When I was in college, a group of friends and I started the Gorilla Legends Fantasy Football League. 12 years later, that league is still going strong. Some of the people have changed. Some of the rules have changed. But the heart of the league is still there. And it’s always the league I reference when I refer to “my team”.
Every year (because I’m crazy) I write a season preview soon after the GLFFL draft and I email it to all my leaguemates. This year, I’m posting it for the public. Here’s a (very) quick overview of the league:
– 10 teams
– Ability to keep up to two players (cost varies depending on where player was drafted last season)
– 16 roster spots / standard roster positions
– Standard scoring for the most part (no PPR)
With that said, ladies and gentlemen, here is the 2018 GLFFL Season Preview:
Rainbow Warriors
Owner: Rye Addis
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: Kareem Hunt (Trade), Rex Burkhead (12th Rd), Dion Lewis (14th Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: Antonio Brown (#2), Keenan Allen (#16), Devonta Freeman (#19)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
Although I had no slam-dunk keepers, I had several great “value” options I could keep for cheap. I really wanted to have depth at RB this year, so I elected to keep two guys who I think will rotate in and out of my lineup all season: Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead. One luxury I had going into the season was an extra 2nd Rd pick and an extra 3rd Rd pick from trades I made last season. I knew I wanted to package up some picks for a better player. When Kovich made Kareem Hunt available, I immediately pounced. His terms were fair (a 3rd & 4th rd pick), and Hunt was the #7 RB on my own personal board. I had to do it.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?I was 95% sure Antonio Brown was going to be sitting there with the #2 overall pick. He was, and I never thought twice about taking the consensus #1 WR. With two picks in the 2nd round, I knew I wanted to grab one WR and one RB. I just wasn’t sure which would come first. Keenan Allen was my #6 WR, so I selected him first. Devontae Freeman was my #11 RB. I loved both selections. Beyond that, I went thru the rest of my draft attempting to fill out my roster with the best players available.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
I was very happy with getting Zach Ertz at Pick #29. At that point, I already had 4 RBs and 2 WRs on my roster. I was looking for another position and Gronk and Kelce were already off the board. Ertz, in my opinion, is in that same tier. He’s an every-week “set it and forget it” tight end.
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
Despite being a consensus Top-4 QB, Russell Wilson was not someone I was targeting in the draft at all. I had fully intended on waiting to draft someone in the Carson Wentz / Jimmy Garoppolo / Kirk Cousins / Andrew Luck tier. (The irony is that I ended up drafting Jimmy G anyway as a 2nd QB to roster.) But I honestly didn’t know what else to do with Pick #42, so I grabbed Wilson. In retrospect, I wish I would have drafted someone like Jarvis Landry or Chris Hogan — both of whom went later in Round 5.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
I love my roster. I don’t have a single weak spot. I also have depth I feel good about and can still contend even with an injury or two. I fully expect to compete for one of the top seeds in the playoffs
Jay Pee 3D
Owner: Kyle Kovich
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: Todd Gurley (1st Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: Joe Mixon (#22), Derrick Henry (#30), Doug Baldwin (#31)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
Not being over-reliant on players that carried us last season. I wanted to shake things up.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?
Potential. Much of my past success has been predicated on taking risks and this season is no different.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
I honestly didn’t know how the draft was going to go, so I didn’t strategize around certain players. But if I had to answer I’d say my late round receivers could pay off big time or be on the waiver wire in week two.
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
I don’t think I really reached for anyone, but maybe I draft a tight end earlier if I had to choose a do-over.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
Honestly I’m mostly curious how some guys will pan out. We have a bunch of unproven guys with breakout potential, but if they don’t pan out it could be a long season.
That Schmidt be Cray
Owner: Mark Schmidt
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: Odell Beckham Jr. (5th Rd), DeShaun Watson (14th Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: Saquon Barkley (#3), Dalvin Cook (#4), Davante Adams (#17)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
You know, coming into this league, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. Taking the reigns of a 2-11 team was a little daunting, but after analyzing the mismanagement of the Todd Haley-esque breakdown, there were some shining stars: 2 picks in the first round, re-signing a solid WR and one of the top projected QB’s. It gave me some wiggle room to pick up some upper RB’s early, even though I thought about monopolizing the market taking WR’s to force some early trades.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?
My strategy for the draft is the same I’ve been using for the past few years, which is to make sure I have every position covered for every week. Many people scoff at holding an extra kicker and defense on my bench, but I’d rather have that option than a useless RB that sees less 10 snaps a game. It’s worked well for me before and don’t be surprised if you see it again.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
Some were saying that Saquon Barkley is a gamble for a 1st round draft pick. I feel he’s going to be my point slayer week after week.
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
Hitting the tough questions on speculation and buyers remorse. A running back that I think is going to do really well this season. I would have liked to pick up Joe Mixon, but missed out by only a couple of pics. Should I have picked him up earlier instead of Dalvin Cook? Maybe. Only time will tell.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
I am stoked about my roster. I’m going to be a little shallow in the 7th and 9th weeks due to byes, but hopefully by then my backups will remain healthy and seeing some additional playing time. Thank you and that’s all the time I have for questions.
