2010 No-Hassle June Mock Analysis

[Fumbleweed 545]

Just a reminder that as teams finish up their drafting in the next day or so, I will begin work on my No-Hassle analysis as always. Also, feel free to put your analysis in this thread. Overall, it's been a another very good draft and it's going to be fun to begin breaking down the teams. Again...as teams conclude their draft, I will begin my analysis in terms of how each team should/could stack up in the No-Hassle format.

[WhiteWonder 2,732]

i'll toss out an analysis of each team at some point.

 

For my team i wanted to avoid 3 mistakes i made in my rookie season.

-going WR heavy early on in a non-ppr format

-waiting way too long for my qb's

-not drafting 2 te's

 

i think i did a good job of correcting those mistakes and drafting a well balanced team. got some star power (CJ2K, Roddy, Rivers), some solid vets (Grant, Barber, Moss), and a few risks (Dez, A-Gonz). Drafting a QB1 and TE1 as early as i did is unlike me but the value was there and it was part of the mistake correcting process.

 

I think this team is solid everywhere but WR. Roddy is a headliner but i am banking on McNabb vaulting Santana Moss. Someone will need to step up out of Dez, Avery and Gonzalez or at the very least they need to rotate having solid weeks

[remote controller 143]

I can't shut up, so I'm sure I will release something too.

[Fumbleweed 545]

OK, here we go...again this analysis is more about overall team strength in relation to the No-Hassle format as opposed to rating individual picks. With that in mind...

 

Dan

 

1.01- RB Adrian Peterson, Min.

2.12- WR Sidney Rice, Min.

3.01- WR Greg Jennings, GB

4.12- WR Hines Ward, Pit.

5.01- TE Brent Celek, Phi.

6.12- RB Carnell Williams, TB

7.01- RB Michael Bush, Oak.

8.12- WR Steve Breaston, Ari.

9.01- QB Carson Palmer, Cin.

10.12- QB Matt Leinart, Ari.

11.01- QB Chad Henne, Mia.

12.12- K Nate Kaeding, SD

13.01- RB Leon Washington, Sea.

14.12- D/ST, Baltimore Ravens

15.01- WR Chaz Schilens, Oak.

 

Analysis: Dan took an unusual approach with the #1 pick...really, from the very beginning. Waiting so long to grab a second running back could end up hurting him a bit, but I think waiting a long time for a QB will not given the fact that he's stacked three QBs on his roster...each of whom could have a big week from time to time. In the NHL format, this approach has really paid dividends in the past. Obviously, Dan has put together a team that is deep at the WR position and that...along with Peterson, is really the strength of the team. In reality, Dan just needs one of his "other" running backs to step up and produce consistently to be a factor. The WRs he has chosen are pretty certain to produce given that the top three have a stable QB throwing them the ball. The choice of Celek was a bit early for my taste, and Dan didn't back him up which means Celek staying healthy is also important to the team's overall success. All in all, this isn't one of my favorite teams from the standpoint of what could have been done from the #1 slot...still, there are strengths here and I thought Dan made some solid picks in the middle rounds.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Since I am fairly confident that this trio of QBs is going to work out...and I think picks 1-4 are fairly safe, I'm going to go with Carnell Williams and Michael Bush as the keys to success. If either turns out to be a top 15-20 RB, the team is probably going to be o.k. given what was noted previously. If either or both are non-factors, though, Peterson will essentially have to carry the RB load by himself and given that there's no stud QB to help him out, that may be a bit much to ask.

 

Favorite pick: Chad Henne. One could argue against a combo of Palmer and Leinart...but grabbing Henne to give that duo support was just a stellar move.

 

Least Favorite pick: Lendale White (just kidding)...Brent Celek. I thought there were better pieces to the puzzle available at that spot.

 

Overall outlook: This team will compete, but it's pretty dependent on Peterson and Rice. I think Favre will come back and play, but if for some reason he didn't, I would be nervous with this team. In the end, my guess is that the lack of a decent #2 RB keeps this team from being a title contender, but they aren't far off. Best guess is that this is a solid, middle-of-the-pack team when all is said and done.

 

Vikings4Ever

 

1.02- RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jax.

2.11- RB Jamaal Charles, KC

3.02- WR Marques Colston, NO

4.11- TE Antonio Gates, SD

5.02- WR Dwayne Bowe, KC

6.11- RB Justin Forsett, Sea.

7.02- QB Brett Favre, Min.

8.11- QB Donovan McNabb, Was.

9.02- WR Jeremy Maclin, Phi.

10.11- RB Darren Sproles, SD

11.02- TE Chris Cooley, Was.

12.11- WR Austin Collie, Ind.

13.02- WR Demaryius Thomas, Den.

14.11- D/ST, San Francisco 49ers

15.02- K Robbie Gould, Chi.

