Draft Results and Grades

 

 Well...the draft has now come and gone and we are now ready to officially kick off the fantasy football season. In a couple of days, Week 1 will kick off, and the race to the Wane McGarrity Bowl begins. As is tradition, the day after brings us the draft results and grades. As always, a disclaimer, grades are determined solely by my opinions, so obviously they mean jack shit. It's not meant to call out teams, or make others think I'm the ultimate authority on fantasy football. Just a fun way to evaluate the draft. In fact, if you bored, go back and reread some of these, I get these wrong a lot of the times, lol. It's just my initial reaction after the fact of the draft. Just don't want to hurt anyone's feelings (This means you Dad, who every year pulls the "I can't believe you gave your father this grade" on me). On to the results!

Kenny (Woe Is Me)

QB-Russell Wilson, Teddy Bridgewater

WR-Dez Bryant, T.Y. Hilton, Devonte Adams, Tyler Lockett, Torrey Smith

RB-LeSean McCoy, Latavius Murray, Chris Ivory, Arian Foster, Ameer Abdullah, Duke Johnson

TE-Jordan Cameron

Overview: Kenny did EXACTLY what he needed to here..used those multiple picks and knocked it out of the PARK. Without a doubt the best drafted team on paper (3 3rd round picks will do that). Dez was a no brainer, but to add T.Y. Hilton and Devonte Adams, makes this a very dangerous receiving trio. Not to mention Kenny took just the right amount of fliers (like Seahawks rookie receiver  Tyler Lockett) as potential fantasy contributors. His draft fell pretty much perfectly. Yes, LeSean McCoy is a HUGE question mark, but guess what, Kenny's RB depth is INSANELY deep. I have no doubt, Kenny will be active in the trade market later in the season. Latavius Murray is another one of those insanely talented backs but he plays for a bad team, which could limit his opportunities, but he's well worth the shot as he's a dynamic playmaker. He took a shot at Ameer Abdullah and he can actually let him develop on his bench as he stole Chris Ivory in the 7th round. His biggest pick though, was Arian Foster. He got him near the end of the 6th and if (big IF) Foster comes back sooner than thought, man...the rest of the league is in TROUBLE. Even taking a flier on Duke Johnson makes sense, as he either becomes the starting RB in Cleveland, or RBBC's it with Crowell. Kenny really doesn't need him, so he can afford to wait. Kenny also stole Russell Wilson, who went like 20 picks over his ADP. Bridgewater may or may not be his backup QB come bye week, but he's no that terrible, and this roster can basically make up the difference. The only weakness I see is tight end. I don't like Jordan Cameron, he NEVER stays healthy, and there's plenty of mouths to feed in Miami. Despite that, though, Yahoo gave Kenny the best draft of the season, and I agree. The preseason favorite, hands down, to win it all.

Grade-A+ The pure depth of the RB's, the excellent receiving trio, the Russell Wilson steal, all mask questions (McCoy) and weakness (Cameron). Kenny's back this season with a purpose, to take it all.

Leland (No Soup For You)

QB-Matt Ryan, Blake Bortles

WR-Calvin Johnson, Brandin Cooks, Keenan Allen, Martavis Bryant, Dorial Green-Beckham, Marvin Jones, Kelvin Benjamin

RB- DeMarco Murray, Darren McFadden, Todd Gurley, Charles Sims, 

TE- Martellus Bennett

Overview: I always say expect the unexpected with Leland, and he never disappoints. I was really expecting Lynch here (with a slight shot of Luck or Gronk), so imagine my surprise when Leland took DeMarco Murray at #2 overall. I'm not saying it's the biggest stretch in the world, Murray should be solid (just wonder how much Ryan Mathews actually plays into the equation), but it's a pretty bold move at #2 overall. Leland's running backs are pretty bad outside of Murray with the exception of Todd Gurley. Gurley, though will be slowly working his way back from an ACL injury, so no telling when he'll be given the full workload. Hopefully for Leland's sake, soon, because Darren McFadden and Charles Sims are just not week to week starters. If Gurley comes back at meets expectations, he'll have a dangerous 1-2 punch. Hopefully he can survive until that point. Leland's receivers though...in competition with the best in the league. Calvin and Brandin Cooks alone are super scary..I see a lot of points between those two. Leland drafted Keenan Allen last year and it was disappointing. He's hoping Allen bounces back to his rookie year form and if he does, him as a WR #3 is a big time advantage. I also like the Martavis Bryant pick. Again, he'll have to wait 4 weeks because of his suspension, but he has the potential to be a bonafide WR #2 and as his 4th really good receiver, he might be able to swap a receiver for some RB depth down the road. I even like the flier on Dorial Green-Beckham. He has a chance to be a fantasy sleeper in his rookie year. Another smart move was nabbing Kelvin Benjamin in round 12. That's excellent value to start off next season right off the bat. A little surprised Marty B went over Kelce in Round 4, but with Alshon Jeffrey dealing with nagging injuries, Bennett might be in line for a ton of targets. QB wise, Matt Ryan's up and down usually,  but he's super solid QB with high scoring potential. All in all, to me if everything works out to its fullest potential (easier said than done) Leland's a darkhouse candidate to win it all.

