Fantasy Football 2018 - NFL Draft Breakdown: AFC Winners & Losers

Summary

Fantasy Football 2018 - NFL Draft Breakdown: AFC Winners & Losers

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

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Introduction

In this episode of The Fantasy Footballers, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the 2018 NFL Draft, focusing specifically on the AFC teams. They analyze the winners and losers of the draft, discussing key trades, player selections, and their implications for fantasy football enthusiasts.

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AFC Draft Winners and Losers

Arizona Cardinals: The Biggest Winner

Mike Wright kicks off the discussion by highlighting the Arizona Cardinals' strategic move in the draft: trading up in the first round to secure quarterback Josh Rosen. He praises the decision, stating:

"Franchise quarterback drafted in the first round and Josh Rosen gave up pennies on the dollar to move up and get him Christian Kirk in the second round." ([02:24])

Jason Moore echoes this sentiment, expressing excitement over the Cardinals' draft haul, while David Johnson remains cautiously optimistic about Rosen's potential:

"I really hope that I am wrong about Josh Rosen, that he is a franchise quarterback and that he is pliable and humble and will learn and become great." ([04:21])

The hosts agree that Rosen's success could be a game-changer for both the Cardinals and fantasy managers.

Buffalo Bills: Mixed Results

The Bills made headlines by selecting quarterback Josh Allen in the first round. While Allen presents a high-upside option, the Bills' decision to pass on strengthening their offensive line raises concerns. Jason Moore points out:

"The biggest fantasy football surprise from the draft was Rashad Pinney became a first rounder on draft night to the Seattle Seahawks at the back of the first round." ([12:35])

However, Mike Wright criticizes the Bills for not addressing key offensive needs, such as improving their offensive line, which is crucial for Allen's development.

Miami Dolphins: Surprising Choices

The Dolphins drafted tight end Mike Gasicki in the second round, an unexpected choice that signals a shift in their offensive strategy. David Johnson notes:

"They didn't replace Blake Bortles. They drafted Mike Gasicki, which was a surprising move." ([25:28])

While Gasicki brings athleticism to the position, the Dolphins' running back strategy remains questionable with the addition of Caleb Bellage, potentially complicating their backfield dynamics.

New York Jets: Stealing Sam Darnold

The Jets solidified their quarterback situation by selecting Sam Darnold, seen by many as a steal of the draft. Jason Moore highlights:

"Sam Darnold will throw plenty of interceptions, but he'll throw plenty of touchdowns." ([29:13])

Despite concerns about Darnold's consistency, his potential upside makes him a valuable addition for both the Jets and fantasy managers.

New England Patriots: Bold Moves

The Patriots made a surprising first-round selection with Sony Michel, a decision met with mixed reactions. Mike Wright praises the pick:

"You just can't write off a first-round running back like Sony Michel." ([31:02])

However, Jason Moore remains skeptical, comparing Michel to past running backs like Dion Lewis and questioning his long-term fantasy value.

Denver Broncos: Strong Offensive Picks

The Broncos focused on bolstering their offense by selecting wide receiver Courtland Sutton and running back Royce Freeman. David Johnson shares his enthusiasm:

"Royce Freeman is going to be probably my second or third ranked rookie coming into this season." ([34:03])

Jason Moore remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the potential impact of Sutton and Freeman on the Broncos' offensive dynamics.

Los Angeles Chargers: Focus on Defense

The Chargers concentrated their draft picks on defensive players, aiming to shore up their defense rather than their offense. Jason Moore commends the strategy:

"They drafted the perfect pieces to plug those holes. So I think you're going to have a strong team." ([37:21])

While this may benefit their overall team strength, Mike Wright identifies Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler as key offensive contributors who could shine in fantasy leagues.

Kansas City Chiefs: Defensive Investments

The Chiefs heavily invested in their defense, selecting six defensive players during the draft. David Johnson summarizes:

"They used six picks and they used them all on defense." ([39:04])

Despite this focus, Jason Moore expresses optimism about the offense, particularly with the continued development of quarterback Philip Rivers.

Oakland Raiders: Balancing Offense and Defense

The Raiders drafted offensive tackle Colton Miller and iterated on their offensive line, while also acquiring Martavis Bryant to enhance their wide receiver corps. Mike Wright highlights:

"Martavis Bryant gives Derek Carr a nice valuable weapon on the outside." ([39:59])

However, concerns remain about Jordy Nelson's production with the addition of Bryant, as discussed in the segment.

Cincinnati Bengals: Strengthening the Offensive Line

The Bengals addressed their offensive line needs by drafting a center and additional linemen, which bodes well for their running game. Jason Moore points out:

"The additions at the offensive line, you gotta love that for Joe Mixon and his projections moving into the season." ([41:24])

Jason Moore remains optimistic about the Bengals' ability to secure a strong offensive foundation that benefits both the team and fantasy managers.

Cleveland Browns: High Risk, High Reward

The Browns selected Nick Chubb in the second round, a move seen as ambitious but risky due to their already crowded backfield and questionable offensive line decisions. David Johnson criticizes:

"It's a 0.2% chance that both Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb could have relevance." ([46:48])

While some hosts remain hopeful about Chubb's potential, others advise caution given the Browns' overall roster composition.

Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson as a Star QB

The Ravens solidified their quarterback position by trading for Lamar Jackson, positioning him as a top-tier fantasy option due to his dual-threat capabilities. Jason Moore lauds:

"In dynasty startup rookie drafts, I think there's no chance, there's like zero chance that Lamar Jackson does not have a lot of successful fantasy games in the future." ([49:13])

The consensus is that Jackson's rushing ability ensures consistent fantasy points, making him a highly coveted asset.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Building for the Future

The Steelers focused on securing a replacement quarterback and adding wide receivers Mason Rudolph and James Washington. Jason Moore emphasizes:

"I think Mason Rudolph can back up Ben Roethlisberger effectively." ([53:00])

While Antonio Brown's future remains uncertain, the Steelers' draft strategy appears geared towards long-term success, benefiting dynasty fantasy leagues.

Indianapolis Colts: Focus on the Offensive Line

The Colts invested in their offensive line, selecting two linemen early in the draft. Mike Wright notes:

"They finally got some linemen. Two offensive linemen in the first two rounds." ([54:43])

With improved protection for quarterback Andrew Luck, the Colts aim to enhance their offensive performance, indirectly benefiting fantasy players reliant on Luck and the running game.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Depth at Wide Receiver

The Jaguars prioritized adding depth at the wide receiver position, selecting DJ Chark and Marquis Lee. Jason Moore critiques:

"Do you just like throw out four die and whatever order they land in is the order you draft these wide receivers?" ([57:58])

While depth is beneficial, the uncertainty surrounding the wide receivers' immediate impact may pose challenges for fantasy managers.

Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans: Limited Draft Moves

Both the Texans and Titans made minimal draft moves, focusing on maintaining their current rosters. The Texans brought back Alfred Blue, while the Titans selected quarterback Marcus Mariota in the later rounds. David Johnson views these moves as maintaining status quo, offering limited immediate fantasy impact.

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Key Takeaways for Fantasy Football Managers

1. Josh Rosen (Arizona Cardinals): A high-impact first-round QB pick with potential franchise quarterback status. Fantasy managers should monitor his development closely.

2. Sam Darnold (New York Jets): Seen as a steal of the draft, Darnold offers high upside but comes with consistency concerns. A valuable addition for dynasty leagues.

3. Sony Michel (New England Patriots): A bold first-round RB selection that may yield significant fantasy points if he reaches his potential. However, durability and team fit remain questions.

4. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Emerging as a top quarterback for fantasy, his dual-threat ability ensures consistent points through both passing and rushing.

5. Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns): A high-risk, high-reward RB pick whose fantasy value depends on the Browns' offensive line and backfield performance.

6. Royce Freeman (Denver Broncos): Showcased impressive collegiate performance, making him a top rookie pick with significant fantasy potential.

