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Early 2021 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard

Early 2021 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard

The first full week without football is always tough. So I’m coping with no football by getting an early head start on the 2021 fantasy football season.

To do that, I went to our good ole Draft Wizard and conducted a mock draft in a 12-team, standard league with no kickers or defenses. I was randomly assigned the second-overall pick.

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1.2: Dalvin Cook (RB – MIN)
Picking No. 2 overall isn’t as straightforward as it’s been in years past. There are several guys who could be worthy of going second, including Cook, Derrick Henry, and Alvin Kamara. Heck, you could even argue for Nick Chubb or Saquon Barkley to go No. 2 based on their talent.

However, I went the safest route with Cook here. He’s simply a beast and the focal point of Minnesota’s offense. He’s virtually matchup proof too. The only concern is durability, as Cook’s missed at least two games every season. But when he’s on the field, there are few better.

2.11: Stefon Diggs (WR – BUF)
I got my stud running back, and I’m thrilled to get a stud receiver in Diggs at the bottom of the second round. Diggs proved he’s one of the best receivers in the NFL last season, and he should build on his impressive debut season in Buffalo.

3.2: Miles Sanders (RB – PHI)
Miles Sanders was one of the greatest disappointments in fantasy this season. And while I was tempted by the plethora of great receivers available, I opted to take a shot on Sanders bouncing back in 2021.

I’ll admit, the standard format made a difference here, as the running backs were beginning to thin out. Sanders’ situation in Philadelphia is in total flux.

Doug Pederson is gone, which is probably a good thing for Sanders. Pederson refused to commit to the running game and, when he did, relied on a committee approach. And presumptive starting quarterback Jalen Hurts is a total wild card.

Sanders is still a talented player who probably just needs more of a chance to be a featured guy. I don’t love it, but I’m rolling the dice thanks to the format.

4.11: D.J. Moore (WR – CAR)
I had a hunch one of the receivers I liked would still be on the board in Round 4, and I was right. Moore put up 1,193 yards in 2020 but still struggled to get in the end zone. Hopefully, Carolina upgrades from the overly conservative Teddy Bridgewater. A more aggressive quarterback could elevate Moore’s fantasy ceiling.

5.2: Josh Allen (QB – BUF)
Normally, I’ll wait to take my quarterback until much later than Round 5. However, the options at running back and receiver are not appealing. My best options were Robert Woods, Amari Cooper, and Chris Carson, none of whom I particularly like. So I’m locking up the Allen-Diggs connection. There are much worse things you can do in Round 5.

6.11: Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN)
The running backs have dried up. The best tailback on the board is… Zack Moss, followed by Damien Harris and Myles Gaskin.

WOOF. Running back is my greater need, but I can’t justify taking any of these tailbacks this early. Instead, I’m going to scoop up the value left at wide receiver. Sutton was one of my favorite players entering the 2020 season, but injuries derailed him before he could really get started.

I expect Sutton to reassume his role as Denver’s top option in the passing game. Jerry Jeudy was kind of a disaster as a rookie, and the offense lacks any other proven threats outside of Tim Patrick. If Denver realizes Drew Lock isn’t their guy (which they need to), then things get even rosier for Sutton’s fantasy hopes.

7.2: Damien Harris (RB – NE)
Ugh. Tyler Lockett and CeeDee Lamb were still on the board. But I can’t get greedy at receiver in a standard league. I need an RB3.

Harris could be a serviceable option in 2021. But New England is also a team in desperate need of an offensive overhaul. The Patriots could make upgrades across the entire unit. And even if the running back room stays the same, it’s awfully crowded.

Harris has some upside in 2021, but it all depends on how much his team commits to him.

8.11: Jarvis Landry (WR – CLE)
Landry and Baker Mayfield developed great chemistry as the 2020 season went on. I expect that connection to remain strong, even with Odell Beckham Jr., returning to action. A standard league isn’t ideal for Landry, who is known as a reception hog. However, his floor might be a little higher, thanks to his connection with Mayfield.

9.2 Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)
I’ve scooped up Goedert in every mock draft I’ve done this offseason. With Zach Ertz likely on his way out of Philadelphia, I expect Goedert to finally get the target share we’ve been hoping for. His talent will do the rest.

10.11: Laviska Shenault (WR – JAX)
If I could write “pass” here, I would. There is literally nobody I like on the board. I don’t need a backup quarterback; I don’t feel like taking a backup tight end. The best running back on the board is Tarik Cohen, a terrible option in standard leagues. And the receivers are just fliers at this point.

So why not take a flier on a young receiver who could take a big step in Year 2. Shenault will get to catch passes from Trevor Lawrence next season, a major upgrade when compared to Gardner Minshew. I also like Shenault’s skill set as a Deebo Samuel type of weapon.

11.2: Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN)
Is this a reach? Probably. But with 21 picks between this pick and my next one, I can’t take any chances. Mattison is one of the most coveted handcuffs in the NFL. If Cook goes down at any point, which is a legitimate possibility, it’s comforting to know I’m covered.

12.11: Michael Pittman Jr., (WR – IND)
Another flier on a Year 2 receiver I’m a fan of. We don’t know who will be under center for the Colts. But regardless, I think Pittman will play a big role in this passing game.

13.2: Gus Edwards (RB – BAL)
Nothing pretty about this. J.K. Dobbins will be Baltimore’s starter. But the Ravens tend to shuffle their backs in and out. And Edwards still has a role on the goal line.

14.11: Anthony McFarland (RB – PIT)
Could McFarland be Pittsburgh’s starting running back? Beats me! But with James Conner set to hit free agency and no other viable options on the depth chart right now, McFarland has a shot. Of course, it’s only February. I’m sure Pittsburgh will bring somebody in.

It’s my last pick in a February mock draft. Deal with it.

Draft Wizard Final Grade: 93/100

I admit, I was surprised to see the Draft Wizard rate my draft so fondly. But we’ll always take a 93/100 and an A grade in February. This has a strong, balanced starting lineup. But I’ll need players like Sanders and Damien Harris to emerge to have a chance at the title.

What did you think of my mock draft? Let me know on Twitter, @RealMattBarbato.

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Matt Barbato is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matt, check out his archive and follow him @RealMattBarbato

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