👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Way Too Early Fantasy Football Mock Re-Draft Analysis - Rounds 1-2

So ... how about that Super Bowl, huh? It seems fitting that, after a postseason filled mostly with one-sided snoozers, the football gods would treat us to arguably the most improbable comeback in the history of professional sports.

Rather than spend more time trying to figure out what exactly happened the night of Feb. 5 in Houston, let's look forward to the 2017 season. The start of free agency is still about a month away, and the NFL draft is another month or so after that, but here at RotoBaller, we never stop thinking about fantasy football.

Twelve of RotoBaller's finest contributors gathered for a way-too-early PPR mock draft. Over the next week, we'll break it down round-by-round, starting with the first two in this article.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Round 1

There wasn't much surprise with the first three picks. A legitimate case can be made for Johnson, Elliott or Bell as the No. 1 overall pick, and all three are consensus top-five picks heading into the 2017 season. In dynasty leagues, the nod should probably go to Elliott, who will only be 22 years old at the start of next season, compared to Johnson and Bell, who will both be 25. In redraft leagues, it's hard to gone wrong with any of three. It basically comes down to personal preference.

After the three studs at running back, there was a lengthy run of wide receivers. This makes sense, particularly in PPR leagues. Eight consecutive wideouts were chosen with the fourth through 11th picks, led by Brown, Jones and Beckham. Like with the top three running backs, there were no surprises with the top three receivers off the board. They are all spectacular, in their prime, and wildly productive.

The next group included Evans, Green, Nelson, Robinson and Bryant. Evans is coming off a season that included career highs in receptions and yards, and a career-high-tying 12 touchdowns. Green, Nelson and Bryant are all solid WR1 that, when healthy, are safe plug-and-play options every week. The biggest wild card here is Robinson, who turned in a bitterly disappointing season in 2016. More on him later. I closed out the first round by taking McCoy, an aging but still-productive running back, on the front end of the wraparound.

 

Round 2

While the first round was heavy on wide receivers, the second round was a bit more balanced. Six running backs were selected in Round Two, led by my pick of Freeman on the back end of the wraparound. Freeman scores touchdowns, gets plenty of targets, and remains heavily involved in one of the NFL's most explosive offenses. Sign me up.

After Freeman, Jeffery, Rodgers and Ajayi came off the board. Rodgers is as safe as quarterbacks come, though the 15th overall still feels a bit early for him. Ajayi needs to find more consistency in 2017, but has the skill set to be a solid RB1. Hilton and Gordon were next off the board, and should both remain productive as focal points in their respective offenses.

Howard, Miller and Murray, followed by Hopkins, Adams and Watkins closed out the second round. Howard was a breakout star as a rookie and will be popular in 2017. Miller and Murray changed teams in 2016, and though both had 1,000-yard seasons, Murray was consistently more productive. Hopkins, like Robinson burned many fantasy owners in 2016. Adams had a much-anticipated breakout season, finishing tied for second in the league with 12 touchdowns. Watkins again struggled to stay healthy.

 

Best Picks

A. J. Green (WR, CIN) #8 overall

It's pretty hard to find a steal in the first round of a fantasy football draft. Everyone knows, scouts and debates the star players, but it's still possible to find guys in the second half of the first round who perform like top-five picks.

Before he injured his hamstring in Week 11, Green was on pace for 106 receptions, 1,542 yards and six touchdowns. In case you're wondering, that reception total would have placed him second only behind Larry Fitzgerald (107), while the yardage total would have led the NFL. If Green can resume that kind of pace in 2017, he'll be wonderful value at No. 8 overall.

T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND) #17 overall

Hilton led the NFL with a career-high 1,448 yards last season, but he also topped 90 receptions for the first time in a career. That's a major plus for his PPR appeal.

The speedy Hilton should remain the top weapon for Andrew Luck, and that alone carries significant fantasy upside. To get Hilton in the middle of the second round -- as the 10th wide receiver, no less -- represents solid value.

DeMarco Murray (RB, TEN) #21 overall

After one disastrous season in Philadelphia, Murray was rejuvenated in Tennessee, finishing with 1,287 rushing yards, 53 receptions and 12 total touchdowns. True, Murray will be 29 at the start of the 2017 season, and former Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry is waiting in the wings.

But Murray showed he's a perfect fit for Tennessee's offense, with his involvement in the passing game being particularly encouraging. Murray should remain productive for at least another season, making him a solid pick at No. 21.