NW Bearcats
Owner: Brad Peterson
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: LeSean McCoy (1st Rd), Tyreek Hill (10th Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: Julio Jones (#12), Aaron Rodgers (#32), Carlos Hyde (#49)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
I have had a lot of luck with LeSean McCoy and I knew he would get me consistent numbers throughout the season. Tyreek Hill can be used in so many positions that I wanted to keep him for flexibility.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?
I wanted to find a couple of sleepers later in the draft….that is why drafted Dez Bryant as he might come in handy later in the season.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
I think Julio Jones will be a good playmaker for me and I was glad to get him when he was available.
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
If I remember right, I think I might have had the option to draft Christian McCaffrey but I didn’t and I think he will have a good year.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
I think my roster is going to be pretty consistent, but who knows when it comes to injuries/etc.
Patty Cakes
Owner: Slayton Rous
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: None
Top 3 Draft Picks: Leonard Fournette (#7), Christian McCaffery (#14), JuJu Smith-Schuster (#27)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
None. Wanted a fresh start so didn’t keep anyone.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?
Try to pick up as many WR/RBs for trade bait and potential breakout seasons.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
Kirk Cousins in the eighth. I think Minnesota has a great team and I was trying to hold off picking up a QB until the 9th round but couldn’t hold back.
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
None.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
Really good. I like my strategy.
Ditka in a Box
Owner: Bret Colyer
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: Julian Edelman (12th Rd), Patrick Mahomes (13th Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: AJ Green (#18), TY Hilton (#23), Royce Freeman (#38)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
Already having traded my 1st round pick, I felt limited. My keeper strategy was simple, keep those that got me the most value for picks in the later rounds.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?
Knowing that a lot of top prospects would be gone by the time I got to my first pick (end or round 2), I was looking for best available in early rounds and sleepers in later rounds.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
I would say A.J. Green. In watching his more recent interviews he said he hasn’t been himself the past couple seasons but feels reinvigorated and determined to have a monster year.
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
Acquiring a better running back.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
This was probably one of my weaker drafts if not the weakest. I know that I have a lot of work to do through the waiver wire and trades to be considered a contender.
Timken Terrors
Owner: Evan Besperat
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: Le’Veon Bell (1st Rd), Alvin Kamara (12th Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: DeAndre Hopkins (#13), Adam Thielen (#28), Alex Collins (#33)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
We evaluated everyone on our roster and their value relative to where we could draft them. Once completed, it was clear who we wanted to retain. We didn’t pursue any pre-draft trades this year.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?
We wanted the best available person with our first pick, either RB or WR. From there, it was about finding the players we wanted at a reasonable price point. We missed some, but we hit on several people we’re excited about. We weren’t pursuing a top shelf QB or TE, so we were hoping to get some good value in RB/WR when those positions were taken early.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
I was thrilled when DeAndre Hopkins was still there with my first pick (Round 2, pick 3).
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
I had planned on waiting longer on a QB. I ended up selecting Drew Brees in the sixth because there weren’t any other players I loved and he was still available. I don’t regret the decision, but in hindsight I almost wish I had waited a little longer to select a QB. I was initially targeting Luck and he didn’t go until Round 11.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
I really like the players I selected and feel fortunate that some guys lasted those few extra picks so I could get them. I’m really excited to start the season – hopefully my talent evaluation is good!
Afternoon Delight
Owner: Jeremy Wade
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: Michael Thomas (6th Rd), Jerick McKinnon (14th Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: David Johnson (#1), Mike Evans (#20), Travis Kelce (#21)
Coach Wade does this thing where he shoves my questions aside and instead, sends me a statement. He’s done it before, and he’ll likely do it again. His punishment for doing so was having McKinnon get injured two days after the draft. See his statement below:
I don’t have too much to say, haven’t had the opportunity to think too much. Overall, I was satisfied with my roster. Yahoo have me a C grade, I would give myself a B.
RoboPearson
Owner: Nick Pearson
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: Josh Gordon (14th Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: Melvin Gordon (#6), Rob Gronkowski (#15), Stefon Diggs (#26)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
Be as reckless as possible.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?
Take the best player available.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
Was happy to get Melvin Gordon.
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
Probably should have auto-drafted.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
As good as I’ve ever felt. Looking forward to squeaking out a 6 seed.
Statboys
Owner: Gabe Spurgeon
Player(s) on roster prior to draft: Ezekiel Elliott (1st Rd), Jordan Howard (11th Rd)
Top 3 Draft Picks: Cam Newton (#25), Amari Cooper (#36), Jarvis Landry (#45)
1 – What factors went into making any decisions prior to the draft (keepers and/or trades)?
I’ve found over the years the difference between a playoff team and a championship team is have a couple of elite and consistent scores. So keeping Zeke was a no brainer. Because of the trade to get him then keep him, he essentially cost a first and second round pick. Howard was a great value at 11th round keeper, so with no other irreplaceable point producers to choose from, that value made sense. We did actually look at a trade for another elite RB, but we just didn’t have the resources to pull it off.
2 – What was your strategy going into the draft?
Best player available.
3 – Which player you drafted were you most happy about getting?
I’m eager to see what Cam Newton can do this year. It’s nice having a QB a threat in the air and on the ground.
4 – If you had one do-over in the draft, what would it be?
I didn’t realize Ingram was suspended to start the season…probably resulted in a reach there.
5 – Overall, how do you feel about your roster heading into the 2018 season?
meh….a lot of middling talent. That’s a result of no 1st or 2nd round pick.
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