Fantasy Football Player Notes
2022 Draft Rankings
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8.
Nick Chubb
RB - (at PIT)
The days of Nick Chubb's absurd rushing efficiency going to waste have come to an end. During his four-year career, the Browns running back has never averaged fewer than five yards per carry. But at the same time, he has also never played in a top-12 scoring offense.
The best offense he played was in 2020 - 13th in points per game - which by no coincidence was also Chubb's best season from a point per game measure. The former Georgia back averaged 17.3 PPR points per game, which would have ranked sixth in 2021. The 12 rushing touchdowns definitely boosted Chubb's numbers, and scoring double-digit TDs is well within his reach with Deshaun Watson taking charge under center for the long term. Just be wary that Chubb won't be used as an every down back. Even when Kareem Hunt missed time in 2021, Chubb's role/usage didn't change drastically with the Browns sprinkling in other running backs on the depth chart. His 17-18 touches per game average the last two seasons shouldn't change even if the team trades Hunt this offseason. Chubb's role as a receiver also leaves a lot to be desired after he posted a meager 4.8% target share in 2021, averaging fewer than two targets per game (1.8). His path to upside is touchdowns and that's represented by his five top-6 weekly finishes last season - fourth among running backs. |
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45.
Amari Cooper
WR - (at PIT)
Amari Cooper finished last season 27th in half-PPR per game (11.2), which was in line with his career average.
There is hope that he can provide a higher floor as the clear No. 1 wide receiver in Cleveland. And that floor will be accompanied by an extremely high ceiling with Deshaun Watson entrenched under center. The ex-Texans quarterback fueled top fantasy WR finishes for the likes of Brandin Cooks (WR16, 2020) and Will Fuller (WR8/game, 2020) the last time he played. And prior to that, he supplemented DeAndre Hopkins as the fantasy WR4 and WR10 from 2018-2019. |
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84.
Kareem Hunt
RB - (at PIT)
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108.
Deshaun Watson
QB - (at PIT)
We don't know what sort of discipline Watson might face after nearly two dozen civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. What we do know is that in three full seasons as the Texans' starter, Watson finished QB4, QB5 and QB5 in fantasy scoring. The only QB who can match Watson's combination of passing and rushing ability is Josh Allen. Watson will now be helming a Browns offense that was run-heavy with Baker Mayfield at quarterback but should be more freewheeling in 2022. The change of scenery, a possible suspension and the accumulation of rust after a year off are all concerns, but Watson is still a difference-maker at the QB position.
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158.
David Njoku
TE - (at PIT)
Five years into his NFL career, the former first-round pick hasn't lived up to expectations. But Njoku is still freakishly athletic, and now he gets to play with Deshaun Watson. He'll also have less competition for snaps and targets now that Austin Hooper is no longer in Cleveland.
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199.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
WR - (at PIT)
Donovan Peoples-Jones is an intriguing late-round dart throw as the Browns' other primary "X" receiver - assuming they don't also bring in free agent Will Fuller. DPJ finished 2021 second in yards per catch (17.6) last season.
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213.
David Bell
WR - (at PIT)
David Bell might be my favorite WR to draft from Day 3 of the real NFL draft. He has an awesome landing spot with the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson .
The Browns understand his limitations as an athlete, but his strengths as an underneath wide receiver can help him produce after the catch. Bell finished third in the FBS in receiving yards on the outside (1,097), second in total forced missed tackles (25) and 10th in PFF receiving grade (86.9) among his draft class. He's a perfect fit alongside prototypical No. 1 WR Amari Cooper and the speedy duo of Donovan Peoples-Jones/Anthony Schwartz. |
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221.
Cleveland Browns
DST - (at PIT)
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246.
D'Ernest Johnson
RB - (at PIT)
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304.
Baker Mayfield
QB - (at PIT)
Mayfield played through a host of injuries last year, including a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder and a fractured humerus bone, but his performance was too bleak to be written off due to poor health. Mayfield threw 17 TD passes and 13 INTs in 14 games and somehow had a 9.3% sack rate despite playing with what's regarded as one of the better offensive lines in the league in Cleveland. It's too early to write off Mayfield entirely, but at best he's a game manager with limited fantasy value.
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331.
Jerome Ford
RB - (at PIT)
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345.
Harrison Bryant
TE - (at PIT)
Promising youngster has a chance to become the Browns' top TE now that Austin Hooper is out of the picture. The Browns' addition of QB Deshaun Watson helps make Bryant an intriguing late-round dart throw.
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371.
Anthony Schwartz
WR - (at PIT)
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412.
Cade York
K - (at PIT)
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422.
Jacoby Brissett
QB - (at PIT)
Still only 29, Brissett has 37 NFL starts under his belt and will draw interest as a backup when he hits the open market as a free agent in March.
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517.
Demetric Felton Jr.
RB - (at PIT)
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