Field Yates' 7 Rookies to Target

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fantasy Focus Football – "Field Yates' 7 Rookies to Target"

Release Date: August 12, 2025

In this engaging episode of ESPN's Fantasy Focus Football, hosts Field Yates, Stephania Bell, and Daniel Dopp dive deep into the upcoming fantasy football season by spotlighting seven promising rookies poised to make significant impacts. The discussion seamlessly blends player analysis, draft strategies, and interactive audience engagement, providing listeners with invaluable insights to bolster their fantasy teams.

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1. Recent Highlights and Upcoming Events

The episode kicks off with the hosts reflecting on their recent activities, including live shows and appearances. Daniel Dopp shares excitement about the upcoming Fantasy Football Marathon Draft slated for 7:00 PM on ESPN2, emphasizing its blend of strategy and entertainment.

Daniel Dopp [01:54]: "The mock draft that we do for the fantasy marathon is one of my favorite things that we do every single year."

2. Highlight on the "300 Greatest Players" Retro Draft

The hosts briefly discuss an ESPN article featuring the "300 Greatest Players of the 30 Years of ESPN Fantasy Football," celebrating the rich history and evolution of the game.

Field Yates [03:14]: "Looking back at players over the last 30 years to be able to put together a lot of really fun managers as a part of this field."

3. Introducing the Top 7 Rookies to Target

Field Yates leads the main segment, introducing the seven rookies fantasy managers should keep an eye on. The discussion categorizes these players primarily as running backs and wide receivers, each bringing unique strengths and potential challenges.

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4. Running Backs

a. RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos)

A second-round pick out of UCF, RJ Harvey stands out for his versatility in both the running and passing game. Despite the addition of J.K. Dobbins, Harvey's high ceiling and potential as a reliable RB2 make him a valuable target.

Field Yates [09:17]: "RJ Harvey has a very high ceiling compared to most of the players that are being drafted around where he is."

b. Caleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Drafted in the third round, Caleb Johnson represents depth in the Steelers' backfield. With Jalen Warren handling a limited number of carries, Johnson's role could expand, especially in passing scenarios.

Field Yates [13:08]: "Caleb Johnson could easily lead this team in rushing attempts this season."

c. Omarion Hampton (Chargers)

As a high-end RB2 option, Omarion Hampton offers significant upside in the Chargers' power-running scheme. However, concerns about offensive line injuries and competition with Najee Harris temper some of his projected value.

Field Yates [46:49]: "Amari Hampton is a top 20 running back right now."

d. Trayvon Henderson (Patriots)

Known for his explosive playmaking ability, Trayvon Henderson provides the Patriots with a dynamic option on offense. His versatility in both rushing and receiving roles makes him a standout rookie to monitor.

Field Yates [38:00]: "Trayvon Henderson gives them that easy button on offense."

5. Wide Receivers

a. Denro McMillan (Carolina Panthers)

An eighth overall pick, Denro McMillan is projected to become the centerpiece of the Panthers' passing game. His route-running prowess and reliable hands position him as a top-tier fantasy receiver.

Field Yates [18:29]: "Denro McMillan quickly becomes the guy they build the passing game around."

b. Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars)

A versatile talent playing both offense and defense, Travis Hunter presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. His dual-role could limit his fantasy output, but his potential for significant plays keeps him on the radar.

Field Yates [25:30]: "Travis Hunter is a unique talent... potential top 25 wide receiver."

c. Ashton Genti (Las Vegas)

A standout running back from Boise State, Ashton Genti combines rushing volume with receiving capability. Despite a rocky preseason performance, his collegiate success and role in a favorable offense make him a prime pick.

Field Yates [50:02]: "Ashton Genti should be very, very, very busy this year."

6. Draft Strategies and Player Valuation

The hosts delve into strategic considerations for incorporating these rookies into fantasy drafts. Emphasizing the importance of balancing risk and reward, they discuss factors like Average Draft Position (ADP), positional needs, and the potential impact of injuries.

Stephania Bell [12:22]: "It's probably going to go up because a 10th round pick for RJ Harvey feels like really good value."

7. Audience Engagement and Interactive Mailbag

Engaging with their audience, the hosts address listeners' questions and conduct polls, particularly focusing on the contentious pick of Travis Hunter. The statistics reveal a split opinion, with a slight majority expressing caution due to his dual-role uncertainties.

Daniel Dopp [41:52]: "64% of our YouTube chat is avoiding Travis Hunter."

8. Final Roster Recommendations and Wrap-Up

Concluding the rookie segment, Field Yates, Stephania Bell, and Daniel Dopp recap their top choices, highlighting the importance of timing and positional balance in drafts. They encourage listeners to stay informed and adapt their strategies as the draft season progresses.

Field Yates [56:01]: "Genty, Omarion, Hampton, Travion Henderson, Travis Hunter, Tedro McMillan, Caleb Harvey."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Daniel Dopp [01:54]: "The mock draft that we do for the fantasy marathon is one of my favorite things that we do every single year."

• Field Yates [09:17]: "RJ Harvey has a very high ceiling compared to most of the players that are being drafted around where he is."

• Field Yates [18:29]: "Denro McMillan quickly becomes the guy they build the passing game around."

• Field Yates [25:30]: "Travis Hunter is a unique talent... potential top 25 wide receiver."

• Field Yates [38:00]: "Trayvon Henderson gives them that easy button on offense."

• Daniel Dopp [41:52]: "64% of our YouTube chat is avoiding Travis Hunter."

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Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Focus Football offers a comprehensive analysis of seven rookie players with significant fantasy potential. By blending expert insights with interactive discussions, the hosts equip fantasy managers with the knowledge needed to make informed draft decisions. Whether targeting a versatile running back like RJ Harvey or a high-upside wide receiver like Denro McMillan, listeners are left with actionable strategies to enhance their fantasy football success.

For more detailed player analyses and fantasy strategies, tune in to future episodes and join the conversation on ESPN's platforms.

Transcript

[Daniel Dopp]

This episode is brought to you by Lifelock. When you visit the doctor, you probably hand over your insurance, your ID and contact details. It's just one of the many places that has your personal info and if any of them accidentally expose it, you could be at risk for identity theft. Lifelock monitors millions of data points a second. If you become a victim, they'll fix it, guaranteed, or your money back. Save up to 40% your first [e-mail] podcast terms apply. What's good, friends? Welcome in to Fantasy Focus Football. My name is Daniel Dopp alongside Field Jates and Stefania Bell. It has been a whirlwind over the last couple of days of fantasy content for us.

[Stefania Bell]

I feel like I just saw you.

[Daniel Dopp]

Honestly, we all just hung out doing the fantasy Mirror. So going back to Friday or this weekend, Right. We did the New York City live show, which was awesome. Always great being able to go check out with all those guys. Stefania, you did Good Morning America on Sunday. I found out. Congratulations for that.

[Stefania Bell]

Thank you.

[Daniel Dopp]

Right, Whoa, Burying the lead. I know, I know.

[Field Yates]

More Good Morning America.

[Stefania Bell]

Oh, yeah, just. That was just a little bit, but it was part of a package they were doing on injuries in the NFL.

[Field Yates]

Oh my gosh, it's awesome. How'd it go?

[Stefania Bell]

Thanks. I'll send you the clip. I got it. Yeah, you can check it out.

[Field Yates]

Have you posted it on social already?

[Stefania Bell]

I have not because I've been a little busy.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, because yesterday we all went like until 11pm at night. It was a full day of fantasy content. Everything culminated with our fantasy football now three hour show. Fieldy was a ton of fun. I was a little sleepy afterwards, but like, yesterday was a blast.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, yesterday was awesome. We have much more ahead today. And by the way, you guys can refer to me for the rest of this show as Field Yates of Yates Yates and Bell lawyer JD as I'm suited up right now at your Surrey.

[Stefania Bell]

You're very Natalie dressed this morning.

[Field Yates]

Yep. Very nattily dressed indeed. So, Mr. Yates, if you want to call me that, that totally works for the remaining hour of this show, but we're having a blast today. Lots of good fantasy talk woven into basically every show on espn. I'm about to go match wits with Stephen A. After this, so him and I are going toe to toe.

[Stefania Bell]

Oh, that is going to be some musty tv.

[Field Yates]

Popcorn is ready, you know, so we're going to have spirited debates on first take and should be a lot of fun today.

[Daniel Dopp]

Heck yeah. It's going to be a blast and everything is going to finish tonight like it always does with our mock draft starting at 7:00'.

[Field Yates]

Clock.

[Daniel Dopp]

ESPN2 Field, you're going to host everything for us, help us figure out what we're doing. But the mock draft that we do for the fantasy marathon is one of my favorite things that we do every single year. Just being able to draft on TV with all you hooligans and have some fun with it, I just think it's one of the best things.

