The landscape of Dynasty football and NFL teams in real life too is about to change. And quick. The NFL draft is upon us, commencing this Thursday, April 23rd, and will forever be etched in NFL history as, “the virtual draft.” It’s as close to drafting in a fantasy football setting as you can get, I guess. But the common denominator will remain; it’s going to have an effect on your dynasty rosters one way or another, both positively and negatively. Do you now have to try and sell that bench running back that you had high hopes for because no one other than him had a path to volume work? Do you have to sell that young receiver who you hoped would take a leap since there’s no other competition for him? Is this a good buying window for an aging veteran because their team drafted a young stud to replace him? All of these questions you will have to consider, and how you circumvent those situations is dependent on how much you really, really want to win a championship. Because, let’s face it. At the end of the day, it’s about one thing: winning.
Below you will find the most recent draft rumors from the past week. I’ve only included the ones that I felt can have the most immediate impact for your dynasty rosters in 2020. I will also include what it could/might mean for this season and beyond. Let’s dig in….
The Bengals are all but certain to take Joe Burrow at #1 overall
What it could mean: Stock up for every skill position player on the Bengals roster. Tyler Boyd, AJ Green, Joe Mixon, even Auden Tate and second year tight end Drew Sample can all potentially provide a solid ROI if you invest in them. Burrow threw 60 TDs for the Tigers last season. Both Jamarr Chase and Justin Jefferson had over 1,000 yards receiving, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 55 receptions out of the backfield. Now, supplant those three with Boyd, Green, and Mixon and reap the benefits of potentially juicy fantasy production.
JK Dobbins meets with Bills #Bills hold pre-draft meeting with #Buckeyes RB J.K. Dobbins. #BillsMafia, how would you feel if Dobbins was the pick in Round 2? https://t.co/lS7yURGUN8
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) April 15, 2020
What it could mean: According to Ryan Talbot of newyorkupstate.com, the Bills have met with Dobbins and are said to be doing their “due diligence” on him. Wow. After investing a 3rd round pick last year for Devin Singletary, the Bills could potentially double down on that and do it again. Albeit this time, for a more talented running back in Dobbins. Dobbins has legit three down potential, catching 71 passes in his Buckeye career. If this happens, Dobbins will immediately challenge Singletary day one of training camp for the lead role at running back and would have a real shot at winning the job for Week One(hint: Dobbins is better). Kudos to all of those who read the tea leaves and sold Singletary for a nice return. For those who bought or held onto Singletary, say some prayers this doesn’t happen and hope for the best.
Steelers meet with Darrynton Evans
What it could mean: More competition in the backfield, making this a fantasy nightmare and one to potentially avoid. Now, if this becomes Jonathan Taylor here, then draft him with confidence. However, I think if this were to happen, Evans can step in as the number two running back behind James Conner and play the role Jaylen Samuels has held the past two seasons. Evans is on the smaller side, but he can fly. He has good vision out of the backfield and hits the hole with a solid burst. He also showed off his receiving skills at the combine. If Conner cannot stay healthy again in 2020, I think Evans has the skillset to be the lead back for the Steelers. His stock in rookie drafts would almost certainly elevate into the late 2nd or early 3rd, and can be the type of pick that wins you a championship. Keep an eye on this situation.
Eagles aggressively pursuing trade up for CeeDee Lamb – NFL Draft Rumors: Eagles aggressively pursuing trade up for CeeDee Lamb https://t.co/2ll09u2CNA
— BleedingGreenNation (@BleedingGreen) April 15, 2020
What it could mean: As an Eagles fan, all I can say is… “yes please.” Could you imagine if this does happen? Lamb would almost certainly flirt with a WR1, high end WR2 finish if he finds a home in South Philadelphia. He would step in from day one as the best receiver on the team and get peppered with targets from Carson Wentz. However, it probably wouldn’t happen until closer to mid-season, as he wouldn’t get the time during OTA’s to work with Wentz due to Covid-19 restricting players from being at team facilities. Although, you know for sure Wentz will pick up the phone and invite Lamb down to Houston(where Wentz owns another home), as he does every summer to run routes and bond with his receivers. Either way, you should target Lamb at-will and reap the benefits of a dynasty WR1 in the making. Stock up for Wentz too, as this move could elevate him a tier or two.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire meets with Dolphins:
What it could mean: A massive workload could be in store for Edwards-Helaire. That’s what it means. CEH caught 55 passes last season at LSU and clearly has the best hands of any running back in this class. However, he’s not just a pass catching back, as he showed he can run the ball, too. Edwards-Helaire gained over 1000 yards rushing for the Tigers and would step in immediately as the best running back in Miami. Sure, Jordan Howard is signed for the next two years, but once the coaching staff sees what CEH can do, they will find a way to get him the ball. Miami running backs were targeted 120 times in 2019 through the air. Edwards-Helaire should have no problem moving up the depth chart with his competition being Patrick Laird, Miles Gaskin, and Kalen Ballage – all three of which wouldn’t be considered household names.
To conclude, these are just a few tidbits uncovered that could have a lasting impact in 2020 and beyond on your dynasty rosters. It’s important to pay attention to landing spots and how it will affect rankings in your rookie drafts in the spring/summer. As it does every year, some of these rookies are going to fall into not ideal situations, which could cause a handful of them to fall into your lap when you’re on the clock. Be ready when that happens.