 

Biggest Reaches

Allen Robinson (WR, JAC) #10 overall

Oh, boy. The 10th overall pick on a player who finished with 883 yards and six touchdowns? That certainly qualifies as a reach.

I actually like Robinson more than most. He's supremely talented. The only problem is that his quarterback is, well, marginally talented. If Blake Bortles can rebound from a dreadful 2016 season, perhaps Robinson can push closer to his 1,400-yard, 14-touchdown breakout 2015 season. If not, this pick hurts.

Alshon Jeffery (WR, CHI) #14 overall

Jeffery has produced in the past, but more recently, he's shown an inability to stay healthy. That's a concern, particularly for a player who, despite consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2013 and 2014, has never topped 89 receptions in a single season.

Jeffery's days in Chicago are likely over, so his landing spot in free agency will be crucial to his fantasy value. Jeffery has upside, but I'm not crazy about taking him with the 14th overall pick.

Sammy Watkins (WR, BUF) #24 overall

There's just too much uncertainty here. Can Watkins ever play a full season again? Who will his quarterback be? No one is denying Watkins' talent, but the track record is not good.

Watkins has missed 11 games over the past two seasons, and has yet to top 65 receptions in a season since being drafted in 2014. There are more reliable options for PPR leagues than the former Clemson star.

 

Conclusion

Let's take a look at some random facts about the first two rounds, shall we? First, the 24 players selected came from 16 different NFL teams. Of those 16 teams, seven had at least two players chosen -- Green Bay (three), Dallas, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago and Houston. Of the 24 players selected, 12 were from AFC teams, and 12 were from NFC teams. Thirteen wide receivers were chosen, along with 10 running backs and one quarterback.

So, what did we learn from a mock draft conducted about seven months before the beginning of the 2017 season? In truth, not much -- free agency and the NFL draft will undoubtedly impact the stock of many players in this mock draft. But it's still a helpful -- and fun, of course -- exercise to undertake. Be sure to follow along with the rest of our round-by-round analysis throughout the week.

 

More 2017 Mock Drafts & Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Lucas Erceg

Throwing Off the Mound in Camp
Justin Foscue

to Work in the Outfield This Spring
Julian Aguiar

Competing for Final Rotation Spot in Cincy
Jared Triolo

a Front-Runner to Win Third Base Job?
Yency Almonte

Dodgers Sign Yency Almonte to Minor-League Deal
Janson Junk

Diagnosed With Grade 1 Ankle Sprain
Stephen Curry

to Be Re-Evaluated In 10 Days
Jordan Westburg

More Details Coming Soon on Jordan Westburg's Injuries
Grayson Allen

Sidelined Thursday Vs. Spurs
Milwaukee Brewers

Brewers Give Pat Murphy a New Three-Year Deal
Ajay Mitchell

Out At Least One More Week
Shane Bieber

"Feeling Good," Throwing Up to 120 Feet
Cedric Coward

Out Versus Utah
Santi Aldama

Sidelined Again on Friday
Shota Imanaga

Showing Increased Velocity With Better Health
Jalen Williams

to Be Re-Evaluated In Two Weeks
Carson Whisenhunt

Velocity Up This Spring
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

to Miss At Least One More Week
Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkic Won't Face Memphis on Friday Night
Lane Thomas

Says he's Fully Healthy
Keyonte George

Not Ready to Return on Friday
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Collin Murray-Boyles, Sandro Mamukelashvili Cleared To Play Thursday
Randy Vásquez

Randy Vasquez has "Inside Track" on Rotation Spot
Kutter Crawford

a Candidate to Start Season on Injured List
Noah Clowney

is Ready to Play on Thursday
Michael Porter Jr.