[Stefania Bell]

It really is. It's fun, it's silliness. But we also make some good points. Or. Well, some of us.

[Daniel Dopp]

Some of us.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah, yeah.

[Field Yates]

Don't speak. Couple people make good points.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right, well, all that coming on later tonight. Make sure you check us out on ESPN2 and throughout the rest of the content going on here at ESPN throughout the day. It's going to be very fun to be able to dive into a little bit more of the fantasy marathon. I do want to give you guys a quick update. We had a new article alert the 300 greatest players of the 300 years of ESPN fantasy football. It was a 31 year fantasy football.

[Field Yates]

The dinosaur was playing back in the.

[Daniel Dopp]

Day, 300 greatest years of 30. Yes. Of 30 years of ESPN fantasy football. We call it our retro draft.

[Field Yates]

Yes.

[Daniel Dopp]

Looking back at players over the last 30 years to be able to put together a lot of really fun managers as a part of this field. You and I drafted a team. Eric Carabelle, Eric Moody, Tristan Cockroft, Mike Clay, Liz Loza, Tyler Fulgent, Matt Bowen and our buddy John Perelin. We went through and did this. Go check it out on ESPN.com right now. If you want to dive back into the ethers of what is fantasy football past. It's been very fun being able to figure out who you want to take field. I just want to quickly, when you look at your quarterback, running back, wide receiver one, you've got Marshall Faulkner, Y Cam Newton and Tyreek Hill. Sounds like those guys were really good at fantasy football.

[Field Yates]

They were. So we had 30 years of players to pick from. So inevitably we all ended up with some pretty good players on our roster. But who are your top quarterback? Running back in white.

[Daniel Dopp]

I started with Ladanian Tomlinson and then Devonte Adams and Russell Wilson. Get Ladanian Tomlinson and Marshall Falk though. I just wanted one of those like running backs. I. I wanted an anchor running back.

[Stefania Bell]

Two running backs are.

[Daniel Dopp]

They're the best.

[Stefania Bell]

They're awesome.

[Daniel Dopp]

They're potentially the best fantasy football running backs of all time.

[Field Yates]

Yes. Stefan, you want to Break the tire. Who had the better quarterback? Running back, wide receiver. One trio.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah. So the running back. You guys are tied. You're tied there. The wide receiver. You both lose because how do you not have Jerry Rice.

[Daniel Dopp]

Jerry Rice.

[Field Yates]

Somebody else took.

[Stefania Bell]

I know it was draft.

[Field Yates]

The reality is I have Jerry Rice on my team.

[Daniel Dopp]

Do.

[Field Yates]

It's just that Jerry Rice. So this is over the past 30 years.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

And some of Jerry's best years were prior to after 95.

[Stefania Bell]

I date myself.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, no big deal.

[Stefania Bell]

I'll excuse myself right now.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes, no big deal.

[Stefania Bell]

30 years. But then it comes down to the quarterback and field wins on that. Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah. I even would vote that way.

[Stefania Bell]

Fantastic. Fantasy quarterback. So much fun. He was so much fun to watch.

[Daniel Dopp]

Oh, he was great.

[Field Yates]

It was awesome. Yep. So go check out the article. It's on espn.com Pierre Piguet worked very hard on this. He ran a bunch of simulations so you can see whose team Nerd Alert covers three years. Yeah. Wins the league. And I believe there was a gigantic cash prize awarded to the winner.

[Daniel Dopp]

Oh, wow.

[Field Yates]

Really? That's not true. No. You got a free hash brown and a vitamin one.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

You did win.

[Daniel Dopp]

You know what you did not know about. I'll tell you what. If you win, you get a trip to the Bahamas this year. Hey. The ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend is back for year two. From August 21st through the 24th in the Bahamas, enjoy an oceanfront stay at the luxurious Baja Ma resort and exclusive events like our one of a kind beach combine. Plus, you get to mingle with a bunch of celebrities and NFL players throughout the entirety of the weekend. You got Todd Gurley, Golden Tate, Kyle Rudolph and Field Yates. Then you get some insights from your favorite ESPN fantasy football experts before drafting your squad at our epic live draft party. It was unbelievable last year and we cannot wait to run it back again this year. So go check that out@baja mar.com draft we're brought to you today by GNC. Hope I'm not interrupting your workout routine, but the GNC Live well sale is going on right now. Buy one, get one. 50% off everything in store [e-mail] that's right, we're talking everything. Protein, pre workout, creatine, vitamins, supplements, and so much more. Go for it all and don't miss out at gnc, Nutrition isn't a department, it's the whole freaking store. You got goals. GNC has results. Visit your local gnc store or gnc.com all right, we're going to have some fun. Talking about some rookies today. Yeah, we're going to dive into a few things. Listen, not everyone was able to be here throughout the entirety of the pre draft process. Some people are just getting into their fantasy podcasting season. So we thought, why not dive into some of the guys that maybe not everyone knows about.

[Field Yates]

Yep.

[Daniel Dopp]

And I realize we're going to talk at the top of the draft. You're going to know some of these names because you've heard them a lot. However, field, I'd love to go from seven to one. We're going to give your top seven.

[Field Yates]

Yep.

[Daniel Dopp]

But let's slow play who number one is and start at the back end of the order. Does that sound good? Yeah, why not?

[Field Yates]

You know, I think it's worth noting.

[Stefania Bell]

I wonder.

[Daniel Dopp]

A little tease.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, it's, you know, fantasy rookies and making a major impact is nothing new. Right. Jaden Daniels last season was obviously amazing.

[Daniel Dopp]

Rock Bowers crushed it.

[Field Yates]

Bowers was terrific. You know, Saquon Barkley during his rookie season. I actually learned this this morning. Had the most fantasy points by a Rookie ever in PPR scoring in NFL history, followed by Eric Dickerson in 83 and then Cam Newton in 20.

[Daniel Dopp]

So that's why you drafted Cam Newton.

[Field Yates]

Yes, exactly. That was it. So rookies having a major impact is nothing new in fantasy, so it's important to dive in on them. Perhaps no rookie has seen his value spike and then fall and then perhaps find its level a little bit more recently. More so than RJ Harvey, Second round pick for the Denver Broncos out of most recently ucf. Began his college career at Virginia. RJ Harvey went late in the second round, which had people thinking to themselves, like, could this be a top 20 running back? Because that backfield was otherwise very, very thin. And then the team signed J.K. dobbins in, I think it was June. And you're saying to yourself, J.K. dobbins. Maybe he's not good enough to take away all of Harvey's value, but he's definitely good enough to impact things for RJ Harvey. For whatever it's worth. Maybe something, maybe nothing. Harvey was playing a decent amount with the starters against Stefania's 49ers preseason week one. Had some good moments, had some other moments where he was running a little bit like a rookie. He was trying to get it all in one play. This guy reminded me as a prospect of Bucky Irving from the year prior. Small running back who plays big as opposed to a small running back who plays small, very good in the passing game as well, Sean Payton has talked for a long time and we've been using this term surrounding Evan Ingram about his desire for a joker in the offense. And Shaw's been clear that it's not a specific position a player plays. It's a guy who brings versatility to the offense.

[Stefania Bell]

He had one of those in, in New Orleans. Yeah. Taysum Hill.

[Field Yates]

Taysum Hill. There's been guys who fit that category in a couple different ways. Right. But in, in, in Denver, I think he feels like he now has two of them because Harvey can impact things in the passing game and in the running game for sure. The problem now for R.J. harvey is that, not that the money for J.K. dobbins was crazy, but the players good enough and the money was real enough that if you told me that J.K. dobbins handles 40% of the carries this year, or let's say that the split in terms of total carries is 60, 40 in favor of RJ Harvey, that's enough to take away the value from Harvey's overall profile that he's no longer being drafted as a top 15 or 20 running back and instead is more like RB, you know, 24 to 30. Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

And this is one of those things that also don't draft early. Right. Hopefully you're not drafting in the middle of summer because his ADP absolutely changed, but RJ Harvey is somebody that I feel like when we look at him in this offense, do you still view him like when, when he was originally drafted, I thought to myself, this guy could be like a low end RB2 for your squad.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

Now that JK Dobbins is there, does he feel more like a bye week guy or a flex play than like a solid RB2 for your fantasy squad?

