I’ll be up - it will be 3am in Ol’ Blighty :eek:
yes, my wife thinks I’m crazy…
Charter’s system tech’s have just left and have set me up with what they say should work for tonight. They’ll replace it tomorrow. So it looks like I’m all set to go. After my dismal showing last year ($31 for Beanie Wells? $25 for Pierre Thomas and his ankle?), I have some respect to gain back.
Well I hope everyone will be there. This year is rough on me - I spent the last week without any internet access so I’m way underprepared. Got 2 hours worth of cramming to do.
If it matters, the Lions cut some back named Jerome this week.
Based on how his career has gone, I actually believed that for a minute. Now I’m going to kick you in the taint and steal one of your targets.
When does Yahoo allow us into the draft room? I thought you could get into the draft room an hour before, but that might just be ESPN.
Half hour I think.
Ahh, but it was absolutely true. The Lions cut a back by the name of Jerome. Jerome Felton.
I’ve done maybe four thousand mock drafts in the last week or two and yet I feel completely unprepared. Granted the lot of you draft little better than a computer anyway, it still doesn’t quite feel right.
There goes my fantasy team, damn.
Room is open.
I’m on, but if there’s a chat feature, I’m not rude - I’m on a netbook and can’t see the bottom quarter of the Yahoo screen.
Everyone sucks but me!!!
Well that started out great and slowly degenerated. Strange feeling looking at my team. I’ll try to do some writeups soon.
Here’s the Draft Results. Find the key below to understand the numbers before and after the player. I’ll put user names next to the ones I can figure out, let me know if I mix anyone up. There will be some write ups coming when I have time. I encourage everyone to at least write something about their own team as soon as you can, and any breakdowns, mocking and predictions are very welcome.
Key: Pick Number-Team (Pick Number - Overall) Player Name(Position) $Price
Overly Sentimental - Chuck
1 (7) Aaron Rodgers(GB - QB) $32
2 (15) Eli Manning(NYG - QB) $12
3 (18) Ray Rice(Bal - RB) $54
4 (25) Sidney Rice(Sea - WR) $12
5 (33) Larry Fitzgerald(Ari - WR) $36
6 (37) Steve Smith(Car - WR) $7
7 (55) Jimmy Graham(NO - TE) $10
8 (72) Marshawn Lynch(Sea - RB) $11
9 (92) A.J. Green(Cin - WR) $6
10 (97) Jacquizz Rodgers(Atl - RB) $1
11 (101) Fred Jackson(Buf - RB) $9
12 (109) Danny Woodhead(NE - RB) $3
13 (145) John Kasay(NO - K) $1
14 (156) St. Louis(StL - DEF) $1
15 (167) Nate Burleson(Det - WR) $1
16 (173) Aaron Hernandez(NE - TE) $2
Unused $2
Duke’s Devils - MTRG
1 (21) Michael Turner(Atl - RB) $38
2 (23) LeSean McCoy(Phi - RB) $42
3 (35) Reggie Wayne(Ind - WR) $25
4 (43) Philip Rivers(SD - QB) $32
5 (44) Mike Williams(TB - WR) $23
6 (59) DeSean Jackson(Phi - WR) $22
7 (122) Terrelle Pryor(Oak - QB) $1
8 (131) Chicago(Chi - DEF) $2
9 (134) Donovan McNabb(Min - QB) $1
10 (146) Isaac Redman(Pit - RB) $1
11 (153) Sebastian Janikowski(Oak - K) $2
12 (157) Rob Gronkowski(NE - TE) $3
13 (161) Mike Williams(Sea - WR) $3
14 (163) Jared Cook(Ten - TE) $3
15 (176) Nate Washington(Ten - WR) $1
16 (183) Deion Branch(NE - WR) $1
Unused $0
Court Jesters - D_Odds
1 (24) Darren McFadden(Oak - RB) $34
2 (28) Maurice Jones-Drew(Jac - RB) $36
3 (30) Drew Brees(NO - QB) $30
4 (49) Plaxico Burress(NYJ - WR) $9
5 (85) Julio Jones(Atl - WR) $10
6 (88) Lee Evans(Bal - WR) $6
7 (104) Hines Ward(Pit - WR) $5
8 (111) David Garrard(Jac - QB) $1
9 (113) Mike Sims-Walker(StL - WR) $8
10 (116) Owen Daniels(Hou - TE) $9
11 (127) Brandon Jacobs(NYG - RB) $13
12 (147) Robert Meachem(NO - WR) $1
13 (152) Rashad Jennings(Jac - RB) $5
14 (158) Lawrence Tynes(NYG - K) $1
