RealFantasy Draft - DRAFTING NOW, CLOCK STARTS MONDAY

[Super Nomario]

With the 45th pick of the stealing draft, the Cleveland Ravens replace departed LB Tulloch with Texans' LB Zach Brown (real-life team: Titans).
 

 
Errr ...
 

 
Brown has had an inconsistent first couple seasons, but he's as fast as any LB in football and his youth (still just 24) and athleticism will be a great complement to David Harris' experience and run-stuffing. He has experience as both a 4-3 WLB and an ILB in nickel fronts, and will play ILB in Tennessee's real defense. This flexibility will help the Ravens run multiple fronts.
 
BTW, the Giants and Jaguars are now both off-limits.
 
EDIT: PBDWake PM'd and spreadsheet updated.

 

[PBDWake]

I'm on mobile so can't do a write up, but I'm going to steal Trent Cole from the Cards. We needed a front 7 presence and after a resurgent year, we're pleased to get him this late in the draft. Can somebody update the sheet and pm whomever is next?

 

[Super Nomario]

I'm on mobile so can't do a write up, but I'm going to steal Trent Cole from the Cards. We needed a front 7 presence and after a resurgent year, we're pleased to get him this late in the draft. Can somebody update the sheet and pm whomever is next?

SS updated and JerBear PM'd. That pick closes the book on the Cardinals.

 

[wibi]

Really wanted to add Carson Palmer, who really could have succeeded for our team with the weapons we've got (and mentored whomever we draft). Instead, I'll steal the much riskier Matt Schaub from wibi's giants and hope he can return to form. If he can't succeed with our receivers and RBs, he can't succeed.

 
Holy shit ... I never expected him to be my second guy taken.  I figured Washington or Dwanye Gratz would have gone instead.

 

[JerBear]

The Texans will take Chad Greenway, OLB from the Lions to replace the not great but much younger Zach Brown. Hopefully he can teach Chase Thomas or whatever other rookie ends up on the other side.
 
EDIT: MMS PM'd.  I updated the first and second page of the spreadsheet but I'm not sure how you're doing the third so I didn't touch that.

 

[Myt1]

 
Holy shit ... I never expected him to be my second guy taken.  I figured Washington or Dwanye Gratz would have gone instead.

Team specific need.  I have Megatron, Jimmy Graham, Matt Forte, Jacquizz Rodgers, Cecil Shorts, and Robert Woods, but I needed a QB.  I really wanted Palmer, who played well last season and I think would have thrived with my team. 
 
But hey, at least baka got Jeff Allen. 
 
I lost two edge rushers.  Old guys, but still.

 

[Super Nomario]

The Texans will take Chad Greenway, OLB from the Lions to replace the not great but much younger Zach Brown. Hopefully he can teach Chase Thomas or whatever other rookie ends up on the other side.
 
EDIT: MMS PM'd.  I updated the first and second page of the spreadsheet but I'm not sure how you're doing the third so I didn't touch that.

Greenway's the second one from the Lions, so they're off-limits now.
 
Teams you can still steal from:
Raiders (1)
Falcons (1)
Bengals (2)
Texans (1)
Rams (1)
49ers (1)
Redskins (2)
Jets (2)
Chiefs (1)
Colts (1)
Packers (2)
Saints (2)

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

That's wicked funny Nomario. I was going to do the same thing if Zach made it to me . Good pick.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

I'll grab David Amerson from the Skins.  He showed improvement over the course of last year and you can never have enough big young talented DBs in this league.

 

[mascho]

I'll grab David Amerson from the Skins.  He showed improvement over the course of last year and you can never have enough big young talented DBs in this league.

Who are the Skins?

#GoSentinels

Nice pick.

 

[SPDougie]

So I had two OL stolen from me but I don't really see the value in who is left at the moment.  With that said I decided to upgrade my WR position.
 
San Diego Chargers select:
 

Rueben Randle, WR
 
Pretty slim pickings at this point.  I had my eyes on a few others but I thought he offered the best upside.  
 
Saints are now down to 1.

 

[ragnarok725]

With the way things are going, I'll be shocked if any of the final 5 picks here doesn't take the option of an 8th round pick in the draft. I know I would, but I'm the 6th to last pick. Yuck.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

With the way things are going, I'll be shocked if any of the final 5 picks here doesn't take the option of an 8th round pick in the draft. I know I would, but I'm the 6th to last pick. Yuck.

