👀 Joe Burrow, Christian McCaffrey & Malik Nabers: Brand Names To Avoid

Summary

Fantasy Focus Football – Episode Summary:

👀 Joe Burrow, Christian McCaffrey & Malik Nabers: Brand Names To Avoid
Date: July 16, 2026
Hosts: Daniel Dopp & Liz Loza (guest)

Episode Overview

This episode of the Fantasy Focus Football podcast tackles the dilemma of “brand name” players – recognizable stars whose names often outweigh their statistical or situational value in fantasy drafts. Hosts Daniel Dopp and guest Liz Loza dissect why popular picks like Joe Burrow, Christian McCaffrey, and Malik Nabers may be better left for your league mates this draft season. The show is punctuated by listener questions (ranging from the Saints’ outlook to the Arizona backfield) and closes with rapid-fire "guys on the radar" for draft season.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Joe Burrow – Risk vs. Reward at ADP

Segment Start: 01:24

• Durability & Rushing Profile:

  • Liz highlights that Burrow, while “an elite passer” and “undeniably easy to like” (01:56), has been plagued by injury, playing more than 10 games in only three of six seasons.
  • In 2026, optimism surrounds the Bengals’ intact offensive line, but that remains a “gamble.”
  • Crucially, Burrow offers little rushing upside: “Burrow has recorded exactly 330 total rushing yards over the past three seasons combined. Twelve quarterbacks did that last season alone.” (03:18)
  • In comparison, 12 of the top 15 QBs scored over 16% of their fantasy points on the ground; for Burrow, just 3%.

• Draft Strategy:

  • With Burrow’s current 6th-round ADP and lacking rushing output, Liz states: “He’s going to need to have a meteoric season via his arm to pay off his ADP.” (03:42)
  • She’d prefer either taking a rushing QB like Jaden Daniels earlier, or waiting and grabbing a breakout receiver like Ladd McConkey instead (04:16).

Memorable Quote:

“His dad’s like Jersey Gene Tucker – chef’s kiss. …but most of all, we…revere the fact that he is such an elite passer… But…he's missed time because of really porous offensive line play.” — Liz Loza (01:56 / 03:13)

“Burrow…only 3% of his fantasy production came via his rushing totals. So that just shows you how much he's going to have to do as a passer alone to pay off his ADP…” — Liz Loza (03:33)

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2. Christian McCaffrey – Aging Workhorse Risk

Segment Start: 05:33

• Curse of 370 Touches:

  • McCaffrey’s 413 touches in 2025 are worrisome. Liz references the “Curse of 370” (a proven fantasy concept) that warns of immediate regression after a heavy workload: “Running backs who touch the ball 370 times or more have an immediate decline in efficiency and production the following year.” (05:54)
  • Example: Last year’s warning on Saquon Barkley held true; he finished RB14 (not justifying a top-3 ADP).

• Efficiency Decline:

  • McCaffrey has seen declining efficiency, notably in yards per carry. “Last year he averaged 3.9 yards per carry. I don't see him bouncing back in that regard.” (07:02)
  • Entering age 30, compounded with possible threats to his passing game role (Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall additions).

• Draft Position:

  • “He's not worth drafting as the third running back overall… There's just a lot of risk you're taking so early…” (06:33 / 07:33)

Memorable Quotes:

“We have to live in the present in fantasy football. …There’s no downplaying…the 413 total touches, close to a bazillion, that he absorbed last season.” — Liz Loza (05:34)

“I just don't want to take someone that I know is not going to pay [off a top 3 pick] immediately.” — Liz Loza (06:36)

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3. Malik Nabers – Talent vs. Medical Red Flags

Segment Start: 07:51

• Injury Timeline:

  • Nabers’ grade 3 knee tear (ACL + meniscus) included a tricky surgery and a “clean-up” procedure 6 months later for knee stiffness: “Seven months after initially sustaining the knee injury, he was so stiff that he needed a subsequent operation.” (08:35)
  • Liz expresses worry: “...nothing was stiff in me at 22 and I definitely wasn't as in shape as Malik Nabers.” (08:59)

