After one of the most interesting NFL drafts in recent memory, it is officially “Mock Draft Season” in the fantasy world. Mock drafts are great tools for fantasy owners to get an idea of where players might be drafted in upcoming league drafts.
Most mock drafts consist of ten to twelve “expert” drafters who make their picks and give a little insight into why they made their selections. The Fantasy Scrambler mock draft is like that, except all of the drafters are me. This is a little unorthodox, but I assure you I drafted every team as if it were my actual fantasy team. I chose the best players I could for each roster and I explain the logic behind each selection.
Keep in mind that it is still early and a lot can change from now and the time your league drafts. With that in mind, I encourage you all to research these mocks and even participate in them in preparation for draft day. Many fantasy apps provide mock draft “rooms” that allow you to choose scoring systems and number of teams.
This is a snake draft, meaning the draft order goes 1-12 then 12-1. I used standard scoring for teams that play 1 quarterback, 2 running backs, 3 wide receivers, 1 tight end, 1 defense/special teams, and 1 kicker.
“Keep on Scramblin’” and hit me up on Twitter @MaahsScrambler to let me know what you thought of my mock draft.
ROUND 1
- Adrian Peterson RB VIKINGS
Almost 1500 yds. and 11 TD’s in 2015. At 31, this might be the last season for A.P. to be the top fantasy back.
- Le’Veon Bell RB STEELERS
Injury concern after torn MCL in ’15. Deangelo Williams will allow Steelers to protect Bell in ’16.
- Devonta Freeman RB FALCONS
14 total TD’s last season. Hoping for a repeat performance in 2016.
- Doug Martin RB BUCCANEERS
A return to rookie form plus year two for QB Winston should produce near top RB numbers this season.
- Lamar Miller RB TEXANS
If oft-injured Arian Foster could produce in Houston, then Miller should be in for a monster 2016.
- Antonio Brown WR STEELERS
Too many question marks for remaining RB’s makes Brown the first receiver off the board.
- Todd Gurley RB RAMS
Offensive R.O.Y. will be Goff’s safety blanket which will give Gurley ample opportunity to improve on last season’s performance.
- Odell Beckham WR GIANTS
The return of Victor Cruz should lessen the attention Beckham got from defenses last year.
- David Johnson RB CARDINALS
12 total TD’s last season makes Johnson a safe RB1 pick here.
- DeAndre Hopkins WR TEXANS
Legitimate QB and RB play will propel Hopkins to Antonio Brown’s level.
- Julio Jones WR FALCONS
New Head Coach would be smart to ride his star WR. Expect more TD’s in 2016.
- Rob Gronkowski TE PATRIOTS
Having two picks here makes choosing Gronk a no brainer.
ROUND 2
- Ezekiel Elliott RB COWBOYS
Big risk/reward here, but running behind the best OL in the league should help. Must earn Romo’s trust to fulfill potential.
- Jamaal Charles RB CHIEFS
Had 4 TD’s in 5 games last year. Staying healthy is the main concern with this aging superstar.
- Cam Newton QB PANTHERS
Will wait on RB in order to grab this TD machine. DAB!
- Aaron Rodgers QB PACKERS
Jordy Nelson’s return should help. I’ll target 2nd tier WR next round.
- Matt Forte RB JETS
I’m banking on Forte wanting to prove that he’s not done. Ivory had 1,000 yds. last year. Forte will top that and tack on over 500 yds. receiving.
- Dez Bryant WR COWBOYS
Set at RB, so I’ll take the 5th best WR. Romo’s health and Elliott’s growth are key factors in Bryant’s success this season.
- Latavius Murray RB RAIDERS
Had 1,000 yds. and 6 TD’s a season ago. I’m hoping the Raiders’ rise will equate to even better numbers in 2016.
- A.J. Green WR BENGALS
He’ll get a lot of attention, but should still put up WR1 numbers.
- Allen Robinson WR JAGUARS
1,400 yds. and 14 TD’s? Yes please! QB Bortles set Jags passing yardage record last year and Robinson was the main reason why.
