Fantasy Football: Breaking Down a Full Mock Draft

Ever since football season ended back in February, I have been absent from Bleacher Report, but with training camps opening and preseason games just around the corner, I'm glad to be back.

It's been a long offseason, so I'm just happy to see football players practicing. They don't even have to compete for me to be satisfied quite yet, but I doubt that feeling will last long.

Now that fantasy football mock drafts are in full swing, it was time to get in on the action. Instead of trying to draw up an all new mock draft from the top of my head, I thought it would be more fun to get together with nine other people and conduct a mock draft amongst all of us.

Here is a look at what you can expect from your draft position and what your team may look like. I’ll also offer you insight as to what was going on in my head both before and after each of my selections.

Round One

Round One

1. Team 1

Pick: Adrian Peterson, RB-Minnesota

2. Team 2

Pick: Arian Foster, RB-Houston

3. Team 3

Pick: Doug Martin, RB-Tampa Bay

4. Team 4

Pick: Marshawn Lynch, RB-Seattle

5. Team 5

 Pick: C.J. Spiller, RB-Buffalo

6. Team 6

 Pick: Jamaal Charles, RB-Kansas City

7. Team 7

 Pick: Ray Rice, RB-Baltimore

8. My Team

 Pick: Alfred Morris, RB-Washington

9. Team 9

 Pick: Trent Richardson, RB-Cleveland

10.  Team 10

 Pick: Calvin Johnson, WR-Detroit

What I was thinking before my pick:

At first I was a little nervous. The eighth pick is a tough one because all of the elite running backs are starting to fall, but it’s still a little early to be taking a wide receiver or quarterback. It’s basically the 13th floor for fantasy picks.

However, my mood started to change when I saw Ray Rice slipping a bit down the board after someone had reached on C.J. Spiller. Then, Rice was snagged right before my selection. I wasn’t devastated, though. There were still two very good running backs left, so it was basically a coin flip for me between Morris and Richardson.

What I was thinking after my pick:

It ended up being an easy pick for me due to my Washington Redskins fandom. I trust Morris after he helped me to win a fantasy football championship last season, so I felt that I owed it to him to use my first round pick to scoop him up. Especially after I didn’t even draft him in 2012 but used him nearly every week.

How my team looks so far:

QB-

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-

WR-

WR-

TE-

FLX-

D/ST-

K-

Round Two

Round Two

1. Team 10

Pick: LeSean McCoy, RB-Philadelphia

2. Team 9

Pick: Chris Johnson, RB-Tennessee

3. My Team

Pick: A.J. Green, WR-Cincinnati

4. Team 7

Pick: Matt Forte, RB-Chicago

5. Team 6

Pick: Steven Jackson, RB-Atlanta

6. Team 5

Pick: Aaron Rodgers, QB-Green Bay

7. Team 4

Pick: Dez Bryant, WR-Dallas

8. Team 3

 Pick: Maurice Jones-Drew, RB-Jacksonville

9. Team 2

 Pick: Stevan Ridley, RB-New England

10.  Team 1

 Pick: Peyton Manning, QB-Denver

What I was thinking before my pick:

I was sad to see LeSean McCoy go with the 11th pick with my selection coming up, that could have been one hell of a tandem with Alfred Morris. However, there were still some solid running backs left on the board and I thought for sure that was the direction I was heading.

I looked at Stevan Ridley and Maurice Jones-Drew first. I wasn’t completely confident in Ridley at my position and I figured I could get Jones-Drew in the third round.

What I was thinking after my pick:

After the other running backs didn’t feel like good fits at my position, I went ahead and scooped up an elite receiver since they are hard to come by. I’m not mad with the choice, but I’m mad about someone picking up Jones-Drew in the late part of the round.

How my team looks so far:

QB-

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-

TE-

FLX-

D/ST-

K-

Round Three

Round Three

1. Team 1

Pick: Julio Jones, WR-Atlanta

2. Team 2

Pick: Frank Gore, RB-San Francisco

3. Team 3

Pick: Brandon Marshall, WR-Chicago

4. Team 4

Pick: Darren McFadden, RB-Oakland

5. Team 5

Pick: Jimmy Graham, TE-New Orleans

6. Team 6

Pick: Demaryius Thomas, WR-Denver

7. Team 7

Pick: Roddy White, WR-Atlanta

8. My Team

Pick: Drew Brees, QB-New Orleans

9. Team 9

Pick: David Wilson, RB-New York Giants

10.  Team 10

Pick: Randall Cobb, WR-Green Bay

What I was thinking before my pick:

At this point, I’m not crazy about the running backs so I’m getting a bit nervous about my prospects of putting together an all-around good team.

When Demaryius Thomas and Roddy White were taken right before my pick, it just made my stomach sink even more. David Wilson is the highest running back left on the board? Yuck.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Oh wait, I didn’t see Brees there. The top fantasy quarterback from 2012 was still available in the later part of the third round? I thought for sure he would have been gone by now, so I’m happy to have him.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-

TE-

FLX-

D/ST-

K-

Round Four

Round Four

1. Team 10

Pick: Larry Fitzgerald, WR-Arizona

2. Team 9

Pick: Reggie Bush, RB-Detroit

3. My Team

Pick: Montee Ball, RB-Denver

4. Team 7

Pick: DeMarco Murray, RB-Dallas

5. Team 6

Pick: Darren Sproles, RB-New Orleans

6. Team 5

Pick: Vincent Jackson, WR-Tampa Bay

7. Team 4

Pick: Reggie Wayne, WR-Indianapolis

8. Team 3

Pick: Danny Amendola, WR-New England

9. Team 2

Pick: Andre Johnson, WR-Houston

10.  Team 1

Pick: Percy Harvin, WR-Seattle

What I was thinking before my pick:

OK, I really need a running back here. Shoot, Reggie Bush just got taken. This isn’t a PPR league, so I don’t want Sproles all that much. And this isn’t a league that awards fantasy points for injuries, so I don’t want DeMarco Murray.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Montee Ball it is. The running back pool got pretty shallow pretty quickly. I’m rolling the dice on Ball, but a rookie running back won me this thing last year, and I’d like to win again.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-

TE-

FLX-

D/ST-

K-

Round Five

Round Five

1. Team 1

Pick: Chris Ivory, RB-New York Jets

2. Team 2

Pick: Jordy Nelson, WR-Green Bay

3. Team 3

Pick: Robert Griffin III, QB-Washington

4. Team 4

Pick: Andrew Luck, QB-Indianapolis

5. Team 5

Pick: Lamar Miller, RB-Miami

6. Team 6

Pick: Tom Brady, QB-New England

7. Team 7

Pick: Matt Ryan, QB-Atlanta

8. My Team

Pick: Rob Gronkowski, TE-New England

9. Team 9

Pick: Victor Cruz, WR-New York Giants

10.  Team 10

Pick: Ryan Mathews, RB-San Diego

What I was thinking before my pick:

Nothing besides Gronkowski. At this point in the draft, he’s starting to turn into a huge steal, even if he misses the first three games of the season. I’m going to be devastated if he doesn’t fall my way, he’s easily the best tight end right now and if he misses any time, I don’t think it will be that much.

Please don’t let anyone else draft him.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Thank God.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-

D/ST-

K-

Round Six

Round Six

1. Team 10

Pick: Cam Newton, QB-Carolina

2. Team 9

Pick: Wes Welker, WR-Denver

3. My Team

Pick: Marques Colston, WR-New Orleans

4. Team 7

Pick: Eric Decker, WR-Denver

5. Team 6

Pick: Mike Wallace, WR-Miami

6. Team 5

Pick: Le’Veon Bell, RB-Pittsburgh

7. Team 4

Pick: Eddie Lacy, RB-Green Bay

8. Team 3

Pick: DeSean Jackson, WR-Philadelphia

9. Team 2

Pick: Russell Wilson, QB-Seattle

10.  Team 1

Pick: Hakeem Nicks, WR-New York Giants

What I was thinking before my pick:

Alright, I’m feeling good. My quarterback was the highest scorer in fantasy football last season, my first running back was in the top three, my first receiver was also up there at No. 4, my tight end finished No. 2 despite missing over a month.