 
Yup. This part of the stealing rounds is kind of like a twisted arm...

 

[Super Nomario]

With the way things are going, I'll be shocked if any of the final 5 picks here doesn't take the option of an 8th round pick in the draft. I know I would, but I'm the 6th to last pick. Yuck.

What do you think the talent pool is going to be like that late in the regular draft? I think you're probably better off holding your nose and picking from what's available anyway. Some positions are pretty picked over (like O-line), but there's still a bunch of talent left.

 

[ragnarok725]

What do you think the talent pool is going to be like that late in the regular draft? I think you're probably better off holding your nose and picking from what's available anyway. Some positions are pretty picked over (like O-line), but there's still a bunch of talent left.

 
I dunno, there were a ton of great sleepers coming out of the supplemental draft last year. I think there will still be guys to grab after we go 7 with the full open field. 

 

[Super Nomario]

 
I dunno, there were a ton of great sleepers coming out of the supplemental draft last year. I think there will still be guys to grab after we go 7 with the full open field. 

You don't see great sleepers out there now? I count something like 7 former 1st-round picks that are still 27-and-under. There are a bunch of 2012 and 2013 draftees who were taken in the first three-four rounds who are available. And there are a bunch of unexciting proven guys at various positions who can stem the bleeding on a terrible unit.
 
I'm going to write down some names of guys available now and we can bump this after round 8 and see what looks like a better pool of players. I suspect it's going to be this one.

 

[ragnarok725]

You don't see great sleepers out there now? I count something like 7 former 1st-round picks that are still 27-and-under. There are a bunch of 2012 and 2013 draftees who were taken in the first three-four rounds who are available. And there are a bunch of unexciting proven guys at various positions who can stem the bleeding on a terrible unit.
 
I'm going to write down some names of guys available now and we can bump this after round 8 and see what looks like a better pool of players. I suspect it's going to be this one.

 
Oh there are a few, I'm just not optimistic the teams will be open by the time they make it to me . I've crossed off 3/4 of my board in like the last 8 or 9 picks.

 

[bsj]

Can someone clarify re the 2014 draftees? Are they draft able in this thing once steal rounds are over?Assuming we don't start the next round until the draft begins?

 

[bsj]

With the way things are going, I'll be shocked if any of the final 5 picks here doesn't take the option of an 8th round pick in the draft. I know I would, but I'm the 6th to last pick. Yuck.

There are exactly two players left I would def take over a pick at this point. Another 3 or 4 I would consider. But yes the issue are teams closing off.

 

[Saturnian]

The Saints are going to replace the just-departed Rueben Randle with WR Lance Moore, who just departed the IRL Saints.
 

 
Moore is 8 years older, but I think this swap will benefit us at least in the short term. He was 30th in WR DYAR and 11th in WR DVOA last season, and should have several productive years left.

 

[Super Nomario]

The Saints are going to replace the just-departed Rueben Randle with WR Lance Moore, who just departed the IRL Saints.
 
 
 
Moore is 8 years older, but I think this swap will benefit us at least in the short term. He was 30th in WR DYAR and 11th in WR DVOA last season, and should have several productive years left.

Colts are closed off now.
 
Now that he's protected, I can say I was surprised to see Morris Claiborne passed on. He hasn't lived up to the hype, but he was a top-10 pick just two drafts ago and is still just 24.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

Colts are closed off now.
 
Now that he's protected, I can say I was surprised to see Morris Claiborne passed on. He hasn't lived up to the hype, but he was a top-10 pick just two drafts ago and is still just 24.

 
He was going to be my pick...

 

[DanoooME]

Colts are closed off now.
 
Now that he's protected, I can say I was surprised to see Morris Claiborne passed on. He hasn't lived up to the hype, but he was a top-10 pick just two drafts ago and is still just 24.

 
I seriously gave him some thought way back at my second pick, but there's the off-field stuff to consider and the fact that he was drafted by Jerry Jones, who doesn't seem to have a clue at what he was doing.  I say this half-tongue-in-cheek.

 

[Was (Not Wasdin)]

A couple of questions-once the stealing portion of the draft is done, are we going to launch right into the college draft-or will we do a "reset", where we start with the first pick on the clock at 9am on monday (or something like that).  
 
Also, during the next phase of the draft, who is eligible, college players or college plus NFL players not otherwise on a Real Fantasy roster?
 
Last, will there be any other signing periods before the season starts?
 
Sorry I am such a knucklehead, I have been jammed up with work and sort of lost track.
 
WNW

 

[bsj]

A couple of questions-once the stealing portion of the draft is done, are we going to launch right into the college draft-or will we do a "reset", where we start with the first pick on the clock at 9am on monday (or something like that).  
 
Also, during the next phase of the draft, who is eligible, college players or college plus NFL players not otherwise on a Real Fantasy roster?
 
Last, will there be any other signing periods before the season starts?
 
Sorry I am such a knucklehead, I have been jammed up with work and sort of lost track.
 
WNW

 
These are all good questions. 
 
We may want to consider not starting Round 3 until the NFL Draft is over so all players, newly drafted ones and current NFL players not on a roster here, can be available to everyone. 

 

[ElcaballitoMVP]

The Dolphins add some experience to their secondary and add S Antrel Rolle
 

 
Rolle had a strong season for the boys in blue last year and we're looking to pair him with Reggie Nelson until DJ Swearinger proves he deserves more playing time. There aren't a lot of rookie safeties we like and we had trouble breaking in two rookies into our secondary last year so we wanted to add more experience on the back end.  Rolle is a versatile safetey, someone who's capable of matching up against TE's and providing run support while also being able to provide some help deep. 
 
Sending PM to Eck now. 

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

 
These are all good questions. 
 
We may want to consider not starting Round 3 until the NFL Draft is over so all players, newly drafted ones and current NFL players not on a roster here, can be available to everyone. 

 
How would newly drafted players be unavailable if we start before the draft? I like the idea of not knowing what teams these kids are going to be on before we pick them. It adds to the strategy, IMO.

 

[soxfan121]

 
These are all good questions. 
 
We may want to consider not starting Round 3 until the NFL Draft is over so all players, newly drafted ones and current NFL players not on a roster here, can be available to everyone. 

 
I like this idea - starting after the NFL Draft is complete and UDFA's are signed. 
 
I realize the draftniks among us will want to prove their brilliance and the prospect fuckers will want to claim that diamond in the rough but the majority of us (and having been a draftnik in previous years, I would have felt differently about this last year, were the same scenario in play) just don't have the time or expertise to beat the professionals. 
 
We could use the Draft weekend (where everyone will be more engaged in figuring out Bill's latest "wait, who?" selection) to discuss next year's league rules, trades, etc. 

 

[DaughtersofDougMirabelli]

How would newly drafted players be unavailable if we start before the draft? I like the idea of not knowing what teams these kids are going to be on before we pick them. It adds to the strategy, IMO.

 
Even if we started the draft today, we still wouldn't even be done with one round before the entire draft is complete. I agree it adds to the strategy but I just don't think there's enough time at this point. Might as well just wait until it's all said and done. 

 

[SMU_Sox]

Guys, I really don't feel like doing a draft while the actual draft is happening... I mean that's a once a year event I really look forward to and prepare quite a bit for.
 
Can we just agree to wait until it is over? It's 3 days of non-stop stuff.
 
Edit: I know, I know. This is kind of selfish. It's just that the draft is such a big/fun event and it would be nice to be able to focus completely on that. If everyone else says no, it's ok. 
 
Edit 2: This actually doesn't benefit me at all as I know quite a bit about this draft class. If we had to do the entire thing today I think I'd have an advantage over quite a few RFP owners just based on my hobby. Not all, mind you. Phragle's office in my mom's basement is probably a more informed war room. But yeah - again this isn't even about real fantasy - it's just a request to be able to enjoy something without any distractions. Thanks guys no matter what.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

 
Even if we started the draft today, we still wouldn't even be done with one round before the entire draft is complete. I agree it adds to the strategy but I just don't think there's enough time at this point. Might as well just wait until it's all said and done. 

 
 

Guys, I really don't feel like doing a draft while the actual draft is happening... I mean that's a once a year event I really look forward to and prepare quite a bit for.
 
Can we just agree to wait until it is over? It's 3 days of non-stop stuff.

 
Fair enough.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

Alright, I guess I'm going to go the BPA route. Sucks this guy is going to be the oldest one on my team (at 29. 30 in Nov) but some vet presence will be nice. He had a down year last year and has had some injury issues but I suspect he can improve and in my front 7 he'd be a productive and welcome addition.
 
