The Draft as Fantasy Football Intended: Round 3

Half of the picks so far have been running backs, the other half predominantly wide receivers. A small sample of tight ends have gone but the third round of 17 approaches, will any teams look to make a gamble or will there be more consolidation of the major positions later on in the draft?

Pick 33: The Edinburgh Knights Select Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Dallas

Points Last Year: 252.06 Points
Average Per Game: 14.8 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 7th
Last Year Rank NFL: 34th

Edinburgh take a second running back with a small risk with Ezekiel Elliott. The trend has continued for the Dallas running back, having socred less and less fantasy points season on season and there will be concerns with a weaker offensive line and the emergence last season of Tony Pollard. There is still magic though from the one player that needs feeding and there is still that hope with a poor division, he can still deliver strong numbers. The issue though facing someone like him will be no 20+ point games after week 10.

Pick 34: The Galway Tribesmen Select Nick Chubb, Running Back, Cleveland

Points Last Year: 215.3 Points
Average Per Game: 15.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 13th
Last Year Rank NFL: 60th

Cleveland have the best running back group in the league with the trio of Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson but the drawback from having such a good group is percentage of ball. Last season Nick Chubb only was able to carry 55% of the team's runs and that showed in numbers that felt very reliant at times on needing a touchdown to reach the next level. He has all the ability to break out and be a top ten, if not top five running back, as a third rounder for Galway, this is a good choice.

Pick 35: The Barry Islanders Select J.K. Dobbins, Running Back, Baltimore

Points Last Year: 0.0 Points
Average Per Game: 0.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: N/A
Last Year Rank NFL: N/A

The Barry Islanders once again are hoping their running back contingency remains injury free, selecting a J.K. Dobbins who missed the whole of last season due to a nasty ACL tear. Dobbins' rookie season in 2020 was strong though, leading the league in yards per carry but with the caveat that Lamar Jackson and his style of quarterbacking strongly enters J.K territory. The run game began to stutter later into the 2021 season and the return should help allay those fears, and score some decent points.

Pick 36: The London Steelers Select Josh Jacobs, Running Back, Las Vegas

Points Last Year: 226.0 Points
Average Per Game: 15.1 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 12th
Last Year Rank NFL: 53rd

Josh Jacobs was truly a dependable running back option last season, despite the two missed games early on, he only had one performance all season below 10 points. Granted, he didn't have a single performance over 25 either, but a high ceiling, low floor isn't a bad thing to have in a running back, let alone a RB2 for the London Steelers. The only concern will be around rushing touches this season, with the looming threat of three elite catchers turning the Raiders into a pass first offence.

Pick 37: The Dundee Spinners Select Michael Pittman Jr., Wide Receiver, Indianapolis

Points Last Year: 238.6 Points
Average Per Game: 14.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 17th
Last Year Rank NFL: 42nd

Moving into the number one role at Indianapolis, Dundee get a very servicable wide receiver good for around 6 catches a game. While there are concerns that the scheme last year prevented Pittman from reaching the end zone, there's more than enough to love on a solid set of hands. Most notable of these will be the new quarterback in Matt Ryan jumping into the team which should help open out opportunities. Concerning though for Dundee is that their first 3 picks have all been wide receivers.

Pick 38: The Cork City Rebels Select Terry McLaurin, Wide Receiver, Washington

Points Last Year: 213.5 Points
Average Per Game: 12.6 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 25th
Last Year Rank NFL: 61st

Reliant on his performances last year, the same will ring true for the new Commanders along with the Cork City Rebels. Unchained, Terry McLaurin is more than capable of finding a 30+ point game but when boxed out by the opponents, there was a 5 game stretch where double digits couldn't be breached. It might be different with Carson Wentz now at quarterback, giving a more rounded view to getting open and available and on top of that, only 4 career drops. He just needs to get open to be a coup for the Rebels.

Pick 39: The Nottingham Sheriffs Select Diontae Johnson, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh



Points Last Year: 274.4 Points
Average Per Game: 17.2 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 8th
Last Year Rank NFL: 24th

Nottingham and steals are going hand in hand. Diontae Johnson was the second most targeted wide receiver last season and created a season in which his worst scoring week was just 9.8 points. The fear is that with a new quarterback in either Kenny Pickett or Mitchell Trubisky that the targets will drop in favour of a more run-heavy push on Najee Harris but those worries should be unfounded with Johnson finding paydirt roughly once every two games. Watch out for Nottingham this season.

Pick 40: The Swansea Smelters Select Breece Hall, Running Back, New York Jets

Points Last Year: 0.0 Points
Average Per Game: 0.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: N/A
Last Year Rank NFL: N/A

The first rookie comes off the board at 40 with Swansea taking a look at the former Iowa State rusher in Breece Hall. A second round pick by the Jets, there is a lot of promise in a back system with Michael Carter already there and should be a great upgrade in that regard. There is some scary promise too with him after he set a NCAA record 24 game streak of rushing in a touchdown. He can catch too after his time in college so the question with all rookies, how much time, how much responsibility?

Pick 41: The Birmingham Bulls Select Antonio Gibson, Running Back, Washington

Points Last Year: 229.1 Points
Average Per Game: 14.3 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 10th
Last Year Rank NFL: 48th

Antonio Gibson got plenty of time last season thanks in part to having Taylor Heinicke as his quarterback to take a number of carries into the 2021 season, namely averaging 16 per game. The premier rusher for the Commanders, Birmingham have got a shrewd bit of business done and will be looking at trying to build around this position. Two scary points though: There is a groin injury that is a little shaky and also that Washington drafted a third running back, so goal line rushes might be troublesome to come by.

Pick 42: The Belfast Giants Select Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo



Points Last Year: 402.58 Points
Average Per Game: 23.7 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 1st
Last Year Rank NFL: 2nd

The first quarterback and for the last couple of years, the go-to when it comes to fantasy football. Josh Allen is the perfect blend of run and pass, putting up 42 combined touchdowns along with over 750 yards rushing last season. With capable weaponry such as Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, it should be more of the same next season for a player whose only two bad games came from being out of sorts against Jacksonville and playing in a hurricane against New England. Belfast are sorted all season with this pick.

Pick 43: The Glasgow Pipers Select Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Chargers

Points Last Year: 246.6 Points
Average Per Game: 15.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 12th
Last Year Rank NFL: 35th

Mike Williams started off 2021 hotter than an Australian summer, scoring over 20 points in 4 of his first 5 games. The hot and cold though would be intermittent from that point onwards, with Keenan Allen preferred as the number one target. Still decent though with the numbers in a very aggressive system for yardage, there should be plenty of deep options available for Mike WIlliams to sink his teeth into. Glasgow get a glass cannon which, if it goes off, could pay off massively in the long run.

Pick 44: The Newport Coal Miners Select DK Metcalf, Wide Receiver, Seattle

Points Last Year: 244.3 Points
Average Per Game: 14.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 14th
Last Year Rank NFL: 37th

DK Metcalf is a great wide receiver and his pick at 44 doesn't do the talent justice but when there is huge uncertainty at quarterback with Drew Lock currently locked in, you can only watch with concern for the numbers on how efficient he could be. Effeciency dropped last season when Russell Wilson went out with injury and Geno Smith took his place, seeing a top ten talent fall to 13th overall. It could be a lot further but this is where DK needs to prove he is more than just enhanced by the quarterback.

Pick 45: The Bristol Buccaneers Select Brandin Cooks, Wide Receiver, Houston

Points Last Year: 231.8 Points
Average Per Game: 14.5 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 20th
Last Year Rank NFL: 47th

Brandin Cooks does not get enough credit for what he does in a fantasy setting, putting the quiet points together without the large volumes of touchdowns. The main focus of the Houston Texans, the Bristol Buccaneers have a sneaky option where the points should find their way into the bank without too much trouble. The one thing holding Brandin Cooks back however like the pick before is the quarterback situation. It's safe to say Davis Mills is not the greatest option, especially with eyes on a stacked class in next year's draft. A year to hold on for Cooks.

Pick 46: The Cardiff Dragons Select Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, Wide Receiver, Arizona

Points Last Year: 226.3 Points
Average Per Game: 14.1 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 22nd
Last Year Rank NFL: 52nd

With De'Andre Hopkins getting suspended for 6 games on a PED violation, the man they call Hollywood has to create some movie magic early to justify Cardiff's selection. A couple of nagging injuries weren't enough to derail a campaign where for Baltimore, he was a key target along with Mark Andrews and proved invaluable to the Ravens' attack. Maybe slightly more pass happy, the move is a like for like, but a hamstring has been a bit concerning to see in terms of an injury. Cardiff will hope he is clear before week one.