[Field Yates]

I would say this. So, like, I think you need like that RB3 spot can like really, really impact your season's fortunes. I. I'm not breaking any news by saying that, but man, I just tell you like every year you get into, I feel like that spot kind of defines like what the, what the floor is for your team because you're going to have some attrition or you're going to have bye weeks or you're one of your first two RBs just not going to meet expectations. And he has a very high ceiling compared to most of the players that are being drafted around where he is. R.J. harvey. Right. Because while J.K. dobbins could have a real role, and I think he should have a real role, he's been a gigantic injury risk throughout his career. And RJ Harvey was taken in the second round well before they signed JK Dobbins. Shefty said this on a back together weekend at the end of July that like the Broncos, I think that the J.K. dobbins signing was more a matter of like that player's still available and the cost is only that much. Like we'd be crazy not to add him. They didn't do it because after they drafted RJ Harvey they felt like they still had this massive need at running back. So if you told me which of those two players in the Denver backfield has a better shot to take the job and no pun intended, run away run with it, it would be RJ Harvey. The passing game work, as I mentioned earlier, is legit. I had a, I think he was 65th overall, my final big board in the real NFL draft, which was well above quote unquote consensus. So I was a big RJ Harvey fan coming into this process. A little bit of cold water thrown on his value with the J.K. dobbins signing. But you're looking for these guys who relative to other RB3s. I know that we've seen a little bit of positive momentum for Javante Williams, the player that RJ Harvey is sort of replacing. If I'm drafting a third running back relatively early, I personally prefer the more of the archetype of RJ Harvey where I think there's a way in which he becomes like a top 15 to 20 back. Whereas Williams may be the Bron, the Cowboys starter, I'm less optimistic about the upside in that offense.

[Daniel Dopp]

Gotcha. I look at him and he's wide receiver, excuse me, running back 27 right now, ADP of 95. Mind you, this ASP and ADP is going to only going to get more official as we get closer into draft season. I think he's probably going to rise up because a 10th round pick for RJ Harvey feels like really good value for your squad if you're able to get basically your RB3 in the 10th round.

[Stefania Bell]

Also I think for people it's a lot of it is the eyeball test. You know, they're not familiar with these rookies. Like you know them so well because you've been following college, you do the draft, but a lot of people haven't seen them and then they watch a preseason game, they're like, oh look at RJ Harvey. There's a name that registers because he's getting work and he's looking good. So I agree with you that it's probably going to go up.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right, that's one rookie on recognition. That's right.

[Stefania Bell]

Doesn't matter.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right, rookie number six, field jates.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, it's a player that I think will be seven. It might already be seven, truthfully. And that's Caleb Johnson, the third round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the University of Iowa. For those that follow college football, he had a huge season last year. He was the Iowa offense, which as we know, much prefers to run the football versus throwing the football. That being said, Caleb Johnson's pre draft process wasn't great. He had 4, 5, 7, 40. Not a prolific athlete, I would say by any stretch relative to most running backs. Here's the good. The good is that the team has Jalen Warren as the second running back. The Steelers have appeared reticent to make Warren a guy who's going to carry the ball more than 14 times a game.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yep.

[Field Yates]

And the preference might be more for him to handle like eight carries a game. With a few targets, Caleb Johnson could easily lead this team in rushing attempts this season. I wonder if we're going to maybe see a player who's. I'm not saying ceiling because ceiling is definitely higher than this, but most likely scenario kind of mirrors what Najee Harris was last year where it's a lot of volume, not very many explosive plays, not super sexy. But if you're playing in week nine and both of your starting running backs are on a buy and you're like, who am I starting? And Caleb Johnson has a chance for 16 rushing attempts and two targets, it might be good enough. So volume should be decent. I don't know that this is a game changing talent at running back, but volume does matter. And the Steelers are thin at running back beyond Caleb Johnson and Jalen, which.

[Stefania Bell]

Is interesting because this is an offense that is going to want to run the ball.

[Field Yates]

That much we know about.

[Stefania Bell]

Theoretically.

[Field Yates]

Yep. Arthur Smith, baby, you know he wants to run that football. So. Yeah. And there's. I think some people have wisely pointed out that like Caleb Johnson playing alongside Jalen Warren, we know that those veteran quarterbacks, we talk about this all the time with Tom Brady and to a degree now, Aaron Rodgers, they want the running back you can trust right next to you. Right. Like he can pass protect. If the hole is designed to be running, you know, this spot, you know, run through the B gap. On this play, they're going to hit the B gap or whatever it is. Right. And we'll see whether Caleb Johnson picks up the nuances fast enough. I would say that the preseason has probably influenced my decision, my opinion more negatively than positively for Caleb Johnson. But just look at the depth chart and it's hard to find a pathway for somebody he's going to play like they need him to. And this team, as we know, they think they're competing for a Super bowl this year. I disagree with that. But if they're going to get there, it's going to be because they have at least somewhere.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

The AFC is just so stupid.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah. No kidding.

[Field Yates]

Oh my gosh. Like are they the third best team in their own division?

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah. Might be.

[Field Yates]

Probably second. Probably at best the Ravens look like the class of the AFC North. But yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

When you mentioned Jalen Warren and you said the team doesn't seem like they're wanting to give him the ball more than 14 times a game, did you look that number up before the show? Just pulled it out of your butt.

[Field Yates]

I just sort of assumed that the number was like maybe one with week of like 17.

[Daniel Dopp]

His most carries he had last year was 14 carries. So it just feels like you're right on the money. Like you're, you're in mid season form right now.

[Field Yates]

That was a complete guess and I'll take it. But yes, but that. I think that's an important. I'm glad you sort of confirmed that because it's an important thing to note is that like even if Jalen Warren does a lot of the stuff that Aaron Rodgers likes. Yep. And even if he has like veteran status over Caleb Johnson and even if he's better pass catcher and a more explosive runner, which he definitely was over Najee Harris, we saw there was kind of a cap to what Warren's value would be because of the build that he brings. Yep.

[Daniel Dopp]

Based on how they're going to use him, he only had four games where he had more than 10 carries and no games over 14. So like it was mostly single digit carry games, he's going to be utilizing the passing game as we know. So we'll see what that means for Jalen Warren. But we get to basically this is two running back by committees here for the first two, RJ Harvey, JK Dobbins, and then Caleb Johnson and Jalen Warren. It kind of makes sense that they fall where they do given those question marks. If you're running a business, you know that every time you miss a call, you're leaving money on the table. When every customer conversation matters, you need a phone system that keeps up with you and helps you stay connected 24 7. That's why you need OpenPhone with OpenPhone you'll never miss an opportunity to connect with your customers. OpenPhone is the number one business phone system that streamlines and scales your customer communications. It works through an app on your phone or computer, so no more carrying two phones or using a landline. With OpenPhone your team can share one number and collaborate on customer calls and texts like a shared inbox. That way any teammate can pick up right where the last person left off, keeping response times faster than ever. Plus say goodbye to voicemail. Their AI agent can be set up in minutes to handle calls after hours, answer questions and capture leads so you never miss a customer. So whether you're a one person operation drowning in calls and texts, or have a large team that needs some better collaboration tools, Openphone is a no brainer. See why over 60,000 businesses trust Openphone. Openphone is offering our listeners 20% off your first six months at openphone.com fantasy that's O P E N P-H-O-N-E.com fantasy and if you have any existing numbers with another service, OpenPhone will port them over at no extra charge. OpenPhone no missed calls, no missed customers. Who's next on your board? Another running back or you go in a different position?

[Field Yates]

We're going to wide receiver now and a player trending up. Denro McMillan, who in the first preseason game for the Carolina Panthers had a pair of impressive catches. He was the eighth overall pick in the draft this past year. Six foot four, 219 pounds out of the University of Arizona. He had back to back seasons. That is correct. With over 1300 receiving yards during his final two years of college. He was the only player in the FBS that could say that. I remember throughout the pre draft process you hear and you're again you're soliciting opinions from people. You're not soliciting opinions but still hearing them from people. And it was kind of all over the board for tmac it was is this guy a top five player in the draft? Should the Patriots at number four consider him? Should the Jaguars at number five consider him? Is this guy going to make it to the Chargers at 22? And then it was like water found its level with a lot of guys. Mikel Williams to your Niners. Another example of it where it's like this guy is gigantic. He runs great routes, he has really good hands, a quarterback's going to trust him and touchdowns matter last I checked and he's a great red zone weapon. All of those led the Panthers to taking him Number eight overall. And while the team does have some other solid receivers, Adam Thielen, perpetually underrated. Xavier Leggette was a first round pick last year. I think the vision for this team is that Teterow McMillan quickly becomes the guy they build the passing game around. What's.

[Daniel Dopp]

Do you have a comp for Ted Arrow McMillan? Is it Drake London? Is it Michael Pittman Jr.

[Field Yates]

The goal would to be like one of those two players. Right. Because the knock on Ted Arrow McMillan is the speed he ran at his pro day. For those that don't know this, I don't know what percent of percentage of our audience does or doesn't know. Like schools do take a time for pro day. A lot of them will like distribute. Hey, here's how fast every player was at Arizona.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, but is that, I mean, can I think that they're like also trying to help their players?

