Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Live Mock Draft, Interview with Brian Tesh
Release Date: June 11, 2015
Introduction and Host Banter
The episode kicks off with the familiar banter among the hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright. They engage in lighthearted conversation about a listener's tweet connecting double-stuffed Oreos to the podcast, setting an engaging and entertaining tone for the show.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [00:31]: "We're the Fantasy Footballers. Welcome to the show."
Listener Reviews and Updates
Jason Moore shares a positive listener review from Craig, praising the podcast for its early offseason football insights and entertaining content.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [05:52]: "These guys really provide me with great football knowledge so early in the offseason. And cupcakes full of shenanigans that keep me entertained. Keep up the good works, Craig."
News and Notes
The hosts delve into current NFL updates relevant to fantasy football:
-
Detroit Lions – Joy Bell’s Injury:
- Andy Holloway [06:00]: "The Lions aren't sure if Joy Bell will be back into shape by training camp. It's got Achilles injuries."
- Mike Wright [07:20]: Expresses concern over Bell’s ability to bounce back.
-
Washington Redskins – Niles Paul vs. Jordan Reed:
- Andy Holloway [08:37]: Discusses Niles Paul’s performance in OTAs and contrasts it with Jordan Reed's struggles.
- Jason Moore [09:40]: "I just don't think Abdullah is going to get a gigantic carry... I'm not excited about that backfield at the moment."
-
Oakland Raiders – Latavius Murray’s Potential:
- Andy Holloway [10:32]: Explores Latavius Murray's prospects under new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave.
- Brian Tesh [10:47]: Highlights the balance between Murray and other backs like Trent Richardson and Roy Helou.
-
Philadelphia Eagles – Sam Bradford’s Status:
- Andy Holloway [12:31]: Reports on Sam Bradford’s limited participation in team drills.
- Jason Moore [14:27]: Re-evaluates quarterback rankings, expressing skepticism about Bradford’s immediate impact.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [04:08]: "If I was in a fantasy league playing this year and Dynasty League, I would actually prefer DeAndre Hopkins because I... think he was going to put up much better numbers this year."
Interview with Brian Tesh
Brian Tesh, NFC West correspondent for FantasyPros.com, joins the show to provide expert analysis on the Seattle Seahawks and broader fantasy football strategies.
Key Discussion Points:
-
Seahawks’ Offensive Line and Marshawn Lynch:
- Brian Tesh [21:31]: "I think Marshawn Lynch is probably the safest pick outside of the top four running backs."
- Jason Moore [22:52]: Emphasizes the consistency and volume Lynch provides despite offensive line changes.
-
Jimmy Graham’s Trade to Seahawks:
- Brian Tesh [25:59]: Predicts Graham will set the Seahawks' tight end receiving yards record, estimating 8-12 touchdowns.
- Andy Holloway [27:14]: "I guarantee Jimmy Graham will set the Seahawks tight end receiving yards record this year."
-
Russell Wilson’s Fantasy Value:
- Brian Tesh [27:55]: Advises caution with Wilson's projected elite status, citing limited passing attempts and reliance on rushing yards from the previous season.
- Mike Wright [29:32]: Highlights the risks associated with Wilson’s potential value.
Notable Quotes:
- Brian Tesh [16:57]: "In fantasy football, like if you go in thinking, I'm not going to draft a running back within rounds five and six... you're a terrible player."
- Brian Tesh [25:59]: "Jimmy Graham will set the Seahawks tight end receiving yards record this year."
Live Mock Draft
The core segment of the episode features a live mock draft conducted by the hosts from the sixth overall pick. Utilizing fantasydraftwizard.com, they discuss their strategies, available players, and make selections while providing insightful commentary.
Mock Draft Highlights:
-
First Round Picks:
- Andy Holloway [31:47]: "We're sitting here, sixth pick... Le'Veon Bell, Jamal Charles, Rob Gronkowski, Adrian Peterson, Eddie Lacy are the first five picks."
- Team Selection: Marshawn Lynch ([33:13]) – Andy’s Pick
- Andy Holloway [33:14]: "Marshawn Lynch is now a member of our team."
-
Second Round:
- Jeremy Hill ([34:04]): Consensus pick after Greg Jennings and Aaron Rodgers are taken.
- Team Selection: Jeremy Hill ([34:48]) – Consensus
-
Third to Fifth Rounds:
- DeAndre Hopkins ([37:16]) and Vincent Jackson ([47:44]): Key wide receiver additions.
- Travis Kelce ([45:04]): Securing a top tight end enhances team depth.
-
Strategic Decisions:
- Jason Moore [34:32]: Prefers DeAndre Hopkins over Jordan Matthews for reliability.
- Mike Wright [38:21]: Chooses Latavius Murray over Jonathan Stewart, emphasizing potential over immediate returns.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore [45:15]: "Travis Kelce is a value in the fourth that's worth picking."
- Andy Holloway [37:39]: "Hopkins is off the board."
Final Team Roster:
- Running Backs: Marshawn Lynch, Jeremy Hill, Latavius Murray
- Wide Receivers: DeAndre Hopkins, Vincent Jackson
- Tight End: Travis Kelce
- Quarterback: Eli Manning
- Bench: LeGarrett Blunt, Rashad Perryman, Chris Ivory, Michael Floyd
Fantasy Strategies and Tips
Throughout the mock draft, the hosts share valuable strategies:
- Value-Based Drafting: Prioritizing players who offer the best value at their draft positions.
- Avoiding Early Position Fillers: Emphasizing the importance of not drafting kickers or defenses too early.
- Balancing Roster Positions: Ensuring a mix of reliable starters and high-upside backups, particularly at running back and wide receiver.
- Waiting on Quarterbacks: Advocating for selecting quarterbacks in later rounds to maximize value.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [54:10]: "Don't draft two tight ends late. There's no reason to double up because you can pick them up on waivers."
Conclusion and Wrap-Up
The hosts conclude the mock draft, reflecting on their team composition and reaffirming their draft choices. They tease an upcoming bonus episode focused on listener questions, encouraging audience engagement.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [63:37]: "He's going to be a difference maker."
Key Takeaways:
- Marshawn Lynch remains a top-tier running back option despite offensive line uncertainties.
- DeAndre Hopkins and Vincent Jackson provide strong wide receiver choices, emphasizing reliability and upside.
- Travis Kelce secures the tight end position with high weekly point differentiation.
- Latavius Murray offers flex position potential, balancing run-heavy strategies.
- Eli Manning is selected as a late-round quarterback with proven performance metrics.
This episode offers a comprehensive blend of current NFL insights, expert analysis from Brian Tesh, and practical drafting strategies through the live mock draft, making it an invaluable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts.