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
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?
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