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It’s that exciting time of year again—fantasy football draft season is here! With NFL training camps now in full swing, commissioners across the league are hustling to lock down draft dates. As analysts, our mission is to equip you with the insights you need to make those all-important player picks.
One often-overlooked factor in this process? Coaching schemes. Understanding how a coach’s system can affect a player’s performance might just help you spot some hidden gems that others might overlook. Curious how? Let’s dive in!
Understanding Coaching Schemes
The intricacies of coaching schemes can have a huge impact on how well individual players perform. Take tight end Evan Engram, for example. He could really shine under the innovative offensive strategies of head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.
Their system features a role called the ‘joker,’ tailored for versatile players who can thrive as both tight ends and wide receivers. Recognizing this dynamic could allow savvy drafters to skip over higher picks like Brock Bowers or Trey McBride—Engram might just deliver top-tier production without the hefty draft cost.
In the Broncos’ offense, the ‘joker’ position is filled by players who can fluidly shift between running back and wide receiver roles. These athletes are skilled at running precise routes and have reliable hands, making them valuable assets in various formations.
This isn’t a new concept; we’ve seen it work wonders before, like when Lombardi and Payton utilized Jimmy Graham during their stint in New Orleans. Graham’s ability to be deployed in multiple ways led to impressive stats, and now, Engram’s addition to the Broncos seems to follow that same strategic playbook.
The Player’s Journey
Engram’s journey has been anything but smooth, marked by ups and downs stemming from coaching changes and shifting playbooks. Over his eight seasons in the league, he’s faced a series of challenges, including injuries and inconsistent usage in the passing game. His time with the Giants was particularly tumultuous, navigating through four different head coaches that left little room for him to showcase his talents.
After a tough stretch with the Jaguars, where coaching changes further affected his performance, Engram finally hit his stride under Doug Pederson, culminating in a breakout season with over 100 receptions. Although he’s dealt with injuries again, this time around with the Broncos, he has a real chance to flourish in a system that aims to highlight his skills. With limited competition among Denver’s pass-catching options, Engram could quickly become a key player in their offensive game plan.
Investment Opportunities in Drafting
Right now, Engram’s average draft position (ADP) places him as the eighth tight end, typically being selected in the eighth round of 12-team leagues. This presents a golden opportunity for drafters who can resist the urge to snatch up one of the top tight ends early on. By holding off and taking Engram later, you can funnel your resources into securing elite running backs and wide receivers, ultimately boosting your overall roster strength.
As the fantasy football landscape continually shifts, grasping the nuances of coaching schemes and their effects on player performance becomes crucial. By keeping an eye on the right players and their roles within their systems, you’ll be positioning your team for championship glory. The beauty of fantasy football is its unpredictability, but with informed choices, you can tilt the odds in your favor. Ready to draft your winning team?
