2017 McHeny Fantasy Football League Draft Recap September 2, 2017 The following player descriptions are from NFL.com. Round 1 Pick 1, Overall 1, Greenland Monsters: Leonard Fournette, RB/JAX High-end talent with rare blend of size, speed and power. Comparisons to Adrian Peterson feel lofty, but from a physical standpoint, he’s there. Fournette doesn’t have the wiggle to make defenders miss and his vision can be iffy. However, if your run fits and tackling aren’t sound, he can take it the distance in an instant. May have durability concerns due to physical running style, but has All-Pro potential. Pick 2, Overall 2, Bangkok Blitz: Christian McCaffrey, RB/CAR Multidimensional runner with flex appeal for teams looking for a player who can carry the ball 20 times or catch it 10 depending on the game plan. McCaffrey’s size, power and speed are just average, but he is able to create yardage for himself with his vision and elusiveness. McCaffrey’s ability to return punts and kicks could be the value sweetner that pushes his name into the first round. Pick 3, Overall 3, Ukraine Grainers: Corey Davis, WR/TEN Touchdown juggernaut who was a four-year model of production and consistency in college. Davis has the route-running and ball skills to become a starter in the league, but it is his competitiveness and production in the red-zone that should make him a good one. Pick 4, Overall 4, Nagasaki Kamikazes: Joe Mixon, RB/CIN I’ve decided to give Joe Mixon a draft grade based on his talent and expected output if given a chance as an NFL running back. His draft slot will likely be impacted by his domestic violence issue. Mixon has the talent to be an every-down, all-day running back with the potential to take over a game on the ground or through the air. Life against weaker Big 12 defenses has created a more relaxed rushing approach for Mixon who will have to play at a faster pace as an NFL back. Mixon’s vision is just average and he could struggle to create for himself in front of a subpar offensive line; however, he can play in any rushing scheme and can be moved all over the field as a matchup option. Pick 5, Overall 5, Ukraine Grainers: Dalvin Cook, RB/MIN Very talented runner with outstanding balance, footwork and burst. Cook lacks the power that you may find with some running backs in this year’s draft, but he is a homerun hitter with a resume featuring monster games against his most highly regarded opponents. Cook creates for himself with elusiveness and speed, but his value could be diminished by injuries, character and issues in pass protection. If everything checks out, he could become a rookie of the year candidate right away. Pick 6, Overall 6, Russia Renegades: Kareem Hunt, RB/KC Big back with plus vision and enough elusiveness to make the first defender miss. Feel for the rushing lane helps him choose the correct path between the tackles but lacks the burst to turn the 4-yard run into 14. Zone-scheme runner with serviceable hands out of the backfield. Adequate in most areas and has talent to become a backup that can step in and handle a bigger load if needed. Pick 7, Overall 7, Russia Renegades: O.J. Howard, TE/TB Howard has struggled to live up to hype that has come with his play-making ability while at Alabama, but some scouts put the blame on the staff and scheme. He has elite athletic traits and raw talent, but must add polish to go along with those attributes. Should become substantially more productive as a pro, but the difference between “potential weapon” and “elite tight end” will likely be tied to his desire and overall football character. Pick 8, Overall 8, Wake Island Wookies: D’Onta Foreman, RB/HOU Former three-star recruit who turned that a chip on his shoulder into a 2,000-yard junior season. Foreman has outstanding foot quickness and wiggle for a back his size, but will need to run behind his pads and with more aggression on the next level. Teams could be split on his draft value as some may covet his size and athleticism while others will be concerned about a lack of third down value. Ultimately he has the talent to be a good NFL starter, but he’s still a work in progress. Pick 9, Overall 9, Bangkok Blitz: Mike Williams, WR/LAC Williams looks the part of a WR1 and has shown an ability to work all three levels of the field after coming back from his 2015 neck injury. Williams is tough enough to be a high-volume target while working the middle of the field and his size and ball skills make him a formidable foe in the end zone. He’ll have to be