is Returning on Thursday
Jalen Smith

is Cleared for Thursday's Game
Aaron Nesmith

to Play on Thursday
Tre Jones

to Suit Up on Thursday
Coby Mayo

Might Have an Opening at Third Base
Josh Giddey

is Available for Thursday's Contest
OG Anunoby

is Cleared for Thursday's Game
Seranthony Domínguez

Seranthony Dominguez Named White Sox's Closer
T.J. McConnell

Out of Action Versus Wizards
Gavin Williams

Mechanical Adjustment Helped Gavin Williams Break Out in 2025
Stephen Curry

Sidelined Again on Thursday
Malik Monk

Set to Return on Thursday
Rhett Lowder

Looking "Very Polished" in Camp
Christian Encarnacion-Strand

Could Play in Games Next Week
Russell Westbrook

Set to Suit Up Thursday
Moisés Ballesteros

Moises Ballesteros Should be in Camp This Weekend
Matthew Boyd

Could Be a Candidate to Regress in 2026
Logan Cooley

Sheds Non-Contact Jersey
Maxwell Crozier

to Miss 10 Weeks After Surgery
Kirill Marchenko

Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Petr Mrazek

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
Victor Hedman

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Sidney Crosby

Considered Day-to-Day
Rashee Rice

Accused of Assault by Long-Time Girlfriend
Ben Griffin

Looking to Return to Top Form at Riviera
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Build Momentum at Riviera
J.J. Spaun

Putting a Major Concern at Riviera
Sepp Straka

May Have Tough Time at The Genesis Invitational
Shane Lowry

Trending Up Entering the Genesis Invitational
Justin Rose

Off Most Radars at The Genesis Invitational
Robert MacIntyre

a Long Hitter to Watch at Riviera Country Club
Jake Knapp

Red-Hot Heading to Riviera
Min Woo Lee

Attempts to Build Momentum After Pebble Beach
Harry Hall

an Unknown for The Genesis Invitational
Matt Fitzpatrick

Has Favorable Path to Success at Riviera This Week
Wyndham Clark

Not Likely to Contend at Genesis Invitational
Ludvig Aberg

Might Find the Genesis Invitational More Challenging
Harris English

Carries Strong Form to Riviera
Patrick Cantlay

Eyes Another Strong Week at The Genesis Invitational
Daniel Berger

Needs Short Game to Show Up at Riviera
Sam Burns

Hopes Return to Form Continues at Riviera
Collin Morikawa

Riding Wave of Victory Into Riviera
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Have Repeat Success at The Genesis Invitational
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Find Paydirt at Riviera
Xander Schauffele

Rounding into Form Before Genesis Invitational
Morgan Rielly

Available After Olympic Break
Charlie Lindgren

Practices Fully Tuesday
John Carlson

Ready to Rock After Olympics
Radek Faksa

Unavailable Against Team Canada
Anton Lundell

Good to Go Wednesday
Brandon Bussi

Earns Three-Year Extension
SJ

Sharks Terminating Jeff Skinner's Contract
Mike Evans

Will Return in 2026
Kenneth Walker III

Seahawks Not Expected to Use Franchise Tag on Kenneth Walker III
Bucky Irving

Undergoes Offseason Shoulder Surgery
Tyreek Hill

Says he Will Play in 2026
Joey Logano

Finishes Third in the 2026 Daytona 500
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Daytona 500
Chase Elliott

Falls Short of His First Daytona 500 Victory Again
Brad Keselowski

Ends Daytona 500 With a Top-Five Finish
Tyler Reddick

Wins the Daytona 500 for the First Time with 23XI Racing
Tyreek Hill

Released by Dolphins
Joey Logano

Should DFS Players Roster Joey Logano At Daytona?
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering for DFS at Daytona?
Chase Briscoe

May Not be Worth DFS Consideration for Daytona
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Daytona This Week For DFS?
Austin Cindric

May Be Worth Rostering At Daytona
Cleveland Browns

Browns to Spend Top Draft Picks on Receiver or Offensive Lineman?
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Daytona Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

May be A Solid and Sneaky Pick for Daytona Lineups
Alex Bowman

is A Highly Favorable Mid-Tier Option for Daytona
Ross Chastain

Could be A Top DFS Scorer for Daytona
Justin Allgaier

is One of the Safest DFS Options for Daytona
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle Matches Team Germany Record With Third Goal
Jack Eichel

Off to Hot Start in Olympics
OTT

Mads Sogaard Injured Saturday
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Emerging As One of The Best at Daytona
William Byron

Trying for Third Straight Daytona 500 Victory
Kyle Larson

Has Never Posted a Top-Five Finish at Daytona
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Overrated at Daytona?
Chris Buescher

an Easy DFS Pick for the Daytona 500
Kyle Busch

on Pole, Still Searching for Elusive Daytona 500 Victory
Lucas Raymond

Ties Team Sweden Record With Three Points Saturday
Anton Lundell

Battling Illness
Kevin Fiala

Out for the Season
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF