Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team .5 PPR, Slot #1
By: George Haraktsis
We’re currently in the dog days of the NFL year, but as far as I’m concerned, the fantasy football season is never over! If you’re just jumping into the fantasy season, most prepare by starting out with mock drafts.
The Blitz team has decided to do some of the work for you and offer our opinions on this year’s fantasy draft. Each week, we’ll 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 each week. So if you’re drafting in the first slot this season, pay attention, because this week’s articles are for you! If you’re drafting 12th, give it a read anyway and maybe you’ll gain some insight as to how the draft will play out.
Today we’ll be taking a look at a simple 12-team, .5 PPR scoring league that I have mocked with the FantasyPros Mock Draft Simulator. It’s an amazing, quick way to get your mocks in, and they have some funny team names too. The roster format is as follows: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex, D/ST, K and 6 Bench players. My selections are bolded below, and my final roster is at the end. Keep an eye out for more mocks in the days to come!
Round 1
1) Le’Veon Bell, RB — PIT
2) Todd Gurley, RB — LAR
3) Antonio Brown, WR — PIT
4) David Johnson, RB — ARI
5) Odell Beckham, WR — NYG
6) Deandre Hopkins, WR — HOU
7) Ezekiel Elliott, RB — DAL
8) Julio Jones, WR — ATL
9) Saquon Barkley, RB — NYG
10) Alvin Kamara, RB — NO
11) Leonard Fournette, RB — JAC
12) Kareem Hunt, RB — KC
Analysis: Some want Gurley here, but Le’Veon Bell was my pick. He’s been far too consistent year after year. He’s finished as a top four RB every season since 2014, minus his suspension shortened 2015 season. Bell is especially valuable in PPR formats. He’s averaged 81 receptions per year since 2014, minus his suspension in 2015. He is in the final year of his contract, and the Steelers will run him into the ground, maximizing his fantasy potential. Safest. Pick. In. The. Draft.
No huge surprises here except for maybe rookie Saquon Barkley at 9. Rookies in the first round are dangerous, but Barkley could be worth it.
Round 2
13) Michael Thomas, WR — NO
14)A.J. Green, WR — CIN
15) Melvin Gordon, RB — LAC
16) Keenan Allen, WR — LAC
17) Mike Evans, WR — TB
18) Devonta Freeman, RB — ATL
19) Zach Ertz, TE — PHI
20)Davante Adams, WR — GB
21) Doug Baldwin, WR — SEA
22) Dalvin Cook, RB — MIN
23) Rob Gronkowski, TE — NE
24) Tyreek Hill, WR — KC
Analysis: Even with “game manager” Alex Smith at the helm, Hill was still the 4th ranked fantasy receiver in 2017. While Smith is gone, new starter Patrick Mahomes is perfectly capable of keeping Hill and his fantasy owners happy. I expect Mahomes to have his fair share of bumps in his first seasons as a starter, but his cannon of an arm and Hill’s blazing speed will no doubt create a great one-two punch. My next pick also has a new QB throwing to him this year…
Round 3
25) Stefon Diggs, WR — Min
26) Jerick Mckinnon, RB — SF
27) Lesean Mccoy, RB — BUF
28) Alshon Jeffery, WR — PHI
29) T.Y. Hilton, WR — IND
30) Josh Gordon, WR — CLE
31) Amari Cooper, WR — OAK
32) Travis Kelce, TE — KC
33) Adam Thielen, WR — MIN
34) Demaryius Thomas, WR — DEN
35) Christian Mccaffrey, RB — CAR
36) Mark Ingram, RB — NO
Analysis: Diggs had his best fantasy season to date this past season, largely due to his career high 8 touchdowns. However, I don’t feel like he has even scratched the surface of his potential. No one would ever peg last year’s quarterback, Case Keenum, as a gun slinger. Now with the NFL’s resident gun-slinger, Kirk Cousins, under center in Minnesota, Diggs’ ceiling is higher than ever. Look out for a top-10 year.
