Q: Marvin, thanks for taking some time to answer some questions in the annual interview with the champion. Looking back at last year, you were loaded across the board after going with an elite quarterback in Patrick Mahomes 18th overall. You dominated all season long and won as the #1 seed. Did your draft formula work as plan and at what point did you realize you were a legitimate championship contender?
Marvin: Most definitely. Ever since I’ve joined the league, it seemed there was a lot of people always drafting RBs in the first 2 rounds. Historically I always liked to draft that way too but in a 16 team league, I didn’t see anyone with great value at RBs at the time (clearly I was wrong since Saquon and Jacobs were available). Since I got the 15th pick, I figured lets change up the draft strategy and go heavy into WRs and with an elite QB. After the first few weeks, I knew I was a legitimate contender when my first 6 picks all were contributing to the team.
Q: This year you went with a running back in Round 1 and Nick Chubb’s name was called out at the 6th overall pick. Did you have a preferred draft position this year and looking at your overall roster construction, do you feel as strong about your team this year versus last year’s team?
Marvin: Personally I did not like my draft position. All the elite WRs and RBs were taken and I didn’t have a chance to take Kelce. After being in the league a few years, I think I prefer to draft at either ends just so I can plan out my picks better instead of getting sniped. If you asked me how I feel about my team before week 1, I would say I was fairly confident. But after week 1, I am a little worried about my team. Although I was one of the lowest scorers, I think I may be able to squeeze out another playoff appearance.
Q: We are set to have an interesting year where we will play with mandatory tight ends for a season and then it was voted out for next season. You took no chances going with Mark Andrews in Round 2. What do you think about mandatory tight ends in a 16-man league and did you have a dedicated draft strategy for the tight end position this year?
Marvin: I think a mandatory tight end makes this league even harder. Based off of last years scoring, the TE1 and TE2 score was probably the biggest difference compared to any other position. Along with that, we are also a standard scoring league so TEs are truly TD or bust, as seen in week 1. With that in mind, I knew I had to get an elite TE, hence my choice at Andrews in round 2. It may have been a little bit of a reach but I wasn’t going to risk having to stream a TE for the whole season.
Q: In Week 1 of this year, your division did not have a strong showing yet you were able to come out with a win. Looking within your division and around the league, who do you think is some of the biggest competition as you prepare for your first championship title defense?
Marvin: This year for week 1 was probably one of the most unpredictable weeks I have seen to start a season. Definitely did not expect so many duds from so many star players. Despite that, there are a few teams that definitely stand out to me this season. Our week 1 high scorer Pool of the Dead looks to be a juggernaut with plenty of depth on his roster. In the FFC West, despite not a high scoring output, I do like the PGDs team with a very well-rounded draft. I think Lamar will turn it around and his team takes another leap. Lastly, I can never count out Gandalf the Goat with Mahomes on his team.
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