One of the most important aspects of completing a successful fantasy football draft is knowing who to target and who to avoid. Sure, there could be ‘value’ that presents itself through the draft, but it’s important to know which players you should not only avoid as the draft goes, but also to consider passing on even if the “value” is there. Here are my top players to avoid in 2023 fantasy football drafts. And here is a free closer look at a few of my top picks to avoid.
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Fantasy Football Players to Avoid
Here are players I’m avoiding.
D’Andre Swift (RB – PHI)
The Lions had three years to assess Swift and gave him a thumbs-down a la Joaquin Phoenix in “Gladiator.” They were so eager to replace Swift, in fact, that they spent the 12th pick of the NFL Draft on his replacement, Jahmyr Gibbs, even though running backs are rarely drafted in the top half of the first round these days.
The Lions traded Swift to the Eagles, which seems like a soft landing. But is it really? Yes, the Eagles have a terrific overall offense, a top offensive line, and they’re skewed toward the run. But several Eagles beat writers believe Rashaad Penny will be Philadelphia’s primary early-down back. Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott are still around, too.
Much of Swift’s fantasy value during his time in Detroit was derived from his pass catching. Detroit RBs were targeted at the 11th-highest rate in the league last year, with Swift drawing 70 of the Lions’ 115 RB targets. Eagles RBs were targeted at the lowest rate in the league last season, drawing only 61 targets.
Pass.
Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)
The knee injury Williams sustained last October was a bad one. Williams tore his ACL and LCL, also damaging his posterior lateral corner. Multi-ligament knee tears typically require a longer recovery than isolated ACL tears, and when Williams eventually returns, he might not be his old self right away.
J.K. Dobbins tore his ACL and LCL in the 2021 preseason, along with his hamstring and meniscus. Dobbins didn’t return until Week 3 of the 2022 season, didn’t look like his old self in his first four games back, was shut down for another seven weeks, then finally looked normal when he returned in Week 14. It amounted to nearly a 16-month recovery.
It’s painful to fade a player as talented as Walker, but it’s the prudent move. Williams avoided the PUP list to start training camp, which is encouraging. But it would be wise to take all positive medical reports about Williams with numerous grains of salt, a shot of tequila and a hit of lime.
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