2021 For Reals Guys League Post-Draft Report
2021. New divisions, same players. Welcome to post-draft
results.
Things that have changed:
Divisions, two 6-team divisions with the idea that each
season two new captains will choose new divisions. Captains are chosen via
league champ and consolation bracket champ. This also means I had to hand make
the schedules again, which means you will have a few random people you have 2
matches against. Let me know if there are any inconsistencies and let me know
if you would like to keep this! We can
always go back to 3 divisions with 3 captains, either way the choice is yours!
No more IR spots. That was a dumb experiment and not even
implemented in the way ESPN spoke of in their own podcasts. So they’re gone.
They will not be coming back. For COVID interruptions we will continue the
process of making it known any potential substitutions prior to any games and I
can make the switch should a game get cancelled for COVID. Outside of a game
getting cancelled we’re just going to call it roster management.
Side note: If anyone is interested in becoming a co-commish
please let me know. I don’t mind still handling a lot of the work, but
sometimes questions/things come up and I’d like to have a second head to help
make decisions. If you wanted to do more (ie help write certain parts of the
write-up, record something, set up news, whatever) that would be welcome but
not necessary. I should have more time for these write-ups as my job now allows
for downtime.
These are the
projections that ESPN gives us. Some people have already moved without making
any add/drops. Why? I couldn’t say. Follow along with me as I take a look from
1-12 and judge why ESPN is so very very wrong. Also check that picture of the divisions, they have a playoff %, and it is tilting me as we speak.
QB: Aaron Rodgers (GB) and Matt Ryan (ATL).
Two former MVPs! Aaron Rodgers was
MVP as recently as last year even. Solid picks, upside with Aaron if he decides
to play as involved as last year, but some risk as well. The falling out
between Green Bay and Rodgers might mean that he is not as interested in
earning them a Super Bowl. Matt Ryan as depth should be okay if unexciting.
RB: Christian McCaffrey (CAR), Chase Edmonds (ARI), James
Conner (ARI), David Johnson (HOU), and Chuba Hubbard (CAR).
Assuming CMC stays healthy then
there isn’t much to worry about here. The main issue I see here is that you
have two teams RBs (CAR and ARI) and then David Johnson. That might be less
depth than needed, particularly with Arizona where their best RB might actually
be Kyler Murray. With that said, do you even need depth when you have CMC? Probably not.
WR: AJ Brown (TEN), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Brandon Aiyuk
(SF), Laviska Shenault Jr. (JAX), Mike Williams (LAC), AJ Green (ARI), and
Rondale Moore (ARI).
Interestingly enough, I traded both
AJ Brown and Justin Jefferson to Andrew last year for Kareem Hunt. That should
go to show you that sometimes trades do not work out for me. AJ Brown has the
talent to be the best WR in the league, but so much competition in Tannesee.
Justin Jefferson is a phenomenal route runner but gathering targets from “If I
die, I die” Cousins. Aiyuk and Shenault are both the exact opposite of AJ
Green, exciting young prospects with potential upside. Side note, if you trade
Aiyuk to Gary you might be able to get a good return. I do find it interesting
that you have every Arizona player except the three most exciting ones. You
missed out on Hopkins, Murray, and Dan Arnold.
TE: Mike Gesicki (MIA).
Big Mike! TE Tuna! TEs do kinda
stink, but I think it’s a pretty confident move to just have Gesicki on your
roster.
Grades by position:
QB: B
RB: B+
WR: B+
TE: C-
OVR: B-
Auto Draft Meister himself.
QB: Jalen Hurts (PHI), and Matthew Stafford (LAR)
Normally I don’t really like having
two QBs. Here I think auto draft did you a solid. Matt Stafford on the Rams may
be really good. Hurts can run for sure, but can a Philly receiver catch a pass?
Remains to be seen. I’m not a fan of Hurts, but since you’ve got Stafford no
worries. Auto draft also did not give you high level QBs back-to-back so that
is a plus.
RB: Antonio Gibson (WSH), D’Andre Swift (RB), Javonte
Williams (DEN), and Malcolm Brown (MIA).
This is a risky group. I like it,
but there is basically no floor. I was considering taking Antonio Gibson a
1.12, but (as the folks in Discord know) I became wrought with worry that he
was going to be CJ Spiller again. The risk is too rich for my blood, but if he
hits he could be the next CMC. D’Andre was a hell of a value where you picked
him up, and if he can buck the Lions RB trend you could have two strong RBs.
