Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Draft Podcast for 2015 - Free Agent Wide Receivers and Rookies
Release Date: February 10, 2015

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the 2015 NFL free agency landscape, focusing specifically on wide receivers. They analyze the potential moves, performance projections, and fantasy football implications of key free agent players, offering listeners strategic insights for their upcoming drafts.

Understanding Free Agency's Impact on Fantasy Football

The hosts begin by contrasting NFL free agency with free agency in other sports. Jason Moore emphasizes that, unlike basketball or baseball, football’s team-oriented nature limits the likelihood of free agents becoming instant fantasy stars.

Jason Moore [04:09]: "Does it deliver? Almost never. Does it deliver?"

Mike Wright adds that in football, especially for skill positions like wide receivers, performance is heavily tied to the quarterback and the overall offensive scheme.

Mike Wright [05:03]: "Football is completely team-oriented. And if you're a skill position player, you are so heavily reliant on quarterback."

Top Free Agent Wide Receivers Analysis

Des Bryant (DEZ)

Des Bryant, known for his physicality and after-the-catch prowess, stands out as a premier free agent target. The hosts agree that Bryant is likely to remain with the Dallas Cowboys, making him a reliable and high-impact fantasy asset.

Andy Holloway [07:12]: "He's probably the most physical receiver in the NFL now."

Jason Moore [09:07]: "He puts up those numbers pretty similar."

Mike Wright reflects on Bryant's consistency, noting he was a top receiver last season.

Mike Wright [10:24]: "He'll be in my top three."

Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas is praised for his consistent performance, though his future is tied to quarterback Peyton Manning. The consensus is that Thomas will remain with Denver, continuing to be a solid fantasy contributor.

Andy Holloway [12:26]: "He's a hundred plus catches, fifteen hundred plus yards, ten plus touchdowns."

Mike Wright [14:03]: "I think he's staying in Denver so we can get to our actual free agent."

Randall Cobb

Randall Cobb presents a mixed outlook. While he had a standout season, his potential departure from Green Bay raises concerns about his fantasy reliability. The trio cautions against drafting him too high due to the uncertainty of his landing spot.

Jason Moore [19:13]: "I find him as someone that I would never have really spent a pick on the last two years that I might actually take a flyer upside pick on in this coming draft."

Jeremy Maclin

Jeremy Maclin impressed despite injury setbacks, making a strong case for remaining with the Philadelphia Eagles. The hosts believe that Maclin will either be franchised or secure a significant contract, ensuring his presence in Philly’s dynamic offense.

Jason Moore [28:08]: "I think Jeremy Macklin is a guy that I would love to have on my team as a wide receiver, too."

Mike Wright [28:37]: "I would love to have him if I could pay a price for him to be a 2."

Torrey Smith

Torrey Smith receives a divided opinion. While some appreciate his explosiveness, others question his consistency, making him a risky yet potential late-round pick for fantasy teams.

Jason Moore [33:03]: "I don't like those guys. So like the Patriots backfield, I don't want them on my roster."

Andy Holloway [35:14]: "If you can get Tory Smith. And that's true."

Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree is viewed negatively due to his history of injuries and inconsistent performance. The hosts predict that Crabtree will either depart or see a significant decline in his fantasy value.

Jason Moore [39:18]: "I'm calling him a liar."

Mike Wright [41:37]: "I don't think I'll be drafting Crabtree next year."

Kenny Britt

Kenny Britt is discussed with concern over his legal troubles and injury history. While he possesses physical talent, his off-field issues and health make him a high-risk, low-reward prospect for fantasy players.

Jason Moore [46:58]: "Kenny Britt is a guy that the last two years pretty much has not been drafted and rightly so."

Additional Players and Implications

Cecil Shorts III

Cecil Shorts III is mentioned as a potential value pick if he lands with a stable quarterback, but his injury history warrants caution.

Mike Wright [50:46]: "He could really shine if given the potential of a top one or two spot with an above-average quarterback."

Andre Holmes and Da'Norris Searcy

These receivers are briefly touched upon, highlighting the importance of landing with teams that can maximize their potential.

Andy Holloway [53:12]: "Andre Holmes had my affection for a small amount of time last year."

Larry Fitzgerald’s Free Agency Battle

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Larry Fitzgerald and whether he'll remain with the Arizona Cardinals or seek opportunities elsewhere. Jason Moore anticipates Fitzgerald leaving due to cap constraints and dissatisfaction, while Andy Holloway and Mike Wright believe he will stay, citing his legendary status and commitment to the team.

Jason Moore [55:22]: "Larry Fitzgerald is going to the Minnesota Vikings. He's going back home."

Andy Holloway [56:18]: "I think you already got water today."

Despite differing opinions, the hosts agree that the outcome will affect their water bets, adding an entertaining element to their analysis.

Mike Wallace’s Future as a Wide Receiver

Although not a free agent at the time, Mike Wallace is discussed regarding his potential departure from the Steelers due to contract disputes and performance issues. The hosts express skepticism about Wallace finding a productive role elsewhere in the league.

Mike Wright [61:26]: "If he's renegotiating his contract, knowing Larry Fitzgerald as a Cardinal fan, he's staying here."

Jason Moore [62:11]: "Larry Fitzgerald comes back."

Conclusion and Listener Engagement

The episode wraps up with the hosts reinforcing their predictions through their water bet tradition, where incorrect forecasts result in humorous penalties involving water. They encourage listeners to engage via social media and tease upcoming episodes focusing on other positions and strategies.

Mike Wright [64:58]: "Later this week there should be a my 2014 recap of tight ends and who I project to be in the top five."

Jason Moore [65:06]: "Thank you for listening to another edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast."

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [04:09]: "Does it deliver? Almost never. Does it deliver?"
• Mike Wright [05:03]: "Football is completely team-oriented. And if you're a skill position player, you are so heavily reliant on quarterback."
• Andy Holloway [07:12]: "He's probably the most physical receiver in the NFL now."
• Jason Moore [09:07]: "He puts up those numbers pretty similar."
• Mike Wright [10:24]: "He'll be in my top three."
• Andy Holloway [12:26]: "He's a hundred plus catches, fifteen hundred plus yards, ten plus touchdowns."
• Jason Moore [17:20]: "I think Demaryius is going to be 100% fine."
• Jason Moore [28:08]: "I think Jeremy Macklin is a guy that I would love to have on my team as a wide receiver, too."
• Jason Moore [33:03]: "I don't like those guys. So like the Patriots backfield, I don't want them on my roster."
• Jason Moore [39:18]: "I'm calling him a liar."
• Jason Moore [55:22]: "Larry Fitzgerald is going to the Minnesota Vikings. He's going back home."

This comprehensive analysis equips fantasy football enthusiasts with the necessary insights to navigate the 2015 offseason, optimizing their draft strategies by understanding the potential movements and performances of key wide receivers.