We’re in the final stages of preparation for another exciting and unpredictable season of NFL football and all of the myriad fantasy implications that come with it. This year, I’ve been toiling over the research materials, watching every preseason game that I can get my hands on and doing the real nitty gritty work—but only the fickle and elusive fantasy football gods know if these labors will bear fruit, but until then, I want to help all of you out there compiling your own research and draft boards by reviving my once prolific Fantasy Draft Guide.
For this 2018 edition of Grassy’s Fantasy Draft Guide, I’ll be splitting players into four distinct categories, where you can read my detailed analysis of their draft potential:
Players I’m High On, these are guys that I’m valuing ahead of their ADP for one reason or another, and maybe you should too.
Players I’m Dry On, these are guys on the other end of the spectrum, players who for whatever reason I’m valuing lower than their ADP, i.e. players to avoid like the brown acid at Woodstock.
Players I’m Sly On are players that I’ve scouted as potential sleepers, who are slipping late into most of my mock drafts, that have loads of potential at their position.
Lastly, and most tragically are the Players I Cry On, either because they’ve done me wrong in the past or because I know others will be targeting them earlier than I dare, or for whatever reason, I have an emotional reaction to their name in my draft pool.
Without further ado, let’s spark this!
Grassy’s Fantasy Football Draft Guide – Players I’m High On
A.J. Green, WR (Cin)
For some reason, that I’m still not fully understanding, this dude has all but fallen off of a lot of people’s radars, dipping outside of the top 5 at his position. ‘Cause why?!? Sure, the Bengals’ offense was underwhelming last year and Green made some uncharacteristic errors—but even in the worst season of his pro career, Adriel Jeremiah still managed to haul in 75 grabs for 1,078 yards and 8 tugs. As far as floors go, that’s not too shabby!
The Bengals also have consistency, on both sides of the ball—which may not be “sexy” but makes for above average communication and chemistry. He and Andy Dalton have pretty much grown up together in this offense and might as well be hetero-life-mates at this point. What’s not to love?
Kareem Hunt, RB (KC)
Yeah, okay, file this one under “no duh,” right? But what If I told you that last year’s rookie phenom wasn’t even ranked in the top five at his position according to most boards? Would you think that was crazy? ‘Cause I do. With Alex Smith seeking greener pastures elsewhere, Patrick Mahomes is set to take over the offense, and while the young QB works on getting his feet under him as the starter, I think it’s fair to assume that there will be plenty of outlet passes underneath and inside carries for Hunt to keep Mahomes’ jersey clean.
Ty Montgomery, RB (GB)
So, there’s a lot of speculation around this backfield this offseason, but I don’t really see why. Montgomery has dealt with some injury issues, sure, but he’s by far the best receiver among the Pack’s backs, irrefutably the best at picking up the blitz and most likely, Aaron Rodgers’ favorite.
Aaron Jones flashed some exciting moves last year, but aside from two or three games, he failed to capitalize on the opportunity he got and his opportunities diminished as the year went on—why are people expecting those opportunities to jump now that the veterans are healthy?
The Packers aren’t known for being a rushing team, but last season was a brutal demonstration of what can go wrong with too much emphasis on the pass. The Packers drafted primarily defense and offensive line, so I’d expect them to work harder on playing clock ball when appropriate and grinding out 15-20 totes a game for Ty if he can stay healthy. That may be a big “if,” but where he’s being drafted in most mocks, he’s worth the risk.
Kenny Golladay, WR (Det)
Now, I still like Marvin Jones Jr. as Matthew Stafford’s #1 option, but based on the evidence coming out of camp, Golladay is in the process of surpassing Golden Tate as Stafford’s second option. I still think of Tate as a boom or bust receiver, who can scorch secondaries for the deep ball, but lacks the size to be a consistent route runner or red zone option—not to mention his age and durability, both of which are suspect in my estimation. Golladay’s age and size both work in his favor and I think that the Detroit offense as a whole (with the exception of Marvin Jones) is undervalued this season.
The links for the other 3 articles in this guide can be found at the beginning of this article! Comments your thoughts below!