HyperActive Draft Review, Volume IV

Ryan McDowell

A few years ago, the HyperActive dynasty leagues were born from a group of owners searching for a competitive league that did not go dormant once the Super Bowl concluded. HyperActive leagues are comprised of two 12 team conferences with separate player pools. The champions of each conference meet in a week 16 Super Bowl.

We recently conducted the startup dynasty draft for Hyper/Active 5. My goal for each of these leagues is to always find the best, most active dynasty owners possible. For this installment, I focused most of my recruiting on the best of the best from Twitter. What resulted is a strong group of drafters and owners, representing many of the top fantasy football sites on the web, along with some of the most savvy owners I have come in contact with.

Here is a list of the 24 owners in the league.

HYPER:

*  Ryan McDowell, Dynasty League Football

*  Ryan Forbes, 2 Mugs

*  Bryan Fontaine, Pro Football Focus & Dynasty Blitz

*  Sigmund Bloom, FootballGuys

*  Mark Kelly

*  Andy Miley, Dynasty Blitz & Fantasy Alarm

*  Mike Clay, Pro Football Focus & Rotoworld

*  David Cherney, Dynasty Football Warehouse

*  Shane Hallam, Draft Countdown

*  Eric Dickens, Dynasty League Football

*  Chase Wheetley, Dynasty Football Warehouse

*  The FF Ghost, Dynasty League Football

ACTIVE:

*  Jeff Tefertiller, FootballGuys

*  Jarrett Behar, Dynasty League Football

*  Peter Hodes

*  Andrew Garda, FootballGuys

*  Nishant Shailendra, formerly of Pro Football Focus

*  Brian Quinlan

*  Alessandro Miglio, Pro Football Focus

*  Jimmy Nall, YHIHFfantasyfootball.com

*  Scott Atkins, Fantasy Players Association

*  Bruce Hammond, FootballGuys

*  Michael Bronte, BFDfantasyfootball.com

*  Steve Wyremski, Dynasty League Football

Scoring: WCOFF (1 PPR for all players, 4 points for passing touchdowns)

Starting lineups: QB, RB, WR, TE, 3 FLEX (RB, WR, TE), PK, TD

Roster Limit: 26 players

I strongly believe the base of a dynasty team is built in the first ten rounds of a draft. Beyond that, there is plenty of time and picks to grab an aging veteran as a short term starter, or a young upside player to stash at the end of the bench. For this series, I will give you a team by team look after ten rounds, as well as a look inside the mind of each owner who shared their draft strategy. Here’s a look at a few of the teams on the HYPER side of the league.

Alessandro Miglio- West Coast Offensive @AlexMiglio

Draft Strategy:

*  Believe it or not, this was my first ever dynasty draft. I had never been invited to a league before, and I have been content to play in redraft leagues all these years.

*  As such, I did not have a specific strategy going into this draft—my main goal was not to make a fool of myself.

*  When the clock started ticking, however, I found myself embroiled in trade negotiations on a daily basis, which made the whole thing much more fun than I’d anticipated. I started to look towards adding future picks and trading down to improve draft position later in the draft. I would say I was successful there, picking up a future first- and second-round pick while still maintaining a healthy number of quality picks in this year’s draft.

*  My one big regret is accepting a trade for one of my fifth-round picks for a future first round pick, at least without counter-offering. It was simply one of those “get burned once” situations where I simply did not realize the value of future picks. I felt I had made out very well with previous trades. Rookie mistake. I also hadn’t had my coffee that morning, which led to one of my new rules for fantasy football: never accept a trade without your morning coffee.

*  All in all, I think I was able to accomplish my overarching goal of not making a fool of myself. I was able to grab a ton of young talent while mixing in some quality veterans. This team should be competitive this year, and—if my rookies and sophomores pan out—blossom into a perennial contender.

