NFL Fantasy Draft Analysis

Right before your fantasy season we have graded our expert league in a standard 10 team league. Lets have a look at the best and worst picks that you'll be confronted with.

James D

1.5

Ezekiel Elliott, DAL

2.6

A.J. Green, CIN

3.5

Marshawn Lynch, OAK

4.6

Tom Brady, NE

5.5

Terrelle Pryor, WAS

6.6

Martavis Bryant, PIT

7.5

Frank Gore, IND

8.6

Adrian Peterson, NO

9.5

Brandon Marshall, NYG

10.6

Eric Ebron, DET

11.5

Mike Gillislee, NE

12.6

Mike Wallace, BAL

13.5

ARIZONA CARDINALS, ARI

14.6

C.J. Prosise, SEA

15.5

Mason Crosby, GB

Grade: B

Best Pick: Martavis Bryant

Worst Pick: Frank Gore

What a surprise this was, taking Zeke at pick number five could be considered a reach or this could be one of the smartest picks of the draft. With so much uncertainty surrounding Elliot, it is hard to know what to take from this pick.

AJ Green in the second round was a steal, as this may be one of the best receivers in the NFL this year. Marshawn Lynch is in line for a big workload this season, but he will be missing come third down, as Deandre Washington is going to eat into his production. Brady in the 4th may be a reach, but this is one of the most consistent fantasy quarterbacks in history, so the 4th round could be perfect.

Love both the back to back picks of Terrelle Pryor and Martavis Bryant, as both look to be set for big breakout seasons. Frank Gore and Adrian Petersen are both very risky picks, as Gore is entering his eleventh season and this could be the year we finally see the iron man Gore fall off the fantasy cliff. Petersen is a future hall of famer, but is stuck in a crowded backfield currently, so it may be hard to predict his weekly production.

Eric Ebron and Mike Gillislee in the 10th and 11th round are great value, as both players look for an increased role in their respective teams. Ebron is a great fantasy tight end, especially with the evolution of that Lion’s offence.

Overall a good draft from James, has some very solid pieces in which to build a potential playoff team.

Alex's Team

1.6

Julio Jones, ATL

2.5

Jordy Nelson, GB

3.6

C.J. Anderson, DEN

4.5

Ty Montgomery, GB

5.6

Michael Crabtree, OAK

6.5

Tevin Coleman, ATL

7.6

Martellus Bennett, GB

8.5

Derrick Henry, TEN

9.6

Corey Davis, TEN

10.5

Marcus Mariota, TEN

11.6

Philip Rivers, LAC

12.5

Darren Sproles, PHI

13.6

Philadelphia Eagles, PHI

14.5

Sterling Shepard, NYG

15.6

Matt Prater, DET

Grade: C+

Best Pick: Marcus Mariota

Worst Pick: Tevin Coleman

An interesting draft from Alex, week eight is going to be a very difficult week considering the number of starting players who are on a bye, both the Packers and Titans have the week off in week 8.

The first two picks were textbook wide receiver heavy, Julio Jones and Jordy Nelson look to be elite options in their respective teams this year and both could be for top 5 wide receiver value. CJ Anderson in the third round may have been a bit high for other people, but considering his involvement in the offence and the way the draft was playing out, he had to pull the trigger on a workhorse running back.

Ty Montgomery in the fourth round was an interesting pick, not for the position, but more for the Jordy Nelson pick, loading up on players from the same team is highly risky. Although in saying I do like Montgomery’s value, especially in the passing game. Michael Crabtree and Tevin Coleman, may have been the worst picks from Alex’s draft, whilst I think both are talented, taking Crabtree in the 5th and Coleman in the 6th are potential reaches, as both are second on the depth charts in the respective positions.

Martellus Bennett is primed for a big year, as Rodgers loves his tight ends, so this pick was not only smart but exciting, as Marty B could provide fantasy owners with some big weeks. Only downside to his production, is the number of talented players on this Packers offence which may cut into Bennett’s production.

Alex rolled the dice and went with three Titans players for the next 3 picks. I loved the Derrick Henry pick, as I do not see Murray holding the starting job until the end of the year, this is due to his injury history, previous season workloads and the sheer talent of Henry. Whilst Davis does figure to be involved in the passing attack, he is still a rookie adjusting the NFL and will have to contest with Eric Decker and Delanie Walker taking targets. The Mariota pick was my favourite of his draft, as he could push to be a top five fantasy quarter back this season.

Overall a very interesting draft from Alex here, a fairly balanced team with a few question marks, but smart waiver wire play should buoy him through the bye weeks

Conor's Draft

1.3

Antonio Brown, PIT

2.8

Todd Gurley, LAR

3.3

Kareem Hunt, KC

4.8

Travis Kelce, KC

5.3

Drew Brees, NO

6.8

Stefon Diggs, MIN

7.3

Joe Mixon, CIN

8.8

Pierre Garcon, SF

9.3

Samaje Perine, WAS

10.8

Jeremy Maclin, BAL

11.3

Donte Moncrief, IND

12.8

Corey Coleman, CLE

13.3

Terrance West, BAL

14.8

New England Patriots, NE

15.3

Alvin Kamara, NO

Grade: B+

Best Pick: Kareem Hunt

Worst Pick: Samaje Perine

Conor came out guns blazing, after an offseason of preparation this was a very balanced and measured draft. Very strong start with both Antonio Brown in the 1st round and Todd Gurley in the 2nd, Brown will be a top three receiver this season and Gurley is primed for a big season under new head coach Sean McVay.

Loved the pick of Kareem Hunt in the 3rd round, whilst this may be high for some people, the situation is perfect for this young rookie. With Ware placed on IR, Hunt is primed to be the workhorse back in an Andy Reid offence that will feed the running back. Travis Kelce was a strong pick in the 4th, and will be the leading reception leader for the Chiefs again, only downside of Kelce is his lack of touchdowns over the past few years, but this should be remedied this coming season.

Taking Drew Brees in the 5th is a safe and smart pick, finishing as one of the top quarter backs in over the past three seasons, Brees is a weapon that will continue to pay dividends for fantasy owners this season. There may be a slight shift in the offence to use more of the running game this season, with Mark Ingram, Adrian Petersen and Alvin Kamar in the mix, but still expect Brees to get his fantasy points.

Taking Diggs in the 6th round is a big boom or bust pick, his upside is huge, now moving to the outside in that Vikings aerial attack that is going to look to involve him more this season. Hopefully the health of Diggs doesn’t plague fantasy owners for the season. Joe Mixon in the 7th round is difficult to grade at this current time; it could be viewed by some as a steal as his talent is there for all to see. Yet he is still stuck in a backfield that consists of two veterans of the NFL that have also been playing in the same offensive system for several years. I think Mixon will emerge to be the starter in the Bengals offence, all that remains is when?

The pick of Pierre Garcon in the 8th round was fantastic value, as this veteran receiver looks to have a fantastic year in a Kyle Shannahan lead offence. Garcon could prove to have wide receiver two value this season, and may be one of the best steals of the draft.

Overall a very strong draft from Conor here, a well-balanced team that doesn’t appear to have may deficiencies heading into week one.

Aiden's

1.9

Odell Beckham Jr., NYG

2.2

Melvin Gordon, LAC

3.9

Doug Baldwin, SEA

4.2

Christian McCaffrey, CAR

5.9

Alshon Jeffery, PHI

6.2

Mark Ingram, NO

7.9

DeSean Jackson, TB

8.2

Delanie Walker, TEN

9.9

Jameis Winston, TB

10.2

John Brown, ARI

11.9

New York Giants, NYG

12.2

Kenny Britt, CLE

13.9

Randall Cobb, GB

14.2

James White, NE

15.9

Zach Ertz, PHI

Grade: B-

Best Pick: Jameis Winston

Worst Pick: Mark Ingram

The defending champion kicked off his campaign with a nice first three rounds. Getting ODB will anchor any fantasy team, even if he misses one week due to his lingering ankle injury. The addition of Melvin Gordon and Doug Baldwin were very smart and safe picks, as both players look to finish as top 10 players at their respective positions.

