FFPC $1,250 Rookie Draft #2
Editor’s Note: We hope you’ll enjoy our continuing FFPC draft coverage! The high stakes component makes for an intriguing variable and readers should appreciate these coaches paying the price to compete at this level while also giving these drafts extra attention. The FFPC games are unlike any other in the industry due to their length of time and visibility in the space. Since beginning their dynasty games in 2010, they only continue to gain in popularity. Whereas DLF is a place you can call home for the best dynasty content to win your league(s), the FFPC provides the best platform to apply our content – the top competition on the planet and huge dollar purses are just an added bonus!
Welcome to our second installment of our 2017 FFPC draft coverage!
DLF and the FFPC are partners again 2017 and, as such, we’re covering a number of rookie and maiden dynasty drafts to be used as another source of reference for your own drafts. The thought here is that the “high stakes” label brings with it a higher degree of fantasy coaching experience and performance. These coaches are putting serious money on the line with the hope of greater payouts at the end of the rainbow and you can bet that most coaches put a lot of work and research into each selection. With this particular FFPC dynasty league requiring a $1,250 entry fee, there’s no room for mistakes. But this year, the FFPC has introduced lower-stakes games as well so there’s a game for anyone that wants to play.
This review is a $1,250 12-team rookie/free agent draft. Standard scoring Point Per Reception (PPR) format with the exception that tight ends receive 1.5 PPR. Passing touchdowns are worth the standard four points while rushing and receiving touchdowns bring six points each.
For review purposes I will be covering the first three rounds of this draft concluding with a few notable late round selections highlighted. The full seven round draft can be found at the bottom of the article. Each pick will be listed along with some thoughts about the selection. Following each round will be a short review of the round in addition to my assessment of best value and biggest reach.
One item of note here: My review and critique of each pick comes from my own valuations and thoughts about this year’s rookie class and their relative position to free agents that are also available in this draft. Sometimes my comments may come off as harsh or overly-opinionated as I try to reflect my true thoughts about a particular selection. This is not meant to throw shade on a particular owner or make a statement about his skill as a fantasy coach but, instead, relate the my emotion about the selection to my own valuation system. Feel free to make your own assessments that may be contrary to my own.
If you’re ready to step up to the most serious competition on the planet, we highly suggest you check out the FFPC Dynasty Games!
Let’s dive in!
Round One
1.01 Corey Davis, WR TEN
Not much mystery here as Davis has been the top pick in most every rookie draft I’ve scouted this year. Unless you’re in dire need of a running back, Davis’ blend of speed, size and athleticism is difficult to pass up at the 1.01. For what it’s worth, I still rank Leonard Fournette as the top player in this year’s draft class but I don’t fault the selection of Davis. These first four selections are the same as the last draft review.
1.02 Leonard Fournette, RB JAX
The aforementioned Fournette brings a combination of raw power mixed with deceptive speed and agility. I believe he’s a small measure above Todd Gurley as a total package though it remains to be seen if he can contribute on third down. Sharing the backfield with T.J. Yeldon, he likely won’t be called on often in this capacity but the Jaguars badly need what he brings to the table. He’s an easy selection at any selection you can get him in rookie drafts, including the 1.01.
1.03 Christian McCaffrey, RB CAR
McCaffrey’s dynamic is undeniable and unmistakable. He carries with him, not only a high draft grade but also great mystery as to how he’ll actually be used in the backfield, Debate continues as to whether he can be durable and productive enough to be an every down back. While I don’t question his immense upside, he carries too much risk for me to selection him any higher than the 1.03. In PPR formats, he could be pure gold.
1.04 Joe Mixon, RB CIN
Mixon has been on a steady rise every since declaring for the NFL draft. His past transgressions are well known as is his athleticism and upside. Many scouts believe that Mixon is the best all-around back in this class and it’s hard to argue that fact when reviewing tape. He’s fluid and powerful in the run game and receives the ball naturally in a single motion out of the backfield in the passing game. His landing spot could have been better but he’ll see touches immediately.
