Insights from the 2009 Fantasy Football Mock Draft

Understanding the Draft Strategy

League Scoring Configuration

The mock draft was based on a standard league scoring configuration, which included:

• Quarterbacks (QBs): 1 point per 25 passing yards, 4 points per touchdown, -2 points per interception
• Running Backs (RBs) and Wide Receivers (WRs): 1 point per 10 rushing or receiving yards, 6 points per touchdown, -2 points per fumble lost
• Kickers (Ks): 3 points per field goal, 1 point per extra point
• Defense/Special Teams (D/ST): Points for turnovers, sacks, safeties, and shutouts

Draft Highlights and Surprises

• Adrian Peterson (RB, MIN) was the first overall pick, reflecting his high expected performance.
• Michael Turner (RB, ATL) and Matt Forte (RB, CHI) were also top picks, emphasizing the value of running backs in fantasy.
• Larry Fitzgerald (WR, ARI) was the first wide receiver taken, breaking the RB-heavy trend of the first round.
• Tom Brady (QB, NE) was a steal in the third round, assuming he stayed healthy post-injury.

Notable Omissions

• Rudi Johnson (RB), once a fantasy staple, was not drafted, highlighting the rapid changes in player relevance.
• Plaxico Burress (WR) and Marvin Harrison (WR) were omitted, likely due to off-field issues and declining performance, respectively.
• Brett Favre (QB) was not selected, which could have been due to retirement speculation at the time.

Drafting for Value

Selecting players who outperform their draft position is key to fantasy success. For instance, a late-round pick who becomes a weekly starter offers tremendous value. Conversely, high picks that fail to meet expectations can be detrimental.

Sleeper Picks

• Chris Johnson (RB, TENN), chosen late in the first round, had the potential to outperform his draft position.
• Steve Slaton (RB, HOU) and DeAngelo Williams (RB, CAR) were also potential value picks based on their previous season's performances.

Handcuffing Strategy

Drafting the backup to one's own starting RB, known as "handcuffing," was evident with selections like Chester Taylor (RB, MINN) as a backup to Adrian Peterson.

Player Performance Anticipation

Projecting player performance is a mix of art and science. Factors such as team changes, injuries, and historical performance play a role. For example, Peyton Manning (QB, IND) was expected to continue his consistent high-level play despite not being a top-15 pick.

Injury Concerns

• Brian Westbrook (RB, PHI)'s ankle injury was a red flag, prompting the selection of LeSean McCoy (RB, PHI) as insurance.
• Tom Brady (QB, NE)'s recovery from a knee injury was a major storyline, affecting his draft position.

Conclusion

While the players and their situations have changed since 2009, the strategies employed in this mock draft remain relevant. Understanding scoring systems, drafting for value, and anticipating player performance are timeless components of fantasy football success.