[Field Yates]

Yeah, I mean there's some notoriously fast tracks at these various schools. Okay. But on top of that, like every scout goes and sits there with his personal stopwatch. Right? So he was around a 4, 5, 5, 4. Some people had him a little higher, some people had him a little bit lower. This is not going to be confused for Matthew golden who ran that 429 at the combine, but he can just flat out play. We saw that with Carolina in the first preseason game as well. So he intrigues me. Bryce Young, an ascendant player in his own right, but there are a decent number of mouths to feed here. So there is some competition for T Mac, but right around wide receiver 33 right now, I've seen his is ADP. I know the average is what, like 30. Wide receiver.

[Daniel Dopp]

He's wide receiver 33. Did you look at my computer?

[Field Yates]

No, I can sort of.

[Daniel Dopp]

How are you just so good at all the numbers all the time?

[Stefania Bell]

He's like, you know, steel trap. That's right, Steel trap mind. But yeah, well, Bryce Young took a nice step forward last year and you just felt like Carolina wants to put a little bit more around him to help continue that trajectory. And you have a lot of older veterans that there, you know, in Chuba Hubbard. And as far as running back, good, nice, nice hands. Running back for Bryce Young to be able to dump the ball off to. You've got Adam Thielen as you referenced, but at 35 years old with a significant hamstring injury last year, solid receiver, but not getting any younger. You know, I think this was an important move for them.

[Daniel Dopp]

I found out that Adam Thielen was in the league when Calvin Johnson was still in the league. And I could not believe Adam Thielen was that old.

[Stefania Bell]

Calvin Johnson retired early.

[Daniel Dopp]

He did, but I was just. I couldn't believe that, like, Thielen has been around for that long. Minnesota, and he's still playing at, like last year. Absolutely did stuff for us. And then the Panthers.

[Stefania Bell]

So everybody missed him when he was gone. Like there was a void.

[Daniel Dopp]

100%. Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Straight thought here. More real than fantasy football. But I appreciate what the Panthers are doing right now. Panthers fans, however many out there are listening to us. I don't know if we have a large audience of Panthers fans or a small one, but for this moment, I like what they're doing. I think they're building this thing the right way. I really appreciate and I think culture is probably an overused word. Sometimes it's a buzzy word, but it seems like culture. Yeah, seems like it's real in Carolina right now, the way they've built Bryce Young back up. And that was a tough step to take last year. Benching the number one pick, what, three weeks into his second season. Very impressed by what they are doing right now in Carolina. I think this offense is going to be four fun to watch this year. Got some holes to still figure out on defense, but the offense I think should be one that we enjoy watching come Sundays.

[Daniel Dopp]

Bryce Young makes me think of my time in basic training when I was in the Air Force because it's not like they wanted him to not be good, but they basically tore him down so that they could recreate him and build him back up to be like, Bryce, you are our guy. You know, you're going to be the leader of this franchise. We chose you on purpose. I know it didn't start great and that, you know, it was one of those things where it's like we're going to tear you down in order to build you back up. But now it feels like that buildup like we've already talked about, I mean, it's. This gets used too much, you know, when we say it, but it feels like, you know, this Panthers offense and. And Bryce Young, you know, I don't want to say to the moon, but they're absolutely ascending here this year and there's really high expectations given everything they did. So it just makes me think of the way that it's like, I'm sure they didn't want to tear him down. They would have rather just have him be good right out the gate and have to worry about it.

[Field Yates]

Dude, that's Actually a really sweet analogy about like, I, I, I, I don't, I didn't know that.

[Daniel Dopp]

Oh, that's the Know a whole lot about me. They very much.

[Field Yates]

That's very cool.

[Daniel Dopp]

Tear you down to build you back up kind of thing. And then when you leave basic training, you're like, man, I could do, do anything.

[Stefania Bell]

Are you kidding me?

[Field Yates]

That's, yeah, pretty, pretty dope.

[Stefania Bell]

It's a cool, that's always the military.

[Field Yates]

I mean, I'm sure it's not going through it.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes. But once you come out on the other side, it's a, it's a good feeling. And I've loved seeing Bryce come out on the other side of this.

[Stefania Bell]

Well, you talk about culture change and here's one of those fun facts. This is sort of in my wheelhouse, which is they had some significant changes in their medical staff. They hired Denny Kellington, who is now their VP of player health and performance. He was the athletic trainer at the Buffalo Bills who is credited with saving demar Hamlin's life because he was one who administered cpr. So, you know, they are making some switches in that department, which I think was needed. And I think this is going to help, you know, that matters. We always talk about the players and we talk a lot about the coaches, but there's a lot of other personnel in there that can influence how a team is performing, how, how comfortable everyone is, the culture in general. So really, like a couple of the moves that the Panthers made in the off season.

[Daniel Dopp]

We talked about him as wide receiver, 33 field, just to put a bow on it, as ADP. Right now is 86. So coming off in like the middle of the ninth round right now, I.

[Field Yates]

Think moving up a little bit, I.

[Daniel Dopp]

Think, I agree with that. And I think he'll continue to move up. He's up a little bit since the last preseason game, up almost four spots. And I think that's going to continue with some of the positive vibes we're getting there for sure.

[Field Yates]

And he was the second wide receiver taken in this year's draft class, but the first wide receiver only taken in this year's draft class because ahead of him and the next rookie I want to discuss is Travis Hunter. You've seen the headlines, heard the debates. The three point ball has created a.

[Stefania Bell]

Monotonous rhythm to the game.

[Field Yates]

Has the three pointer ruined basketball? And how did we get here? The rise of the three point shot can be partially traced to an eccentric Kansas genius named Martin Manley, whose story didn't turn out Quite the way he imagined. I decided I wanted to have one.

[Daniel Dopp]

Of the most organized goodbyes in history.

[Field Yates]

30 for 30 podcast presents Chasing Basketball Heaven. Available now wherever you get your podcasts. Man. What do we do here?

[Daniel Dopp]

How do you do it?

[Field Yates]

Travis Hunter is a unique talent. I and I've said this before, but I'll reiterate it on this show. I believe that Travis Hunter is in the same category of player as where we fought Marvin Harrison Jr. Malik neighbors and Roma Dunes they were at coming into the NFL last year. I say that because independent of what the circumstances were for Malik Neighbors, where I erred in my preseason projection last year, having him as like wide receiver 18 as opposed to like wide receiver 5, was just the idea that, like, talent prevails. Right. And just like, even if he's playing with perhaps the worst quarterback situation in the league, you pepper this guy with targets. Amazing things can happen in fantasy football. So in Travis Hunter, I'm trying to be a little more open to, like, the possibility of a lot of different things taking place. I think there's a reasonable case to make that the most likely way that Travis Hunter is used this year is a good amount on offense, good amount on defense, but a good amount on offense and a good amount on defense might mean less than what we kind of need for him to make the most sense in fantasy. So you and I had this conversation on a prior episode, Daniel. But it was so far back in the preseason. But we were sitting at lunch one day here in the ESPN cafeteria and we asked who was the most fantasy relevant player that played under 60% of his team's offensive snaps last year. Yep. You pulled up this list and there was one player that did anything for anybody on the list, and it was Xavier Worthy. And Worthy, of course, was this unique situation. Right. Because he barely plays or he plays a lot less early in the season, especially when Rashee Rice was going. And then once the Chiefs kind of had no choice but to rely on Xavier Worthy, he became a fantasy factor. But in those games in which he was playing, you know, 40% of the snaps, he was not. So Hunter needs to be at probably 70% of the snaps or higher. We are rolling the dice and calling him a potential top 25 wide receiver because, like, they might just be like, dude, he's playing 60% on defense too. Like, he's going to play 60% on offense and that's all you're getting. Like, we need to look out for the young man's conditioning. And yet there is a possibility too that the offensive mind, that head coach Liam Cohen. For a team that more than anything else, the way the Jaguars get good is if Trevor Lawrence hits. Yes. More than any other thing. No matter how great Travis Hunter is and how great the coaching staff or the GM is, if Trevor Lawrence becomes a top 10 quarterback going forward, this team will be legit. More so than anything that could happen beyond that. Right. He is the straw that can stir the drink. How do you get your quarterback right? You do everything you can to help him. And one of those things would be number 11 on one side. Brian Thomas Jr. No, number seven. Excuse me, on his college. Number seven on one side and number 12 on the other, Travis Hunter. And playing him a lot, a big bunch. So it's really. You got to decide, like, are you taking the pessimistic or optimistic view on. It's almost the optimistic or the rational view, the pragmatic view on Travis Hunter.

