So we have conducted a mock draft based on possessing the third overall pick. We followed that up with another mock draft utilizing the 11th overall pick in standard 12-team redraft leagues. Here is eDraft's third version of its 2014 fantasy football mock draft. After we have completed 12 versions, we will compare the mocks in one post and let you guys/gals decide which one was the best.
This mock draft was conducted through eDraft's simulator, so there is no subjectivity as it relates to where certain players will end up. We recommend you check out this awesome new tool to prepare yourself for real mock drafts.
For the purposes of this draft, we select sixth overall in the initial round. Like almost all fantasy drafts, it's conducted via the snake format.
1. Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions
Nab the consensus No. 1 fantasy receiver with the sixth overall pick. The choice here was between Johnson and a watered-down RB1 option, which would have been a perceived reach with the likes of Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy and Adrian Peterson already off the board. Johnson is averaging 1,712 yards and 11 scores over the past three seasons. If you can get that type of production here, that's going to help you right out of the gate.
2. Zac Stacy, Running Back, St. Louis Rams
Passing up on a running back in the first round guaranteed that I had to go there in Round 2. Despite rumors that Jeff Fisher and Co. may split carries between Stacy and rookie Tre Mason, it's highly unlikely that the Rams will look to handcuff the standout sophomore. Stacy averaged 80 yards and about 0.6 touchdowns per outing as a rookie. Add into the equation the addition of stud offensive lineman Greg Robinson with the second overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft and there is reason to believe that Stacy will end up as a top-10 fantasy running back in 2014.
3. Andre Ellington, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Speaking of second-year running backs who should stand out from a fantasy perspective, Ellington has a legitimate shot at putting up similar numbers to what we saw from Doug Martin during his exceptional rookie campaign in 2012. The Cardinals are expecting this young running back to take a bulk of the carries in 2014, which should be an indication that he's ready to break into RB1 territory. Ellington led all NFL running backs with 5.5 yards per attempt and averaged a whopping 6.5 yards per touch. While those numbers won't be duplicated, it's safe to say Ellington will average a lot more than 7.9 attempts per game. In fact, you can expect those numbers to more than double.
4. Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
Gerhart will not face much competition for the Jaguars starting running back job. When on the field for the Minnesota Vikings over the course of his first four NFL seasons, this Stanford product has been aces. He's averaging 5.4 yards per touch and one score per 44 touches. If you take into account a workload that includes 20-plus touches per outing, there is no reason to believe that Gerhart can't be a viable top-tier RB2 option in 2014.
5. Jordan Cameron, Tight End, Cleveland Browns
With Josh Gordon suspended for what might be forever, Cameron becomes a ridiculous fantasy tight end. Simply put, he's going to put up some insane numbers in 2014, no matter who is under center for Cleveland. Cameron finished last season with 80 receptions for 917 yards and seven scores. While he was just the seventh-most consistent fantasy tight end in 2013, you can expect that to increase with more targets. Look for 150-plus targets this season.
6. Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Tennessee Titans
A PPR stud, Wright needs to pick his game up from a fantasy perspective. He finished the 2013 season as a mid-tier FLEX option in standard 2WR leagues. It wasn't for a lack of production, as he did catch 94 passes. It was his touchdown numbers (two) that held Wright back. That low number of scores isn't sustainable and likely represents more of an exception to the rule than anything else. Look for Wright to take the step towards a decent WR2 option in standard leagues.
7. Golden Tate, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions
I am officially on the Tate bandwagon. He didn't perform at a high level as a fantasy option last season simply because Russell Wilson threw the least amount of passes in the NFL. Add him to a Detroit Lions team that throws the ball more than any other in the NFL and you have the makings of a fantasy dynamo. Tate finished as the 28th-ranked fantasy receiver last year, but ranked 40th in targets. Expect him to finish as a top-20 option in 2014.
8. Jordan Reed, Tight End, Washington Redskins
Reed is a TE1 option in pretty much every league. The reason I pick him up here is my TE2 is simple. He can act as a major bonus as a FLEX option in leagues that allow you to start tight ends there. Despite missing the final seven games of his rookie season, Reed still finished as a bottom-tier TE2 option, ahead of the likes of Zach Miller and Jermaine Gresham.
9. Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Is it possible to call Romo underrated? From a fantasy perspective, that's exactly what he is. He finished last season with the 10th-most fantasy points from the quarterback position and has finished as a legit QB1 option in each of his last six full seasons. There is no reason to expect that to change in 2014.
The Rest
10. Cecil Shorts, Wide Receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars
11. Christine Michael, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks
12. Andy Dalton, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
13.Greg Jennings, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
14. Cincinnati Bengals, D/ST
15. Brian Hartline, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
16. Phil Dawson, Kicker, San Francisco 49ers