Hi everyone! Welcome to Escape The Pocket, my new blog that is filled with unique and exclusive NFL content. This post is the first in a series where I will break down the fantasy value of every player on a team. Below is my analysis on every Rams player currently being drafted.
Note: All players are sorted by there ADP (or Average Draft Position) as of July 4th.
1. Todd Gurley, RB (2.05)
Gurley is the biggest wildcard in fantasy football. After a disappointing end to last season where he had minimal touches partly due to a knee injury, people are starting to question the reliability of last year’s number-one fantasy RB. This explains why his ADP currently places him in the middle of the second round, rather than the top of the first. As questions surrounding his health force Gurley’s price into a freefall, he may become an amazing value that will come with some high risk.
2. Brandin Cooks, WR (4.04)
Over the last three seasons, Cooks has averaged over 15 yards per reception. This big-play ability should help him stick out in a crowded LA receiving core. Every time he touches the ball, he’s a threat to go all the way. Brandin Cooks is a high-upside pick at the start of the fourth round.
3. Robert Woods, WR (4.07)
Robert Woods is the antithesis to Brandin Cooks. McVay uses Woods as more of a possession receiver, one who can be relied on to get a new set of downs. Week-to-Week, Woods will be a more reliable option for your team, but lacks explosiveness and upside. If you’re choosing between Cooks and Woods in the fourth round, look at your team so far and assess your needs. Does your team need more upside or reliability?
4. Cooper Kupp, WR (4.12)
After an ACL tear ended Kupp’s 2018 season eight games short, he looks to bounce back in 2019. Knee issues hindered Kupp for much of last season, yet he still managed to average nearly 12 points per game. Jared Goff often looked Kupp’s way first in redzone situations, which led Kupp to score a TD in 6 of his 8 full starts last season. As the redzone target on a high-octane offense, Kupp carries great value at the end of the fourth round.
5. Jared Goff, QB (9.07)
Players such as Goff are the reason it’s always a bad decision to draft a quarterback early. Goff, who is currently being selected around the middle of the ninth round, is an immensely greater value than, for example, Aaron Rodgers in the fifth round. Goff is coming off his best season yet at the helm of the Ram’s offense. He ended the season as the QB six in fantasy points after chucking for nearly 3700 yards and 32 TDs. With Todd Gurley’s health remaining a question mark, Goff may have to take an even greater role in the Ram’s high-flying offense. Another year in McVay’s system and the return of Cooper Kupp will help Goff repeat as a top-six fantasy QB.
6. LA Rams DST (10.04)
I don’t care how good a defense is, but you should NEVER draft one before the fourteenth round. A defense’s performance week-to-week is more dependent on the opponent than the defense itself. No matter how high a defense is drafted you will eventually drop it on a week that it has a bad matchup. The best strategy for drafting a defense is to grab one in the later rounds who you know have a favorable matchup in week one.
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