Fantasy football mock draft: Predicting first-rounder’s fantasy potential
By Ryan McCloy
No. 13 – Las Angeles Chargers
Northwestern OL Rashawn Slater
- Quarterback? Check. Now they need to keep him upright. Slater is the second best tackle in the class, and even though Christian Darrisaw may be the better offensive lineman, Darrisaw may be better suited at guard in the NFL, dropping his value past Slater’s.
Fantasy Spin: Justin Herbert will likely be drafted as a top QB in 2021 fantasy drafts, and a pick like Slater could easily reinforce that assertion. An impact tackle can have an effect on every player on offense, but most specifically the QB and RBs. Look for Herbert and Austin Ekeler to receive a boost in value with the selection of Slater.
No. 14 – Minnesota Vikings
Michigan EDGE Kwity Paye
- Paye reminds me of former Wolverine Rashan Gary. Fantastic athletes, disappointing production in college, but given high enough scouting grades to be drafted in the first round. Gary has been serviceable, tallying 5.0 sacks for the Packers in 2020 and improving further in the playoffs.
Fantasy Spin: The Vikings defense could have an impact this season in fantasy leagues, but I’m not sure Paye will be a big reason why. Players who struggled to find statistical success don’t often find it their rookie year in the NFL. No IDP impact here, either.
No. 15 – New England Patriots
Alabama QB Mac Jones
- While I have Mac Jones ranked below Trey Lance in my QB rankings, Jones seems more prepared to jump in on day one and take the reins than Lance, hence the pick here.
- Here’s an interesting situation. Mac Jones enters Foxborough under Bill Belichick who’s been known to get the most out of his quarterbacks. Jones won’t have the receiving core that he did at Alabama, so he likely won’t find similar success, but look for him to put up usable numbers as a potential bye week fill in, should he win the starting job.
No. 16 – Arizona Cardinals
Virginia Tech OT Christian Darrisaw
- I have Darrisaw ranked as my second highest offensive lineman at the draft, but the uncertainty regarding his position – tackle or guard – will likely drop him down draft boards, which in this case benefits the Cardinals.
Fantasy Spin: I said it earlier, and I’ll say it again. Look for the addition of an offensive lineman to affect the entire offense. Imagine Kyler Murray with extra time? He already broke out last season, now he could find himself in cleaner pockets more often. Whoever ends up at running back for the Cards could see dividends from this pick as well.