Grade-B. Love the receiving group, but the RB's just seem very weak to me. Hopefully Murray lives up to his #2 draft status and Gurley comes back and makes a huge impact.

Dad (BigBadBob) 

QB- Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton

WR-Randall Cobb, Vincent Jackson, Larry Fitzgerald, Victor Cruz, DeVante Parker

RB-Marshawn Lynch, Andre Ellington, Gio Bernard, Shane Vereen, David Johnson

TE-Travis Kelce, Austin Seferian-Jenkins 

Overview: Dad happily took Marshawn Lynch at #3 and followed that up with Randall Cobb in Round #2 which is a great pick with enormous upside with Jordy Nelson out. Here's the first case though where a lack of a 3rd round pick and draft position really hurt Dad. By the time Dad picked again (Late 4th) the pickings were slim and that left him with Andre Ellington (not a fan). It seemed like when Dad picked, unfortunately there was always uninspiring choices. I love the Kelce pick in the 5th, he has the potential to be the #2 TE behind Gronk so that was great value. Matthew Stafford is a decent starter, he's basically in the realm of Matt Ryan, Eli, and Phillip Rivers. V-Jax is sooooo up and down, he's very frustrating to own, and he's tied to a rookie QB. It'll be interesting to see if Larry Fitzgerald is finally done or if he can bounce back and be relevant. That wasn't too bad of a flier and as a #3 WR, you could do worse. Outside of Lynch, I don't like Dad's RB Depth at all. You can't really count on passing down backs in a crowded backfield like Gio and Vereen, though taking David Johnson was a smart move in case Andre Ellington flames out. I also like the DeVante Parker pick, you just never know, which rookie is gonna end up being fantasy relevant, and he has just as good a  chance as anyone. Dad backed up Stafford with Cam Newton, and that's fine for a bye week play. I see this as a middle of the pack team with best case being fighting for that final spot in the playoffs.

Grade-B-. Of course losing a 3rd round pick is going to throw your draft out of whack. I love the nucleus of Lynch, Cobb, Kelce, but Dad's really thin at RB. He'll need those receivers to really pan out if he plans on being a playoff bound team.

Ryan (Hoosier Daddy)

QB-Andrew Luck, Joe Flacco

WR- Mike Evans, Goldin Tate, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Brandon LaFell

RB- Justin Forsett, Frank Gore, Melvin Gordon, Joique Bell, Ryan Mathews, Devonta Freeman

TE- Owen Daniels

Overview: Man....I must say, I'm disappointed (well not really, since he's an opponent) in Ryan's team. Considering he had 2 3rd round picks and 2 4th's, his team is a little underwhelming. He started with Andrew Luck, which is fine, with 5 point per TD pass scoring, he'll be hands down the top scorer in fantasy. It kinda went bla/downhill from there. Justin Forsett was the best RB available so Ryan took him. I get it, it's not bad, I just wonder if Forsett can replicate his breakthrough season. I like Frank Gore at least in the late 3rd. He should be a solid running back in Indy. The rest of the RB's...ugh. I absolutely HATE Melvin Gordon. I saw him against us in preseason..he's not ready and I've still got the bitter taste of taking a rookie Chargers RB by the name of  Ryan Mathews in the 1st round in 2010. If it wasn't an 8 team league, it would've KILLED my season. Not a fan of Joique, Devonta Freeman is hurt and Tevin Coleman could runaway with the starting job, and speaking of Ryan Mathews, he might be worth a flex spot if he gets enough work. Owen Daniels..starting tight end?? On paper, probably the worst starting tight end in the league. The receivers are a little better, but again Ryan drafted guys who could work out, but I just personally don't like. I was against Mike Evans (especially as a #1) only because he's already dealing with a hammy issue, and also with a rookie QB. I think he can be good, but can he be WR #1 good? No problems with Golden Tate, I think he'll be solid, but DeSean Jackson? He'll get you 25 one week and 3 the next. Hard to count on him week to week. PPR wise Pierre Garcon might end up being the better play. Brandon LaFell was a waste, he won't be ready for weeks. Again, this isn't a horrible team, Ryan himself admits he hates his team. It could've been so much better though. 