Then we get to Javonte, he just needs to move past Melvin Gordon and Royce
Freeman. Javonte had a killer first preseason game but cooled since then, he
could be a later season emergence. Malcolm Brown is what he is, and pretty
unexciting. May be better than Jordan Howard in the same role, maybe not. These
RBs are HUGE question marks, but if you get a positive answer you could be
sitting with one of the best groups.
WR: Robert Woods (LAR), Mike Evans (TB), Will Fuller (MIA),
Michael Gallup (DAL), Michael Thomas (NO), and T.Y. Hilton (IND).
This is the group that you can tell
was auto drafted. The reason I say that isn’t because they’re bad but because a
few have a similar problem: early availability. T.Y. Hilton, Michael Thomas,
and Will Fuller are all going to miss the first game. T.Y. and MT are likely
going to miss the first 4-6 games. I know I’m your competitor, so no reason to
listen to my advice, but maybe you should dump T.Y. It might not hurt that
much. Look at that possible lineup in the late season though. Michael Thomas,
Robert Woods, Mike Evans, and Will Fuller is solid. Also nice Stafford and
Woods stack.
TE: Travis Kelce (KC), Jonnu Smith (NE), and Hunter Henry
(NE).
The safest TE in the league. First
round draft capitol, and will it be worth it? It was likely having Kelce that
helped propel Alex to such a strong season last year, so he would likely say
yes. The real issue here is that auto draft still ended up using 2 other picks
on tight ends, and grabbed both your backups from the same team. That’s depth
that’s highly unnecessary. The good news is, you know who will be in your tight
end slot every week.
Grades by position:
QB: C+
RB: B
WR: B-
TE: A (because of Kelce, would be lower for carrying 3 TEs)
OVR: B
Two man draft show in the park.
QB: Patrick Mahomes (KC), and Baker Mayfield (CLE).
What is this, point per
commercial? If so, you certainly will
end up with the top 2 QBs. In all seriousness, you spent big on Mahomes getting
the first QB off the board. Then you spent a much later draft position on
Baker. I’m not a fan of holding two QBs when you are not streaming but I know
you’ve been burnt by Mahomes’ injuries in the past. I like Baker as a potential
top QB, but really are you ever going to use him? He’s a QB on a run-first
team. If he’s ever plugged in over Mahomes I’m going to laugh and point it out.
RB: Derrick Henry (TEN), Myles Gaskin (MIA), Zack Moss
(BUF), Phillip Lindsay (HOU), Gio Bernard (TB), and Ty Johnson (NYJ).
Derrick Henry and the Murky
Situations. I wanted that to sound like a band name, but I don’t think it did.
Anyway, you got Derrick Henry – king of 200 yard games, foe of pass catching –
and then kind of punted RB. Not a terrible strategy, and there is potential
that any or all of these RBs remains serviceable for you. With that said, get
some Pepto ready because if you’re watching this committees you’re going to be
frustrated at some point. Dolphins have Gaskin, Brown, and Ahmed as a three
headed committee. Buffalo still doesn’t understand when to use Singletary,
Moss, or just let Allen hero ball it. Houston has Lindsay, DJ, Mark Ingram, and
Rex Burkhead. Tampa has Gio, Fournette, and RoJo. The Jets have Ty Johnson,
Michael Carter, and Tevin Coleman. If you get the top RB in like 2 of those
you’re good, but are you confident that is the case?
WR: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Kenny
Golladay (NYG), Henry Ruggs III (LV), Marquez Callaway (NO), and Gabe Davis
(BUF).
A lot of unrealized potential in this
group. At some point you’ll have to hope that potential meets production. Lamb
is highly touted and could have a large share of the pie in Dallas. Sutton is a
forgotten about but very talented WR that could do great with Bridgewater.
Kenny G is set to “receive” passes from Daniel Jones but I’m not convinced that
will happen much. Ruggs and Callaway are breakouts waiting to happen, and Davis
was a great compliment to Diggs on the outside in Buffalo. I’m seeing a similar
issue in your WRs that I saw in your RBs – a lack of guarantee that they are
“the guy” on their team. If you got the correct receiver you are going to be
okay, but if you got the wrong one – yikes.
TE: Darren Waller (LV).
