31 Aug Hot or Cold – Pre Draft
Drafting players based on last year’s results and predicting the improvement is a crap shoot. Is the player and team progressing or was it just a flash in the pan?
Here are players that I think will improve and also players that won’t have the type of success they had last year.
Quarterbacks
Hot
Russell Wilson – Beast Mode is gone. Russell Wilson has arrived. With a weaker running game, weaker defense, a plethora of receiving weapons, and the ability to always run, Wilson is going to have a big year
Jameis Winston – When you fire your head coach because of the relationship between your QB and Offensive Coordinator, obviously something special is happening. Pair that up with the thought that Mike Evans can’t have that many drops again and don’t be surprised if Winston is a top 10 QB
Matt Ryan – Everyone seems to be scared of the continued regression of Matty Ice but with the continued additions on the Oline plus Mohamed Sanu to replace Roddy White this season has to be better than last. Also noteworthy, Julio Jones is still on the team
Cold
Blake Bortles – He isn’t going to be a top 5 QB again. Jaguars have an improved run game, improved defense, and wont have to be playing from behind every game. Prepare for more games playing ball control rather than slinging it around
Tyrod Taylor – Taylor had a few big games, huge actually, but those weren’t the norm. Also his top receiver isn’t the healthiest, pair that up with McCoy also having problems, this team could have a lack of weapons
Dak Prescott – The hype going on in one preseason is very shocking. He has weapons, athleticism, and a good arm but to rely on him as a starter is not a good idea. Decent back up with potential. Tony Romo is also coming back
Running Backs
Hot
Le’Veon Bell – Top talent at running back but suspended the first 3 games. Remind me again when are the playoffs? Lose the first 3 games and ride Bell all through the playoffs
Eddie Lacy – Slimmer, fitter, more agile. Better player on a potent offense. With all the bad taste in people’s mouths with him he could be a very good value pick and borderline top 10 running back
Melvin Gordon – Gordon has been involved more in the passing game in camp. Staying on the field more is all he needs because the talent is there
Cold
Devonta Freeman – Tevin Coleman was drafted for a reason and a during the second half of the season makes this top 8/9 running back drafted destined for a disappointing fantasy season
DeMarco Murray – Last year was bad, I’m not saying a repeat of that but he has a problem staying healthy, a young talented back up to take touches away, and not exactly on the strongest offense or running behind the line he had in Dallas
Carlos Hyde – DeMarco Murray struggled in Chip Kelly’s offense. Murray is a better Hyde. Second round pick for him is way too early. Third is questionable as well
Wide Receivers
Hot
Keenan Allen – Chargers are going to throw the ball and Allen is unquestionably Rivers favorite target. With the addition of Benjamin means they can take the top off the defense on the other side. Plus Chargers are going to be trailing in a lot of games
Randall Cobb – A disappointing season last year but Cobb will have some help with Jordy coming back. Not having the same matchups will free him up
Dorial Green-Beckham – Late trade doesn’t have him figuring out the playbook but DGB is wanted because of his size and athleticism. For a late round flyer you could end up getting a number 2 in a pass offense and a red zone target
Cold
Jordy Nelson – The no news this camp doesn’t mean good or bad it just means……nothing. And with that how can we expect him to be the same Jordy from 2 years ago. That’s where he is being drafted and that’s just way way too soon
Julian Edelman – In a PPR there is absolute value in Edelman, but if not he doesn’t get many touchdowns and his yards aren’t great. Gronk is going to be the threat in the red zone and Brady is out 4 games
Larry Fitzgerald – Age is not his friend, neither are the other receiving threats on his team and that is practically half the offense. David Johnson, Michael Floyd, and Jon Brown are all younger, faster, and have more upside. He may get some catches but very limited upside
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