Draft Results:

charles32.06 Jamaal Charles, RB KC

2.09 Drew Brees, QB NO

3.04 Demaryius Thomas, WR DEN

4.06 Roy Helu, RB WAS

5.08 Michael Floyd, WR ARZ

7.03 Fred Davis, TE WAS

8.01 Reggie Bush, RB MIA

8.03 Lamar Miller, RB MIA

9.04 Rueben Randle, WR NYG

9.11 Kyle Rudolph, TE MIN

10.01 Leonard Hankerson, WR WAS

Best Value Pick: None

Biggest Risk: Much like Shane Hallam in the Hyper conference, Alex chose Redskins running back Roy Helu well ahead of his 6th round average draft position. Alex shows no fear of Skins head coach Mike Shanahan and his propensity for playing mind games with fantasy owners across the country. Helu was taken at number 42 overall, ahead of other young upside runners like CJ Spiller, Jonathan Stewart and Mark Ingram. While it is risky to bank on any Shanahan running back, if he puts up the stats similar to past seasons from Terrell Davis and Clinton Portis, Alex will be very well rewarded.

Other picks of note: Jacob Tamme (13.04), Mike Goodson (16.04)

Possible Starting Lineup:

QB = Drew Brees

RB = Jamaal Charles

WR = Demaryius Thomas

TE = Fred Davis

FLEX = Roy Helu

FLEX = Reggie Bush

FLEX  = Jacob Tamme

Year 1 Outlook: I do not see Alex’s team as a title contender in 2012, but I really like the balance of youth and established veterans he has assembled. His bench and depth players al almost all young players with high upside. If even one or two of these players, such as Miller, Hankerson, Randle and Floyd hit it big, Alex will have a contender for years to come. Look for him to be on the playoff borderline and just sneak in thanks to some great middle and late round choices.

Jimmy Nall- Kentucky Bengals @jrnall2

Draft Strategy:

*  Go young in as many spots as possible but still leave myself open to compete in 2012.

*  I wanted to grab as many young WRs with upside that I could.

*  I actually planned on getting 2 WRs at the 1.12/2.01 turn.  However, when Stafford was there, I changed it up a bit.

Draft Results:

stafford21.12 Matthew Stafford, QB DET

2.01 Julio Jones, WR ATL

3.12 Marshawn Lynch, RB SEA (has since been traded)

4.01 Jeremy Maclin, WR PHI

5.12 Jermichael Finley, TE GB

6.01 Steven Jackson, RB STL

7.04 Sidney Rice, WR SEA

7.07 Titus Young, WR DET

7.12 Jahvid Best, RB DET

9.12 Jermaine Gresham, TE CIN

Best Value Pick: Jimmy chose his top two wide receivers, Jones and Maclin, very near their average draft position, so neither really qualify as steals. But, both are trending upwards and gaining dynasty value with reports from offseason workouts.

Biggest Risk: None

Other picks of note: Mikel Leshoure (11.12), Mike Williams (12.01)

Possible Starting Lineup:

QB = Matthew Stafford

RB = Jonathan Stewart (acquired in Lynch trade)

WR = Julio Jones

TE = Jermichael Finley

FLEX = Jeremy Maclin

FLEX = Steven Jackson

FLEX  = Sidney Rice

Year 1 Outlook: If Maclin and Jones continue to improve and make the leap as many are projecting, Jimmy’s team should be a contender. He will be able to send out a solid but not flashy weekly lineup and should have an advantage over most teams at quarterback. If Steven Jackson can provide one more solid year, the Bengals can make a run. Jimmy was also able to add many high potential players in the latter half of the draft, including Jacoby Ford, Daniel Thomas, Golden Tate and Ryan Broyles. I think this team makes a playoff run, but may be a year away from being a true contender.

Scott Atkins- RedBlueRadio @RedBlueRadio

Draft Strategy:

*  Went into my 9th dynasty start up draft with 4 core objectives in mind:

*  1. Draft youthful wide receivers to build around as they last longer than running backs and are generally speaking more reliable.

