The enhanced value of rookie players is likely the result of the perceived risk accompanying anything new — the inherent uncertainty of never seeing a particular player perform at the NFL level.
Targeting rookies with early-round draft capital in relatively high-volume situations can provide an even more compelling value proposition.
Shane Vereen has the potential to become “the guy” for the New York Giants only couple weeks into the regular season.
Even if Vereen only finds the end zone a handful of times in 2015, his instincts and superior ability in all phases of the game, particularly his sublime receiving skills, make him mismatch where ever he lines up on the football field and one of fantasy football’s great value plays.
Adrian Peterson’s athletic profile and fantasy resume project him to be amongst the league’s best backs once again, but history would suggest Peterson’s floor is lower than his action-hero reputation suggests.
It’s time to let someone else invest high draft capital on him. The much younger, much cheaper Jerick McKinnon is a better value in all formats.
Justin Forsett’s perceived role and opportunity has driven up his cost while destroying any realistic chance to return that value.
Fear not, there is another running back on the Ravens that may be able to provide you with the incredible value that Forsett did last year.
The question was “DeMarco Murray or Arian Foster?”. The year was 2014. In my unwavering support for Killer Tofu, my response was “DeMarco Murray has never played 16 games”. It was a dumb thing to say.
Those who dabble in the depths of football hyperbole know that what I meant was, “because DeMarco Murray had never played a full NFL season in his first three tries, he was unlikely to ever do so.” The same logic is used all the time to rationalize why a player will get injured, or conversely why he won’t.
Gus Johnson is the biggest, strongest running back on the Dallas Cowboys. He also has a history of dominant workhorse-level productivity. This UDFA small-school superstar is completely free in every fantasy football format; you need him on your team RIGHT NOW.
The Titans drafted McBride in the seventh round. NFL receivers drafted in rounds four through seven do not pan out often, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth examining closely.
Tre McBride is nearly free in all formats and now is the time to stash him, particularly in dynasty leagues. McBride could see a decent bump in value by mid or late season and even if he doesn’t, he’s got the workout metrics and college production to warrant a dynasty roster spot.
Unlisted on the New England RB depth chart on Rotoworld, Tyler Gaffney is the most versatile running back to land in New England since Robert Edwards.
Gaffney possesses a true bell cow profile and has potential for greatness. Tyler Gaffney is one of fantasy football’s true sleepers in 2015.
Athletic profiles and college resumes may predict both Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman’s roles on the Atlanta Falcons in 2015.
Given Atlanta’s high volume offense, and the unique strengths and weaknesses of both players, each is a value play at their current ADPs.
The most popular and oft-discussed feature of PlayerProfiler.com is the Best Comparable feature. The Best Comparable Player for each quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end matches each skill position player to his most similar counterpart at the NFL level.
Some comparisons are tremendously positive, such as Allen Robinson to Dez Bryant. Others illustrate red flags such as Martavis Bryant to Justin Hunter.
