In a recent mock exercise, the standard draft board was turned on its head as managers tackled the challenging world of superflex fantasy football. The mock highlighted the dramatic changes that occur in this format, where quarterbacks reign supreme and strategic approaches to the position vary widely.

One of the standout findings from the exercise was the overwhelming emphasis on quarterbacks in the early rounds. Five out of the top seven picks in the draft were quarterbacks, setting the tone for the rest of the selections. In fact, a staggering total of six quarterbacks were chosen in the first round, followed by another six in the second.

As the mock draft progressed, it became evident just how much quarterbacks are valued in superflex leagues. By the end of the sixth round, a total of 19 quarterbacks had already been taken. The trend continued with two more signal-callers, Aaron Rodgers and Geno Smith, being selected at the top of the seventh round.

Notably, even in the later rounds, quarterbacks such as Bo Nix, Justin Fields, Tua Tagovailoa, Jared Goff, Jayden Daniels, and Caleb Williams found themselves being drafted. This highlights the unique nature of superflex leagues and how they reshape the draft board to mirror the value placed on quarterbacks in the NFL.

The impact of this quarterback-heavy approach was felt throughout the rest of the draft. Talented wide receivers like Tyreek Hill, Ja'Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson were pushed down to the second round. Even elite running backs like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Derrick Henry, and Saquon Barkley slipped to the third round. Meanwhile, star tight end Travis Kelce, who is typically a first-round pick, fell all the way to the sixth round.

The mock exercise also shed light on the different strategies employed by managers when it came to selecting quarterbacks. Some managers wasted no time in securing their quarterback slots, using their first-round pick for a QB and following up with a QB/WR/RB/TE pick in the second round. Three teams in the mock employed this tactic, resulting in intriguing combos like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love, and Anthony Richardson and Jayden Daniels.

On the other hand, some managers, including the writer of the mock, preferred to have both QB spots secured by the end of the fourth round. The rationale behind this approach is to target high-ceiling players at the quarterback position early on and then focus on other positions before selecting a second quarterback from the remaining options. While this strategy may leave managers with a lesser-known player in the superflex position, hitting big on their initial quarterback selection can potentially lead to victory.

Despite the range of strategies observed in the mock exercise, one approach that didn't find favor was the "Zero QB" strategy. This method involves waiting until the later rounds, typically the sixth or seventh, to fill the quarterback position. While it can lead to success if managers uncover an unexpected gem or find a diamond in the rough during the season, it is considered a riskier and less popular approach due to the critical importance of the quarterback position.

The mock exercise provided valuable insights into the dynamics and strategies involved in superflex fantasy football drafts. As teams took unconventional paths and made unexpected choices, it became clear that superflex leagues offer a unique and exciting challenge for fantasy managers. The mock draft results showcased the varying approaches taken by managers and how the demand for quarterbacks reshapes the draft board.

While this was just a mock exercise, it serves as a reminder to all fantasy managers preparing for their drafts to consider the nuances of their league format, evaluate the value of each position, and strategize accordingly. With superflex leagues gaining popularity, it's crucial to adapt and be well-prepared for the unique challenges they present.