Photo courtesy of Fantasy Trophies.
“You the one they call The Wordslinger?”
The behemoth of a man that stood before me said nothing else, but his silent stare made it clear he wanted an answer…and quick.
“I am,” I replied. “Who wants to know?”
He spoke not a word; instead he reached up to pull his thick black sunglasses just far enough down the bridge of his nose for his eyes to peak over the top. He scanned me from top to bottom and back again, then reached into the inside pocket of his jacket, pulled out an envelope, and handed it to me. There was nothing on the outside, so I turned it over and pulled out a torn piece of paper folded in half. I opened it to find only an address, a date, and a time. I raised my eyes, prepared to ask the man a litany of questions, but found only the humid, late summer air where he once stood.
Several days passed and I found myself more and more intrigued by the silent man, his brief appearance, and the note I now carried in my wallet. Who was he? Why was he looking for me? How the hell did he disappear like that? These questions, just to name a few, flooded my mind until the date inscribed on the tattered paper finally arrived. I was hindered by my curiosity, oblivious to the many pitfalls that could come from blindly following a strange man’s silent instructions, but I didn’t care. I hopped in my car and before I knew it, I was standing outside a non-descript building with no idea of what was to come.
I knocked three times…for no particular reason; just seemed like the right move at the time. The big metal door screeched open and I was greeted for the second time by the silent man with the dark glasses.
“I’m here,” I said, my voice shaking a bit. “But I don’t know why.”
He motioned for me to follow him inside. Seeing as I had come to an unfamiliar place alone, based solely on an encounter with this disappearing man, I didn’t feel this was the time to question him so I followed his lead. We walked down a long hallway, then turned and headed down a narrow set of steps leading to a basement. My heart pounded and my head swiveled from side to side, determined not to be ambushed by whatever awaited me below. The room was dark, save for a dim desk lamp barely illuminating a small area to my right. I turned to find what looked like silhouettes huddled in a circle on the other side of the room. I looked up at the silent man and he nodded his head toward the group.
I slowly made my way towards them, their figures becoming more detailed as I approached. By my count there were nine of them, all men it appeared, and each sitting quietly with their heads down and focused on what looked like papers in their laps. I took another step and suddenly the man with his back to me raised his head and spoke something to the group. Fear gripped me and I froze in my tracks, straining to hear what he was saying. Just then another figure slowly raised up and with a booming voice, addressed the horde.
“With the first pick in this year’s draft, Bill takes Adrian Peterson.”
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Ok, Ok. I may be dramatizing this just a bit. But yesterday, yours truly, The Wordslinger, as well as 9 other highly qualified, highly nerdified, fantasy football fanatics gathered for the inaugural Sports Column fantasy league. Under the cover of darkness, illuminated only by the glow of laptops and tablets, ten men sat poised to begin a run to championship glory. The super secret, highly confidential draft process was closed to the media, but fortunately for you, I’m here today to recap the action and debut a running series that will follow the progress of this expert league throughout the season.
As an homage to the FX show of the same name, we’re calling it “The League”. Every week, I’ll be filling you in on the activity of our owners; from free agent pick-ups to smack talking put-downs and previewing some of the more intriguing matchups headed into the weekend’s games. Then every Tuesday, The Sports Column’s creator, Brett Dickinson, will recap the scores and update the standings. You can follow our progress, root for your favorite teams, and share stories of your own league by commenting on our columns or emailing us directly through our convenient mailbag, located on our fantasy homepage.
“The League, FX” Courtesy of: Bleacher Report
As The Sports Column’s fantasy expert, I’ll be living and dying with my team each week so at the very least, you should find yourself thoroughly entertained…and maybe, just maybe, you’ll glean some insight as well. Today, rather than give you the typical preview, I thought I’d introduce you to the ten teams that make up The League and give each of them a completely arbitrary grade of last night’s draft based solely on the opinion of…you guessed it…me. At the end of the column I’ll include a round by round summary of the draft so you can judge who jumped the gun and who nabbed great value. Let’s get started!