*  2. Be careful not to draft my entire roster “too young”. I’m here to win every single year I play, so I’ll fill starter gaps with veteran leadership

*  3. I’m not a big fan of next year’s class, so unlike most dynasty startups I participate in, I’m willing to deal away next year’s first rounder if I can get solid value.

*  4. Draft an elite TE and QB. They are the hardest “gems” to strike gold on.

*  If my draft is a success I will achieve all 4 of my core objectives.

*  1.6 Jimmy Graham TE NO – I’m usually heavy in the trade offers, but my time was limited this year so I just stood pat on a lot of the offers. Drawing the sixth pick, I went in thinking I’d land Cam Newton, who I feel is the most valuable player in fantasy football not named Calvin or Aaron. As the draft date approached, I really sold myself on taking Trent Richardson, who looks like a very special back. Trade value on that kid is through the roof so it came as little surprise when he went at 3. When my pick came up, the usual suspects were off the board: Calvin, McCoy, Rice, Foster and the aforementioned TR. Usually Rodgers would be gone by now so I have to choose between he and Cam. But wait.. somebody kept tugging at me, and I couldn’t avoid it. Knowing that I can land an elite WR with my second round pick, I decided on Jimmy Graham, TE of the Saints. In 2010, 99 receptions on 149 targets, a true BEAST in a high powered offense, that runs through him. Now you might think that Graham was the player that earlier I mentioned kept “tugging” at me, but it was not. That player was in fact, Andrew Luck. I’ve been wanting to build a dynasty around this kid for a while now, and Cam Newton nor Rodgers fit into that plan, so I passed on Cam and took the next highest rated player on my board in Graham. (close second AJ Green)

*  2.7 Dez Bryant WR DAL – This is a player that is primed for that 3rd year breakout. He showed my plenty last year to bring a perfect combination of youth, “upside” and flat out dominance. The only other WRs I had higher in a 7 year window were Calvin, Green and Julio. (no other consideration)

*  3.6 Brandon Marshall WR CHI – My first “semi-old” player, who just turned 28 in March, but I am enamored with what this guy brings to the table. Reuniting with Cutler has him poised for a return to the Top 5 in scoring. Now Matt Forte was still on the board, but not once did I consider taking him due to age. Few running backs can put 5 years on 27 year legs, but there’s no worry whatsoever of Marshall doing that. While Forte may outscore Marshall the next few years, Marshall is the better pick long-term, besides, I have my eye on a young back coming up next. (close second Victor Cruz)

*  4.7 C.J. Spiller RB BUF – IT’S SPILLAAAAH TIME!!!!!!! Love love love this kid’s game and can’t wait to see how he handles his role as the 1A to Fred Jackson. He really showed me something last year as he brought me fantasy gold last year, so I’m expecting more hardware this season. (no other consideration)

*  Like I said in my pre-draft strategy, I play to win. If I do in fact snag Andrew Luck, he’ll need to be paired with a 2012 Top shelf QB so I can give him the year it will take to elevate his game to elite status, The 5th round, this is where I’ll take my stab at Luck, however I’m scared to death somebody is going to take him right before me. Now it’s time to work some magic.

*  TRADES AWAY MY 2013 1st ROUND PICK for pick 5.04 in this year’s startup! An extra 5th round pick, yes!!! I’m jumping for joy…

*  5.4 Tom Brady, QB NE – This was just a shark move IMO. While I wanted Luck, I’d actually “settle” for either of the two new stud QBs. I think they’re both the wave of the future, although I do prefer Luck. Regardless, Brady has a few years left with that cannon of his, and there’s only 1 pick between Brady and my next pick, so I’m guaranteed one of the new rookie QBs!!! YES !!!

*  5.6 The Franchise Andrew Luck QB IND, Mission accomplished. I love my team!!

