DIII Digest

Pot Cakes Dynasty League Top 10s

Good morning everyone, last year I went through the top 10s 1 by 1. But this year you are getting them all in one spot. This will be a long post, but here are the Pot Cakes Dynasty League Top 10s. As a reminder our league is 6 point pass TD, and this ranking is solely based on this year, but if I have to add any bias it is for younger players as this is a dynasty league.

Let’s start off with the money makers, the Quarterbacks.

Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs

No surprise here, he’s my QB so I’m biased, but he was a top performer all last year. He finished #3 overall last year (6 point Passing TD, #4 in 4 point). The Chiefs should continue to throw the ball more, and if anything involve Clyde in the passing game. But you have Travis Kelce, a top 3 TE, and Tyreek Hill, a top 5 WR. I mean he’s in a great spot to continue to succeed. I see no reason to not have Mahomes as #1, he’s consistent and has shown no signs of slowing down.

2. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals

You go from the best overall pocket passer, to the best dual threat. Yes, I am aware that Lamar Jackson still plays football, but Lamar had a down season, and only added young WRs to support him. If Lamar got a vet WR, then Lamar could stay at 2. Murray finished as the QB 6 in our league. The connection with D-Hop should be better, and A.J. Green, while not great, is better than what they had. And I actually think Murray will have to make more plays as their RB situation got worse having Edmonds and Conner rather than Edmonds and Drake. I expect Murray, to have to make more plays to save the Cardinals season and his coach’s job.

3. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills

He’s so tall, he finished #2 in the league last year. Josh could easily be the #1, so it’s not like these three aren’t interchangeable. If you have any of these top 4 guys, you should be very happy, but I have to draw lines. Allen has no running game. So it’s him. But the Bills have a solid defense, and I think they will be in more manageable games this year compared to the Cards. Allen won’t have to be the guy all the time. While that will still result in great numbers, I just feel like Murray will have a couple more explosive games than Allen.

4. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens

Lamar has been great even though he has little to no help. Seeing as he has little to no help, I cannot put him in the top 3. Lamar finished 11^th in our league and 10 in most other leagues. So it is not totally unfair to rank him a little lower. But Lamar can still run, and when he runs that just opens up the passing game that much more. Lamar is good, but he needs some help. If Hollywood can figure it out, and if Bateman can add just a little of help, then Lamar will end up right here.

5. Tom Brady – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Now this one should scratch some heads. Tom Brady is old, this is a young man’s game. But, history will show that QBs in their second year of Bruce Arians Offense do better. Tom Brady finished QB 7 in our league. So 5 > 7, so it’s reasonable. Brady has everyone back. I would not want to keep Brady in a dynasty league, but if you have him, use him. The Bucs are the bar this year, and Brady loves pushing the limit.

6. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers

Rodgers could obviously be higher. Coming off an MVP season I would guess he regresses a touch. With the Packers transitioning to a more run heavy offense, and A.J. Dillon being in his second season, I would guess Rodgers touchdowns go down a little. Rodgers was QB1 in our league. Passing TDs to the dome. Rodgers threw 48 TDs last season. In a 6 point Passing TD league that is what you want, lots of passing TDs, Rodgers is a huge fan of that. If Rodgers plays 16 games next year, he will make a run at that top spot.

7. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers

There is a clear line after the top 6. Herbert is great, he’s young, but 7-10 do not have the consistency that everyone else does. Finishing as the QB 9 in our league. Watson’s uncertainty of playing this season, Russ’ stove is off, Herbert should be in the mix. Herbert still has Allen, Williams, and Ekeler. Herbert’s biggest competition is himself and how he handles the Sophomore slump. Herbert has a cannon, big frame, and is not afraid to tuck and run.

8. Ryan Tannehill – Tennessee Titans

Tannehill finished as the QB8 in our league. As a Titan he’s been consistent. Adding Julio Jones for Corey Davis, is a big upgrade. Derrick Henry has done so much for the Titans offense, but RBs can only do so much for so long. While D-Train will have another great year, I would expect the Titans to slowly shift to passing the ball more. Not a lot, but enough to keep Tannehill comfortably in the top 10.

9. Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks

Russ cooked and finished #5 in our league. The problem for Russ is that the Seahawks didn’t add more charcoal as the season went on. Russ was electric through 10 weeks. The Seahawks are apparently committing more to the run this year. That is bad news for Russ. But if they can find the balance like the Titans do, then Russ is still a lock for a top 10. It would be tough to have a top 10 without Russ, so he makes it in here.

10. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys

Dak got hurt right away. But my goodness, the Cowboys offense. Cooper, Lamb, and Gallup, all great WRs. Assuming Dak is healthy come week 1, I think Dak takes off again this year. I’m all in on Dak, he showed he’s a leader, he showed he worked on his game, he had it going on, I don’t think it was a flash in a pan. Dak is the real deal, and Jerry loves his stars.

QB honorable mentions include Jalen Hurts, his upside in scrambling is the only way he gets in the top 10. The rookies in Fields and Lance also have huge upside for the back half of the season.

Now for the RBs. With our league format, being a passer helps by half a point.

1. Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers

CMC remains the top guy, unless this season shows his injuries took more of a toll on him. CMC can do it all and is the guy for the Panthers. Fresh off of an injury he still recorded 28 touches, and then was benched for the rest of the year. It’s clear that no matter what, CMC will have a lot of touches.

2. Dalvin Cook – Minnesota Vikings

For me it has to be Cook at 2. He finished 3 in our league last year. He is another guy that will get his touches as long as he’s healthy. The Vikings want to play defense and run the ball. Cook completes half of that equation. And while Justin Jefferson is a great player to have on your offense, Coach Zimmer is a run first type of coach. I expect Cook to stay at the top.

3. Derrick Henry – Tennessee Titans

The only reasons for Henry to be behind Cook is that he is a year older and he’s ran “too much” in the last two years. He is the reigning 2x leader in two categories, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. While he still is in a great position to do both of those things again, the odds are against him. This is purely a gut feeling. Henry should be ranked no lower than 4 in any RB rankings.

4. Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints

Kamara raises the most questions, but his talent is off the chart. He was a league winner last year with his late season production. But, will Kamara have Winston, a traditional QB, or Hill, a non-traditional QB, handing him the ball. That is the big question. If it is Hill then Kamara should drop in rankings as his production last year with Hill under center was not great. With Winston he at least will get his fair share of rush attempts.

5. Ezekiel Elliot – Dallas Cowboys

I go back and forth on Zeke. But it’s tough to rule him out of this year. Last year he had a touchdown deficiency. Six touchdowns for Zeke is bad. I’m chalking it up to a bad year. If you compare Zeke to other RBs on the list, he still had over 50 receptions last year. That is without Dak, assuming Dak is back for the majority of the year, assuming Zeke is fully healthy, there is no reason to think he’ll be outside the top ten, let alone the top 5. While Zeke is a high risk high reward, you have to take him if you have a top 5 pick. It’s like Barkley last year, you have to roll the dice on him.

6. Aaron Jones – Green Bay Packers

Rodgers is back, Jones value goes up. Jones will receive a decent amount of work and I think and he will receive a lot of passing work. Dillon may receive the goal line touches and short yardage, which is where Jones could break one. But I think the 1-2 punch style will keep Jones fresh. Coach LaFleur wants to run the ball more, so Jones should remain as a top option.

7. Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts

Taylor can do a little of both and was the best rookie last year. He’s in an offense that lacks WR talent, and has a QB that needs help with play action to get going. The best way to protect Wentz is to have a terrifying run game. So the Colts need to run the ball. The Colts need to have Taylor in for check downs to get Wentz in the groove. Taylor to me is someone that can have a big time break out year. He finished last year as the RB6. And while Mack is back, I don’t think it’s enough to take away from the Colts needing Taylor to be their best playmaker.

8. Nick Chubb – Cleveland Browns

Chubb finished last year as the RB9, he missed 3 games. Nothing about Chubb’s game is overly exciting, he just pounds the rock, gets 100 yards and usually a touchdown. He was constantly between that 17-23 points per game. Chubb won’t “win” you weeks, but my goodness he starts you off on the right foot, and with the way Cleveland plays, Chubb will continue to compete for that rushing title.

9. Saquon Barkley – New York Giants

Barkley missed the majority of last year with injury. The Giants did not do much to strengthen their O-Line. I could easily see Barkley falling out of the Top-10, but I’m going to make him prove that to me before I rank him lower. Barkley is still the best option for the Giants. Yes, Golladay will help, but the G-Men still have a big time QB issue. The easiest way for the Giants to get the ball down field is to give it to their best playmaker. Barkley will have endless touches, but he needs the guys in front of him to help him out a little.

10. Austin Ekeler – Los Angeles Chargers

This should be a touch of a surprise, but let’s look at what Ekeler did last year. He pulled in 50+ catches. He missed 6 games. Week 1, Ekeler had 1 reception, but that was with Taylor under center. Herbert loves to throw the ball, and he throws it to everyone. Ekeler’s stock is sky high. Pair that with the fact that no Charger’s RB made an impact when he was out, makes Ekeler the guy for the Bolts. Ekeler will receive a large quantity of touches, and they are all quality touches.

Honorable mentions for Running Backs include, Joe Mixon, Josh Jacobs, Antonio Gibson, and Najee Harris. These four backs all provide that “workhorse” ability. They will get the large majority of the touches for their team, but still have to wait their turn to get in the top ten prior to the season. The best value RB is David Montgomery, the best forgotten RBs are Carson, Mostert, and even Gordon.

Wide receivers, again we are a ½ point PPR league.

Davante Adams – Green Bay Packers

Adams finished as the WR1, he catches touchdowns. He’s good. Top 2 not 2. Plus with this likely being Adams last season with the Packers, I bet he goes out and absolutely torches the league and becomes the highest paid WR next season.

2. Tyreek Hill – Kansas City Chiefs

Hill is on an offense that throws the ball, he is fast, his QB can sling it, it’s just him and one other guy to catch the ball. He finished as the WR2 in our league no reason to put him anywhere else.

3. Stefon Diggs – Buffalo Bills

Is Josh Allen tall? Is the answer you should give if someone asks you if Diggs is a top-3 receiver? Finished last year at 3, no reason for him to go down. The Bills can only throw the ball, and they did not add any pass catchers that will take away from Diggs’ share of targets. Everything should go to Diggs this year. Sanders is old, Beasley is old, Davis could shine bright but he has to beat out two vets. All of that does not matter, because it’s Diggs, pause, and everyone else.

4. DeAndre Hopkins – Arizona Cardinals

Someday, some year, we will no longer have these top four, but for now we must enjoy it. D-Hop was the WR5 last year, he put up 1,400 yards and 6 TDs. I would think those numbers go up on the per game basis. He now knows Kyler Murray, Kyler knows how much easier the game is when he just gets the ball to D-Hop. The Cardinals have less of a run game now, even if by the slightest margin, and that will require D-Hop to get the ball more. Buckle up, Hop going off again.

5. Calvin Ridley – Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are such an odd team, but year after year, their WR1 is a top 5 guy. Julio is obviously a phenomenal athlete, but last year Ridley took Julio’s spot when he was out. The Falcons are a team that you do not want any part of as a fan, but Ridley is absolutely a guy that you want on your fantasy team. He should be on every managers untouchable trade list. Ridley has an extra year left of production compared to all those mentioned before. The only issue we have with Ridley going forward is who his QB will be, but for this year, it’s Matty Ice and he has something to prove to make sure he stays in the NFL somewhere.

6. A.J. Brown – Tennessee Titans

A.J. Brown takes this spot for a few reasons I think go his way. He finished as WR 10 last season playing 14 games. The Titans heavy reliance on Derrick Henry has to slow down a little. Henry is older, Henry is coming off of two rushing titles, I mean that’s a lot of work. The Titans have it with Brown. He’s entering his third year, he has had two 1,000 yard seasons, he was injured all of last year. Being WR11 in an injury season and being the only big threat on offense should have held his production back a little. With Brown healthy, with Julio drawing a little more coverage, and Henry demanding a loaded box, that just means more room for Brown. While A.J. Brown is projected as the WR6, you have to consider if he is worth the price tag yourself. He’s someone I feel comfortable with having as my WR1 if I have a mid 2^nd Round pick in a re-draft.

7. Justin Jefferson – Minnesota Vikings

Jefferson finished as the WR6 last year. I just cannot put him ahead of the vets listed above. Jefferson has a little bit of the inverse of what is going on for Brown. Jefferson is the #1 for the Vikings. However, Cook missed a couple games and was dealing with injuries, the Vikings were the worst on defense last year, meaning they had to throw the ball more. BUT that does not mean Jefferson will fall of the face of the earth. I just think his last year’s finish is more of his ceiling this year. If last year’s Vikings had this year’s Justin Jefferson, he’d be WR3.

8. D.K. Metcalf – Seattle Seahawks

I go back and forth with D.K. ranging between WR8-12. I think this is the 3^rd tier of WRs. Seattle is saying they will run the ball more. That hurts the WR2 for Seattle. For the WR1, who is D.K. that is good, for the WR that can streak the field and win jump balls, that is good, who is D.K. Yes, Lockett also loves the deep ball, but if you have to guys burning down the field, you are just going to throw it up to D.K. If you take D.K. I would suggest taking a safe target share guy as your WR2, because D.K. was streaky last year, but is definitely a guy that will win you weeks.

9. Allen Robinson – Chicago Bears

Robinson is a high target, 1,000 yard receiver. While Robinson will have to deal with a QB change throughout the season, I still think his production is very safe. He’ll float somewhere here between 9-13 this year. Robinson is a very safe WR1, he does not have the upside as other WRs on the list, but he’s safe for a WR1.

10. CeeDee Lamb – Dallas Cowboys

Now, CeeDee is a guy that if you with him as your #1, you better follow up with another WR. But he finished as the WR14. I just think that he’s going to have more juice than Amari Cooper. If Dak is back, CeeDee is the guy, if Dak misses more than 4 games, then CeeDee will be a backend WR2. He’s entering his second year and I fully expect an A.J. Brown type breakout from him.

The WR honorable mentions include Keenan Allen, Terry McLaurin, and Mike Evans. I think the best value WRs are Tyler Lockett, Brandin Cooks, and Corey Davis.

Now Tight ends, tight ends are very top heavy.

Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs

This is easy, Kelce will remain #1 until he’s not. It’s Hill or Kelce and Mahomes loves them both. With the injuries to Kittle, Waller being on the Raiders, and Andrews being in a run heavy offense, it’s easy to keep Kelce here.

2. George Kittle – San Francisco 49ers

Some people are taking Waller ahead of Kittle. That’s ok, take your shot on either TE, but for me it is still Kittle. The 49ers are lacking a consistent deep threat. Aiyuk and Deebo are short route, get them the ball guys. Kittle is able to stretch the field with mismatches as well as his ability to break tackles. If Kittle can stay healthy for a full season he can put himself in the top spot next year.

3. Darren Waller – Las Vegas Raiders

Last year Waller went 107 for 1,196, and 9. That is insane. Waller is a clear cut TE1. Plus, the WR core for the Raiders is young, so Waller is the reliable target. The only downfall is Kenyan Drake taking away some targets. Now, I said that statement, do you believe it? Does that change your opinion on Waller? Hopefully not. Waller is the guy.

4. Mark Andrews – Baltimore Ravens

Mark Andrews had a down year, he was the TE5 and had 58, 701, and 7 tuddies. He had up and downs throughout the season, so it was frustrating. But much like Waller, Andrews should be the WR1 or at worst WR2 on the team. Drafting a team’s top two target is why these four players are here, and then it’s everyone else. Andrews is solid and is probably in the 1b tier, whereas Waller is caught in purgatory between that 1a and 1b tier.

5. T.J. Hockenson – Detroit Liens

Hock went 67, 723, and 6. He finished as TE4. His QB got worse, his WR competition got worse as well. The difference between Hockenson and the guys above him is that the Lions stink stink. Goff and just the whole Lions organization are nothing exciting. However, Hockenson is like Brandin Cooks, he’s the best option, and the best option on a bad team is better than a guy that shares the workload.

6. Tyler Higbee – Los Angeles Rams

Now, this is the part of the rankings where none of these guys really jump out at you. Higbee finished as TE18. He had 44, 60, and 5. Higbee is catapulted into this spot because of QB change. Yes, I said best option is better than shared option. But, Matt Stafford made a lot less talented players fantasy relevant as the Lions QB. Look at Marvin Jones. Give me the hope, give me the thrill, Stafford to Higbee.

7. Mike Gesicki – Miami Dolphins

Gesicki went 53, 85, and 6. What is promising, is that Geisicki’s had 3 big games under Tua compared to 2 under Fitz. There is hope. Adding Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle would make one think Gesicki has more competition, but with Tua not really able to stretch the field Gesicki is a safety blanket for the young QB.

8. Robert Tonyan – Green Bay Packers

Broadway Bob finished as the TE3 last year. I just don’t think his production can be as high as it was. I mean touchdowns are what make tight ends and he had 11. If you take away 3 touchdowns that’s 19.5 points, this drops him to TE8. I think that’s very fair. Like I said, TEs 5 on are all the same. I’m not rushing to get any of them, I’ll just take who’s left. Robert Tonyan, with Aaron Rodgers is definitely something I would feel semi-confident with every week.

9. Jonnu Smith – New England Patriots

Jonnu and Henry are both gambles. Either could be the main target, either could suffer due to Cam running the ball so much. But Cam Newton has been looking good in camp so far. Hopefully he can stay healthy. A healthy Cam makes the Patriots fantasy relevant. I am assuming that much and I think Jonnu’s production with limited touches last season, easily translates to production in New England’s offense.

10. Kyle Pitts – Atlanta Falcons

No stats to go off of, and still competing with Hurst in the position, and Ridley for overall targets. We have no idea what version of the Falcons we will get. My money is on a lot of passes as the Falcons should be a below average team. Pitts has the athleticism to be a difference maker going forward, as for this season he’s not worth reaching up for him. If he falls to you late, Pitts is worth the gamble, other than that I wouldn’t make any promises.

There are no honorable mention TEs, the honorable mentions are week to week matchup options. The majority of the guys not mentioned here are all value picks, and someone you can get late in the draft.

Kickers no rationale.

Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens
Harrison Butker – Kansas City Chiefs
Younghoe Koo – Atlanta Falcons
Greg Zuerein – Dallas Cowboys
Rodrigo Blankenship – Indianapolis Colts
Will Lutz – New Orleans Saints
Ryan Succop – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tyler Bass – Buffalo Bills
Brandon McManus – Denver Broncos
Daniel Carlson – Las Vegas Raiders

Well that does it for the top tens. Hopefully you wind up with a couple of these guys in your draft or dynasty team. We be ready for some sleepers and bust candidates coming out shortly. Until then I hope you and yours have a better tomorrow.

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII

Pot Cakes Dynasty League 2021 Rookie Draft and Draft Grades

Good morning everyone, and welcome to Draft Season. The Pot Cakes Dynasty League just completed their Rookie Draft. Eligible players for the draft include all incoming rookies, and free agents not currently on a Pot Cakes Fantasy Team roster. Ultimately, the draft grade is used looking at your first three rounds, with rounds four and five having little effect on your grade. As a reminder, 13 picks for rounds 1 through 4, and 12 picks for rounds 5, the 13^th pick of the first three rounds went to the consolidation playoff bracket 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th. Full draft below, grades to follow.

The 2021 Pot Cakes Dynasty Rookie Draft.

POT CAKES 2021 ROOKIE DRAFT
OVR	PICK	TEAM	PLAYER, POS, TM
1	1.01	Bruce	Najee Harris, RB, PIT
2	1.02	JonnyDIII	Ja’Marr Chase, WR, CIN
3	1.03	JonnyDIII	Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX
4	1.04	Trashman	Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAX
5	1.05	Mush	Javonte Williams, RB, DEN
6	1.06	Pistol	Kyle Pitts, TE, ATL
7	1.07	Batman	Devonta Smith, WR, PHI
8	1.08	CrossFit	Justin Fields, QB, CHI
9	1.09	Teach	Jaylen Waddle, WR MIA
10	1.10	Daddy Wombat	Rondale Moore, WR, ARI
11	1.11	PeePaw	Trey Sermon, RB, SF
12	1.12	PeePaw	Michael Carter, RB, NYJ
13	1.13	Teach	Trey Lance, QB, SF
14	2.01	Bruce	Rashod Bateman, WR, BAL
15	2.02	JonnyDIII	Elijah Moore, WR, NYJ
16	2.03	Batman	Terrace Marshall Jr. WR, CAR
17	2.04	Trashman	Amari Rodgers, WR, GB
18	2.05	Mush	Kadarius Toney, WR, NYG
19	2.06	Touchdown Guy	Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET
20	2.07	JonnyDIII	Kenneth Gainwell, RB, PHI
21	2.08	Mush	Josh Palmer, WR, LAR
22	2.09	Batman	Jake Funk, RB, LAR
23	2.10	Daddy Wombat	Khalil Herbert, RB, CHI
24	2.11	Batman	Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR
25	2.12	Bottom Bunk	Dyami Brown, WR, WSH
26	2.13	Teach	Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE
27	3.01	Bruce	Dewayne Eskridge, WR, SEA
28	3.02	PeePaw	Zach Wilson, QB, NYJ
29	3.03	JonnyDIII	Nico Collins, WR, HOU
30	3.04	Trashman	Tutu Atwell, WR, LAR
31	3.05	Mush	Matt Stafford, QB, LAR
32	3.06	Pistol	Javian Hawkins, RB, ATL
33	3.07	JonnyDIII	Tylan Wallace, WR, BAL
34	3.08	CrossFit	Pat Freiermuth, TE, PIT
35	3.09	Teach	Seth Williams, WR, DEN
36	3.10	Daddy Wombat	Tre McKitty, TE, LAC
37	3.11	PeePaw	Anthony Schwartz, WR, CLE
38	3.12	Touchdown Guy	Elijah Mitchell, RB, SF
39	3.13	Mush	Xavier Jones, RB, LAR
40	4.01	Bruce	Marquez Stevenson, WR, BUF
41	4.02	JonnyDIII	Larry Rountree III, RB, LAC
42	4.03	PeePaw	Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, TEN
43	4.04	Trashman	Jaret Patterson, RB, WFT
44	4.05	Pistol	Gerrid Doaks, RB, MIA
45	4.06	Bruce	Brevin Jordan, TE, HOU
46	4.07	Bottom Bunk	Dazz Newsome, WR, CHI
47	4.08	CrossFit	Shi Smith, WR, CAR
48	4.09	Teach	Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, MN
49	4.10	Daddy Wombat	Jermar Jefferson, RB, DET
50	4.11	PeePaw	Mac Jones, QB, NE
51	4.12	Touchdown Guy	Frank Darby, WR, ATL
52	4.13	Pistol	Cornell Powell, WR, KC
53	5.01	Bruce	Sage Surratt, WR, DET
54	5.02	Batman	Chris Evans, RB, CIN
55	5.03	Touchdown Guy	Demetric Felton, RB, CLE
56	5.04	Trashman	Hunter Long, TE, MIA
57	5.05	JonnyDIII	Noah Gray, TE, KC
58	5.06	CrossFit	Pooka Williams Jr, RB, CIN
59	5.07	Bottom Bunk	Kellen Mond, QB, MIN
60	5.08	CrossFit	Sam Ehlinger, QB, IND
61	5.09	Teach	Kylin Hill, RB, GB
62	5.10	Daddy Wombat	Jaelon Darden, WR, TB
63	5.11	PeePaw	Anthony Firkser, TE, TEN
64	5.12	Touchdown Guy	Kene Nwangwu, RB, MIN

Trades:

TRADE

Teach Receives:

Pick 13

Batman Receives:

Pick 22, Devante Parker

TRADE

Mush Receives:

Pick 18, Pick 22, Odell

Pistol Receives:

2023 1st, James Robinson

TRADE

PeePaw Receives:

Pick 28

JonnyDIII Receives:

Brandin Cooks

Let’s take a look by original draft order (worst to first).

Bruce

Picks – 1.01, 2.01, 3.01, 4.01, 4.06, 5.01

Picks in Order:

1.01 Najee Harris, RB, PIT,

2.01 Rashod Bateman, WR, BAL

3.01 D’wayne Eskridge, WR, SEA

4.01 Marquez Stevenson, WR, BUF

4.06 Brevin Jordan, TE, HOU

5.01 Sage Surratt, WR, DET

Bruce finished last, last season, so his team needs collective help. Star players include, J.T., Zeke, and Godwin, with help from Damien Harris, Chark, and Tyler Boyd. Bruce walks away with two starters after the draft, those being Harris and Bateman. My biggest concern is that neither are “safe” options. Harris is obviously safer, because they have no choice, but the Steelers O-Line is a concern, and Bateman is going to a situation where targets will be a concern. But let’s say something nice about Bruce, you can make the case that Harris is best available, Bateman was for sure the best available, and Eskridge was the best available. It can be easy to look at team needs rather than best available, Bruce appeared to hit both out of the park.

Bruce’s Draft Grade A.

Batman

Picks – 1.07, 2.03, 2.09 (traded pick 1.13 to receive 2.09 and DeVante Parker), 2.11, 5.02

Picks in Order:

1.07 Devonta Smith, WR, PHI

2.03 Terrace Marshall, Jr., WR, CAR

2.09 Jake Funk, RB, LAR

2.11 Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR

5.02 Chris Evans, RB, CIN

Batman has three big names, Lamar Jackson, D’Andre Swift, and Darren Waller. His WRs include Woods, Agholor, Juju, also has Noah Fant, Gaskin and Conner. Again, another team that needs help all around. Batman has QB, TE, and now WR in great spots. Adding Parker for depth, and drafting Devonta Smith, should provide instant production. Terrace Marshall is likely a longer play, but the former LSU receiver should be someone to keep your eyes on for a year two breakout. Now, let’s look at some gambles. Batman went 3/3 to end his draft with RBs. Those are Funk, Hubbard, and Evans. All of those RBs find themselves in potential backup roles. You could make a decent argument, that one of those late seconds should have went to a WR, but having already take 3 (including Parker trade) earlier, you only have so much room on the bench. Batman did the right thing by taking some shots at RBs to see who is where on the depth chart once the preseason ends.

Batman’s Draft Grade A.

JonnyDIII

Picks – 1.02, 1.03, 2.02, 2.07, 3.03, 3.07, 4.02, 5.05 (traded pick 3.02 for Brandin Cooks)

Picks in Order:

1.02 Ja’Marr Chase, WR, CIN

1.03 Travis Etienne, RB, JAG

2.02 Elijah Moore, WR, NYJ

2.07 Kenneth Gainwell, RB, PHI

3.03 Nico Collins, WR, HOU

3.07 Tylan Wallace, WR, BAL

4.02 Larry Rountree III, RB, LAC

5.05 Noah Gray, TE, KC

JonnyDIII needs help, has Mahomes, Diggs, Keenan Allen, and McLaurin. JD3 is in full rebuild. Grabbing the WR1 and possible #1 overall is great. JD3 now has pretty solid WR core. You can start 6 WRs, Diggs, Allen, McLaurin, Chase, and mix in Moore/Davis/Cooks/Pittman/Mooney, it’s not bad. Obviously needs a guy to step up. RB Etienne is a pass catcher and will be the RB1 for this team. This is obviously a huge flaw in JD3’s team. Gainwell is a sneaky long term option, Miles Sanders has an injury history and is halfway through his rookie contract. Gainwell will have the chance to compete with Sanders for the RB1 position next year. That will make this pick a hit or miss. Nico has a chance to be the future WR1 for the Texans, and Wallace has a chance to make the starting lineup for Baltimore who have 1 WR in the rookie they drafted earlier. Shedding a pick for Brandin Cooks is a great move, Cooks just quietly produces year after year, and that depth will help while JD3’s other young WRs have their growing pains. While people will think I’m biased, it’s tough to argue the best draft grade when you get 2 of the top 4 players, with Pitts being the only argument for being ahead of Etienne.

JonnyDIII’s Draft Grade A+.

Trashman

Picks – 1.04, 2.04, 3.04, 4.04, 5.04

Picks in Order:

1.04 Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAX

2.04 Amari Rodgers, WR, GB

3.04 Tutu Atwell, WR, LAR

4.04 Jaret Patterson, RB, WAS

5.04 Hunter Long, TE, MIA

Trashman has Aaron Jones, Nick Chubb, Allen Robinson, Mark Andrews, Kenny G, and Juice Landry. As a backup TE he has Evan Engram. QBs he has Wentz, Cam, Baker, and Danny Dimes. What Trashman did at pick 1.04 with Devonta Smith, Pitts, and Jaylen Waddle on the board is criminal. Baker just came off a great season, and Wentz has a new team new look. Sure, T-Law is great, but is the fourth pick worth it? Probably not. Amari Rodgers? Tutu? I mean Trashman is looking at people that may start as the #3 on their team. Trashman needs T-Law to be a top 10 QB by next year, I don’t see it happening.

Trashman’s Draft Grade C-.

Mush

Picks – 1.05, 2.05, 2.08 (2.05 and 2.08 were part of a trade where Mush received 2.05, 2.08, and OBJ from Pistol for a 2023 First and James Robinson), 3.05, 3.13,

Picks in Order:

1.05 Javonte Williams, RB, DEN

2.05 Kadarius Toney, WR, NYG

2.08 Josh Palmer, WR, LAC

3.05 Matthew Stafford, QB, DET

3.13 Xavier Jones, RB, LAR

Mush maybe made the move of the draft by getting OBJ and two picks for a future first. Mush has Gibby, Dobbins, Jacobs, Clyde, Deebo, Dionte, and Hollywood. He really needs WR help. So with 1.05 he adds the future starter for the Broncos. He then adds potential starter Kadarius Toney. Josh Palmer, we don’t know, but he was probably best available at that time. Stafford in the third is a solid pick for a guy that doesn’t have a QB. Xavier Jones, will be in the mix for potentially the Rams backup role. It will be interesting to see what Mush does with all his RBs, can only start four of them. He needs his WRs to come through, who knows what will happen, but he has assets. OBJ is helpful, he just needs the clock to turn back.

Mush’s Draft Grade A.

Pistol

Picks – 1.06, 3.06, 4.05, and 4.13 (Pistol traded away 2.05 and 2.08 and OBJ for a 2023 First and James Robinson).

Picks in Order:

1.06 Kyle Pitts, TE, ATL

3.06 Javian Hawkins, RB, ATL

4.05 Gerrid Doaks, RB, MIA

4.13 Cornell Powell, WR, KC

David Monty, Hunt, Mikey T, Kelce, and that’s it for stars. He has Darius Slayton and Russell Gage as depth. Pistol made the right pick at 1.06, Pitts was best available and could be the best player in the draft. Trading away two second rounder and possibly your best WR is insane for a future first and an RB about to lose his job. Pistol’s last pick might be his best, potential to be a WR in the Mahomes offense, that’s big. Good long play. Javian Hawkins could be something, same with Doaks, but I expect both teams to address RB in next years draft or free agency.

Pistol’s Draft Grade B-.

Bottom Bunk

Picks – 2.12, 4.07, and 5.07

Picks in Order:

2.12 Dyami Brown, WR, WAS

4.07 Dazz Newsom, WR, CHI

5.07 Kellen Mond, QB, MIN

Bottom Bunk was trade happy during the year. This ended in 3 picks. He only has one pick worth grading, he took Dyami Brown. I don’t mind the pick. B.B. has Cook and Ridley. It will be a long season for him. But as for his draft, given what he had, not bad. But giving up those picks is bad, the grade reflects that.

Bottom Bunk’s Draft Grade C.

CrossFit

Picks – 1.08, 3.08, 4.08, 5.06, and 5.08

Picks in Order:

1.08 Justin Fields, QB, CHI

3.08 Pat Freiremuth, TE, PIT

4.08 Shi Smith, WR, CAR

5.06 Pooka Williams, Jr, RB, CIN

5.08 Sam Ehlinger, QB, IND

CrossFit has Tom Brady, Dak, Ekeler, Mostert, Davis, Lockett, Amari Cooper Kupp, and CMC. We have two picks to really dive into, Justin Fields and Pat Freiremuth. Brady is pegged to be a top QB this year. Dak also has potential to bounce back, and even if he doesn’t this year, he should next year. I tell you what, I do not mind the Pat pick, CrossFit can use the depth and long play at TE. As for the first round pick. What on earth is going on? Waddle was still on the board, Sermon the heir to the throne for Mostert on the board, but you go with Fields? Sure, Fields might play out, but the Bears haven’t exactly had a good fantasy QB in a while. By the time Fields is relevant his WRs and RBs will age out. With all the issues CrossFit had with injuries last year, a skill player makes more sense.

CrossFit’s Draft Grade B.

Teach

Picks – 1.09, 1.13 (Teach gets 1.13 gives up Pick 22 and Devante Parker), 2.13, 3.09, 4.09, 5.09.

Picks in Order:

1.09 Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA

1.13 Trey Lance, QB, SF

2.13 Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE

3.09 Seth Williams, WR, DEN

4.09 Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, MIN

5.09 Klin Hill, RB, GB

Teach has Rodgers, Chris Carson, Mixon, Treek Hill, Tee Higgins, D.J. Moore, and Hockenson. I like his draft. Teach took best available at 9 and was gifted Waddle, then he made a move to get his future QB. Takes a shot on the NE backfield, grabs a WR. Overall, it was a good draft.

Teach’s Draft Grade A-.

Daddy Wombat

Picks – 1.10, 2.10, 3.10, 4.10, and 5.10.

Picks in Order:

1.10 Rondale Moore, WR, ARI

2.10 Khalil Herbert, RB, CHI

3.10 Tre’ McKitty, TE, LAC

4.10 Jemar Jefferson, RB, DET

5.10 Jaelon Darden, WR, TB

Daddy Wombat entered the War Room, and came out ok. D.W. has Russ, Kamara, D-Hop, Metcalf, Claypool, and Jeudy. The problem is they are missing RBs bad. Kamara is the only starter they have. While going with Moore is ok, but you have a starter in Michael Carter just sitting there. So that is a huge miss. Even Trey Sermon is a miss. Herbert will be on a depth chart, but the Tarik Cohen PUP list is helpful for the potential CHI backup, but that’s his ceiling. A Rhamondre Stevenson would have been a better shot in the dark for a potential RB1 in the second. I mean these were ok picks, just not team need picks. While you should go best available, reaching a spot or two won’t kill you. Daddy Wombat could have filled out his roster a little better.

Daddy Wombat’s Draft Grade C+.

PeePaw

Picks – 1.11, 1.12, 3.02 (PeePaw received 3.02 for Brandin Cooks), 3.11, 4.03, 4.11, and 5.11.

Picks in Order:

1.11 Trey Sermon, RB, SF

1.12 Michael Carter, RB, NYJ

3.02 Zach Wilson, QB, NYJ

3.11 Anthony Schwartz, WR, CLE

4.03 Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, TEN

4.11 Mac Jones, QB, NE

5.11 Anthony Firkser, TE, TEN

PeePaw has no QB (Goff and Big Ben), Miles Sanders, A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyk, Davante Adams, and Justin Jefferson. PeePaw rode his horses to the championship, that’s his WR core. With that in mind, I love this draft. He has a decent mix of vet WRs and up and coming WRs. I think mixing in two rookie RBs with starting/second year potential is smart. Trading Brandin Cooks is whatever, I don’t know that you get a whole lot more for him, and having all these WRs already, all Cooks would have done was make him regret not playing him if someone has an off week. Grab a QB, who knows if Wilson turns out but he’ll have the opportunity. Schwartz, with OBJ and Juice running out of their deals Schwartz could work his way into the lineup next year. But a great fourth pick in doubling down on QB in Mac Jones, he’s a stash play. Firker for the second to last pick just ensures that he has a backup TE to see how the first few weeks go. PeePaw having late picks did the most he coud.

PeePaw’s Draft Grade A.

Touchdown Guy

Picks – 2.06, 3.12, 4.12, 5.03, and 5.12.

Picks in Order:

2.06 Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET

3.12 Elijah Mitchell, RB, SF

4.12 Frank Darby, WR, ATL

5.03 Demetric Felton, RB, CLE

5.12 Kene Nwangwu, RB, MIN

Touchdown Guy won the championship, so who cares about this draft. He gave up a first and one next year for Derrick Henry, it worked, so none of this matters. TDG has Tall Josh Allen, Saquan, D-Train, Melly, Adam Thielen, Mike Evans, Julio, and Kittle. He could use WR depth and he got it with St. Brown, he has a brother in the NFL, and is on a team with endless questions at the WR position. St. Brown is a great pick. Mitchell, who knows, the 49ers use backs, Mitchell may be in the mix next year. Darby same thing, Felton maybe a longer play, Kene could be the backup in Minny. I don’t mind the draft, and seeing as he won last year, I think he knocked it out of the park.

