Your annual fantasy football draft will be here before you know it. There is no better way to prepare for a draft than by going through a mock draft. Here, I will break down a 16-round mock from the 10th overall selection. This draft was a 10-team superflex draft with half-PPR scoring. The starting lineup features one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one superflex spot, one defense, and one kicker.
This will be a series with a new mock draft every eight days leading up to the draft. You can find all of the other mocks at this link. The series will feature eight total mocks ranging by format (half-PPR, full PPR, 10-team, 12-team, superflex, and non-superflex).
Pick 1.10: Nick Chubb (RB4)
If you saw my last mock, you surely know that I am all aboard the Chubb hype train this year. While he’s not quite as valuable in a half-PPR league than he is in a standard scoring format, the value was far too good to pass up at the 10th overall pick. Saquon Barkley would have been a good value pick here, too, but I decided to stay true to my rankings.
Also Considered: Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley, Tyreek Hill
Pick 2.01: Austin Ekeler (RB6)
In half-PPR, Ekeler is a really good pick at 2.01. While Barkley is ranked higher by most analysts, I am hesitant to aggressively pursue him given his injury history. The Giants will also be playing from behind quite often so Barkley might see a less-than-ideal workload in the second half of most games. As such, I went with the Chargers’ running back, whom I rank higher than Barkley anyways. He might have even less competition if Los Angeles cuts Justin Jackson, and his first full season with Justin Herbert should translate to a boatload of points.
Also Considered: Saquon Barkley, Tyreek Hill, Russell Wilson
Pick 3.10: Tom Brady (QB8)
After passing on a quarterback in the first and second rounds, this was my main position of focus at the next turn. I jumped on the opportunity to snag Brady, whose value is very safe. He won’t ever be the QB1, but he’s a safe bet for a top-12 finish. Getting a full season with Antonio Brown will only help his production. It’s also important to note that the early-season tensions between Bruce Arians and Brady are in the past. Thus, things are now smooth sailing in Tampa Bay.
Also Considered: Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown, Najee Harris
Pick 4.01: Ryan Tannehill (QB9)
In a supeflex league, one early-round QB isn’t always enough. I have Tannehill ranked neck-and-neck in my rankings and will likely flip-flop them several times over the next two months. Regardless of where I rank them at the end of August, the fact of the matter is that Tannehill will be passing to A.J. Brown and Julio Jones this upcoming season. While Derrick Henry will be a factor game, he will also open up the offense and allow the Titans to build scoring drives. This, of course, will surely benefit Tannehill, too.
Also Considered: A.J. Brown, Najee Harris, Joe Burrow
Pick 5.10: George Kittle (TE2)
I’m not sure what the 49ers’ offense will look like with Jimmy Garoppolo under center this year, nor will I feel confident in the unit when it is led by Trey Lance. Still, Kittle is a fairly safe pick because he is a true playmaker. He’s a beast as both a pass-catcher and blocker, creating separation and opportunities to pick up big yardage. Further, Kittle can be a threat in the end zone. While Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are both 6-foot, Kittle checks in at 6-foot-4. He can get open in the end zone and use his height to produce touchdowns. If he can stay healthy, Kittle should have a highly successful 2021 season.
Also Considered: D.J. Moore, Baker Mayfield, Ceedee Lamb
Pick 6.01: D.J. Moore (WR13)
While I do have some concerns about the Panthers’ offense this year, Joe Brady should help the unit succeed as they become more organized in 2021. Although he has struggled to find the end zone, Moore produces great yardage and is still just 24 years old. The return of Christian McCaffrey should lead to longer drives and more opportunities for Moore. Meanwhile, the departure of Curtis Samuel creates more opportunities for Moore in the passing game. If Darnold can be even remotely serviceable in 2021, Moore might be looking at a top-12 finish among receivers.
Also Considered: Baker Mayfield, Ceedee Lamb
Pick 7.10: Chris Carson (RB16)
Carson is a reliable backfield weapon who should have an impact once again in 2021. He has a firm hold on the top spot in the depth chart with Rashaad Penny coming back from injury and Travis Homer and Deejay Dallas having limited relevance. Carson is another player who needs to stay healthy this upcoming season. If he does, expect a pretty steady floor out of him on a weekly basis.