- Mark Ingram RB SAINTS
I’m set at RB now. I’ll grab QB or WR on the turn.
- Brandon Marshall WR JETS
Jets must re-sign Fitzpatrick for this pick to be praiseworthy.
- Blake Bortles QB JAGUARS
He went off in ’15. Jags had a great offseason which should help this QB become elite.
ROUND 3
- Demaryius Thomas WR BRONCOS
Whoever the QB is will lean on Thomas with screen passes which are his bread and butter.
- Brandin Cooks WR SAINTS
Insurance policy for the Marshall pick. I’m looking for Brees to have one more season in the tank.
- Jordy Nelson WR PACKERS
I’m hoping there will be QB value in later rounds. Also hoping Nelson can stay healthy in ’16.
- Russell Wilson QB SEAHAWKS
Rounding out my roster with a top three QB. A full offseason working with Jimmy Graham will help keep him there.
- Doug Baldwin WR SEAHAWKS
No reason to believe he can’t duplicate last year’s yardage total. Just hope he can equal the 14 TD’s he posted a season ago.
- Thomas Rawls RB SEAHAWKS
Rawls proved last year that Lynch won’t be missed. Averaged 5.6 yards per carry in 2015.
- DeMarco Murray RB TITANS
This former rushing champ will be used to ease the pressure on QB Mariota. I hope he’s got some gas left.
- Drew Brees QB SAINTS
I just need one more year from Brees. If he’s the Brees of old, there could be a significant drop off in QB quality from here.
- LeSean McCoy RB BILLS
This will be a good pick if he is still “Shady”.
- Amari Cooper WR RAIDERS
Had a huge rookie campaign and should be even better in year two. The Raiders certainly hope so.
- Chris Ivory RB JAGUARS
Boom or Bust pick. Jags are an improved offense which will utilize Ivory’s bruising style. As long as Yeldon doesn’t take all the snaps.
- Sammy Watkins WR BILLS
Last year was solid. Anything above that will make this a great “value” pick.
ROUND 4
- C.J. Anderson RB BRONCOS
This is insurance for the earlier Elliott pick. Broncos QB’s will use run game to stave off pass rush.
- Jeremy Maclin WR CHIEFS
Needed a starter opposite Jones. Maclin is a safe pick here.
- Jeremy Hill RB BENGALS
This is what you get if you wait on RB. Plus = 12 TD’s. Minus = 794 rushing yards and Giovani Bernard.
- Emmanuel Sanders WR BRONCOS
Filling a need here. Hopefully the QB play will be good enough to prove me right.
- Mike Evans WR BUCCANEERS
If Winston continues to improve, he will do so with Evans. Just need more than the 3 TD’s he scored in ’15 to make this pick worthwhile.
- Randall Cobb WR PACKERS
This former WR1 could become that again with the return of Jordy Nelson.
- Alshon Jeffery WR BEARS
I’m hoping for 2014 Jeffery to return. Bears fans and Jay Cutler are too.
- Carlos Hyde RB 49’ERS
He says his fractured foot is ready to go. New HC Chip Kelly could bring out the best in this shifty back.
- Keenan Allen WR CHARGERS
If he can double his production in 2016 playing in twice as many games, then this pick will turn out to be a steal.
- Tyler Eifert TE BENGALS
Huge Red Zone target. Bengals will need him even more with offseason departures at WR.
- Eddie Lacy RB PACKERS
Trimmed down figure will help him in his final year of rookie contract.
- Jay AJayi RB DOLPHINS
The Dolphins are saying “Lamar who?” because of Ajayi’s talent. Hopefully he proves them (and me) right in 2016.
ROUND 5
- T.Y. Hilton WR COLTS
Had 1,000 yard season without Luck for 9 games. A healthy Luck will need Hilton to produce again.
- Greg Olsen TE PANTHERS
The only thing that could stop a repeat performance of last season is the return of WR Kelvin Benjamin.
