The NFL season is approaching, and with it, more and more ACTUAL fantasy football drafts. Case in point, our own Michael Fabiano hosted his live Celebrity League draft at the NFL offices last week. I was there to write about the proceedings, which were quite fun and eventful (more on that later).
The 10-team, PPR scoring league consisted of Fabiano, actor Jerry O'Connell, actor Max Greenfield (currently on Fox's comedy "New Girl"), WWE superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, actress Molly Burnett, NFL Media's Maurice Jones-Drew, actor Scott Porter, ESPN's Michelle Beadle, actress/model Kate Upton, and WWE superstars Nikki & Brie Bella (aka The Bella Twins). In attendance at the draft were Fabiano, O'Connell, The Miz, Burnett, MJD, Porter and Beadle. The Bellas and Upton were drafting online (and via a conference call). Greenfield (the defending champion) drafted from his phone using the NFL Fantasy App while on set (like a baller, I might add). He was supposed to come to the draft but got called into work last minute. See, even celebrities won't let anything come between them and their fantasy drafts.
All right, now that you know the participants, let's get to the actual draft!
Draft order
- Michael Fabiano
- Molly Burnett
- Jerry O'Connell
- Max Greenfield
- Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Maurice Jones-Drew
- Scott Porter
- Michelle Beadle
- Kate Upton
- The Bella Twins
ROUND 1
- Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers - Fabiano
- Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks - Molly Burnett
- Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers - Jerry O'Connell
- Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers - Max Greenfield
- Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys - Scott Porter
- Jeremy Hill, RB, Cincinnati Bengals - Michelle Beadle
- LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills - Kate Upton
- DeMarco Murray, RB, Philadelphia Eagles - Bella Twins
Analysis: A pretty chalk start to the draft was disrupted by Greenfield opting for Antonio Brown and a Zero RB draft strategy with the fourth overall pick. This drew the ire of Porter, who also was hoping to employ a Zero RB strategy and was afraid Greenfield using the same plan could foil his draft design. As a fan of both Hill and Murray, it was nice seeing them appear in the first round of a fantasy draft, as I think both are worthy of a first-round pick.
ROUND 2
- Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers - Bella Twins
- Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions - Kate Upton
- Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots - Michelle Beadle
- Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts - Scott Porter
- Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants - Max Greenfield
- Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens - Jerry O'Connell
- Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos - Molly Burnett
- C.J. Anderson, RB, Denver Broncos - Fabiano
Analysis: The Bella Twins paired last year's top scoring running back with the top scoring passer in Aaron Rodgers. If Murray can stay healthy, that's a nice beginning to their draft. Wide receivers came off the board in a hurry in Round 2, but O'Connell was able to sneakily get a second great pass-catching back in Justin Forsett at the end of the round. He and Eddie Lacy (his first-round pick) should be able to push 100 receptions between the two of them, if not more. MJD was talking a big game after getting Adrian Peterson in the first and Matt Forte in the second. Everybody's roster looks good after Round 2, but MJD did have a point -- that's a pretty solid core at fantasy's most crucial (and often volatile) position.
ROUND 3
- Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons - Fabiano
- A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals - Molly Burnett
- DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans - Jerry O'Connell
- Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears - Max Greenfield
- T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Jimmy Graham, TE, Seattle Seahawks - Scott Porter
- Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks - Michelle Beadle
- Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers - Kate Upton
- Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers - Bella Twins
Analysis: Three rounds in, and neither Greenfield or Porter has drafted a running back, truly adhering to their Zero RB philosophies. Porter went WR/QB/TE, while Greenfield opted to go WR/WR/WR, getting three of the top-11 scorers from a season ago. Not too shabby for the man looking to defend his title.
ROUND 4
- Frank Gore, RB, Indianapolis Colts - Bella Twins
- Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins - Kate Upton
- Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers - Michelle Beadle
- Brandin Cooks, WR, New Orleans Saints - Scott Porter
- Golden Tate, WR, Detroit Lions - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders - Max Greenfield
- Amari Cooper, WR, Oakland Raiders - Jerry O'Connell
- C.J. Spiller, RB, New Orleans Saints - Molly Burnett
- Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos - Fabiano
Analysis: Don't look now, but there were two Raiders drafted back-to-back, in ROUND 4! My, how the times have changed. I like O'Connell's pick of Cooper in a PPR format. He was targeted a bunch in their first preseason game. Latavius Murray on the other hand might be more of a two-down back since the team picked up Roy Helu Jr., which could be worrisome for Greenfield considering Murray is his RB1. Burnett got burned a bit, as this draft happened prior to Spiller's knee scope, but he should still dominate that passing game once he returns to the field, whether it be Week 1 or a little later.
