As rookie drafts have begun across the boards for dynasty leagues, there are obvious picks to grab like QB Trevor Lawrence and WR Ja’Marr Chase but what about those that are not obvious but should be on radars and those that are now an afterthought? What about the veterans that maybe should be traded for or sold that might not have the high impact this year? Here is a dissection of veteran and rookie risers and fallers in dynasty terms.
Veteran Risers
- Mathew Stafford, QB LA Rams- Let’s get serious for a minute, Stafford has the best chance at a turnaround this season in a new offense and team. Coach McVey will utilize his accuracy and with the weapons of Kupp, Woods, Jackson, and Higbee at his disposal, the Rams will run the NFC West. Even last year in the strangest of years with his weapons like Golladay hurt for most of it, he threw for over 4,000 yds and 26 touchdowns. Stafford is a big buy for me in dynasty, or if someone is hurting at QB in a Superflex league, offer up a trade. Stafford is only 33 and I predict him playing for at least four more seasons, and he will be firing on all cylinders out of the gate with new life breathed into him.
- Ezekiel Elliot, RB Cowboys- Ok, I know he had a horrible 2020 season, but the entire Cowboys organization did when Dak went down. Let’s put the past in the past and realize that Zeke is really good at running through tackles and making big plays. Despite last season, he still finished as an RB1 with 976 yards and six touchdowns. He knows he disappointed and will be looking to redeem himself. He’s in his prime and again someone to look at buying or holding because he will perform well this season and the doubters and sellers will be the ones shaking their heads. The Cowboys improved their defensive in the draft and already had the offense in place but added an offensive tackle and guard in later rounds. All in all, the team looks poised for a big 2021 season.
- TJ Hockenson, TE Lions- With Stafford out and Goff under center, a safety blanket is needed, and that young man is Hockenson. The Lions did not get a powerhouse WR to replace those they lost in free agency, but they did draft St. Brown who will develop into an exceptional fantasy wideout for seasons to come. Until that time, Hockenson will be Goff’s go-to guy. In a dynasty, it is hard to draft, secure, or trade for one of the top 3-4 TEs because great TEs are scarce. This is where the Lions’ veteran comes in to play. Last season, he was targeted 101 times for 723 yards and six touchdowns. I predict he will finish as a Top-5 TE because Goff needs reliability and sticky hands and in his 3rd season as a former 1st round pick, that is exactly what Hockenson will give him. Buy, Buy, Buy!
Veteran Fallers
- Melvin Gordon, RB Broncos. With the addition of Rookie sensation Javonte Williams, Gordon might start the season but he surely won’t finish as the main RB. Williams is a stud, and if you watched tape from his days at North Carolina, you will agree he will lead the team in rushes and touches. Gordon averaged 4.6 yards per carry last season and managed to get nine touchdowns. He was the lone bright spot on a struggling Bronco team, but that all has changed. I believe in Williams but not in Gordon. He is a sell for me.
- DeVante Parker, WR Dolphins- Hear me out…I know that he still has tread left on the tires. Parker when healthy is a top wide receiver in the league, but last year his numbers significantly dropped when Tua took over. Parker also now has to contend with Rookie WR Waddle and new addition WR Fuller. He also still has Gesicki who had great rapport at the end of last season with Tua. Now I am not saying he can’t surprise me, but if you can trade him to a team in need of starting wideouts, do it and thank me later.
Rookie Risers
- Michael Carter, RB Jets. The Jets are in rebuilding mode. Many hopes and dreams in New York are going to be pinned on Zach Wilson, and I am a believer and think he will be their future, but it might take him a full season to get there and connect with his receivers. Enter Mr. Carter. Carter was an outstanding RB at North Carolina sharing snaps with fellow rookie Javonte Williams. He averaged 7.04 yards per carry and totaled 2,669 yards in his collegiate career. Needless to say, he is a productive, explosive runner who will be the go-to guy for Wilson and the Jets offense. By mid-season or sooner, Carter will bypass the other Jets’ RBs and be the starter. This will not end up being a running back by committee because he is just that good and consistent. If your rookie drafts haven’t begun, target Carter in dynasty. He has a long, productive road ahead of him. Granted, we are all sour on the Jets from the past few years, but Carter can help be a consistent piece to help turn them around. Plus, he has rookie OT Vera-Tucker to help open holes for him as well.
- Tre’ McKitty, TE Chargers. I do not see McKitty starting this year, but he will see snaps here and there. The starter will be Cook, but McKitty is someone trending up in drafts, and in dynasty especially a TE premium, he is worth a stash. He transferred to Georgia from FSU, and at FSU he caught 50 targets for 520 yards. Though those don’t sound like alarming numbers, he is a complete blocker who needs polishing at routes. He is athletic standing 6’4” with great hands and an impressive 81” wingspan. I predict many fruitful years with Herbert to McKitty touchdowns. So, grab and stash him!
- Dez Fitzpatrick, WR Titans. The Titans are an offensive powerhouse, I mean Tannehill in my opinion is a Top 10 Quarterback if his surrounding cast stays healthy. AJ Brown was hurt most of last season and together they still produced 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Tannehill threw an additional 22 touchdowns to others. Now, with Corey Davis gone in free agency, who will complement Brown in the slot? The most obvious answer is Josh Reynolds who came over from the Rams but wait and see Fitzpatrick win that role by the end of the season. Fitzpatrick is a consistent catcher who makes the big plays and, in the air, always seems to come down with the ball versus corners. His athleticism and competitive spirit will bode well in Tennessee and help to earn him WR2 status in no time. Plus, AJ Brown will help mentor him, and that is huge.
Let me know your thoughts and what rookies you are excited to see, and what veterans you are ready to part ways with as well!