 

Analysis: There are several different points of attack for this team that could make them a really strong contender during the NHL season. First, the RBs have some upside as both Charles and Forsett could do quite a bit better than the modest projections most have placed upon them so far this offseason. Secondly, you've got some WRs who are still in the younger stages of their careers and as such, are still capable of taking their game to another level. Add to that two savvy veterans at QB along with one of the best, most consistent tight ends in the game and you've got a balanced group with the potential for big things. One note of caution, however: The Kansas City Chiefs weren't very good last year and two of this team's first five picks are members of that Chiefs team. That's something of a gamble to put it mildly. The late round WRs were well-selected. Everyone is always looking for last year's Miles Austin and V4E has staked a good claim on that guy being on his squad.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: You know exactly what you're getting up front with MJD, Colston, and Gates. They are as consistent as it gets. So..the key to being a really great NHL team probably rests on Charles and Bowe as much as anything else. Favre and McNabb will complement each other nicely, so it's really just a matter of how much the Chiefs can accomplish on offense.

 

Favorite pick: Antonio Gates. With Jackson possibly holding out, Rivers will get the ball to him...a lot. Really thought he fell too far in this draft and V4E took advantage.

 

Least Favorite pick: Jamaal Charles. I'm sold on him, but are the Chiefs? And what role does Thomas Jones play? Clearly, Jones still has some stuff left in his tank as well...

 

Overall outlook: About the same as Dan's team, I think. A competitive team that doesn't strike me initially as a title contender unless several players play at a level they haven't achieved before. Still, the MJD/Colston/Gates trio mentioned before is really a good foundation for a team to build upon. Taking that into consideration, this team isn't going to crash and burn and actually has a high ceiling given the relative youth outside of the QB duo. Should be a fun team to keep track of.

 

Remote Controller

 

1.03- RB Ray Rice, Bal.

2.10- RB Ryan Mathews, SD

3.03- WR DeSean Jackson, Phi.

4.10- WR Chad Ochocinco, Cin.

5.03- TE Jermichael Finley, GB

6.10- QB Kevin Kolb, Phi.

7.03- QB Jay Cutler, Chi.

8.10- WR Malcom Floyd, SD

9.03- RB Reggie Bush, NO

10.10- WR Kevin Walter, Hou.

11.03- RB Willis McGahee, Bal.

12.10- TE Tony Scheffler, Det.

13.03- K Garrett Hartley, NO

14.10- WR Jabar Gaffney, Den.

15.03- D/ST, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Analysis: What jumps out at me about this team right off the bat is the 1-2 running game punch of Rice and Mathews. In a RBBC world, these two guys have a chance to be old school workhorse backs in their respective offenses and Remote even covered his top investment with the selection of McGahee in round eleven. That two-headed monster is the heart and soul of this team and although the receiving corps is just average, it's solid. Clearly, about the only thing holding this team back in terms of unknowns is Kolb and Cutler. Remote could not have chosen two QBs that have more question marks than these two...but neither is in much danger of losing his job, so they should have some good weeks to go along with the bad. If one or both of those guys excels, the sky is probably the limit for this team given the firepower in the running game. I thought hard about taking Mathews at 2.02...I think he's going to be the bellcow for that offense and I love his chances of breaking into the top five at the position by year's end. Kolb's progress also affects D. Jackson, so that's probably the place to watch initially to see what kind of start to the season this team will get off to. Very few if any of these players are past their prime. This is a young, dynamic looking team to me.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: As noted above, probably Kolb and Mathews. Kolb's success impacts DeSean Jackson as well as himself. Mathews could make this team the league's best if he truly has a blow-up rookie year. The pieces are all in place for this to be a monster unit...but with guys like Kolb and Mathews, there is still much that is not known.

 

Favorite pick: Ryan Mathews for reasons already discussed. I would be jumping for joy in a real draft if I got Rice and Mathews in the first two rounds.

 

Least Favorite pick: Hard to choose as I thought nearly all of Remote's picks were solid...but if I had to pick one, Chad Ochocinco. Palmer is in decline and Chad isn't always focused on football. Not a guy I'd personally be all that excited about having.

 

Overall outlook: This team reminds me of Ray's team from last year. Young, explosive...and a bit unproven. If everything clicks, this team has an NHL title written all over them, which would be Remote's first such honor. But, the QBs need to play well for that to happen and although I think they can...I'm not totally confident that they will. Good team, though. Real good.

 

White Wonder

 

1.04- RB Chris Johnson, Ten.

2.09- WR Roddy White, Atl.

3.04- RB Ryan Grant, GB

4.09- QB Philip Rivers, SD

5.04- TE Vernon Davis, SF

6.09- WR Santana Moss, Was.

7.04- RB Marion Barber, Dal.

8.09- QB Eli Manning, NYG

9.04- WR Dez Bryant, Dal.

10.09- WR Donnie Avery, Stl.

11.04- TE Heath Miller, Pit.

12.09- RB LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ

13.04- WR Anthony Gonzalez, Ind.

