Summer magazines under deadline for June or July release dates traditionally complete featured mock drafts in May. However, publications like Rotoworld-Beckett release two editions, offering another opportunity for a meeting of industry minds on Tuesday night.
Rotoworld's previous draft, currently on newsstands, found me in "Death Valley," but the second time around drew the fifth pick overall, a former sweet spot in past seasons.
The rules from the first mock applied: 12-teams, 15-round serpentine draft and performance-based scoring, not point-per-reception (PPR).
Additionally, the event drew the usual suspects, including Gregg Rosenthal and his staff, Chris Wesseling and Adam Levitan, at Rotoworld and NBC Sports; Michael Fabiano of NFL.com; David Gonos of OPENSports.com; Tom Kessenich of Fanball.com; and Dan Roemhild of RotoWire.com, among others.
Rosenthal, Rotoworld's managing editor, graciously granted permission to publish the draft results ahead of his magazine's release, allowing readers a view of each round.
So without further ado, let's get spun up on my picks and what commanded attention.
1.05 RB Frank Gore, SF: It's clear after two months of industry drafts there's a consensus with the first five picks, all running backs. And while Chris Johnson jerseys of the cheap Tennessee Titans jerseys and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings flip-flop at the top spot, the next three positions are established in order with Jacksonville Jaguars dynamo Maurice Jones-Drew, Baltimore Ravens third-year star Ray Rice and Gore.
The 49ers enjoy a fantastic schedule against the run and Gore has a rebuilt offensive line. It wouldn't surprise to see Gore explode with career highs in rushing yards and touchdowns.
What stood out: St. Louis Rams rusher Steven Jackson continues to present drafter's a dilemma, evidenced by the selection of Pittsburgh Steelers second-year running back Rashard Mendenhall before Jackson. There's no doubting Jackson's talent, but drafters appear to hope someone else makes the decision.
2.08 QB Aaron Rodgers, GB: I'm not a fan of taking a signal caller this early, but it was difficult to pass on Rodgers, 2009's top scoring quarterback and owner of two straight 4,000-yard passing seasons.
What stood out: Three elite quarterbacks are off the board this round: Rodgers, Drew Brees and supply Peyton Manning jerseys. Meanwhile, there's an interesting decision by Rotowire.com's Derek VanRiper to go back-to-back receiver with the swing picks in a standard scoring draft.
The selection of New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss to end the first round started a receiver run, dropping high-upside rushers Ryan Mathews of the San Diego Chargers and Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs to the middle of the second round. I would've passed on Rodgers had either running back slid to 2.08.
3.05 WR Marques Colston, NO: With Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall off the board, I briefly considered receiver Greg Jennings for a Rodgers-Jennings connection before settling on Colston, a consensus Top 10 receiver playing in an equally prolific passing offense.
What stood out: The second wheel of the Carolina Panthers rushing attack, Jonathan Stewart, was drafted before Denver Broncos starter Knowshon Moreno, who finished 2009 with 247 carries compared to Stewart's 221. Stewart finished with better numbers, but a chunk of that occurred when backfield mate DeAngelo Williams was out with an ankle injury.
4.08 RB Matt Forte, CHI: The third-year rusher, whom readers may recall was named in an industry poll as one of this year's top rebound candidates, was a no-brainer selection.
Further boosting Forte's value is an increasing preference among enthusiasts to PPR leagues over standard scoring. A glance at an Average Draft Position (ADP) report, courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com, on Wednesday afternoon reflected 127 PPR drafts compared to 13 standard. Take Forte's 120 receptions the last two seasons and enjoy him in a Mike Martz pass-happy offense.
What stood out: San Diego Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson's contract issues didn't deter his entry into this round, but there's obvious risk in real drafts. Additionally, Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith's recent broken arm didn't prevent the use of a fourth-round pick and rightfully so, especially if he's ready for the regular season.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles rusher LeSean McCoy continues to represent excellent value. Understand this draft was based on standard scoring, but pull the trigger in this round with no questions asked in PPR leagues.
5.05 WR Dwayne Bowe, KC: I considered New York Giants second-year receiver Hakeem Nicks before settling on Kansas City's fourth-year pro. While Bowe obviously carries concern, the hope is a rebound season in what should be an exciting offense under new coordinator Charlie Weis.
What stood out: I'm high on Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley, but was stunned to see him selected No. 1 overall at his position over proven Pro Bowl talents Dallas Clark of the Indianapolis Colts and Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers. The industry as a whole is high on Finley and the bottom line is the potential high price if Finley is on a drafter's wish list.
Elsewhere, Cleveland Browns rusher Jerome Harrison could be a risky fifth-round pick considering Montario Hardesty's solid showing in organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps.
6.08 WR Santana Moss, WAS: Moss is a safe pick, but the selection lacks punch, as I prefer to land an emerging young receiver for my No. 3 and coveted Philadelphia Eagles second-year pro Jeremy Maclin in this round.