I am torn on the Christian McCaffery pick here, whilst he is defiantly going to be highly involved in the Panthers new up-tempo offence, I am unsure as to his overall value as Jonathan Stewart will still be used in large doses and may steal goal line carries from the rookie. Alshon Jeffery could be a difference maker this season, especially in the Philly offensive system that will look to use Went’s big arm to get the ball down the field. Only issue with Jeffery is his health, as he has not played a full season since 2014.

Mark Ingram is a bit of a reach here at pick 6, issue being as discussed before regarding Adrian Petersen is the Saints backfield is a crowed mess. It hard to pick who is going to be the main beneficiary of this potent offence. Ingram can provide some productive weeks; it will just be a fantasy headaches for owners picking those specific weeks in which to roll him out.

Delanie Walker is a good pick in the 8th round, he is consistent and will figure to see a lot of volume in that aggressive Titans offence. Loved the Winston pick in the 9th round, I figure Winston to have a massive year this coming season and could be a steal this late in the draft.

Overall another strong and smart draft, some potential risky picks from round 4- 7, but only time will tell if the risk was worth it.

Kalepo's Team

1.10

Mike Evans, TB

2.1

Devonta Freeman, ATL

3.10

Dez Bryant, DAL

4.1

Dalvin Cook, MIN

5.10

Davante Adams, GB

6.1

Ameer Abdullah, DET

7.10

Larry Fitzgerald, ARI

8.1

Tyler Eifert, CIN

9.10

Derek Carr, OAK

10.1

Kirk Cousins, WAS

11.10

Kansas City Chiefs, KC

12.1

Danny Woodhead, BAL

13.10

Dan Bailey, DAL

14.1

Duke Johnson, CLE

15.10

Josh Doctson, WAS

Grade: B

Best Pick: Ameer Abdullah

Worst Pick: Davante Adams

A veteran of many fantasy campaigns, Lipo came out and looked to establish a strong core of wide receivers and running backs early.

Nothing needs to be said for his first two picks, both players are studs and should serve any fantasy GM well this coming season. Dez Bryant is a risky pick in the 3rd round, whilst he is an elite red zone threat, his overall receiving numbers are never that high. Whilst Dez can be a game changer, his health hasn’t been great over the past few years, and Dak Prescott also looks to other receivers in the offence.

Dalvin Cook in the 4th round is a fantastic pick; this rookie looks to be an explosive player who is primed to make a big difference. Only downside to Dalvin is the spectre of Latavius Murray in the backfield potentially cutting into his workload early and the leaky offensive line of the Vikings that couldn’t block anyone last season.

Davante Adams will be productive this season, yet he is stuck in an offence full of talented pass catchers, including their starting running back in Montgomery. Adams in the 5th is a bit of a reach for me, as I do not think he is going to replicate the numbers he produced last season. Ameer Abdullah and Larry Fitzgerald are both great picks, if Abdullah can stay healthy he is going to be a fantasy stud, it’s a big if though, as he has never played a full season in the NFL. Fitzgerald will give you consistent fantasy points each week, long gone from being an elite receiver in fantasy circles he is still very productive and the favourite target of Palmer.

Love the pick of Eifert in the 8th, although he is another player that just can’t seem to stay healthy, when on the field though this guy is a big body who does damage all over the field, especially in the end zone. Cousins in the 10th is another example of the value that can be found late in drafts, over the past two seasons he has finished no worse than the fantasy quarter back five. Look to see Cousins have another big season as that Redskins offence does not look like much outside of Cousins arm.

Overall a strong draft with some risky picks, but if they pay off, this team will go deep in the fantasy playoffs.

John’s Team

1.1

David Johnson, ARI

2.10

Lamar Miller, HOU

3.1

Brandin Cooks, NE

4.10

Jarvis Landry, MIA

5.1

Greg Olsen, CAR

6.10

Allen Robinson, JAC

7.1

LeGarrette Blount, PHI

8.10

Matthew Stafford, DET

9.1

Jonathan Stewart, CAR

10.10

Los Angeles Rams, LAR

11.1

Willie Snead, NO

12.10

Coby Fleener, NO

13.1

Zay Jones, BUF

14.10

Darren McFadden, DAL

15.1

Cooper Kupp, LAR

Overall Grade C-

Landing David Johnson pulls this team up from a failing grade; Lamar Miller was the worst running back in terms of break tackle percentage in 2016. With questions still at quarterback and a solid backup in Foreman looking to poach goaline carries, Miller seems to be a reach in round 2. Cooks has tremendous upside but there will be weeks where you’ll be pounding your head against the wall because of the plethora of options Tom Brady has to throw to. All in all this is the best pick of the draft because Cook’s potential is huge.