14.09- K David Buehler, Dal.

15.04- D/ST, Chicago Bears

 

Analysis: Is it just me or did White steal about every guy through seven rounds? First of all, count me among the crowd that believes Chris Johnson should go #1 so that was a steal. Then, in round three, White got a massive steal with Ryan Grant at 3.04. Remember, this is NOT a PPR league and as such, Grant is more valuable than given credit for in this draft. Add to that Rivers and Davis and you have a really dynamic beginning to this draft for White. This team is deep at QB, RB, and tight end...but maybe not so much at WR. Every team in the June Mock is going to have a glaring weakness...that's just the nature of a draft like this. I think White's weakness, although subtle, could end up being at wide receiver. That being said, what happens to this team if Dez Bryant has an explosive rookie year? I can just about tell you what happens: This team becomes unstoppable. This is just a loaded team at every position sans WR and seeing as I don't put much faith in that position anyway, it becomes obvious how much I like this team. It is an elite squad from my perspective and barring something unforeseen, I would imagine the strength at QB-RB-TE is going to carry this group a long way.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Moss, Bryant, Avery, Gonzalez...probably just one of those guys needs to step up to make this team an NHL power. If two step up and produce top-20 numbers, White may very well win this league.

 

Favorite pick: He kind of fell into it, obviously, but Chris Johnson at #5. I thought Grant, Rivers, and Davis were also terrific as was noted above.

 

Least Favorite pick: Donnie Avery. I think there were better options there, but maybe that's just me.

 

Overall outlook: I think this team has a very bright future and I would be surprised if this team doesn't finish in the top three in the No-Hassle standings. Great starters combined with great depth is usually a recipe for overwhelming success.

 

KSB2424

 

1.05- WR Andre Johnson, Hou.

2.08- WR Miles Austin, Dal.

3.05- RB Cedric Benson, Cin.

4.08- QB Matt Schaub, Hou.

5.05- RB Jahvid Best, Det.

6.08- RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG

7.05- WR Mike Wallace, Pit.

8.08- RB Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG

9.05- WR Antonio Bryant, Cin.

10.08- TE Zach Miller, Oak.

11.05- QB Mark Sanchez, NYJ

12.08- D/ST, Minnesota Vikings

13.05- TE Todd Heap, Bal.

14.08- WR Nate Burleson, Det.

15.05- K Neil Rackers, Hou.

 

Analysis: From my perspective, a fairly solid, but average draft by June Mock standards really took a turn for the better in the middle rounds for KSB. Taking two wide receivers first left the running game a bit suspect as would be the case with anyone but in rounds 6-9, KSB not only solidified that position by grabbing both of the Giants' backs, but also took two WRs I'm fairly high on in Wallace and Bryant. Hence, my comment about middle rounds. Nobody else in this draft did more damage (in a positive way) during the draft's middle than KSB. This team has really nice depth based upon those and other selections. My only concern would be: Is there an injury risk for this team? Schaub, Benson, Jacobs, Bryant, Heap...I like all these guys, but each brings a somewhat checkered past to the table in terms of being hurt for stretches of time. If KSB's bunch remains healthy, this will probably be one of the better teams, but that history would worry me just a bit. Also, the Benson-Best combo is one of the league's weakest at RB, but the No-Hassle strategy of backing that up with Jacobs-Bradshaw was solid to say the least. So, while I wouldn't necesarily love this team in a non best-ball format, I do like it a lot given the way the No-Hassle league is scored.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Aside from health, I'd say Cedric Benson. Making a guy who's been a bit of a head case in the past your #1 running back would not be something I'd have been willing to do. KSB got Benson in a good spot, but a meltdown by him leaves this team vulnerable with Best being the next guy in line.

 

Favorite pick: Jacobs/Bradshaw. That's covering your butt and then some. If neither gets hurt, you'll do fine. If one gets hurt, you'll still do fine. Win-win picks.

 

Least Favorite pick: I liked all these picks, really. I think Todd Heap is pretty worthless at this point in terms of fantasy value, but he's your backup tight end for goodness sakes, so no real complaints.

 

Overall outlook: I don't look for this team to lead the league in scoring at any week during the season, but I do look for contention all the way through. The depth on this team should keep the team in the top six week in and week out and that could equal ultimate success as other teams struggle to find consistency. This is a deep, good squad.

 

Clash of the Titans

 

1.06- RB Frank Gore, SF

2.07- WR Brandon Marshall, Mia.

3.06- QB Tony Romo, Dal.

4.07- RB Joseph Addai, Ind.

5.06- WR Hakeem Nicks, NYG

6.07- RB Ricky Williams, Mia.

7.06- WR Braylon Edwards, NYJ

8.07- RB Donald Brown, Ind.

9.06- WR Kenny Britt, Ten.

10.07- QB Vince Young, Ten.

