The Draft as Fantasy Football Intended: Round 5

The fifth round, and with premier options fast falling off of the board, teams now have to be select at wide receiver and running back. There is still plenty of options at other positions with certain positions not expected to go until much later in the draft. Picks 65-80 are here and there may be some players here that surprise you.

Pick 65: The Edinburgh Knights Select Michael Thomas, Wide Receiver, New Orleans

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

Injury plagued in 2020, missing the entire season in 2021 due to injury also, Michael Thomas is a gamble for the Edinburgh Knights but one that if it pans out could be a key factor for a New Orleans wide receiver core. It is expected that Michael will command a good share of passing yards however the last time he scored points in fantasy football, Drew Brees was still his quarterback. I doubt that same level of efficiency will be achieved under Jameis Winston but Michael may want to prove the haters wrong this season.

Pick 66: The Galway Tribesmen Select Hunter Renfrow, Wide Receiver, Las Vegas

Points Last Year: 259.1 Points
Average Per Game: 15.2 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 10th
Last Year Rank NFL: 28th

The big factor why Renfrow has dropped this far has to be the inclusion of Davante Adams to the Raiders and I honestly think that won't slow him down that much this season. A weapon at third down, Hunter Renfrow showed characteristics that made him a player in a similar ilk to the likes of Julian Edelman last season, breaking into the top ten on the back of some brilliantly consistent performances. With Waller and Adams, he may be the player that breaks free and make Las Vegas scary. It's a great steal this early for Galway.

Pick 67: The Barry Islanders Select Allen Robinson II, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams

Points Last Year: 87.0 Points
Average Per Game: 7.3 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 81st
Last Year Rank NFL: 197th

Another player disrupted by injuries last season, Allen Robinson in seasons past has been a monster however expect those levels to be slightly diminished this season. A switch to the superbowl champions away from Chicago should give Barry some hope that the targets will rain in, especially after a pitiful 7.3 points per game. With Los Angeles shedding Robert Woods and Odell Beckham, Robinson should slot in as a WR2 at the team, which in theory should leave Robinson aiming for a top 25 score this season.

Pick 68: The London Steelers Select Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver, Minnesota


Points Last Year: 199.8 Points
Average Per Game: 15.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 28th
Last Year Rank NFL: 70th

Yes, Adam Thielen is starting to get on a bit as far as wide receivers go but last season, barring the last 6 games where 4 were sat out and the remaining 2 went for just 8 points, Adam Thielen could still go as an elite fantasy option. Christmas has come early for the London Steelers who know as a WR2 supporting Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen is poised to have another great points per game year, where if healthy, is a clear top 10 candidate. Absolute gem of a pick at 68.

Pick 69: The Dundee Spinners Select Drake London, Wide Receiver, Atlanta


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 rookie out of USC is a nice pick at 69. Atlanta desperately need the help at wide receiver and London looks poised to take a role on every down of football. Versitile through his college tenure, he moved from being a slot player to a perimiter player last season before a broken ankle stopped his progress and on top of that, he has been able to find plays in tough games too, having had a 38% target rate with the trojans when active last season. Dundee take probably the best wide out rookie in class this year and might get some good points because of it.

Pick 70: The Cork City Rebels Select Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore


Points Last Year: 239.98 Points
Average Per Game: 20.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 16th
Last Year Rank NFL: 41st

This is the quarterback that everyone in fantasy looks for. They can run, they can pass, they are points machines. In a season where Lamar missed 5 games to injury, along with a deceptive 1.18 score in week 14, here is someone who consistently had a great floor and an even better ceiling. The Cork City Rebels stop a draft run of 6 straight wide receivers and they will be sorted at quarterback with a player hotly tipped for a MVP season. Who Lamar throws to may be the only issue with him this season.

Pick 71: The Nottingham Sheriffs Select Dalton Schultz, Tight End, Dallas


Points Last Year: 208.8 Points
Average Per Game: 12.3 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 3rd
Last Year Rank NFL: 64th

Dalton Schultz became one of the most dependent Tight Ends in the league last season in Dallas and Nottingham get another solid option to their side. In a side where the wide out talent was talked about the most, 8 touchdowns and a consistent 6 targets a game early on set out the blueprint for how he would be used. A similar season would still be great for him and on top of that, no Amari Cooper should mean more targets going his way. I like the pick but the only issue may be touchdown dependency.

