My first mock draft of the 2012 season

Wow...it seems like the regular season is still ages away, but I've already participated in my first mock draft of the year.  This one was for Sporting News' Annual Draft Guide, which will be in print in June.

I pulled the 2nd overall pick in the 12-team league.  It's a standard, non-PPR league with a starting lineup of 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 D/ST. 

Here's what I did:

Pick 1.2: Ray Rice, RB, Ravens.  Foster went first, and as much as I love Shady, I went with the safer option in Rice.
Pick 2.11: Greg Jennings, WR, Packers.  Elite receivers were flying off the board in this round (Megatron went 6th overall), but I loved getting Aaron Rodgers' favorite target here.  That said, as soon as Jordy Nelson was taken in the 4th round, I had some buyer's remorse.  Nelson offered much better value.
Pick 3.2: Michael Vick, QB, Eagles.  A bit of a gamble here, but Rodgers, Brees, Stafford, Brady and Cam were already gone.  I wasn't sure what I'd be left with if I didn't grab him now.
Pick 4.11: Fred Jackson, RB, Bills.  I love the value of this pick, assuming he comes back healthy.  Jackson was a beast before his injury last season, and I'll be expecting greatness again.
Pick 5.2: Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys.  I needed another receiver, and Austin was the best available (though I momentarily toyed with taking Dez; decided I didn't need a knucklehead on my squad).  Ohbytheway, Gronkowski went in the mid-3rd and Jimmy Graham in the early 4th.
Pick 6.11: Doug Martin, RB, Bucs. I was targeting a TE here, but Gates and Witten went in the two picks right before mine.  So I went with my 7th-round plan and took Martin.  Tampa Bay didn't trade up to the first round to grab a backup RB.  I expect the rookie to supplant LeGarrette Blount by Week 1.  Martin is projected as a 3-down back.
Pick 7.2: Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts.  I moaned as I made this pick, with memories of Indy's implosion still fresh on my mind.  Hopefully he'll have some Luck with his new QB.  Not a bad WR3, I suppose.
Pick 8.11: Robert Meachem, WR, Chargers.  Here's hoping he'll find some consistency with Philip Rivers.  No reason he can't vault over Malcom Floyd to be the No. 1 WR in this offense.
Pick 9.2: Matt Schaub, QB, Texans.  At this point, Schaub had dropped so far that I felt he represented too much value to overlook.  What a backup QB!
Pick 10.11: Ryan Williams, RB, Cardinals.  He was one of the hottest rookie prospects last year around this time, but then he was lost before the season even started with a major injury.  If he comes back 100%, there's no reason to think he won't challenge the even-more-injury-prone Beanie Wells for the starting job.
Pick 11.2: Owen Daniels, TE, Texans.  Pretty slim pickings among TEs at this point.  Had to take what I could get.
Pick 12.11: Sidney Rice, WR, Seahawks.  He kept sliding and sliding and sliding until I could overlook him no more.  Who knows?  He could prove to be a steal in the 12th round, if he and Matt Flynn develop some chemistry.
Pick 13.2: Steelers defense/special teams.  The Ravens were the first D/ST off the board in the 9th round, so this is pretty good value.  Wanted the Eagles, but they were snatched up a few picks before mine.
Pick 14.11: Mikel LeShoure, RB, Lions. One thing we can be pretty confident about: Jahvid Best won't make it through the season in one piece.  If LeShoure can just stay healthy, he'll be a starter in the Detroit backfield at some point.
Pick 15.2:  Mario Manningham, WR, 49ers.  This is what you call bench depth, although I wouldn't be completely shocked if he emerges as the best fantasy receiver in that offense.  Who do you like more...Crabtree?  Moss?  A rookie?
Pick 16.11:  Sam Bradford, QB, Rams.  I don't need another passer, but if he gets on a roll, he could be nice trade bait for a QB-needy rival. 
Pick 17.2: Jason Hanson, K, Lions.  Mason Crosby inexplicably went in the 14th round.  Hanson is one of several kickers available in the late-16th and 17th rounds who should be just fine.

There you have it.  I'm sure by the time we're drafting for real, I'll feel completely differently about this squad.  For now, I think it's pretty solid from top to bottom.

