Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: First Mock Draft of 2019 + Dynasty Draft Tips
Release Date: March 21, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In the episode titled "First Mock Draft of 2019 + Dynasty Draft Tips," the Fantasy Footballers delve into a comprehensive dynasty mock draft, providing listeners with valuable insights and strategies to excel in their leagues. While the episode begins with brief advertisements and light-hearted banter, the hosts quickly transition into the core content, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for both seasoned and novice fantasy managers.

Mike Wright's Real-Life vs. Fantasy Conflict [02:31-05:35]

Before diving into the mock draft, Mike Wright shares a compelling personal anecdote that highlights the delicate balance between supporting a favorite NFL team and managing a fantasy roster:

Mike Wright [02:31]: "I had the ultimate test of this real-life team versus your fantasy team when the Arizona Cardinals were in the playoffs. I needed Marshawn Lynch to perform, but his absence led to a conflicting situation where my fantasy championship thrived at the expense of the Cardinals' playoff hopes."

This story underscores the emotional and strategic challenges fantasy managers often face, especially when real-life team performances directly impact fantasy outcomes.

News and Notes [06:22-12:08]

The hosts briefly touch upon recent NFL transactions and their implications for fantasy football:

• Randall Cobb's Signing: The Dallas Cowboys signing Randall Cobb to a one-year, $5 million deal is viewed skeptically. The hosts express concerns about Cobb's recent performance and injury history, suggesting that his value as a dynasty asset has diminished.

  Jason Moore [06:38]: "Randall's done us like that for years...He's not going to perform for Dallas."

• Backup Quarterbacks Movement: With players like Blake Bortles moving to backup roles, the instability at the quarterback position is noted as a recurring theme each season.

• Malcolm Brown's Offer Sheet: The Detroit Lions signing Malcolm Brown and the potential impacts on both the Lions and Rams are discussed, highlighting strategic moves in dynasty leagues.

Dynasty Mock Draft Overview [12:08-50:43]

The heart of the episode centers around a live dynasty mock draft conducted by the hosts, who draft as a single team in a 12-team, half-PPR league. The league settings include two wide receivers, two running backs, two flex positions, one tight end, and no kicker or defense.

Draft Strategy and Early Rounds

1. First Pick – DeAndre Hopkins [14:02]:

   • Selected at the sixth overall spot, Hopkins is lauded for his consistency and long shelf life in a dynasty format.
   • Andy Holloway [14:53]: "DeAndre Hopkins was our pick. He's sitting here for us at the sixth pick. He's a value in that sense."

2. Second Round Selections:

   • Keenan Allen and Cortland Sutton: Emphasizing the importance of securing elite wide receivers early due to their longer career spans compared to running backs.

3. Running Backs Strategy:

   • Devonta Freeman [22:19]: Chosen for his potential despite injury concerns.
   • Chris Carson and Damian Williams: Selected to provide depth and versatility, aligning with the dynasty format's focus on long-term value.

4. Quarterback Considerations:

   • The hosts deliberate on waiting to draft a quarterback, pointing out the abundance of viable options in later rounds.
   • Jason Moore [36:29]: "If we're going to go with Josh Allen, I think you can wait."

Notable Picks and Strategic Decisions

• Mike Evans [16:05]: Highlighted as an underrated dynasty asset with a young quarterback and a stable offensive system.

  Jason Moore [16:33]: "Mike Evans has just dominated since he's been in the league. He's super young...in a great offense."

• Flex Positions and Depth:

  • Emphasis on loading the roster with high-upside players like Zach Ertz and handling the two flex spots with versatile options.

  Andy Holloway [24:11]: "In hindsight, we could have gone girly and had Antonio Brown and Adam Thielen, or you could have gone Gurley, Keenan Allen and Adam Thielen."

• Late-Round Strategies:

  • The discussion shifts to late-round picks, debating the value of potential breakout players versus proven veterans.
  • Mike Wright [44:07]: "I would take O.J. Howard. The upside is just too massive."

Quarterback Debate and Final Rounds [34:00-50:43]

The conversation intensifies around quarterback selections, reflecting the uncertainty and high stakes of choosing the right signal-caller in a dynasty setup.

• Jameis Winston vs. Jimmy Garoppolo:

  Jason Moore [48:16]: "I think he's going to have a great year [Winston]."

  The hosts express mixed feelings about Winston's consistency and future prospects, ultimately opting for Garoppolo in the mock draft.

• Final Rounds and Team Composition:

  • The team concludes with a balanced roster comprising elite wide receivers, dependable running backs, and strategic picks at tight end and quarterback.

  Andy Holloway [35:18]: "Our team at wide receiver, we have DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, and Cortland Sutton in a dynasty startup."

Pristine Auction Highlights [51:00-52:07]

Wrapping up the mock draft, the hosts briefly discuss the "Deal of the Day" from pristineauction.com, highlighting the excitement around acquiring valuable player memorabilia and jerseys but keeping the focus primarily on the mock draft content.

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers' "First Mock Draft of 2019 + Dynasty Draft Tips" episode offers an in-depth look at dynasty league strategies, emphasizing the importance of early investments in young, reliable wide receivers and strategic depth in the running back and quarterback positions. Through lively discussions and strategic insights, the hosts equip listeners with the tools and knowledge to build competitive and resilient fantasy football teams.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [02:31]: "I felt like a winner...My fantasy championship also knocks the Cardinals out of the playoffs."
• Jason Moore [16:33]: "If we grab Stefan Diggs or Keenan Allen, they have more years..."
• Andy Holloway [24:11]: "DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, and Cortland Sutton...Zach Ertz is our tight end."
• Mike Wright [44:07]: "I would take O.J. Howard. The upside is just too massive."

For more detailed strategies and discussions, listeners can tune into the Fantasy Footballers podcast here.