Touchdown Guy’s Draft Grade A.

Well that does it for the Rookie Draft. Waivers begin next week, $200 for Free Agents, from next Wednesday to Week 17. Overall a pretty good draft, a lot of delay due to the first pick, but it all went pretty smoothly. We have rosters expanded to 35, have to be 25 (5 must be taxi eligible (rookie or 2^nd year)) by the Sunday before Week 1. We will see how many of these rookies make a team and then stay on a fantasy roster. Good luck to everyone, top 10s soon to come. Until then I hope you and yours have a better tomorrow.

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII

Pot Cakes Dynasty League Rookie Rankings

Good morning everyone, I went back and forth on this. I was going to do a Pot Cakes Dynasty League Mock Draft, but why should I help just our league. I am a man of the people, so we are looking at the Pot Cakes Dynasty League Rookie Rankings. We rank the Top 64 Rookies, which will match the number of draft picks our league has in our Rookie Draft, plus our Top 5 Free Agents, that are also eligible for our draft. This will hopefully serve as a draft guide for some of you, and help get a little more info on the top rookie prospects. The Pot Cakes Dynasty League is a week away from Pick 1.01. So let’s get to it, here are the Top 64 Rookies in this year’s draft. Things thrown into consideration in order of preference, immediate impact, team, and projected/long term impact.

1. Ja’Marr Chase – WR – Cincinatti Bengals – WR1

Chase steps in as a starter and likely #1 due to his connection with Joe Burrow. Additionally, Chase walks into a 104 target vacancy of A.J. Green, and Gio Bernard’s almost 60 targets. While those 60 will likely go to Mixon, there still may be some carryover to those 104 targets. The Bengals will continue to lose games, and will have to throw the ball because they are down. Chase was the first WR off the board, he’s the guy. It’s that simple.

2. DeVonta Smith – WR – Philadelphia Eagles – WR2

Smith walks onto a team as the WR1, the only difference between Chase and Smith is the QB play. Burrow is a better passer, Hurts completion percentage decreased in each start. This is something that Hurts needs to work on and should be able to with Smith. Smith due to being the new WR1 is an easy pick for the second best rookie. While Smith will compete against Reagor, Fulgham, and even Ward, none of those guys should worry you about the future of Smith.

3. Najee Harris – RB – Pittsburg Steelers – RB1

Harris falls to three simply because the Steelers offensive line is depleted. He is the starter, he will get the touches, he has the size, but Saquon could not get it done last year (small sample size) because of how bad the Giants O-Line was, and that is my fear for Harris. Harris will lead backs in touches, but quality touches are important too.

4. Travis Etienne – RB – Jacksonville Jaguars – RB2

Immediately after the draft I was mad. But, Etienne has grown on me. While Robinson is a capable back and will likely share some of the workload. Etienne is basically the same size, but fast. And it’s his QB. And he’s a first rounder. Imagine a rookie coach taking an RB in the first round, only to have him not play above 50% of the snaps because an undrafted rookie is better. It doesn’t matter if it’s true, Etienne is going to get touches, and I think he’s better than J-Rob. Etienne can do it all, I like Etienne to lead these rookie backs in receptions.

5. Kyle Pitts – TE – Atlanta Falcons – TE1

Pitts is the most interesting. He can easily be the guy you look back on in 5 years and hit yourself for not taking him, or he could be the guy that costs you a WR2 and Pitts never produces. TE production is a game changer in fantasy, but it is so tough to judge year to year. Kelce sure, but everyone else is so up and down that it is tough to justify a high pick on a rookie TE. Whoever takes him, good luck.

6. Jaylen Waddle – WR – Miami Dolphins – WR3

As a fan I am incredibly excited at Waddle being a Dolphin. As a fantasy manager, this is a slower burn than I would like for a top end First. Waddle is going to be great, he is going to be the guy for the Phins. Now, he has Tua going through growing pains, Fuller who is a dominant WR when healthy, and Parker who is solid. And the Phins have a good TE, and rookie TE too. So Waddle will have to clearly separate himself on a team with a lot of options, but the person controlling those options has to start slinging the rock for Waddle to have success.

7. Rashod Bateman – WR – Baltimore – WR4

Bateman is in a great spot to be the #1 option on the Ravens. The issue is that the Ravens are run first. But Lamar has been known to throw the ball well, he just needs guys that can catch. Bateman can do that, Bateman can give the Ravens another option which will result in more offense for a team that is already great. Bateman is a must have because he has immediate impact and is the future.

8. Javonte Williams – RB – Denver – RB3

Williams only falls this far because Gordon will get a lot of the touches at the start of the year. Williams is for sure the future in Denver. Gordon is a vet on a young team, they are going to move on from him. Gordon still has a year or two left so hang tight. But Williams is a 3-down back. He rounds out the top-3 RBs. While he may have a slow rookie year, years 2-4 should be lights out.

9. Trevor Lawrence – QB – Jacksonville Jaguars – QB1

T-Law is here because he is a confirmed starter on a team with an acceptable offense. I mean Minshew at times tore it up, so Lawrence should be able to do the same. Pure volume, Lawrence should produce the most of a rookie, plus with his size he should be able to make it through his rookie bumps and bruises. Chark, Shenault, and Etienne all provide decent options for Lawrence. And the offensive line is alright, not exceptional, but alright, so Lawrence should be able to get off his throws.

10. Elijah Moore – WR – New York Jets – WR5

There are a lot of teams that are better fits for Moore. But he’s a Jet, and the Jets have former first round pick Corey Davis and also Jamison Crowder to compete with Moore. But Moore will likely play the slot for the Jets and provide excellent route running, plus the rookie connection always helps. Wilson will be keeping an eye out for his future long term teammate. The New New York Jets invested a lot in these two picks, so they are the franchise whether they like it or not.

11. Rondale Moore – WR – Arizona Cardinals – WR6

See everything I said for Elijah, except down grade Rondale because Elijah is slightly better, and also because the Cardinals are going to throw the ball to De’Andre Hopkins. But long term, Hopkins is older, and A.J. Green is already old. So Moore should be able to fly under the radar and then blossom into a great role for this Cardinals team. However, a coaching change could slow down this offense if they do not produce some wins this year.

12. Trey Sermon – RB – San Francisco 49ers – RB4

What an interesting spot. Sermon may not see the field much this year. What’s important is that he has a good training camp and practice run. The reason being that after this year, Sermon will be the only back for the 49ers. Everyone else’s deal is up, it would be his show. And the 49ers run the football in case you’ve never seen their highlights. Sermon is in a great year 2 spot.

13. Justin Fields – QB – Chicago Bears – QB2

The Bears have been missing one thing the last few years, a quarterback. Now they have one. Fields is going to play over Dalton within the first 3 games. Fields is athletic, smart, tough, and has good options. A-Rob, Mooney, and D-Mont all should help him succeed in his first year. The best news is that Fields can hopefully save Nagy and Pace’s jobs, and comedy will ensue with bad decisions outside of this pick.

14. Terrace Marshall Jr. – WR – Carolina Panthers – WR7

Marshall is in a better spot than a guy that will be mentioned next. DJ Moore and Robby Anderson are both ahead of him on the depth chart, but Marshall is a clear cut #3. He will see the field, he will get the ball thrown his way. Marshall is the real deal, and he should be drafted accordingly.

15. Kadarius Toney – WR – New York Giants – WR8

Toney is in a bit of a pinch. Kenny G, Darius Slayton, John Ross, Dante Pettis, Sterling Shepard, and Kadarius Toney. That is a lot of WRs. Toney is the second best WR and will eventually be opposite of Golladay. The problem is when. I do not know. Plus, Saquon will get a lot of the offense. But When Toney is almost as fast as Ross but bigger, who would you rather have drop the pass, Ross on a vert or Toney on a double move?

16. Michael Carter – RB – New York Jets – RB5

Carter also was a big investment for the Jets. Carter finds himself in the mix. Lamicale Perine and Tevin Coleman both are options for the Jets as well. But the upside of the New New York Jets having their “Big 3” should at least get Carter touches to see if the front office got this right.

17. Trey Lance – QB – San Fransico 49ers – QB3

Lance is the QB of the future for the 49ers. The downside is the 49ers run the ball. But you saw it from time to time the Jimmy G was able to capitalize on the play action passes. And with this team starting to develop a decent core around the QB, with a stable of backs, Kittle, Deebo, and Aiyuk, all those guys can take a short pass and go. The pressure is just on the QB of the 49ers to get the ball out. Lance can do that, he is in a great spot.

18. Amon-Ra St. Brown – WR – Detroit Lions – WR9

St. Brown comes from a family of athletes. His brother is in the NFL. The good news for this St. Brown is that the team needs to re-build. He was a 4^th rounder so that’s not super exciting, but name the Lions WRs. You almost can’t. This gives St. Brown as good of a shot as anyone. He’s worth the mid-second pick in a rookie draft, he has a chance.

19. Kenneth Gainwell – RB – Philadelphia Eagles – RB6

Gainwell is stuck behind Miles Sanders. There is no question there. But Gainwell has the best hands out of any of the RBs in this draft. He’s going to have a role in the NFL, and if that role is Tarik Cohen, that’s perfect. He’s a fill in player, get a few catches a game, have some points at the end of your roster. Gainwell is a long term play, but at RB it falls fast, so you have to take the guys that fall to you.

20. D’Wayne Eskridge – WR – Seattle Seahawks – WR10

Eskridge was a second rounder. A second rounder here as the back half of the second round approaches is a good bet. While yes, the Seahawks are going to be a run first team this year, that is clear. But when both sidelines have Metcalf and Lockett, this lets the small and fast Eskridge roam the middle with less pressure. Play action to the slot, sign me up.

21. Zach Wilson – QB – New York Jets – QB4

Wilson falls far because it’s the Jets. But this could be a sneaky steal. While everyone avoids Wilson because of the Jets, he’s a starter in the NFL. He’s a perfect stash and see. If you need a QB and Wilson is there, it will be tough to say no as the draft goes on. Wilson has capable WRs around him, so it might work.

22. Amari Rodgers – WR – Green Bay Packers – WR11

The Packers need one thing on offense, that’s a clear cut #2 WR. The upside is there, Rodgers can fall into a Cobb role. Oh, his mentor, Randall Cobb. Upside, a team that throws the ball, and a proven winner in college, Rodgers is the best you can do here.

23. Dyami Brown – WR – Washington Football Team – WR12

This is where things get tougher in the draft. Brown was a 3^rd round pick, but he has McLaurin and Curtis Samuel clearly in front of him. Then vet Adam Humphries is on the team, Cam Sims played a little last year, Kelvin Harmon missed the whole year, Antonio Gandy-Golden is out there, and even Steven Sims showed small bursts. So it’s a crowed place to fight for snaps, not even targets in Washington. But with Fitzmagic, sometimes you just have to believe.

24. Pat Freiermuth – TE – Pittsburgh Steelers – TE2

Great tight end, known to be physical, just what the Steelers need. As you get deeper and deeper into the draft you need to look for the value at the other positions. Here it’s TE and Pat’s biggest problem is he doesn’t know who his QB will be next year.

25. Tylan Wallace – WR – Baltimore Ravens – WR13

Wallace is here because the Ravens clearly do not like who they have at WR. They brought in Sammy Watkins, they have Hollywood Brown. But long term, Wallace is in a good spot to develop.

26. Josh Palmer – WR – Los Angeles Chargers – WR14

I mean Keenan Allen is the guy for LAC, Mike Williams is cool too, but injuries and youth are both on Palmer’s side. He’s a stash guy. Herbert loves to chuck it, Palmer just needs to be the guy in the next year or two to be on the field with his hands out.

27. Kylin Hill – RB – Green Bay Packers – RB7

There is a huge drop off from RBs 1-3, 4-6, and then after that it falls. Hill is a stash. But Hill just needs to sit tight. If the Packers decide to move on from Jones in two years, that means three years from now Hill is getting all the third down work. He’s a shifty guy, he can give the Packers a boost like Jamaal Williams did. Just small but great quality touches.

28. Cornell Powell – WR – Kansas City Chiefs – WR15

Powell is in a good spot. I mean it’s the Chiefs. The Chiefs have Hill and then Kelce, but Kelce is old. Slowly this should turn to a new WR2 on their team. Powell can grow into that spot. He’s a quality WR, and you just have to find the field and let Mahomes do the work for you.

29. Nico Collins – WR – Houston Texans – WR16

If you are seeing a pattern here, it’s that the other classes are so bad that WRs just have to go first. I mean I have a player from the Texans ahead of other guys. Nico finds himself in a nice spot, the Texans are bad. Randall Cobb is fun, but he is older. Keke Coutee has always been a guy that picks up some buzz at the back end of re-drafts as a guy that you hope can pan out. Well Nico is the new Keke, you have to just to take him here and hope the Texans figure it out at least a little bit.

30. Mac Jones – QB – New England Patriots – QB5

I mean Mac Jones is a 3^rd rounder in non-super flex rookie redrafts. He is the QB next year. Take the guy and wait and see. Mac Jones has no problem being a backup, learning, and then flourishing. He’s a wait and see, but it’s worth the wait.

31. Rhamondre Stevenson – RB – New England Patriots – RB8

Now Stevenson and the next rookie are a toss-up. Stevenson at least can be a goal line back. He’s big, but smooth. With Damien Harris not taking advantages of the banged up backfield of the Patriots last year, this should give you a little interest in Stevenson. He’s competing against Sony Michel and Damien Harris, it is anyone’s game. And likely, it is everyone’s game. Stevenson will get his chances, you just have to hope he does just enough to get the starting job for year 2.

32. Chuba Hubbard – RB – Carolina Panthers – RB9

Now you can’t expect injuries. But what you can expect is for the Panthers to “limit” CMC a little more this year. CMC is so important to the Panthers’ offense that they need to keep him healthy. Chuba can fill in and get some touches, maybe take over as the RB at the end of his rookie deal, or at least stay healthy enough and show enough to get a chance on a bad team in five years. Chuba is a sneaky long term guy, he was regarded as the best, or second best, RB in 2019, can he find that again? Worth the risk here in the back of the 3^rd.

33. Brevin Jordan – TE – Houston Texans – TE3

A run on Texans? This is another hope the Texans figure it out. You have no clue what directions the Texans go over the next few years, but the players they have should be drafted at some point. Why not take your shot at one of the few TEs worth drafting here late in the 3^rd. Your options are limited here, so go for potential.

34. Dazz Newsome – WR – Chicago Bears – WR 17

Newsome finds himself on a team that has one WR that has a future with the Bears, Darnell Mooney. A-Rob is on a 1-year deal. He’s going to chase money next year. Could it be the Bears, probably not. Anthony Miller has been an early trade rumors guy. So, who’s left, it could be Newsome. Newsome could be this years WR3 for the Bears, and then the WR2 for the Bears next year. The Bears will likely invest in a WR next year, so Newsome may only end up at best as the WR3, but with a chance to see the field, you gotta take him.

35. Anthony Schwartz – WR – Cleveland Browns – WR18

The guy is a burner and track star. The Browns have Jarvis and OBJ who are aging and the rumor is will have to move on from one, if not both of their WR duos soon. With a little investment in Donovan Peoples-Champion-Jones, Schwartz may see the field more just based on the draft capital.

36. Tommy Tremble – TE – Carolina Panthers – TE4

I have to think Tremble can overtake Dan Arnold and Ian Thomas in year 2. It’s a bit of a gut feeling, but I mean it makes sense. Tremble was great in college. While he’s a third rounder compared to Ian Thomas a 4^th rounder in the draft, that is where teams want their TEs, so the draft capital is actually pretty good for Tremble, the team likes him, so why not look at your team and take a chance on TE in the third of a rookie draft. TE’s have upside as the draft goes on, WRs and RBs, well there are just too many options, so hedge your bet and choose from the smaller sample size.

37. Tutu Atwell – WR – Los Angeles Rams – WR19

The Rams used their first pick on a WR. This guy has to play, or has to be a replacement for Woods or Kupp in the next two years. Woods has a potential out after this year, and Kupp has one in two years. Who knows, but with the Rams budget and the Rams not having first round picks, this big of an investment on a WR when the team needs help elsewhere should say something, what, I don’t know.

38. Javian Hawkins – RB – Atlanta Falcons – RB10

This is a sleeper pick. The Falcons have Mike Davis as their RB1. After that there is not much. Hawkins is a guy you take the risk on and hope he gets RB2 touches on this team. Hawkins is a boom or bust pick, but welcome to the back half of a rookie draft.

39. Elijah Mitchell – RB – San Francisco 49ers – RB11

I mean at some point you have to take an RB. Mitchell was drafted by a team that does not have RBs next year. It will be Sermon and Mitchell as the only guys under contract (assuming Mitchell is on the roster this year). While Trey Sermon was incredible this year, that was it, this year. Mitchell just has to go to work and try to be the guy. It’s a coin flip. I mean obviously, on paper, Sermon is better, higher draft pick, all the buzz. But we’ve seen guys beat out big names, we’ve seen big names disappear. Mitchell is worth the risk as we close out the 3^rd round of a rookie draft.

40. Khalil Herbert – RB – Chicago Bears – RB12

Now we are into the fourth round of what would be our rookie draft. By now, it is likely a couple free agents have been taken rather than rookies. But we are not doing that here. So we take Khalil Herbert who could be the heir to the throne of Tarik Cohen. So here you are taking a hopeful RB2 on a team. You are just hoping he gets receiving targets in the future.

41. Seth Williams – WR – Denver Broncos – WR20

He’s big, he’s a sixth rounder, he’s on a team that has a lot of youth at wide receiver. Sutton, Jeudy, Hamler, and even Noah Fant. Then mix in Tim Patrick, it’s a crowded place, but you just have to hope that Williams develops and gets into the mix.

42. Davis Mills – QB – Houston Texans – QB6

Mills gets the spot here on our QB run. He could play this year pending how Watson’s situation works out. Mills was rumored to go higher, he was an interesting guy, the experts flirted with him up and down on their big boards. Take the hope, see what happens with him.