*  6.7 Greg LIttle, WR CLE/7.6 Randall Cobb, WR GB – Both young studly wide receivers that should take that next step in a year or two. Kind of a luxury pick that I can wait on. (considered Jahvid Best here)

*  8.7 Ryan Williams RB ARI – Sorry to see Best not there. That hurts. Maybe I can acquire him through trade down the road as his value is at an all time low. Everyone that follows my drafts know that I like this kid. I think he’s more talented than Wells and if recovery goes well, he’ll be the eventual lead back in Arizona. (considered Michael Turner because I think he has one great year left in him)

*  9.6 Fred Jackson RB BUF – Okay, so I believe in the Spiller man, but a “hedge” makes sense with the upside FJax represents. (considered Kendall Hunter)

*  Other players drafted – Vereen, Felix, Boldin, Hillis, Tebow, Alex Green, Moeaki, Kevin Smith, Rainey, Jets D, Mike Williams SEA, Royal, Dallas Clark, Roberts, GMen and Prater.

Draft Results:

graham31.06 Jimmy Graham, TE NO

2.07 Dez Bryant, WR DAL

3.06 Brandon Marshall, WR CHI

4.07 CJ Spiller, RB BUF

5.04 Tom Brady, QB NE

5.06 Andrew Luck, QB IND

6.07 Greg Little, WR CLE

7.06 Randall Cobb, WR GB

8.07 Ryan Williams, RB ARZ

9.06 Fred Jackson, RB BUF

10.07 Shane Vereen, RB NE

Best Value Pick: This one is an easy choice. With an average draft position of 28, Scott chose Patriots quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Brady with the 52nd overall selection. Quarterbacks were falling in general during this draft and Scott got a gift when Eli Manning was taken two picks before he nabbed Brady.

Biggest Risk: While none of Scott’s picks stand out as poor values, the one that surprised me the most was his first round selection of Graham. Graham has often been selected in the early second round as the 2nd tight end off the board, following Rob Gronkowski, but here Scott chose Graham ahead of Gronkowski and others, such as Hakeem Nicks, Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton and AJ Green. I expect Graham to continue to put up huge numbers, but beginning your dynasty team with a tight end is a risk Scott has assumed.

Other picks of note: Anquan Boldin (12.07), Alex Green (15.06)

Possible Starting Lineup:

QB = Tom Brady

RB = CJ Spiller

WR = Dez Bryant

TE = Jimmy Graham

FLEX =  Brandon Marshall

FLEX = Greg Little

FLEX  = Fred Jackson

Year 1 Outlook: Scott has built a very strong team that will contend from day one. At the same time, many of his starters and top reserves are young enough that he will be able to sustain that competitive level. While Brady may only have two or three elite years remaining, Scott has Luck waiting in the wings. Similarly, Cobb, Williams and others provide great young depth. RedBlueRadio will be in the hunt for an Active title in 2012.

Bruce Hammond- Fighting Couch Potatoes 5 @BruceHammond1

Draft Strategy:

*  For this draft I prepared in advance with the following things:

*  1) My own dynasty rankings, separated into tiers for each position. My rankings are more age sensitive on the back end than most. For example, I’ll not put any player into my exclusive tier one group unless I estimate he has 4 more good years remaining, tier 2 must have 3 years, etc. So, no matter how good I think the player is today I’m not willing to mortgage the future with my highest picks being spent on older guys with limited time left. This almost guarantees I’ll not draft names like Tom Brady, Darren Sproles, Andre Johnson and Antonio Gates. I assume all these big names will be off the board well before I’d consider them.

*  2) A good idea of each player’s expected ADP (by position), using both MFL ADPs and Footballguys staff dynasty rankings. As in any draft, even if I love Player X I’m not taking him in a round higher than needed.

*  3) A sense of overall draft order, using the positional ADPs in 2) above along with a study of HA3 and HA4 drafts (two conferences, so four drafts total) plus an ‘experts’ draft earlier this offseason with similar lineup requirements. By listing each pick of these 5 drafts from 1 to 312 in adjacent columns I was able to see patterns, and this would help me anticipate when runs might take place.

