Mock Draft Season continues to roll on at Yahoo Fantasy, and last week we covered a format close to my heart: a half-point PPR league that requires three starting receivers.
This is the type of alloy I generally opt for when putting together my own alloys (with a dash of Superflex often added). For last Wednesday’s simulation, the following was required:
Now, let’s meet the scoffers
1. Fred ZinkieYahoo Fantasy contributor
2. Dan Titus, Yahoo Fantasy Analyst
3. Mo Castillosenior editor at Yahoo Fantasy
4. Katie Braun, Social Editor at Yahoo Fantasy
5. Kate MagdziukYahoo Fantasy editor and contributor
6. Aaron Tan, Yahoo Fantasy Social Lead
7. Dan Harris, Yahoo Fantasy Video Lead
8. Dalton Del Don, Yahoo Fantasy Analyst
9. Matt Harmon, Yahoo Fantasy Analyst
10. Jason Klabacha, Head of Content at Yahoo Fantasy
11. Tera Roberts, Yahoo Fantasy Contributor
12. Scott Pianowski, Yahoo Fantasy Analyst
Here’s an overview of the choices
Now that we’ve set the scene, here are some takeaways.
Managers aren’t sweating RB like they used to
Let’s consider how our managers handled the running back position in the first four rounds:
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Four teams were Robust RB, having two defenders in the first four picks.
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Six teams went with a Hero RB, the concept of getting an anchor back with an early pick somewhere and then attacking the other positions.
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Two teams were Zero RB, completely ignoring the RB spot in the first four rounds. These teams eventually made it to the top defenses in rounds 5 and 6, respectively.
This is a natural reaction to formats that require three starting receivers. It’s also a statement about how the bell cow is an endangered species in the NFL these days, which also It means the middle rounds will offer surprisingly competent options at RB as long as you have reasonable expectations. The position may not have the star power it once did, but there are more playable options at the position for RB2/RB3/Flex value.
I know the change of position might make some anxious, but I’ve actually found it a refreshing change in recent years. You don’t need to panic about this position like we did before.
3-Width Formats Unsurprisingly Enlarge Receivers
You certainly expected this to happen, but let’s look at the data.
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Eight first-round picks were wide receivers.
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Only five modest picks in Round 2 were receivers, but then we saw 11 wideouts in Round 3. Add it all up and that’s 24 receivers in the initial 36 picks.
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The fifth round (six receivers) and eighth round (six receivers) were also dominated by this position. The eighth round in particular was driven by young prospects, as two rookies, two second-year players and a third-year receiver were among the six pass catchers selected.
I can’t say enough how important I think it is to draft a team where your receivers start. I want to build the best wide room possible (without completely ignoring the other positions; I’ll definitely have that Anchor RB too). Trying to predict peak WR weeks outside of the top 30 can be difficult. I understand the importance of depth and emerging player prospects, but the top of my drafts will generally have a receiver-heavy hue.
The tight end has become more of a priority than the quarterback
One of the basic concepts that every fantasy manager quickly learns is the fact that while real-life football is all about the quarterback, fantasy football is not dominated by the quarterback. Sure, we need them and we watch them closely and understand that quarterbacks are the direct line to every team’s offense, but there is no immediate urgency to define the position for your fantasy team. The quarterback depth is exceptional, with something to suit every budget; a style for every manager.
The tight end position is a starting position in most fantasy leagues, just like QB, but it is not as deep as the quarterback position. All QBs in their teens offer tempting upside and an obvious pro case; that’s not quite the same thing at tight end. With that in mind, it was interesting that the room was a little more proactive in drawing up its boundaries. I suspect this trend will only intensify as we move into recruiting season.
The first tight end came in the third round, Sam LaPorta. Two tight ends went in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th rounds.
Josh Allen, the No. 1 quarterback ever, went in the fourth round, with two other QBs also selected in that round. A quartet of QBs entered in Round 6. Then there was a progressive approach at QB, with four options arriving in the next four rounds. I was the last team to start QB, satisfied with Joe Burrow in the 10th round.
Missing an early QB is like missing a train in New York City – there’s another one coming in 10 minutes. It’s a little more tiring when the tight end you like is eliminated from your queue.
Writers Aren’t Crazy About Newcomers for the Class of 2024
April’s draft was historic for its early push into players with offensive skill. Six quarterbacks and three receivers were taken in the first 12 picks. However, the overall class has yet to make a splash in the fantasy market. Most of them are speculative picks in the second half of the draft.
Marvin Harrison Jr. was the first pick of the second round and Malik Nabers was taken midway through the third round. They are the two newcomers, the choices of destiny. After that, we didn’t see a freshman until Rome Odunze in the 7th round.
Jonathon Brooks landed in Round 8, just before news broke about his PUP status. He strikes me as optimistic, but the Panthers are hoping for a return in Week 3. Just remember that Brooks will need some gradual ramp-up time when he returns, whenever that happens.
Dalton Del Don was the rookie-friendly coach on the field, facing Nabers (Round 3), Xavier Worthy (Round 8), Jayden Daniels (Round 9), Caleb Williams (Round 11), Jaylen Wright (Round 12), Jermine Burton ( Round 14) and Deneric Prince (Round 16). Ironically, one of Dalton’s rare veteran picks, DeAndre Hopkins, suffered an injury shortly after the draft concluded.
Taking note of some of the fashion choices
Maybe these are players you steal in the later rounds, or maybe they become helium players that cost a lot more during draft season. For now, let’s just look at what his current market value appears to be, at least among 12 Yahooligans:
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Dalton Kincaid, pick 51
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Anthony Richardson, pick 63
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Hollywood Brown, pick 73
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Ladd McConley, pick 86
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Xavier worthy, pick 89
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Chase Brown, pick 101 (Zack Moss made seven picks earlier)
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Jameson Williams, pick 102
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Jayden Daniels, pick 104
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Rashid Shaheed, pick 120
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Blake Corum, pick 122
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Romeo Doubs, pick 126
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Dontayvion Wicks, pick 129
If you’re cribbing about Tennessee’s backfield, Tony Pollard was Pick 90 and Tyjae Spears was Pick 95.
We draft kickers and defenses, but you might not want to (if your league drafts early)
This is a repeat of the last mock draft I posted a few weeks ago, but I thought it was worth reiterating:
The editors asked everyone to put together a full starting lineup, which is why you’ll see 12 kickers and 12 defensemen on the board. Read and examine as you please. However, many astute fantasy managers choose to avoid lower positions in early summer drafts, instead filling their bench with some speculative plays that could have significant value in September if things go well. The waiver wire in almost every league has very high replacement value for kickers and defensive backs — especially in a group with a modest 10 managers — so filling those spots doesn’t need to be a priority.
My D/ST pick was the Bengals, and it ties into one simple thing: they are the biggest Week 1 favorites (scoring 9.5 points against New England) and D/ST production correlates with the favored teams. If we were playing in this league, I would definitely broadcast the D/ST position, adding and eliminating new defense on a regular basis.
If your league is picked right before the season, I advise you to avoid this DST hack. Just pick one in the later rounds, again with an eye on the early schedule. There is not enough time for a final Hail Mary pick to gain value in 24 to 72 hours; It’s not impossible, but it’s not likely.
