Only a few days removed from Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension and the Sammy Watkins trade, and little has changed with the average draft position consensus.
Elliott has moved down slightly from the No. 3 overall pick in fantasy football, to the No. 7 position, while Watkins is one spot lower at 37.
How should you handle these recent developments?
Elliott suspension
It’s a little awkward to only be discussing Elliott’s fantasy football value after being suspended for domestic violence. If he did what they’re alleging, there’s no reason to look at him the same way as we previously did.
But this is the NFL, and if you can play, then you’re likely going to get second, third, fourth and many more chances.
Obviously, a six-game suspension diminishes his fantasy value. The offensive line is still the best in the NFL, so when he comes back, he’ll likely be a top-three option. However, waiting on a top-10 fantasy draft pick for six games may render your team useless for almost half the season.
That may be too much of a risk. He will appeal, so there’s a chance the suspension could be reduced. That’s a major risk to take, though, especially when there are other players who could be just as productive for the entire season surrounding him.
I’m skipping him at that high of a price. However, if he dips into the second round, he would be worth a flier.
What about the Cowboys backups?
This is where it gets tricky. When Le’Veon Bell was suspended, DeAngelo Williams was the obvious choice and was dynamic in his starts.
It’s not that clear-cut in Dallas. Darren McFadden is the likely choice, and currently has an ADP of 154 overall, going off as the 51st ranked running back. That will change in the coming days and weeks when more drafts occur, and the committee becomes less muddy.
McFadden was a top-tier RB2 two years ago with this same offensive line. He didn’t sniff the endzone much, but he was a high volume, high production running back.
But it’s not guaranteed that McFadden will see the majority of touches. Alfred Morris and Ronnie Hillman also are in that backfield, and have several years of experience under their belt. McFadden is the better choice, but this could be a committee approach in the backfield.
And what’s too high? You get six weeks maximum of value and then it disappears. I don’t mind reaching a little for McFadden, but if he’s going in that fourth and fifth round range, I would skip him.
Watkins, Matthews see new life
Watkins and Jordan Matthews got new life over the weekend with a rare NFL trade. Watkins moves to a place with an even worse quarterback with Jared Goff, while Matthews gets out of the crowded group of receivers in Philadelphia.
What does this trade mean? I’m still high on Watkins, and even more so now. He’s going to be targeted heavily. Maybe a lot of those targets won’t hit their mark, but he’s going to see some of the highest volume in the league. The Rams will trail often and need Watkins with a roster without a dynamic playmaker at that position.
He provides tremendous value at the end of the third round/beginning of the fourth round.
I’m out on Matthews. Philadelphia is ditching him for a reason, and he’s actually listed as the third receiver on the Bills depth chart. That may change eventually, but he will have to battle for targets in an offense devoted to the run.
This move makes me even more intrigued about what’s happening with the Eagles. Nelson Agholor is getting major buzz, meaning that the Eagles likely see a lot of out of their receiving corps. Agholor is a major deep sleeper, going off as the 79th wide receiver according to ADP.