Pick 47: The Dublin Brewers Select Amon-Ra St. Brown, Wide Receiver, Detroit

Points Last Year: 227.3 Points
Average Per Game: 14.2 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 21st
Last Year Rank NFL: 51st

Early on for Amon-Ra, there wasn't much to cheer about, scoring just over 10 points for the first three games. In Detroit's last 6 games, he failed to score less than 15 points and only once dropped under 23 points. He is the defacto number one passing option for Jared Goff and while the scores weren't making much happen for the Lions, if the same form can be found for a full season, Amon-Ra could be the money pick in 2022 for Dublin. Watch this space this season.

Pick 48: The Aberdeen Oilers Select Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Kansas City

Points Last Year: 361.66 Points
Average Per Game: 21.3 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 4th
Last Year Rank NFL: 6th

Patrick Mahomes slowed a little last season but still remained one of the elite quarterbacks in fantasy with his backyard style of playing the game. Most teams found a way to counter the long option that made him so dangerous over the years and so Mahomes has worked out how to still pick the yards up. Travis Kelce will be the main target in play but it's a free for all at wide receiver. It is believed JuJu Smith-Schuster may be the best option there but with Mecole Hardman, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Skyy Moore, who will fill Tyreek Hill's Shoes?

Round three completed, and with many important positions starting to showcase releases, how do the statistics lie in regards to the rounds?

Round 3 By Position:
Wide Receiver: 8
Running Back: 6
Quarterback: 2

Round 3 By NFL Team:
Washington: 2
Dallas: 1
Cleveland: 1
Baltimore: 1
Las Vegas: 1
Indianapolis: 1
Pittsburgh: 1
New York Jets: 1
Buffalo: 1
Los Angeles Chargers: 1
Seattle: 1
Houston: 1
Arizona: 1
Detroit: 1
Kansas City: 1

Overall By Position:
Running Back: 22
Wide Receiver: 22
Tight End: 2
Quarterback: 2

Overall By NFL Team:
Cincinnati: 3
Los Angeles Chargers: 3
Minnesota: 2
Tampa Bay: 2
Los Angeles Rams: 2
Miami: 2
Carolina: 2
Indianapolis: 2
Pittsburgh: 2
Las Vegas: 2
Buffalo: 2
Detroit: 2
Dallas: 2
Arizona: 2
Baltimore: 2
Kansas City: 2
Washington: 2
Tennessee: 1
San Francisco: 1
New Orleans: 1
Denver: 1
Green Bay: 1
Chicago: 1
New York Giants: 1
Philadelphia: 1
Cleveland: 1
New York Jets: 1
Seattle: 1
Houston: 1

Round four of the draft of Fantasy Football as ESPN Intended will roughly take about two days to complete so make sure to check back in for more content. Artwork was illustrated by Althea Charlie. Quarterbacks are starting to go with Tight End's, the player grab continues!

The Draft as Fantasy Football Intended: Round 2

The first round came and went with a few early surprises on positioning with most of the teams questioning whether to go running back or wide receiver with their initial selection. With round two, would that stay the same or perhaps a change of tack from a couple of teams? with the draft, it is worth reminding that picks are selected in snake order therefore the team that picks last in the first round will pick first in the second round.

Pick 17: The Aberdeen Oilers Select CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Dallas

Points Last Year: 232.8 Points
Average Per Game: 14.6 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 19th
Last Year Rank NFL: 46th

CeeDee can be accused of needing time to load but with Amari Cooper moving away from the Cowboys, the Oilers are having to hope the majority of targets to their second draft pick will propel Lamb to an elite status. With 6 single digit scores last season, Aberdeen may have reached a round too early but this screams as a glass cannon pick that needs to work, especially with Kamara in flux.

Pick 18: The Dublin Brewers Select Leonard Fournette, Running Back, Tampa Bay

Points Last Year: 255.6 Points
Average Per Game: 18.3 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 6th
Last Year Rank NFL: 33rd

Playoff Lenny last season became regular season Lenny and proved to be a vital asset to the Tampa running game. Dublin also sure up their starters at the running back position, taking two elite running backs in the opening two picks. If Fournette can match or even slightly underperform without getting hurt, it is very possible that 280 points can be a target for someone who got at least 10 carries in all bar 4 games last season while playing.

Pick 19: The Cardiff Dragons Select James Conner, Running Back, Arizona

Points Last Year: 257.7 Points
Average Per Game: 17.2 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 5th
Last Year Rank NFL: 31st

James Conner's gamble to leave Pittsburgh for Arizona was validated last season as his slow start morphed into some monstrous performances and unseated Chase Edmonds from the starter's role. A versitile option, the Dragons shouldn't worry about any downside when more responsibility will fall on his shoulders. Over the back half of the season, only the number 1 overall pick of this draft was better. Cardiff have a weapon at 19.