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Conclusion

The 2018 NFL Draft introduced several impactful players and strategic moves across the AFC. While teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens emerged as clear draft winners, others like the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots took more calculated risks that could pay off handsomely or pose challenges. Fantasy football managers should keep a close eye on these developments as the season unfolds, leveraging these insights to optimize their rosters for success.

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Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright ([02:24]): "Franchise quarterback drafted in the first round and Josh Rosen gave up pennies on the dollar to move up and get him Christian Kirk in the second round."

• Jason Moore ([04:21]): "I really hope that I am wrong about Josh Rosen, that he is a franchise quarterback and that he is pliable and humble and will learn and become great."

• Jason Moore ([29:13]): "Sam Darnold will throw plenty of interceptions, but he'll throw plenty of touchdowns."

• David Johnson ([34:03]): "Royce Freeman is going to be probably my second or third ranked rookie coming into this season."

• Jason Moore ([49:13]): "In dynasty startup rookie drafts, I think there's no chance, there's like zero chance that Lamar Jackson does not have a lot of successful fantasy games in the future."

• Jason Moore ([53:00]): "I think Mason Rudolph can back up Ben Roethlisberger effectively."

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• Twitter: @theFFBallers
• Community: join.thefoot.com

Transcript

[Mike Wright]

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[Jason Moore]

Is David Johnson, running back of the Arizona Cardinals and you're listening to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast.

[Andy Holloway]

Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast coming to you from Draft.com Studios with your hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright.

[David Johnson]

Ah, we're back and we're better than ever. There are so many different things that could open this show. I don't even know really where to go to.

[Jason Moore]

Oh goodness, I am barely conscious right now. I just happen to be alive.

[Mike Wright]

We'll get to that later.

[Jason Moore]

Jason.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, what do we start with? Well, the NFL draft has concluded the world of rookie drafts, Dynasty picks, regular rankings, 2018 projections is here and this show is going to be jam packed. We've got the AFC winners and losers from the draft and we're talking fantasy football winners and losers who came out ahead, who's looking pretty, who's looking fine.

[Jason Moore]

Speaking of those, you know the rookie rankings, that's a part of our Ultimate Draft kit. It is live even if you, if you pre order right now On Ultimate Draft Kit.com the whole kit comes out June 1, but the rookie draft rankings are up, so that's exciting.

[David Johnson]

And you get our individual and consensus rankings for the rookies. We've all been pouring over the teams and the picks and well, we've even had our own Dynasty League draft. Yeah, our main draft has. It's somewhere in the second round right now. But our first round is over.

[Jason Moore]

It's at me right now. I'm refusing to pick out of spite.

[Mike Wright]

Well, that's fine, but honestly, we got to get to we'll start with the big winner and if you're on the YouTube, you may notice that my colors have changed because the long con, the long jinx, it worked out. I had to show the Arizona Cardinals what would happen if they screwed things up. But they did not. Franchise quarterback drafted in the first round and Josh Rosen gave up pennies on the dollar to move up and get him Christian Kirk in the second round.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah baby.

[Mike Wright]

Unbelievable draft for the Arizona Cardinals. And if you have not seen it on our socials, we posted the security footage of the when The Arizona Cardinals trade was. The trade up was announced and Jason's reaction of pure joy. I'm feeling it. He's feeling it. Andy is sad and crying about it still. But it doesn't matter. We are back.

[David Johnson]

Mike has got his Arizona Cardinals jersey back on, and that makes me happy because I just couldn't imagine that you had abandoned our team. But now I see that you are manipulating them into drafting you got to do what you got to do.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, stop. Many people have slotted Josh Rosen as the best quarterback in the draft.

[David Johnson]

I hope that I am wrong about him. I really do. I have lamented via Instagram and Twitter. I've shed my tears. I have to just laugh at the irony.

[Jason Moore]

You wrote a whole song.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, I improv the song. Oh, yeah, I improv the song about Josh Rose. Yeah, it just flowed naturally. And look, I really hope that I am wrong about Josh Rosen, that he is a franchise quarterback and that he is pliable and humble and will learn and become great and that I was wrong and that Jason was right and that the Cardinals win a thousand Super Bowls and I hang posters of Josh Rosen in my bedroom.

[Jason Moore]

You're hoping you get to that point.

[David Johnson]

That's where I want to be the.

[Jason Moore]

Worry with him and all the attitude, you know, the head case issues, they remind me a lot of Deshaun Kaiser last year when he's like, I'm Tom Brady plus Cam Newton put together. And then it's like, oh, you kind of like that. Oh, it's brash, it's bold. And then you kind of hate that. You're like, you're an idiot. You're not those guys. Very reminiscent of what Josh Rosen has done in this process. So I will grant you that that's not a good comp. But then I just remember the Sean Kizer was inaccurate and made bad decisions.

[David Johnson]

And so you're saying it didn't work out for Kaiser.

[Jason Moore]

I'm saying that on the field, Josh Rosen can back it up.

[David Johnson]

Bravado. Bravado is great when you're right and it's embarrassing when you aren't. And we won't know that until the season goes. I do think he's indicative of a new generation of player where the millennial generation is reaching the NFL with different thoughts towards authority and coaching and their own thoughts. And I'm not indicting it one way or another, other than the fact that I worry about, like his own college coaches had concerns about some of that stuff. Talking about, hey, when he's here, when he's present. Mentally, he's amazing. He's great. Between that and the concussions, I paused. But look, you can go back. Rerun the tape from last week. I conceded that from a passing physical standpoint, he has the tools. And as a Cardinal fan, I hope I'm right. It was a very fun draft. Apparently Vegas doesn't really think he's got what it takes this year. I was curious if you guys wanted to jump in here. I've got the just released Westgate Las Vegas sports book. Win loss totals.

[Mike Wright]

Well, Sam Bradford's the quarterback this year.

[Jason Moore]

That and for two games it's all.

[David Johnson]

Factored in until Sam.

[Mike Wright]

Until Sam Bradford gets injured. $20 million says he will be the quarterback this year, which I think is fantastic for Rosen's development.

[David Johnson]

I will throw you some names of teams and I want to see if you guys can guess the the win totals in Vegas and then we'll get into the draft. And the winners and losers. Cardinals.

[Mike Wright]

I'm going to go six and a half.

[Jason Moore]

I'll go five and a half.

[David Johnson]

It's five and a half. The bottom of the league, Cardinals and Browns are both at five and a half. How about the Chargers? How about the Los Angeles Chargers?

[Jason Moore]

I'm going to go ten and a half.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, I was going to go.

[David Johnson]

No, that's very high. I'm going to go nine. Nine is right on the money. Take you over. Nine is right.

[Mike Wright]

I don't blame you.

[David Johnson]

But yeah, ten and a half's a lot of wins in that division. That's a lot.

[Mike Wright]

They're going to be good.

[David Johnson]

But that is the division lead for what it's worth. The Chargers at nine, the Chiefs at eight and a half. The Raiders at eight and the Broncos at seven. League lead. Not a surprise. Pats 11 wins. Patriots. How about the highest NFC team? The.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, the Eagles.

[David Johnson]

Eagles, yep. Ten and a half. And then any other surprise that I can see Got the Giants at six and a half wins. That seems like an interesting bet.

[Jason Moore]

I would take the over.

[David Johnson]

I think I would too. And got the Titans down at eight. Saints back up at nine and a half. Yeah, where do they have the Colts at six and a half.

[Jason Moore]

Okay, so they have him without Andrew Luck.

[David Johnson]

I think even with Andrew Luck, seven wins is you're aiming.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, it seems a very not a great roster.

[David Johnson]

Okay, let's. Let's jump into the quick question. By the way, you can find us on Twitter @ the FF Ballers. We're on YouTube. You can check out Mike's ever changing colors. Ah, we did it and the website's the fantasy footballers dot com. You can join our [e-mail] year round independent fantasy football podcast and very excited for this month. We're gonna have some more mock drafts. We're gonna have our initial season long rankings for all the players. Our initial rankings are going up this month being May.

[Mike Wright]

So we will win.

[David Johnson]

What? That would be May. It's not gonna be May. So I don't have to hit nothing.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, you do.

