Most Overhyped Fantasy Players in 2025 | Fantasy Focus 🏈

Summary

Podcast Title: Fantasy Focus Football
Episode: Most Overhyped Fantasy Players in 2025
Hosts: Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay, Stephania Bell
Release Date: August 6, 2025

---

1. Introduction and Event Announcements (00:00 - 04:00)

Note: This section primarily includes event promotions and minor banter among hosts. While not central to the episode's main theme, it sets the stage for community engagement.

• Field Yates announces the upcoming ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend at the Baja Mar Resort in the Bahamas from August 21st to 24th (02:15).

  "Enjoy an oceanfront state, their luxurious Baja Mar resort and exclusive events like our one of a kind beach combine." (02:19)

• Daniel Dopp highlights an additional live show in New York City at the Gramercy Theater on August 7th, emphasizing free food, merchandise, and a meet-and-greet session for attendees (03:10).

2. Key Fantasy Football News (04:00 - 07:05)

a. Jordan Addison’s Suspension (04:48 - 08:09)

• Daniel Dopp shares breaking news about Jordan Addison being officially suspended by the NFL for three games (04:55).

  "Jordan Addison officially suspended by the NFL for three games." (04:55)

• Mike Clay explains that the suspension was accounted for in pre-existing projections, ensuring minimal impact on his ranking (05:06).

  "So for him we didn't have to change anything. At least I did not last night." (05:06)

• Field Yates discusses Addison's potential as a clear second option in Minnesota's offense, which heavily targets Justin Jefferson, and predicts Addison to remain a top-five pick at worst in fantasy drafts despite the suspension (05:31).

  "He is a really talented player... likely a top five pick at worst in your fantasy drafts." (05:31)

3. Analysis of Overhyped Fantasy Players (07:05 - 55:16)

a. Garrett Wilson (09:47 - 23:22)

• Field Yates and Mike Clay express concerns over Garrett Wilson being drafted too high relative to his potential upside.

  "Does he have the same chance to get to monster yardage or monster touchdown upside as some of the players that are being drafted are going to be drafted around or even slightly behind him." (07:55)

• Mike Clay questions whether Wilson can surpass expectations in a Jets offense led by a struggling Justin Fields.

  "The Fields led offense isn't giving the jets much to be excited about." (22:18)

• Daniel Dopp highlights Wilson's inconsistent performance, noting that he hasn't exceeded 1,105 yards in his first three seasons, questioning his ceiling compared to peers (07:55).

  "He has not had more than 1105 yards in a season." (07:55)

b. Joe Mixon (26:47 - 34:00)

• Field Yates raises alarms about Joe Mixon's uncertain status with the Texans, currently on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, leading to fears of reduced playing time and unclear recovery timelines.

  "I just fear that what's going to happen is we get towards the end of training camp where roster cut downs take place and we find out that Joe Mixon is immediately out for the first four games of the season." (33:24)

• Mike Clay echoes concerns, emphasizing Mixon's significant injury risks and the lack of reliable depth options for the Texans, making Mixon a risky draft pick.

  "Once the ADP potentially corrects, if we get new updates, we'll see where he lands." (32:21)

c. Travis Kelce (35:06 - 42:35)

• Mike Clay discusses Travis Kelce's decline in yardage and touchdowns despite increased target volume, attributing it to aging and emerging competition within the Chiefs' offense.

  "He's older, he's coming off a down year... yards for target yards after the catch all were career lows." (35:48)

• Field Yates notes the potential volatility in Kelce's performance due to unpredictable offensive dynamics and increased competition for targets.

  "What we're doing is that there's spots where, you know, eventually we'd pounce on these guys." (36:00)

• Daniel Dopp highlights Mahomes' fluctuating performance, drawing a parallel between Kelce's situation and quarterback performance stability.

  "Patrick Mahomes had as many 20 point games as Aaron Rodgers to Tagovailoa and Anthony Richardson." (39:47)

d. Patrick Mahomes (38:37 - 42:38)

• Daniel Dopp critiques Patrick Mahomes's recent dip in fantasy points despite his consistent elite status, questioning whether his ongoing excellence justifies his high ADP.

  "In 2023 he dipped to 17.5. In 2024 he dipped to 17.6... people's premium paid on the core five quarterbacks." (38:41)

• Field Yates acknowledges Mahomes' potential but suggests his current ADP might be inflated compared to emerging quarterbacks who offer similar or better value.

  "I do think there is legitimate upside for Patrick Mahomes... there are a couple of quarterbacks that are going later than Patrick Mahomes." (41:00)

• Mike Clay remains cautiously optimistic, noting Mahomes' legs and the Chiefs' offensive potential to regain explosiveness, which could enhance his fantasy value.

  "I think he's fine where he's going because I think he still adds some value with his legs." (41:36)

e. Zay Flowers (42:25 - 45:32)

• Field Yates expresses skepticism about Zay Flowers's consistency, citing his sporadic target volume and the Ravens' reliance on their strong rushing game as factors limiting his fantasy ceiling.

  "When you're drafting around like wide receiver 20 to 25... there is just an opportunity to aim a little bit higher." (45:02)

• Mike Clay points out Flowers' limited end zone targets and inconsistent weekly performance, labeling him a "wide receiver three" with a reliable but low ceiling.

  "It's sneaky. It's a deep passing group... he finished 53rd at receiver as a rookie." (44:26)

• Daniel Dopp concurs, noting that Drafting Flowers requires compensating with consistent performers in other roster positions to balance potential boom and bust weeks.

  "You have to have some nice consistency at some of your other wide receiver spots because he is going to have games where he just doesn't get the volume in this offense." (44:18)

4. Undervalued Players (46:00 - 55:16)

Note: While the episode primarily focuses on overhyped players, the hosts briefly touch upon undervalued options during the mailbag segment.

a. Jameer Gibbs vs. Saquon Barkley (57:05 - 66:30)

• Daniel Dopp and Field Yates debate between Jameer Gibbs and Saquon Barkley, considering factors like age, consistency, and team offensive dynamics.

  "If Saquon Barkley just has like age slash fatigue regression, then Gibbs could continue to ascend." (62:35)

• Field Yates advocates for Barkley due to his physical prowess and role within a robust offensive line, despite aging concerns.

  "The reason why I feel a little better about Saquon repeating it is that I would argue him and Derrick Henry are the two most physically impressive running backs of the past 10 years." (65:20)

• Mike Clay highlights Barkley's consistent high-level performance despite age, recommending him over Gibbs for stability and offensive support.

  "You know, the reason I had Gibbs ahead earlier in the off season was I was take. I was going with the Younger up and coming running back." (63:35)

5. Listener Mailbag and Q&A (57:05 - 66:30)

• Isaac Smith's Question: "Am I crazy to go wide receiver someone like Justin Jefferson, Puka or CD Lamb at pick three?" (57:05)

  • Daniel Dopp acknowledges it's a valid strategy, considering the available wide receivers and running backs at that draft position.

    "I don't think you're going to go wrong." (58:25)

• Eddie Spaghetti’s Comment: "I drafted CJ Stroud last year and he did me dirty. I'm not drafting Knicks with less talent around him and no running back." (58:55)

  • Field Yates defends his confidence in Bo Nix, highlighting his historical rookie performance and potential for growth.

    "Bonix is 316 fantasy points last year were fifth most all time by a rookie quarterback." (60:23)

• Matty Randoms' Question: "Who are we picking first, Jameer Gibbs or Saquon Barkley?" (61:26)

  • Field Yates and Mike Clay engage in a debate, ultimately favoring Barkley for his proven track record and physical attributes despite Saquon's potential regression.

    "Saquon Barkley by the narrowest of margins... he is playing in a great offense, be behind the best offensive line in the NFL." (65:20)

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (66:00 - End)

• Daniel Dopp announces his temporary absence from the next episode, introducing Liz Loza as his replacement and encouraging listeners to attend upcoming live shows.

  "Make sure you show up for that show. It'll be a blast." (66:30)

• Field Yates and Mike Clay wrap up the discussion, reiterating the importance of making informed decisions in fantasy drafts and maintaining community engagement.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Field Yates (04:55): "Jordan Addison officially suspended by the NFL for three games."

• Mike Clay (05:06): "So for him we didn't have to change anything. At least I did not last night."

• Field Yates (07:55): "He has not had more than 1105 yards in a season."

• Daniel Dopp (04:55): "Jordan Addison officially suspended by the NFL for three games."

• Daniel Dopp (38:37): "Patrick Mahomes had as many 20 point games as Aaron Rodgers to Tagovailoa and Anthony Richardson."

• Field Yates (65:20): "The reason why I feel a little better about Saquon repeating it is that I would argue him and Derrick Henry are the two most physically impressive running backs of the past 10 years."

• Mike Clay (63:35): "I was going with the Younger up and coming running back."

---

Insights and Conclusions

• Overvalued Players: The discussion highlights players like Garrett Wilson, Joe Mixon, Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and Zay Flowers as potentially overhyped in fantasy drafts. The hosts debate their current ADP versus projected performance, considering factors like team dynamics, player health, and age.

• Suspensions and Injuries Impact Projections: Jordan Addison’s suspension serves as a case study on how unforeseen events can affect player valuations and draft strategies.

• Strategic Drafting: The mailbag segment underscores the importance of balancing high-risk, high-reward players with consistent performers, emphasizing informed decision-making based on individual league dynamics.

• Community Engagement: The podcast fosters a sense of community through event announcements and live show interactions, encouraging listeners to participate and engage with the hosts directly.

• Adaptability: The hosts demonstrate adaptability in their analysis, continuously adjusting their strategies based on the latest news and performance metrics, a crucial trait for successful fantasy management.

---

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this summary are based on the podcast transcript provided and do not constitute professional fantasy football advice. Players' performances are subject to change based on a multitude of factors.

Transcript

[Field Yates]

You've seen the headlines, heard the debates. The three point ball has created a monotonous rhythm to the game. 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.

[Daniel Dopp]

I decided I wanted to have one.