coached up with his routes and releases, but he has the talent to become a big safety blanket for a young quarterback. Pick 10, Overall 10, San Juan Scorpions: Alvin Kamara, RB/NO Ascending, competitive runner who has flashed explosive NFL talent at various times over the last two seasons. A committed runner with excellent balance who finds yardage that isn’t blocked for him. While he has never logged 20 carries in a single game, he has the talent to play on all three downs if he can prove his durability. Pick 11, Overall 11, Turkey Jerky: David Njoku, TE/CLE Ascending pass catching talent with elite athleticism and enough fight in his run blocking to believe that he can be lined up anywhere on the field at any time. Njoku should annihilate the combine with monster numbers in speed and explosion, but his play on the field shows he’s more than a combine warrior. He is still growing into his body and has to add to his play strength, but his playmaking potential and elite traits should make him a first-round pick and a future Pro Bowler. Pick 12, Overall 12, Jamaica Jerks: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR/PIT Smith-Schuster will get dinged for his lack of speed and separation but he reminds me of Anquan Boldin with his strong hands, physical approach and ability to win the combat catches. JuJu is missing some of the speed traits teams want from their WR1, but he could become a high-volume, possession target with the size tto win some 50/50 throws down the field. Teams who have a speed merchant at one spot would be wise to take a look at Smith-Schuster as a physical counterpart. Round 2 Pick 1, Overall 13, Greenland Monsters: Mitch Trubisky, QB/CHI Trubisky is a high-end quarterback prospect who possesses NFL size, a big arm and the ability to throw with accuracy from the pocket or on the move. Despite playing in a spread-based offense, he’s a full-field reader who does a very good job of getting an early read on the safeties before crafting his course of action. Trubisky will have to become much more pocket aware and do a better job of recognizing and attacking blitzes to back NFL defensive coordinators off. He hasn’t put all the pieces together yet, but the puzzle is all right in front. Trubisky projects as a good starting quarterback with a high floor and the potential to be great. Pick 2, Overall 14, Ukraine Grainers: Kenny Golladay, WR/DET He will be a height, weight, speed prospect headed into the combine, but will need to prove he can run to solidify his draft standing. Golladay could be targeted by teams looking for a field-stretcher with size who has the potential to become a matchup problem in the redzone. Golladay has the talent to become an eventual starter in the league. Pick 3, Overall 15, Nagasaki Kamikazes: Zay Jones, WR/BUF Possesses high football character and a desire to push himself forward. Record-breaking receptions totals in 2016 were due more to scheme and excessive targets than separation ability or top-end speed. As a one-on-one receiver on the pro level, he will have to prove he has the speed and quickness to uncover against man coverage if he is to become more than just wide receiver depth. Pick 4, Overall 16, Ecuador Ewoks: Deshaun Watson, QB/HOU Teams will have to weigh the inconsistent field vision and decision-making against his size, athleticism, leadership and production. While not perfect, teams can add checks to both arm and accuracy boxes for Watson. However, discussions about whether or not his areas of improvement can be corrected will likely determine whether a team will view him as a high-upside prospect or a franchise quarterback. Watson’s transition from Clemson’s offense to a pro-style attack will obviously take time, but his combination of intangibles and athletic ability make him worth a first-round selection. Pick 5, Overall 17, Egypt Pharaohs: Patrick Mahomes, QB/KC Mahomes is a big, confident quarterback who brings a variety of physical tools to the party, but he’s developed some bad habits and doesn’t have a very repeatable process as a passer. Mahomes’ ability to improvise and extend plays can lead to big plays for his offense, but he will have to prove he can operate with better anticipation and be willing to take what the defense gives him in order to win from the pocket. Mahomes will be a work in progress, but he’s a high ceiling, low floor prospect. Pick 6, Overall 18, Ecuador Ewoks: Evan Engram, TE/NYG Makes up for his lack of size with athletic ability and plus speed for the