The 2012 NFL draft is upon us. In fact it takes place in less than 4 days but the Fantasy Football fans can’t wait that long to start up their fantasy football rookie drafts. So, I thought it would be a good idea to start the fantasy football season up a little early for us die hard fans, that can’t stop thinking about football, with this NFL Draft Fantasy Football Roundtable.
I cajoled some of my favorite sites I follow on Twitter, Facebook, the rest of the internet, along with a very good friend of mine to put together a 3 day round table on the NFL draft from a fantasy football players perspective. You will notice some sites are not fantasy football related and I did this so you can see a non fantasy football perspective as well.
The sites included in this roundtable are:
- Pro Football Focus – Jeff Ratcliffe
- Dynasty Football Warehouse – Dan Heins and Jeff Melbostad
- Dynasty League Football – Eric Dickens
- Fantasy Knuckleheads – Greg Brosh
- FantasyTaz – Jim Day
- NFL Draft Geek - Nolan Vasan
- Average Joe – Josh Hreha
- Fantasy Football Help Desk - Mike Novick
I took a general approach to this roundtable which will be followed up after the draft with more concrete fantasy football advise. Once the players are selected we will be able to gauge a lot better how these players will be used and how they will affect your fantasy teams and drafts.
Before I get into the questions I would like to thank all the sites getting involved in this, its much appreciated!
Question no.1 – After Trent Richardson, who is the running back you would want on your PPR fantasy football team?
Jeff Ratcliffe – Pro Football Focus – @JeffRatcliffe
For me, it’s Doug Martin. He’s a very quick and decisive runner, who’s game should translate well into the NFL. He’s got wiggle, and can catch passes, so he fits the mold of a versatile guy who can potentially stay on the field for all three downs.
Josh Hreha – Average Joe
This depends on the Situation, whether it be a re-draft or a dynasty league. That being said, I am a big fan of David Wilson. Although he wasn’t particularly well showcased in the VA Tech passing game, he is a great route runner, with great hands, and GREAT speed (4.4 40). I loved his running style, however his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, and be a viable receiving threat puts him in the #2 slot behind Trent.
Dan Heins – Dynasty Football Warehouse – @Dan_DynastyFW
Doug Martin is my pick here. Martin is the best “all-around” running back left after T-rich. Martin has the unique ability to be a guy that is the workhorse of the offense. He combines running, catching, and blocking better than the rest and will see a lot of action. He is built like Ray Rice and like Rice is multi-faceted. He should hold up to the pounding a RB takes at the next level. Location will ultimately decide how high I get on Martin, but I will high on him regardless. Ultimately location will decide how high I get on Martin, but I will be high on him regardless.
Jeff Melbostad – Dynasty Football Warehouse – @Jeff_DynastyFW
Lamar Miller no question. Miller has the acceleration, burst, and straight line speed to be a pro bowl back. These are generally attributes you see in a smaller scat-type back but Miller has prototypical size at 5-10, 212. With three solid backs behind Richardson in Miller, Doug Martin, and David Wilson the separator for me is upside. Lamar has by far the most upside of the three. His home-run hitting ability makes me want him more than any back not named Richardson.
Greg Brosh – Fantasy Knuckleheads – @_Knuckleheads
He’s a bit lower in many expert rankings compared to Trent Richardson, Doug Martin and Lamar Miller, but I really like Washington’s Chris Polk to make a name for himself as early as 2012. That is if he lands on the right team. He’s a big back at 5’11/215 and could be a top 5 dynasty option if he falls to a team like the Packers, who have been said to have “genuine interest” if they can snag him in the second. Despite his size, Polk has the speed and receiving skills that could make him a legitimate three-down back in the pros. With James Starks the only viable option at the moment, and an unhealthy one at that, Polk could have strong value not only this year, but for years to come.
Eric Dickens – Dynasty League Football – @DLFootball
Doug Martin. The only quality he lacks is breakaway speed. Great vision, footwork, acceleration, balance. He should be a three down back & could be foundation back for the next several years depending on his landing spot.
Jim Day – @FantasyTaz
For me it is really a tossup between David Wilson of Virginia Tech and Doug Martin of Boise State. Both of these guys could be very good backs but it really depends on where they land.
