Building a successful dynasty team through the draft comes with growing pains. It takes time for young players to adjust to playing football at the highest level. With that comes the importance of remaining patient if a player disappoints at first. Here are four players to hold out hope for while they find their footing.
4 Young Players to Hold in Dynasty
Bryce Young
Bryce Young showed nothing this season to suggest he’s a franchise quarterback. Young has the fewest yards per attempt in the NFL and the lowest QBR. Everything that could’ve gone wrong for Young in his rookie campaign has gone wrong.
That’s the exact reason why dynasty managers should give Young more time. With how terrible this season has been, expect massive changes between now and the start of next season. Carolina already fired head coach Frank Reich, and general manager Scott Fitterer might be next.
It’s important to remember why expectations for Young were so high in the first place. He was phenomenal at Alabama, making plays in structure and while improvising. A new direction in year two could be all he needs to put it together. High-pedigree quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa also struggled until their team found a legit head coach. The same could be true for Young.
Kendre Miller
The entire conversation about running backs has shifted in recent years. Everyone expects running backs to produce immediately while on their rookie contracts. Because of this, Saints rookie running back Kendre Miller is testing the patience of dynasty managers.
Miller wasn’t projected to break out as a rookie anyway. Alvin Kamara remains effective at the end of his prime years, and Jamaal Williams was guaranteed $8 million when signing in New Orleans. Expect more opportunities for Miller next season as Kamara and Williams approach 30 years old.
Miller, just 21 years old, has plenty of time to establish himself in the NFL. He received praise from Mike Kashuba for his patience, contact balance, and “slippery” style of play as a prospect. All of which should translate once he settles in at the pro level.
Christian Watson
When you create a wide receiver in Madden, it probably looks like Christian Watson. Just make sure you turn injuries off. Watson ran a 4.36 at the combine while weighing in at 6’4″ and 208lbs. If you’ve watched him play, those measurables are apparent.
Even Watson’s shortcomings have improved since entering the NFL. Watson received criticism for frequent drops in college, but he’s getting better. In fact, Watson is learning to use his large frame to his advantage on contested catches.
The only remaining knock against Watson is his inability to stay healthy. Watson has missed eight games through two seasons and seems to get injured just as he’s hitting his stride. Still, dynasty managers should appreciate what he does and hope he can stay healthy. With Jordan Love showing flashes of greatness, albeit inconsistent, there are reasons to be excited about the Packers future.
Kyle Pitts
Over the last few months, Kyle Pitts has fallen out of the dynasty TE1 conversation. Other young tight ends, like Sam LaPorta and Trey McBride, are drawing attention to themselves. They both might reach 1,000 yards this season if things go right.
While reaching 1,000 yards is impressive for LaPorta or McBride, it seems forgotten that Pitts already did that. He recorded 1,026 yards in his rookie season at 21 years old.
Pitts played his rookie season with Matt Ryan under center, but it’s been downhill ever since. He’s now playing with quarterbacks like Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder, who find ways to overthrow a 6’6″ tight end.
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Pitts’ dynasty managers. The Falcons have no choice but to bring in a new quarterback next season. Whether it’s a free agent or a rookie, it’ll be an upgrade over what they currently have.
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