This weekend I competed in the Flex League Half Point Per Reception SuperFlex Draft at SiriusXM studios in Manhattan. The twelve distinguished participants in this competition were Joe Pisapia, Jen Ryan, Brandon Marianne Lee, Eliot Crist, Jake Ciely, Jamey Eisenberg, Adam Ronis, Adam Azier, Dennis Esser, Rick Wolf, Jim McMormick, and myself.
I drafted from the 11th spot in this fantastic but underutilized format. The Superflex offers a different dynamic and heightens the importance of the quarterback position. While it is not mandatory to start two quarterbacks, it is necessary if you want to win. Another intriguing aspect is roster construction and the breakdown of the draft board.
Deconstructing the SuperFlex Draft
Half Point Per Reception SuperFlex with Four Point Passing Touchdowns
Lineup 10 Players: 1-2 QB, 2-4 RB, 3-5 WR, 1-3 TE & 1 DST
My thought process prior to draft was consumed by where I would take my first quarterback. As expected the first round was dominated by the running back position, know your room, even in a SuperFlex league, running backs still reign supreme. That said, I anticipated the quarterback position to be more sought after even in an industry draft because of the format. The most notable takeaway after two rounds is that only one team selected a quarterback (Aaron Rodgers #23 overall) and two teams started with zero running backs. Adam Ronis constructed an interesting and formidable force by building a stout receiver core. He began his draft with Alvin Kamara but then decided on three tremendously talented wide receivers in Keenan Allen, Stefon Diggs and Demaryius Thomas. Another intriguing composition was how Jamey Eisenberg structured his squad, waiting until the third round to select his first running back. He walked away with three running backs and both of his quarterbacks after seven rounds, stealth execution. And then there was Coach Esser who punted the quarterback position. Coach drafted Dak Prescott at 9.9 as the 20th quarterback off the board which I applaud, but passing on the trio of Eli Manning, Mitchell Trubisky, and Jameis Winston the following round might have been a mistake.
Team Modica
1.11 Leonard Fournette RB (#10), Jacksonville Jaguars
I was ecstatic to build my foundation with one of the six players who accumulated over 300 touches last season
2.2 DeAndre Hopkins WR (#4), Houston Texans
The quarterback position weighed heavy on my mind here but passing on Hopkins was never an option.
3.11 Cam Newton QB (#4), Carolina Panthers
Worth the wait. Cam consistently lives in the top five at the position.
4.2 DeShaun Watson QB (#5), Houston Texans
I played quarterback chicken and couldn’t have been happier with the results. Especially, in four point passing touchdown leagues, where I specifically target quarterbacks who can run.
5.11 Kerryon Johnson RB (#26), Detroit Lions
Remain Calm and Kerryon. I was relatively higher than most on Johnson but after Friday night’s showcase the time was now.
6.2 Sony Michel RB (#28), New England Patriots
I have stated previously, my fondness for Patriots running backs and Sony is a special talent in my opinion but currently injured.
7.11 Sammy Watkins WR (#33), Kansas City Chiefs
In a perfect world Watkins would be my number three wide receiver but having Hopkins as my anchor makes it more palatable
8.2 Cooper Kupp WR (#34), Los Angeles Rams
Kupp was a key addition to enhancing my wide receiver core as a whole.
9.11 Tark Cohen RB (#39), Chicago Bears
I had no hesitation here and wanted to be invested in the Bears backfield.
10.2 DJ Moore WR (#45), Carolina Panthers
Betting on a rookie receiver is typically fool’s gold with some exceptions but I’m projecting Moore to be the man in Carolina.
11.11 James White RB (#44), New Patriots
Aaron Jones went three picks prior, damn it! But White will have a role and with Michel banged up I’m protecting my investment.
12.2 David Njoku TE (#12), Cleveland Browns
Upside pick here. After Jarvis Landry the other receiving options while very talented are suspect to remain on the field.
13.11 Samaje Perine RB (#45), Washington Redskins
It’s the thirteenth round and with Guice done for the season, why not? The Redskins should dial up Browns General Manager John Dorsey and inquire about Carlos Hyde but for now you have to speculate.
14.2 Antonio Callaway WR (#62), Cleveland Browns
I’ll be honest I called out two previously taken wide receivers and Callaway came to mind.
15.11 Houston Texans DST (#5)
If their key players can stay on the field this defense should be vastly improved.
16.2 John Kelly RB (#59), Los Angeles Rams
Why? It was either Joe Flacco here or draft Kelly as an insurance policy for Todd Gurley during the preseason.
My post-draft analysis for the SuperFlex Draft is simple, if my foundation players stay healthy I will be a contender in this fiercely competitive league. Sometimes the obvious takes are the answer. There is always in-season work to be done and luck must always be added to the equation.
Below are the full results of the SuperFlex Draft. You can click on the draft board to see a full-size version.
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