Analyzing a novice's NFL fantasy draft

Image Courtesy of Bing

I drafted a fantasy team for the second time in my life Sunday.  The first time was about ten years ago.  I figured I’d study strategies, stats and other stuff this time.  It didn’t happen.  I had read where drafting a QB in the first round was a no-no and that it was best to load up on running backs and wide receivers.  Armed with that limited knowledge and a limited understanding of how to read the ESPN Fantasy Football Draft page, I set out to draft a team.  I was slotted 11^th in a 14 team league.  I was hoping to draft one of the big time running backs but it turned out, that didn’t happen either.

Looks like I'll have to score though the air 

All the top tier running backs were gone by the time I made my first choice.  I went with Texans WR, DeAndre Hopkins.  I figure Hopkins should have a big year, especially with DeShaun Watson coming back from injury.  I hoped to snag a number one RB with my next pick.  Unfortunately, the guys I had in mind, Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette were off the board. I ended up picking another WR, the Packers Devonte Adams.  I figured if nothing else, I was set at WR.  Desperately looking for a RB with my next pick, I was able to draft Kenyan Drake.   I was happy to find him available.  I followed that up by drafting the Broncos Royce Freeman with my fourth pick.

Russell Wilson and the Bears

By the fifth round QBs were coming off the board.  As a real life QB, I’m not as high on Russell Wilson as some are, but I do like him as a fantasy QB.  He was my fifth round pick.  My Bears fandom may have factored into my sixth and seventh picks. Tarik Cohen was my sixth pick.  I hope Mike Nagy’s offense sets him free this year.  Bears TE, Trey Burton was my seventh choice.  I hope he sees a lot of red zone action, as well as getting a high percentage of snaps.

Growth stock

I took a flyer with my eighth.  I’m high on the Chiefs QB, Patrick Mahomes.  I figure he could increase in value as the season wears on.  My ninth pick was also a Bear, WR Anthony Miller.  I like his potential.  With my tenth pick, I got some more depth at RB, selecting the Browns Nick Chubb.  With my eleventh pick I selected another member of the Browns, TE David Njoku.  I think the Browns will be better (than have to be, don’t they?) and Njoku in particular should improve.

Kicking back and going for sleepers

I went with a kicker in round 12, selecting the Lions Matt Prater.  In round 13 I picked a defense, going with the New England Patriots.  After that, it was obviously a matter of adding depth and picking sleepers.

I added Eagles WR, Mike Wallace in the 14^th round. I’m not sold on that pick.  Raiders TE, Jared Cook, was my 15th selection.  He might see some time on my fantasy starting team..  I closed things out by drafting Jets WR, Terrell Pryor.  He may also crack my starting lineup on occasion.  

And there it is

Despite not getting a high profile RB, I’m fairly happy with my team.  Of course I don’t know what I’m doing. Your thoughts?

You might also enjoy my baseball project: https://www.amazon.com/Baseball-Players-Remembered-Longtime-Franchises-ebook/dp/B07BKR4DMF 

Check out my cartoons:  https://www.amazon.com/Trickle-Down-Collar-Cartoon-Ecomonics-ebook/dp/B01I7KNH72