2012 Draft second day observations

Here are my initial thoughts on several of the players taken in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the 2012 Draft:


Ratings key: 5 - Instant Fantasy Stud
                        4 - Solid Fantasy Contributor
                        3 - Bench Depth Only
                        2 - Maybe in 2013                        

                        1 - Could Be a While


Round 2
No. 33: Brian Quick, WR, Rams.  No team needs help at receiver more than St. Louis.  Quick has a chance to be an instant starter, if he can develop some rapport quickly with Sam Bradford.  Rating: 3

No. 34: Coby Fleener, TE, Colts.  Two things going in Fleener's favor: He'll team up with his Stanford QB, Luck.  And he'll step into an offense in desperate need of another good set of hands.  That said, it's hard to see him as a consistent fantasy contributor in his rookie season.  He's not a draftable option, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him as a mid-season free agent pickup.  Rating: 2

No. 43: Stephen Hill, WR, Jets.  Hill is a true speedster, but it will take him some time to break into the lineup.   He has fantasy potential if Mark Sanchez ever takes the next step in his progression.  If Tebow takes over, though, all bets are off.  Rating: 1

No. 45: Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears.  Brandon Marshall is the only sure thing among Chicago receivers.  That means Jeffery will have a chance to contribute as soon as he's ready, especially if Johnny Knox (back) doesn't return from surgery completely ready.  Rating: 2

No. 50: Isaiah Pead, RB, Rams.  Meet S-Jax's new handcuff.  Unless the Rams' offense improves markedly, or Jackson gets hurt, that's about the extent of his value in his rookie season.  He'll make his mark mostly on special teams in his first year.  But he's worth strong consideration in keeper leagues.  Many project him to be Jackson's heir apparent. Rating: 3

No. 54: Ryan Broyles, WR, Lions.  He's coming off ACL surgery, so it's not clear when he'll even be available.  The Lions' starting receivers are also pretty secure.  Broyles is a project.  Rating: 2

No. 57: Brock Osweiler, QB, Broncos.  Will compete with Peyton Manning for the starting job in Denver.  Wait a minute.  No he won't.  Rating: 1

No. 61: LaMichael James, RB, 49ers.  The Oregon star will really have to dazzle during training camp and preseason to work his way into a legitimate role in this offense.  At best, he's a third-down back; but both Brandon Jacobs and Kendall Hunter are already lining up behind Frank Gore.  Rating: 1

No. 63: Rueben Randle, WR, Giants.  As with James, Randle has some other players to vault over before he will even have a chance to contribute.  Rating: 2

Round 3
No. 64: Dwayne Allen, TE, Colts.  Fuggetaboutit.  If any rookie TE is going to prosper in Indy, it's Fleener.  This ain't Peyton Manning's Colts (or Brady's Patriots).  Rating: 1

No. 67: Ronnie Hillman, RB, Broncos.  There's a backlog of RBs in Denver, but nobody is truly secure besides Willis McGahee.  Hillman is a small but quicker version of Knowshon Moreno.  His name could surface later in the 2012 season if injuries or mediocre play infect the Broncos' backfield.  Rating: 2

No. 68: Devier Posey, WR, Texans.  Say goodbye to the underachieving Jacoby Jones, and hello to Matt Schaub's third WR.  It's not out of the question that he could jump ahead of Kevin Walter at some point in the season.  Rating: 2

No. 69: T.J. Graham, WR, Bills.  He's a burner who will mostly serve as a kick/punt returner in his rookie season.  Considered a reach in the 3rd round.  Rating: 1

No. 75: Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks.  No thanks.  Rating: 1

No. 78: Michael Egnew, TE, Dolphins.  None of Miami's receivers are likely to be fantasy relevant in 2012.  Rating: 1

No. 83: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Bengals.  There's room in Cincinnati for another starting WR opposite A.J. Green.  Sanu will get his shot, but it's hard to imagine he'll make a meaningful impact as a rookie.  Rating: 2

No. 84: Bernard Pierce, RB, Ravens.  With Ricky Williams bidding farewell, Pierce will presumably be given every chance to be Ray Rice's primary backup.  Rating: 3

No. 88: Nick Foles, QB, Eagles.  He'll provide depth for Philly, but not for your fantasy team.  Rating: 1

No. 92: T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts.  Andrew Luck needs a fast, young receiver, and Hilton is both.  But don't expect a lot of highlights right away.  Rating: 2

Knee jerk reactions to the NFL Draft -- Round 1

As the 2012 NFL Draft unfolds, we're finally learning where the latest crop of young blood is heading.  Here's my initial, knee-jerk analysis of the fantasy prospects for the offensive skill-position players selected in the 1st round.