[Jason Moore]

That's always been.

[Mike Wright]

Come on, come on.

[David Johnson]

It's.

[Mike Wright]

Thank you.

[David Johnson]

I guess technically when we're recording this, it is the day before May. So it's still going to be May. All right, what's your biggest fantasy football surprise from the NFL draft, Mike?

[Mike Wright]

I'm going with the tumble and fumble and stumble of equanimous Saint Brown falling in the draft. Down, down, down to the Green Bay Packers.

[David Johnson]

Is this an issue where they couldn't properly write that name down on the card? So that's why he drops the file.

[Mike Wright]

You know when you're right, I do know that feeling when you're typing out, you go there.

[David Johnson]

No, there's no autocorrect Equanimous.

[Mike Wright]

And then you just change your word. Eventually you have to give up.

[David Johnson]

Eventually the name became Pettis.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, they just gave up. But it's, it's very unfortunate for a player that physically gifted, tall, fast, it could be a good wide receiver. At least that's what all of the draft Nick community and us, that's what we were projecting. And if it weren't for the landing spot of EQ going to the packers that late in the draft, we would, we would be writing him off completely. Not drafting him in three round rookie drafts, but because he went to air with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay packers, he's still going to be worth that late flyer. But nothing early like he could have been if he went in the first three rounds.

[David Johnson]

As in late dynasty flyer.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Okay, Jason, for me it was, it was Darius Geiss. I mean the tumble there. I was really surprised. What did. He was the sixth running back off the board.

[Mike Wright]

It was weird.

[Jason Moore]

I know. When I looked at, you know, how I judged players I really liked Kerryon Johnson, loved Rashad Penny and you know, it was interesting to see the NFL teams kind of, you know, see some of those things. But to have guys go down as the sixth running back, I don't think anybody saw that happening. You thought he was locked and loaded as a first round second running back off the board. That was like every Every single. Not just, not just in fantasy, not just fantasy circles, but if you look at, you know, the Mike Mayocks and you know, NFL and espn, just mock draft total football only, not fantasy. Geist was still the number two running back on almost nearly every board.

[David Johnson]

Are you happy with his destination?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. I mean, extremely.

[Jason Moore]

It looked like he's going to tumble and land in a bad situation, but going to the Redskins, he fits what they want to do and what they do rather well. And I think he is still now worthy of a top five rookie pick. But I don't see him as the.

[David Johnson]

102 Darius guys goes to Washington and the second round. Like Jason said, one of the players he tripped on on his way backwards was Rashad Penny. My biggest fantasy football surprise from the draft, Rashad Pinney became a first rounder on draft night to the Seattle Seahawks at the back of the first round. They actually apparently were tempted to take him at 18. They traded down, secured him at 27 and Jason lost his mind. I think he found it to be validation. Him and Pete Carroll have very similar personalities. They love Bubblegum and Rashad Penny, that was a huge surprise to me and it's not an indictment when I say that I think it was a bad pick. It's not an indictment on Penny, but I do think it was a bad pick. For all the needs that Seattle has as a team, I'm shocked. I do think he'll be a three down workhorse there. I think that's what they drafted him to be. Draft capital is the bold print on the resume to me for these rookies. If you are handing in that fancy football resume and you want to be drafted that draft capital and it goes for Sony Michelle in the first round as well, it just speaks volumes to me about what these teams are willing and want to do with you. First round running backs, Rashad Penny, big surprise to me, but it means a lot for fantasy.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, it was a surprise to everyone. I love Rashad Penny.

[David Johnson]

What did you say, Mike, on camera or no, on the, on the video camera.

[Mike Wright]

When we looked at it, I screamed holy crap.

[David Johnson]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

And like it completely involuntary at the top of my lungs.

[David Johnson]

Oh, you scared me to death. I was looking at my phone when that pick happened.

[Mike Wright]

It was.

[David Johnson]

I thought something happened to you. You got stung by a bee or something.

[Mike Wright]

It was the most shocking draft pick of the night.

[Jason Moore]

So good. Yeah. Yeah. Maybe not. Maybe it's not a good pick for the Seahawks, but it is a great pick. Well, for Rashad Penny, it fits in.

[Mike Wright]

I Don't know if you guys saw the reports that the Seahawks are saying they're going back to John Gruden style, that they've said the team has gotten away from them. Too much is on Russell Wilson. It's ironic because get back to grinding it out.

[Jason Moore]

That's why on our prediction show I had them trading back and taking Darius Geist because I figured they are wanting to do that.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, the thing with Penny is he's not going to pass block for Russell Wilson. He's terrible at pass blocking. Maybe they just feel like with Russell Wilson you don't need it. He's.

[Mike Wright]

He's so they felt like that his.

[Jason Moore]

Whole career with Penny, they don't need it. Just give him the ball.

[David Johnson]

Jason won the lunch bet. So he had the most correct predictions on where players landed and therefore Mike and I will suffer and we will undoubtedly post that on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram.

[Jason Moore]

Donuts for you, Mike.

[David Johnson]

Oh, that's funny. That's funny because Mike's on a low carb diet. Donuts for Mike and I don't want to know what I'm going to have to eat. All right, without further ado, let's talk news.

[Andy Holloway]

News and notes from around the league.

[David Johnson]

All right. The Raiders mid draft acquired Martavis Bryant from the Steelers. They also grabbed Ryan Switzer from the Cowboys. But let's talk Martavis. I think Juju Smith Schuster fans everywhere rejoiced at this trade. Yes, they did draft James Washington in the second round. So maybe that took a little of the excitement out of the Martavis trade from an exclusivity standpoint for juju. But what do you think of Martavis on the Raiders themselves?

[Mike Wright]

I think it's interesting the Steelers just with the uses of Martavis Bryant and how strange this pass is.

[David Johnson]

They didn't want him.

[Mike Wright]

Exactly. They did not want him. He was not fitting with the offense. I think this was a just a chemistry personality issue with Martavis and the Steelers. So getting to start over a team that desires you giving up a third round pick for Martavis Bryant, who is in the last year of his contract for this, I mean it could turn into a rental of Martavis. I thought it was a pretty strong move by the Raiders, especially with some of the draft capital. How low it is when get traded.

[David Johnson]

How young Martavis is.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[David Johnson]

Did he convince them that he was in his 40s?

[Jason Moore]

You know, it's, it's. I don't think it's a perfect landing spot for Martavis. You've got Jordy there, which Obviously hurts Jordy, but I do think as far as as a whole, for the offense to have that field stretcher might be good for Amari Cooper and it's definitely good for Derek Carr. This gives Derek Carr a nice valuable weapon on the outside.

[David Johnson]

Yeah. Game breaking type of weapon. He can take a screen pass to the house. So Eagles surprise. They signed Darren sprouls to a one year deal. He's back 35 years old.

[Mike Wright]

They did not draft anyone else of note and this is a great move, I think for the Eagles. They're going to move forward with Ajayi Clements and Darren Sprouls.

[David Johnson]

You think they set up like a little conditional email so as soon as they don't draft the running back, it just went out to Darren.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[David Johnson]

One year offer.

[Mike Wright]

They put it in the blockchain.

[David Johnson]

Jason Whitten is likely to retire. Now there's no I've never heard this report the lack of a finalization on his decision to retire, but it seems like he's likely out the door. Jason Whitten, amazing career.

[Mike Wright]

Many things are glorious about this one. I'm sorry Brooks. Just as the what I felt was doing des, your franchise wide receiver, doing him extremely dirty, dropping him this late in the process. To have Jason Whitten the face of your team right before the draft say sorry guys, I think I'm going to retire is it's a little tit for tat.

[Jason Moore]

Certainly you would think he would say it to Dallas.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Not announce it to anyone else so Dallas can go grab their tight end.

[Mike Wright]

But then yeah. What it led to in the draft, if you did not follow this was Dallas Goddard tight end who we had talked about on our rookie preview.

[David Johnson]

It was named after the Dallas Cowboys in case you're curious. Really the actual reason he's named Alice Goddard.

