(Image Credit: Charles Goldman/USA Today)
By: Jett Rosenstein
Twitter: @rosey_jett
Welcome back to “Mock Draft Monday.” This week I am picking from the #10 slot in the draft order. As always, this is a 10-team PPR league. I need to fill out a roster of 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 W/R/T, 1 K, 1 D/ST, and 6 BN. This draft was completed via FantasyPros’ Draft Wizard. So, without further ado, let's get this draft started!
Pick 1.10- Tyreek Hill (WR-KC)
With 8 of the first 9 picks coming from the RB position, there was some value to be had at the WR position. I also knew I could still get a top RB with my next pick. Therefore, I chose Tyreek Hill. Hill is usually the 2nd WR off the board and rightfully so. When he is healthy, he is all but guaranteed to finish among the top tier of WRs due to his talent and his ties to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense.
Picks 2.1 & 3.10- Jonathan Taylor (RB-IND) and D’Andre Swift (RB-DET)
I needed to secure my first RB as it was going to be a while until my next pick. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Taylor’s outlook for this upcoming season. A lot of that uncertainty had to do with the status of both Carson Wentz and Quenton Nelson up in the air. But, with them expected back sooner rather than later, Taylor could be a value pick at this point in the draft. While he had a soft schedule to end the 2020 campaign, we know what he is capable of, especially if he is given more of a bell-cow role.
Throughout most of training camp, D’Andre Swift has been suffering from a nagging groin injury. The hope is he will be ready for week 1 but his status is up in the air. However, once Swift is healthy, he is going to be a focal point in this Lions offense. Along with seeing a nice workload on the ground, Swift should be able to rack up receiving numbers with the few dependable weapons this Lions team has. After Swift, there is a drop-off at the RB position.
Picks 4.1 & 5.10: CeeDee Lamb (WR-DAL) and Kyler Murray (QB-ARI)
To build upon my WR core, I added someone who is poised to have a breakout year in CeeDee Lamb. The hype for Lamb has reached new heights, but it is fully warranted. In a small sample size Dak and Lamb developed a solid connection and I expect that to continue to grow in year 2 together. The sky's the limit for Lamb considering his talent and situation. Don’t be surprised if he hovers around WR1 territory by year’s end.
The QB position has evolved into guys who are more multi-dimensional than ever. I want to try and get a mobile QB on my team any chance I get. Kyler Murray easily fits the bill. In 2020, Murray got off to a fast start but slowed down after dealing with a nagging injury down the stretch. Murray is back to full health and has the potential to finish as the #1 overall QB especially if he continues to improve as a passer.
Picks 6.1 & 7.10: Tee Higgins (WR-CIN) and Damien Harris (RB-NE)
Ja’Marr Chase has struggled in both preseason and training camp and it seems like Tee Higgins will be the top option on this Cincinnati Bengals passing attack. In 2020, Higgins joined the starting lineup in week 3 and was the WR11 from there on out. It is clear that Burrow likes to get the ball to him and despite there being numerous options on this team, there is plenty of work to go around.
Sony Michel was traded to the Los Angeles Rams which leaves Rhamondre Stevenson, James White, and Damien Harris in the New England backfield. In years past, this backfield hasn’t been kind to fantasy owners but I am expecting things to change in 2021. While receptions may be hard to come by, it is clear Harris will be the head of the rushing attack and get the goal line work.
Picks 8.1 & 9.10: Chase Claypool (WR-PIT) and DeVonta Smith (WR-PHI)
Here we have another 2nd year WR looking to take another step forward. Chase Claypool showed flashes of greatness in his rookie campaign. He finished 2020 as the WR23 in PPR leagues. With the addition of Najee Harris, the Steelers will most likely throw the ball a little less, but there should be plenty of volume to go around for all 3 of the Pittsburgh wide receivers. It is not out of the realm of possibilities that Claypool is the best WR for fantasy on the Steelers.
To start training camp, DeVonta Smith caught the injury bug which set him back a little. However, despite concerns about his size, he is now fully healthy and ready to assume a big role on this Eagles offense. The Eagles are looking for someone to step up as Jalen Hurts’ guy. I believe Smith will be the best rookie WR for fantasy in 2021 and is a high-upside pick later on in drafts.
Picks 10.1 & 11.10: Kenyan Drake (RB-LVR) and Logan Thomas (TE-WFT)
Kenyan Drake left Arizona to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason. Drake has a chance to carve out a nice role on this Raiders offense. With Josh Jacobs set to handle the early-downs, Drake will be heavily involved on passing downs. He showed the ability to rack in 50 plus receptions in consecutive years (18-19). He could be a late-round PPR steal.
At this point in the draft, there were only 3 teams who hadn’t taken a TE. I was one of them. For me, getting someone like Logan Thomas at this point in the draft is a steal. Despite there being a lot of options on this Washington offense, Thomas will have a solid floor, especially in a PPR league. Chase projected volume at the TE position.
Picks 12.1 & 13.10: AJ Dillon (RB-GB) and Mecole Hardman (WR-KC)
Jamaal Williams has now left the Packers which moves AJ Dillon into the 2nd spot on the RB depth chart. With Aaron Jones never receiving a bell-cow workload, Dillon figures to be heavily involved. I believe Dillon may vulture some goal-line carries from Jones. Take a chance on Dillon here in the later rounds. He will have a solid floor and major upside if Jones were to go down.
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. While Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are going to be fantasy superstars once again in 2021, Mecole Hardman could find his way onto the fantasy radar. Hardman can stretch the field and score a TD in a hurry. Take a shot on him here and hope that 2021 is finally the year he breaks the seal.
Picks 14.1 & 15.10: Justin Tucker (K-BAL) and Broncos D/ST
FINAL GRADE: B- (82 out of 100)