Roundtable: Player Storylines to Validate or Debunk

Bryce Young. Bucky Irving, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Rome Odunze all have narratives associated with their current value. Which ones are valid? Which ones aren't? 

Welcome to Week 15 of the 2024 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:

• Fantasy vs. Reality
• Player Storylines to Validate or Debunk (see below)
• Potential League-Winning WRs
• Dynasty RB Value Check

Let's roll. 

Player Storylines to Validate or Debunk

Matt Waldman: Pick one storyline from below to validate. Pick one to debunk. 

• In recent weeks, Bryce Young has looked as promising as Caleb Williams but without a trio of strong receivers. 
• Bucky Irving looks great until you see him wrapped up like a frozen mummy in the locker room. It's enough to devalue him from a future RB1 to an RB3. 
• As a talent, Rome Odunze didn't belong in the tier of Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Ladd McConkey pre-draft. 
• Marvin Harrison Jr. won't reach his ceiling with Kyler Murray, who hasn't supported multiple top-24 WRs/Top-12 TEs in a season for most of his career. 

Separate the substance from the narrative. 

Rome Odunze

Justin Howe: Odunze was a fantastic prospect, and his speed and agility scores were top-tier – even better when adjusted for his long frame. He still boasts the same athletic upside as Nabers or Harrison; we can see that.

It's just unfortunate for Odunze that we've also seen his floor so early, so often. Still, there's plenty of "up" left for Caleb Williams, and Keenan Allen seems unlikely to return in 2025. Look for the next regime to use Odunze's intimidating length and body control several times a game. 

Andy Hicks: As a talent, Rome Odunze didn't belong in the tier of Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Ladd McConkey before fantasy drafts. 

All the other receivers land in situations where they are the number one receiver.  Quentin Johnston was a first-round draft pick as well but has disappointed. Ladd McConkey has taken that role. Thomas, Nabers, and Harrison are the clear No.1 wide receivers on their teams already.

Odunze has had a nice rookie season, but DJ Moore and, to a lesser extent, Keenan Allen were going to figure prominently. Talent-wise, as the question implies, he belongs in the same tier as the other guys. All were first-round receivers, and justifiably so.