Deep Dynasty Stashes: NFC North

Welcome to Dynasty Nerds’ newest series of Deep Dynasty Stashes. We’ll look at players who you could stash on your taxi squad or at the bottom of your bench. Players who may see a progression and make an impact in fantasy eventually. We have four players who could do just that, whether it allows them to sit on your taxi squad and see if they develop. There is a player who could sneak into playing time or one player who may need a change of scenery, which could happen this offseason.

Tyler Scott, WR CHI

It was tough to find someone on the Bears’ team I really liked. This may not be the most deep stash, but Scott has a good chance to emerge in the next few years. Currently, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze are entrenched and could be the best trio of receivers in the NFL.

Moore is under contract for two seasons, and Allen is in the final year of his deal. Moore would be a candidate for re-signing, but Allen will likely be gone unless he clicks and gives the Bears a cheap deal. Odunze is going to stick around. The rest of the depth chart is then guys like Dante Pettis, Velus Jones Jr., and Freddie Swain.

Assuming Allen doesn’t return for his age-33 season in 2025, Scott could then be in a great spot for a starting role. He’s perfect for the slot role and is a versatile chess piece to use all over the offense. He was raw and needed time to develop. A year behind Allen is the best possible outcome for this season, and Scott could learn a ton from the wily vet.

Sione Vaki, RB DET

Hear me out on this one; the combination of Jahmyr Gibbs and Vaki is going to anchor the Lions’ backfield until the year 2029. I loved this pick in the draft. Vaki is the perfect developmental back to sit behind David Montgomery and complement Gibbs after D-Mo moves on.

Speaking of moving on, Montgomery has an inexpensive out after 2024. But he’s still inexpensive and unlikely to leave until after 2025. So, you may be holding Vaki for a few years, but as the short yardage and ‘thunder’ back to Gibbs’ ‘lightning,’ Vaki could be a valuable asset.

He started his college career as a safety and, due to immense injuries to Utah’s depth chart, was thrust into action as a running back. And he wasn’t bad; in fact, he looked fairly impressive. He’s not an elite athlete and could use a few years to learn the position. Vaki is a no-nonsense runner and gets downfield in a hurry. He’s got an explosive first step but doesn’t have breakaway speed. He caught 11 passes even and had extensive experience as a receiver in high school.

Jason Benetti calling a 53-yard Sione Vaki touchdown pic.twitter.com/Nh2n24H00v

— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) April 28, 2024

It’s a long shot, but hey, that’s why we are here. The Lions could continue to sign aging vets to fulfill the two-down role, or they could go cheaper as they spend their money on their team cornerstones.

Michael Pratt, QB GBP

The Packers seem to be a team in an odd transitional stage. They have a lot of young pieces seemingly in place. But what if things get squirrely? What if Jordan Love and their ragtag receiving corps fall flat? The team had Aaron Rodgers willing them to division titles, and for as good as Love looked in the second half of 2023, he is no Rodgers.

"I don't think there is any way Jordan Love's contract comes in under Joe Burrow's $55 million." –@josh_dimaggio gets into what a Jordan Love contract might look like.

Listen to the full episode here: https://t.co/cDl261TxIl pic.twitter.com/n6tZfkvD1Z

— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) May 17, 2024

Love is incredibly inexpensive, only signed through this season, and could become a free agent after the season. It’s almost time for the Pack to commit, and starting QBs now command the ADP of a small third-world country. This means Love has to continue his progression, or the Green Bay brass could face a massive turning point decision.

If the team pivots, the reins could be turned over to Pratt, a seventh-round pick this April. The draft capital wasn’t inspiring, but the talent and his college tape tell a different tale. He started four years at Tulane and compiled 90 TDs to only 26 INTs and rose his completion percentage every season. Pratt is mobile but not a runner and has a strong arm. Above all, his poise and ability to lead a team stood out the most. He’s a gamer, and the Pack could ultimately choose to go to him if things go off the rails and they rebuild.

Trey Knox, TE MIN

The Vikings are also at a crossroads. They have a rookie quarterback, JJ McCarthy, at the helm. The team locked up Justin Jefferson, now the highest-paid wide receiver in history. The team also has stud tight end TJ Hockenson locked in for almost $15 million a year for the next two seasons. There’s an out before 2026, when his contract nears the $20 million mark. The Vikings may not be able to afford him, and it’s plausible to expect the Vikings to move on as they try to keep pace in the division.

This is perhaps the deepest stash in the division article, and Knox had an interesting path through college. He was a receiver through four seasons at Arkansas but never really stood out, although the Hogs aren’t exactly a passing-friendly offense. Last season, Knox transferred to South Carolina and had his best season as a TE.

Knox can create as a receiver and has an enormous wingspan. He can run routes and is advanced on the receiving front. And he’s a willing blocker but will need to add some mass and functional strength. Knox could earn his way onto the roster and be next in line fairly quickly. That’s what you want for your roster depth: a chance.

 Make sure you subscribe to the #NerdHerd, where you get exclusive content, dynasty/rookie/devy rankings, a buy/sell tool, and a bonus podcast. Dynasty Nerds also recently launched the #DynastyGM tool, a complete game-changer in the fantasy industry. Click here for