What’s there to say? You got the
best tight end in the NFL. Enjoy watching this guy dominate some line backers.
Grades by position:
QB: A-
RB: B-
WR: B
TE: A
OVR: B+
His Gamertag is: Vikingiceman
QB: Dak Prescott (DAL), and Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)
Dak was phenomenal before
destroying his leg last year. While his team should be even a little better
than before, it has to be a little concerning that Dak just got back to
throwing in practice like two weeks ago. So I provide that because this is a
situation where I think having a second QB is a great idea, and Tua has the
opportunity to do really well. I hear Waddle can really run (get it?!), Fuller
is amazing when healthy, and there is still Parker and Gesicki. My point being
I think this is a good pairing. Right amount of risk and right amount of
upside. Of course that’s assuming that Watson is not traded to the Dolphins.
RB: James Robinson (JAX), Miles Sanders (PHI), Leonard
Fournette (TB), Jamaal Williams (DET), Carlos Hyde (JAX), and Tevin Coleman
(NYJ).
JRob! I like that pick a lot, and
then kind of dislike every single other one here. James Robinson is really good
at running the football, as is Miles Sanders. The problem with Sanders and
Fournette isn’t that they lack skills, it’s that they lack gumption. They’re
soft! Sanders only does long run plays, if it’s less than 50 yards he gives up
behind the line. Fournette will not let any weapon formed against him not
prosper. That includes his ability to beat out Gio and Rojo. Hyde and Coleman
are strong waiver candidates week 3, and Jamaal Williams could be a good pick
if Swift misses time.
WR: Tyreek Hill (KC), Amari Cooper (DAL), Ja’Marr Chase
(CIN), Marquise Brown (BAL), and Jalen Reagor (PHI).
Have you ever heard that I really
dislike Tyreek Hill? I am so happy that he was the first WR off the board which
allowed me to take Adams. For that, I thank you. Tyreek broke his son’s arm and
punched his pregnant girlfriend’s stomach. Have I mentioned that before? I
likely will every season. Anyway! Cooper and Dak connection should be good, but
Chase and Brown worry me fairly significantly. Chase is having some serious
rust/drop/hasn’t played in forever issues and got drafted seemingly just to
screw with Tee Higgins stardom. Brown was actually asking to be traded before
he hashed things out with Lamar, following which nothing changed. Reagor I’m
into, he could be solid and he is cheap.
TE: Mark Andrews (BAL), and Evan Engram (NYG).
Mark Andrews should be great, but
you have too many receiving options for a QB that runs all the time. Engram got
injured while we are drafting, I haven’t heard anything additionally which
means it is not likely to be a season long injury, but it sucks to start the
season this way.
Grades by position:
QB: A
RB: C+
WR: C
TE: B+
OVR: B-
QB: Josh Allen (BUF), and Ryan Fitzpatrick (WSH).
I’m going to drop a quote from Pro
Football Focus here that relays some statistics. Now this is from 2019 and
things change all the time, but this I think is relevant, “As the quarterback
position has gotten deeper (last year’s QB12 would have been QB5 in 2009; the
QB12 in 2009 would have been QB18 in 2018), there has logically been more
turnover at the various slots. From 2009 to 2013, at least two quarterbacks
repeated as a top-five fantasy performer each year, averaging 2.4 repeaters per
year. Since then, only two quarterbacks total have repeated in the top-five —
Russell Wilson in 2014-15 and Kirk Cousins in 2016-2017.” Article
here.
I paste that over not to worry you
about Josh Allen but… actually it is to worry you about Josh Allen. I don’t
follow most things PFF says about drafting and players, but I trust it here.
Maybe the rushing upside may change this statistic, or maybe Josh is the player
to break it. Either way, someone will be busting some tables. Fitzpatrick is a
better starter however than some other people’s QBs so overall you should feel
fairly good.
RB: Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Chris Carson (SEA), Raheem
Mostert (SF), Kenyan Drake (LV), and Cordarrelle Paterson (ATL).
Chris Carson is a great runner with
one question, how many games will he play? Raheem Mostert is a phenomenal
runner with one question, how many games will he play? Ezekiel Elliott, when
his team needed him the most last year, fumbled 3 times. Is Zeke actually that
good, or is he just used a ton because they paid him so much? I remember early
on in his career he had a strong o-line, but he doesn’t anymore and there are
too many receivers in Dallas. I dunno, but it wasn’t a bad pick just not my
favorite. If Drake can do more with the Jalen Richard role in Oakland’s offense
than he might be in for a good year, Derek Carr really likes to throw to RBs
not named Josh Jacobs. Corduroy might get you some points for a game or two
this season.