11.06- TE Jeremy Shockey, NO

12.07- RB Arian Foster, Hou.

13.06- QB Matt Hasselbeck, Sea.

14.07- K Rob Bironas, Ten.

15.06- D/ST, Dallas Cowboys

 

Analysis: Typical Clash draft here. Flash, upside, excitement...Clash rarely picks a guy who's not on the upside of his career as a starter and this group is no different. The receiving corps is long on talent with Marshall, Nicks, Britt, and Edwards in the fold. I thought maybe Marshall was picked a bit early given the fact that he's one screw-up away from a significant suspension, but you can't aruge against his potential. Clearly, the Joseph Addai pick was the one out-of-character pick because it was totally "un-sexy", but I liked it nevertheless. This group of high octane guys needed a consistent plodder like Addai to balance things out a little bit. This team is really deep at RB as Clash was the only guy in the draft that chose to pick up five at that position. That means, however, that his ONLY tight end is the very oft-injured Jeremy Shockey. I wouldn't be "shocked" to see Clash get zero from that position more weeks than not, which puts a lot of pressure on the other guys to step up big. Not getting somebody behind Shockey was probably a mistake in this format, but if Clash can get away with it, there's talent galore to draw from during the NHL season. Nice mix of high risk/reward guys like Marshall and Nicks and steady guys like Romo and Addai here. Should be a competitive team.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Marshall. He needs to behave himself both on and off the field to avoid team/league discipline. Too risky for my taste as a second rounder, but it's a roll of the dice that could pay off.

 

Favorite pick: Hakeem Nicks and Kenny Britt; two guys that really showed something last year...certainly, if both take the next step in their development in year two, these were great selections.

 

Least Favorite pick: Braylon Edwards. Kind of a poor man's Brandon Marshall. Loads of talent...but a mystery between the ears. As noted above, I thought Marshall was early, too. A backup TE would have been a better pick than Hasselbeck, also.

 

Overall outlook: I would place Clash's team a notch below White, Remote, and KSB...probably more in the range of Vikes and Dan. All of these first six teams have a great chance to excel and the differences among them are subtle at best...but I do believe Clash has some holes in this squad in spite of the exciting upside that the team affords.

 

JScott

 

1.07- RB Michael Turner, Atl.

2.06- QB Aaron Rodgers, GB

3.07- WR Vincent Jackson, SD

4.06- TE Dallas Clark, Ind.

5.07- WR Steve Smith, NYG

6.06- RB Ben Tate, Hou.

7.07- RB Fred Jackson, Buf.

8.06- RB Montario Hardesty, Cle.

9.07- WR Lee Evans, Buf.

10.06- WR Devin Aromashadu, Chi.

11.07- TE Dustin Keller, NYJ

12.06- QB Matt Cassel, KC

13.07- K Stephen Gostkowski, NEP

14.06- D/ST, Philadelphia Eagles

15.07- WR Muhamed Massaquoi, Cle.

 

Analysis: Kind of a hit-and-miss team from my perspective as there are some things about this team that I like and some that I don't. First, what I liked. In the past, people in this draft have shyed away from drafting a marquee QB early because they seemed married to a strategy that included never taking a QB in the first few rounds. J bucked that trend in this draft and I think Rodgers really gives this team stability at the top of the lineup. I also liked the spot at which he was able to nab Dallas Clark. Finally, I think Michael Turner is in for a huge year, so I would have been more excited about that pick than J appeared to be. Beyond this, however, the picks were less than desirable from one man's perspective. First of all, Vincent Jackson appears headed for a long term holdout and Ben Tate is completely one-dimensional as a RB...didn't like those picks. Then, J took three players in a row who are on horrible teams (Jackson, Hardesty, Evans) which is something I tend to avoid if at all possible as well. So, enough about the individual pieces. How does this team stack up as a whole? I think the depth at RB behind Turner is suspect and the wide receiving corps is soft behind Jackson, who may not even start the season. That means a lot could fall on Rodgers, Turner, and Clark...who do provide this team with a really solid foundation. It's just a matter of who helps that trio out. These aren't the players I would have sought out to do the job, but J may know some things that I don't.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: It starts with Jackson. If he and the Chargers kiss and make up early in training camp, JScott will have another solid piece of the puzzle in place. Beyond that, one of the two rookie RBs (Tate, Hardesty) has to step up and give Turner some help.

 

Favorite pick: Rodgers. He's a superstar from a fantasy standpoint and JScott did the right thing not passing him up in the name of another position.

 

Least Favorite pick: The Bills and Browns are a mess. JScott dipped into that well four times in this draft...was surprised by that.

 

Overall outlook: This wasn't one of my favorite teams, but there are certainly some foundational pieces in place for success. I really do think that Jackson's situation impacts a lot as without him, Steve Smith (NYG) becomes the #1 WR and Lee Evans the #2.

 

ICEMAN

 

1.08- RB Rashard Mendenhall, Pit.