[Stefania Bell]

Well, and I think this could shape up a little more as we approach the season. I mean, we haven't really heard from them, but I think we. That I think it will become a little more clear. The problem is for where he's going to be drafted because the more we talk about him and the more hype he gets, I feel like people are more comfortable drafting. If you go back to the mock draft project that we did, he was way lower than what he's going right now. Because now people are starting to see like, oh, he really could be an offensive player. When I think this is something where as the season goes on, he could really emerge and it may not pay off for you in the first few weeks. So you have to look at him like that. And so where are you willing to draft someone who may end up getting more time on offense? Because as you say, if he and Trevor Lawrence start to click, aren't you thinking, you know, it's not like everything's set in stone necessarily. They may say, we're going to really utilize you here. And to be mindful of not, you're not going to be able to play a hundred snaps in total on the game, offense and defense. So are we going to shift you to more of an offensive player? Because that's where our need is for fantasy purposes that might not pay off until you get later in the season.

[Field Yates]

The other thing that I would say here is important to remind people and these guys each have different circumstances, but I always sort of feel like you've got room for one on your roster. And what I mean by that is let's use Just wide receivers. In this case, if you were drafting today, there's still more information that we don't know. Rasheed Rice, we don't know how many games he is going to miss. Chris. God, we don't know how many games he is going to miss. Stefan Diggs, who I guess in theory is going to be ready for week one, but you know, he's banged up or he's dealing with. He's coming back from this ACL injury. Right. Travis Hunter, you don't know how much he's going to play on offense versus defense. There's room for one of those types of guys on your roster. Yeah. If you're in the draft and you're like, you already drafted Travis Hunter and you drafted Chris Godwin, there's a scenario in which, hey, Hunter, you don't play him in Week 1 because you're concerned. The Jaguars play him 52% of the snaps. He has four targets, two catches for 31 yards. He makes a sick pass breakup on third down on defense, and they're thrilled because they got what they needed. Yeah, but you're sitting there and you're like, well, I don't have. Again, I don't know this for a fact. You don't have Chris Godwin in Week one. Maybe you don't have in week two. All of a sudden you got two roster spots that at the beginning of the season, am I basically just like all I'm not. They are not a total waste, but they are certainly causing some serious restrictions on your flexibility elsewhere. So draft strategy is important. And when you're in the mock draft room or in the actual draft room, just be mindful that Travis Hunter is the kind of player that while he has an amazing amount of upside, just be mindful that he might influence how you address other players, like the specter of a Rashee Rice suspension or an injury player or maybe a contract situation player like a Terry McClure, even just.

[Daniel Dopp]

A strategy perspective field. If you decide you want to attack quarterback and tight end and grab two running backs and now all of a sudden, like wide receiver is actually a pretty thin position for your squad. I mean, he can, I don't want to say accidentally, but accidentally be your wide receiver two or three. And I'd rather. I'd probably feel more comfortable with him as the wide receiver four of my fantasy squad. Right. The guy that I feel like I can bring off the bench. I got other guys in front of him that I can utilize, but the talent is too good to pass.

[Stefania Bell]

I don't think you'll get him if.

[Daniel Dopp]

I get to that point?

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah. Yeah, I don't think you'll get him. Not after all the chat chatter about him. Not after people see him play in the preseason. He makes some spectacular catches and the hype is going to move him up and you can't get him at wide receiver.

[Daniel Dopp]

He is wide receiver 27 right now and he's at 72.

[Field Yates]

This is, I don't. I think a lot of our audience is not this, but there are a lot of people that don't like, listen to fantasy football podcasts or watch shows about fantasy football. They play in one league in their office and they know football and they know some of the names and they just draft them high. Right. It's like Patrick Mahomes is going to have a serious ADP every single year because he's the most visible player in the league, right?

[Daniel Dopp]

Yep.

[Stefania Bell]

Kind of good at real football. So.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

And Travis. So like the upside for Travis Hunter. Massive.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

He just has a different level of risk that I don't care how good you are. Fantasy football, like none of us know because we don't know. The Jaguars probably don't know themselves exactly what their vision is.

[Stefania Bell]

Exactly. That was my point with like how it could shift as the season goes on.

[Daniel Dopp]

But if you're in our YouTube chat right now, I would love to know just as a part of this discourse with other people in our chat or maybe we can throw up a poll. Are you considering drafting Travis Hunter this year or are you nervous about the uncertainties that field leg out and so you're like, you know what, I'm just going to stay away and draft a guy that I feel like I have more information on. I would love to know the way that people feel like they're going to approach Travis Hunter. One of the things actually we have a mailbag. We're going to throw this up right now. We have a Jazz mailbag question. This is a great time to be able to bring it up. We'll throw it up on the screen as we do this. One thing that you need to be able to make sure that you talk to about your league as well.

[Field Yates]

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[Daniel Dopp]

It's thousands of stories in the making.

[Field Yates]

Like that one league that hasn't missed a draft since the 20th century. Or the one that decides their draft order by competing in a legit athletic combine.

[Daniel Dopp]

Or the league where if you come.

[Field Yates]

In last, you have to sit in.

[Daniel Dopp]

A closet and assemble a 300 piece puzzle. In the dark.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, that stuff really actually happened.

[Daniel Dopp]

The football may be fantasy, but the.

[Field Yates]

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[Daniel Dopp]

So download the ESPN fantasy app, sign.

[Field Yates]

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[Daniel Dopp]

If you lose by 1.8 points and you've got Travis Hunter in your starting lineup and he has an interception, he's not going to get two points for your fantasy squad as an interception. It's just making sure that your team is on the same page with that. This question comes from Daniel Lore. Will Travis take targets away from BTJ or will he actually help Brian Thomas Jr. Stock?

[Field Yates]

I've gotten a lot of questions similar to Daniel's question. This case. Daniel, Laura. My answer is yes.

[Daniel Dopp]

Well, yes to which part? Yes to both.

[Field Yates]

I think both are possible, and I think they kind of like, equalize each other. They cross each other out, is what I would say. Okay, is that Brian Thomas Jr. And maybe it was because the Jags were so bad last year, but at some point I was like, is anybody going to cover this guy? Last year, you know, we talk about, like, top wide receivers and the threat of, like, you know, targets being taken because of other great players. And it's like, has. Has the first round edition of Jordan Addison really changed things for Justin Jefferson?

[Daniel Dopp]

It has not.

[Field Yates]

No. Has Jamar Chase been impacted by T. Higgins?

[Daniel Dopp]

Negative.

[Field Yates]

Negative. So, like, I tend to not put too much stock into that stuff. I just think if you like Brian Thomas Jr. Plenty of reasons to believe that Brian Thomas Jr. Will have a 27% target share again this year. Where I think it matters is where there's a guy who's being thrust into a larger role than maybe his skill set suggests he should be. And then the team invests in like, a. Like a true blue player, but, like, for true blue wide receivers, which I unequivocally believe Brian Thomas Jr. Is. Yeah. Not worried about it.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Stefania Bell]

I was just looking back because I wanted to refresh my memory on when some of Brian Thomas Jr's best games were. And down the stretch, a number of. Yes. But you know who is out? Evan Ingram.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Stefania Bell]

And so Trevor Lawrence for a lot of that. Right, Exactly.

[Daniel Dopp]

Jones was the football.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah. Mac Jones, who looks pretty good backup for the 49ers. But in any case, I think that, you know, it's a different scenario. Right. We've got two healthy guys who are capable. So as talented as Brian Thomas Jr. Is and as good as what we saw and the recency bias of the end of the season colors that for us, I think he'll It'll probably normalize out when you get Travis Hunter on the field.

[Daniel Dopp]

I like to think about it like this. And then we can move on to your next player field in this situation. New offensive, new head coach. Right. Liam Cohen is going to come in. We're hoping that Trevor Lawrence takes another step rather than feel like one person is going to cannibalize someone else's targets. It feels more like the rising tide lifts all boats kind of an argument.

[Field Yates]

Yeah. I mean, there's. There's like there are parts of me that wonder if we've just completely undersold how great this offense could be.

[Stefania Bell]

Could be.

[Field Yates]

Could is the operative word. Right. Like this is a.

[Stefania Bell]

But we've seen Liam Cohen do it with multiple receivers, so that I think.

[Daniel Dopp]

Is what reason and I.

[Stefania Bell]

So I think the possibility is there. I'd really like. Come on, let's do this for the Jags fans.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Stefania Bell]

Let's just get them an offense that.

[Daniel Dopp]

I'm with. You do it.

[Field Yates]

Like Liam Cohen did it.

[Stefania Bell]

No. No, I will not.

[Daniel Dopp]

Don't like that.

[Stefania Bell]

No.

[Field Yates]

And then he got better at it.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, he got better at it as he goes. That's so funny.

[Field Yates]

Oh, God.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right, that was rookie number. What field. Travis Hunter was rookie number four.

[Field Yates]

Number four. So down to the final three here and I'm not going to spoil it, but they might all play the same position going forward. Let's go to Trayvon Henderson, who we've been talking a lot about recently.

[Daniel Dopp]

Where was he before this weekend's game? Would he been farther down this list? Did it put him, I think would.

[Field Yates]

Have been like somewhere like at worst five, but maybe three. Okay, so Trayvon Henderson had the 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown that probably everybody saw. Fast, fast, fast. He also had an 18 yard run that you think back to last season, you think about offenses and the Patriots specifically. Every point they scored, it felt like they scratched the claw. There's a 52 yard field goal. Like that was deserved because they just. They gave everything they could to get that 52 yard field goal.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yep.

[Field Yates]

With Trayvon Henderson, what it allows them to do is like every once in a while it's like you just little toss pitch. Next thing you know, you go from the 32 yard line to the opposite 32. Right. The Patriots needed some easy buttons on offense and Travian Henderson gives them that. Ramon Dre Stevenson is a fine player. He's fine. I don't think he's great. I don't think he's terrible. But he was Very, very average last year. And it's not the same coaching staff that was there when he got this big extension, which might have been the strongest evidence to support that. Ramondra Stevenson is the starting running back. I think he'll play a role. I think he was fine on whatever night they played last week against the Commanders, Thursday or Friday. This, and I'll continue to use this analogy, reminds me of where we were last year with the Buccaneers and Bucky Irving, plus Rashad White. Rashad White's fine. He was a fine running back. But at some point the better player is going to play more. Even If Stevenson has 15 carries in Week 1, it wouldn't surprise me if Henderson by Week 4 or 5 is leading the team consistently in carries. He's a serious weapon in the passing game and there's just potential for boom games because Steven Stevenson only got to 20 point efforts last year on the strength of like he had two rushing touchdowns, 21 carries for 49 yards, two touchdowns, plus like three catches for eight yards. And it's an ugly volume.

[Stefania Bell]

It was. Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Henderson might have a week where it's like 11 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown plus four catches for 54 yards. Right. Like he's an explosive, explosive player who I just think brings something to the table the Patriots desperately, desperately need. He is not going to push for 300 carries this year. He is not going to take this job all by himself from the, the beginning of the season. The Patriots need to be smart with him. He was at his best last year in college when he had Quinshawn Judkins as his running mate. The lightning to the thunder, right? The Patriots will, I believe, continue to rely on Ramon Dre Stevenson. But make no mistake about it, we're looking for high upside players. This is a high upside player.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, he gives me, and I don't want to say it's like full on Jameer Gibbs vibes, but I think about Gibbs rookie season like he had David Montgomery that he was competing with touches, right. But you knew that there was going to be a time with a running back like that. I mean, you're talking about a guy taking it from 132 to the other 32. All you need is one big play and all of a sudden it's like, man, we might get to the point we can't put this genie back in the bottle. We've got to embrace this. Right. I think David Montgomery is a much better running back than a Mandre Stevenson is. And so if you're talking About a guy that you can get good value on now that is only going to seemingly in our estimation gain value as the season goes on. It's a great way to be able to look at that pick of I'm getting a guy probably lower in value or lower in ADP than where I think he's going to end up at the end of the season when I'm fighting for a championship.

[Field Yates]

Said this about the Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence. Same thing applies for the Patriots. Nothing is more important to the team's long term success than Drake may being really good. Best way to do that, surround him with really good players.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, 100%. All right. I want to quickly pay this off really fast. I had asked the question in chat are you avoiding or are you targeting our guy Travis Hunter this year in draft and 64% of our YouTube chat is avoiding Travis Hunter.

[Field Yates]

Interesting. Wow.

[Daniel Dopp]

I wonder if just the uncertainty is like you know what there's enough players around him that I just feel maybe a better vibes from or I know I have more certainty around what their position is, how they're going to approach it. I wonder if that's what it is or just, you know, everyone has different lines where they're going to draw like I'm okay with this guy but I'm not okay with this guy. So we're an emotional group. That's what fantasy football managers are. I'm curious to see where that lands if we get closer towards draft season. Given the ADP that he's currently I.

[Stefania Bell]

Feel like the percentage split is kind of like what his offense versus defensive 64% versus 36.

[Daniel Dopp]

I need him to be higher than 64%.

[Stefania Bell]

Just saying that's. That's sort of where we've been hanging out. Well, we don't know or at least where he might start and it could shift.

[Daniel Dopp]

I'm down for him to do 60% of the office snaps, 60% of the defensive snaps and just play 120% of the total snapshot.

[Stefania Bell]

That works for me percent of the time.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's right. It works every time. That's right. All right. After Trayvon Henderson Field J's I feel like there's two names.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, no surprises here. Let's go to it. First let's go to Los Angeles. Amari and Hampton. Running back out of University of North Carolina who 6 foot 2, 221 pounds ran a 445 40. He had back to back seasons with 1500 plus total yards at North Carolina. He's a real weapon in the passing game. As well. He was at the college level, at the pro ranks. He goes to the Chargers, which when he first got drafted, you're like, well, Najee Harris is there. Najee Harris is still there. But Najee Harris, as many people listening know, he had this scary accident on 4th of July with some fireworks that has his eye in a bad place. And he is still not participating in practice. He is on the non football injury list as of August. What?

[Stefania Bell]

Today's the as only Jim Harbaugh can do. You recall I was at Chargers camp this week.

[Field Yates]

Yeah. What'd he say?

[Daniel Dopp]

You gotta do the impression. You gotta do the impression.

[Stefania Bell]

I can't. I can't bring myself to Kwaito, but these poor B writers, you know, props to Chris Rim who covers the team for us, who every day is trying to get some kind of information that we can actually use. And Jim Harva's like, well, he's better today than he was yesterday. He'll probably be better tomorrow than he was today.

[Field Yates]

I'm already.

[Stefania Bell]

And you're like, what does that mean? And because they're seeing him. We, we talked about this on the show last night. Najee Harris is now. You see him in a helmet with a visor.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Stefania Bell]

Doing some laps, wearing a weighted vest, doing some work on the site, like walking, conditioning it. You know, poor Chris is like. So is conditioning.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, yeah, that's what he's doing.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

I'll tell you what, that, that's all we got. That's it.

[Stefania Bell]

But the bottom line is Omarion Hampton, I saw a whole lot of, you know, just working like crazy in practice. And so if there was going to be a competition, I mean, I think people thought maybe this is going to play out during camp because we're going to see how many reps Omarion Hampton gets and can you take advantage of it? Well, he's certainly taking advantage of it.

[Daniel Dopp]

Absolutely. And, and we make jokes obviously, like we're, this is not at Najee Harrison. It's a very serious like injury and we wish him all the best. However, just the way that Jim handles it, it's like, can you just do us fantasy managers like a little favor? Just give us like a breadcrumb of something. The two running backs that have seen their ADP move the most over the last seven days at ESPN Fantasy, I'm.

[Field Yates]

Going to guess Trayvon Henderson.

[Daniel Dopp]

Trayvon Henderson and Omarion Hampton still moving up the boards. I wonder when it's get to, when it'll get to the point this isn't.

[Stefania Bell]

Just another ESPN Fantasy Football season. It's your shot at greatness. With a refreshed design, the ESPN Fantasy app is sharper than ever. So you can draft like a pro and dominate your league. And introducing Gridiron Gauntlet, a new game mode where the best compete to be crowned the number one fantasy football player of 2025. One app, one shot, one champion. Download the ESPN fantasy app and sign up to play ESPN fantasy football today.

[Daniel Dopp]

With the lack of information that we have about Najee Harris, where have we gone too far on elevating Omarion Hampton, perhaps?

[Field Yates]

So let's just do the really easy, strong case for Omarion Hampton is. I mentioned some of the physical tools earlier. He goes to an offense that wants to run this power running scheme. They want to run the football just in general. And they are a good offense who could score lots of touchdowns. And while Najee Harris is a, you know, an accomplished player like Hampton, they might just be like, all right, this guy's just flat better than him. We're going to play him a lot. The, I'm not going to call it the downside, the downside scenario, but the mitigating factors, the places for concern for Amar Hampton are as follows. They already lost their starting left tackle and Rashawn Slater to a season ending injury. That sucks. Feel terrible for him just like a week after he signed this massive new deal. So tell her.

[Stefania Bell]

Tendon rupture too.

[Field Yates]

Not good. So that's a. Yeah, that's a big, big one there. On top of that Najee Harris, I just sort of said like, you know, maybe they, he takes over for him, like maybe he doesn't, right? Najee is just sort of fine, right? He's again, he's. It's sort of what I was talking about with Ramandre Stevens. Good enough to have a role, not good enough to hold off the player entirely throughout the course. But if Najee handles, if he's akin to J.K. dobbins with what they have in R.J. harvey and Denver, then it would definitely take a little bit of the ceiling off of Amari and Hampton. And then Mike has been talking about this. How much passing game utilization do we expect in this Greg Roman offense? If this is Detroit and you have Jameer Gibbs being, you know, running routes all the time, there's crazy upside Hampton might be utilized more as a volume player. This could be like, you know, some of the seasons that we have seen from Jonathan Taylor recently, right, where it's great volume on the ground, not enough volume in the air to take them to that Very top tier. Now Hampton getting even to the Jonathan Taylor tier of like, you know, running back, 8 or 10 would be elite, but like a discounted version of what I just described for Jonathan Taylor. But, you know, like, at this point, I'm kind of making the case on both sides. My biggest takeaway is that he is a top 20 running back right now. Yes.