1.05 Dalvin Cook, RB MIN
Cook has been a bit of a wildcard since the draft and I’ve seen selected as low as 1.08 in TE premium leagues. Even at 1.05, the running back that was once being drafted ahead of Fournette now represents a great value play here at 1.05. I’m not crazy about his landing spot but he’s a solid talent and arguably is more polished than Mixon who was selected ahead of him.
1.06 O.J. Howard, TE TB
Howard continues to be selected between 1.05 and 1.08 consistently. In a tight end premium league I can’t fault the selection if a coach has need at the position. Tight ends normally have a very long integration period in the NFL but up until a couple years ago, were also the greatest likelihood of a “hit” from all positions selected in the first round. He remains my top tight end in this class.
1.07 Mike Williams, WR LAC
Williams and John Ross have have been the biggest losers following the NFL Draft and I’m seeing Williams consistently selected at this slot. While, personally, I think this selection doesn’t relate to his upside, when looking at the selections above him, it’s hard to argue that as long as a coach needs a tight end, it will be hard for Williams to climb the ladder so to speak. This speaks directly to the depth of this class. For what it’s worth, I see Williams as a gnats hair behind Corey Davis as this year’s top receiver. I do like Davis but believe Williams is a safer long term bet. It’s that exciting Corey Davis dynamic that keeps him atop my board for now.
1.08 David Njoku, TE CLE
A nice concession prize if you are looking for tight end help. It looks as if Njoku is locked into an ultra-athletic starter for the Browns before the pads are even on meaning that you’ll see him on the field very quickly. I’m not excited about his prospects given the Browns’ starting quarterback situation but he’ll have room to operate and should see a lot of targets . It’s a good upside situation for the young tight end. At 1.08, it’s hard to argue the selection and you won’t see him higher very often, nor much lower.
1.09 Kareem Hunt, RB KC
I’m still not sure what to think about Hunt and this selection is far more about situation than it is talent. I’m not so sure that Spencer Ware is on the outs in Kansas City as many believe. He’s looks extremely capable as a three-down-potential back and Hunt, while a bit more dynamic laterally, doesn’t appear to me to be a sizable upgrade. I certainly don’t see Hunt as a player that will send Ware to the sidelines for good. That said, Hunt is an intriguing target and his game tape shows some level of three-down ability. This late in the first round makes Hunt a nice upside selection. Still a bit early for my taste.
1.10 Evan Engram, TE NYG
I’m seeing Engram selected a lot at 1.10 and 1.11. Again, in tight end premium leagues, a good one is worth their weight in gold. Of the three selected already, I like Engram’s dynamic and situation best. He’s more raw than Howard but more well-rounded than Njoku in my estimation. The Giants love using their tight ends and Engram carries a very high upside but with the normal tight end risk.
1.11 Zay Jones, WR BUF
I love the package that is Zay Jones but I’ve also seen it before many times and situation can factor greatly in situations like these. Jones has everything you want in a receiver, except for a good situation in Buffalo. It appears the Bills are ready to move on from Sammy Watkins and Jones should be on the fast-track for field time, development and targets. But his development under a quarterback like Tyrod Taylor could be impacted and Buffalo has never been a fertile ground for top production out of the receiving positions. He’s a 1.10 – 1.12 in most every rookie draft now and he’s an easy pick if you’re looking for that next receiver that has a chance to be great. He’s still my fourth rated receiver in this class however.
1.12 Alvin Kamara, RB NO
Only situation has hurt Kamara’s value in rookie drafts. I’ve seen him selected as high as 1.07 and I favor him over Kareem Hunt for talent. Once considered a possibility for the first round, a selection by the Saints in a backfield already containing Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson was a proverbial wet blanket. But I think patience has a real chance to payoff for a coach with time to wait. He’s a solid back and I do tend to be a bit higher on his ceiling than most.
Summary
Once again, three tight ends in the first round. I have to believe this is a first for regular fantasy formats. Overall, it’s just a very solid fantasy first round class and one you’d be happy with at the top or the bottom of the round. Finishing first in your league means you pick last in the round and, in a draft like this, that’s not a bad thing.