Round 4
37) Jarvis Landry, WR — CLE
38) Allen Robinson, WR — CHI
39) Larry Fitzgerald, WR — ARI
40) Aaron Rodgers, QB — GB
41) Joe Mixon, RB — CIN
42) Golden Tate, WR — DET
43) Jordan Howard RB — CHI
44) Brandin Cooks, WR — LAR
45) Rashaad Penny, RB — SEA
46) Greg Olsen, TE — CAR
47) Juju Smith-Schuster, WR — PIT
48) Kenyan Drake, RB — MIA
Analysis: Some pundits are not so high on Kenyan Drake, but I do not feel the same way. Yes, Drake saw a measly 57 touches in his first 11 games of 2017, but once he was thrust into a bigger role he put up huge totals in the pass and run games. He does have Frank Gore and Kalen Ballage eating into his carries, but Drake owners shouldn’t be worried. It’s his backfield to lose. He’s a good candidate for a 250+ touch season and a RB2 designation.
Round 5
49) Marvin Jones, WR — DET
50) Corey Davis, WR — TEN
51) Dez Bryant, WR — FA
52) Jimmy Graham, TE — GB
53) Alex Collins, RB — BAL
54) Russell Wilson, QB — SEA
55) Derrick Henry, RB — TEN
56) Michael Crabtree, WR — BAL
57) Randall Cobb, WR — GB
58) Tom Brady, QB — NE
59) Evan Engram, TE — NYG
60) Pierre Garcon, WR — SF
Analysis: People tend to forget that Marvin Jones was the #9 receiver in .5 PPR formats in 2017. The Lions receiver isn’t incredibly consistent from week to week in PPR leagues, but his big weeks are good enough to keep him relevant in that format. I could have done worse for a WR3 than a guy who just had 100+ targets, 1100+ yards, and 9 TDs in 2017.
Round 6
61) Jay Ajayi, RB — PHI
62) Julian Edelman, WR — NE
63) Delanie Walker, TE — TEN
64) Sony Michel, RB — NE
65) Deshaun Watson, QB — HOU
66) Devin Funchess, WR — CAR
67) Derrius Guice, RB — WAS
68) Dion Lewis, RB — TEN
69) Royce Freeman, RB — DEN
70) Cam Newton, QB — CAR
71) Robert Woods, WR — LAR
72) Lamar Miller, RB — HOU
Analysis: With the majority of starting running backs off the board already, I knew I had to snag one of the few remainders. While Miller has not lived up to the hype since signing his free agent contract with the Texans a few years back, he did have a moderate career resurrection last year with Deshaun Watson under center. With Watson at the helm, Lamar Miller averaged 13.16 fantasy ppg (1/2 PPR),a very solid output for a RB2. With a healthy Watson I expect Miller to continue this type of success. If the Drake experiment falters, Miller will be able to fill in easily.
Round 7
73) Carson Wentz, QB — PHI
74) Emmanuel Sanders, WR — DEN
75) Jordy Nelson, WR — OAK
76) Matthew Stafford, QB — DET
77) Kyle Rudolph, TE — MIN
78) Jamison Crowder, WR — WAS
79) Drew Brees, QB — NO
80) C.J. Anderson, RB — CAR
81) Kenny Stills, WR — MIA
82) Marshawn Lynch, RB — OAK
83) Chris Hogan, WR — NE
84) Kirk Cousins, QB — MIN
Analysis: Folks, let me tell you something. I never go QB this early in fantasy football. But the thought of having Carson Wentz on my roster for such a low draft cost was too much to pass up. Yes he’s coming off an injury, but people come back from ACL tears like nothing nowadays. If Wentz can pickup where he left off last year, as an MVP candidate, this could be the steal of the draft.
