Not to mention that the Steelers do not run the ball anymore inside the redzone, and when they do this year, I see Mendenhall getting it down there. As a second RB, I felt a 20-to-20 runner was risky. Once again, right or wrong.

 

3. Johnathan Stewart. Great upside, but once again the need for WRs precluded me from taking a flyer on my number two RB here. We have no idea how that situation will shake out, and If I had already had 2 RBs, taking a flyer here would not have been too risky.

 

4. Ronnie Brown. No need to get into much detail here. Great upside, way too much risk for my team in this spot of the draft.

 

5. Brandon Jacobs. Love Jacons, but I can easily a split backfield this year with Bradshaw. Couple that with all those little injuries Jacobs incurs, I got scared off him.

 

The overall picture about this team was that by drafting a QB and a TE in the first four rounds, I had to adjust to not having 2 solid RBs and a solid WR already. My gambling was done in round in rounds two and four with Manning and Gates. After those picks, I had little choice but to make what I perceived as solid choices. I think the combined value of Manning, Addai, and what will surely be some strong games from Gates and the WR collection, put me above a "middle of the pack" team. I see consistency as upside and I also see grabbing a QB and TE in the first rounds as anything but a "safe" draft. All picks after round four had to be conservative, IMO.

 

Like I said earlier, great analysis Fumble. Your input is always valuable and well-thought out.

You were spot on and got a great Rb#2!! 300+ carries, 1400 yards and 8 td's worth!

[remote controller 143]

Let me address the James pick. First of all., let me say that I wasn't wild about this pick either, but I had, what I believed, were some soid reasons for making it. Once I had drafted a QB and a TE in my first four picks, and facing a long serpentine wait until my next pick, I felt that I had to take a RB that in my mind posed the fewest question marks. Knowing that I had to address the WR position in the next few picks because the lineup requirements mandate three WRs in your starting lineup, I felt I needed a RB that I know would get the ball, period. I have my doubts about James' age and durability and effectivenss, but the one thing I know is that barring inury, he's getting the ball.

 

If you look at what other RBs were available at that time, every one of the next few all have some major question marks in my mind, right or wrong.

 

1. Lawrence Maroney, this is what it came down to me, James or Maroney. What I saw all year from Maroney is that he showed flashes of value, but was so completely underused and was removed at the goal line. For a second RB on ateam that is going to have draft WRs in the next few rounds, I couldn't afford to pulll the trigger on Maroney.

 

2. Willie Parker. I love FWP, but with the addition of Mendnhall as a high draft choice and his size, I think FWP's carries are going to cut into. Not to mention that the Steelers do not run the ball anymore inside the redzone, and when they do this year, I see Mendenhall getting it down there. As a second RB, I felt a 20-to-20 runner was risky. Once again, right or wrong.

 

3. Johnathan Stewart. Great upside, but once again the need for WRs precluded me from taking a flyer on my number two RB here. We have no idea how that situation will shake out, and If I had already had 2 RBs, taking a flyer here would not have been too risky.

 

4. Ronnie Brown. No need to get into much detail here. Great upside, way too much risk for my team in this spot of the draft.

 

5. Brandon Jacobs. Love Jacons, but I can easily a split backfield this year with Bradshaw. Couple that with all those little injuries Jacobs incurs, I got scared off him.

 

The overall picture about this team was that by drafting a QB and a TE in the first four rounds, I had to adjust to not having 2 solid RBs and a solid WR already. My gambling was done in round in rounds two and four with Manning and Gates. After those picks, I had little choice but to make what I perceived as solid choices. I think the combined value of Manning, Addai, and what will surely be some strong games from Gates and the WR collection, put me above a "middle of the pack" team. I see consistency as upside and I also see grabbing a QB and TE in the first rounds as anything but a "safe" draft. All picks after round four had to be conservative, IMO.

 

Like I said earlier, great analysis Fumble. Your input is always valuable and well-thought out.

You were spot on and got a great Rb#2!! 300+ carries, 1400 yards and 8 td's worth!

[The Soloist 0]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_...o?urn=nfl,90475

[Fumbleweed 547]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_...o?urn=nfl,90475

 

 

Maybe I should have taken Suisham in the second....