Just before the 2022 NFL Draft, the Broncos struck a deal with veteran running back Melvin Gordon on a one-year deal to return to Denver. While Gordon is the player signing the contract, fantasy managers are likely most concerned about the implications the deal has on teammate Javonte Williams. Andrew Erickson shares his thoughts on the signing and what it means for Williams in 2022.
Running back Melvin Gordon signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos, ultimately halting the Javonte Williams 2022 breakout season.
The idea of Williams playing a three-down role was salivating, but Gordon’s return should not be overlooked after a seriously underrated 2021 campaign.
The 29-year-old running back was efficient across the board, ranking eighth in both PFF rushing grade (83.4) and forced missed tackles (45) while compiling 231 touches (16th).
Gordon is bound to be written off by fantasy draft pundits this offseason due to his age, but he proved that he still has gas in the tank in 2021. With him back on a high-powered offense and with the potential to receive goal-line touches, he could easily become a screaming value in 2022 like James Conner or Leonard Fournette last year.
I will be drafting a lot of Gordon in summer best ball drafts.
As for Williams – MG3’s return definitely hurts his top-tier fantasy ceiling. He’s going to split work with another capable back in Gordon which is exactly what new head coach Nathaniel Hackett desires and spoke on at the NFL owners meeting in March.
However, keep in mind that Williams finished 13th in touches last season (246, 14.6 per game) and would be the favorite to take another step forward in the passing game – Aaron Jones-esque – after finishing as one of two rookie RBs inside the top-15 in route participation in 2021: Najee Harris (first) and Javonte Williams (13th).
Williams falls out of the fantasy RB1 conversation for me in redraft and best ball, but he’s right on the cusp at RB13. He’s also a screaming buy for me in dynasty having turned just 22 years old with Gordon only on a one-year deal.
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