Ratings key: 5 - Instant Fantasy Stud
                        4 - Solid Fantasy Contributor
                        3 - Bench Depth Only
                        2 - Maybe in 2013
                        1 - Could Be a While

No. 1 -- Andrew Luck, QB, Colts.  Rookie passers going to crappy teams make lousy fantasy QBs.  Right, Cam?  I suppose if Newton can make chicken salad out of Carolina's chicken scratch, Luck has a chance to produce with veteran Reggie Wayne and, um, the others.  But Cam's rushing ability was the real difference-maker, and Luck isn't similarly blessed.  Not only is Luck not a runner, he won't have any decent RBs behind him.  Rating: 2

No. 2 -- Robert Griffin, Jr., QB, Redskins.  RG3 has a great chance to be this year's Cam Newton.  Or perhaps the next Michael Vick.  He'll have decent talent around him in Washington, and he's equally lethal as a rusher and passer.  It helps that he'll play against three division rivals with suspect secondaries.  Rating: 3

No. 3 -- Trent Richardson, RB, Browns.  The best rusher in the draft will line up behind a solid offensive line for a team that lives and dies by the run.  Jackpot!  Rating: 5

No. 5 -- Justin Blackmon, WR, Jaguars.  No matter how talented he is, a receiver can't throw the ball to himself.  Until Jacksonville puts a decent QB under center, I'll pass on Blackmon.  Rating: 2

No. 8 -- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins.  As a life-long Miami fan, my reaction to using the 8th overall pick on a not-terribly-impressive quarterback with 19 career college starts can be summed up in two words: Damn it.  Rating: 1


No. 13 -- Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals.  I'm already worried about confusing him with Malcom Floyd, but at least I have four months to figure it out.  Like Malcom, Michael is a big red zone target with good speed.  But Arizona's rookie won't have a QB the caliber of Philip Rivers targeting him.  Lining up opposite Larry Fitzgerald isn't exactly a ticket to fantasy stardom either.  Just ask every Cards WR not named Boldin.  Rating: 2.

No. 20 -- Kendall Wright, WR, Titans.  RG3's favorite target at Baylor won't necessarily claim a starting job in his rookie year, as long as Kenny Britt and Nate Washington are healthy.  Even if he cracks the lineup, his ceiling is fairly low in a rush-oriented offense piloted by either Matt Hasselbeck or Jake Locker.  Rating: 2.

No. 22 -- Brandon Weeden, QB, Browns.  Will be given a shot at the starting job over Colt McCoy.  Even if he wins it, though, I'm not interested this year.  Probably not for a couple of years.  Rating: 1

No. 30 -- A.J. Jenkins, WR, 49ers.  A huge surprise/reach at this spot, Jenkins definitely has speed to burn.  But the Illinois product will be competing for balls with Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, Randy Moss and Vernon Davis.  And Alex Smith isn't exactly Tom Brady.  I don't expect to see many Jenkins highlights on the Red Zone Channel this fall.  Rating: 2.

No. 31 -- Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers.  Tampa Bay coveted Trent Richardson, but Martin is a heck of a consolation prize.  The Boise State workhorse should seize the lead role in the Bucs' mediocre backfield immediately.  He's not considered explosive, but runs tough between the tackles.  He could be a goal-line stud.  Rating: 4.

No. 32 -- David Wilson, RB, Giants.  The ACC Player of the Year is small in stature, but extremely explosive.  He's a good receiver out of the backfield and in the slot, but the Giants don't seem like the perfect fit for him.  He won't take over the departed Brandon Jacobs' power role, but rather will be more of a complementary back to Ahmad Bradshaw.  Rating: 3.

No doubt, my projections will change over the next few months.  But for now, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Offseason moves of note -- Tracking 'em as they happen

It's a long offseason, Fools. But at least the teams and players are tossing us a bone and moving around, giving us something to ponder while we await the 2012 season.

