QB Stock Watch! Who Might Rise If Their Team Drafts Wisely? (04/17 Fantasy Football Advice)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – Episode: "QB Stock Watch! Who Might Rise If Their Team Drafts Wisely?" (04/17 Fantasy Football Advice)
Release Date: April 19, 2025

Hosts: Adam Aizer, Jamie Eisenberg, Dave Richard, Heath Cummings, and the CBS Sports Fantasy Football Crew

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Introduction

In the April 17 episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Adam Aizer teams up with analyst Jamie Eisenberg to delve into the quarterback (QB) landscape heading into the upcoming NFL Draft. The discussion centers on QBs whose fantasy stock could rise significantly if their teams make strategic draft moves, particularly focusing on enhancing receiving corps and overall team dynamics. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide fantasy managers with insights to optimize their QB selections for the upcoming season.

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Key Discussions and Insights

Justin Fields and the New York Jets

• Jamie Eisenberg opens the conversation by addressing the potential impact of the Jets’ draft decisions on Justin Fields.
  “I think Justin Fields can benefit. I think Drake may significantly could benefit, you know..." ([01:01])

• Fields, currently a consistent 20-point-per-game producer when given the opportunity, stands to gain from the Jets bolstering their receiving options. Eisenberg posits that rather than drafting a new QB, the Jets might focus on enhancing their incomplete receiving corps, which has recently lost key players like tight end Tyler Conklin.

• Adam Aizer concurs, suggesting that supporting QBs with improved offensive weapons could elevate Fields’ fantasy value. He highlights the importance of surrounding a QB with reliable pass-catchers to maximize their performance.

Trevor Lawrence and the Las Vegas Raiders

• The discussion shifts to Trevor Lawrence, emphasizing the Raiders' need to strengthen their receiving lineup to complement Lawrence’s abilities.
  “...to add a receiver or two throughout the course of the process, especially early, that's going to make Trevor Lawrence better.” ([02:50])

• Eisenberg notes that adding another playmaker could significantly enhance Lawrence’s output, making him a more formidable option in fantasy drafts. The Raiders’ potential moves to acquire receivers who can consistently convert passes into yards and touchdowns are seen as pivotal for Lawrence’s improvement.

Geno Smith and the Arizona Cardinals

• Jamie Eisenberg explores Geno Smith’s situation with the Cardinals, suggesting that adding more pass-catching options like Brock Bowers and Jacoby Myers could elevate Smith’s fantasy appeal.
  “Smith would benefit with another pass catcher knowing that Brock Bowers is a stud and Jacoby Myers is a nice receiver.” ([04:31])

• The conversation highlights the strategic importance of drafting receivers who can create separation and score, thereby increasing Smith’s opportunities to rack up points.

Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals

• The possibility of the Cardinals drafting a new receiver to complement Kyler Murray is discussed, with Eisenberg expressing cautious optimism.
  “I think it was traps. That would be great for Kyler Murray, you know, just another, you know, playmaker on the outside.” ([04:57])

• Aizer adds that enhancing Murray’s receiving options would be beneficial, although uncertainty remains about how much this could elevate his ranking in fantasy quarterback tiers.

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys

• Addressing the Cowboys, Eisenberg assesses the potential impact of drafting a wide receiver on Dak Prescott’s fantasy value.
  “...but a lot of what he did in 2023 was CD Lamb being an absolute stud, which I think he will be... it won't move the needle for me to put Dak back in the top 12.” ([05:49])

• While acknowledging that additional receiving options could aid Prescott, Eisenberg remains skeptical about pushing him back into the top tier of fantasy QBs, citing the significant role of players like CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson in his production.

Bryce Young and Backup QBs

• The episode examines Bryce Young’s recent performances and his potential as a fantasy option if his team drafts wisely.
  “He's definitely in the conversation now to be a backup you consider taking, but he's at the back end of that group.” ([06:51])

• Eisenberg expresses doubt about Young reaching high fantasy rankings, emphasizing the need for a more complete receiving group to maximize his upside.

Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson

• A comparative analysis between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson ensues, with Eisenberg defending his preference for Jackson despite Allen’s elite status.
  “I just think that they're 1 and 1A, you know, so I'm not going to fight anybody that has Allen over Jackson.” ([08:37])

• Aizer questions whether teams drafting aggressively could alter their rankings, but Eisenberg maintains that both Allen and Jackson remain top choices despite potential team changes. He highlights Jackson’s consistent improvement and Allen’s adaptability under new coaching.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jamie Eisenberg ([01:01]):
  “Justin Fields can benefit. ... a guy that's been a consistent 20 point per game producer whenever he's gotten the chance to start could get that much better.”

• Jamie Eisenberg ([02:50]):
  “...to add a receiver or two throughout the course of the process, especially early, that's going to make Trevor Lawrence better.”

• Jamie Eisenberg ([04:31]):
  “Smith would benefit with another pass catcher knowing that Brock Bowers is a stud and Jacoby Myers is a nice receiver.”

• Jamie Eisenberg ([05:49]):
  “...a lot of what he did in 2023 was CD Lamb being an absolute stud, which I think he will be... it won't move the needle for me to put Dak back in the top 12.”

• Jamie Eisenberg ([06:51]):
  “He's definitely in the conversation now to be a backup you consider taking, but he's at the back end of that group.”

• Jamie Eisenberg ([08:37]):
  “I just think that they're 1 and 1A, you know, so I'm not going to fight anybody that has Allen over Jackson.”

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Conclusions and Takeaways

The episode underscores the critical role of team composition and draft strategy in elevating quarterback performance and, by extension, their fantasy football value. Key takeaways include:

• Supporting Cast Matters: Quarterbacks thrive when paired with reliable and high-performing receivers. Teams looking to draft QBs should prioritize strengthening their receiving corps to maximize fantasy points.

• Strategic Drafting: Identifying teams that are likely to make beneficial draft moves can help fantasy managers anticipate which QBs may see their value rise.

• Top Tier QBs Remain Strong: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson continue to dominate the top of fantasy QB rankings, with their consistent performance and ability to adapt to team changes keeping them highly valuable.

• Backup QBs with Potential: Players like Bryce Young may see increased value as backups if their teams make strategic additions, though their upside remains somewhat limited without significant offensive support.

• Positional Needs Influence Value: Teams like the Jets and Raiders, who address their receiving deficiencies through the draft, can significantly boost their QBs’ fantasy prospects.

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Final Thoughts

Adam Aizer and Jamie Eisenberg provide a nuanced analysis of the quarterback landscape in this episode, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and draft strategies in shaping fantasy football outcomes. By focusing on how teams can enhance their offensive units, especially around their quarterbacks, fantasy managers can make informed decisions to secure top-performing QBs for their leagues.

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Stay tuned to Fantasy Football Today for more expert insights and strategies to dominate your fantasy league!

Transcript

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[Adam Azer]