• Chemistry & Situation:

  • Lack of practice and time with new QB Jackson Dart (only three career targets together).
  • Dart’s passer rating “past the sticks” is 28th in the league, and competition for deep looks with Darius Slayton and Darnell Mooney.
  • “Third round ADP is really tough to ROI on.” (09:50)

Memorable Quote:

“He is 22 years old and seven months after initially sustaining the knee injury, he was so stiff that he needed a subsequent operation…that's a big concern, right?” — Liz Loza (08:42)

“That only further diminishes Naybers’ upside, which makes his 3rd round ADP really tough to ROI on.” — Liz Loza (09:56)

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4. Listener Questions – Rapid Fantasy Therapy

Fantasy Therapy Segment Start: 11:47 | Mailbag: 12:07

• Saints’ Fantasy Prospects:

  • Chris Olave is “top 15 appeal” and a worthy draft pick at his ADP (13:11).
  • Travis Achan is “borderline RB1” value in the 5th round, but “not going to smash” like he did in Jacksonville (13:31).
  • Tyler Shuck is a “sneaky rushing upside” QB late in drafts (14:30).

• Deep Late-Round Picks:

  • Jaden Higgins (Houston WR): “Breakout potential…third on the team in targets…recorded six touchdowns, the exact same number as Collins” (15:13).
  • Daniel prefers Jalen McMillan (Tampa), another “cheap WR2” with upside (16:22).

• Arizona Backfield (Jeremiah Love):

  • “The Arizona backfield is decidedly crowded. But it is not complicated…Jeremiah Love…is the alpha now.” (17:37)
  • Tyler Allgeier is a spell-back/insurance policy, “flex value,” and not needed until later in season (18:17).

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5. Three Draft Values on Dopp’s Doppler “Radar”

Segment Start: 20:08

Ken Walker III (Kansas City Chiefs)

• Moved from Seattle (losing split role); now the projected KC lead back.
• In 2025: 1,300 total yards, but just five TDs.
• Liz: “Massive opportunity… Andy Reid’s bell cow. …but he’s never exceeded 230 carries in a season. A bit of concern if Mahomes isn’t 100%.” (21:39 / 22:55)

Jadarian Price (Seattle Seahawks)

• Rookie RB, likely to be the lead while Charbonnet recovers.
• Liz loves the volume metrics Mike Clay projects and early first-team reps. Price is a “top 25 RB, but he has top 15 appeal.” (24:12-25:11)

Isaiah Likely (New York Giants)

• New coaching regime with John Harbaugh.
• Opportunity for likely lead target share, especially if Malik Nabers’ injury lingers.
• Liz: “He could be the Giants’ Dalton Schultz…he’s my TE12 heading into the season.” (26:12 / 26:29)

Memorable Quotes:

“[Ken Walker III’s] explosives, his ability to get past defenders…RB3 in breakaway runs and RB6 in evaded tackles [while] sharing time.” — Liz Loza (21:42)

“I am not thinking about November. I am thinking about September. You need to win early and then adjust again…” — Liz Loza (24:42)

“He could be the Giants’ Dalton Schultz…he’s my tight end 12 heading into the season.” — Liz Loza (26:29)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On “Brand Names” vs. Value:

  “Designer label doesn’t guarantee a quality product. Remember, investing in value is more important than buying a brand name.” — Liz Loza (27:06)

• Lighthearted Recap:

  “Today we learned that a jersey tucked into jeans gives epic zaddy vibes…that people are now, what? Relieved to be Bears fans, and that a designer label doesn’t guarantee a quality product.” — Liz Loza (27:06)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment/Topic | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|--------------| | Burrow Analysis | 01:24–04:42 | | McCaffrey Risk | 05:33–07:33 | | Malik Nabers Injury Outlook | 07:51–10:16 | | Listener Mailbag (Saints/Fantasy Therapy) | 12:07–14:46 | | Deep Sleeper Picks (Higgins, McMillan) | 15:13–17:01 | | Arizona Backfield (Jeremiah Love) | 17:08–18:43 | | Dopp’s Radar: KW3, Price, Likely | 20:08–26:43 | | Episode Wrap & Takeaways | 27:06–27:59 |

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Final Takeaway & Tone

This installment, delivered with Daniel’s affable dad-energy and Liz’s breezy, witty analysis, hammers home the importance of staying savvy in your drafts. Flashy names don’t always yield best-in-league results: “a designer label does not guarantee a quality product” (27:06). Instead, focus on underlying value, trends, and be ready to move past the hype. And, as always, don’t be afraid to let your league mates chase the brand names.

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For more columns like “Brand Name Players I’ll Let My League Mates Draft,” visit ESPN.com, and call 323-391-4855 to leave a voicemail for the next show.

Transcript

[Daniel Dopp]

Are all batteries the same? That's like asking if all soccer players are the same. Take Messi, the most decorated player ever. Is there any other player who has achieved that? No, just him. Now take Duracell. Is there any other battery with powerboost ingredients inside? No, just Duracell. Remember, goats only trust goats because they're built different. And Messi only trusts Duracell. All right, we're going to pivot to the running back position, and maybe we're going to slander the best running back of the last decade in fantasy football a little bit. Why not?

[Liz Loza]

Hey, I'm Liz Loza. This is facts versus feelings. And today's fact is that the label shouldn't cost more than the product. Daniel Dopp in your cozy little box. Welcome back. It's so good to see you again.

[Daniel Dopp]

Hello, Liz Loza. Thank you so much for having me back. You were on vacation for, like, two weeks. It was unbelievably boring here. You're never.

[Caller]

You weren't.

[Liz Loza]

I was not on vacation two weeks. I was on vacation six days, thank you very much.

[Daniel Dopp]

Well, it's been forever since I've seen your face. And don't ever do that to me again. It was far too long. That's all I'm saying.

[Liz Loza]

Okay, you and our bosses think the exact same way.

[Daniel Dopp]

You're right.

[Liz Loza]

Totally fine. Yes. I got a tan. I drank a lot of rum. That should make for some excellent fantasy takes because I am fully refreshed and maybe still a little tipsy.

[Daniel Dopp]

Let's get into it then, because our bosses do want us to talk about a little bit of fantasy here. So we are going to talk about a bunch of brand name players. We are going to let our league mates draft instead of us. And I'm gonna start in Cincinnati where Joe Burrow. Ah, Joey B. Remember that quarterback episode where we watched his dad tuck his son's jersey into his jeans and how it's just like the most endearing thing in the world? Like, that made me fall in love with Joe Burrow in general, but we're talking fantasy 2026. Liz, how are you feeling about Joey B. Here this year?

[Liz Loza]

I mean, I don't know how anyone doesn't love Joey B. To your point. His dad's like Jersey Gene Tucker, chef's kiss. In terms of a sweet dad move, we love it. We love the ice water that runs through his veins. We also, some of us love watching him smoke a stogie in the locker room. That didn't hurt anything. But most of all, we adore the fact we revere the fact that he is such an elite passer. I mean, he has been a top 10 fantasy producer at the position in three of his last five seasons. But he's also had some tough injury luck, right? Like part of that is due to an aggressive playing style and we dig that. But also largely, he's missed time because of really porous offensive line play. I mean, Joe Burrow has managed three seasons, just three seasons with over 10 games played. Meanwhile, he's also had three with 10 or fewer games played. Now, there is a lot of optimism in Cincinnati that this offensive line will be better in 2026 with all five of the starters returning. But that's quite a gamble given everything we've seen from the past. And also this I think is the most key part. Burrow doesn't really offer a lot of rushing upside, so he's going to need to have a meteoric season via his arm to get you the stats necessary for context, Burrow has recorded exactly 330 total rushing yards over the past three seasons combined. Twelve quarterbacks did that last season alone, and 12 of the top 15 quarterbacks last season scored over 16% of their fantasy points on the ground. Burrow, meanwhile, only 3% of his fantasy production came via his rushing totals. So that just shows you how much he's going to have to do as a passer alone to pay off his adp, which is currently in the sixth round and at a position that is so deep.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, it's really tough for me to want him to run the ball more too, given that injury history that you talk about. Liz, I want him to be on the field throwing the ball healthy as much as possible. So I want to ask you this then. It kind of sounds like you might be out on drafting Joey B this year. Let's say that you are. Would you rather target a quarterback in the tier ahead of Joe Burrow or wait a little bit and target a quarterback in the tier after him?