WR: Calvin Ridley (ATL), Odell Beckham Jr (CLE), Michael
Pittman Jr. (IND), Cole Beasley (BUF), Elijah Moore (NYJ), and Emmanuel Sanders
(BUF).
Calvin Ridley is a good route
runner. I watched some of his highlights and it was interesting that he never
really seemed fast or strong, but he was always open. What more is there really
to say about Odell that hasn’t been said? If he can stay healthy and the Browns
agree to pass some, he’ll probably do great but I’m just not sure it happens.
If it does, that’s a steal at where you got him. Michael Pittman has the
potential to be Carson Wentz’ top receiver, something that was last said with
optimism about Alshon Jeffery, but could work out well this year. I like
Pittman a lot. Beasley is a serious risk for suspension or retirement as the
spokesperson for anti-vax/anti-mask. Moore and Sanders are both okay bench
pieces, maybe Moore can be WR1 for Zach “Goat” Wilson.
TE: George Kittle (SF), and Rob Gronkowski (TB).
“Insert 49ers player” is good but
just cannot stay healthy. Has it occurred to anyone that maybe the 49ers should
bring Chip Kelly back just for conditioning? He could be the CCP – Conditioning
coordinator and practitioner. Anyway, Kittle is high upside but low
availability, and I would say Gronk might match that same pattern. Gronk really
picked it up at the end of last year, and there is a chance he continues where
that left off.
Grades by position:
QB: B
RB: C+
WR: A-
TE: A-
OVR: B
Back in California.
QB: Lamar Jackson (BAL), and Trevor Lawrence (JAX).
Man I remember when owning Lamar
Jackson was the best thing in town. He was constantly scoring 30+ points,
running all over people and just generally owning the idea that he was “more
than an RB.” But somewhere along the lines this thinking has changed. Can he
get back to that chip on his shoulder dominance? Or did winning an MVP somehow
soften his edge? I suppose we will find out, and it may be tough sledding
without JK Dobbins, without Rashod Bateman, with a Hollywood Brown that has
only just started practicing. But when he was dominating it was pretty awesome.
The only two things I will mention about Trevor Lawrence are: he looks like a
supervillain in a frat movie, and I want Urban Meyer to succeed solely because
of his last name.
RB: Saquon Barkley (NYG), David Montgomery (CHI), Devin
Singletary (BUF), Devontae Booker (NYG), and Tarik Cohen (CHI).
Autodraft had you grab Barkley at
1.05. Alex, or maybe it was Ory, mentioned that this allowed some pieces to
fall. I wish to personally thank you for that. This is a good scenario to also
have the handcuff, and Devontae Booker is not bad. Now David Montgomery is a
good RB2, solid and hopefully a bit better than he was with Trubisky. Their
o-line isn’t good, but it might not matter much because the other Bear you have
on your team is hurt. Is Cohen going to play? I feel like he might not, and
that he’s a particularly bad handcuff to have. Now Devin Singletary as your
only non-New York or Chicago RB is worrisome. I think owning a Bills RB is like
owning Doge Coin, it sounds good but it also is never realized and basically
doesn’t actually do anything. So enjoy watching Singletary pass block for 18
snaps in a row.
WR: DK Metcalf (SEA), Adam Thielen (MIN), Julio Jones (TEN),
DeVonta Smith (PHI), and Curtis Samuel (WSH).
I think the quality of this corps
rest in two spots: Julio Jones and DeVonta Smith. If Julio is the same WR of
old, this group can challenge for best in the league. If Julio and DeVonta are
both great than it will be the best group in the league. If they aren’t it
still looks pretty solid. DK Metcalf should be pretty good, not consistent but
that’s asking a bit much. Thielen should be great as long as Cousins is playing
and particularly while Irv Smith is out. I don’t think there are many worries
when looking at this group. That’s not to mention the potential upside of
Curtis Samuel. I don’t think he did too great with Ron Rivera before, but he
has had time to work on things and Fitzpatrick is likely the best QB he’s
played with.
TE: Noah Fant (DEN), Dallas Goedert (PHI), and Zach Ertz
(PHI).
