In his analysis of Round 2, Bruno Boys Whooley hit the nail on the head. And by “on the head,” I mean as intelligent as one could expect a Niners and Giants fan to be.
In all seriousness, Whooley was absolutely right when he said in his analysis that RBBCs and the NFL’s move to a pass happy league has changed fantasy football. The days of 20 RBs getting 25+ carries every week and the first two rounds of every fantasy drafts being all RBs are gone and they’re not coming back anytime soon.
I purposely tried an unorthodox draft in last year’s Bruno Boys Staff League. I was testing a theory and I’ll have an article out this preseason about it. The gist of it was that I didn’t take a RB until Round 4. Now, I didn’t win the league, but I ran over everyone in the regular season and was the top playoff seed with the league’s best record.
In this mock draft, I really didn’t have a choice being #1 overall. You have to take Chris Johnson. Needless to say, I would have preferred a draft spot from 6-12. That being said, I’m very pleased with my team so far.
Since I am the only Bruno Boys member to take RB’s in the first 2 rounds, I guess I better explain why I did. It wasn’t a matter of me thinking that I need 2 RB’s. Instead I simply took the best guy I believed was on the board at that pick. But you got to remember, my thinking may not match the others.
First with the picks: Ryan Grant has never been a first round pick, but he should have been. He has produced consistently over the last couple years and while many like to draft on potential, you need to remember that doing that is really boom or bust. There is nothing wrong with taking a proven commodity, which is what Grant is. He totaled 1,450 yards last year with 11 touchdowns while only losing 1 fumble. He is in one of the best offenses in all of football that likely will not slow down (which shows with Rodgers going in the first round). There is not a ton of must haves late in the first round, so why not go with a guy who you know you can count on that doesn’t have other backs breathing down his neck?
I’m surprised others haven’t criticized my Matt Forte pick. This may be a reach and he should be available in most drafts in the 2nd or 3rd round (which is a steal). But I think he could easily have a big year. As long as the Bears don’t bring in some big name backs to steal touches, Forte will be the main ball carrier. Even in a down year he still totaled 1,400 yards (which isn’t great for a top 4 pick but justifies this spot) and with Mike Martz coming to run the offense, Forte could easily fit in the Marshall Faulk mode. Forte is a great pass catcher out of the backfield, which even in a non ppr league he will still total a lot of yards.
Now you may think a QB is a better option. But there were 10 who threw for over 4,000 yards in 2009 & 12 who threw for at least 26 touchdowns. To me there is a bigger difference between Forte and a 4th round back compared to Brees and a 4th round QB.
The only wide receiver I’d take in my first 2 slots (11 & 14) would have been Andre Johnson, who was chosen. Right now there are too many question marks around the rest. Larry Fitzgerald had a sub-par year in his terms (especially where he was chosen last year) and now has Matt Leinart as his QB. Randy Moss had 13 TD’s in 2009, but had up and down games and showed his age as he was a bit slower on the field. Reggie Wayne would seem like a good fit, but teams seem to be focusing on shutting him down. Next year you will have Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and Anthony Gonzalez for Peyton Manning to throw the ball to. That makes me wonder about whether Wayne will see enough passes thrown his way. Miles Austin had a great year, but is he a one year wonder? I know I won’t take that chance in the first 14 picks!
Plus there is a lot of wide receivers who are solid that will be available in the 3rd round. My combination right now is Ryan Grant, Matt Forte, & Brandon Marshall. I don’t think I could ask for anything better where I am picking. If I would have went with say Moss instead of Forte or Grant, and I chose Brown over Marshall. Then I would have Grant, Brown, & Moss. Sounds similar but I do not have the injury risk Brown carries plus I get a younger receiver with more potential. If I choose a QB there, then I am really in trouble come Round 3 to pick between Marshall and Brown.
Hope this helps clear up why I chose the guys I did!
In his analysis of Round 2, Bruno Boys Whooley hit the nail on the head. And by “on the head,” I mean as intelligent as one could expect a Niners and Giants fan to be.
Good point.
In all seriousness, Whooley was absolutely right when he said in his analysis that RBBCs and the NFL’s move to a pass happy league has changed fantasy football. The days of 20 RBs getting 25+ carries every week and the first two rounds of every fantasy drafts being all RBs are gone and they’re not coming back anytime soon.