[Mike Wright]

He is a. He's a fantastic pass catcher at every place. Yeah. Okay. Well we lose Witten.

[Jason Moore]

Sorry.

[Mike Wright]

We got to spend a little draft capital. The freaking Philadelphia Eagles trade up right in front of Dallas and snatch the rug out from underneath them and draft Dallas Goddard. It was an amazing moment of that.

[David Johnson]

Then Dallas drafted Philly Johnson, right?

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[David Johnson]

Right after that.

[Mike Wright]

What happened?

[David Johnson]

But we don't have an official word, but it's likely he's gone. Tavon Austin was traded. The Cowboys acquired him and immediately traded Ryan Switzer away to the Raiders. So this is. Reports are that Austin's going to be used as a running back primarily.

[Mike Wright]

Honestly, he should be, which is smart.

[David Johnson]

Yes. The Panthers did we talk about the two year extension they gave Greg Olson yet.

[Jason Moore]

I don't think we mentioned that, but, you know, it's. It's good news for dynasty owners. I know Mike, you traded for him recently in a dynasty league, and, you know, I don't know that he'll play through those two years. It might be a lot of times players will extend to make the contract situation better and then they don't necessarily play through it. But it is affirming at the very least to know he's here this year. He's probably here next year.

[David Johnson]

All right. Anything else?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, the Texans resigned Alfred Blue, which you can read it into it how you want. They did not draft a running back, Houston. So perhaps there is faith that Deontay Foreman's Achilles injury recovery is going better than expected.

[David Johnson]

All right, we're going to get into the AFC winners and losers. This is the important stuff. You need to know the implications for, you know, if you're in a dynasty league, you already have players. What arrow are they pointing up or down? You know, what direction are they pointing? Before that, we want to thank today's smart sponsor, Sherry's Berries. Look, Mother's Day, guys. It's here and we need to do right by our mothers, all right? A gift from Sherry's Berries shows that you put thought into that gift. Mom will love it. I promise you that. Get fresh, juicy strawberries dipped in milk, dark and white chocolate goodness, then topped with rich chocolate chips, chopped nuts, signature swizzles. Woo. Gotta love a swizzle.

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[Jason Moore]

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[David Johnson]

So that's easy with both of those code is footballers. You win Mother's Day in the upper right hand corner and then you win Mother's Day and then you can focus on your league. Sound pretty good.

[Andy Holloway]

Rookie review.

[David Johnson]

All right, it's time to you think. You think Josh Rosen gets his mom flowers for Mother's Day roses? Oh, man, I walked into that, didn't I? All right, let's get it going, Bill. All right, let's talk about the Bills. Winners and losers from the Bills draft. They ended up with Josh Allen after a pair of trade ups moved up to seven to grab Josh Allen, quarterback. I like a destination that I'm not certain is going to be easy to succeed with right out of the gate. I think he needs more weapons. But here we are, winners and losers from the Bills.

[Jason Moore]

It's funny, I was listening to a podcast very recently post draft with the general manager of the Bills on and he's talking about how much they loved the draft. The local radio guys were so in love with what the Bills did. The town is behind them. And all I can think is the biggest, you know, losers here are the Bills fans because I don't know, man. I know we disagreed on Josh Allen. I was saying for the, you know, as a Cardinals fan, the worst case scenario would be trading up, having to trade extra draft capital to get a quarterback that is more of a prospect type quarterback. In my issue here, especially from a fantasy standpoint, is that they have lost a significant chunk of their offensive line and the early draft capital was not used on the offensive line at all in a very deep offensive line draft. So I think, you know, you could call Lashawn McCoy a loser. You know, the ability for Josh Allen to be protected or whoever it's going to be. A.J. mcCarran. I just was really disappointed with them not upgrading their offensive line.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, that's really my entire takeaway is I don't know how you wait until the fifth round to actually address that position when you, it cost you a lot to move up for. For Josh Allen. You lost Cordy Glenn and maybe the team had decided we can't count on Cordy Glenn anymore with his injury history, but he was still a solid player. He gave up two second round picks as well. It's some interesting posturing by the Buffalo Bill.

[David Johnson]

Well, you didn't get Allen any help until the sixth round. He didn't draft another offensive piece other than the guard in the fifth, all defense after that. So yeah, not a lot of, you know, you don't walk away from this draft saying, oh man, well, Calvin Benjamin, he's a weapon now. I don't think you walk away thinking this offense has improved other than the fact that hey, maybe you've got a franchise quarterback. It's going to take time for that guy to develop in a very tough division, competitive division. And so we'll see, we'll see what you got. They've moved on from Tyrod Taylor, which was their goal.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[David Johnson]

And here we are. Now we get to see what happens.

[Mike Wright]

What about Mr. Necessary? He may, he may be back. He may take his name up again this season.

[David Johnson]

I guess you could, you could argue that Charles Clay's a winner just in the fact that they didn't add any other pass catching weapons. So winner by default.

[Andy Holloway]

He's Necessary Dolphins.

[David Johnson]

All right, let's talk about the Dolphins.

[Jason Moore]

Who are also one of the biggest winners based on the Bills draft in division.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, maybe, maybe they took a safety in the first round. Minka Fitzpatrick, great pick, but not, you know, fantasy relevant for our purposes. What do you think about winners, losers from the Dolphins?

[Mike Wright]

Well, they took Mike Gasicki, the phenomenal athlete out of Penn State tight end. He will be very interesting. The draft capital spent on him says a lot that he went early in the second round.

[David Johnson]

Is the team that lost Jarvis Landry.

[Mike Wright]

Right. It's going to take some time. I think if you're talking about for rookie drafts for grabbing Gasicki, it's going to take you a few years in my estimation for him. The biggest storyline for the Dolphins, Kaylin Balaj, running back from ASU in the fourth round who is almost a. He's, he's like a satellite back, but he has the body of a bruiser. It's a really strange situation.

[David Johnson]

They molded the Under Armour guy off of him, but no, Balaj is big. He's a big guy. And for me, my perspective, and again, it's a debatable one, is that this just muddies the water further for those trying to pick the right running back on a team that I think might be one of the worst in the league. Now you've got Balaj, Gore and Drake, and I feel like if you don't get a monster play from Drake when he gets the opportunity, you're probably going to be disappointed most weeks.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I would agree with that. I do think he's got the ability, the talent to give you some monster plays. I know we disagree on the effect of Calum Balge. To me. I, you know, coming in, they were not going to stick with Kenyon Drake, Frank Gore and nobody. They were going to draft the running back. I saw Kenyan Drake almost as a winner because say what you want about, okay, it's fourth round, but 11 running backs went ahead of Caleb Bellage. He was not, you know, this, you know, he wasn't one of these guys. Where I feel like what happened was the team said, we need him. It was more, oh, man, we need a. We need to add another running back and he's next. And, you know, maybe it's a difference in perspective about what we think about the player himself. I don't think Kalen Balaj was that talented. If he is talented or if you believe he is, then it certainly has a huge effect on Drake.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, I think it's a combination of believing that Balaj is competent at the position and Drake isn't made to carry that load. And I think that's why they paid for Gore. But it. Look, I don't know how it's going to shake out. I just don't want any part of it. That's. That's my takeaway.

[Andy Holloway]

Jets.

[David Johnson]

All right, let's talk about the jets, who for most people, feel they stole Sam Darnold. I do. Although more reports are coming out that teams had Baker Mayfield number one on the board, including the Giants, including the Jets. It's interesting because a lot of people were. I think some people thought that Cleveland may be overthought this draft. There was talk about hand size and all these things you need in Cleveland. Then they go get Baker Mayfield, but Sam Darnold ends up going third overall after Saquon Barkley was drafted by the Giants. And winners and losers from this roster. The one thing that stood out to me is, well, if you were a running back or a wide receiver on the jets, you didn't, you didn't get any competition from this draft class.