I like Fant as a talent but I’m
curious to see if he can really pull it altogether here. His preseason injury is
worrisome because there has been no real news. Eh maybe I’m worried about
nothing… Something wonderful here is your pickups of both Goedert and Zach
Ertz. I do not think the space on your squad, not both anyways. I know you
should feel free to disagree, and I hope that you do and hold onto them until
it is clear which one is the lead TE.
Grades by position:
QB: B
RB: C+
WR: A
TE: D
OVR: C+
QB: Ryan Tannehill (TEN), and Kirk Cousins (MIN).
If AJ Brown is phenomenal, and
Julio Jones is his old self, and Derrick Henry falls off just a little bit,
Tannehill will be top 5. There’s just no way around this. If I hadn’t been
enamored by Herbert (from Eugene!) then I likely would have reached for
Tannehill. However, Matt having Tannehill in Tennessee is wildly on-brand at
this point. That makes it three years straight? I don’t know that I would
bother rostering Kirk though.
RB: Alvin Kamara (NO), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC), Ronald
Jones (TB), Darrel Williams (KC), and Tony Jones Jr. (NO).
Alvin should be great, but as we
saw two years ago that’s not set in stone. Does it matter if it is Taysom or
Jameis if they have no one to throw to? I think Clyde is capped in upside
because of Mahomes. I’ve often heard it said the other way, that they should be
able to get plenty of TDs because of his efficiency, but I think that means if
CEH doesn’t score a TD right away then they’re just going to throw it every
time. Did Fournette do enough during last years’ playoffs to solidify his
starting role? Is Gio Bernard a good enough receiver to take that work from
RoJo? Those are the only questions I have in regards to RoJo’s value. Darrel
and Tony and handcuffs and nothing more.
WR: Keenan Allen (LAC), Robby Anderson (CAR), Tyler Boyd
(CIN), Brandin Cooks (HOU), Corey Davis (NYJ), Tyrell Williams (DET), and
Sterling Shepard (NYG).
This list reads like a complete
experts guide to overlooked receivers. Keenan will be great as long as Yuriy’s
vision of “he’s just going to get hurt” does not come to pass. Can’t predict
injuries unless you are Yuriy. Anderson was going lower than DJ Moore, despite
the fact that his old QB, Darnold, is now in town and they just paid Anderson.
Boyd is unfortunately buried suddenly on the depth chart by Higgins and Chase,
but if he keeps his slot work should catch a lot of balls. Cooks is on a team
no one even wishes to think about. Speaking of the Texans, their new head coach
David Culley was the passing game coordinator for the Ravens the last two
years. Was there an easier job than the passing game coordinator for the
Ravens? They don’t even really pass often, and when they do it’s a seam route
to Mandrews. Corey Davis hitting the Jets might be great, he’s going to be Zach
Wilson’s first or second read. Tyrell was once a good player, then he went to
the Raiders and they gave his strength to Nelson Agholor. Sterling Shepard is
literally Julianne Moore’s character from The Forgotten.
TE: TJ Hockenson (DET).
There’s something about his picture
on ESPN that makes me really worried he’s joined some sort of cult. Like he
looks like he’s been living on a resort in some far away island contemplating
the stars and how the real prophet was his best friend all along. That might
just be the Jared Goff influence I suppose. He should be solid? He could
breakout but I think worst case he does fine.
I do like that you did not draft a second TE.
Grades by position:
QB: B+
RB: C+
WR: B
TE: B+
OVR: B
QB: Kyler Murray (ARI).
Kyler should be fun to watch. Not
only that you have the stack with Hopkins which is sure to get you some giant
plays that look like something out of the circus. I do want to send you to my
dad’s notes and read the same blurb under Josh Allen, it also applies here. I’m
glad you didn’t pick up Baker as a backup this time, when you shoot your shot
on a QB like this you gotta fully commit.
RB: Dalvin Cook (MIN), Kareem Hunt (CLE), Darrell Henderson
Jr. (LAR), Melvin Gordon III (DEN), Tony Pollard (DAL), Alexander Mattison
(MIN), and Damien Williams (CHI).