Once again, Fantasy Fools will keep a running tab of all the moves of note among offensive playmakers until Opening Weekend. We won't report the rumors, or the players that re-sign with their current teams. Just the confirmed trades and free agent signings.

Here are the moves as of May 24...


QBs
Peyton Manning, Broncos -- Set loose by the Colts. Taking his talents to Denver.
Tim Tebow, Jets -- With Manning in the fold, Denver sends Tebow to New York at a major loss (in draft value).
Matt Flynn, Seahawks -- A-Rod's backup will now take over in Seattle.
David Garrard, Dolphins -- Former Jag heads to Miami. Hard to tell who's happier: Dolphins fans, or Broncos fans...
Kyle Orton, Cowboys -- Former Bronco gives Dallas a legit backup for Romo.
Jason Campbell, Bears -- Raiders' free agent signs with Chicago to backup Cutler.
Chad Henne, Jags -- Heads north from Miami to mess with Blaine Gabbert's head.
Trent Edwards, Eagles -- Former Bills start now backs up Vick in Philly.
Charlie Whitehurst, Chargers -- Ex-Seahawk returns to San Diego to backup Rivers.
Caleb Hanie, Broncos -- Cutler's former backup now hopes Peyton's neck ain't all that...
John Beck -- Released by the Redskins after the team drafted RG3 and Kirk Cousins.
Matt Leinart, Raiders -- Signed to back up Carson Palmer after an injury kept him from backing up Schaub.
Vince Young, Bills -- Your new backup for Ryan Fitzpatrick.  My, how the mighty have fallen...

RBs
Peyton Hillis, Chiefs -- Will try to rebound in Kansas City after a miserable year in Cleveland.
Michael Bush, Bears -- Could weigh down Matt Forte's value after leaving Oakland in his dust. But RunDMC is looking better...
Joseph Addai, Patriots -- The latest escapee from Indy joins a very crowded backfield in New England.
Mike Tolbert, Panthers -- Escapes from time-share with Ryan Mathews in San Diego to form three-headed monster in Carolina.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals. The Law Firm has moved its practice from New England to Cincinnati.
Ryan Grant -- Looking for a new home after Green Bay moves on without him.
Brandon Jacobs, 49ers -- Leaves Super Bowl champs to cast doubt on Frank Gore's first-round value. Ahmad Bradshaw's stock shoots up though, for now.
Le'Ron McClain, Chargers -- Former Chief and Raven heads to San Diego to add another TD poacher to the mix.
Mike Goodson, Raiders -- Traded by Panthers to backup RunDMC in Oakland.
Lex Hilliard, Vikings -- Leaves Miami to backup AD.
Marion Barber III -- Former Cowboy and Bear announced his retirement.
Deji Karim, Colts -- Claimed by Indy off waivers after MJD's backup was released.

WRs
Brandon Marshall, Bears -- Traded by the Dolphins to the Bears, to be reunited with Jay Cutler -- assuming he can stay out of trouble.
Vincent Jackson, Bucs -- Left Chargers for a mongo 5-year contract with Tampa Bay.
Laurent Robinson, Jaguars -- Cashed in on his unexpected success in Dallas with a big deal from Jacksonville.
Pierre Garcon, Redskins -- Left Indy for Washington. Will instantly become RG3's top receiver.
Mario Manningham, 49ers -- No more #3 for the Giants. He could be the leading man in San Fran.
Robert Meachem, Chargers -- Left Saints for a 4-year deal with San Diego.
Josh Morgan, Redskins -- Former disappointing 49er will now disappoint as a Redskin.
Randy Moss, 49ers -- Will resume his chase for Jerry Rice's records in a 49er uniform, assuming he makes the team.
Eddie Royal, Chargers -- Heads west from Denver.
Brandon Lloyd, Patriots -- Leaves Bradford's Rams for Brady's Pats.
Anthony Gonzalez, Patriots -- Joins the exodus from Indy, but will he ever see the field?
Chaz Schilens, Jets -- Heads cross-country from Oakland. Will probably pull a hammy on the way.
Andre Caldwell, Broncos -- Flips out of Cinci and lands in Peyton's receiving corps.
Donte Stallworth, Patriots -- Did you know he was most recently a Redskin? What are the chances anyone will care he's a Pat?
Donnie Avery, Colts -- Injury-prone speedster leaves Titans for division rivals.
Steve Smith, Rams -- Not the Panthers' Smith, the perpetually injured Smith moves from his rental in Philly to St. Louis.
Lee Evans, Jags -- Blew his chance to put the Ravens in the Super Bowl and is banished to Jacksonville.
Brandon Stokley, Broncos -- Former Giant will try to rekindle injury-plagued career with Peyton, the only QB to ever get anything out of him.
Jerome Simpson, Vikings -- Flipped out of Cincinnati after receiving 3-game suspension and landed on both feet in Minnesota.
Jabar Gaffney, Patriots -- Released by the Skins after they signed Garcon and Morgan.  Re-signed by the Patriots.
Jacoby Jones, Ravens -- Cut by the Texans.  Signed for 2 years by Baltimore.
Legedu Naanee, Dolphins -- Former Panther and Charger now will try to plant roots in Miami.