43. Kyle Trask – QB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB7

Trask is interesting, he could be the replacement to Tom Brady. That’s why he has value. He will have assets, the defense may get worse as Tampa cannot pay their guys forever. So take Trask and stash him.

43. Kellen Mond – QB – Minnesota Vikings – QB8

Mond is the QB behind Kirk Cousins. I don’t know, you are this deep in a draft, all the big name QBs are gone, get your guy and move on. See if he pans out, see how long the Vikings deal with Cousins big game moments.

44. Sage Surratt – WR – Detroit Lions – WR21

See all the reasons for St. Brown, but drafted later, so he has less draft capital and starts out further down on the roster. BUT the Lions have questions across the board, so these rookies in places that there is no certainty of who plays is worth the risk.

45. Hunter Long – TE – Miami Dolphins – TE5

The Dolphins have developed a young core of talent. They are doing their best to set up for a playoff run in the near future. This all depends on Tua. BUT, in the event Tua does not work out, the Dolphins will have to continue to rebuild and potentially move on from some quality players. Gesicki is good, but he’s by no means unreplaceable. And if the Dolphins have to look at their roster in the future and decide on paying a tight end, or just going with his younger version, I would assume they take the younger version.

46. Dez Fitzpatrick – WR – Tennessee Titans – WR22

Dez has all the potential in the world to be the Titans #2. Josh Reynolds is on a one year deal, so Fitzpatrick could be the Titans WR3 by the end of the year, but let’s be honest, that does not mean much for fantasy. The future is what matters. Julio is also on a one year deal, with an out after this year. So, potentially, it’s just A.J. Brown and Dez in 2022. That is something you have to hope for with this pick.

47. Demetric Felton – RB – Cleveland Browns – RB13

We only know that the Browns like to run the ball. Felton finds himself as the backup to both Chubb, who is currently on the last year of his deal, and Hunt, is signed through 2022. While I fully expect Chubb to resign with the Browns, RBs that get a lot of touches burn out. Felton is a late round stash in case that happens to Chubb.

48. Noah Gray – TE – Kansas City Chiefs – TE6

Every team should talk up their guys, and that’s what KC is doing for Gray. The thing I like about this late 4^th selection, is that Gray can replace Kelce’s production. Well, no one can, but look at that eventual void. Whoever that future TE1 for KC is, is a must have. So take a late shot on Gray and hope it works out. If you get a Kelce at 75%, that is a steal.

49. Chris Evans – RB – Cincinnati Bengals – RB14

Mixon is hurt a lot, and will be taking on a larger role for the Bengals. This only opens the door more and more for a rookie to make an early impact in this young offense. At this point, you are hoping your guy can just make a good impression, and Evans has that chance.

51. Tre’ McKitty – TE – Los Angeles Chargers – TE7

McKitty has Jared Cook in front of him. The potential is there, the QB is there, Keenan Allen is older, Mike Williams is hurt, so someday, this could be Tre’s. He has upside, and at this point in your rookie drafts, you are just hoping for some upside/future play.

52. Marquez Stevenson – WR – Buffalo Bills – WR23

The Bills have a lot of receivers, so Stevenson has to make the team first. But let’s assume he does. The team just signed Emmanuel Sanders, Cole Beasley is aging, and Gabriel Davis is not the answer because the team signed Emmanuel Sanders. So whoever makes the team, once Beasley and Sanders are gone, they have the chance to line up opposite of Diggs, with Josh Allen throwing them the football. That sounds fun to me.

53. Ihmir Smith-Marsette – WR – Minnesota Vikings – WR24

We are officially in the final round of the rookie draft, at least for the Pot Cakes Dynasty League. These players may not even be drafted in rookie leagues, but I will do my best to highlight the few that have long term potential. Adam Thielen cannot play forever. So hopefully Smith-Marsette takes his place one day.

54. Frank Darby – WR – Atlanta Falcons – WR25

Darby is a late pick, but with the Falcons only really having Calvin Ridley, anything is possible for the Falcons as they look to rebuild (or compete and fail).

55. Racey McMath – WR – Tennessee Titans – WR26

The math checks out on this guy. Well it really doesn’t, 6^th rounder, LSU though, and if he can make the team, then he has a shot just like Dez.

56. Larry Rountree III – RB – Los Angeles Chargers – RB15

Rountree is in an open competition for the backup spot to Ekeler. I don’t think the Chargers liked what he saw from Kelley or Jackson last year, and with a new coach drafting him, this makes me think Rountree will get a more than fair shot at being the backup.

57. Gary Brightwell – RB – New York Giants – RB16

We have a lot of RBs tucked back here, and that’s because of the uncertainty. Name the Giant’s running backs. If you can, you know none of them are sure things. This gives Brightwell a chance to either be Barkley’s backup, or to take his spot if injuries halt his career.

58. Kene Nwangwu – RB – Minnesota Vikings – RB17

See everything I said about Brightwell, and then include the fact that Mattison flopped when it was his time to take over. The Vikings are looking for help, and looking for help that can take over Cook’s spot if needed due to injury.

59. Sam Ehlinger – QB – Indianapolis Colts – QB9

I fully expect Bottom Bunk to pick Sam Ehlinger here. It will be interesting to see if Ehlinger can surpass Jacob Eason who was a name, like Davis Mills, that was brought up as a potential first round QB surprise. Neither went in the first, but analysts had high praise for Eason, so if Ehlinger can beat him out, then he might be the real deal someday.

60. Pooka Williams Jr. – RB – Cincinnati Bengals – RB18

Pooka is a later drafted Chris Evans. Both have a chance to make their impressions on the Bengals, and both have a shot at the backup spot to Mixon. Pooka was drafted later, so he’s ranked lower.

61. Mike Strachan – WR – Indianapolis Colts – WR27

It is really up to Pittman and Campbell to make sure Strachan does not end up as the WR2 for the Colts in the future. If they cannot produce this year, the Colts have no one, other than the old T.Y.

62. Jaret Patterson – RB – Washington Football Team – RB19

Patterson has to compete against J.D. McKissic, Peyton Barber, Lamar Miller, and Jonathan Williams. I expect next year, 2022, Patterson makes his way up the rankings if not this year. He can be the 2, of the 1-2 punch with Gibby.

63. John Bates – TE – Washington Football Team – TE8

Logan Thomas is 30, both Thomas and Hemingway is only signed through 2021, which means there is an opening. Bates could be the future TE for the Football Team. He’s a fourth round pick, which for Tight Ends is a pretty common spot, so it is the right amount of draft capital to think the Football Team wants Bates to be their guy.

64. Gerrid Doaks – RB – Miami Dolphins – RB20

Dolphins cannot rely on Gaskin or Brown long term, maybe drafting Doaks means something. But the difference between an undrafted guy and a seventh rounder is not much, but there is a reason 63 guys are mentioned first, and I love the Dolphins so he has to make the list.

Now for the Top 5 Free Agents, these players can be picked at any point in the Pot Cakes Dynasty Rookie Draft.

1. Matt Stafford – QB – Los Angeles Rams

Stafford is the perfect QB to have on your team, if you have no one else. Stafford should be able to turn back the clock a little with the prolific Rams offense, which was just missing a QB. Stafford is that QB, so he should be a low end QB1 this year.

2. Samaje Perine – RB – Cincinnati Bengals

There are no RBs out there, so take Perine in case the Mixon injury happens.

3. Randall Cobb – WR – Houston Texans

Will Fuller is gone, Cobb was injured for most of last season, the ball will be thrown to Cobb and Cooks all season.

4. Demarcus Robinson – WR – Kansas City Chiefs

He plays with Patrick Mahomes. That is all. Mohamed Sanu is out there, but the 49ers run the ball and he is the projected WR3.

5. Anthony Fisker – TE – Tennessee Titans

Fisker, Akins, Sample, and Graham are starting TEs available. However, Fisker should see favorable matchups as Brown and Jones will demand attention. It is just up to Fisker to make plays when he’s not blocking

Well, that does it for the Top 64 Rookies and Top 5 Free Agents. Until next time, I hope you and yours have a better tomorow.

Let’s Go!

JonnnyDIII

Pot Cakes Dynasty League Day 1 NFL Draft Results

Good morning everyone, even to my mock draft. Four of 32 is not good, but the draft itself was exciting. We just look at who went and what that does for the Pot Cakes Dynasty League. Catch up on Day 1 while you watch Day 2.

Pick 1 – Trevor Lawrence QB for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick 2 – Zach Wilson QB for the New York Jets

Pick 3 – Trey Lance potential starter for the San Francisco 49ers

Pick 4 – Kyle Pitts TE for the Atlanta Falcons

Pick 5 – Ja’Marr Chase WR for the Cincinnati Bengals

Pick 6 – Jaylen Waddle WR for the Miami Dolphins

Pick 10 – DeVonta Smith WR for the Philadelphia Eagles

Pick 11 – Justin Fields potential starter for the Chicago Bears

Pick 15 – Mac Jones backup for the New England Patriots

Pick 20 – Kadarius Toney WR for the New York Giants

Pick 24 – Najee Harris RB for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick 25 – Travis Etienne RB for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick 27 – Rashod Bateman WR for the Baltimore Ravens

Those are the fantasy options for any rookie dynasty draft.

Let’s look at QBs. Trevor Lawrence is still likely to be a late first round pick. If you need a QB, you have a for sure starter. The interesting thing becomes who is QB 2 off the board. Trey Lance on the 49ers projects to be the best upside. He can wait a couple games to a year, and then year 2 should be great for him. Lance will likely make up some points on the ground as well. Now you have to look at Wilson, Fields, and Jones. Jones is most likely going to start year 2 of his career. He is on the Patriots who have upgraded their weapons slightly. Wilson will be the day 1 starter for the Jets. Fields can easily have an impressive rookie camp and take the starting job, but the Bears could also ease him into the starting role. If you need a guy for right now, it’s probably Wilson, if you can wait it’s probably Fields, and if you are desperate, scoop Jones and hope it works out next year. I think Lawrence late first, Lance late first to early second, Fields and Wilson are mid seconds, and Jones should fall to the third round.

Let’s look at RBs. This is fun for me, in our rookie draft Bruce has the 1.01 pick. Bruce is a fan of a certain team, as you can tell by his logo. Najee Harris went to the Pittsburg Steelers, he is not a cloud of dust RB, but he is a good ground and pound RB. The Steelers have O-Line issues. Harris could be in for a rough rookie year, it is all dependent on how the Steelers address their O-Line. Etienne is a Jaguar. The Jaguars put up a lot of rushing yards last year despite their terrible season. Etienne is paired with his college QB, and probably for a team fit was a “reach”, the Jaguars needed an RB, but the back end of the first could have been a defensive player. Jaguars still have great defensive players on the board for their second round pick so it works out. But the Jaguars making this move should lead everyone to believe Etienne is their guy. Now Robinson will still be in the mix, but you take a first round RB, he has to see the field a lot. Etienne’s breakaway speed, ability to catch the ball, and connection with his QB all somehow raise his draft stock. It is really a coin flip between these two. Harris should get the touches, but Etienne should get better quality touches. Additionally, the Jaguars trajectory is up after this season, the Steelers is down due to the O-Line and QB situation. It is a quantity vs. quality debate between these two teams. I am just glad I do not have to take the 1.01 knowing I have the option of taking my team’s RB or watch him succeed somewhere else.

Let’s look at Tight Ends. This is easy. Pitts solidifies himself as a pick 5-8. Falcons need a tight end. Pitts is one of the scariest matchups, he should play all season for the Falcons. Pitts is literally in the perfect spot. Even if the Falcons move on from Matt Ryan in a year or two, by then Pitts will be such a force anyone will be able to throw it to him.

Let’s look at Wide Receivers. Chase to Cincinnati, Waddle to Miami, Smith to Philly, Toney to the New York Giants, and Bateman to the Ravens. Honestly, Chase, Waddle, and Smith all are competing for picks 1 through 5. If one of these three falls to 6 you have a steal, and possible dilemma between WR and best TE. Cincinnati scares me because of how bad their O-Line is. Miami scares me because Fuller/Parker and Tua. Philly scares me because Philly is bad. It is tough to doubt Burrow and Chase out of the group. Chase should be the 1.01 or 1.02, followed by Smith due to him being the #1 in Philly, and then Waddle who will have the slowest start probably. Now Toney to the Giants and Bateman to the Ravens. Team alone puts Bateman in that #4 WR spot. He’s good, smooth, and the Ravens need a WR. With teams stacking the box against the Ravens run game and Lamar, Bateman does not have to be a burner, he just has to be in the right spot. He can do that. Toney is a monster. But the Giants have some guys, they want to run Saquan, and Danny Dimes is a liability for now. The best thing about the Giants is that they let Daniel Jones sling it last year, the only question is if that’s what they want to do or had to do because of the Saquan injury. Due to the uncertainty of the Giants, you might see Toney slide a little to the late first or early second round of a rookie draft. With a guy like Elijah Moore on the board still, Moore has a chance to go to a better fit and make a bigger splash early on. In a half PPR league, Moore should have more receptions than Toney who is a bit of a big hitter type WR.

Well that does it for Day 1. What a fun night. As far as the Pot Cakes Dynasty Rookie Draft goes, Bruce has most likely narrowed pick 1.01 down to four, that’s right, four players. Those players are; Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Najee Harris, or Travis Etienne. Bruce may extend the choices to include DeVonta Smith, but only time will tell. Bruce is officially on the clock.

That does it for now, we will see you in a couple days for the Mock Pot Cakes Dynasty League Draft.

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII

Pot Cakes Dynasty League Day 1 Mock Draft

Good morning, we are going to do a mock draft for Day 1 of the NFL Football Draft and how that works for the Pot Cakes Dynasty League. First we will run through a one round mock, and then we will run through how that moves these rookies up or down a dynasty draft.

Pick 1 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence Clemson QB

This pick is a lock for Trevor Lawrence. Jaguars are looking to rebuild their team and with Trevor Lawrence being the best QB, this is an easy pick. Jags can build their team while Lawrence goes through any growing pains adjusting to the NFL.

Pick 2 – New York Jets – Zach Wilson BYU QB

I have nothing against Zach Wilson. I just don’t believe how we got to the point where we just through Justin Fields out of the number two spot. The Jets have done this before, they took a chance on a QB and it didn’t pan out. We will get to see if it’s the QB’s problem or the Jets organization’s problem.

Pick 3 – San Francisco 49ers – Justin Fields OSU QB

Now while the Jets are “reaching” for their guy the 49ers will take who is left. That should be Fields. Fields is a great fit for the 49ers run game and will open up their playbook a little more adding some read option plays I would think. Fields will luck out in this spot as he should be able to ease into the starting role.

Pick 4 – Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Pitts Florida Tight End

I think the Falcons trade this pick back. They have too many options, so why not trade back and get another pick to fill out their many team needs. But I don’t do trades, so the pick is Pitts, he’s rumored to be a once in a generation talent. People are saying he is a potential hall of famer. I think the Falcons take the risk here and try to cash in on one last Matt Ryan led team.

Pick 5 – Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell Oregon OT

Bengals have their QB, they need an offensive line to protect him. Burrow ran for his life last year, so the Bengals have to take the best OT available. This is the second easiest pick of the draft behind the first pick.

Pick 6 – Miami Dolphins – Ja’Marr Chase LSU WR

Now the Dolphins could unite Tua with either Waddle or Smith, but with both Waddle and Smith saying they prefer Jones over Tua I pass on them. Chase is everyone’s #1 WR in this years draft, so he should go off the board first.

Pick 7 – Detroit Lions – Micah Parsons – Penn State LB

The Lions have a new coach in Dan Campbell, he’s a tough guy. What better pick than taking the versatile linebacker in Parsons. He is a great defensive player and is the perfect guy for Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions.

Pick 8 – Carolina Panthers – Rashawn Slater Northwester OT

The Panthers traded for Darnold. The Panthers have needs. They will likely take Pitts if he falls here, but with all the Panthers needs, they should sure up their O-line and then work on their other needs, mainly defense. With teams moving up for QBs and WRs and everything else. The Panthers get to take a tackle that might not be here in a normal draft.

Pick 9 – Denver Broncos – Trey Lance NDSU QB

The Broncos need a QB. If the draft works out and only 3 QBs go before this pick the Broncos should have the option of Jones or Lance. Lance is the pick, I think that is who Elway has a preference for. He’s a bit of a raw talent, NDSU only playing 1 game last season doesn’t help him either, but I think he has more upside than Jones. Carson Wentz showed that an NDSU QB can play in the league, it’s up to Lance to determine how long.

Pick 10 – Dallas Cowboys – Jaycee Horn South Carolina CB

The Cowboys made splashes last year with taking CeeDee Lamb, this year they need to go defense. They need a cornerback in the worst way. Horn is the guy that could be the lockdown Corner to help the Cowboys get Dak the ball more times.

Pick 11 – New York Giants – Kwity Payne Michigan Defensive End

The Giants want a Strahan. They need defensive help. Payne is an explosive player that hopefully will give the Giants the defensive pressure they need. The Giants need help across the board, but everyone in an armchair knows getting pressure on a QB is the answer to having a better defense.

Pick 12 – Philadelphia Eagles – Jaylen Waddle Alabama WR

The Eagles need WRs in the worst way. The lack of WRs might have cost Carson Wentz his job in Philly. So giving Jalen Hurts a chance to prove he’s the QB of the future, by giving him an explosive weapon on the edge is the answer. Waddle’s elite route running and speed is a game changer and could be the push Philly needs to win a bad division.

Pick 13 – Los Angeles Chargers – Christian Darrisaw Virginia Tech OT

The Chargers have WRs, they have their franchise QB, they have a good RB. They need to address defensive needs, but they need to protect their guy. Darrisaw is not as much of a drop off from Sewell. Those top 3 are all great, and that is good enough for the Chargers.

Pick 14 – Gregory Rousseau Miami Defensive End

The Vikings need a D-End. Rousseau is the guy for the Vikings. The Vikings have a young defense and having addressed the secondary in last year’s draft they need to take a chance on a guy up front. Rousseau is that guy.

Pick 15 – New England Patriots – Mac Jones Alabama QB

The Patriots will take an Alabama player here. Whether it is DeVonta Smith or Jones will be determined on draft night. But seeing as the Patriots have been in talks of moving up for a QB, I think if one falls to them at 15 they will take a QB there.