(Owner’s draft position in parenthesis. Starting rosters must include: 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 Flex(RB/WR/TE), 1 TE, 1 DEF, 1 K)
(7)Team Puig Destroyer – Owner: Luke Woods – Grade: A-
What I like: Team Puig is rostering some of my favorite fantasy options for 2013 which is why he ties for the highest grade of the group. With the injury to Andre Brown in NY, David Wilson’s value has increased dramatically and this team now has a very solid RB core with Marshawn Lynch and Wilson (as well as Frank Gore as a flex option or RB2). Puig’s WRs are huge upside guys and at the helm is Colin Kaepernick, a player that people seem to be really excited about or very wary of. Me; I’m in the former group.
What I don’t like: Not much. Team Puig’s starters are solid and his bench is very deep at the WR spot. If I had one concern, it would be the depth at RB since owner Luke Woods opted to draft only the 3 previously mentioned backs, leaving him very little room for underperformance or injury.
(10)Team Fischer – Owner: Mark Fischer – Grade: A-
What I like: The WR corp. Megatron, Julio Jones, and Marques Colston are all potential top 10 WRs and Fischer snagged them all. I like the (presumed) dependability of Alfred Morris balanced with the huge upside of Cam Newton at QB. I also like the bench, which includes 3 understudy RBs who could make fantasy waves if their leads go down or string together a few bad games.
What I don’t like: Other than Morris, Fischer’s RB corp is worrisome. Having to depend on a healthy DeMarco Murray makes my stomach churn, considering the only other viable option on the bench is Shane Vereen.
(9)Team Sherwood – Owner: Aaron Sherwood – Grade: B+
What I like: Sherwood’s team feels like a “high floor” group, meaning there is some upside to many of these guys, but their downside seems limited. CJ Spiller and Randall Cobb are exciting players who could have monster seasons and Stafford is going to throw the ball 1,000 times this year (slight exaggeration), so those 3 guys have high ceilings for sure. The rest of the team, while maybe not spectacular, feels very solid.
What I don’t like: Another team rostering only 3 RBs. I certainly agree with the idea of value-based drafting, which is what Sherwood seemed to do in the mid to late rounds, but no back-up ball carriers puts a lot of pressure on the starters to produce week in and week out.
(5)Team Wordslingers – Owner: Jim Chaney – Grade: B+
What I like: It’s my team, what’s not to like? Seriously though, I was thrilled with my top starters at each major position; Ray Rice, Peyton Manning, and Dez Bryant. Grabbing those three gave me a little leeway to take a few risks. Overall, my WR corp feels like the best position on my team.
What I don’t like: I’m generally a risk adverse guy so while I felt I had the ability to take some risks, I didn’t exactly love it. Take Darren McFadden for example. Yikes. Could be the best or worst pick I made last night.
(3)Team Jew Bo-Lee – Owner: Dan Abeshouse – Grade: B+
What I like: Another owner who drafted 3 top-notch receivers in Green, Jackson, and Fitzgerald. The QB, RB combo of Aaron Rodgers and Arian Foster is nothing to sneeze at either, though Foster doesn’t come without some concerns. Abeshouse played the Foster card perfectly though, by making sure to nab Ben Tate later in the draft…an absolute must for Foster owners.
What I don’t like: Other than Foster (and possibly Rashard Mendenhall, currently residing on his bench), Team Bo-Lee’s running backs are all back-ups. Sure, I see big things in Gio Bernard’s future, but BenJarvis Green-Ellis isn’t going away just yet so a backup RB may be in Abeshouse’s starting lineup in week 1.
(1)Team Kost – Owner: Andrew Kost – Grade: B+
What I like: AP obviously; but landing the first pick in the draft doesn’t require much skill. What does require skill is how you construct your roster late in drafts and I really like what Kost did, grabbing probably the top two scoring options in the DEF and K categories with Seattle and S. Gostkowski. I also really like partnering MJD and Eddie Lacy with Peterson in the backfield.
