Guide to the Perfect Fantasy Draft

The following is a strategy to be implemented in your fantasy draft, whenever it may be, in order for you to contend for a championship. I will break down rounds 1-10 instead of the entire draft because the last rounds are less critical.

Round 1: Your goal here, regardless of draft position, is to get your consistent highlight reel player. More specifically, you want to grab a top 5 running back if available. Guys like Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte, and Eddie Lacy are must haves if you can get them. The only other viable running back options for the late half of the first round are MarShawn Lynch (who is a great risk because of being a hold out and getting less of a workload) and Monte Ball. Guys like Jimmy Graham, Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas, or AJ Green are very solid first round picks. You can't go wrong with any of these top tier pass catchers.

Round 2: You are still looking at getting a running back, even if you already drafted one in the round prior. HOWEVER, NEVER OVERDRAFT A GUY LIKE ARIAN FOSTER. You are looking for a guy like Giovanni Bernard here. DO NOT take a quarterback unless Peyton Manning is available. You can get a Nick Foles or Tom Brady way later and stock up on your RBs and WRs. If you drafted a receiver in the first, you need to target a running back pretty much without a doubt here. 

Round 3: Get your Wide Receiver here. Its plain and simple. More specifically get CORDARELLE PATTERSON or a guy like Antonio Brown. If you need a 2nd or even 1st running back then grab Andre Ellington if he is there. 

Round 4: Receiver or Gronk/Cameron. You can get a Larry Fitz or a top tier tight end in the 4th round. If you do happen to miss on a top tight end then wait a couple rounds for someone, never overdraft a bad tight end.

Round 5: A Wide Receiver here should round out your main squad of point makers. By this point, in a perfect world, you will have 2 RBs  and 3 WRs or 2 WRs and 1 TE. Get a receiver like Michael Floyd.

Round 6: Quarterback time! Get Nick Foles, Brady, RG3, or Kaepernick.

Round 7: Back up Running Back, get someone like Ben Tate to solidify your running back corps and put in the flex if your league has a flex position.

Round 8: Get Greg Olsen or Kyle Rudolph. You can get whatever tight end you want here but those two are my personal favorites. 

Round 9: Get another Receiver or a top defense.

Round 10: Get a breakout sleeper like Zach Ertz or maybe even Johnny Manziel.

Fantasy Football Focus

In past years we have seen a large number of premier running backs who have been selected through the first couple rounds. The focus of many teams was to get their two starting running backs in the first two rounds. Those days are gone. Yes there are some elite running backs that should be taken early, but once you pass the top 5 it's almost not worth taking a running back over a reciever. The receiver pool is incredibly deep this year when talking about elite talent. Recievers are starting to outscore running backs as a whole. For this year in particular, there is no need to draft a player like Montee Ball over AJ Green or Brandon Marshall. Most of the teams that you see making that reach for a running back who hasn't proven himself will likely suffer and regret their decision. The smart move in your draft this year is to grab one top running back if he's there, then get an elite quarterback or reciever. If you find yourself missing on Adrian Peterson then picking Peyton Manning followed by two receivers is a great move. There are running backs like Andre Ellington that are going between rounds 4-7 that will fit the bill just as well as some of the running backs being over drafted. 

Fantasy Football Rankings

Here's my top 10 for each fantasy position in the 2014 season. 

Fantasy Football Rankings

QBs

1. Drew Brees

2. Aaron Rodgers 

3. Peyton Manning

4. Colin Kaepernick

5. Matthew Stafford 

6. Matt Ryan

7. Andrew Luck 

8. Tom Brady

9. Cam Newton

10. Nick Foles

RBs

1. Jamaal Charles 

2. LeSean McCoy

3. Adrian Peterson

4. Matt Forte 

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Eddie Lacy

7. Montee Ball

8. Arian Foster

9. DeMarco Murray

10. Doug Martin

WRs

1. Calvin Johnson

2. Demaryius Thomas

3. Brandon Marshall

4. Julio Jones 

5. AJ Green

6. Dez Bryant

7. Jordy Nelson

8. Alshon Jeffery 

9. Antonio Bryant 

10. Michael Crabtree

TEs

1. Jimmy Graham 

2. Julius Thomas

3. Vernon Davis

4. Rob Gronkowski

5. Jordan Cameron

6. Jordan Reed

7. Dennis Pitta

8. Jason Witten

9. Eric Ebron

10. Kyle Rudolph

2014 Rookie QB Class Predictions

This year's QB class is a solid one in my book but it's looking like (for the majority of players) they will spend the season riding the bench. Most of the top quarterbacks are pretty raw, so it makes sense to some extent. The problem I have with some of these teams sitting their guys, is that most teams really need to start winning. Specifically the Jaguars and Browns, neither of which have made the playoffs in years. Here are my predictions for the rookie quarterbacks this season.

