The DFF team recently completed our annual DFF Redraft Championship draft and I was fortunate enough to be granted the first overall pick! We set up a 17-round PPR draft, with 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 2 Flex, 1 TE, 1 D/ST as starters, and a 7-player bench. This was especially fun because it was the first year we implemented a zoom video conference during the draft and had live commentary on each and every selection. It was certainly a tough room but we had a blast. I’m excited about my team and chances against the stout DFF competition this year. Let’s review how my draft unfolded from the 1.01 spot.
OVERALL STRATEGY
My overall draft strategy is largely dependant on the rest of the picks in any given draft room. I most certainly prepare a plan but that can change if things go completely unexpected. That said, when drafting from the 1.01, you get to set the tone.
This year, like many, I tended to start running back heavy in most of my drafts. The positional scarcity and depth at QB, WR, & TE demand you prioritize the position. But, as I said, you must be able to adapt once the draft unfolds and I think I stay true to that approach throughout.
ROUNDS 1-4
My first four rounds are the sturdy base of my team, built with upside found in the later rounds.
An easy decision at 1.01 going with the game-breaker himself, Christian McCaffrey. A Week 13 bye will not deter Steamin’Beaman one bit. CMC is a WR1 and RB1 all in one player and I simply couldn’t pass him up in a single QB league.
The downside of having the first overall pick is waiting for another 22 until your next turn, but I made the most of my back to back picks when they arrived. I selected George Kittle at 2.12 and Chris Godwin at 3.1. With the rest of my top tier running backs off the board, I felt it best to secure what I believe to be the TE1 in 2020. Having one of the top 3 TE’s, RB’s, and WR’s could prove to be a significant advantage.
Godwin at 3.1 is a no brainer considering he’s likely Tom Brady’s number one target who could finish at the top of his position. Knowing that I’d have to wait for another 22 picks made it an easy decision.
With my tight end secured and CMC as my starting running back, I took a shot on Keenan Allen at 4.12. This may seem early, but it looks even better now knowing that Mike Williams will miss most of September. I could be behind center and Allen would still be peppered with targets. I’m admittedly higher on Allen in 2020.
ROUNDS 5-8
Pick 5.2 was the moment I started catching flack on our zoom call. I took Mark Ingram only to hear a very distinct “Ugh” clearly coming from Karp’s feed. That’s ok though, we often disagree, which makes this competition even more entertaining. I still think Ingram maintains the lead role on what is likely the highest rushing volume team in the league and don’t mind making that bet in redraft.
I took Julian Edelman as my third WR at 6.12. We start three WRs and two Flex spots so I wanted to secure at least my starters early and there was a massive WR run of seven in a row just before my pick. Edelman still has plenty of upside as Cam Newton‘s number one receiver. He finished as the WR7 overall in 2019 and played much of the season injured.
I found Tarik Cohen hanging around at 7.1 and just love his upside now that David Montgomery suffered the nasty groin injury. Cohen quietly had 104 targets last year and should see a similar workload but with an increase in rushing volume.
I finished off the eighth round with Marlon Mack at 8.12. I know Jonathan Taylor is a phenom but I don’t believe Mack is just cast aside and benched. He’ll still produce and could be gold if Taylor suffered an injury or needs time to adjust to the NFL.
ROUNDS 9-12
After padding my running back room I decided to take some later round receivers, as we do.
9.1 was dedicated to Sterling Shepard, who I see as the likely number on receiver for Daniel Jones. I’ll take a team’s WR1 in the ninth round all day.
I talked about upside earlier and Anthony Miller at 10.12 is definitely that. Miller had seven touchdowns on just 33 receptions in 2018. I love the potential this late in the draft.
11.1 I decided was the right time to grab rookie running back, Joshua Kelley. That may seem early but you’re never too early with this group of sharks. Reports indicate Kelley could have an immediate role and we don’t know if Ekeler can hold up all year so this is a “handcuff” with stand-alone value.
I was slightly surprised to find Curtis Samuel at 12.12 and also heard some groans from the DFF peanut gallery. But, we all know the upside Samuel possesses even if Teddy B hasn’t typically thrown deep in the past.
THE FLIER ROUNDS
You may have noticed I’ve yet to select a QB at this point in the draft. I tend to fade the QB position in single QB leagues and this was no different, DFF sharks or not.
I went all upside at 13.1 with Cam Newton. No, this is not a sure thing but there is plenty on the waiver if he flops in Week 1. But, imagine if he hits. LEAGUE WINNER.
I also snagged a back up tight end at 14.12. Jack Doyle should have all the work to himself with Trey Burton expected to miss some time in Indianapolis. I further bolstered by running back depth as well with Darrynton Evans and DeAndre Washington at 15.2 and 16.12 where I see some possible upside with a Derrick Henry or Clyde Edwards-Helaire injury.
Finally, we do have a slot of D/ST this year and I appropriately waited until my last pick to take the Chicago Bears defense at 17.1. I stream team defense all year so if the Bears get hammered in Week 1 I’ll look elsewhere.
END RESULT AND FINAL THOUGHTS
QB: Cam Newton
RB: Christian McCaffery, Mark Ingram, Tarik Cohen, Marlon Mack, Joshua Kelley, Darryton Evans, DeAndre Washington
WR: Chris Godwin, Keenan Allen, Julian Edelman, Sterling Shepard, Anthony Miller, Curtis Samuel
TE: George Kittle, Jack Doyle
D/ST: Chicago
Thank you for reading. If you have any thoughts or would like to discuss, you can find me on Twitter @WillieBeamanDFF.