The New England Patriots welcome their elder statesman LaMarr Woodley, OLB/DE
 

 
Woodley gives me another guy who likes to get at the QB, which is something I wanted to upgrade. His versatility helps with my multi-front Smokescreen (r) defense as well. I think I would use him as a specialist which would hopefully negate his injury problems. At this point in the stealing rounds I think he represents good value.
 
Edit: Merlin has mail

 

[mascho]

Those last two selections close off the Bengals.
 
For which I shall say a hearty "screw you."  Had my eye on someone.  

 

[Phragle]

The draft doesn't start for two more days. If someone wants to pick they should be able to, but we should turn off the shot clock starting on thursday.

 

[soxfan121]

The Dolphins add some experience to their secondary and add S Antrel Rolle

 
Ah, my 13th man. Was hoping he would sneak back through, as I think he has one more season of good play left in the tank. You certainly intend to use him correctly - he's not someone who can play centerfield but he is a coverage safety who can handle a Jason Witten in coverage while not killing you against the run. Good pick.
 

The New England Patriots welcome their elder statesman LaMarr Woodley, OLB/DE

 
Thank you. Not my 14th man, not even close. Woodley was my most disappointing gamble in 2013, a guy who looked to be on the way down but had a chance at recovery but instead proved he's on the way down and out. The Raiders IRL gave this guy real money, which is mind boggling, given how obvious his decline is and how limited he is as an all-around player now that that half-step has left forever. Thank you for taking him away.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

Thank you. Not my 14th man, not even close. Woodley was my most disappointing gamble in 2013, a guy who looked to be on the way down but had a chance at recovery but instead proved he's on the way down and out. The Raiders IRL gave this guy real money, which is mind boggling, given how obvious his decline is and how limited he is as an all-around player now that that half-step has left forever. Thank you for taking him away.

 
HAHAHA! You're such a dick. Obvious decline... He was the #1 OLB in free agency and the #21 overall player. His signing with the real world Raiders has been widely reported as a great move. The only red flag is the injuries. He had 5 sacks in his first 6 games last year. 
 
I know we've had our back and forths but just stop. You're acting like a baby.

 

[soxfan121]

 
HAHAHA! You're such a dick. Obvious decline... He was the #1 OLB in free agency and the #21 overall player. His signing with the real world Raiders has been widely reported as a great move. The only red flag is the injuries. He had 5 sacks in his first 6 games last year. 
 
I know we've had our back and forths but just stop. You're acting like a baby.

 
https://www.google.com/search?q=lamarr+woodley+raiders+%22great+signing%22&oq=lamarr+woodley+raiders+%22great+signing%
 
By whom, exactly? Raider fan boards? No "big" sources in that link, just a bunch of blogs. So, wrong about that.
 
The multiple red flags include injury, two consecutive years of declining play and age. And the fact that the Steelers didn't even try to resign him, somewhat understandable because of their cap situation, but had they really valued him, they could have made it work. So...four red flags. Wrong again.
 
He might have been the #1 OLB" in free agency (or 4th, if rotoworld can be deemed a reputable source) but that is like using Pro Bowl voting as a standard of evaluation. Three strikes, you're out, have a nice day. 

 

[Was (Not Wasdin)]

 
I like this idea - starting after the NFL Draft is complete and UDFA's are signed. 
 
I realize the draftniks among us will want to prove their brilliance and the prospect fuckers will want to claim that diamond in the rough but the majority of us (and having been a draftnik in previous years, I would have felt differently about this last year, were the same scenario in play) just don't have the time or expertise to beat the professionals. 
 
We could use the Draft weekend (where everyone will be more engaged in figuring out Bill's latest "wait, who?" selection) to discuss next year's league rules, trades, etc. 

 
 

 
Even if we started the draft today, we still wouldn't even be done with one round before the entire draft is complete. I agree it adds to the strategy but I just don't think there's enough time at this point. Might as well just wait until it's all said and done. 

 
I agree with this position.  I think the fairest thing to do is to put everyone on the same page in terms of knowing where the college players ended up.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

 
Even if we started the draft today, we still wouldn't even be done with one round before the entire draft is complete. I agree it adds to the strategy but I just don't think there's enough time at this point. Might as well just wait until it's all said and done. 

 

Guys, I really don't feel like doing a draft while the actual draft is happening... I mean that's a once a year event I really look forward to and prepare quite a bit for.
 
