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Fantasy Football: Early Picks for the 2017 Draft

By JD Leidy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fan Durell Harris barbecues before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fan Durell Harris barbecues before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The final installment of “Startable, Ownable and Eyeable” for 2016, containing 2017 fantasy draft targets on the 49ers and beyond.

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fan Durell Harris barbecues before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers fan Durell Harris barbecues before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Well, 49ers fans. It’s been a slice.

In all seriousness, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed regaling you with my fashionable opinions and nonpareil insights throughout the 2016 NFL season.

Now, some of you may be inclined to question my dedication, given that I passed on producing a Week 16 article… which is only the biggest fantasy football week of the year, no less. And you’d be well within your rights to do so.

But I figured, “Hey. Either you’re in or you’re out (most of you are out, by the way). And if you’ve made it this far, you don’t need me.”

Convenient, I know, as it afforded me the time to relax fireside with a remote in hand and a stein of souped-up eggnog in the other.

But, in all seriousness, I didn’t make it to the finals in my league. If you did, you likely had things well in hand.

And, you likewise, probably had many more “go to” sources than yours truly for fantasy wisdom. I know, I know. It pains me to say it. But, I’m just going to have to suck it up and put on my big boy pants like everyone else… one elastic leg hole at a time.

Now, in case you think I’ve forgotten you, oh few Faithful that actually play fantasy all the way to the bitter end, i.e. Week 17, let me be clear: You don’t need me either. Other than to advise you to end your season in Week 16 next year like every other self-respecting fantasy league.

OK. With that off my chest, what’s left for 2016? Great question. Stand-by for an even better answer.

In this, the final Startable, Ownable and Eyeable of the year, I’ll be sharing my coveted “insider” picks for the 2017 draft. That’s right, these are the hottest of the hot takes that you’ll want to keep stoked for oh… I’d say the next eight months or so.

Joking aside, there were definitely surprises in the 2016 fantasy season, as there are every year. And, there were, of course, those picks that were worth more than their weight in “average draft position” gold.

So, what follows are few names at each position to stow away in the memory banks, along with some very brief commentary on each.

Enjoy and thanks for all of your comments, emails and tweets throughout the season. They really made all the difference. Wait… there weren’t any comments, emails and tweets?

Well then, I guess a simple “Go Niners!” will have to suffice.