The summer months of dynasty are usually not as active, but this is the time to stash some players. As training camps are ramping up in late July, we’ll start hearing about some names that are standing out and could increase their value by the start of the 2023 season.
Erik Ezukanma, WR MIA
Ezukanma is probably the most exciting stash among the Dolphins’ offense right now. The early thinking is that Braxton Berrios, Chosen Anderson, and Cedrick Wilson will battle it out for that third receiver spot on the offense. Ezukanma was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft from Texas Tech. He had three solid seasons of 700 yards and four touchdowns. He was a player that dealt with some severe injuries in college but managed to put together decent seasons.
He is a big, lengthy receiver that can create mismatches for an offense. Ezukanma had impressive footwork and could transition to the NFL well. With just one catch, he didn’t get much of an opportunity as a rookie, but he was behind some outstanding receivers. In the preseason, he did flash some potential as a downfield threat to use his size to win.
Justin Shorter, WR BUF
For Buffalo, there aren’t many deep stashes I’d want to make, but Shorter could see an opportunity. He played five years for Florida with two seasons of 500 receiving yards. Shorter wasn’t one of my highly regarded prospects in the draft, but he lands in a situation worth stashing. He is a giant receiver standing at 6’5″, and can be a big red zone threat. Unfortunately, Shorter lacks the separation and speed to be a dominant receiver.
The Bills need someone to set up to be a threat with Stefan Diggs. Gabriel Davis hasn’t stepped up to the plate as the bigger receiver across from Diggs. If he continues to underperform, the Bills may want to try their other big-frame receiver in Shorter. He is a good stash to see if he can make some noise in training camp and, if not, in 2024, with Davis being a free agent. Shorter was drafted in the fifth round, so there was some capital to him, and they drafted him over other, more talented receivers.
Kevin Harris, RB NEP
A guy likely a big pickup over the next few months should be Harris. He was a former sixth-round in the 2022 draft from South Carolina. Harris dealt with injuries during his final year in college after he got back surgery which dropped his draft capital. In 2020, he put up 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns. He even showed some spark as a pass catcher with 21 receptions. Harris’ opportunity opened up with the release of James Robinson.
In contrast, Harris will only compete for the backup job with Pierre Strong and Ty Montgomery. Harris has the talent to fill in the void left by Damien Harris. If anything were to happen to Rhomandre Stevenson, Harris could be the guy who handles the early down work. He is a nice downfield runner that has good vision. Harris is a nice stash in the running backs to grab before training camp.
Jeremy Ruckert, TE NYJ
Ruckert was a four-year player out of Ohio State. While he didn’t shock the world in college as his best season with 26 grabs for 309 yards and three touchdowns. He got significant capital from the New York Jets in the third round. Ruckert offers the ability the coaching staff wanted in their offenses as an in-line tight end who could block but also be a receiving threat. He has a big frame at 6’5″ and 250 lbs. that the Jets liked in him. Ruckert wasn’t overly explosive as an athlete but could do enough to get in tough catches and use his strength to gain extra yardage.
He had a redshirt rookie season due to an injury that kept him out for most of the season. Ruckert is now making some buzz at minicamp as the third tight end on the depth chart. Tyler Conklin and CJ Uzomah are both cut candidates following the 2023 season. If Ruckert can develop over the year, he could become the full-time starter heading into the 2024 season. Fantasy owners love a player who can flash, so if he does so in 2023, he’ll be a hot stash commodity during the season. Better to grab him now and stash him before he does flash for us in 2023.
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