Can we just agree to wait until it is over? It's 3 days of non-stop stuff.
 
Edit: I know, I know. This is kind of selfish. It's just that the draft is such a big/fun event and it would be nice to be able to focus completely on that. If everyone else says no, it's ok. 
 
Edit 2: This actually doesn't benefit me at all as I know quite a bit about this draft class. If we had to do the entire thing today I think I'd have an advantage over quite a few RFP owners just based on my hobby. Not all, mind you. Phragle's office in my mom's basement is probably a more informed war room. But yeah - again this isn't even about real fantasy - it's just a request to be able to enjoy something without any distractions. Thanks guys no matter what.

 
That's fine with me.  The goal was to get 3-4 rounds in before the actual draft but once we separated the stealing rounds from the other rounds that became kind of unrealistic.  Lets just put everything on pause after the stealing round finishes, enjoy the real NFL draft, then get back to the RealFantasy draft next Monday.  Having the NFL draft info takes a little fun out of it but I don't think its that big of a deal and we don't really have any choice at this point.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

 
https://www.google.com/search?q=lamarr+woodley+raiders+%22great+signing%22&oq=lamarr+woodley+raiders+%22great+signing%
 
By whom, exactly? Raider fan boards? No "big" sources in that link, just a bunch of blogs. So, wrong about that.
 
The multiple red flags include injury, two consecutive years of declining play and age. And the fact that the Steelers didn't even try to resign him, somewhat understandable because of their cap situation, but had they really valued him, they could have made it work. So...four red flags. Wrong again.
 
He might have been the #1 OLB" in free agency (or 4th, if rotoworld can be deemed a reputable source) but that is like using Pro Bowl voting as a standard of evaluation. Three strikes, you're out, have a nice day. 

 
How about CBS?
 
Raiders, LaMarr Woodley agree to terms on 2-year deal ...
 
 
 

When healthy, Woodley is a force. Despite missing five games in 2013, he ranked as the 10th-best 3-4 outside linebacker (two spots ahead of Worilds, incidentally), according toProFootballFocus.com. The issues, of course, is staying healthy.

 
or SI?
 
LaMarr Woodley joins Justin Tuck on Oakland Raiders ...
 

Grade: B-plus. Woodley may have to adapt to a slightly new position if Oakland sticks with the 4-3, but that should not hold him back too much. As with the Tuck signing, the money is extremely manageable, especially for a team with as much cap space as the Raiders have.
Woodley should have at least a couple strong years left, assuming he gets a little help on the Raiders’ defense. This is a better signing than the Raiders’ move for Tuck. Together, those additions could add a substantial amount of oomph to an Oakland defense that has been without much.

NFL.com
 
LaMarr Woodley signs 2-year Oakland Raiders contract ...
 
According to the PFF ratings you like so much he was your second most valuable Defensive player and the Tenth most valuable 3-4 OLB.
 
The red flags are all due to his recent stint of injuries. When he's healthy he's still a factor. Pitt moved on. I don't consider that a red flag with the money they owed him.

 

[soxfan121]

 
How about CBS?
 
Raiders, LaMarr Woodley agree to terms on 2-year deal ...
 
or SI?
 
LaMarr Woodley joins Justin Tuck on Oakland Raiders ...
 
NFL.com
 
LaMarr Woodley signs 2-year Oakland Raiders contract ...
 
According to the PFF ratings you like so much he was your second most valuable Defensive player and the Tenth most valuable 3-4 OLB.
 
The red flags are all due to his recent stint of injuries. When he's healthy he's still a factor. Pitt moved on. I don't consider that a red flag with the money they owed him.

 
The CBS article doesn't use the word "great" or offer any opinion on the signing. 
 
SI's blog gave it a B+
 
NFL.com says it can "get behind" the signing, so long as there's a defensive scheme change. 
 
So, yeah. "Widely reported as a great move" is sorta true, in that it's been widely reported and one out the three sources you found said it was a B+. 
 
Good luck with him. I think he's in decline and has several red flags and didn't particularly care about retaining him because past performance doesn't predict future results.

 

[SMU_Sox]

The cbs article says,

When healthy, Woodley is a force. Despite missing five games in 2013, he ranked as the 10th-best 3-4 outside linebacker (two spots ahead of Worilds, incidentally), according to ProFootballFocus.com. The issues, of course, is staying healthy.

