Recently, the @DFF_Dynasty crew joined up for a redraft mock draft. The format was: start 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 3 Flex, 6 bench spots, and PPR scoring. We also added a few twists, with 1.5 PPR tight end premium scoring, 0.25 points per carry, and third-round reversal drafting.
Overall Strategy
As usual, I didn’t come into the draft with a set strategy. I planned to take value at my picks, and I wanted to have an open mind. However, I knew that the TE premium scoring would vault tight ends up on my board and that 0.25 PPC is a massive boost to volume running backs. Therefore, I decided to focus on securing running back and tight end early, especially since we only required two WR starters in this league.
Early Rounds: The Chiefs
Somewhat oddly, I ended up with the three Chiefs’ stars on my team in Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill. At the 1-2 turn, I couldn’t resist Edwards-Helaire, who is seventh on my redraft board in 2020. Kelce was right behind him because of the TE premium scoring, and I didn’t mind beginning with a stud running back and tight end.
In Round 3, I got my first taste of the third-round reversal, as my next pick came at 3.01 instead of 3.12. Unfortunately, Aaron Jones had come off the board at the 2.10, and he represented a massive tier drop at running back. I didn’t want to force myself to pick a running back, despite the PPC scoring.
Therefore, I went with Tyreek Hill, who is my WR4 in 2020. Yes, stacking three Chiefs is a bit risky, but it’s the NFL’s best offense. I know that it caps my overall weekly upside, but I couldn’t resist the value on each pick. Overall, I felt pretty happy with how I began my draft.
Rounds 4-7
After Round 3, I settled into being on the turn, now that we were past the third-round reversal. At the 4-5 turn, I wanted to select a running back, but once again, the value wasn’t there. The final volume monster in David Johnson went at the 4.05. Luckily, there were two receivers left in my high-end WR2 tier: Cooper Kupp and A.J. Brown. I quickly selected them, knowing that I would be able to find some running back value later. Also, having Edwards-Helaire made me comfortable in waiting at running back.
At the 6-7 turn, I knew that I had to force a running back onto my team, no matter what. Given that 0.25 points per carry, I decided that Jordan Howard was a great value at 7.01. He will likely garner 200 or more carries in 2020, as he profiles as the two-down grinder to complement the shiftier Matt Breida. I also filled out my second flex position with Tyler Boyd, one of my favorite value receivers in 2020. Boyd should succeed in the slot role paired with Joe Burrow, who made Justin Jefferson a star in LSU’s historic 2019 offense.
Rounds 8-11
Oddly, I decided to pick a quarterback at the 8.12 selection. I rarely choose a quarterback until the end of the draft, but I couldn’t pass up the value on Deshaun Watson. This pick demonstrates the importance of remaining flexible and always being open to trying new strategies.
At 9.01, I felt that Antonio Gibson presented value. He could take the lead back role in Washington, even though he’s unproven as a pure running back. As my RB3, I thought Gibson provided a combination of a safe PPR floor, with some upside if he overtakes Adrian Peterson for carries.
Then, at the 10-11 turn, I added two further running backs to my squad: Kerryon Johnson and Darrell Henderson. Both players are in committee backfields with promising second-round rookie running backs in D’Andre Swift and Cam Akers. I hope that Johnson and Henderson can gain at least some carries throughout the year and give me some points from the PPC bonus. Also, both Johnson and Henderson profile as potential pass-catchers which could provide them with a boost in this PPR league.
Rounds 12-15
I wrapped up the draft with some flier picks, starting with Noah Fant. Usually, I wouldn’t bother to pick a backup tight end after selecting Kelce early on, but the TE premium made Fant a worth selection. Fant provides top-five upside at the tight end position, and if he hits that upside, he could be a weekly flex play in TE premium.
After Fant, I picked Robby Anderson. Anderson is only my WR5, but he could be the WR2 in the Panthers’ high-flying offense. Anderson was solely a depth pick, although I felt he came at good value at 13.01.
Finally, I closed out the draft with Nyheim Hines and Darrynton Evans. Hines is a PPR back that could catch some balls from check-down machine Philip Rivers. Evans is solely a handcuff to Derrick Henry, but the Titans don’t have any other running backs of note. Therefore, if Henry goes down, Evans could be in line for significant work.
End Result and Final Thoughts
QB: Deshaun Watson
RB: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jordan Howard, Antonio Gibson, Kerryon Johnson, Darrell Henderson, Nyheim Hines, Darrynton Evans
WR: Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp, A.J. Brown, Tyler Boyd, Robby Anderson
TE: Travis Kelce, Noah Fant
As a whole, I’m pretty happy with my team. I perhaps wish I had a slightly more reliable RB2, but I couldn’t pass the value I found at other positions. I also thought that our drafters didn’t factor in the PPC as much as I expected, as the draft felt pretty standard. Tight ends went earlier than usual, though. It was a fun draft, and as I always say, practice makes perfect.
Thanks for reading this article. You can find me on Twitter at @DFF_Karp. I love to interact with anyone in the community, so reach out at any time! I take fantasy questions and help with all formats, so keep sending those questions my way.
