Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Live 10 Team Mock Draft, Fantasy Questions

Host/Author: The Fantasy Footballers
Release Date: July 21, 2015
Episode Title: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Live 10 Team Mock Draft, Fantasy Questions

Introduction

In this episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive into a live mock draft tailored for a 10-team league. The trio emphasizes the importance of mock drafting to prepare listeners for their upcoming fantasy football seasons. The episode seamlessly blends strategic drafting insights with engaging banter, ensuring both novice and seasoned fantasy managers find value.

Live Mock Draft Overview

Setting the Stage:

• Jason Moore introduces the mock draft parameters: a 10-team snake draft using ESPN's Average Draft Position (ADP) as a benchmark. The roster setup includes two running backs, two wide receivers, and one flex position ([00:41]).

First Round Picks:

• Jason Moore outlines the initial picks, highlighting top running backs like Eddie Lacy, Adrian Peterson, and Marshawn Lynch. Notably, Arian Foster secures the sixth pick, reflecting his perceived value ([10:04]). Antonio Brown, DeMarco Murray, and CJ Anderson follow in the early rounds, setting a competitive tone for the draft.

Key Decision Points:

• Andy Holloway debates between selecting CJ Anderson and other available running backs, ultimately leaning towards Ryan Matthews due to potential workload and favorable team dynamics ([03:10]).
• Mike Wright expresses interest in David Johnson, who is being drafted late, emphasizing his role as a goal-line scorer ([03:48]).

Strategy Discussion

Running Backs vs. Wide Receivers:

• The hosts deliberate the balance between securing top-tier running backs and wide receivers. Andy favors LaShawn McCoy for his guaranteed volume in a standard league, while Jason concurs, noting potential inconsistencies with McCoy's offensive line but valuing his expected workload ([12:17]).

Tight Ends and Quarterbacks:

• Rob Gronkowski is selected as the tight end, demonstrating the importance of securing a reliable position early. The hosts discuss the relative scarcity of elite tight ends compared to other positions ([14:30]).
• The decision to pass on drafting a quarterback early is emphasized, with Jason advocating for a streaming strategy due to the plethora of viable QBs available in later rounds ([35:00]).

Key Takeaways:

• Jason Moore emphasizes the significance of positional scarcity and value, advising against overreaching for certain positions early in the draft ([35:14]).
• Andy Holloway underscores the importance of spreading risk and not relying heavily on uncertain prospects, advocating for tried-and-true players ([47:25]).

Listener Questions

Keeper League Strategies:

• A listener from Michigan asks about keeping two specific players: Brandon Cooks, Kelvin Benjamin, and Latavius Murray. The hosts recommend selecting Brandon Cooks and Latavius Murray for their potential and current performance, ensuring a balanced and competitive team ([45:07]).

Draft Strategies in Two-Quarterback Leagues:

• A listener from Orlando, Florida, inquires about the effectiveness of drafting two quarterbacks in a two-quarterback league with unique scoring rules. Andy Holloway and Jason Moore advise against this strategy, highlighting the risks involved in relying heavily on quarterbacks early and suggesting focusing on other key positions instead ([48:02]).

Rapid Fire Round

The hosts engage in a quick-paced segment addressing spontaneous questions from listeners:

1. Anquan Bolden vs. Marcus Colston:

   • All Hosts favor Anquan Bolden for his versatility and potential impact ([46:02]).

2. Frank Gore vs. Mark Ingram:

   • Mike Wright opts for Frank Gore, valuing his consistent performance and goal-line opportunities ([46:06]).

3. Ben Roethlisberger vs. Matt Ryan vs. Tony Romo:

   • Andy Holloway selects Matt Ryan for his stability and expected improvement ([46:10]).

Mock Draft Highlights and Final Roster

Final Team Composition:

• Running Backs: LaShawn McCoy, Frank Gore, LeGarrett Blunt, and Joseph Randall
• Wide Receivers: Mike Evans, Andre Johnson, Martavis Bryant
• Tight End: Rob Gronkowski
• Additional Picks: LeGarrett Blunt and Joseph Randall bolster the RB depth, while strategic wide receiver selections like Martavis Bryant add high upside to the roster ([27:48]).

Strategic Decisions:

• LeGarrett Blunt is added for his touchdown potential, despite a one-game suspension, with the team’s depth allowing for flexibility ([24:41]).
• Andre Johnson is chosen over alternative receivers like Martavis Bryant, balancing consistency with potential breakout performances ([27:12]).

Defense and Kicker Choices:

• Andy Holloway advocates for the Jets defense, praising key players like Reavis Island and Antonio Cromartie, alongside strategic coaching leadership from Todd Bowles ([41:34]).
• The team chooses to stream the quarterback spot, prioritizing flexibility and response to weekly matchups over early investment in a specific QB.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on their mock draft strategies and team composition. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, depth, and leveraging position scarcity to build a competitive fantasy football team. Jason Moore highlights the benefits of mock drafting tools like FantaDraftWizard.com, encouraging listeners to engage in mock drafts to refine their strategies ([43:20]).

Upcoming Episodes:
Listeners are teased about future content, including interviews with notable fantasy football personalities and deeper dives into player metrics and projections.

Final Remarks:
The hosts invite listeners to submit questions and engage with them via social media, reinforcing the community-driven aspect of the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore ([10:04]): "As someone who thinks Arian Foster is the best back in football this year, I'm seeing him move up a little bit."
• Andy Holloway ([12:17]): "LaShawn McCoy is going to be given the ball all year long. I do have concerns, but he's the pick."
• Mike Wright ([24:19]): "I like having multiple running backs gives us a strong foundation."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football enthusiasts, blending insightful drafting strategies with relatable dialogue. Whether you're new to fantasy football or a seasoned manager, the discussed mock draft provides valuable lessons in team construction and strategic planning.