#TomBomb
BUY-LOW DYNASTY ASSETS
~ BALTIMORE RAVENS ~
3. Miles Boykin
Whenever a WR enters the NFL with both the size and the measurables that Miles Boykin possesses, Old Tom believes you would be quite wise to keep your eyes locked on him across his first few seasons. This resonates all the louder when said individual finds himself on one of the NFL’s most exciting and high-octane offenses, while also seeing the field in every game his rookie year. A third-round selection, just one year removed, Mr. Boykin did everything he could during his rookie campaign to show he can make plays:
The one variable that seemed to be outside his control, however, was his ability to find enough opportunity for his talent to shine through. For as fun and exciting as that Ravens‘ offense was to witness in 2019, the reality of the situation was they set an all-time NFL team rushing record for a reason. Nonetheless, what Lamar Jackson was able to show us last year was that he certainly can keep guys fantasy relevant with limited opportunity. Please insert Mark Andrews‘ name. Yes, I understand this is a different position, and potentially apples to oranges when comparisons get made. Nevertheless, Boykin’s big-play ability coupled with his big-framed body is the perfect fit for Jackson and his limited opportunity employment, if you will.
While Old Tom is avoiding Boykin’s name in conversations that highlight the number of catches a WR will haul in, I am consciously bringing his name to the surface in conversations that center around yards and touchdowns. There are many visions, dancing in my head, of Miles being Lamar’s new red-zone weapon in 2020 and beyond. That possibility coupled with everything else he’s bringing to the dinner table has me emphatically moving him up my buy-low dynasty assets list entering this season. I mean, why not?
2. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
No doubt, you probably had to double back to make sure this was a “buy-low” column. Don’t worry, Old Tom fully understands your confusion. I’ll say this, your potential shock factor is going to be off the charts when you get to number one. See, here’s something I always like to remember. The phrase “buying low” is of course a relative one. Given Old Tom’s self-proclaimed foundation of simplicity and subjectivity, I enjoy a good bit of relativism from time to time. With that said, Mr. Brown is an individual I feel is well worth his current price, as it will rise much higher in the coming months and consequently years.
There’s no doubt, the concern is over a lack of volume in that Baltimore passing game. Okay, fair enough. Yet, I do want to add that I genuinely believe Lamar is only just beginning to scratch the surface of his passing capability. As he continues to mature and develop his complete repertoire, you’re going to want to heavily invest in his weapons. As we look back on Brown’s rookie run, we see that while his WR46 (PPR) finish wasn’t the most impressive, it also transpired over only a 58% offensive snap share and on one healthy foot.
With every report that surfaces from within, we are being bombarded with nothing but understandably optimistic assumptions that a fully healthy Marquise Brown is an even more dangerous Marquise Brown. As the 2020 season quickly approaches, Brown and his WR1 team-status is the asset you’ll want to buy up as quickly as you can. Old Tom is oh so excited to witness the growth of one of the league’s most explosive young players.
1. J.K. Dobbins
Well, here we are. The moment you are probably wondering what in the world I’m doing. It just doesn’t make sense. A buy-low column and here Old Tom is just casually throwing in one of the best young rookie running backs the 2020 class has to offer. I know, I know, it doesn’t seem right. But let me defend my stance by assuring you I don’t chalk it up to laziness or even *gasp* a lack of creativity. I dove, my friends. I dove so deep and every time I surfaced I realized that the best “buy-low” investment one could make on this Ravens’ front was potentially one of the game’s most valuable commodities… but while his price is as low as it may ever be. Back on June 1st, Old Tom dropped a #TomBomb that truly hit on my infatuation for Mr. Dobbins.
A few days later, one of Twitter’s finest dropped his own assessment:
Now, I’m not pretending we are the only two people who feel this strongly. I am just stating that the strength of our stance – and all the Dobbins-truthers’ stance – is such that you’ll no doubt kick yourself if/when you look back on what could have been. What Old Tom envisions taking place, over the course of the next 12 months, is a Ravens’ backfield transformation from Mr. Ingram to Mr. Dobbins. With a contract out after the season, I find it difficult to imagine Baltimore taking the $6 million-plus cap hit to retain their guy. I mean, with J.K. in the waiting and a year of maturation under his belt, it only makes sense.
Now, from a statistical viewpoint, one area I would sure like to see improved is that of Greg Roman’s (OC) desire to incorporate his running backs into the passing game. Across 2019, all three Ravens’ backs (Ingram, Edwards, & Hill) only accounted for a combined 41 receptions off 52 targets. Not great. Especially from so many fantasy PPR viewpoints. Nevertheless, as witnessed last year, this offense was able to generate the RB11 (PPR) with a measly 48% offensive snap share. If your mouth isn’t drooling at the thought of J.K. Dobbins in a featured bell-cow role you, my friend, may be suffering from a severe case of xerostomia.
So, in conclusion, I’m here to tell you that you should strongly be pursuing any/all J.K. shares you can right now. With that in mind, any time you feel you might be “overpaying” just remember: you’re not.
I genuinely thank you for taking the time to read my article and kindly welcome you to follow me on Twitter @BombadilFantasy. This, my friends, is where you’ll find as many #TomBombs as your heart can desire. Remember, while I have quite an extensive history and the wisdom to show for it, I’m still perfecting my craft of fortune-telling. Nonetheless, you have my assurance that you’re in great hands with Old Tom Bombadil. Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!