Pick 16 – Arizona Cardinals – Patrick Surtain II Alabama CB

The Cardinals need defensive help in the worst way. Surtain is the guy that can help them out. He is a lockdown Corner and a hard hitter. The Cards have to take him or someone similar with this pick.

Pick 17 – Las Vegas Raiders – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Notre Dame LB

Jeremiah is a bit of an athlete on the defensive side. He can line up on the edge or as an outside backer. He is a versatile player that can hopefully make up for some of the red flags on the Las Vegas defense. He is the best defensive player available at this pick, so this pick makes sense.

Pick 18 – Miami Dolphins – Najee Harris Alabama RB

This is the pick that can ruin any mock draft. The Dolphins should go with the best available WR at pick 6. This is a “reach” for a running back at 18, but with Pittsburg saying they are in on an RB in the first, and knowing the Jets have two picks before the Dolphins pick again, I think the Dolphins splurge here, and follow up with the best d-end available with pick 36. With this D-end class being more raw talent than NFL ready types, I think it makes the most sense to lock up the sure thing and gamble later on. But do not be surprised if whoever is left from Miami’s d-ends is this pick.

Pick 19 – Washington Football Team – Alija Vera-Tuker USC Guard

Now, no trades, so the WFT takes one of the best interior lineman. WFT needs to rebuild up front. Their defense is solid, they will need a good o-line to run the ball and protect whichever QB they take in the second round. Plus, Fitzmagic needs protection too.

Pick 20 – Chicago Bears – Caleb Farley Virginia Tech Corner

The Bears need help across the board. I think they go with a Corner. In a division that competes against Aaron Rodgers, the Bears need help to stop the passing game in the NFC North. Farley was the best corner in the draft but injuries causes him to drop. The Bears have a potential steal.

Pick 21 – Indianapolis Colts – Tevin Jenkins Oklahoma State OT

The Colts just made a move for Wentz, they have JT as an RB. They need to sure up their O-line. They just had a tackle retire and now they need a replacement. Wentz can have a second shot with the Colts but he needs help up front to keep him upright.

Pick 22 – Tennessee Titans – Greg Newsome II Northwestern Corner

The Titans lost two corners in free agency and made one signing. The Titans have a great offense and even with some regression with the loss of Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith, they still have Derrick Henry. The Titans can control the clock with a better defense and just running the ball down defenses throats. That is the key to winning, game management.

Pick 23 – New York Jets – Travis Etienne Clemson RB

I think Etienne ends up here regardless. Even if the Phins pass on Harris at pick 18, I think the Jets go with Etienne who is a little better in the passing game. The smaller shifty back is the new NFL type. And knowing that the Steelers may take an RB forces the Jets hand here.

Pick 24 – Pittsburg Steelers – Jayson Oweh Penn State Defensive End

The Steelers would like an RB, but they will have that option of RB or Center with their second round pick. With it being too early for a center and the top two RBs off the board, they address their pass rush with the freakishly talented Oweh out of Penn State. Now this is a bit of a risk reward pick, but with how good the Steelers defense is, his flaws can be covered up. Having a great pressure up front should allow the Steelers defensive front to pressure and help control the QBs in their division.

Pick 25 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Christian Barmore Alabama Defensive Line

The Jaguars continue to take the best available. The Jaguars need help everywhere. That includes the defensive line. While they need O-line help for their new franchise QB, that can wait. The Jags will continue to take the best available the whole draft and hope it works out.

Pick 26 – Cleveland Browns – Zaven Collins Tulsa LB

The Browns added Jadeveon Clowney to their defensive front for one year. This means that the D-Line is just slightly less of a concern compared to the linebacker position. I would expect the Browns to take a D-End early in the draft, but it’s not with this pick. Collins is a good linebacker that will be a cornerstone to the Browns defense going forward.

Pick 27 – Baltimore Ravens – Trevon Moehrig TCU Safety

The Ravens have to get a Wide Receiver, but with a good number of receivers still on the board, I think they wait to see what the Saints and Packers do. Moehrig falls this far in the draft simply because of the obsession over QBs and two RBs going “early”. I think this is a steal for the Ravens and a pick they have to make now because Moehrig might be a player a team trades up to get from the Saints or Packers. Whether the Saints want to admit it, they are in a mini rebuild and could use an extra third or fourth round pick now or in the future. The Packers are set, but with a late pick there is no reason the Packers shouldn’t trade back a few spots to pick up an extra third or fourth as well. Both teams are late first trade destinations, therefore the Ravens have to get their guy.

Pick 28 – New Orleans Saints – Elijah Moore Ole Miss WR

Moore and Joe Horn, both have unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for touchdown celebrations. Moore is a slot, he can go deep, he can work in the return game. These are all things the Saints need, and stuff Sean Payton likes, players that can do it all. Moore has moved up and down draft boards, but I think the Saints need to take pressure off of Michael Thomas, so Moore is the pick here.

Pick 29 – Green Bay Packers – Jamin Davis Kentucky Linebacker

The Packers need five things, WR, Center, Corner, OT, and Linebacker. Davis is the best available of this group of picks. Now the Packers should trade back here, get into the early second, maybe trade with the Jets for their early second and fourth. Then they could take a Center to replace Lindsey and follow up with a WR and double down on defense in the late third and early fourth. But If they stay here, Davis is the pick, he’s a great middle backer and can immediately help out the Packers.

Pick 30 – Buffalo Bills – Joseph Ossai Texas Defensive End

The Bills miss out on their running backs, so they address their defensive line. Big and long, he can help out the Bills defense. The Bills are set on offense, well sort of, but the defense needs help. The edge position is something the Bills are missing. And in a division that has young QBs and Cam Newton with not the best WR help, pressure is the answer.

Pick 31 – Baltimore Ravens – Terrace Marshall Jr. LSU WR

The Ravens have to get Lamar his guy. Marshall provides a lot of upside. His speed and length are two things that make him a frontrunner to be a WR1 at the NFL level. With the Ravens lacking a WR1, and Hollywood Brown being a smaller WR, the Ravens need to match Hollywood’s speed and give their WR core some size. Another burner for Lamar will also open up more running lanes.

Pick 32 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Levi Onwuzurie Washington Defensive Line

Now the Bucs should trade back, everyone is back this year. They need to just stock up and replace all the guys that will be leaving. The only flaw of the Bucs last year was when their D-Line was down, adding another able body that can push up the middle and plug a hole is a good late round pick. The Bucs could go anywhere with this pick, but a lineman is most likely the pick.

Now let’s assume these are how the picks go on day one.

Najee Harris – If Najee Harris goes to the Dolphins or Steelers he will likely be the first rookie in a dynasty league off the board.

Travis Etienne – If Etienne goes in the first, he is a top four pick, the only way Etienne falls in a dynasty draft is if he were to end up on a team like the Cardinals or somewhere he has to wait a little longer to be the starter.

Ja’Marr Chase – Chase is who I would take with the number 1 pick of a dynasty draft. Chase is going to be the WR1 on whatever team he goes to. His upside is worth the first pick.

Jaylen Waddle – Waddle is likely the fourth pick of rookie dynasty drafts. Waddle’s talent deserves to have him go in the top four, the problem is that he might end up on a team like the Eagles, Lions, or Giants. None of these landing spots are thrilling, but hopefully Waddle’s talent outshines his surroundings.

Kyle Pitts – Pitts is the next in line out of who is taken on day 1. But there are a lot of questions. The higher he goes the closer to pick 6 of a rookie draft he goes, but if he falls outside of the top 10 he might slide to the end of the first round.

Elijah Moore – Moore is a lot like Pitts, the fit really moves him up or down rookie drafts. If he is a day 1 pick, he could easily go as early as the sixth pick in a rookie dynasty draft. If Moore goes to a team like the Saints, Packers, or even Ravens, his draft stock skyrockets. A first for Moore is a great investment. While a second day pick for Moore is still great, it just means he’s more likely to be a late first compared to a mid-first pick of a dynasty draft.

Terrace Marshall Jr. – Terrace is the most exciting WR for mid to late round picks. Terrace provides the most upside out of the second tier of wide receivers. His size and speed are what QBs dream of. The problem is his landing spot, if he is a Raven, well you have to get him the ball. If he goes to the Packers, then he falls right into that 6-8 pick of a rookie draft.

Now we have some fun.

All the QBs. As teams make a push for QBs that just means more potential franchise QBs. Lawrence may get pushed into a top 10 pick. This may cause a chain reaction in dynasty drafts. I would assume Fields becomes an early second, Zach Wilson is a mid-second, and then Trey Lance falls into the late second round. I would think if QBs go on day one they go in the first two rounds of a dynasty draft. The franchise QB for the Jags, Jets, Falcons, Broncos, Patriots, Panthers, and maybe even the Bears, are all teams that need QBs, this means these guys are all starters in the second year of their career. These guys are worth a “reach: in a dynasty draft just because it can turn around your dynasty team in need of a QB.

That does it for the mock draft and how it will alter dynasty rookie drafts. All of these day one guys are people you need to look out for if you have a top 8 pick. I like drafts using 5 WRs, 3 RBs, and a tight end in those 8 picks. While 3 RBs might not go on day 1 of the draft, that first one of day 2 should round out those top 3 RBs in the rookie draft. Either way, get out a pen and pad, take some notes, enjoy the draft. Day 1 of the draft is the most exciting time for every NFL Team. Everyone have fun, cheer, cry, do whatever you have to do to get through one of the most exciting/emotional days of the NFL. Draft eve baby, let’s go!

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII

Pot Cakes Dynasty League Dream Team Scenarios

Good morning everyone, we are one week away from the NFL Draft and an unknown number of weeks from the Pot Cakes Dynasty Rookie Draft. Being so close to the draft it is time to put our thoughts in order on what we would like to see happen in the NFL Draft as far as fantasy goes. We need to pencil in our heads some teams that peak our interest just as much as potential players. As you dive into the third round of the Rookie Draft, you start to make dart throws. You just hope you hit something. Some of the day two picks and pretty much all of the day three picks are buried on depth charts, so who is worth the pick? That is what we will look at. First I will do a short, quick hitter approach, and then after I go on and on about a team by team breakdown of who we should keep an eye on for players and positions based on team needs.

I go into a long long post about each teams specific hopes. Rather than make you read all of it, I will put the condensed version up here. If you want to read about each specific team and circle draft picks to see if your guy goes there, by all means read on, but here is the quick hitter.

QBs, you will want the Jaguars, Jets, 49ers, rookie QBs. These QBs, Lawrence and Fields will be for sure end of round 1 rookie draft picks in your dynasty league. Wilson will likely slip a little as he is projected to the Jets who are not ready for takeoff. Sneaky plays will be to see where Trey Lance, Kelly Mond, and even Kyle Trask end up. These sneaky teams are the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Washington Football Team. These four teams are still in play for QB, and that QB will get less of a Jordan Love treatment, and will likely be in the mix as a 2022 starter.

RBs, you want to watch the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburg Steelers. One thing to worry about is if the Dolphins pick Etienne, a better fit is New York for him. While Etienne is a little bigger than Gaskin, I am not sold on Etienne coming in and just stealing the job like Najee Harris would. There is a difference in running style and I think the comparison between Harris to Gaskin is a bigger difference than Etienne to Gaskin. Whoever is the back in New York will get 30 touches a game, and the Steelers and Tomlin love a 3 down back, this would be Harris at pick 23 or Javonte Williams in the second round. Outside of those three names and three spots, a team like the Texans may be in play but they have a lot of work to do. The Cards, but they are in a similar position as the Texans. The Seahawks simply do not have the picks. This leaves us with teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans. Falcons, Bills, and Jags are all teams that may draft a starting RB or at least have a competition or good amount of touches for a guy if they draft that player high enough. In order, the Broncos, Titans, and Vikings, all need to invest in a future RB if a guy falls to them. Melvin is good, but walking from Lindsey leaves an opening, D-Henry can only get 300 touches for so long right? And can Cook stay healthy/should the Vikings take a little off his plate to keep him healthy? These are things to watch for in the draft. The big 3 are first round locks, but if you are in the second round of your dynasty draft, this last group of teams and future starting RBs is worth the gamble.

WRs, teams with WR1 needs; Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Patriots are on the list because I am not sold on their WRs but they would be the last team out of the group for a guy to target. I think the Dolphins provide the best option just due to the fact that they have no one and have a good team. Then I would go Ravens, because Lamar wants to throw the ball, his guys just hate catching it. Then it is up to you. But the Dolphins will likely get one of the big three, Chase, Waddle, or Smith with their first. Then the Eagles may follow up with one of those three as well. Where the last one goes is yet to be determined, but that person has to go before any other WR. Now I could rattle off all the WR2 team needs but it’s easier to just name names. The Packers are a team to watch, MVS is likely the guy they roll with as the WR2, but they need a replacement or similar DaVante Adams WR to balance the trio. This will likely be a third round pick for the Packers, and whoever that third rounder is, is now a second rounder in a dynasty draft. The Vikings are the same, Thielen is old, someone has to take Jefferson’s role as Jefferson becomes Thielen. The Saints need a #2, but they have a lot of issues to be resolved so it is less likely they spring for a fantasy relevant WR. The Falcons and Bengals are both teams to keep an eye on, the Bengals having less at the top, and the Falcons looking to replace Julio. The Texans are a mess and are short picks, I would just straight up avoid drafting a Texan if at all possible. The Colts have a good core of young WRs so I would think they may draft one, but not with a high end pick. The Chiefs are going to draft someone fast, and with some formats allowing for return yards, this guy will be a late second sleeper. The Chargers have to restock the position, and Herbert loves to chuck it, but due to not needing a WR today, this may be a stash and store team. The Titans are a team I would keep on my radar, Corey Davis is gone and he showed that high percentage targets cause fantasy relevance. A.J. Brown will continue to draw whatever defenders are not paying attention to Derrick Henry. The Titans WR2 is a must have, and depending on when the pick is, maybe an early second rounder for your league. Teams that draft a slot early, like maybe the Patriots or Browns will be crucial to your fantasy needs, because those guys might be returners as well as the slot receiver.

TEs, now this is fun. I have no idea. I just know that if I was pick 5-8, I would look at my team, and decide if I want the best TE in the class. It is a huge risk huge reward pick, but that is where he is pegged to go. I think Pitts will be a Panther, that is a need for them and it’s right about where he is projected in the draft. The Titans may need a TE, the Jets, the Bengals, the Chargers, and the Washington Football Team. Who goes where I do not know. But if a team takes a tight end in the third round, you should take that tight end in the mid second round, and for sure in the third round of any rookie draft.

And for an even more condensed version here are the top 26 from the rookie mock draft we released earlier and where we hope they should go.

D. Smith WR Alabama – DET 1.
T. Etienne RB Clemson – NYJ
N. Harris RB Alabama – MIA
J. Chase WR LSU – MIA
Terrace Marshall Jr. WR LSU – KC
J. Waddle WR Alabama – PHI
K. Gainwell WR Memphis – DEN
J. Williams RB North Carolina – PIT
R. Bateman WR Minnesota – BAL
K. Toney WR Florida – GB
K. Pitts TE Florida – CAR
T. Lawrence QB Clemson – JAG
C. Hubbard RB Oklahoma State – DAL
J. Fields QB Ohio State – SF
R. Moore WR Purdue – NO
E. Moore WR Ole Miss – NYG
A. St. Brown WR USC – HOU
P. Freiermuth TE Penn State – TEN
T. Sermon RB Ohio State – MIN
T. Lance QB North Dakota State – DEN
T. Terry WR Florida State – LAC
K. Hill RB Mississippi State – ARI
Z. Wilson QB BYU – NYJ
S. Williams WR Auburn – CHI
B. Jordan TE Miami – WFT
M. Borghi RB Washington St. – BUF

That is the quick hitter. So if I lose you here, I hope you and yours have a better tomorrow. If you want to keep reading, Let’s Go!

Arizona Cardinals

The Cards have R1:P16, R2:P49, a 5^th, a 6^th and 2 7^th rounders. Now, what the Cardinals should do is trade back and get an extra pick or two, but as is the first pick should be either a defensive player, or Kyle Pitts. I’ll probably say Kyle Pitts 32 times on here, but he is a guy to watch for if he drops. With hardly any draft capital, the Cards should be a boring team to watch on draft day fantasy wise. What you need to watch for is a late round RB or any skill position at pick 49. The Cardinals have two older Wide Receivers in D-Hop (28) and A.J. Green, after that it is anyone’s ballgame. James Conner is on a one year deal and Chase Edmonds has already shown his fantasy value as the lead back is not great. A WR or RB on this team is a good pickup once you have no clue who to draft.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have some picks, R1:P4, R2:P35, R3:P68, R4:P108, 3 fifths and 2 sixths. The Falcons need help. And given that they need help, and recent reports, they may trade back from pick 4. That would be a good move. Falcons need a lot, and Matt Ryan has 2 years left for sure, so why not wait on QB. Now if the Falcons trade back just a couple spots, maybe Kyle Pitts (30 more teams to go), but realistically they need an RB in the worst way and have plenty of picks to take one. Also, Julio needs a replacement. Pick 35 would be a great fit for Etienne or Harris. The question is if they will drop that far. With the Falcons needing a lot of defensive help, if a QB/RB/WR/TE goes to the Falcons on Day 1 or Day 2, that guy will need to be drafted. The Falcons have no locks other than Calvin Ridley, everything else is fair game. A sneaky option for a Julio replacement would be the big body of Toney out of Florida, which would be an electric pick at 35 for fantasy in a year.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have R1:P27, R2:P58, R3:P104, R4:P131, 2 fifths and a sixth. The Ravens are a playoff team. They are good. But there is one thing people have been dying to see, a capable WR. If the Ravens do not draft a WR in Round 1 or Round 2, then do not take the guy. Lamar needs an elite WR. They need to draft a WR early. That is all you are looking for out of the Ravens. If they take a guy later, maybe he is worth picking up, but with Lamar he does not throw the ball a ton, so the targets/receptions of the WR2 and WR3 are not worth anything. Get Lamar a WR1, let him split targets with Mark Andrews, and those are your fantasy relevant receivers for the Ravens. Outside of the first two rounds, a WR will likely have no fantasy value on this team. Keep an eye out for your Rashod Bateman, Toney, Terrace Marshall, and even the Moores, Elijah and Rondale, any of those WRs could compete for that WR1 position.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills have R1:P30, R2:P61, R3:P93, 2 fifths, a sixth, and a seventh. The Bills are a great team because of their QB and his relationship with Stefon Diggs. The running backs are solid at football but not fantasy, Cole Beasley is old and so is Emmanuel Sanders, and the tight ends are not consistent enough. Now it is likely the Bills go defense, just too sure up things on that side. They could also go OL to keep their franchise safe. I didn’t mention him above, but there is no way Kyle Pitts falls this far so take him off your radar. However, Pat Freiermuth or Brevin Jordan could be available in the late second. The issue is the Bills are ok with their Tight Ends. They are good, just not fantasy good. But look at the WR room. Gabriel Davis was expected to be the WR2 or WR opposite of Diggs. Then they sign Emmanuel Sanders. That is not exactly a boost of confidence. Sanders on a 1 year deal and Beasley’s age, a WR on this team is a must have. You have Tylan Wallace, Amari Rodgers, and even Amon-Ra St. Brown that could be late second maybe even late third round picks for the Bills. A WR in the 2^nd or 3^rd is a for sure pick for your dynasty team. And a sneaky play for this team is an RB, Moss and Singletary, one of them has to prove they can be an every down guy. With an offense like the Bills being able to run just a little would open up so much more for an already explosive/big play offense.

