Chicago Bears:
QB: Mitch Trubisky
RB: David Montomgery, Tarik Cohen, Mike Davis
WR: Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Taylor Gabriel
TE: Trey Burton
D/ST: Position Rank = 1
The Bears had a marvelous year in 2018 as new Head Coach Matt Nagy inserted an offensive scheme that maximized Mitch Trubisky. The scheme is predicated around smoke and mirrors and creating illusions through RPO’s (Run-Pass Options). In terms of fantasy value, Mike Davis may start the year as the lead RB, but it won’t take long for rookie David Montgomery to touch the field. Montgomery is being drafted as the 2nd highest rookie in most leagues behind Raiders Josh Jacobs. Montgomery has great value anywhere after the 4th round. Their receiving corps was often led by RB Tarik Cohen last year, as he specializes on passing downs and screen plays. As Nagy is a master of getting his play makers in open space, Cohen should be in line for another great year catching the ball. Their WRs will each have their weeks to shine, but they don’t have one guy who will constantly lead the team in targets and yards. Trey Burton is a solid TE, but nothing more than a late round pick in a 12 man league. Overall, don’t reach on any of the Bears receivers! Tarik Cohen has the highest floor on the team due to his pass catching ability and the play calling. Montgomery and Cohen should without a doubt be the first two bears selected, anywhere from rounds 4-7.
Minnesota Vikings:
QB: Kirk Cousins
RB: Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison
WR: Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Laquon Treadwell
TE: Kyle Rudolph
D/ST: Position Rank = 5
Fans have been very critical of Kirk Cousins for his play in 2018, specifically his performance in prime-time games facing good opponents. Fair or not, Cousins signed a three year deal for $84M (all guaranteed) so they might have a point. Nevertheless, Cousins is still the conductor of a remotely high powered offense in Minnesota. Dalvin Cook’s current ADP is the 4th pick in the 2nd round, which is way too risky. Safety in the first 2-3 rounds is very important, as you need to solidify building blocks for your team. For a RB that has played in 15 games over his first two seasons, the 2nd round is too early. Cook still has tremendous value, just not at that ADP. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen formed one of the best 1-2 WR duos in the league in 2018. They both topped 100 receptions, 1000 yards, and 9 TDs. With Cousins throwing the 4th most passes in 2018, both of these WRs are worth a selection anytime after round 2. Besides these three skill players, no one else on their roster is worthy of a draft pick quite yet.
Green Bay Packers:
QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB: Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams
WR: Davante Adams, Geronimo Allison, Marquez Valdes-Scantling
TE: Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis
D/ST: Position Rank = 24
Even after a low-spirited 2018, the Green Bay Packers still have one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. With Superstar QB Aaron Rodgers and numerous weapons on the outside, GB will have a serious comeback season if new Head Coach Matt LaFleur can harmonize with Aaron Rodgers. With Mike McCarthy running the show in previous years, there were always multiple RBs involved in the offense, which created fantasy instability. Reports from camp are that Aaron Jones is by far the best back in GB, and it seems like he will get a bulk load of the work to start the year. Davante Adams is the biggest weapon in their offense, as he totaled 111 catches for 1300+ yards and 13 TDs last year. Adams will be a top 5 WR at the end of the year if he stays healthy. If you are dealt a late first round pick, Adams could be your guy. Instead of risking your season on a Joe Mixon or Melvin Gordon, take the smart pick in Davante Adams. Geronimo Allison and MVS are currently competing for the second receiver spot. Both of them are being drafted in rounds 8-12 as many believe one will have a breakout 2019. It looks as though MVS will play a lot in the slot as well. Overall, Adams and Jones are the only two locks as of now. If you can get Jones in the 3rd round, there is solid value there.
Detroit Lions:
QB: Matthew Stafford
RB: Kerryon Johnson, C.J. Anderson, Zach Zenner
WR: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola
TE: T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James
D/ST: Position Rank = 19
Even after an underwhelming 6-10 first season with new Head Coach Matt Patricia, there are still a handful of players that have solid value in this offense. The first is Kerryon Johnson, who is being drafted as RB15 towards the end of the 3rd round. With C.J. Anderson as his running mate, Johnson has the ability to become a true 3-down back this year. He showed flashes of greatness in his rookie year, but he was sidelined for the last few games with an injury. If Johnson slips to the 4th round in any draft, that is remarkable value for an RB2 with RB1 upside. The second player with clear value is Kenny Golladay. Golladay became the number 1 target of Matthew Stafford in 2018, as he posted his first 1000 yard receiving year in his sophomore season. Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola are not to be overlooked, but Jones is now 29 and looks like his best days are behind him and Amendola will remain in the slot which hurts his TD potential. This isn’t saying draft Golladay in the 3-4th round, but if you can get him anytime after round 4 there is absolutely value. Another late round value player is rookie TE T.J. Hockenson out of Iowa. Obviously do not take Hockenson before the top tier TEs are off the board, but don’t be surprised if Hockenson becomes a safety blanket for Stafford.
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