15 (169) New England(NE - DEF) $1
16 (177) Kevin Boss(Oak - TE) $1
Unused $30
Chicago Cutlery - Omniscient
1 (6) Arian Foster(Hou - RB) $47
2 (8) Ben Tate(Hou - RB) $15
3 (17) Kenny Britt(Ten - WR) $19
4 (26) Greg Jennings(GB - WR) $26
5 (45) Matt Forte(Chi - RB) $28
6 (54) Jason Witten(Dal - TE) $16
7 (58) Matt Schaub(Hou - QB) $16
8 (70) Knowshon Moreno(Den - RB) $15
9 (76) San Diego(SD - DEF) $2
10 (102) Malcom Floyd(SD - WR) $10
11 (124) Garrett Hartley(NO - K) $1
12 (159) Ryan Torain(Was - RB) $1
13 (178) Chad Henne(Mia - QB) $1
14 (186) Stevan Ridley(NE - RB) $1
15 (188) Anthony Armstrong(Was - WR) $1
16 (190) Steve Breaston(KC - WR) $1
Unused $0
Phoenix Redbirds - dalej42
1 (9) Adrian Peterson(Min - RB) $50
2 (47) Mario Manningham(NYG - WR) $19
3 (50) Tony Romo(Dal - QB) $24
4 (63) Mark Ingram(NO - RB) $19
5 (65) Mark Sanchez(NYJ - QB) $1
6 (69) Beanie Wells(Ari - RB) $18
7 (71) Anquan Boldin(Bal - WR) $13
8 (73) Roy Helu(Was - RB) $5
9 (74) Jeremy Maclin(Phi - WR) $19
10 (75) Danny Amendola(StL - WR) $5
11 (98) C.J. Spiller(Buf - RB) $5
12 (106) Sam Bradford(StL - QB) $8
13 (137) James Starks(GB - RB) $4
14 (160) Brandon Pettigrew(Det - TE) $5
15 (171) Dallas(Dal - DEF) $1
16 (179) Adam Vinatieri(Ind - K) $1
Unused $3
Team Dragon Ash - DragonAsh
1 (11) Roddy White(Atl - WR) $38
2 (16) Jamaal Charles(KC - RB) $48
3 (22) Michael Vick(Phi - QB) $36
4 (34) Frank Gore(SF - RB) $31
5 (78) Dallas Clark(Ind - TE) $15
6 (89) Austin Collie(Ind - WR) $15
7 (107) Jordy Nelson(GB - WR) $4
8 (118) Joe Flacco(Bal - QB) $5
9 (126) Mikel LeShoure(Det - RB) $1
10 (172) Davone Bess(Mia - WR) $1
11 (180) Visanthe Shiancoe(Min - TE) $1
12 (185) Detroit(Det - DEF) $1
13 (187) Rob Bironas(Ten - K) $1
14 (189) Jerome Simpson(Cin - WR) $1
15 (191) Thomas Jones(KC - RB) $1
16 (192) Ronnie Brown(Phi - RB) $1
Unused $0
Varlos’ Zzzzzzz - Varlos Z
1 (12) Rashard Mendenhall(Pit - RB) $40
2 (36) Felix Jones(Dal - RB) $26
3 (39) Cedric Benson(Cin - RB) $14
4 (53) Vernon Davis(SF - TE) $12
5 (60) Ben Roethlisberger(Pit - QB) $14
6 (68) Kevin Kolb(Ari - QB) $8
7 (80) Dwayne Bowe(KC - WR) $25
8 (82) Ryan Fitzpatrick(Buf - QB) $4
9 (83) Marques Colston(NO - WR) $19
10 (91) Emmanuel Sanders(Pit - WR) $6
11 (115) Baltimore(Bal - DEF) $2
12 (125) Michael Crabtree(SF - WR) $9
13 (141) Neil Rackers(Hou - K) $2
14 (150) Jacoby Jones(Hou - WR) $2
15 (162) LaDainian Tomlinson(NYJ - RB) $1
16 (170) Devin Hester(Chi - WR) $2
Unused $14
Crowley’s Bentley - Hamlet
1 (5) Peyton Manning(Ind - QB) $24
2 (19) Calvin Johnson(Det - WR) $37
3 (46) Steven Jackson(StL - RB) $29
4 (57) DeAngelo Williams(Car - RB) $18
5 (66) Vincent Jackson(SD - WR) $23
6 (84) Wes Welker(NE - WR) $15
7 (90) Matthew Stafford(Det - QB) $13
8 (95) Jonathan Stewart(Car - RB) $10
9 (105) Mason Crosby(GB - K) $2
10 (120) Kellen Winslow(TB - TE) $4
11 (123) Michael Bush(Oak - RB) $3
12 (128) New York(NYJ - DEF) $2
13 (140) Willis McGahee(Den - RB) $1
14 (168) Antonio Brown(Pit - WR) $2
15 (181) Chris Cooley(Was - TE) $1
16 (184) Brandon Gibson(StL - WR) $2
Unused $14
New York Fanboys - Ellis Dee *Autodrafted *
1 (2) Hakeem Nicks(NYG - WR) $30
2 (13) Chad Ochocinco(NE - WR) $13
3 (20) Jay Cutler(Chi - QB) $5
4 (29) Antonio Gates(SD - TE) $21
5 (40) Brandon Lloyd(Den - WR) $17
6 (61) Ryan Grant(GB - RB) $14
7 (62) Santana Moss(Was - WR) $9
8 (81) Mike Tolbert(SD - RB) $10
9 (86) Roy Williams(Chi - WR) $3
10 (99) Pierre Thomas(NO - RB) $4
11 (103) Pittsburgh(Pit - DEF) $4
12 (108) Tony Gonzalez(Atl - TE) $6
13 (117) Nate Kaeding(SD - K) $2
14 (133) New Orleans(NO - DEF) $2
15 (164) Cam Newton(Car - QB) $1
16 (174) Alex Henery(Phi - K) $1
Unused $58
New New York Benders - It’s Not Rocket Surgery!