ROUND 5
- Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia Eagles - Fabiano
- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs - Molly Burnett
- Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers - Jerry O'Connell
- Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys - Max Greenfield
- Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Dolphins - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Andre Ellington, RB, Arizona Cardinals - Scott Porter
- Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills - Michelle Beadle
- Rashad Jennings, RB, New York Giants - Kate Upton
- Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets - Bella Twins
Analysis:Jordan Matthews, Jeremy Maclin and Julian Edelman should all be PPR studs for Fabiano, Burnett and The Miz. Each is a nice value in Round 5. Speaking of value, MJD grabbing Lamar Miller as his RB3 should be considered fantasy thievery. Upton might have reached a tad on Rashad Jennings, but he seems to be entrenched as the starter for the Giants for as long as he can stay healthy (which is no guarantee).
ROUND 6
- Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams - Bella Twins
- Martellus Bennett, TE, Chicago Bears - Kate Upton
- Ameer Abdullah, RB, Detroit Lions - Michelle Beadle
- Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals - Scott Porter
- Steve Smith Sr., WR, Baltimore Ravens - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Ryan Mathews, RB, Philadelphia Eagles - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos - Max Greenfield
- Torrey Smith, WR, San Francisco 49ers - Jerry O'Connell
- Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys - Molly Burnett
- Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints - Fabiano
Analysis: Beadle made the pick of the draft here when she took Ameer Abdullah in Round 6. Her selection elicited an audible cry from Porter, MJD and Fabiano (and maybe The Miz, I can't remember it got loud in a hurry). They were all mad because they wanted to take Abdullah in this round. Beadle heartily laughed in their faces. The Abdullah pick highlighted an otherwise lackluster round, although Greenfield snagging Peyton Manning as his QB for his Zero RB team was pretty great value. Ditto for Fabiano nabbing Drew Brees at the end of the sixth. Neither is likely to put up the video-game numbers we've come to expect in recent seasons, but both should light up the scoreboard.
Full disclosure here, I was sitting next to Beadle recording the picks during the draft. She was sifting through the available players, saying she wanted to make a splash/surprise pick. I casually suggested Abdullah, but did not expect the response her pick got once she submitted it. I think I officially ruined any chance for a friendship between Scott Porter and me by "colluding" with Bealde, though. Oh well. Life comes at you fast in fantasy drafts! (Sorry Scott!)
ROUND 7
- T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars - Fabiano
- DeSean Jackson, WR, Washington Redskins - Molly Burnett
- Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jerry O'Connell
- Greg Olsen, TE, Carolina Panthers - Max Greenfield
- John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers - Scott Porter
- Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars - Michelle Beadle
- Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions - Kate Upton
- Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans - Bella Twins
Analysis:MJD was pounding his chest a lot about his team during the draft, but considering he got Travis Kelce in the seventh round of a PPR league, it's hard to argue with his bravado. Beadle made a nice pick of Allen Robinson as well, who should see a ton of targets down in Jacksonville. I also like The Miz grabbing John Brown, who could see a larger volume of the Cardinals passing targets, even after Michael Floyd returns from his dislocated fingers.
ROUND 8
- Andre Johnson, WR, Indianapolis Colts - Bella Twins
- Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers - Kate Upton
- Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington Redskins - Michelle Beadle
- Shane Vereen, RB, New York Giants - Scott Porter
- Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Julius Thomas, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Chris Ivory, RB, New York Giants - Max Greenfield
- Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys - Jerry O'Connell
- Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers - Molly Burnett
- Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins - Fabiano
Analysis: My jaw damn near hit the floor when Upton was able to snag Jonathan Stewart in the EIGHTH ROUND. He is the clear-cut RB1 on a run-first offense (that might have just lost Kelvin Benjamin for a significant amount of time), and while I get that he's been injured in the past, ANY running back could succumb to an injury at any point. For Upton to get a back with top-15 upside (if he plays all 16 games) in the eighth round is just ... there are no words. Well done. I also like Greenfield picking Chris Ivory here. People are sleeping on him and they shouldn't be. He's also the clear-cut top back for his team, though his upside is lower than Stewart's.
ROUND 9
- Joique Bell, RB, Detroit Lions - Fabiano
- LeGarrette Blount, RB, New England Patriots - Molly Burnett
- Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jerry O'Connell
- Alfred Blue, RB, Houston Texans - Max Greenfield
- Tre Mason, RB, St. Louis Rams - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns - Scott Porter
- Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Michelle Beadle
- Mike Wallace, WR, Minnesota Vikings - Kate Upton
- Seattle Seahawks, D/ST - Bella Twins
Analysis: A lot of picks with question marks in this round (although that happens in most drafts), but I think O'Connell got nice value in Vincent Jackson. And if Isaiah Crowell can hold onto his RB1 gig for the Browns, Porter got some nice value there as well. I'm a believer in the Doug Martin bounce-back campaign, so I'm of the mind that Beadle got a steal here taking him in the ninth.