2.05- QB Peyton Manning, Ind.

3.08- RB Knowshon Moreno, Den.

4.05- WR Steve Smith, Car.

5.08- TE Jason Witten, Dal.

6.05- WR Donald Driver, GB

7.08- RB Clinton Portis, Was.

8.05- WR Derrick Mason, Bal.

9.08- WR Eddie Royal, Den.

10.05- TE John Carlson, Sea.

11.08- RB Thomas Jones, KC

12.05- D/ST, New Orleans Saints

13.08- K Mason Crosby, GB

14.05- QB Kyle Orton, Den.

15.08- WR Golden Tate, Sea.

 

Analysis: This team could end up being pretty good. The team was built on the foundation of two young, talented running backs and a stud QB...much like what I ended up doing with my draft. And then...ICE decided to go OLD. Steve Smith, Donald Driver, and Derrick Mason form an experienced WR corps, but they don't offer a great deal in the form of upside. If all three end up repeating the success of the past couple of years, things will be fine, but I think ICE would have been better served to add an upside pick in there. Perhaps the last round addition of Golden Tate will serve to fill that role a bit. The TE depth on this team is superb and that will be a No-Hassle strength to be sure. The RB depth on the team is OLD as well (Clinton Portis, Thomas Jones), but no one can fault ICE for taking Thomas Jones after he slid way too far. I'm not certain either of those two, however, will have enough big weeks to really be an asset for best ball fantasy football. Then again, if Mendenhall and Moreno stay healthy and reach their potential, their contributions may not be all that relevant. This team is not going to be at the bottom of the standings...too many veterans who are reliable and proven. But, does this team have the upside to win a title? I would say probably not initially...but much like JScott, the first four rounds were awfully good and could make up for other areas of concern.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Mendenhall and Moreno. Everybody else is a what you see is what you get kind of player. This team will rise above mediocrity in the league only if both of these RBs live up to or exceed their draft positions. Everybody else will be solid.

 

Favorite pick: It was late in the draft, but Thomas Jones in the 11th was just a gift. If Charles were to get hurt this year, Jones still has a good year or two left in him, I think.

 

Least Favorite pick: Portis. Despite their age, Driver and Mason still look capable of making solid week-in, week-out contributions. Portis? I'm not so sure. Thought he was picked too early.

 

Overall outlook: Largely veteran team with a few exceptions (namely an exciting young duo at RB) should compete well in the league, but probably won't win it. I don't even think a top three finish is likely for this group, but 4th to 8th looks realistic. It's a solid group overall.

 

Ray Lewis' Limo Driver

 

1.09- RB Steven Jackson, Stl.

2.04- WR Reggie Wayne, Ind.

3.09- RB LeSean McCoy, Phi.

4.04- WR Anquan Boldin, Bal.

5.09- RB Ronnie Brown, Mia.

6.04- WR Pierre Garcon, Ind.

7.09- QB Matt Ryan, Atl.

8.04- TE Owen Daniels, Hou.

9.09- WR Julian Edelman, NE

10.04- QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit.

11.09- RB Chester Taylor, Chi.

12.04- D/ST, New York Jets

13.09- WR Bernard Berrian, Min.

14.04- WR Devin Thomas, Was.

15.09- K Lawrence Tynes, NYG

 

Analysis: Six rounds...3 RBs, 3 WRs. Sounds like a typical June Mock type of team and RLLD has certainly blended together good depth on this team at those two positions including solid vets like Jackson, Boldin, and Wayne along with rising young players like McCoy and Garcon. Grabbing six wide receivers, however, has left the team with absolutely no depth at QB for six weeks and no depth at TE behind a guy coming off a major injury. That could be a problem over the course of a 17-week season or Ray may get away with it and ride the wealth of talent that exists on the team in other places. My thinking is that with the mix he's got at RB and WR, no other team in the league is likely to outscore him at those two positions in a best ball format. McCoy and Brown are a nice blend of guys to have teaming with the steady weekly production of Jackson. And, when the Colts passing game is clicking, Ray will take advantage with big points from Wayne and Garcon. For the most part, I do like the way this team is put together...could be a top three team if everything goes right. From a No-Hassle perspective, though, I do think a second tight end always makes sense and I might have gone there instead of grabbing a sixth WR.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Matt Ryan's first six weeks. The RBs and WRs are going to score in bunches, but whatever Ryan does over the first six weeks will be RLLD's points at the QB position. After that, Roethlisberger will be there to help out...but until then, Matt needs to have good games.

 

Favorite pick: I don't think Ray "stole" many guys...just put together a pretty solid team with guys going about where they should have. I do think Wayne is a great value at 2.04 in a league that starts three WRs, so good job there.

 

Least Favorite pick: Again, nothing drastic. Garcon, Daniels and Edelman seemed a bit early, but if Ray likes all three guys, more power to him.