From the start I’ll establish that
every RB after Melvin Gordon will not be discussed. I also think that
handcuffing RBs that are not your own is a roster spot lost, but that’s
personal preference! If Cook stays healthy and does not lose his hamstring he
will do right by you, he’s a phenomenal runner. Kareem Hunt was a joy to have
when Chubb was out, and very OK once he was back. I’d expect mid RB2 numbers
each week (10-13 points). Henderson is interesting… Does he give up work to
Sony Michel? I think the Rams will be good, but I wonder if it’ll be through
their running game. The fact that they traded for Michel to me signals
something of a lack of faith, especially combined with the drafting of Akers
last year. Melvin Gordon is interesting. I think he’s being written off pretty
fast for Williams. It was what, 2 years ago that Gordon was elite? Well, that
was before a DUI and before Lindsay looked better, but Gordon is also the
higher paid RB. We will see.
WR: DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), Terry McLaurin (WSH), Marvin
Jones Jr (JAX), Jarvis Landry (CLE), Mecole Hardman (KC), and Hunter Renfrow
(LV).
DeAndre Hopkins and Terry McLaurin
should be great. Hopkins and that Kyler stack will be fun to watch. McLaurin
and Fitzpatrick should also be fun to watch. After that, I don’t like any of
the receiver options you have. Marvin Jones is already hurt, in an Urban Meyer
offense, and getting throws from a rookie behind an awful line. Jarvis is a
possession receiver on a team that likes to move the chains by running the
football and has low passing volume (mind you he is still a good talent).
Mecole is bleh on a team that has its success really predicated on three
players that are not him. Hunter is a good receiver but will the volume be
there? I’m not sure it will. Top heavy can work though, and the top two in this
group are good ‘uns.
TE: Austin Hooper (CLE).
How the mighty have fallen. One of
the top TEs of two years ago left to the bottom of the draft. Do you think that
he can return value if Landry and Hunt do also? Basically a zero-risk pick, but
this is a bold one to have as your only tight end.
Grades by position:
QB: A
RB: B+
WR: B
TE: D
OVR: B-
The champ returns.
QB: Tom Brady (TB), and Trey Lance (SF).
Yin and yang, young and old. Tom
Brady entered into his rookie season in 2000 backing up some old guy. Trey
Lance is going into his rookie season backing up some GQ guy. That GQ guy is
none-other-than the man drafted to replace Tom Brady in 2014 because Tom was
getting old and washed up. That was 7 years ago Trey Lance was 14! 14 is the
year that Jimmy G was drafted to replace Tom Brady! 14 plus 7 is 21, Trey
Lance’s age when you drafted him to replace Tom Brady. Freaky. Tom Brady was a
6th round pick, Trey was a 1st. Anyway, Trey might not
pan out but that’s okay because you have “father time” on your side.
RB: Aaron Jones (GB), Josh Jacobs (LV), Gus Edwards (BAL),
Trey Sermon (SF), and AJ Dillon (GB).
This is a pretty TD dependent
group. Aaron Jones has done phenomenal in the past based on high volumes of
TDs, and he catches a lot so solid RB1. Josh Jacobs on the other hand is an
awesome runner and pretty good receiver that Gruden refuses to give more work
to, so you have to hope that they get TDs, which is not always the case. Gus
Bus is a strong runner but was never really relevant fantasy wise due to volume
and TDs. Will the Ravens give him the volume that Dobbins was set to get, or
will they instead keep him in his role and give that role to someone else?
Sermon and Dillon are backups that need injuries most likely to get the 1st
team reps necessary to be relevant.
WR: Stefon Diggs (BUF), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Chase Claypool
(PIT), Darnell Mooney (CHI), Nelson Agholor (NE), and Randall Cobb (GB).
Can you imagine having to figure
out who in this group is going to boom every week? Diggs theoretically should
be pretty stable, and Agholor will be stable in that way where he just doesn’t
score points. Outside of that Lockett and Claypool and Mooney figure to be good
but likely on alternating weeks. You remember that time you took Martavis
Bryant?
TE: Tyler Higbee (LAR)
The idea that Stafford loves his
tight ends is pretty curious to me. Let’s look at the list.
2009.
Brandon Pettigrew – 30 catches
2010.
Stafford out, Shaun Hill tossing the rock.
2011.
Brandon Pettigrew – 83 catches
2012.
Brandon Pettigrew – 59 catches
2013.
Brandon Pettigrew – 41 catches
2014.
Brandon Pettigrew – 10 catches
2015.
Eric Ebron – 47 catches
2016.