ROUND 10
- Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots - Bella Twins
- Darren McFadden, RB, Dallas Cowboys - Kate Upton
- Buffalo Bills, D/ST - Michelle Beadle
- Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles - Scott Porter
- Sam Bradford, QB, Philadelphia Eagles - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons - Max Greenfield
- Larry Donnell, TE, New York Giants - Jerry O'Connell
- Darren Sproles, RB, Philadelphia Eagles - Molly Burnett
- Martavis Bryant, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers - Fabiano
Analysis: Couple of picks to highlight in Round 10. First, Porter scooping up Nelson Agholor is an excellent move. He should be the opening day No. 2 wideout for Chip Kelly's offense, and he's already flashed his big-play ability in the preseason. The Miz made the move to secure Arian Foster, and if the reports that he could avoid the IR/designated to return list are true, Miz might have just swung the pick of the draft. While Martavis Bryant is a little less appealing in PPR leagues, Fabiano was more than happy to get him in Round 10, and I'd have to agree with his elation.
ROUND 11
- Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles - Fabiano
- Arizona Cardinals D/ST - Molly Burnett
- Jared Cook, TE, St. Louis Rams - Jerry O'Connell
- Kevin White, WR, Chicago Bears - Max Greenfield
- Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Tennessee Titans - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Danny Woodhead, RB, San Diego Chargers - Scott Porter
- Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Minnesota Vikings - Michelle Beadle
- Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers - Kate Upton
- Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals - Bella Twins
Analysis: Greenfield took Kevin White before news broke of his shin surgery, so he unfortunately might lose out on this pick (another reason to draft as late as possible, people!). Porter continued his nice late-round run by grabbing Danny Woodhead, who people forget was a top-25 RB in standard scoring in 2013 (he was out almost all of 2014 with a broken ankle). Woodhead has even more value in PPR formats, which is why I like this pick. Also, I like Teddy Bridgewater and Philip Rivers in Round 11. Nice value at QB for Beadle and Upton, respectively.
ROUND 12
- DeAngelo Williams, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers - Bella Twins
- Brandon LaFell, WR, New England Patriots - Kate Upton
- Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons - Michelle Beadle
- Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants - Scott Porter
- Roy Helu, RB, Oakland Raiders - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Breshad Perriman, WR, Baltimore Ravens - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Houston Texans D/ST - Max Greenfield
- St. Louis Rams D/ST - Jerry O'Connell
- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins - Molly Burnett
- Bishop Sankey, RB, Tennessee Titans - Fabiano
Analysis: As one of the loudest people pounding the table for David Cobb, I really didn't like Fabiano's Bishop Sankey pick. There's just no upside for me with Sankey in that offense, as he looks less impressive every time I see him on a football field. Love Burnett getting Ryan Tannehill here, as he was a top-10 QB last year and could push even higher in 2015 with all of his new weapons on offense and continued maturation in Bill Lazor's offense.
ROUND 13
- Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints - Fabiano
- Coby Fleener, TE, Indianapolis Colts - Molly Burnett
- Dan Carpenter, K, Buffalo Bills - Jerry O'Connell
- Nick Foles, QB, St. Louis Rams - Max Greenfield
- Markus Wheaton, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Stephen Gostkowski, K, New England Patriots - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis Rams - Scott Porter
- Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers - Michelle Beadle
- New York Jets D/ST - Kate Upton
- Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers - Bella Twins
Analysis: We're nearing the end here, so there are a lot of kickers and defenses. But I have to give a nod to Porter grabbing Brian Quick. Quick was a sneakily good play early on last season before a shoulder injury landed him on IR. Once he gets back to health, he'll be the No. 1 option in the Rams passing attack. Also a nice add from the Bella Twins to grab Antonio Gates, who will be fresh in Week 5 when he returns from his four-game suspension.
ROUND 14
- Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets - Bella Twins
- Dwayne Allen, TE, Indianapolis Colts - Kate Upton
- Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills - Michelle Beadle
- Charles Sims, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Scott Porter
- Minnesota Vikings D/ST - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Jordan Cameron, TE, Miami Dolphins - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Steven Hauschka, K, Seattle Seahawks - Max Greenfield
- Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Baltimore Ravens - Jerry O'Connell
- Mason Crosby, K, Green Bay Packers - Molly Burnett
- Cody Parkey, K, Philadelphia Eagles - Fabiano
Analysis: Love the Eric Decker and Jordan Cameron picks in this round. Decker now has Brandon Marshall opposite him, and in Chan Gailey's offense with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center there's upside for the former Bronco. Cameron, if healthy, could post top-10 TE numbers in Miami. That's amazing value in Round 14.
ROUND 15
- Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers - Fabiano
- Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans
- James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers - Jerry O'Connell
- Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers - Max Greenfield
- Cleveland Browns D/ST - Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
- Owen Daniels, TE, Denver Broncos - Maurice Jones-Drew
- Denver Broncos D/ST - Scott Porter
- Dan Bailey, K, Dallas Cowboys - Michelle Beadle
- Adam Vinatieri, K, Indianapolis Colts - Kate Upton
- Matt Bryant, K, Atlanta Falcons - Bella Twins
Analysis: I'm disappointed no one picked SeaBass (Sebastian Janikowski), but alas, I guess it was just not his day. Hope you enjoyed reading about the draft, and don't forget to prepare for your own with our 2015 Fantasy Draft Kit, where you can find rankings, projections, sleepers and so much more. Until next time ...
-- Alex Gelhar is a fantasy football writer/editor for NFL.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexGelhar.
