Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - MOCK DRAFT + Gordon Reinstated, Preseason Hype
Episode Release Date: August 19, 2019

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive into the excitement of draft week, offering their expert analysis and preparation tips. The episode primarily focuses on the reinstatement of Josh Gordon to the New England Patriots, preseason performances of key players, and a comprehensive mock draft to guide fantasy managers in their upcoming drafts.

Latest News: Josh Gordon's Reinstatement

Timestamp: [04:16]

One of the central topics of discussion is the NFL’s decision to reinstate Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon. The hosts explore Gordon's potential fantasy value and the broader impact on the Patriots' offense.

• Jason Moore shares his initial ranking of Gordon at 39th but remains cautious due to the conditional nature of his reinstatement:

  "My initial rankings of Josh Gordon, he came in at 39. That I need more news to know is, like, because it's a conditional reinstatement, we still need more things to unfold." ([05:00])

• Mike Wright acknowledges Gordon’s impressive debut last season and its implications for players like Nikhil Harry:

  "For me, I don't disagree. He had as impressive of a 12 game debut in the Patriots offensive system as a player can have last year." ([06:01])

• Andy Holloway advises caution, emphasizing Gordon’s history of inconsistencies off the field:

  "But he is not without risk. Like we have many years of Josh Gordon on and off the field. He has been reinstated many times before and never unfortunately been able to stick with it." ([07:02])

The trio discusses whether Gordon should be a trade asset or a direct pick in dynasty leagues, considering his fluctuating status and potential upside.

Preseason Hype and Player Updates

Timestamp: [09:32]

The hosts move on to preseason observations, highlighting standout performances and raising concerns about player roles and injuries.

• Andy Holloway praises David Montgomery's genuine performance in preseason:

  "I loved what I saw from David Montgomery in week two. It's genuine." ([10:53])

• Mike Wright expresses optimism about Jacoby Brissette potentially starting Week 1, citing his efficiency and role as a top backup:

  "He's one of my favorite backups in football. I think he's a top three backup." ([10:00])

• Jason Moore notes Andrew Luck’s participation in lateral drills, fueling speculation about his readiness:

  "My initial rankings of Josh Gordon... but now that he is back, the answer to who will fill in that hole the most is Josh Gordon." ([05:00])

The discussion also touches on Antonio Brown’s contentious situation with the Raiders, his impact on fantasy decisions, and the potential rise of Tyrell Williams as his successor.

• Mike Wright discusses Brown’s unpredictable future and its fantasy implications:

  "Once again proving the NFL right that... Drew Rosenhaus this morning comes out. He'll be back in camp soon. He hasn't really left camp. He just didn't come to practice." ([16:16])

• Jason Moore debates whether to take Brown, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding his availability:

  "Do you take him? Oh, man, it's not like there weren't question marks." ([17:20])

Mock Draft Analysis

Timestamp: [24:16]

The episode features a detailed 12-team mock draft conducted by the hosts, providing insights into their drafting strategies and player selections.

First Round

• Andy Holloway chooses Devonte Adams at the sixth pick, prioritizing a top-tier wide receiver to ensure reliability and volume:

  "I would take Devonte Adams, he's my number one ranked wide receiver, to get him at the six." ([27:38])

• Mike Wright opts for Joe Mixon, valuing his role as a primary running back despite some offensive line concerns:

  "My vote here would be Miles Sanders. Because of the stability of our team." ([38:21])

Second to Fourth Rounds

• The hosts continue building their rosters by selecting key running backs and wide receivers, balancing proven talent with potential breakout candidates. Notable picks include Chris Carson, Robert Woods, and Tevin Coleman.

• Jason Moore highlights the importance of balancing safety and upside in his selections:

  "I would rather take who I consider to be a stud wide receiver and that would be Robbie Anderson." ([46:14])

Later Rounds and Strategy

• The discussion delves into the complexities of the later rounds, where flexibility and depth become crucial. Players like Curtis Samuel, Marvin Jones, and Tariq Cohen are considered for their upside potential.

• Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of taking upside plays in the later rounds to maximize roster potential:

  "I would take the upside play. I think we've got the safety. You've got to crack this roster by breaking out and being something special." ([52:31])

• Mike Wright focuses on securing high-upside quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in the final rounds, acknowledging their late-round value:

  "Josh Allen, that is. It does not stand out as much as Lamar Jackson's been rising." ([55:40])

Draft Strategy and Player Evaluations

Timestamp: [37:04]

Throughout the mock draft, the hosts discuss their strategic approaches, weighing factors like player consistency, role in the offense, and injury history.

• Sammy Watkins, A.J. Green, and Robert Woods are highlighted as valuable wide receiver options, with emphasis on their roles and expected targets.

• Jason Moore contemplates the balance between securing a tight end and maximizing wide receiver depth:

  "With the construction of this roster, would you take someone who you consider safer in Marvin Jones or would you take the upside play of Curtis Samuel?" ([52:20])

• Andy Holloway advocates for taking high-upside players even in later rounds to ensure breakout potential:

  "I would take the upside play. I think we've got the safety." ([52:31])

The hosts also touch upon the importance of understanding team dynamics and player roles, advising listeners to stay adaptable during drafts.

Final Thoughts and Roster Overview

Timestamp: [61:35]

As the mock draft concludes, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of their assembled rosters, ensuring a balanced team with strong foundations in key positions.

• Andy Holloway summarizes their receiving and running back cores, highlighting depth and consistency:

  "Devonte Adams, Robert Woods, Robbie Anderson, Curtis Samuel, Dede Westbrook and Josh Gordon. That is a loaded receiving core." ([61:35])

• Mike Wright underscores the strategic balance between running backs and wide receivers, indicating readiness for upcoming waiver wire moves:

  "There's a lot of guaranteed production on this roster." ([40:51])

• Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of flexibility and preparedness to adjust strategies based on how the draft unfolds:

  "There's a wide receiver that looks great and there's a running back who looks great. I know what I'm doing." ([62:54])

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to engage with their content and participate in the ongoing fantasy football conversation.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway:

  "I want to caution people right now, as of right now, I believe he's full go for week one." ([07:02])

• Jason Moore:

  "I would rather take who I consider to be a stud wide receiver and that would be Robbie Anderson." ([46:14])

• Mike Wright:

  "We have a lot of guaranteed production on this roster." ([40:51])

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a deep dive into preseason developments and a strategic mock draft, equipping fantasy managers with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their leagues. From the reintegration of Josh Gordon to the final roster construction, the hosts provide invaluable insights and actionable advice tailored for both seasoned and novice fantasy football enthusiasts.