Being in the back end of a redraft can cause a ton of anxiety. With having near back-to-back picks, the pressure is on. Who are the picks at 8-10?
I am a realist, or at least what I try to be every day. Anxiety is a part of everyday life for everyone, and fantasy football brings that on top of some fabulous things which balance out. That’s where redraft strategy comes into play.
Having a back-end pick in a fantasy draft can quickly turn into a mess or something extravagant. There are players that must be reached for because chances are they will not be there 17-19 picks later.
This is where the guys that the fantasy manager truly believes in must be selected to avoid later disappointment.
Pick 1.08 — D’Andre Swift
Is consensus too low, or am I too high? D’Andre Swift has all the tools to be an ELITE fantasy weapon for years to come in redraft leagues. Someone similar to look at is Alvin Kamara, who has had the most receptions and receiving yards since entering the NFL.
Swift showed flashes of what he truly can be in 2021. Although injury forced him to miss four games, what Swift was able to do in the other 13, makes the case for him to be a round one pick. Swift played over 80% of the snaps just ONCE in 2021 and finished as the RB15.
As usual, volume is KING in fantasy football, and the Lions’ offense is surrounded by D’Andre Swift primarily. In 2021, he was able to finish EIGHTH in fantasy ppg and second in target share % amongst running backs like Austin Ekeler and Alvin Kamara. They are two of the best fantasy and pass-catching running backs the NFL has seen.
That Jared Goff to D’Andre Swift connection is looking NICE (via IG/schneider20c) pic.twitter.com/nggP6iSg0e
— Barstool Detroit (@BSMotorCity) July 29, 2022
The most impressive number is one. D’Andre Swift was number one in terms of yards created per touch at 4.08 yards and number five in yards created. Yes, injuries have been a problem dating back to college, but injuries can happen to ANYONE. Do not let the past dictate the future. Draft D’Andre Swift at pick eight and enjoy the RB1 season.
Pick 1.09 — Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase is just built differently. Chase was one of the best redraft value picks in recent history. Being tied to his college quarterback, God forbid no injuries, they will become one of the best duos EVER.
Chase, as a rookie, posted the most receiving yards by a rookie receiver since 1960. After all the off-season talk of “dropping” catches, Chase quickly became a fantasy superstar. In week one, Chase arrived. With a five-catch game, 101 yards, one touchdown, and 32.9 fantasy points.
Although Chase saw just 128 targets which ranked him 18th, the efficiency he produced was at an all-time high. Being 18th in targets did not stop Chase from finishing top five in fantasy ppg (5th), fantasy points per target (4th), touchdowns (4th), and yards per reception (2nd).
With Tee Higgins on the other side, defenses cannot put all their attention on Chase. Regardless, it is bbq chicken for any defender who tries to cover Chase.
Never forget when Ja’Marr Chase torched Kansas City for 266 yards and 3 TDs 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/rMARoOssRG
— Jacob Dunne (@AintDunneYet) July 31, 2022
The efficacy will likely take a dip, but the volume Chase should see in year two should blow his year one out of the water. I expect a 100-plus catch season with over 1400 yards and double-digit touchdowns. Take Chase at pick nine, but remember to get a deadly stack later in the draft with Joe Burrow.
Pick 1.10 — Stefon Diggs
A top-three quarterback resides in Buffalo and is the redraft and dynasty QB1. His name is Josh Allen, and his WR1 is quietly one of the best in the entire NFL. He should be drafted as a top-five receiver in redraft leagues. Stefon Diggs has found his home in Buffalo after being traded by the Vikings and has adjusted fine.
Furthermore, Diggs finished as a WR1 in his two years in Buffalo as the WR7 in 2021 and WR3 in 2020. Also, Diggs is fifth in total receiving yards since arriving in Buffalo. Being tied to the best arm in football, one of the best and most high-scoring offenses in the NFL, Diggs can be trusted every week.
Gabriel Davis has shown flashes with his four-touchdown performance vs the Chiefs, but nonetheless, Diggs is THE alpha one in Buffalo and the second-best receiver in his conference.
Diggs’ volume might take a slight hit with pass-catching running back James Cook and the Bills wanting to involve Mr. Gabriel Hype-man Davis, but Diggs will still see a target share % over 25, accumulate over 1300 yards, and be a safe WR1 every single week.
This route from @StefonDiggs today 😯
📺: Back Together Saturday coverage all day on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/MSxnBJ2I7q
— NFL (@NFL) July 30, 2022
As I stated, the same with Chase, stack Diggs with his quarterback and enjoy the havoc that will be caused by the duo.
Thank you for checking out my redraft strategy for picks 8-10! You can read all of my articles on my IDP Guys’ author page. Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @NBF_Clo and @IDPGuys (we have offense too) and please consider becoming a subscriber!