Will start immediately: Teddy Bridgewater

Will start at some point this year: Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, Tom Savage

Will spend this year developing, but will start after a couple seasons: Derek Carr, Logan Thomas, Jimmy Garoppolo

Has potential to start but most likely backup material: Aaron Murray, AJ McCaron, Zach Mettenberger, Tajh Boyd

Fantasy Football: Rookies to Watch

Everyone looks for those gems to fill their roster spots near the end of the draft. These are a couple rookies who I think are worth drafting to plug into your as needed. 

Bishop Sankey RB Titans: Sankey is an incredible back who can do it all. He is replacing Chris Johnson and will get a good amount of carries. He already has the chance to start or at least split time with Shonn Greene. 

Jordan Matthews WR Eagles: This is a dynamic receiver who will take Jackson's place. He will immediately make an impact and have good production. 

Mike Evans WR Bucs: Mike Evans will thrive as teams double team Vincent Jackson. He is in a great situation to produce in Mike Williams's spot. 

2015 Super Bowl

After watching the draft and seeing the moves by each team in free agency, I am ready to predict my Super Bowl champs.

This year I think the 49ers will return to the SuperBowl to represent the NFC, after missing it last year, and the Broncos will represent the AFC. The 49ers have added incredible depth defensively through the draft and have added offense through trades. The trade for Stevie Johnson, along with the addition of Carlos Hyde, make this offense scary. The Broncos on the other hand are simply the best team in the AFC. They added many difference makers defensively through free agency and also added a pair of young recievers. Cody Latimer has a chance to start and produce this year for the Broncos at receiver.

My Super Bowl winner........The 49ers. They will beat the Broncos with their defense and their additions on offense.

NFL Draft: First Round Winners

Well the draft last night was completely different than expected, as it usually is, and some teams in particular really will benefit from their decisions. 

Browns: The Browns got an all star corner to line up across from Joe Hayden and got their future franchise quarterback in Johnny Manziel. Manziel makes the Browns contenders. If they draft a receiver in the second round, then the NFL will have to watch out for this offense. 

Vikings: The Vikings traded around like the Browns did and ended up landing a top tier outside linebacker and their quarterback of the future. Teddy Bridgewater fits very well here and being picked at 32 gives the Vikings great value. 

Jaguars: The jags got their franchise quarterback and fill the biggest hole on their team. This team has had talent for a long time but never had an effective quarterback. Look for them to fill more holes in the upcoming rounds and start becoming competitive. 

Final Mock Draft

The draft is tomorrow and this is my last mock draft.

1. Texans: Jadeveon Clowney DE
2. Lions: (Trade) Sammy Watkins WR
3. Jaguars: Johnny Manziel QB
4. Browns: Greg Robinson OT
5. Raiders: Mike Evans WR
6. Falcons: Jake Matthews OT
7. Buccaneers: Blake Bortles QB
8. Vikings: Khalil Mack OLB 
9. Bills: Eric Ebron TE
10. Rams: (Trade down) Taylor Lewan OT
11. Titans: Justin Gilbert CB
12. Giants: Aaron Donald DT
13. Rams: Haha Clinton-Dix FS
14. Bears: Calvin Pryor FS
15. Steelers: Darqueze Dennard CB
16. Cowboys: Anthony Barr OLB
17. 49ers: (Trade) Odell Beckham Jr. WR
18. Jets: Kelvin Benjamin WR
19. Dolphins: Zack Martin OT
20. Cardinals: CJ Mosely ILB
21. Packers: Ryan Shazier OLB
22. Eagles: Marqise Lee WR
23. Chiefs: Brandin Cooks WR
24. Bengals: Bradley Roby CB
25. Chargers: Kyle Fuller CB
26. Brown: Derek Carr QB
27. Saints: Jason Verrett CB
28. Panthers: Cody Latimer WR
29. Patriots: Ra'Shede Hageman DT
30. Ravens: (Trade Down) Joel Bintonio OT
31. Broncos: Kony Ealy DE
32. Seahawks: Xavier Su'a-Filo OG

Last Minute NFL Draft Rumors

There are only three days until the NFL Draft and some new rumors are starting to come to the surface.

Eagles Trading up: There is a rumor that the Eagles will try to trade up for Odell Beckham Jr. This would be a great move, depending on what Philly is willing to give up, that gives the Eagles a replacement for Jackson.

Cowboys Trading Down: Jerry Jones is hoping that Johnny Manziel falls to their pick so they can trade down with a team wanting to draft him. Being in a spot that is too late for the top safeties and corners, along with a possibility of not having Anthony Barr fall to them makes the Cowboys try to move back.