Pick 72: The Swansea Smelters Select JuJu Smith-Schuster, Wide Receiver, Kansas City


Points Last Year: 34.8 Points
Average Per Game: 7.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: N/A
Last Year Rank NFL: N/A

When JuJu broke out in 2018, many looked at him as a direct replacement for Antonio Brown at Pittsburgh. Flash forward to now, turbulence with management, with injuries and with tiktok dancing on team embelms, A move to Kansas City may be a blessing in disguise for him and for Swansea. With uncertainty over who the best wide out option is at arrowhead, if JuJu can find the form he had as a rookie, he could be a fierce choice as a player. As the third wide receiver for Swansea, this is the right time to pick him.

Pick 73: The Birmingham Bulls Select DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia


Points Last Year: 185.6 Points
Average Per Game: 10.9 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 30th
Last Year Rank NFL: 80th

DeVonta Smith looked like a decent option through his opening campaign, managing to score decently until production began to slant at the end of the season. Somewhat held back in fantasy value by being on a heavy rush team, his stock will also take a hit with the introduction of A.J. Brown into the mix. Still, there are going to be opportunities for a player who still managed 5 touchdowns last season. This is a decent selection for the Birmingham Bulls and one that will be interesting to keep tabs on moving forward.

Pick 74: The Belfast Giants Select Rashod Bateman, Wide Receiver, Baltimore


Points Last Year: 103.5 Points
Average Per Game: 8.6 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 70th
Last Year Rank NFL: 179th

A rookie last season, Rashod Bateman missed the opening five games and did a solid job for his opening outing. Nothing too flashy about his run forward, most of his looks at points came with the absence of Lamar Jackson, with a career best 17.3 points in week 14. Bateman is expected to get a much increased pashing share with the absence of Hollywood Brown and Sammy Watkins, so for Belfast, a pick on paper that seems a little thin actually has a lot of substance behind it. Good pick.

Pick 75: The Glasgow Pipers Select Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, 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 rookie out of THE Ohio State University, (yes, I did puke in my mouth a little writing that,) goes at 75 which means Glasgow are hopeful on the Wilson to Wilson connection. Seldom dropping the rock in college, it is expected that Garrett will slot in as either the WR1 or WR2 option alongside Elijah Moore and make some good progress early on. There will be competition for the starting spots at the Jets however I think the Pipers have made an astute play here.

Pick 76: The Newport Coal Miners Select Kareem Hunt, Running Back, Cleveland


Points Last Year: 110.0 Points
Average Per Game: 13.8 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 49th
Last Year Rank NFL: 165th

Kareem Hunt looked great for the first six games of the season, but outside of those, he only played twice more all season. The most effective 1-2 rushing punch in the NFL, there aren't many RB2's that get a fifth round pick and Kareem is one of them. Averaging a touchdown a game for the first 5 games of the season, if Kareem can stay healthy for Newport, this could be money all day long. How much time he'll get with the ball will be interesting too, so this has a natural risk attached to it.

Pick 77: The Bristol Buccaneers Select Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Running Back, Kansas City


Points Last Year: 117.6 Points
Average Per Game: 11.8 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 44th
Last Year Rank NFL: 157th

Clyde Edwards-Helaire to some respects may be fortunate to still have the starting role in Kansas City with the emergence of Jerrick McKinnon last season in his absence. Clyde's points haul was solid, showing promise early with back to back 100 yard performances but with those results, he still didn't manage to break 20 points during the campaign. He has decent utility at this stage of the running back pool for the Bristol Buccaneers but when the offence is pass first, there will only be so many chances for him.

Pick 78: The Cardiff Dragons Select Damien Harris, Running Back, New England


Points Last Year: 210.1 Points
Average Per Game: 14.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 14th
Last Year Rank NFL: 52nd

The Patriots finally get a player off the board with Damien Harris being a smash and grab for Cardiff. Having a 15 touchdown season last year, Harris was able to go under the radar behind a resolute defence and a rookie quarterback. Damien Harris should get some similar work this season but it is a little weakness knowing there won't be many passes out of the back to him. This finalises running backs for Cardiff, and their roster may be the only one with 4 RB1's this season.

Pick 79: The Dublin Brewers Select Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Arizona


Points Last Year: 300.48 Points
Average Per Game: 21.5 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 10th
Last Year Rank NFL: 19th

By NFL standards, he may be the size of a fifth grader but with a bumper contract and weapons for days, Kyler Murray just has to stay healthy to reap the rewards of a Cliff Kingsbury offence. With Hollywood Brown and Zach Ertz initially to throw to, and after week 6, De'Andre Hopkins, naturally with most early selected quarterbacks, mobility is a huge bonus for him and for Dublin. Only once did he score under 10 points last season, which means a high floor. High floor good. Study clause bad. No more study clause.

