Trevor Lawrence
Things simply could not have gone worse for Trevor Lawrence in 2021. Immediately, I want to shift the blame towards Urban Meyer. Meyer is probably the worst NFL coach in history. He was tagged as an “offensive guru” in college football, but he was simply unable to translate this to the NFL. Back to Trevor Lawrence.
Lawrence had fewer touchdown passes than Tim Couch, Christian Ponder, and Brandon Weeden. Not names you want to be associated with. Lawrence was the highest-rated prospect since Andrew Luck and has all the tools you want in a franchise QB. This is where you have to gamble on talent and then hope for improvements in his Sophomore season.
What to Offer
With Lawrence owners being wary of a horrible year, you should consider buying low. Lawrence is worth trading a 2022 1.05 in SF and your 2.01 in 1QB.
Laviska Shenault
Since we like Trevor Lawrence as a buy-low option, let’s pair him with one of his young targets! After the Jaguars’ historically terrible offensive campaign in the 2021-2022 season, people are going to be low on the team’s assets. Shenault did not look like an NFL-caliber receiver last season. He saw 100 targets but only was able to bring in 63 of them. His average target distance (ADOT) was a mere 6.6 and his average yards per reception (YPR) was 9.8.
To put in comparison, Deebo Samuel saw 121 targets and hauled in 77 of them, along with an ADOT of 2.6, and a YPR of 18.2. If Shenault is thrust into a more productive system, he can be used like Deebo Samuel and we should see his YPR increase. This would be incredible for Shenault and his value as he is a true ‘gadget’ player and has the skillset to do it all.
What to Offer
I would offer a middle to late second-round pick for the potential dual-threat WR that is just 23 years old.
Tony Pollard
Ezekiel Elliott is still going to be in Dallas next season, and that’s mostly since his dead cap hit is incredibly high. This can be a good thing though. Owners still see Zeke as the RB1 but Pollard is the more productive of the two and I expect an increase in usage next season.
In 2021, Pollard was outworked by Elliot, 45 to 23 snaps a game. The kicker is, Elliot was less effective averaging only 4.2 YPC as opposed to Pollard who was 5.5. Pollard was also more effective in the passing game. Elliot had 47 receptions on 65 targets and 287 yards, compared to 39 receptions on 46 targets and 337 yards. Elliot’s only advantage was his red-zone workload. Elliot had 12 total touchdowns compared to Pollards’ two. I expect this backfield to become more of a committee next season with Pollard being an elite handcuff at the least.
What to Offer
If you can dish a mid-second in rookie draft for the likes of Pollard, you definitely should consider doing so.
Rondale Moore
Rondale Moore never made the impact we all were hoping for in the 2021-2022 season. The rookie saw <60% only twice in his fourteen games last season. Moore was drafted for his tremendous playmaking ability and surely is going to be utilized more as he becomes more acquainted with the offense. The 2021 second-round pick has Kliff Kingsburys’ approval as he has stated Moore’s role will improve regardless of what receivers sign back during the offseason.
The Cardinals have many question marks when it comes to their offensive skill positions. Kyler Murray has been giving mixed signals on social media. DeAndre Hopkins is coming off an injury, Christian Kirk is a free agent, and A.J. Green is not going to be re-signed. The departures of Kirk and Green will leave 195 vacated targets.
What to Offer
I am willing to part with a 2022 mid-second-round pick for the speedster. Moore has all the tools to be used like Marquise Brown but in a better passing offense.
Marlon Mack
Mack is an afterthought right now and there is a possibility he isn’t even rostered in your league. Mack took the back seat to Jonathan Taylor last season and everyone thought he was going to be a trade asset. Now, he is a free agent and can be a cheap option for an RB needy team with low cap availability. I would be willing to part with a mid-third-round pick for his services.
Thank you for reading. Catch me on Twitter @fantsyforecast for all fantasy-related discussions and football takes. #DFFArmy