Grade-B-. He still has Luck, his starting RB's aren't that bad, and Evans has "potential", but considering the picks, it's ultimately disappointing. Prove me wrong, Ryan, and I'll gladly eat my words.

 Mark (Shock The Monkey)

QB-Peyton Manning, Sam Bradford

WR-Alshon Jeffrey, Emmanuel Sanders, Charles Johnson, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Phillip Dorsett

RB-Jeremy Hill, Lamar Miller, Joseph Randle, Ronnie Hillman

TE- Delanie Walker, Zach Ertz

Overview- I actually think Mark's team is quietly getting overlooked. Mark started with Jeremy Hill (definitely a top 10 RB, possible he can be a top 5) and followed that up with Alshon Jeffrey and Lamar Miller. IF (ifffffff) Alshon's injury isn't that serious, he'll gobble up targets galore, with Brandon Marshall out of town. Also, this is make or break time with Lamar Miller. There's no real threat to him, and with receiving weapons galore now, Miller has real chance to shine. If this happens, that's a solid foundation to start a team with. I HATE THE JOSEPH RANDLE PICK though. Don't like where he went at all. If CJ Anderson sucks (please god no) then Hillman is an excellent gamble to take a chance on.  Emmanuel Sanders is a solid #2, and everyone's high on Charles Johnson in Minnesota (don't know much about him, but as a #3 worth a shot). I actually probably like Terrrance Williams more as #3, I think he'll be heavily involved in the Cowboys offense as I see us reverting back to a passing team. Phillip Dorsett is an interesting flier, but there's too many receivers in Indy, so I don't think he'll end up on Mark's team long. Delanie Walker? Eh...he's decent, I think it was smart for Mark to back him up with Ertz, as he probably will end up taking over his starting TE spot. Peyton Manning in round 6 was a great value and I even like Mark backing him up with Sam Bradford. All in All, solid effort from "Pro Bowl" Mark.

Grade- B. I like the 1-2 RB combo, Peyton at QB, and IF Alshon is fine, this is a solid, playoff caliber team.

Me (Kummamon Express)

QB- Tony Romo, Eli Manning

WR- Jordan Matthews, DeAndre Hopkins, Jeremy Maclin, Eric Decker, Eddie Royal, Brandon Coleman

RB- C.J. Anderson, Matt Forte, LaGarrette Blount, Danny Woodhead, Matt Jones

TE-Greg Olsen

Overview: I went into the draft pessimistic as ever, but came out...pretty damn happy. I really think I did great job this go around. I'm verrrrry scared of a C.J Anderson flame out (I keep thinking Montee Ball) but I had to take the risk there at #6. I was actually debating between him and Forte, so I was happily surprised Forte was still there at #19. Again, Forte's health scares me, but if he and Anderson live up the hype, I might have the best RB combo of the league. I waited late for RB's depth, Blount I just took because it was late and he's starter. I think I got good value in Danny Woodhead, since it's a PPR league, he can definitely be called on for a bye week fill in. My favorite pick might end up being Matt Jones. He's looked outstanding so far in preseason, and there's a solid chance he might unseat Alfred Morris for that starting RB position. If he does, that's a hell of a value. I got two receivers I really coveted (Jordan Mathews and DeAndre Hopkins) though I got snaked on the 3rd one I wanted (Amari Cooper) I'm buying into the Maclin gameplan and hoping he can prove his doubters wrong that he'll suck in KC.  Eric Decker and Eddie Royal might seem boring, but I think they can put up some nice games as flex plays. Brandon Coleman was another flier I went for in that Saints offense. Gonna roll with Romo as my QB (Eli as my backup) and I'm more than fine with that plus I got what I felt was the 3rd best tight end in Greg Olsen. All in all, I feel like this a team that SHOULD compete for a title. I can't wait to get this season started!

Grade- A. Yep...I'm biased as hell, but I really did feel this was an A draft. Of course if my first two picks explode in my face, I look dumb, but hey, it wouldn't be the first time!

