Fantasy Football Mock Draft Per Day (Sept. 1st): 12 teams, No. 8 pick, PPR

Back on May 27th, we began our 2014 fantasy football mock draft per day series using our site’s mock draft simulator (powered by FantasyPros).

As we continue through the offseason, I will continue to complete a mock draft every day as I vary the scoring format, league size, draft slot, etc. and today’s mock is a 12-team league using point-per-reception (PPR) scoring and I have the No. 8 pick.

Here are my picks in today’s mock draft:

1.08 – Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers
2.05 – Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos
3.08 – Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos
4.05 – Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants
5.08 – Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints
6.05 – Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints
7.08 – Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
8.05 – Golden Tate, WR, Detroit Lions
9.08 – Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
10.05 – Brandin Cooks, WR, New Orleans Saints
11.08 – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans
12.05 – Chris Ivory, RB, New York Jets
13.08 – San Francisco 49ers D/ST
14.08 – Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers
15.05 – Blair Walsh, K, Minnesota Vikings

Some notes about my team (view full mock here):

• QBs: In a standard one-quarterback league, it’s unusual that I end up with Manning on any of my rosters. That said, Peyton is my top-ranked fantasy QB and there is a significant drop from the top three to the next tier even though the next tier is rather deep. Winning his record fifth MVP, Manning broke a multitude of records including the single-season marks for passing yards and TDs. Even if it’s a not another record-setting campaign, he should lead all QBs in fantasy points and I still have a pair of stud RBs already on my roster.

• RBs: Lacy and Ball give me two RB1′s. Lacy was one of five running backs with 1,000-plus rushing yards and 10-plus rushing TDs last year. With the team looking to play at a faster pace, it’s a strong possibility that the improves upon his 35 receptions as a rookie. Ball enters the season as the featured back that saw Knowshon Moreno finish as a top-five back last year. Thomas led all RBs in catches last season and Darren Sproles is now in Philadelphia. Ivory is a not much of a receiver, but I will likely use a receiver in my flex spot when PT is on bye.
• WRs: At least compared to QB/RB, WR is a weak spot with Cruz and Colston as my starters. The Giants offense has struggled to get things going, but ultimately the change in offensive scheme should lead to an increase in receptions for Cruz even if they struggle a little out of the gate. Colston says that his foot issues are behind him and he finished last season strong. After my starters, I have several WR3′s that could potentially be my WR2 in a given week.
• TEs: There are some obvious durability concerns with Reed, but there is no denying his talent. With a 45/499/3 line last season, he was on pace for 80 catches and 887 yards as a rookie. To put that into perspective, there have been only two rookie TEs that reached 887 yards in NFL history. Provided he stays healthy, Reed has top-five upside. I probably should have added a quality backup at some point.

Mock Draft Simulator: Complete your own mock drafts on our site for free. And/or go pro and use the FantasyPros Draft Assistant in your live drafts.

Our 2014 fantasy football rankings:

• 2014 fantasy football quarterback rankings
• 2014 fantasy football running back rankings
• 2014 fantasy football wide receiver rankings
• 2014 fantasy football tight end rankings
• 2014 fantasy football cheat sheet

Tomorrow’s mock draft will be a 10-team 2-QB league using standard scoring and I have the No. 4 overall pick. Follow me on Twitter (@EDSFootball) to keep track of our updates.