Best Value: Mike Williams
This isn’t “value” based on him “slipping” lower than he should have but is more relative based on the depth of this class. Mike Williams at 1.07 with Philip Rivers at the helm is just great value to have.
Biggest Reach: None
Round Two
2.01 Samaje Perine, RB WAS
A popular pick of late as Perine’s situation is hard to pass on. With only Rob Kelley above him for early-down work, it wouldn’t take much for Perine to take over that role should Kelley under-perform. I’m having a hard time projecting Perine into any level of fantasy prominence but the opportunity is there and you can’t ask for more than that at 2.01.
2.02 John Ross, WR CIN
Once again Ross falls to the second round and this is now a consistent trend. It’s no secret that he’s not a plus-sized receiver but he runs fabulous routes, has legitimate 4.2 – 4.3 speed and exists in an offense that will find ways to get the rock into his hands. This is a fantastic value pick here but do understand that smaller receivers just don’t carry the intrigue that larger ones do. I am of the same mindset. I still see Ross as a clear first round selections
2.03 Juju Smith-Schuster, WR PIT
Strike four? The fourth receiver to come out of USC four recent seasons to try and make a name for themselves at the next level. Robert Woods, Marqise Lee, Nelson Agholor and now Juju Smith-Schuster all are suiting up on Sundays. Yet none of the previous three have amounted to a fantasy “starter” caliber player and Smith-Schuster is the lowest drafted of the four. That said, I love his size/speed dynamic and his drafted situation in Pittsburgh can’t be discounted. Like Green Bay, the Steelers have success in fielding noteworthy receivers and Smith-Schuster’s fall to the bottom of the second round could well pay off for a patient coach.
2.04 D’onta Foreman, RB HOU
One of the most difficult players to project into the NFL due to an odd mix of size and running ability. He doesn’t have the prototypical game of a larger back but nor does he possess the lateral speed dynamic of a smaller running back. This, primarily, led to his draft-day fall, ended by the Houston Texans. I really like the player and his situation as a Texan. As someone not overly high on Lamar Miller, it won’t surprise me if Foreman sees the field well before his skill-set suggests he should. For a second round (in fantasy) back, this is best-case scenario, allowing you to reap the rewards or cut-bait more quickly.
2.05 Marshawn Lynch, RB OAK
One of my favorite players of all time and the first free agent taken in this draft. Not going to say much about this selection other than it makes sense at this point in the draft either as low-cost production or, even better, fantastic trade bait to a contender later in the season.
2.06 Marlon Mack, RB IND
Indi is eventually going to find their later round gem if they keep taking stabs. I like Mack as an underrated versatility back with some three-down potential if he can learn to pass protect. Behind only Frank Gore, Mack is certain to see touches early in the year and with little behind him on the depth chart, there may not be any greater upside play to outplay his selection.
2.07 Joe Williams, RB SF
A later riser in fantasy drafts due to Kyle Shanahan “pounding his fist on the table” for his selection. Behind Carlos Hyde, who is said to have only a tenuous hold on the starting role, like Marlon Mack above this selection, there’s a tremendous amount of upside available with very little cost. Truth be told, I think Williams is a fringe first-round rookie selection in fantasy drafts.
2.08 Adam Shaheen, TE CHI
He’s a project tight end with a lot of raw talent but also is in the mold of many tight ends that never end up producing at the next level. I’d prefer to see his name called in the later part of the third round and after other tight end names but late in the second, you take your shots and this falls into that category.
2.09 Jamaal Williams, RB GB
I’m not a Williams fan but get the selection as someone has to emerge in Green Bay. It’s no lock that the converted Ty Montgomery can be successful in his new role, leaving the door open for Williams and others to stake their own claim to the touches. Williams seems far more an early down pounder without much dynamic which could have value in the high-octane offense that is Green Bay. But his skill set into Green Bay’s pass propensity just doesn’t elicit excitement for me.