[Liz Loza]

Well, I'm already on record for saying that I would invest in Jaden Daniels because of his rushing upside. So yes, if I am going to pick a quarterback quote early, it would be Daniels. Otherwise I do like waiting on the position. If you look where Burrow is being drafted, I think a sneaky pick would actually be lad McConkey if you wanted to pivot to the wide receiver position because I think he has some nice breakout potential.

[Daniel Dopp]

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[Liz Loza]

Yeah, that's the thing. We have to live in the present in fantasy football. And while there is no downplaying McCaffrey's dual threat skill set or his importance as the engine in Kyle Shanahan's offense, there's also no downplaying the 413 total touches close to a bazillion that he absorbed last season. Um, you know, there's this. This phrase in fantasy circles called the curse of 370. And for those of you who don't know, it's been statistically matched with data to show that running backs who touch the ball 370 times or more have an immediate decline in efficiency and production the following year. Now, it doesn't mean they can't bounce back in subsequent seasons, but the following year often takes a hit, numerically speaking. So, you know, a lot of people got very angry at me last year when I said this exact same thing about Saquon Barkley, who was coming off of a 400 plus total touch season. And while I said that he was probably still going to be a successful rusher, P.S. he finished RB14 overall. He wasn't worth drafting as the third running back overall. Right now, Christian McCaffrey is the RB3 coming off boards. I just don't want to take someone that I know is not going to pay that off immediately.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, I am with you on that, Liz. And it's just not about the workload. To me, it's not only that, but he is getting older. And as you see running backs get older, they often become a little less efficient in their age.

[Liz Loza]

That is an excellent point. I mean, McCaffrey is entering his age 30 season. Now, that isn't old, but for a running back that is up there, especially for a running back whose efficiency has declined over the past couple of seasons since arriving In San Francisco, McCaffrey, with the exception of 2023, has been the RB30 or worse in TR yards per carry. Last year he averaged 3.9 yards per carry. I don't see him bouncing back in that regard. In fact, I feel like most of his production is reliant on a ton of receiving receiving work. And now we've got Mike Evans and hopefully a healthy Ricky Piersol in the mix. So that's just a lot of risk you're taking so early in the first five picks of your fantasy draft.

[Daniel Dopp]

Let's talk about that young kid in New York, Liz Malik Neighbors. When he is healthy and on the field, the dude is absolute dynamite for your fantasy squad. But healthy and on the field are the two key parts of that sentence. How are you feeling about drafting him this year?

[Liz Loza]

Yeah, so obviously the knee injury is my biggest concern, but I do want to review the timeline of the knee injury just so that we're all on the same page. Now, he suffered a grade three tear to his right knee in which he damaged both his ACL as well as his meniscus. Now, this wasn't just a straight, straightforward tear, which made the surgery more delicate and the healing timeline, frankly, more complicated. Six months after going under the knife, he then received a cleanup surgery due to quote, stiffness in the knee. Daniel Malik Neighbors is an elite athlete. He is 22 years old and seven months after initially sustaining the knee injury, he was so stiff that he needed a subsequent operation. Like, I don't know about you, but there nothing was stiff in me in 22 and I definitely wasn't as in shape as Malik Neighbors.

