For the previous couple of months, I have been watching tape on NFL free brokers and writing evaluations. Veteran abilities reminiscent of Stefon Diggs, J.Okay. Dobbins and Amari Cooper are nonetheless out there, however let us take a look at the soccer fantasy impression of the latest participant motion we have seen to this point.
Right this moment, I am choosing my 5 favourite strikes, specializing in participant traits, scheme match, quantity alternatives and extra.
We’ll begin with a veteran broad receiver who landed in an excellent spot to offer instant fantasy numbers this season.
WR Davante Adams joins Los Angeles Rams
Given Adams’ route traits and his slot in Sean McVay’s offense, I noticed this as the most effective transfer in free company. Adams, who averaged 17.2 fantasy PPG throughout his time with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets final season, continues to be top-of-the-line at getting free versus press-man protection. He can separate to the ball, too. And Adams can discover open grass, utilizing his protection consciousness to take a seat down in home windows. That is key when taking part in because the X receiver (reverse Puka Nacua) the place Adams can win these bottom one-on-ones for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
In McVay’s system, one which’s heavy on condensed units and movement/motion, Adams can even be schemed, which incorporates free entry off the ball, working crossers (catch-and-run), attacking the center of the sector on play-action in-breakers and discovering the voids on flood ideas.
Bear in mind, Adams caught 85 passes final yr, and he can nonetheless isolate within the low purple zone. An improve over Cooper Kupp, Adams is in line to submit upper-tier WR2 numbers this season.
Chicago Bears improve offensive entrance for QB Caleb Williams
1:15
Orlovsky: Bears have top-10 offensive line with Drew Dalman
Dan Orlovsky breaks down what Drew Dalman’s arrival on the Chicago Bears means for Caleb Williams.
Williams averaged 15.0 fantasy PPG as a rookie, posting 5 video games with 22 or extra factors. We noticed flashes of his playmaking capability, too. And Williams did that behind a talent-deficient offensive line (whereas working with two completely different offensive coordinators). That is why the Bears’ strikes make this listing. The pre-draft offseason additions on the inside of the O-line, paired with the hiring of recent head coach Ben Johnson, ought to put Williams in a spot to take that second-year bounce.
Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney, nonetheless one of many high gamers at his place, and Jonah Jackson, a mauler who can deal with energy in cross safety. Plus, the staff additionally signed Drew Dalman, my high heart in free company.
The keys right here? Veteran expertise up entrance to maintain the pocket agency for Williams and Johnson making a higher sense of calm for his quarterback although teaching and scheme. Signal me up. Williams might be a lower-tier QB1 in my summer season rankings.
Denver Broncos signal TE Evan Engram
There’s an instantaneous alternative for Engram to see goal quantity in Denver’s offense, and coach Sean Payton can scheme for him as a “transfer” participant within the name sheet.
Engram performed in solely 9 video games with the Jacksonville Jaguars final season due to harm and averaged simply 9.9 PPG. However when Engram performed a full 17-game season in 2023, he caught a career-high 114 passes and averaged 13.5 PPG.
In Denver, search for Engram to be deployed in any respect three ranges of the sector, utilizing his alignment versatility to create matchup edges, whereas Payton works to get him open beneath on catch-and-run targets from second-year QB Bo Nix. Suppose crossers, screens and extra, as 51.4% of Engram’s complete receiving yardage over the previous two seasons got here after the catch. He performs with ball service imaginative and prescient within the open subject.
With broad receiver Courtland Sutton the lone quantity goal at present on the Broncos’ roster, Engram could have a shot to supply mid- to lower-tier TE1 numbers.
Jets signal QB Justin Fields
9:17
How a lot strain is on Justin Fields because the Jets’ QB?
Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Chris Canty debate whether or not Justin Fields can show himself as an NFL starter with the Jets.
In his six begins with the Pittsburgh Steelers final season, Fields averaged 18.9 PPG. And I noticed positives on the tape. Fields improved each his pocket imaginative and prescient and footwork, plus he rushed for 235 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Jets will scheme for this too, utilizing Fields’ dual-threat traits on designed carries, which creates scoring alternatives within the low purple zone.
Fields has a dynamic No. 1 broad receiver in Garrett Wilson who can stretch defenses on the perimeter and tack on numbers after the catch. Plus, working again Breece Corridor can function as an beneath outlet, getting free within the cross sport on high-percentage throws.
The Jets may probably add extra pass-catchers by means of the draft, too. And with Fields’ capability to run the ball, he might be within the combine as a QB1 who can produce breakout weeks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign WR Chris Godwin
Godwin was main the NFL with 50 receptions (30 from slot alignments) whereas averaging 19.7 PPG (WR5) till struggling a season-ending ankle harm in Week 7 final season. Certain, the Bucs will undergo a transition beneath new playcaller Josh Grizzard, however we all know how Godwin will be deployed reverse Mike Evans.
With the within/outdoors flex to assault defenses, Godwin is greater than prepared to work the heavy site visitors areas of the sector, and he can shake free in area. Final season, 59.7% of Godwin’s receiving totals got here after the catch. He is a savvy route runner with the open-field toughness to show middle-of-the-field throws into large performs. And once you combine the traits of Godwin with the aggressive throwing mentality of quarterback Baker Mayfield, the numbers might be there.
I am betting on a wholesome Godwin to supply regular WR2 numbers, together with some WR1 weeks.
