Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football 2018 - First MOCK DRAFT of 2018!
Release Date: March 22, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction to the First Mock Draft

The episode kicks off with hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright welcoming listeners to “Mock Thursday,” their inaugural mock draft session for the 2018 fantasy football season. Emphasizing the significance of mock drafts in understanding the evolving fantasy landscape, Jason shares his preparations, joking about his secretive draft practices:

Jason Moore [01:19]: "I've done a couple mocks kind of… secret, private mock."

2. Discussing Players to Avoid

A significant portion of the episode revolves around identifying high-profile players who may not offer the expected fantasy value despite their reputations.

Marshawn Lynch: Jason advocates against drafting Lynch early, citing his uncertain role and competition with better running backs on his team.

Jason Moore [03:07]: "Marshawn Lynch will not be… he's not going to be there… he's going to be a fourth, fifth, sixth round guy."

Jordy Nelson: Andy expresses reservations about Nelson’s future performance, especially in a potentially mediocre offense.

Andy Holloway [05:06]: "Jordy Nelson is this year's Eric Decker. He will catch a few passes, but the offense is not going to be… you have rumors of the real Eric Decker possibly signing in Oakland."

Jarvis Landry: Mike critiques Landry’s move to the Cleveland Browns, highlighting the reduced target share and potential decline in fantasy output.

Mike Wright [06:14]: "Jarvis Landry will be okay, but he will not be the fantasy force that we have come to know and love."

3. NFL News Impacting Fantasy Decisions

Before diving deeper into the mock draft, the hosts briefly touch upon current NFL news affecting fantasy strategies:

• Eric Ebron’s Signing with the Colts: Jason initially expresses concern about Ebron sharing snaps with Jack Doyle but remains cautiously optimistic due to the new coaching staff’s history with tight ends.

Jason Moore [10:10]: "I have a glimmer of hope for Eric Ebron to be the number one tight end."

• Ryan Grant’s Contract: The trio discusses Grant’s inexpensive one-year deal with the Colts compared to his previous hefty contract with Baltimore, appreciating the financial flexibility it offers fantasy managers.

Jason Moore [12:34]: "Ryan Grant is betting on himself. Well, at least he…"

• Zay Jones’ Legal Issues: Andy addresses Zay Jones’ recent arrest, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness over making light of the situation.

Andy Holloway [15:06]: "Zay Jones cut his foot up and tried to jump out of a window and was not clothed."

4. The Mock Draft: Round-by-Round Breakdown

The core of the episode is the comprehensive mock draft, where the hosts simulate selecting players based on their strategies and available talent.

Draft Settings:

• Scoring: Half point per reception (PPR)
• Format: Snake draft
• Teams: 12
• Roster Requirements: 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX, DEF, K, and 5 Bench spots

Early Rounds:

• Picks 1-3: Locked in with Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara, and Antonio Brown.
• Pick 4: A critical decision between elite RBs and top WRs. Both Andy and Mike initially lean toward David Johnson over Ezekiel Elliott due to higher expected receptions.

  Jason Moore [21:18]: "I would personally lean towards David Johnson."

Notable Selections:

• David Johnson: Chosen for his high PPR potential.
• Christian McCaffrey: Secured as a top RB with immense dual-threat capabilities.
• Lamar Miller vs. Alex Collins: Jason opts for Lamar Miller despite concerns over volume, while Andy prefers Adam Thielen for his reception-heavy role.

Mid to Late Rounds:

• Wide Receivers: Emphasis on securing consistent PPR contributors like Ty Hilton and Demarius Thomas.
• Tight Ends: Greg Olsen is selected over the fluctuating value of Gronkowski, balancing reliability and potential upside.
• Quarterbacks: Priority is given to quarterbacks with high consistency and potential upside, such as Philip Rivers and Jameis Winston.

Bench and Late Picks:

• Pierre Garçon and Danny Amendola: Added for their experienced offensive roles.
• Chris Hogan and Tariq Cohen: Selected for their upside and potential breakout performances.

5. Draft Strategy Insights

Throughout the mock draft, the hosts provide valuable strategic insights:

• Prioritizing Running Backs: Due to their scarcity and high scoring potential, RBs are prioritized over other positions.
• Value-Based Drafting: Emphasis on selecting players based on available value rather than adhering strictly to conventional rankings.
• Flexibility and Depth: Building a versatile roster with depth at crucial positions to navigate the unpredictable nature of the NFL season.

Jason Moore [21:28]: "If you don't take a running back or wide receiver here, you're just screwing the pooch."

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the mock draft concludes, Andy reflects on the team's composition and the misses regarding key RBs like Joe Mixon and Jerick McKinnon. Despite some setbacks, the roster boasts strong RBs, reliable WRs, and a solid quarterback, positioning them well for the upcoming fantasy season.

Andy Holloway [59:09]: "If I could have had Joe Mixon or McKinnon instead of Lamar Miller, it would be night and day difference."

The hosts encourage listeners to engage via YouTube comments and Twitter, promising further analysis and strategies in upcoming segments.

Notable Quotes Highlighted with Timestamps

• Jason Moore [03:07]: "Marshawn Lynch will not be… he's not going to be there… he's going to be a fourth, fifth, sixth round guy."

• Mike Wright [06:14]: "Jarvis Landry will be okay, but he will not be the fantasy force that we have come to know and love."

• Jason Moore [21:18]: "I would personally lean towards David Johnson."

• Jason Moore [21:28]: "If you don't take a running back or wide receiver here, you're just screwing the pooch."

• Andy Holloway [59:09]: "If I could have had Joe Mixon or McKinnon instead of Lamar Miller, it would be night and day difference."

Final Roster Snapshot

Quarterback:

• Philip Rivers

Running Backs:

• David Johnson
• Christian McCaffrey
• Lamar Miller
• Tariq Cohen
• Isaiah Crowell

Wide Receivers:

• Ty Hilton
• Demarius Thomas
• Chris Hogan
• Pierre Garçon
• Danny Amendola

Tight End:

• Greg Olsen

Defense:

• Denver Broncos

Kicker:

• Mason Crosby

Bench:

• Tariq Cohen
• Greg Olsen
• Chris Hogan
• Pierre Garçon
• Danny Amendola

This detailed mock draft session offered listeners an in-depth look into strategic fantasy football planning, highlighting the importance of flexibility, value-based selections, and positional depth. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the insights provided by the Fantasy Footballers trio are invaluable for crafting a competitive roster for the 2018 season.