Drew (Sons of The Harpy)

QB- Tom Brady, Jameis Winston

WR-Demaryius Thomas, Amari Cooper, Allen Robinson, Kendall Wright, Michael Floyd, Ty Montgomery

RB- Adrian Peterson, Rashad Jennings, Isaiah Crowell, Chris Polk

TE-Julius Thomas, LaDarius Green

Overview- Drew was already in good shape by keeping Demaryius and AD but with no 3rd round pick, Drew had to make sure he hit on the rest of his draft. He started by taking MY GUY COOPER. I think Drew has a solid receiving core that has the potential to be great if Amare and Allen Robinson can deliver. Kendall Wright isn't even too shabby, though I'm not big on Michael Floyd and Ty Montgomery is basically a lottery ticket. Not a fan of Drew's RB's outside of Peterson. Jennings is bla and has Andre Williams and Vereen breathing down his neck. Crowell's the starter..for now and Chris Polk might be totally irrelevant when Foster comes back. Tight Ends are bleak too, as Drew took an injured Julius Thomas and LaDarius Green who's filling for Antonio Gates during his suspension. Not an exact combo to screams confidence. Brady is fine at QB, but Jameis seems likes a curious "name" pick and I'm not sure if Drew will actually use him. Another solid team that should be in the playoff hunt and that's all it takes to get a shot at the championship.

Grade-B. Love the Peterson/Thomas combo, I think the receiving core is strong, but RB's and Tight End weak. Still a team that can win in any week. 

 Alex (Winter is Over)

QB-Drew Brees, Colin Kaepernick

WR-Brandon Marshall, Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith, Marques Colston, Devin Funchess, Kenny Stills

RB-Eddie Lacy, C.J. Spiller, Reggie Bush, Andre Williams

TE-Jimmy Graham, Kyle Rudolph

Overview: Guess who's a Saints fan.With 6 guys that are either Saints or former Saints, Alex really loaded up on guys from his hometown team. He kept Lacy and Brees, and snagged Jimmy Graham as his tight end in round 3. A lack of a 4th rounder hurt him though, as a lot talent went in between rounds. I think Brandon Marshall will absolutely have a bounce back year..I would just be more comfortable as him being a #2 receiver, not a 1. To me Boldin and Steve Smith are high end 3's as well. Alex has a pretty veteran receiving crew as he also has Marques Colston. Is Colston on the decline or can he take advantage of Kenny Stills and Jimmy Graham leaving town? Devin Funchess could be an interesting prospect considering the WR situation in Carolina. CJ Spiller has burned this league soooo many times, it's hard to trust him. At least it's a PPR league, so if he can just be halfway good, he'll be valuable. Not a huge Reggie Bush guy either. All in all, Alex's team will live and die by the Saints. He'll have to hope for a Saints offensive explosion to compete but it's not entirely out of the question.

Grade-B-. Lacy, Graham and Brees make this a competitive team that has a shot at the playoffs. Putting a lot of your eggs in one basket is a risky proposition, but if you're gonna do it, might as do it with Brees and Co. Also, not sure about having so many veteran wide receivers, all almost on their last legs. Not worried about B-Marsh, but do Boldin, Steve Smith, and Colston have enough gas left in the tank? We'll find out.

Albert (Channel 4 News Team)

QB-Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer

WR- A.J. Green, Andre Johnson, Sammy Watkins, Stevie Johnson, Reuben Randle, Markus Wheaton

RB- Doug Martin, TJ Yeldon, Tevin Coleman, Fred Jackson

TE-Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Gates

Overview: Well Albert hates his team and to be honest...I'm not too fond of it myself. Albert kept A.J. Green and then took the best player available in Gronk in round 2. Unfortunately, that meant his RB situation was gonna basically suck as he had no 3rd round pick. His RB's are definitely uninspiring. Maybe this is FINALLY the year Doug Martin bounces back, but even so, the rest of the RB depth isn't great at all. Banking on two rookies (Yeldon and Coleman) and Fred Jackson isn't ideal at all. The WR's ok, Andre Johnson should be rejuvinated in Indy, and Sammy Watkins is the ultimate wild card with the QB situation there. Stevie Johnson, Reuben Randle, and Markus Wheaton are all interchangeable spot plays when needed. Albert went Philip Rivers with his QB and Carson Palmer as his back which isn't bad. He also backed up Gronk with a suspended Antonio Gates. Having TE insurance is a must with Gronk, just don't know if Gates will be the guy.