1 (32) Mike Wallace(Pit - WR) $29
2 (41) Dez Bryant(Dal - WR) $24
3 (48) Ahmad Bradshaw(NYG - RB) $21
4 (51) Jermichael Finley(GB - TE) $22
5 (56) BenJarvus Green-Ellis(NE - RB) $11
6 (67) Matt Ryan(Atl - QB) $11
7 (79) Brandon Marshall(Mia - WR) $22
8 (93) Green Bay(GB - DEF) $5
9 (96) Ryan Mathews(SD - RB) $10
10 (112) Matt Cassel(KC - QB) $6
11 (148) Mike Thomas(Jac - WR) $6
12 (149) Marcedes Lewis(Jac - TE) $3
13 (151) Daniel Thomas(Mia - RB) $6
14 (154) DeMarco Murray(Dal - RB) $1
15 (155) Jacoby Ford(Oak - WR) $2
16 (165) Delone Carter(Ind - RB) $3
Unused $18
Exploding Pancakes - SenorBeef
1 (4) Chris Johnson(Ten - RB) $47
2 (10) Jahvid Best(Det - RB) $22
3 (31) Shonn Greene(NYJ - RB) $26
4 (42) Tom Brady(NE - QB) $26
5 (100) Stevie Johnson(Buf - WR) $21
6 (110) Braylon Edwards(SF - WR) $5
7 (114) Johnny Knox(Chi - WR) $5
8 (119) Greg Olsen(Car - TE) $5
9 (129) Kyle Orton(Den - QB) $3
10 (130) Stephen Gostkowski(NE - K) $3
11 (135) Pierre Garcon(Ind - WR) $10
12 (136) Colt McCoy(Cle - QB) $2
13 (138) Darren Sproles(NO - RB) $3
14 (139) Lance Moore(NO - WR) $3
15 (142) Jerome Harrison(Det - RB) $2
16 (143) New York(NYG - DEF) $4
Unused $13
HungryHungryHaruspex - Jules Andre
1 (1) Josh Freeman(TB - QB) $8
2 (3) Andre Johnson(Hou - WR) $40
3 (14) Miles Austin(Dal - WR) $29
4 (27) Santonio Holmes(NYJ - WR) $15
5 (38) Peyton Hillis(Cle - RB) $25
6 (52) LeGarrette Blount(TB - RB) $27
7 (64) Percy Harvin(Min - WR) $15
8 (77) Joseph Addai(Ind - RB) $9
9 (87) Reggie Bush(Mia - RB) $9
10 (94) Tim Hightower(Was - RB) $12
11 (121) Philadelphia(Phi - DEF) $5
12 (132) Matt Bryant(Atl - K) $1
13 (144) Dustin Keller(NYJ - TE) $1
14 (166) Andy Dalton(Cin - QB) $1
15 (175) Todd Heap(Ari - TE) $1
16 (182) James Jones(GB - WR) $1
Unused $1
It’s the worst draft I’ve had in years unfortunately. A week without having internet access, not much research before that, and doing the draft in a busy environment where different stuff needed my attention ended up resulting in a mess with no clear strategy.
Here’s another view of the draft, or at least the first 154 picks of it. I copied in the person who nominated a player to the left along with the person who ended up with the player at the right. I stopped at 154 because that was when the first player was out of picks and it became more work than it was worth to put together.