2.10 Gerald Everett, TE LAL
Another late riser in fantasy as his athleticism combined with praise out of camp seem to suggest a large role immediately. Like Shaheen, the road is littered with tight ends that can’t integrate and time to production is often a painful wait. What fantasy coaches need most is an early starter to gauge ability and production so that we can cut bait quickly if needed. Everett has been mentioned in the same breath as Jordan Reed so his value is most certainly rising.
2.11 Jeremy McNichols, RB TB
Like Williams, I haven’t been much of a fan of McNichols out of Boise State but in Tampa Bay, it’s hard to ignore the potential that he could see snaps if Doug Martin and/or Charles Sims falter. One of these second round backs is going to have a nice career and while my money would be on Mack or Williams (SF), here late in the second round, it’s worth a stab.
2.12 Curtis Samuel, WR CAR
Just what is and what is his value? I’ve seen Samuel go as early as 1.09 and as late as the middle third round. I’m more a fan of the latter valuation but he’s 2017’s mystery man as far as rookies go. At least with D’onta Foreman, we know he’s a running back purely. If Carolina can make use of his speed-dynamic to mix in with both Cam Newton and fellow rookie Christian McCaffrey, we could see one of the most intriguing offenses in the NFL.
Summary
The second round of 2017 rookie draft has been largely typical which can be both a blessing and a curse. With players so closely slotted, it can be difficult to make reach selections in hopes of capturing your favorite sleeper if the value left on the board represents greater risk-reward. And with selections so standardized and without much variation, all coaches will be operating from substantially similar “cheat” sheets. Ultimately, the second round is following the script which at least allows for some level of predictability.
Best Value: Joe Williams
Running backs can be productive from lower rounds and I love Williams’ upside into his drafted situation. If not for a bizarre ‘retirement’ during his time at Utah, he may have been in discussion as a first round talent. In the end, his story dropped his draft stock even though it appears rather benign. As a fantasy owner, these are the types of situations to capitalize upon and I’m anxious to do just that in the second round any time I can this year.
Biggest Reach: Adam Shaheen
Many are high on Shaheen but I’m not one of them. He’s got dynamic but in that offense without consistent quarterback play, I’ll leave this risk to another coach, especially with Everett still on the board.
Round 3
3.01 Duke Johnson, RB CLE
Johnson may have started a slow fade into obscurity at the hand of injury but he’s still young and the offense is developing and may finally have a spark. The backfield will still be led by Isaiah Crowell but Johnson should still have an upside third down role if he can stay healthy. I don’t have shares of Johnson to any significant degree but if he can put one season behind him in full health, I think his ceiling could rise significantly into 2018.
3.02 Marvin Jones, WR DET
Made faded Jones into the second half of 2016 and for good reason. After a hot start to begin ’16, he virtually disappeared as defenses rolled coverage and Detroit couldn’t develop any great level of consistency on offense. There’s still a lot of upside for Jones in Detroit and he’ll be a great sleeper candidate in drafts.
3.03 Chris Godwin, WR TB
There are a couple of rookie third round receivers that have my attention and Godwin is the first. He has the perfect size and dynamic that I look for and his situation in Tampa Bay carries enough intrigue such that I won’t shy away from him. In fact, I’m buying Godwin in the second half of the second round. He’s a great play maker and slides into an offense that should be able to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally. I’m not sure there are enough balls to go around but I’m willing to wait it out.
3.04 Carlos Henderson, WR DEN
I’m not Henderson’s biggest fan but he’s a solid prospect in an offense that should yield targets. The value is a bit high given remaining names on the board in my assessment.
3.05 James Conner, RB PIT
There’s simply no way not to root for this kid after battling cancer. He ends up in his college home town backing up one of the NFL’s best in Le’Veon Bell. He doesn’t possess blazing speed, lateral agility or anything that portends fantasy stardom, but neither did Arian Foster, who Conner reminds me a lot of. That’s enough for me if you are looking for a sleeper back in this draft.