Carolina Panthers

Kyle Pitts. Circle him here. That’s the dream job. Picks are R1:P8, R2:P39, R3:P73, R4:P113, a fifth and 2 sixths. The Panthers could also spring for a WR in the second or third. That would be weird considering how bad the defense is, Carolina needs defensive help. So I would expect if Carolina makes the move for Pitts the rest of the draft is primarily defensive focused, at least for the rounds that matter. Pitts or bust for the Panthers.

Chicago Bears

The Bears have R1:P20, R2:P52, R3:P83, a fifth and 4 sixths. The Bears need help all over, but they need a QB primarily. A WR to replace A-Rob after this season, because he is going to get paid big money. Last year the Bears took a TE so I will rule out Kyle Pitts. But with the Bears needing O-Line, QB, Corners, and D-Line help, there is not a love to go around here. But, the Bears will take a WR at some point, that is the guy to take. They made a good choice in Mooney, but I would expect them to go with a possession guy to balance the WR core. A possession receiver can be found later. My dream pick would be that pick 83 Amon-Ra St. Brown or Seth Williams. Those two WRs could work into a starting job over Anthony Miller and next year be the WR1 or WR 2 opposite of Mooney. That is what I am looking for out of the Bears, who that 3^rd Round WR will be.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals will also have a bit of a boring draft for fantasy needs. R1:P5, R2:P38, R3:P69, R4:P111, a fifth, sixth, and two sevenths. The Bengals will likely sure up their O-Line and D-Line. That will take up 3-4 picks. Now, the one hope is that the Bengals take a WR at pick 38. That is the best option, give Joey B an option outside of Higgins and Boyd. But maybe, just maybe the Bengals look at the board and see that the Offensive Tackle position is pretty deep, and it’s not as top heavy as last year, and they spring for an old teammate. Give me Ja’Marr Chase at pick 5 for the best fantasy value, otherwise pick 38 opens the door for Terrace Marshall, either pick puts an LSU wide receiver with their old QB.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have R1:P26, R2:59, R3:P89 and 91, R4:P110 and 132, a fifth, a sixth, and seventh. The Browns have made a splash signing Jadeveon Clowney. That leads me to believe that the Browns will wait on an edge, I will guess that the Browns will take a Corner or Linebacker with their first round pick. They make take an edge at some point, but my money is on a first round Corner or LB. But with all these picks I expect the Browns to be active, either active moving up or moving out of the draft for future picks. The Browns are in a good spot to win now and also plan for the future. The planning will revolve around the WR position. Browns took Donavan Peoples-Jones last year with a 6^th round pick. That is not a lot of draft capital, I would eye up if the Browns take a WR in the 3^rd or even 2^nd Round. OBJ and Landry are expensive, I would think the Browns move on from one of these two in the future. Let alone their expensive deals, age is against these two. OBJ with injuries and they both are 28. The Browns have a good core, a good defense, need a little defensive help, but WR is the hot pick. A nice little splash here for Baker Mayfield would be if the speedy D’Wayne Eskridge out of Western Michigan is the third rounder maybe even fourth rounder the Browns grab. This guy is a Jarvis Landry type. Tough 5^th year guy, in the slot. He is a burner, creates separation, and is a special team guy. The Browns are looking for a returner, Eskridge is a good fit. The problems is that he is small, and he needs to work on routes. Baker has shown issues when the route isn’t perfect. But I think Baker, fresh off of a playoff win, he will have another great season. Sign me up for a Eskridge Browns jersey.

Dallas Cowboys

The Boys have R1:P10, R2:P44, R3:P 75 and 99, R4:P115 and 138, a fifth, two sixths, and a seventh. Now the Cowboys should draft nothing but defensive players and offensive line players. The only thing I am circling, and it’s because Jerry needs to draft one offensive player. Round 4 Jerry makes his move. Zeke is banged up, Jerry loves Zeke, but he also loves having a good run game. Chuba Hubbard is the guy for me and for the Cowboys. Chuba had all the buzz around him two years ago. Jerry loves that. Chuba is the perfect established RB for the Cowboys to have in case Zeke needs a few carries off, or just to feel confident in a backup. Let’s keep Hubbard in a Cowboys’ uniform.

Denver Broncos

Broncos have R1:P9, R2:P40, R3:P71, R4:P114, a fifth, sixth, and three sevenths. Now the Broncos have one area of need. It’s RB. Is it an immediate need, no, but it is the only fantasy relevant need the Broncos have, well QB too but whatever. WR they have Sutton, Jeudy, and Hamler. No way they invest in a high end WR this year. At TE they have Noah Fant, a promising young TE. The only position is RB, now the Broncos need defensive help. Day 2 RBs range from Kenneth Gainwell, Michael Carter, and maybe even the bruiser Rhamondre Stevenson. Whoever is the RB for the Broncos would be who you should take for your fantasy needs. Melvin is 28, so he’s no spring chicken, but letting Phillip Lindsay walk shows that the Broncos will need a RB. If Michael Carter can fall to this spot, that would be the best for fantasy. He’s a complete back, and with the Broncos eyeing up a new QB, a back that can do it all would be the best fit.

Detroit Lions

The Lions do not have a lot of picks, R1:P7, R2:P41, R3:P 72 and 101, R4:P112 and a fifth. The good news is that those are all great picks to have. Now the Lions may be in play for a QB with Pick 7, but I expect Jaylen Waddle to go here. The Lions are in need for WR help. Breshad Perriman, Tyler Williams, and even Quintez Cephus are all short term answers. Cephus is a gem to have on your dynasty, but I expect the Lions to spend more draft capital to force Cephus down a little on the depth chart. Waddle at pick 7, or Marshall or Toney in the second round would be all WRs that will shoot up the rookie rankings if they are taken here. Lions first two rounds WR will be an instant first round dynasty rookie draft pick. At worst Marshall and Toney turn into the 10^th pick in the rookie draft.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers have R1:P29, R2:P62, R3:P92, R4:P 135 and 142, 2 fifths, 2 sixths, and a seventh. Now the Packers just spent last year drafting a big RB, they have a great young TE in Broadway Bob, they have a young QB, there is not a lot to go from on offense. Oh wait, WR. The Packers need some defensive help, so I expect the first two picks to be defense. Now the Packers made a splash taking two 3^rd round WRs a couple years back, MVS and St. Brown, familiar name. I like the Packers taking at least 1 WR in round 3 or 4. Whoever this is, that WR is a must have. The Packers have Lazard who is a cheap option, MVS needs to make a jump this year, St. Brown needs to get healthy. The Packers have a lot of WRs all competing for that WR2 position. One way to bring out the best in MVS would be to take another WR here. It is the only fantasy position the Packers should draft. Who it could be, well it doesn’t really matter. But given the fact that I think the Packers are going to ride out MVS out of all there none DaVante Adams WRs, I expect another bigger body. The WR I would love to see in Green and Gold is Nico Collins, the big body Wideout from Michigan. This would shoot Nico up into the early second round of the rookie dynasty draft. But if the Pack go WR at 29, then this person should be the 5^th to 7^th pick in the draft.

Houston Texans

The Texans have R3:P67, R4:P109, two fifths, three sixths, and a seventh. The Texans are a train wreck. They need RBs, WRs, and TEs. The problem is with pick 67 the quality of player will not be the best. Oh by the way, Texans need a lot of help on defense. If the Texans take a WR in the 3^rd or 4^th round then I would take that person in the 3^rd round of the rookie draft. I am not even going to put a name hear, I do not want to wish anyone to get drafted here, so for that I will keep everyone’s name out of my mouth.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are another snoozer for fantasy. Colts have R1:P21, R2:P54, R4:P127, a fifth, sixth, and seventh round picks. The Colts will likely sure up their offensive and defensive lines. Defense is going to be their main concern. Maybe the Colts spring for a WR to replace T.Y. Hilton after this year, but I would not count on it. With Pittman, Campbell, and Pascal all in the mix, the Colts have a decent receiving core. JT is the bell cow back so the Colts won’t need an RB. If you have a Colt that’s good, but I would not expect the Colts to make any fantasy relevant decisions draft week. The Colts are a pass for me. Maybe the Colts snag a tight end, then that would be a stash pick for down the road.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have R1:P31, R2:P63, R3:P94, and R4:P 136 and 144, two fifths and a sixth. The Chiefs have a money problem. The Chiefs have an old Tight End, they have really only Tyreek Hill. They just took Clyde Frog in the draft, so I expect the Chiefs to take a break on spending up on offense. Defense was the issue in the Super Bowl. Now the Chiefs aren’t far off but the writing is on the wall. If the Chiefs want to continue to have a high powered offense they have to keep Mahomes Happy. While this won’t be picks 1 or 2, but I am eyeing up an absolute burner. With the 144^th pick the Chiefs are taking Anthony Schwartz of Auburn. At 6’1, 180, he’s not small, and he clocks in at a 4.28, he also was Florida’s track athlete of the year. This has Andy Reid all over it.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders have R1:P17, R2:P48, R3: P 79 and 80, R4:121, two fifths and a sixth.

The Raiders need help all over. They need defensive help, they need offensive line help, and the only position they have locked up at Tight End and RB. The WR position is not great, but they have 6 guys. Ruggs, Edwards, and Renfrow all are young WRs, then they have three average vets in Zay Jones, Willie Sneed, and John Brown. The Raiders are not the team for fantasy drafts. The Raiders had all the hopes this year, then they lost their o-line, I think it’s a wrap for them this year. I would avoid all Raiders draft picks.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have these picks, R1:P13, R2:P47, R3:P 77 and 97, R4:P119, a fifth, two sixths, and a seventh. Now Keenan Allen is 28, he has an opt out provision after this year, Mike Williams has one year left on his contract. Chargers signed Jared Cook on a one year deal. The Chargers have their franchise QB in Justin Herbert. They need O-Line help. They need help on defense. The Chargers are in the perfect spot to take a top-3 tackle at pick 13. Now let’s look at the third round. The Chargers need tight end help, and I do not see a lot of tight ends flying off the board by round 3. I think the Chargers grab a tight end, whether it is Pat Freiermuth, Brevin Jordan, or even Tommy Tremble, one of these tight ends should end up on the Chargers team. This is a great one year stash for a tight end. Herbert loves throwing the ball, and Hunter Henry played well in the offense last year. Now the Chargers need WR help. Unfortunately, for fantasy production I would guess the Chargers wait on Wide Receivers. But whoever they take in that fourth or even fifth round pick at WR is a must have stash. This is the team to buy in on if you are stuck in the third round of your rookie draft and have no clue who to take.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have R2:P57, R3:P88 and 103, R4:P141, a sixth, and seventh. The Rams are another snoozer for fantasy. No fantasy position really screams “I need help”. Stafford at QB, Cam Akers at RB, Bob Woods and Cooper Kupp at WR, and TE Tyler Higbee. The Rams need help on their offensive line and all of their defense. With the Rams having only 6 picks, I do not see them wasting any of them. One of each position at defense and offensive line help puts you over those 6 picks, I would not expect any fantasy relevance for the Rams come draft week.

Miami Dolphins

The Phins have R1:P 6 and 18, R2:P 36 and 50, R3:P81, a fifth, and two sevenths. This is the team to watch. The Dolphins appear to be giving Tua a chance. The Dolphins had an ok defense last year, but the Dolphins’ offense was an issue. Tua naturally needs to solve this problem, but that becomes a lot easier if he has some guys he can trust. Pick 6 has to be best available WR, which could be Ja’Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle. With the Dolphins also needing help on the Edge, I would expect pick 18 to address a defensive concern. For me, 18 is a little too high for an RB, but if Najee Harris goes at 18, then he has to be one of the first two picks in any rookie dynasty draft. The thing you have to look for is who is taken in the first round by the Jets and Steelers. If the Dolphins wait for pick 36, one of these teams should be forced to take an RB. But there is the possibility that Etienne goes first, and then Harris is drafted second. Either way, the Dolphins will have at least two fantasy rookies that will be top 6 picks in any rookie dynasty draft. Keep an eye out for two Tua teammates joining him in Miami.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have R1:P14, R3:P 78 and 90, R4:P119, 125, 134, and 143, two fifths, and a sixth.

The Vikings have a terrible defense, well it was young, so terrible might be an overstatement. The Defense needs additional help in the draft, the O-Line needs some help too. Where does that leave us. Well Adam Thielen is old, and Dalvin Cook is injury prone. One of these two spots the Vikings will at least throw at the wall to see if it sticks long term. I like the Vikings for a fourth round RB. Now, Mattison still has 2 years left on his deal, so the Vikings can be a little patient. A guy who I think needs a little time to heal up and develop is Trey Sermon of Ohio State. Trey would be a great pick for the Vikings to store for a year. He can learn the system and his final stretch of games showed what an explosive back he was. This is all something the Vikings could use. Now the Vikings need a WR too, but I think they rely on how deep the WR draft is and wait for a fourth rounder as well. Josh Palmer out of Tennessee would be a name to keep an eye on. Palmer is a smooth WR, he will not burn you down field, but that is a lot like Thielen. Thielen is just a guy who gets open, and that is something Palmer can due, especially after learning from Thielen for a year.

New England Patriots

The Pats have R1:P15, R2:P46, R3:P96, R4:P 120, 122, and 139, a fifth, two sixths, and a seventh. The Patriots made a lot of moves this offseason. These are all short term fixes, and the Patriots still need address their long term goals. Cam is a great QB, but all the shots he takes running the ball are adding up. While he is a serviceable QB for the Pats for another year, I think he’s waiting for his breakout to sign a longer deal elsewhere. I expect Pick 15 to be a QB. Now this will be a QB to stash. You know he will have a year before he plays, the QBs are Trey Lance and Mac Jones. Either QB is exciting if they go here. Mac Jones can sling it, and Trey Lance can sling it and run a little. Both provide good future QB options. The other thing to look out for is a WR. I know the Pats just signed two WRs but neither are big big names. I like New England to go after Dyami Brown out of North Carolina. Brown was a deep threat for the Tar Heels. He was their big play guy, and what better way to open up a Cam Newton offense, then to let him send a couple deep balls down field. Brown is the fit to the Pats that I like.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have R1:P28, R2:P60, R3:P98 and 105, R4:P133, a sixth, and two sevenths. The Saints are in trouble. Limping into the playoffs year after year all because of Brees. Now he is gone, Emmanuel Sanders is gone, and Jared Cook is gone. All of that plus the Saints have a lot of defensive needs. With all those needs it is going to be tough for the Saints to make a move that sparks fantasy interest. Trautman was drafted last year, so I doubt they make another move at TE. I do think they make a move for a Wide Receiver. Now the Saints have Taysom Hill who they can use for a WR2, Mikey T is a WR1, what the Saints need is a slot burner. That player is Shi Smith from South Carolina, he’s a burner, slot, and return guy. Shi Smith should be there at pick 133, or maybe he slips all the way down to the 6^th round. The Saints could even trade back from the 4^th to get him. Either way, Shi Smith is the guy to look for in a Saints uniform that would really be the fit to take the top off the defense over a Mikey T slant.

New York Giants

The Giants have R1:P11, R2:P42, R3:P76, R4:P116, and two sixths. Now the Giants have been exploring some options to trade back. The Giants have their RB, it looks like they are going to try Danny Dimes for another year, they have Evan Engram and Kyle Rudolph, and they just signed Kenny Golladay. Either way, I think the Giants make a splash in the first round. They need Danny Dimes to work. The easiest way to do that is to take a WR in the first. Depending on how far the Giants trade back, or even if they stay put, I think the guy that they take is Devonta Smith from Alabama. I think his size, and the fact that a lot of QBs will go early causes him to “drop” outside of the top ten. Smith to the Giants is the pick to have, Smith will easily walk into the WR2 spot opposite of Golladay. Regardless of how the draft goes, a New York WR is who you want on your team.

New York Jets

The Jets have R1:P2 and 23, R2:P34, R3:P 66 and 86, R4:P107, two fifths and two sixths. The Jets are a bad team. But they have so much draft capital. Now the third or fourth QB in any rookie draft should be Zach Wilson from BYU. That would be a last first, mid second, or late second round pick. That is a given. The interesting thing will be pick 23 and 34, given Travis Etienne’s pass catching ability I think he is the best fit for the Jets. He is the new version of the NFL running back. Etienne is the guy for the Jets. But if the Jets wait until pick 34, say they go with the best OT at 23, then at 34 they may be eyeing up Najee Harris, or Javonte Williams. No matter who it is, the RB for the Jets is a must have. This is a pure quantity play. The Rookie RB for the Jets will see 30 touches a game. The Jets are also a sneaky team to take a tight end. If a tight end goes to the Jets, that is a good store and stash player as well. The Jets are in play for possibly 3 fantasy options. While a normal person probably doesn’t care about the Jets, fantasy managers will be screaming J! E! T! S! JETS! JETS! JETS!