I purposely tried an unorthodox draft in last year’s Bruno Boys Staff League. I was testing a theory and I’ll have an article out this preseason about it. The gist of it was that I didn’t take a RB until Round 4. Now, I didn’t win the league, but I ran over everyone in the regular season and was the top playoff seed with the league’s best record.
I had a similar experience, I’ll be curious to read yours.
In this mock draft, I really didn’t have a choice being #1 overall. You have to take Chris Johnson. Needless to say, I would have preferred a draft spot from 6-12. That being said, I’m very pleased with my team so far.
You’ve got Johnson, Johnson, and Rod…there’s just so many things that could be said I’ll just go with you’ve got a solid start to your team.
Since I am the only Bruno Boys member to take RB’s in the first 2 rounds, I guess I better explain why I did. It wasn’t a matter of me thinking that I need 2 RB’s. Instead I simply took the best guy I believed was on the board at that pick. But you got to remember, my thinking may not match the others.
First with the picks: Ryan Grant has never been a first round pick, but he should have been. He has produced consistently over the last couple years and while many like to draft on potential, you need to remember that doing that is really boom or bust. There is nothing wrong with taking a proven commodity, which is what Grant is. He totaled 1,450 yards last year with 11 touchdowns while only losing 1 fumble. He is in one of the best offenses in all of football that likely will not slow down (which shows with Rodgers going in the first round). There is not a ton of must haves late in the first round, so why not go with a guy who you know you can count on that doesn’t have other backs breathing down his neck?
I’m surprised others haven’t criticized my Matt Forte pick. This may be a reach and he should be available in most drafts in the 2nd or 3rd round (which is a steal). But I think he could easily have a big year. As long as the Bears don’t bring in some big name backs to steal touches, Forte will be the main ball carrier. Even in a down year he still totaled 1,400 yards (which isn’t great for a top 4 pick but justifies this spot) and with Mike Martz coming to run the offense, Forte could easily fit in the Marshall Faulk mode. Forte is a great pass catcher out of the backfield, which even in a non ppr league he will still total a lot of yards.
Now you may think a QB is a better option. But there were 10 who threw for over 4,000 yards in 2009 & 12 who threw for at least 26 touchdowns. To me there is a bigger difference between Forte and a 4th round back compared to Brees and a 4th round QB.
The only wide receiver I’d take in my first 2 slots (11 & 14) would have been Andre Johnson, who was chosen. Right now there are too many question marks around the rest. Larry Fitzgerald had a sub-par year in his terms (especially where he was chosen last year) and now has Matt Leinart as his QB. Randy Moss had 13 TD’s in 2009, but had up and down games and showed his age as he was a bit slower on the field. Reggie Wayne would seem like a good fit, but teams seem to be focusing on shutting him down. Next year you will have Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and Anthony Gonzalez for Peyton Manning to throw the ball to. That makes me wonder about whether Wayne will see enough passes thrown his way. Miles Austin had a great year, but is he a one year wonder? I know I won’t take that chance in the first 14 picks!
Plus there is a lot of wide receivers who are solid that will be available in the 3rd round. My combination right now is Ryan Grant, Matt Forte, & Brandon Marshall. I don’t think I could ask for anything better where I am picking. If I would have went with say Moss instead of Forte or Grant, and I chose Brown over Marshall. Then I would have Grant, Brown, & Moss. Sounds similar but I do not have the injury risk Brown carries plus I get a younger receiver with more potential. If I choose a QB there, then I am really in trouble come Round 3 to pick between Marshall and Brown.
Hope this helps clear up why I chose the guys I did!
RGrant - I agree with your assessment on him, and I agree he could be a rd 1 guy this year. I don’t like him there bc he can be had (at this point in february) later, and bc I’m selfish AND greedy and I’ve liked being able to pick him up later, but I fear that horse is out of the barn. I’ve moved him to early rd 2 on “my board”. I think he is going to move up the adp as we get closer to kickoff. Your right about the lack of must haves in first round, I see 1.9 to 3.4 as almost interchangeable parts at this point in time.
