Buy or Sell: Hyped Players (NFL Preseason)

Photo Credit: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

Buy or Sell: Hyped Players (NFL Preseason)

By Riley Bymaster (@DTC_RileyB)

With Training Camps nearing an end, and Preseason games at our fingertips suggest that meaningful football is close and knocking at our doors. Every offseason, there are a handful of players who generate a lot more hype and attention than their peers. Despite this trend recurring every year, these hyped players see their dynasty stocks skyrocket until their prices become so incredibly high, that they are unable to ever reach an output that warrants the cost, even if they do happen to perform well during the regular season.

Here is a list of players currently being hyped throughout this year’s offseason that includes whether you should buy or sell them for the 2017 fantasy season:

Marcus Mariota, QB – TEN

Arguably no other NFL quarterback was helped more this offseason than the Flyin’ Hawaiian, Marcus Mariota himself. With newly acquired weapons in Corey Davis and Eric Decker, the Titans are gearing up to make a run at a title this season.

Despite being a run-heavy offense, Mariota’s efficiency will allow him to flirt with mid-QB1 numbers in 2017, making this decision easy for me.

Verdict: Buy

Christian McCaffrey, RB – CAR

In a strange parallel, no player was hyped more in the months leading up to the NFL Draft, Rookie Camp, and Training Camp than Christian McCaffrey. He adds a new dimension to the Carolina offense, which leaves dynasty Twitter drooling over the untapped potential.

Although the talent is there and the offense seems to be ready to surge, McCaffrey is part of an offense with *insert Donald Trump voice* “yuuuuuugggeee” receiving weapons (literally, Kelvin Benjamin) who will consistently see targets. Jonathan Stewart, whether anyone believes it or not, is still very much alive. McCaffrey will be a solid fantasy running back for a long time, but will he live up to the hype this season and be a stud fantasy contributor? Nah.

Verdict: Sell

Joe Williams, RB – SF

This 4th round pick is automatically nominated for biggest riser during dynasty rookie drafts. Once completely off the radar, Joe Williams and his explosive long speed are now a 2nd round rookie pick, ultimately garnering truly unreachable expectations for 2017 and beyond.

I know, I know. Kyle Shanahan pounded his fist for Williams during the draft, but the San Francisco offense is not going to be that good, making it difficult for a rookie running to do much of anything this season. At his current price, I would much rather gamble on Kapri Bibbs for 2017.

Verdict: Sell

Ty Montgomery, RB – GB

The Green Bay running game has been nothing but glorified musical chairs over the years. We thought we had a winner in Eddie Lacy, but he discovered "China food" shortly into his regimen. A converted wide receiver, Ty Montgomery switched positions and slotted to running back during the 2016 season. From everything we’ve heard this summer, he is the go-to guy at running back for the Packers this season.

Though he is proclaimed to be “the guy,” Montgomery only had one game last season where he rushed for over 60 yards. It happened in Week 13 when he rushed for 162 yards against a depleted Bears defense that started half of their bench that week. With talented rookie running backs Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones on the verge of pushing for snaps, Montgomery’s chances of living up to expectations are slimming by the day hour.

Verdict: Sell

DeVante Parker, WR – MIA

Once a highly-touted prospect from the 2015 draft class, DeVante Parker hasn’t seen his value dip too drastically over the past two and a half years. Every offseason since, he seems to pick up steam, but soon disappoints once the season rolls around. This year is no different. He is receiving rave reviews from coaches, beat writers, and his fan club on dynasty twitter.

Parker is coming into year three and might be finally figuring things out in the NFL. With Ryan Tannehill undergoing season-ending ACL surgery, look for Matt Moore or Smokin’ Jay Cutler to take over Miami's offense and provide Parker with a deserving number of targets.

Verdict: Buy

Terrelle Pryor, WR – WAS

Terrelle Pryor is entering his first season as a Washington Redskin and is looking to build a connection with quarterback Kirk Cousins in his first summer with the team. Multiple videos have surfaced of Pryor making one-handed circus catches with a defender in his face. Pryor signed only a one-year deal this offseason, likely showing that even the Redskins were a bit skeptical of his outlook after his breakout 2016 season.

If he were the only talented receiver on the team my answer would be different, but Jamison Crowder, Jordan Reed, and second-year receiver Josh Doctson will be competing against each other for targets from Kirk Cousins. Could he be a solid, low-end WR3 this year? Absolutely, but will he be a middling WR1 like everyone expects him to? I doubt it.

Verdict: Sell

Tyreek Hill, WR – KC

With Jeremy Maclin cut before Training Camp, the Chiefs receiving corps went from thin and depleted to “can Travis Kelce play WR and TE at the same time?” Tyreek Hill broke out last season and averaged a touchdown once every 9.44 touches, which do not include his kick and punt returns.

At an unsustainable rate, what does the subtraction of Maclin do? It makes everyone assume Hill will garner even more touches. Alex Smith is no Aaron Rodgers, so why does everyone assume Hill is going to be the guy who catches 90 passes and scores 37 touchdowns? I have no idea.

Verdict: Sell

Kenny Golloday, WR – DET

Most people thought the Lions reached in this year’s draft to take Kenny Golloday, but once the regular season rolls around, that may not be the case anymore. With the departure of Anquan Boldin, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions have a hole in this year’s offense. Enter Kenny Golloday.

Golladay's long and lanky body type will allow him to be an immediate and legitimate red zone threat. Expect Golden Tate and Marvin Jones to still be the main targets on the outside, but Golloday slots in as an immediate red zone threat with the potential to catch at least 5-6 touchdowns in year one.

Verdict: Buy

Nelson Agholor, WR – PHI

It seems like a decade ago that this USC receiver was a 1st round NFL pick and top 10 rookie pick in dynasty drafts. Struggling to retain the mental aspect of the game, Nelson Agholor did not see the field much in his rookie season or this past season. Although he has yet to put everything together, he is entering his third year in a young and upcoming offense.

With crisp route running and great athleticism, Agholor should have ample opportunities to prove himself worthy, despite the acquisition of Alshon Jeffery this offseason. Based on the reports coming out of camp this summer, Agholor has looked great and seems to be ready to break out in 2017. Additionally, the Jordan Matthews trade could be a strong vote of confidence for Agholor from the Eagles organization. At his current price, count me in.

Verdict: Buy

OJ Howard, TE – TB

Some people are already deeming OJ Howard a Pro Bowl tight end, despite never playing a down of regular season NFL football. Others are saying the exact same thing. The Tampa Bay offense seems as if it is on the verge of becoming deadly and unstoppable. quarterback Jameis Winston finds himself loaded with offensive weapons and a solid, reliable defense.

Though Howard will most likely be a solid player and fantasy contributor for years to come, these outrageously high expectations will be nearly impossible for Howard to reach. Did everyone forget about Cameron Brate? I say Brate outscores Howard by 33% total points in 2017. Bet. [Editor’s Note: You’re on, Riley!]

Verdict: Sell