Written By Jason Feiner
This week’s Mock draft sets its sights on the fourth overall selection, and if you are new to this weekly series, I’ll give you a quick run down. Each week, the Blitz team will give you full-length mock drafts of different league types for you to follow along. Even better, we are breaking it down pick by pick. Together, we have decided to do some of the work for you and offer our opinions on this year’s fantasy draft in standard, .5 PPR and 2QB mocks. Each draft is done using the Fantasy Pros’ Mock Draft Simulator, and the roster settings for today’s mock are as follows: 1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1 Flex (RB, WR, TE), 1TE, D/ST (team defense) and K within a .5 PPR, 12 team format. Make sure to check out last week;s mocks, as the different draft positions could benefit each strategy.
With training camp on the horizon, the fantasy season is roaring through green lights at 100 MPH. Fantasy has morphed into a year-round entity, and if you’re the type of person to wait until the last minute to develop your rankings, well…. You’re a little late to the party. But don’t stress out, the Blitz team has laid out each of our positional rankings for you in order to help you develop your draft day strategy. Mock drafts allow players to view multiple combinations of rosters, while also gaining insight into the thoughts of players across the country. Which combinations will create the best possible chance to win a trophy by week 16’s end? Mock drafts are the best time to play risky, developing a go-to for draft day.
Final Roster:
QB: Andrew Luck (IND)
RB: Shady McCoy (BUF)
RB: Jordan Howard (CHI)
WR: Antonio Brown (PIT)
WR: Jarvis Landry (CLE)
WR: Dez Bryant (FA)
FLEX: Mark Ingram (NO)
TE: Jordan Reed (WAS)
DST: Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX)
K: Stephen Gostkowski (NE)
BENCH:
BN: Ronald Jones (TB)
BN: Marquise Lee (JAX)
BN: Ty Montgomery (GB)
BN: Cameron Brate (TB)
BN: Christian Kirk (ARI)
BN: Derek Carr (OAK)
Overview: I’m actually not a huge fan of picking out of the fourth spot in fantasy drafts, as I miss out on the three best players available and still have to wait for my second selection to roll around in the later portion of round two. However, in a three-receiver format, I am especially pleased with the way my draft turned out. Drafting AB gave me the luxury to wait on developing my receiver depth, and allowed me to build my RB collection early. Once Ingram returns form his suspension in week 5, I believe that I have four capable running backs that I could lean on to start in any given week. I own three of the top 10 running backs from 2017, and the upside held by rookie, Ronald Jones is real. Although my receiver depth isn’t as strong, having the number one ranked receiver in fantasy certainly helped develop my strategy for this mock. I own two top 15 WR’s with a high upside player in Dez Bryant to fill in my third slot. With Marquise Lee and the upside Christian Kirk presents, I don’t feel like my receiver depth was left out to dry.
I have two high profile players with known injury histories, and although this could give me a chance at a title, it is likely one of them doesn’t finish the season healthy. There is inherent risk in drafting Reed as my first TE with a low-end backup to take his spot in Cameron Brate, but vased on his past, I felt comfortable in drafting them both to fill out my roster. If Reed goes down, streaming TEs in today’s NFL isn’t too complicated, either. Andrew Luck could be my golden ticket. No other player possesses the same kind of upside with extreme risk involved, but that is where my backup comes into play. Derek Carr can replace Luck if need be, and although I hope Luck stays healthy in 2018, Carr possess the talent to succeed in the NFL and in fantasy circles.
Overall, This team has boom or bust potential, with a lack of receiver known entities heading into the year, but this draft was a success. I would be pleased if my roster ended up like this come game time.