[Daniel Dopp]

No way. When I was 22, that was the prime of my body. If I felt stiff, then imagine what 42 was going to feel like. I already know what.

[Liz Loza]

I don't know what. How does it feel?

[Daniel Dopp]

Okay, I didn't need that. Liz didn't need it

[Liz Loza]

anyway. As it pertains to Neighbors, like, that's a big concern, right? And I think that it's also part of why everyone's being so mercurial about his timeline because he is so young and he is so valuable and you don't want to rush him back. But we don't know if he's going to participate in training camp. And part of the importance of that is gaining reps with Jackson Dart because right now Neighbors has drawn just three career targets from Jackson Dart. They've had very little time to build chemistry or or an established a rapport. Plus I dug up this stat which I found really interesting. Jackson Dart ranks 28th in passer rating when throwing past the sticks. We like to see Malik Neighbors on a deep ball. We also know that both Darius Slayton as well as Darnell Mooney are going to draw a handful of those deep looks. So that only further diminishes Neighbors upside, which makes his third round ADP really tough to ROI on.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, third round ADP is I think where you lose me on Malik Neighbors. Eventually it might be worth taking a shot on, but not at that price point unfortunately. Liz all right, before we move on, I do want to say this. Please make sure that you like and subscribe this video. Stay locked in with us. We are back for the rest of the preseason over on the NFL on ESPN YouTube page. And yes, the voicemail line is back as well. Call us with all of your questions. Liz and I got you covered. The Phone number is 323-391-4855.

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[Daniel Dopp]

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[Daniel Dopp]

This is a safe place. It's a place where we can feel free sharing our feelings.

[Liz Loza]

Now let's get comfortable on the couch with a little fantasy therapy. A safe space for all your fantasy questions. Daniel Dopp what Submissions do Very first

[Daniel Dopp]

one that we have. Liz Loza is from Mo in Georgia.

[Caller]

Hi, my name is Mo. I'm from Central Illinois, but I now live in Georgia. So I'm a Saints fan and I have a question. Should we just completely ignore Saints players for fantasy this year? It really seems like the GM over there doesn't have no idea what he's doing. It's been pretty disappointing watching this team the past couple years, but good thing I'm a Bears fan too. But what do you think about the Saints players? Just fade them, stay away from them? Or are there any key players that you think we should be targeting? Thank you.

[Liz Loza]

Thank you, Mo. Now, I gotta be honest, Daniel. I have never heard someone say thank goodness I'm a Bears fan like that. Yeah, what a timeline we're living.

[Daniel Dopp]

I've also not had someone say, I'm from Central Illinois, but I live in Georgia and I'm a Saints fan. So many things don't line up about this question, Liz, but I am curious, which Saints are you in on this year?

[Liz Loza]

Well, I think we have to be in on Chris Olave, right? Like he has top 15 appeal. Now, you're not getting him in the eighth round this year like you were last year. But that's what happens when a player averages nearly 17 fantasy points per game. You know, their stock rises. So I do like Chris Olave and I think his ADP is completely, completely fair. I'm a little bit skeptical about Travis A. Chan, I'm gonna be honest. But I don't mind where he's going. He's going in the fifth round right now just behind Cam Scatter Boo and ahead of Bucky Irving. So depending on how my roster is shaping up, I'm gonna take the volume call on him. I'm not sure that he's going to smash the way I in fact, sure he's not going to smash the way he did in Jacksonville last year. But 5th round ADP for an RB2 borderline RB1, what do you think about that, Daniel?

