Draft Fallers + Combine Buzz, New Offenses
Fantasy Football talk for Feb 27, 2025. Which players will fall the most in 2025 fantasy drafts? Offseason questions, NFL Combine news, and more on today’s podcast! Plus, a look at changing offensive coordinators, with potential impact to the Lions, Texans, and others! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.
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Summary:
Ultimate Draft Kit Giveaway 01:34
“As long as you have the Ultimate Draft Kit pre-ordered by then, you will be entered to win a listener league spot and you’ll get some other sweet perks.”
- The hosts announce the deadline for their Ultimate Draft Kit giveaway, which is set for March 1st.
- Anyone who pre-orders the Ultimate Draft Kit by that date will automatically be entered to win a spot in the listener league, along with additional perks.
- The Ultimate Draft Kit is touted as an essential resource for fantasy football players, including valuable information about upcoming rookies and more.
Coaching Changes and NFL News 03:10
“We’re going to tackle the remaining coaching changes and get through the news, answer some questions, and then next week we’ll do our famous ’10 things to remember’ episode.”
- The team shifts focus to upcoming NFL coaching changes and significant league news, indicating the buzzy and evolving nature of the off-season.
- They express the need to address these pressing updates before moving to their “10 things to remember” episode planned for the following week.
Khalil Shakir‘s Extension 04:02
“This is a commitment from the Bills as an organization that he is an important part of their offense.”
- Khalil Shakir has signed a contract extension with the Buffalo Bills, worth up to $60 million, indicating the team’s investment in his potential as a core player.
- Despite being mostly undrafted in fantasy leagues, Shakir made a significant impact in his performance last season, gathering a career-high 76 receptions and displaying reliability for the team.
Tyreek Hill‘s Injury Update 05:49
“Tyreek Hill had surgery to repair a ligament in his wrist, and he should be cleared for training camp.”
- The hosts discuss Tyreek Hill‘s recent wrist surgery, detailing that although he is expected to recover in time for training camp, his previous season’s performance raised questions about his future prospects.
- The conversation touches upon potential justifications for his draft position despite last year’s lackluster output, as they contemplate whether players will view this injury as a valid reason to select him higher in drafts.
Jaylen Warren‘s Status 09:31
“Jalen Warren is a restricted free agent, which means the team can negotiate with him first.”
- The hosts explain the significance of Jalen Warren’s status as a restricted free agent, emphasizing that Pittsburgh still holds negotiation rights.
- This means Warren can seek contract offers from other teams, but the Steelers have the opportunity to match any offers or offer compensation if he is signed away.
Jaylen Warren‘s Future with the Steelers 10:14
“I think that’s an RFA tender, right?”
- The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be actively working towards retaining running back Jalen Warren, signaling a commitment to bringing him back next season. Despite concerns surrounding free agency and the strength of the draft class, the Steelers likely plan to match any reasonable contract offer for Warren, as the market for running backs seems relatively stagnant this off-season.
- With an expected original round tender of $3.1 million for undrafted players, the Steelers will maintain an advantageous position in negotiating Warren’s return. There’s an expectation that general managers may not heavily invest in running backs like Warren this season, indicating a favorable opportunity for the Steelers to secure his services.
The Bengals’ Commitment to Ja’Marr Chase 12:31
“Jamar Chase will be the number one highest paid non-QB in the NFL.”
- The Cincinnati Bengals have made it clear that they plan to offer wide receiver Jamar Chase a lucrative contract, potentially making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. This strategic move comes after a less favorable negotiation following last year’s intentions, as the team acknowledges that delaying the extension has only increased the price tag.
- Chase’s value has significantly risen, particularly as his performance has shown consistency on the field despite the team’s struggles last season. By opting not to settle with him earlier, the franchise has effectively positioned Chase to command a higher salary, benefiting him in the long term.
Organizational Issues and Player Performance 15:00
“You’re going to make more money if you have the best players on your team.”
- Observations about the Bengals indicate a disconnect between organizational decisions and team performance. The franchise’s self-reported poor treatment of players, especially concerning facilities and dining, has been flagged, suggesting that to improve both player satisfaction and competitiveness, better management practices are necessary.
- Retaining star players like Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Jamar Chase can ensure the team remains relevant, even if they failed to make the playoffs last season. The idea that the Bengals must prioritize player contracts to enhance their competitive edge is underscored by the potential for increased revenue from improved performance.
NFL Quarterback Confidence Issues 19:36
“If Sam Darnold was the guy, you’d think he would succeed.”
- The discussion revolves around whether Sam Darnold is the right quarterback for a franchise to win a Super Bowl and compete at a high level. The uncertainty about Darnold’s capabilities leads to questions regarding his fit within the team’s long-term success.