I think, 121, you're underselling him but your concerns are valid. He'd certainly wouldn't be a sure thing for you or Eck for that matter. I also think Eck might be more bullish on him than... The average gm? The truth is probably somewhere in between with a huge moe due to what 121 mentioned as red flags.

For players like these there should be multiple valuations anyway.

 

[soxfan121]

For players like these there should be multiple valuations anyway.

 
One man's trash is another man's treasure. I gave my thoughts because A.) this is more interesting when people explain their thinking and B.) I really did sour on Woodley last year (after the arguments I had when picking him - there were some who were down on him then) and felt like I could afford to lose him more than some other players. That's it. 
 
Eck's on-going crusade to turn everything everyone says about everything into some kind of slight on him and then whining about it and calling names is way past old. It isn't all about you, dude. Had Eck picked Rolle and the other guy Woodley, I would have had the exact same reaction because I don't give a fuck about you, specifically. Rolle was a player I wanted to keep, Woodley was a guy I didn't have in my top "I might lose this guy" rankings. That's it. Take your own advice.

 

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

Eck's on-going crusade to turn everything everyone says about everything into some kind of slight on him and then whining about it and calling names is way past old. It isn't all about you, dude. Had Eck picked Rolle and the other guy Woodley, I would have had the exact same reaction because I don't give a fuck about you, specifically. Rolle was a player I wanted to keep, Woodley was a guy I didn't have in my top "I might lose this guy" rankings. That's it. Take your own advice.

 
False. 
 
I don't like you.
 
You don't like me.
 
This doesn't project to everyone, it's between you and me.

 

[SMU_Sox]

Do I need to get my mediation kit out, gentlemen? Perhaps this is a time to clear the air?
 
121 likes to push the envelope. But 1) he's a good dude - he checked up on me a few times during my time here and offered moral support for example, 2) his schtick is just that, schtick - it's supposed to get under your skin but it's not... malicious. A few times during the draft we went back and forth. Sometimes I lost sight of the big picture - other times I think the schtick got stale (for me anyway). Generally the both of you tend to be somewhat stubborn with opinions and don't have a problem letting the other one know it. That's not to say that you won't change your mind - you both have on various issues on this board but that won't prevent you from making a pyrrhic stand of sorts. My advice? PM the frustrations out - be respectful and try to not be condescending going forward or if you feel the need to ball bust (this is SOSH so that's encouraged) make sure you somehow indicate a kidding around tone. Personally nothing says I'm kidding around like a nice pic of some T&A, especially A.
 
For example my date for the NFL Draft: (yes, obviously this is a joke)
 

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Rip each others guts out.

 

[soxfan121]

Uh, your constant and incessant whining annoys everyone. 
 
I don't like you but it has nothing to do with Lamarr Woodley.
 
But, in the interests of league harmony I will again put you on ignore and will try to pretend you don't exist. It's the adult way to handle irreconcilable differences on a message board. The last, whiny word is yours.

 

[Phragle]

Who needs a womens forum when we have twats like you guys?

 

[SMU_Sox]

Who needs a womens forum when we have twats like you guys?

 
I like it when you talk dirty to me, honeybuns. 

 

[SMU_Sox]

So... let me offer this as well. For squads that are on the cusp taking a gamble makes a lot more sense. Just brainstorming here how I would model it so bear with me through this little thought exercise. 121 is a legit contender and should be focused on consistent and predictable incrementality - continuing to add high floor guys with upside. Eck, OTOH, is a squad on the cusp and probably doesn't have enough to compete with the top tier teams in the league (hey, probably same boat, Eck). A guy like Woodley isn't a lock to contribute to 121's squad. He might have the same average expected value but the tails are pretty fat and spread out. 
 
Basically if this were trading I'd say for 121 his job is to work like LTCM did at first with all small positive gains via some sort of fixed income arbitrage to increase his already solid base.
 
Eck needs a boost - if he takes the same strategy as 121 it is unlikely he will leap frog him and all the other teams doing that sort of strategy. So Eck will make that positional bet - not much hedge, but if it hits he gets the boost he needs. If not? At least he gets the reward of a better draft slot and considering he has a decent enough core that's not such a bad consolation prize.
 
Eck, we took Blackmon - part of my rationale for him was that. I get it dude. But you have to see the other side of that coin. I imagine a lot of owners didn't think Blackmon was a smart pick given his... baggage.