Fantasy Football Draft: Where Work Meets Play Meets Passion

John LorgeAug 28, 2009

The work league. I've you've been in one you know the amount of dedication one puts into trouncing his or her (one female joined us) opponents.

These are the people you chew the fat with at the water cooler. Their team affiliations are displayed in their cubes. You know who they will never pick and who they must have on their teams.

Before I get into the details of the draft you must know this league has a very individual setup. The 10 team league starts 2 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 2 WR/RB, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 D, and 4 bench spots. The scoring is 1 point per 25 yards passing, or 10 yards rushing/receiving with fractional scoring. All TDs are 6 points with INTs and fumbles at -2.

You get a six-point bonus for 300 yards passing or 100 yards receiving/rushing in a game. Kicking and defensive scoring is standard with the exception of sacks being 2 points.

Now to the draft.

I had the second pick which put me between a rock and a hard place. I would have rather been picking closer to the turn so I could have went after two elite QBs who are at a premium the way the league is set up.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew - Despite the emphasis on passers I can not pass on the potential of MJD. With his elite receiving ability Jones-Drew can truly threaten the 2,000 total yard mark.

19. Randy Moss - The only first tier player still on the board, Moss plus Brady equals points. I just wish I had the Brady part of the equation too.

22. Kurt Warner - I was happy to take Warner as the sixth QB off the board. I like his 300 yard games over Rodgers who went 20th.

39. Wes Welker - Yes, I am putting my receiving eggs in one basket but Welker is a yardage monster and if Brady's pass isn't going to Moss, Welker is the next best bet.

42. Larry Johnson - Although he was banged up recently I really like the re-focused Johnson this year. His ability to rack-up 100 yard games is a bonus, literally.

59. Reggie Bush - People are worried that Bush isn't a good fantasy option because other backs will steal carries, but who says they were his in the first place? Reggie gets yards and touchdowns, touches are not the focus of his game.

62. Darren McFadden - While it's risky taking any Raider because of their lack of scoring, McFadden is a rare talent. I'm taking a gamble with picks six and seven but if one pays off it's worth it.

79. Chris Cooley - The receivers I was targeting were going to last a few more rounds and Ray Rice just went off the board. The choice was between Cooley and Greg Olsen, I went for the more proven option expecting him to find the end zone more this year.

82. Pittsburgh - Stuck with the same board I was seeing three picks ago I decided to get the most disruptive defense on the board, and with sacks being two points it could really pay off. Look for Lawrence Timmons to make a huge impact for the Super Bowl Champs.

99. Torry Holt - The Jags are entering the season unified and undistracted. Unfortunately I couldn't get David Garrard but I will take his top target.

102. Brett Favre - I am proud to say I have rostered Favre on at least one team every year I've played fantasy football. He will adjust to his teammates and feel more at ease in the NFC North and playing in an offense that plays to his strengths. I am happy to have Favre as my second starter.

119. Donald Brown - Every year at lease one rookie back out-performs expectations. Brown should either hit or miss by the time I need him.

122. LeSean McCoy - And if it's not Brown to blow, my next bet is McCoy. His success may depend on Westbrook’s health but that being said he could get a few spot starts.

139. Mason Crosby - The Packers like to move the ball and if they don't get it in the end zone, a FG will do. Chances are he won't fill the spot for 16 weeks, but he does play the Lions twice.

142. Chad Pennington - It looks like I will need a backup QB before a backup WR, but I am going to keep my eye on the wire in case one of the underestimated guys performs.