STOCK UP: BO NIX📈
During the Dynasty Nerds Attack the Draft series, Bo Nix was a second-round selection. Since that time, Nix has been nothing short of impressive and has been praised by Coach Sean Payton for his composure in the pocket, understanding of the playbook, and quick release. His preseason performance has been equally impressive, passing for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns while splitting reps with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. Those results warranted Payton naming Nix as the starting quarterback for Denver. Now, Nix is cemented in the first round of Superflex rookie drafts.
STOCK DOWN: TROY FRANKLIN 📉
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Nix’s teammate Troy Franklin. Before the draft, Franklin was a hot name with possible first-round draft pedigree after an impressive college career. However, Franklin’s combine was less than impressive, with a poor performance during the gauntlet drill. He also struggled with some drops, resulting in Franklin falling to the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
Fantasy managers remained optimistic about Franklin due to his college connection to Nix. Still, they were highly disappointed to see Franklin hardly on the field for the opening preseason game and losing valuable snaps to fellow seventh-round rookie DeVaughn Vele. Franklin is falling down the Broncos depth chart and fantasy draft boards.
STOCK UP: JAYLEN WRIGHT 📈
Another “riser” from the Dynasty Nerds Attack the Draft series is Jaylen Wright. I selected Wright at the 2.11 during that draft, which already looked like a steal. As advertised during the preseason, Wright showcased his speed and burst that made Miami trade up in the fourth round of the NFL Draft to select him. This season could very well be a redshirt year for Wright as he is behind De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert for snaps. However, Achane and Mostert’s injury histories could lead to early playing time, and once Wright hits the field, it will be hard to justify taking him off.
STOCK DOWN: ROMAN WILSON 📉
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a deep lineage of drafting vast receiver talent. Fantasy managers expected Roman Wilson to be the next talented receiver in the “Steel City.” Wilson was selected at the 2.08 during the Dynasty Nerds Attack the Draft series. Unfortunately, an ankle injury has sidelined Wilson for most of training camp. Now, Pittsburgh is being linked as a trade partner with the San Francisco 49ers for their star receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. Wilson’s injury, inability to get on the football field, and Pittsburgh’s interest in Aiyuk have caused Wilson to fall draft boards into the third (and sometimes fourth) round.
STOCK UP: JORDAN WHITTINGTON 📈
Jordan Whittington was a sixth-round draft selection by the Los Angeles Rams and came with virtually no preseason hype. However, Whittington has been a preseason MVP, turning 18 targets into 11 receptions for 126 receiving yards, and is making a strong push to be the WR3 in the Ram’s offense. Hopefully, you read fellow Dynasty Nerds writer Steven Pintado’s Deep Dynasty Stash: NFC West article and have already secured Whittington on your dynasty rosters.
STOCK DOWN: AUDRIC ESTIME 📉
Fantasy managers were excited in the off-season when Broncos’ Head Coach Sean Payton said he envisions using Audric Estime as a “first- and second-down runner.” After the NFL Draft, Estime was going in the third round of rookie drafts with hopes of Estime usurping Javonte Williams. Unfortunately, Estime’s preseason has been up and down, as he sits fourth on the Broncos’ depth chart. Estime’s third-round draft stock has definitely fallen, and he is currently being viewed as more of a fourth- or fifth-round draft option.
HONORABLE MENTION: TREY BENSON
After the NFL Draft, some fantasy managers (myself included) had Trey Benson as their rookie RB1 overall. Benson’s preseason has been a rollercoaster so far. During his first preseason game, Benson had 8 carries for 21 rushing yards and looked less than impressive as the third-string running back. However, Benson’s second preseason game was substantially better. He had 9 carries for 43 rushing yards, including a 19-yard gain. It should also be noted that Benson had a 20-yard run in the second quarter brought back by a holding call. Depending on your view of Benson, he could be a late first-round rookie or early second-round selection.
If you want access to the full set of Dynasty Nerds ranks, make sure you sign up for the #nerdherd, giving you access to our film room, extra podcasts, rankings, an exclusive Discord channel, and so much more. USE PROMO CODE “DYNASTYDAD15” to save 15% off your membership! Please follow me on “X” @dynastydadmike, where I love to chat about all things football. Also, for just a couple more bucks, you can get access to our DynastyGM tool that is revolutionizing dynasty football!