3.06 Dwayne Allen, TE NE
This is a nice get here in the middle of the third round, especially in a tight end premium format. The Patriots are going to be absolute monsters on-ball in ’17 and it’s anyone’s guess how Allen fits into the plan, but with Rob Gronkowski’s injury issues, you can be certain that Allen’s upside is greater than his selection in fantasy.
3.07 Aaron Jones, RB GB
Don’t let Jones slip beyond your third round. He was ultra-productive at UTEP and has an NFL skill-set. Best of all, Green Bay’s running back depth chart is anything but settled leaving plenty of opportunities for someone to climb the ladder. If I was picking deep sleepers from this draft, Jones would be near the top of that list. This is about as high as I’ve seen him selected and it won’t surprise me to see him continue to increase in popularity.
3.08 Wayne Gallman, RB NYG
I’ve watched a lot of Gallman and he is one of my favorite unheralded backs in this draft. His selection by New York is fantastic for his prospects and his run-style is a good fit for their scheme. He runs overly high and doesn’t have much of a second gear but he grinds out yards, has enough angular ability and is a workmanlike back that could be a better NFL back than he was in college.
3.09 Kenny Golladay, WR DET
After Chris Godwin, Golladay is my next sleeper receiver whose game I love given his size and dynamic. In Detroit, the fit is perfect alongside Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. I have him penciled in at no worse than the WR3 in that offense and his ceiling, I believe, is as high as a WR1 in time. The big target is just what Matt Stafford needs and it’s not out of the question that he produces above the enigmatic Marvin Jones in 2017.
3.10 ArDarius Stewart, WR NYJ
The Jets were in full dump mode to begin 2017 and now with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker out of the mix, place your bets as to who will be the go-to receiver. Stewart isn’t a big target at 5’11” but is gritty and could produce immediately. It’s obvious that the Jets are starting a youth movement with the expectation of selecting a quarterback early in 2018. Stewart’s prospects for this year aren’t great and I prefer him in the fourth round, but if you’re patient, there’s upside to be had.
3.11 Jake Butt, TE DEN
Unfortunately for Butt, an ACL injury dropped his draft stock and he was in discussion as the best tight end of the ’17 class prior to the injury. Wiley coaches will get a supreme value in the third or fourth round with a tight end that, if recovered, has NFL game. Denver’s depth chart is wide open and you can expect Butt to be starting sooner rather than later.
3.12 Cooper Kupp, WR LAR
I’ve been waiting for this selection wondering if he’d actually fall into the fourth round. This is a supreme value for Kupp who I have valued in the mid-second-round. His Combine numbers won’t jump off the page but his production and game film will. He’s one of those players who I will draft almost regardless of measurables and Combine stats because his tape is just that good. He shredded first round cornerbacks in 2016 and that’s all you need to know. Don’t sleep on this kid, he is NO sleeper.
Summary
I love the third round of drafts. I’ve always done my best work in this round and 2017’s third round leaves so many reasons to be excited and even stock up on selections. I believe this year’s third round has every potential to be the best in over a decade.
Best Value: Cooper Kupp
He’s too good of a prospect to fall this far. I’ve been saying that consistently from the draft so, in time, I’ll either be proven correct or proven a fool. I’m all in on Kupp and while I would like to have seen him fall to a better situation, the Rams need what he brings in toughness and possession-receiver-plus ability.
Biggest Reach: None
None. I thought the coaches did a nice job of finding value in this round.
Wrap-up
You can see the rest of the draft below in addition to the teams that were selecting.
Once again, for the most part, this draft has been very predictable and without a lot of twists and turns. I really can’t remember a year when a draft was so deep that the top three and even four rounds provided such great selection opportunities, but 2017 has given us just that. If you are rebuilding, it provides a fantastic opportunity to target picks in round three and four to stock talent. If you pick late and/or won your championship last year, there’s an opportunity to stay on top with great young talent to keep on your bench while they develop.
It will be exciting to see this draft class play out to see whether there’s fire beneath the smoke.
I hope you enjoyed this review.
Follow me on Twitter: @DLF_Jeff
You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff
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