Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football 2018 NFL Draft Preview, Rookie Show Part 2 + Perfect Marriages

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: April 26, 2018

In this comprehensive episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the intricacies of the 2018 NFL Draft, providing listeners with in-depth analyses, strategic insights, and bold predictions tailored specifically for fantasy football enthusiasts. The discussion encompasses rookie quarterback evaluations, tight end prospects, running backs, wide receivers, and optimal player-team "marriages" to maximize fantasy success.

Perfect Marriages: Optimal Player-Team Pairings

Timestamp: 04:33

The episode kicks off with the "Perfect Marriages" segment, where each host proposes ideal pairings of rookie players with NFL teams that best suit their skills and offer the highest potential for fantasy points.

• Andy Holloway envisions a partnership between Josh Rosen and the New Orleans Saints. He emphasizes Rosen's high football IQ and his potential to thrive under Saints' offensive coordinator Sean Payton.

  "Sean Payton and Josh Rosen perfect marriage as the heir apparent to Drew Brees... that would be a perfect marriage." [04:33]

• Jason Moore advocates for Baker Mayfield joining the Arizona Cardinals. He believes Mayfield's leadership and accuracy would flourish in Arizona's established offense, bolstered by key players like Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson.

  "I love Baker Mayfield to Arizona and I'm biased. I want him to go there." [05:48]

• Mike Wright suggests pairing Aaron Rodgers with a release of wide receiver Cortland Sutton and tight end Darius Geist to form a formidable passing offense.

  "Imagine Adams and Sutton together with hall of fame Rodgers... it would be sensational." [06:51]

Rookie Quarterback Review

Timestamp: 09:31 - 31:20

The hosts provide detailed evaluations of the leading rookie quarterback prospects, discussing their strengths, potential pitfalls, and ideal team fits for fantasy optimization.

Sam Darnold

• Andy Holloway labels Darnold as his favorite prospect, praising his complete skill set, work ethic, and readiness despite his young age.

  "Sam Darnold is my favorite prospect this year... he has all the tools necessary." [10:01]

• Jason Moore echoes this sentiment, noting Darnold's potential as a starting QB and his suitability for teams needing a dynamic passer.

Josh Rosen

• Jason Moore expresses strong support for Josh Rosen, highlighting his anticipation in throwing and readiness for the NFL.

  "He throws with anticipation. He throws guys open. He does things that you have to do in the NFL." [23:41]

• Andy Holloway discusses Rosen’s potential and the importance of landing him with the right team to harness his physical and mental tools effectively.

Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson

• Lamar Jackson: Andy Holloway praises Jackson's dual-threat capability, asserting he's a fantasy gold mine with his exceptional rushing ability and passing potential. However, he raises concerns about Jackson's durability and how teams might manage his unique skill set.

  "But his running game is another level... he is a fantasy gold mine." [15:13]

• Josh Allen: Jason Moore is optimistic about Allen's ceiling, viewing him as a high-potential QB who, with the right team opportunity, could excel despite accuracy concerns. Andy Holloway remains cautious, questioning Allen's accuracy and whether teams will invest adequately to draft him early.

  "He has the strongest arm that I can remember seeing of any prospect I've ever looked at." [30:28]

Baker Mayfield

• Mike Wright and Andy Holloway discuss Baker Mayfield’s accuracy and leadership, acknowledging his success within Oklahoma's system but pondering his adaptability to new environments.

  "Baker is by far my favorite quarterback in the draft... hyper accurate." [17:07]
  "My worries with Mayfield... he's been in a system that has really set him up for success." [19:33]

Tight Ends Review

Timestamp: 31:24 - 35:25

The discussion shifts to tight end prospects, evaluating their college performances and potential NFL impact for fantasy purposes.

Dallas Goddard

• Recognized as the top tight end prospect, Dallas Goddard is lauded for his receiving prowess and consistent production over his college career.

  "He has two years of over a thousand receiving yards being a primary weapon in a passing offense." [31:45]

Mike Gasicki

• While Mike Gasicki demonstrated outstanding athleticism, concerns are raised about his utilization in non-traditional tight end roles, which might limit his immediate fantasy impact.

  "He was lined up all over the place, but not in a good way... more of a transition time." [34:16]

Running Backs Review

Timestamp: 42:03 - 43:56

The hosts evaluate the top running back prospects, focusing on their college performances and projected NFL roles.

Saquon Barkley

• Universally predicted to join the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley is celebrated for his explosive potential and immediate impact in the Giants' running game.

  "We all have him going to The Giants." [42:03]

Darius Geist

• Darius Geist is forecasted to land with the Seattle Seahawks, where his skills can complement their offensive scheme.

Sony Michel

• Assigned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sony Michel is viewed as a valuable fantasy asset despite not being a first-round pick, thanks to his dynamic running style and versatility.

  "Sony Michel. I have him going to the Lions." [35:32]

Wide Receivers Review

Timestamp: 43:56 - 45:30

The episode concludes the player evaluations with a focus on wide receivers, assessing their potential fits and fantasy value.

Calvin Ridley

• Predicted to join the Indianapolis Colts, Calvin Ridley is seen as a perfect fit for their wide receiver needs, offering both speed and reliable hands.

  "We both have the Colts." [44:31]

DJ Moore

• Expected to be drafted by the New England Patriots, DJ Moore is valued for his route-running precision and ability to create mismatches, essential for fantasy scoring.

  "Patriots, Cortland Sutton, Cowboys, Panthers." [44:54]

NFL Draft Predictions

Timestamp: 35:32 - 44:55

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their bold predictions regarding which players will be selected by which teams, emphasizing strategic moves to optimize fantasy football outcomes.

• Sam Darnold to the Dolphins or Broncos
• Josh Rosen to the Arizona Cardinals
• Lamar Jackson to the Patriots or Baltimore Ravens
• Baker Mayfield to the Jets or Arizona Cardinals
• Calvin Ridley to the Colts
• DJ Moore to the Patriots

These predictions are backed by thorough analyses of team needs, player strengths, and potential fantasy impacts.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway on Josh Rosen’s Work Ethic:

  "He went into his training facility at six in the morning and was already there... every single day for his life." [12:20]

• Mike Wright on Tight End Preferences:

  "I want an incomplete tight end. I want a guy who's just physically... comfortable running routes and catching the ball." [32:31]

• Jason Moore on Lamar Jackson’s Fantasy Value:

  "He is a fantasy gold mine." [15:13]

Conclusion

Timestamp: 46:12 - 46:38

The hosts wrap up the episode by reinforcing their draft predictions, encouraging listeners to engage with their upcoming post-draft content, and promoting their community platforms for ongoing fantasy football strategy and discussion.

"Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers." [46:14]

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for fantasy football players looking to gain an edge in their drafts, offering expert insights and strategic guidance to build a championship-winning team.

End of Summary