[Jason Moore]

No, I mean, that's the big thing. If you're worried as a Robbie Anderson owner, even a Quincy and UNWA owner and you're like, I don't know. Because these guys have some question marks. I've got to wait and see what they do in the draft. This was the answer to that. They're great to have and they're going to wait and see what they have. And I believe now what they have includes a quality long term quarterback. I think Sam Darnold will throw plenty of interceptions, but he'll throw plenty of touchdowns. And wide receivers aren't hurt by the interceptions.

[David Johnson]

Don't sell him short. He's willing to fumble.

[Jason Moore]

That is, he's even more willing to fumble.

[David Johnson]

What was the stat? Something like 31 turnovers, 23 games or something like that?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I think he had 21 fumbles in college. Oh, man.

[David Johnson]

That's the, the, the lack of three touchdowns worth.

[Mike Wright]

The lack of investments at the wide receiver position was a bit shocking to me that you have Quincy New while coming off.

[David Johnson]

We got to remember trial prior. Sure you guys didn't mention him, but that would be another player that they felt like they invested the free agent capital in and can get a good season out of.

[Mike Wright]

But saying that Quincy coming off of the neck injury, Robbie Anderson with his off the field issues, they, it speaks to me that they have confidence that at least one of those guys will be able to go this year.

[David Johnson]

The jets week one quarterback will be Josh McCown.

[Jason Moore]

I agree.

[David Johnson]

All right, let's move on Patriots. All right, lots to talk about here, guys. One of the more shocking picks in the draft, Mike, you. I think you had it down as your most shocking before you changed to equanimous. But Sony Michelle goes in the first round. There had been questions, rumors about concerns about his durability.

[Mike Wright]

I think we know where those concerns were leaked from.

[David Johnson]

Seriously, can't, can't you just hear him under. Yes, I'm, I'm hearing. I'm hearing some bone on bone issues.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[David Johnson]

Sony Michelle.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Uncle Bill got everyone again. And I, yet again another running back that I love. The Patriots have acquired for fantasy value. This, it's tough. It, this is very, very tough for me to read into this because it's a first round guy. You follow the draft capital, you follow that money. But James White is still there. They gave Rex Burkhead a lot of cash. I think he's a top 10 paid running back this season.

[Jason Moore]

What?

[Mike Wright]

Jeremy Hill and Mike Gillislee. Someone's getting the boot. Sooner or later, more than likely, it's going to be Jeremy Hill. But will Sony Michel be not only a fantasy or a fitness consigliere, but will he be Dion Lewis from last year?

[Jason Moore]

I think not only can he be Dion Lewis.

[Mike Wright]

No, I know he can be, but will he be.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I do think that's.

[David Johnson]

I put my vote in. Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. I trust Bill Belichick. I know I wasn't as high at all on Michel as you were, but.

[Andy Holloway]

You'Ve met my fitness Michelle.

[Jason Moore]

Exactly, Michelle. But look, my faith is in the Patriots, in the scheme and the offense. If they. They don't usually spend draft capital, certainly not high draft capital on running backs. It's been a while since they have. So for them to do this says that they really believe in the talent, and it means that Bill Belichick believes he can get a lot out of the talent.

[David Johnson]

So I love the combo, the Georgia combo. In the first round, you draft Isaiah Wynn, offensive tackle, to protect Tom Brady, making him a winner. You know, you invest a first round pick on an offensive lineman and it's the. You get his roommate, Sony Michelle, at the running back position. There's no way to walk away from this without calling Rex Burkhead a fantasy loser by way of the draft. And that doesn't mean he's not going to be relevant. That just means when you. When you think you have a guy, you lose Dion Lewis, you sign Jeremy Hill to be kind of an insurance policy at the running back position, and then the team goes and says, hey, we believe in you so much that we're going to draft you in the first. First round with your roommate. Yeah. And I think. I don't think anybody's arguing with the fact that from a pure skill standpoint, I think Sony Michelle has Rex Burkhead beat, so. Oh, yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Now, that being said, Sony Michelle's one problem was fumbling.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, that's a great point.

[Jason Moore]

That's not a place you're gonna.

[David Johnson]

No, Belichick's all about that now. He's into it. He's into it.

[Mike Wright]

He's read the analytics.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, that's good. Otherwise, I mean, I thought the wide receiver corps was a winner for the Patriots because they. They were a team that I had as a potential destination for one of the top five or six wide receivers. I wouldn't have been surprised had they gone wide receiver at the end of the first round instead of Sony Michelle. They didn't do that and they didn't take a wide receiver until the sixth round. So I think the existing wide receiver core is a winner. Any other thoughts on New England?

[Mike Wright]

I just like hearing you say good things about Jordan Matthews. Oh, yes.

[David Johnson]

Dang it.

[Mike Wright]

Dang it.

[David Johnson]

Thank you.

[Jason Moore]

Got him.

[David Johnson]

I messed that up.

[Andy Holloway]

Broncos.

[David Johnson]

All right, the Broncos had Bradley Chubb fall to them in the first round, but then they invested a couple of picks on the offensive side of the ball. Courtland Sutton, eighth pick of the second round. And then the new.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, the new Rolls Royce.

[David Johnson]

Rolls Royce.

[Mike Wright]

The real Rolls Royce.

[David Johnson]

Royce Freeman, drafted at the top of the third round out of Oregon. Guys, Mike and I were musing on slack already this weekend about how much we love Royce Freeman. Mike put his money where his mouth was, drafted him in the rookie draft.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, the Devonte Booker.

[David Johnson]

You are a fantasy loser from this draft.

[Mike Wright]

He certainly is. Royce Freeman, production monster from Oregon. I mean, just unbelievable numbers. 7th most yards from scrimmage in NCAA history. And to a wide open. To a wide open backfield. He can come in and he can be a three down guy. I don't know if they'll use him that way. They talked about him as we needed a thumper, a first and second down guy, but he can catch the ball. He's got decent hands. So for fantasy Royce Freeman, and I'm not just talking about dynasty right now, he's going to be probably my second or third ranked rookie coming into this season.

[Jason Moore]

Wow.

[David Johnson]

I don't blame you.

[Jason Moore]

I won't have him that high. I see him as a, you know, my comp was A poor man's C.J. anderson coming into the draft and I don't think anybody was too happy with CJ Anderson, who I believe is a better back than Royce Freeman. Now, I do think he's a clear winner going, you know, he had high draft capital spent on him. His range of possible outcomes in the draft was very, very wide. So I'm definitely not anti Royce Freeman, but I'm not as, not nearly as bullish as you two are. I see one of the big winners here being Case Keenum. There's just no way that you can say he was not a big winner considering there was a good chance at that number five spot that they take.

[Mike Wright]

A quarterback and they could have a future.

[Jason Moore]

And they could have. And they chose obviously Chubb dropped to them the defensive end and so they went that route. But then they followed that up with two of my favorite wide receivers of the draft, Cortland Sutton and Daeshun Hamilton. So you've got, even if you worry about the long term prospects of Demarys Thomas Manuel Sanders, you have four really good wide receiving options there. The new, you know, running back Royce Freeman. I really like what they did with the draft and I'm excited to see what Case Keenum can do now next season.

[Mike Wright]

I project one or both of D. Thomas and Sanders will be gone. Where are you on that, Jason?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I could.

[Mike Wright]

You think one or two are gone?

[Jason Moore]

I don't think that you draft Cortland Sutton and Daeshun Hamilton both in the first four rounds. If you think that both are back next year, one of those guys is gone.

[David Johnson]

All right, let's move on.

[Andy Holloway]

Chargers.

[David Johnson]

All right, the Chargers. Let's talk winners and losers in fantasy. For me it was all the offensive pieces that won because they just took defensive players for the first five rounds. So we obviously they invested high draft capital in Mike Williams last year. He'll have the opportunity to develop, become a core piece of the offense for Philip Rivers. Rivers is a winner. They didn't draft the replacement for him. And we're going to see everything from Allen, Mike Williams, Tyrell Williams and company this year. I'm not sure anything else stood out to me from the Chargers side, but what do you guys think about the selections they made?

