Nevermind the lockout, we’re still drafting « Foul Territory

29Jun/110

Nevermind the lockout, we’re still drafting

The baseball season is almost at the halfway point. Hopefully your fantasy baseball squads are all in a position to contend for a title in the second half. If not, why not engage in a fantasy football mock draft to take your mind off of the baseball season?

I recently did so, and am currently at the tail end of an FFToolbox draft, which is a point-per-reception, best-ball affair. For many of you, the thought of fantasy football hasn't crossed your mind in the wake of the labor dispute and the lockout. The absence of free agency makes a lot of guys a shot in the dark, making these drafts very intriguing.

It was interesting to see Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles go with the first overall pick, but it wasn't a complete shock. Charles' value soars in PPR leagues; he has racked up 40-plus receptions in the last two seasons and is the focal point of KC's offense.

AD slipping down draft boards

In fact, don't be surprised to see Charles go in the top three or four picks regardless of the format. With many expecting Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson to take a step back - mostly because of the uncertainty of their quarterback situations - there really isn't a clearcut option with the overall slot.

Houston Texans rusher Arian Foster is in the right situation and possesses the necessary attributes as a runner to qualify for the No. 1 overall pick as well. In that offense, it's hard to argue against him there.

Charles was followed by AD, Foster and CJ2K. I had the fifth pick and went with Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy. Michael Vick will find it tough to replicate his amazing performance from last year, but I still love McCoy in this offense. He surpassed 1,000 yards rushing and added 78 receptions and nine touchdowns in his sophomore season. McCoy could easily best those numbers, especially to take some of the pressure off of Vick, which he'll no doubt need.

After Andre Johnson went with the eighth pick, receivers flew off the board quickly, with 10 going in the first two rounds - once again, not surprising since it is a PPR league. It was tempting to go with another wideout after I drafted Miles Austin in the second, but I knew the running back pool quickly dries up after the first tier, so I elected to go with LeGarrette Blount as my No. 2.

Murray: A sleeper in Big D

I'm pretty comfortable with McCoy and Blount. They present contrasting styles of play; McCoy will give me plenty of receptions and yardage, while Blount, being the big bruiser that he is, will hopefully be good for plenty of touches (and eventually scores) in the red zone.

I figured I could take a chance on Daniel Thomas as my third back. I'm expecting the rookie to be the leading man in Miami with Ronnie Brown out the door. There is plenty of reason to like the former K-State halfback.

Ryan Torain seemed like a safe pick as a No. 4, and DeMarco Murray currently rounds out my stable of runners. I realize that two rookie RBs is a risk, but both Thomas and Murray have plenty of opportunity to be successful this year. Besides, these are the type of chances you should be willing to take in the middle rounds: minimal risk and plenty of upside. I would have been interested in taking a similar gamble on Ryan Mathews last year for depth at running back, but not as my No. 1 - those that made that mistake learned the hard way.

My current roster:

QB Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills

RB LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
RB LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins
RB Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins
RB DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys