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Last week, at the SiriusXM Studios in New York City, I joined 11 other notable industry standouts for the annual FLEX (Fantasy League of Experts) drafts. I was part of the 12-team Superflex Draft, which is for all intents and purposes, an unofficial two QB league.
The FLEX drafts were created by top fantasy expert and longtime friend Jake Ciely, who has worked diligently to establish a showcase suite of leagues in various formats. Representing RotoBaller, I drafted from the 10th slot.
Here are insights on some of my picks so hopefully you can absorb some of my thoughts and views to gain advantages in your own drafts.
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FLEX Draft Results
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The King's Draft Recap
Round One: Michael Thomas – Most of the top RBs were off the board, and Joe Mixon is more of a back-end RB1. There are four top-level WRs, and only two were remaining, Johnson and Julio Jones. I had to get one from the very first tier of wideouts with my first pick. It’s a very tight call between Thomas and Jones, but I should get more TD consistency and no durability worries from Thomas.
Round Two: Odell Beckham Jr. – All the true RB1 types were now gone, and Beckham was simply the best player left on the board. I did strongly consider taking Travis Kelce, too. But Beckham enters maybe his most promising QB situation ever, and I loved my start at WR here.
Round Three: Marlon Mack – I can certainly live with him as my first running back. He will be the finisher for arguably the best offense in the AFC, and the league’s most diverse passing game will help open up running lanes for Mack.
Round Four: Matt Ryan – Ryan is underrated in Fantasy circles and maybe I could have taken him later, but in a Superflex league, I was aggressive on who I wanted. Ryan was the No. 2 QB in Fantasy Football last season and I was very happy to land him as my QB1.
Round Five: Calvin Ridley – I usually avoid QB/WR hookups because they can go boom or bust on you. But I am watching for a big Ridley breakout this season and he rounded out what I felt was a superb WR trio.
Round Six: Sony Michel – When he is healthy, Michel is capable of playing at an RB1 level. His NFL playoff performances last year showed he is ready to shine for the powerhouse that will just not go away. Being ready to assume a key role for the New England franchise says a lot about Michel. If only he were more durable.
Round Seven: Jimmy Garoppolo – He was the 22nd QB off the board and I believe he was something of a value by that point. If he puts the injuries behind him, we’ll see quality Fantasy results from a poised passer who will move the 49ers offense well.
Round Eight: Hunter Henry – One of my favorite picks of this draft. Henry is my fourth-ranked TE and has a clean bill of health. He’s ready to become the official Chargers TE sequel to Antonio Gates, and will be a frequent TD target.
Round Nine: D’Onta Foreman – This draft occurred two days before he was released by the Texans. Oh well, now I have an open roster spot already for the first waiver run. By all accounts, I had no reason to believe the axe was coming. Oops, us fantasy analysts can’t always be right!
Round 10: Geronimo Allison – One of the best double round values at WR, high stakes players are big on Allison too as the Packers’ second WR. He will build on his early momentum from last year and his size and strength can be an advantage for him out of the slot.
Round 11: Kalen Ballage – He may be the Dolphins’ best goal-line runner and part of a timeshare. Miami’s RBs might be their best offensive players this season.
Round 12: D.K. Metcalf - He is certainly a player to watch this season, even as a rookie. First-year WRs do have their bouts of inconsistency, but Russell Wilson is arguably the best deep passer in the league and Metcalf is the first true standout size/speed prospect he has been paired with.
Round 13: Trey Burton – This could turn out to be a tremendous value pick. If the Bears offense progresses as hope in the second season under Matt Nagy, the TE should be a significant part of the success.
Round 14: Ito Smith – Devonta Freeman remains a significant health risk. Smith should be ticketed for at least a timeshare role at some point.
Round 15: Ravens Defense/special teams – A good unit gets even better. The Ravens defense was stingy in terms of points and yards allowed, and now they can get a turnover boost with the addition of Earl Thomas.
Round 16: Ryan Fitzpatrick – He may start for the Dolphins to open the season. I may have waited too long for a backup QB, but we have already seen him be willing to fling the ball all over the yard, and post some startling Fantasy totals at times.
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