Preseason Pro: The top ranked players in the world each reveal their No. 1 sleeper, bust, breakout, comeback and stash & cash player of the year!
Dr. Roto | Bill Enright | Brad Kruse | Shawn Childs | Mark Deming | Kimra Schleicher | Darren Summer | Adam Ronis | Scott Atkins
Darren Summer
- First Two-time Fantasy Football World Champion
SLEEPER
RB C.J. Anderson, Carolina Panthers: The Panthers signed C.J. Anderson over from the Broncos and I expect Anderson to take over all of the 202 carries from last year’s roster that are missing. Only two Broncos running backs have EVER played a full 16 season and rushed for over 1000 yards. One is Terrell Davis (twice) and the other one Anderson. In 16 games last season, Anderson rushed 245 times for 1,007 yards despite getting very little help behind a mediocre offensive line. I understand McCaffery will get his carries and prior to the start of training camp, HC Ron Rivera said the second-year rusher could see 30 touches per game. There is no way that McCaffery is touching the ball 30 times per game with Anderson getting early down work and possible goal line carries. Just an FYI……30 touches per game would put McCaffery in 2nd place all time just behind the record that James Wilder currently owns for his 492 touches (407 rushes & 85 receptions).
Please Note: According to ADP information from FullTime Fantasy Sports, Anderson is currently being drafted in the Mid-9th round just behind guys like Carlos Hyde, Nick Chubb, and Ty Montgomery. Anderson is the 44th RB being drafted.
BUST
TE Evan Engram, New York Giants: Engram had the best rookie season of any tight end in the 2017 draft class. In fact, Engram’s 108 targets were the most for a rookie tight end since 2006. In 15 games, he led rookie tight ends in catches (64), yards receiving (722), and tied with OJ Howard for most touchdown receptions (6). His 64 receptions are the 3rdbest in NFL history for a rookie tight end. Hats off to Engram for his success in 2017 but I don’t project his 2018 numbers anywhere near last year’s record setting levels. Last year the combo of Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard missed 28 games and the Giants had ZERO run game. Much of Engram’s 2017 success was based on situation, something I don’t anticipate happening in 2018. He has an uphill battle reaching the value of his fifth-round price tag.
According to ADP information from FullTime Fantasy Sports, Engram is currently being drafted in the Mid-5th round just behind guys like Greg Olsen and Jimmy Graham. Engram is the 6th TE being drafted.
Breakout
WR Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks: The departure of Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson in free agency leaves 176 targets and 16 TD receptions up for grabs from last season. This seems to be the year that everything is lining up for Tyler Lockett and it’s time to go all-in. New run-first offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will keep defenses on their heels and open up the deep passes for Lockett. Lockett is young and talented and Seattle’s only true deep threat for Russell Wilson. I hope Lockett who’s playing for a second contract in Seattle understands the importance of getting off to a fast start. We will know within the first 4-5 games of the season if Lockett has taken advantage of this opportunity. I find it hard to believe that Brandon Marshall, Jaron Brown, or Amara Darboh will take over the number 2 role from Lockett.
According to ADP information from FullTime Fantasy Sports, Lockett is currently being drafted in the Mid-10th round just behind guys like DJ Moore, Rishard Matthews, and Anthony Miller. Lockett is the 55th WR being drafted.
Comeback
TE Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins: Over the last three years, Jordan Reed has ranked TE2 (2015), TE1 (2016), and TE9 (2017) among tight ends in fantasy points per game. Clearly, Reed offers upside when on the field, regrettably Reed has missed many games due to various injuries. Reed has dealt with toe injures, hamstring injuries, and concussions which have caused him to play in only 67% of games over the last 4 seasons. Coming into the 2018 season, Reed claims to be as healthy as he’s ever been. When healthy, he has the ceiling of a top-three tight end. In addition to Reed’s optimistic health, 2018 brings quarterback Alex Smith into Washington. As most men do, Alex Smith loves his tight ends. Since 2011, Smith leads all quarterback in percentage of pass attempts aimed at tight ends. In his days in Kansas City, Smith feed Travis Kelce almost 7 targets per game and I don’t see why Smith won’t feed Reed those same 7 targets per game.
According to ADP information from FullTime Fantasy Sports, Reed is currently being drafted in the Mid-9th round just behind Kyle Rudolph and in front of Trey Burton. Reed is the 9th TE being drafted.
Stash & Cash
TE Ricky Seals-Jones, Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are looking for playmakers not named Fitz or DJ to step up in 2018. Ricky-Seals Jones who converted from college WR to NFL TE is looking to be that playmaker. The Cardinals didn’t draft any tight ends in the offseason and Jermain Gresham tore his Achilles’ tendon last season during Week 17 and will begin the 2018 season on the reserve/PUP list. Seals-Jones finished last season as the 20th ranked TE in fantasy points per game and flashed some big numbers in Weeks 11 & 12 with seven catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Sam Bradford will start the season for the Cardinals and Bradford is a guy who loves throwing over the middle to short targets which is exactly where the 6’5’ 245 lb. Seal-Jones will be waiting. At his current draft price, Seal-Jones seems like a great option with upside potential.
According to ADP information from FullTime Fantasy Sports, Seal-Jones is currently being drafted in the 17th round just behind Kyle Rudolph and in front of Trey Burton. Seal-Jones is the 26th TE being drafted.
More installments of Preseason Pro picks coming soon!
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