- Allen Hurns WR JAGUARS
Could be part of the best WR duo in the league next year. Improving on 10 TD’s this season is not a stretch.
- Jeremy Langford RB BEARS
Anything close to Forte’s numbers would make this pick a bargain.
- Gary Barnidge TE BROWNS
RG III would be wise to use Barnidge in order to regain his rookie form.
- Ben Roethlisberger QB STEELERS
Time is running out on Big Ben. HA! A healthy Le’Veon Bell will surely help ease the pain of suspended WR Martavis Bryant.
- Travis Kelce TE CHIEFS
If “Baby Gronk” improves his red zone production, Kelce would be a top 5 tight end.
- Matt Jones RB REDSKINS
Two running backs named Matt? What could go wrong?
- Larry Fitzgerald WR CARDINALS
Had a huge 2015. Anything close to last year’s form would be a bonus.
- Jonathan Stewart RB PANTHERS
Handled “Bell Cow” workload a season ago. I’m hoping he’s got one more season left.
- Ryan Mathews RB EAGLES
No more DeMarco Murray will provide plenty of opportunities in what could be Mathews’ last shot to prove he belongs in the NFL.
ROUND 6
- Jarvis Landry WR DOLPHINS
This PPR monster will continue to be Tannehill’s favorite target while implementing a new system.
- Kelvin Benjamin WR PANTHERS
Just hoping for numbers close to his rookie season: 1,008 yds. 9 TD’s.
- Jordan Reed TE REDSKINS
Hauled in 5 TD’s in final 4 games last season. Poised to challenge for top TE in 2016.
- Delanie Walker TE TITANS
Walker will again be depended upon to aid in the growth of 2nd year QB Mariota.
- Golden Tate WR LIONS
Megatron’s retirement means more targets. It also means more attention from opposing defenses.
- Jimmy Graham TE SEAHAWKS
A disappointing 2015 should be remedied by a full offseason with QB Wilson and company.
- Andrew Luck QB COLTS
Health is key for all dual threat QB’s. If healthy, Luck is one of the best.
- Eric Decker WR JETS
Like Marshall, Decker’s success hinges on the Jets re-signing QB Fitzpatrick.
- Michael Crabtree WR RAIDERS
New life was breathed into Crabtree’s career by the play of QB Carr. Will continue to get targets as long as Cooper is on the field.
- Jordan Matthews WR EAGLES
He should be productive as long as rookie QB Wentz doesn’t fold under Philly pressure.
- Melvin Gordon RB CHARGERS
Injuries to the OL led to a bust rookie season. The 15th overall pick in 2015 will be eager to prove he’s no bust.
- Giovani Bernard RB BENGALS
Got more touches than Hill toward the end of last season and put up decent numbers.
- Coby Fleener TE SAINTS
Has the skills to be a top tier TE. Brees will be looking his direction for red zone help.
ROUND 7
- John Brown WR CARDINALS
Brown is poised to take over as top WR on the team. He’ll benefit from one more year under Fitzgerald’s wing.
- Tom Brady QB PATRIOTS
Couldn’t wait any longer. I’ll plug in a serviceable QB for the first 4 weeks.
- Stefon Diggs WR VIKINGS
Rising star. Continued maturation will coincide with QB Bridgewater’s growth.
- Julius Thomas TE JAGUARS
An injured finger kept him from producing numbers we’re used to. Bortles will benefit from Thomas’ availability for a full season.
- Carson Palmer QB CARDINALS
Like Roethlisberger, Palmer is in the twilight of his career. He’s got the weapons to finish on a high note.
- Ladarius Green TE STEELERS
The retirement of TE Heath Miller will give Green all of the opportunities he can handle.
- Donte Moncrief WR COLTS
Has played in all 32 games of first two years in the league. His durability will help return QB Luck to former status.
- Frank Gore RB COLTS
Took him a few weeks to get going for new team. I’m hoping he’ll have a better start this year.
- Alfred Morris RB COWBOYS
There’s no guarantee that Elliott will produce. Hopefully Morris knocks McFadden down to 3rd on the depth chart.
