Diehards Staff Draft Analysis and Predictions

By Emil Kadlec
Emil Kadlec Click here for: Diehards Draft Video - using scout.com/fantasy commissioner
draft board here

The Football Diehards staff got together for their first league draft since training camps opened. And what a time it was -- a 12 team PPR with 18 man rosters. The following are staff reviews from the draft including a link to the hangout video by myself and Jen Ryan. Each member of the Diehards staff also laid down their predictions for the following:

Predictions
1st round bust
Must have player
Stay away player
Last player taken
Reach worthy player

Here is a list of the staff and the draft order:

1 Chad Stapley
2 Gary Davenport
3 Dave Hunter
4 Mike Beacom
5 Justim Lonero
6 John Laub
7 Emil Kadlec
8 Jen Ryan
9 Brad Kruse
10 Evan Tarracciano
11 Lisa Ann
12 Bob Harris

Bob Harris

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Gary Davenport

Award Winner

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Mike Beacom

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Justin Lonero

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Lisa Ann

Lisa Ann football diehardsPredistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Emil Kadlec

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Dave Hunter

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Chad Stapley

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Evan Tarracciano

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Brad Kruse

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

John Laub

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Chad Stapley

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.

Jen Ryan

Predistions
1st round bust – Rob Gronkowski
Must have player – Eric Decker
Stay away player – David Johnson
Last player taken – Robert Woods
Reach worthy player – Russell Wilson

Draft strategy
As a shameless ZeroRB drafter I went into this draft thinking that, because I am drafting against such heavy hitters, I have to be flexible and let the draft come to me. There was value that fell to me that I felt I couldn’t pass up, such as my Jamaal Charles and Mark Ingram picks. I also knew coming into the draft that I would be selecting one quarterback, tight end, and defense and that I would not deviate. These are streamable positions in redraft leagues with waiver wires, and there is simply no reason for me to have a backup of these positions on my bench if I am confident starting the players I selected.

Analysis

Melvin Gordon
I know the joke here is “Meh-lvin Gordon” but his value appears to be at an all-time high. The Chargers invested a high draft pick in him last year and sometimes rookies just need some time to get their feet wet. Gordon, who scored no touchdowns last season, literally has nowhere to go but up. If the Chargers give him the load as I suspect, he will be a steal as the 32nd running back off the board in the eighth round.

Bilal Powell
My logic with Powell is I can pay a premium for Matt Forte or I can get Powell on the cheap who could put up similar numbers. He carved out a role for himself as the two-minute drill back in New York and the good news is, New York runs the two-minute drill a lot. Bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick only elevates Powell’s stock in my opinion and I was happy to nab him where I did. When the Jets signed Powell to a nearly identical deal as Forte they told me all I needed to know.

Ted Ginn, Jr.
Is there a receiver coming off of a 10 touchdown season who gets less respect than Ginn? Regression is expected but I will not ignore a player who scored a touchdown on over 10% of his targets last year, especially in the 15th round. Local Carolina beats report that Ginn may be used on kick returns this season which just gives him an added bonus in addition to his role as the punt returner.

Jamaal Charles
Charles only appeared in five games in 2015 but prior to that he was a top 10 running back three years in a row. In those three seasons, Charles appeared in 35 games averaging 225 total touches, 1283 all-purpose yards and 12.7 touchdowns per season. When he is healthy, which all signs indicate he is, Charles is a dominant running back, especially in PPR scoring.

DeAndre Hopkins
I felt the need to secure an elite wide receiver with my first pick and I did so with Hopkins. He is match up and quarterback proof. He also dominated his teams target share last year with 16% of the target and he played more snaps than any other receiver in the league. Brock Osweiler figures to be an upgrade at quarterback and Hopkins has the upside to finish as the top receiver in fantasy football.