Fantasy Football Today Express. Let's talk about quarterbacks who could be on the rise. NFL Draft is one week away, April 24, and we'll have coverage for you after the draft ends. We'll recap every day of the NFL draft, Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday night, into the following morning. I'm Adam Azer with Jamie Eisenberg on FFT Express. So we're looking for quarterbacks whose value might rise if their teams draft wisely in the NFL draft. Who stands out to you?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I actually wanted to bring this up on the Wednesday show. I didn't know which way you were going with it. We kind of, you know, sped through it quickly. But if I'm, if, unless I'm wrong, Dave had Justin Fields as a veteran that could be negatively impacted by the NFL draft because of the jets potentially drafting a quarterback. Yeah, I see it the other way. I think that the jets are in play to take maybe Tyler Warren or to add to their receiving core. As it stands right now, it's a very incomplete receiving core. Remember, they just lost their tight end, for example, in Tyler Conklin, if you still consider him a, you know, a big playmaker for them. So they're going to add pieces. And they paid Justin Fields to be their starter. They're talking about Justin Fields being their starter. They may at some point add a quarterback. I don't think it's going to be at 7. So if they give some playmakers to Justin Fields, while we know he's not going to necessarily enhance them, they may enhance him to the point where a guy that's been a consistent 20 point per game producer whenever he's gotten the chance to start could get that much better. So I think Justin Fields can benefit. I think Drake may significantly could benefit, you know, if they add some pass catchers because we know this is a receiving cord that's very complete. You know, Stefan Diggs isn't necessarily the answer to making them, you know, dramatically better. Trevor Lawrence, you know, losing two guys this off season. Interesting. And Christian Kirk and Evan Ingram, you know, I think they're going to add some playmakers. You, they're, they're definitely in play whatever you think about it for Ash and Genti5 but if they don't and they trade down and maybe they add a receiver or two throughout the course of the process, especially early, that's going to make Trevor Lawrence better. Because right now, you know, just throwing to Brian Thomas, while it's great, I don't think he necessarily helps make Trevor Lawrence better by himself. So you just look at some of these receiving chords that need help and you know, those are a couple that stand out to me.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah, I look at, I just wonder how many wide receivers can really have a huge impact for their quarterback this year. I would say Hunter, but we all know just don't know how many snaps he's going to play. Plus we're gonna but boost Joe Flacco maybe, maybe you know, he's like QB20 or something. I don't know. But McMillan really stands out. So where do you want McMillan to go as it relates to a quarterback?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I mean, I love it for New England, you know, just for a team that, you know, could use anything really to, you know, step up that receiving core, you know. So Drake may again, you know, you look at it, he would have been over a 17 game season had he been the starter. He would have been third in rushing yards at the position, you know, just shy of 700 yards. So he gives you that potential. I know you talked about this a lot. He's not going to have as many yards per carry most likely, but still he's gonna run and he did a nice job with the limited weapons around him. So Josh McDaniels I think is an upgraded offense coordinator and hopefully we see, you know, some pieces to help him. Some McMillan there would be, you know, ideal. I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders, you know, add a receiver. Clearly, you know, so again, similar to Joe Flacco. I don't think many people are getting excited about Geno Smith. They're, you know, hopefully in a little bit of a different category but similar in terms of I think what their fantasy value would be. So Smith would benefit with another pass catcher knowing that Brock Bowers is a stud and Jacoby Myers is a nice receiver. I just don't know if he's the type of guy you want to say is your 1A so, you know, getting another piece there. And I also think, you know, you look at, I remember who it was. If it was Christopher Passo or somebody else that we had on or another mock draft. You're reading Matthew golden to the Cardinals. I think it was traps.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah, I think so.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

That would be great for Kyler Murray, you know, just another, you know, playmaker on the outside. It would suck for Marvin Harrison and potentially Trey McBride, but you know, again, just putting another piece around Kyler Murray, who we know doesn't necessarily support those guys to what we like individually as, as a group. But you know, again, you upgrade over Michael Wilson or, you know, Greg Dortch, whatever they have there behind Marvin Harrison. It's a, it's a nice plus.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah, I don't think the Patriots are going to take McMillan fourth, but I do think they could trade down. So if they, if somehow the Patriots end up with McMillan, I think that would be my favorite scenario. Or if the Cowboys end up with McMillan. I want to talk about the Cowboys in a little bit. We will be right back on FFT Express.