I have a rookie running back that I’m excited about and it’s time to round out the skill position players of my team. Personally I would have rather had Welker, but after he was taken I wasn’t too upset.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Now I get to pair my second receiver with my stud quarterback, this is going to be good. It’s not like Colston is some roll over, either. He finished No. 11 for receivers in 2012 so things are bright right now.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-

D/ST-

K-

Round Seven

Round Seven

1. Team 1

Pick: Tony Gonzalez, TE-Atlanta

2. Team 2

Pick: Jason Witten, TE-Dallas

3. Team 3

Pick: Tavon Austin, WR-St. Louis

4. Team 4

Pick: Cecil Shorts, WR-Jacksonville

5. Team 5

Pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR-Kansas City

6. Team 6

Pick: Vernon Davis, TE-San Francisco

7. Team 7

Pick: Steve Smith, WR-Carolina

8. My Team

Pick: Pierre Garcon, WR-Washington

9. Team 9

Pick: Rashard Mendenhall, RB-Arizona

10.  Team 10

Pick: Colin Kaepernick, QB-San Francisco

What I was thinking before my pick:

Man, I really wanted Cecil Shorts. He is the perfect flex player and without Justin Blackmon for the first few weeks of the season, he has a good chance to get off to a huge start.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Garcon is not a bad consolation prize, so I’m happy about that. He also fits the flex position well and will have some big games. Plus, he is a Redskin. I’m not going to say no to that.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-

K-

Round Eight

Round Eight

1. Team 10

Pick: Antonio Brown, WR-Pittsburgh

2. Team 9

Pick: Matthew Stafford, QB-Detroit

3. My Team

Pick: Ahmad Bradshaw, RB-Indianapolis

4. Team 7

Pick: James Jones, WR-Green Bay

5. Team 6

Pick: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB-Cincinnati

6. Team 5

Pick: Torrey Smith, WR-Baltimore

7. Team 4

Pick: Seahawks D/ST

8. Team 3

Pick: Andre Brown, RB-New York Giants

9. Team 2

Pick: Mike Williams, WR-Tampa Bay

10.  Team 1

Pick: Greg Jennings, WR-Minnesota

What I was thinking before my pick:

I only have two running backs. This could be a real problem down the road. Bye weeks and injuries are bound to happen, so it’s time to draft another back.

What I was thinking after my pick:

As long as Bradshaw is in line to get as much playing time as the starter as the Colts have previously reported, then this is going to be a big steal.

He should be more productive than Vick Ballard was a year ago, so Bradshaw is a great backup option at running back. Also, he could potentially be the starter if Ball fizzles.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-

K-

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

Round Nine

Round Nine

1. Team 1

Pick: Anquan Boldin, WR-San Francisco

2. Team 2

Pick: 49ers D/ST

3. Team 3

Pick: Danario Alexander, WR-San Diego

4. Team 4

Pick: T.Y. Hilton, WR-Indianapolis

5. Team 5

Pick: Shane Vereen, RB-New England

6. Team 6

Pick: Johnathan Franklin, RB-Green Bay

7. Team 7

Pick: Steve Johnson, WR-Buffalo

8. My Team

Pick: Lance Moore, WR-New Orleans

9. Team 9

Pick: Owen Daniels, TE-Houston

10.  Team 10

Pick: Kyle Rudolph, TE-Minnesota

What I was thinking before my pick:

It was a little early to take Kyle Rudolph, but I really wanted him because it would be a great insurance policy for Gronkowski and possibly big trade bait in the future.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Well, I’m happy with my pick, but I'm mad that someone took Rudolph. At least I was able to not only handcuff Marques Colston, but also give myself another flex receiver in the event that the Saints have an extremely good matchup against a defense.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-

K-

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

B-Lance Moore (NO)