Eric Ebron – 61 catches
2017.
Eric Ebron – 53 catches
2018.
Levine Toilolo – 21 catches
2019.
TJ Hockenson – 32 catches
2020.
TJ Hockenson – 67 catches
Some of these years are quite good,
but not always. And this is with 1st round, high draft capital tight
ends in Ebron and Hockenson. Mind you Higbee has been okay before, but I wonder
if this narrative might be a little overblown.
Grades by position:
QB: A-
RB: B+
WR: A-
TE: C
OVR: B+
INSERT CHAMPIONSHIP PIE CHART HERE
QB: Justin Herbert (LAC)
The mullet from Eugene! The greatest rookie season ever, surely followed up by the greatest QB season ever. LAC still loses to the Raiders twice this season.
RB: Najee Harris (PIT), Damien Harris (NE), Michael Carter
(NYJ), Ty’Son Williams (BAL), J.D. McKissic (WSH), and Rhamondre Stevenson
(NE).
The Harris' are known for the pain they inflict upon opponents by scoring many times. Ty'Son is clearly going to win his job, and Rhamondre Stevenson has already been crowned the winner of preseason.
WR: Davante Adams (GB), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Jerry Jeudy
(DEN), Antonio Brown (TB), Jakobi Meyers (NE), Bryan Edwards (LV), and Terrace
Marshall Jr. (CAR).
You guys know we can start 4 WRs every game? And you still let me get Adams at the turn? Cool. Everything else is just gravy. Also, I do still hate Antonio Brown, but he's a generationally great WR that has had an offseason to get into the groove with... Tom Brady. Cool.
Rookie TEs aren't good right? Well, good thing Kyle Pitts wears number 8 and is going to be "Rookie Julio Jones replacement." GOAT.
Grades by position:
QB: A
RB: A
WR: A
TE: A
OVR: A
QB: Russell Wilson (SEA)
I’m sure you know the drill by now.
Russell Wilson gets off to a hot start making everyone think he is the best QB
in the league, drinks a bit too much
miracle water, and falls off near the end of the season. He’ll finish pretty
high again and the Seahawks will lose the division to the Rams.
RB: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Mike Davis
(ATL), Nyheim Hines (IND), James White (NE), and Latavius Murray (NO).
In case you haven’t seen it and
would like an Ekeler signed jersey, check
this link here (only problem is, you have to win games to get the
opportunity). I hope he’s going to be good, since he catches so many passes
when he scores Herbert scores. Jonathan Taylor was apparently better than I
remembered, I legit thought he was kind of bad. Looking at his stats it looks
like his last few games were good, but I think with the Carson Wentz situation
being so volatile and the offensive line being in-and-out of practice might
throw a few wrenches in the plans this season. OR it could mean they lean heavy
on Taylor. Mike Davis filled in really
admirably for CMC last season, and now he gets to take a chance on a team that
made Todd Gurley’s corpse relevant. James White, your old friend, is still
around but he looks a lot slower than he used to. With Cam out of the picture
though there are some TDs up for grabs. Hines and Murray hopefully will not see
your starting lineup.
WR: DJ Moore (CAR), Chris Godwin (TB), JuJu Smith-Schuster
(PIT), Deebo Samuel (SF), DeVante Parker (MIA), and Jamison Crowder (NYJ).
Godwin is back! This is, third
season in a row? You keep your namesake
and get to hold onto Chris Godwin the reception Goblin. I think he’s a lock for
an okay year and his range of outcomes is WR1 to WR36, depending on the way Tom
Brady feels. DJ Moore was my most annoying add of the year. He’s a phenomenal
WR, but Carolina prefers Robby Anderson. Maybe it was a Teddy thing, but there
were so many plays where DJ was wide open and then Teddy threw to a
double-covered Anderson instead. It was wildly frustrating, especially because
DJ Moore would make wild plays every time the ball was in his hand. He’s got
all the potential in the world. Juju, DeVante, and Jamison could all be solid
but it’s like the hits from yesterday. Juju did resign with the Steelers, which
I figure is a bit odd considering his usage but a good sign they both think
this is a positive relationship. DeVante is in an odd spot, not a bad receiver
but they’ve recreated their whole entire receiving unit, which seems like it
may be a logistical demotion. Crowder I like in this spot. Zach Wilson has new
receivers but Crowder is a proven slot asset, so he’ll get some run. Deebo I
have basically no opinion on because he cannot stay healthy, I think he’s
opposed to staying healthy.