- Julian Edelman WR PATRIOTS
A “Go-To” receiver that will help ease the pain of QB Brady’s 4 game suspension.
- T.J. Yeldon RB JAGUARS
If Ivory falters, then this second year back is more than capable of taking over.
ROUND 8
- Eric Ebron TE LIONS
Going with upside here. No Megatron equals more red zone targets for this athletic TE.
- Matt Ryan QB FALCONS
Last year was frustrating because Ryan had plenty of yards but only 21 TD’s. He’s too good and has too many weapons to not improve his TD total in ’16.
- Kirk Cousins QB REDSKINS
The ‘Skins drafted a good WR to add to an above average receiving corps. I’m looking for Cousins to take the next step.
- Duke Johnson RB BROWNS
Another upside pick and another Browns player who could benefit from better QB play.
- Seattle Defense D/ST SEAHAWKS
This unit will undoubtedly be among the top scoring defenses again in 2016. I might as well get ‘em while I can.
- Michael Floyd WR CARDINALS
3rd on the depth chart, could turn out to be best of the bunch.
- Antonio Gates TE CHARGERS
Kelce insurance or trade bait? You make the call.
- Denver Defense D/ST BRONCOS
I like my team so far, so I’m gonna nab the best defense from last season.
- Danny Woodhead RB CHARGERS
A Julian Edelman type who can also run the ball. Red zone touches abound!
- Ameer Abdullah RB LIONS
A home run threat who also returns kicks. Must limit turnovers to reach potential.
- DeSean Jackson WR REDSKINS
He’ll get plenty of targets without being double covered. If Cousins keeps improving then so will Jackson’s numbers.
- K.C. Defense D/ST CHIEFS
The return of Justin Houston will bolster an already formidable defense.
- Marcus Mariota QB TITANS
A great offseason for the Titans has set up this dual threat QB to have a big year. Solid backup for Bortles.
ROUND 9
- Carolina Defense D/ST PANTHERS
Can’t go wrong with this Super Bowl caliber defense even with the departure of CB Josh Norman.
- Marvin Jones WR LIONS
Similar role with a better QB equates to better numbers than last year’s 816 yds. and 4 TD’s.
- Eli Manning QB GIANTS
New York improved their defense through free agency and Victor Cruz is back. Eli should be even better in ’16.
- Arizona Defense D/ST CARDINALS
6 defensive TD’s and 1 return TD. I’ll take it!
- Houston Defense D/ST TEXANS
An improved offense will help keep this unit fresh and productive. Oh yeah, they also have J.J. Watt.
- Markus Wheaton WR STEELERS
Apparently, this team likes the Steelers. Bryant’s absence will be filled by Wheaton.
- DeAngelo Williams RB STEELERS
He’ll get touches even with a healthy Bell. Could be a stud if Bell goes down again.
- L.A. Defense D/ST RAMS
The 3rd best defense in the NFC West is still better than most.
- Richard Rodgers TE PACKERS
3rd year TE that hauled in 8 TD’s in 2015 and has gained QB Rodgers’ trust.
- New England Defense D/ST PATRIOTS
Had they scored just 3 more TD’s, the Pats would have had a top 6 defense last year.
- Cincinnati Defense D/ST BENGALS
Like the Patriots, they were just a few TD’s from being a top 6 defense in 2015.
- Rashad Jennings RB GIANTS
An improved defense should equate to closer games which will include Jennings in the game plan more often.
ROUND 10
- Brock Osweiler QB TEXANS
He’s been given the keys to the ‘Vette, can he keep it on the road? Buckle up!
- Tavon Austin WR RAMS
This dual threat wideout (434 yds. rushing 4 TD’s; 473 yds. receiving 5 TD’s) will get a plethora of targets from #1 draft pick Goff.
- Travis Benjamin WR CHARGERS
He put up good numbers with terrible QB play. Now he has one of the best throwing him the rock.