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[Adam Azer]

Yeah, the Cowboys are definitely in need of a wide receiver. Would it make a big difference for you for Dak Prescott if they took a wide receiver in the first round?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

To an extent. You know, I, I think he's going to be one of the more fascinating high end QB2s because we've seen him produce at a very high level. We know what he was as recently as 2023. It's a clear coaching change that, you know, may or may not benefit him. And, and what I mean by that is it's, it's a guy that was on the staff, you know, so we'll run some of the similar concepts that Mike McCarthy did, but clearly a different voice and, and a different, you know, play calling or different play calling. So I, I think in terms of Dak getting another option in the passing game would clearly help. But a lot of what he did in 2023 was CD Lamb being an absolute stud, which I think he will be. Jake Ferguson having a productive season, well, he's easily able to do that again. And then it was really just Brandon Cook scoring touchdowns. Well, Jalen, tolbert can do that, you know, so it'll, it'll help, but it won't move the needle for me to put Dak back in the top 12.

[Adam Azer]

Bryce Young, last three games of the season, seven touchdowns, no interceptions, three rushing touchdowns, 31 points against the Cardinals, 21 points at the Bucks, 42 points at Atlanta. And he did that While averaging about 30, 29 to 30 pass attempts per game. Any scenario where you could see Bryce Young maybe getting close to, you know, QB18 or something like that in the rankings where he's now a backup, we consider taking.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

He's definitely in the conversation now to be a backup you consider taking, but he's at the back end of that group. So can he get to QB18? I don't know. I don't think I'll rank him that high. I just don't know like where the ceiling is for him fantasy wise, you know. So it's still a very incomplete group, you know, in terms of having a superstar. So is McMillan that type of guy? Maybe. I don't know if Golden's that type of guy in terms of, you know what he could be from a high end fantasy producer, at least right away. So you're asking, I think legit to take a big step forward. Thielen to still be, you know, playing at a high level at his age. Maybe Jalen Coker, you know, becoming a little bit more of a playmaker. We like Tavian Sanders as, you know, potential sleeper at that position, but I just don't know if he's going to be better than a lot of those guys that are going to be ranked in that range. Like if you're telling me right now Cam Ward versus Bryce Young, I'm taking Cam Ward fantasy wise.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah. We just haven't seen that much from Young. We obviously saw big improvement but not exactly gaudy numbers. So it's. But then again, he just doesn't really have any playmakers in his receiving core. Right. You want a guy who can take a slant and run an extra 30 yards or something like that. And there's just. That doesn't not could be Golden. It's not. Yeah. Right now, I'm just saying right now on Carolina, it doesn't exist. So yeah, I'd love to see them. Anything else? I mean, do you have Josh Allen as QB1?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I have Lamar Jackson's.

[Adam Azer]

If the Bills draft, you know, I don't think, I don't know, maybe golden will fall, but they draft golden or burden or something like that. Would you move them up?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

No, I just think that they're 1 and 1A, you know, so I'm not going to fight anybody that has Allen over Jackson. I just think what Jackson is doing right now, the fact that he is continuing, continuing to, I don't want to say improve as a pastor, showcase his skills as a passer and what the offense under Todd Monkin has allowed him to do. MVP two years ago, arguably could have been MVP again. Still could have been. Still is, you know, one of the best running quarterbacks. I think Allen continues to, and, and I'm not saying this in a bad way, but just regress as a rusher, run less, run less and, and throws a little bit more. That's not going to hurt him. But I think just Lamar Jackson's ceiling, in my opinion right now remains slightly higher. So they're going to go back to back. You know, Burrows up there, obviously, Jayden Daniels up there, obviously, and Jalen hurts. You know, there's a clear top five and there's going to be probably a few people that have a different or a weird order, you know, of maybe Burrow 1 or Hertz won, you know, because of what he does with the touch push. For me, it's, it's Jackson and Allen at the top and, and I love what they do right now. So you tell me Lamar Jackson loses Mark Andrews, I'm not going to flinch. You tell me Josh Allen gets Luther Burden or Matthew Golden At 31, wherever they are, I'm not going to change my opinion.

[Adam Azer]

All right, that's Jamie Eisenberg. I'm Adam Azer. This is FFT Express. Have a great weekend, everybody. Talk to you next week.

[Nourish Dietitian]

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[Mike Renner]

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