TE: Robert Tonyan (GB), and Gerald
Everett (SEA).
I’m not particularly enthused by
this combination. I can see where the upside comes from, Tonyan had 1 (or 2)
great games and Aaron Rodgers can make almost anyone fantasy relevant if he
really tries. Everett looked pretty good in LA and is getting an upgrade at QB.
My worry is that GB brought back Cobb, likely for the slot role, and that takes
away from TE targets. Everett still has to share time with Dissly, and Wilson
has been shown to really like to throw to Dissly. There is potential upside but
I don’t think a lot.
Grades by position:
QB: B
RB: B+
WR: A-
TE: C
OVR: B
QB: Joe Burrow (CIN), and Ben Roethlisberger (PIT).
Burrow off a serious knee injury
and throwing wildly inaccurately in the preseason to three receivers that
should be good, but have a case of the drops, behind an awful o-line. Sounds good.
Backed up by Ben Roethlisberger, an ancient bar bathroom crawler, who
admittedly has looked good in the preseason. I’m going to ask this question
here, but it applies mostly throughout, what’s going on with the Ohio hype? Was
it planned?
RB: Nick Chubb (CLE), Joe Mixon (CIN), Sony Michel (LAR),
and Qadree Ollison (ATL).
OHIO HYPE! GET THAT MIDWEST
FEELING! Chubb and Mixon. So Chubb is a great runner, but Hunt means he’s not
likely to catch a ton of passes. Whatever though, solid pick should finish in
the top 12 barring injury. Mixon however. God I’m sorry. Like, you’re my friend,
and I feel like I need to save you from the pain you have signed yourself up
for. Sometimes though you just need to feel that pain for yourself to
understand. Like the child sticking their finger into the light socket, you
drafted Joe Mixon. I only hope that it is safe enough that you don’t die. Considering your depth at this particular
spot, I’m not certain you’ll make it.
WR: Allen Robinson II (CHI), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Tee
Higgins (CIN), DJ Chark Jr (JAX), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Russell Gage (ATL), and
Parris Campbell (IND).
Does this group make up for taking
Joe Mixon? The answer is…. Maybe. ARob is quietly a solid receiver and it’s
likely that the receptions he makes are better with Dalton and Fields than they
were with Mitch and Foles. Diontae gets 14 million targets a game, until he
randomly gets hurt on the first play. I liked owning Diontae a lot last season,
but he definitely single-handedly lost me 2 games. However if he stays healthy
he’s likely a WR1, maybe even top 5. Tee Higgins was also awesome to own last
season BUT they went out and drafted another receiver with ridiculously high
draft capital. Less targets means less points, and it really is a shame. Chark and Waddle are both dart throws that
could be great, so I approve here. Chark getting replaced so thoroughly in Jax
seems unlikely since Chark is actually a really good receiver. Gage and Campbell are two fine “what-if” WR2s
that provide good depth when needed if they pan out.
TE: Logan Thomas (WSH), and Anthony Firkser (TEN).
I hear Logan Thomas was good for
TEs last season, but I don’t remember that. Either way, seems to be a solid
pick. Firkser is a good dart throw also I guess. Lots of mouths to feed with
very little food in Tennessee.
Grades by position:
QB: C-
RB: C-
WR: B+
TE: C
OVR: C
So what does that break down to? Let's take a look at the 2021 power rankings post-draft.
POWER RANKINGS
- Nic (Draft Grade: A, ESPN ranking 10th).
- Alex (Draft Grade: B+, ESPN ranking 9th)
- Ory and Daniel (Draft Grade: B+, ESPN ranking 3rd)
- Jake (Draft Grade: B, ESPN ranking 11th)
- Gary (Draft Grade: B, ESPN ranking 5th)
- Matt (Draft Grade: B, ESPN ranking 7th)
- Val (Draft Grade: B, ESPN ranking 2nd)
- Yuriy (Draft Grade: B-, ESPN ranking 1st)
- Pender (Draft Grade: B-, ESPN ranking 8th)
- Cone (Draft Grade: B-, ESPN ranking 4th)
- D-Smith (Draft Grade: C+, ESPN ranking 6th)
- Andrew (Draft Grade: C, ESPN ranking 12th)