MForte - Ok, here we go, I’m going to use the age old wisdom of “but you could have gotten him later” on you. Not bc I don’t like the pick or the player, but just bc no one called you on it. I like your assessment on him too, but he’s a question mark like so many of the others. My take, I expect moderate improvement over this year, he was hurt, but I’m not expectiong top 5 rb results, like he was drafted at last year. I’m not sure about the MFaulk reference though, a little different style of backs in my memory, but yes they can both catch out of the backfield.
I think the upper echelon of wr is drying up by the end of the third, especially with the wr love out there right now. Yes there are a lot of question marks on players throughout the second rd range. This draft shows it, end of the third, VJackson drunk and suspension pending, BMarshall knucklehead and suspension capable at any time. For my liking, I think “if” I were going to take a wr this early I would be more comfortable with the questionmarks about Wayne or Moss, but thats just a preference thing and too long to discuss here. I think you could have gone Wayne/Moss and then (later) Grant, Forte thru 3. That being said, I like the squad, well done from the 11 slot, and come week 1 kickoff does anyone really care what round they picked someone up in? I just care about how many ffpnts they get me. Except Miles Austin, who was in my top 12 above as a “owner favorite” selection becaussse…did I mention I got him with my last pick in a draft last year…well ppl in that league know it, I’ll probably remind them of it on draft day this year too, you know, just to encourage them to do better.
I’m eagerly awaiting Bruno Boys’ Whooley and Cavigs to commend me on one of my draft picks!
In the first three rounds (since that is all that has been posted), there has only been one pick that has befuddled me: Bruno Boys Cory’s pick of Kevin Smith at 3.08…In a Maniaxs draft just two weeks ago, the Bruno Boys were able to nab Kevin Smith at 10.07, seven rounds later than this draft.
It doesn’t come down to talent, because Smith obviously has it…but will he be healthy enough to be the unquestioned #1 starter in Detroit to start the 2010 campaign?
well he’s expected back in time for the preseason if not a little earlier than that, at least from the reports I’ve read. Some seem to think the Lions will want to nab an RB in the draft but they have so many more pressing needs than a RB. I would imagine they address those first and maybe pick an RB late in the draft, making it still Smith’s job to lose. Is it a gamble, sure but if healthy enough to play all 16 I like his potential point production on an up-and-coming offense.
And if it doesn’t go like I think it will, well then at least it was just a mock draft haha.
I’m eagerly awaiting Bruno Boys’ Whooley and Cavigs to commend me on one of my draft picks!
In the first three rounds (since that is all that has been posted), there has only been one pick that has befuddled me: Bruno Boys Cory’s pick of Kevin Smith at 3.08…In a Maniaxs draft just two weeks ago, the Bruno Boys were able to nab Kevin Smith at 10.07, seven rounds later than this draft.
It doesn’t come down to talent, because Smith obviously has it…but will he be healthy enough to be the unquestioned #1 starter in Detroit to start the 2010 campaign?
well he’s expected back in time for the preseason if not a little earlier than that, at least from the reports I’ve read. Some seem to think the Lions will want to nab an RB in the draft but they have so many more pressing needs than a RB. I would imagine they address those first and maybe pick an RB late in the draft, making it still Smith’s job to lose. Is it a gamble, sure but if healthy enough to play all 16 I like his potential point production on an up-and-coming offense.
And if it doesn’t go like I think it will, well then at least it was just a mock draft haha.
Completely understandable. I don’t think they go after a RB in the draft (especially not early), although it wouldn’t surprise me that if Smith’s rehab is delayed, and LT and Westbrook are still out there, that they go after a veteran RB that can be serviceable until Smith gets back…However, both those RBs would probably want a chance at a Super Bowl rather than a #1 pick in 2011.
I’m eagerly awaiting Bruno Boys’ Whooley and Cavigs to commend me on one of my draft picks!
In the first three rounds (since that is all that has been posted), there has only been one pick that has befuddled me: Bruno Boys Cory’s pick of Kevin Smith at 3.08…In a Maniaxs draft just two weeks ago, the Bruno Boys were able to nab Kevin Smith at 10.07, seven rounds later than this draft.
It doesn’t come down to talent, because Smith obviously has it…but will he be healthy enough to be the unquestioned #1 starter in Detroit to start the 2010 campaign?
well he’s expected back in time for the preseason if not a little earlier than that, at least from the reports I’ve read. Some seem to think the Lions will want to nab an RB in the draft but they have so many more pressing needs than a RB. I would imagine they address those first and maybe pick an RB late in the draft, making it still Smith’s job to lose. Is it a gamble, sure but if healthy enough to play all 16 I like his potential point production on an up-and-coming offense.