Pick 80: The Aberdeen Oilers Select Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas


Points Last Year: 320.56 Points
Average Per Game: 20.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 7th
Last Year Rank NFL: 13th

Backup to Mahomes for the Oilers, Aberdeen have their quarter-Dak. Prescott's Dallas run last season was a mix of great performances and some downright average ones, going through a mid to late stretch of only 11 points a game. Still, there is tremendous upside to Dak Prescott when he finds his passing feet. CeeDee Lamb will be the main target along with Dalton Schultz and Michael Gallup. Dak can be accused of eating too many Butterfingers however. 6 fumbles last season will be an alarming stat for Aberdeen.

Five rounds down, and twelve more to go, let's see how the statistics line up for both position and for team.

Round 5 By Position:
Wide Receiver: 9
Quarterback: 3
Running Back: 3
Tight End: 1

Round 5 By NFL Team:
Baltimore: 2
Dallas: 2
Kansas City: 2
New Orleans: 1
Las Vegas: 1
Los Angeles Rams: 1
Minnesota: 1
Atlanta: 1
Philadelphia: 1
New York Jets: 1
Cleveland: 1
New England: 1
Arizona: 1

Overall By Position:
Wide Receiver: 38
Running Back: 30
Tight End: 6
Quarterback: 6

Overall By NFL Team:
Buffalo: 4
Los Angeles Chargers: 4
Baltimore: 4
Dallas: 4
Kansas City: 4
Las Vegas: 4
Cincinnati: 3
Denver: 3
San Francisco: 3
Tampa Bay: 3
Los Angeles Rams: 3
Minnesota: 3
Atlanta: 3
Philadelphia: 3
Cleveland: 3
Arizona: 3
Miami: 2
Carolina: 2
Indianapolis: 2
Pittsburgh: 2
Detroit: 2
Washington: 2
Chicago: 2
Seattle: 2
New Orleans: 2
New York Jets: 2
Tennessee: 1
Green Bay: 1
New York Giants: 1
Houston: 1
Jacksonville: 1
New England: 1

Check back in for regular updates as more rounds get chalked off in the Draft as Fantasy Football Intended for Fantasy Football as ESPN Intended. Artwork was illustrated by Althea Charlie. Round 6 will mark the one-third's distance in the draft. We will map out how teams have drafted so far next time out!

The Draft as Fantasy Football Intended : Round 4

Round four. Crunch time. Those looking to build their foundations have two options here, diversify or specialise. Some teams will be looking at tactics, others are thinking about finishing off a core of players. All I know is that some drafting will be taking place, just how ESPN inteded players to be drafted.

Pick 49: The Aberdeen Oilers Select Darnell Mooney, Wide Receiver, Chicago


Points Last Year: 219.7 Points
Average Per Game: 12.9 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 23rd
Last Year Rank NFL: 57th

Darnell Mooney was the only truly viable wide receiver option out of Chicago and it may look like more of the same this season. A little turbulent due to having Justin Fields at quarterback, Mooney adapted well and put together a solid campaign, not missing a single game. 12.9 points does seem like utility numbers more than out and out star power but there is a chance with another year, Mooney does indeed take off to the moon. It's a solid pick for Aberdeen.

Pick 50: The Dublin Brewers Select Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Atlanta


Points Last Year: 176.6 Points
Average Per Game: 10.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 6th
Last Year Rank NFL: 89th

Kyle Pitts is a once in a generation talent who set a record for most yards in his rookie season. What makes Kyle Pitts even more interesting is that with Marcus Mariota at quarterback this year, if they want any success, most plays must go through him. With a year to get accustomed to the NFL, Dublin have a player that might just become the next Tony Gonzalez. What really neutered Pitts last season was just the singular touchdown all year, but with a scheme based around him, he could be easily 50 points better this year.

Pick 51: The Cardiff Dragons Select Travis Etienne Jr., Running Back, Jacksonville


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

Imagine being a first round running back, missing your entire rookie season to injury and just so happen to dodge Urban Meyer as your coach. A lucky escape but an interesting choice with Travis expected to be taking a bulk of the carries, especially with James Robinson trying to battle to full fitness after tearing his achilles. At least early on he should be a good option for Cardiff, having put up 6100 yards and 78 touchdowns during his college career at Clemson. With the running backs left on the board, this is a decent selection.

Pick 52: The Bristol Buccaneers Select Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay


Points Last Year: 242.4 Points
Average Per Game: 17.3 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 15th
Last Year Rank NFL: 39th

Were it not for missing the last three weeks through injury, Chris Godwin would have been on for almost if not 300 points. Thriving on a system where weapons were everywhere, Godwin's share will undoubtedly rise with the dramatic exit of Antonio Brown and the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. At his best last season, he was good for 140 yards a game and anywhere from 8 to 15 targets. Bristol take a Buccaneer and a rather good one at that, who could be an impressive third wide receiver for their team.