[Daniel Dopp]

I. Yeah, he's absolutely an RB2. If you want to wait longer than that, you're just not going to be able to get him. I mean, he's going to go way before that in your draft. This is just the emotional side of me, and you guys can tell me that I'm ridiculous, but when we're at a point where we're in the off season. Yeah, football is literally weeks away before we're playing meaningful football games and we know a player is hurt and the team is just purposely being cryptic about somebody's injury and we haven't heard a peep about anything else. It makes me think about Joe Mixon in the same way. It does not give me good vibes around that situation for that player. And so, you know, without knowing anything, I don't know, you know, and I'm not putting you guys on the spot, but the idea that it's like we're not being forthcoming, we're not even going to give you updates. Usually we talk about injuries. This guy's. Matthew Stafford's dealing with a back, but we still think it's going to be these things. It's like nothing. And when you hear nothing, that silence almost speaks louder to me than just like, giving me.

[Stefania Bell]

I would say that in some cases it does. In the case of the Chargers, that's just Jim. That's just him o on everyone and as little as he can during the season. So obviously they don't have to file injury reports until we, we. We get to the season, you know, the practice, injury reports. So other than just what people glean from observation, there really isn't much that they have to give just yet. You referenced Rashawn Slater's injury and obviously terrible for the offensive line. But the Chargers are lucky because they have so much depth there. And obvious, you know, they already announced that they're moving Joe Al over to the left side and that's where he played in college. So that was my concern, was how might this affect the run game and what are they going to do there. But I think the fact that they also have time to work on that, it's not like it's happening in season. So they can shift some things around and if anyone can do it, I think it's the Chargers.

[Daniel Dopp]

Absolutely, absolutely. They're all right.

[Stefania Bell]

Offensive coordinator.

[Daniel Dopp]

So Marian Hampton comes as number two field, which means Tyler Luke comes in as your number one rookie this year.

[Field Yates]

Isaac Tesla.

[Daniel Dopp]

Isaac Tesla, that's right.

[Field Yates]

No, number one rookie is unsurprisingly, Ashton Genty, who's going go in the first round of almost every draft. Genti, who had just a remarkable career at Boise State last season, finished just behind Travis Hunter for the Heisman Trophy. Mike has a gigantic projection for him. Nearly 300 fantasy points on nearly 1250 rushing yards. But every reason to believe this player will have 300 carries, right? I mean he should be toting the rock 20ish times a game for Las Vegas. He'll be a factor in the passing game as well. I mentioned this earlier today on some show, I apologize for which one it was but 567 receiving yards as a junior back in 2023 for Ashton Genti that led all FBS running backs last year. His receiving numbers were okay, mostly because Boise was like, let's just hand the football off to you because every like fifth time we do that, you run for 50 yards and a touchdown. So very, very capable pass catcher. It is a thin, thin backfield behind him. Raheem Mostert, Sincere McCormick amongst the names you need to know there. But Genti should be very, very, very busy this year.

[Stefania Bell]

Do you need to know them?

[Field Yates]

I mean.

[Stefania Bell]

I'm just saying.

[Field Yates]

So probably the. You know, I think that the scariest part for Ashton Genti is I don't think it's about him. It's the unknown of the offensive line, which applies to a lot of offensive lines to be fair. But there are some people that after one preseason game in which Ashton Genti had three carries for negative one yards, they're like, dude, this offensive line is going to be so bad. Did you see the angles that defensive players were taking to basically give Ashton Genti zero daylight? I did because he had negative one rushing yards. That being said, they'll figure that out like it's a move, it's a work in progress offensive line. But it's not going to be so bad that Ashton Genti is not going to be able to run for 1,000 yards. I point to recent seasons like Saquon Barkley as a rookie, where it wasn't like that was a great offensive line. And Saquon Barkley still found his way to the single best season for a rookie in PPR scoring history.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah, I feel like with Chip Kelly there, this, you know, scheme.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Stefania Bell]

I think they're gonna get creative and. Oh, yeah, and he was always, when he was in college too, a lot of things that you didn't see until it was, you know, game time.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yep.

[Stefania Bell]

So I'm, I'm not worried about Ashton.

[Field Yates]

I'm not sides obvious. I think the question is to you guys, like, all right, where are you taking. What's the earliest you've taken Ashton Genti?

[Daniel Dopp]

7.

[Field Yates]

7. Okay, so if you had the sixth pick in the draft, let's assume that the first five picks are probably again, whatever order. Bijan Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson, Jameer Gibbs and Saquon Barkley. Yep. Six. You're taking at six.

[Daniel Dopp]

I would go. I mean, I'm on. On record for talking about cmc. That's where I would go.

[Stefania Bell]

Same. I'm taking CMC before Saquon.

[Field Yates]

Is it. Oh, okay. Is it decisive? Is it like coin flip between him and Jameer, between him and Ashton Genti?

[Daniel Dopp]

I could coin flip.

[Field Yates]

Okay.

[Daniel Dopp]

If you told me you wanted to.

[Stefania Bell]

Do Genti, I put it this way. I, I would go CMC first if I had the choice of the two. Rarely have I found myself in that position because even when I get, you know, this middle of the round pick, they're usually gone. We'll see what happens tonight. But Ashton Genty, I think in the beginning of our mock draft project, was he going like beginning of second round or end of first round?

[Field Yates]

Beginning of round one.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah, yeah. And he just kept moving up because as you. What happens when you're doing these mock drafts, people see. Oh, he's popular. I'm going to have to take him earlier. Gav. Take him earlier. And I think that's going to keep happening. And it also depends on your feelings about how much you care about getting a top tier running back. We spoke about this and how we feel. There's a bit of a drop. You know, astringente. Is the end of that first tier or one of the four I think that you would take there. And not everybody puts CMC in that category. You and I feel a little differently, but it's like, who am I thinking of? Bijan. Yeah, Bijan.

[Daniel Dopp]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, John. There you go. You can put a quarter.

[Stefania Bell]

Me of all people should care about name, pronunciation.

[Daniel Dopp]

Bijan Stefania. I do every time.

[Field Yates]

That's what we should do now is.

[Stefania Bell]

I can't even train my phone to.

[Field Yates]

Get it right every time you say Bijan we'll just respond. Thank you, Stefania. I'll call you Dan. I don't know what you call me. I don't really have, I don't really have a nickname.

[Daniel Dopp]

You don't?

[Stefania Bell]

Filed.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, Fields. Call me Fields.

[Daniel Dopp]

Apparently. I gotta be honest, with what you got going on with the hair and all the, the suit and everything, we're calling you John Wick in chat right now. The YouTube chat.

[Stefania Bell]

Okay, John Wick.

[Daniel Dopp]

Listen, being compared to Keanu Reeves is not too bad.

[Stefania Bell]

No, no, no, let's do some other Keanu rouge roll because field is nice. Well no, I was gonna say I can't. The John Wick mate, he loved his puppy, but I can't think about John Wick without thinking about the puppy. Okay, so we can't call him John Wick.

[Field Yates]

How about Shane Falco?

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, I'm fine with Shane Falco.

[Field Yates]

There we go.

[Daniel Dopp]

I like that. Ashton, I want to say this anyway, I want to say this really quickly. Where we drafted Ashton Genti in our mock drafts is earlier than what current ADP is. I think with us drafting with our other ESPN analysts, we recognize that we wanted to make sure if you want to get that running back, he was like a tail end of the first round guy. Right now ADP is 13.7 on Ashton Genti. So in a 10 team league you could get him at the start of a second round. If you want to go with one of those high end wide receivers instead, well, you could, but it all depends. It's just average draft position. And if there's one manager in your league that's like, you know what, I'm all in on a Genti this year, then he's not going to make it. That's the thing, like it's ADP is not the end all be all with where a player is going to come off the board.

[Stefania Bell]

That's the whole know your league thing. And if you draft with a bunch of people who are like I want a number one running back no matter.

[Daniel Dopp]

What, then he's going to be one of those guys, he can be an anchor running back for your squad. Let's do a quick recap. Field of your list, running back from one through seven, your top seven rookies here.