Nolan Vasan – NFL Draft Geek – @nfldraftgeek
After Trent Richardson, it would be David Wilson from VT without question. He’s got that game-breaking agility, which allows him to dodge a lot of tacklers. Start, stop, and change directions with ease, making him a terror in the open field. Already is a good Receiver, soft hands. Reminds me a bit of Lesean McCoy
Mike Novick – Fantasy Football Help Desk – @FFHelpDesk
I tend to stay away from small RB’s in fantasy football for no particular reason because most of these small guys tend to work out in the end. This season I think I will put my thoughts of having no love for the short behind me and select Doug Martin RB from Boise State. Martin is listed at 5’9 223 and does everything well but nothing OUTSTANDING which is why he will be selected probably mid second round in the draft. If you are looking for a guy similar to Maurice Jones Drew I think Martin fits the bill.
Question no.2 – After Justin Blackmon who is the wide receiver you would want on your fantasy football team?
Jeff Ratcliffe – Pro Football Focus – @JeffRatcliffe
Michael Floyd, and I actually like him a hair more than Blackmon. He has better size than Blackmon, and can really go up and get the ball. Not a fantasy thing, but he’s also a tremendous blocker, which should help him earn more snaps. The one knock on him is his speed, but I’ve seen him get plenty of separation at the college level. I think he offers the highest fantasy upside of any receiver in this draft.
Josh Hreha – Average Joe
To me Justin Blackmon is the most overrated player in this draft. That being said I think Alshon Jeffrey is an immediate impact type player. The big question with him is whether he can make the weight room his new friend, and decide to fuel himself with some broccoli instead of Twinkies. He appears to have done so, getting back to 215lb. With his size 6’3”, he has the size to be a big time play maker. He also has ELITE hands and ball skills. To further, some question his speed, however he is actually FASTER than Percy Harvin, Julio Jones, and as fast as DeSean Jackson from 20-40 yards as his build up speed gets faster and faster down-field, giving him the unique ability to leave DB’s in the dust. Watch the film, the deeper down-field he is, strangely enough he becomes more and more open.
Dan Heins – Dynasty Football Warehouse – @Dan_DynastyFW
The popular answer here will be Michael Floyd, and it is my answer also. The real question to ask here is whether you would rather have Floyd than Blackmon. I haven’t crossed THAT bridge yet, but have thought about it long and hard. Floyd in terms of “talent” is the best in the class. He has the best chance of being a true #1 WR and the best chance to be that guy coming out of the gate. Floyd is just a flat out play maker. He has the hands, the leaping ability and the speed.
Jeff Melbostad – Dynasty Football Warehouse – @Jeff_DynastyFW
This one won’t be close in my opinion. I take Michael Floyd. He’s big, strong, fast and everything you want in an NFL wide-out. I’d argue that he’s nearly equivalent to Blackmon in value. I’d rank them as 1a and 1b personally. Floyd is faster and a better down-field threat that can play anywhere as a wide-out. Blackmon projects as your prototypical possession WR with good hands, toughness, and skill after the catch. Floyd, to me, is the pick here and it really isn’t even close.
Greg Brosh – Fantasy Knuckleheads – @_Knuckleheads
It’s hard to stray away from the majority, so I have to go with Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd. Justin Blackmon and Floyd are very close in my mind as I see both having tremendous success in the NFL, but Floyd showed more quickness and explosiveness than Blackmon at the college level. Wherever Floyd is drafted, he’s going to start. So taking him before or after Blackmon is off the board isn’t going to hurt any owner in the least.
Eric Dickens – Dynasty League Football – @DLFootball
Kendall Wright & I actually have him on the same tier as Blackmon. He is an excellent route-runner, creates separation between him and DB’s, and has both top-end speed and quickness
Nolan Vasan – NFL Draft Geek – @nfldraftgeek
While I definitely think Michael Floyd is clearly the #2 Receiver (Possibly #1), I think Kendall Wright, may very well have the most Productive Rookie Season. Mainly because of the scenario he will go to. Floyd will likely be the best, and only big time receiver on his team, going in the Top 15 to a mediocre team. Wright however, will likely go in the twenties, to an established team like Houston, Cincinnati, Chicago, with a good QB. I think Floyd long term will be the better player, but Rookie season, Wright will produce more number
Jim Day – @FantasyTaz
Actually I like Michael Floyd of Notre Dame more than Blackmon. Blackmon will make a very good #2 WR, but Floyd could be a very good #1. Floyd has good size, speed and great ball sense, but he will need to leave his off the field issues behind him.
Mike Novick – Fantasy Football Help Desk – @FFHelpDesk
If you put three alcohol violations on one player before they get to the NFL draft that usually means these trends will continue so I believe thats why the 6′-3″ 230 lb wide receiver Michael Floyd has slid down to #2 in peoples mock drafts. Its hard for me to put him above Blackmon because of these arrests as well. If you put all this behind him and he cleans his act up and plays ball he will easily be the number one WR in this years draft class.
