Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Final MOCK DRAFT of 2020 + New Nicknames Emerge

Release Date: August 28, 2020

Introduction to the Final Mock Draft

In this episode titled "Final MOCK DRAFT of 2020 + New Nicknames Emerge", the expert trio of Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive into their eagerly anticipated final mock draft of the 2020 fantasy football season. The hosts set the stage for an engaging and strategic drafting session, infused with their trademark humor and camaraderie.

Nicknames and Team Dynamics

The episode kicks off with a playful exchange about new nicknames for the hosts, highlighting the camaraderie and light-heartedness that define the Fantasy Footballers' dynamic.

• Jason Moore earns the nickname "Big Shimmy" after showcasing a memorable dance move:

  Jason Moore (00:43): "That's why they call him the Big Shimmy."

• Andy Holloway embraces his new moniker with enthusiasm:

  Andy Holloway (03:45): "It's shiny to me. So it's new. It's nice. And I can now have a power move. Give me that Big Shimmy."

The hosts laugh and banter over the nicknames, setting a fun tone for the mock draft ahead.

News and Updates from Around the League

Before diving into the mock draft, the hosts touch upon recent news affecting fantasy decisions:

• Philadelphia Eagles' Injury Update:

  Andy Holloway (08:12): "The Eagles placed left tackle Andre Dillard on injured reserve, torn biceps ending his season."

  This injury impacts fantasy considerations, particularly concerning running back options like Miles Sanders and Aaron Jones.

• Los Angeles Rams' Running Back Situation:

  Jason Moore (11:30): "Cam Akers could establish himself as a breakout star in the high-powered Rams offense."

• Jets' Acquisition of Caleb Blanchard:

  Mike Wright (12:07): "The Jets traded Caleb Blanche for a conditional draft pick to manage his move."

These updates provide valuable context for the upcoming draft, influencing players' strategies and selections.

The Final Mock Draft

The heart of the episode revolves around the trio conducting their live mock draft, pick by pick. They each select players based on their strategies, team needs, and league formats.

Draft Setup

• League Format: 12-team, half PPR
• Roster Positions: 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex, 1 DEF, 5 Bench

First Round Selections

1. Jason Moore (Pick 1):
   Selects Christian McCaffrey, prioritizing an elite running back with high PPR upside:

   Jason Moore (14:37): "I'm just going to take this, this particular chance to actually draft Clyde Edwards Allaire."

2. Unknown Picks by Andy and Mike
   The transcript does not specify Andy's initial pick, but Mike indicates his selection at pick 4.

3. Mike Wright (Pick 4):
   Chooses Clyde Edwards-Helaire, aiming for a dynamic RB with breakout potential:

   Mike Wright (15:02): "I'm going to take Clyde Edwards A'lair in the fourth spot."

4. Andy Holloway (Pick 9):
   Selects Miles Sanders over alternatives like Aaron Jones and Nick Chubb:

   Andy Holloway (10:19): "I already was looking at, say Josh Jacobs and Miles Sanders as near equals where I didn't know who to draft."

Subsequent Rounds and Strategies

• Running Back Depth:
  The hosts prioritize securing strong RB options early, considering injury risks and performance consistency. For instance, Jason Moore leans towards Dalvin Cook, whereas Mike Wright balances between Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Kenyon Drake.

• Wide Receiver Focus:
  Late in the first round and into the second, the conversation shifts to WRs like DJ Chark, Tyreek Hill, and D.K. Metcalf. Mike Wright opts for Tyreek Hill despite the heavy run on RBs:

  Mike Wright (19:28): "I'm going Tyreek Hill. It's in the same tier."

• Tight End and Quarterback Considerations:
  Jason Moore and Andy Holloway discuss the value of early tight end picks versus waiting for depth later in the draft, balancing the need for elite TE options against the broader positional needs.

Humorous and Memorable Moments

Throughout the draft, the hosts intersperse their picks with humorous remarks and playful jabs:

• Nickname Banter:
  The exchange about Big Shimmy and the playful rebranding of Mike Wright adds levity:

  Mike Wright (03:54): "It's also a move... Take that, fantasy hit man."

• Mock Draft Mishaps:
  Jason Moore accidentally selecting D.K. Metcalf:

  Jason Moore (36:34): "That was. I was. I clicked on the player and I thought they would instantly move up to the top of the mock draft, but it didn't change the order of them."

Final Team Rosters

At the conclusion of the mock draft, the hosts recap their final team compositions:

• Andy Holloway:

  • RB: Christian McCaffrey, Kareem Hunt, Ronald Jones
  • WR: Kenny Golladay, Tyler Lockett, Terry McLaurin, Jerry Judy, DeSean Jackson
  • QB: Lamar Jackson
  • TE: Noah Fant
  • DEF: New Orleans Saints

• Mike Wright:

  • QB: Drew Brees
  • RB: Josh Jacobs, Le'Veon Bell
  • WR: Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp
  • TE: Evan Engram
  • DEF: Los Angeles Chargers
  • Bench: AJ Green, Deontay Johnson, Zach Moss, Naim Hines, Justin Jackson

• Jason Moore:

  • QB: Cam Newton
  • RB: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kenyon Drake, Chris Carson, Cam Akers, Antonio Gibson
  • WR: DJ Chark, DK Metcalf, Will Fuller, "The Flying V" (Tyler Boyd), Golden Tate, Jalen Rager
  • TE: Blake Jarwin

Best Ball Strategy Segment

After completing the mock draft, the hosts transition into a Best Ball Tips segment, focusing on the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) and its application in best ball fantasy formats:

• 80/20 Rule in Best Ball:
  The hosts explain how 20% of players often contribute 80% of the team's success, emphasizing the importance of drafting high-impact, "difference-maker" players:

  Mike Wright (59:28): "When you're playing basketball you see this principle carried out in daily life."

• Risk vs. Reward:
  In best ball drafts, taking calculated risks on high-upside players can pay off, as the auto-optimized lineups maximize each player's potential:

  Jason Moore (61:02): "When you're talking about best ball, you're talking about risk in general."

Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

The episode wraps up with a recap of the mock draft and anticipation for future content:

• Final Team Overviews:
  Each host shares their complete team roster, celebrating strategic picks and discussing potential strengths and weaknesses.

• Upcoming Shows:
  The hosts tease future episodes, including the "Fantasy MVP Show" and the "Bold Prediction Show", promising continued expert analysis and entertaining discussions.

• Community Engagement:
  Listeners are encouraged to join the Fantasy Footballers' community through their website and social media platforms, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion for fantasy football.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (00:35): "Say goodbye to the talking heads of the Fantasy Football world and hello to The Fantasy Footballers."

• Jason Moore (03:35): "It's mock draft time. Yay."

• Andy Holloway (08:12): "The Eagles placed left tackle Andre Dillard on injured reserve, torn biceps ending his season."

• Jason Moore (14:37): "I'm just going to take this, this particular chance to actually draft Clyde Edwards a lair."

• Mike Wright (19:28): "I'm going Tyreek Hill. It's in the same tier."

• Jason Moore (36:34): "I clicked on the player and I thought they would instantly move up to the top of the mock draft, but it didn't change the order of them."

• Mike Wright (59:28): "When you're playing basketball you see this principle carried out in daily life."

This episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining dive into the final mock draft of the 2020 fantasy football season, blending strategic insights with the hosts' unique personalities. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the Fantasy Footballers provide valuable takeaways to elevate your draft game.