Fantasy Football 1st Round Mock Draft (12 team)
As we begin to see players in new uniforms during OTAs we inch closer to an August full of football, and with that fantasy football talk. Instead of cramming and first looking at the draft board during your draft night, you may want to be more prepared being that this offseason's many moves will change the fantasy outlook for a lot of players. Obviously, there still remains a long summer ahead before we get to the regular season. Some of the elite fantasy playmakers are still rehabbing from injuries in 2020. Even some like last year's league MVP Aaron Rodgers have yet to find a definite plan with their team for the 2021 season. Each franchise’s energy with full capacity stadiums makes me think this may be one of the most competitive seasons we have seen in a while. Here is a look at a 12 team mock draft just about 2 months out from the heat of fantasy draft season at the end of the summer.
Round 1 Pick 1
Christian McCaffrey RB CAR
McCaffrey was one of those elite playmakers who missed last season due to nagging injuries. The Panther running back when active in 2020 was effective scoring over 30 points in each contest. The pressure that Matt Rhule’s offense will be under to produce points now will be heavy in year 2. The addition of Sam Darnold gives McCaffrey's value a boost. Carolina’s offense will revolve around the standout running back during all snaps when he’s on the field and I would be shocked to see him off for many. As long as he is 100 percent ready to go, this is the no-brainer first pick.
Round 1 Pick 2
Saquon Barkley RB NYG
There's a similar pattern we have connecting this to the first selection. Barkley is going to be on his comeback tour in a very similar fashion to McCaffrey. Both are playing off major injuries, with younger quarterbacks who have something to prove, and unproven coaching staffs to go along with it. The Giants have a must-win year on their hands, they need to make it a priority to give him 30 touches a game as long as the knee is back to full strength. Daniel Jones, like Darnold, needs to win some more games before they get that next contract, giving it to their best player on offense by a longshot is what the Giants need to do.
Round 1 Pick 3
Alvin Kamara RB NO
It was hard to put Kamara in this third spot here, but without Drew Brees, you’re going to have to think there is some type of red zone dropoff compared to years past. Jameis Winston has proved he can be somewhat effective in Sean Payton’s offense but there still remains an open competition according to Payton with Taysom Hill. This is no knock on Kamara, more the Saints competitive division and older supporting cast. Kamara is still a must-have if you’re picking outside the top 3 in any draft.
Round 1 Pick 4
Derrick Henry RB TEN
There is probably going to be a lot less stacking the box on defense when going against the 2021 Tennessee offense. No longer can you put your best cover corner on AJ Brown and then bet on Henry trying to truck down the middle of your defense. The addition of Julio Jones makes this an elite offense immediately. With that hopefully comes even more chances inside the five-yard line for Henry to get in the end zone for fantasy owners. Expect a lot of Titans to have great fantasy seasons.
Round 1 Pick 5
Dalvin Cook RB MIN
Cook has easily solidified himself as a top 5 running back in the NFL. The Vikings offense last season was not the issue. Cook was phenomenal all year, nearly gaining 2,000 yards from scrimmage only playing 16 games. With another star that emerged in the Vikings offense last season in Justin Jefferson, there may be a few more mouths to feed in Minnesota compared to the offenses’ of the running backs above. The consistency that Cook brings still makes him top 5 on any fantasy big board.
Round 1 Pick 6
Ezekiel Elliot RB DAL
Yet another running back off the board here. Elliot, last season was a disappointment to many fantasy owners. But, with the return of Dak Prescott, the Cowboy’s offense has something to prove that they still rule an up-for-grabs NFC East. For everything to work out in Dallas, Zeke is going to need to eat. If you believe in the Cowboys offense this year, picking Elliot if he falls outside the top 5 should be a quick decision.
Round 1 Pick 7
Nick Chubb RB CLE
Chubb is a part of a lethal offense that has all the weapons any quarterback could ask for. For a player who easily puts up running back one numbers, it’s rare to see him split as much time as he does. Kareem Hunt is still going to get his catches and carries no matter how good Chubb is. The potential of how good this Browns offense could be will make it hard to pass on an elite runner like Chubb that will be successful behind his elite offensive line. With the abundance of wideouts that have great fantasy potential, snagging a workhorse of a running back like Chubb in round 1 will never hurt your draft.
Round 1 Pick 8
Davante Adams WR GB
For the last few seasons, Adams and Aaron Rodgers have built a special connection that Packer faithful will never forget. But, now Green Bay is in turmoil with their relationship with their star MVP quarterback. For that reason, I think it is fair to wait till the end of the top ten to select Adams in fantasy heading into 2021. Aaron Rodgers or not, Adams will be their main playmaker. Jordan Love has seen what this rare talent can do. The question is can he use him as effectively? With that big of a question hanging in the balance you might want to be patient on the Packer wideout to make sure there are no surefire elite running backs left on the board.
Round 1 Pick 9
Jonathan Taylor RB IND
There seems to be an energy surrounding this team after a successful 2020 season in Indianapolis, that hasn’t been to Lucas Oil Stadium since Peyton Manning was their quarterback. Now Frank Reich rides with a former player of his in Carson Wentz to lead this offense. The Colts offensive line is where their strength really lies. This line could be arguable the best in the league. Having Wentz throw the ball 40 times a game is a recipe for disaster so don’t be surprised if the Colts win the AFC South on the back of Jonathan Taylor.
Round 1 Pick 10
Tyreek Hill WR KC
To not have Hill inside this top ten would be head-scratching to me. Even though the Chiefs got one-upped in the Super Bowl by Tom Brady and Bruce Arians that doesn’t mean their elite offense won’t be the same in 2021 as it was all year in 2020. You have to remember Mahomes was probably a bit banged up throughout the playoffs. With some motivation and fresh legs, big plays to Hill should still be a consistent occurrence in Arrowhead Stadium on Sundays going forward. If Mahomes is available when the pick comes back to the owner who got Hill picking late in the first, don't be shy to pair these two together.
Round 1 Pick 11
Travis Kelce TE KC
Kelce may be approaching the age of 32 but that has not seemed to slow him down. Picking a tight end in round 1 scares some but at this point with most of the elite running backs gone it’s hard not to go with consistency. The connection that Mahomes has with Kelce maybe even stronger than the one he has with Hill. He is an easy first-round selection in PPR leagues. At the end of the day who finds the end zone as much as Kelce does?
Round 1 Pick 12
Stefon Diggs WR BUF
Diggs had his best season undoubtedly yet in 2020. The instant connection he made with Josh Allen made it look as if Minnesota was wasting the elite talent that the former Viking had. The big-play ability combined with the skill to make multiple men miss anywhere on the field is special. It is hard to say that Diggs isn’t a top 5 wideout in today's game. The Bills season last year ended with Diggs watching the Chiefs AFC title celebration. Diggs will be out for blood once again in 2021. Expect this Bills offense to put up some mind-blowing stats.
Writer
-By: Sam Kirk