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Friday, May 3, 2024
The dust is still settling from the NFL Draft, and the CBS FFT team participated in a 12-team PPR mock draft. Wide receivers came off the board early and often, but it was interesting to see which rookie quarterbacks were deemed worthy of rostering. For more insight on how your next draft could play out, be sure to check out Jamey Eisenberg's post-NFL Draft mock draft recap.
Heath Cummings updated his Dynasty wide receiver rankings, signaling the rise of George Pickens. He also points to trade scenarios that could alter the Dynasty value of a couple of high-profile pass-catchers. In his Dynasty running back rankings, Heath features Jonathon Brooks and how his versatility could affect the Dynasty landscape. In his Tight End Dynasty rankings, Heath adds perspective to the Brock Bowers debate and underscores the brilliance of Trey McBride's 2023 performance.
The purpose of this mock draft was to gauge how Fantasy managers valued incoming rookies and veterans impacted by the 2024 NFL Draft. In this league, managers are awarded one point per reception. Lineups consist of a QB, two RBs, three WRs, a tight end, and a FLEX RB, WR, TE, with six reserve spots. I wasn't surprised to see Caleb Williams taken in Round 9, but I was shocked to see Jamey take Jayden Daniels in Round 13 to be Joe Burrow's backup.
Another surprising element of this draft was Marvin Harrison Jr. falling to pick No. 14. I thought for sure that he'd be selected by someone in Round 1 considering the hype that surrounded him throughout the pre-draft process. Overall, I think a fair number of rookie wide receivers were taken in the later rounds.
However, Brian Thomas Jr. and Jermaine Burton could be impact players this season, given the depth at the wide receiver position on their respective teams. Managers should also keep in mind that the New England Patriots are completely revamping their wide receiver corps. With Drake Maye as the Patriots' triggerman, I firmly believe Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker instantly become viable Fantasy options.
Jonathon Brooks is already in the top 12 of Heath Cummings' running back rankings before he even plays a down in the NFL. As justification for such a bold assessment of Brooks' value, Heath cites Brooks' youth (20 years old) and his versatility (2.5 catches per contest). Obviously, Brooks is still recovering from a torn ACL he sustained in November of last year, but according to Heath, he should still be ranked in the top five of one-QB drafts and No. 6 in Superflex.
Three running backs that could pay big dividends early in their careers are Trey Benson, MarShawn Lloyd, and Jaylen Wright. Benson, at minimum, will split carries with James Conner. I like the fact that he's paired with a mobile quarterback, as the threat of Kyler Murray's legs will only widen rushing lanes. MarShawn Lloyd, at minimum, will get on the field as a receiving option and complement to Josh Jacobs, while Jaylen Wright will spell Raheem Mostert on occasion. Wright is an excellent investment piece as he will get his fair share of touches this year but is set up well to receive the lion's share of carries in 2025.
Due to the amount of production that needs to be replaced in Pittsburgh with the departure of Diontae Johnson, George Pickens is rapidly rising up the Dynasty ranks. As it stands, Heath has Pickens as his WR18, but he also feels Pickens could vault into his top 12 by the time October rolls around. With that said, Heath hints at a potential trade scenario that could reduce Pickens' targets.
While it is tough to put young pass-catchers ahead of proven wide receivers, Keon Coleman has seemingly landed in the perfect situation with the Buffalo Bills. They needed a WR1, and he has all the traits necessary to become just that. Look for Coleman and Josh Allen to form a bond similar to the one he and Allen once had but perhaps slightly better. Thanks to Coleman's ability to play above the rim and consistently come down with contested catches, I fully expect Coleman to hit the ground running in Buffalo.
Our FFT team has been pointing to a youth movement at the tight end position for quite some time. The Las Vegas Raiders' selection of Brock Bowers with the 13th overall pick only strengthens this trend. Bowers is Heath's TE4, and his college film serves as proof as to why he's deserving of a top-five ranking before he sets foot on an NFL field. Georgia utilized Bowers in a variety of ways. He was utilized in the backfield, in the slot, and as an in-line TE and was successful at each spot.
While Bowers has been productive to this point, Heath is adamant that he should not be ranked ahead of Trey McBride. In his final 10 games, McBride averaged 8.5 targets per game, which is second among all tight ends with at least 137.1 PPR Fantasy points. Heath also states that the Cardinals have a better quarterback and a better offensive scheme than the Raiders. A rookie tight end other than Bowers that Heath is high on is Ja'Tavion Sanders, who is his 20th ranked tight end.
Another rookie tight end that belongs in that top-20 conversation is Jaheim Bell. Outside of Hunter Henry , the other tight ends on the Patriots roster are on one-year deals. Additionally, his skill set is much different from Henry, which paves the way for the Patriots to utilize a great deal of 12 personnel. Bell has the skill set to be featured the same way Aaron Hernandez was in the Patriots offense. He's extremely versatile and will afford the Patriots the option to change personnel without substitution. As a young quarterback learning the NFL game, Drake Maye is going to lean on his tight ends heavily, and Bell could ultimately become his security blanket.
 
 
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