Round 1:
1) Le’Veon Bell, RB — PIT
2) Todd Gurley, RB — LAR
3) Ezekiel Elliott, RB — DAL
4) Antonio Brown, WR — PIT
5) David Johnson, RB — ARI
6) Alvin Kamara, RB — NO
7) Deandre Hopkins, WR — HOU
8) Saquon Barkley, RB — NYG
9) Odell Beckham JR, WR — NYG
10) Michael Thomas, WR — NO
11) Kareem Hunt, RB — KC
12) Julio Jones, WR — ATL
Analysis: In fantasy drafts, I usually like to kick things off with a running back, but at pick number 4 it’s hard to be picky. Antonio Brown is the best receiver in the league and the safest fantasy player in any draft. You always know what you will be getting from AB throughout each season. His consistency is unparalleled, acquiring 100 receptions in each of the past five years. Dating back to his emergence in 2013, Brown has finished as a top four receiver, twice placing at the top of the list. In each of those campaigns, Brown has yet to score under 12.43 points per game, and in 14 games this past season; he recorded 209.30 points, a total of 14.95 points per contest in standard scoring leagues. Considering this is a .5 ppr league using three starting receivers, he is an elite option at the top of the first round. AB is one of the best available players in each format of fantasy drafts. When playing in PPR formats, Brown’s 100 reception streak is just an added bonus.
Round 2:
13) Keenan Allen, WR — LAC
14) Melvin Gordon, RB — LAC
15) Doug Baldwin, WR — SEA
16) Leonard Fournette, RB — JAX
17) Dalvin Cook, RB — MIN
18) A.J. Green, WR — CIN
19) Davante Adams, WR — GB
20) Christian McCaffrey, RB — CAR
21) Lesean McCoy, RB — BUF
22) Mike Evans, WR — TB
23) Jerick Mckinnon, RB — SF
24) Devonta Freeman, RB — ATL
Analysis: After drafting AB in the first round, it is imperative that I draft the best running backs available with my next two picks, or I could risk having little depth around my RB carousel. Since his rookie year, Shady McCoy has been one of the most consistent running backs in the league. Over the past two years in Buffalo, Shady has averaged 315 touches per year, 1,601 yards with 11 total touchdowns. Recording 248.3 points throughout 2016, and 204.6 points in 2017, he has been the focal point of the Bills offense since 2015, and I expect his role to increase in 2018. Shady is my RB9 heading into the season, and with my second pick, I was ecstatic to see he was still available. That is to say, there are still risks with picking Shady in this spot. His production dipped this past season, and with a depleted offense, scoring may become an issue for the talented player. Still, he is an elite weapon with a moderate floor and high ceiling.
Round 3:
25) Rob Gronkowski, TE — NE
26) Adam Thielen, WR — MIN
27) Tyreek Hill, WR — KC
28) Jordan Howard, RB — CHI
29) T.Y. Hilton, WR — IND
30) Stefon Diggs, WR — MIN
31) Travis Kelce, TE — KC
32) Josh Gordon, WR — CLE
33) Aaron Rodgers, QB — GB
34) Zach Ertz, TE — PHI
35) Alshon Jeffery, WR — PHI
36) Larry Fitzgerald, WR — ARI
Analysis: Jordan Howard took the field by storm in his rookie year ranking second in rushing yards behind Zeke Elliot. Yet to score less than an average of 11.04 points per game throughout his first two seasons, he has remained a top 10 player at his position. The Bears added quality talent to their receiving corps, and if Trubisky can make strides during his sophomore campaign, Howard could have his most productive season, yet. As my 12th ranked running back heading into the 2018 season, Jordan Howard is a high-end RB 2 with RB1 upside. Don’t shy away from the productive back, as his upside outweighs the risk tarik Cohen Presents.
Round 4:
37) Alex Collins, RB — BAL
38) Kenyan Drake, RB — MIA
39) Amari Cooper, WR — OAK
40) Juju Smith-Schuster, WR — PIT
41) Allen Robinson, WR — JAX
42) Demaryius Thomas, WR — DEN
43) Joe Mixon, RB — CIN
44) Brandin Cooks, WR — LAR
45) Jarvis Landry, WR — CLE
46) Golden Tate, WR — DET
47) Jimmy Graham, TE — GB
48) Greg Olsen, TE — CAR
Analysis: Cleveland owns upper class talent heading into the 2018 season, and Jarvis Landry’s upside has never been higher. In four seasons with underwhelming quarterback play, Jarvis Landry has captured 110 receptions twice, and now with Tyrod Taylor, the electric slot receiver should have plenty of opportunities to succeed. With the talent Cleveland possesses in their passing attack, Jarvis Landry should garner plenty of 1 on 1 competition. He is an elite option at receiver and could prove to be a low-end WR1 by season’s end. As my second receiver, he is well worth a spot on my roster as a fourth round pick. He remains my 12th ranked receiver as his potential is nothing to gawk at.