*  4) An overall VBD proforma ranking based on the last two years’ stats and HyperActive scoring and lineup requirements. What I did here was throw the top 60 QB and TE, top 100 RB and WR stats onto a spreadsheet (not player names, just stats for QB1, QB2, etc), set a VBD baseline of Player #12 for QB and Player #72 (12 teams x 6 roster spots) for combined RB/WR/TE. Since we only require starting one of each position with the rest flex, I was much more concerned with the flex baseline. I did this for both 2011 and 2010, combined them them weighting 2/3 for 2011 and 1/3 for 2010, then combined Q with RWT sorting by the calculated VBD. This ranking gave me a good idea what the relative value of positions were as compared to one another.  For example, using our scoring and lineup requirements I had QB9, RB17, WR22, and TE4 all around overall pick #50. Being cognizant of this was going to help me remember to pursue real value and resist following the early drafting RBs runs that inevitably take place just because everyone else is doing it.

*  5) I then placed the players ranked in 2) into the order in 3), and had an idea when each player might go overall. I also took my player rankings from 1) and placed them into the proforma in 4), and had my own overall value list (not a draft list; again, I don’t want to take Player X before I think I have to, and 2) above helps me determine that).

*  6) I was now armed with two separate lists from 5) above. Last but not least, a strategy.

*  a) Most important, I was determined to draft for overall value. This meant trusting my rankings even if it meant taking a player who would not help me as much in 2012. If I don’t dominate in Year 1, so be it. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I’m pretty sure the nature of my rankings will keep me from having a roster that is too old. What I have to be careful about is a roster that is too young with lots of upside but also lots of bust risk.

*  b) Too often in the past I’ve entered in the middle of positional runs (usually RB) out of fear of ‘missing out’ and bypassed better value elsewhere. Not this time. I was going to trust taking the better value at another position and picking up filler RBs later, not chasing every hot message board RB name when the value just isn’t there in this PPR and mandatory-one RB format.

*  c) Comparing the consensus draft list I’d created to my own value list I created, I saw there was quite a lot of difference. Enough so that I decided I was not going to need to spend a lot of extra draft capital trading up except in very limited circumstances (i.e., highly targeted player or someone whose consensus value and my valuation are similar). I’d generally be content to let the best value fall to me.

*  d) Specific targets —  Picking at #3 I targeted Trent Richardson, valuing him as RB2 over Rice and McCoy. No one else ranks him nearly that high, so there was comfort I’d get him.  Since only one RB is mandatory in the starting lineup, taking him in round one rather than going WR or QR also allows me the freedom to now pursue value wherever it is instead of worrying I have to chase RBs sooner than I want to.  I also targeted Luck and Blackmon, willing to trade up for them if the cost is not prohibitive.  I would have targeted Calvin Johnson but Wannabee traded up for the #1 pick and I was certain it was for Calvin so I didn’t bother contacting him about it.

Draft Results:

richardson21.03 Trent Richardson, RB CLE

2.01 Greg Jennings, WR GB

3.03 Percy Harvin, WR MIN (has since been traded)

4.05 Justin Blackmon, WR JAX

5.09 Matt Ryan, QB ATL

6.10 Beanie Wells, RB ARZ

7.09 Jason Witten, TE DAL

8.10 Robert Meachem, WR SD

9.03 Brian Quick, WR STL

10.10 Sam Bradford, QB STL

Best Value Pick: Once again, I will defend Beanie Wells as a fantasy value. Although Bruce selected Wells only nine spots after his average draft position, I think that ADP is already too low for a 23 year old starting running back, even with the injury concerns and Ryan Williams returning to provide competition for carries.