And if it doesn’t go like I think it will, well then at least it was just a mock draft haha.
Completely understandable. I don’t think they go after a RB in the draft (especially not early), although it wouldn’t surprise me that if Smith’s rehab is delayed, and LT and Westbrook are still out there, that they go after a veteran RB that can be serviceable until Smith gets back…However, both those RBs would probably want a chance at a Super Bowl rather than a #1 pick in 2011.
well with Tomlinson stating his desire to win a title, I would say he’s not going to Detroit. Westbrook on the other hand could be an interesting addition to that team especially if they’re looking for Smith to split time this season to keep him healthy. Obviously Westbrook to the Lions would kill my pick of Smith, but I think that would be fun to see at least.
Lot’s of good discussion on the Staff Mock Draft so far. Good to see…
With some of you guys talking about Brian Wesbtrook and LaDainian Tomlinson my question is…
Will these guys be drafted in our 16-round Mock Draft?
If so, what round do you think they will fly off the board?
FEBRUARY MOCK DRAFT ROUND 4 RESULTS
4.01: Bruno Boys Cavigs - Sidney Rice (Min) 4.02: Bruno Boys Greg - Philip Rivers (SD) 4.03: Bruno Boys IDP Guru - Steve Smith (Car) 4.04: Bruno Boys Kyle - Dallas Clark (Ind) 4.05: Bruno Boys Cory - Chad Ochocinco (Cin) 4.06: Bruno Boys Allie - Antonio Gates (SD) 4.07: Bruno Boys Jimbo - Santonio Holmes (Pit) 4.08: Bruno Boys Jacob - Joseph Addai (Ind) 4.09: Bruno Boys Hallam - Shonn Greene (NYJ) 4.10: Bruno Boys Whooley - Jerome Harrison (Cle) 4.11: Bruno Boys Larry - Anquan Boldin (Ari) 4.12: Bruno Boys Matt - Darren Sproles (SD)
Lot’s of good discussion on the Staff Mock Draft so far. Good to see…
With some of you guys talking about Brian Wesbtrook and LaDainian Tomlinson my question is…
Will these guys be drafted in our 16-round Mock Draft?
If so, what round do you think they will fly off the board?
Yes, if they’re still sitting there in the 10th, someone won’t be able to resist.
FEBRUARY MOCK DRAFT ROUND 4 RESULTS
4.01: Bruno Boys Cavigs - Sidney Rice (Min) 4.02: Bruno Boys Greg - Philip Rivers (SD) 4.03: Bruno Boys IDP Guru - Steve Smith (Car) 4.04: Bruno Boys Kyle - Dallas Clark (Ind) 4.05: Bruno Boys Cory - Chad Ochocinco (Cin) 4.06: Bruno Boys Allie - Antonio Gates (SD) 4.07: Bruno Boys Jimbo - Santonio Holmes (Pit) 4.08: Bruno Boys Jacob - Joseph Addai (Ind) 4.09: Bruno Boys Hallam - Shonn Greene (NYJ) 4.10: Bruno Boys Whooley - Jerome Harrison (Cle) 4.11: Bruno Boys Larry - Anquan Boldin (Ari) 4.12: Bruno Boys Matt - Darren Sproles (SD)
1. Who had the best value pick in Round 4?
If Favre is back SRice in the 4th is a good pick, and if SGreene lives up to hype he’ll be a good pickup in the 4th too
2. What was the biggest reach in Round 4?
I’m going to say Sproles, but he’s not alone in his thoughts, I know some others who like Sproles around that area too, I’m just not seeing it yet.
After a four day hiatus it’s time to start catching everyone up on how the draft is playing out. We are currently in Round 9, but I will get everyone caught up through Round 7.
We had some good discussion going about the previous rounds and hopefully we can get that going again… In my opinion, rounds 6-10 are the most important rounds in a fantasy draft and I’d like to hear if other members of the Bruno Boys Nation share the same feelings.