Round 5:
49) Marvin Jones, WR — DET
50) Michael Crabtree, WR — BAL
51) Derrick Henry, RB — TEN
52) Mark Ingram, RB — NO
53) Evan Engram, TE — NYG
54) Rashaad Penny, RB — SEA
55) Dion Lewis, RB — TEN
56) Chris Hogan, WR — NE
57) Devin Funchess, WR — CAR
58) Russell Wilson, QB — SEA
59) Deshaun Watson, QB — HOU
60) Derrius Guice, RB — WAS
Analysis: Although Mark Ingram will miss the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the leagues performance enhancing drug policy, he was a steal in round 5. Last season, the Saints proved that Ingram and Kamara could coexist in their backfield. Mark Ingram was the hammer in the Saints’ backfield accruing 1,540 total yards and 12 touchdowns, as he ranked 6th at his position in standard scoring leagues. I already possess two starting caliber RB’s within my depth chart, and once Ingram comes back from suspension, I could possess the best three headed monster at RB in the league. With the number one rated receiver in fantasy and a high upside WR2 playing beside him, I had the luxury of selecting Ingram with this pick, and It will certainly pay off.
Round 6:
61) Sony Michel
62) Robert Woods
63) Jay Ajayi, RB — PHI
64) Julian Edelman, WR — NE
65) Will Fuller, WR — HOU
66) Cam Newton, QB — CAR
67) Tom Brady, QB — NE
68) Sammy Watkins, WR — KC
79) Ronald Jones, RB — TB
70) Lamar Miller, RB — HOU
71) Carson Wentz, QB — PHI
72) Emmanuel Sanders, WR — DEN
Analysis: My go and get player in 2018, Ronald Jones was drafted into an offense, exploding with talent. It will be hard for defenses to stack the box against Tampa, and ROJO figures to capture the starting job with the possibility of becoming their three down workhorse. I usually don’t put much faith in rookie runners, but Ronald Jones’ ceiling outweighs his risks. With Winston missing the first three games due to suspension, the risk becomes even higher, but with three dependable RBs on my roster, this selection was well worth the asking price.
Round 7:
73) Corey Davis, WR — TEN
74) Randall Cobb, WR — GB
75) Drew Brees, QB — NO
76) Dez Bryant, WR — FA
77) Jordy Nelson, WR — OAK
78) Devante Parker, WR — MIA
79) Tevin Coleman, RB — ATL
80) Kyle Rudolph, TE — MIN
81) Cooper Kupp, WR — LAR
82) Jamison Crowder, WR — WAS
83) Pierre Garcon, WR — SF
84) Ben Roethlisberger, QB — PIT
Analysis: Although this selection warrants risk, I still believe Dez has reserves left in the tank. Yes, he still remains unsigned, but he has previously said, “the last problem I have is finding a team.” He will be signed prior to the start of training camp. The team and quarterback he ends up playing for will play a big part in his production, but in the right situation, he could produce WR2 numbers with WR1 upside. With AB and Landry already on my roster, I am happy to endure this risk. If it doesn’t work out, I have the ammo to trade if need be. Dez has the potential to be a steal in the 7th round.
Round 8:
85) D.J. Moore, WR — CAR
86) Nelson Agholor, WR — PHI
87) Robby Anderson, WR — NYJ
88) Marquise Goodwin, WR — SF
89) Kirk Cousins, QB — MIN
90) Delanie Walker, TE — TEN
91) Royce Freeman, RB — DEN
92) Jimmy Garoppolo, QB — SF
93) Jordan Reed, TE, WAS
94) Chris Thompson, RB — WAS
95) Jack Doyle, TE — IND
96) Matthew Stafford, QB — DET
Analysis: This selection may be my worst pick of the draft; however, it certainly presents the highest upside on my roster. This selection should clarify why drafting a TE earlier could benefit your team. Reed may have the highest upside of any player in fantasy, but also the lowest floor. He has never played a full 16 game season in his career, but when healthy, he is a game-changer. If I can get 12 games out of Reed, this pick will be worth the stress… Just make sure to get a backup in the likely chance Reed lands on IR.