 

Overall outlook: I can't decide if this team is a real title contender in my thinking or not. I like the chemistry of the players selected in a best ball format, but I'm not certain that the injury bug is going to stay away from guys like Brown, Jackson, and Daniels. Overall, a good job from the #9 spot...this team is probably on par with Dan, V4E, and Clash from my perspective.

 

Robb

 

1.10- WR Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.

2.03- WR Calvin Johnson, Det.

3.10- RB Chris Wells, Ari.

4.03- RB Jonathan Stewart, Car.

5.10- WR Wes Welker, NE

6.03- RB C.J. Spiller, Buf.

7.10- WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea.

8.03- QB Joe Flacco, Bal.

9.10- RB Darren McFadden, Oak.

10.03- QB Matthew Stafford, Det.

11.10- TE Greg Olsen, Chi.

12.03- QB Alex Smith, SF

13.10- TE Kevin Boss, NYG

14.03- D/ST, Green Bay Packers

15.10- K Matt Prater, Den.

 

Analysis: Wide receiver overload. Not a strategy that suits me personally, but it's hard to argue against the talent amassed by Robb at that position in this draft. If Wes Welker can get on the field by Week One, this team could put up some huge numbers at that spot. Fitzgerald, Johnson, and Welker is about as good a trio of wideouts as you can assemble in a league like this. At the other positions, there are question marks. For example: Will Chris Wells's role in Arizona's offense increase from what it was at the end of last season? Can C.J. Spiller make a fantasy splash on a really bad team? Is the QB trio of Flacco, Stafford, and Smith up to par with what Dan put together in a similar way from the #1 spot? My answers to those questions: Yes, I think Wells will have an increased role...No, I don't think Spiller will make a huge splash in Buffalo sans on kickoff returns where he'll be awesome...and yes, I think this trio of QBs could work out just fine. Spiller or McFadden represent the real question marks for me. Wells and Stewart aren't good enough to carry the load at RB in a best ball format without getting occasional support from the #3 and #4 guys. There's simply no evidence as of yet to support that one or both of those guys is capable of that. Even so, you have to respect what Robb did here. He decided to put together a WR corps that no one could match up with and let the rest of the chips fall where they may.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: I think Wells needs to be a top ten back for this team to have NHL title aspirations. Welker is almost too obvious for this spot, so I'm going to stick with Wells as the lynchpin. Fitz and Johnson will get theirs and the QBs will be o.k.

 

Favorite pick: Houshmandzadeh. This pick kind of sent my draft into a tailspin (more to come) as I think he's a perfect choice to fill the #3 WR role.

 

Least Favorite pick: Wasn't a big fan of Welker or Spiller that early...not high on Flacco early either at the time, but you guys convinced me to take a second look at him and I'm thinking more favorably about him now.

 

Overall outlook: You know, this will be a fun team to track. On weeks that Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson blow up (there will no doubt be several of those), things could be good. And, if DeAngelo Williams were to get hurt leaving Stewart to carry the load...get out of Robb's way as he leaps to the top of the pack. I don't know where this team will end up, but I do like the way Robb's draft flowed. More often than not, I found myself thinking "good pick" after he was done with his selection.

 

Fumbleweed

 

1.11- QB Drew Brees, NO

2.02- RB DeAngelo Williams, Car.

3.11- RB Pierre Thomas, NO

4.02- WR Michael Crabtree, SF

5.11- RB Felix Jones, Dal.

6.02- WR Percy Harvin, Min.

7.11- TE Tony Gonzalez, Atl.

8.02- WR Devin Hester, Chi.

9.11- TE Kellen Winslow, Jr., TB

10.02- WR Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ

11.11- RB Tim Hightower, Ari.

12.02- WR Terrell Owens, FA

13.11- K Ryan Longwell, Min.

14.02- QB Josh Freeman, TB

15.11- D/ST, New England Patriots

 

Analysis: Usually, I walk away from the June Mock feeling pretty good about my team, but my response this year is only lukewarm after spending the second half of the draft second-guessing picks and looking to fill holes with inadequate pieces. The strength of this team is at RB where I feel the high-end potential of DeAngelo Williams and Felix Jones will mix well with the steadiness of Pierre Thomas. And, Tim Hightower should continue to have a role in Arizona allowing for at least some scoring when one of the "Big Three" has a bye week. Another strength of this team from a No-Hassle perspective is at tight end with Gonzalez and Winslow likely to complement each other often and keep that position productive. Finally, even though his back-up will be wildly inconsistent, it's always nice to know that Drew Brees's production will be on your side week in and week out throughout the year. The weakness of this team is at WR with Crabtree and Harvin headlining the group with exciting potential, but very little proven consistentcy. I was really hoping for a vet like Houshmandzadeh at the #3 spot, but instead had to settle for a late round flier type of guy in Devin Hester. Owens could end up being a great late round pick...or he might not play at all. Bottom line: This is one of the best teams in the league easily if you take every position sans WR. But, it may be the weakest receiving corps in the league and it's just a question of how far that knocks the overall team down. Somebody's simply got to go to the next level.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Crabtree and Harvin. Taking a step forward for both could give this team wings. Two sophomore slumps would, conversely, bury it.

