Welcome back to my 2017 fantasy mock draft. Last week’s round 1 article took a lot of heat and created enormous debate. I expect the same this week. Before you get into round 2, make sure you check out round 1.
Paul’s 2017 Fantasy Mock Draft: Round 1
ROUND 2
Pick #13 – AJ Green
AJ Green is a player with 1st round potential, so getting him with this pick is a value. It wouldn’t be shocking to me if AJ came off the board in round 1. If that happens, however, remember any of the aforementioned guys.
Pick #14 – Jordan Howard
Howard may have had the most underrated rookie campaigns last season, putting up over 1600 all-purpose yards and 7 TDs, in 15 games. All this, with a Bears team that had inconsistent play at QB and no real identity. I expect the Bears to improve and Howard to build off last season.
Pick #15 – Dez Bryant
Dez has all the features to be a 1st round fantasy pick every year, but his numbers never allow that to happen. Part of the problem with Dez has been durability. In his 7 seasons in the league he has only played all 16 games three times. Dak does like to feed him and he is still on a great offense, which means productivity.
Pick #16 – DeMarco Murray
Arguably my most risky pick so far. Murray had a very productive season in 2016 with over 1600 total yards and 12 TDs. The biggest concern for Murray owners will be Derrick Henry waiting to vulture fantasy points. I expect the Titans to run Murray early and often so opportunity should lead to productivity.
Pick #17 – Devonta Freeman
Freeman finished last season with over 1500 total yards and 13 TDs. If anything changes in the offseason with Tevin Coleman, Freeman may see even more productivity. Considering Freeman’s usage during the Falcons playoff run last season, he could be primed for another nice season.
Pick #18 – Jay Ajayi
If you listened to my criticism of Ajayi last season, you would know this is a tough pill to swallow for me. Undoubtedly though, Ajayi is deserving of early round consideration and I don’t think pick 18 is a huge stretch. When the Dolphins offensive line is healthy Ajayi can be the most produce back in the league. Jay rushed for 1272 yards and 8 TDs far exceeding fantasy owner expectations. Ajayi, however, will need to work on his catching and pass blocking to become a true three down back.
Pick #19 – Lamar Miller
After another lack luster fantasy season, Miller has all the tangibles to be an RB1 in fantasy. The Texans will try to address their quarterback problem this offseason, and hopefully open more opportunity for Miller. Finished last season with just over 1200 total yards and 6 TDs.
Pick #20 – Sammy Watkins
Watkins is coming off his second season in a row where he did not play all 16 games. You can’t help but notice the guy’s talent when he is on the field, but still a risky pick until he proves to be 100% healthy. It looks like Tyrod Taylor may not be in Buffalo this season, so hopefully Watkin’s gets a QB he can develop chemistry with quickly.
Pick #21 – DeAndre Hopkins
This is the second Houston Texan taken in this round, and possibly the riskier of the two. NukdaBomb aka D-Hop aka DeAndre Hopkins has out of this world talent with quarterback problems. Once again, if the quarterback situation gets an upgrade from last year Hopkins could be a steal at this pick.
Pick #22 – Alshon Jeffery
Stop me if you heard this before. All world talent receiver with a quarterback problem. Alshon went through that last season, along with durability and some off field issues of his own. I anticipate Alshon signing with another team this offseason. Depending on where he lands, this may be a value pick.
Pick #23 – Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley will need a dramatic turnaround from last season to be considered a 2nd round option. Coming off a season to forget, the Rams will be focused on improving their offensive line. I expect second year QB, Jared Goff to take a huge step forward and TG to return to numbers closer to 2 seasons ago.
Pick #24 – Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas had an outstanding rookie season with the help of gun slinger, Drew Brees. Thomas quickly became Brees’ favorite target and left Brandin Cooks out in the cold. With the possibility of Cooks leaving NOLA, Thomas solidifies his primary receiver status in a pass happy offense.
This concludes Round 2 mock fantasy draft. If you agree or disagree with any of my selections, please feel free to comment below.
Paul’s 2017 Fantasy Mock Draft: Round 3
-Lipko