If you know us at Grand Central Fantasy, you know we are big Deshaun Watson guys. Ever since GCF’s launch in the mid 2018 season, Watson has been one of our top fantasy football quarterbacks. But as we enter the 2022 season we find Deshaun fresh off a totally lost 2021 season, and with a new team.
The Cleveland Hope
Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns this past off-season to the shock of the football community. In reality, we knew some sort of move was coming, but Cleveland? I think we were not expecting him to join an already loaded AFC. Plus the dethroning of the commercial king of Cleveland Baker “more commercials than touchdowns” Mayfield added to the shock.
At the end of the day, we realize this is the best fit for Watson football wise. With arguably the best backfield in the NFL (when healthy) and a solid receiver core of Amari Cooper and the new addition through the draft David Bell the wide out from Purdue. Plus that offensive line has been and, still will be, elite. So on paper it makes perfect sense. Even with the the stacked competition in the AFC.
On the surface, it seems like Watson who is still only turning 27 this September is a slam dunk top QB pick for the 2022 fantasy draft this coming summer. Right?
The Trevor Bauer Problem
Unless you’re not a baseball fan, you know Trevor Bauer of the LA Dodgers was just suspended for 2 full MLB Seasons (😳😳😳) The prime of his career has basically been thrown away. Now, whether you think that’s his own fault, or this is an overreaction by the MLB, we can debate that another time. But when I saw this decision come down I immediately got worried for all the stock I have in Watson and the stock I was planning on having in him in this upcoming season.
The issue that is hard for a lot of people to understand is, careers in certain fields do not care if the court system did not prosecute you. Neither of these cases against Watson or Bauer were. But as private organizations the MLB and NFL do not have to answer to stockholders of any kind and therefore they can govern themselves as they please. That’s why we see Roger Goodell and Rob Manfred operate as judge, jury and executioner when it comes to suspension cases.
When it comes to Bauer’s suspension, the MLB does not want their players engaging in that type of behavior. Whether it is consensual or not. Your employer has a certain amount of say in your personal life when you are an employee at the highest level of their company.
Think of it this way: your kids third grade teacher can’t make and promote an OnlyFans account, as much as you may want her too.
What To Do On Fantasy Football Draft Day
Watson is an elite QB. No question about it. But there’s also no question about the fact that he will most likely face some sort of suspension. Will it be Bauer level? Absolutely not. Bauer was physically abusive to a consensual sexual partner and left her with physical lacerations and bruises. When it comes to Watson, he allegedly pressured women into jacking him off. Both bad, but in my opinion Watson does not deserve the same harsh punishment.
Watson will most likely face a 6 to 8 games. This pushes his ADP we had him at around 42. To around 105.
Bottom Line
Do not draft Watson this year, unless you are looking for a a late round lottery ticket. If you hit on all your previous picks, I feel very comfortable spending a 10th or 11th round pick on him. But anything before that is negligent.