Welcome to the ADP Duel comparing Derrick Henry and Travis Etienne for 2024 fantasy football drafts. One crucial aspect of building a successful fantasy football team is understanding and leveraging average draft position (ADP) data. ADP provides a snapshot of where players are selected in drafts, offering insights into market trends and helping managers make informed decisions. By comparing ADPs across different platforms and leagues, fantasy enthusiasts can identify potential value picks and avoid overhyped players, ultimately giving them a competitive edge.

The intricacies of ADP comparisons extend beyond merely noting where players are drafted. It involves analyzing the discrepancies and patterns that emerge from sources such as ESPN, Sleeper and FFPC. Each platform has its unique user base and scoring settings, which can significantly influence player rankings and draft strategies. By delving into these variations, managers can tailor their draft strategies to exploit specific league settings and capitalize on inefficiencies in player evaluations. Understanding these nuances is essential for making astute decisions, especially in high-stakes leagues where every pick counts.

Moreover, ADP comparisons are a valuable tool for identifying sleepers and busts. Players who are consistently drafted higher or lower than their projected performance can signal potential over- or under-valuations. Savvy managers can use this information to their advantage, targeting undervalued players who are likely to outperform their draft position and steering clear of those who may not live up to the hype.

As the fantasy football landscape continues to evolve, staying abreast of ADP trends and comparisons will remain a cornerstone of effective draft strategy, helping managers build robust and competitive rosters. Let’s break down the ADPs of RBs Derrick Henry and Travis Etienne, and see who the better pick for your fantasy football team may be.

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ADP Duel: Derrick Henry vs. Travis Etienne

Travis Etienne (RB – JAX)

ADP: RB8, 18th Overall

Travis Etienne made huge leaps forward in 2023 from a fantasy production standpoint compared to where he was in 2022. Although his efficiency metrics took a hit last year from a rushing standpoint (1,008 in 2023, down from 1,125 in 2022), he saw more usage in the offense and became an all-around weapon as shown by his 58 receptions on the season. He was one of the most reliable running backs in fantasy a season ago, ranking inside the top 10 in nearly all counting statistics that matter to fantasy managers.

His 74.3% snap share was good for RB6, while his carries (267) and targets (73) were both career highs and ranked RB4 and RB7, respectively. Where Etienne came in incredibly clutch last year was as a receiving back where he totaled 58 receptions (RB6) for 476 yards (RB5). Even his routes run (336) and yards per reception (8.2) landed him inside the top 10 at the position. All of this helped propel Etienne to 16.1 fantasy points per game (PPG), where he finished as the RB8 on the year, exceeding his ADP of RB10 before the 2023 drafts.

As we head into the 2024 season, Etienne still finds himself mired as a question mark for many in the fantasy community. Some will see his total production from a season ago as a reason to be excited and buy in for another easy RB1 finish. Others view the below-average metrics coupled with the talk of more usage for Tank Bigsby as reasons to avoid him due to where he is being selected in drafts.

If you add in the potential question marks surrounding the Jaguars’ offensive line, there may not be much room for improvement for Etienne on his abysmal yards before contact per attempt in 2023 (1.15 – RB88). If we see another less-than-stellar performance from him from an efficiency standpoint in terms of running the ball, Etienne will have to be counted on to maintain high usage as a pass-catcher to accommodate his current ADP.

Derrick Henry (RB – BAL)

ADP: RB9, 19th Overall

King Henry, by many standards, had a very down year in 2023. Being the focal point for a subpar Tennessee Titans offense proved to be a tough mountain to climb as Derrick Henry was down in all metrics across the board. His rush attempts (280) led the position for the season, which has come to be expected for Henry. He was also second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,167) and added in 12 total touchdowns, which was good enough for RB6 on the season. But outside of those numbers, you saw dents in the armor for Henry.

His snap share (54.2% – RB25) dipped as the team was looking to work in rookie Tyjae Spears and keep Henry fresh. But his opportunity share also took a hit, where he ranked as the RB16 (64.6%), showing that there was some production left on the field. Although he has never been one to be a major factor in the passing game, his 28 receptions for 214 yards were both the second-highest of his career. All this led to, as I mentioned, a down season for Henry in which his 14.5 PPG was only good enough for an RB16 finish, well outside of his RB6 ADP before the 2023 drafts.

Derrick Henry now finds himself in uncharted territory after he signed with the Baltimore Ravens during the offseason. The new home brings some questions for fantasy managers as they wonder if he may still have it after all these years and the tread on the tires. But doubting a player of Henry’s caliber could prove to be a major mistake. He showed last year he can still break off an explosive run if the opportunity is there as 33.0% of his rushing yardage came on runs of 15+ yards.

On top of that, he showed he can still generate yardage as his 857 yards after contact was second to only Christian McCaffrey, even though his 1.11 yards before contact per attempt was one of the worst at the position. It was time for Henry to turn the page on his Titans career. A new home could provide the old veteran with a chip on his shoulder to prove to those around the fantasy industry who say he is washed up that they are wrong.

Verdict

The decision on which RB to take in the second round of drafts may simply come down to a pick-your-poison situation for fantasy managers. Both players find themselves on offenses that will be able to provide opportunities to find scoring situations. While much of the production you see from Henry will come from rushing and touchdown potential, Etienne brings the pass-catching production many fantasy managers salivate over. The name of the fantasy game comes down to scoring potential.

While both players scored double-digit touchdowns a season ago, Henry finds himself on a team where Gus Edwards crossed the goal line 13 times in 2023. Add in the narrative that the threat of Lamar Jackson‘s rushing ability will keep opposing defenses from focusing primarily on Henry and you have all the makings of a season in which he could lead the NFL in rushing scores. That would be the tie-breaker for me. With all the talk of perceived less usage for Etienne in 2024, this pick in the second round of drafts is a no-brainer for me as I have Derrick Henry ranked as a top-5 option at RB heading into 2024.

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