First Round Fantasy Mock Draft
Added on Jun 22, 2012 by Scott in
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July is creeping ever so closer and that means NFL training camps will be opening across the land before we know it. And of course that means fantasy football is just around the corner as well. It’s never too early for a mock draft, especially now that the real draft and free agency are over. Needless to say, blowing your first-round pick in fantasy will likely lead to an uphill climb to fake glory, so proper preparation is always a good idea. Here’s a mock opening round for 12-team leagues.
1) Arian Foster (RB, Texans) – Last summer the consensus number one pick was dealing with a lingering hamstring injury that would ultimately hamper him the first three weeks of the season. He shook it off and went on to amass over 1800 total yards and 12 touchdowns. Foster, not Andre Johnson, is the focal point of the Texans attack. Expect another monster campaign from the dual threat runner.
2) Ray Rice (RB, Ravens) – Entering 2011, the only knock on the diminutive Rice was his lack of touchdowns. In his first three seasons, he found the end zone only 14 times. In 16 games a season ago, Rice racked 15 scores while accumulating over 2000 yards from scrimmage. He is easily the Ravens best threat and as long as no one steals goal line carries from him, he should remain an elite fantasy pick.
3) LeSean McCoy (RB, Eagles) – Will he score 20 touchdowns again? Doubtful considering the talent surrounding him. Both DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are poised for big seasons, providing Mike Vick stays healthy. Not to mention, head coach Andy Reid admitted he overused his workhorse back in 2011, meaning less carries and scoring opportunities for the man known as Shady. That said, he’s still a legit playmaker.
4) Calvin Johnson (WR, Lions) – The fantasy world was waiting patiently to see what kind of damage Calvin could inflict with a healthy Matthew Stafford under center. The results: 96 catches, 1681 yards, 16 TDs. Not since Randy Moss in his prime has a wideout struck as much fear into the heart of defenses as Johnson. As long as his quarterback stays upright, Megatron will continue to crush on a weekly basis.
5) Maurice Jones-Drew (RB, Jaguars) – Despite MJD’s surprising 2011 rushing title, he remains a risky pick this high in the first round. It’s not because he’s old or small or too beat up, although those are factors that must be considered. The real problem is the Jaguars as a whole. Blaine Gabbert is an unknown and rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon is, well, a rookie.
6) Aaron Rodgers (QB, Packers) – Taking a signal-caller this high is always a gamble, even in leagues that award six points for touchdown passes. You can always find production later in the draft (see Stafford and Cam Newton last year). However, Aaron Rodgers is no ordinary fantasy quarterback. The Pack can’t and don’t run the ball which translates to 4000-yard and 40-plus touchdown seasons for the reigning MVP.
7) Tom Brady (QB, Patriots) – The problem at this point in the first-round is the RB and WR value is nonexistent. You could reach for a Chris Johnson or a Larry Fitzgerald, but that could end your title hopes in a dash. The safe pick is Golden Boy Brady who, like Rodgers, plays in a pass happy offense with multiple receiving threats.
8: Cam Newton (QB, Panthers) – Like Mike Vick in 2011, Newton enters the summer as the best dual threat option under center after setting the league ablaze as a rookie with 4051 yards passing and a gaudy 35 total touchdowns. A sophomore slump is very possible, although there’s enough reason to think he’ll improve with a full offseason to prepare. That said, the addition of Mike Tolbert could decrease Newton’s goal line looks.
9) Chris Johnson (RB, Titans) – With Adrian Peterson rehabbing a torn ACL and Matt Forte embroiled in a contract dispute, the number of first-round worthy runners is small. CJ2K was a monumental bust in 2011 and owners must err on the side of caution when taking him. If he’s motivated to put the dreadful season behind him, look out.
10) Drew Brees (QB, Saints) – Brees has been the most consistent fantasy quarterback since 2008, tossing for over 4000 yards and 30 touchdowns every season. Buyer beware, though. There is a pall hanging over the franchise in wake of the bounty scandal, so if you’re superstitious, steer clear.
11) Roddy White (WR, Falcons) – The presence of Julio Jones is a concern, but White has posted back-to-back 100-catch campaigns and remains the most reliable receiver in football, having started all but one game since 2007.
12) Darren McFadden (RB, Raiders) – Fool me once… The only reason Run DMC deserves a look at this spot is because Michael Bush now resides in Chicago. If he ever stays healthy, McFadden could finish as a Top 3 running back. That’s a big IF.
