CBS Sports stages an annual Draft‑A‑Thon that blends the excitement of fantasy football with a charitable mission, channeling proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while inviting fans to pit their drafting acumen against a roster of industry analysts.
A Fantasy Fundraiser With Purpose
The competition, structured as a 12‑team PPR league, sets an ambitious fundraising target of $200,000 and features draft orders curated by some of the sport’s most respected voices.
Among the participants, analyst Ken Townsel not only contributed financially but also entered the draft as a competitor, adding a layer of on‑field rivalry to the fundraising effort.
Rico Dowdle, a former NFL running back turned draft enthusiast, opted for a zero‑RB approach, stacking his roster with elite receivers and a high‑upside backfield prospect from Pittsburgh, a strategy designed to maximize weekly point potential in a pass‑heavy format.
His opening selections included standout pass‑catchers such as Bijan Robinson, Nico Collins, Malik Nabers, Luther Burden III and Tyler Warren, while his second running back, Rhamondre Stevenson, arrived in the sixth round alongside reserve backs Mike Washington Jr., Woody Marks and Zach Charbonnet.
Quarterback Joe Burrow and tight end Mark Andrews anchored the skill‑position core, while the scoring system awards six points per touchdown, one point per ten yards rushing or receiving, one point per twenty‑five yards passing, and an extra point for each reception, creating a nuanced reward structure for versatility.
The draft also showcased a blend of traditional and contrarian choices, as Dowdle bypassed DeVonta Smith in the third round in favor of DJ Moore, and later selected Chris Godwin as a flex option after passing on Rhamondre Stevenson, illustrating the nuanced decision‑making that defines the event.
Beyond Dowdle’s experiment, the league features a cast of analysts including Jake Ciely, Ken Townsel and Jamey Eisenberg, whose draft orders add a competitive edge and underscore the collaborative spirit of the Draft‑A‑Thon.