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NFL.com held its experts league auction mock draft of the year on Friday, July 26th. The standard scoring league consists of NFL Fantasy LIVE members Michael Fabiano, Elliot Harrison, Jason Smith, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Molly Qerim and Dave Dameshek. Also in the league are NFL.com fantasy editor Marcas Grant, associate fantasy editor John Juhasz, researcher Bill Sudell and fantasy product manager Evan Singer. Each owner was required to put together a lineup of one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one flex (RB/WR/TE), one tight end, one kicker and one defense/special teams unit.
What do our experts think of their draft? Read their personal analysis - **Teams 1-5**, and **Teams 6-10**.
What was your draft strategy?
It's difficult to win fantasy titles without reliable production from your backfield. That's why my strategy was to acquire at least two stud running backs and build around them. Simple formula.
Did your draft strategy work?
I ended up spending too much money at the top of the draft and had to wait until the later rounds to fill out my roster. Shady McCoy and Frank Gore is a solid duo, but not spectacular tandem. I love Bernard Pierce as a sleeper after he averaged 5.5 yards a carry over the last eight games of 2012 (including playoffs), and I'm expecting good mileage out of the Bengals duo of Green-Ellis and Bernard.
What was your favorite pick(s)?
I was thrilled to get Jeremy Maclin for four bucks. Playing for Chip Kelly in a contract year I was expecting big things, but then….oh man, the dreaded ACL tear. Eric Decker for $5 is an intriguing pick considering his breakout 2012 season and the addition of Wes Welker.
What was your worst pick(s)?
Aaron Rodgers for $42 in the second round. I completely got caught up in the emotion of bidding and overpaid. RG3 and Outs paid less for Matt Stafford and Andrew Luck combined than I did for Rodgers.
Who drafted the best team?
This was a tough call. All things considered, I like Midwest Swang's stable of backs and receivers to complement Matt Ryan.
