Arguably the most rewarding part of playing in dynasty fantasy football leagues is making transactions over the offseason. Whether it’s the rookie draft or initiating trades, now is the time to set yourself up for long-term success. Below our writers share some players who are noteworthy “buy” and “sell” candidates following the NFL Draft.
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Q1. Which player are you buying the most post-NFL Draft in dynasty leagues?
J.K. Dobbins (RB – BAL)
Dobbins was one of the most frustrating players in the first part of the 2020 NFL season, due to his offensive coordinator Greg Roman. The Ravens used a RBBC that saw Gus Edwards finish with 144 carries, Dobbins finish with 134, and Mark Ingram finished with 72. It was so bad early in the season when Dobbins tallied nine carries from Week 2 to Week 5. That changed in the second half, and from Week 8 to Week 17, Dobbins was the ninth-ranked fantasy running back with 119.2 fantasy points. The Ravens phased Ingram out of the offense and he is now a Houston Texan. Baltimore added no running backs in free agency nor the 2021 NFL Draft. This is down to a two-man backfield, Dobbins and Edwards. In an offense that runs as much as Greg Roman’s, there is room for both to be viable. In that same stretch of games where Dobbins was ranked ninth, Edwards ranked 17th among fantasy RBs. This is Dobbins’s job to lose at this point. He was their second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he flashed as a rookie, and they brought in no new significant competition. He is going to be playing with Lamar Jackson in one of the most run-oriented offenses in the NFL. Dobbins is someone that I see having a huge role for the Ravens over the next three years with the possibility of having his contract extended if he continues to perform at a high level. Edwards will take some of his carries away, but Dobbins is a special talent and he is the Ravens running back to roster in fantasy football.
– Derek Lofland (@DerekLofland)
Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
Taylor had a great finish to his rookie season, totaling 232 carries for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding another 36 receptions for 299 yards and a touchdown on 39 targets. This is an elite workload for a starting running back and the Colts now have a dual-threat quarterback under center after trading for Carson Wentz this offseason. Indianapolis built depth along an already stout offensive line, strengthening the seventh-best offensive line in the league after signing former Chiefs LT Eric Fisher to play alongside All-Pro LG Quenton Nelson and C Ryan Kelly. Former Colts’ OC Nick Sirianni is now the head coach in Philadelphia, meaning Colts’ head coach Frank Reich and new OC Marcus Brady will likely opt to keep Taylor on the field in third-and-long scenarios, as Nyheim Hines saw 76 targets last season, preventing Taylor from finishing as a top-three running back. With an improved offensive line, an upgrade at quarterback, and finding himself as the star player in a new coaching scheme, the 22-year old Taylor promises to be an elite RB1 for years to come, making him the player I am buying the most post-NFL draft in dynasty leagues.
– Matt MacKay (@Matt_MacKay_)
Check out our Consensus Dynasty Rankings here
Q2. Which player are you selling the most post-NFL Draft in dynasty leagues?
Melvin Gordon (RB – DEN)
I thought Gordon’s fantasy outlook may be improving when Phillip Lindsay signed with the Houston Texans this offseason. This meant Gordon had a chance to return to being a bell-cow running back. However, that thought was quickly squashed when the Broncos spent the 35th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Javonte Williams. Teams do not use that type of draft equity on a running back unless they expect the rookie to have a major role immediately. Gordon is a free agent after this season and that pick signals to me that they are going to slowly phase Gordon out of the offense this year and let him walk in 2022. Gordon is currently 28-years old, which means he will be entering free agency at 29-years old. Most running backs are done being productive at 30. Gordon does have only 1,274 career carries and 256 career receptions, so he may be able to remain productive for another year or two, due to light carry totals for his career. He is still going to be too old to break the bank in free agency in 2022 and he looks destined to be a player in a committee for the rest of his career. He is a player that I am selling in dynasty leagues.
– Derek Lofland (@DerekLofland)
Miles Sanders (RB – PHI)
I already wasn’t sold on Sanders before the Eagles used a fifth-round draft pick to sign University of Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell to their revamped roster in 2021. Sanders was one of the worst receiving backs in 2020, catching only 28-of-52 targets and converting them into 197 yards while being held without a receiving touchdown. New Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni and OC Shane Steichen are going to focus on establishing the run but that doesn’t necessarily mean Sanders is guaranteed a work-horse role comparable to Jonathan Taylor under Sirianni in 2020. Gainwell was arguably the best receiving back in the 2021 draft class, so he will absorb valuable targets in the passing game immediately. Gainwell also proved he could thrive as an every-down back despite his 5’11”, 190-pound frame, showing elite elusiveness in tight running lanes while carrying 231 times for 1,459 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns while at Memphis. Kerryon Johnson‘s best days are likely behind him but his signing certainly doesn’t bode well for Sanders’ touches at the goal-line. Jalen Hurts has a new weapon in his receiving corps with Heisman-winner DeVonta Smith bringing his top-tier speed and hands to stretch the field, which could allow Hurts to continue making plays with his legs, whether designed or improvised. Due to a new coaching staff, an upgraded offense, and an inability to operate efficiently as a receiver, I’m selling Sanders the most post-NFL Draft in dynasty leagues.
– Matt MacKay (@Matt_MacKay_)
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Whether you’re new to fantasy football or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Football 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with Starting Your Own Fantasy Football League or head to more advanced strategy – like What is the Right Amount of Risk to Absorb on Draft Day? – to learn more.