The 2023 NFL Draft is finally just days away! After countless hours envisioning dream draft day scenarios for your favorite prospects, we will finally discover where they will play football during their rookie seasons. It’s easy getting excited about your upcoming rookie drafts. But paying attention to your current roster is equally essential. This includes identifying players who might lose value after the NFL Draft. If you can unload a few of these players before the draft, you might be able to capitalize on their perceived current value before it is diminished.
Tyler Allgeier, RB ATL
Last season, Allgeier defied all of the odds of being a fifth-round draft pick and put together an admirable rookie season for the Atlanta Falcons. He was the only rookie running back besides Kenneth Walker to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards on the season. If there was one thing that Head Coach Arthur Smith and Atlanta’s offense did well last season, it was to establish the running game effectively. The team ran the ball the second most in the NFL last season, behind the Philadelphia Eagles. Assuming they want to deploy a similar offensive attack in 2023, it is respectable to predict that the team could look to bring in further reinforcements at the position in the draft.
Atlanta has the highest betting odds to select Bijan Robinson in the first round of this year’s draft. Robinson is one of the greatest running back prospects ever and would destroy any fantasy value for Allgeier next season. This hypothetical scenario that is now gaining traction is enough to put Allgeier on the trade block in all of your dynasty leagues. Arthur Smith had tremendous success running an offense through Derrick Henry with the Tennessee Titans.
Robinson is the perfect prospect to fill that role in his new home. Even if the team waits for a few rounds to draft a running back, it could greatly limit the fantasy upside of Allgeier. The NFL has historically been cruel to later-round picks throughout their careers. Allgeier might be the next player in line to face the harsh reality. Although Allgeier is the primary focus for this scenario, it could just as easily happen to Brian Robinson Jr. and Dameon Pierce.
Trade Idea: Offer him for a future second-round pick and do it fast
Cam Akers, RB LAR
The Los Angeles Rams were trying their absolute hardest to ship out Akers before last season’s trade deadline. There were multiple reports of an unsalvageable rift between the young running back and the coaching staff. After being unable to come to a deal, the team ultimately decided to hold onto Akers and have him play out the rest of the season. The team could still decide to part ways with Akers and look to find his replacement in the draft. Akers will be 24-years-old in a few months and is heading into the last year of his rookie contract.
Although the Rams had few bright spots last season after winning the Super Bowl just a year prior, Akers had a tremendous second half. He was the RB4 from Week 13 to the conclusion of the season. He also finished as the RB23 or better in every game during this timeframe, including three top-ten finishes. Although this production level is exciting and encouraging, it is recommended to try to sell Akers while his value is still relatively high.
Hopefully, teams in your league were impressed with his second-half performance. Maybe you can use them as selling points when trying to trade him away. Akers’ injury history is also definitely worth noting. He missed the entire 2021 season after suffering a devastating Achilles injury. Suffering a torn Achilles has often ended careers for many running backs, and most never return to the player they were prior. Due to these concerns, it is recommended to trade away Akers before the draft.
Trade Idea: Offer him for an early-second-round pick
Dalvin Cook, RB MIN
The writing has been on the walls for several months. The Minnesota Vikings are looking to move on from their star running back. Unlike the first two players mentioned in this article, Cook is an established superstar just beginning to fall out of his prime. Before Father Time inevitably catches up to him fully, you should be looking to capitalize via trade. Minnesota was able to retain the services of Alexander Mattison on an incredibly cost-effective deal. He has proven several times that he could thrive if given the lead role for the offense. This makes the aging Cook extremely expendable, and the team is expected to either trade him or cut him.
There have been multiple positive reports about Cook repairing an often-injured shoulder, which should prevent him from suffering future injuries. Some reports have even claimed that Cook will return better than ever in the upcoming season. With that said, his efficiency metrics have dropped significantly over the last couple of seasons. Although Cook could find a lucrative role on a new offense in 2023, his days are numbered as an RB1 for dynasty leagues. He will be 28 by the start of next season, just out of his prime. The earlier you can trade him away and capitalize on his current value, the better.
Trade Idea: Offer him for a late-first-round pick to a contender
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