USA Today Draft Results
Fri Jul 16 12:46pm ET
By JEFF PAUR @jeffpaur
Sr Fantasy Writer
Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in the USA Today Sports Weekly draft. This draft has some of the top experts in the industry, making it a very intriguing and challenging draft. I look forward to it every season, seeing what some of these really smart fantasy experts are doing in drafts this season. Here is a link to the draft board.
I thought I would give you a pick-by-pick look at my draft. There weren’t a ton of huge surprises in the draft. Running back was targeted early. Many owners waited on a quarterback, but the elite guys went a little later than normal for me. The quarterback and tight end spot are usually similar, but seven of the 12 teams had their starting tight end by Round 6. This is a little sooner for that position. But as always, it was a challenging draft with a lot of tough decision along the way.
So here is a look at all my picks. . . . .
1.03 Alvin Kamara, RB. Saints
This wasn’t quite a sure thing despite Kamara’s huge season last year. I thought about Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott with this pick. I think all three of these backs have a huge ceiling, but Kamara is the safest of the three, which is why I went his way. My only hope is that Jameis Winston starts for the Saints. I think Kamara looks much better with Winston leading the way than Taysom Hill.
2.10 D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seahawks
There were about four or so backs I was comfortable with at this point, so I went top receiver with this pick. D.K. Metcalf was my pick. This guy is ready for a monster season and could lead all fantasy receivers in scoring. I just love his weekly ceiling. He is so explosive.
3.03 Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs
So it worked out for me, getting a solid second back with my third-round pick. Edwards-Helaire has been a target of mine in drafts. I think his price tag is very good for his potential. I know he didn’t live up to the hype last year but I look for him to take his game to a new level in year two. He plays in one of the best offenses in football and should get plenty of weekly touches.
4.10 Kenny Golladay, WR, Giants
Receivers are going off the board quick. There are still some good No. 2 options out there and I go with Golladay over Amari Cooper. I just think he will be a tad more consistent. Golladay is kind of a forgotten man because of his injury last year. Remember, he had nearly 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns two seasons ago. He will be the top target in New York, getting a lot of weekly targets.
5.03 Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals
I normally don’t go quarterback this soon but couldn’t pass on Murray. I just think the value is too high, getting a guy that can finish first overall in fantasy scoring at this point. I also thought about Dak Prescott, who I think has similar upside to Murray.
6.10 Damien Harris, RB, Patriots
This might have been a tad soon for Harris, but I didn’t think he would be available to me by the time I picked again. You have to get the guys you want and that means you might have to take them a round or two sooner at times. Harris is a target of mine. I think he will get a most of the carries in the Patriots new offense and have a breakout season. He played really well with his work last year and that was in a bad offense. Things are looking up for Harris.
7.03 D.J. Chark, WR, Jaguars
Chark is another target of mine. I am getting him in many of my drafts as my No. 3 receiver. I know he disappointed last year, but he has Trevor Lawrence throwing him passes this year. Chark is a big-time talent that should lead the Jaguars in targets. I really think he can outperform his current ADP.
8.10 Logan Thomas, TE, Washington
If I don’t get one of the elite tight ends, Thomas is a guy I like to get on my roster. He was a huge surprise last year and can continue his solid play. The added talent at receiver isn’t a bad thing for Thomas. This could open up a little more room for Thomas to roam. I think he is capable of being a top-five fantasy tight end.
9.03 Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens
Edwards is another target of mine in drafts. His receiving numbers won’t be very good, but he can rack up the rushing yards and a few touchdowns in the best running offense in football. I like getting him as a reserve back, providing some consistent weekly numbers.
10.10 Mike Williams, WR, Chargers
So I’m not actually sold on Williams but felt he was worth a shot in Round 10. There is talk of him getting a lot more targets in the Chargers new offense. He just hasn’t played as consistent as I would like at this stage of his career. Maybe this is the year he puts it altogether.
11.03 T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts
Hilton started the season slow but finished well last year. This is encouraging to me, especially with Carson Wentz now the starting quarterback. I know Hilton isn’t getting any younger, but he could be the top receiver in what should be a better passing attack this year.
12.10 Irv Smith Jr., TE, Vikings
Smith is ready for a breakout season with Kyle Rudolph finally gone. I’m thrilled to get him as my backup tight end. He might not play much for me, but I think he has top-10 fantasy potential.
13.03 Carson Wentz, QB, Colts
Wentz was a disaster last year but he can put that behind him. He has a much better offense surrounding him. Wentz gets to throw behind one of the best offensive lines in football and has some quality options to work with at receiver. Wentz should be a good spot play for me as my backup quarterback.
14.10 Bucs defense
Tampa should be fine defense for me. I love the way they played down the stretch last year in their Super Bowl run. This unit will get some sacks and does a good job of causing turnovers. I’ll take them as my starter.
15.03 Tyler Bass, K, Bills
Bass plays in one of the best offenses in football, which means he should get his points. I like him to have a big season.
16.10 Breshad Perriman, WR, Lions
Perriman is a late-round target for me. Someone has to lead the Lions in receiving. At this point, I think Perriman might have the best shot of the receivers. Why not?