[Field Yates]

Of the most organized goodbyes in history. 30 for 30 podcast presents Chasing Basketball Heaven. Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

[Daniel Dopp]

Hello and welcome to Fantasy Focus Football. My name is Daniel Dopp alongside Mike Clay and Phil. Jason.

[Mike Clay]

Why wait?

[Daniel Dopp]

Let's just tell you about the Bahamas.

[Field Yates]

Literally there, mentally. We are at the Baja Mar resort, which will actually be from August 21st, 24th, for the ultimate draft weekend. For those that are interested.

[Daniel Dopp]

It's going to be so much fun.

[Field Yates]

Going to be a blast.

[Mike Clay]

As you guys know, I was in Miami last week. I was a stone's throw from Baja Marshall. I'm basically still there. Like, I'm still.

[Daniel Dopp]

Your brain is absolutely.

[Mike Clay]

I'm not going to adjust back to the Northeast. I'm just. I'm living down and living that life.

[Field Yates]

Do we have a breaking news drop? Tell us more about this Miami trip you took. You were in Miami last.

[Mike Clay]

Oh, I was. I was on Miami last week. I was on the beach, you know, reading some books, just. Just relaxing. Sipping the golden margs. Yeah, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you guys that I forgot to mention.

[Daniel Dopp]

What were you doing last week? Feel, Jason?

[Field Yates]

Grinding. Grinding tape and grinding fantasy football content.

[Daniel Dopp]

You mean both?

[Mike Clay]

Well, I was grinding at, you know, 11:00pm last night. Doing.

[Daniel Dopp]

Okay.

[Field Yates]

Oh, I was like, oh, my God.

[Mike Clay]

Where are we going there? Hold on. Dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot. Doing Keenan Allen updated projections.

[Field Yates]

Oh, got it, got it.

[Daniel Dopp]

Okay, got it. Okay, good. Wow. All right, well, we're going to.

[Mike Clay]

That's one of the things, like, you don't pause at the wrong time when you say something. There's a whole like, stand up bit about that. If you did it.

[Field Yates]

Oh, my freaking God.

[Daniel Dopp]

Well, we will dive into Kenan Allen. We got a little bit of news that we're going to talk about. But first and foremost, we did mention at Baja Mar. Make sure that you go and check us out there in case you want to come have. What is the best weekend that you will ever have from a fantasy football perspective.

[Field Yates]

Is there a club there?

[Daniel Dopp]

That's a great question.

[Field Yates]

I think there is. You can grind at the club.

[Daniel Dopp]

At the club there.

[Mike Clay]

What's that? Yeah, weren't they upgrading the jazz club?

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes, they were building one while we were there. Cannot wait to check that out. The ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend is back for year two from August 21st through the 24th in the Bahamas. Enjoy an oceanfront state, their luxurious Baja Mar resort and exclusive events like our one of a kind beach combine. You get to mingle with celebrity guests and NFL players throughout the weekend, including Todd freaking Gurley, Golden Tate and Kyle Rudolph. Then you get insights from your favorite ESPN fantasy football experts. Even Mike Clay will be there before drafting your squad at our epic live draft party. It is a ton of fun. Go check it out. Bahamar.com draft and you don't have to go with the league. You can just come by yourself. We'll put you in a league. It'll be a ton of fun. But also I just want to say this. There are a very few number of tickets left for what's going on tomorrow, my friends.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, I heard we added a few more to the New York City live show.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's right. We heard that there was, you know, people wanted to be able to make sure they could come out. So we added a few More tickets. Thursday, August 7th at the Gramercy Theater in New York City. Go to fantasy focus live.com for information to purchase and to purchase tickets, you get free food and merch and drinks for everyone that's going to be there. It's only $35. You get to ask questions. You get to hang out with us. There's a meet and greet afterwards. So come chill with us tomorrow in New York City. It is going to be a ton of fun as those live shows always are.

[Mike Clay]

By the way, the meet and greets always, you know that guessing game of like do you go for the fist pump or the handshake? It's always that guessing game. You have to kind of watch and see which where, where are we going?

[Daniel Dopp]

What are we doing with that once while a hug.

[Mike Clay]

You know, 5% of the time we get hugs too.

[Daniel Dopp]

So that's true.

[Mike Clay]

We get to play that game tomorrow. But yeah, it's a lot of the.

[Daniel Dopp]

Other thing is like sometimes you get to make eye contact with someone coming up through the meet and greet line and they make eye contact with you and then just pass you over to get to wherever field is that happen.

[Field Yates]

Oh, stop.

[Mike Clay]

So that's he's a star. We accept that. You know, we just stand in the background and talk like, oh, I guess this guy likes field too.

[Daniel Dopp]

You want the group photo? No, just you and feel I'M here too.

[Mike Clay]

I'll just stand in the background.

[Field Yates]

You guys. You guys.

[Daniel Dopp]

I have had it up to you guys.

[Mike Clay]

Your kindness over under 47 and a half comments about fields here from the. The people.

[Daniel Dopp]

From the people. I would, I would probably say a lot of pressure. I would say over. I mean, after that Field and Shoulders.

[Field Yates]

Commercial, who's going to track it, do you think?

[Mike Clay]

I mean, I'll be doing nothing because everyone will be talking with him. So I'll just, I'll, I'll just keep, keep a tabs. I'll stand in the background.

[Daniel Dopp]

Love it. All right, well, we're going to get into some football. Football Talk starts at 4 minutes and 35 seconds for the YouTube chat. Let's dive into the opening drive.

[Mike Clay]

Okay. There's the opening drive. Hey, love that.

[Daniel Dopp]

Look at that animation. Bringing some things here. All right, big news yesterday.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

Jordan Addison officially suspended by the NFL for three games. Mike, I want to ask you as a part of this suspension, did you already have this baked into the projections or is that something that changed after the news yesterday?

[Field Yates]

I did.

[Mike Clay]

This is one of the tricky parts of doing projections year round is always estimating these, these suspensions. I've had to do that in the past with certain players and I've done it of course with Rushy Rice and Jordan Addison this off season. At the time this news dropped I we already had him at three games suspension so his projection was already 14 games. That was baked into our ranking of him. So for him we didn't have to change anything. At least I did not last night. So yep, same didn't have to.

[Field Yates]

Really talented player but a clear second option in an offense that is going to pepper Justin Jefferson with targets. That much we obviously know. There's a reason why he's going to go is likely a top five pick at worst in your fantasy drafts. But, but beyond Justin Jefferson, we also know that Minnesota unafraid to spread the wealth a little bit. Right. You're going to see like a dusting of Jalen Naylor. You're going to see some Josh Oliver in the passing game alongside TJ Hawkinson. Which is part of the reason why Hawkinson's season last year upon returning from injury wasn't quite as robust as we maybe me maybe had hoped for when you drafted him and stashed him for half the season on your IR list.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, he's just. A quick note here on Addison tricky evaluation because he scored most of his points last year in three games. I mean he had three huge games that that was about half of his production. However, you know, talking about the volume thing, he finished with eight or more targets in seven of his final eight games to finish last season. That's like. That was different for him. We're not used to him seeing big target shares, you know, even with Jefferson there and T.J. hawkinson wasn't quite himself. He didn't score a touchdown last year. The volume wasn't what we're used to.

[Field Yates]

But he was coming off fewer yards in five of his 10.

[Mike Clay]

Right. So Addison performed at a high level and he has, you know, he's first round player obviously going into year three. So I still think there's, I still think he'll be a starting starter in 10 and 12 team leagues once he's back. So keep that in mind if he's falling in your draft because of the three game suspension. Also, this Kevin o' Connell offense does wonders for passing games. I mean they've scored at least 80% of their touchdowns through the air all three seasons that he's been the head coach up in Minnesota, which is kind of unheard of. That, that's a, that's big time. That tells you that their calling plays that way near the goal line. So definitely plenty of appeal here.

[Daniel Dopp]

Addison checks in right around wide receiver 40. For most of us here at ESPN Fantasy, it also goes to show you how deep the position is and that.

[Field Yates]

Sounds low until you look at the players that are going at like 35 to 40 and you're like oh, Roma dunes going as wide receiver 36 and he like Addison, super high pedigree player. Even more pedigree than Addison coming out of college.

[Mike Clay]

Yep.

[Field Yates]

Second year in A in the league, which is usually where you see the players biggest jump year one to year two. Ben Johnson led offense. Should drink every time we say Ben Johnson let off.

[Mike Clay]

Should. That'd be good.

[Field Yates]

Would be not. Well, it would be. You'd be grinding in the club later if you're.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's right, Frank.

[Field Yates]

Every time we said Ben Johnson led offense. But yes, the point, the point is this is that Addison at wide receiver 40 sounds low and based off of the glowing things that we just said about him, relatively glowing things we said about him until you look at the players that are just ahead of him in those.

[Mike Clay]

And also he's suspended for three games, which matters. I mean it's not nothing. There's still value to be had once he's back, but we're factoring that in for sure.

[Daniel Dopp]

And just in case you are new to the show or New to ESPN Fantasy, when a player is suspended, you don't get to put him on your IR spot the way that you would. So if you draft him, he's going to eat a roster spot for you.

[Field Yates]

Correct.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right, let's talk about another wide receiver that just signed a deal. I feel like we were just kind of having shades of conversations around this guy. Keenan Allen goes back to the Chargers, signs a one year deal. I guess the big question for me field is I don't really feel like Keenan Allen is going to deliver fantasy value for me this year as much as I would want. But is he going to take away fantasy value from the guys that I want in that offense like lad McConkey or potentially a emerging Trey Harris as a rookie?