I think this is interesting because it shows how few people nominate players that they intend to get. I think our league is a little bizarre in that everyone is more concerned with out strategizing their opponents then with actually building a team with the players they want. In the first say 4 rounds of this draft you’d expect more people to nominate guys they are legitimately trying to get. It’s not like those rounds had players being dramatically overvalued afterall.
The first person to actually draft the player they nominated was Chuck at number 37, and I suspect that his Steve Smith nomination was one that backfired on him. The next one was at 65 by dalej42 who ended up eating Mark Sanchez for a buck. After that it was me at 76 getting myself the first defense off the board for $2.
- Overly Sentimental – Josh Freeman(TB - QB) ($8) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Duke’s Devils – Hakeem Nicks(NYG - WR) ($30) – New York Fanboys
- Court Jesters – Andre Johnson(Hou - WR) ($40) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Chicago Cutlery – Chris Johnson(Ten - RB) ($47) – Exploding Pancakes
- Phoenix Redbirds – Peyton Manning(Ind - QB) ($24) – Crowley’s Bentley
- Team Dragon Ash – Arian Foster(Hou - RB) ($47) – Chicago Cutlery
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Aaron Rodgers(GB - QB) ($32) – Overly Sentimental
- Crowley’s Bentley – Ben Tate(Hou - RB) ($15) – Chicago Cutlery
- New York Fanboys – Adrian Peterson(Min - RB) ($50) – Phoenix Redbirds
- New New York Benders – Jahvid Best(Det - RB) ($22) – Exploding Pancakes
- Exploding Pancakes – Roddy White(Atl - WR) ($38) – Team Dragon Ash
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Rashard Mendenhall(Pit - RB) ($40) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Overly Sentimental – Chad Ochocinco(NE - WR) ($13) – New York Fanboys
- Duke’s Devils – Miles Austin(Dal - WR) ($29) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Court Jesters – Eli Manning(NYG - QB) ($12) – Overly Sentimental
- Chicago Cutlery – Jamaal Charles(KC - RB) ($48) – Team Dragon Ash
- Phoenix Redbirds – Kenny Britt(Ten - WR) ($19) – Chicago Cutlery
- Team Dragon Ash – Ray Rice(Bal - RB) ($54) – Overly Sentimental
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Calvin Johnson(Det - WR) ($37) – Crowley’s Bentley
- Crowley’s Bentley – Jay Cutler(Chi - QB) ($5) – New York Fanboys
- New York Fanboys – Michael Turner(Atl - RB) ($38) – Duke’s Devils
- New New York Benders – Michael Vick(Phi - QB) ($36) – Team Dragon Ash
- Exploding Pancakes – LeSean McCoy(Phi - RB) ($42) – Duke’s Devils
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Darren McFadden(Oak - RB) ($34) – Court Jesters
- Overly Sentimental – Sidney Rice(Sea - WR) ($12) – Overly Sentimental
- Duke’s Devils – Greg Jennings(GB - WR) ($26) – Chicago Cutlery
- Court Jesters – Santonio Holmes(NYJ - WR) ($15) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Chicago Cutlery – Maurice Jones-Drew(Jac - RB) ($36) – Court Jesters
- Phoenix Redbirds – Antonio Gates(SD - TE) ($21) – New York Fanboys
- Team Dragon Ash – Drew Brees(NO - QB) ($30) – Court Jesters
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Shonn Greene(NYJ - RB) ($26) – Exploding Pancakes
- Crowley’s Bentley – Mike Wallace(Pit - WR) ($29) – New New York Benders
- New York Fanboys – Larry Fitzgerald(Ari - WR) ($36) – Overly Sentimental
- New New York Benders – Frank Gore(SF - RB) ($31) – Team Dragon Ash
- Exploding Pancakes – Reggie Wayne(Ind - WR) ($25) – Duke’s Devils
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Felix Jones(Dal - RB) ($26) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Overly Sentimental – Steve Smith(Car - WR) ($7) – Overly Sentimental
- Duke’s Devils – Peyton Hillis(Cle - RB) ($25) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Court Jesters – Cedric Benson(Cin - RB) ($14) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Chicago Cutlery – Brandon Lloyd(Den - WR) ($17) – New York Fanboys
- Phoenix Redbirds – Dez Bryant(Dal - WR) ($24) – New New York Benders
- Team Dragon Ash – Tom Brady(NE - QB) ($26) – Exploding Pancakes
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Philip Rivers(SD - QB) ($32) – Duke’s Devils
- Crowley’s Bentley – Mike Williams(TB - WR) ($23) – Duke’s Devils
- New York Fanboys – Matt Forte(Chi - RB) ($28) – Chicago Cutlery
- New New York Benders – Steven Jackson(StL - RB) ($29) – Crowley’s Bentley
- Exploding Pancakes – Mario Manningham(NYG - WR) ($19) – Phoenix Redbirds