Also Considered: Kenny Golladay, David Montgomery, Miles Sanders
Pick 8.01: Kenny Golladay (W19)
Golladay signed with the Giants this season after a poor 2020 and frustrating divorce with the Lions. Golladay could benefit from Daniel Jones‘s tendency to air the ball out, though none of that will matter if he can’t be an accurate passer. As such, this is a fairly risky pick, especially as my WR2. With that said, Golladay is the clear alpha receiver on this Giants squad; volume should not be a major concern.
Also Considered: David Montgomery, Miles Sanders, Travis Etienne
Pick 9.10: Derek Carr (QB19)
Getting a third quarterback is important for bye weeks and matchup-based scenarios. Carr has been quite reliable and consistent over the past few seasons, yet he has been fairly underrated in most drafts and rankings. I feel more than comfortable ranking him at No. 19, which makes him a low-end QB2.
Also Considered: DeVonta Smith, Tua Tagovailoa, Zack Moss
Pick 10.01: DeVonta Smith (WR28)
The Eagles added another rookie receiver this year in Smith, an Alabama product. He should take over as the top receiver on this squad, lining up on the outside and commanding plenty of targets. My biggest concern with Smith is the quarterback who is throwing to him. Sure, Jalen Hurts is mobile and poised. But can he really stretch the field and sneak the ball past defenders and into the hands of Smith?
Also Considered: Tua Tagovailoa, Zack Moss, Ronald Jones
Pick 11.10: Zack Moss (RB29)
There were several times last year where I expected Moss to pass Devin Singletary on the Bills’ depth chart. That never happened in 2020, but I’m not losing hope going forward. Moss is best in the running game, though he can be impactful as a pass-catcher, too. Heading into his second pro season, Moss probably needs to be declared as the team’s starting running back if he is going to be drafted as a top-32 running back.
Also Considered: T.J. Hockenson, Tua Tagovailoa, Curtis Samuel
Pick 12.01: T.J. Hockenson (TE4)
I thought drafting Kittle would allow me to snag just one tight end in the draft. Instead, I took one more at the position, this time landing my No. 4 tight end. This is absolutely incredible value in the 12th round and it would have been foolish to pass this up. Hockenson may take a small step back following the quarterback change, but there is no doubt that he will be bombarded with monumental volume. He should finish as a top-six tight end.
Also Considered: Tua Tagovailoa, Curtis Samuel, Dallas Goedert
Pick 13.10: Tony Pollard (RB37)
Pollard has emerged as one of the top handcuffs in the league. Drafting him here allows me to either trade him to the Ezekiel Elliott owner or cash in big time if Elliott were to go down with an injury. Pollard’s explosion for 132 yards and two touchdowns in Week 15 last year helps put him ahead of other handcuffs such as Nyheim Hines, Jamaal Williams, Alexander Mattison, or Darrell Henderson.
Also Considered: Marquise Brown, Nyheim Hines, Darrell Henderson
Pick 14.01: Marquise Brown (WR44)
I do not feel great about this pick, though I have some home that the Ravens might finally utilize Brown the right way now that they have (somewhat) organized their receiving corps. If offensive coordinator Greg Roman calls up more deep routes for the third-year wideout, he might be a disappointment. However, he could also dominate by getting open and serving as a reliable weapon for Lamar Jackson as he continues to develop as a passer.
Also Considered: Corey Davis, Nyheim Hines, Darrell Henderson
Pick 15.10: New England Patriots (D/ST7)
The Patriots led the NFL in interceptions last season, then bolstered their defense (and offense) over the past free agency period. Look for this squad to have some big games in 2021, especially if they can rattle or dismantle young quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson.
Also Considered: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints
Pick 16.01: Younghoe Koo (K1)
This is the best kicker in the league. Easiest pick of the draft.
Also Considered: Jason Sanders, Rodrigo Blankenship, Daniel Carlson
Parting Thoughts
My performance at wide receiver could have certainly gone better. Golladay is a solid WR2, but he also has a worrisome floor. Furthermore, the Marquise Brown pick at 14.01 feels somewhat unstable. Meanwhile, on a more positive note, it is impossible to not feel great about landing both Kittle and Hockenson at quite the legitimate value. This gives me plenty of leverage in trade talks going forward, too.
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