Welcome to Week 18 of the 2023 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- Perception or Reality?
- Role-Player Playoff Saviors Moving Forward
- 2024 Bold Predictions
- 2024 Offseason Points of Intrigue (see below)
Let's roll.
2024 Offseason Points of Intrigue
Matt Waldman: Answer one of the following topics.
- Discuss a rookie you're most excited about and where he'll get drafted.
- Discuss a free agent you're most excited about seeing signed.
- Discuss a player you hope doesn't get re-signed by his current team.
Go.
Sam Wagman: One of the rookies I am most excited about is Rome Odunze from Washington. He's up there with Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison Jr. as a top wide receiver in this class. He's a big, strong WR with solid route-running ability and runs after the catch well. A terrific landing spot for him would be the Cincinnati Bengals, if Tee Higgins departs this offseason. He can be penciled in as the X wide receiver next to Ja'Marr Chase and wreak havoc as Joe Burrow's new toy.
Waldman: That would be thrilling for the NFL and Bengals' fans.
Jeff Bell: I'll share something for all three. First, I want to see what happens with Kirk Cousins. After years of thinking he was the reason the team could not progress, the Vikings experienced life without Cousins. He is pretty good. He could raise multiple franchises to a competitive level; teams like the Raiders or Falcons stand out. Where he lands will be a giveaway on removing a team from the early quarterback draft discussion.
Second, I am not convinced he will get drafted, but Cody Schrader is an entertaining story and player. After posting big numbers at D2 Truman State, Schrader entered the transfer portal and saw no D1 offers. He walked on at Missouri, earning the starting running back job, and led the SEC in rushing yards. Meanwhile, he was still a core special team contributor playing on kick coverage units. He will likely be counted out again at the NFL level, but he is becoming the type of player not to bet against.
And third, please set DAndre Swift free. Considering the upside around a Philadelphia offense, I know that seems strange, but we have proof of concept now that running backs will not be a factor in that passing game. Swift turned out his best rushing season, but his points per game dropped to a career low in half or full PPR formats. His best skills are wasted here, and a back like Derrick Henry seems to be a better fit.
Waldman: While I'm a believer that Swift's rushing totals have a lot to do with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles creating significant box advantages that dressed up Swift's production, I agree this isn't his ideal role. Derrick Henry's new home may be the most intriguing off-season storyline because, if he becomes an Eagle or Raven, he could have a return to dominance when most believe his career is fantasy toast.