TEs
Kevin Boss, Chiefs -- Released by the Raiders and quickly signed by the Chiefs.
Martellus Bennett, Giants -- Underachieving Cowboy takes his big mouth and 2 catches-per-game to New York.
John Carlson, Vikings -- Former Seahawk will compete for scarce touches in Minnesota.
Kellen Winslow, Seahawks -- Traded by the Bucs to fellow expansion team (for the old-timers out there).
Dallas Clark, Bucs -- Released by the Colts. Looking for a landing spot.  Found it in Tampa Bay after Winslow was ejected.
Joel Dreessen, Broncos -- Ex-Texan might get a chance to shine in Denver.
Jacob Tamme, Broncos -- Joins former Indy teammate Manning in Denver. Interesting...
Leonard Pope, Steelers -- Moves on from Phoenix to backup Heath Miller. Nothing to see here...

Ks
Neil Rackers, Redskins -- Moves from Houston to compete with Graham Gano.
Josh Brown, Jets -- Released by the Rams after the team drafted Greg Zuerlein.  Will now compete with Nick Folk for the job.
Shayne Graham, Texans -- Free agent heads to Houston to compete with Randy Bullock.
Ryan Longwell -- Cut by the Vikings after Blair Walsh was drafted.  Will kick for food.

Chief Fool named "Football Writer of the Year" (again)

Who says lightning can't strike twice?

I'm very proud and humbled to report that the Fantasy Sports Writers Association has voted me its "Football Writer of the Year," for the second consecutive year. Apparently, this is the first time anyone has won twice. I was also the first to be a finalist two years running.

In addition, one of my columns was voted "Best Humor Column" of the year, across all sports. If you're interested, it's this one. (It was funnier two months ago...)

I didn't prepare a speech, but I'd like to thank the FSWA, the Hollywood Foreign Press and all the little gurus out there who made this possible.

The official press release, which includes winners in other categories and sports, is here.

Hope you're having a great off-season! So far, so good, for yours truly.

Oops, they did it again!

I'm pleased, honored (and quite a bit shocked) to announce that I have once again been named one of three finalists for "Football Writer of the Year" by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. This is the most prestigious award in the biz, and apparently I am the first to have been named a finalist in consecutive years.

Am I being punked? All this time I was thinking last year was just a big mix-up.
Surely either Brad Evans or Alessandro Miglio will win the trophy this year; but it's awesome to be in their company.

I am also a finalist for "Best Humor Article" of the year, which is funny.

Here's the official announcement, if you'd like to see more.

Thanks to Fools everywhere for your support and encouragement. We'll find out next Tuesday night who the winners are.

Perfect Draft: The Final Countdown

Hindsight may be 20/20. But hindsight armed with statistics is just brutal.

What seems so obvious now – of course Victor Cruz was poised for a breakout year; didn’t you see him tear it up in the preseason? – wasn’t quite so crystal clear to most of us just five short months ago.

It’s all part of our elusive quest for the perfect draft, the Holy Grail of fantasy football. One of these days, I’m going to achieve it. Probably right after I cure cancer, win the lottery and get stalked by Mila Kunis.