What I don’t like: With some owners grabbing multiple top 10 WR options, that had to leave someone on the short end of the stick, and I think Team Kost is that team. Cruz should be good, but after that, this team is a mix of boom or bust options that could make or break this team.
(6)Team Impregnable Defense – Owner: Sean Lanehart – Grade: B
What I like: The running back combo of Trent Richardson and Steven Jackson, two guys that I think will explode this year. If they don’t…well, he’s got some other options as well with Monte Ball, Ivory, and Bradshaw; all likely starters. I also think Brandon Marshall will continue to catch a million balls from Jay Cutler this year.
What I don’t like: Two players in particular that I’m just not high on this year; RGIII and Hakeem Nicks. If those two were backups at their positions, I’d be ok with it, but as your starting QB and WR, it makes me nervous.
(4)Team Dickinson – Owner: Brett Dickinson – Grade: B-
What I like: Hmm…I just gave the creator of this website one of the lowest grades of the draft; probably should have thought this through. What I like about Brett’s team is his running backs. McCoy and CJ2K should have great bounce back years, and Reggie Bush in Detroit is probably my #1 flex option most weeks. Also, Finley at TE could be a sneaky good option this year.
What I don’t like: While I think Russell Wilson is a very good NFL quarterback, I’m just not sure I trust him leading my fantasy squad. Outside of Andre Johnson (not without questions), I’m not sure I’m excited about his WR group, though I think Josh Gordon could be big upon his return from suspension. Finally, while I commend Dickinson on his strategy of grabbing 3 TEs (since they can be used in the flex spot), I don’t know if I would have used so many picks on them when some high-upside WR or RBs may serve him better.
(2)Team Techmo Bowlers – Owner: Jeffrey Powers – Grade: B-
What I like: The Bowlers first 3 rounds were exciting, strategic picks with Martin, Brees, and Graham. Graham provides Powers with such an advantage at the position, he was able to sacrifice a bit at the WR spot. I am also a believer in Ryan Mathews this year, despite his track record. I think he could end up a very solid RB2 this season.
What I don’t like: The lack of running back depth is an issue with no one on the bench to shoulder the load if Mathews or Daryl Richardson don’t pan out. Also, the sacrifice this team made at WR in order to get Graham is clear with Welker as the number 1, Torrey Smith as a boom or bust number 2, and a host of other bench players with potential and not much more.
(8)Team Blackburn – Owner: Kirk Blackburn – Grade: C+
What I like: I firmly believe that Jamaal Charles is in for a career year, so grabbing him in the 8 spot was a steal in my opinion. The QB-WR combo of Matt Ryan and Roddy White will allow Blackburn to double dip when the two hook up each week.
What I don’t like: I have real concerns about Stevan Ridley and Darren Sproles and the production they will see this year. Shane Vereen is a real thing in NE and the Saints seem more committed to using Mark Ingram in a real running back role this year, so those guys are question marks for me. I also am not impressed with the rest of the WR group here, though Boldin on the bench could be solid in San Fran with Kaepernick needing a dependable receiver to throw to.
So there you have it, the chiseled in stone, indisputable rankings of this Wordslinger. Take a look below at the round by round draft and let us know what you think of the teams in the comment box below. Then continue to check in with the league as we bring you our weekly previews and results all season long. The NFL season kicks off tonight…let’s get this thing started!
