Fantasy Football drafts are in full swing with preseason games coming to a close and rosters being pretty much finalized. My draft was held this past Sunday and yes, that was draft singular. Usually I am in several, but this year I decided to focus on my longstanding home league. To give some insight, it is a 1-point PPR redraft league with 12 teams, 3 divisions, and of course a snake draft. It’s definitely old school- we draw random names from a hat for draft order and divisions. This year I had the fourth pick overall and I’ll give you my thought process round by round with best and worst pick in each.
Round 1, Pick #4
Anyone that did any bit of homework on this year’s players knows that the consensus top 4 were Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Puka Nacua in that order. Which is exactly how our top 3 went. Nacua makes me a bit nervous quite honestly between the groin injury, the off the field incidents, and what I perceive to be a bad year for running backs so I decided to go Jonathan Taylor. I almost talked myself into going ultimate risk vs reward and taking Kenneth Walker III, who I think could be Andy Reid’s new Brian Westbrook. Ultimately I went with Taylor, who was on pace to be RB1 before Danny Dimes went down. (Side note- Nacua went 6th. The manager after me took CMC.)
Round 1 best pick: Amon-Ra St. Brown at 9th overall was a solid pick- more on that later
Round 1 worst pick: Justin Jefferson at 10th with JSN, Achane, Lamb, and Chase Brown being the next 4 picks. Kyler Murray in a new system I’m just not sure about.
Round 2, Pick #21
DeVonta Smith and Kyren Williams were definitely in consideration here, but I eventually decided on George Pickens. Pickens is thriving in Dallas because he doesn’t have to be the #1 wideout with CeeDee Lamb on the field opposite of him. Yes George is a bit of a headcase but if he’s getting his targets he’s happy. I probably just cursed myself and he’ll fight with a fan in the stands. Oh wait- that was DK Metcalf.
Round 2 best pick: Kenneth Walker III. The same manager who took St. Brown in Round 1 gets the RB I considered at 4th overall with his 2nd round pick. So far he’s having a great draft. Should I be worried?
Round 2 worst pick: Drake London. This is not based off of London’s talent; I just think that his projected stats are far too generous with Tua throwing him the ball. Also if you have seen Tua’s recent Instagram post, he might even try to throw himself the ball. Do you get double points for that?
Round 3, Pick #28
Fingers were crossed that DeVonta Smith, Chris Olave, or Jeremiyah Love would be there for me nut it wasn’t meant to be. I ended up with the first QB off the board and drafted Josh Allen. I had Allen last year and he was this difference in several wins. Unfortunately once he trailed off towards the end of the season he was the difference in several losses also. Hopefully he stays locked in all year.
Round 3 best pick: DeVonta Smith. If the Slim Reaper can stay healthy, I think he’s poised for a huge year as the team’s new WR1.
Round 3 worst pick: Jalen Hurts. My thought here is that the manager wanted Allen and had his mind set on QB. Hurts could have a good year, but could have probably been picked up in round 4.
Round 4, Pick #45
So far I have a pretty well-rounded team. Running backs are getting scarce though. I’m definitely going running back here. Wait…. McConkey and Egbuka are still on the board. McConkey gone… ok give me Egbuka! Please let some RB fall into my lap next round because I may be in trouble.
Round 4 best pick: David Montgomery went the next pick after me, and I probably should have scooped him up. I think he’s going to have a huge year in Houston, especially with that defense they have.
Round 4 worst pick: Everyone that pays attention even a little knows that Josh Jacobs is a big question mark this year. He’s starting the season on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, and his court date for his domestic assault isn’t until November. Right now we don’t know if he’s playing this season.
Round 5, Pick #52
Whatever you do Clifford, don’t panic. You need a running back, and we’re still ok. Oh dang- the run on TE started. Focus. RB….. RB… RB…. I’ll take- Tyler Warren. Dammit. I’m definitely going RB next round. I mean it.
Round 5 best pick: Bhayshul Tuten went right after my pick. I needed another RB, and the pickins are getting slim. I also liked the pick of Lamar Jackson which goes to show you can be patient on QB.
Round 5 worst pick: Tyler Warren. Now I don’t think Tyler Warren is a bad player- in fact just the opposite. However I admittedly got caught up in the TE run and I should have gone Tuten.
Check back next week for part 2 to see how the rest of my draft went, how well (or terrible) I filled my starting rotation, sleepers, and more! Will I EVER find another decent RB? We shall see!
