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Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Superflex (2021)


 
Superflex is one of my favorite formats to play in fantasy football because it’s one of the easiest ways to make quarterbacks more valuable. Sure, there are flaws, as it props up all quarterbacks, not just the elite ones like the real NFL. But it’s a fun change-up from the traditional formats that still put too much emphasis on running backs and receivers.

With that being said, I sat down and conducted a 12-team Superflex mock draft using the outstanding DraftWizard. Whether you’re an experienced Superflex player or interested in trying the format for the first time, I’ll break down my strategy for success in this unique format.

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Note: I was randomly assigned the second pick in this draft. It’s also a half-PPR league. 

Pick 1.2: Josh Allen (QB – BUF)

Picking at the top of a Superflex draft offers the opportunity to take either Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. In this case, Mahomes was off the board, so I happily grabbed Allen.

The Buffalo gunslinger took enormous strides from an accuracy standpoint, completing nearly 70% of his passes. The addition of Stefon Diggs took his production to the next level, as Allen put up 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions.

Now, Allen has to prove his breakout season was real. But from a fantasy perspective, he feels like a slam dunk and a great start to my roster.

Pick 2.11: Antonio Gibson (RB – WSH)

I went back and forth on this pick a couple of times, deciding between Gibson and Justin Herbert. I like both players a lot this season. Gibson offers three-down ability and could finish as a top 6 running back if things go his way. That’s why I chose him over Austin Ekeler too.

With just two picks separating me from my next selection, I’m banking on Herbert still being on the board, as that team has Mahomes and may opt to address other positions.

Pick 3.2: Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)

I love it when a plan works out! Herbert was indeed available with my third-round pick, and it was a no-brainer. Yes, the sophomore slump is a thing. Yes, Herbert will be with a new offensive coaching staff. However, the Oregon product showed he has legit NFL talent, and the Chargers have surrounded him with a very good supporting cast and solid protection. I suspect Herbert will take another leap in 2021, and I’m confident I’ve secured two top five quarterbacks.

Pick 4.11: Chris Carson (RB – SEA)

I’m not a huge Carson supporter. I think he’s an ordinary talent, but he’s made the most of his opportunity in Seattle. And at the end of Round 4, I think Carson’s a value. When healthy, he’ll own the majority of the touches and should be a solid RB2. Receiver is deep, I’m not going with a tight end, and I’ve got my quarterbacks.

Pick 5.2: CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL)

There were a ton of good receivers on the board with this pick, but I’m going with the guy who has the highest upside in Lamb. The Oklahoma product almost put up 1,000 yards as a rookie and did so without Dak Prescott for the majority of the year. The sky could very well be the limit.

Pick 6.11: Brandon Aiyuk (WR -SF)

I add even more upside to my receiving group with Aiyuk, who also posted a solid rookie season despite rocky quarterback play. Aiyuk’s skillset is similar to his teammate’s, Deebo Samuel, in that he’s a beast with the ball in his hands. But Aiyuk offers more upside as a vertical threat and could be the WR1 in San Fran this season.

Pick 7.2: Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)

Positional scarcity wound up breaking the tie between Williams and receiver Tee Higgins. While Williams will likely start the year in a timeshare with Melvin Gordon, I have a good feeling he could take over the starting job as the season goes on. I’m a believer in Williams and think he’ll surge later in the year, perhaps similarly to Jonathan Taylor‘s 2020 finish.

Pick 8.11: Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)

This is the first time I’ve taken Pitts in a mock or real draft all year. At the end of Round 8, I think it’s worth a shot. By now, you probably know about Pitts’ talent. He’s a receiver in a tight end’s body. And he joins a good offense in Atlanta led by Matt Ryan. While tight end is a tough position to transition to from college, Pitts might be able to break through that rookie wall.

Pick 9.2: Brandin Cooks (WR – HOU)

I almost made it three rookies in a row by taking DeVonta Smith, a player I love. But I felt the need to balance my youthful upside with a safer player. Cooks offers a safe floor as Houston’s WR1 and will get plenty of targets from whoever is under center. Not every pick can be sexy!

Pick 10.11: Damien Harris (RB – NE)

While I’m not a Harris lover, I was surprised to see him last into almost Round 11. While it’s always hard to assess New England backfields, Harris seems to be the starter. As my RB4, I’ll roll the dice at this price.

Pick 11.2: Derek Carr (QB – LV)

This felt like a good spot to grab a backup quarterback, and that’s exactly what Carr’s worth. Carr is fine, can start for your team in a pinch, and is capable of offering good production. But he ideally shouldn’t serve as a weekly starter, even in a Superflex league.

Pick 12.11: Irv Smith Jr., (TE – MIN)

With Pitts still an uncertainty, I felt the need to grab a backup tight end. Smith also offers a lot of upside and should have the lion’s share of the tight end targets with Kyle Rudolph gone. There’s top 12 potential, and he could serve as a good flex option too.

Pick 13.2: Tevin Coleman (RB – NYJ)

Running back is a dumpster fire at this point, but if you look into the distance, you see a… potential starter in Round 13? I’ll take the flyer. Coleman has the athletic traits, but he struggles to see running lanes. He’s played in the zone running scheme the Jets will employ and only really has rookie Michael Carter to contend with for touches. At this point, the prospect of decent production at running back is worth a shot.

Pick 14.11: Marvin Jones (WR -JAX)

Sometimes, players slip far in Superflex leagues as managers get focused on finding two or three quarterbacks. Michael Gallup was also on the board, but I didn’t want two Dallas receivers. So I happily went with Jones, who could offer WR2 upside some weeks in what could be a pretty good passing game.

Final Draft Grade: 86/100 (B)

I achieved my goal of assembling a strong quarterback duo for this format. I also took a lot of upside shots at the skill positions, which is why a B grade makes sense. If guys like Lamb, Aiyuk, Pitts, and Williams pop, this team will be ridiculously hard to beat. But if none of them take the next step, this team will struggle.


What did you think of my draft? Let me know on Twitter @RealMattBarbato!

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Beyond our fantasy football content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – that optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football draft season.

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

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