Grade-C+. It is pretty disappointing. Maybe Albert should've played it safe and gotten the best RB available (Forte) instead of Gronk. No doubt Gronk is a game changer, but it led to a severely lacking RB group. Albert will get a few wins and make others interesting, but I just can't see this team in the playoffs.

Eugene (Rocket Man)

QB- Aaron Rodgers

WR-Julio Jones, John Brown, Brian Quick, Doug Baldwin, Michael Crabtree, James Jones

RB-Mark Ingram, Dion Lewis, Tre Mason, Roy Helu Jr, Chris Johnson

TE-Jason Witten, Larry Donnell 

Overview- Eugene prepared for this...but man this is ugly. I think Julio and Aaron Rodgers can will this team to a couple upsets, but man this roster is BAD. That's what happens when half your picks come in rounds 12-14. Mark Ingram isn't actually a bad back..but wow DION LEWIS? A mix of potential receivers (Brown and Quick) boring veterans (Crabtree, Baldwin, James Jones) and how is Chris Johnson even on a roster?! Helu is interesting as Oakland's passing down back. Tre Mason is hurt already. Witten's reliable, but a year older. It just doesn't seem like it's gonna be a fun season for Eugene at all. 

Grade-C-. Only because he does have Aaron Rodgers and Julio. Undoubted (and he even admits) the worst team in the league.

Mayra (Bigger Balls)

QB-Ryan Tannehill, Andy Dalton

WR- Antonio Brown, Jarvis Landry, Nelson Agholor, Mike Wallace, Cecil Shorts III, Kenny Britt

RB-Le'Veon Bell, Carlos Hyde, Alfred Blue, Bishop Sankey

TE-Tyler Eifert, Charles Clay

Overview: "The Queen" had to tearfully take a part her team but kept Antonio Brown and Le'veon Bell. Bell's out for 2 games and with no 3rd round pick, Mayra had to make her picks count as well. I really like her Hyde pick, as she was still able to get a solid back in round 4. The rest though, not great at all. Alfred Blue is just keeping Arian Foster's seat warm and he's not even that great of an option. At least he starts is the best you can say. Bishop Sankey isn't thrilling either. Tight End, once you get past like the first 5 or 6 tight ends everyone's the same. I wouldn't be surprised if she interchanges Clay and Eifert throughout the season. Landry is pegged to be a really good, he can be a solid lower level #2. Nelson Algholor is a mystery, as he's in a high octane offense, had a great preseason, so we'll see if he can keep it up. Mike Wallace is perfectly fine as a flex play while Cecil Shorts and Kenny Britt probably won't factor in much (Britt probably will dropped first). I'm not personally a Tannehill guy, but fantasy experts seem to think he's perfectly fine as a QB #1. Andy Dalton is not a great spot starter at all. 

Grade-B. Brown and Bell help this grade tremendously and again due to lack of a 3rd round pick, there are some glaring holes, but still it's team that can compete and should be in the mix for a playoff spot.

Matt (Dr. Light's Robots)

QB- Ben Roethlisberger, Marcus Mariota

WR-Odell Beckham, Julian Edelman, Roddy White, Jordy Nelson, Percy Harvin, Harry Douglas

RB-Jamaal Charles, Alfred Morris, Jonathan  Stewart, Darren Sproles

TE-Coby Fleener, Jordan Reed

Overview: The defending champion, Matt was able to bring back a few familiar faces back (Big Ben, along with Beckham,Charles and Jordy Nelson who he smartly took late to keep him for next year). Other than that though, it's kind of an uninspiring team. Julian Edelman reminds of Emmanuel Sanders from last year, boring but productive. I just don't like any of Matt's other active receivers. Roddy White's on the decline, while Percy Harvin and Harry Douglas are near irrelevant. I don't like Alfred Morris without RGIII at QB. He also never catches passes, which is huge in PPR. Matt Jones looms and it wouldn't be surprising if Jones ends up the starter sometime in the season. Jonathan Stewart as a flex isn't bad,  while Sproles is at best a reach spot star as he has to deal with DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews. Not of fan of the Tight Ends either, many people feel Dwayne Allen is the better Colts tight end and Jordan Reed is ALWAYS hurt. Fine with Big Ben at QB, but Mariota as a bye week fill in? That could be ugly.

Grade: B-. Hey, I was wrong on Matt last year and he won it all. I was surprised his team on paper didn't look more promising considering he didn't lose any relatively big picks. Beckham, Charles, and Big Ben are gonna have to some heavy lifting to keep this team afloat.