Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today Episode – "NFL Draft Day Three Recap! Do We Have Some Starting RBs Here?" (Released April 27, 2025)

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Azer alongside analysts Dave Richard and Chris Tripasso, the team delves deep into the analysis of Day Three picks from the recent NFL Draft. The focus is primarily on running backs (RBs) and their potential impact on fantasy football leagues. The discussion is enriched with historical insights, player evaluations, and strategic recommendations for fantasy managers aiming to dominate their leagues.

1. Recap of Day Three Running Back Picks

Bashel Tutin – Jacksonville Jaguars (02:37)
Dave Richard kicks off the conversation by highlighting the Jaguars' selection of Bashel Tutin in the early rounds of Day Three. Tutin is praised for his speed and versatility, with Dave noting, “If Travis ETN can't get going, he could be the 1A back in Jacksonville” (02:37). Adam Azer adds historical context, mentioning that over the past 15 years, only five RBs drafted on Day Three or as undrafted free agents have become significant fantasy contributors.

Cam Scatterboo – New York Giants (05:55)
Chris Tripasso discusses Cam Scatterboo's draft to the Giants, describing him as a "beast" on the field but notes concerns about his speed. Scatterboo is viewed as a potential workhorse RB who could carve out a role in the Giants' backfield, complementing existing players like Devin Singletary.

2. Historical Context: Success of Day Three RBs

Adam Azer provides a detailed analysis of RBs from the last 15 years, stating, “I only count five running backs over the last 15 years that had a really good rookie season to the point where they were worth drafting” (02:37). He lists notable names such as Alfred Morris and James Robinson, emphasizing the rarity of Day Three RBs turning into fantasy stars. This sets the stage for assessing the current draft's RB selections against historical performance.

3. Key RB Picks and Their Fantasy Implications

Jaden Blue – Dallas Cowboys (08:45)
Picked in Round Five, Jaden Blue is seen as a high-upside prospect. Dave Richard comments on Blue’s fit within the Cowboys’ system, highlighting his speed and hands: “He does passing game and so that's probably going to be where he lives for the Cowboys” (08:45). Blue is projected as a valuable fantasy asset, especially in PPR leagues, due to his multi-faceted role.

DeAndre Swift – Chicago Bears (09:38)
Identified as a notable winner, DeAndre Swift's selection is praised for his proven production and versatility. Chris Tripasso states, “I think that's a big winner in terms of just fantasy relevance for DeAndre Swift” (09:43), underscoring his potential to contribute significantly in both rushing and receiving yards.

Taj Brooks – Cincinnati Bengals (11:02)
Drafted in the sixth round, Taj Brooks is evaluated as a complementary back to Chase Brown. Chris Tripasso elaborates, “He can actually push him a little bit in time” (11:02), suggesting that Brooks could seize opportunities for longer runs and provide depth, making him a potential steal for fantasy managers.

4. Evaluating Potential Veteran and Rookie Winners

Jerome Ford – Jacksonville Jaguars (09:21)
Ford is discussed as a wildcard option who could emerge as a reliable fantasy RB if the Jaguars' offense capitalizes on his talent. His late-round selection is viewed as a low-risk, high-reward scenario.

Jarquez Hunter – Los Angeles Rams (35:31)
Hunter is compared to Kyron Williams, highlighting his elusiveness and efficiency: “He's going to make some plays and help those wide receivers out” (39:22). Despite being drafted in the fifth round, his versatility could make him a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.

5. Concerns and Potential Busts

Quintean Judkins & Dylan Sampson – Cleveland Browns (14:42)
The Browns' strategy of drafting both Judkins and Sampson raises questions about their fantasy viability. Dave Richard expresses skepticism about their combined impact: “It's someone that's going to take Judkins off the field” (16:27), cautioning fantasy managers against high expectations from these picks.

Devin Neal – Saints (45:39)
Picked in the sixth round, Devin Neal is scrutinized for his poor workout performance and limited athleticism. Chris Tripasso remarks, “I have absolutely no interest in Devin Neal and he went in the sixth run rounder” (45:06), marking him as a potential bust for fantasy drafts.

6. Quarterback Room Shakeups: Browns' Duo

Shador Sanders & Dylan Gabriel – Cleveland Browns (29:37)
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Browns' choice to draft quarterbacks Sanders and Gabriel in the fifth and third rounds, respectively. Both Dave Richard and Chris Tripasso express concerns about the depth and performance of the Browns' QB room, highlighting Flacco's durability and the uncertain future of the rookies in fantasy terms.

7. Bears' Passing Game Analysis

Roman Dunes, D.J. Moore, Colson Loveland, and Luther Burden – Chicago Bears (17:05)
Chris Tripasso critiques the Bears' WR selections, suggesting that Roman Dunes may struggle to find his position in a crowded receiving corps: “I think Roma Dunes is a little bit of a loser in this situation now” (17:05). The lack of alignment versatility is also noted as a potential hindrance to his fantasy output.

8. Teams Doubling Up on Positions

Running Backs and Wide Receivers (24:48)
The analysts discuss various teams' strategies of drafting multiple RBs or WRs in Day Three, labeling them as "Noah's Ark players." Common sentiment is that these late-round doubles are often speculative and may not yield significant fantasy returns. Chris Tripasso notes, “I didn't really like any of those at all” (25:44), suggesting cautious optimism.

9. Final Fantasy Implications and Strategies

Mock Drafts and Future Predictions (35:40)
Adam Azer previews upcoming content, including mock drafts and rankings updates. The team advises fantasy managers to consider the depth of RB positions and to remain cautious with Day Three picks, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and depth in roster construction.

10. Concluding Insights

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the overall quality of Day Three picks, emphasizing that while some RBs like Bashel Tutin and Jaden Blue show promise, many selections may not significantly impact fantasy leagues. The analysts urge listeners to focus on value picks and to remain vigilant for late-round sleepers while avoiding speculative selections that could jeopardize their team's performance.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Richard (02:37): “Day three picks typically do not become huge fantasy stars.”
• Adam Azer (08:45): “Jaden Blue, Dave, huge opportunity here.”
• Chris Tripasso (11:02): “I think Taj Brooks can actually push him a little bit in time.”
• Chris Tripasso (25:44): “I didn't really like any of those at all.”

Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Football Today provides a comprehensive analysis of the Day Three NFL Draft picks, with a keen eye on running backs' potential in fantasy leagues. By blending historical data, player evaluations, and strategic insights, Adam Azer and his team equip fantasy managers with the knowledge needed to navigate the post-draft landscape effectively. Whether you're looking to capitalize on the emerging talents like Bashel Tutin or wary of potential busts like Devin Neal, this episode offers valuable guidance to enhance your fantasy football strategy.