FFT Express - Don’t Forget These 5 Names on Draft Day: Kupp, Samuel, & More! | Heath Cummings’ Picks! (08/07 Fantasy Football Podcast))

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – "FFT Express - Don’t Forget These 5 Names on Draft Day: Kupp, Samuel, & More! | Heath Cummings’ Picks!"

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and the Fantasy Football Today (FFT) crew.

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Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Heath Cummings leads a focused discussion on five pivotal players fantasy managers should keep on their radar during draft day. The session is part of the "FFT Express" segment and provides in-depth analysis and strategic insights to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues. The conversation is dynamic, featuring co-host interactions that enhance the depth of the analysis.

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Key Players to Watch on Draft Day

1. Jordan Love – Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

Timestamp: [01:32]

Heath Cummings kicks off the discussion by highlighting Jordan Love as a must-draft quarterback. Love, who operated under a pass-heavy system last year, showed promising statistics before his injury—throwing for 4,100 yards and 32 touchdowns in 17 games.

Co-host Insight: "Jordan Love will be a top 12 quarterback again. And now he's not a bust. You don't have to draft in round six like you did last year." ([02:08])

This improvement is partly attributed to the Packers' strategic addition of wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round, which is expected to increase Love's pass volume and overall efficiency.

2. Tony Pollard – Running Back, Dallas Cowboys

Timestamp: [02:26]

Next, the conversation shifts to Tony Pollard, a running back who has consistently surpassed the thousand-yard mark over the past three seasons. Pollard's dual-threat capability as both a rusher and receiver makes him a valuable asset.

Co-host Analysis: "He's never had a year where he was below 4 yards per carry. If there's an actual threat of a passing game, we may see a return to efficiency where he averaged over five yards per carry in three of his first four years." ([03:10])

Heath reflects on Pollard's role within the Cowboys' offense, noting his potential for increased touchdowns and improved efficiency in a more balanced offensive attack.

3. Jacoby Meyer – Wide Receiver, Las Vegas Raiders

Timestamp: [04:32]

Jacoby Meyer emerges as a sleeper pick, especially in PPR (Points Per Reception) formats. Though he may not grab immediate headlines, Meyer's consistent performance positions him close to the top 30 wide receivers.

Co-host Recommendation: "He's a good candidate to be that guy... Probably going to see 110 to 120 targets, definitely going to catch two-thirds of them because he does it every year." ([04:32])

With an upgraded quarterback and offensive coordinator, Meyer is poised to become the primary receiving target for the Raiders, especially with the addition of Brock Bowers.

4. Cooper Kupp – Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks

Timestamp: [06:21]

Despite concerns over age and recent performance dips, Cooper Kupp remains a high-value pick in deeper rounds. At 32 years old, Kupp's persistence and role within the Seahawks’ offense make him a strategic late-round acquisition.

Co-host Strategy: "Cooper Kupp falls to round eight, round nine of drafts could very easily be a low end number two in full PPR." ([06:21])

Kupp's healthy status and significant role in Clint Kubiak's offense ensure his continued relevance, especially in the slot position.

5. Deebo Samuel – Wide Receiver, Washington Commanders

Timestamp: [08:11]

Deebo Samuel is discussed as a resilient option despite a challenging previous season marred by injuries. His guaranteed salary and incentives for the current season signal confidence from the Commanders, making him a viable pick for high-end wide receiver three.

Co-host Commentary: "Deebo Samuel is going to have a great chance to build rapport with Jaden Daniels when McLaurin's back. I do expect he will be an exceptional combination of an underneath guy, an over-the-top guy with Deebo handling 25 to 35 rush attempts." ([08:53])

Samuel's dual-threat ability as both a receiver and runner adds significant value, especially in PPR leagues.

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In-Depth Analysis and Strategic Insights

Throughout the episode, Heath Cummings and his co-host delve into detailed analyses of each player's potential impact on fantasy rosters. They assess factors such as offensive schemes, player health, and role within the team to provide listeners with actionable insights. For instance, Jordan Love's ascent is closely tied to the Packers' offensive strategy, while Tony Pollard's versatility makes him a cornerstone for the Cowboys' backfield.

Heath Cummings' Reflection: "Love it. All right, give me another player that we can't forget about." ([02:26])

This collaborative dynamic ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each player, considering both statistical performance and situational factors.

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Addressing Concerns and Providing Recommendations

The co-hosts don't shy away from discussing potential drawbacks or concerns. For example, with Cooper Kupp, age is a consideration, but Heath counters this by emphasizing Kupp's ongoing role and health status.

Heath Cummings on Kupp: "You know, how good 171 targets you said was this place is. Pukinakua was still amazing in that stretch... But yes, Kupp, that is good to see." ([07:12])

Similarly, the discussion on Deebo Samuel acknowledges his injury history but balances it with his proven ability to bounce back and the team's commitment to his role.

