#TomBomb
BUY-LOW DYNASTY ASSETS
~ CINCINNATI BENGALS ~
3. John Ross
You know, it never fails to leave Old Tom speechless every time I venture back to different draft classes and re-examine the selections. In 2017, for example, amongst WRs so many were so sure that the Titans, Chargers, and Bengals struck gold with their top-10 WR. Now, to each individual’s credit, while they may not have matched or exceeded expectations. But, they are still participating… and at relatively high levels from time to time. However, when you come off the board at 5, 7, & 9 respectively, the football community simply expects so much more. With that said, let’s talk about that #9 selection out of the University of Washington. Mr. John Ellis Ross III. You know, that 5’11 194lb burner that set the unofficial record with his 4.22-second forty-yard dash. Ya, that guy.
No doubt you are skeptical of Old Tom’s advice to invest in last year’s WR75 and 2018’s WR86. I fully understand. I mean, anytime an individual logs exactly 50% (24/48) of their games played, over a three-year-span, you have to raise that flag. The good news, though, is this is simply a buy-low column. Where my potential inaccuracy means little-to-nothing in the grand scheme of things. The fact Ross is pegged in at #3 should give you even less pause. At the end of the day, all Old Tom is saying is that you have an opportunity to invest almost nothing for a 24-year-old WR entering his all-so-important 4th season. Plagued by injuries, the positive is that when Ross finds his way to the field he tends to display his special attributes. Something, Mr. Silva alluded to following Ross’ 2019 season opener, in which he simply balled-out.
Additionally, I’d like to draw your attention to his opening 2 weeks to the 2019 season, where he dropped a stat line of 20-11-264-3. Yes, yes, yes I get it. It’s not sustainable, lightning in a bottle, etc. etc. Yet, it’s still something. It’s that potential that had this ballclub drooling at the bit, just three years ago, when they grabbed Ross so early. I think we all understand the offensive struggles this Bengals team has endured over the previous few seasons. Consequently, I think we all understand the exciting promise this Bengals team has at their doorstep, entering the 2020 season.
My advice to you is to take one more gamble on #11, especially given his current price. With the return of Green, the emergence of Boyd, and the development of Higgins on the outside, we may be privy to watching Mr. Ross use that record-breaking speed from the slot. Against defenders less-than-adequate to measure up. Can you imagine?
2. A.J. Green
Mr. Green slots in nicely at this #2 spot. Especially given the context of some recent buy-low individuals Old Tom has so casually dropped on you all. Just a reminder of my philosophy to acquire those shrewd vets when filling out dynasty rosters. Any more these days they are a modest buy. You remind owners of the nature of your league and the uselessness of retaining “injury-prone” assets in the final year or so of their career. These points, coupled with the crowded Bengals WR locker-room, should be enough to get Mr. Green suited for your team’s apparel in no time. The thing about Green, though, is while his price tag is slowly climbing, it’s no doubt much lower than more buy-low vets I like to suggest. You know what? That’s just terrific.
At 32 years old and entering his decade-year in the league, Green does have a slight underappreciated variable working in his favor. With almost 20 months of little to no live contests under his belt, Green’s tires possess a bit more tread than most in his situation. With that said, the last time we saw A.J. suit up was back in 2018 where he was on pace to be the WR11 (PPR) before the torn toe ligaments cut his season short. Of course, we are all fully aware of last season’s ankle injury that seemed to place Green in limbo, before ultimately shelving him entirely. This was quite unfortunate for a number of reasons. But, for Old Tom even more so, given the excitement I had for witnessing A.J. implemented into a Zac Taylor offense. Well, as the ingenious Jafar so wisely conveyed… Patience, Iago. Patience.
As we look back on the talent that is A.J. Green across his NFL career, we find ourselves staring something very very special in the face. While injuries, especially for Green, are nothing to bat an eye at, Old Tom always prefers to discount them as much as possible. Yes, a recent string of bad luck has crept over Green. But, an 87% success rate for games played over 9 years is still something I’m optimistic about. How optimistic, you ask? Well….
Crazy? I suppose. But, extrapolating Green’s numbers over his last 8 seasons, we find ourselves with the WR8 in said timeframe. Am I advising you to sell the farm for #18? No. I’m just here to remind you he’s pretty good at the football and I fully intend to invest myself.
1. Tyler Boyd
Coming off back-to-back top WR18 (PPR) finishes, this former 2nd round selection (55th overall) is quickly showing fans that he’s more than ready to lay claim to that future WR1 status. Yet, regardless of Boyd’s fantasy relevance these last two seasons, what’s currently happening in dynasty circles is quite the opposite. A perceived reality, among many, is that Boyd was simply the beneficiary of a lack of weapons. You know what? If that’s the way your current Boyd-owner is feeling, perfect. Finishing 7th among WRs, with 147 targets in 2019, is exactly the type of statistic I envision for #83’s future. With Joe Burrow taking the reins and Zac Taylor being allowed the opportunity to fully unleash his plan, this offense will not lack for prospects. Consequently, Tyler Boyd, who has very much established himself as a legitimate threat in this league, will not lack either.
What Old Tom loves most about this specific situation is that Boyd is surrounded by a pretty absurd amount of talent. Which I believe creates an even more desirable fantasy proposition. A.J. Green’s swan song coincides perfectly with Tee Higgins’ development & emergence. Ross being deployed from underneath, with the truly special Joe Mixon in the backfield, adds all the more firepower to this rather impressive setup. If Joe Burrow hits, which I fully expect him to, my friends Tyler Boyd is Mr. Burrow’s professional version of Justin Jefferson. As one of my favorite Twitter friends Phil Pennington Jr. alluded to, 2020 should provide many favorable matchups for this future superstar:
So, with that all said, go test those T. Boyd waters and see if you can make an early-August splash. I’ll say this much, you’re going to want to acquire as many Bengals’ resources as you can, for the foreseeable future. 1 year… 2 years… 3 years… you name it. We are going to have such warm hearts whenever the conversation shifts to our acquisitions of this elite WR asset.
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!