- Karlos Williams RB BILLS
9 total TD’s in 2015 makes for great McCoy insurance.
- Kevin White WR BEARS
Missed last year with a shin injury. If healthy, he could put up big numbers opposite Alshon Jeffery.
- DeVante Parker WR DOLPHINS
After returning from a foot injury half way through last season, Parker had decent numbers. He will be eager to prove that he can do it for a full season.
- Theo Riddick RB LIONS
He’ll take over rushing duties exclusively if Abdullah continues to put the ball on the ground.
- Corey Coleman WR BROWNS
I’m not a fan of picking rookies, but I’m hoping Coleman will change my tune.
- Tyler Lockett WR SEAHAWKS
A dynamic wideout and kick returner. Improving on solid rookie campaign would be appreciated.
- Oakland Defense D/ST RAIDERS
This entire team is on the rise and with their offseason moves, this defense will be a big part of Oakland’s success in 2016.
- James Starks RB PACKERS
If Lacy can’t stay away from the feeding trough, Starks is more than capable of toting the pigskin for Green Bay.
- Justin Forsett RB RAVENS
The Raven’s backfield is crowded, but Forsett has the best odds of being Baltimore’s featured back.
ROUND 11
- Zach Ertz TE EAGLES
Tight ends are a rookie QB’s best friend. Hence, Ertz is a worthy pick here.
- Philip Rivers QB CHARGERS
Rivers will do just fine until Brady returns in Week 5.
- Dion Lewis RB PATRIOTS
Lots of question marks with Lewis. Hopefully, Belichick has the answers I’m looking for.
- Clive Walford TE RAIDERS
Total sleeper pick here. FYI, Walford holds all of the TE receiving records at Miami, better than alums Jimmy Graham, Jeremy Shockey, Greg Olsen, and Kellen Winslow.
- Matthew Stafford QB LIONS
I need a backup in case Palmer suddenly realizes he’s old.
- Jason Witten TE COWBOYS
Does he have anything left? Romo and the Cowboys certainly hope so.
- Minnesota Defense D/ST VIKINGS
Looking for a repeat performance from the special teams in order for this pick to pan out.
- Chris Johnson RB CARDINALS
A resurgence in 2015 has given CJ2K fantasy viability in 2016.
- Steve Smith WR RAVENS
One more year! One more year! One more year!
- Charles Sims RB BUCCANEERS
Even with Doug Martin’s return to form last year, Sims still put up decent numbers in a backup role.
- Jameis Winston QB BUCCANEERS
He showed the potential last season to be the next Cam Newton.
- Zach Miller TE BEARS
He’s figured it out and now Martellus Bennett is a Patriot.
ROUND 12
- Stephen Gostkowski K PATRIOTS
He’s earned the privilege of being the first kicker drafted in every league .
- Graham Gano K PANTHERS
The Panthers’ offense was a pleasant surprise in 2015. Gano profits.
- Steven Hauschka K SEAHAWKS
Without Lynch, the Seahawks may find TD’s harder to come by. More FG’s for Hauschka.
- Blair Walsh K VIKINGS
Minnesota’s playoff push in 2015 was aided greatly by this steady kicker.
- Chandler Catanzaro K CARDINALS
Arizona has the weapons to score just as many points as last season.
- Robbie Gould K BEARS
Kicking in the windy city hasn’t affected this kicker’s consistency.
- Chris Boswell K STEELERS
His rookie year was stellar. Steeler’s offense will give him the chance to have an even better sophomore campaign.
- Justin Tucker K RAVENS
The return of Flacco will equate to even more opportunities in 2016.
- Dan Bailey K COWBOYS
Both Romo and Bryant returning to the offense will make Bailey a top kicker once again.
- Cairo Santos K CHIEFS
The Chiefs’ offense is good, not great. Santos will reap the rewards.
- Josh Brown K GIANTS
Excellent kicker for a good offense.
- Sebastian Janikowski K RAIDERS
SeaBass will propel the Raiders into the playoffs with a game winning FG in the final game of the season.
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