[Field Yates]

I mean, I'd say this like it was, to me it was lad McConkey was the only player that you're really expecting fantasy production from this season. Like if we got a Trey Harris like quick ascension into starting role, like that would be an amazing, cool thing for fantasy football. But like my expectations for every non Chargers wide receiver besides Ladd were pretty modest going into this season. I do not think this is going to take away that much from Ladd McConkey. It is certainly going to be a slight downtick in target share. That's an elite player who's what, 23 years old, like not even anywhere close to the prime of his career. I'm not concerned about Ladd and I'd say this on Keenan Allen. Do I think He's a Week 1 starter? No, but and he reminds me of a term that I used on Justin Fields somewhat recently. He's a pocket player really. There's going to be a pocket of games. There's going to be a stretch during the season where you're like, oh, There you go. Three straight games with 10 or more targets for Keenan Allen. Because for whatever shortcomings he may have at this age of his career, 33 years old, the guy is still a very, very dependable middle of the field player. We saw this late last season in Chicago. He got hot right down the stretch in the fantasy football playoffs. Help some people that either had been carrying him for much of the season or added him some way during some point during the middle of the season.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, I think there's some similarities to last season for him when he went to Chicago and they had DJ Moore would essentially be Lad McConkey and of course Trey Harris would be Roma Dunes in this case case, you know, the, the rookie that's of again an early round investment and should have somewhat of a role. And last year we thought Keenan Allen, I mean the target shares got to.

[Field Yates]

Drop and it did.

[Mike Clay]

It dropped considerably from his career high the year prior when he handled a third of Justin Herbert's targets in the same Chargers offense. However, he, Keenan Allen had the 11th highest target share last year among wide receivers. I mean, it was, it was down from the Chargers, but it was still heavy reliance at about eight targets a game. You know, he has a pass with Justin Herbert, I think he will have a role here and it would not surprise me if we're talking about him as a weekly wide receiver three or perhaps a flex. So and again, I'm not really, I think Trey Harris, it's possible they just take their time with him and he develops. And Quentin Johnson, I'm not really worried about. They're not going to throw to the tight ends a lot, I don't think. And they definitely aren't going to throw to the running backs very much because that is a staple of Harbaugh and Greg Roman offenses, which is something I think at some point we need to discuss, maybe discuss about Omari and Hampton. I think he'll be okay there, but that is a potential limitation for him to joining that weekly RB.1.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, there's a lot of optimism for Amar and Hampton for obvious reasons. There's also like a couple of obvious reasons why he might just be like a really solid. He might be like a souped up version of Najee Harris.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah. And I'm, but that's what I'm worried about, the hype for him, especially with Harris being out with the, with the eye injury. It's really starting to build with Hampton. I'm worried that his ADP is going to jump the Shark and I'm not going to draft him. And I want to draft him. Everyone wants to draft him.

[Field Yates]

Like it's going to be like a top 12 running back.

[Mike Clay]

By the way, I'm getting nervous about.

[Field Yates]

It all done for adp. But and not to make this an Omar and Hampton conversation, let's just say that Najee Harris handles 35% of the carries. That's fine each week, 40% of the carries each week. And they don't throw the football to the running backs that much. And Najee has like a somewhat legitimate role as a goal line rusher. That could turn Amari and Hampton's potential for like 15 touchdowns and 1300 yards to, hey, maybe it's nine touchdowns on 1100 yards, which is by all accounts a very respectable rookie season. We'll vet this out further. I'm just trying to paint both sides of the argument here. I'm going to think about Amari and Hampton's value really quickly.

[Daniel Dopp]

You've mentioned, I just want to say this for pocket games with Keenan Allen. He played 15 games last year. Ten of those games were single digits. Five of those games he scored over 20 fantasy points. It was either single digits or he scored 20. And four of those 20 point games came in a five week pocket like you were talking about where it's like right in the meat of the end of the season and the fantasy playoffs.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

So we'll see how that's going to impact obviously that offense. I'm hopeful that he just doesn't steal too much from Lad.

[Mike Clay]

That's all I want. Slight bump up for Justin Herbert too. You know, I think he'll. I think this makes him more secure as a back end. Fringe QB1 QB1 love that.

[Field Yates]

Like it.

[Daniel Dopp]

I wanted to mention one more thing that happened yesterday. No movement other than Kyron Williams got the extension that we had kind of alluded to earlier this offseason. You had talked about it. Three years, $33 million. The Rams make a statement. This is their back, the guy in their backfield. Regardless of the fact that they've drafted running backs each of the last two years, Kyron Williams looks locked in to be their guy.

[Field Yates]

As long as he is healthy, he will be their guy. He was third in the NFL in carries last season. No reason to expect that Kyron Williams will be lower than like fifth or sixth in carries this season. Not great news for the dynasty prospects of guys like Blake Corum or Jarquez Hunter. But for Kyron Williams, to me, this was a totally logical deal. By the way, $11 million per year in running back parlance, it's like he's now the seventh highest paid running back. And keep in mind that some of the very best running backs that you would definitely put ahead of Kyron Williams if you were just drafting running backs based off talent on rookie deals. Right. Jameer Gibbs, Bijan Robbins, Bijan Robinson, those guys will certainly sail well north of $11 million per year. And what Kyron Williams is going to make for the next three seasons once they are extended, probably next off season. But to me this was like a totally reasonable deal from both sides. Locks Kyron Williams in as a workhorse.

[Daniel Dopp]

We haven't really had a lot of discourse about Kyron Williams this year. Has he become that unsexy running back in fantasy football that still just gets a ton of volume.

[Field Yates]

He generates some interesting divergent opinions. Yeah.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah. Maybe he'll be like the next like James Connor. Well, although healthier, you know. But his worst weekly finish last year is. Worst finish was 28th in a week which is an extremely high floor. Like everyone has dud games. He did not have a single dud game last season. I am worried about the over the 610 touches over the last two seasons. Can he do that for a third straight year? And he has to do it. He has to get the touchdowns and the rushing volume because he does not do a lot in the passing game. The only frustrating thing about this situation is, you know, we talk about yesterday about those insurance back and insurance backs and sometimes it's clear cut. It is not clear cut with the Rams because I was not a Blake Corum fan coming in. I was a Hunter fan coming in. And I think if Kyron does miss time, like I don't know who it is. I think it's probably a timeshare and the best, may the best back win because we know Sean McFay likes to use one guy. But I'm not so sure it's one guy that it is someone like Corum. So that's, that's the only frustrating thing about this situation.

[Field Yates]

It's funny about I was thinking back to Jarquez Hunter because I had I think a fifth, I think a six round grade on Jarquez Hunter ended up going in the first, fourth round of the Rams. And there were Peter Schrager who had just joined ESPN at the time, had a story on the draft cast about how Jarquez Hunter was like Sean McVeigh or the Rams like top player target on the board that day. Day three, which is why they ended up I think trading up for Jarquez Hunter. And it got me thinking about how like there are a few coaches who we often hear is like this is their guy that wanted the draft is.

[Mike Clay]

A Joe Williams comment.

[Field Yates]

It's a Joe Williams from Kyle. From Kyle Shanahan. Sean Payton loved Audrick Estimate, right? And it's like Sean Payton this year loved Pat Bryant who they took in the third round out of Illinois, which was very surprising to the NFL scouting community and me as well.

[Daniel Dopp]

And then Sean Payton immediately makes Michael Thomas comparisons which make all of us in fantasy.

[Mike Clay]

Now he's like maybe fifth starting to.

[Field Yates]

Wonder whether when coaches give these public glowing endorsements if it's a good thing for the players outlook or a not good thing for the player's outlook.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

Are you just trying to say fluff to make things be, like, positive and rosy around the situation?

[Field Yates]

I mean, you're not going to, like. You certainly aren't going to have the conversation where you're like, yeah, we took this guy in the throne.

[Mike Clay]

He's.

[Daniel Dopp]

He's really not.

[Mike Clay]

He's actually.

[Field Yates]

We literally couldn't find one other player that we like, so we just took this bag of garbage. But I'm just saying that, like, there's. In the past, McVeigh was like a big Daryl Henderson guy, and Henderson was fine at times. Right. The way that he was described made you feel like maybe they just had to unearth the next Alvin Camara or something.

[Daniel Dopp]

Right.

[Field Yates]

It's like, maybe not.

[Mike Clay]

I might have bought into that one year.

[Field Yates]

But what I'm saying, though, is we've all been there. We all do it, right?

[Mike Clay]

Oh, yeah, of course.

[Field Yates]

But I'm thinking I'm trying to show more prudence with these sorts of stories. And I'm not like, this is not a discredit of the coaches who are going on the record, the reporters that are relaying them. Right. Like, they're doing their job and doing it at a high level. It's just like, oh, like they love one guy so much that they traded up for him and they pay the player ahead of him $11 million a season, which means for the next four years, which is the entirety of Jarquist 100 rookie contract, he's probably at best to backup, assuming health for assuming.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, this will be interesting to see how that works out. I mean, it feels like Kyren is going to continue to be that guy. ADP kind of has him right in the middle of the, I believe, second round, third round right now with where he's coming off the board, he's just a boring but a solid ad, a very solid ad. And you know he's going to get.

[Mike Clay]

A. I mean, or a touchdown most weeks.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Very good offense, ton of touches, tons of touches, minimal passing game utilization. But to me, like, assuming he stays healthy. Hard for me to envision a world in which Blake Corm is in a top 17 running back.

[Daniel Dopp]

When you guys look at him, this will be the last thing I believe.

[Field Yates]

You said Blake Corum. I actually don't feel that way about Blake.

[Mike Clay]

Cut that joke. Actually, you should, because if that happens, you'd be like, I told you, that's in August.

[Daniel Dopp]

Blake Corma B versions of that. So no matter what field can play it, if you look at last thing here on. On Kyren, if you leave a draft with kyron as your RB1. Are you okay with him being the end of that tier or do you view more as an RB2 prospect?

[Field Yates]

Well, I view him as more of an RB2, but he could be my RB1 if I have the draft falls the right way. I have, you know, whatever Malik Neighbors.

[Mike Clay]

And Brock Bowers or something.

[Field Yates]

And then my first two picks are, yeah, Malik Neighbors and Nico Collins. I'm cool with with Kyra Miller.

[Daniel Dopp]

Kyrie Williams is your running back one?

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, yeah. Actually that's one of the guys you're like, all right. I came out of this with two superstars at other, you know, in my other slots and came away with Kyron as my. I'll take that all day long. Okay.

