#TomBomb
BUY-LOW DYNASTY ASSETS
~ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ~
3. James White
One thing Old Tom always likes to do is open up the lines of communication, with league mates, to see what their asking price is for those “aging vets”. This becomes, all the more imperative when said veteran players find themselves in less than desirable positions. Or, in Mr. White’s case, they find themselves all of a sudden void of one Tom Brady. Now, we go buy. The thing about 28-year-old running backs is, they aren’t THAT old, in the grand scheme of things. At least not in Old Tom’s eyes. The thing about 28-year-old running backs who have made their mark primarily catching the ball and on 3rd downs is, they are even less old than potentially perceived.
Call this a hot take, if you will, but I just firmly believe that regardless of how that New England QB position unfolds in 2020 it’s almost irrelevant to what James White is going to bring to the table.
One of many variables the Patriots retained this year was offensive mastermind Josh McDaniels. One has to think that until we know for sure the extent he will be able to push his starting QB, this year he is going to do everything in his power to provide a safe floor. Enter James White. White is only two years removed from his monster 2018 campaign in which he finished as the RB7 (PPR). He is coming off a respectable, yet underperforming, RB18 (PPR) performance. Nonetheless, White is poised for a very lowkey bounceback season. Say what you will about his role, the fact of the matter is that White’s 200.2 seasonal points, across 15 games, extrapolates itself out to a better finish than wide receivers like Odell Beckham Jr. (201.3), Jamison Crowder (197.7), Emmanuel Sanders (190.3), and D.K. Metcalf (187.1).
I understand there are a million “what-ifs” to combat any argument that advocates for the acquisition of White, in comparison to the above names. All Old Tom is saying is that he is well worth your dynasty investment, when you start to look at his price tag in comparison to the value he will return both in 2020 and beyond.
2. Julian Edelman
Here it is, folks. The moment you are convinced Old Tom has fallen off his rocker. Before you ask, yes I know how old Mr. Edelman is. Oh, what I wouldn’t do to get my 34th year around the sun back. Now, with that said, and touching on some insinuations laid out in my James White bit, here it goes. I firmly believe that great dynasty GMs find a way to fill out their rosters with guys like Julian Edelman. Is this an acquisition you pay big bucks for? No. Is this a buy that will return much-needed value 3 years down the road? No. Nonetheless, the best thing any team can do, right now, is win. I can’t even begin to tell you how important that reality is.
So, while I am boldly telling you not to mortgage your future to acquire Julian Edelman, I am just as boldly telling you to pay his price tag and maybe even a penny more, to get him fitted for your team’s jersey this very moment. As I insinuated with this #TomBomb earlier in the month, Julian Edelman has done a pretty decent job shedding any sort of “injury-prone” tag you…we…all of us may have subconsciously given him.
In addition to his ability to remain on the field, Edelman has also found the quietest of ways to produce pretty respectable numbers, on the fantasy front. In 2016 we are looking at your WR15 (PPR). We all know that 2017 was unfortunately removed by the torn knee. Nevertheless, Julian returned with a vengeance posting the WR20 (PPR) finish, in only 12 games. Extrapolating those numbers across the other four contests he missed via his suspension and you’re looking at the WR18 (PPR). Finally, to top it off, #11 saved his best NFL campaign for his most recent. He finished the 2020 season as your WR7 (PPR).
While Old Tom doesn’t expect another single-digit WR finish in 2020, I do fully expect and foresee glimpses of something much more stunning than the masses seem to want to admit. Use this information as you see fit, my friends.
1. Damien Harris
If your first response to this is, “Who?” I’m just so glad you have found your way to this very article, at this very moment in time. Now would be as perfect a time as any to type in “Damien Harris” in your league’s search bar and then reach out to said owner. A few things here. First, while it might not seem like much, the New England Patriots spent Day 2 draft capital on Harris, snagging him with the 24th pick in the 3rd round (87th overall). As we all know, Bill Belichick values those types of selections potentially more than anyone in the league. Secondly, as talented as a healthy Sony Michel can be, Old Tom just doesn’t believe that’s the case here. Apparently, I’m not alone:
While maybe you aren’t as familiar with Mr. Harris as some other backs in this league, there are some key figures in that New England locker room that like him a whole heck of a lot:
Finally, Old Tom just really believes Damien Harris is a very good running back who is about to possess the one thing good running backs need to become great. Namely, opportunity. If/when that happens, I can’t help but feel that the Patriots do everything in their power to turn the page on Michel and the 1st round draft capital some may argue they foolishly used, for another relatively high running back they selected just one year later.
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!