Pick 53: The Newport Coal Miners Select Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Denver


Points Last Year: 85.0 Points
Average Per Game: 8.5 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 85th
Last Year Rank NFL: 204th

While Jerry Jeudy has been struggling to score points over his first two seasons, there is a huge upside to him this season over any others: Russell Wilson. A much better quarterback situation should open up way more opportunities to score points, especially after a campaign which saw 7 missed games and a game without scoring a point. The WR1 scenario at Denver will be fascinating to see and if anything, Newport choosing Jeudy here does represent risk, one which won't be taken again should this fail.

Pick 54: The Glasgow Pipers Select Courtland Sutton, Wide Receiver, Denver


Points Last Year: 150.24 Points
Average Per Game: 8.8 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 44th
Last Year Rank NFL: 116th

Back to back Denver wide receivers come flying off the board and neither of them were the highest scoring last season. Courtland Sutton had an incredibly barren spell where he went 10 games without scoring double digit points to close the season. Still, when he was on form, he could be a yards machine which if unguarded, could be unstoppable. There's a lot of upside for Glasgow, especially with Wilson at quarterback. If Courtland Sutton can get free, then he's a surefire unit to throw to.

Pick 55: The Belfast Giants Select Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers


Points Last Year: 380.76 Points
Average Per Game: 22.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 2nd
Last Year Rank NFL: 3rd

Belfast have taken the top 2 quarterbacks from last year and that is frightening. In a system that is hyper aggressive, Herbert broke 5000 yards passing, 300 yards rushing and 41 total touchdowns. Even better is how mobile Justin Herbert is, effectively being the next Josh Allen, the sky is the limit for him in terms of production. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams on the wings, Austin Ekeler in the back and a coach that often goes for two, this is taking the best available off the board and I'm all for it.

Pick 56: The Birmingham Bulls Select Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Cleveland


Points Last Year: 202.5 Points
Average Per Game: 13.5 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 27th
Last Year Rank NFL: 69th

Moving from the glamour of Jerry's World over to the harsh reality of Cleveland, Amari Cooper was a steal for them but needs to be a number one outlet for a run first side. The challenge to score points will be tough early on with Deshaun Watson suspended for 6 games but after that, he should be a regular target as he settles into life at Cleveland. Amari Cooper is a decent WR3 for Birmingham who will need to soon think about other positions with the starting core wrapped up early at wide receiver.

Pick 57: The Swansea Smelters Select Tyler Lockett, Wide Receiver, Seattle


Points Last Year: 241.4 Points
Average Per Game: 15.1 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 16th
Last Year Rank NFL: 40th

The other side of the league's biggest share in terms of 1-2 punches, Tyler Lockett will have to respond just like DK Metcalf and showcase his talents without an elite quarterback like Russell Wilson. Normally it is one or the other who finds the big score and there were plenty of occasions last year where that scoring was evident. Bookending last season with multiple touchdowns, Swansea have a decent selection and probably one of the biggest names remaining on the board.

Pick 58: The Nottingham Sheriffs Select Gabriel Davis, Wide Receiver, Buffalo


Points Last Year: 125.9 Points
Average Per Game: 8.4 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 58th
Last Year Rank NFL: 146th

This may be the pick of the entire draft. Gabriel Davis broke out majorly during the playoffs for Buffalo and most of the points fell away last year due to Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders. With both of them now free agents, the door is open for Davis to be WR2 and be a scintillating option for them. There is a realm where Gabriel Davis could comfortably be a top 20 wide receiver and score big early on. The one thing that could slow him down though is defences understanding how he gets free and covering him off as a target.

Pick 59: The Cork City Rebels Select Elijah Mitchell, Running Back, San Francisco


Points Last Year: 165.0 Points
Average Per Game: 15.0 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 26th
Last Year Rank NFL: 97th

One of the standout rookies of last year, two spates of injuries derailed what could have been a brilliant opening campaign. Mitchell will be given carries in the back, having averaged over 23 carries in his final 5 appearances last season, putting at least 65 yards rushing. He can also catch out of the back, not often but enough to be a versitile option for the Cork City Rebels. It's a clever pick that gets disguised by the genius of Deebo Samuel and should be good, touch wood for 200 points this year.