Round 8
85) Carlos Hyde, RB — CLE
86) Ben Roethlisberger, QB — PIT
87) Cooper Kupp, WR — LAR
88) Allen Hurns, WR — DAL
89) Will Fuller, WR — HOU
90) Marlon Mack, RB — IND
91) Sammy Watkins, WR — KC
92) Jameis Winston, QB — TB
93) Michael Gallup, WR — DAL
94) Jordan Reed, TE — WAS
95) Jimmy Garoppolo, QB — SF
96) Devante Parker, WR — MIA
Round 9
97) Ronald Jones, RB — TB
98) Tevin Coleman, RB — ATL
99) Rex Burkhead, RB — NE
100) Robby Anderson, WR — NYJ
101) Aaron Jones, RB — GB
102) Tarik Cohen, RB — CHI
103) Marquise Goodwin, WR — SF
104) D’onta Foreman, RB — HOU
105) Rishard Matthews, WR — TEN
106) Kelvin Benjamin, WR — BUF
107) Duke Johnson, RB — CLE
108) Chris Thompson, RB — WAS
Analysis: I would not have loved the Parker pick if he was my WR3 but as a depth or WR4 option, I love it. With Jarvis Landry gone this year, Parker should see increased opportunity, even with Danny Amendola and Kenny Stills on the roster. I even considered taking him last round.
Former USC running back Ronald Jones has a ton of upside in Tampa Bay’s offense. If he can seize hold of the starting job from Barber and develop a rapport with Winston, he can make his mark on the ground and through the air.
Round 10
109) Sterling Shepard, WR — NYG
110) Jamaal Williams, RB — GB
111) Marqise Lee, WR — JAC
112) Tyler Lockett, WR — SEA
113) Nick Chubb, RB — CLE
114) Bilal Powell, RB — NYJ
115) Isaiah Crowell, RB — NYJ
116) Kerryon Johnson, RB — DET
117) Theo Riddick, RB — DET
118) Danny Amendola, WR — MIA
119) Ty Montgomery, RB — GB
120) Trey Burton, TE — CHI
Round 11
121) Nelson Agholor, WR — PHI
122) Anthony Miller, WR — CHI
123) Demarco Murray, RB — FA
124) Dante Pettis, WR — SF
125) James White, RB — NE
126) Corey Clement, RB — PHI
127) Jack Doyle, TE — IND
128) Frank Gore, RB — MIA
129) George Kittle, TE— SF
130) Devontae Booker, RB — DEN
131) DeSean Jackson, WR — TB
132) Josh Doctson, WR — WAS
Analysis: The tenth round seems like a great spot for TE Trey Burton. He has a ton of upside, flashing his talent in Philly’s offense. He just signed a deal in free agency and will be going to Chicago to pair up with second year QB Mitch Trubisky. And we know how much young QBs love their tight ends.
Agholor is strictly a depth pick year. I don’t think he’ll break out or have a WR1 season, but he showed last year that he can have big games and still make his mark as the Eagle’s third WR.
Round 12
133) Chris Carson, RB — SEA
134) Andrew Luck, QB — IND
135) Tyler Eifert, TE — CIN
136) Kenneth Dixon, RB — BAL
137) Jacksonville Jaguars, D/ST — JAX
138) Dede Westbrook, WR — JAC
139) Mohamed Sanu, WR — ATL
140) O.J. Howard, TE — TB
141) Phillip Rivers, QB — LAC
142) Martavis Bryant, WR — OAK
143) Patrick Mahomes, QB — KC
144) Jared Goff, QB — LAR
Round 13
145) D.J. Moore, WR — CAR
146) Cameron Meredith, WR — NO
147) Legarrette Blount, RB — DET
148) Samaje Perine, RB — WAS
149) Marcus Mariota, QB — TEN
150) Wayne Gallman, RB — NYG
151) Eric Ebron, TE — IND
152) Corey Coleman, WR — CLE
153) Giovani Bernard, RB —CIN
154) Mike Williams, WR — LAC
155) Minnesota Vikings, D/ST — MIN
156) David Njoku, TE — CLE
Analysis: This is usually the spot I take a quarterback in, and Goff falling here could not have worked out better. The leader of last year’s #1 offense will have his offensive line intact and new offensive toys to play with (Brandin Cooks) in 2018. With Todd Gurley returning, Goff is a great backup fantasy QB and can fill in for Wentz on his Bye week or in bad matchups.
