Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - Early PPR Mock Draft
Release Date: May 11, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, the expert trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—dive into an Early PPR Mock Draft for the 2017 fantasy football season. The hosts kick off with light-hearted banter about parody Twitter accounts and express their excitement for the upcoming mock draft.
Pre-Draft Discussion
Importance of Mock Drafts
The hosts emphasize the significance of mock drafts in preparing for the fantasy football season. Jason Moore highlights the evolving value of rookies and advises listeners to monitor their draft positions without overreacting to initial trends.
Jason Moore [02:21]: “This is a really important time of year to do mock drafts because what you're going to see now that the rookies have kind of started to establish themselves, you get to see where they will rise to and get the feel for when that rise stops.”
Surprise NFL Teams for 2017
Andy Holloway poses a question to the hosts about which NFL teams might be surprising in the fantasy landscape for the 2017 season, steering the conversation away from traditional powerhouses like Atlanta, Green Bay, or New England.
Mike Wright’s Surprise Pick: New York Jets
Mike Wright suggests the New York Jets as a surprise fantasy team, citing potential breakout players like Blau Powell and the possible inclusion of Eric Decker.
Mike Wright [04:00]: “I think that people are going to be surprised, as we are every year, like, oh, they're a really bad team, yet they still have fantasy productive players.”
Jason Moore’s Surprise Pick: Minnesota Vikings
Jason Moore counters with the Minnesota Vikings, pointing out their offensive weapons like Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and the addition of Dalvin Cook.
Jason Moore [06:21]: “So like real. They did not score that much last year in the NFL. Like real points. Points which translate to...”
Andy Holloway’s Surprise Pick: Buffalo Bills
Andy Holloway selects the Buffalo Bills, highlighting players such as Zay Jones and Tyrod Taylor, and the potential shift towards a more dynamic passing game.
Andy Holloway [08:02]: “I think Buffalo is in a position where that could happen. Rebuilding teams in the division teams, I think they can at least compete against like, you know, a couple games against New York this year...”
The Mock Draft
Draft Setup
The hosts outline the draft format: drafting from the 8th position in a 12-team PPR league, targeting 2 running backs, 2 wide receivers, a flex, and eventually a quarterback and kicker.
Andy Holloway [01:32]: “We have a PPR mock draft on the show today. These are always a blast...”
First Round Selections
First Pick: AJ Green
Jason Moore selects A.J. Green as his first pick, valuing his reception volume despite others possibly ranking him lower.
Jason Moore [20:31]: “It is certainly going to be A.J. Green for me. I know that you, neither one of you have him as the fourth ranked wide receiver on your personal boards. For me, he's... I am super happy to have in a full PPR AJ Green at the eight spot.”
Second Pick: Christian McCaffrey
Andy Holloway opts for Christian McCaffrey, recognizing his versatility as a runner and receiver, making him a top-tier PPR running back.
Andy Holloway [27:22]: “Jay Ajayi, Christian McCaffrey, AJ Green, Larry Fitzgerald and Jordan Reed.”
Third Pick: Larry Fitzgerald
Mike Wright selects Larry Fitzgerald in the fifth round, appreciating his consistent reception numbers and reliability.
Mike Wright [41:14]: “I like him much more than Kenny Brett...”
Middle Rounds and Bench Picks
Running Backs vs. Wide Receivers Strategy
The discussion oscillates between prioritizing running backs with high reception potential versus securing wide receivers who can rack up consistent targets.
Andy Holloway [19:49]: “If it were me, I'm actually taking Jordy Nelson in this situation.”
Jason Moore and Andy Holloway debate the merits of selecting running backs like Jay Ajayi and Christian McCaffrey versus wide receivers like Jordy Nelson and DeMarco Murray.
Tight Ends and Quarterbacks Decisions
The hosts adhere to their philosophy of waiting on the quarterback position, stressing the availability of quality quarterbacks on the waiver wire.
Jason Moore [23:16]: “I am perfectly fine taking him with my… Dak Carr, Cousins, Mariota Rivers.”
Sleeper Picks and Value Selections
The mock draft includes discussions on potential sleeper picks such as Willie Snead and Theo Riddick, who can offer significant upside without being drafted too early.
Mike Wright [53:08]: “I like Mike Wallace much more than Kenny Britt...”
Notable Player Picks and Rationale
Key Player Selections
- AJ Green and Jordy Nelson: Valued for their high reception numbers in PPR formats.
- Christian McCaffrey: Chosen for his dual-threat capabilities.
- Larry Fitzgerald: Recognized for his veteran reliability and target volume.
- Jameson Crowder and Willie Snead: Selected for their potential to produce consistent fantasy points.
Strategic Moves
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Doug Martin: Selected later in the draft for his potential to break out, despite missing games in the previous season.
Andy Holloway [55:16]: “I think he's the guy in a great offense with a bunch of great passing weapons.”
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Julio Jones vs. Elliott: Discussion on drafting wide receivers who have substantial target opportunities.
Jason Moore [22:37]: "It could just be by design. That's, that's not how Dallas is going to do things."
Conclusion and Final Team Overview
By the end of the mock draft, the hosts have assembled a team with a mix of high-upside and reliable players across key positions. They emphasize the importance of flexibility and depth, ensuring that their roster can adapt to player performances and injury scenarios throughout the season.
Andy Holloway [63:58]: “...AJ Green, Larry Fitzgerald, Willie Snead and Mike Wallace and Jameson Crowder at the wide receiver, a healthy Jordan Reed, I hope at the tight end position.”
Key Takeaways and Insights
- Prioritize PPR-Compatible Players: Focus on players who excel in both rushing and receiving to maximize points in PPR formats.
- Monitor Rookie Performances: Keep an eye on rookies who may rise in draft value as their preseason performances become clearer.
- Depth and Flexibility: Build a roster with depth, especially at running back and wide receiver, to mitigate injury risks and enhance trade potential.
- Wait on Quarterbacks: Adhere to the philosophy of delaying QB selections, leveraging the depth available on the waiver wire.
- Value Sleeper Picks: Identify and draft sleeper players who can outperform their draft positions, providing significant value without requiring high draft capital.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore [04:00]: “I think that people are going to be surprised, as we are every year, like, oh, they're a really bad team, yet they still have fantasy productive players.”
- Andy Holloway [08:02]: “... you have a quarterback who can move the ball. You know, he can build the yards. He just doesn't usually throw touchdowns.”
- Mike Wright [41:14]: “... he's really, I mean he, he, he missed a couple games last year. He was on pace for 80 catches.”
Final Notes:
The Fantasy Footballers provide listeners with a comprehensive and strategic approach to their fantasy drafts, blending humor with expert analysis. This episode serves as a valuable guide for fantasy managers aiming to optimize their rosters and gain a competitive edge in their leagues.
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