Jimmy Garoppolo‘s Confidence in the Rams 19:38
“That’s what’s been reported is that they are confident in Jimmy Garoppolo as their starter if they need to be.”
- The confidence level in Jimmy Garoppolo as a starter for the Rams is significant, especially considering the team’s current roster composition. The Rams seem to acknowledge Stafford’s aging status, prompting considerations about whether to invest in Garoppolo or pursue other routes for quarterback succession within their strategy.
Ravens and Team Composition Decisions 20:00
“It’s just a matter of whether the Rams want to spend $50 million on Matthew Stafford for a couple of years, or they want to spend it elsewhere.”
- The Rams face a critical decision regarding quarterback investment. They can either allocate a substantial budget to retain Matthew Stafford or restructure the team’s financial planning to focus on rebuilding, indicating the need for a keen assessment of team dynamics.
Open Competition Dynamics in the NFL 24:01
“You know, they benched Bryce Young…if you’re the dude, if you’re good enough, Richardson got benched.”
- There is a significant emphasis on open competition in NFL quarterback rooms, reflecting the need for players to prove their worth continually. The challenge lies in balancing a player’s confidence with the necessity for performance, especially when backup options are assessed as capable replacements. This competitive atmosphere highlights the urgency for teams to adapt strategically.
Detroit Lions Coaching Changes and Offensive Dynamics 28:47
“Detroit has lost their two top offensive coaches, Ben Johnson and his assistant, which could impact their scoring ability.”
- The Detroit Lions are facing a significant change after losing Ben Johnson, their offensive coordinator, who led one of the top-scoring offenses in the league. They also lost his assistant, raising concerns about the team’s offensive consistency.
- To fill the void, the Lions have hired John Morton, who previously worked with the team in 2022 and spent time with the Broncos under Sean Payton. While Morton brings experience, the transition could lead to regression in Detroit’s offensive output.
- The Lions’ offense was known for being highly efficient, previously ranking at the top in multiple metrics. There is speculation that, despite having a solid foundation with consistent offensive weapons, the team might struggle to maintain such high performance levels.
- Players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are expected to continue their development, but there are concerns about how the coaching changes will affect their roles and overall contributions, especially in terms of target shares in the passing game.
Evaluation of Key Players’ Roles 29:56
“The player most concerned under the new offensive structure is David Montgomery, who relies heavily on scoring touchdowns.”
- David Montgomery‘s role may diminish with the change in coaching, especially if the offensive scoring ability drops. Last season, he was notable for his touchdown production, and a decline in overall offensive efficiency could significantly affect his fantasy football value.
- With the presence of Jameer Gibbs, who showed promise in a full workload, it is suggested that Montgomery might face competition that could further limit his opportunities.
- Comparisons are drawn to other teams, such as the Eagles and Tampa Bay, who experienced varying levels of success following the loss of their offensive coordinators. Consistent quarterback play and healthy offensive cores can mitigate some of the concerns around coaching changes.
Houston Texans Coaching Transition and Offensive Outlook 34:03
“The Texans are making a change at offensive coordinator, transitioning from a difficult season to hoping for more success in the upcoming year.”
- The Houston Texans have appointed Nick Caley as their new offensive coordinator, aiming to improve upon a lackluster performance from the previous season. The team finished 19th in points per game and faced numerous challenges, including injuries to key players.
- The Texans struggled with a poor offensive line, which hindered quarterback CJ Stroud‘s ability to succeed. An upgrade in the team’s performance is anticipated with the new offensive scheme and offseason adjustments.
- Historically, poor second-down execution and predictable playcalling contributed to the Texans’ inefficiency. With the introduction of a new offensive mindset, there is hope that they can leverage their young talent and improve their success on crucial downs.
Evaluating Player Performance for Next Season 37:53
“If you break it down player by player… who would you be more or less concerned with?”
- The discussion revolves around how to assess the upcoming season based on past performances and player changes. This breakdown is crucial for making informed fantasy football decisions.
- Key players are dissected, such as Saquon Barkley, who had an impressive performance with 2000 rushing yards and numerous touchdowns. However, his ability to replicate this feat in the next season is questioned due to typical regression and potential changes in offensive strategy.
Coaching Changes and Their Impact 38:40
“The change of offensive coordinator could hurt.”
- The potential impact of coaching changes on player performance is elaborated upon, highlighting the volatility of team dynamics.
- The departure of familiar faces or incoming changes can significantly alter a player’s role, especially for someone like Saquon who was less involved in the passing game. These factors can influence his fantasy draft value next season.
The Kubiak Family’s Influence on Team Strategies 40:16
“They’ve been famous for their run scheme.”