Round 9:
97) Kenny Stills, WR — MIA
98) Rex Burkhead, RB — NE
99) Sterling Shepherd, WR — NYG
100) Marquise Lee, WR — JAX
101) Carlos Hyde, RB — CLE
102) Michael Gallup, WR — DAL
103) D’onta Foreman, RB — HOU
104) Marlon Mack, RB — IND
105) Kelvin Benjamin, WR — BUF
106) C.J. Anderson, RB — CAR
107) Cole Beasley, WR — DAL
108) Duke Johnson, RB — CLE
Analysis: A lot of people don’t realize that Marquise Lee has recorded 201 targets over the last two years, while missing three games in 2017. That ranks 27th among all receivers over that time frame. Now with Allen Robinson out of the picture, and the former first round pick looking to assume the number one role in Jacksonville, Lee has a chance to exceed 110 targets leaving an opportunity for a big year on the table. Keep in mind this is a .5 PPR league, and with an excess of targets, more receptions could be on the horizon. In round 9, Lee makes a great depth player as my fourth receiver on the roster.
Round 10:
109) Trey Burton, TE — CHI
110) Marshawn Lynch, RB — OAK
111) Jamaal Williams, RB — GB
112) Allen Hurns, WR — DAL
113) Kerryon Johnson, RB — DET
114) Nick Chubb, RB — CLE
115) Rishard Mathews, WR — TEN
116) Tarik Cohen, RB — CHI
117) Andrew Luck, QB — IND
118) Desean Jackson, WR — TB
119) Ted Ginn, WR — NO
120) Isaiah Crowell, RB — NYJ
Analysis: In one Quarterback leagues, I like to wait until round 10 at the earliest to snag my QB1. Luck may be one of the unknown entities of the 2018 season, but he began throwing earlier this month, and is on track to start in week 1. If he can stay healthy throughout the year, I may have taken the steal of the draft, and a replication of his 2014 production could be on the horizon. However, make sure to take a safety net at the end of the draft in case this gamble doesn’t pay off. As my 8th ranked quarterback, his upside was too hard to pass up.
Round 11:
121) Josh Doctson, WR — WAS
122) Tyler Lockett, WR — SEA
123) Anthony Miller, WR — CHI
124) Jacksonville Jaguars, DST — JAX
125) Martavis Bryant, WR — OAK
126) Cameron Meredith, WR — NO
127) Minnesota Vikings, DST — MIN
128) Los Angeles Rams, DST — LAR
129) Aaron Jones, RB — GB
130) Bilal Powell, RB — NYJ
131) Danny Amendola, WR — MIA
132) George Kittle, TE — SF
Analysis: I chose to reach for Jacksonville’s defensive system that remained fully intact, while adding more talent around their foundation. Keep in mind that the Jaguars DST scored an impressive 12.7 points per game throughout the 2017 season. Their defense is a feared commodity around the league, and there fantasy production should not see much of a decline if any.
Round 12:
133) James White, RB — NE
134) Paul Richardson, WR — WAS
135) Kenny Golladay, WR — DET
136) Calvin Ridley, WR — ATL
137) Mike Williams, WR — LAC
138) Terrance Williams, WR — DAL
139) Theo Riddick, RB — DET
140) Jared Goff, QB — LAR
141) Ty Montgomery, RB — GB
142) Devontae Booker, RB — DEN
143) Giovanni Bernard, RB — CIN
144) Latavius Murray, RB — MIN
Analysis: I really like the upside of this selection, as Mike McCarthy has previously said, “the Packers offense is built to maximize Ty Montgomery at RB.” Green Bay’s backfield is a jumbled up mess, and until training camp, their running back rotation will be all speculation. The Packers will be using him as their change of pace back to start the year, and he will have the first opportunity to win the starting role for week 1. In 8 contests throughout 2017, Montgomery averaged 8.6 points per game, enough for RB2 or flex consideration. If he can replicate that, my depth at RB is nuts.
