After writing about how I'd draft Josh Gordon in the fifth round, I found myself wishing I had a draft in the next day or two to act on that impulse before the verdict was rendered on August 1st. When Heather told me this afternoon her mom was picking up Sasha at daycare and taking her for the evening, I jumped onto the NFFC site to check if there were any minimal transaction "Cutline" leagues available. Sure enough there was one scheduled for 6 PM PT. I bought in for the $125 and awaited my random draft slot. It turns out I got No. 1 which I like better in this 10-team format than a 12 or 14.
It's PPR, six-points per passing TD, but otherwise standard scoring. Rosters consist of 1-QB, 2-RB, 3-WR, 1 FLX, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 D, 16 bench spots, and only three free agent pick-ups all year. Because the payout for winning your 10-team league is meager ($250) but the grand prize is big ($100 K), I was determined to swing for the fences. Here's my squad:
1.1 LeSean McCoy - It was he or Jamaal Charles, and I have a bad vibe about Charles this year. Of course, I had a bad vibe about Felix Hernandez too.
2.10 DeMarco Murray - Murray has as much upside as any back on the board should he ever stay healthy. He's a three-down back with size, speed and receiving ability.
3.1 Alshon Jeffery - I thought about Drew Brees here with the six-point passing TD's, but figured I'd gamble on a few QBs later.
4.10 Michael Floyd - I took him over Larry Fitzgerald, Roddy White and Michael Crabtree. Floyd's Julio Jones while Fitzgerald's Roddy White.
5.1 Cordarrelle Patterson - I've read some columns lately panning Patterson as overrated because he's still raw as a route-runner, and Norv Turner's offenses typically yield more for RBs than WRs. But Patterson has a rare size/speed combo with great open-field vision, and receivers typically get a lot better from Year 1 to Year 2. Remember Demaryius Thomas was considered raw too.
6.10 Ryan Mathews - Mathews has almost always been good when healthy, and he played 16 games last year. And now his offense is good again too.
7.1 Josh Gordon - When I said fifth-round, I meant in a 12-team league. I gambled he'd be back here on the turn, and as that was the reason for doing the draft, I'm glad he was.
8.10 Robert Griffin - Healthy, better system, better weapons. The sky's the limit.
9.1 Vernon Davis - Lots of mouths to feed in that offense, but he's still the fastest TE in the league and scored 13 TD last year.
10.10 Carlos Hyde - The rest of the 49ers backfield is hurt, and all that stands between him and one of the best jobs in the league is 31-year old Frank Gore.
11.1 Terrance West - Ben Tate never stayed healthy as a backup, so why not make him a full timer?
12.10 Mike Evans - Has the size/speed combo to be a monster should Vincent Jackson go down.
13.1 Aaron Dobson - Someone has to run the deep routes for the Patriots
14.10 Kenny Stills - Monster per-play numbers last year, could have a bigger role.
15.1 Russell Wilson - With only three FA pickups all year, needed a reliable backup.
16.10 Dwayne Allen - This is really Year 2 for him, the time when most WR/TE break out.
17.1 Donald Brown - Best back for the Colts last year, has upside if Ryan Mathews goes down.
18.10 Marqise Lee - Cecil Shorts is already banged up; Lee could be the Jags' No. 1 by midseason.
19.1 Ahmad Bradshaw - Vick Ballard is done, so only Trent Richardson with whom to compete
20.10 Garrett Graham - In the unlikely event Davis gets hurt, I didn't want to count on Allen alone.
21.1 Jets Defense - They face the Raiders at home in Week 1.
22.10 Saints Defense - Should be playing with a lead and getting after the opposing QB
23.1 Mason Crosby - no comment
24.10 Johnny Manziel - Probably won't ever use him, but if RGIII goes down, and Wilson is merely adequate, Manziel has upside, especially if Gordon beats the rap.
25.1 Jay Feely - no comment
26.10 Lorenzo Taliaferro - big, physical back could split carries with Bernard Pierce out of the gate while Ray Rice serves his suspension.
By Position:
QB: Robert Griffin
RB: LeSean McCoy/DeMarco Murray
WR: Alshon Jeffery/Michael Floyd/Cordarrelle Patterson
FLEX: Ryan Mathews/Josh Gordon
TE: Vernon Davis
K/D: Mason Crosby/Jets
Bench: Carlos Hyde/Terrance West/Mike Evans/Aaron Dobson/Kenny Stills/Russell Wilson/Dwayne Allen, etc.