 

Favorite pick: Not a sexy pick, but I was very happy to get Pierre Thomas where I did. I think he's a late second round value and I like his chances to be a top 12 back as the year progresses.

 

Least Favorite pick: Was hoping for a better WR #3 than Hester...also would have preferred a different backup QB than Josh Freeman.

 

Overall outlook: This team is high risk/reward. If the receiving corps works out, this could be the best team in the league. But, they could fall completely flat on their faces and that would be too much to overcome. I'm cautiously optimistic about this team, but there are others in the league who I would trade this group for their team straight up and that's sometimes a bad sign.

 

NAn

 

1.12- RB Shonn Greene, NYJ

2.01- WR Randy Moss, NE

3.12- QB Tom Brady, NE

4.01- RB Matt Forte, Chi.

5.12- WR Mike Sims-Walker, Jax.

6.01- RB Jerome Harrison, Cle.

7.12- WR Robert Meachem, NO

8.01- WR Santonio Holmes, NYJ

9.12- TE Visanthe Shiancoe, Min.

10.01- RB Laurence Maroney, NE

11.12- QB David Garrard, Jax.

12.01- WR Johnny Knox, Chi.

13.12- TE Bo Scaife, Ten.

14.01- K David Akers, Phi.

15.12- D/ST, Indianapolis Colts

 

Analysis: A lot of variables for this team with nobody outside of Brady and Moss having put together more than one good season in their NFL careers to date. The potential is certainly there, but will Greene, Sims-Walker, Harrison, and Meachem follow-up on breakthrough performances last year? And, will Matt Forte rebound from a disappointing second season? All we know for sure is that on a week that Brady and Moss are in synch, NAn is certain to be near the top of the No-Hassle League standings. Beyond that, though, not much about this team can be known until the season starts playing itself out. One thing I do like is that everyone aside from Brady and Moss is really young and as such, there's a great deal of upside to this team. As good as the Jets are at running the ball, Greene could end up being a top-five RB and if he is...and Brady and Moss get back to past glories, I'm not sure this team can't be near or at the top of the standings when it's all said and done. NAn has given himself several paths to success via this team and that's about all you can ask for in fantasy football. I think his chances for success are pretty decent, actually, given the youth and talent levels that are present.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: One of the trio of Forte, Harrison, and Maroney is going to hit, so no big worries there. I think it just boils down mostly to Brady and Moss having a big year together. That will catapult this team towards the top.

 

Favorite pick: Shonn Greene at 1.12. You have to look at the big picture and the bottom line is the Jets can run the ball down people's throats. NAn could have gone with a blander pick...I think he'll be glad he didn't.

 

Least Favorite pick: Matt Forte. His YPC over the past two seasons concern me enough that I'm staying away. It would have been a good idea to get Chester Taylor later in the draft to protect.

 

Overall outlook: I'd be pretty optimistic if I had this team. Brady and Moss have a proven pedigree and there are lots of "up and comers" to supplement that nucleus. Not a top three team necesarily from my perspective, but not far from that mark, either.

[Vikings4ever 550]

during the NHL season.

 

So..the key to being a really great NHL team

 

If I had to do it over again, I probably would have taken Best over Bowe in the 5th, and Wallace over Fossett in the 6th. I'm not too concerned about Charles, he had a great season in only 8 weeks. Even if he only repeats those numbers over a 16 game season, I like the pick. And with MJD anchoring my RB corps, I felt I could take a little risk. Overall, I think I went with a little more risk/reward than I usually do. The only picks I'd say are "safe" (if any FF pick can be described as such) are MJD, Colston, Gates, and McNabb. Other than that, I think all my picks have high to medium upsides, with a good amount of risk. Let's see if it pays off this year.

 

As every year, thanks for the analysis, Fumble.

[Dan 66]

OK, here we go...again this analysis is more about overall team strength in relation to the No-Hassle format as opposed to rating individual picks. With that in mind...

 

Dan

 

1.01- RB Adrian Peterson, Min.

2.12- WR Sidney Rice, Min.

3.01- WR Greg Jennings, GB

4.12- WR Hines Ward, Pit.

5.01- TE Brent Celek, Phi.

6.12- RB Carnell Williams, TB

7.01- RB Michael Bush, Oak.

8.12- WR Steve Breaston, Ari.

9.01- QB Carson Palmer, Cin.

10.12- QB Matt Leinart, Ari.

11.01- QB Chad Henne, Mia.

12.12- K Nate Kaeding, SD

13.01- RB Leon Washington, Sea.

14.12- D/ST, Baltimore Ravens

15.01- WR Chaz Schilens, Oak.