What stood out: I hate to pick on Dallas Cowboys rookie receiver Dez Bryant, but history doesn't favor rookie receivers with only six since 1995 producing 1,000-yard campaigns. Bryant was selected as a No. 2 receiver in this draft, meaning owners taking that risk in real drafts are hoping for consistency or the potential for No. 1 production. History demands tempering expectations.
7.05 TE sale Tony Gonzalez jerseys, ATL: This is a round where I'll typically address the quarterback position, but the early selection of Aaron Rodgers offered flexibility to target an elite tight end. While Gonzalez is beyond his prime, he's still playing at a high level.
What stood out: File this in the "That was then, this is now" category, as Chicago Bears receiver Johnny Knox, who represented fantastic value just last week with a 12.03 ADP, is climbing the board.
8.08 RB Darren McFadden, OAK: Knowing I had a hole at my third running back position, the plan was to secure the Oakland backfield in consecutive picks for a natural handcuff. It's not about the players at this point; it's about the AFC West's excellent schedule against the run.
What stood out: New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning remains a fantastic bargain for drafters holding out on the position. A sneaky pick was the selection of Tampa Bay Buccanneers rusher Carnell Williams.
9.05 RB Clinton Portis, WAS: Remember that plan? Unfortunately, Michael Bush was off the board three picks before this spot and I'm not thrilled with the selection of Portis in a crowded Washington backfield.
What stood out: Two value picks with San Diego Chargers receiver Malcom Floyd, who becomes the default No. 1 in the event of a Vincent Jackson holdout, and New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman, who may see increased snaps if Wes Welker (knee) isn't ready for the regular season.
10.08 WR Eddie Royal, DEN: The third-year pro is flying under the radar after last season's disaster and is a bargain as a fourth receiver.
What stood out: Another mock leads to yet another sighting of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback white Ben Roethlisberger jerseys in the 10th round. There's no doubting his upside, but owners knowing Roethlisberger is suspended four to six games better hope their drafted starter doesn't go down to a Week 1 season-ending injury. Moreover, a closer look reveals Atlanta Falcons third-year pro discount Matt Ryan jerseys and Washington Redskins signal caller Donovan McNabb jerseys were on the board. It's hard to justify taking Roethlisberger over them.
11.05 RB Laurence Maroney, NE: There's zero downside drafting Maroney as a fourth or fifth running back this late in any draft.
What stood out: Upside quarterback choices Chad Henne of the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions second-year pro Matthew Stafford are typically selected this round, so no surprises.
12.08 QB Matt Cassel, KC: Owning an elite quarterback like Aaron Rodgers allows drafters a luxury of waiting until late in drafts to address a backup, who is needed only for a bye week, and a chance to stock up on other skill positions. Cassel also comes with upside, so this is a good spot for him.
What stood out: Houston Texans running back Arian Foster has been running with the starters in OTAs and is expected to enter training camp atop the depth chart. Foster is an exceptional pick this late if he manages to hold off Steve Slaton and rookie Ben Tate through August.
13.05 DEF San Francisco 49ers: I normally save the last two picks for defense and kicker, but I have an eye on a player for the last round. At the risk of sounding like a broken record when it comes to the 49ers defense, it's all about the schedule.
What stood out: The round was a collection of defenses and a Terrell Owens sighting.
14.08 K Stephen Gostkowski, NE: Never, ever draft a kicker before the last two rounds.
What stood out: Three low-risk receivers selected this round with Indianapolis Colts second-year pro Austin Collie leading the way among the kicker and defense run.
15.05 WR Jordy Nelson, GB: Considering Donald Driver's age and January knee scopes, an argument exists for James Jones, the likely heir-apparent to Driver, over Nelson, but both have enjoyed strong workouts. Additionally, quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently singled out Nelson for having an "exceptionally good" offseason, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. As a last pick, Nelson is worth the gamble.
What stood out: Tashard Choice, the third wheel of the cheap Dallas Cowboys jerseysbackfield, could pay off nicely if Felix Jones or Marion Barber suffer injuries. Meanwhile, my drafted roster sports a local feel with two Chiefs, a former Chief and former Kansas State Wildcat. That wasn't by design.
Projected starting lineup
This isn't the strongest team I've drafted the last two months, with the biggest concerns surrounding receiver and flex. However, the quarterback and running back positions, specifically two elite producers in Aaron Rodgers and Frank Gore, offers upside and consistency:
QB Aaron Rodgers; RBs Frank Gore, Matt Forte; WRs Marques Colston, Dwayne Bowe, Santana Moss; Flex Darren McFadden; TE Tony Gonzalez; K Stephen Gostkowski; DEF 49ers
Herbie Teope produces and is a featured analyst for Time Warner Cable's weekly TV show, "Fantasy Huddle," viewed throughout the NFL season in Time Warner Cable national markets. Teope is now on Twitter.
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