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Ahmad Bradshaw(NYG - RB) ($21) – New New York Benders
- Overly Sentimental – Plaxico Burress(NYJ - WR) ($9) – Court Jesters
- Duke’s Devils – Tony Romo(Dal - QB) ($24) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Court Jesters – Jermichael Finley(GB - TE) ($22) – New New York Benders
- Chicago Cutlery – LeGarrette Blount(TB - RB) ($27) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Phoenix Redbirds – Vernon Davis(SF - TE) ($12) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Team Dragon Ash – Jason Witten(Dal - TE) ($16) – Chicago Cutlery
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Jimmy Graham(NO - TE) ($10) – Overly Sentimental
- Crowley’s Bentley – BenJarvus Green-Ellis(NE - RB) ($11) – New New York Benders
- New York Fanboys – DeAngelo Williams(Car - RB) ($18) – Crowley’s Bentley
- New New York Benders – Matt Schaub(Hou - QB) ($16) – Chicago Cutlery
- Exploding Pancakes – DeSean Jackson(Phi - WR) ($22) – Duke’s Devils
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Ben Roethlisberger(Pit - QB) ($14) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Overly Sentimental – Ryan Grant(GB - RB) ($14) – New York Fanboys
- Duke’s Devils – Santana Moss(Was - WR) ($9) – New York Fanboys
- Court Jesters – Mark Ingram(NO - RB) ($19) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Chicago Cutlery – Percy Harvin(Min - WR) ($15) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Phoenix Redbirds – Mark Sanchez(NYJ - QB) ($1) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Team Dragon Ash – Vincent Jackson(SD - WR) ($23) – Crowley’s Bentley
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Matt Ryan(Atl - QB) ($11) – New New York Benders
- Crowley’s Bentley – Kevin Kolb(Ari - QB) ($8) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- New York Fanboys – Beanie Wells(Ari - RB) ($18) – Phoenix Redbirds
- New New York Benders – Knowshon Moreno(Den - RB) ($15) – Chicago Cutlery
- Exploding Pancakes – Anquan Boldin(Bal - WR) ($13) – Phoenix Redbirds
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Marshawn Lynch(Sea - RB) ($11) – Overly Sentimental
- Overly Sentimental – Roy Helu(Was - RB) ($5) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Duke’s Devils – Jeremy Maclin(Phi - WR) ($19) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Court Jesters – Danny Amendola(StL - WR) ($5) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Chicago Cutlery – San Diego(SD - DEF) ($2) – Chicago Cutlery
- Phoenix Redbirds – Joseph Addai(Ind - RB) ($9) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Team Dragon Ash – Dallas Clark(Ind - TE) ($15) – Team Dragon Ash
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Brandon Marshall(Mia - WR) ($22) – New New York Benders
- Crowley’s Bentley – Dwayne Bowe(KC - WR) ($25) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- New York Fanboys – Mike Tolbert(SD - RB) ($10) – New York Fanboys
- New New York Benders – Ryan Fitzpatrick(Buf - QB) ($4) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Exploding Pancakes – Marques Colston(NO - WR) ($19) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Wes Welker(NE - WR) ($15) – Crowley’s Bentley
- Overly Sentimental – Julio Jones(Atl - WR) ($10) – Court Jesters
- Duke’s Devils – Roy Williams(Chi - WR) ($3) – New York Fanboys
- Court Jesters – Reggie Bush(Mia - RB) ($9) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Chicago Cutlery – Lee Evans(Bal - WR) ($6) – Court Jesters
- Phoenix Redbirds – Austin Collie(Ind - WR) ($15) – Team Dragon Ash
- Team Dragon Ash – Matthew Stafford(Det - QB) ($13) – Crowley’s Bentley
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Emmanuel Sanders(Pit - WR) ($6) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Crowley’s Bentley – A.J. Green(Cin - WR) ($6) – Overly Sentimental
- New York Fanboys – Green Bay(GB - DEF) ($5) – New New York Benders
- New New York Benders – Tim Hightower(Was - RB) ($12) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Exploding Pancakes – Jonathan Stewart(Car - RB) ($10) – Crowley’s Bentley
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Ryan Mathews(SD - RB) ($10) – New New York Benders
- Overly Sentimental – Jacquizz Rodgers(Atl - RB) ($1) – Overly Sentimental
- Duke’s Devils – C.J. Spiller(Buf - RB) ($5) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Court Jesters – Pierre Thomas(NO - RB) ($4) – New York Fanboys
- Chicago Cutlery – Stevie Johnson(Buf - WR) ($21) – Exploding Pancakes
- Phoenix Redbirds – Fred Jackson(Buf - RB) ($9) – Overly Sentimental
- Team Dragon Ash – Malcom Floyd(SD - WR) ($10) – Chicago Cutlery
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Pittsburgh(Pit - DEF) ($4) – New York Fanboys
- Crowley’s Bentley – Hines Ward(Pit - WR) ($5) – Court Jesters
- New York Fanboys – Mason Crosby(GB - K) ($2) – Crowley’s Bentley
- New New York Benders – Sam Bradford(StL - QB) ($8) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Exploding Pancakes – Jordy Nelson(GB - WR) ($4) – Team Dragon Ash
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Tony Gonzalez(Atl - TE) ($6) – New York Fanboys
- Overly Sentimental – Danny Woodhead(NE - RB) ($3) – Overly Sentimental
- Duke’s Devils – Braylon Edwards(SF - WR) ($5) – Exploding Pancakes
- Court Jesters – David Garrard(Jac - QB) ($1) – Court Jesters
- Chicago Cutlery – Matt Cassel(KC - QB) ($6) – New New York Benders
- Phoenix Redbirds – Mike Sims-Walker(StL - WR) ($8) – Court Jesters
- Team Dragon Ash – Johnny Knox(Chi - WR) ($5) – Exploding Pancakes
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Baltimore(Bal - DEF) ($2) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Crowley’s Bentley – Owen Daniels(Hou - TE) ($9) – Court Jesters
- New York Fanboys – Nate Kaeding(SD - K) ($2) – New York Fanboys
- New New York Benders – Joe Flacco(Bal - QB) ($5) – Team Dragon Ash
- Exploding Pancakes – Greg Olsen(Car - TE) ($5) – Exploding Pancakes
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Kellen Winslow(TB - TE) ($4) – Crowley’s Bentley
- Overly Sentimental – Philadelphia(Phi - DEF) ($5) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Duke’s Devils – Terrelle Pryor(Oak - QB) ($1) – Duke’s Devils
- Court Jesters – Michael Bush(Oak - RB) ($3) – Crowley’s Bentley
- Chicago Cutlery – Garrett Hartley(NO - K) ($1) – Chicago Cutlery
- Phoenix Redbirds – Michael Crabtree(SF - WR) ($9) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Team Dragon Ash – Mikel LeShoure(Det - RB) ($1) – Team Dragon Ash
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Brandon Jacobs(NYG - RB) ($13) – Court Jesters
- Crowley’s Bentley – New York(NYJ - DEF) ($2) – Crowley’s Bentley
- New York Fanboys – Kyle Orton(Den - QB) ($3) – Exploding Pancakes
- New New York Benders – Stephen Gostkowski(NE - K) ($3) – Exploding Pancakes
- Exploding Pancakes – Chicago(Chi - DEF) ($2) – Duke’s Devils
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Matt Bryant(Atl - K) ($1) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Overly Sentimental – New Orleans(NO - DEF) ($2) – New York Fanboys
- Duke’s Devils – Donovan McNabb(Min - QB) ($1) – Duke’s Devils
- Court Jesters – Pierre Garcon(Ind - WR) ($10) – Exploding Pancakes
- Chicago Cutlery – Colt McCoy(Cle - QB) ($2) – Exploding Pancakes
- Phoenix Redbirds – James Starks(GB - RB) ($4) – Phoenix Redbirds
- Team Dragon Ash – Darren Sproles(NO - RB) ($3) – Exploding Pancakes
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Lance Moore(NO - WR) ($3) – Exploding Pancakes
- Crowley’s Bentley – Willis McGahee(Den - RB) ($1) – Crowley’s Bentley
- New York Fanboys – Neil Rackers(Hou - K) ($2) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- New New York Benders – Jerome Harrison(Det - RB) ($2) – Exploding Pancakes
- Exploding Pancakes – New York(NYG - DEF) ($4) – Exploding Pancakes
- HungryHungryHaruspex – Dustin Keller(NYJ - TE) ($1) – HungryHungryHaruspex
- Overly Sentimental – John Kasay(NO - K) ($1) – Overly Sentimental
- Duke’s Devils – Isaac Redman(Pit - RB) ($1) – Duke’s Devils
- Court Jesters – Robert Meachem(NO - WR) ($1) – Court Jesters
- Chicago Cutlery – Mike Thomas(Jac - WR) ($6) – New New York Benders
- Phoenix Redbirds – Marcedes Lewis(Jac - TE) ($3) – New New York Benders
- Team Dragon Ash – Jacoby Jones(Hou - WR) ($2) – Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
- Varlos’ Zzzzzzz – Daniel Thomas(Mia - RB) ($6) – New New York Benders
- Crowley’s Bentley – Rashad Jennings(Jac - RB) ($5) – Court Jesters
- New York Fanboys – Sebastian Janikowski(Oak - K) ($2) – Duke’s Devils
- New New York Benders – DeMarco Murray(Dal - RB) ($1) – New New York Benders
Going into the draft and having done a few mock drafts, I saw that QB was really deep (good options go 12 deep), RB very deep (there were at least 10 guys I wanted in just the $8-16 range and surely one or two will break out), and WR relatively shallow (after the top seven or so it dries up quickly). Since we start 3 WRs, I made it a point to go heavy up top on that position and hope for some steals at the other spots.
QB -
Josh Freeman ($8), Andy Dalton ($1)
I needed a QB early in the auction to dictate how the rest of my team would shake down. Freeman came up first overall and I think I got a steal at only $8. He finished seventh in points last year and had no rushing touchdowns, which is way flukey for a hybrid type QB. He’s a top ten option with top six upside for the 14th cheapest price at the position. My entire team may ride on him because there was absolutely no one left as a backup. Dalton is a bye week flyer (he plays the Seahawks - possibly the worst defense in the league). This spot is my biggest concern, though that says as much about this position’s uncertainty as it does for how confident I am elsewhere.
RB -
Peyton Hillis ($25), LeGarrette Blount ($27), Joseph Addai ($9), Reggie Bush ($9), Tim Hightower ($12)
I got the top two guys I wanted going in, and I got three good values as depth. Hillis is seriously undervalued by superstitious simpletons and has 200+pt potential. Of the RBs who scored 200 pts last season, he was the cheapest by $3. Blount is one of few 20 carries per game guys and he has strong upside as a #2. Addai is a starter on a good offense and both Bush and Hightower a high ceiling guys at low prices. I drafted this position exactly as I wanted.
WR -
Andre Johnson ($40), Miles Austin ($29), Santonio Holmes ($15), Percy Harvin ($15), James Jones ($1)
A top two of Johnson/Austin is probably the best top two in the league, and throw in Holmes as a third starter (a top 15 option by most projections) and Harvin as the first backup (top 24) and I managed to get top talent and depth together. I’m confident my top three is the best trio in the league, though I may have made a tactical error in going in on Harvin and not saving that money for depth at QB. I like the flexibility, sure, but you know. That’s $30 I spent on 1 spot.
TE -
Dustin Keller ($1), Todd Heap ($1)
I had to punt this spot to make up some extra money for depth at RB and WR. These two guys are decent options; Keller is underrated and Heap plays with a QB who loves TEs as much as anyone. I didn’t intend on taking two, but oh well. One of them will finish in the top 10-12 and I’ll be okay.
DEF -
Philadelphia ($5)
If you’re going to simulbid and overpay on a defense by $2-3, might as well make it the highest upside defense in the league. There’s a good chance this defense will lead the league in sacks and interceptions. They may give up too many points to be a dominant defense, though.
K -
Matt Bryant ($1)
Kicker. Check. Dome. Check. Good offense. Check.
I think I have a strong, well balanced team. QB is clearly my hole, but if Freeman ends up with the same number of fantasy points overall, I’ll be absolutely fine. The good news about him is he was remarkably, uncannily consistent last season. Never great, never bad. And my depth is made up entirely of starters, so there’s a lot of flexibility I have there.
I don’t know if you can win a league with your draft, but you can definitely lose one. I think my team came out just about as well as I planned/hoped. I’ll fight for the playoffs, which is all I can ask for.
Steals and Reaches:
The thing about an auction draft is that it’s fluid. So a direct comparison between what Player X goes for against Player Y isn’t always the full story. There are highs and lows where people overbid and underbid, where positions are overstocked or overdrafted, and so prices fluctuate. Keep that in mind when considering the following choices.
**QB - **
Steals -
Josh Freeman $8 - HungryHungryHaruspex
Listed partly because I need to talk myself into it so as to make myself feel better that he’s my only viable QB… and partly because he’s a legitimate steal for that price. If he has the same fantasy points as in 2010 he’s a steal. If he continues to improve, watch out.
Matt Ryan $11 - Crowley’s Bentley
I love Ryan this year and he’s an underrated fantasy passer.
Reaches -
Tony Romo $24 - Phoenix Redbirds
He may live up to that price… or he may finish behind four to six QBs who were taken for less. A lot less.
Philip Rivers $32 - Duke’s Devils
Again, I don’t think he’ll bust at that price, but Rodgers went for $32 also. I think only Romo and Rivers went for more than their average price.
RB-
Steals -
Arian Foster $47 - Chicago Cutlery
He dominated last season and there’s no reason he shouldn’t finish top 2 or 3… and he went for the fifth highest price among RBs. Good bargain.
Peyton Hillis $25 - HungryHungryHaruspex
Went over this one in my team review, but he went for about $5 less than he should have.
Reaches -
Ray Rice $54 - Overly Sentimental
I love, love Rice this season. How could you not? But $4 higher than any other RB?
Ben Tate $15 - Chicago Cutlery
Yes that does say fifteen dollars. I was surprised too.
Mikel LeShoure $1 - Team Dragon Ash
When you nominate a guy for a dollar and everyone laughs at you… well you either just drafted a guy recently retired or out for the season. Or Chad Henne.
WR-
Steals -
Vincent Jackson $23 - Crowley’s Bentley
A potential top 3 WR for $10 less than he should have gone? Huge steal.
Anquan Boldin $13 - Phoenix Redbirds
There’s always one possession type guy that goes for $5-10 less than he should, every year.
Reaches -
Sidney Rice $12 - Overly Sentimental
When you want to get overpaid and underperform as a WR, you go to Seattle. And even worse - Tarvaris followed him.
Plaxico Burress $9 - Court Jesters
That’s a lot for a guy who isn’t the top option in an offense piloted by Mark “I’m a Shitty Quarterback” Sanchez. (I heard that was his nickname)
Special mentioned for SenorBeef and the Exploding Pancakes for not reaching for a single WR. Literally. He didn’t grab any at all. That’s one way to guarantee you won’t overpay - just don’t pay at all.
TE-
Steals -
Vernon Davis $12 - Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
Great value when the other four TEs in the top five went for at least $3 more.
Reaches -
Tony Gonzalez $6 - New York Fanboys
Six bucks for a dollar’s production. You get the autodrafted excuse, I guess.
In previous years I had generally taken the ‘balanced’ approach: avoid overpaying for big-name guys, get a bunch of solid/safe guys at the core positions. This year I decided to go for the stars & scrubs approach: Load up on big names at the core positions, use them as trade material if needed, and focus on picking up good upside names at the $1 and waiver positions.
**QB: **
Michael Vick ($36), Joe Flacco ($5)
High risk here…but oh man the reward. Vick will single-handedly win some weeks for me. I’m happy with Flacco as my backup.
RB:
Jamaal Charles ($48), Frank Gore ($31), Thomas Jones ($1), Mikel LeShoure ($1), Ronnie Brown ($1)
Very happy with Jamaal and Gore. I think Jamaal has the least concerns vs the other big names with the possible exception of All-Day. I would have most definitely been bidding on him had I known he was going for $50, which is a ridiculously good price; as luck would have it I needed to reboot the browser. Grrr. Jones is a so-so 3rd QB but is a bit of a handcuff. Murray is a bit of a long-shot but I’m gambling on upside later in the year. Ronnie Brown is a pure depth pick. Mikel LeShoure was a mistake (meant to select someone else). At least it was only $1 and there are options on the waiver wire.
WR:
Roddy White ($38), Austin Collie ($15), Davone Bess ($1), Jordy Nelson ($4), Jerome Simpson ($1)
White is great. Collie could be a top-five guy if he can stay healthy, so this is another high-risk/high-reward position. Bess is for depth. Nelson is more a play on Rodgers than anything. Simpson is for upside.
TE:
Dallas Clark ($15), Visanthe Shiancoe ($1)
I think Clark will be even more valuable early on if Manning is hurt. Shiancoe had a down year last year, but I actually think he will be a pretty solid option with McNabb, and for a buck - anything I get from him is gravy anyway.
Kicker:
Rob Bironas ($1)
Meh.
Defense:
Lions ($1)
Probably not a difference-maker either way. Possible upside potential I suppose.
**Picks I’m happiest about: **
Jamaal at $48 and Gore at $31 are both great value, I think.
**Picks I’m unhappiest about. **
Well, duh…
Steals:
AP for $50. Almost criminally cheap.
Reaches:
Peyton Hillis, $25. Faded badly last year.
Crabtree, $9. Has generally sucked and is hurt.
Ingram, $19. Doesn’t seem like he’s anything special, and even if he was, it’s a very very crowded backfield (no one Saints RB dominates carries).
Of my main starters, Vick and Gore are both out in week 7, which will hurt, but Flacco has a decent matchup that week (vs Jax).
All in all: I’m happy with my team, and think it will do very very well if injuries are in line with the rest of the league. I probably lack depth especially at WR.