Biggest Risk: In a startup draft held soon after the NFL draft, almost all rookies will see their average draft position elevate now that owners have much more information with which to evaluate their long term potential. Even though this is expected, the Couch Potatoes chose rookies Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon well ahead of their average draft position. Banking on the consensus 1.01 rookie pick is not a bad idea, but taking him over Ray Rice, LeSean McCoy and others is very gutsy. The draft was held well before Blackmon’s recent trouble, but we all knew this was a concern and Bruce chose him over the somewhat safer options like Stevie Johnson and Antonio Brown. With successful seasons, or even short bursts, rookies gain value unlike any veteran players can, so this strategy could pay off for the Couch Potatoes with strong rookie season from Richardson and Blackmon.

Other picks of note: DeAngelo Williams (11.09) (has since been traded), Brent Celek (12.10)

Possible Starting Lineup:

QB = Matt Ryan

RB = Trent Richardson

WR = Greg Jennings

TE = Jason Witten

FLEX = Marshawn Lynch (acquired in Stewart trade)

FLEX = Beanie Wells

FLEX  = Robert Meachem

Year 1 Outlook: I have played in leagues with Bruce for years and I know he consistently builds solid competitive teams. This one seems more like a long term project to me. Jennings, Lynch and Witten are very solid starters, but Couch Potatoes could be below average at every other spot. I am not sold on Meachem making the jump following his move to San Diego and while I like Wells value, he could be be part of a running back-by-committee. Many owners are jumping on the Matt Ryan bandwagon, but he is still likely a low end QB1 at best. Again, I am confident Bruce will come up with a winning team, but I don’t think that happens in 2012.

Michael Bronte- INVICTUS  @MBronteDynasty

Draft Strategy:

*  I began with the 1.1 with every intention to trade back and pick up futures. I was satisfied with the deal made to trade back to the 1.10 while acquiring a 2013 1st and bumps in the early rounds.

*  I was happy to grab Cam Newton with my first pick, being set on securing a top stud QB, and really justified with the move to have MJD drop to 2.12 after I could’ve had Shady McCoy @ 1.5.

*  Being this is only a 1 RB mandatory start this was a score. Other then picking up the future 1st my main objective was to wait on the deepest position the WR, and load on them as the draft progressed.

*  It appears easy to neglect the TE but you can start 3 here, and it’s a terrific advantage week to week to have a top one. I have two great ones in a veteran and young star.

*  Once I got the “vibe” of this draft, like most being very youth heavy, I was able to get great value on some veteran players which I was pretty sure would be the case. It’s nice to have all those young names on a roster for years, but I play to win and with this team I assembled I’m in that position now, and the future seasons.

Draft Results:

newton41.10 Cam Newton, QB CAR

2.12 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB JAX

3.01 Darren Sproles, RB NO

4.03 Eric Decker, WR DEN

5.01 Aaron Hernandez, TE NE

6.03 Steve Smith, WR CAR

7.01 Pierre Garcon, WR WAS

8.12 Antonio Gates, TE SD

9.01 BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB CIN

10.12 Donald Brown, RB IND

Best Value Pick: Even with the inflated quarterback values of the elite quarterbacks this year, owners still put themselves in a tough spot when selecting a passer in the first round. It could not have worked out better for Bronte after taking sophomore Newton in the 1st round to have elite running back Jones-Drew fall the end of the 2nd round – nine spots lower than his average draft position in dynasty startup drafts.

Biggest Risk: Even though Newton was selected very near his average draft position as a late 1st rounder, I see a lot of risk with that choice. Newton had the fantasy world buzzing after the first two weeks of his rookie year, posting scores of 35.9 and 33.9 and passing for over 400 yards both weeks. After week 2, he would only have one more week passing for over 300 yards the remainder of the season. He rushed for over 700 yards and 14 scores, numbers that most analysts expect to drop in the coming seasons.