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have R1:P12, R2:P37, R3:P70 and 84, R4:P123, a fifth, three sixths, and two sevenths. Pick 12 is a WR. There is no doubt in my mind. All of these picks the Eagles can stock up on defensive players late in the draft, but they also need WR help. If Chase, Waddle, or Smith falls here, that person is buying a house in Philly. Now there is some buzz around a few players, Terrance Marshall, Kadarius Toney, and Rashod Bateman. All of these WRs are a tier down from the top 3, but with a need like the Eagles have, I would expect them to take a swing at any of these top 6 WRs. Whoever the Eagles take, that person will immediately be in consideration for WR1 of the Eagles. Now, the problem with this is that the WR needs the ball. Jalen Hurts has played a number of games as the Eagles QB, but his completion percentage has gone down each game. Now having a WR1 on any team is much needed, so this WR will be a great mid first pick in your rookie drafts. However, you will need Hurts to work on his completions percentage. Now some of the issues surely was due to the lack of WR talent, but I trust Hurts, he made leaps and bounds of improvement from Bama to Oklahoma as a passer, I expect he is a quality QB for next year. Regardless, this WR is a must have, and if you are about Pick 5-8, you are looking at getting the Eagles WR1.

Pittsburg Steelers

The Steelers have R1:P24, R2:P55, R3:P87, R4:P128 and 140, a sixth, two sevenths. The Steelers are set at WR. The Steelers have a good defense. The Steelers are missing a future QB, offensive line, and some DBs. The fantasy need for the Steelers also need an RB. Now the Steelers could use their first for Najee Harris. This would be a great pick for the fantasy managers. The Steelers could also wait and take a shot on Michael Carter out of UNC. If the Steelers take a RB in the first or second, this player is someone that is a first rounder. The Steelers love using one RB. Mike Tomlin does that. He is not much of a one two punch type of coach. Tomlin likes a 3 down back. Both Harris and Carter provide that option, whether the Steelers use a first or second round pick on an RB. James Conner had a great few years for Pittsburg and if he was healthy I would have expected him to have a good year last year too. Whoever is the RB for the Steelers they will get a lot of touches.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have R1:P3, R2:P43, R3:P102, R4:P117, three fifths, a sixth, and a seventh. Now the only position that I think is fantasy relevant is QB. Justin Fields will be in San Fran, and given the 49ers offense, a running threat like Fields is the perfect fit. Fields is the exact spark the 49ers need to be a great offense in all aspects. The only downfall is that the 49ers are a run first team. I do think that Shanahan will dial up some read option plays for Fields, he will be a mild Kyler Murray, and that is perfect for any fantasy team. Just feed me 4-5 points a week just from running the ball. Then pair that with some George Kittle Touchdowns, and you have a great rookie QB.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are in trouble. They have R2:P56, R4:P129, and a seventh. The only glimmer of hope is that the Seahawks go with Jaelon Darden with pick 129, the slot from North Texas. That is it. The Fourth Round the Seahawks take a slot to fit in with Metcalf and Lockett. That is it. That is the only play for the Seahawks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs have R1:P32, R2:P64, R3:P95, R4:P137, a fifth, a sixth, and two sevenths. The Bucs are confusing. They brought everyone back. What do they need? Well to play it safe, they should grab another lineman. Brady is old, Brady in the pocket is incredible. Now Bruce Arians is a man filled with hate. Ronnie Jones fumbles and he’s done. Fournette just happened to not make Arians mad. Will the Bucs grab another RB? They have so many vets that they need to address their defensive needs. Now the Bucs have good WRs but Godwin is likely gone after this year. Tyler Johnson has promise. The Bucs have tight ends set, but is Gronk is likely done whenever Brady is. I don’t know what to think, but with how explosive the Bucs offense is, a rookie on this team would be something to put away in case one of those older vets is injured. Whether that is Mike Evans, a TE, or RB, who knows. But these are all third round type of guys to take after the rookies have been picked.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have R1:P22, R2:P53, R3:P85 and 100, R4:P126, a fifth, two sixths, and a seventh. The Titans just let their TE walk and their WR2. While the ball is mainly in Derrick Henry’s hands, there has to be a WR2 for the Titans. Now we mentioned earlier that there is a second tier of WRs after Chase, Waddle, and Smith, those are Bateman, Moore, and Toney. One of those will likely end up around that pick 53. Whoever that WR is, even if it is Elijah Moore, that is going to be a great WR2 for the Titans. That person will likely get good/high percentage targets like Corey Davis had. While the amount of targets will be low, Davis proved value last year as the WR2 for the Titans. This rookie will do the same. The Titans WR is the guy to have. He will not be the high end WR that you hope to get, but he will provide just enough fantasy value to use as a flex on your fantasy team.

Washington Football Team

The Football team has R1:P19, R2:P51, R3:P74 and 82, R4:P124, a fifth and two sevenths. The Washington Football Team needs a QB, they need a TE, they need a second RB, they need o-line help. Now the Football Team does not need WR help. The WFT is a good target for Brevin Jordan or Hunter Long, or any TE really in the third round. A good flyer pick in the late third round even fourth round of a rookie draft would be who the WFT takes at QB. I bet it is that second round pick. Whether that QB is Kellen Mond or even Kyle Trask, which would be a potential QB for down the road that is worth a rookie pick.

That is a team by team look. Hopefully this gives you an inside look at what teams needs are and some extra names or positions to keep a look out come next week. Buckle up, look over your team, think of some needs, think of what you want, think of your fits, and more importantl enjoy the ride. That does it for this week, I hope you and yours have a better tomorrow. We are a week from the draft.

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII

Pot Cakes Dynasty League Team Needs

Good morning everyone, we are two weeks away from the NFL Draft, and an undisclosed number of months away from the Pot Cakes Dynasty Draft, and there is no greater time than the present to dive into some team needs. We will dive into each team and their needs for next season. We will work our way down from the top.

Touchdown Guy

Fresh off of a (re-draft) Championship, Touchdown Guy is trying to stay on top. He has some big names that take a lot of pressure off of the rest of his team. Locked up at QB is the Tall Josh Allen. For RBs he has Saquon coming back, D-Henry with no sight of slowing down, and Melvin Gordon who has the backfield all to himself. A trade for George Kittle gives him a top 5 TE. The weakness lies at WR. Now weakness is in part overstated. Mike Evans, Julio, Thielen, and Mike Williams all are starters. But this is a dynasty league and the age is showing. Julio and Thielen will keep TDG in the mix for this year, but the future is also important. Depth is important too. MVS, Anthony Miller, and Tim Patrick all had roles last year, but the Packers may finally draft a WR, A-Rob resigned and Mooney showed promise, and the Broncos WR core should be healthy next year. With the 19^th pick of the draft, having traded his first as part of the D-Train trade, he is going to need to hit on a WR. This lands him somewhere in the Amon-Ra St. Brown of USC, Tamorrion Terry of FSU, and Seth Williams of Auburn range. All guys for TDG to see where they end up come Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

PeePaw

PeePaw made an incredible push to finish second. This ultimately cost him a few spots in the draft. PeePaw is set at WR, DaVante, A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, Aiyuk, Lamb, and even Brandin Cooks. At Tight End PeePaw is hoping Blake Jarwin lives up to last year’s hype before his injury. PeePaw will have to wait and see how Jonnu Smith is used in the Patriots two tight end system, with Hunter Henry likely to take away from Jonnu’s production last year with the Titans. Either way, he has two tight ends that are good at football, so that helps. The issues, QB and RB. QB, Drew Lock, Big Ben, and Jared Goff. Big Ben is done after this year, Lock may lose his job, and Goff is on a new (but really bad) team in the Lions. None of these guys are long term solutions, Goff has potential, but does he as a Lion? RBs we have Miles Sanders, which is a solid RB1 Gus Edwards is back and should see a fair amount of playing time as the Ravens #2, but you really need at least two RBs and then Gus to fill in for bye weeks. The good news for PeePaw is that he has picks 11 and 12 of this year’s draft. He does not have a 2^nd. Depending on the draft, PeePaw may have his pick of QB, maybe Lawrence goes earlier, but then he should be able to pick the next best available. Maybe he waits on QB and tries to roll with the hot hand this season. The RBs available will range from Hubbard of Oklahoma State, Trey Sermon of Ohio State, Kylin Hill of Mississippi State, or maybe Kenneth Gainwell of Memphis falls to him. PeePaw is going to need a little help in the rookie draft and the right fit to help out his team this year.

Daddy Wombat

Daddy Wombat was the best team all year just to fall short in the playoff. The off-season has helped and then hurt their team. Good news, Jalen Hurts is QB1 in Philly, Higbee has Stafford as a QB, Will Fuller is WR1 starting the second week of the season. More good, Adam Trautman should be the Saints TE1 or at least see a good amount of snaps. Bad news, Brees, Olsen, retired. Gurley is used up, Metcalf and Russ are a run first team. Claypool is in the same spot as last year. Gabriel Davis was promising for a week and then Emmanuel Sanders joined the Bills. Mims chance at snaps goes down due to Corey Davis. So positions that are ok, QB, TE. Positions that need some depth, WR, but the position that needs immediate help is RB. Daddy Wombat has pick 10. The RBs available will range from Hubbard of Oklahoma State, Trey Sermon of Ohio State, Kylin Hill of Mississipi State, or maybe Kenneth Gainwell of Memphis falls to him. ~~PeePaw~~ Daddy Wombat is going to need a little help in the rookie draft and the right fit to help out their team this year. Then D.W. will have to take some shots at WRs at the end of the second and third round.

Teach

Teach closed the season strong. Finished 4^th and has Pick 9 of the draft. How his team finishes is up in the air for next season. Teach has one more year of Rodgers, and should consider looking for another option. Chris Carson is back in Seattle, Joe Mixon should be healthy and may get a new lineman to block for him in the draft. But that’s it for RB. For Tight Ends T.J. Hockenson is good, but has a new QB, but I expect him to still receive a lot of touches. WR wise Tyreek is good. Now we have the mystery. A.J. Green is a Cardinal, does this give him one last season as a good option? DeVante Parker will be the WR1 for the first week, but then Fuller will be back and I presume the Phins take a rookie WR in the draft that will pass Parker at some point in the near future. D.J. Moore had an up and down season, and just finished as a WR2, will CMC hurt or help Moore? That’s a lot of questions. Not necessarily bad questions. But the tides could turn quickly this year. Teach is in a decent spot. He can really just let the board fall to him. At Pick 9 he should have his choice of QB if he wants to spring for one in the first. He should have an option at a WR that is a late first or early second round pick. He should also have a RB4/5 to choose from. His targets include QB – T-Law Clemson, RBs Kenneth Gainwell – Memphis, Javonte Williams – North Carolina, and Chuba Hubbard – Oklahoma State, or WRs

Reshod Bateman – Minnesota, Kadarius Toney – Florida, or Rondale Moore – Purdue. A combination of these players will be available. Maybe Teach is lucky and Pitts falls to him here and he can trade back.

CrossFit

CrossFit put together one of the most confusing fantasy football seasons of all time. He had injuries, but still managed to close the season strong. He was a lead dog for a bit before he was passed by Daddy Wombat at the tail end of the season. Good news for CrossFit is that he will get Dak back, or even if Dak needs a rebound season, he has Brady with all his weapons. Long term, Dak at QB is good. At RB CrossFit has CMC returning, Ekeler fully healthy, Mostert without Coleman, Coleman is a Jet so he may have a consistent role as a backup rather than the 49ers hot hand approach. Mike Davis is in ATL, and we have no idea who might be the starter/what the workload will be. At WR CrossFit has Tyler Lockett who is locked in for four years in Seattle, but they are run focused. Bob Anderson who finished one spot behind D.J. Moore in fantasy production as WR24. Cooper Kupp has a QB that can sling it. Amari Cooper gets his guy Dak back. Jamison Crowder has to compete with Corey Davis, but who will get those two the ball is the bigger concern in New York, and Cole Beasley came off of a great season and should be open with guys covering Diggs and Sanders. WR wise CrossFit is ok. TE is an issue. Ebron finished outside the TE1 position. Zack Ertz who knows. CrossFit has Pick 8. Drafting a tight end in a rookie draft is a risk. BUT Kyle Pitts of Florida seems to be a great pass catching option for whoever drafts him. Seeing as this is a need for CrossFit, and he looks to have his other positions under control, or at least manageable. I like Pitts as the pick here.

Bottom Bunk

Bottom Bunk just snuck into the playoffs. A season full of head scratching trades, but playoffs. The trades have long term effects. B.B.’s picks this year are Pick 25, then a mid 4^th and 5^th Rounder. Not a lot of room to add depth. B.B. has 4 QBs rostered, but all of them have concerns. Deshaun Watson is currently has multiple lawsuits filed against him. Whether or not this will impact his NFL career is yet to be determined. Tua, Teddy, and Taysom Hill, what a group. Tua should be the Phins starter and should get help this year. This is a prove it year for Tua. Teddy2Gloves likely lost his job to Sam Darnold, and the Panthers are looking to trade Bridgewater. If traded, I would put Bridgewater’s destination as a backup to a rookie QB, so he will be buried on the depth chart. Maybe B.B. gets lucky and Teddy goes mile high and has all those Broncos receivers to throw to, maybe. Taysom Hill, who knows, I would start Winston and just let Taysom play WR, but that’s me typing on a keyboard. At RB B.B. has Dalvin Cook, and Houston’s probable starter in either David Johnson or Philip Lindsay. Chase Edmonds, Jamaal Williams, Darrell Henderson, and Malcolm Brown all provide some form of plug and play situation fantasy value. One or two of those backs, likely Edmonds and Williams, will receive work as a pass catcher and be able to add a little value to the team. At WR B.B. made a trade for Calvin Ridley. That’s his best option. T.Y. is a Colt, probably his second best option. That is a tough look. Keelan Cole went to the Jets, who have better receivers now. Christian Kirk will be behind A.J. Green and D-Hop, Sterling Shepard will lose touches to Kenny G, and Kendrick Bourne is a Patriot, but if you thought the 49ers passing game was bad, sheesh. I do think Cam will be much better, so maybe things even out for Bourne, but that is a pretty rough group. At Tight end B.B. has Goedert and Hurst, so he has decent options there. B.B.’s problem is pick 25. He will be looking at a WR that was drafted late second at best. Seth Williams of Auburn or Amari Rodgers of Clemson might be some options for him this late in the draft. B.B. needs WR help bad.

Pistol

Pistol made a good push at the end, but he just missed the big dance. Pistol had injuries last year to two of his top WRs. Courtland Sutton and OBJ. Also, Mikey T was on and off the field. Those three can help Pistol pat his points in the regular season. Pistol also has a trio of tight ends, Broadway Bob (Robert Tonyan), Gronk, and Kelce all love finding the end zone. This puts Pistol in a good spot for one of the flex positions. Plus, Harrison Bryant is stashed away for the long haul to replace Gronk and Kelce after/during the season. At RB it’s not great, but it’s good. David Montgomery finished as a top 5 RB, and Kareem Hunt a top 10 RB. He just needs one more. Nyheim Hines played last year, and played well, the issue is I can see things going 100% Jonathan Taylor this year. So an RB would be nice. At QB, Kyler Murray, so Pistol is good for a long time. Pistol has Pick 5, and two 2^nd Round picks. Pistol should eye up one of those RBs. Whether it is Kenneth Gainwell from Memphis or Javonte Williams – North Carolina, those guys seem like a good fit for his team. Then in the second he can add depth at WR and maybe elsewhere.

Mush’s Mongrels

What an absolute stinker of an end of a season for Mush. He went from a lock in the playoffs to odd man out. Good news for Mush, it’s a new year. Let’s look at his team. Mush has good RBs. He has Gibby, J.K. Dobbins, Clyde Frog, and James Robinson, all young RBs. He also has Josh Jacobs, the bell cow of the group. The bad news for Jacobs is that Kenyan Drake is now the 2 to the Raiders one two punch. This may take away from Jacobs hopes of being the third down back. Diontae Johnson is a WR, could be the new longterm #1 in in the Steel city. Deebo Samuel is another good option for Mush. He has a lot of other big hitters, but they need to hit. Hollywood Brown, Ruggs, and Hardman can be big hitters if they get the ball. Target share is a big issue for these guys. Can Gallup get back to who he was? Dak is back, will this help? Mush has some tight ends, Knox, Herndon, and even Mike Gesicki. Mike Gesicki is the best option, Tua now has Will Fuller and likely a top rookie WR to throw the ball too, how much will that hurt Geisicki. Mush is missing a QB. That’s a problem in a 6 point passing TD league. Mush has pick 5, no second. Mush will likely have to play the QB carrousel this year. What Mush needs is for two or three RBs to go before his pick. Mush needs a top tier WR. Will he get Smith or Waddle? I think Mush is a lock for one of those guys.

Trashman

Pick 4 for Trashman. Trashman had a tough year. But Trashman has some upside for this upcoming season. Trashman has three promising QBs, Cam is in his second year of a new offense with some weapons. Baker is on a playoff team with a great defense. OBJ is back for Baker and Trashman has Jarvis Landry to get some of that juice. Trashman has Kenny G, the #1 WR for the Giants. Trashman has a trio of RBs, Nick Chubb, Aaron Jones, and the up and coming Cam Akers. Cam will likely be the lead back for the Rams. Stafford likes to check down to RBs. Cam Akers has a great shot at being a top 10 RB, he finished the season with a bang, injuries and being a rookie kept him out of the spotlight. Trashman has Evan Engram and Mark Andrews at tight end, so he has that locked up. The big issue is rounding out that WR position. But Trashman could lock up a solid RB as well to add to his flex depth. Pick 4 puts Trashman in a good spot. He will have his pick at the #2 RB or WR of the rookie draft, what he chooses is up to him.

JonnyDIII’s Joyful Demons

JD3 has Pick 2, 3 and the 15^th pick. JD3 has QBs locked up. He has Austin Hooper at tight end, so he could use some help there. WR wise he has good players. Diggs, Allen, McLaurin, Davis, Pittman, and Mooney, are a good group of WRs. He even has Hamler and Donavan Peoples-Jones who could grow into something. The problem is RB, Kenyan Drake is the backup for the Raider, Singletary is struggling for snaps especially for red zone snaps, and Sony Michel? That is a bad group of guys. But with these high end picks JD3 should be able to grab a good RB and maybe find another RB in the second round. JD3 is locked for a WR or RB 1 in the draft and will follow that up with the second best in the opposite position. JD3 is in a rebuild. He will probably shop a WR for picks, there will be trades, there will be gambles, JD3 is in for a fun ride this year, let’s all join in for the journey, I know I will.

