Perfect Draft Series: Drafting 5th in a 10 Team League
Since the time of my first Perfect Draft article, the wide receiver position has been decimated by injuries. Two key players, Carolina’s Kelvin Benjamin and Green Bay’s Jordy Nelson, have been lost for the season. Even before Benjamin and Nelson’s injuries, I was a proponent of taking wide receivers early, and it may be even more important to emphasize that strategy now.
However, the last time around, I was picking from the 12 spot in a 12-team league. It was easier to go WR-WR to start the draft from the turn. This time around, I am picking fifth in a 10-team standard format league, so taking a wide receiver first is far from a lock. There will be some good running backs to choose from.
Of course, I will not be making the decision alone. I am thrilled to be working with Draft Hero again. It is an incredibly easy system to use and an exceptional benefit for our 4for4 subscribers. If you have not had a chance to check it out, take some time before your draft to take a closer look.
The draft will last 16 rounds and the scoring is based on Yahoo’s default scoring rules. Teams will start 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K, and 1 defense. Teams are required to draft two quarterbacks, five running backs, five wide receivers, two tight ends, one kicker, and one defense.
And now, on with the show…
Pick 1.5 Antonio Brown
The first four picks were running backs Adrian Peterson, LeVeon Bell, Jamaal Charles, and Marshawn Lynch. That means Eddie Lacy, who I would consider taking first overall, is still on the board. While he may not have quite as much upside as other runners, Lacy is arguably the safest back at the top of the draft. That is not enough to sway Draft Hero, who recommends Brown first and foremost. Ultimately, I agree because we have to start three wide receivers. Plus, it is awfully hard to pass on Brown given his immaculate consistency.
Pick 2.6 Calvin Johnson
It is quite a treat to see Megatron still on the board! However, Draft Hero’s top choice is pretty compelling, the one and only Rob Gronkowski. We really cannot go wrong either way. In the end, I opt for Calvin. I have the utmost respect for Rob, but when you only have to play one tight end vs. five running backs/wide receivers, it makes sense to rummage for a tight end later. Plus, with Brown and Johnson, we could have the top receivers in each conference. Their upside is through the roof.
Pick 3.5 Lamar Miller
Draft Hero and I are both in agreement that we need to grab a running back. However, we differ in who we want. DA likes veteran Frank Gore while I prefer younger Lamar Miller. Gore is in a better offense, but could he potentially hit the wall? After all, he has been in the league since 2005. Miller, on the other hand, does not have much wear and tear and is a player on the upswing. And the Dolphins are decent enough. Both players are decent options if you decide to take some time before drafting a back, but in the end, Miller is the man.
