2018 DRAFT RECAPS - 1ST OVERALL - GUY

Number 1: Duncan’s Toy Chest owned by H. Guy Ritch

First Five:

As I've mentioned, we decided to mix up the draft order selection process and did it more like real sports – the lower ranked teams had a better chance at getting high draft picks. It was an attempt to increase parity and it honestly worked out perfectly – the worst team from last year had the 1st pick. While it kinda rewards you for having a bad season, I think it injects a little life into the league.

Anyways Guy had #1 and took the only player he could – Todd Championship Winning Gurley. While Gurley may not repeat the 2,000+ scrimmage yards and 19 TDs from a year ago, it’d be a shock if he didn’t finish as a top 3 RB. He’s projected for 24 points in week 1, which is the highest of any player in our league.

Guy then took Gronk in the 2nd round, which is sort of interesting. First because Guy doesn’t like the Patriots and 2nd because it’s a risky pick. Gronk consistently misses 3-4 games a year and that’s not something you like to hear about your 2nd rounder. As a Pats fan I hope he can play all 16, but as a realist I’m not sold on it. I guess when you have the luxury of Todd Gurley you're allowed to take risks.

His next three picks were Davante Adams, Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake. I really like all of these picks and even with the Gronk concerns, Guy did a great jerb in the first part of his draft. Davante The Adams Family is going to have a huge year as Aaron Mr. Rodgers’ #1 target. He’s going to blow past the 74 catches, 885 yards and 10 TDs he had in 2017.

Derrick Henry Hill is primed for a career year as well. Dion Lewis may cut into his work load, but with our scoring Henry should be a goodfella this year. Ken’s Kenyan Honeymoon Drake proved he could be an elite RB1 the second half of last year and he was good value in the 5th round.

Worst Pats game ever (Lamone, Frader and I were all there.)

Next Five:

Guy filled out most of his starting lineup in rounds 6-10, nabbing a QB, a D/ST and some FLEX depth. Cam Newton was QB4 last year and is capable of monster games while the Vikings D will be an elite unit. I’m not sold on Allen Robinson as his WR2, but the talent and potential is there. Allen was a top 10 WR in 2015, but has sucked/been injured since.

The bench RBs he took could be lottery tickets, but could also be mired in mediocrity. If Devonta Freeman goes down then Tevin Coleman is an RB1. If Freeman stays healthy, Coleman is probably just a bye week fill in. Kerryon Johnson is an interesting pick, but the Lions backfield has been a messy situation for years. I’m actually surprised Guy knew who Johnson was but it looks like most of us are on our game this year.

Last Five:

To round out his team he took three WRs, a Kicker and a backup QB. Having Roethlisberger to back up Cam is a savvy move – The Panthers have an early bye and Newton is one ill-advised scramble away from a concussion or worse. Guy then drafted Greg the Leg Zuerlein who is a great kicker on a big offense. The RB/Kicker stack with Gurley and Zuerlein means that guy will register points basically every time the Rams touch the ball.

Nelson Agholor, Kenny Stills and Michael Gallup are all high upside picks who are expected to contribute this year. Agholor and Stills are actually #1 receivers on their team right now so Guy’s bench is pretty solid.

Grade:

Drafting #1 this year was a tremendous advantage over the competition, but you still have to have a complete draft. Guy did just that and it seems like he’s back on his game after kinda not trying last year. Overall I give him an A for the draft. He’s got a lot of depth, good specialists (QB/K/D/TE) and has some guys who could explode. Best draft Guy has had in years.

Prediction:

I predict Guy finishes 7-6 and earns a bye but loses in the 2nd round. Honestly I’d say he’s the #2 team behind Frader, but Robby D beats him in the 2nd round so that he can lose in the finals again. His team is just really good and I’m not sure anything but injuries could derail him. Upside, star power, talent, good situations, Guy’s team has it all. I waffled back and forth between him and Frader for #1, but I don’t think Gurley can win every league two years in a row.