[Jason Moore]

No, I mean, I thought their draft was great for them as a team. You know, they had some problems. Basically they had a few weaknesses on a defense that could be really strong if you plug those holes. They drafted the perfect pieces to plug those holes. So I think you're going to have a strong team. If there's any, if there's any downside to the offense here might just be the fact that maybe their defense is really good and shutting guys down. So that would be good news, I would say for Melvin Gordon being able to run the ball more. This is great draft for him.

[Mike Wright]

I think Melvin Gordon is the biggest.

[David Johnson]

Winner from the Chargers and Austin Eckler in deeper leagues.

[Mike Wright]

Because I was going to say you.

[David Johnson]

Think Justin Johnson or I mean, yes, Justin Jackson.

[Mike Wright]

Justin Jackson is a problem for Austin.

[David Johnson]

Eckler even in the seventh round.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, even with, even with the very, very low draft capital. Justin Jackson's a good running back. He's just. Is not big enough for.

[David Johnson]

You think he'll make the roster.

[Jason Moore]

He is a good running back and.

[Mike Wright]

I think, I think he will take.

[Jason Moore]

Eckler's job going, going in the seventh round. It means he'll, he'll have a shot.

[David Johnson]

He's got a shot to make the roster.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, exactly. I mean I don't, I don't worry too much. But you are right. I do think Justin Jackson is a good pass catching running back there.

[David Johnson]

There are a lot of those handcuff situations that get juggled due to the NFL draft. We saw that in Los Angeles with the Rams situation. They grabbed John Kelly and all of a sudden it was, you know, Malcolm Brown last year was locked and loaded as kind of that handcuff. It's probably changing there. That happens on a lot of these teams. Moving on Chiefs. The Chiefs said, hey, I'll take your five straight defensive picks and I'll raise you seven.

[Mike Wright]

Good for you Chiefs.

[David Johnson]

Is that seven or six? Six straight. They had six picks and they used them all on defense.

[Jason Moore]

No offensive pieces.

[David Johnson]

I guess when you their offense was set. Well, they got Sammy Watkins.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, they got Sammy Kelsey. Tyreek Hill, your running back chorus set. I mean the offense is ready to go. So they did what they needed to do on defense. Very similar to the Chargers but no real winners.

[David Johnson]

Are losing.

[Mike Wright]

Nothing to see here.

[Andy Holloway]

Raiders.

[David Johnson]

All right, let's talk about. The Raiders used a first round pick on Colton Miller out of ucla. Offensive tackle. They use a third round pick on a tackle.

[Jason Moore]

They want to run the ball.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, that is, that is very true. Jon Gruden is very hopeful he can get back to 1994 football. We'll see if he can do that and be successful. I don't think there was really anything any shakeups here.

[David Johnson]

I worry about Jordy Nelson with that Martavis.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, the addition of Martavis who obviously was not drafted but they traded for. So it is a concern for Jordy Nelson big time.

[David Johnson]

For Jordy to have production in this offense, he's going to need some element of volume. He's not going to be able to make the exact same kind of plays that he made the touchdown totals that he had in Green Bay. So it does concern.

[Mike Wright]

I think he could have those touchdown totals.

[David Johnson]

13. 13 touchdown.

[Mike Wright]

No, not 13 potential. But we've seen, we saw what happened with Crabtree when he was on the Raiders and he was just force fed touchdowns and Mari Cooper.

[David Johnson]

The worries there for. I mean you could have said the same thing about Eric Decker before he changed teams. But you give him a new quarterback and some age and it's not. It doesn't come as easy.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I think for Jordy to have a really solid season the way that people would want and expect that of Jordy. It's going to require some kind of angel in the outfield situation. You're going to really need some.

[Mike Wright]

He needs Tony Danz.

[Jason Moore]

Tony Danza needs Tony Danz. Christopher Lloyd, kind of rookie of the year type injury.

[David Johnson]

Danny Glover.

[Jason Moore]

That makes him lightning fast. Or maybe a spider bite that gives him superpower. He's going to need something like that.

[David Johnson]

All right, let's. Let's. Mike, by the way, Derek Carr, we talked about him being a winner with Martavis. Let's head over to the AFC North.

[Andy Holloway]

Bengals.

[David Johnson]

Bengals. They had a lot of picks.

[Mike Wright]

That's a lot of picks.

[David Johnson]

That's a lot of picks. All right. First offensive pick off the board. They grabbed a center.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[David Johnson]

And could start right away.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Mike Wright]

And the. The additions at the offensive line, you gotta love that for Joe Mixon and his. His projections moving into the season. The strangest pick for the Bengals, running back Mark Walton in the fourth round. Unless they just love Gio Bernard so much they wanted that they needed to have two of them on the team.

[David Johnson]

59205 I get it.

[Jason Moore]

I think it's a depth play. I mean, they've had a lot of running back injuries over the last few years. I mean they've never really gone through with who their running backs were to start the year, finish the year out strong. And so they just needed another guy. This is a fourth round pick. I do think Mark Walton, if he can get back to 2016.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, he can be good.

[Jason Moore]

Mark Walton could be good. That could be a steal in the fourth round. I think this is more. That hurts. Geo. I don't think it affects mix. And the majority of me believes that it's just a depth move is all it is.

[David Johnson]

They didn't take a competitive wide receiver anywhere near the top of the draft. So John Ross I think will at least have an opportunity to do something. You know, a first round pick last year. I don't think there's much else to say about the Bengals guys.

[Jason Moore]

The center's the big deal.

[Andy Holloway]

Brown.

[David Johnson]

Oh, it's the Browns. Baker Mayfield, number one overall. Did it surprise you by the time we got around to draft night?

[Jason Moore]

It did genuinely surprise me. Everyone the day of the draft was saying it's being leaked. It's going to be Baker. And I did not for one second believe it until the podium actually was announced. You know, I was very surprised and you know, going through my projections and ranking these guys for the ultimate draft kit, I was really surprised because I am not a Browns believer. I might be Too critical. But, you know, there's a, there's reason, there's rationale behind it. But when I looked at every single offensive piece, I mean, you've got a, you've got two, actually three great options in the running game with Jarvis Landry, David Njoku, Corey Coleman, Josh Gordon. He has the weapons. And so I actually have Baker Mayfield right now as my number one quarterback.

[Mike Wright]

Good for you.

[David Johnson]

You know, in the whole league. Number one this year in redraft, Aaron Rodgers.

[Jason Moore]

Number two. No, just for a dynasty rookie startup order, I've got him ahead of Rose and ahead of Lamar Jackson ahead of Darnold. I still have a very difficult time believing that the Browns are going to actually capitalize on the talent they have. It's, it's, it's Brown.

[David Johnson]

Vegas exactly five and a half times.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, Vegas has them as not five, not six, five and a half, 30 second ring team. And I like what they did in the draft.

[David Johnson]

Nick Chubb, top of the second round. Mike, what happened to your heart?

[Mike Wright]

It stopped beating for approximately three minutes.

[David Johnson]

Tell the people why.

[Mike Wright]

Because I traded for Carlos Hyde last year. I gave, you know, a decent amount of assets to get him to help me make a title push last year. And I had already been kicked in the, in the grundle area by the drafting of Sony Michelle, hurting my Rex Burkhead shares. But after I dusted myself off and picked up, picked up the pieces. Wow, it's, it's still bad for Carlos Hyde.

[David Johnson]

It's very bad for Carlos Hyde, Mike. And we're gonna make sure the listeners understand that.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, I'm saying very, very bad. It's very bad.

[Jason Moore]

Terrible.

[Mike Wright]

However.

[David Johnson]

That's terrible.

[Mike Wright]

However. The final year of Todd Haley as the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. His last complete year. I don't know why you're shaking your head at this. Because these are legit numbers.

[Jason Moore]

I think the reason he's shaking his head is because the.

[David Johnson]

It's ridiculous.

[Mike Wright]

No, it's not ridiculous. They're paying him five and a half million dollars. And yes, they took chug in the second round. I get it. But they're giving Carlos Hyde five and a half million dollars. And here are the numbers. In 2010, Thomas Jones rushed the ball 245 times and he got 20 targets. Jamal Charles rushed the ball 230 times. He got 64 targets in that year. They drafted Dexter McCluster in the second round.