In standard formats Jarvis Landry posies to be outshone by fellow teammate Devante Parker who by all accounts has caught Jay Cutler’s tunnel vision for targets. LeGarrette Blount has no upside here and was a big reach at pick 7.1. as Philadelphia’s back field is a huge question mark and no one knows if Blount still makes the team after a horrific preseason.

Matthew Stafford got paid for his elite play on the field but hasn’t been a fantasy relevant Quarterback in recent years. Whilst there were the likes of Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota still available, Stafford seems like a reach at this point.

Best Pick: Brandin Cooks

Worst Pick: LeGarrette Blount

Luke’s Draft

Colby's Boys

1.7

LeSean McCoy, BUF

2.4

DeMarco Murray, TEN

3.7

Rob Gronkowski, NE

4.4

DeAndre Hopkins, HOU

5.7

Matt Ryan, ATL

6.4

Kelvin Benjamin, CAR

7.7

Robert Kelley, WAS

8.4

Sammy Watkins, LAR

9.7

Denver Broncos, DEN

10.4

Emmanuel Sanders, DEN

11.7

Ben Roethlisberger, PIT

12.4

Matt Bryant, ATL

13.7

Matt Forte, NYJ

14.4

Jeremy Hill, CIN

15.7

Charles Sims, TB

Overall grade A-

Hard to fault a solid overall draft with quality picks throughout; main reason I didn’t grant the A grade was because of the two running backs at the top. Demarco Murrary has hit the golden (or not so golden) age of 29, as this is where we historically see huge downfalls in production for running backs. Ending of last year, we saw this with Murray forfeiting touches to Derrick Henry, add on a hamstring injury and there you have a bad start for Murrary’s 2017 campaign. If he can hit the same numbers as last year however, this will be a huge steal. Buffalo’s dismantling and a rocky start to Tyrod Taylor’s health will put an extra strain on McCoy’s workload. Rex Ryan’s run first philosophy is a thing of the past and Johnathan so running opportunities will be less.

Sammy Watkins now has Jarrad Goff throwing him the ball which is not an ideal situation; however, getting him this late is a great value based on talent. Hopkins hasn’t seen a remarkable improvement at the quarterback position but banking on a better year than last, which doesn’t seem far-fetched. It is likely that he won’t produce WR1 numbers but a solid number 2 non-the less.

Best Pick: Kelvin Benjamin: Looks great in pre-season and has maintained great rapport with Cam Newton.

Worst Pick: Matt Ryan: With Kyle Shannahan out of Atlanta having a new OC is always an adjustment not to mention Ryan’s stats last year were a total anomaly compared to his previous seasons.

Solid team with huge upside if the likes of Rob Gronkowski, Demarco Murrary and DeAndre Hopkins can stay on the field and live up to their high standard this team will be easily top 4 come playoff time.

Lombardo's 49ers

1.4

Jay Ajayi, MIA

2.7

Jordan Howard, CHI

3.4

Carlos Hyde, SF

4.7

Demaryius Thomas, DEN

5.4

Keenan Allen, LAC

6.7

Jimmy Graham, SEA

7.4

Doug Martin, TB

8.7

Jamison Crowder, WAS

9.4

Devante Parker, MIA

10.7

Andrew Luck, IND

11.4

Dak Prescott, DAL

12.7

Minnesota Vikings, MIN

13.4

Adam Thielen, MIN

14.7

Kendall Wright, CHI

15.4

Will Lutz, NO

Overall Grade B +

Taking Jay Ajayi 4th overall is technically a reach considering the blue-chip talent at WR available; however, James obviously had a Zero WR strategy in mind when going into this draft. Although a solid pick, this can be one that could haunt him when Mike Evans, Julio Jones or Odell Beckham are dominating the league. Receiver seems to be steady with the always reliable Demaryius Thomas but outside of that the receiver position all have question marks.

Keenan Allen is an ultra-talent but has had horrific luck in terms of staying on the field. However, this pick is solid in round 5 and is well worth the risk. Jamison Crowder flashes WR2 potential but there are a lot of mouths to feed in Washington. DeVante Parker has caught Jay Cutler’s eye for the “YOLO” deep balls which is exciting for Parker owners. Parker has struggled through two seasons thus far, and injuries and a lack of motivation have been part of the problem. But he's had a great offseason and training camp, and he appears poised to take the next step in his career and could be a top 20 WR.

Jordan Howard has earned his keep in Chicago with an amazing rookie season. The volume is there but with the unaspiring Mike Glennon behind center (for now) and the “Human Joystick” in Tarik Cohen looking exciting on 3rd downs one could worry about

Best Pick: Doug Marin: If Martin comes back from suspension looking like he did in preseason and when he was at his peak then James has landed the steal of the draft. However, with other counterparts looking solid there is no guarantee Martin gets the bulk of the carries when he returns

Worst Pick: Andrew Luck: If he is more injured then what is being reported then this could be an annoying problem to have. However, good plan getting the solid back up plan in Dak Prescott.

Solid draft with reliable running backs and receivers with high upside. This grade goes higher depending on if they reach their potential.

Rico's Draft

1.2

Le'Veon Bell, PIT

2.9

Leonard Fournette, JAC

3.2

Amari Cooper, OAK

4.9

Tyreek Hill, KC

5.2

Bilal Powell, NYJ

6.9

Russell Wilson, SEA

7.2

Thomas Rawls, SEA

8.9

Hunter Henry, LAC

9.2

Tyrell Williams, LAC

10.9

Houston Texans, HOU

11.2

Cam Newton, CAR

12.9

Eric Decker, TEN

13.2

Stephen Gostkowski, NE

14.9

Latavius Murray, MIN

15.2

Marvin Jones, DET

Overall Grade B

Having a stud lie Bell is a good way to start a draft but backing that up with Leonard Fournette and Amari Cooper is even better in terms of upside. Fournette is an ultra-talented rookie that will see plenty of volume but a major concern is whether the acclaimed runner can stay healthy with an injured foot and with one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL.

Tyreek Hill presents intriguing upside in an offense that has a quarterback without any. So, there is a real possibility of Hill’s ceiling being capped. Cooper is primed for a breakout 3rd year but concerns still loom in terms of redzone targets and his ability to win contested balls.

Best Pick: Russell Wilson

Worst Pick: Thomas Rawls

Ned's Team

1.8

Aaron Rodgers, GB

2.3

Michael Thomas, NO

3.8

Isaiah Crowell, CLE

4.3

T.Y. Hilton, IND

5.8

Paul Perkins, NYG

6.3

Golden Tate, DET

7.8

Jordan Reed, WAS

8.3

Eddie Lacy, SEA

9.8

Seattle Seahawks, SEA

10.3

Kyle Rudolph, MIN

11.8

Justin Tucker, BAL

12.3

Andy Dalton, CIN

13.8

Chris Hogan, NE

14.3

Jamaal Williams, GB

15.8

Rishard Matthews, TEN

Overall Grade B-

In re-drafts the idea of grabbing a quarterback in the 1st round; albeit the best overall fantasy player from 2016 is still no doubt a reach. Grabbing Rodgers in the 2nd one could justify but to miss out on blue chip players to go after the deepest position in fantasy has been widely considered a determent to start a team.

However, this draft was quickly redeemed getting a rising fantasy star in Michael Thomas who no doubt will be seeing his named called in the top 8 of future drafts. The uncertainty of Andrew Luck’s Health reduces Hilton’s value heavily but securing the talented wide out in the 4th is a solid pickup.

Even if Paul Perkins is the presumed starter this is a reach in a pass heavy Giant offense that have struggled to run the ball for a long time. Eddie Lacy still situated in a murky Seattle back field that has better values in pre-season sensation Chris Carson and CJ Prosise. This will require Band-Aid solutions to fill these deficiencies. Jordan Reed provides elite production when healthy, however this is a big “if” but for now as a late 7th it’s a steal.

Best Pick: Kyle Ruldoph (provides great steady depth and has the easiest schedule for TE’s)

Worst Pick: Paul Perkins