Once upon a time, I used to unveil my most drafted players in an article called What’s In My Wallet. However, I’ve recently switched gears and adopted a My Guys approach. This allows me to not only highlight the players I enjoy drafting the most but also include those I genuinely believe in, even if I can’t secure them in multiple drafts.
My drafting strategy is an open book- my opponents are well aware of the players I target. In this article, I’ll share my insights into a few players that I believe could elevate your fantasy football experience.
As always, take this with a grain of salt and tailor it to the unique nuances of your own league. No one knows your draft setup as well as you do.
First up, let’s talk about Garrett Wilson, the talented wide receiver for the Jets. The Wilson hype train is already at full speed, and while some may argue it’s an overrated pick, the collective wisdom of fans often leads us in the right direction.
In his rookie season, Wilson showcased his skills with an impressive 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and 4 touchdowns, despite the Jets’ struggling quarterback situation.
Now, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, Wilson’s prospects are even brighter. If you caught their recent touchdown connection, reminiscent of Rodgers and Davante Adams, you’ll understand why Wilson is destined for greatness.
Moving on to Jahan Dotson, a wide receiver for the Commanders. Early drafters had the foresight to pick him before his value skyrocketed. Though he matched up favorably with Terry McLaurin over the final weeks of the previous season, Dotson’s ADP has now caught up with the more established McLaurin.
Furthermore, McLaurin’s nagging toe injury might even allow Dotson to surpass him in some drafts. Dotson possesses excellent touchdown potential and could emerge as a better scoring threat than McLaurin. I challenge Washington’s new QB Sam Howell to outperform last year’s disappointing performances from their quarterbacks.
Let’s delve into the Steelers’ passing game, which boasts an abundance of young talent. From Kenny Pickett to Pat Freiermuth, George Pickens, and even running back Jaylen Warren, the Steelers have a variety of exciting options. Additionally, Diontae Johnson is poised for positive regression after a touchdown-less season.
Pickett handled himself well as a rookie, and his play significantly improved during the final stretch of the year. Building on that progress, Pickett led the team to five consecutive touchdown drives in the preseason. Even if you’re skeptical of OC Matt Canada, this offense provides numerous favorable outcomes.
Next up, we have Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions’ wide receiver. Fantasy football is often bolstered by continuity, and St. Brown has exactly that. With the same quarterback, offensive coordinator, and minimal competition at his position, continuity is on St. Brown’s side.
Opponents will undoubtedly focus on him, but his ability to win on difficult routes makes him a challenging player to defend. As he enters his third year, we shouldn’t discount the possibility of a significant breakout. Come 2024, St. Brown could very well be a first-round fantasy pick.
Now, let’s talk about Joe Mixon, the running back for the Bengals. He may not have the flashiest playing style, but he’ll undoubtedly receive a lion’s share of snaps and opportunities, thanks to the Bengals’ explosive offense.
When it comes to running backs, it’s often about securing touches and red-zone chances, and Mixon won’t have any trouble in that regard. At age 27, he still has plenty of miles left on his tires and is set for another productive season.
Moving on to the tight end position, we have Chigoziem Okonkwo of the Titans. Although he’s not fully trusted as a blocker, Okonkwo’s strengths lie in his wide receiver-like speed and ability to make big plays downfield.
With a thin wide receiver corps, the Titans will find ways to get Okonkwo involved in the offense. While there might be some variance in his floor, don’t be surprised if he reaches the upper echelon of tight ends by year’s end.
Now, let’s discuss Tyler Lockett, the wide receiver for the Seahawks. Lockett has consistently ranked as a top-15 receiver for the past five years. The beauty of drafting Lockett lies in the fact that you can often secure him at or below his floor value, which is a steal.
Despite DK Metcalf’s presence and the emergence of rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks don’t heavily target their tight ends or running backs. Therefore, the competition for targets isn’t as daunting as it may seem.
Additionally, Geno Smith should hold his own, ensuring Lockett continues to be a reliable option. Just like Mike Tomlin, Pete Carroll always aspires to contend and deliver a successful season.
Let’s now shift our focus to Jamaal Williams, the running back for the Saints. In an ideal world, all our draft picks would dominate for the entire season, guaranteeing us victory from the start. Unfortunately, the NFL is an unpredictable league marred by injuries, unexpected turns, and variable outcomes.
To navigate this landscape, it’s important to concentrate on the immediate future. Williams presents an intriguing option for those aiming to secure a strong start in September. With Alvin Kamara sidelined for the first three games, Williams will likely see significant action.
Even when Kamara returns, Williams might retain the short-yardage responsibilities, offering a chance for easy touchdowns.
For those seeking another short-term solution, consider Samaje Perine in Denver. Remember, it’s the here and now that matters in fantasy football.
While forecasting the future is important, we must prioritize the immediate opportunities. Perine has the potential to make an impact and provide a boost to your team right from the start.