By Joe Dyken
Fantasy Nerds
Follow: @ffnerd
Editor’s note: Joe Dyken, founder of Fantasy Nerds, joined our experts cast this year, and contributed an additional commentary about the DataForce Charity draft. His analysis published here.
I thought that CMC would be there at 1.9, but I was thrilled to see Jahmyr Gibbs still available. First pick was easy. I was hoping to pair him with King Henry in the second, but like the pick before, I missed out by one. I grabbed Drake London to start my WR run and I feel good about it. I’m anticipating London to continue where he left off. He’s consistently seen high target share in that offense and plenty of red zone usage. Solid pick in my humble opinion.
I snagged Garrett Wilson in the third who’s teaming with Justin Fields, his old Ohio State teammate. There’s nobody to really challenge Wilson for top receiver so I feel his floor is both high and safe. Wilson could easily end up as a high-end WR2/low-end WR1. I like the upside.
Given that I’m competing with some incredible industry names in this draft and guys I respect a ton, I knew I wanted a Top 5 QB. After Lamar, Allen, and Daniels went, I knew that there was no way that either Hurts or Burrow would be there after the turn, so I pulled the trigger on Hurts late in the 4th round. Hurts’ ADP has him going at the end of the third so this pick presented a small bit of value – particularly for one of the few QBs that I would consider reaching for.
James Conner filled out my starting RB spots. I have some concerns over his age (30) and Trey Benson nipping at his toes, but Conner is solid as my RB2. He’s got a high floor and plenty of touchdown potential. Keep in mind that Conner has been pretty consistent for the Cardinals. He’s averaging over 15 ppg (ppr) in each of his seasons in Arizona and eclipsed 1k yards rushing the last two years.
The TE position is weird this year. Instead of just one or two Tier 1 options, I feel like there’s plenty of talent this year that if you don’t get Bowers or McBride, there’s no sense rushing out to get a TE. That being said and even though his ADP is a few picks earlier, I feel like I reached a bit with Sam LaPorta here. Even though I like his role, recognize that there’s nobody in the TE room to challenge him, and love his consistency, I didn’t click Draft with confidence. Maybe it’s because he regressed last year by almost three points/game. I’m happy to have him, but there was some other talent at this pick that I could have grabbed. C’est la vie.
Jordan Addison is a roll of the dice here. He’s my WR3 with potential to end up as a WR2 – especially in PPR formats. JJ commands the attention in this offense (rightly so) which often leaves Addision with single coverage. He’s turned that into plenty of touchdowns in his limited time in the NFL. I just wish his target share was a bit higher, and for God’s sake, can someone get this kid a designated driver?
My next two picks were all about shoring up the RB position. Both Travis Etienne and Javonte Williams have question marks surrounding them, but they’re both starters and I feel great having them as my RB3 & 4.
The rest of my picks were more about providing depth at the various positions.
Two picks that I made at the end were some of my favorites though. Kendre Miller in the 20th round and Taysom Hill in the 21st. Both of these Saints present value here that I really like. If Kamara misses time, Miller steps into a productive role. I have concerns over Miller’s ability to stay on the field, but as a boom-or-bust pick, I lose nothing taking him where I did. I would have taken Taysom Hill earlier, but felt that I could sit and wait on him. He could be valuable in this league for the two blowout games each year that he will return fantasy goodness on. Given that this is a Best Ball contest, I’ll take those two big games from my 21st pick any day. Who Dat!
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