[Daniel Dopp]

That doesn't seem too bad for me like a borderline RB one. You know what you're getting with him. You should have expectations of getting exactly what you think he's going to be. He's not going to outperform that. I'm actually more in on Tyler Schuck if I decide to wait on the quarterback position. Liz. I feel like I don't have to go with the quarterback early because with the way that the kid ended his rookie season last year gave me a big boost heading into this season and

[Liz Loza]

you can get him like as your last pick in the double digit rounds, I've talked him up a little sneaky rushing upside with him as well. So Chris Olave, Travis Achan and Tyler Schuck are some decent options to help make you feel a little bit better. Mo.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes, agree with that one. All right, Liz, next question that we have comes from Jose Ramos from Puerto Rico.

[Liz Loza]

Oh, mijo.

[Caller]

Hey guys, Huge fan of the show. My name is Jose Ramos. I'm all the way calling from Puerto Rico right now. We're a few months away from the NFL season. Could you guys give me one player that you might think that's right now being drafted very late in rounds that my pickup team. Thanks guys.

[Liz Loza]

So I want to give a new player because I want to keep bringing new names to everybody. It's Jaden Higgins, wide receiver in Houston. He was drafted 34th overall out of Iowa State in 2025. Really exciting athletic profile. He recorded a 9.63 RAS. That score stands for relative athletic score, just in terms of skill set. So you can get an idea if you didn't know. Really nice ball catcher, a pretty wide catch radius. He ended his rookie campaign third on the team and targets behind Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz. No big surprise there. So not a voluminous AM of looks, but this is pretty interesting. He did record six touchdowns, the exact same number as Collins. Daniel, you just said about Tyler Schuck, the way he ended his season is important because the hope is that a player will pick up the top of the next season where they finish the last. And I think Higgins has an opportunity to do that. I think Higgins has breakout potential, but I also think he's a player that could catch steam, to use Jose's word, as the season progresses and the summer progresses.

[Daniel Dopp]

I love that call because like you said, not only do I think he comes in as a really nice wide receiver 2 already for that team, but if anything happens, he would just factor in as the wide receiver one immediately with a guy that we've watched have some injury concerns in the past. So I love the call of Jaden Higgins. I am all in on it, especially because that ADP is so easy to be able to absorb. Another guy that I like really quick late, Jalen McMillan. I've talked about him a bunch. If anything happens to Chris Godwin, I believe in this Tampa bay offense, Jalen McMillan is going to be a beautiful, beautiful, cheap wide receiver too for that Tampa Bay team. And I think you could look really nice for your fantasy squad as well.

[Liz Loza]

And another J name that's right.

[Daniel Dopp]

Another J name. I didn't even realize that.

[Liz Loza]

Inspired by Jose. That's a jota. It's a J in English.

[Daniel Dopp]

Next One is a DM. This is from Peak 24. Arizona backfield has me raising many glasses. Please help Liz.

[Liz Loza]

So wait, raising glasses? Like as in cheers or raising glasses because you need to take shots because it's so confusing. Did you?

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, I'm confused by that too. I think because it's Please help. I think it's the shots one. I think maybe. I think maybe he doesn't feel there's some concern about Jeremiah Love in that backfield.

[Liz Loza]

So I think the Arizona backfield is decidedly crowded. But it is not complicated if that makes sense. Because when I look at Jeremiah Love, I am not doubting the fact that he is the alpha now. He had a dual threat skill set that he shined with at Notre Dame and then was drafted what as the third overall pick at the running back position by Arizona. So there's no way the Cardinals aren't going to lean on him, especially when we know he has the ability to be leaned upon in a versatile way. So I think Love will give you top 12 fantasy running back production. Not too concerned about it. Next we've got the thumper. Obviously that's Tyler Algier. He's projected to be the short yardage or spellback. I think there's some flex value there. Definitely a solid insurance policy. If something were to happen to Love. Knock on all the wood because we don't want it to. But I don't think that Algier is necessarily someone you need to add until you know, the mid until the double digit weeks of the season when you're starting to look towards the back half of the year.