Round 13:
145) Mohamed Sanu, WR — ATL
146) Jermaine Kearse, WR — NYJ
147) O.J. Howard, TE — TB
148) Cameron Brate, TE — TB
149) Dede Westbrook, WR — JAX
150) David Njoku, TE — CLE
151) Frank Gore, RB — MIA
152) Tyler Eifert, TE — CIN
153) Hayden Hurst, TE — BAL
154) Wayne Gallman, RB — NYG
155) Luke Wilson, TE — DET
156) Phillip Rivers, QB — LAC
Analysis: Although I am not a huge fan of drafting two TE’s in the same draft, I was left with no choice, as Jordan Reed is a glass cannon ready to be dropped. Cameron Brate is a high upside TE who has played exceptionally well with Jameis Winston under center. Although the emergence of O.J. Howard is likely, the Buccaneers seem to be inclined on using two TE sets. With Winston under center, Brate was a top four tight end with scoring potential. Although I hope not to use him, I’m comfortable with Brate as my backup TE and potential starter.
Round 14:
157) Philadelphia Eagles, DST — PHI
158) Chris Carson, RB — SEA
159) Matt Ryan, QB — ATL
160) Legarrette Blount, RB — CLE
161) Corey Clement, RB — PHI
162) Brandon Marshall, WR — SEA
163) Eric Ebron, TE — IND
164) Doug Martin, RB — OAK
165) Christian Kirk, WR — ARI
166) Samaje Perine, RB — WAS
167) Javorius Allen, RB — BAL
168) Matt Breida, RB — SF
Analysis: Kirk is a high upside player, with a low floor. The final few rounds should be used to find the best potential left on the board; there have been rumblings that Kirk will have opportunities to succeed during his rookie year. With the offense looking to focus on DJ and Fitz, the second round rookie could become a role player early in the year.
Round 15:
169) Houston Texans, DST — HOU
170) Los Angeles Chargers, DST — LAC
171) New England Patriots, DST — NE
172) Stephen Gostkowski, K — NE
173) Denver Bronocs, DST — DEN
174) Baltimore Ravens, DST — BAL
175) Kenneth Dixon, RB — BAL
176) Patrick Mahomes, QB — KC
177) Pittsburgh Steelers, DST — PIT
178) Seattle Seahawks, DST — SEA
179) Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DST — TB
180) Tyrell Williams, WR — LAC
Analysis: If I were to have waited until the final round to select my kicker, my options would not have been very pleasing. Depending on where I am selecting in the draft, I will usually pull the trigger early on a kicker to ensure landing a top three positional player. Dating back to 2012, Stephen Gostkowski has placed in the top 2 at the position in all but one year. New England’s placekicker is guaranteed to get an average of 9.8 fantasy points per game, and that is just his floor. Don’t be afraid to reach for a kicker! In a top three offense every year, Gostkowski is worth the pick.
Round 16:
181) Greg Zuerlein, K — LAR
182) Justin Tucker, K — BAL
183) Matt Bryant, K — ATL
184) Dan Bailey, K — DAL
185) Will Lutz, K — NO
186) Mason Crosby, K — GB
187) Jake Elliot, K — PHI
188) Chris Boswell, K — PIT
189) Derek Carr, QB — OAK
190) Matt Prater, K — DET
191) Robbie Gould, K — SF
192) Adam Vinatieri, K — IND
Analysis: I didn’t pull the trigger earlier to select my plan B at QB because of the rate at which quarterbacks were being selected. After missing the last game of the 2016 season, Derek Carr still ranked in the top 10 at his position. After an Injury marred 2017 campaign, I expect Carr to rebound. He is my 13th ranked quarterback heading into the season, and with his ceiling, there is a real possibility he ends 2018 in the top 10. Carr has the potential to become a star in this league, and that type of production could come in 2018. As my second quarterback on my roster, Carr was an excellent selection to close out the draft.