- The Kubiak family has a well-documented history of successful offensive schemes, particularly in running plays, which is relevant for teams like the San Francisco 49ers. Changes within this coaching lineage can be viewed as upgrades for the offensive strategies implemented.
- Nonetheless, the nuances of each coaching adjustment and its integration into the existing structure can be critical for performance predictions.
The Unique Story of Josh Grizzard 43:50
“We got Josh Grizzard from Lizard Lick, North Carolina.”
- An entertaining segment highlights the hiring of Josh Grizzard as the offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay, bringing light-hearted dialogue to the idea that curious backgrounds can create engaging narratives in sports.
- The playful description of Grizzard, alongside his quirky hometown lore, serves to show how off-the-field stories sometimes enhance the appeal of football narratives and can bring a fresh perspective to a team.
Coaching Changes and Play Calling Responsibilities 47:06
“If I was Josh Grizzard, I would come in and do as little as possible to change anything.”
- The conversation revolves around how Josh Grizzard, presumably the new offensive coordinator, might adopt a conservative approach in his new role. The hosts suggest that Grizzard’s focus should primarily be on managing existing strategies rather than implementing significant changes.
- They mention the need for Grizzard to call plays, a responsibility that could be both concerning and relieving for Liam Coen, particularly given that the head coach is focused on the defensive side of the team.
Mailbag and Team Changes 47:33
“We did not mention that the Browns also got a new offensive coordinator.”
- There’s a transition into the mailbag segment, highlighting a notable coaching change within the Browns’ organization, where Tommy Reese replaces Ken Dorsey, although it’s primarily Kevin Stefanski calling the plays.
- The hosts joke about other unrelated topics, showing a lighthearted dynamic in the discussion. They also indulge in a humorous tangent concerning the band “King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard,” with some playful banter regarding the names involved.
Dynasty Strategy for Mark Andrews 51:02
“What do we do with Mark Andrews in Dynasty?”
- A discussion about Mark Andrews reflects his inconsistent performance over the past season, leading to varying opinions on his value in dynasty formats. Despite some ups and downs, Andrews maintained a decent scoring ability, even if he didn’t consistently deliver strong performances.
- The perspective here emphasizes holding onto Andrews, as he still has the potential to score touchdowns, even if he’s not the same explosive player he once was. The duality of his performance makes management decisions tricky, but the sentiment leans towards retaining him for future value.
Assessing Player Draft Value 55:32
“Where will Drake London be drafted in 2025?”
- There’s speculation surrounding where players like Drake London will fall in draft rankings, with expectations set high for his future picks. The hosts agree that he will likely be drafted high due to his talent and recent performance.
- The debates about assessing players’ draft positions bring in names like A.J. Brown, highlighting the competitive nature of the wide receiver position and how preferences can shift based on upcoming seasons.
Rookie Wide Receivers and ADP Expectations 56:40
“He’s ahead of Ladd McConkey and Tyreek Hill.”
- The discussion centers around the draft position (ADP) of rookie wide receivers, highlighting how Brian Thomas is currently valued ahead of several key players, including Lad McConkie and Tyreek Hill. This ranking indicates that Thomas is seen as a valuable addition, while Drake London is positioned closely to A.J. Brown, suggesting a competitive atmosphere in the rookie wide receiver market.
Draft Landscape and Rookie Opportunities 56:46
“We’re not going, yeah, high third round pick for this rookie.”
- It is predicted that this year’s rookie landscape will differ significantly due to the strength of the running back class. Unlike in previous years with standout receivers like Malik Neighbors or Marvin Harrison Jr., the current crop of wide receivers may fall lower in the draft, impacting their ADP. The variability in draft capital and landing spots could create opportunities for savvy fantasy players, especially with the potential for risk associated with drafting rookie wide receivers.
Ideal Landing Spots for Rookies 57:29
“If you look at the first round, you know, like, the absolute best landing spot.”
- The conversation shifts to identifying ideal destinations for rookie wide receivers based on draft capital and team needs. Despite some teams like New England not being seen as promising for Year One prospects, locations like Green Bay are suggested as strong options. Although being in a crowded room of talent can pose challenges, there is still the potential for a rookie to emerge as a top option on the team.
Assessment of Current Rookie Class 58:40
“He’s in his own tier, and that tier would be behind a lot of last year’s wide receivers.”
- The current rookie wide receiver class, epitomized by the player known as T-Mac, is assessed against prior years’ standout rookies. Even though T-Mac may hold the number one position among this year’s players, he is still considered inferior to last year’s top offerings like Malik Neighbors and Marvin Harrison Jr. This differentiation suggests that T-Mac’s fantasy value might place him in the sixth or seventh round, with limited high-ceiling opportunities in his rookie season.