position. Engram has experience as a safety blanket for Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly and can work all three levels of the field. He will appeal strictly to teams looking for a move tight end who can be deployed as a chess piece in a matchup-based passing attack. Engram’s ability to stress defenses could land him on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the draft and a potential starting role early in his career. Pick 7, Overall 19, Vietnam Velociraptors: John Ross, WR/CIN Ross is an instant-impact weapon who scored 23 touchdowns in just 112 touches. He should be able to step right in as a kick returner and a slot receiver, but teams with speed at tight end might utilize him outside to create extreme vertical stress on opposing safeties. If his knees check out as healthy, Ross is a likely first-round pick with the rare ability to become a high-volume slot receiver or a lesser-targeted, high-yield deep-ball threat. Pick 8, Overall 20, Russia Renegades: Samaje Perine, RB/WAS Perine is a physical runner who can create additional yardage through power and can be a complimentary “banger” for a team who already has a slasher. Perine doesn’t have the burst or play speed to be a dynamic lead back, but he can handle a heavy workload if needed and he should become an immediate short-yardage and goal-line option. Pick 9, Overall 21, Bangkok Blitz: Dede Westbrook, WR/JAX Natural glider with ability to play outside but could be moved to slot due to size concerns. Often found running in the clear thanks to strong double moves and weak competition. Evaluating Westbrook is challenging due to a lack of strong competition, but his separation quickness, second gear, and reliable hands are all translatable play traits that should turn into catches on the next level. Pick 10, Overall 22, San Juan Scorpions: Marlon Mack, RB/IND Scat back with decent size and blazing getaway speed. Mack has plenty of wiggle to bounce from run lane to run lane and make tacklers miss, but he has a penchant for looking to break runs way outside when the interior becomes too trafficked and he won’t be able to get away with that against NFL speed. Mack is a complementary runner who can hit big runs against defenses who have been worn down, but he needs to be matched with the right scheme in order to unlock his big-play potential. Pick 11, Overall 23, Turkey Jerky: Donnel Pumphrey, RB/PHI Pumphrey is an efficient, natural back who runs with outstanding tempo and vision. Has outstanding agility and ability to disappear and leave tacklers grasping at air in open field. While he has good burst and quickness, he does lack the home-run speed expected from such small running backs. He won’t even be an option for teams married to physical minimums, but there is a place on the roster for his talent provided he can become a return man or viable receiving option as well. Pick 12, Overall 24, Greenland Monsters: Taywan Taylor, WR/TEN Slot-only receiver with the athleticism and separation quickness to win on the NFL level. Benefitted statistically from Western Kentucky’s scheme, but that offense benefitted from Taylor’s ability to get open and his explosiveness in the open field. High floor with the potential to be an above-average slot receiver in an offense that recognizes his flexibility. Round 3 Pick 1, Overall 25, Greenland Monsters: James Conner, RB/PIT Physical, battering-ram style runner who makes the hitting a two-way affair. Conner’s lack of speed and reactive quickness could limit his role as a pro, but his heart, work ethic and ability to keep the chains moving could make him a red-zone specialist with the ability to handle some third down duties as well. Pick 2, Overall 26, Nagasaki Kamikazes: Cooper Kupp, WR/LAR Utilized as a slot receiver in college but could transition outside. Produced elite numbers against a lower level of competition but saved a monster game for Washington State early in the season. He is as natural a pass catcher as you will find with desired competitive drive on each snap. His transition to NFL-level cornerbacks will take time, but he has the ability to become an early No. 3 receiver and eventual starter. Pick 3, Overall 27, Russia Renegades: Joe Williams, RB/SF Draft grade is affected by some of the character concerns that could preclude his NFL career from taking off. The more tape you watch, the more you become impressed with Williams’ ability to keep runs alive that other running backs couldn’t. His ability to create yardage for himself is a