Round: 1
(1) Team Kost – Adrian Peterson RB
(2) Team Powers – Doug Martin RB
(3) Jew Bo-Lee – Arian Foster RB
(4) Team Dickinson – LeSean McCoy RB
(5) The Wordslingers – Ray Rice RB
(6) Impregnable Defense – Trent Richardson RB
(7) Puig Destroyer – Marshawn Lynch RB
(8) Team blackburn – Jamaal Charles RB
(9) Team sherwood – C.J. Spiller RB
(10) Team Fischer – Alfred Morris RB
Round: 2
(11) Team Fischer – Calvin Johnson WR
(12) Team sherwood – Matt Forte RB
(13) Team blackburn – Stevan Ridley RB
(14) Puig Destroyer – David Wilson RB
(15) Impregnable Defense – Steven Jackson RB
(16) The Wordslingers – Dez Bryant WR
(17) Team Dickinson – Chris Johnson RB
(18) Jew Bo-Lee – A.J. Green WR
(19) Team Powers – Drew Brees QB
(20) Team Kost – Eddie Lacy RB
Round: 3
(21) Team Kost – Maurice Jones-Drew RB
(22) Team Powers – Jimmy Graham TE
(23) Jew Bo-Lee – Aaron Rodgers QB
(24) Team Dickinson – Reggie Bush RB
(25) The Wordslingers – Peyton Manning QB
(26) Impregnable Defense – Brandon Marshall WR
(27) Puig Destroyer – Frank Gore RB
(28) Team blackburn – Darren Sproles RB
(29) Team sherwood – Lamar Miller RB
(30) Team Fischer – Julio Jones WR
Round: 4
(31) Team Fischer – DeMarco Murray RB
(32) Team sherwood – Randall Cobb WR
(33) Team blackburn – Roddy White WR
(34) Puig Destroyer – Demaryius Thomas WR
(35) Impregnable Defense – Montee Ball RB
(36) The Wordslingers – Darren McFadden RB
(37) Team Dickinson – Andre Johnson WR
(38) Jew Bo-Lee – Larry Fitzgerald WR
(39) Team Powers – Ryan Mathews RB
(40) Team Kost – Tom Brady QB
Round: 5
(41) Team Kost – Victor Cruz WR
(42) Team Powers – Wes Welker WR
(43) Jew Bo-Lee – Vincent Jackson WR
(44) Team Dickinson – DeAngelo Williams RB
(45) The Wordslingers – Reggie Wayne WR
(46) Impregnable Defense – Chris Ivory RB
(47) Puig Destroyer – Dwayne Bowe WR
(48) Team blackburn – Rob Gronkowski TE
(49) Team sherwood – Antonio Brown WR
(50) Team Fischer – Cam Newton QB
Round: 6
(51) Team Fischer – Marques Colston WR
(52) Team sherwood – Danny Amendola WR
(53) Team blackburn – Matt Ryan QB
(54) Puig Destroyer – Mike Wallace WR
(55) Impregnable Defense – Hakeem Nicks WR
(56) The Wordslingers – Steve Smith WR
(57) Team Dickinson – Pierre Garcon WR
(58) Jew Bo-Lee – Giovani Bernard RB
(59) Team Powers – Daryl Richardson RB
(60) Team Kost – Jason Witten TE
Round: 7
(61) Team Kost – Le’Veon Bell RB
(62) Team Powers – Torrey Smith WR
(63) Jew Bo-Lee – Rashard Mendenhall RB
(64) Team Dickinson – DeSean Jackson WR
(65) The Wordslingers – Tony Gonzalez TE
(66) Impregnable Defense – Ahmad Bradshaw RB
(67) Puig Destroyer – Colin Kaepernick QB
(68) Team blackburn – Steve Johnson WR
(69) Team sherwood – Matthew Stafford QB
(70) Team Fischer – Vernon Davis TE
Round: 8
(71) Team Fischer – Shane Vereen RB
(72) Team sherwood – T.Y. Hilton WR
(73) Team blackburn – BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB
(74) Puig Destroyer – Jordy Nelson WR
(75) Impregnable Defense – Robert Griffin III QB