Round Ten

Round Ten

1. Team 10

Pick: Vick Ballard, RB-Indianapolis

2. Team 9

Pick: Bears D/ST

3. My Team

Pick: Broncos D/ST

4. Team 7

Pick: Miles Austin, WR-Dallas

5. Team 6

Pick: Tony Romo, QB-Dallas

6. Team 5

Pick: DeAngelo Williams, RB-Carolina

7. Team 4

Pick: Ryan Williams, RB-Arizona

8. Team 3

Pick: Michael Vick, QB-Philadelphia

9. Team 2

Pick: Sidney Rice, WR-Seattle

10.  Team 1

Pick: Giovani Bernard, RB-Cincinnati

What I was thinking before my pick:

In pretty much every season before this one, I’ve struggled with trying to balance any form of defense on my fantasy teams. I’m done trying to do that.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Problem solved.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-Broncos D/ST

K-

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

B-Lance Moore (NO)

Round Eleven

Round Eleven

1. Team 1

Pick: Eli Manning, QB-New York Giants

2. Team 2

Pick: Antonio Gates, TE-San Diego

3. Team 3

Pick: Josh Gordon, WR-Cleveland

4. Team 4

Pick: Brandon Myers, TE-New York Giants

5. Team 5

Pick: Greg Olsen, TE-Carolina

6. Team 6

Pick: Ben Roethlisberger, QB-Pittsburgh

7. Team 7

Pick: Jared Cook, TE-St. Louis

8. My Team

Pick: Fred Jackson, RB-Buffalo

9. Team 9

Pick: Denarius Moore, WR-Oakland

10.  Team 10

Pick: Isaiah Pead, RB-St. Louis

What I was thinking before my pick:

Fred Jackson is still on the board, so I’m definitely going to take him. As long as he’s there, of course.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Yes! If the Bills are going to be using Jackson as the starting running back and C.J. Spiller as more of a receiver like they were hinting at, then I’m going to be in for a treat. All of a sudden I’m feeling better about my bench running backs then my starters.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-Broncos D/ST

K-

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

B-Lance Moore (NO)

B-Fred Jackson (BUF)

Round Twelve

Round Twelve

1. Team 10

Pick: Kenny Britt, WR-Tennessee

2. Team 9

Pick: Michael Floyd, WR-Arizona

3. My Team

Pick: Texans D/ST

4. Team 7

Pick: Daryl Richardson, RB-St. Louis

5. Team 6

Pick: Mark Ingram, RB-New Orleans

6. Team 5

Pick: Mikel Leshoure, RB-Detroit

7. Team 4

Pick: Blair Walsh, K-Minnesota

8. Team 3

Pick: Bryce Brown, RB-Philadelphia

9. Team 2

Pick: Matt Schaub, QB-Houston

10.  Team 1

Pick: Emmanuel Sanders, WR-Pittsburgh

What I was thinking before my pick:

Again, I hate having to toy with defenses every year, so this time I am going to get two good defenses and play the one that has the best matchup.

What I was thinking after my pick:

The Texans may actually be my starter for the first few weeks until Von Miller gets back to the lineup for the Broncos, so this is definitely good.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-Broncos D/ST

K-

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

B-Lance Moore (NO)

B-Fred Jackson (BUF)

B-Houston D/ST

Round Thirteen

Round Thirteen

1. Team 1

Pick: Chris Givens, WR-St. Louis

2. Team 2

Pick: Stephen Gostkowski, K-New England

3. Team 3

Pick: Michael Bush, RB-Chicago

4. Team 4

Pick: Joe Flacco, QB-Baltimore

5. Team 5

Pick: Bernard Pierce, RB-Baltimore

6. Team 6

Pick: Jonathan Stewart, RB-Carolina

7. Team 7

Pick: Rams D/ST

8. My Team

Pick: Justin Blackmon, WR-Jacksonville

9. Team 9

Pick: Rob Housler, TE-Arizona

10.  Team 10

Pick: Ben Tate, RB-Houston

What I was thinking before my pick:

My lineup and backups are pretty much set. It’s time to start taking guys that are either handcuffs or project players.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Blackmon fits the mold of project player perfectly. He’s good enough for me to hang on to for the first few weeks while he sits out due to suspension. When he comes back, he could be worthy of being a flex player, or even good trade bait.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-Broncos D/ST