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Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Heath Cummings reiterates the importance of these five players in draft strategy, offering listeners a clear roadmap for making informed decisions. The engaging dialogue between Heath and his co-hosts provides a nuanced perspective, ensuring that fantasy managers are well-equipped to navigate their drafts successfully.

Heath Cummings' Closing Remark: "Thank you, Heath Cummings. Don't forget about Heath. And we'll be back tomorrow with another edition of FFT Express. See ya." ([09:23])

Listeners are encouraged to integrate these insights into their draft plans to enhance their chances of winning their fantasy leagues.

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Notable Quotes

• Co-host on Jordan Love: "Jordan Love will be a top 12 quarterback again. And now he's not a bust. You don't have to draft in round six like you did last year." ([02:08])

• Co-host on Tony Pollard: "If there's an actual threat of a passing game, we may see a return to efficiency where he averaged over five yards per carry in three of his first four years." ([03:10])

• Co-host on Jacoby Meyer: "He's a good candidate to be that guy... Probably going to see 110 to 120 targets, definitely going to catch two-thirds of them because he does it every year." ([04:32])

• Co-host on Cooper Kupp: "Cooper Kupp falls to round eight, round nine of drafts could very easily be a low end number two in full PPR." ([06:21])

• Co-host on Deebo Samuel: "I do expect he will be an exceptional combination of an underneath guy, an over-the-top guy with Deebo handling 25 to 35 rush attempts." ([08:53])

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Fantasy Football Today offers valuable insights for fantasy managers preparing for their drafts. By spotlighting five key players and providing thorough analyses backed by data and strategic thinking, Heath Cummings and his co-hosts deliver content that is both rich and actionable. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to fantasy football, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed and competitive draft choices.

Transcript

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[Heath Cummings]

All right, put these names on a list. Put them in your queue. Don't forget about these players on draft day. Here's Heath's list. Welcome everybody. Fantasy football today. Express ready over there?

[Co-host]

I'm fired up. You know, he said, here's Heath's list. And then there was a pause. I thought it was time for me to start talking.

[Heath Cummings]

Oh, sorry, no, that was. I don't even know what that was. That was. You know, I do that every show. Okay, so Heath, here's your list talk.

[Co-host]

Don't forget about Jordan Love. The packers went with an extremely pass a run heavy attack. Last year he suffered an injury. He's already said he also ran last last year because he wasn't healthy. But he is still the same quarterback in the same offensive system that just one year ago he threw for 4, 100 yards and 32 touchdowns in 17 games. Even last year we saw him average 8 yards per attempt and post a 5.9 touchdown rate. The packers just drafted a wide receiver in round one for the first time in two decades and Matthew golden has looked like he's every bit worthy of that selection in training camp. If there's an uptick in pass volume for the packers, and I think there will be, Jordan Love will be a top 12 quarterback again. And now he's not a bus. You don't have to draft in round six like you did last year.

[Heath Cummings]

Love it. All right, give me another player that we can't forget about.

[Co-host]

Don't forget about Tony Pollard. I know you and I have gone back and forth on Tony Pollard over the years. I Think there was a time where you were the big Tony Pollard guy and I was the anti Tony Pollard guy. But he's gone over a thousand yards rushing each of the last three seasons. He's averaged about 45 receptions each of the last three seasons. Cam Ward's there, so there should be a more functional offense to help assist him in scoring more than the five touchdowns than he scored last year. He's never had a year where he was below 4 yards per carry. If there's an actual threat of a passing game, we may see that a return to efficiency where he averaged over five yards per carry in three of his first four years.

[Heath Cummings]

Yeah, you actually definitely had an impact on the way I see Tony Pollard when we talked about the running backs. Running Backs Preview Part two, because I have been stuck on this. You know, he played nine games with, you know, him having a normal snap share, Tajay Spears having a normal snap share and he was on pace for 236 carries and 43 catches. And then you, you said it's not that far off from what we've seen from Isaiah Pacheco at his best. So Pacheco was RB14 per game two seasons ago and he was on pace for 249 carries and 53 catches. Difference is he was on pace for five more total touchdowns than Pacheco was. So I think it's a pretty good point and I'm still going to take Pacheco over Pollard, but maybe the gap is smaller. My concern there is that they just keep talking up Tajie Spears. So maybe that 236 carries. I think I said it was. Maybe that's more like 215 or something like that. Maybe Spears just has an even bigger role. Spears seemed to be, for whatever reason, the goal line back. I don't really buy it, but I do think it's worth mentioning that carries, I think inside the three yard line was zero for Pollard and four for Spears in the games that they both played together. So that's my concern with Pollard, but you did open my eyes that maybe he's not that far off from Pacheco.

[Co-host]

Excellent. Glad I could help.

[Heath Cummings]

Yeah, thank you for doing that. All right, who's next?

[Co-host]

Don't forget about Jacoby Meyer. So maybe he makes you yawn when you think about him, but he falls two rounds later than he should in every full PPR draft. He pretty much when he plays a full season is close to a top 30 wide receiver. He's an excellent. If you've gone running back heavy and you just need a consistent wide receiver. 3. He's He's a good candidate to be that guy. Probably going to see 110 to 120 targets, definitely going to catch two thirds of them because he does it every year. Just got a quarterback upgrade and an offensive coordinator upgrade and he's the clear wide receiver one for the Raiders even if Brock Bowers is the target. 1.

[Heath Cummings]

Okay, we're going to take a break. So we've talked about Jordan Love, Tony Pollard and Jacoby Myers and we'll be right back after this on Fantasy Football today. As a young adult, finding the right path to your future can feel overwhelming. It starts with Europe United's tuition free job training program Career Pathways. If you're without a bachelor's degree but have a high school diploma or ged, you can get skills first training to succeed in the industries you're passionate about. All while earning a weekly educational stipend to offset basic expenses. From there you'll have access to internships and hands on experiences with Fortune 500 companies. And with Europe United's job placement services and personalized coaching and mentorship, you can put your knowledge, skills and most importantly confidence into practice. Apply to Europe United today and take the first step toward achieving the career you want. Visit yearup.org to learn more. All right, we're back with more of Heath's players that you need to remember. Don't forget about these guys on draft day. Heath who's next?

[Co-host]

It would be easy to forget about Cooper Cup. He's 32 years old. That's a scary age for wide receivers. He only had three targets per game in the last three games that he played last year. Now he's in Seattle. DK Metcalf's gone and I just think it's worth remembering the first nine games of Cooper Cup's season last year and he missed four in the middle. So it's through week 14 he was on pace for 171 targets, 119 catches, 1241 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cooper cup as all reports indicate, he looks healthy and is doing a good job in his slot. Heavy role in Clint Kubiak's offense and another guy who falls to round eight, Round nine of drafts could very easily be a low end number two in full ppr.

[Heath Cummings]

You know my favorite part of that? What you said about Cooper cup and you know how good 171 targets you said was this place is. Pukinakua was still amazing in that stretch. I know you're not talking about him Right. But that's why for people who are worried about devonte Adams, I don't really know that devonte Adams is going to be more involved than Cooper cup was and Puka was still great as long as we just need Stafford to be healthy there. But yes, cup, that is good to see. Do you think he's a, an impediment to the, the progress of jsn?

[Co-host]

I, you know, for most of the off season, I've been a little lower on JSN and a lot higher on cup than everybody else. I've kind of shifted that a little bit to where I, I have JSN still as a top 15 wide receiver, but I do think he's an impediment to JSN seeing 10 targets per game because I think Cooper Cup's going to have a big role as long as he's healthy.

[Heath Cummings]

All right, who's next?

[Co-host]

Don't forget about Debo Samuel, another guy who would be easy to forget about after last year. Worst year he's had in several. But I just don't think he was ever healthy. He battled some injuries, he battled pneumonia. He didn't have quite the same role in the offense in terms of where he was being targeted. And there's been some question about, well, will Cliff Kingsbury even use him in the running game? I think it's important to remember that Cliff Kingsbury coached against Steve Debo Samuel during some of Debo Samuel's best years and loved him so much that he tried to turn Rondale Moore into Debo Samuel, creating the greatest nickname I've ever come up with, Placebo Samuel, that you didn't get at all at the time. But that's okay.

[Heath Cummings]

It doesn't make any sense that he's not a placebo.

[Co-host]

I. The placebo effect. And so, so I would ex and Terry McLaurin's holding out, which has given him a great chance to build rapport with jaden Daniels when McLaurin's back, and I do expect he will be. This is an exceptional combination of an underneath guy, an over the top guy with Deebo hopefully handling 25 to 35 rush attempts in the process. I like his chances of being a high end wide receiver three this year.

[Heath Cummings]

Yeah, just to reiterate some of the things Heath said, Deebo Samuel had 19 targets in weeks one and two and then he missed week three with a calf injury and then he had a wrist injury and then he had pneumonia like symptoms that put him in the hospital before week eight. And he still played in that game, and then he had ribbon oblique injuries. Also, the Commanders guaranteed his entire salary for this season, and they added $3 million in incentives. And Debo said he wants to reward them. And we've seen him bounce back before. 2022 was kind of a bad year for him. It was a bad year for him. He bounced back nicely in 2023. So it's a. It's a. A fun call. Debo Samuel. All right. Thank you, Heath Cummings. Don't forget about Heath. And we'll be back tomorrow with another edition of FFG Express. See ya.

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