Question no.3 – A few tight ends have been talked about prior to the NFL draft, which one will you target if you have to pick one?
Jeff Ratcliffe – Pro Football Focus – @JeffRatcliffe
Coby Fleener. At 6’6″ he’s surprisingly agile, and has the ability to run after the catch. In the right situation, he could make an immediate fantasy impact.
Josh Hreha – Average Joe
To me this is easy. Its Coby Fleener, and its everyone else. He played in as complex an offense as was run in the NCAA, and excelled. He has great ball skills, ideal size, and HUGE hands (10 inch hands!!!) He has everything you could want in a TE. Wouldn’t you love to somehow see him and Peyton Manning together? He reminds me of Dallas Clark, high praise for a Rookie.
Dan Heins – Dynasty Football Warehouse – @Dan_DynastyFW
Coby Fleener is a FREAK. He will eventually have the biggest fantasy impact. Dwayne Allen may have more opportunity early this year since he is a better all-around TE, but ultimately Fleener will win out. I would like to see Indy grab him early in the 2nd or move. I’m am sure that Luck would love to have his nookie blankey back . Its hard to duplicate that level of success, so why try.
Jeff Melbostad – Dynasty Football Warehouse – @Jeff_DynastyFW
I love targeting tight ends in dynasty rookie drafts. It is relatively easy to acquire the best talent each year (a second round pick will generally do it) and the young talent pouring into the position today makes it a solid investment. That said the only TE I’m really considering in this draft is Coby Fleener. The guy is an unreal athlete and one of the best pure receivers I’ve seen come out in some time. His upside alone is worth a late first or early second round pick. I know many will talk about the importance of being a good blocker and staying on the field for every play and on and on. But in fantasy football receiving yards and touchdowns give you points and that is it. Fleener has the ability to put points up by the boatload. If drafted into the right spot he is your next top, young TE in my opinion.
Greg Brosh – Fantasy Knuckleheads – @_Knuckleheads
Unless something changes, I will target Coby Fleener. The kid is 6’6/247 pounds and STILL ran in the 4.45 range at the Combine? That’s just ridiculous. The problem is where will he go? I’ve heard the Giants like him, but they don’t use their tight end as much as other teams. I’ve even heard the 49ers as a possible landing destination. With Vernon Davis solidified as the starter, that would kill most-to-all of his fantasy value. So if I have to take him before the draft, I’ll take him and hold my breath. Last year’s combo of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski doesn’t happen very often, so Fleener is going to have to land on a team that is not only needy for a tight end, but one who will be used in the passing game ala Owen Daniels and Jimmy Graham.
Eric Dickens – Dynasty League Football – @DLFootball
Coby Fleener is my pick at TE as far as dynasty drafts go as the top TE. I like Dwayne Allen’s all-around game translating to the NFL better, but Fleener has the ability to get deep up the seam & should see more targets. If we’re talking value (by draft position) then I’d go with Ladarius Green late in rookie drafts.
Nolan Vasan – NFL Draft Geek – @nfldraftgeek
This years Tight End class is very weak. I wouldn’t really take any of these guys in a Fantasy Draft as a Rookie. However, I actually feel Dwayne Allen from Clemson is the best TE prospect. Coby Fleener is overrated, and not as athletic as people think. Allen is a much better blocker, and more physical, which will help him see the field sooner. Don’t sleep on Ladarius Green from Louisiana Lafayette though. He’ll go in the 3rd or 4th, he’s definitely a flanker, who could see the field quickly too
Jim Day – @FantasyTaz
I have to go with Coby Fleener of Stanford. He is just another of the big, tall, athletic Tight Ends coming into the league these days. He has excellent hands, is not afraid of traffic or contact and is a decent blocker, although he will need to improve here. He will provide a team with a pro-ready player that can step on the field from Day 1 and produce.
Mike Novick – Fantasy Football Help Desk – @FFHelpDesk
As much as it pains me to say this guy I would have to pick Coby Fleener as well. I say this because I think he is an extremely overrated player but there is not much depth in this draft to warrant skipping him to grab a sleeper TE deeper on. If he is there and I have to take a tight end Fleener would be the guy but that is the only way I am picking him. I guess it would make it a ton easier to draft him if he ends up with the Colts and his buddy Andrew Luck.
[...] brought you the Pre NFL Draft Roundtable a few weeks back and you can check those out here – Day 1, Day 2, Day 3. It went so well that we brought back most of the guys, added a few more voices to [...]