 

Other picks of note: Mohamed Sanu (11.01), Pierre Thomas (12.12)

 

Possible Starting Lineup:

QB = Cam Newton

RB = Maurice Jones-Drew

WR = Eric Decker

TE = Aaron Hernandez

FLEX = Darren Sproles

FLEX = Steve Smith

FLEX  = Antonio Gates

Year 1 Outlook: Looking at Bronte’s team, I see some major questions and the answers to those questions may not be pleasing to Michael. It is not fair to assume that many of these players will continue to produce in the same manner as they did in 2011. It is possible that last season was the career year for Newton and Sproles. Of course, Jones-Drew is now a threat to hold out and even miss regular season action, though I don’t think that happens. One interesting note is that in the latter half of the draft, Michael chose to focus on rookies, selecting ten rookies from rounds 10-25. I love this strategy as there is a very good chance a few of those become fantasy relevant and one becomes a fantasy star. Overall, I see too many scenarios that have to fall Michael’s way for this team to be successful in 2012. I see this team missing the playoffs, but with young players like Newton, Decker, and Hernandez this is a team built to win in the future.

Steve Wyremski- Stwongbad @SteveWyremski

Draft Strategy:

*  My strategy was to build my team around my wide receivers and tight end spot, while adding upside and potential at running back and quarterback. With the need to only start one running back, that position was less of a priority for me given the short time many are at their peak performance and the annual emergence of a new back.

*   Target Larry Fitzgerald, Jimmy Graham, or Rob Gronkowski with the 1.09 pick

*  With the need to start only one running back, wait until there is value on the board.

*  Since he’s a PPR monster in waiting, target CJ Spiller in the 4th round as my first running back

*  Draft some high-upside running backs (Jacquizz Rodgers, Kendall Hunter, Isaiah Pead, Ronnie Hillman) from round 8 on.

*  Wait on quarterback, especially given that this is a 12-team league with the exorbitant value currently placed on quarterbacks

*  Target Matt Schaub as my starting quarterback in the 11th or 12th round.

*  Target Brent Celek, Jared Cook and Fred Davis as a backup tight end in the middle rounds

*  To ensure I get them rostered, reach for my favorite sleepers late in the draft. Such as: Robert Housler, Marcus Easley, Jordan Cameron and Golden Tate.

Draft Results:

gronkowski21.09 Rob Gronkowski, TE NE

2.04 Larry Fitzgerald, WR ARI

4.04 Wes Welker, WR NE

4.10 Jonathan Stewart, RB CAR (has since been traded)

5.03 Mark Ingram, RB NO

6.04 Ahmad Bradshaw, RB NYG

6.09 Denarius Moore, WR OAK

7.08 Michael Crabtree, WR SF

8.05 Stephen Hill, WR NYJ

9.08 Kendall Hunter, RB SF

9.10 LaMichael James, RB SF

Best Value Pick: Steve found value throughout the draft. Nabbing Fitzgerald in the 2nd round was a great start, but the picks that made his team were the quarterback duo of Roethlisberger/Manning in the 11th round.

Biggest Risk: While others were selecting their favorite rookies of upside wide receivers, Steve took Stewart, Ingram and Bradshaw. I find each of those guys tough to start week to week. He was able to amend this move by dealing Stewart in a package for Harvin, giving him a much improved starting lineup.

Other picks of note: Ben Roethlisberger (11.03), Peyton Manning (11.04)

 

Possible Starting Lineup:

QB = Peyton Manning

RB = Ahmad Bradshaw

WR = Larry Fitzgerald

TE = Rob Gronkowski

FLEX = Wes Welker

FLEX = Percy Harvin (received in Stewart trade)

FLEX  = Denarius Moore

Year 1 Outlook: Steve has created a very balanced and talented team, especially after trading Stewart and four future 2nd round picks for Harvin. I think his running backs are below par, but he does have a few options there and really only needs one to start weekly considering his strong wide receivers. This team is a lock for the playoffs and a strong contender for the Active title, as well as the league Super Bowl.

Ryan McDowell can be found on Twitter at @RyanMc23 and on the forums as dlf_ryanm

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