Becoming a Best Ball Bro: Do Elite Tight Ends Exist Anymore?
May 29, 2024
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Hayden Winks, Underdog's fantasy football expert, discusses the decline of elite tight ends, strategic drafting advice, and player value insights. The hosts also share poker stories and favorite draft values, making for an informative and engaging conversation.
Wide receivers should be prioritized early in the draft to secure 4-5 by round 7 and 7-8 by the end.
Running backs in middle rounds can offer value over wide receivers due to ambiguous backfields.
Drafting elite tight ends early is no longer a guaranteed strategy, leading to reconsideration of drafting approaches.
Deep dives
Wide Receiver Strategy
The data suggests having 4-5 wide receivers by round 7, 4-6 by round 10, and 7-8 by the end of the draft as an optimal strategy, with a majority of teams not having 4+ wide receivers by round 7.
Running Back Approach
In the middle rounds, running backs can offer value over wide receivers due to ambiguous backfields and potential breakout players, suggesting a balanced approach with running backs after drafting early wide receivers.
Elite Tight End Evaluation
Lack of clear elite tight end options this season challenges the historical focus on early tight end drafts, leading to a reevaluation of drafting strategies. Middle round tight ends present a less predictable option, with opportunity costs impacting decision-making.
Late Round Tight End Focus
Opting for a late round tight end strategy with multiple selections in rounds 14-18 can be beneficial due to the position's week-to-week volatility, touchdown dependency, and minimal separation between the top performing tight ends and lower-tier options.
Valuable Drafting Strategies for Tight Ends
Choose reliable tight ends early in the draft due to the uncertainty of RB twos and wide receiver threes. Opt for late round tight ends like Jake Ferguson or Coley Parkinson as they can provide stability and value later in the draft. While late round tight ends may not project well, their low weekly ceiling is balanced by their consistent presence on the field and point production in the final draft rounds.
Optimizing Quarterback Selection with Elite Choices
Consider drafting elite quarterbacks like Andy Richardson early for consistent high performance. Elite quarterbacks like Richardson offer strong value and outperform ADP expectations. Utilize stacking strategies and prioritize quarterbacks who can leverage their legs for an additional advantage in fantasy football leagues.
JJ and Rich talk a little poker before JJ reveals one of his current favorite running back values. Underdog's Hayden Winks then joins the show to talk about the death of the elite tight end, reaching for players during your draft, when to zig while others zag, and more. Sign up on Underdog now and use promo code LATEROUND for a deposit match offer on your first deposit: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-late-round-ff Purchase the Late-Round Prospect Guide or Preorder the Late-Round Draft Guide: http://www.lateround.com/
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