Fantasy football mock draft: Predicting first-rounder’s fantasy potential
By Ryan McCloy
No. 17 – Las Vegas Raiders
Alabama DL Christian Barmore
- Barmore is the clear top DT in the draft, and his flexibility, both physically and positionally, make him an intriguing prospect in Las Vegas.
Fantasy Spin: No, Barmore isn’t going to put up noteworthy sack numbers or score defensive touchdowns to put fantasy points on the board for the Raiders’ Defense, but this is a player that can affect the game and make those around him better. With the right moves, look for this to be a catalyst to defensive success that the Raiders haven’t seen in years.
No. 18 – Miami Dolphins
Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
- The Dolphins invested heavily in their defense last offseason, and after snagging a WR with their top pick, they turn back to the other side of the ball and get a versatile, athletic linebacker who can play all over the field.
Fantasy Spin: The Dolphins poured years and dollars into the defense last offseason, and it began to pay off in fantasy, as they finished as the 8th best defense in fantasy in 2020. JOK should only add to their defensive renaissance, and could continue to boost them into fantasy credibility. Like Parsons mentioned earlier, Owusu-Koramoah is one of few rookies who could see IDP relevance.
No. 19 – Washington Football Team
Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman
- The 6’2″ Bateman could serve as a promising alternative to Washington’s smaller phenom Terry McLaurin, and potentially draw some of the coverage away from McLaurin to set up a dangerous duo for whoever is under center.
Fantasy Spin: Richard Sherman said it recently: Terry McLaurin could be “special” alongside a strong number two receiver. Well, here is that number two, so watch for McLaurin to jump into fantasy stardom if Washington picks Bateman. Bateman himself could see weekly flex consideration with consistent QB play, which in this case comes via free agency.
No. 20 – Chicago Bears
Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins
- If the Bears invest in a new QB, they’ll need to protect him. If they don’t, all the more reason to draft an OT, as rostered QBs Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles have struggled handling the pressure that Chicago allows.
Fantasy Spin: Another offensive tackle, and another opportunity for growth for an entire offense. The problem in Chicago is that at this point, there’s no telling what the offense will look like. David Montgomery finished 2020 stronger than nearly every other RB in the league, so look for him to continue that with an improved offensive line.