Pick 20: The Bristol Buccaneers Select Javonte Williams, Running Back, Denver



Points Last Year: 204.9 Points
Average Per Game: 12.1 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 17th
Last Year Rank NFL: 67th

Time is the name of the game for Javonte WIlliams. A young running back, it is expected he will be getting more touches and become the leading rusher for Denver but it depends on how much Melvin Gordon gets. Anywhere over 70% of the Denver carries would be great for Bristol with their second pick of the draft, but it could easily pay off if the stretch of games last season from the Chargers to the Lions is anything to go by.

Pick 21: The Newport Coal Miners Select Aaron Jones, Running Back, Green Bay

Points Last Year: 229.0 Points
Average Per Game: 15.3 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 11th
Last Year Rank NFL: 49th

With a number of doubts over the wide receiver core of Green Bay, Aaron Jones out of the back will once again be a dependable set of hands for Aaron Rodgers to go to. There will be a few doubts over Jones mainly through the emerging abilities of AJ Dillon whose breakout tempered Jones in the middle of the season. Newport should get a good amount of points out of Aaron Jones, so expect good points to be in play.

Pick 22: The Glasgow Pipers Select Cam Akers, Running Back, Los Angeles Rams

Points Last Year: 4.3 Points
Average Per Game: 4.3 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 145th
Last Year Rank NFL: 517th

The eighth running back in 9 picks, Cam Akers spent almost all of last season out with injury and it was a minor miracle that he got back to play the post season. McVay's offence has been some of the heaviest on the run within the 5 yard line, meaning major points should come in bundles of 6. The only concern will be the lack of ability to catch which will be points falling away but Akers for the Pipers should be a decent selection.

Pick 23: The Belfast Giants Select Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Chargers

Points Last Year: 257.8 Points
Average Per Game: 16.1 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 11th
Last Year Rank NFL: 30th

Keenan Allen may not be a touchdown machine but there has never been a more consistent player all season than him. Only once going below 10 points in a season, only 4 times going below 50 yards receiving in a game, there aren't many who can deliver week in and week out the same way he can. Dependability has been the name of the game so far for Belfast and it should look the same this time with Keenan Allen. With the Chargers being a heavy throwing team, expect great production throughout the season.

Pick 24: The Birmingham Bulls Select Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati

Points Last Year: 219.1 Points
Average Per Game: 15.7 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 24th
Last Year Rank NFL: 58th

Tee Higgins last season was the 2 in the 1-2 punch that was Chase and Higgins. Bolstered in the late season by 2 20+ points scores and a mega 43.4 against Baltimore, Tee Higgins was dependable but not overall an elite wide receiver. However, Ja'Marr Chase should receive more attention this year and with the better offensive line, there should be room for Tee to score higher than last year. The Birmingham Bulls are relying on this and should be hopeful for a strong Bengals campaign.

Pick 25: The Swansea Smelters Select Mike Evans, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay

Points Last Year: 262.5 Points
Average Per Game: 16.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 9th
Last Year Rank NFL: 27th

Mike Evans has been the standout wide receiver at Tampa Bay for a fair while and sneaking into the top ten last season proved as such. The future only looks up for the opening weeks too for Swansea with Gronk retiring and Chris Godwin nursing an injury, meaning Evans is due for more targets and receptions. The only worry will be how Brady responds in what could be his last season in Tampa, a last dance of sorts. Either way, expect Mike Evans to be a huge reason for success for both Tampa and Swansea.

Pick 26: The Nottingham Sheriffs Select David Montgomery, Running Back, Chicago

Points Last Year: 195.0 Points
Average Per Game: 15.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 21st
Last Year Rank NFL: 76th

Chicago do have a decent run and David Montgomery has proven that last season. The numbers weren't overall the most flashy but breaking 40 yards all bar once rushing along with only 7 touchdowns all year, and STILL finding an average of 15 points a game is remarkable. There is also great competition behind Montgomery too driving him to perform with Khalil Herbert chomping for NFL minutes, but at least right now, this is a quiet second pick after Derrick Henry for the Sheriffs.

Pick 27: The Cork City Rebels Select Saquon Barkley, Running Back, New York Giants

Points Last Year: 148.6 Points
Average Per Game: 11.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 30th
Last Year Rank NFL: 117th

Last year, Saquon was considered an elite pick who would have gone for most people in the first round. After missing 21 games in his last 3 seasons in the NFL, it is only natural that the once leading fantasy rusher has slid down to the second round, and were it not for Cork, maybe further still. The running game for the G men has not been the most effective either and with a crunch year expected for Daniel Jones, how much is he going to hand off the rock? A pick of some hope for Cork which they hope stops the spiral.