Batman

Batman ended the season strongly winning the consolation bracket. Batman traded his first in exchange for James Conner. He has pick 13 of the draft. Batman has decent young talent. He has his QB in Lamar Jackson. He has D’Andre Swift, James Conner (new RB for the Cardinals), A.J. Dillon, and even Myles Gakskin. It will be interesting to see if Gaskin stays as the Phins RB1 for another year. Batman has Bob Woods, Nelson Agholor who is the WR1 for the Pats, Juju, and utility receiver Laviska Shenault. He has a promising young team. He has tight ends Darren Waller and Noah Fant, great tight ends. I think he just had some bad luck last season, James Conner was injured. Swift didn’t hit until late in the year, and Juju was a letdown. Batman could go from a worst to first. Batman is in a good spot. Having Pick 13 and then pick 16, Batman just needs to go best available and hope one of those two picks hits for this year. Batman really is in the driver’s seat. I like Batman to be the manager of the year for 2021.

Bruce

Bruce has the first pick, he really had a bad year. It has got worse for Bruce as Jules retired, and he has some old RBs on his squad. The good news is that he should be able to ride Tannehill or Matt Ryan through the season, and wait for Burrow to come back late in the season or the next year. Bruce has some good backs, he has JT, Zeke, and maybe Damien Harris. WR wise he has Godwin, Chark, and even Emmanuel Sanders with the Tall Josh Allen. The issue is that is it for WRs. At Tight End he has Hunter Henry, the question is whether or not Hunter Henry will get the ball. But he can play. If we look at this team, there is a clear cut WR problem. Rumor is that Bruce is going best overall with pick 1, who he thinks that is, well it’s up to him. It’s rumored to be an RB, but maybe he will have a change of heart by the time the draft comes around. Bruce has been known to pull a fast one in the draft. Maybe Bruce goes RB and then shops Zeke to a contender, which would be the move to make for a team in a rebuild.

That does it for the Team needs. We are officially two weeks away from the draft. Things will pick up. Maybe a team will make a move or two before the draft, maybe they will make a move during the draft. It’s an exciting time, all the hoeps and dreams of what the future holds. It’s our Christmas morning. Enjoy it, soak it all in. It’s draft month baby!

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII

Pot Cakes Dynasty League – Two Round Rookie Mock Draft

Good morning everyone, we have a first look at an early 2021 Dynasty Rookie Draft. It is April, which means its Draft Month. This mock is for the Pot Cakes Dynasty League, will things go this way? Who knows, but let’s look at the First Two Rounds of the Rookie Draft. Remember, in a rookie draft a guy like Braxton Berrios or Scotty Miller could be drafted, but we don’t care about that right now. With there being five rounds and 63 potential rookie picks in the Dynasty Draft, I will need to see how the draft shakes out to even try to go for 63 players. Or maybe I’ll get bored in the coming weeks and go for it. Until then, here are the 26 rookies I could see being drafted in the first two rounds of the 2021 Pot Cakes Dynasty League Rookie Draft.

Round 1 Pick 1 – DeVonta Smith – WR1 – Alabama

I mean my goodness. The numbers. He lost his teammate Waddle, who maybe was better, and despite the defensive attention of Smith being the clear cut #1 for Bama hewent off for an incredible season. The LSU game stands out, Smith was unstoppable. When you’re the Heisman as a wide receiver, I think you should be the first WR off the board. The last WR in consideration for Heisman Voting was in 2014, third place Amari Cooper an Alabama alum. I think that is good company, if you could give me Amari Cooper in a rookie draft I would take it. With WR depth being a premium, Smith could be the WR depth early in his career and blossom into the superstar you need.

Round 1 Pick 2 – Travis Etienne – RB1 – Clemson

Etienne is the perfect fit for how the NFL is forming their RBs. Little smaller, quicker, and can work in the passing game. You see it in the league today, Aaron Jones, Myles Gaskin, J.K. Dobbins, Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Teams seem to be trending this way, so I would expect Etienne is the RB that is picked for the best fit on at the draft. We know he is going to be drafted before pick 48 in the draft. I doubt Etienne goes to a team to be a true RB2, he is going to a team that is looking for a new starter or at worst a RB1b. I like Etienne replacing Kenyan Drake on the Cardinals, a fit like that. The Cards can support two RBs, now they just need that second RB.

Round 1 Pick 3 – Najee Harris – RB2 – Alabama

All that stuff I said about Etienne, throw it out the window if you take Harris. He is more of a Jonathan Taylor RB, except he’s much taller. It is way too early to say, but with Harris being a more traditional RB, I think his draft stock may suffer and that will result in a slower transition to be the RB1 wherever he goes. Harris is either going to a team to be the RB1 or he’s going to a team to do the exact same thing as their current RB1, which makes him the backup. Harris has a decent shot at being a Jonathan Taylor, working his way to the RB1. But when I look at Etienne and Harris, I feel like Etienne will be more than what CEH ended up being, and Harris will be less than JT. When you look at teams available, I move Harris up if Etienne goes to the Jets or any non-RB1 situation, and Harris must go to the Phins, Cards, or Steelers. I might be missing some scenarios, but if Harris is not on a play today team, then he will be a slow burn, but with the short shelf life of RBs give me the Etienne touches.

Round 1 Pick 4 –Ja’Marr Chase – WR2 – LSU

Chase is the most interesting rookie draft prospect. As a sophomore he lit up everyone. The problem I have with Chase is that everyone on LSU that year lit up defenses. While yes, Chase was exceptional and arguably better than Justin Jefferson while in college, I need more than one season. This is me, I need more than one season. I don’t need greatness, I just need flashes of it for more than one year. This is why I am under valuing Chase as the 4^th pick in the rookie draft. Again, undervaluing him at #4 and #2 in his position. Shame on me.

Round 1 Pick 5 – Terrace Marshall, Jr. – WR3 – LSU

Marshall is a big body that can go inside and outside. Marshall still gets credit for the 2019 LSU Team. This draft spot might be a touch inflated, but he put up 10 TDs this year in 7 games, then opted out to focus on the NFL draft. His versatility is why I think you snag him here, maybe a touch early, but the fit will ultimately decide. Just like Chase this guy is a burner. I think he is flying up the actual draft board, so why not move him up in a mock.

Round 1 Pick 6 – Jaylen Waddle – WR4 – Alabama

Waddle suffered a major injury. He was one of the fastest field speed guys in recent memory. The injury is the big question mark. If he was fully healthy, he would be the WR1, but he falls to WR4 due to injury and uncertainty of how he can play now. This is a way to early mock, so hopefully on the combine he jumps up a few spots in the rankings. A team at pick 6 is on the outside looking in. What an absolute rocket ship Waddle could be for whoever drafts him.

Round 1 Pick 7 – Kenneth Gainwell – RB3 – Memphis

Interesting right? Gainwell here ahead of some other backs. Memphis is an RBU, not really but DeAngelo Williams, large gap, Darrell Henderson, Tony Pollard, and Antonio Gibson. Gainwell opted out, but he out rushed Gibby last year. You have an RB that was the starter over Gibby, took a year off to get ready so fresh legs. I like this a lot. Gainwell will be a decent RB.

Round 1 Pick 8 – Javonte Williams – RB4 – North Carolina

Williams is a big guy. I think this “hurts” his productivity in the NFL just by tendencies with wanting smaller faster guys. The good news is that Williams does it all. He is a first down, second down, third down, goal line, 2-minute, and pass blocking back. So while his stock is “hurt” do to his size, if this hits, it’s a grand slam. I think he’s the perfect late first pick, because if you are drafting here, your team should be good, and if he hits my goodness it’s a steal. Plus Williams may be a two-year play. You just have to be willing to wait.

Round 1 Pick 9 – Rashod Bateman – WR5 – Minnesota

The Big 10 was a mess this year. The delayed start and game cancellations, what a mess. Bateman was not a mess. He was ranked higher in mocks going into this season, but after the season he put together, there doesn’t seem to be a reason to drop him more. He originally opted out this season but made his return, finished in the top 10 for Big 10 wide receivers. He is just an all-around decent WR.

Round 1 Pick 10 – Kadarius Toney – WR6 – Florida

Toney is a fun player to watch. He is the type of player that you design plays around. The 49ers do this with Brandon Aiyuk, run, pass, screen, just get the guy the ball. Toney was the guy for Florida. Kyle Trask put up video game numbers, and his favorite target was Toney. Toney is flying up draft boards. He will definitely be a guy I watch for what team he goes to. Toney could easily be better than the Claypool/Pittman/Shenault picks of last year.

Round 1 Pick 11 – Kyle Pitts – TE1 – Florida

Honestly, Pitts is the most confusing draft prospect. He could go from 4 to 20 in the actual draft. Kmet was the TE1 last year, was on a Bears team with double digit TEs, end of the year he’s making plays. Pitts, wherever he goes, will likely fall into the TE2 position to start. BUT Pitts is being drafted because he is a monster as a receiver, like every TE in the history of rookie tight ends, the blocking will have to come, but as a receiver he’s worth an early pick. I would expect Pitts to get work in spread work, goal line work. Pitts’ wingspan is insane. If he turns into a Jimmy Graham, that is perfect for fantasy.

Round 1 Pick 12 – Trevor Lawrence – QB1 – Clemson

Lawrence will be the Jacksonville Jaguars QB. DJ Chark is someone you should look for in dynasty leagues, because he is relevant again. The Jags need to figure some things out, and with a new coach coming in the hope is that they figure things out quickly. Apparently, the Jags Oline is good at run blocking, as every running back played well this year. The addition of Marvin Jones gives Lawrence a red zone threat and wily vet. The defense will need to be addressed in the offseason, but Lawrence is in a decent spot for a team that should be improving over the next few years.

Round 1 Pick 13 – Chuba Hubbard – RB5 – Oklahoma State

Last year, Chuba is a top 5 pick. He had a bad 2020, but everyone did. Hubbard is a polished RB, did not get as much work in the passing game as you would like, but as a runner, in 2019, him and Jonathan Taylor were both monsters. Hubbard is going to need the right fit, but I think he’s worth the late first risk on him being more like his 2019 self. Plus in our draft this is a free pick, why not go for a little risk with this free pick.

Round 2 Pick 1 – Justin Fields – QB2 – Ohio State

Fields is going to have a fit issue, this could raise or lower his rookie fantasy draft stock. As a QB for the Jets, well he is someone I would avoid. If he goes to the 49ers, well he’s someone I take if I need a backup, if he’s to the Patriots or Lions, then he is a must have for year two. Either way, an early second round pick on Fields is a good business decision. Fields is super athletic, Fields in a Shanahan offense (eye emoji).

Round 2 Pick 2 – Rondale Moore – WR7 – Purdue

This dude might be the first true slot off the board. He also is a great returner, and in some leagues that holds value. Moore could be that sneaky WR3/Returner that is a deep WR league or flex. Moore jumped through the roof at his pro day, explosion is no issue for him. With our league using return yards as points, Moore could be a big hit four a second rounder.

Round 2 Pick 3 – Elijah Moore – WR8 – Ole Miss

Back to back Moores. Moore is another slot receiver. He is undersized. Moore is a bit of a gadget guy, or at least he was for Ole Miss. Ole Miss would line him up in the backfield a few times and use him for jet sweeps. Moore suffers from only being a slot, he will need to go somewhere that is missing that slot position. Moore’s draft stock is pretty high, he probably goes in the second round. At pick 16 overall, second round guys might be as good as it gets.

Round 2 Pick 4 – Amon-Ra St. Brown – WR9 – USC

St. Brown is a good route runner, decent size, and has a brother in the NFL. He had a good amount of touchdowns in a shortened season. He seems to be peaking at the right time. St. Brown should be in the mix for a WR2 position with the right fit. He is a guy that has been up and down the draft board, when he’s drafted should adjust when he goes in dynasty.

Round 2 Pick 5 – Pat Freiermuth – TE2 – Penn State

Freiermuth picked up where Gesicki left off. Freiermuth broke Penn States TE TD record. He is a run after catch guy, he is a decent route runner, and big enough to get those tough catches. With last years draft being underwhelming at TE, this year has a big 3 and Pat is right in the middle of it. With tight ends being hit or miss, stashing a top TE could payout well longterm.

Round 2 Pick 6 – Trey Sermon – RB6 – Ohio State

This is a prediction here. With the RBs starting to fall off here, Sermon’s electric finish should get him drafted. It is insane how he finished the season, and in a year like this, Sermon’s final push might be enough to get him drafted “early”. This is all injury pending, an arm injury is less worrisome than if he injured his legs to end his season.

Round 2 Pick 7 – Trey Lance – QB3 – North Dakota State

Trey Lance is going to end up on a good team. He is the QB4/5 in the draft, he will be a mid to late first. Trey is a taxi squad guy. When he is eligible for the big dance, he should be starting or already on his second year. Teams with older QBs should be stashing guys like this.

Round 2 Pick 8 – Tamorrion Terry – WR10 – Florida State

Terry is the Mike Williams of this draft, but a touch bigger. Terry is 6’4, and averaged over 20 yards a catch. He is also a burner. I think Terry’s size and deep threat ability forces him onto the field this year.

Round 2 Pick 9 – Kylin Hill – RB7 – Mississippi State

Hill is big and breaks tackles. He will not break off a 40 yard run, but he will be an early favorite of a Zack Moss type back. The right fit and he can be the goal line back.

Round 2 Pick 10 – Zach Wilson – QB4 – BYU

Wilson falls a little bit behind Lance because he will likely be on a worse team. He is in that in-between stage. Will he play? Is his team good? Wilson’s fit might be an issue. He might be the Sam Darnold of this draft. Depending on how bad you need a QB depends on how early you take Wilson. Wilson on the Jets or anyone as the Jets QB, I’d need to see the proof before I eat the pudding.

Round 2 Pick 11 – Seth Williams – WR11 – Auburn

Williams just catches touchdowns. He can get up, he can get down the field, which all adds up to him being a red zone target.

Round 2 Pick 12 – Brevin Jordan – TE3 – Miami

Rounding out the big 3 of tight ends. The problem with Jordan is his size, which might keep him off the field. The good news is he is a good receiver. But that’s the issue, he needs to be on the field to run routes. Jordan rounds out the top end of the TE class.

Round 2 Pick 13 – Max Borghi – RB8 – Washington State

Borghi is the RB receiver out of the group. He’s a James White type guy. About a 140 catches in two seasons and 1,000 yards receiving. Borghi is looking to be a 3^rd down RB, but I’m sure he will need to pick up on the pass pro situation. Borghi is a sneaky play in PPR leagues.

That is who I have for the first 26 rookies off the board. It will be interesting, I think the actual draft may influence our draft. As the league is more QB dominated, will it slowly influence dynasty managers? When you start sneaking into the second round your options are taking a RB6/WR8 or a TE2/QB3, that gap in production or potential starter makes a difference. It is going to be tough for people to pass on a hit or miss starter compared to a work in progress depth guy. Each fantasy manager will have to evaluate their needs and go from there.

I think we might take a look into what each team needs. A quick look at each manager’s team and what they need to keep an eye on for when the draft goes through. Then it is time for each manager to get out their own big board, to see if they need to make a move up, back, or stay put for the guy they want.

That does it for this week. Thank you for your patience, but these last two months some players moved around, as things settle, we will look at the biggest winners and losers of the offseason. Until next time, I hope you and yours have a better tomorrow.

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII

Dr. Tilt’s Final Prescription Recap – Pot Cakes Dynasty League

Dr. Tilt gave you his final dose of picks, let’s see how he ended up.

Dr. Tilt’s Last Picks.

Again ***Please check your local, county, state, country, gaming, and other laws to see if gambling is allowed and available near you.

Dr. Tilt’s Week 17 Prescription

Dolphins @ Bills -2.5

Yes.

Vikings -4.5 @ Lions

No.

Falcons +6.5 @ Buccaneers

No.

Chargers -3.5 @ Chiefs

Yes.

Saints @ Panthers +5.5

No.

Ravens -13.5 @ Bengals

Yes.

Jets +3 @ Patriots

No.

Raiders @ Broncos Over 51

Yes.

Cardinals @ Rams +3

Yes.

Titans -7.5 @ Texans

No.

Steelers +10 @ Browns

Yes.

Cowboys -2.5 @ Giants

No.

Jaguars @ Colts -14

Push.

Seahawks @49ers +7

Yes.

Packers -4 @ Chicago

Yes.

WFT -3.5 @ Eagles

Yes.

Last Week: 9-6-1

Season Record: 36-27-3

Dr. Tilt went out with a bang. Great season Dr. Tilt, you prescribed happiness. Thank you for that. Until next time, (mock time?), I hope you and yours have a better tomorrow.

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII

Dr. Tilt’s Final Prescription – Pot Cakes Dynasty League

Good morning everyone, Dr. Tilt decided to give us one last group of picks.

Dr. Tilt could have sat back and relaxed. Instead he is putting his above .500 record on the line. On top of that, he’s picking every game this week. Dr. Tilt’s record could in fact tilt after this weekend. Let’s look at who he’s going with this week.

Dr. Tilt’s Last Picks.

Again ***Please check your local, county, state, country, gaming, and other laws to see if gambling is allowed and available near you.

Dr. Tilt’s Week 17 Prescription

Dolphins @ Bills -2.5

Vikings -4.5 @ Lions

Falcons +6.5 @ Buccaneers

Chargers -3.5 @ Chiefs

Saints @ Panthers +5.5

Ravens -13.5 @ Bengals

Jets +3 @ Patriots

Raiders @ Broncos Over 51

Cardinals @ Rams +3

Titans -7.5 @ Texans

Steelers +10 @ Browns

Cowboys -2.5 @ Giants

Jaguars @ Colts -14

Seahawks @49ers +7

WFT -3.5 @ Eagles

Packers -4 @ Chicago

Last Week: 2-1

Season Record: 27-21-2

Can Dr. Tilt do his best ’72 Dolphins impression or will he end as an ’08 Lions team? Put your feet up and watch the weekend of games. Hopefully your fantasy season ended well. If you are in a week 17 championship, good luck and hopefully your team is playing this weekend.

Let’s Go!

JonnyDIII