RADIO
I will be doing this one-man mock exercise more than once as news and player movement dictate changes. Here is my first crack at it for the 2020 offseason. I put myself in the draft chairs and minds of every owner in an advance look at the next season. With the stoppage of play in other sports, we can look ahead with hope to the first few rounds of a summer draft here.
The three rounds of this early one-man mock are based on a 12-team, full PPR format. I have considered roster structure for each spot when I make the choices. The format is based on the standard four points for a TD pass, but that has not kept a unique QB out of the first round.
Running backs and wide receivers rule most of the choices, but there are outstanding exceptions. What quickly becomes apparent is that you see the RB1 types dry up by the early part of the second round. By the third round, many of the WR1s are gone too. But if you do go with my one distinctive QB choice or one of the top TEs, you also gain advantages at those positions.
Round One
- Christian McCaffrey: He is by far the best dual-threat at RB we have seen in a long time, and McCaffrey is also durable and dependable. He scored well over 150 points more than any other player at his position last season. Being in the No. 1 spot next year gives you an advantage over everyone else. You get by far the best player at the most important position.
- Michael Thomas: You should not expect much of a change in production with Drew Brees expected to return for 2020. Thomas is capable of producing at a consistently high level every week and can be a real difference-maker on your championship squad.
- Saquon Barkley: We have not seen the best of him yet. As the Giants improve, his fantasy production may improve also. Barkley can come close to McCaffrey’s numbers if he reaches his statistical ceiling.
- DeAndre Hopkins: A very safe pick at a high level, Hopkins is always seemingly guaranteed to finish among the very best at his position. Hopkins always delivers consistently elite fantasy production while playing through injuries, too. The move to Arizona does not affect his outlook in a major way.
- Derrick Henry: His incredible playoff run boosts his fantasy outlook for 2020. Henry proved he can excel when the stakes are at the highest and he led the NFL in rushing during the regular season. He is an unstoppable force who will score enough TDs and roll up so much yardage that you won’t be concerned about the lack of receptions.
- Ezekiel Elliott: Lost in some of the disappointment of Dallas’ 2019 season was the fact that Elliott rushed for over 1,350 yards and scored a dozen times. Plus, he catches passes.
- Davante Adams: If he can stay healthy, Adams can be right up there with Thomas and Hopkins in terms of elite production. He’s worthy of a Top 5 selection if you are not sold on Henry, but I certainly am.
- Lamar Jackson: This is where other fantasy analysts think I am nuts, but as I explain here, there is no other player like Jackson in fantasy football. There never has been. Even if he regresses a bit, no other player in fantasy can give you QB and RB stats in one package. You can wait on a QB in any other instance, but there is no waiting on a one-of-a-kind player like Jackson.
- Alvin Kamara: He did not look like he was healthy for a good portion of the 2019 season. Take the Top 10 shot on a significant rebound campaign. Tab him as soon as seventh if you prefer an RB over WR and choose to pass on Jackson, which many will.
- Tyreek Hill: If he and Mahomes avoid injuries over a full season, the returns will thrill you. The most dangerous downfield WR in the game plays with the best QB in the game. The upside remains incredibly enticing.
- Dalvin Cook: I would like to rank him higher, as Cook is capable of rivaling the best at RB when he is available to play. But injury concerns will continue to hover over him, even if they are minor ones.
- Julio Jones: Yeah, if he would only score more TDs, he would be a top-five pick. But he will help your team to victories in many weeks even when he does not score. Can post a massive stat line in any given week.
Round Two
13. Aaron Jones: In the new LaFleur-run offense, the RB has become a significant focal point.
14. Nick Chubb: Rumbled for 100 yards four times in seven games even after Kareem Hunt returned.
15. Leonard Fournette: He finally avoided injuries, and was better than ever as a receiver in 2019.
16. Travis Kelce: Reception and yardage numbers as good as you can get from most top WRs .
17. Chris Godwin: The No. 2 WR in fantasy football last year, could be more consistent with a new QB.
18. Josh Jacobs: His rookie season was full of promise and he should be more of a fantasy force in Year Two.
19. Joe Mixon: Admirably worked hard for all his yardage last year and the team may be improved around him next season.
20. Amari Cooper; Back in Dallas with Dak and we may have not seen his best year yet.
21. Melvin Gordon: Will start somewhere in 2020 and can possibly return to RB1 status.
22. Mike Evans: Always dependable for a high-quality floor over a full season, and can be downright dominant at times.
23. Kenyan Drake: Will start for the Cardinals most likely behind a better offensive line and continue to flourish now that he is long gone from Miami.
24. Kenny Golladay: Major TD force last season despite QB issues in Detroit.
Round Three
25. Keenan Allen - QB uncertainty does ding him a bit.
26. George Kittle - Hopefully playoff silence does not linger.
27. Tyler Lockett - Rise of Metcalf could help him face less defensive attention.
28. Devin Singletary - Ready for a true breakout.
29. JuJu Smith-Schuster - Banking on the return of Ben.
30. Courtland Sutton - Has arrived as a must-start.
31. Odell Beckham Jr. - Simply too talented not to take a chance on a rebound.
32. Austin Ekeler - Gordon is gone, appeal rises.
33. DeVante Parker - You have to believe, forget the past.
34. Mark Ingram - Underrated, 15 total TDs last year.
35. Stefon Diggs - I'll gladly take a 1,100 yard WR here, move to Buffalo is promising.
36. Marlon Mack - Not glamorous, but very productive.
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