Pick 28: The Dundee Spinners Select Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Miami

Points Last Year: 245.8 Points
Average Per Game: 15.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 13th
Last Year Rank NFL: 36th

With a great first rookie season behind him, Jaylen's challenge now goes from being the focus of attack to a supporting character behind Tyreek Hill. The role may change but points should still be good to find for the Dundee Spinners. How much though of Jaylen's form was found due to the easier run in for the second half of Miami's season last year? Miami are going to need him at his best and so will Dundee.

Pick 29: The London Steelers Select Mark Andrews, Tight End, Baltimore

Points Last Year: 301.1 Points
Average Per Game: 17.7 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 1st
Last Year Rank NFL: 17th

The first tight end leaves the board and crucial to Baltimore's attack without the best wide receivers in the world, Mark Andrews is the big threat when Lamar Jackson starts throwing. Averaging over 100 yards receiving for the final 5 games of the season, at times he can be unguardable with a mixture of size, strength and speed. London secure down the best option in the league and there is some irony that a Raven becomes a Steeler in this draft.

Pick 30: The Barry Islanders Select Travis Kelce, Tight End, Kansas City

Points Last Year: 262.8 Points
Average Per Game: 16.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 2nd
Last Year Rank NFL: 26th

As soon as one comes off the board, two come off at once. Travis Kelce has been the yardstick for a long time at tight end but last season was slightly more difficult in a season where space was tough to find for the Chiefs. With no clear number one option at wide receiver for the team, this is a smart decision for the Barry Islanders to pick up Kelce here. The only concern though will be that outside of the opening 2 weeks, Kelce only managed one score above 20 last season. Should be a very telling season for Barry and Travis.

Pick 31: The Galway Tribesmen Select A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia

Points Last Year: 180.9 Points
Average Per Game: 13.9 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 32nd
Last Year Rank NFL: 84th

A NFL draft day trade pushed A.J. Brown from emerging talent to a name on everyone's lips. The big problem comes from opportunity still. Tennessee proved to be difficult to score from with a run heavy offence but that only continues in Philly with Jalen Hurts often relying on the Run-Pass Option as a play call. Brown will have to go above and beyond to stand out, likely to step over DeVonta Smith in the pecking order but Galway are going to have to hope rushing becomes a thing of Philadelphia's past.

Pick 32: The Edinburgh Knights Select DJ Moore, Wide Receiver, Carolina

Points Last Year: 237.5 Points
Average Per Game: 14.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 18th
Last Year Rank NFL: 43rd

DJ Moore started out like a house on fire but towards the middle of the season, Carolina seemed bereft of kindling. An incredible yard gainer, Moore is a statistical improbability with just 4 touchdowns all season last year. It is a unique proposition for the Edinburgh Knights who will have to hope that whatever option ends up at quarterback, now more likely Baker Mayfield over Sam Darnold, Moore should be the first eyes going forward, hoping that McCaffrey doesn't steal away a few targets.

With round 2 officially drafted, let's now take a look at not only the highlights from the round but also from the entire draft to see the particular trends.

Round 2 By Position:
Running Back: 7
Wide Receiver: 7
Tight End: 2

Round 2 By NFL Team:
Tampa Bay: 2
Dallas: 1
Arizona: 1
Denver: 1
Green Bay: 1
Los Angeles Rams: 1
Los Angeles Chargers: 1
Cincinnati: 1
Chicago: 1
New York Giants: 1
Miami: 1
Baltimore: 1
Kansas City: 1
Philadelphia: 1
Carolina: 1

Overall By Position:
Running Back: 16
Wide Receiver: 14
Tight End: 2

Overall By NFL Team:
Cincinnati: 3
Minnesota: 2
Tampa Bay: 2
Los Angeles Rams: 2
Los Angeles Chargers: 2
Miami: 2
Carolina: 2
Indianapolis: 1
Tennessee: 1
Pittsburgh: 1
Las Vegas: 1
Buffalo: 1
Detroit: 1
San Francisco: 1
Dallas: 1
New Orleans: 1
Arizona: 1
Denver: 1
Green Bay: 1
Chicago: 1
New York Giants: 1
Baltimore: 1
Kansas City: 1
Philadelphia: 1

The third round of the draft of Fantasy Football as ESPN Intended will continue as soon as possible so watch this space for more content. Artwork was illustrated by Althea Charlie, who will go next in the draft?