[Daniel Dopp]

I am fully with you. You just laid out that entire backfield. Which is why I'm not concerned about Love in fantasy football. I do not understand it from an actual NFL perspective. Like using a draft pick to take a running back. Yeah, that's not what we're talking about. Fantasy football. I'm not worried about Jeremiah Love. All right, that's going to do it right now. Call in with your Hot takes at 323-391-4855. If you didn't hear your voicemail in today's show, it may just be because we're saving them for a future episode. We love to have a of good voicemails so make sure you call in and leave us a good one. And one more thing, when you do leave your voicemail, make sure you Give us your Instagram handle. We want to be able to give you a little bit of a shout out whenever we feature your question.

[Caller]

MLB TV on ESPN is your home for every art of market game live or on demand. Catch your favorite teams and players plus MLB Network and ESPN app features like multi view, syncing your stats, key plays, bets and fantasy all in one place. Sign up now for MLB TV in the ESPN app. Separate subscriptions required. Blackouts and other terms apply. Visit stream espn.com mlbtv for more information.

[Liz Loza]

Wait, Daniel, do you hear that? It's like. Like a beat. Is there a storm coming?

[Daniel Dopp]

You know what? That's the Doppler radar, Liz. That's what that is. My great, great, great, great great uncle Johan Dopp actually created the Doppler radar back in the day and so now we have it in our family to be no, it might possibly true. Listen, I'm bringing three guys to the table that have been on my radar through draft season. The last little bit. I've been doing a bunch of best ball drafts. I've been doing a bunch of mock drafts. I got three guys I brought to the table that I have been drafting a bunch been on my radar. I want to know how you feel about them. Okay.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Okay.

[Daniel Dopp]

First one. Ken Walker III, 2025 was really good to KW3, right? 17 games played most of his career. He had 1300 total yards, also most of his career, but then unfortunately only five touchdowns. So even though he played really well and played the entire season, he didn't find the end zone a lot because stupid Zach Charbonnet had 12 touchdowns, making all of us fantasy managers super frustrated. If he had Ken Walker III and now he leaves that Seattle backfield, no longer has to split time with anyone and goes to Kansas City where there's just dudes behind him. There's no big name like Zach Charbonnet behind him in Kansas City. So now I understand he will eventually be the lead back of what will be a Mahomes offense, potentially Justin Fields to start the season, but he's being drafted As a running back 14 right now, Liz and I feel like if things go the way that they could in Kansas City, that feels low to me. I think RB7, RB10 is even in play based on how good this offense could be. I'm curious how you feel about KW3.

[Liz Loza]

I really like this player and sometimes I will admit it is hard for me to divorce adoration for a player's skill set from their fantasy potential. I have tough time doing it if I think a player is really explosive. And the thing I think this is important that makes KW3 so incredible is his beg play ability, right? His explosives, his ability to get past defenders. Last year he was the RB3 in breakaway runs and the RB6 innovated tackles. And when you look at his touch total, those numbers are all the more impressive since he was sharing that time with Charbonnet. I think that the Chiefs really also appreciate respect, revere even this sort of skill set that he could bring to an offense and a ground game that has been, let's be honest, listless for the past couple of seasons. So I think that there is a massive opportunity for Kenneth Walker to work as Andy Reid's Bell cow. We know that's the way he rolls, so volume could be huge here. The asterisk to that and why I think his ADP is a bit depressed because everybody is doing the research and that is good is because, well I I think there's a little bit of concern about the Mahomes knee issue and maybe Patrick not being who we expect at the top of the season. But more importantly than that, Kenneth Walker has never exceeded 230 carries in a single NFL regular season.