1. Who had the best value pick in Round 5-7?
2. What was the biggest reach in Round 5-7?
FEBRUARY MOCK DRAFT ROUND 5 RESULTS
5.01: Bruno Boys Matt - Tony Romo (Dal) 5.02: Bruno Boys Larry - Steve Slaton (Hou) 5.03: Bruno Boys Whooley - Steve Smith (NYG) 5.04: Bruno Boys Hallam - Dwayne Bowe (KC) 5.05: Bruno Boys Jacob - Jason Witten (Dal) 5.06: Bruno Boys Jimbo - Donovan McNabb (Phi) 5.07: Bruno Boys Allie - Mike Sims-Walker (Jax) 5.08: Bruno Boys Cory - LeSean McCoy (Phi) 5.09: Bruno Boys Kyle - Hines Ward (Pit) 5.10: Bruno Boys IDP Guru - Donald Driver (GB) 5.11: Bruno Boys Greg - Wes Welker (NE) 5.12: Bruno Boys Cavigs - Michael Crabtree (SF)
FEBRUARY MOCK DRAFT ROUND 6 RESULTS
6.01: Bruno Boys Cavigs - Brent Celek (Phi)</b> 6.02: Bruno Boys Greg - Jermichael Finley (GB) 6.03: Bruno Boys IDP Guru - Vernon Davis (SF) 6.04: Bruno Boys Kyle - C.J. Spiller (FA) 6.05: Bruno Boys Cory - Percy Harvin (Min) 6.06: Bruno Boys Allie - Ben Roethlisberger (Pit) 6.07: Bruno Boys Jimbo - Kellen Winslow (TB) 6.08: Bruno Boys Jacob - Thomas Jones (NYJ) 6.09: Bruno Boys Hallam - Tony Gonzalez (Atl) 6.10: Bruno Boys Whooley - Owen Daniels (Hou) 6.11: Bruno Boys Larry - Robert Meachem (NO) 6.12: Bruno Boys Matt - Fred Jackson (Buf)
FEBRUARY MOCK DRAFT ROUND 7 RESULTS
7.01: Bruno Boys Matt - Greg Olsen (Chi) 7.02: Bruno Boys Larry - Jay Cutler (Chi) 7.03: Bruno Boys Whooley - Jeremy Maclin (Phi) 7.04: Bruno Boys Hallam - Darren McFadden (Oak) 7.05: Bruno Boys Jacob - Austin Collie (Ind) 7.06: Bruno Boys Jimbo - Pierre Garcon (Ind 7.07: Bruno Boys Allie - Mike Wallace (Pit) 7.08: Bruno Boys Cory - T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Sea) 7.09: Bruno Boys Kyle - Carson Palmer (Cin) 7.10: Bruno Boys IDP Guru - Felix Jones (Dal) 7.11: Bruno Boys Greg - Derrick Mason (Bal) 7.12: Bruno Boys Cavigs - Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
Round 1- Best Value- Matt with Chris Johnson…he is the man
Biggest Reach- Cory with DLO…just because of JStew
Round 2- Best Value- Larry with DJax
Biggest Reach- Kyle with Moreno
Round 3- Best Value- Cavigs with Ronnie Brown
Biggest reach- Jacob with Greg Jennings
Round 4- Best Value- Kyle with Dallas Clark
Biggest Reach- Jimbo with Santonio Holmes
Round 5- Best Value- Cavigs/Guru/Allie with Crabtree/Driver/MSW
Biggest Reach- Cory with McCoy but thats not that bad either…noone really
Round 6- Best Value- Cavigs/Cory/Jacob with Celek/Harvin/Jones
Biggest Reach- Kyle with Spiller
Round 7- Best Value- Jacob/Greg with Collie/Mason
Biggest Reach- Cory with Housh just because he could’ve gotten Mason
Haven’t been on in a while due to school and i just got a job so I’m pretty busy these days
Big Space… good to see you around town pal. Thanks for you input on each of the first seven rounds and for answering the questions based on value and reach. It’s been a great draft thus far and it’s always interesting to see peoples reasoning behind each pick. Everyone drafts with a purpose and values different styles when drafting specific players. I know I like it because when the actual “staff” league draft happens in early September all of these mock drafts will help me better understand my competition!
Finally, glad you found a job and I’m sure school is keeping you busy… however, is that really an excuse for not hanging out in the Forum all day long!
Have a good one Big Space and glad things are going well!