necessary piece of the puzzle for NFL runners, but his inability to contribute on third downs could hurt his draft stock. Williams has talent as a runner and could fit a roster spot if teams are okay with his background. Pick 4, Overall 28, Wake Island Wookies: Nathan Peterman, QB/BUF Peterman’s experience in a pro-style passing attack gives him a head start headed into the league. His physical attributes are just average, but his accuracy, composure and anticipation are what sets him apart from some of the more physically gifted quarterbacks in this year’s draft. Peterman’s tape is sure to catch the eye of at least a few teams in need of a quarterback and he should come off the board by day two with a chance to become a solid starting quarterback in the future. Pick 5, Overall 29, Egypt Pharaohs: Elijah Hood, RB/OAK Downhill runner who lacks desired elusiveness, lateral quickness and speed, but does have the overall power to create for himself. Hood is a banger who will only be a fit for certain systems, but he does have the toughness to handle pass protection duties. Hood’s ability to block in the open field could open a door for him as a roster-friendly fullback with third or fourth running ability. Pick 6, Overall 30, Vietnam Velociraptors: Carlos Henderson, WR/DEN One-year superstar who delivered monster numbers at Louisiana Tech this year before leaving school early. Plays outside for the Bulldogs, but a little smaller than most teams will like. Henderson excels on catch-and-go throws and nine routes. He lacks the route running to come in and be an effective threat right away, but his kick return ability could get him early work. Pick 7, Overall 31, Ecuador Ewoks: Curtis Samuel, WR/CAR Jack-of-all trades but master of none, Samuel showed an ability to gain yardage and create scoring opportunities in a variety of ways on a talented Buckeyes offense. However, NFL teams will want to slot him into a more defined role, which is most likely at receiver. He is still learning the position and has separation quickness to create open throwing lanes, but while he’s sharpening his route work, he could find early reps as a kick returner. Pick 8, Overall 32, Ukraine Grainers: Chris Godwin, WR/TB Competitive ball-winner with excellent ball skills and decent size. Godwin is a build-up runner who needs longer runways to do his best work so he will need to be paired with a play-action based passing game that allows him time to get into his intermediate and deep routes. Godwin lacks quickness and is not a natural separator so it will be imperative that he continue to sharpen his route skills if he wants to ascend and become a solid WR2 in the league. Pick 9, Overall 33, Bangkok Blitz: DeShone Kizer, QB/CLE The comparison to Steve McNair could raise eyebrows, but that is based primarily on size, mobility and arm strength. The aforementioned traits often land a quarterback in the first round, but Kizer’s second-half drop in production combined with inconsistent decision-making and accuracy should be a speed bump for teams ready to jump in head-first on the traits. Kizer has the ability to become a quality starter, but has to improve his ball placement and field vision first. Pick 10, Overall 34, San Juan Scorpions: Adam Shaheen, TE/CHI Big, fast and athletic, Shaheen will immediately interest teams who are looking for size and traits. He’s a poorer blocker than what might be expected for a player with his frame, but he’s also a much more dangerous pass catching target. The jump in competition will be substantial and teams will expect him to become a more consistent blocker, but he’s a pass catching tight end in a Y-tight end’s body. Shaheen has starting potential with an ability to impact a passing game early in his career. Pick 11, Overall 35, Turkey Jerky: Jamaal Williams, RB/GB His NFL size and physical nature give him a shot to make the back-end of the running back depth chart, but his inability to create for himself with broken tackles and elusiveness puts a ceiling on his draft value. Pick 12, Overall 36, Jamaica Jerks: Wayne Gallman, RB/NYG Comes with NFL-ready body and a competitive running style. Gallman has limited instincts as an interior runner and needs lanes rather than creases, but he’s physical enough to bang out tough yardage. Gallman runs with pace and shows traits of being a one-cut runner who is better off with focused, pre-set tracks rather than searching for his own. He could be an early contributor in a committee with a future as an eventual starter.