In a 3 WR league, I cannot stress the importance of having depth at the position enough, especially with guys who will have the opportunity to see the targets in 2018. Rookie D.J. Moore will only have to fight Devin Funchess for looks in the Panthers offense, which will not be hard. I’m going to go as far as calling him a steal here, due to the opportunity and talent.
Round 14
157) Seattle Seahawks, D/ST — SEA
158) Matt Breida, RB — SF
159) Austin Ekler, RB — LAC
160) Nyheim Hines, RB — IND
161) Peyton Barber, RB — TB
162) Case Keenum, QB— DEN
163) Matt Ryan, QB — ATL
164) Darren Sproles, RB— PHI
165) Jared Cook, TE —OAK
166) Dak Prescott, QB — DAL
167) Latavius Murray, RB — MIN
168) Doug Martin, RB — OAK
Round 15
169) Philadpelphia Eagles , D/ST — PHI
170) Los Angeles Rams , D/ST —LAR
171) Los Angeles Chargers, DST — LAC
172) Houston Texans , D/ST — HOU
173) Baltimore Ravens, D/ST —BAL
174) Denver Broncos , D/ST — DEN
175) New Orleans Saints, D/ST — NO
176) Derek Carr, QB — OAK
177) Kansas City Chiefs, D/ST — KC
178) New England Patriots, D/ST — NE
179) Charles Clay, TE — BUF
180) Cameron Brate, TE — TB
Round 16
181) Stephen Gostkowski, K — NE
182) Justin Tucker, K — BAL
183) Greg Zuerlein, K — LAR
184) Matt Bryant, K — ATL
185) Wil Lutz, K — NO
186) Harrison Butker, K — KC
187) Dan Bailey, K — DAL
188) Chris Boswell, K — PIT
189) Matt Prater, K — DET
190) Jake Elliott, K — PHI
191) Mason Crosby, K — GB
192) Kai Forbath, K — MIN
Analysis: I’ll admit it, the Doug Martin pick was a shot in the dark. While I don’t think Lynch will ever get hurt, on the off-chance he does, Martin can fill-in and has serious fantasy potential at that point.
Philly has a good defense and Kai Forbath is potentially on a great offense. Theres usually not much more to say about drafting these two positions. If These two don’t work out, there’s always teams and kickers that emerge in the first few weeks and are prime for the picking on waivers.
Final Roster
QB: Carson Wentz, PHI
RB: Le’Veon Bell, PIT
RB: Kenyan Drake, MIA
WR: Tyreek Hill, KC
WR: Stefon Diggs, MIN
WR: Marvin Jones, DET
FLEX: Lamar Miller, HOU
TE: Trey Burton, CHI
D/ST: Philadelphia Eagles
K: Kai Forbath, MIN
BN: Devante Parker, MIA
BN: Ronald Jones, RB, TB
BN: Nelson Agholor, PHI
BN: Jared Goff, LAR
BN: D.J. Moore, WR, CAR
BN: Doug Martin, OAK
Final Analysis: I hate the number one pick. I rue the day I ever get handed that selection. But given that burden I really like the way my draft came about. Having the consistency of Bell allowed me to concentrate on building up my WRs in the earlier rounds, and awarded me the luxury of being able to draft a relative uncertain at the RB2 position. Hill, Diggs, and Jones will form a formidable trio in my starting spots, and if one of them falters, I believe the WRs on my bench, with their combined consistency/opportunity, will be able to fill that void. Drake and Miller both have their question marks, but seem to be promised a lion’s share of touches and opportunities. I am confident that at least one of the two will emerge. My depth and ceiling at QB is a blessing, and will not doom me into scouring the waiver wire looking for a starter down the road. My TE position is solid, as well as my Defense and Kicker. My bench has the perfect mix of opportunity and consistency that I like. Depth is key in fantasy. Overall, I think I really outdid myself on this one and would be so happy if my roster was even close to this great!
