Kyle Pitts — 2021 HOF Inductee
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Welcome back!
Every year I tell myself I won’t get too caught up in the headlines that start circulating this early, and every year all it takes for me to violently launch those plans into outer space is something like this picture of Mike Davis’ quads accompanied by a note that he averaged more YPC than Christian McCaffrey and broke tackles more often than anybody other than Nick Chubb in 2020.
Wheeew boy, it’s good to be back.
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News & Notes:
The Giants signed Kelvin Benjamin and converted him to TE.
Dak Prescott is expected to be ready by training camp.
Courtland Sutton expected to be ready by training camp.
Analysis & Hype:
A lot was made about the Jaguars putting RB Travis Etienne solely at WR in practice. A few comments that stood out after the dust settled:
•"The Jaguars asking Etienne to learn more about the receiver position and aspect of his role actually increases his value to the offense because it isn't like he won't still carry the ball...That doesn't mean they won't still let him mainly be a RB"
•Jaguars HC: “Worst case scenario you have a running back that's elite with receiver skills,”
The “Treadwell-Diggs Hypothesis” applied to the 2021 rookie class. I was originally going to add this to the Fun Stuff section, but you can’t convince me this isn’t the gold standard of evaluating rookies.
Average depth of target (aDOT) for Colts starting QBs since 2019:
• Jacoby Brissett (2019) = 7.9
• Philip Rivers (2020) = 7.2
• Carson Wentz (2020) = 8.8
Colts WRs could enjoy an increase in the vertical passing attack.
Rookie TE Kyle Pitts is already seeing a lot of targets in practice: “It's hard to miss No. 8 on the practice fields as his 6-foot-6, 245-pound imposing frame instantly garners attention. Smith is known for his work with tight ends and Pitts will certainly benefit from his head coach's knowledge of how to feature his position. Pitts was put in pre-snap motion often. He was also targeted a lot during the 11-on-11 portion which isn't necessarily surprising given the numbers of receiving targets available. One thing was evident though and that is Pitts is going to be a focal part of Atlanta's offense.” Here’s what your Dynasty roster looks like after acquiring Pitts in a trade.
Reports of Zero RB draft strategy’s death were greatly exaggerated: The pioneer of the Zero RB draft strategy outlines why it’s still alive and well.
“Mike Evans is only 27 years old. Feels like an old guy because he has played in 106 games and has 7 full seasons (all 1,000+ yards btw) but he's still very much in prime WR age.”
Jalen Hurts on continuing to compete for the starting job: "Everybody has to go to work. Rent is due every day... I don't plan on missing no payments"
Great comment on /r/fantasyfootball laying out 3 reasons Justin Herbert could continue where he left off last season.
Justin Herbert under pressure in 2020: - 99.4 passer rating (1st) - 1,468 passing yards (1st)
JJ Zachariason’s WR prospect model comparing the last two classes.
This is for all you WR BMI Truthers: Rookie WR Rashod Bateman disappointed some when he weighed in at 190 lbs. However, Bateman said that he had lost a lot of weight due to Covid and that he usually played above 200 lbs. He just tweeted his updated weight of 201 lbs. Here’s a little practice hype video to go with that. And straight from HC.
A quick look at 2020 MFL redraft ADP for RBs Vs. actual finish.
“Debunking every argument against Zeke all at once.”
Nick Chubb has the easiest strength of schedule for an RB according to PFF.
Jaguars WR Coach on Laviska Shenault: “First of all, when you see him in person, this guy is a specimen. He's a true physical specimen… I think his ceiling is unlimited. I really do... Obviously he has to stay healthy… But I don't really see a ceiling for him. So I'm extremely excited to work with him.”
There are only 3 WR’s in the history of the NFL who are at least 6’4” & scored 10+ TD’s as a rookie: ⁃ Randy Moss ⁃ Mike Evans ⁃ Chase Claypool.
Some T.J. Hockenson hype on /r/DynastyFF.
“Matt Nagy told the media today that there was an error in a route today based on the look the defense gave, and Justin Fields coached up the receiver and told him what he should be doing next time in that coverage. On day 1. So yeah, he's learning the playbook.”
Allen Robinson managers rejoice: Matt Nagy believes Justin Fields' deep ball is one of his greatest strengths.
List of the number of times players received 10+ targets in a game in 2020.
Rookie RB Najee Harris said that the Steelers seem to want to use him in the passing game a lot and split him out wide as the X receiver.
Nifty chart showing the chance a 1QB player is available at pick # across 135 MFL rookie drafts.
Great Twitter thread on Jets Rookie WR Elijah Moore.
Colts LB Okreke predicts "a big Year 3" for Parris Campbell. Says Campbell is showcasing his speed.
Deeep (Mostly Dynasty) Sleepers:
Jack Doyle praises rookie TE Kylen Granson's route running and football knowledge from his first two days with him. "First impressions, he's pretty impressive." It’s worth noting that I’ve been coming across a lot of remarks related to Kylen Granson being really advanced in his maturity and route running for a rookie TE.
Rivera said Rookie RB Jaret Patterson reminds him of Darren Sproles. “He is small, but he is explosive and dynamic. He is stout. He looks like a football player. We are going to give every opportunity to see if he can make our team. I like who he is.”
Rookie RB Elijah Mitchell has stood out in 49ers practice for his pass catching ability.
Bears beat writer: “Justin Fields-to-Dazz Newsome looks like a thing already. The rookie WR from North Carolina also made a good first impression.”
Gerrid Doaks has the #1 Athleticism Score among RBs in the 2021 Class according to Breakout Finder.
The Fun Stuff:
There’s a new official theme song for all you mock draft warriors.
Tua Tagovailoa looking spry.
A simple video you can send your league mates when they start talking trade veto nonsense.
Fantasy football in a nutshell.
“Devin Singletary is small.”
Frank Gore is the ultimate comeback story.