The Perfect Draft: Let the domination begin

In a perfect fantasy world, my starting lineup this season would feature Peyton Manning, Adrian Peterson, C.J. Spiller, Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, A.J. Green and Jimmy Graham. That would be the same perfect world in which all my kids get full-ride college scholarships, Kate Hudson stalks me and I lose weight every time I eat Tex-Mex.

Alas, since our fellow owners are unlikely to cede the entire first round to us, we’ll simply have to work smarter to assemble the most dominant team in our league. Our challenge, therefore, is to secure the best value in each round, methodically building a roster that will soar from Week 1, withstand an injury to one or two key players and peak during the fantasy playoffs. 

With that lofty goal in mind, I’ve analyzed the average draft position (ADP) of each player from multiple fantasy sites to determine the best pick in each round – resulting in my oft-imitated, always-controversial, yet magically delicious Perfect Draft. 

As always, we start with a few key assumptions.  First, we’re in a 10-team non-keeper league using a standard scoring system that starts one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, and one tight end, kicker and team defense.  Second, we are drafting from the middle (fifth) position in a snake format, meaning we won’t have a shot at Adrian Peterson.  Third, since all drafts play out differently, we’ll need a little luck along the way.  Finally, our goal is nothing short of total domination and the abject humiliation of our opponents.

Now, with the fifth pick of the 2013 Perfect Draft, we select…

Round 1.  C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills.  With Fred Jackson firmly relegated to backup duty, Spiller has his chance to explode.  Don’t be surprised if he finishes the season at the top of the RB ranks.

Round 2.  Chris Johnson, RB, Titans.  It would be painful to let Dez Bryant slide by if he’s available, but Johnson solidifies a formidable backfield.  Passing on a second RB here could be costly if you don’t choose very wisely later.

Round 3.  Randall Cobb, WR, Packers.  Peyton Manning is the best pick in this round, but we can’t afford to wait another round for our first receiver.

Round 4.  Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons.  With the explosive arsenal at his disposal, Ryan will provide elite production and offer great value in the fourth round.

Round 5. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants.  Marques Colston is another solid pick in this round.  Either player makes an excellent WR2 with elite upside.  

Round 6.  Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons.  Given Rob Gronkowski’s injury concerns, only Jimmy Graham is clearly more valuable at his position.  I’d prefer Jason Witten, but his ADP requires a fifth rounder.

Round 7.  Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers.  The hands-down No. 1 receiver in Pittsburgh is due for a breakout season.  Robert Griffin III is awfully tempting here, though.

Round 8.  T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts.  The second-year speedster will be Andrew Luck’s favorite target this season.  Don’t miss out on his upside.

Round 9.  Daryl Richardson, RB, Rams.  He will begin the season as the starter, and his talent should keep him there.  DeAngelo Williams is another intriguing option, given Jonathan Stewart’s injury concerns.

Round 10.  DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans.  A rookie with huge upside, Hopkins will give opposing defenses fits opposite Andre Johnson.

Round 11.  Vincent Brown, WR, Chargers.  Philip Rivers desperately needs a reliable outside receiver, but they’re dropping like flies around him.  If he can stay healthy, the third-year wideout could have a breakout season.

Round 12. Fred Jackson, RB, Bills.  As much as I love Spiller, he’s not immune to injury.  Jackson is arguably the most important handcuff in the league this year.

Round 13.  Jordan Cameron, TE, Browns.  In Norv Turner’s offense, this huge red zone target could change your opinion of Cleveland’s passing game.

Round 14.  Matt Schaub, QB, Texans.  The best backup fantasy QB in the league. 

Round 15.  Steelers defense/special teams.  I’d prefer the 49ers or Seahawks, but they are commanding premiums.  Pittsburgh has a well-earned reputation for fielding quality defenses, and they are almost certain to out-perform their current ADP.

Round 16.  Danny Woodhead, RB, Chargers.  As disappointing as Ryan Mathews has been, Woodhead could be the most productive back in San Diego’s committee.

Round 17.  Dan Bailey, K, Cowboys.  Plenty of strong kickers will be available in the final round.  Bailey is one of the best. 

There you have it: A team with firepower at every position, bench depth with substantial upside and no bye-week dilemmas. 

Now, go forth and make your draft perfect.