[Field Yates]

But it is good to answer the question. It was not this is not the James Cook situation that feels little more complicated than Kyron Williams or at least it has been. Obviously Kyron didn't miss any practice time. They each side spoke like it's a matter of time until we get this done. One thing that would be interesting or that is interesting is that Shefty noted on Twitter that a lot of people around the NFL viewed the Kyron Williams deal is perhaps one last roadblock to get over before a James Cook deal gets done. Cook probably envisions himself to be paid more than Kyron Williams. I would argue that the upside of James Cook is a little higher than Kyron Williams. They play a very different style of game. Yep. We're always looking for comps and data points in negotiations, and it wouldn't surprise me if James Cook sees. All right, $11 million for Kyron Williams. I'm going to go to the Bills and ask for more than that. We'll see how much more than that he can get.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, it feels like he is. Kyron's ADP is pretty appropriate right now. I don't think he's overvalued. I don't think he's undervalued. It's kind of right where things need to be and that's going to lead us into today's show.

[Field Yates]

The best at Segways.

[Mike Clay]

Stop it.

[Daniel Dopp]

We're going to dive into the overhyped players to avoid the underhyped players to be able to target. We're going to do a little round robin here at the desk. We each brought a handful of names to the table field. I'm going to start with you.

[Field Yates]

So two things here. We did something a little bit different than pretty much how we how we've always done Content on Focus is. We did not reveal our submissions to each other.

[Mike Clay]

Yep.

[Field Yates]

So I don't know who Mike or Daniel picked.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, we're finding out live in the moment here, just like the rest of you guys.

[Field Yates]

I also want to remind people of a conversation that we have often and especially during the preseason that so much of over versus undervalued and so much of like bus versus breakout versus whatever sleepers is. Everything's about value, right? Like, everything is about where these guys are currently costing you in your drafts. Right. Like, am I the biggest believer in like some of these guys I'm about to talk about right now? No. Relative to others in this room or at least other rankers at espn. But at some point, the price becomes too moderate to feel like it's a dumb investment. Mike took Joe Mixon pretty late in our mock a few days ago where you're like, okay, I, you know, we'll talk more about Joe Mixon a little bit. But like, that would be one where at some point he has to go off the board. Because in a world in which Joe is available for the first week of the season and potentially most of the season, he is going to be, we believe, a useful fantasy football back.

[Mike Clay]

But I'm going to start here.

[Field Yates]

I am going to begin with the player and his ADP has dropped compared to where it was really each of the last two seasons. And yet I'm still a little worried about where things stand with this offense. It is jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson who's now got his on my list. Okay, there you go. So we did not talk about this again. So we may have had a lot of crossover picks, but our producer Christina whittled them down and kind of said, hey, we each submitted, I think 10 or 7, whatever it was, and then we got a handful back. So Garrett Wilson, I'm not worried about the volume for Garrett Wilson is going to be monstrous. He has an average of, I think just over 100 catches per season in his three years in the NFL. The concerns for me, for Garrett Wilson are does he have the same chance to get to monster yardage or monster touchdown upside as some of the players that are being drafted are going to be drafted around or even slightly behind him. The DK Metcalfe of the world, the Terry McClorin's of the world, the Mike Evans of the world, even more players that go further down that list. He has not had more than 1105 yards in a season. Garrett Wilson, he has, I believe, a total of what like 11 touchdowns in his three first NFL seasons. And here is what Rich Samini, who covers the jets for us here at espn, does a great job, has done for a very, very long time. He's now, by the way, a Pro Football hall of Fame voter.

[Mike Clay]

Shout out to you.

[Field Yates]

This is him. Questions about whether the jets offenses needs more time or whether things are looking doom and gloom. The Fields led offense isn't giving the jets much to be excited about. In training camp on Tuesday, Field struggled for the third straight practice, throwing two interceptions in teen drills and one in a seven on seven period. New quarterback, new offense, same old results. So far the jets have been a bottom 10 scoring offense for nine straight seasons. If this was a recap of Matthew Stafford and the Rams, I'd say, hey, Matthew Stafford water will find its level. He's an elite passing quarterback who will finish top 10 in a lot of categories in NFL history by the time he is retired. For Justin Fields, the biggest question mark is can this guy throw capably enough to be a rising tide for wide receivers in an offense? We saw this in Pittsburgh last year. Even for a player of George Pickens talent level, it was super inconsistent. And you can argue that's kind of always the case with George Pickens, but it was especially so with Justin Fields. So Garrett Wilson, who was being drafted right around wide receiver 17 my first name.

[Daniel Dopp]

I feel I'm Mike. Do you want to say anything?

[Mike Clay]

Because I'm on board. I barely drafted him this year and it would not surprise me if the jets are dead last in pass attempts this season at all with Justin Fields back there. I did. When he, when Justin Fields went there, I immediately tweeted that I was concerned about Garrett Wilson ceiling. The volume was like we could talk about him as a fourth rounder and like a wide receiver too, but does he have a higher ceiling than that? I think that's where he caps out. I don't know how you go much further in an offense like this. So whereas if I told you that.

[Field Yates]

DJ Moore and I, I, I'm, I'm admittedly a little bit skeptical of DJ Moore, but like if DJ Moore plays an Amon Ross St. Brown type role, you're saying to yourself like that could be a top 12 wide receiver this season, right? If Mike Evans stays healthy, he could go for 80 catches, 1300 yards and 12 touchdowns because he's Mike Evans, right? In an offense that we expect to be quite pass heavy. So Garrett Wilson, my first pick. GNC knows that you're not always feeling it at the gym, but don't get down, get lit and get more out of every workout. Beyond Raw lit is a clinically dosed pre workout that flips the switch and gives you more energy, focus, intensity and pumps the perfect combo for a killer workout. Plus, it's got incredible flavors and thousands of five star reviews so you know it's good. Pick it up at GNC stores or.

[Daniel Dopp]

GNC.com 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-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.

[Field Yates]

Right now at the Home Depot you'll find storage solutions made to fit your needs.

[Daniel Dopp]

Grab an HDX Tuff tote to protect.

[Field Yates]

Your tools or keep your split sports equipment contained with reinforced snap fit lids. Or stack up and make better use of your space with bins and totes.

[Daniel Dopp]

Built to last.

[Field Yates]

Whatever your story, we've got the gear.

[Mike Clay]

To keep it organized and protected at the Home Depot.

[Field Yates]

How doers get more done all right.

[Daniel Dopp]

Mike, you're up next.

[Mike Clay]

All right, my first one on here is another New York Jet.

[Field Yates]

Another guy was also on my list. Mike and I apparently shared a brain.

[Mike Clay]

Concerned about the jets? I guess a little bit. Yeah. You know, obviously very disappointing. Last season he was top five in snaps and routes, targets, catches and yards for the second straight season. So that sort of volume is there, but the rushing volume was down last year and so he was not top 12 in touches last year or yards or touchdowns. And who's been getting all the hype in jets camp? It's been Braylon Allen.

[Daniel Dopp]

So who?

[Mike Clay]

Look, he was a mid round pick last season, but he was very highly regarded. I remember specifically Dallas fans being furious that Brit Braylon Allen did not go there for some reason. I kept seeing content about why they did not pounce on Braylon Allen last year. And he looked the part when he got opportunities last year. And again, he was also extremely young too. One of the youngest players in the NFL draft. Youngest player in the draft. So I do expect his role to increase. I think there's again fire where there's, where there's smoke with this one and he's going to, to have a role as a ball carrier. Hall will still play. I think he'll be in the Running Back 2 conversation. But coming off low efficiency in this offense with Allen rising, I think that hall just keeps coming off the board before I'm comfortable. So I'm just, I'm just not doing it.

[Field Yates]

He is no longer on scholarship and what I mean by that is the talent has not changed. I still think Breeze hall is a really, really talented player. But he's no longer there with the front office that drafted him. He's no longer there with the coaching staff that has been coaching him for the past three seasons. Right. Breece hall, can I use that? He no longer on scholarship. That's an important thing here for Breece Hall. By the way, he is now three years into his career. No murmurs this off season that I saw at least of the jets and Breeze hall talking extension. Now you could argue that after last season it's not the greatest time to be talking extension when you didn't have this monster year. On the other hand, you play the position that is as replaceable as any in the NFL that if you're a running back and you get a reasonable offer, you have to at least have some conversations with your agency and your front office about. Do I just put pen to paper here? Because we have seen in some off seasons that running back market be very pedestrian in free agency.

[Daniel Dopp]

I really wish that they utilize him as a pass catcher more. We've seen him be an elite pass catcher.

[Mike Clay]

Well, yeah, I mean I feel like that's what he has done. I mean the rushing volume was what dropped last year. He was top five. He's been top five in all the receiving categories the last two years. I think it's the rushing. Last year there's a concern and I'm not sure that's going to come back.

[Daniel Dopp]

I guess, I mean, this year I hope that they continue to use him as a pass catcher because with Justin Fields, I don't think that's going to happen nearly as much.

[Mike Clay]

I'm with you. We're worried about this offense, clearly.

[Field Yates]

Yes.

[Mike Clay]

It's Justin Fields.

[Daniel Dopp]

My first overhead. No, I'm kidding. It is Jerry Judy for me.

[Mike Clay]

Oh, okay.

[Daniel Dopp]

Listen, I like Jerry Judy and all the things that he did last year. I did, I did. But Jerry Judy has so many question marks. To me. He's not been a super great wide receiver here in the NFL. Last year was his best finish. He was wide receiver 19.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

But I feel like so many of his boom games were just buoyed by Jameson wins by Jameis Winston. I did it again. Dang it. And this is one of those things that like now I'm in Cleveland, I'm looking at this situation with the quarterbacks. They just signed Tyler Huntley as well for maybe.

[Mike Clay]

Yep.

[Daniel Dopp]

When you've got five quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks.

[Field Yates]

I think it's Joe Flacco coming out of the gates.

[Daniel Dopp]

Do you think that Joe Flacco is going to allow him to be the guy that you saw last year with multiple 20 point games as a wide receiver one in this Browns offense?

[Field Yates]

I think there is legitimate weekly upside with Jerry Judy when Joe Flacco is under center. But I become decidedly more nervous when it's not Joe Flacco under center.

