Dynasty Waiver Wire: Preseason Edition

Dynasty football has turned a 16-week game into a year-round event. There are no longer extended down periods. There are only brief pit stops to catch your breath before it is time to start running again. As we take a reflective glance back at Week 1 and Week 2 of the preseason there are plenty of data points for us to mine even with back-ups mixing in with starters.

Dontrell Hilliard (RB, Cleveland Browns)

Sometimes it isn’t about the draft pedigree, physical profile, or even the college resume. There are just times in the NFL where being in the right place at the right time is what you need. This is exactly the case for Browns running back Dontrelle Hilliard. There is nothing standing out from his profile. He is fast enough, agile enough, and had a decent college production track record. As it stands after the Duke Johnson trade to the Houston Texans, Hilliard is the primary back-up to Nick Chubb and slotted for regular receiving work out of the Browns’ backfield

Ty Montgomery (RB, New York Jets)

Why would I recommend picking up the back-up running back to one of the best three-down running back in the entire NFL? Because there are two important things I love to see out of a stash back-up running back. This first thing is the ability to be active in the passing game and the second is a starter ahead of them with question marks. Unfortunately, Le’Veon Bell has some of the biggest questions a running back can have. Bell had a significant injury in 2015 (MCL and PCL tear), was suspended twice for drug-related activities, and completely missed the 2018 NFL season because of a holdout. We have all seen the pictures of how “in shape” Le’Veon Bell is, but we haven’t seen him play his first game and we don’t know how well a 27-year-old running back with over 1,500 career touches will look coming back. If these weren’t all reasons enough, Ty Montgomery is just a good running back. He has the draft pedigree, athleticism, and a proven track record of production when called on. 

Josh Gordon (WR, New England Patriots)

I know, Josh Gordon is untrustworthy and will likely break your heart. But what if he doesn’t? In 11 games with Tom Brady in 2018, Gordon posted 720 receiving yards. Additionally, Tom Brady has been working with Josh Gordon during the offseason and has been quoted saying “I only have good things to say about the guy. I’ve always enjoyed playing with him.” Gordon is risky for any fantasy team and could easily be on his way out of the league. When Josh Gordon does return to football he could be a league winner for your roster.

Keelan Cole (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)

There are a lot of moving pieces and question marks on the Jaguars offense entering 2019. How will Nick Foles do after leaving the Philadelphia Eagles for the second time? Does Nick Foles have any reliable weapons? The answer to the second question could be the former Biletnikoff Award winner, Dede Westbrook, but I would suggest we take a closer look at Keelan Cole. Cole brings to the Jags a 98th percentile College Dominator Rating (via PlayerProfiler.com) and a breakout rookie year with Blake Freaking Bortles. It should also be noted who in the Jaguars wide receiver group looks most like Foles’ former favorite target, Alshon Jeffery? I would bet it isn’t the boom-bust non-producers, Chris Conley and DJ Chark, or the diminutive slot wide receiver, Dede Westbrook. 

Eric Saubert (TE, New England Patriots)

The name Eric Saubert is not a household name by any means except for those who play in tight end premium formats. Drafted in 2017 by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, Saubert tested as an explosive athlete for his size at the NFL Combine and has a 90th percentile College Dominator Rating (via PlayerProfiler.com). Fast-forward to the present day and Eric Saubert is now a member of the New England Patriots. A team who targeted TE Rob Gronkowski 72 times in 2018 and who only has to compete with the suspended ageless wonder Benjamin Watson and sub-par athlete Matt LaCosse. Saubert is a long shot to immediately plug into the Patriots starting lineup, but his talent and college resume is undeniable.

Hunter Renfrow (WR, Oakland Raiders) 

The Antonio Brown saga in Oakland continues and there is a possibility Brown does not play in 2019. If this happens where do the targets go? Tyrell Williams is a field stretcher and Darren Waller has never tallied more than 30 receptions in a college or profession season. Hunter Renfrow, while a rookie, might be your guy. He will not win vertically, but Renfrow has 40 or more receptions in his last three years of college (per Sports Reference) and has been receiving positive reports during training camp. 

Tanner Hudson (TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Going deep down the rabbit hole, the name Tanner Hudson should be monitored if Cameron Brate is released. Before being an undrafted free agent of the Bucs in 2018, Hudson’s previous three seasons saw at least 40 receptions, 600 receiving yards, and at least six touchdowns. For his entire collegiate career, Hudson tallied over 143 receptions for 2,152 yards and 25 touchdowns. According to Magnolia Reporter “He culminated his collegiate career by being named Offensive MVP of the National Bowl game after leading all players in receptions (7) and receiving yards (117), while also catching two touchdown passes.” In his two preseason games in 2019, Hudson has accumulated 13 receptions, 177 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. 

Dare Ogunbowale (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Not explosive, not elusive, and not a track runner, Dare Ogunbowale is on the perfect depth chart to make an impact as the Buccaneers third running back. In two preseason games, Ogunbowale has amassed  26 touches for 122 total yards (4.69 yards per touch) and has caught all of his targets. While Dare is a deeper format running back addition, he should be considered a “one injury away” running back with a solid all-around profile.

Garrett Gilbert (QB, Cleveland Browns)

From possible AAF MVP to battling for a back-up quarterback roster spot with the Cleveland Browns, Garrett Gilbert showed up and showed out in the Browns’ preseason Week 2 matchup against the Colts. In an article by Jake Trotter of ESPN, “He came in and had control of the huddle,” Cleveland coach Freddie Kitchens said. “Made some plays. … eliminated mistakes. I thought he performed really well.” It is still uncertain if Gilbert will make the Browns’ final 53-man roster, but Gilbert has identified himself as a quarterback stash in deeper quarterback premium formats.