Pick 60: The Dundee Spinners Select Miles Sanders, Running Back, Philadelphia


Points Last Year: 117.2 Points
Average Per Game: 9.8 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 45th
Last Year Rank NFL: 159th

Dundee's first running back is a questionable one with Philadelphia's philosophy being one by committee. With Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Jalen Hurts from quarterback all taking turns rushing, how many carries and yards will be a huge concern. With only 4 games last year over double digits, Dundee are going to have to hope that some rushers go down to make life easier on Miles and his running game. It does feel like a larger reach though to grab him at 60. At 100, he's very decent.

Pick 61: The London Steelers Select Cordarrelle Patterson, Running Back, Atlanta


Points Last Year: 234.6 Points
Average Per Game: 14.7 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 9th
Last Year Rank NFL: 45th

Nobody was able to figure out Cordarrelle Patterson last season as his twilight renaissance proved massive for fantasy scores. Only rushing for 618 yards last season, the wide receiver turned running back also put up nearly 550 catching yards and became a dual threat menace and the main outlet last season. There are doubts about if this can be repeated for a second straight year, especially without Matt Ryan at quarterback. If in doubt, there is always more room to rush a little more. Solid for the London Steelers.

Pick 62: The Barry Islanders Select Devin Singletary, Running Back, Buffalo


Points Last Year: 197.8 Points
Average Per Game: 11.6 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 18th
Last Year Rank NFL: 73rd

The running backs going off the board are all having the same thing in common and that is their quarterbacks do love a good rush. With Josh Allen up top, Devin Singletary has to pick and choose his moments and did solidly last season, just falling short of 200 points, putting up over 850 rushing yards. A late season flourish too of points scoring did help bolster a lot and with a lot of last season being lost to the throwing game, a weaker throwing core should help Devin two-fold.

Pick 63: The Galway Tribesmen Select Darren Waller, Tight End, Las Vegas


Points Last Year: 133.5 Points
Average Per Game: 12.1 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 17th
Last Year Rank NFL: 134th

Missing 6 games last season, the dude who is intense as hell started off with a huge boon of points last season but slowly faded away in terms of production. Waller on his day can be game changing for the Galway Tribesmen, however there is a big concern that day is going to be fewer and further between with Davante Adams now a part of the attack. It may however be a small blessing with Las Vegas' attack potentially switching to be less Tight End intensive, leaving Waller more open on some plays. I like the pick, maybe a small reach but not much.

Pick 64: The Edinburgh Knights Select George Kittle, Tight End, San Francisco


Points Last Year: 198.0 Points
Average Per Game: 14.1 Points
Last Year Rank Position: 4th
Last Year Rank NFL: 72nd

The people's tight end wraps up the fourth round and is expected to bounce back after a tough year. The glimpse of greatness was on show weeks 13 and 14 when he made a combined 73.7 points over that period. Three missed games and a tough end to the season which only saw a maximum of 6 points per game, Kittle will be pleased with the work Trey Lance has been doing, figuring yards will be a little easier to find. Class is permanent so this is always a good pick for the Edinburgh Knights.

Four rounds down and the main four positions are starting to get more evenly spread out. Let's have a look at the stats and see the breakdown of picks.

Round 4 By Position:
Wide Receiver: 7
Running Back: 5
Tight End: 3
Quarterback: 1

Round 4 By NFL Team:
Atlanta: 2
Denver: 2
Buffalo: 2
San Francisco: 2
Chicago: 1
Jacksonville: 1
Tampa Bay: 1

Los Angeles Chargers: 1
Cleveland: 1
Seattle: 1
Philadelphia: 1
Las Vegas: 1

Overall By Position:
Wide Receiver: 29
Running Back: 27
Tight End: 5
Quarterback: 3

Overall By NFL Team:
Buffalo: 4
Los Angeles Chargers: 4
Cincinnati: 3
Denver: 3
San Francisco: 3
Tampa Bay: 3
Las Vegas: 3
Minnesota: 2
Los Angeles Rams: 2
Miami: 2
Carolina: 2
Indianapolis: 2
Pittsburgh: 2
Detroit: 2
Dallas: 2
Arizona: 2
Baltimore: 2
Kansas City: 2
Washington: 2
Atlanta: 2
Chicago: 2
Cleveland: 2
Seattle: 2
Philadelphia: 2
Tennessee: 1
New Orleans: 1
Green Bay: 1
New York Giants: 1
New York Jets: 1
Houston: 1
Jacksonville: 1
New England: 0

You can read continued coverage of The Draft as Fantasy Football Inteded via this blog with a new update getting posted roughly every 2 days. Artwork was illustrated by Althea Charlie, will a patriot finally get taken in round 5?