Browns Drafting Johnny Manziel: There are reports that the Browns will grab Manziel at 4 if he is still there. This may be a smoke screen because of reports earlier in the year that the Browns were no longer interested in Manziel. All we know is Manziel would give the Browns an exciting Quarterback.

Chiefs Drafting a Quarterback in the First Round: According to reports, Alex Smith and the Cheifs are having trouble negotiating a new contract. He is scheduled to be a free agent after this season and the Chiefs have threatened to draft a young talent with their 23rd pick if he holds out.

Texans Will Go With Clowney: The Texans GM has told us recently that Clowney is "no doubt" the best player in the draft. There is also not a likely team willing to give up enough to move up to number one overall. Clowney and Watt will be a scary combo.

2014 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Here is my final (I think) mock draft as we come closer to the actual draft on Thursday.

1. Texans- Jadeveon Clowney DE
2. Rams- Greg Robinson OT
3. Jaguars- Johnny Manziel QB
4. Browns- Sammy Watkins WR
5. Raiders- Jake Matthews OT
6. Falcons- Taylor Lewan OT
7. Buccaneers- Blake Bortles QB
8. Vikings- Khalil Mack OLB
9. Bills- Mike Evans WR
10. Lions- Eric Ebron TE
11. Titans- Justin Gilbert CB
12. Giants- Aaron Donald DT
13. Rams- Haha Clinton-Dix FS
14. Bears- Calvin Pryor FS
15. Steelers- Darqueze Dennard CB
16. Cowboys- Anthony Barr OLB
17. 49ers (Trade up with Ravens) Odell Beckham Jr. WR
18. Jets- Kelvin Benjamin WR
19. Dolphins- Zack Martin OT
20. Cardinals- CJ Mosley ILB
21. Packers- Ryan Shazier OLB
22. Eagles- Bradley Robey CB
23. Chiefs- Marqise Lee WR
24. Bengals- Kyle Fuller  CB
25. Chargers-Brandin Cooks WR
26. Browns- Derek Carr QB
27. Saints- Jason Verrett CB
28. Panthers- Cody Latimer WR
29. Patriots- Ra'Shede Hageman DT
30. Ravens (trade down) Joel Bitonio OT
31. Broncos- Kony Ealy DE
32. Seahawks- Xavier Su'a-Filo OG

Who Will Benefit Most From the Draft?

There are a couple teams in particular that I foresee adding their key missing pieces, in the draft, that push them over the hump. 

The Browns- With two first round picks, the Browns are in position to add a franchise quarterback and either an elite tackle or receiver. Their defense is already very strong and adding the right pieces to their offense can push them over the hump. 

The Texans- The Texans have everything but a franchise quarterback. They are drafting at least one out of this class and depending on which one, they will return to playoff contention. 

Falcons- With their receivers and Steven Jackson healing from injury, the Falcons will be back in the playoff race. In the draft they will add a tight end and some defenders to improve their weaknesses.  

NFL Draft: Underrated Players on Offense

With the draft being 6 days away, I have to get as much of my draft information out as I can. Here is a list of some players outside of the first round that will make a difference. 

Quarterbacks:

Zach Mettenberger- He has the skill set and the arm strength to be a solid starter. If he has time to be groomed, he could be very successful. 

Aaron Murray- Murray will go between round 3 and 4 but will be much like Mettenberger. Aaron Murray doesn't have one specific trait that stands out but is solid in every aspect of the game. Give him a couple years to be groomed and he could be special. 

Running Backs:

Lache Seastrunk- This guy is very similar to Jahvid Best and Darren Sproles. He is very fast and agile but is undersized. Lache will be a nice addition to any offense and will be available in the late rounds. 

Bishop Sankey- Sankey could very well be the best running back in this class, he is versatile and balanced. He will also be available in the 3rd round and can make an instant impact. 

Receivers: 

Jordan Matthews- He could possibly sneak into the first round but should go in he second. He is a good value due to his speed and production in college. He reminds me of a Steve Smith type talent. 

Paul Richardson- This is another speedy weapon, but isn't popular because he lacks size. He has great hands and speed however, and could be groomed into a starting slot receiver. 

NFL Draft Rumors: 49ers

There are reports that the San Francisco 49ers are very interested in Odell Beckham Jr., the dynamic receiver out of LSU. For them to have a chance at drafting him though, they will have to trade up from number 30. The Ravens reportedly have been shopping their number 17 pick and if the 49ers wanted to move up for the receiver, this is a great spot. The Ravens pick right ahead of the Jets who would draft Beckham Jr. if he was there. This trade would at least put the 49ers in position for a top tier receiver. Imagine an offense with Kaepernick throwing to Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Odell Beckham Jr. This move could easily put them into Super Bowl contention.

