Fantasy Fox: Mock-draft simulation for the No. 3 slot

Fantasy Fox: Mock-draft simulation for the No. 3 slot

Published Jun. 24, 2015 4:45 p.m. ET

Here's a dry run of draft expectations when holding the No. 3 slot in 12-team leagues (standard scoring), working exclusively off a mock draft from Wednesday morning.

The primary caveat: For this 15-round draft, which starts two tailbacks and three wide receivers, I purposely waited until the middle rounds to select a quarterback ... just to see how long top-11 QBs like Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford and Eli Manning would be available

Rationale: This isn't a favorable position for Round 1.

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I currently have Jamaal Charles and Adrian Peterson -- or Peterson and Charles, depending on personal preference -- as the redoubtable 1-2 selections come August.

But factoring in Le'Veon Bell's drug suspension (currently three games), Eddie Lacy's role in a pass-heavy offense (the high-flying Packers), Arian Foster's wear-and-tear heading into his age-29 campaign and the changes of address for DeMarco Murray (Eagles) and LeSean McCoy (Bills) ... there is no obvious superstar at No. 3.

In fact, I might have a superb chance of landing McCoy (four-year average of 1,614 total yards/10 TDs) at No. 8 during the preseason ... hastening my desire to draw a "spectrum" choice in standard-scoring drafts -- slots 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Rationale: I loathe feeling obligated to grab a certain position so high in the draft. But the 18th slot bears the look of a must-have at wide receiver for two reasons:

a) By waiting, I likely wouldn't get a top-10 receiver for my WR1 in Round 3 (27th pick); and that's especially crucial with three WR starting slots.

b) Tailbacks Alfred Morris and rookie Melvin Gordon would likely be the preferred targets for Round 3.

Round 4, Pick 46 overall: Motive -- Best overall player

Rationale: In a real draft, I would have great difficulty passing on Peyton Manning (4,727 yards passing/39 TDs) at the 46th slot.

In one regard, I'm acknowledging the Broncos' preseason desire to have a more balanced offense, compared to previous seasons. Especially in Year 1 of Gary Kubiak's run as head coach.

But I also bought a similar party line out of Colorado two years ago ... when Manning, who had passed for only 4,659 yards/37 TDs in 2012, could routinely be found in Round 4 of standard-scoring drafts (only four points per TD pass).

Peyton's 2013 response: All-time, single-season highs in yards passing (5,477) and TD passes (55).

Rationale: Jennings, my 16th-ranked tailback in standard-scoring leagues, is an easy pick here for two reasons:

a) Jennings should be more comfortable handling the 'Eddie Lacy' role in Ben McAdoo's progressive offense.

b) Of his six outings of 16 or more touches last season, Jennings averaged 110 total yards/0.7 TDs.

Rationale: This may be my shakiest pick of the draft, since Wallace (67 catches/862 yards/10 TDs with the Dolphins last year) would be a regular starting consideration throughout the season. He's still an athletic marvel, though, capable of scoring double-digit touchdowns and flirting with 1,000 yards.

Rationale: In a 15-round draft, there may be no obvious need for a RB5.

But as my 17th-ranked tailback, Doug Martin (a major bounce-back candidate) has too much value for Round 9.

As such, I'll have to hope and pray that either Philip Rivers or Eli Manning are available in the next round -- 19 loooooooooooong picks from now.

Rationale: Rivers has a two-year average of 4,382 yards passing and 32 touchdowns ... comparable to Eli's 2014 numbers (4,410 yards passing/31 total TDs).

And during a live draft, my ultimate decision would likely come down to the wide receiver handcuffs, if applicable. 

Round 13, Pick 147 overall: Motive €”-- Best playmaking asset

Rationale: It's anyone's guess as to who'll start at tailback in the Jaguars' season opener -- let alone after the club's Week 8 bye.

Jay Clemons, the 2015 national winner for "Sports Blog Of The Year" (Cynopsis Media) and 2008 Fantasy Football Writer of the Year (Fantasy Sports Writers Association), can be reached via Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.

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