[Field Yates]

Genty O', Marian, Hampton Travion Henderson, Travis Hunter, Tedro McMillan, Caleb Johnson, RJ Harvey. I believe you guys each had your own top seven.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah, I didn't really, I don't think I, I, I did the assignment the same way.

[Field Yates]

Okay.

[Stefania Bell]

Wouldn't be the first time that I did not get the assignment. Me with a former teacher who just interpreted the assignment.

[Daniel Dopp]

Sure.

[Field Yates]

You were just like looking at players all over the board, you're saying yes.

[Stefania Bell]

And I was kind of like, these are seven rookies I'd like to have on my squad. Like, I might make a move for them. Not necessarily the top seven and the ones who I think are the seven best, but, like, if I could get this person at the right spot in the draft, they'd be somebody I target.

[Daniel Dopp]

Let's throw your list up there then, Stefania. We'll kind of cross reference how it works between field and yours. So you got Ashton, Genty, Omari and Hampton. Travis Hunter, Emeka Egbuca. We did not talk about him. Travon Henderson, Tyler Warren and Cam Scaboo.

[Field Yates]

That's. That's pretty similar.

[Daniel Dopp]

Let's have a conversation about a Mecca Buka. Stefan, you got him at 4.

[Stefania Bell]

Yes. Well, you know, I. Boy, did Adam Schefter talk. Give glowing reports out of Buccaneers camp about what they're thinking about a Mecca Buka during training camp that he has really shown up and been just super impressive with how he's conducted himself, how he's picked up the offense. But when they drafted him in the first round, I think it caused a lot of surprise. People reacted like, whoa, they don't need receivers. They got Mike Evans. They've got Chris Godwin. Mike Evans, who I still have a lot of faith in, but he is. He will be 32 years old when the season begins. Not 54. 32.

[Daniel Dopp]

He feels like he's 54.

[Stefania Bell]

Stop it. For those of us representing the demographic of, you know, protecting the older receivers and running backs anyway. But it was. Is Chris Codwin who is coming off a major injury, a very violent injury that I don't think people give enough credit to how serious it was. Fractured dislocation of his ankle. Had to have a second surgery after he had the original fracture repaired. And, you know, I talked about this last night on the Fantasy Football now show. This is a player that was. They signed for three years, a player that they love in Tampa Bay. He is beloved by the franchise. You want to see him finish out his career successfully. And coming back from these ankle injuries, we don't know what the inside of that joint looks like. Sometimes you can have trauma, you can have joint damage, you have a lot of soft tissue injury. If you push a player back too quickly, you can set them up for not only a compensatory injury when they come back, but you can make it so that it's tough for them to ever return to the level they had before and then decline over time. So I think they're most likely. Despite all the good vibes you're hearing out of. Yeah, he's exactly where we want him to be. I wouldn't be surprised if, with the success Emeka Buka is having already this early, if they sort of allow him to rise and Chris Godwin in easily.

[Daniel Dopp]

Am I thinking slowly? I mean, I feel like we've talked about these players in the past. Am I wrong and you can correct me. Was Dalvin Cook one of those guys that we felt like the team rushed him back a little too quickly?

[Stefania Bell]

Use him as the example. He was coming back from an acl and we always, we. We see very often hamstring as a secondary injury and Dalvin Cook was. It was the volume of work that he was carrying at the time and he looked so good and everybody was really excited. And then he had a hamstring injury and it cost him the bulk of that season. And it was the following year that he came back two years post ACL and then was phenomenal once again. Chris Godwin came back and was actually pretty good coming off the ACL. McL, I think that was 20, 21, but then had a hamstring injury. Now, it didn't cost him nearly as much time, but again, just a reminder that it's not always when they come back, it's the volume of work. When they first come back, how did they look? How did they react? Chris Godwin's not practicing. You know, part of the test is, especially when you have a joint injury, how do you feel after that first practice? If you get swelling after you go out one day, they may hold you out again, like it. Nothing is preordained in terms of the timeline, so I believe them when they say that. But I also think they're more likely to err on the side of caution. We shall see.

[Daniel Dopp]

No, it makes a ton of sense. Honestly. My list looks almost exactly like field. So I want to ask one more question about one of Stefania's players. Field. You didn't have a tight end in there and each of the last two years we had Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers just crush it as rookie tight ends, obviously. Tyler Warren, really good. Colston Loveland, really good. Is there one of them that you prefer this year in fantasy football?

[Field Yates]

I think I prefer Colston Loveland because the quarterback play I trust more, which, you know, it's not that I, I still like there's still some trust that Caleb and I need to work through, develop ourselves. But with the Colts, it really is. I mean, it's scary some of the stuff. It just feels like every day you're reading something curious at a Colts training camp.

[Stefania Bell]

I just wish they could be in a bubble for a while because I feel like there's so much potential there and it's like let's just let them go sort it out and then expose to the public opinion and the chatter and the talking because I feel like.

[Field Yates]

Meaning the cults and the. In the quarterbacks or Colts. Oh yeah, Colts.

[Stefania Bell]

I'm saying I would like them to go work through their stuff.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Stefania Bell]

And then let's see the finished product. Because the problem is everything that happens then it's like it's blown up and we're talking about this and then we're going back to last year and talking about that and go, you know. So it's become this story that just doesn't quit. I think they still have a lot of potential there. We'll see how things shake out of the quarterback position. But Tyler Warren, if things go well to me, has the chance to be a huge target. I believe Anthony Richardson is going to end up with the job. I know that maybe that's not a popular take. I don't know that it's. I don't know where we are in Week one, but I do think if he has success. Let's put it this way, if Anthony Richardson ultimately is a quarterback and if he has success, Tyler Warren will be a decent part of the producer.

[Field Yates]

Tyler Other Tyler, this is Tyler Warren we're talking about. I think we should stash this idea away. Is that like there's maybe a good show that it's like. It's not like things that are super long shots that could happen, but like things that could happen in fantasy football. Not betting the mortgage on it, but talking about Tyler Warren and his upside or Colston Loveland his upside. Like These guys were two top 14 picks at a position where we don't often see super highly drafted tight end. We can talk more about the chances of these guys having a fantasy relevant season. There's just a lower floor compared to some of the rookies that we have already discussed today.

[Daniel Dopp]

Agreed.

[Field Yates]

At running back.

[Daniel Dopp]

And it feels like the Colts have tried to do the thing that some of these other squads have done, which is let's just add a bunch of pass catchers like Michael Pittman. Josh Downs I think was a former third rounder. Alec Pierce was a Second rounder. Adonai Mitchell was a second rounder. Now they added Tyler Warren as a first rounder.

[Stefania Bell]

Every time I pick it up, new cult to get behind it backfires on me. This is gonna be the year it hasn't worked. Time I've tried, so.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, we'll see how that works.

[Field Yates]

And then.

[Stefania Bell]

And did you want me to explain my cam? Scatter. Boo. I just, I. I like him as a player. I think that he's one. I believe as the season goes on, you're gonna get more production out of him. So it really depends where he falls in the draft. But I. I kind of left it because I think now that he's got this minor hamstring issue he's dealing with, I think the barometer on him has gone up and down and up and down. I feel like it's down again or at least flat. So to me, that's a great time to draft him because I might get him for good value, have him on my bench, and then if the opportunity presents itself, I'll be glad I acquired him.

[Field Yates]

Daniel's a big crypto guy these days. He's always telling us like, dude, buy the dip, man.

[Daniel Dopp]

Buy the dip.

[Field Yates]

Buy the dip, bro. I already saw.

[Daniel Dopp]

I said that a bunch this year.

[Field Yates]

You have. Dude, it's okay. We were talking about bored apes a lot recently and next thing you know, we're talking about buying dips.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Stefania Bell]

Where did I miss?

[Daniel Dopp]

You don't know. Bored apes. Oh, Stefania, is that after school? We got to talk about our NFT collection. So no big deal. Don't worry about it. I'll throw mine up there real quick just so we can see my top seven rookies. They're quite similar to fields, for what it's worth. I got Ashton Gentio, Marian, Hampton Anderson, RJ Harvey, Travis Hunter, Roman Millenn, and Caleb Johnson. We just a slightly different order, but like, I view everyone basically the same as you do from that standpoint, so it was a good show.

[Field Yates]

Yeah. I'm talking about these guys.

[Daniel Dopp]

Oh, yeah.

[Field Yates]

Slap some guns with Stephen A. Right now.

[Daniel Dopp]

Love it.

[Stefania Bell]

Yeah. I'm going to go join Clinton and Friends.

[Daniel Dopp]

Oh, love that. And I got ESPN BET Live in just a little bit. So we're all off to a couple of different things. Check us out throughout the rest of the day and make sure you check in 7pm on ESPN2 for our fantasy football marathon draft. It's going to be a ton of fun. We love you guys. Don't forget to love each other and we will see you later on tonight drafting.

[Field Yates]

It.