Until then, I’ll keep torturing myself – and my readers – by exploring what could have been had we made all the right moves during our preseason draft. Yes, it’s time for my oft-imitated, always-controversial, yet magically delicious 2011 Perfect Draft: The Final Countdown.

As usual, we operate under a few key assumptions:

1. We’re in a 10-team league using a standard scoring system that starts one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker and one defense/special teams.
2. We are drafting from the middle (fifth) position in a zig-zag format, meaning Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster and Ray Rice will be gone by the time we pick.
3. The preseason average draft position (ADP) of each player – according to multiple mock draft sites canvassed during early September – is used to determine the most valuable selections in each round;
4. Since all drafts play out differently, we’ll need a little luck along the way.

And last, in the spirit of truth, justice and the Tebow Way, our goal is nothing short of total domination and the abject humiliation of our opponents.

Now, with the fifth pick of the 2011 Fantasy Draft, we should have selected…

Round 1. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles. Fantasy’s most reliable tailback scored at least one TD in every game, except Weeks 11 and 16. That last one may still be tormenting some owners, but no running back carried more teams to the postseason than Shady.

Round 2. Drew Brees, QB, Saints. Passing on Aaron Rodgers in the first round might sting, until you realize who’s waiting here. In the season’s second half, Brees turned it up a notch and never let up.

Round 3. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers. He fizzled a bit down the stretch while Ben Roethlisberger was hobbling; but Wallace’s play-making services are always welcome on our “perfect” roster.

Round 4. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots. Welker has had some impressive seasons, but this one was truly special. In point-per-reception (PPR) formats, Tom Brady’s favorite target is fantasy gold.

Round 5. Fred Jackson, RB, Bills. He was an absolute beast until he pulled up lame in Week 11. We’ll enjoy the ride while we can.

Round 6. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks. Arguably this year’s most underrated fantasy star, Lynch scored at least one TD in 11 consecutive weeks on his way to his first Top 5 finish.

Round 7. Matt Stafford, QB, Lions. Stockpiling elite quarterbacks is fun, even though we’ll rarely start them. At least we keep Stafford’s 41 scoring strikes off our opponents’ rosters.

Round 8. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers. He barely cracked the Top 70 receiver ranks last season, which is why Smith came so cheap this year. Besides, we knew he’d have to fight through the growing pains of a rookie quarterback who didn’t have the benefit of a full training camp. Uh, not so much.

Round 9. Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints. Brees spread the ball around liberally amongst his wideouts, but he played favorites with his tight end. Graham put together a monster season eclipsed only by our next pick.

Round 10. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots. My choice for Fantasy MVP will give this squad a 10 to 15 point advantage at his position most weeks (especially since we won’t have to face Graham).

Round 11. Michael Bush, RB, Raiders. When Darren McFadden went down in Week 7, Bush was expected to be an interim solution. Instead, he carried the load the rest of the season and finished within the Top 10 ranks.

Round 12. Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers. “Mr. Big Play” amassed 15 touchdowns (second only to Calvin Johnson among wide receivers), including scoring receptions of 36, 37, 40, 50, 55, 58, 84 and 93 yards. If we can’t have Rodgers, it’s nice consolation to secure the services of his most prolific receiver.

Round 13. Darren Sproles, RB, Saints. New Orleans’ prized free-agent acquisition combined for 1,313 rushing and receiving yards and nine touchdowns, flourishing in the multi-purpose role originally designed for Reggie Bush.

Round 14. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers. Rookie quarterbacks aren’t supposed to be fantasy forces, much less NFL record-breakers. Especially when they are drafted by the worst team in the league. Oh yeah; Newton was his team’s best running back, too.

Round 15: 49ers defense/special teams. In many scoring formats, the 49ers finished the season as the top-ranked unit, thanks to 38 turnovers and the second-fewest points allowed. San Francisco went undrafted in most leagues.

Round 16. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants. We’ll have to tell our friends who Cruz is, but they’ll curse us in Week 3. We now own four of the top six wideouts in Fantasyland. It pays to be omniscient.

Round 17. David Akers, K, 49ers. Once again, owners who wasted an earlier pick on an “elite” kicker were out-maneuvered by those who waited patiently. While Akers had a stellar pedigree, few expected him to remain relevant once he moved cross-country.

There you have it. Piece of cake, right?