Top NFL Teams: 2014 Most Improved

The following teams are listed because I predict them to make a significant improvement from last season.

1. Jaguars

Defensively, this team has been greatly improving. With the draft this year they should fill the missing pieces, including at quarterback. Especially if Blackmon is still on the team and not suspended, this team should jump the Titans and possibly Texans in the AFC South. Drafting Johnny Manziel at 3, like I predict in my latest mock draft, could have them finishing possibly at 8-8. 

2. Texans

The Texans literally have everything but a quarterback. Depending on where they draft one, they should improve and start being competitive again. They still have 2 great receivers and an elite running back that will help them greatly. 

3. Vikings

The Vikings situation is slightly different form the Texans. They need a quarterback to complete their offense, but their defense also has a few holes that need to be addressed. The Vikings are for sure drafting a quarterback, but if they draft the right one they can really take a step forward. 

4. Falcons

The Falcons need defensive help but their main problem last year was their injuries. This year they will bounce back to contention in the NFC South. This year's draft will help them fill holes at tight end, tackle, and defense in general.


5. Browns

The Browns have one of the league's top defenses. They have two first round picks this year and if they can land Sammy Watkins and a quarterback they could compete in the AFC North. Filling their hole at quarterback and adding weapons will help them improve greatly. 

NFL Draft Rumors: Johnny Manziel

According to reports, the Texans haven't ruled out Johnny Manziel as the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. I have always liked the way Manziel would fit in Houston, as he played college ball in Texas and would come in to a very solid situation. In many of my early mock drafts I had Manziel at number one but have since shifted to Jadeveon Clowney. Johnny Manziel to the Texans could realistically happen on May 8th and would send shock waves through the NFL.

The way I see it, the Texans have 3 possible ways to go with their first pick. They could either draft Johnny Manziel or Jadeveon Clowney, or they could trade down if they can find a partner. The Falcons are rumored to be their partner because they are trying to move up for Clowney. Whether Manziel is the first pick or not, you can count on the Texans drafting a quarterback this year.

Fantasy Football: 8 Sleepers to Target

These are 8 players that are worth the risk in the middle to lower part of your fantasy draft.

1. Trent Richardson, RB
With an entire offseason to study the playbook and get more settled in, Richardson will be a 1,000 yard rusher. 
2. Hakeem Nicks, WR
Being in a new situation is exactly what Nicks needed, barring an injury setback he will breakout this year catching balls from Luck. 
3. Denarius Moore, WR
Moore excelled with Carson Palmer at QB and Palmer's play was very mediocre. Schaub may not be the long term answer for them at QB but should help Moore to be more productive. 
4. Rueben Randle, WR
With Nicks's departure, Reuben Randle will take his spot. Therefore his production will increase from last year, which was in solid WR3 range. 
5. Brandon LaFell, WR
LaFell really has an opportunity to shine in New England since there is no definite number one receiver. He has the skill set to be a number one receiver and Tom Brady will look his way. 
6. Ben Tate, RB
Ben Tate is the starter in the backfield now in Cleveland. The Browns have a great offensive line and like to run the ball.
7. Toby Gerhart, RB
Gerhart is the new workhorse in Jacksonville. He is in line to hog most of the touches and is on a team that is improving overall, specifically on their offensive line. 
8. Ladarius Green, TE
Antonio Gates is only getting older and Mike McCoy loves Green's skill set. Green is in line for much more production and potentially a breakout season.

Trade Situations

The upcoming draft has many possible trades that are just waiting to happen. There have been reports that the Falcons want to move up to number one and take Jadeveon Clowney.  I think this situation is the most likely "blockbuster" trade for this draft.

The Minnesota Vikings also could trade with the Jaguars for their number 3 pick so they can jump the main teams looking for a quarterback. The most likely selection for the Vikings in this case would be Blake Bortles, the quarterback out of UCF. The Vikings haven't had a franchise quarterback in a very long time and Matt Cassell is obviously not the answer.

The Rams are a candidate to trade down from their number 2 pick. A team either wanting Sammy Watkins or one of the top tier quarterbacks could have the ammo to make this move. The Rams not only would still be in position to land one of the first round tackles, but also would receive more picks if they traded down. Their most likely trade partner lies between picks 4-10.

Cody Latimer Draft Profile

Cody Latimer, the receiver out of Indiana, is an absolute beast. He has the skill set required to be a number one receiver in the NFL. He is going to be available late in the first round for most of the receiver needy teams. Latimer has a great mix of agility, speed, ball skills, and size that are all reasons for his quick rise up draft boards. In my latest mock draft, I have him going to the Panthers who desperately need his talents.