[Daniel Dopp]

I got another running back I want to talk to you about. It's the other rookie running back that nobody cares about, the guy that's in Seattle right now, and that's Jadarian Price. He's going to step into a lead role right away. This dude, I think is unbelievable given what his ADP is right now. Liz, we have no idea when Zach Charbonnet is going to be back, right? He got hurt. But we do know that Jadian Price is going to be the RB one for probably at least half of the season. And even when he does come back, Stefania Bell tells us over and over and over on Fantasy Focus, there is a big difference between return to play and return to performance. It's one thing to come back and be on the field. It's another thing to be the guy that you were when you got hurt in the first place. So now Jadarian Pryce is in a spot that I feel like the rest of us need to realize how valuable he can be in Seattle. The Seahawks also know the way to win football games is to not have Sam Darnold throw the ball 50 times. I feel like this is such a good price because no one is giving Jadarian Price the same kind of love that we're giving the other rookie running

[Liz Loza]

back in Jeremiah Love good price on Price. I mean, I think part of the Reason Love is is going so much higher is because of his ability as a pass catcher and Price didn't really show that as much in college, but I'm a hundred percent with you. I have loved Price's landing spot since April 23, 2026. I think he's going to touch the ball 12 to 14 times. Mike Clay hasn't projected to clear 220 carries. We love that sort of volume. I am not thinking about honestly when I am drafting my team. I am not thinking about November. I am thinking about September. Because you need to win early and then adjust again. Evolution takes time. Nothing is permanent. These are all mantras we need to get back to used to saying in fantasy if we want to have a winning season. I also love the fact was already getting first team reps early last month at OTAs. I think he's, you know, going as a top 25 running back, but he has top 15 appeal.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right, I got one more here for you Liz Loza and it is going to be Isaiah Likely from the Giants. I'm going to dive into the tight end spot just a little bit because it almost feels too easy for me. Jackson Dart gets a new head coach. John Harbaugh love that because what does he know how to do coach mobile quarterbacks? And I love being able to see what he can do in this Giants offense, especially with him bringing over not only Isaiah Likely, but he's got Darnell Mooney and hopefully Malik Neighbors in this offense. But let's just talk about Isaiah Likely. He comes over to be the Mark Andrews here for the New York Giants. He has never, never in his career had 500 receiving yards or 50 catches. This is absolutely a trust the process kind of moment because he's always had another guy in front of him. But right now everything is lining up for Isiah Likely to not only be the number one tight end, but there's a shot if any of this Malik Neighbors injury lingers. He could be one of if not the highest targeted player on the Giants this season. Liz.

[Liz Loza]

Yeah, he could be the Giants Dalton Schultz

[Daniel Dopp]

and you're Getting him where? 13th round, 12th round. That's so late.

[Liz Loza]

I I love this pick. I love the move. We always talk about a reunion and how beneficial that is for players. There's an obvious reunion here between Harbaugh and Likely. I like it a lot. He's my tight end. 12 Heading into the season currently.

[Daniel Dopp]

I love that call. This is why we're always on the same page with everything. Liz. I appreciate this.

[Liz Loza]

I love it now, is there still a storm coming, or is the Doppler radar forecasting clear skies ahead?

[Daniel Dopp]

Doppler radar has clear skies for the rest. Oh, you know what? Actually, over Chicago, I do see a big storm forming right now.

[Liz Loza]

Oh, that's fine. I don't live there anymore, so.

[Daniel Dopp]

Oh, okay. All right, last call.

[Liz Loza]

Today we learned that a jersey tucked into jeans gives epic, zaddy vibes, that people are now, what? Relieved to be Bears fans and that a designer label doesn't guarantee a quality product. Remember, investing in value is more important than buying a brand name. Be sure to check out my latest column, ironically titled Brand Name Players. I'll let my league mates draft. Available now on the dot com. And remember, you can leave us a voicemail. Hit us up at 323-391-4855. Until next time. May your facts be solid, your feelings be right, and your bus be someone else's problem.

[Daniel Dopp]

You're reading Dungeon Crawler, Carl?

[Liz Loza]

That's what I'm reading right now. Oh, you are Donut Princess. Like, yes, I'm reading Book One.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes. All right, well, do your thing.