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What a 'perfect' fantasy football draft really looks like

A realistic perfect draft is to secure the best value in each round, methodically building a roster that will soar from Week 1, withstand an injury to one or two key players, and peak during the fantasy playoffs.

A realistic perfect draft is to secure the best value in each round, methodically building a roster that will soar from Week 1, withstand an injury to one or two key players, and peak during the fantasy playoffs.

With that lofty goal in mind, I've analyzed the average draft position (ADP) of each player from multiple fantasy sites to determine the best pick in each round.

Key assumptions: We're in a 10-team, non-keeper league using a standard scoring system that starts one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, and one tight end, a kicker, and team defense; and we are drafting from the middle (fifth) position in a snake format.

Round 1. MARSHAWN LYNCH, RB, Seahawks. Beast Mode remains a formidable force on a talented, run-centric, perennial Super Bowl contender.

Round 2. CALVIN JOHNSON, WR, Lions. If he lands in your lap, raise your hands and scream "Hallelujah!" Odell Beckham Jr. and Rob Gronkowski, if they somehow slide, are even better options.

Round 3. JUSTIN FORSETT, RB, Ravens. He's money at the goal line, and he's expected to be used more in the passing game (like Matt Forte) in Mark Trestman's offense. If he's gone, snag Brandin Cooks or Emmanuel Sanders.

Round 4. DREW BREES, QB, Saints. Brees has been a top 3 fantasy passer in seven of the last nine seasons, and never below sixth during that stretch.

Round 5. TODD GURLEY, RB, Rams. Gurley is a superstar-in-waiting, and all he needs is a little time to fully heal. Then, it's off to the races. If you miss out on Brees, consider snagging Gurley in the fourth and take Ben Roethlisberger here.

Round 6. JARVIS LANDRY, WR, Dolphins. Ryan Tannehill's go-to receiver is expected to get more than his fair share of red-zone targets this season.

Round 7. ARIAN FOSTER, RB, Texans. Imagine the conundrums you'll have deciding which two backs to start once Foster and Gurley are healthy. If he's gone, go with the Lions' promising rookie RB, Ameer Abdullah.

Round 8. DAVANTE ADAMS, WR, Packers. He's been soaring up draft boards following the season-ending injury to Jordy Nelson and the worries over Randall Cobb's shoulder.

Round 9. JORDAN CAMERON, TE, Dolphins. He was an elite tight end in Cleveland just two seasons ago, but was slowed by concussions in 2014.

Round 10. Rams defense/special teams. I'd also be fine waiting until later for the Eagles or Broncos.

Round 11. MICHAEL FLOYD, WR, Cardinals. As long as Carson Palmer is under center, Floyd will be fantasy-worthy.

Round 12. OWEN DANIELS, TE, Broncos. Peyton Manning always saves plenty of targets for his tight ends. Jimmy Graham's replacement in New Orleans, Josh Hill, is another intriguing option in later rounds.

Round 13. CARSON PALMER, QB, Cardinals. He could have a monster year given his trio of receivers, if he can just stay upright.

Round 14. CHARLES SIMS, RB, Buccaneers. Sims has a very real chance to emerge as the Bucs' starting tailback, so he's worth the gamble.

Round 15. JONAS GRAY, RB, Patriots. He'll get the Week 1 start while LeGarrette Blount serves his suspension. Gray could parlay that opportunity into a permanent starting gig.

Round 16. MARKUS WHEATON, WR, Steelers. The third-year wideout has a golden opportunity to solidify his status as the No. 2 target in one of the league's most prolific offenses while Martavis Bryant serves his four-game suspension. I also like Rams WR Brian Quick here.

Round 17. BRANDON McMANUS, K, Broncos. Connor Barth is now a Buc, so the strong-legged McManus inherits the plum kicking duties for Denver's offense. The Eagles' Cody Parkey offers similar upside.