Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Early RB Rankings Part 2 + C.J. Trolls Jason
Release Date: April 4, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the Early Running Back (RB) Rankings Part 2 as the NFL draft approaches. Building on their foundational rankings from Part 1, the trio provides deeper analysis, engages in lively debates, and shares their expert opinions on the upcoming fantasy football season.

Free Agency Surprises

The hosts begin by addressing surprising free agents who remain unsigned as of the episode's release.

• T.J. Yeldin:
  Andy Holloway (02:43):
  "To me, it's TJ Yeldin. I mean, TJ Yeldin is a serviceable NFL running back who's 25 years old, he was four picks away from being a first-round selection in the NFL draft."
  Holloway expresses surprise that Yeldin hasn't secured a team, pondering whether it's due to salary demands or waiting for the right opportunity.

• Jay Ajayi:
  Paramount Concern by Jason Moore and Mike Wright:
  The discussion shifts to Jay Ajayi, with Mike highlighting concerns about his knee injuries.
  Mike Wright (07:02):
  "The problem with Jay is what you said is the problem is his knee."

• Michael Crabtree and Chris Hogan:
  Mike Wright (07:37):
  "Chris Hogan and Michael Crabtree are surprising free agents that haven't found a home."
  They note that despite their past performances, these wide receivers remain unsigned, citing concerns over Crabtree's declining prowess and Hogan's inconsistent usage.

News and Updates

The episode also covers recent signings and team updates affecting RB performance and fantasy implications.

• C.J. Anderson Signing:
  Mike Wright (09:08):
  "The Lions have signed running back C.J. Anderson, formerly of the Rams, to a one-year contract."
  The trio discusses how this could disrupt fantasy expectations, especially concerning other RBs like Kerryon Johnson.

• Leonard Fournette and Jacksonville Jaguars:
  Andy Holloway (10:36):
  "They're just going to let Leonard Fournette really take the reins this year. They're giving him a shot this year."
  Fournette's situation is analyzed, focusing on his potential role and the Jaguars' offensive strategy.

• Ryan Grant Signing:
  Jason Moore (13:05):
  "Raiders have signed wide receiver Ryan Grant, formerly of the Colts, formerly of the Ravens, to a one-year contract."
  The hosts critique this move as ineffective for fantasy purposes.

Early Running Back Rankings

The core of the episode focuses on the trio's early RB rankings, discussing each player's strengths, weaknesses, and fantasy potential.

1. David Johnson
   Andy Holloway (16:10):
   "He could very well be in the top 10. But it has been two years. It's been a while now."
   Johnson is positioned at RB10 by Holloway, noting his inconsistency and the Arizona Cardinals' offensive vulnerabilities.

2. Nick Chubb
   Andy Holloway (20:14):
   "Nick Chubb has the Kareem Hunt scare for the second half of the year."
   Chubb is ranked across the hosts' lists between 11 and 12, with discussions on his reliance on the run-heavy offense and the uncertainty introduced by Kareem Hunt's return.

3. Damian Williams
   Jason Moore (23:57):
   "Atonement risk to Damian Williams, 100%."
   Williams is ranked from 11 to 18, emphasizing the risks associated with his consistency and the impact of the NFL draft on his role.

4. Leonard Fournette
   Andy Holloway (28:27):
   "He was on pace for a potential 1200 yard season."
   Fournette is scrutinized for his past injuries and unpredictability, but potential upside in a revamped Jaguars offense is acknowledged.

5. Sony Michel
   Jason Moore (32:08):
   "He is the most talented player on that team."
   Michel is highlighted for his touchdown potential but flagged for inconsistent utilization in the passing game.

6. Marlon Mack
   Mike Wright (37:40):
   "If he can overcome his role in the Colts' passing game, Marlon Mack could be a solid RB16."
   Mack's high-efficiency running style and potential under new offensive strategies are discussed, with considerations of team performance influencing his ranking.

7. Devonta Freeman
   Mike Wright (41:22):
   "He has the Falcons offense to build around."
   Freeman's reliability and role in the Falcons' offense position him variably across rankings, with injury risks noted.

8. Derek Henry
   Jason Moore (43:05):
   "He is the guy that can handle 25, 30 carries a game."
   Henry's durability and potential as a high-volume back make him a subject of optimism balanced by his consistent performance metrics.

9. Aaron Jones
   Mike Wright (46:07):
   "He's a fantastic running back and he's set up to succeed in a big way."
   Jones is evaluated for his talent and role in the Packers' offense, with concerns about split workloads under the new coaching regime.

10. Kerryon Johnson
    Andy Holloway (51:19):
    "Kerry Johnson doesn't belong at 20, I don't think."
    Johnson is debated for his potential as a dependable RB2, considering the Lions' commitment to build around him despite concerns about draft stock and offensive performance.

11. Chris Carson
    Mike Wright (54:43):
    "Chris Carson was averaging the fourth most touches per game in the NFL."
    Carson's workload and Seattle Seahawks' offensive uncertainties are weighed, making him a contentious but potentially valuable RB23.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway on Draft Importance (00:05):
  "My fantasy draft, it's an important job. I need someone I can trust."

• Jason Moore on Sequel Quality (01:16):
  "These for fantasy. I feel like this is so much more important to discuss."

• Mike Wright on Offensive Systems (20:22):
  "The problem is his knee."

• Jason Moore on Player Utilization (39:32):
  "Frank Wright came out, he talked about we want to be a top five, top seven rushing team."

• Andy Holloway on Aaron Jones (48:44):
  "Aaron Jones is extremely talented and not just moderately like he is."

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers provide a thorough and engaging analysis of the early RB rankings, offering valuable insights for fantasy enthusiasts. From assessing player consistency and offensive schemes to debating the impact of recent signings, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate their fantasy drafts confidently. As the NFL draft looms, their expert opinions and dynamic discussions underscore the complexities of RB selection, emphasizing the importance of both player talent and team strategy in achieving fantasy success.

Stay Connected:
Join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter.