Dynasty News, August 12, 2024

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This summer, we will examine the dynasty news through the lens of the three key aspects for dynasty managers: talent, value, and opportunity.

Identifying the correct talent level is the first order of business. Understanding the appropriate level of talent determines whether it is pursuing a correct valuation and comprehension of the opportunity.

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It takes success in all three areas to be a successful dynasty manager. In today’s  “Dynasty News,” we will examine the wide receivers drafted on the final day of this year’s NFL Draft and their relative impact on dynasty teams.

4.102 Troy Franklin, Denver

Franklin is a slender speedster who will need time to adapt to the NFL. The Broncos traded up to draft Bo Nix’s college teammate. So far in training camp, Franklin has been outplayed by seventh-rounder Devaughn Vele. These two are battling for the WR5 spot on the Denver gameday roster, behind Sutton, Mims, Reynolds, and Patrick. Dynasty managers will need to be patient with Franklin as he will need time to develop.

4.110 Javon Baker, New England

Baker is a star in the making. He has a solid chance to be remembered as a top receiver in this loaded receiver class. He is not fast but plays with tenacity and profiles as the Patriots top receiver in 2025. Yes, there is risk. There is a reason Baker fell in the draft. Some say it is due to his timed speed. Others think it is because of off-the-field questions. The broad spectrum of potential outcomes is perfect for dynasty rookie drafts. He is a player we recommend targeting in your dynasty league, but you will need to be patient as the New England pass offense is not for the faint of heart.  After a slow start, Baker has played well the past two weeks at training camp. He is flashing immense promise in practice.

4.113 Devontez Walker, Baltimore

Walker did not have the publicity of many receivers on this list. He is a big (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and fast downfield speedster. His role will be as a deep threat, adding a solid complement to Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in the Baltimore offense. Walker will be a solid professional, more than as a dynasty receiver. He played college football with Patriots rookie, Drake Maye, throwing him the football so he is a known prospect, one with a limited fantasy ceiling in PPR leagues.

4.135 Jacob Cowing, San Francisco

The San Francisco front office has a “type” of receiver they like to draft, but Cowing breaks the norm. He is smaller (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) and lacks the physicality as a blocker that the 49ers desire. Few receivers of Cowing’s size make a dynasty impact. His biggest NFL upside may be as a returner, given his short-area quickness and solid speed.  The team likes big, physical receivers and selected their possession pass catcher (Piersall) earlier in the draft. Given the success of this front office, we should give them the benefit of the doubt and stash Cowing in the deepest of leagues.

5.142 Anthony Gould, Indianapolis

Gould is yet another undersized (5-foot-8, 172 pounds) receiver with big-time speed. He is the second speedy receiver (the other was Adonai Mitchell selected in the second round) drafted by the Colts this year. Each is fast with the ability to make plays in the open field. They complement star Michael Pittman and possession receiver Josh Downs as field-stretching options. Gould has seen extended action with Downs out with a sprained ankle and has played very well.

5.152 Ainias Smith, Philadelphia

Smith is an older prospect who brings a wealth of experience to the Eagles. He was more of a gadget player at Texas A&M and will compete with Johnny Wilson and Parris Campbell for the third-receiver job. All three are unique playmakers with a talent for after-the-catch big plays. They each have dynasty upside as the Philadelphia pass offense will put up points. He is worth a stash in deep leagues.

5.156 Jamari Thrash, Cleveland

Thrash is a long and lean (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) receiver who runs like a deer and is a downfield threat. Dropped passes were an issue at Louisville and may inhibit his dynasty upside. Thrash will compete for the third-receiver job in Cleveland, but the Browns offense is not built for putting up points through the air so Thrash might need a year or three to make a dynasty impact.  

5.170 Bub Means, New Orleans

Means was drafted into a plum situation as the Saints have little depth behind Olave and Shaheed. Means is a big (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) speedster who carries immense upside.  Means is a solid late-round rookie pick as he will battle A.T. Perry for action on gamedays. If on the waiver wire, Means should be considered an immediate wire acquisition to watch during the preseason.