[Daniel Dopp]

Is he?

[Mike Clay]

Yes.

[Daniel Dopp]

And I say this.

[Field Yates]

Joe Flacco's leash is quite short. I Love Joe. He's 40 years old. It wouldn't surprise me if Joe becomes an obvious trade target.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

If he gets benched after four games, someone might just say, we'll trade you for Joe Flacco to be our backup. If things go completely sideways with both Colts quarterbacks, like, would you be stunned if the Colts said, hey, here's a fifth round pick for Joe Flacco? Flacco to take over and save our ship. There are a lot of ways in which Joe Flacco can provide somebody value. I hear you.

[Daniel Dopp]

I don't. My problem is if I'm drafting Jerry Judy, I want to think about getting season long value out of a wide receiver that I had to take at that adp.

[Field Yates]

What's his ADP right now? I'd be curious.

[Daniel Dopp]

I'll pull it up.

[Field Yates]

I think I Went for players.

[Mike Clay]

Let's see, he's going in the sixth round and. Okay, I'm looking at 12 teamers across the industry.

[Field Yates]

And wide receiver, what does that bring him?

[Daniel Dopp]

It would be around 28 at ESPN, at least for what it's worth. Wide receiver 32, coming off the board at 81. So ninth round value there, 32. Wide receiver 32.

[Field Yates]

Okay, so I, I totally understand the pick. I went with guys going a little bit higher for the most part across my picks, but I feel you. Yeah. Like, if it's Dylan Gabriel by week five and you have five or ten straight weeks where it's Dylan Gabriel or Shador Sanders, and because they're rookies, they haven't quite found the rhythm yet.

[Daniel Dopp]

Coming in cold sounds like the beginning of his career playing with not great quarterbacks where he was wide receiver 46, wide receiver 70, wide receiver 49. And wide receiver.

[Mike Clay]

Yes. I mean, there's a little bit of a Jerry Jude.

[Field Yates]

I think some of last year was like a really important development year for Jerry himself.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, right.

[Field Yates]

Like, this is a super talented player.

[Daniel Dopp]

Who went fifth year breakout.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

But it's rare. But like, David and Joku had the same breakout in Cleveland. Like, I think this was like, the talent was always there. He was always one of those guys where we just wish he was in a. In a situation. Like, I think he needed to grow up. That's what I would say.

[Mike Clay]

Sure. And by the way, post DeSean Watson last year, he was wide receiver six. I mean, he was really dominant down the stretch, and they had a couple quarterback changes in there. He's been top 25 two of the last three years now. So you're right. It took a little time, but it seems like he's kind of established himself. So I think where he's going, I'm. I'm fine with it, really.

[Daniel Dopp]

So target share. I don't love it, but that's okay. We can have different opinions.

[Field Yates]

All right, so we're going 10, so we get about three to four each, right? Is that correct?

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah. Give it to. If we have enough time, we'll just get to as many as we can.

[Field Yates]

All right, let me share. I'll just make this one quick. I think we all sort of understand why I mentioned him a minute ago is like, hey, at some point you got to take him. And yet Joe Mixon I don't think has fallen far enough yet in 80. Agreed. There's just an incredible amount of uncertainty here. The Texans are saying nothing on Joe Mixon status. He's on the NFI list right now, there's very little clarity about what is the reason that he. Or what, what this, the nature of this injury is. He's a veteran player. This is not a 23 year old where you say to yourself like he's due to bounce back quickly. And I just fear that what's going to happen is we get towards the end of training camp where roster cut downs take place and we find out that Joe Mixon is immediately out for the first four games of the season and the Texans say we have no further comment on a timeline and that this becomes a half season thing or something to that effect. I, I just, he just makes me super nervous.

[Daniel Dopp]

I'm mostly, and you already use this example, but like I'm mostly passing on Joe Mixon and drafts because where I have him ranked is so much lower than where his ADP currently is. Once the ADP potentially corrects, if we get new updates, we'll see where he lands. But right now I believe ADP is. I'm going to pull this up while I'm talking about it.

[Mike Clay]

I believe, yeah, the reason ADP is the fifth round, but I think it'll, as we saw on Monday, it'll, it'll continue to fall.

[Field Yates]

We just seen one update like one chef, the update where it's like, hey, Joe Mixon's now expected to miss X number of days, weeks, months and that'll help course correct the adp. But he makes me very, very.

[Mike Clay]

There is a line like I found on Monday because I mean, the guy scored 14 touchdowns at 15 games, averaged over 100 yards a game over 18 fantasy points. I mean, if he comes out and does that for half the season this year, that's going to be super valuable.

[Field Yates]

I would argue the most encouraging sign for, for the Texans expecting Joe Mixon back at some point reasonably soon is that the rest of their depth chart is so uninspiring.

[Mike Clay]

Yes, I would, Yeah, I actually, I was going to make that point too. Even if he's out, do you feel like you want to target Nick Chubb or what he marks? Not really. I, I mean, Marks is maybe a fine late flyer, but I wasn't a big fan of him in terms of evaluating his efficiency at the quality level. And Nick Chubb, the reports aren't good there and so far in camp and he's not going to catch any ball. So, I mean, it's just, it has.

[Field Yates]

A. Nick Chubb waited for what, like three months before he signed with somebody this offseason?

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Field Yates]

It's not like he got, you know, crazy amount of money either.

[Daniel Dopp]

Didn't Woody Marks, like run really poorly at the combine too? Am I making that up? I thought he ran like a 4, 5, 40 or something like that.

[Field Yates]

He might have. I don't recall. Woody's smaller. He's just more of a pass. More of a pass catcher than he has like a power back.

[Mike Clay]

4, 5, 444 or 5.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Mike Clay]

So not good at his size.

[Field Yates]

Former Mississippi State to usc.

[Mike Clay]

Damian Pierce. This is his year. Yeah.

[Field Yates]

PUP list. Yeah. Mike, that's a joke.

[Mike Clay]

Okay. Oh, who do we got? All right, well, you're not going to like this one. We talked about him yesterday. Travis Kelce is next on my list here. You're just worried about the obvious things. He's older, he's coming off a down year. The I know the volume was up. Like targets and catches were actually up last season from the year prior. But yards, touchdowns, yards for target yards after the catch all were career lows. Fantasy points have been trending down the last few years. I know that this is a good Chiefs offense. They're going to throw the ball. He'll be a little better this year, but they have other mouths to feed here with Rasheed Rice when he's back. And of course Hollywood Brown is there.

[Field Yates]

You see the Hollywood Brown comments from Matt Nagy yesterday?

[Mike Clay]

What's that?

[Field Yates]

No, pretty interesting. Something to the effect and I don't have it in front of me, but my inference from it was basically like this guy's missed a ton of time since he has been a chief. Which is true. Right. He got hurt very last preseason and basically missed the entire year. And at some point, basically like the toll of missing all that time can manifest itself on the field. Right. Which got me thinking about a world in which for all the positive thoughts there are about the idea of an offense with Rashi Rice and Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown all running verticals down the field with Travis with Patrick Mahomes. There's also a scenario where like we begin the season and it's Rasheed Rice suspended and Hollywood Brown not available. And instead it's Xavier Worthy by himself with Jalen Royals or third round pick.

[Mike Clay]

That he Smith Schuster.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, yeah, that doesn't feel as great.

[Mike Clay]

It could be, but I mean, again, even down the stretch last season it was the Worthy show. The end of the regular season in the playoffs. I mean, it was a worthy show. Not.

[Field Yates]

What do you think the archetype they view for him is now going.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, it's tricky because I felt like he's kind of slid into what Rasheed Rice was doing race to some extent. So now is he with that forward targets more about. Yeah. Is it more vertical stuff? Playmaking stuff? But I think there's room for Worthy and Rice when they're both on the field together. But I. I just keep thinking back to even the first three weeks last season where it was like, oh, Travis Kelsey not really being utilized as much. Now they're running this offense through Rasheed Rice, and then Rice went out and then that changed a little bit, and he spiked in the middle of the season, and then he kind of dropped off again, and now he's another year older. I. I don't know. I just. I. Again, it's kind of what you said at the. The beginning. There's spots where, you know, eventually we'd pounce on these guys. But I found myself. Kelsey goes. I'm like, I'm glad. I mean, I don't want Evan ingram or.

[Daniel Dopp]

First three games of the season, 17 fantasy points for Rasheed Rice, 18 fantasy points and 29 fantasy points. In those games, Travis Kelsey scored 6.4, 1.6 and 7.

[Mike Clay]

And the target share was noticeably now.

[Daniel Dopp]

Four targets, three targets, and five targets. And then as soon as he goes, Rasheed Rice gets hurt, he has nine targets and then 11 targets and five targets and then 13, and then 16 and then 11. I think all the reasons why you saw Travis Kelce have such a huge target share, we can explain it. Based on the guys that missed time.

[Mike Clay]

There was a chunk of the season where all of it came. He was like 10, 11, 9, something like that. And then it kind of.

[Daniel Dopp]

And then it fell off. Yeah, he had three really nice 20 point games right in the middle of the season. I am definitively one of those I would rather be a year too early than a year too late guy. You've got to decide that in fantasy football for yourself. Right? You've got to make a decision. Are you okay being able to pass on someone? Because I would rather get out on Travis Kelsey and not pay the ADP that he's going at. Or do I think he still has some left in the tank? Whatever. It is just like, be content with the decision that you make. That's all I'm saying.

[Field Yates]

Got it. Okay, so we're halfway through the overvalued. Daniel, who's next for you?

[Daniel Dopp]

Patrick freaking Mahomes. The guy throwing the football. The Travis Kelsey.

[Field Yates]

I had him on my list.

[Daniel Dopp]

Bad company last year. That's a crappy band. You've never heard of. I don't know if you've ever heard.

[Field Yates]

Of Bad Company, Daniel. You could literally say coffee mugs galore is a never heard of.

[Daniel Dopp]

It might be. It might be now. Last season, Patrick Mahomes had as many 20 point games as Aaron Rodgers to Tagovailoa and Anthony Richardson. Those aren't the names you think Patrick Mahomes should be keeping company with. From 2018 to 2022, he averaged 23 and a half fantasy points per game and three of those five seasons he averaged over 24 and a half fantasy points per game. In 2023 he dipped to 17.5. In 2024 he dipped to 17.6. Like at this point we're talking about him like he's still a potential top six quarterback and other than getting a bunch of pass catchers back, I'm trying to understand what's changed or is this still just Patrick Mahomes carries this name value in fantasy football that people just can't quit.

[Field Yates]

I mean, for sure that's a part of it, right? Like familiarity is always going to breed an earlier adp. I see it a little bit differently than you because I do think there is a world in which he's a top six quarterback. My reason for him being a little bit overvalued right now is it his ADP last night when I was checking was right around player 53 overall. And there are just some guys who I like the outlook of better who are going three rounds later. Like I'll give you one in his own division, which is Bo nicks going at 81st overall, which is basically three rounds later than Patrick Mahomes. I definitely think the Chiefs, they've been talking extensively all off season about how they need to become a more explosive offense and they need to look a little bit more like the team they were not during their apex because they put in the freaking super bowl last year. Right. But during the years in which you woke up on Monday morning and you just watched Chiefs offensive highlights, not Chiefs defensive or blocked field goal highlights, which we did this past season. Right. So I hear you. I do think there is legitimate upside for Patrick Mahomes we've seen shaped. I just think that there are a couple of quarterbacks that are going later than Patrick Mahomes or going much later than Patrick Mahomes that I'm not saying I prefer, you know, Justin Fields to Patrick Mahomes, but if you're willing to really like, I understand the premium paid on the core five quarterbacks. I don't see it quite as much on Patrick bombs.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, I haven't found myself drafting me a lot, but as I mentioned this week, I'm generally targeting the big four at quarterback. However, I think he's fine where he's going because I think he still adds some value with his legs. It's still one of the past heaviest offenses in the NFL. We agree that when they're on the field, the supporting cast is better. And a big part of his problem the last two years is his average depth of throw is very low. I mean, it's been under seven the last two years. I do think to your point, they want to be more explosive. That goes back up and if that does, it's going to lead to more fantasy points. And we did see a stronger finish last. We saw some of that late last season and he finished strong. So I have some optimism.

[Field Yates]

We used to do. Maybe it was last year it was like predict the headline in advance.

[Mike Clay]

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Chiefs first two games. Chargers Friday night in Brazil.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Eagles Week two. I don't know where that one is.

[Mike Clay]

But he's gonna have to throw the ball in those games, I bet. Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Either that or he faces two potentially very good defenses. We know what that Philadelphia defensive front, albeit with guys like Josh Wet and Milton Williams still there, did to them last season. That Chargers defense was legit last year. So the tests are going to be really good for Patrick Mahomes that early on in the season, the reactions are either going to are going to be strong one way or the other from Homes. It's going to be I told you so. You should have bet on the guy coming back. He's the best player in the NFL. Or it's going to be the days of Patrick Mahomes being an elite fantasy quarterback are on hold.

[Daniel Dopp]

So 70% of the YouTube chat would rather have Bo Nicks in the ninth round than Patrick Mahomes in the sixth.

[Field Yates]

Well, 70% of the YouTube chat is dead on.

[Daniel Dopp]

I agree.

[Field Yates]

30% of you are wild.

[Daniel Dopp]

I agree with that.

[Field Yates]

Or Chiefs fans, which if he's your quarterback, that's totally fine. All right, good answer.

[Mike Clay]

I have no issue with that. Yeah, three rounds later. Yeah, give me that.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right, field. Give me another guy.

[Field Yates]

Last one or maybe last one because we're trying to get the 10. Zay flowers, ravens wide receiver. When was the last time that Zay Flowers had over six catches or over eight targets in a game?

[Daniel Dopp]

That's like the way you just asked that Mike Clay question makes me feel like I need to say A low number.

[Mike Clay]

Sometime in college.

[Field Yates]

That was the last time. Yeah, I know it was. It was 1999. You know, Dave Matthews Band was touring. No, it was before Halloween last year.

[Mike Clay]

Wow.

[Field Yates]

And why? In part because of the fact that this is arguably the best rushing attack in the NFL. The Ravens can win games on the legs of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. On top of that though, in the passing game, they have a lot of options right now. Right. Like it's a sneaky, deep passing. I don't know. It's sneaky. It's a deep passing group. Right. So Rashad Bateman had a breakout season last year. Very touchdown heavy. But he has at least found his footing as a legitimate NFL player. They extended him again this offseason for $12 million a year. DeAndre Hopkins. I didn't think the signing was necessary, but it's another body that I think. You sign a guy like that and there's an understanding he'll play a legitimate role for you week in and week out. Maybe the Nelson Aguilar role, but just a lot more volume and targets. And then they have a two head of the attack at tight end. Right. Once Isaiah likely is back, it's Mark Andrews and Isaiah likely. He has nine touchdowns. Does a Flowers in his two NFL seasons total. Mike, I texted you yesterday about red zone or end zone targets. Do you. I mean, I don't. I couldn't find the answer myself and I wasn't going to reveal the players.

[Mike Clay]

Now you tell. All right, well, I could look it up.

[Field Yates]

Well, okay. I don't know. Just while you're thinking out loud, like I'd be curious where Zay Flowers ranks in end zone targets.

[Daniel Dopp]

While Mike's looking that up, I just want to say we talked about this last year where if you draft Zay Flowers, you need to understand that you're going to have to deal with those boom and bust weeks. Right. You got to have probably some nice consistency at some of your other wide receiver spots because he is going to have games where he just doesn't get the volume in this offense.

[Field Yates]

That's. And that's. It's a very potential. It obviously can be an elite passing off already 41 passing touchdowns last year. But they can also go a month where Lamar throws seven passing touchdowns and he matches it with five rushing touchdowns and Derek Henry, 10 rushing touchdowns.

[Mike Clay]

Exactly. Yeah. 12 career end zone targets. He finished 53rd at receiver as a rookie. And end zone targets, he was 44th last year. They did change his role a little bit last year. More downfield work they did, but it didn't lead to consistent fantasy production. I mean, all those good games came in the first half of the season. To your point, I will say this much like Khalil Shakir or what we talked about with Garrett Wilson, I think they'll be fine. And I this is how I feel about Flowers and I've drafted him here or there. I feel like he's just one of them boring like wide receiver threes who will be fine. He'll, he'll deliver that for you. But the ceiling's not there.

[Field Yates]

You're not going to get much. What I'm talking about is that like when you're drafting around like wide receiver 20 to 25, maybe even all the way to 30, I'll talk about some guys that could be like top 15 players who are going closer to wide receiver 30 in just a little bit. Like to me there's just an opportunity to aim a little bit higher. And what's the old fantasy football adage like? There are no medals awarded for finishing fourth in your league, Right? Right. ESPN Fantasy football is more than just a game.

[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 a closet and assemble a 300 piece puzzle in the dark. Yeah, that stuff really actually happened. The football may be fantasy, but the stories are 100% real.

[Daniel Dopp]

So download the ESPN fantasy app, sign.

[Field Yates]

Up and start your story today. Insights with IBM WatsonX.

[Daniel Dopp]

This isn't just another ESPN fantasy football season.

[Field Yates]

It's your shot at greatness. With a refreshed design, the ESPN Fantasy.

[Daniel Dopp]

App is sharp than ever. So you can draft like a pro.

[Field Yates]

And dominate your league. And introducing Gridiron Gauntlet, a new game.

[Daniel Dopp]

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.

[Field Yates]

Need to have. You just need to have a couple of spike players per year. I have my questions about this player, but like out of Marvin Harrison Jr. And Zay Flowers, who would be a bigger surprise to finish as a top 10 wideout this year?

[Mike Clay]

It would be more surprising if flowers.

[Field Yates]

Finished top 10 and they're going like basically the same spot here.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, they're very close.

[Daniel Dopp]

These are the wide receivers really quickly. When you look at ADP wide receivers that are Right next to zay flowers. Basically 65 through, let's say 80. So like a 15 spot difference. You got Zay Flowers, Rasheed Rice, Cortland Sutton, Travis Hunter, Devonte Smith, Calvin Ridley, George Pickens, Jameson Williams, Jalen Waddle. I got a bunch of those guys that kind of have the same sort of vibe as Zay Flowers, but I think that they could potentially have. I mean, I still feel like Rasheed Rice is a wide receiver, one that you can draft on a per game basis, but you're drafting him at wide receiver 3 value right now because of the impending suspension with what people think. But on a per game basis, he's going to give you low end wide receiver 1. High end wide receiver 2 value. I would rather have that guy than say flowers. Mike, give me another game.

[Field Yates]

All right.

[Mike Clay]

I'm going to stick with the tight end position and go with Mark Andrews.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes.

[Mike Clay]

Again, much like Kelsey, just not a guy that I'm comfortable pouncing on. And his ADP is not too bad. 12 team leagues. It's in the eighth round. It's fine. But I just. There's a lot of concerns here. Obviously fell after all them top five fantasy seasons fell off last year. Target share dipped all the way to 15% last year. I mean, you know, Will Disley had a target share around that last year. Like that's not going to cut it. He was very reliant on touchdowns. 20th in targets, 14th in catches, ninth in yards, but first in touchdowns with a career high 11. Last year his career touchdown rate was 7.1%. Last year it was 16.2%, which is more than double. I mean, it's just not something that's going to sustain. This is a very good player. He's never not finished top five in yards per route run. But the touchdowns just are not going to be sustainable for him going forward. Even in a good offense. Keep in mind Lamar Jackson, as good as he's been last year was easily a career high in passing touchdowns. Every. All these quarterbacks, the best quarterbacks of all time will peak at some point. They're gonna, they're gonna fluctuate in these categories. We saw that with Mahomes, We've seen it with Burrow. Everyone.

[Field Yates]

Lamar, Tom Brady might not be in the next decade.

[Mike Clay]

Not Brady too.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, he still hasn't peaked yet.

[Mike Clay]

No way. But he did too. He had the season with Randy Moss. Right. And then he came back to earth. They all come back to earth. So I'm not sure Lamar is going to put that sort of Passing the passing production up again this season. So for me, for those reasons, I'm out. I'm out. Thank you.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes, Michael. Yes.

[Field Yates]

Really proud of you for that one.

[Daniel Dopp]

That was really good. I'm gonna go with a running back here. A little bit of an older running back because I listened to Mike Clay on the show yesterday. But for me it's Aaron Jones. It's not that I don't think that Aaron Jones can't be a really good running back and can't be a useful RB2 for your squad. I just rather go a different direction. Last year he had the most carries and touches of his career. He never touched the ball more than he did last year. By the way, he's 30 this year.

[Field Yates]

Wow.

[Daniel Dopp]

He won't account for nearly, which is ancient when you ask.

[Mike Clay]

That's human years.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's right.

[Field Yates]

Mike is 40, Aaron's 30 and he's.

[Mike Clay]

Just seems way older than he.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes, he does. Yes, Michael. Yes. I don't think he's going to account for nearly as many gold to go touches as he did last year. Last year he had a bunch of them. They signed Jordan Mason and I think this is one of those things. The Vikings, after what they saw last year, even though they've got a new quarterback, I think playoff aspirations are absolutely on the table. They want to make sure that they can utilize both of these running backs so that they're both healthy for a deep post season run. I just because of that, I would rather go a different direction than Aaron Jones this year.

[Field Yates]

You know what's interesting is so I think his ADP amongst running backs is like 28th. 29th.

[Daniel Dopp]

I thought it was 20.

[Mike Clay]

It's a lot higher than that. I have as a fifth rounder. Yeah. Okay, 23rd.

[Field Yates]

All right, got it. For some reason my memory was telling me it was like 28th or 29th and you're like, okay, so like if.

[Daniel Dopp]

He was 28 or 29th, I think.

[Mike Clay]

Like I would pound him at that point.

[Field Yates]

That's like bottom eight ADP in terms of projected starting running back in the entire league.

[Daniel Dopp]

Aaron Jones is 23 right now and.

[Mike Clay]

There'S a very real chance that he just splits the carries with Jordan Mason this season. There has been a lot of Jordan Mason hype so far this offseason. He looks like the, you know, he's the real, I want to say the real deal for a 28 year old journeyman running back. But you know what I mean, A guy that's going to be a factor here. Aaron Jones will be Primarily out there when they're throwing the football. Yes. Mason, we know, is not much of a pass catcher, but again, they score a lot of their touchdowns through the air. Jones was not much of a touchdown scorer last year. He was very unlucky in that area. But nonetheless, and not to mention, and we should have mentioned this probably with Addison, J.J. mcCarthy. Yeah, he's uncertain. He's very young and he's not play. He hasn't played it down. I'm optimistic about him. But it might go poorly. Very well.

[Daniel Dopp]

Fewer touches, it seems like, are on par for this offense with the addition of Jordan Mason. And you already mentioned the touchdowns. Like, if he didn't get the touchdowns last year, adding Jordan Mason probably isn't going to make it easier for him to find a role at the goal line.

[Mike Clay]

By the way, if you see, if you're watching on the screen, it has his name. Aaron Jones. Senior, Senior. Senior.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's how you know.

[Mike Clay]

That's just because he's 30 now.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's it.

[Field Yates]

He.

[Mike Clay]

He doesn't have a kid.

[Field Yates]

He has no kids.

[Mike Clay]

That's just because he's. No, of course he. He does. But, you know, that was a joke field.

[Field Yates]

I will. I know I will forever have respect for Aaron Jones for a lot of reasons, not the least of which I think his cousin or second cousin plays or recently played for UConn. So Aaron Jones became a popular figure. I moved to Connecticut five years ago and it took me about five seconds to figure out just how much the state lives for Yukon basketball.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right, field. Give me one more. You got one more name to be able to.

[Field Yates]

I do, yeah. We got one more. James Cook. So last season, James Cook, of course, was tied for the most rushing touchdowns in the entire NFL.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yep.

[Field Yates]

He had 16 of those, which. Yes, the regression. So the Mike Clay answer is the regression is coming.

[Mike Clay]

If you.

[Field Yates]

I feel like James Cook. When you hear the name, you think to yourself like one of the NFL's ultimate workhorse backs. Not quite.

[Mike Clay]

Not even close.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, he was 19th in the NFL in rushing attempts last season.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

There was three separate players in the Buffalo Bills who had 100 or more rushing attempts last season. His quarterback, Josh Allen being one of them, and then his teammate, Ray Davis. Ray Davis is just good. I wouldn't be surprised if Ray Davis role either stays right around 100 carries or maybe even creeps up a little bit more this season. I think James Cook will get paid. I think James Cook is a factor in the passing game when he gets opportunities, but he does not Get a ton of them. And the team believes they have the best third down back in the NFL, which is Ty Johnson, who by the way, Ty Johnson has made a ton of huge plays.

[Daniel Dopp]

Don't say that name around me.

[Field Yates]

I'm sorry.

[Daniel Dopp]

Ty Johnson just crushed the Lions in that Bills Lions game.

[Field Yates]

I remember it. I certainly do. Crazy catch. But the bottom line is this, is that like he's a very, very talented player with a very good role as opposed to an elite role. So James Cook being drafted around the likes of Kyron Williams and such. Little bit more risk for James Cook in my.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, what's. I just want to say this about Cook and where he's going because I've had this struggle this season expecting that touchdown regression and knowing that he's in a three man backfield, but also in a really good offense. Kind of weighing all these things. Using again 12 team ADP, it's. It uses more recent drafts. This is our friends at Draft Sharks who do it. They have a really good ADP tool. There's three running backs going in the third round which are James Cook, Alvin Camara and Breeze Hall. And I like, very, very clearly like James Cook among that trio. So I, I'm still like, I can justify this because, you know, fourth round is Ken Walker, Hampton, James Connor, Chuba Hubbard. Like, I, you know, I think where he's going, it's fine. I think it's just kind of the state of the running back. You get past some of these guys and you're like, all these guys have questions. Like we could pick them all apart. At least Cooks, a good, young, talented, high efficient, good office. Like, you could find a lot of positives.

[Daniel Dopp]

He was uber efficient. He was second in the NFL amongst qualified running backs and points per touch. I mean, he was super.

[Mike Clay]

I drafted him a little bit this year.

[Field Yates]

Yeah, a little bit. I just think that sometimes people are discussing him as like a little bit too likely to be like a top 10 running back this year. I think it's possible because those touchdowns can certainly inflate your value. But I think it's maybe a little more likely that he's outside the top 10 than inside.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah. How many times does a running back lead the position in touchdowns to finish eighth and fantasy points? Probably not often. I mean, you're going to be much higher than that in that scenario.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah. All right. That's going to do it for our players. Oh, how dare you guys.

[Field Yates]

Do you want to reveal like, other considerations you have?

[Mike Clay]

I'll tell you who else I have here. Jared Goff, of course. Brandon Ayuk. Not, you know, layer. Layup one there. Najee Harris. Easy one. And I was gonna go Debo Samuel.

[Field Yates]

Okay.

[Mike Clay]

Okay.

[Daniel Dopp]

My other names. We mentioned a bunch of them. Travis Kelsey. I also had Joe Mixon. And then I've also got Tyreek Hill and Mike Evans.

[Field Yates]

Tyree Kill was also. Tyree Kill was also one of mine.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah. I was thinking last night about, like, do I take tyreek over Ladd McConkey now?

[Field Yates]

Wow. It's a good. Here's what I would say, is that the ceiling for Tyree Kill is still exceptional. The risk of Tyree Kill vis a vis a guy like lad McConkey feels to me the reason why you go Lad over time.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah. Higher ceiling, but riskier. You're right.

[Field Yates]

For sure. I mean, Tyree Kill. I think there are questions. I think this is legitimate now. Like, I think we've legitimately crossed the point where it's, hey, this guy might just be like oil and water in his own locker room.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Right. Like, he might just be the kind of player that, like, has run its course with this franchise, and we'll be better suited moving on to the next.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah. And I'll just make one quick point on this. As bad as last season went and he barely played in week 18, he finished 18th in fantasy points. I mean, Ly McConkey was just a few points ahead of him.

[Field Yates]

Sure. Oh, I get you.

[Mike Clay]

I get you. He still. I mean, if things get back right for even half the season, he could light it up again and finish.

[Field Yates]

Why did he play so little in week 18? Because he quit on the team.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's a. Yeah.

[Mike Clay]

I don't know. It's a tough one because he did play hurt all season, and he did not miss a game last year.

[Field Yates]

I know it.

[Mike Clay]

And went over. Yeah. So I. That's a tricky one. I hope. I hope he comes back strong.

[Field Yates]

We move slow enough that we're not doing undervalued.

[Daniel Dopp]

By the way, I got a great undervalued on another day. I also have a really good list, for what it's worth. But let's take a couple of YouTube questions if we have the ability to do that while they pull up our first YouTube question. Oh, look at this. It's on the board already. A mailbag here from Fantasy focus. Dive into YouTube chat.

[Field Yates]

Do we ever go back and visit whose mock was the best or did we not. We bypass.

[Mike Clay]

Oh, it's mine. Don't worry about it.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was either Mike or I. Yeah, definitely you. Yeah, it was one of the two team seven. Yeah. All right. First question that we have from our YouTube chat today comes from Isaac Smith. Am I crazy to go wide receiver someone like Justin Jefferson, Puka or CD Lamb at pick three? I don't like who my wide receiver one would be around my next pick at 22 in a 12 team league.

[Field Yates]

That's not crazy at all. Jefferson's ADP right now is third overall. If you guys were doing. And I still think there might be some value in like a top 25 players in fantasy football show here, but who is the third ranked player on your board? I'm assuming both of you have Bijan and Jamar Chase.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, I have actually. Do I have Barkley or Jefferson there? Okay, question.

[Field Yates]

But Mike, you just made the point.

[Mike Clay]

I have Jefferson. Yeah.

[Field Yates]

So you guys both made the point that like, even if it was Barkley, it was a debate in your mind. I don't think it's a crazy idea at all.

[Daniel Dopp]

He said at 22. Right. Just to put some context around this, the wide receivers that are available, give or take it, it depends on the league.

[Mike Clay]

Right.

[Daniel Dopp]

If they're still there, you got Drake, London T. Higgins and Tyreek Hill. Lad McConkey. That's the range you're looking at for your wide receiver 1. The running backs that are available there though, you're looking at Bucky Irving, potentially Kyren Williams.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

So I'm not sure that you could go wrong either way. I don't think I'm proud of those wide receivers, but I don't think you're.

[Mike Clay]

Going to go wrong. If you're looking at Barkley and you're like, I don't. I'm worried about the volume and the age combo. And then Jameer Gibbs, that interior, that offensive line is. Is a concern. Montgomery's coming back. Why not just take a Justin Jefferson and then come back and take one of them up and coming running backs like a Bucky Irving, One of them.

[Daniel Dopp]

With you on that. All right, let's take another question here from our YouTube chat. I think this one's more of a statement. This one comes from Eddie Spaghetti, says, I drafted CJ Stroud last year and he did me dirty. I'm not drafting Knicks with less talent around him and no running back.

[Mike Clay]

Obvious major concern or difference here between these two guys. A very obvious difference here.

[Daniel Dopp]

We talked about his legs.

[Field Yates]

What was that, a typo?

[Mike Clay]

What?

[Field Yates]

No, that was a State not drafting Knicks.

[Mike Clay]

Yes. Yeah, so. But the obvious difference is rushing. I mean, Last year we talked like if you're going to take CJ Stroud, you have to hope that the skill guy. We talked about all the receivers and everything around him. There's a chance he could throw 35 plus touchdowns and have a huge passing season. He needs that because he does not run the ball very much. And sure enough he didn't run and the passing wasn't where it needed to be and he disappointed. Bo Nix runs a lot.

[Field Yates]

Yes.

[Mike Clay]

You know even it dropped off a little in the second half last season. But it was offset by a big boost in passing numbers and efficiency. But he can still run the ball. He had a historic season. I'll give you a stat in a second. I'll let you expand on this but I have an interesting nugget here on Eddie Spaghetti.

[Field Yates]

You and I, let's have a conversation, just the two of us. First of all, I got no conversation. Well done by Mike. But Eddie, hashtag, here we go. I love you brother. Steelers, Yinzers everywhere. A lot of optimism. They deserve it. Bo Nix, no running back R.J. harvey doesn't matter.

[Mike Clay]

But yeah, I was just annoyed about that.

[Field Yates]

We're not happy about that part.

[Daniel Dopp]

This had to be because last year C.J. stroud was drafted as potentially, you know, quarterback seven, quarterback eight, quarterback nine in that same range where Bo Nicks is going now. Right. So he's just trying to make a comparison. I, Eddie, we love you, want you to come back to the show. But I do not agree with the comparison.

[Field Yates]

He's my guy. He'll be back.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

Yeah.

[Mike Clay]

So here's, here's a nugget for you. Okay, so Bonix is 316 fantasy points last year were fifth most all time by a rookie quarterback. Here's the other, here's the other nine. Cam Newton, Jaden Daniels, Justin Herbert, Robert RG3. Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, CJ Stroud. That is a heck of a group right there. And I know Stroud's on that list but again he did, he had to do that with a lot of passing and surprise as a rookie. Bonix, that's a very good group. The odds of him being a star player are very good. And again he does it with his arm and his leg and the supporting cast was worse last year in Denver and he still was that productive. So I do not care very much.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, they signed up, I mean Cortland Sutton now got a long term deal that brought in Evan Ingram to play that joker role in that Sean Payton offense. You still Got Marvin Mims. Maybe Pat Bryant is the second coming of Michael Thomas. Wouldn't we all love that? Do we have any more questions here from our YouTube chat? Maybe one more before we get out for the show. Hey, this one comes from Matty Randoms. Who are we picking first, Jameer Gibbs or Saquon Barkley?

[Field Yates]

Good question, by the way. Matty Random. This is an important one here because I think it's a good reminder for us as we're doing content is that like it's so easy for us to discuss, like top five quarterbacks, top five running backs, top five tight ends. Much of the decision making that people are discussing or focusing on is all right, I've got the seventh pick. If both of Ashton Jensey and Malik Neighbors are on the board. Who do you prefer and why? This obviously is a running back versus running back decision. Jameer Gibbs versus Saquon Barkley. But it's probably a pick three, four or five debate that a lot of people are having. Yeah, these are the two highest scoring running backs in all fantasy football last year. Saquon Barku is a steady or more consistent player because Jamir Gibbs had David Montgomery available for much of the season. If David Montgomery is unavailable for a given week. Jameer Gibbs would be the number one player on my fantasy board if I were to rank every single player available in the game that week. But David Montgomery's got 22 touchdowns in two seasons with the Lions. He's going to play a role to me if each of the players.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes. 22 touchdowns in two seasons.

[Field Yates]

20 touchdowns in two seasons. Yeah. Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

Jameer Gibbs scored 20 last year alone.

[Field Yates]

Well, he's amazing. But I'm just saying a lot of.

[Mike Clay]

That was after Montgomery went out too.

[Field Yates]

I mean, like if, if. Now the best argument for Jameer Gibbs over Saquon Barkley is that if Saquon Barkley just has like age slash fatigue regression, then Gibbs could continue to ascend. But if those two players perform and are utilized similarly to how Gibbs was with David Montgomery in the fold, to me the answer would clearly be Saquon Barkley. Eileen Saquon Barkley by the narrowest of margins. But we can have a debate.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah, I would agree. I think that, I mean, Gibbs will do more in the passing game, but Barkley has a clear path to that feature back rushing role in a very good offense with an elite offensive line. You know, the same thing that we saw last season. The reason I had Gibbs ahead earlier in the off season was I was take. I was going with the Younger up and coming running back with receiving work over the guy coming off 400 touches last season, including playing all. Although it wasn't during the regular season. He had to play all the way into the Super Bowl. That's. That's a lot of work.

[Field Yates]

But I'm sorry that he had to do that for you guys.

[Mike Clay]

I know it was tough. It was tough. I was sitting there at the super bowl miserable because I'm like, oh man, I'm after.

[Daniel Dopp]

I think you dropped this. This is a Super Bowl. Yeah, eight.

[Field Yates]

Projections for next year aren't done yet. How am I going to survive? The Eagles are just absolutely stomping the Chiefs right now. Super bowl champions again.

[Mike Clay]

Another savvy B from the bar, you know. But the reason I ended up switching spots is I was. I'm a little bit concerned about for the first time in the Dan Campbell era, probably the offensive line to it. Oh no, well, that, that too. But I mean you have two good tackles but inside that's a big question mark, Daniel. I mean we. Their worst lineman last year might be their starting center now like. And he will be.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Mike Clay]

So it's. It's a. It's uncertain. It might be fine, but it's uncertain. And that could be a factor here for the efficiency.

[Daniel Dopp]

I do.

[Mike Clay]

It's enough to break the tie for me.

[Daniel Dopp]

Sure. I do like the guards that we have. Not a lot of people know who Christian Mahogany is. And then obviously we drafted Tate Ratledge out of the. Out of Georgia last year in the second round. Graham Glasgow at center is going to be something we got to figure out and that's going to impact both David Montgomery and Jameer Gibbs in a pretty serious way. I think he's a better backup center that you can rely on in spot situations rather than a full time starter for your squad. However, I just want to say this. I. One of These guys had 482 touches last year. The other one had 322. I just like the idea of the historical regression of how when you have that many touches, it's so difficult to do it again. I think it's easier for Jameer Gibbs to be able to get to this path.

[Field Yates]

I.

[Daniel Dopp]

You're right. He has a. Saquon has a clearer path to touches because he's not splitting time in the backfield with someone else. However, he is splitting that touchdown equity with a quarterback that's still going to score double digit touchdowns every single year. It feels like.

[Field Yates]

I just. I do think they'll same at a time, right?

[Mike Clay]

Yeah.

[Field Yates]

The reason why I feel a little better about Saquon repeating it is that I would argue him and Derrick Henry are the two most physically impressive running backs of the past 10 years.

[Daniel Dopp]

Potentially historical outliers. Right. If anyone could do it. And Derrick Henry was already an outlier.

[Mike Clay]

Because he did it to you.

[Daniel Dopp]

Right. He's done it.

[Field Yates]

Yes.

[Mike Clay]

I'm just nervous coming off this particular season for Saquon.

[Field Yates]

Me too foreign for the New Orleans Saints.

[Mike Clay]

Yeah. And that's why we're still.

[Field Yates]

That's why.

[Mike Clay]

But I'm glad you said that. Cause I was just thinking about that. It's not a normal situation either. He's still playing in a great offense, be behind a. The best offensive line in the NFL. So I'm glad you said that because that is why I'm holding strong on Barkley this high as a top five pick for that reason.

[Daniel Dopp]

All right. And the great thing about fantasy football is you get to make this decision yourself. If you feel in on Saquon, then go ahead and do that. If you don't, then go in with Jameer Gibbs. It's not like you're going to get a bad running back either way. You're not passing on Saquon Barkley and getting Nick Chubb as your starter.

[Mike Clay]

Oh, yeah. Like, week one, if you take Barkley, you're gonna be like, this is great. I made the right call. It's just like, is he gonna hold up for the rest of the season? You know?

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, That'll be fun. All right, that's gonna do it for us today. A little bit of news, guys. I'm not gonna be here tomorrow.

[Mike Clay]

What?

[Daniel Dopp]

I'm gonna be replaced by someone much better at this job, and that is gonna be the incomparable Liz Loza hanging out with you guys in studio. So it'll be a ton of fun to be able to have Liz here. Make sure you show up for that show. It'll be a blast. And then York City tomorrow night, that's going to be our Friday show. So it's going to be a ton of fun. I will see you guys then. But on behalf of Mike and for field gates, don't forget to love each other, be kind to yourself, and we'll see you guys later this week.