K-

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

B-Lance Moore (NO)

B-Fred Jackson (BUF)

B-Houston D/ST

B-Justin Blackmon (JAX)

Round Fourteen

Round Fourteen

1. Team 10

Pick: Brandon Lloyd, WR-Free Agent

2. Team 9

Pick: Carson Palmer, QB-Arizona

3. My Team

Pick: Jermichael Finley, TE-Green Bay

4. Team 7

Pick: Andy Dalton, QB-Cincinnati

5. Team 6

Pick: Bengals D/ST

6. Team 5

Pick: Kendall Wright, WR-Tennessee

7. Team 4

Pick: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB-Atlanta

8. Team 3

Pick: Patriots D/ST

9. Team 2

Pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR-Indianapolis

10.  Team 1

Pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR-Houston

What I was thinking before my pick:

After Kyle Rudolph slid by my board, I forgot to go back to the tight end well and pull out that insurance policy for Gronkowski.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Although I am not a big Finley fan, he fits the mold pretty well for a backup tight end on my squad.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-Broncos D/ST

K-

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

B-Lance Moore (NO)

B-Fred Jackson (BUF)

B-Houston D/ST

B-Justin Blackmon (JAX)

B-Jermichael Finley (GB)

Round Fifteen

Round Fifteen

1. Team 1

Pick: Steelers D/ST

2. Team 2

Pick: Ronnie Hillman, RB-Denver

3. Team 3

Pick: David Akers, K-Detroit

4. Team 4

Pick: Sam Bradford, QB-St. Louis

5. Team 5

Pick: Packers D/ST

6. Team 6

Pick: Shonn Greene, RB-Tennessee

7. Team 7

Pick: Alshon Jeffery, WR-Chicago

8. My Team

Pick: Phil Dawson, K-San Francisco

9. Team 9

Pick: Vincent Brown, WR-San Diego

10.  Team 10

Pick: Matt Bryant, K-Atlanta

What I was thinking before my pick:

I need a kicker.

What I was thinking after my pick:

I got a kicker.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-Broncos D/ST

K-Phil Dawson (SF)

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

B-Lance Moore (NO)

B-Fred Jackson (BUF)

B-Houston D/ST

B-Justin Blackmon (JAX)

B-Jermichael Finley (GB)

Round Sixteen

Round Sixteen

1. Team 10

Pick: Ravens D/ST

2. Team 9

Pick: Sebastian Janikowski, K-Oakland

3. My Team

Pick: Josh Freeman, QB-Tampa Bay

4. Team 7

Pick: Justin Tucker, K-Baltimore

5. Team 6

Pick: Matt Prater, K-Denver

6. Team 5

Pick: Randy Bullock, K-Houston

7. Team 4

Pick: Andre Roberts, WR-Arizona

8. Team 3

Pick: Martellus Bennett, TE-Chicago

9. Team 2

Pick: Malcom Floyd, WR-San Diego

10.  Team 1

Pick: Josh Brown, K-New York Giants

What I was thinking before my pick:

In the mix of things, I’ve forgotten to take a backup quarterback to Drew Brees. I need to get one so that i’m not lost if Brees goes down or when his bye week comes up.

What I was thinking after my pick:

Freeman was just outside of the Top 10 for quarterbacks in 2012, so he’s a solid pick this late in the draft. Overall, my team looks good and it’s hard to imagine being happier with the results.

How my team looks so far:

QB-Drew Brees (NO)

RB-Alfred Morris (WAS)

RB-Montee Ball (DEN)

WR-A.J. Green (CIN)

WR-Marques Colston (NO)

TE-Rob Gronkowski (NE)

FLX-Pierre Garcon (WAS)

D/ST-Broncos D/ST

K-Phil Dawson (SF)

B-Ahmad Bradshaw (IND)

B-Lance Moore (NO)

B-Fred Jackson (BUF)

B-Houston D/ST

B-Justin Blackmon (JAX)

B-Jermichael Finley (GB)

B-Josh Freeman (TB)