Let’s take a look at the latest news and notes around fantasy football. To stay up to date on all of the latest fantasy baseball news, be sure to follow @FantasyProsNFL on Twitter and bookmark the FantasyPros NFL Player News page.
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Desmond Ridder “light years ahead” of most young QBs
Atlanta Falcons HC Arthur Smith had high praise for rookie QB Desmond Ridder on Wednesday, stating “He’s light years ahead of most young quarterbacks, in terms of playing from the neck up.” (Source: NFL.com)
Fantasy Impact: Ridder, who was a third-round pick in April’s NFL Draft, has received positive reviews during the Falcons’ offseason program as he competes against veteran Marcus Mariota for the team’s starting QB position. Mariota is the current favorite to win the job, but if Ridder continues to impress he may push for playing time in his rookie season. Third-round QBs don’t have a high hit rate as fantasy assets. Since 2012, only 8.3% of QBs drafted in the third round have developed into long-term fantasy relevant players, but Ridder’s advanced mental processing along with a favorable landing spot does provide a path to fantasy relevance as early as the 2022 season.
– Sam Ryner
My QB comps – 2022 Class:
Malik Willis – Jalen Hurts w/ Josh Allen arm talent
Kenny Pickett – Alex Smith w/ Sam Darnold’s arm
Sam Howell – Baker Mayfield’s mobile ugly cousin
Desmond Ridder – “sexy” Drew Lock
Matt Corral – Andy Dalton
Carson Strong – immobile Ryan Tannehill pic.twitter.com/1xdGz4o4ws
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) April 25, 2022
Sam Darnold the Panthers starting QB if season started today
While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Panthers HC Matt Rhule identified Sam Darnold as the team’s current starting QB if the season were to start today. Rhule stated “Sam’s gotten a lot better. Really, really improving in the offense and if we played today, Sam would be our quarterback.” (Source: NFL.com)
Fantasy Impact: Darnold, who will be entering his 5th NFL season in 2022, has had a disappointing start to his career after being selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Darnold hasn’t finished better than the QB25 in any one of his first four NFL seasons, making him unstartable even in 2QB and Superflex leagues. The Panthers drafted former Ole Miss QB Matt Corral in this year’s draft, and although he has intriguing tools and upside, he is more likely than not a developmental prospect who won’t be ready to start early in his career. Darnold’s biggest competition for the starting QB job may not yet be on the roster, as it’s been heavily reported that the team has been in negotiations with the Browns involving a trade that would send QB Baker Mayfield to the Panthers.
– Sam Ryner
The Dynasty GM that still believes in
…Sam Darnold pic.twitter.com/xTg2GZvk1l
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) March 28, 2022
Lamar Jackson expects to be with Baltimore his entire career
Lamar Jackson told reporters that he expects to play for the Ravens for the entirety of his career. (Source: Ari Meirov on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Jackson is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. In 58 games with Baltimore, he has thrown for 9,967 yards, 84 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions. He has also rushed for 3,673 yards and 21 touchdowns. His current ADP is 48 and is the fourth QB off the board, but he projects for another elite season so fantasy managers should get what they pay for.
– Kelly Kirby
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