The 2021 NFL free company frenzy interval is sort of within the books, and we now have a clearer image of how all 32 rosters are going to look heading into the NFL draft. I’ve already examined the free-agent winners and losers, however we even have to try how participant motion has impacted the worth of gamers who did not change groups in a digital domino impact of types. We regarded on the winners earlier within the week, so now it is time to goal gamers whose fantasy enchantment skilled a lower through free company.
READ MORE: How NFL Free Agency Impacts Everyone Else – The Winners
Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders: Jacobs was the RB8 final season, seeing a 37.1 % contact share because the featured again in Las Vegas. Good luck hitting these numbers now that Kenyan Drake is within the combine. Drake, who noticed a 30.5 % contact share in Arizona a season in the past, goes to take a giant chunk out of Jacobs’ stats. He is now extra of a RB2.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans: Houston, we now have an issue! This offseason has not been good for Watson. He is at odds with the Texans and desires to be traded, and now he is in the course of an unpleasant off-subject state of affairs. On the sector, Watson misplaced DeAndre Hopkins (2020) and now Will Fuller, who was his prime choice within the passing sport.
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D.J. Chark, WR, Jaguars: Chark is nearer to a push than a loser as a result of he will get Trevor Lawrence. However for now, it’s a must to be involved about his ceiling with the addition of Marvin Jones Jr. He has commanded no less than 103 targets in 4 straight seasons the place he’d performed no less than 15 video games, and he is aware of Darrell Bevell’s offense.
Chase Claypool, WR, Steelers: When the Steelers did not apply the franchise tag to JuJu Smith-Schuster, it regarded like he was on his manner out of the Metal Metropolis. However when he in the end returned on a one-12 months, $8 million deal, it put a giant-time cap on what Claypool might need been capable of obtain within the stat sheets. He’ll stay a No. 3 fantasy choice.
David Johnson, RB, Texans: Johnson led the Texans backs with a 24.8 % contact share final season, however that whole is destined to say no in 2021. Not solely did the Texans add Mark Ingram to the combo, however Phillip Lindsay was additionally added as a free agent. In what might be a 3-headed backfield monster of types, D.J.’s draft inventory has fallen laborious.
DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins: Parker led all Dolphins wideouts in goal share (18.8 %) a season in the past, and no different receiver on the roster had greater than a 9.8 % share (Jakeem Grant). That is going to alter with the addition of the sector-stretching Fuller, who noticed almost seven targets per sport in his last season with the Texans.
A.J. Dillon, RB, Packers: Dillon was trying like the favourite to begin for the Packers when the group determined to not franchise Aaron Jones, however he was (possibly surprisingly) introduced again on a 4-12 months deal. So whereas Dillon ought to see extra touches with out Jamaal Williams (Lions), he will not make a significant fantasy impression with Jones within the combine.
Jamison Crowder, WR, Jets: Crowder was quietly strong for fantasy managers in 2020, scoring 17-plus factors 5 occasions (12 video games) whereas averaging 14.3 factors. Sadly, he’ll be laborious-pressed to see the 19.2 % goal share he had with Corey Davis and Keelan Cole being added to the roster. Crowder is now extra of a WR3/WR4 in drafts.
Evan Engram, TE, Giants: Engram completed a disappointing fifteenth in fantasy factors at tight finish final season. Kenny Golladay and Kyle Rudolph’s additions do not bode properly for him, making a manufacturing enchancment unlikely. A decline in his 21.8 % goal share is imminent, as is his fall from being within the No. 1 fantasy tight finish dialog.
Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants: The Giants including Golladay and Rudolph can be dangerous information for Shepard, Darius Slayton, and the entire group’s cross-catchers. In his final full season (2019), Kenny G commanded a close to 22-% goal share. Shepard was at 18 % final season, and Slayton was at 19.2. These totals are destined to decrease.
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Ryan Tannehill, QB, Titans: Tannehill has misplaced his offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, and his second and third choices within the passing sport in Corey Davis (92 targets) and Jonnu Smith (65 targets). The Titans did add Josh Reynolds and had Anthony Firkser on the roster, however it’s a must to wonder if adverse regression is coming in 2021.
Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks: It regarded for a second like Penny would lastly get an opportunity to begin for the Seahawks. Then the group determined to deliver again Chris Carson on a two-12 months, $14.6 million contract. That squashed Penny’s worth not solely in re-drafts however in dynasty codecs as properly. At this level, he is value a late-spherical choice in 2021 drafts.
Taysom Hill, QB, Saints: Hill regarded fairly good, no less than from a fantasy standpoint, in his 4 begins at quarterback final season. However with the re-signing of Jameis Winston, Hill’s inventory has much more query marks. That would change if he wins the beginning job in coaching camp, however for now, it seems like Winston is the favourite to begin subsequent season.
Jared Goff, QB, Lions: Goff’s inventory had already fallen after being traded to the Lions, however now it is gotten even worse. Their prime two receivers, Golladay (Giants) and Jones (Jaguars) are off to greener pastures. That leaves two journeymen, Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman, as Goff’s prime choices at wideout. That is not good for his draft worth.
Gabriel Davis, WR, Payments: Davis confirmed some flashes in his rookie season, and the discharge of John Brown gave the impression to be a sign that the Payments would develop his position in 2021. Nevertheless, that thought went out of thoughts because the group added veteran Emmanuel Sanders and his 82 targets from a season in the past. That transfer stunted Davis’ draft inventory.
Van Jefferson, WR, Rams: Jefferson’s fantasy inventory gave the impression to be on the rise with Josh Reynolds (Titans) leaving as a free agent, however the pleasure was quelled when the Rams introduced in veteran DeSean Jackson. He nonetheless has velocity even on the age of 34, and his presence within the passing assault means Jefferson’s goal share may not develop.
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Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots: Edelman missed most of final season on account of accidents, and one has to marvel if he’ll even be again with the Patriots (or within the NFL) in 2021. If he does return to New England, Edelman should share targets with new additions like Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne. That is not ideally suited.
Donald Parham, TE, Chargers: The Parham bandwagon was rising rapidly after the Chargers misplaced Hunter Henry to the Patriots, however the wheels fell off when the group signed veteran Jared Cook dinner. During the last 4 seasons, Cook dinner has averaged 78 targets and 50.5 catches. That is sufficient to maintain Parham from making a giant transfer in 2021.
Nick Foles, QB, Bears: It appeared that Foles would have a shot to begin for the Bears subsequent season, however that every one went out the window when the group signed Andy Dalton. The Pink Rifle acquired “assurance” from the Bears that he can be their No. 1 quarterback in 2021, leaving Foles holding a clipboard. He is properly off the fantasy radar at this level.
Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions: Bear in mind how excited fantasy managers had been about Johnson after he flashed at occasions as a rookie? Since then, the Lions have drafted D’Andre Swift and now signed Jamaal Williams to the backfield. That leaves Johnson because the low man on the totem pole and a probable waiver-wire participant when subsequent season begins.
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Michael Fabiano is an award-successful fantasy soccer analyst on Sports activities Illustrated and a member of the Fantasy Sports activities Writers Affiliation (FSWA) Corridor of Fame. You’ll be able to observe Michael on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for the entire newest breaking fantasy soccer information and the very best evaluation within the enterprise!
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