 

Analysis: Dan took an unusual approach with the #1 pick...really, from the very beginning. Waiting so long to grab a second running back could end up hurting him a bit, but I think waiting a long time for a QB will not given the fact that he's stacked three QBs on his roster...each of whom could have a big week from time to time. In the NHL format, this approach has really paid dividends in the past. Obviously, Dan has put together a team that is deep at the WR position and that...along with Peterson, is really the strength of the team. In reality, Dan just needs one of his "other" running backs to step up and produce consistently to be a factor. The WRs he has chosen are pretty certain to produce given that the top three have a stable QB throwing them the ball. The choice of Celek was a bit early for my taste, and Dan didn't back him up which means Celek staying healthy is also important to the team's overall success. All in all, this isn't one of my favorite teams from the standpoint of what could have been done from the #1 slot...still, there are strengths here and I thought Dan made some solid picks in the middle rounds.

 

Key to No-Hassle success: Since I am fairly confident that this trio of QBs is going to work out...and I think picks 1-4 are fairly safe, I'm going to go with Carnell Williams and Michael Bush as the keys to success. If either turns out to be a top 15-20 RB, the team is probably going to be o.k. given what was noted previously. If either or both are non-factors, though, Peterson will essentially have to carry the RB load by himself and given that there's no stud QB to help him out, that may be a bit much to ask.

 

Favorite pick: Chad Henne. One could argue against a combo of Palmer and Leinart...but grabbing Henne to give that duo support was just a stellar move.

 

Least Favorite pick: Lendale White (just kidding)...Brent Celek. I thought there were better pieces to the puzzle available at that spot.

 

Overall outlook: This team will compete, but it's pretty dependent on Peterson and Rice. I think Favre will come back and play, but if for some reason he didn't, I would be nervous with this team. In the end, my guess is that the lack of a decent #2 RB keeps this team from being a title contender, but they aren't far off. Best guess is that this is a solid, middle-of-the-pack team when all is said and done.

 

 

 

I'm going to do my own evaluation, and was going to start with my own. I'll do it as a response to Fumble's, I think.

 

I really didn't want the #1 pick, but approached the draft with a philosophy of trying some things to see how they would fall. At the same time, I wanted a solid core off the first five picks, and had determined to aim pretty much at best player available. That worked well for three rounds, and then I decided to experiment. I wanted Schaub, but let him go to see where he landed among a top-notch group. I was disappointed to lose him and Rivers, but I had a backup plan already in place.

The argument of CJ vs. AP will rage through the entire draft season. If CJ follows through at all on his threat to hold out, I'm a genius. Barring that, we still have to wait out the season. Okay, there. I said that. I'm not expounding on every pick.

 

I like the way the QBs fell together, though I confess I wanted Roethlisberger over Leinart. But the threesome will work well, methinks. Even Palmer has better potential this year.

 

Fumble's right on the RBs, but I'm not fussed over it. However, there were a couple of meh moves that I would alter in a do-over (and no reference to Lendale). But I'm okay, overall, with my RBs, especially since Charles was taken just before my 2-3 turn. I would have snagged him in a blink, and caught the WRs up later.

 

My WRs I like quite a bit. I wrestle with Ward, if only because I wonder if I could have gotten him, or someone similar or more explosive, in the next turn. I love Nicks, but he's second year with an unpredictable QB, and I was chicken. That said, I love Schilens in the 15th, and think he'll be a very pleasant surprise, now that they are back to a QB who is better than awful.

 

TE Brent Celek was a gaffe. I should have waited on the position and solidified RB or WR. Period. I mind-locked on the position, instead of "best-player", going against what I wanted to do. Critical error, and it's the difference between competitive and fighting for the title. I still can, but things have to fall a little better.

 

Overall, I did a lot right, but the 4-5 turn was one that left me with too many questions.

[Fumbleweed 545]

Will be working more on my analysis today after lunch...

[remote controller 143]

"which would be Remote's first such honor"

 

 

EAASY!!

 

Cutler will be the top Qb on this squad and Floyd is looking better everyday.

 

Thanks for the look and all you do Fumble!

[WhiteWonder 2,732]

Thanks fumble. I pretty much agree with your entire analysis of my team. I question myself on the Donnie Avery pick. Not so much that there was another player in round 10 but more so that maybe I should have passed on Eli Manning in round 8, selected Malcom Floyd, and gone with a Chad Henne in the 10th for my backup QB.

 

thanks for all the work with analysis and maintenance with the threads.

[Fumbleweed 545]

I'll try to get more done on this tonight. Supposed to go play golf with an old friend this afternoon...hope to finish all analysis by 5:00 pm tomorrow evening (Friday). Thanks for your patience.

[Fumbleweed 545]

Finished!

 

Good draft this year, guys. Enjoyed it and I hope more will take the time to give their analysis on the process in days to come.

 

Should also be a fun season in the No-Hassle League...