(76) The Wordslingers – Mark Ingram RB
(77) Team Dickinson – Russell Wilson QB
(78) Jew Bo-Lee – Kyle Rudolph TE
(79) Team Powers – Cecil Shorts WR
(80) Team Kost – Chris Givens WR
Round: 9
(81) Team Kost – Golden Tate WR
(82) Team Powers – Sidney Rice WR
(83) Jew Bo-Lee – Ben Tate RB
(84) Team Dickinson – Isaac Redman RB
(85) The Wordslingers – Eric Decker WR
(86) Impregnable Defense – James Jones WR
(87) Puig Destroyer – Tavon Austin WR
(88) Team blackburn – Ronnie Hillman RB
(89) Team sherwood – Emmanuel Sanders WR
(90) Team Fischer – Bryce Brown RB
Round: 10
(91) Team Fischer – Miles Austin WR
(92) Team sherwood – Ryan Broyles WR
(93) Team blackburn – Anquan Boldin WR
(94) Puig Destroyer – Greg Jennings WR
(95) Impregnable Defense – Vick Ballard RB
(96) The Wordslingers – Knowshon Moreno RB
(97) Team Dickinson – Josh Gordon WR
(98) Jew Bo-Lee – 49ers D/ST D/ST
(99) Team Powers – Mike Williams WR
(100) Team Kost – Andrew Luck QB
Round: 11
(101) Team Kost – Seahawks D/ST D/ST
(102) Team Powers – Texans D/ST D/ST
(103) Jew Bo-Lee – Alshon Jeffery WR
(104) Team Dickinson – Jermichael Finley TE
(105) The Wordslingers – Vincent Brown WR
(106) Impregnable Defense – Fred Jackson RB
(107) Puig Destroyer – Kenbrell Thompkins WR
(108) Team blackburn – DeAndre Hopkins WR
(109) Team sherwood – Greg Olsen TE
(110) Team Fischer – Daniel Thomas RB
Round: 12
(111) Team Fischer – Bears D/ST D/ST
(112) Team sherwood – Rueben Randle WR
(113) Team blackburn – Jacquizz Rodgers RB
(114) Puig Destroyer – Michael Vick QB
(115) Impregnable Defense – Bernard Pierce RB
(116) The Wordslingers – Isaiah Pead RB
(117) Team Dickinson – Antonio Gates TE
(118) Jew Bo-Lee – Jared Cook TE
(119) Team Powers – Kenny Britt WR
(120) Team Kost – Michael Bush RB
Round: 13
(121) Team Kost – Fred Davis TE
(122) Team Powers – Denarius Moore WR
(123) Jew Bo-Lee – Tony Romo QB
(124) Team Dickinson – Owen Daniels TE
(125) The Wordslingers – Bengals D/ST D/ST
(126) Impregnable Defense – Packers D/ST D/ST
(127) Puig Destroyer – Patriots D/ST D/ST
(128) Team blackburn – Matt Bryant K
(129) Team sherwood – Lance Moore WR
(130) Team Fischer – Eli Manning QB
Round: 14
(131) Team Fischer – Joique Bell RB
(132) Team sherwood – Broncos D/ST D/ST
(133) Team blackburn – Rams D/ST D/ST
(134) Puig Destroyer – Brandon Myers TE
(135) Impregnable Defense – Brandon Pettigrew TE
(136) The Wordslingers – Jordan Cameron TE
(137) Team Dickinson – Ravens D/ST D/ST
(138) Jew Bo-Lee – Roy Helu RB
(139) Team Powers – Andre Brown RB
(140) Team Kost – Brandon LaFell WR
Round: 15
(141) Team Kost – Stephen Gostkowski K
(142) Team Powers – Blair Walsh K
(143) Jew Bo-Lee – Justin Tucker K
(144) Team Dickinson – Sebastian Janikowski K
(145) The Wordslingers – Matt Prater K
(146) Impregnable Defense – Garrett Hartley K
(147) Puig Destroyer – Randy Bullock K
(148) Team blackburn – Julius Thomas TE
(149) Team sherwood – Phil Dawson K
(150) Team Fischer – Dan Bailey K