[David Johnson]

How many carries did he have?

[Mike Wright]

Dexter McCluster had 18 carries, but he had 30.

[David Johnson]

What were the other two carry totals 245 and 230. Okay. Do you know how many carries that is? That's 493 carries, Mike.

[Mike Wright]

Okay.

[David Johnson]

Between excellent runners on a great, proficient offense.

[Jason Moore]

Also, that team was 10 and 6.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, the team was 10 and 6 last year. Isaiah Crowell had 206 carries and Duke Johnson had 82 carries. Now you're taking Duke Johnson's 82 carries and you're adding in Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb on a bad team that can't run the ball even when they want to run the ball. And you're telling me, I mean, that's, that's 282 carries to 493 to even get close to what you're hoping for. Also, it seems like a 0.2% chance that both players could have relevance.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I agree that it's going to be difficult because I don't expect that the offense is going to be a top half as far as scoring offense. And for running backs, you're going to need rushing touchdowns for both these guys to have successful fantasy years. That's my worry. Also interesting note, I mean, who would.

[David Johnson]

You rather have, Carlos Hyde or Nick Chubb?

[Jason Moore]

Good question. I would rather have Chuck.

[David Johnson]

I'd have Chubb.

[Mike Wright]

I'd rather have Nick Chubb.

[Jason Moore]

So the second round pick here, I'd.

[David Johnson]

Rather have Duke Johnson than Carlos Hyde. Let me put it that way.

[Jason Moore]

I think I would have, for the Browns cost them $20 million because you have, you have a costume. 20 million, a $20 million running back essentially, in Nick Chubb because you have the high value here of a, of an early second round pick spent on a running back. And they wouldn't have this second round pick if it wasn't for the Brock Osweiler trade. That was how they got. That was to pay for that salary. So altogether, this move is to get a $20 million running back after signing Carlos Hyde. I just don't think it's a good business decision.

[Mike Wright]

No. Well, we'll see. Nick Chubb is. Nick Chubb is an incredible running back. And my point was simply to say that it's really bad. He's on life support. But Carlos Hyde in fantasy drafts, in my opinion, will be worth one of those late round flyer picks. Don't just completely write him off this year, okay?

[David Johnson]

Tyrod Taylor is a loser from the draft. Obviously, when you draft the number one quarterback, his lease leash should be shorter. Let's move on.

[Andy Holloway]

Ravens.

[David Johnson]

All right, the Ravens. Very interesting draft for the Ravens. Two tight ends in the top four picks. Lamar Jackson was their second pick at the back of the first round. A parting gift by Ozzie Newsom and one that validates all of Jason's thoughts and beliefs about Joe Flacco. Now Lamar Jackson comes into an offense and people forget Marty Morningwig was the offensive coordinator that worked with Michael Vick. This was the guy that also was at the forefront of bringing in Robert Griffin III to be the backup there. So now you have a potential situation where you know RG3 and Lamar Jackson are the future of this team.

[Jason Moore]

They have a plan in place for Lamar Jackson. That's why I thought he would end up.

[David Johnson]

And it doesn't involve Flacco.

[Jason Moore]

No, it does not. That's why I thought he would end up at the Ravens. You know, you have a successful opportunity here for fantasy because rushing quarterbacks get so many points. I have Lamar Jackson as my number two quarterback right now. I think he's going to put up number two dynasty rookie ranking quarterback.

[David Johnson]

It's important to say that though. It is important to say that.

[Jason Moore]

Absolutely. I don't want people.

[David Johnson]

Because there are people who are going to hear that and go, oh, I get it.

[Jason Moore]

Well, that's a super hot.

[David Johnson]

Well, I mean, look Michael Vick running the ball. I mean you just got to make.

[Jason Moore]

Sure in dynasty startup rookie drafts, I think there's no chance, there's like zero chance that Lamar Jackson does not have a lot of successful fantasy games in the future because he will get the opportunity when he plays. He's going to run so much that he'll just have fantasy points.

[David Johnson]

Yeah. You saw Deshaun Kaiser had 77 carries last year for Cleveland and even though they were a winless team, had fantasy relevance most of the weeks he played simply because of the rushing yardage. Bemoan it as you will, Jason. It's the facts.

[Jason Moore]

I'll bemoan it and exploit it.

[David Johnson]

Hayden Hurst, Mark Andrews, I think Andrews has a chance to be even a better pass catcher than Hurst does.

[Mike Wright]

Completely agree. It's was a little strange to go with the two tight ends, but what I love for this team, which they've completely remade their wide receiver core taking the shot. And Jordan Lasley from UCLA in the fifth round I thought was a fantastic pick. You're already. You're at the point where draft capital, the player pool is drying up. Why not get a player who has shown you some monster games.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

On his college film. Take that shot. And just to go back to Joe Flacco, Jason, are you expecting Jackson to be starting next year?

[Jason Moore]

No. Joe Flacco will not make it through this year. Really? Joe Flacco will not be the starter come week 10? No way.

[David Johnson]

Can you promise us a eulogy for him at some point during the year?

[Jason Moore]

Sure.

[David Johnson]

Will you write something with. I mean, you're a wordsmith.

[Jason Moore]

It's not going to be kind.

[Mike Wright]

They're going to.

[Jason Moore]

I'll do it.

[Mike Wright]

They're going to eat it. Because if they cut him before next year, it's 16 million dead.

[David Johnson]

They won't cut him before next year. That's. That's lunacy.

[Mike Wright]

What, you think they'll just keep Flacco on the roster and have Lamar Jackson be the number one? Oh, I'm not talking about this.

[David Johnson]

Oh, okay.

[Mike Wright]

I think Joe Flacco is the starting quarterback.

[David Johnson]

We were just messing up our language.

[Mike Wright]

So 2019, if they want to get rid of Joe flacco, it's a 16 million dollar dead cap hit.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, but you're not going to have him back them back up Lamar. So that seems to be the direction they're head now. If Flacco comes out and all these weapons, they've given him, new weapons, there's a chance that this team turns it around. I mean, they had a very competitive defense last year. They had a team that's been marred by injury. I don't think it's impossible for. Joe Flacco is the same guy that he was five years ago. There's no difference in Joe Flacco. He's a. Joe Flacco, a 24 touchdown player. That's his. Like when he sets out his goal at the beginning of the year, he's like, man, can I hit 24 touchdowns?

[Mike Wright]

I'm a crack 20.

[Jason Moore]

But that won them 24th best quarterback.

[David Johnson]

That won them a Super Bowl. So you have to give him credit.

[Mike Wright]

For that because he went Super Saiyan in the playoffs. He played out of his mind when.

[David Johnson]

He had Steve Smith, he made Steve Smith relevant. When he's had good players, he's made them relevant. We'll see what happens this year. They certainly, they certainly, they have a new plan in place for the future. So let's move on.

[Andy Holloway]

Steelers.

[David Johnson]

All right, let's talk about the Steelers. James Washington in the second round. Mason Rudolph in the third round. What do you guys think about winners, losers from the Steelers? They're obviously one of the teams that Vegas has projected for the 10 and a half wins, second most in the league. They're kind of set up. So what did they do here for the future?

[Jason Moore]

For the future. I think they got their replacement For Ben Roethlisberger. I said beforehand I had a first round grade on Mason Rudolph. I think he was worthy of going the first. There's all the talk, will six quarterbacks go in the first? And once you fall out of that range, everyone who really needed a quarterback kind of did their job. They took him. So he falls all the way to the third round. But I think what that says to me, as if we're talking dynasty focused here, I really like it for Antonio Brown because there's been a lot of worry for Antonio Brown owners is who's. What's going to happen if Big Ben retires next year. Landry Jones has never been able to be proficient enough in the NFL to support, you know, a top wide receiver, even when it's Antonio Brown. But I think Mason Rudolph can.

[David Johnson]

It's kind of irrelevant to me because Big Ben says he's going to play three more years and Antonio Brown will be 30 before the season starts.

