The Steelers and the rest of the NFL are wrapping up the preseason this weekend. That means it’s fantasy football draft time.
My team, “Hodgepodge of Nothingness” (thanks for the inspiration, Dennis Eckersley), won my league last year.
I could offer you some advice. Or I could offer you the advice of the guy who gave me all of the advice that helped me win.
That’s Jeff Erickson of RotoWire. He’s our weekly fantasy football analyst on the “Breakfast With Benz” podcast. So let’s go with his opinions instead.
Here’s a six-pack of fantasy football draft tips from Jeff during this week’s podcast.
1. Which top-3-round player’s status changed the most during the preseason?:
Erickson: “The only major change is (Colts running back) Jonathan Taylor. That’s because of his situation, seeking a trade now. There are scenarios where Taylor comes out ahead — say, if he goes to Miami. But the longer this goes on, the more this drags on his value. You’re starting to see him drop into the third and fourth rounds of drafts now. The possibility of him coming back and playing happily for the Colts seems pretty slim.”
2. How high has Steelers receiver George Pickens risen during this preseason?:
Erickson: “He’s actually remained pretty steady, probably going around pick 70 overall. I, personally, prefer to take Diontae Johnson ahead of him. I just think the volume is still going to be there with Johnson. I think Johnson is still the superior route runner. I don’t think that skill has dissipated. I think the (zero) touchdowns last year, they are not necessarily indicative of what’s going to happen this year.”
3. Where should you draft Najee Harris, given Jaylen Warren’s emergence with the Steelers?:
Erickson: “Harris still remains pretty steady in the third round. I’ve even seen him go late second. Sometimes I see him slip to the end of the third, maybe into the fourth, but very rarely.”
4. Aside from Travis Kelce, who are the true, elite tight ends in 2022?:
Erickson: “Kelce, he’s in his own tier. Then (Mark) Andrews (Baltimore Ravens) for me is No. 2. Some people have (T.J.) Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings). I can see it. Some people have (Darren) Waller (New York Giants) right there. Some people have (George) Kittle (San Francisco 49ers)… I think there’s a little drop-off to the next group, which would be (Dallas) Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles) and Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons).
5. Any big-name players that may be drawing some red flags late in the preseason?:
Erickson: “(Los Angeles Rams receiver) Cooper Kupp is one worth watching. He’s back at practice now. So that’s a good sign. But I’m the low man on Kupp. I’m worried about the hamstring. He’s coming back from an ankle (injury last year) as well. And, to the team context, I think the Rams are a very thin team. We’re worried a little bit about (quarterback Matthew) Stafford and his neck. I’ve seen (Kupp) go as high as three. I’m just not going to be there for that.”
6: Is Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson worth the first-round hype after one preseason game?:
Erickson: “He’s a guy that’s still going in the first, beginning of the second more often than not. The Falcons are weird, though. They’re still listing him third on their depth chart, which is just insane on its face. I think it’s a little bit of rookie hazing. Maybe early on, you’ll see a little bit more Tyler Allgeier between the tackles, and you’ll see Robinson on third downs and in the passing situations. But, come on. We all know you spent an early first-round pick on Bijan Robinson. He’s going to play.”
LISTEN: Tim Benz and Jeff Erickson of RotoWire discuss fantasy football draft strategy
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