Rookie Preview (QBs and TEs)

There's not much fantasy relevance in this year's incoming class of QBs and TEs for redraft leagues so I grouped them into one. Typically 1st year TEs don't make much noise in fantasy as it's such a multifaceted position and takes a few years to master at the NFL level but we'll see what we have to work with especially for dynasty formats. As for QBs it's a mixed bag. Some ready now and some will sit behind a starter for a year or so. Let's start with the signal callers and the one on everyone's mind first. 

1) Joe Burrow (Bengals) ADP:121

Labeled by some anyalists as "the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck" it's hard to say anything negative about a guy that had such an historic season at the college level. However, the arguments against him are that his arm strength isn't elite and he might be a one year wonder. The low end comparisons are Andy Dalton, Carr, and Tannehill. I for one am not buying the negatives on Burrow. If you watch what he did at LSU last year it's clear why the Bengals drafted him with the #1 overall pick. His decision making and anticipation is near perfect. His accuracy is elite level and his pocket presence impressive for a 23 year old. I think he's going to be a star in the NFL and a yearly pro-bowler. Walking into the Bengals situation on offense isn't the most ideal but he has some nice weapons at his disposal (Especially if AJ Green can stay healthy). There will be some bumps along the road for his Rookie year no doubt but I think he will outperform his ADP and finish as a top 12 QB in fantasy. I'm all in on this Burrow led offense in Cincinnati. 

2) Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) ADP:292

There's a drastic drop in ADP from Burrow to Tua but that's not so much reflective of a difference in talent but situation. Tua is healed up from his hip surgery but needs to be able to overcome the mental aspect and be fearless in the pocket once again. Also, he needs to fend off the annual rookie QB blocker himself Ryan Fitxmagic and now Fitz is reunited with his former OC so that won't be easy. Before his injury Tua was the QB teams had their eye on as the #1 pick he checked all the boxes and made very few mistakes at Alabama. It helps to have 2 1st round talent WRs to throw to in Jeudy and Ruggs but he still makes all the throws with accuracy. His decision making also set him apart as a top talent at the position but then the injury and Joe Burrow happened. 

In Dyansty formats Tua still hold value but in redraft it's hard to project how many games we'll see him start this season. I think twards the end of the year he'll see the field but that's not draftable in my opinion. 

There are a few more QBs that are interesting. Justin Herbert is one but with Tyrod at in LA and thier defense projecting to be as good as it should be. I think they will be a winning football team and it's not typical to bench a veteran for a rookie during a winning season. Jordan Love is super interesting to me due to his massive upside in the Green Bay offense. He has a unique ability to escape the pocket and throw dimes on the run. Some scouts have actually comped him to Pat Mahomes! (Their words not mine) So someone to watch if Aaron Rodgers goes down.

Jalen Hurts offers super athleticism at the position if Wentz gets injured as well. That's it for QBs next up is TEs

1) Cole Kmet (Bears)

Kmet has a long way to go if he wants to succeed at the NFL level. He's got the size and athleticism but lacks technique and footwork. Finds himself off balance and out of position at times. Blocking could also use work. He excells at catching the football and could be a weapon in the red zone almost immediately. Although, needs to work on his less than ideal traits if he wants to be on the field for more snaps. He's worth a stash in dynasty but that's about it. Bears aren't the best landing spot either. 

2) Devin Asiasi (Patriots)

I don't think Devin is the second best TE in this class but I think he's the best athlete of the group and he's in the best spot for fantasy production by far, New England. Belichick drafted 2 TEs this year and I think we'll see a move back to 12 personnel in the post Tom Brady era. Dalton Keene is the other one taken later but Asiasi projects to be more of the receiving type. When it comes to fantasy production at the TE position athleticism is a huge factor and Asiasi has that in spades. He's smooth in and out of his breaks and uses his body to shield off defenders (exactly how a bigger man should operate at the position). He's not exactly draftable in any format but keep an eye on the Patriots TE situation. The only real challenge for playtime comes from the fellow rookie.

3) Adam Trautman (Saints)

A small school guy that absolutely bullied the competition in Dayton is my #3 rookie TE. I believe he has the highest ceiling of the class but it will take a few years to see it as he's behind Jared Cook and Josh Hill in NOLA. The Saints traded up to get him which says they have him in their plans for the future at the position. His tape shows his catching ability and athleticism with the ball in his hands. His work at the combine speaks for itself. At the NFL level he will need to work on his route running and blocking to become successful but the potential is there to be a star at the pro level. He's a favorite target of mine late in Dyansty formats but no value in redraft as he's buried on the depth charts and is a development project. 

4) Harrison Bryant (Browns)

Harrison has the talent to be grouped with the top talent in this year's class but the Browns have a log jam atop thier depth chart at TE. Like the others on this list he makes his chops as a pass catcher but is a good blocker as well which may get him on the field sooner. He's a bit undersized in terms of weight but that should come along with NFL S&C coaches getting their hands on him. With Njoku and Hooper there you won't see much of any of Bryant any times soon but he has two vets to learn from. In dynasty he's a decent buy and should acclimate well to the NFL over the next couple years. 

Well that's it we're all caught up on the fantasy relevant newcomers into the league my next few blogs will focus on drafts and value and I'll drop my rankings and positional tiers soon! Thank you for reading and follow me on Twitter @Chris_Cianci