[Jason Moore]

If he does, am I going to.

[David Johnson]

Be caring about a 33 year old Antonio Brown?

[Mike Wright]

He's saying that after. In the middle of the season, alluding that he should retire right now. So we don't know. We don't know which Big Ben statement. Which side of the.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Which side of the fence is he actually on?

[David Johnson]

Yeah, in that you don't trust his most recent statement when he said he wants to play three more years.

[Mike Wright]

Not after a whole bunch of talk about retiring in that. In the off season and then in the. The game after Jacksonville being so down in the dumps. It's.

[David Johnson]

You're saying because there's an insurance policy there in case you retire.

[Jason Moore]

Exactly. Yeah. That's all it is.

[David Johnson]

All right, let's move on.

[Andy Holloway]

Colts.

[David Johnson]

All right. We're in the AFC South. The Colts, well, they invested on.

[Mike Wright]

They finally got some linemen.

[David Johnson]

They invested on the offensive line. Two offensive linemen in the first two.

[Mike Wright]

Rounds, three injuries too late.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, that's fair. I mean, winner for me is Marlon Mack. I thought.

[Mike Wright]

Really?

[David Johnson]

Yes, because I thought he had. Now they drafted Naim Hines out of NC State in the fourth round, but it's a winner for me because Matt could have gone from some relevance to no relevance had they invested anything in those. And they had what, four second round picks. If they had invested any of them in one of the top tier running backs. Marlon Mack goes from fringe fantasy star to fringe fantasy. Just relevance right now. I think they know what I know, which is that Marlon Mack's not that good. He's a 3.8 runner. When he carries the ball. So I don't think Marlon Mack is a starter in fantasy but I think he's still a winner here because he's going to get a share of the backfield. I don't know how you guys feel.

[Mike Wright]

Maybe I would not. He was a winner up through about the fourth round and Naim Hines is a tremendous, tremendous pass catching running back. So if that's the role they had slotted in for Marlon Mack, well that's gone. And then they took Jordan Wilkins a couple or the very next round at the running back position. Robert Turbin still there. The woke one is still there. Matt Jones is still there. It is an C.J.

[Jason Moore]

Anderson will soon be there and that's.

[Mike Wright]

That's the big rumor. The ice burst from the bushes if C.J. anderson goes there he is.

[David Johnson]

All right, maybe Marlon Mack is neutral with the double down at running back in the fourth and fifth round with.

[Jason Moore]

What Andy's saying in general but I don't think it's. I do think C.J. anderson there's a good chance he ends up there and if that's the case then all this offensive line up grades. Yes if Andrew Luck is back, if he's healthy that could be a fantastic landing.

[Mike Wright]

But if Anderson doesn't go there, what are your thoughts about the backfield right now?

[Jason Moore]

I think Marlon Mack is going to have the opportunity to truly win and I think he will. I think he'll be a good high end running back for fantasy next year if, if it stays as it is.

[Mike Wright]

Is that Mac he went with Mack. I think it would the the fantasy player of the backfield that you could actually use Naim Hines in ppr but other than that I think it'll be Turbine or Kristen Michael.

[David Johnson]

One of the shows that we're going to have coming up this month is Explain yourself. We'll talk through our initial rankings and from that discussion it seems like Marlon Mack will be in very different places in our rankings. So it'll be fun to talk through Jaguars. All right, let's talk about the Jags. Interesting second round pick DJ Shark circling the muddy wide receiver waters in Jacksonville. Blake Bortles was the winner. They didn't replace him. Yeah but DJ Shark in the second round, I mean do you just like throw out four die and whatever order they land in is the order you draft these wide receivers in Jacksonville in. I don't even know who to who's going to be great. Keelan Cole went from being emerging interesting player to do I even want him on my Dynasty roster. After this year, Right.

[Jason Moore]

Do you cut him to make room for rookies?

[David Johnson]

Does he catch 38 passes this year or less?

[Jason Moore]

I mean, Dante Moncrief, the outcome for him, I mean, is so, yeah, he could be great. He could be worthless.

[David Johnson]

So you have Marquis Lee, Dante Moncrief, right? Dee Dee Westbrook.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[David Johnson]

DJ Shark.

[Mike Wright]

Shark.

[David Johnson]

That's what I said. Oh, what did I say?

[Mike Wright]

I'm hearing shark over there. Oh, your head is like a shark fin. I don't know. I don't know.

[David Johnson]

What did you say?

[Mike Wright]

Shark check.

[David Johnson]

That's different than shark.

[Mike Wright]

It's a little bit different. One's a. One's a man eating animal in the ocean. The other is. I like a little bit of it on my burger.

[David Johnson]

Oh, like a char. So a char.

[Jason Moore]

Like chark on your burger.

[David Johnson]

Okay.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[David Johnson]

Yeah. Because I definitely went with the shark circling waters.

[Mike Wright]

I would not go with that, but.

[David Johnson]

It would be awesome. But we're getting to the. We're almost to the bottom of the list. They still have relevant pass sketching backs there, right?

[Mike Wright]

They're a run first team.

[David Johnson]

They're a run first team. And then Blake Bortles gets to supply all those players with production.

[Mike Wright]

It speed kills, man.

[Jason Moore]

I will say this.

[David Johnson]

I don't. I don't want any whiteouts there.

[Jason Moore]

It's late and he's got a lot of problems. I know a lot of people don't like him, but I was. I'm not saying I love the guy at all, but I like him more than most analysts do.

[Mike Wright]

Absolutely.

[Jason Moore]

Do you know who I'm going to say?

[Mike Wright]

Blake Bortles.

[Jason Moore]

No. Tanner Lee, who they drafted as a quarterback. I thought he was. I mean, it's funny. I saw funny tweets like they drafted Tanner Lee just to make Blake Bortles look good at practice.

[David Johnson]

That's about my opinion.

[Mike Wright]

I mean, they gave Blake Bortles that extension.

[Jason Moore]

Sure.

[Mike Wright]

He's the quarterback.

[Jason Moore]

No, I'm not saying that he's not at all.

[Mike Wright]

All right. Hey, real quick. Because we got too busy discussing Joe Flacco and his inefficiencies. Just wanted to circle back real quick. Running backs for the Baltimore Ravens. Alex Collins is a massive winner from coming out of this draft process. We weren't sure how they felt about that backfield, but between Collins and Kenneth Dixon and maybe Buck Allen, I don't.

[Jason Moore]

Know, but I thought. I thought.

[Mike Wright]

I thought that those guys ended up coming out a lot cleaner.

[David Johnson]

Yeah, they threw up.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

They threw them in the laundry and came out clean. Things smell a little Fresh now.

[Andy Holloway]

Texans.

[David Johnson]

All right, the Texans, they drafted a center in the third round. This was a team with limited draft capital. After the Sean the Deshaun Watson trade, winners and losers on this roster. I didn't have any definitive opinions at all.

[Mike Wright]

It's really just status quo for me. Especially since they brought Alfred Blue back.

[David Johnson]

Speaking of no draft capital, Titans. Brooks, is this accurate? Four picks for the Titans.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, yeah.

[David Johnson]

Did they have the option to just skip? See, just skip. Skip 2018. Not show up.

[Mike Wright]

They just didn't put some picks in.

[David Johnson]

They could have been get him in time. They could have saved on travel and stuff like that.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, just call it. Phone everything in.

[David Johnson]

Yeah. So no, I mean they. They drafted a six round quarterback. That's the only offensive player. And we know the quarterback there is Marcus Mariota.

[Jason Moore]

Yep, that's about it.

[David Johnson]

Sound pretty good. All right, that is it for today's episode. We'll be back on Thursday with the nfc. Winners, losers. We'll see if I've changed my thoughts on Josh Rosen. Doubt it.

[Mike Wright]

Hey, everything's shaping up. The NFL rosters are shaping up. Get in that basketball action. Gotta play basketball draft.comballers check it out.

[Jason Moore]

Goodbye.

[Andy Holloway]

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers.