Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today
Episode: Offseason Obsessions: 10 Players We KEEP Drafting in Every Mock! (05/22 Fantasy Football Podcast)
Release Date: May 24, 2025

Fantasy Football Today from CBS Sports dives deep into the strategies and player selections that can give fantasy managers a competitive edge. In this episode, hosts Jamie Eisenberg and Dave Richard discuss their top picks across various positions, offering insights into why certain players consistently appear in their mock drafts. Adam Aizer, although taking a hiatus for this episode, leaves Jamie and Dave to guide listeners through their offseason obsessions.

Quarterbacks: High-Value Picks Amid ADP Fluctuations

The discussion begins with an analysis of quarterback selections. Dave Richard highlights the shifting Average Draft Position (ADP) landscape, emphasizing the unexpected drop of Justin Herbert's ADP. At [01:30], Dave states:

“I started the offseason thinking that I would take a lot of Justin Herbert and then I've seen this huge collapse in ADP for a lot of quarterbacks... I think Jared Goff is someone I'll be drafting well into the double-digit rounds.”

Dave advocates for Jared Goff, citing his hyper-efficient performance last season and the potential for increased volume with the Lions' more competitive schedule. He believes Goff can serve as a reliable backup or even a primary option in certain leagues.

Jamie Eisenberg adds to this by introducing Caleb Williams as another top quarterback obsession. She notes Williams’ upside, particularly with improvements in the offensive line and receiving corps. At [02:25], Jamie remarks:

“The upside for Caleb Williams could potentially be top five. So I like what you did there with Williams and Goff and I think that's a good approach.”

Jamie emphasizes pairing Caleb Williams with a high-floor quarterback like Goff to balance risk and reward, positioning herself to leverage Williams' explosive potential.

Running Backs: Balancing Potential and Reliability

Transitioning to running backs, Jamie and Dave discuss two sleeper candidates: Isaac Garendo and Jordan Mason. Dave explains his preference for Garendo due to his potential role in San Francisco if Christian McCaffrey remains healthy. At [03:50], he mentions:

“I think there's more upside with him in San Francisco if McCaffrey were to miss time.”

Conversely, Jamie leans towards Jordan Mason, influenced by Aaron Jones' evolving role. She cites Kevin O'Connell's comments about Mason complementing Jones better and mitigating concerns about Jones' workload and injury history. At [05:17], Jamie shares:

“I tend to go Mason first just because I think after what Kevin O'Connell said, it makes me more nervous about Aaron Jones and more excited about Mason... If I'm not the McCaffrey manager looking to handcuff for me, it's Jalen Warren.”

Jamie also touches on Jalen Warren as a valuable third or fourth running back option, highlighting his pass-catching abilities and potential in PPR formats.

Wide Receivers: Maximizing Value with Proven Performers

In the wide receiver segment, Dave expresses his continued interest in Chris Godwin, appreciating his value at the later stages of drafts. At [07:54], Dave states:

“I keep finding him at really good values and like he's my flex in a three receiver, one flex league. So as long as I can keep getting Godwin at 62nd overall... that's round six. That's excellent for somebody like Godwin.”

Jamie concurs, comparing Godwin's recent performance favorably against other receivers like Mike Evans. She anticipates Godwin maintaining his productivity despite team changes, attributing his potential to a strong quarterback connection and offensive scheme.

The conversation then shifts to Cortland Sutton, whom Dave advocates as a top 20 receiver based on his touchdown potential and adaptability to different quarterbacks. At [09:04], Dave explains:

“Sutton is now chasing a contract, I think there's still plenty of upside for Sutton to be an 1100, 1200 yard receiver. Eight touchdowns in that range again and you can get him in some cases in round five.”

Jamie highlights Sutton's consistency and the favorable circumstances surrounding his team, reinforcing the decision to draft him early in the receiving tiers.

Tight Ends: Hidden Gems with Explosive Potential

Moving to tight ends, Dave introduces two sleepers: Tucker Craft from Green Bay and Tyler Warren from Indianapolis. Initially vague to keep their identities under wraps, Dave eventually names them, explaining their potential for significant volume in their respective offenses. At [11:14], Dave elaborates:

“Tucker Craft... has huge opportunities to see a lot of volume in their offenses. I just think Warren is a good short area option for Indy.”

Jamie adds that Sam Laporta has emerged as a valuable tight end option, moving up in rankings and offering solid PPR value. She believes Laporta could secure a role as a tight end three or four, especially if other key players in the offense, like Brock Bowers and Trey McBride, perform well.

At [13:45], Jamie summarizes her tight end strategy:

“He's a great pass protector and I think he's going to get plenty of opportunities, hopefully protecting Aaron Rodgers as opposed to Mason Rudolph... I gravitate a lot toward Jalen Warren as a third, hopefully fourth running back depending on the build of my team.”

Conclusion: Strategic Drafting and Player Outlooks

As the episode wraps up, Jamie emphasizes the importance of staying informed through their full-length episodes and player outlooks available on CBSSports.com. She encourages listeners to utilize these resources to gain an edge in their drafts and throughout the fantasy season.

“Make sure you check out those player outlooks. We're doing a great job and getting you a lot of good nuggets on all these players... Thanks for listening and watching. FFT Express.”

Key Takeaways:

• Quarterbacks: Jared Goff and Caleb Williams are consistent high-value picks, offering a balance between reliability and explosive potential.

• Running Backs: Isaac Garendo and Jordan Mason emerge as late-round sleepers with significant upside, while Jalen Warren provides a strong option for the flex position in PPR leagues.

• Wide Receivers: Chris Godwin and Cortland Sutton are targeted for their proven performance and favorable team dynamics, making them excellent value picks in middle to late rounds.

• Tight Ends: Tucker Craft, Tyler Warren, and Sam Laporta are identified as sleepers with high upside, capable of outperforming their draft positions based on offensive opportunities.

• Strategy: Focus on balancing high-floor and high-ceiling players, leveraging player value relative to ADP, and staying updated through comprehensive player outlooks and analyses.

This episode equips fantasy managers with actionable insights and strategic player selections to enhance their draft performance and dominate their leagues in the upcoming season.